Fight For Love

Wei Yun received the news of Gu Chusheng's disappearance two days later.

Although Wei Qiu hadn’t managed to rescue Gu Chusheng, he had found Zhang Deng, Gu Chusheng’s attendant. Zhang Deng was holding the bundle Gu Chusheng had left behind. Wei Qiu took Zhang Deng with him as he hurried back to Hua Jing, but Zhang Deng refused to hand over the bundle. Wei Qiu didn’t dare to be too forceful with him, fearing that Wei Yun might intend to befriend Gu Chusheng, so he never found out what was inside.

But even without Wei Qiu’s inspection, Wei Yun could guess that the bundle likely contained the evidence Gu Chusheng had prepared. Since Gu Chusheng had anticipated Yao Yong’s move against him, he wasn’t the type to sit idly by. The reason he had lingered in Kunyang County for so long was probably to gather this evidence.

Now that Zhang Deng refused to hand it over, Wei Yun could simply take it by force. But without Gu Chusheng, Wei Yun would have to step forward himself. As a "Descendant of a disgraced official" pardoned by the emperor, presenting evidence against Yao Yong might not be taken seriously.

No matter what, it was best for Gu Chusheng to handle this matter. Moreover, out of principle, Wei Yun didn’t want Gu Chusheng—who had saved the people of Bai City—to die for this.

If someone who had performed such a righteous act were killed by villains without anyone caring or intervening, then who in this world would dare to be good anymore?

Lost in thought about Gu Chusheng’s situation, Wei Yun instructed Wei Xia, “Invite Sister-in-law here.”

Wei Xia acknowledged the order, and before long, Chu Yu arrived.

Chu Yu had been practicing swordplay in the courtyard. Now that everything had settled down, Liu Xueyang didn’t impose many restrictions on her, and household affairs were handled efficiently by Jiang Chun, so she had resumed her former lifestyle.

She wore her hair in the same style as before her marriage, wiping sweat with a handkerchief as she walked in. “Has something happened?” she asked.

Wei Yun watched her enter.

Chu Yu, with her maiden’s hairstyle, seemed to carry a different kind of closeness to him now. She lacked the composed air of the Wei family’s eldest madam and instead exuded a youthful liveliness.

After her conversation with Chu Jin, it seemed she had let go of something—the faint sorrow and restraint that had once made others ache for her. Now, she finally displayed a bit of the willful arrogance he had heard about in the tales of the “Eldest Miss of the Chu Family.”

Before her marriage, he had inquired about her on behalf of his elder brother. She was a girl who drew clear lines between love and hate. It was said that when the Third Miss Wang had mocked her at the riding grounds, Chu Yu had lashed her off her horse with a whip. Even after receiving ten strokes of the cane at home, she had gritted her teeth and refused to apologize.

After marrying into the Wei family, Chu Yu had been so composed for so long that Wei Yun had nearly forgotten her past “glorious exploits.” Such a willful and unrestrained noble lady was truly one of a kind in the capital. Back then, he had even advised his brother to reconsider—though the engagement had been settled, given the Wei family’s current standing and Wei Jun’s status as the heir, breaking off the engagement with this fierce woman would have been understandable.

But Wei Jun had stroked his chin, thought for a moment, and said, “It’s fine, isn’t it? If the Chu family could handle her, why can’t our Wei Manor?”

Remembering Wei Jun’s words, Wei Yun couldn’t help but smile.

Chu Yu, baffled by his sudden amusement, paused in wiping her sweat. “What are you laughing at?”

“I was thinking about that whip you gave the Third Miss Wang,” Wei Yun said with a chuckle. “I used to think Sister-in-law wasn’t that kind of person, but now I see you really do have that kind of spirit.”"She's got a sharp tongue, and I can't outtalk her, so I figured I'd just give her a lash with my whip."

Chu Yu shrugged nonchalantly. "Anyway, I can handle ten strokes of the cane. That one lash had her pretending to be sick in bed for half a month—must've been exhausting."

Wei Yun chuckled lightly, motioning for Chu Yu to sit down. He handed her a bowl of pear soup and said thoughtfully, "Have some pear soup first. Second Sister-in-law says it nourishes yin and reduces internal heat. Wanyue keeps feeding you ginger soup every day, worried you might catch a chill from training outside. You’re probably overheating."

As he spoke, Wei Yun had someone fetch an outer robe and turned back to her. "You get warm from sword practice, but you should put on a robe once you stop. That way—"

"Enough about these trivial things," Chu Yu interrupted, rubbing her temples. She couldn’t understand how Wei Yun, who hardly spoke a word outside, could be so nagging here. She waved her hand dismissively. "You called me here because something’s happened, right?"

Seeing Chu Yu’s impatience, Wei Yun cut to the chase. "Gu Chusheng is missing."

Chu Yu looked up in surprise. Wei Yun leisurely returned to his seat. "Yao Yong still chose to kill him. He jumped into the river and escaped. Wei Qiu lost track of him. Now he’s bound to come to Hua Jing under a false name."

Chu Yu frowned as she listened. At the last sentence, she caught on. "If he comes to Hua Jing, is it to seek refuge with you or to bring a lawsuit to the Emperor?"

"Is there any difference between the two?" Wei Yun took a sip of hot tea. "If he comes to bring a lawsuit to the Emperor, he’s coming to seek refuge with me."

"So you plan to use Gu Chusheng as a stepping stone to bring down Yao Yong?"

Chu Yu pondered, feeling a faint ripple of emotion at the thought of that man.

But it was just that—a faint ripple. She had let go and wouldn’t dwell on it anymore. Whether it was fondness or resentment, it ended there.

Wei Yun didn’t notice any change in Chu Yu’s mood. He nodded. "Since he’s handed me this stepping stone, I won’t let him down."

"But now that he’s missing, what will you do?"

Chu Yu wasn’t the least bit worried about Gu Chusheng’s disappearance. That man had always been as slippery as an eel. If Yao Yong could have killed him so easily, he wouldn’t have risen to his later position.

But then it occurred to her—she might be overestimating Gu Chusheng’s abilities. In her past life, Gu Chusheng had indeed been shrewd and calculating, but right now, he was only seventeen. Back then, the seventeen-year-old Gu Chusheng had nearly died several times, and it was always her who stepped in to save him—at the cost of almost losing the entire covert guard team she had painstakingly trained.

The thought made her heart ache. Suddenly, she realized there were benefits to being reborn—like saving money.

Hearing Chu Yu’s words, Wei Yun tapped his teacup thoughtfully. "Naturally, we’ll keep searching for him. The question is how."

"How so?"

Chu Yu sipped her pear soup, her mood still relatively light. Wei Yun sighed. "Gu Chusheng doesn’t know my people. He probably won’t trust them."

At this, Chu Yu paused.

Right. The Wei family were military officers, stationed at the border for years. Most of Wei Yun’s connections came from military families. Gu Chusheng, however, was a civil official through and through—his ancestors had no military background whatsoever. It made sense that the Wei family and Gu Chusheng had no prior ties.Given Gu Chusheng's capabilities, if one wasn't familiar with him, even if he changed his appearance, the Wei family guards likely wouldn't recognize him—so how could they possibly find him?

Chu Yu understood Wei Yun's intention in bringing her here: "You're asking if I have anyone who knows Gu Chusheng well?"

Wei Yun felt somewhat awkward. He had a general idea that there might have been some history between Gu Chusheng and Chu Yu, though he had repeatedly confirmed with her that nothing significant had happened. Still, asking Chu Yu to send her people to find Gu Chusheng inevitably made him uncomfortable.

He nodded hesitantly, then said, "If you don't, it's fine. I can ask someone else."

Chu Yu remained silent.

She did have people who knew Gu Chusheng—Wanyue and Changyue both recognized him. But now that Gu Chusheng had gone missing, it was clear he had fled. If Gu Chusheng didn’t want to be found, tracking him down would be difficult.

She considered herself fairly familiar with Gu Chusheng. If she were the one searching for him, she might be able to deduce his habits and movements. If someone else went, they might not bring him back.

If he wasn’t found, it wouldn’t be the worst outcome. But if Yao Yong’s men got to him first, Wei Yun’s plans would have to be rearranged. Moreover, Gu Chusheng was later a crucial pillar in managing finances and civilian affairs on the battlefield. If he died here, who could replace him?

Though he was a black-hearted scoundrel, finding someone capable enough to take his place wouldn’t be easy.

As Chu Yu pondered, Wei Yun grew uneasy and quickly said, "I think Song Shilan probably knows him. I’ll send a letter—"

"I’ll go."

Chu Yu suddenly spoke. Wei Yun jerked his head up, then immediately reacted, "No. He’s being hunted by Yao Yong right now—it’s too dangerous. If you go—"

"Xiao Qi," Chu Yu looked at him calmly, her gaze steady and composed yet carrying an unspoken pressure. "Don’t turn me into a caged canary."

Wei Yun slowly processed her words.

Chu Yu was different from Jiang Chun and Liu Xueyang.

She had grown up on the border. Aside from being a woman, her upbringing was no different from his. To her, so-called protection might just be another form of humiliation. If she said she could do it, he had to trust her.

Wei Yun couldn’t find the words to argue. He was decisive with others, but with her—when she said one thing, he couldn’t bring himself to say two.

He stayed silent, so Chu Yu reasoned with him, "Gu Chusheng is difficult to track down. This time, it’s a race to see who can find him first, so the sooner the better. I’ve known him since childhood and am very familiar with his methods. If I go, I’ll find him faster."

Wei Yun still didn’t respond. He had been about to agree, but hearing Chu Yu say she knew Gu Chusheng so well, he inexplicably felt a surge of irritation. He pressed his lips together, unwilling to speak.

Seeing his expression darken, Chu Yu continued persuading him, "Besides, he’s inherently suspicious. Even if I sent Changyue or Wanyue, he might not fully cooperate. But if I go, he’d likely trust me. Once we work together, we can return to Hua Jing faster."

In her past life, though Gu Chusheng hadn’t treated her well, he had never doubted her. At several critical moments, he had entrusted her with his most valuable possessions. She was confident in his trust.Wei Yun's expression grew increasingly grim as he listened, and Chu Yu couldn't quite grasp what exactly was worrying him. She could only continue, "Moreover..."

"Enough, I understand," Wei Yun finally couldn't take it anymore and said sternly, "I know you and he are old acquaintances and very familiar. You must be worried about his safety too. Go if you must—it's not a big deal anyway."

Chu Yu observed Wei Yun kneeling on the ground, fists clenched, his cold gaze fixed straight ahead, and instinctively felt something was off. She guessed Wei Yun was upset that she wouldn't listen to his advice and was also concerned for her safety. A warm feeling spread through her heart, as if she had gained another younger brother. She reached out and ruffled his hair, smiling as she said, "Don't worry, I'm quite capable."

Wei Yun froze for a moment at her touch, then felt his heart gradually ease, as if his anger had dissipated. It was like a bristling little dog being gently soothed, becoming docile and calm again.

He still wore a stern expression, but his voice softened considerably, stiff yet full of concern as he said, "I'll give you all the Heavenly Guards. Take them with you. As for Gu Chusheng—save him if you can, but if not, it's fine."

"He can die," Wei Yun looked at Chu Yu earnestly, his eyes filled with gravity, "but not a single hair on your head can be harmed. Do you understand?"

"Alright, alright, I get it," Chu Yu had always known Wei Yun was protective, but she hadn't expected it to this extent. She stood up, not wanting to drag out the conversation, and headed out, saying, "I won't argue with you. I'm leaving."

Wei Yun watched her retreating figure and couldn't help calling out, "Be careful in everything. Don't be reckless. If anything happens—"

"I know," Chu Yu waved a hand behind her without turning around, drawing out her words, "Miss Wei, I understand."

"You—"

Wei Yun felt a lump in his chest as he watched her walk away, one hand behind her back, the other waving goodbye, utterly carefree. For a moment, he was at a loss for words. After struggling for a while, he finally sighed in resignation and muttered, "When will my sister-in-law ever grow a bit more sense?"

Wei Xia, standing behind him, rolled his eyes.

"Perhaps it's you who has too much sense."

Wei Yun: "..."

Meanwhile, Chu Yu walked along the corridor, watching snowflakes drift across the courtyard, her heart filled with peace and serenity.

She tilted her head up, unable to suppress a smile.

What she had said to Chu Jin—if it was fate's entanglement, unravel it; if it was a karmic bond, sever it—wasn't it also a reminder to herself?

She had never thought of forgiving Gu Chusheng—

But letting go might also be a form of redemption.

"Fine," Chu Yu murmured as she gazed into the distance, "I'll save you one more time. You'd better treat our Xiao Qi well in this life, just like you did in the last."

Author's Note: [Mini Theater]

Gu Chusheng: "A Yu, you've finally come to save me! You still love me, don't you?"

Chu Yu: "I'm here to save you, but you have to promise me one thing."

Gu Chusheng: "Name it! I'd go through fire and water for you!"

Chu Yu: "Please take good care of our Xiao Qi's future. Thanks!"

Gu Chusheng: "..."

Gu Chusheng felt a surge of blood rise in his chest and collapsed.