The calm demeanor of the man before her put Chu Yu at ease. Though she couldn’t see the face of her future husband, judging by the hand he extended, he likely wasn’t too bad-looking.
Chu Yu let him lead her into the bridal sedan. He handled her with such care, as though she were a delicate woman in need of tender protection.
This was an entirely new experience for her. For over thirty years, everyone had seen her as a tough, unyielding woman—someone who needed neither pity nor pampering.
Gu Chusheng had always treated her with polite respect, often with the cold detachment of a superior toward a subordinate.
Seated inside the sedan, Chu Yu secretly lifted the curtain, hoping to catch a glimpse of Wei Jun ahead.
However, Wei Jun was riding his horse at the front, and instead, her gaze landed on Wei Yun, who was standing guard nearby. Noticing her movement, Wei Yun curled his lips into a knowing smile, his eyes brimming with amusement, as if he had caught her in the act.
Being seen through—and by a child, no less—left Chu Yu feeling somewhat embarrassed. She quickly lowered the bridal veil and the sedan curtain, sitting back properly.
Once settled, she began to think.
In her past life, news from the border had reached Hua Jing on this very day, though she wasn’t sure of the exact time.
With the border in crisis, the Wei family was the most suitable choice to lead the campaign. It would be difficult to find a reason to stop them from going. Wei Jun might be able to stay behind under the pretext of his wedding, but the others had no such excuse.
The only option was to prevent the circumstances that had led to their defeat.
Rumors said that back then, Wei Zhong had pursued fleeing enemy troops only to fall into a trap. This time, if the Wei family focused on defending the city, perhaps disaster could be averted.
Lost in thought, Chu Yu listened to the lively music outside until, at last, the sedan came to a stop.
Soon after, she heard the sedan door being kicked open. Amidst a chorus of laughter, the red silk was handed to her once more.
This time, Wei Jun didn’t stammer. With a smile, he said, “Miss Chu, let me take you inside.”
Holding the red silk, Chu Yu kept her eyes on the ground as Wei Jun guided her forward.
She walked steadily, with Wei Jun offering careful guidance. Around them, the whispers of the Wei family’s younger members, though hushed, were still audible.
Many were just spirited youths, chattering eagerly:
“I heard our sister-in-law is beautiful.”
“Xiao Qi said she’s especially pretty.”
“Prettier than that so-called ‘number one beauty,’ Chu Jin?”
“Xiao Qi has high standards—she must be even prettier than Chu Jin!”
...
Listening to their candid remarks, Chu Yu couldn’t help but smile. Wei Jun, too, heard them and felt a little awkward. Knowing Chu Yu was trained in martial arts, he assumed she had caught every word.
As he helped her step over the fire basin, he leaned in and whispered, “Don’t be upset. I’ll deal with them later.”
Chu Yu couldn’t hold back a laugh. “It’s fine. I actually like them this way.”
Hearing her voice, Wei Jun—though still unable to see her face—imagined that such a woman must be truly lovely.
His heart swelled with anticipation as he led her into the main hall.
Following the officiant’s calls, the two bowed to heaven and earth.
The ceremony went smoothly, filling Chu Yu with joy and a growing sense of hope for her life with the Wei family.
A serene, relaxed happiness spread through her, and as she straightened up at the end, it blossomed fully in her heart.She did not marry Gu Chusheng, and everything would not repeat itself.
Standing before Wei Jun, she had a strong urge to lift her bridal veil and take a look at the man before her. She sensed that Wei Jun was probably half a head taller than her, and her intuition told her he might be a slightly more scholarly and gentle man.
Chu Yu stood motionless as attendants came forward to escort her back to the bridal chamber. Wei Shu stepped up, teasing, "Eldest Brother, hurry and lift the bridal veil! Stop drinking!"
"Yes, yes!" the other young masters chimed in. "Eldest Brother, go lift the veil! We don’t need you to drink!"
"Go away, all of you!" Wei Jun flushed red and shooed them off. "Follow the customs—get out of here!"
Then, as if worried Chu Yu might be displeased, he turned his head slightly and whispered, "Miss Chu, please wait a little longer..."
"Will the heir return soon?"
Chu Yu’s voice was soft and clear, melting Wei Jun’s heart. He whispered back, "Yes, it won’t be long."
"Then promise me," Chu Yu’s tone carried a hint of solemnity, "no matter what happens, you must return as quickly as possible."
Feeling her words might sound abrupt, she added softly, "This humble wife will wait for the heir to return and lift the veil."
At first, Wei Jun was puzzled, but then he realized—Chu Yu probably disliked wearing the bridal veil. He whispered, "If you don’t like the veil, you can take it off when no one’s around and wait for me. The Wei family isn’t strict about such things."
Then, fearing she might think he intended to linger outside, he added, "I’ll come back as soon as I can."
Chu Yu nodded and allowed the others to lead her back to the bridal chamber. Wei Jun turned away to attend to the guests.
Once in the room, Chu Yu obediently sat by the bed.
She truly disliked the bridal veil, but she liked the Wei family. Since Wei Jun treated her with such consideration, she was willing to reciprocate with the best she could offer.
As she sat on the bed, boredom set in, and her thoughts began to wander.
She was not one to hold grudges. Since the events of her past life had not occurred in this one, she saw no reason to dwell on them. Gu Chusheng had already left Hua Jing, and she had married into the Wei family. The past involving Gu Chusheng and Chu Jin was no longer important—what mattered now was moving forward.
From what she had seen today, the Wei family was indeed as amiable as the rumors suggested. Life here shouldn’t be too difficult. Later, when Wei Jun returned, she would try to persuade him to stay under the pretext of their wedding night. If that didn’t work, she would attempt to follow him to the front lines. Even if she couldn’t go, she could at least remind them not to pursue fleeing enemy troops—that should prevent any disasters.
If the Wei family won this battle, she and Wei Jun could live peacefully afterward. She knew the political changes of the next twelve years and could ensure the Wei family remained undefeated.
If the Wei family remained safe, Wei Yun probably wouldn’t become the ruthless god of slaughter he had been in her past life. The boy she saw today was still as cheerful as a little bird—perhaps he would grow into a refined general like his elder brother?
Chu Yu’s thoughts drifted far away.
After waiting for what felt like an eternity, a maid, noticing her stillness, approached and asked, "Does the young madam wish for some pastries?"
"No need..." Chu Yu replied gently. Just then, the distant sound of warhorses neighing and hurried footsteps reached her ears. Her heart clenched. She abruptly lifted her bridal veil and strode toward the door.
The maid, startled, rushed to stop her, exclaiming anxiously, "Young Madam, where are you going?"Chu Yu dared not act too strangely, for if others knew of her foreknowledge, she feared she would be labeled a demon and burned at the stake.
Suppressing her anxiety, she frowned and said, "I hear the sound of warhorses outside. Something must have happened. I want to go see."
"Young Madam need not worry," the maidservant smiled. "The Prince Consort will handle everything. Please wait here."
"I can't rest easy."
Chu Yu pushed the maidservant aside and strode out, her face cold. "I must see for myself."
The maidservant was shoved aside as Chu Yu flung open the door and hurried out.
Unfamiliar with the Wei family's estate layout, she could only follow the direction of the clamor.
Outside, footsteps grew increasingly hurried, and more people appeared. The maidservant chased after Chu Yu, her face full of anxiety as she tried to pull her back. "Young Madam! Young Madam, you haven't lifted your bridal veil yet—"
Before she could finish, rapid footsteps approached, and Wei Yun emerged from around the corner.
Clad in armor, his youthful features were etched with solemnity.
Chu Yu halted, clenching her fists. Wei Yun looked at the woman before him, adorned in ornate headdress and robes, meeting her knowing gaze. Without hesitation, he dropped to one knee in a military salute, presenting a jade pendant with both hands. Calmly, he said, "Urgent news from the front. The Young General has been ordered to march. He commanded this humble officer to deliver this jade to Young Madam, assuring you of his triumphant return. Please do not worry."
Hearing this, Chu Yu saw the jade pendant in Wei Yun's hands—worn smooth from constant handling, clearly a cherished personal item.
She reached out and grasped the pendant, lifting her eyes to look outside. "Where is Wei Jun?"
"The Young General has already departed."
Wei Yun's voice softened slightly, as if aware of how devastating it was for a bride to have her groom leave on their wedding day. He hesitated, about to offer some comfort, when Chu Yu suddenly bolted past him.
She ran with astonishing speed, her wedding robes billowing in the wind. Wei Yun was momentarily stunned before snapping back to reality and chasing after her, shouting urgently, "Sister-in-law!"
Chu Yu didn't respond. She sprinted all the way to the main gate, grabbed a soldier, and threw him off his horse before seizing the steed and galloping away.
The Wei family watched in stunned silence until Wei Yun, following her example, commandeered another horse and gave chase, finally snapping them out of their daze.
"Is that the Princess Consort?"
"The Young Madam?!"
Amid the general astonishment, Chu Yu remained eerily calm.
The September wind carried a biting chill, and her horse raced so fast that the air cut her face like knives.
Wei Yun followed close behind, utterly unprepared for his sister-in-law's exceptional riding skills.
Struggling to keep up, he called out, "Sister-in-law! Stop chasing—it's no use! My brother will return, don't worry!"
Chu Yu ignored him. She knew the route out of the city—troops heading from Hua Jing to the Northern Border would inevitably take the North Gate. She circled around, spotting the galloping contingent from the hillside before urging her horse into a steep descent.
Wei Yun's heart nearly stopped, terrified that if anything happened to his sister-in-law here, he'd never be able to face his father and brother.
Gritting his teeth, he followed Chu Yu's reckless charge, only to see her cut directly onto the main road—a lone rider in red bringing an entire troop to a halt.
The Wei soldiers stared in shock at the sudden appearance of this crimson-clad woman, then noticed Wei Yun close behind. Wei Zhong stepped forward, disbelief in his voice. "Xiao Qi, who is—?""Father-in-law." Chu Yu saluted Wei Zhong with a military gesture, speaking respectfully, "This daughter-in-law apologizes for her impropriety."
At these words, the expressions of the Guardian Army soldiers turned colorful.
They had already guessed from the wedding attire and Wei Yun's presence that it might be Chu Yu, but never expected her to actually appear.
Meanwhile, Wei Jun behind Wei Zhong was completely stunned.
Then they saw Chu Yu's gaze settle upon him. In the fine, dense autumn rain, she held the reins, her wide crimson wedding sleeves stained with rain and dust.
She slightly raised her head, raising her voice clearly as she called out, "Where is my husband, Wei Jun?!"
The Guardian Army soldiers lowered their heads, not daring to look up.
Only Wei Jun steeled himself, riding forward from the ranks to answer with difficulty, "I... I'm here."
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