However, Chu Yu had misjudged Gu Chusheng's perception of the Eldest Princess.
In their previous lives, when Gu Chusheng met the Eldest Princess, he had already returned from the battlefield, tempered and appointed as the Director of the Ministry of Gold. The Eldest Princess held him in high regard, and in Gu Chusheng's heart, she was an excellent ally. Though she engaged in some absurd behaviors, she still knew her limits. If the Eldest Princess summoned him, it was likely for serious matters.
Moreover, he longed to see Chu Yu again.
Although Chu Yu was now in the same courtyard with him, Wei Yun had been guarding her so tightly that he hadn’t had the slightest chance to catch a glimpse of her. Now that Chu Yu had personally invited him, he would go even if it were a dragon's pool and tiger's den.
Thus, he began preparing early, selecting his attire late into the night.
Zhang Deng watched as Gu Chusheng laid out his clothes one by one for comparison and asked in confusion, "What are you doing, Young Master?"
Afraid that Zhang Deng might detect his childish desire to impress the one he loved, Gu Chusheng feigned calmness and replied, "Tomorrow, I’m accompanying Madam Wei to a banquet at the Eldest Princess’s residence. I need to find suitable attire."
Zhang Deng found nothing odd about this and instead joined Gu Chusheng in selecting the clothes.
The next morning, Chu Yu first sought out Wei Yun to discuss the previous day’s outcome. After hearing the Eldest Princess’s plan, Wei Yun nodded and said, "That’s manageable. I’ll arrange for a group of people to chase Gu Chusheng in front of His Majesty."
"Just running past might not make the act convincing enough," Chu Yu mused. After a moment’s thought, she added, "I’ll ask him this afternoon if he can sustain some injuries. It would be even better if he could take a non-fatal slash."
Hearing this, Wei Yun’s heart trembled. He glanced up at Chu Yu, who was earnestly considering the matter. Recalling that Gu Chusheng was Chu Yu’s former lover, Wei Yun thought this must be her revenge.
He remained silent, simply thinking to himself that Chu Yu’s words proved how terrifying a woman’s vengeance could be.
After discussing more details with Wei Yun, Chu Yu prepared to leave. Just before departing, she suddenly asked, "Xiao Qi, what do you think about raising male concubines?"
At these words, Wei Yun immediately exclaimed in alarm, "This is exactly why I told you not to get too close to that Eldest Princess!"
Thus, Chu Yu understood that the path of raising male concubines under Madam Wei’s name was not feasible. She sighed wistfully and shook her head. "Never mind. I was just thinking that if I can’t find a suitable marriage in the future, perhaps I could stay at Wei Manor for the rest of my life."
And raise two…
She didn’t voice the rest to provoke Wei Yun further, simply shaking her head and waving as she left.
Wei Yun stared blankly at Chu Yu’s retreating figure, his mind lingering on that one phrase—staying at Wei Manor for the rest of her life.
He didn’t actively ponder how that lifetime would unfold, but just hearing those words made the corners of his lips curl upward involuntarily.
After lunch, when the time specified in the Eldest Princess’s invitation arrived, Chu Yu called for Gu Chusheng, and they set off together.
Gu Chusheng had been waiting at the gate for a long time.
He had dressed meticulously for the occasion, wearing a deep red outer robe draped with pure white fox fur, his hair tied up with a golden hair crown, and ornamental jade hanging at his waist. Standing at the gate, he drew the gazes of many young women passing by.
Gu Chusheng remembered that Chu Yu had always loved seeing him in red. In the past, most of the clothes she prepared for his wardrobe were of this color. Whenever he wore them, she would gaze at him with a smile, as if she could never get enough of the sight.After her death, he had taken to wearing this color. In his later years, he would sometimes look in the mirror and worry that on the road to the underworld, Chu Yu might disdain his aged appearance.
But now, in his youth, this hue suited him perfectly.
Even though his heart had grown old and weary, no longer fond of overly flamboyant things, he could never refuse this shade of red that Chu Yu loved.
From afar, Chu Yu spotted Gu Chusheng and was momentarily stunned by his attire. As she drew closer, she noticed he was even wearing perfumed incense and a jade pendant at his waist—such meticulous dressing was practically formal wear for the usually simple Gu Chusheng.
She was surprised by his sudden adherence to propriety, then thought to herself that this man truly knew when to bend and when to stand firm. No wonder he had managed to marry her despite his past dislike.
Unsure whether to feel disgust or admiration, she averted her gaze after a brief glance and walked straight past Gu Chusheng without waiting for his greeting, commanding, "Let's go."
With that, she boarded her own carriage while Wanyue respectfully ushered Gu Chusheng into the one behind.
Frowning at Chu Yu's cold demeanor, Gu Chusheng shook his head helplessly when she didn't even glance his way before entering her carriage, then boarded his own.
Arriving at The Eldest Princess's residence, they alighted with Gu Chusheng maintaining a half-step distance behind Chu Yu as the steward led them through the courtyard.
Seeking conversation, Gu Chusheng broached official matters: "Did The Eldest Princess summon me regarding the lawsuit to the Emperor?"
Chu Yu answered truthfully, "I don't know."
Gu Chusheng assumed she was still resentful about his refusal to elope.
Now past the initial panic of affection, his calm analysis revealed inconsistencies. How could Chu Yu's profound feelings for him have simply vanished after marrying Wei Jun? Surely she was merely maintaining proper distance as Madam Wei. Her occasional coldness, he reasoned, must be a young girl's lingering resentment.
The thought made fifteen-year-old Chu Yu seem utterly adorable in retrospect.
His quiet scrutiny made Chu Yu's back prickle with discomfort. She finally stopped abruptly and turned: "You—"
But the words died on her lips.
What was there to ask?
Why do you like me after refusing to elope? Or why do you like me now?
What would it matter? A thousand reasons would change nothing.
She couldn't possibly return his affection now, and what right had she to blame this youth who'd done nothing wrong?
Gu Chusheng waited patiently. When she fell silent, he gently encouraged, "Take your time, I'm listening."
Never had he treated her so kindly—which only made Chu Yu ache more bitterly at her past foolishness.
Composing herself, she said evenly, "It's nothing. Let's go."
Turning away, she led him into the main hall. Gu Chusheng frowned, finally sensing something amiss, but remained silent, observing quietly.The two entered the grand hall where The Eldest Princess was already waiting.
Though it was now the depths of winter with charcoal braziers burning in the room, The Eldest Princess still wore a cherry blossom-colored veiled long dress, holding a small golden fan as she sat gracefully in the center of the hall. With a beaming smile, she said, "You've finally arrived."
Chu Yu couldn't help but laugh at her attire. "When we met yesterday, Your Highness was still wrapped in winter robes. Has your chill improved today?"
Detecting the teasing tone in Chu Yu's voice, The Eldest Princess showed no embarrassment and merely waved her fan. "With today's occasion, all ailments have vanished. The First Madam underestimates me too much."
As Gu Chusheng was taking his seat, he frowned at The Eldest Princess's tone, sensing something amiss.
He glanced at Chu Yu, who appeared calm as she chatted casually with The Eldest Princess. Though the princess was speaking to Chu Yu, her eyes kept drifting toward Gu Chusheng. His irritation grew under her gaze, though his expression remained neutral as he stared straight ahead, silently sipping his wine.
The substantial matters between The Eldest Princess and Chu Yu had already been discussed the previous day. Now, their conversation revolved only around trivial topics like cosmetics and household gossip. Growing impatient and uncomfortable under the princess's lingering looks, Gu Chusheng finally suppressed his urge to leave and addressed her directly, "Your Highness, did you summon this official today for some particular instruction?"
At this, The Eldest Princess burst into laughter. Peering at Chu Yu over her fan, she said, "This palace merely heard of Lord Gu's exceptional demeanor and wished to invite him. There's no need for such formality—consider me a friend. Drink and chat freely."
The Eldest Princess was never one for subtlety, and her meaning became clear to Gu Chusheng.
He quietly observed Chu Yu, who continued drinking with an indifferent expression, seemingly detached from the situation. Anger welled up inside him, but knowing he couldn't act out before The Eldest Princess, he suppressed his temper and remained silent, his face cold.
Noticing Gu Chusheng's displeasure, The Eldest Princess coughed lightly and raised her cup toward Chu Yu. "Come, First Madam, let us share another drink."
But as she extended the cup, she suddenly bumped into Chu Yu's hand, spilling wine all over her. "Oh dear, the winter chill—what shall we do?" the princess exclaimed.
Chu Yu understood her intention immediately. The Eldest Princess had likely only wanted to invite Gu Chusheng today and now wished to speak with him alone. Not one to cause a scene, Chu Yu smiled and stood. "It's no trouble. I always keep spare clothes in my carriage. Please excuse me for a moment while I change."
With that, she rose, bowed, and took her leave.
Gu Chusheng saw right through their coordinated act. Clenching his fists, he watched Chu Yu's composed retreating figure.
She truly felt nothing.
She knew exactly what kind of person The Eldest Princess was and what intentions she harbored, yet she left without hesitation.
If she truly loved him, how could she remain so unmoved in such a situation?
If she truly loved him, what kind of cold-heartedness was this indifference?Since his rebirth, Gu Chusheng had never felt such agony and humiliation surging in his chest. His eyes were lowered, his body rigidly tense, afraid that others might detect the tempest raging within him.
After Chu Yu left, The Eldest Princess waved her hand, dismissing everyone from the room. After a moment of silence, noticing Gu Chusheng still had his head bowed, she approached him holding her small golden fan and crouched down to study him.
"Young master truly possesses remarkable beauty," The Eldest Princess praised. "When you entered earlier, this humble one felt the entire hall brightened by your presence. Like the sun, moon, and radiant clouds, your brilliance is truly dazzling."
She didn't use the royal "We" but instead referred to herself as "this humble one"—a gesture of utmost courtesy.
Yet Gu Chusheng remained silent. Realizing sweet words held no sway over him, The Eldest Princess smiled and said, "Master Gu, you're still just a ninth-rank magistrate in Kunyang County, aren't you? Do you ever miss the splendor of Hua Jing?"
Still met with silence, she grew bored and returned to her seat. Propping her chin, she twirled her small golden fan. "Master Gu, do you realize that without extraordinary circumstances, given your father's crimes, no matter how talented you are, you'll likely remain in Kunyang for life? Why not seek a shortcut for yourself?"
Leaning forward slightly, she added, "Master Gu, why not consider me? I'm not exactly unattractive, am I?"
This time, Gu Chusheng finally looked up.
He gazed calmly at The Eldest Princess, his expression serene. "When you've never replaced the one by your side, why feign affection to provoke others?"
Her face paled at his words.
Gu Chusheng rose gracefully, his tone indifferent. "I am deeply grateful for today's banquet. The Eldest Princess is not one to force others. If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave."
With that, he strode out. Watching his retreating figure, seemingly suppressing some emotion, The Eldest Princess sneered.
Stung by his words, she had no intention of letting him off easily. Curling her lips, she said coldly, "I made it perfectly clear to Madam Wei why you came today."
Gu Chusheng halted. After a pause, he replied hoarsely, "I know."
Then he hurried out. The Eldest Princess snatched a golden cup and hurled it after him.
Gu Chusheng didn't pause, walking straight out without looking back. Soon after, a man in a water-blue wide-sleeved robe entered, his features clear and gentle.
He walked to The Eldest Princess, bent to pick up the cup, and asked with a smile, "Couldn't keep him?"
She snorted and declared to the air, "This princess found him dull and dismissed him!"
"And what of your promise to Madam Wei?"
Placing the cup before her, the man chuckled at her stubbornness, draping a fox fur over her shoulders. "Wear more next time. It's cold—you look lovely in furs."
The Eldest Princess scoffed and turned away, but said no more.
Meanwhile, Chu Yu, having changed her clothes, stood waiting by the door. A light rain had begun to fall. Clad in her feather crane cloak, she cradled a hand warmer, watching the raindrops streak down the blue tiles like silver threads.Footsteps sounded behind her, but she didn’t turn around. Instead, she asked, "Does The Eldest Princess intend to keep us for dinner? If so, tell her I’m unwell and must leave early. As for Gu Chusheng, don’t bother with him…"
As she spoke, she turned her head and saw Gu Chusheng standing before her. She froze for a moment, her eyes widening slowly. "Why are you here?"
Gu Chusheng gazed at her quietly, his eyes burning like flames. Chu Yu, holding a hand warmer, took a moment to react before smiling faintly. "You’re dressed so finely today—I thought you knew The Eldest Princess’s intentions and came deliberately. It seems I misunderstood."
Gu Chusheng remained silent. Wanyue raised an umbrella, and Chu Yu slipped on her wooden clogs, stepping into the rain as she said calmly, "Let’s go back then."
Gu Chusheng clenched his fists, watching her composed retreating figure, a metallic taste rising in his throat.
Suppressing every impulse, he followed Chu Yu out of the estate. When they reached the carriage and she was about to depart, a pair of hands suddenly gripped the carriage’s edge. The curtain was yanked aside, revealing Gu Chusheng’s stern face.
A cold wind rushed in. Gu Chusheng hadn’t brought an umbrella, and the winter rain pelted him mercilessly, ruining his meticulously prepared attire.
Chu Yu observed him quietly. Wanyue stepped forward, her voice icy. "Lord Gu, please return to your own carriage, or I’ll have no choice but to be discourteous."
Gu Chusheng didn’t respond. His gaze remained fixed on Chu Yu, and though he said nothing, she knew he wouldn’t leave. She sighed, resigned. "If you have something to say, come inside. This isn’t a good look for you."
Wanyue frowned, glancing at Chu Yu, who reclined against the carriage cushions, hand warmer in hand, perfectly at ease. Understanding her mistress’s intent, Wanyue stepped out and boarded another carriage.
Gu Chusheng finally entered, seating himself in the farthest corner from Chu Yu. She adjusted her cloak and looked up at him. "Well? What did you want to say?"
"You… knew The Eldest Princess’s intentions," he rasped. The words escaped him, and he realized—this wasn’t an accusation.
It was as if she had stabbed him, and he was now slowly pulling the blade out, its edge scraping his insides, making even breathing painful.
Chu Yu replied calmly, "Yes."
"Why didn’t you tell me?"
"I thought you knew."
"I didn’t." Gu Chusheng lifted his head, his eyes boring into hers as he enunciated each word. "I didn’t know her intentions. I dressed well for you. I came to speak with you. I came for you—not for her."
Chu Yu was taken aback. She had never seen Gu Chusheng like this before, and an awkwardness crept over her. She averted her gaze, replying evenly, "I understand now."
"You didn’t before?" Gu Chusheng let out a bitter laugh, staring at her as if he wanted to devour her whole.
"When I said I liked you, when I said I wanted to take you away, when I said I wanted to marry you—did you think I was joking?!"
Chu Yu stayed silent. When Gu Chusheng said he liked her, it always felt like a dream.
Sometimes, she even wondered—was this truly rebirth, or just an elaborate dream?
A dream where she learned to let go, to stop clinging, only for the object of her obsession to now cling to her.
Everything she had ever wanted was now fulfilled—so perfectly it almost defied logic.She couldn't help but laugh softly, looking at Gu Chusheng before her as she said, "What does that have to do with me?"
These were the exact words Gu Chusheng had once spoken.
Back when she had earnestly told him "Gu Chusheng, I like you," he had stood just like this—arms crossed, sneering coldly—and said, "What does that have to do with me?"
Truth be told, her tone now was far gentler than his had been then.
Gu Chusheng remembered those words too, which was why he froze momentarily when Chu Yu spoke them.
As he gazed at the young woman before him, it felt as though their past lives had been completely reversed.
Where he had once mocked her, now she mocked him.
Slowly, he closed his eyes and clenched his fists.
"Yes, it has nothing to do with you," he forced out through gritted teeth, struggling to suppress the turmoil within. "But even if you disdain these feelings, you shouldn't trample on them. You know I love you, how could you—"
"Trample?"
Hearing this word, Chu Yu couldn't hold back a laugh.
Once memories began to surface, there was no stopping them. Staring at that familiar face, everything came flooding back—starting from that confession of "I like you."
The memories left her limbs icy cold. She stared fixedly at him, momentarily unable to distinguish whether this was her past life or the present.
The wine from the princess's residence was too strong, its effects making her emotions feel magnified. Looking at Gu Chusheng now was like seeing the man from her past life sitting right before her.
Her grip tightened around the hand warmer as her body trembled slightly.
Gu Chusheng watched her demeanor, his mind filled with questions.
Why was she reacting like this?
Even if she didn't like him, even if she hated him—how could her loathing reach such depths? It was as though, if she didn't restrain herself, she might draw her sword and kill him at any moment.
He had seen that look before—in the moment of Chu Yu's death, when she had said, "In the next life, may we never cross paths again." That same fury and hatred had been in her eyes then.
Gu Chusheng felt his hands and feet grow cold, certain he was missing something crucial.
Unable to contain herself any longer, Chu Yu turned to him with a frosty smile. "Gu Chusheng, do you like listening to stories?"
He wanted to say no, but the words wouldn't come. He could only stare blankly as Chu Yu continued with a laugh, "You accused me of trampling on your feelings? Let me tell you a story—listen well, and I'll show you what real trampling looks like."
"There was a girl who fell for a man. When he fell from grace and was exiled from the capital, she abandoned all her wealth and status, traveling alone through the night for thousands of miles just to find him. Tell me—does that count as deep affection?"
At these words, Gu Chusheng's mind exploded.
Exiled from the capital. Traveling alone through the night for thousands of miles.
He stared at Chu Yu, his gaze full of disbelief. But Chu Yu was too lost in her own emotions to notice his reaction.
"If a thousand-mile night journey means nothing, then what about afterward, when she spent every last coin she had and risked her life using all her martial skills to protect him until he rose to become Director of the Ministry of Gold? Would that count as kindness?"
Spent every last coin. Director of the Ministry of Gold.
Gu Chusheng slowly closed his eyes.
Outside, the rain pattered noisily. In his mind, he saw it again—that rainy night on the Kunyang County official road, the young girl in red, her clothes stained with mud and rain, riding alone with a sword in hand, having traveled a thousand miles to reach him.
"Don't be afraid," she had said with a smile outside his carriage, her rain-drenched face bright enough to dispel the gloom. Her eyes had been filled with nothing but affection as she looked at him.
"Gu Chusheng, I've come to see you off."That farewell sent him off for a lifetime.
She saw him off to Kunyang County, watched him rise from a ninth-rank county magistrate to Director of the Ministry of Gold, then climb further to Minister of Revenue, enter the Grand Secretariat as a Grand Secretary, and finally ascend to the position of Chief Grand Councilor.
She accompanied him every step of the way—for twelve long years.
He thought that being reborn meant a fresh start with her, but at this moment, he finally understood.
—He had returned only to face this long-overdue judgment.
What he owed her in his past life, he would repay in full in this one.
The carriage rocked unsteadily as she recounted their shared history in another's voice.
"When her maid died, she begged him desperately," her voice was weary. "She never regretted her feelings for him. That he didn’t love her, that he refused to treat her well—it was her own insistence. Only then did she feel regret. She shouldn’t have loved him, shouldn’t have forced it."
Gu Chusheng detected the exhaustion and vulnerability in her tone. He lifted his head, watching her quietly.
Chu Yu’s gaze did not hold him.
Her voice was calm, as if drained of all emotion.
"Later, she left the capital and went to his hometown to care for his parents. After his mother passed, she stayed there alone. Years passed—she fell ill and wanted to see her father one last time. By then, she had no one left. She wrote letter after letter to him, but in the end, she never saw her father again."
"Gu Chusheng," her eyes finally met his, serene as a Buddha’s, devoid of sorrow or joy. "You accused me of trampling on you. Now do you understand just how far one can trample on another’s feelings? Not loving someone is one thing, but to refuse to let them go, to drag them along until you’ve pushed them to their death—that is true depravity. So, whether love exists or not—don’t force it."
Chu Yu felt her senses returning. She smiled faintly.
"Don’t lay your heart at another’s feet, and it won’t be trampled upon."
Gu Chusheng remained silent. How could he not recognize Chu Yu’s stance now?
He had no chance. Once Chu Yu learned he was the Gu Chusheng from their past life, any hope would vanish.
Chu Yu knew him too well. He could never let her go—not in their past life, nor in this one.
Yet he also understood: if Chu Yu had been reborn, harboring such resentment toward him, how repulsed she must feel now, how much she must wish him dead.
The only reason she hadn’t run him through was that she didn’t yet know he was the guilty one.
He dared not tell her. He dared not speak, afraid the slightest movement would betray him.
Chu Yu ignored him, reclining in the carriage as the curtains swayed with the motion.
After a long silence, voices sounded outside. The carriage halted, and Wei Yun’s clear voice drifted through the window.
"Sister-in-law, the rain is heavy today. I’ve come to fetch you."
Mini Theater:
Wei Yun: "Do you know why you lost?"
Gu Chusheng: "Because... I’m older?"
Wei Yun: "That’s not the main reason."
Gu Chusheng (frowning): "Then what is?"
Wei Yun: "Because I’m a sweetheart who delivers love and warmth~ (✿◠‿◠) heart "
Gu Chusheng: "Damn it!"
OpenNovel