As soon as these words were spoken, Xie Yun's expression changed. She said with some displeasure, "How can you think of your sister like that? I already know what happened—she had no idea the group behind her included Song Shizi when she was talking to you. The blame should fall on Wei Yun, who clearly overheard your conversation but chose to stay silent. He must still resent me for helping you request the Divorce Letter and deliberately waited to humiliate you!"
Chu Yu remained silent. Seated at the head of the table, she poured tea for Chu Jianchang, Chu Linyang, and Chu Linxi.
Chu Jianchang seemed impatient but restrained himself. From Chu Yu's understanding, it was clear he had already argued with Xie Yun on the way here and didn’t want to engage further.
Seeing Chu Yu’s lack of response, Xie Yun frowned. "What do you mean by staying silent? If something’s bothering you, just say it. What’s the point of hiding things in a family? A Jin made an honest mistake—I brought her here to apologize, and that should be the end of it. Don’t be so petty. Instead, I want to ask you about the Divorce Letter. Wei Yun has already written it, and the Wei family’s funeral rites are done. When do you plan to leave? Surely you don’t intend to mourn for Wei Jun for three full years? By then, you’ll be eighteen—it won’t be easy to find a good match."
Chu Yu listened patiently until Xie Yun finished, then turned to Chu Jianchang and asked calmly, "Father, what do you think?"
"It’s entirely up to you," Chu Jianchang replied after some thought. "The Wei family is honorable and righteous. Whether you stay or leave, I’m fine with either. Eighteen isn’t that old—don’t listen to your mother’s nonsense. If you can’t find a husband by then, I’ll just grab one from the army for you. Linyang, isn’t there someone under you named Wang Hezhi? If our A Yu remains unmarried, you keep him single too!"
Hearing this, Chu Linyang couldn’t help but laugh.
"Father, you’re talking like a child again," Chu Linyang said. His temperament had always been gentle and steady, entirely unlike the fiery nature of the Chu family’s men. He carried himself like a nobleman from a centuries-old lineage, exuding grace and composure.
His gaze settled on Chu Yu, filled with tenderness. "Mother has a point. If you mourn for Wei Jun for three years, remarrying afterward would be difficult—not just because of your age, but also because outsiders might see you as too deeply attached to the Wei family. If A Yu wants to find someone she truly loves, this could become a lingering issue for them. The Wei family is stable now, and in terms of righteousness, A Yu has done nothing wrong. If you choose to stay longer, you should think carefully—is it worth it?"
Chu Linyang had always cared for her deeply.
Having followed Chu Jianchang to battlefields since childhood, Chu Yu had grown up trailing behind this elder brother. His kindness and unconditional tolerance had shaped her later unruly temperament.
Meeting Chu Linyang’s gaze, Chu Yu pressed her lips together and said earnestly, "It’s worth it."
Chu Linyang wasn’t surprised. He understood his sister’s nature better than anyone else. Nodding, he replied, "If you’ve truly thought it through, then it’s fine. After you turn eighteen, I’ll find someone you like for you to marry. If no suitable match appears, you can just stay in the Chu residence. An extra mouth to feed at home is no big deal.""That's right," Chu Linxi chimed in, playfully tugging at Chu Yu's sleeve with a grin. "Now that big sister is back, someone can finally spar with me. The Dragon Tassel Spear at home has been gathering dust!"
"What nonsense are you all spouting?"
Xie Yun pushed Chu Linxi aside and looked at Chu Yu sternly. "A Yu, these rough men don’t understand a woman’s hardships. You alone... you alone..."
"Alone is just fine."
Chu Yu spoke calmly, unwilling to dwell on the topic with Xie Yun. She turned her gaze to Chu Jin. "As long as little sister causes me less trouble, that’s enough."
"It was my fault," Chu Jin said, her eyes reddening as she met Chu Yu’s gaze. "I didn’t understand sister’s feelings and mentioned the Divorce Letter to the Song Family. I never thought Song Shizi would invite you over... I truly didn’t mean to spread the news of sister’s elopement. I just asked casually—I had no idea so many people were hiding behind that tree..."
Tears streamed down Chu Jin’s face as she spoke, her weeping delicate and pitiful. Xie Yun’s heart ached for her. "Don’t cry, don’t cry," she soothed. "Your sister will understand."
Chu Jianchang and Chu Linxi were also at a loss. Women’s tears had always been their weakness.
Only Chu Linyang remained composed, sitting quietly beside Chu Yu, sipping tea without a word.
Chu Yu observed the chaotic scene in silence, waiting for Chu Jin’s sobs to subside before speaking. "Do you know why I’ve never exposed your actions in public?"
Chu Jin looked up in confusion, her expression helpless. "Because you’re my sister. I’ve always believed our Chu family is pure-hearted and straightforward. I thought perhaps I misunderstood you, so I gave you two chances."
"The first time, you lured me into eloping with Gu Chusheng, then shifted all the blame onto me. I kept silent because I didn’t want our family to lose faith in both daughters—one who tarnished the family name by mindlessly eloping with a disgraced official’s son, and another who schemed heartlessly to push her sister into the fire."
"That’s not true!" Chu Jin protested frantically, shaking her head. "I didn’t!"
"Was it not you who begged me tearfully, saying you couldn’t bear to suffer with Gu Chusheng? Was it not you who claimed Gu Chusheng admired me and helped him send me letters? Was it not you who suggested I marry into Wei Manor in your stead and deceived our parents?"
"Eldest sister!" Chu Jin raised her voice. "How could you slander me like this?!"
"Am I fabricating lies, or stating facts? We both know the truth." Chu Yu’s tone was steady, each word deliberate and firm. She fixed Chu Jin with a piercing gaze. "That first time, it was my choice, so I let it go. But this time—you’ve visited the Song residence many times, haven’t you? You know every plant and tree in their courtyard. How could you not know that spot concealed eavesdroppers?"
"I didn’t know," Chu Jin insisted. "How would I know people were there? Sister’s heart is dark—don’t assume A Jin is the same.""Yes, my sister is always innocent," Chu Yu chuckled lightly. "So it was me who eloped, me whose reputation was ruined, all the fault lies with me. My sister only needs to utter a casual 'I meant no harm,' and no matter how big the matter, I'm the one who bears the brunt of it."
Chu Jin bit her lip, tears welling up as she trembled slightly. "Sister, you resent me now. But was it me who made you steal my fiancé? Gu Chusheng still can't forget you to this day, even going so far as to break off our engagement—is that my fault?!"
Hearing this, Chu Yu was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected that Gu Chusheng had actually broken off his engagement with Chu Jin for her sake?
How... how could that be?!
The astonishment in Chu Yu’s eyes was evident to everyone present. Amidst this tense atmosphere, Chu Linyang suddenly laughed softly. "Our A Yu didn’t realize she had such charm, did she?"
His words eased the tension somewhat. Chu Linyang looked at the two sisters with a warm smile. "Both of you make compelling arguments, and I don’t know who to side with. But whatever the truth may be, what’s past is past. We’re all family—let’s just let it go, shall we?"
"Let it go? Or is it that you, Eldest Brother, are protecting Sister and don’t want to pursue it?"
Chu Jin clenched her fists, glaring fiercely at Chu Linyang. His gaze settled on her—calm and gentle as always, yet seeming to understand everything in the world. He looked at her quietly before speaking slowly. "Little Sister, are you sure you want to press this matter further?"
Chu Jin met his eyes. His voice held no trace of threat, yet under his gaze, she couldn’t help but tremble slightly.
Chu Linyang smiled faintly. "Harmony in the family brings prosperity. Let’s leave it at that."
Chu Jin lowered her head and murmured, "Fine."
Chu Linyang chuckled, then turned to Chu Yu. "What do you think, A Yu?"
"I’ve said my piece. Whether you believe me or not is up to you. I haven’t spoken of this outside out of consideration for the Chu family’s reputation, and I have no desire to engage in petty arguments with her. But Chu Jin, if you keep pushing me like this, don’t blame me for what happens next."
Chu Jin said nothing, her head bowed as tears silently fell.
Chu Linxi, sensing the tension, knelt quietly, not daring to speak. He glanced nervously at Chu Yu, then at Chu Jin. Chu Linyang turned to him and asked gently, "Linxi, did you want to say something?"
"Maybe..." Chu Linxi hesitated before blurting out, "Maybe we should just eat? This atmosphere is too much for me."
Hearing this, Chu Yu couldn’t help but laugh. She nodded and raised a hand. "Alright, I’ll have the meal prepared."
As she called Wanyue over to instruct her on the dishes, Chu Linxi suddenly asked, "Is Young Marquis Wei at the residence today?"
"Of course he is."
Chu Yu looked puzzled. "Brother, is there something you need?"
Chu Linyang nodded. "I’d appreciate an introduction."
Naturally, Chu Yu didn’t refuse. Leaving Chu Jianchang and Xie Yun in the main hall, she led Chu Linyang out of the room. As they walked along the corridor, Chu Linyang spoke softly. "After all, you are sisters. Consider Mother’s feelings. If you must act, keep it measured—for her sake."Hearing this, Chu Yu couldn't help but laugh, her voice carrying a hint of coldness: "What does elder brother mean by this?"
"I know you disdain to argue with her. By not pressing the matter today, you're giving her a third chance, and also giving the Chu household and mother an opportunity."
Chu Yu's expression gradually softened at these words. Chu Linyang clasped his hands behind his back and said slowly: "I know you feel wronged, but with your temperament, if you were to act—you'd either pressure the family until relations broke down, secretly eliminate Jin, or lay an elaborate scheme to ruin her entire life... In any case, it would be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. This matter doesn't require your intervention."
"Elder brother overestimates me."
Chu Yu lowered her eyes, her expression respectful. Chu Linyang chuckled lightly: "When you were at the border, you trained your own guard army and brought them back to Hua Jing at twelve. Yet later I never saw any trace of them—do you think I didn't notice?"
Chu Yu's hands trembled slightly.
She looked up at Chu Linyang, whose eyes showed complete understanding: "I know exactly how things stand between you and Chu Jin. I don't know why she's become like this, but as sisters—when we three siblings couldn't attend to mother in the past, only she grew up by mother's side. As children, it would be too cruel to fight over mother's affections through petty arguments. Before things reach that point, leave it to your elder brother."
Chu Yu remained silent as they walked side by side along the corridor. Listening to the dull thuds on the wooden floor, she finally spoke after a long pause: "I truly don't care about her underhanded methods, but elder brother, that doesn't mean I don't feel hurt."
For the first time with family, she revealed her vulnerable heart.
"The reason I'm saying this to family rather than outsiders isn't about the consequences of this matter, but whether my family gives me the fairness I deserve. Elder brother, search your conscience—has mother been fair between her and me?"
"She constantly compares herself to me. As her own sister, she even schemes against me without any protective feelings. If I were an ordinary woman who cared about reputation and virtue, what would Chu Jin's actions amount to? They would ruin my entire life! And what did mother say?—'An unintentional mistake, please forgive her.' Was it truly unintentional? Could mother really not tell at all?!"
Chu Linyang stayed silent, listening calmly as Chu Yu's voice grew increasingly impassioned. From beginning to end, he maintained his composed demeanor.
In her previous life, Chu Linyang had never spoken to her like this. Their sibling relationship had always been respectful and affectionate—until his death. After the Song Family went to the frontlines, Chu Linyang was urgently dispatched to Phoenix Tomb City, where he encountered a siege.
No one knew exactly what happened in that battle. People only knew that after Chu Linyang arrived, Phoenix Tomb City was besieged by the Northern Di for nearly three months without any news. When Wei Yun reached the frontlines, he saw Chu Linyang standing tall on the city wall, long spear in hand.
His mere presence made the enemy troops too afraid to advance. The walls were severely damaged, with deep pits below and scorch marks everywhere as if burned by raging fires.After Wei Yun led his troops to breach the city, he was met with mountains of corpses and rivers of blood. The entire city wall was stained black with dried blood, bodies piled upon it already rotting and breeding maggots. Chu Linyang, who had been standing on the wall all this time, collapsed the moment Wei Yun touched him—having already passed away long ago.
The vast Phoenix Tomb City held not a single living soul. Only Chu Linyang's corpse had defended it until Wei Yun's reinforcements arrived.
No one knew what had truly happened in that city during those three months. No one knew how Chu Linyang had held Phoenix Tomb City with just five thousand soldiers. No one understood why the Northern Di forces dared not advance upon seeing Chu Linyang's body. They could only speculate from the remnants of limbs left in cooking pots about the unimaginable horrors that had unfolded in Phoenix Tomb City during those three months.
As Chu Yu looked at the gentle Chu Linyang before her, she suddenly recalled his future fate.
—Why had he gone to Phoenix Tomb City?
Because Chu Jin wanted to marry Song Wenchang, yet Song Wenchang was trapped in Rong City near Phoenix Tomb! Chu Jin had tearfully begged Chu Linyang, who then feigned an attack in the east while striking in the west to capture the Northern Di's third prince alive. After drawing the main Northern Di forces to besiege Phoenix Tomb City, he allowed Song Wenchang to escape and bring reinforcements. But Song Wenchang, that cowardly villain, fled in panic after being rescued only to be ambushed by Northern Di forces halfway, dying on the road.
Thereafter, the entire front collapsed. Wei Yun became bogged down in Kunyang County, and by the time he stabilized the situation there and came to rescue, it was already too late.
Chu Yu gazed at the calm and gentle young man before her, slowly closing her eyes.
"Elder brother, my resentment toward A Jin has accumulated over time—it's not about any single incident. I've given her three chances, and this is the third. If she misbehaves again, I'm sorry, brother, but I won't hold back."
"I understand," Chu Linyang sighed. "I'll handle it properly, rest assured."
Chu Yu gradually composed herself. Opening her eyes, she asked, "How does brother plan to handle it?"
"A Yu," Chu Linyang paused as they reached Wei Yun's door, speaking slowly, "Do you know why I think A Jin is pitiable?"
Chu Yu looked puzzled. Chu Linyang smiled faintly: "You think mother is biased, but how do you know A Jin doesn't feel that father and I are biased? A Yu," his voice carried a sigh as he placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression full of helplessness, "I want to be fair, but I'm her elder brother, while I'm your brother."
Elder brother and brother—this already showed the difference in closeness.
Chu Linyang looked at her, feeling the woman before him with her married woman's hairstyle seemed little changed from when he first met her.
When Chu Yu and Chu Jin were just born, he had picked up Chu Yu, while Chu Linxi had picked up Chu Jin.
From then on, when Chu Yu cried, he carried her on his back. When she learned to walk, he accompanied her. Her first word was "brother." Her first time riding a horse, her first time shooting arrows, her first time on the battlefield—he taught her everything with his own hands.
Meanwhile, Chu Jin remained in the luxurious mansions of Hua Jing, embroidering and studying poetry, seeing them only briefly during festivals.
He wanted to be fair, but fairness was impossible. He could only try to balance the scales in daily life, being slightly kinder to Chu Jin.
There were so many dark things he didn't want Chu Yu to see. As Chu Yu's big brother, it was his duty to give her all the light and warmth in the world, not show her these wretched aspects.
Why should someone like Chu Jin dirty Chu Yu's hands?Chu Linyang felt somewhat helpless. If he hadn't been stationed at the border for years and had noticed these things earlier, how could he have let Chu Yu suffer such grievances?
Hearing his words, Chu Yu was momentarily stunned. Chu Linyang patted his shoulder and turned to walk inside.
The servants had already announced his arrival in advance. As soon as he stepped through the door, he saw Wei Yun stand up, his expression calm and composed, bowing to Chu Linyang and saying, "Young Master Chu."
Chu Linyang returned the bow. "Marquis Wei."
"Please have a seat, Young Master."
Wei Yun gestured, inviting Chu Linyang to sit. Chu Linyang knelt down in the position indicated by Wei Yun.
Wei Xia, understanding the situation, led the others out, leaving only Wei and Chu in the room. The incense burner emitted a wisp of blue smoke. Chu Linyang glanced over and smiled, "This is the scent A Yu likes."
"Now everything in the household is arranged by her." At the mention of Chu Yu's name, Wei Yun's tone noticeably softened as he poured tea for Chu Linyang. "May I ask the purpose of your visit, Young Master?"
Chu Linyang took a sip of tea before speaking leisurely, "Linyang has come to offer you assistance, Young Master."
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