Fight For Love

Phoenix Tomb City again.

Hearing this name, Chu Yu couldn't help but feel surprised. Soon, a fog of confusion enveloped her heart. Frowning, she couldn't resist asking, "What if this commoner refuses to go?"

"Then I'll detain you here and see if your brother goes or not!"

Emperor Chunde sneered, "If your brother doesn't go, you'll be buried with Phoenix Mausoleum!"

These words made Chu Yu feel even more puzzled.

Why was the emperor so certain that Phoenix Tomb City, a small town, would be attacked? Most importantly, why was he considering moving the capital there?

The emperor's attitude clearly showed he would protect Phoenix Mausoleum at all costs. So in her previous life, when Chu Linyang went to defend it, was it really just for Chu Jin's sake?

Moreover, she had expected this request to be met with great difficulty, yet the emperor agreed after only a brief hesitation. Why?

Countless thoughts swirled in Chu Yu's mind, but her expression remained calm. After lowering her head and responding with "Understood," the emperor assigned troops to her and said directly, "Pack your things. You'll leave the city tonight—there's no time to waste."

Chu Yu didn't say much. The emperor's urgency surely had its reasons, and she did want to defend Phoenix Mausoleum. On one hand, she needed to eliminate any possibility of Chu Linyang going there; on the other, the repeated pleas for reinforcements from Phoenix Tomb City and the emperor's obsession with it must have their own logic.

With a simple acknowledgment, Chu Yu left with her thoughts and returned to Wei Manor.

As soon as she entered the gates, she saw Wei Yun rushing toward her anxiously. "Are you alright? What did that old bastard summon you for?"

Chu Yu didn't answer, walking further into the manor instead. She was still pondering Emperor Chunde's intentions, and how to broach the subject of her departure was another issue.

Seeing her silence, Wei Yun's expression darkened further. He followed her into her room and watched as she instructed Wanyue and Changyue to pack her belongings. Clenching his fists, he said with difficulty, "Even if you think I'm just a child, you should still explain what's happening. After all, I am the young marquis of Wei Manor. You—"

"I was just thinking of how to tell you," Chu Yu quickly interjected as the maids busied themselves. Turning to Wei Yun, she sighed. "Your mother and mine are both in the palace now."

A cold glint flashed in Wei Yun's eyes. "I know."

"His Majesty summoned me to the palace to hold me as a hostage as well..."

"So why didn't you tell me before going alone?!" Wei Yun raised his voice, visibly agitated. "My mother is already there. If you were taken too, what would I do?!"

"Your mother is strong-willed but often acts recklessly." In her past life, when the Wei family fell into misfortune, Liu Xueyang had directly drawn her sword to fight and was mistakenly killed—not weak, but impulsive. Chu Yu sighed. "Being alone in the palace might lead to trouble. It would've been better if I'd stayed with her. Now that I'm not there, I'm a bit worried."

"You seem quite confident in yourself."

Wei Yun let out a cold laugh. "If my mother could be in danger, wouldn't you be as well?"

Sensing his displeasure, Chu Yu awkwardly replied, "I... I came out unharmed, didn't I?"

"What did you promise in exchange?"

Wei Yun's voice was icy. Chu Yu rubbed her nose. "I... I'm leading troops out of the city tonight to defend Phoenix Mausoleum."Hearing this, Wei Yun's expression changed drastically. He ordered someone, "Lock up the madam!"

Then he turned and walked away.

When Chu Yu returned, she knew Wei Yun would never let her go. She hurriedly said, "Hey, hey, wait a minute! I'm really fine."

Having grown up on the border, and later during the six turbulent years of Great Chu, she had roamed the battlefields with Gu Chusheng—while he stayed in the rear, she had always been on the front lines, practically a soldier herself. She chased after him, anxiety gripping her heart as she tugged at Wei Yun's sleeve. "Don't be angry, just listen to me. Phoenix Mausoleum is a place that's easy to defend but hard to attack. His Majesty is fixated on it for a reason. Moreover, with Phoenix Mausoleum repeatedly requesting reinforcements and none of our dispatched men returning, I should go and see for myself..."

Most importantly, if she didn’t go, the emperor would surely order Chu Linyang to go.

In her past life, Chu Linyang had gone to Phoenix Mausoleum. She had thought it was for Chu Jin, but was there another possibility—that Chu Linyang had been sent by the emperor? Or that he had gone to defend the city of his own accord?

If she didn’t fight this battle, she feared Chu Linyang would. And if Chu Linyang went to Phoenix Mausoleum, the outcome might be the same as the Wei family's fate...

She had worked so hard to change things. If it still couldn’t be altered, what was she to do?

Chu Yu pressed her lips together, gripping Wei Yun's sleeve as she pleaded, "Xiao Qi, let me go and see."

"Why?"

Wei Yun turned back, scrutinizing her. "Why must you go?"

Chu Yu remained silent. Wei Yun frowned, and after a long pause, she finally said, "I... have my own reasons."

Though she didn’t explain, her expression was resolute. Wei Yun's gaze lowered to where she held his sleeve, and all the reprimands died on his lips.

Her hands were beautiful—not the delicate, jade-like hands of other women, but long and well-defined, with prominent joints, exuding a heroic air. Yet they were also fair and translucent, their hue like fine jade.

Wei Yun stared at the hand clutching his sleeve. This was the first time she had shown such a pleading emotion, and he couldn’t bring himself to refuse.

After a long silence, he slowly said, "If you must go, I’ll go with you."

"No."

Chu Yu frowned. "You’re currently feigning illness. If you go with me, His Majesty will have an excuse to trouble you. More importantly, if the Northern Di troops advance on Heaven's Guard Pass now, what will you do?"

Great Chu's bottom line was Heaven's Guard Pass. They could pretend to retreat, but not without limits. Heaven's Guard Pass must not fall, for if it did, Great Chu would lose its greatest natural barrier. Conversely, when Great Chu repelled the Northern Di, they would have to fight their way back past Heaven's Guard Pass.

Wei Yun fell silent. Chu Yu smiled faintly. "You really don’t need to worry so much. If I sense danger, I’ll come back. Besides, I have an incredibly strong life force. I..."

As Chu Yu spoke, Wei Yun's gaze lingered on her. Watching her, listening to her words, his heart felt both calm and terrified.

The two emotions intertwined, leaving him at a loss.

As the Marquis of National Stability, he knew the main battlefield wasn’t at Phoenix Mausoleum right now. Chu Yu leading twenty thousand soldiers should be fine. Moreover, before Heaven's Guard Pass fell, he needed to placate the emperor and ensure his mother’s safety in the palace. The longer his family stayed in Hua Jing, the greater the danger. Sending Chu Yu out with troops was the most suitable course of action.Yet deep down, setting aside all reason, he always felt uneasy letting her go alone to any dangerous place.

Which soldier setting off to war doesn’t believe they will return victorious? When he and his father and brothers marched to battle, who could have known they would be buried as loyal bones in a single campaign?

He watched her quietly, saying nothing.

By then, Changyue and Wanyue had finished packing, and the troops outside were ready. A man entered and bowed respectfully. "This humble general, Zhang Yun, commander of the Southern City Army, has mustered twenty thousand soldiers by imperial decree to assist the Madam in defending Phoenix Mausoleum."

Chu Yu nodded and raised her hand. "General Zhang, please wait outside the hall. I will join you shortly after freshening up."

Zhang Yun acknowledged and withdrew. Chu Yu turned to Wei Yun and said helplessly, "Let me be honest. Whether you agree or not, since I’ve already accepted His Majesty’s order, I must go."

Wei Yun remained silent, his head bowed. Chu Yu sighed and turned to leave. Wei Yun followed her steps, his gaze slowly trailing after her. Her figure was resolute and unwavering—despite being a woman, she seemed as steadfast as the heavens and earth.

A bitter ache filled Wei Yun’s chest as he watched her walk further away, her back turned to him. Finally, he understood—he couldn’t stop her.

At last, he spoke. "Wait."

Chu Yu paused. Wei Yun looked at her, his voice hoarse. "After you reach Phoenix Mausoleum, I will send another twenty thousand troops. Defend only—do not attack. Once I secure the commander’s seal and take Heaven’s Guard Pass, I’ll come for you."

Hearing this, Chu Yu felt a weight lift from her heart. A smile tugged at her lips, though she didn’t turn around. "Alright."

After a moment of silence, when Wei Yun said nothing more, Chu Yu was about to step forward when he suddenly called her name. "Chu Yu."

It was the first time he had ever addressed her so directly. Surprised, she turned back to see the young man standing at the doorway, tall and straight. The night breeze swept through, making the lanterns in the corridor sway gently, casting a warm glow on his white robes.

His eyes were calm, deep as still waters. When he saw her looking back, he finally spoke.

"You must come back alive."

Chu Yu was taken aback, then couldn’t help but laugh. Just as she was about to reply, he added, "If you don’t return alive, I’ll slaughter my way through every Northern Di city."

Her heart clenched at his words.

In their past life, Wei Yun had earned the title "Living Yama" precisely because he had once massacred eleven Northern Di cities in succession.

He excelled in cavalry warfare and was devastatingly efficient in sieges. Before attacking, he would always demand surrender. If refused, he would slaughter the entire city after taking it. After eleven cities fell this way, no Northern Di stronghold dared resist. Within two years, he had conquered the entire Northern Di.

In the century since the founding of Great Chu, no one had ever employed such ruthless tactics. People both feared and revered him. As for this general who had stabilized the empire, scholars remained divided in their opinions.

Staring at Wei Yun now, she felt a bitter taste on her lips. He met her gaze, his voice calm yet chilling. "If you don’t want to see me become that kind of person, protect yourself well. Come back alive."

With difficulty, Chu Yu replied, "You have my word."

Wei Yun closed his eyes and turned away, his back to her. "Go."

Chu Yu lowered her head and murmured, "Take care of yourself."

With that, she turned and strode out of the rear courtyard. The moment her footsteps faded, Wei Yun could no longer restrain himself. With a sweep of his sleeve, he sent a nearby vase crashing to the ground.Wei Xia suddenly shuddered, his face twisting in distress. "Now that the Madam is gone, the Marquis has started smashing things. Who's going to stop him?"

"Let him smash," Wei Qiu replied indifferently.

Wei Xia's expression immediately darkened. "What do you know?! Do you have any idea how expensive the things in this house are?! All the family's money has been spent on land. The Young Marquis is venting his anger, but it's costing us piles of silver. The Madam worked so hard to save money, and now he's smashing everything in sight. Are you going to earn that silver back?!"

Hearing this, Wei Yun, who had been holding up a vase, slowly lowered it with a cold expression and roared, "Get out!"

By the time Chu Yu left the courtyard, she had already composed herself. The urgent matter now was to go to Phoenix Tomb City and figure out what was really going on there. Thinking back, when Chu Linyang had been besieged in Phoenix Tomb City for three months, the battle had been so fierce that the city was nearly emptied. What had truly caused such devastation? What had Phoenix Tomb City really experienced back then?

Chu Yu, accompanied by Changyue and Wanyue, arrived at the front of the estate. Together with Zhang Yun, they went to the outskirts of the city, mustered twenty thousand troops, and set out under Chu Yu's leadership. To prevent any dissent, Zhang Yun personally escorted her out of the city.

These twenty thousand troops were all direct subordinates of Emperor Chunde, and all were light cavalry. Cavalry had always been elite and expensive, prized for their speed in marching. It was clear that Emperor Chunde was deeply concerned and anxious about Phoenix Tomb City, willing to invest heavily by entrusting twenty thousand cavalry to Chu Yu. This made Chu Yu reassess the significance of Phoenix Tomb City once again.

"General Zhang," Chu Yu mused, unable to resist asking, "What exactly is Phoenix Tomb City? Do you know?"

"Phoenix Tomb City is just Phoenix Tomb City," Zhang Yun replied, giving her a puzzled look. "What else could it be?"

"If it's just an ordinary place, why is Your Majesty so tense?" Chu Yu studied Zhang Yun's expression, but he only frowned and said, "Indeed, why is Your Majesty so tense?"

Realizing she wouldn't get any answers from Zhang Yun, Chu Yu concluded that even the general himself might not know the full situation. He was simply following Emperor Chunde's orders, nothing more.

The light cavalry marched swiftly, reaching Phoenix Tomb City in just two days. Chu Yu ordered them to set up camp by the river and sent scouts ahead to gather information before approaching the city after resting.

After the camp was established, Chu Yu gazed at Phoenix Tomb City. Most cities were built in valleys, surrounded by mountains, with the first line of defense constructed on the hills. However, Phoenix Tomb City was one of the rare cities built directly on a mountain, making it easy to defend and hard to attack. It was said that Phoenix Tomb City had originally been a mountain stronghold, gradually developed into a city, and only designated as a county after the founding of the Great Chu.

At the foot of Phoenix Tomb City, scattered groups of people were making their way up the mountain. Chu Yu couldn't help but find it strange. "Are these people coming and going from Phoenix Tomb City?"

"They're refugees," Zhang Yun said. Having grown familiar with Chu Yu over the past two days, he was a straightforward man with many friends. After glancing at the people's clothing, he added, "There are many like them near Hua Jing. The war is fierce, so these commoners are fleeing everywhere."

In her past life, there hadn't been so many refugees. Now, with Gu Chusheng not in Kunyang and Wei Yun not on the front lines, refugees were scattering in all directions. Chu Yu frowned, but Zhang Yun reassured her, "Having many refugees is a good thing. It means the people haven't been massacred on a large scale. If they had been, how many would you even see here?"Hearing this, Chu Yu smiled. So many refugees—most were because the Wei and Song families had prioritized protecting civilians during their retreat. Though they had abandoned the city, there hadn't been widespread casualties.

With that thought, her sorrow lessened somewhat. She sighed, "I just hope this ends soon."

Zhang Yun hesitated upon hearing her words, then said uncertainly, "Madam, there are some things I don’t know if I should say, but keeping them bottled up is hard."

"Go ahead," Chu Yu encouraged with a smile. Zhang Yun sighed and continued, "I know the young Marquis Wei is at odds with His Majesty, but the White Emperor Valley incident was the Northern Di’s doing. No matter how angry the young Marquis is, with the nation in crisis, the way the soldiers are acting is truly disheartening."

Chu Yu took a sip of wine, her expression calm. "Is that what you think, or is it a common sentiment?"

"Everyone thinks so."

Zhang Yun studied her expression. "If you return, perhaps you could advise him."

"General Zhang," Chu Yu turned to him, "do you know Marshal Yao Yong?"

Zhang Yun was taken aback. Chu Yu continued evenly, "Do you think the Wei family doesn’t want to fight? That the Song family wanted to retreat? That my Chu family dares not face the enemy?"

"We were the ones protecting the civilians, but it was Yao Yong who abandoned the city. It was my Wei family who died on the battlefield, while Yao Yong took the marshal’s seal. Now, with Yao Yong as the supreme commander, if you ask the young Marquis to go to the frontlines, how do you expect him to act?"

Zhang Yun wasn’t entirely foolish. Slowly, realization dawned on him. He quickly raised his hands. "Please, say no more. I don’t want to hear the rest. Let’s just focus on defending Phoenix Mausoleum. What happens in Hua Jing is none of our concern. I take back my earlier words—please don’t take offense."

With that, Zhang Yun hastily excused himself and retreated.

Chu Yu said nothing. She sat on a rock, holding a wineskin, and glanced up again at the refugees trudging wearily by.

After a while, someone approached her and reported, "Madam, there are refugees begging for food. Should we drive them away?"

Chu Yu looked toward the distance where a young woman was speaking with the soldiers.

The woman’s face was smeared with charcoal, and she wore a cloak, accompanied by three or four children. The eldest looked no older than ten, while the youngest barely reached her thigh.

She seemed to be pleading desperately with the soldiers. Chu Yu frowned—there was something familiar about the woman’s features. After a moment’s thought, she ordered, "Bring her to me."

The soldier was surprised but obeyed, speaking a few words to the others. The woman then led her children forward, bowing repeatedly in gratitude.

Timidly, the woman approached Chu Yu, keeping her head lowered as she knelt gracefully with the children.

Her posture was refined—hands pressed to her forehead before kneeling in a deep bow—a gesture of noble etiquette from Hua Jing.

Chu Yu frowned, then heard the woman’s soft, familiar voice: "This humble woman greets the general."

At the sound, Chu Yu’s eyes widened in shock. She stared at the woman in disbelief and gasped, "A-Jin?!"

The woman trembled violently, her head still bowed, not daring to move.

Chu Yu stood abruptly and strode toward her. Hearing the approaching footsteps, Chu Jin’s heart raced. Just as Chu Yu was about to reach her, she suddenly stood and tried to flee.Chu Yu reacted swiftly, grabbing Chu Jin's wrist and forcing her chin up to face her!

The woman's face was compelled toward Chu Yu, her features smeared with black soot, yet the scabbing wounds crisscrossing her visage were still faintly visible. The scars marred what might have been a beautiful face, rendering it ghastly and terrifying.

Chu Yu stared blankly at the woman before her. Chu Jin, initially frightened and startled, gradually calmed down. Tears still welled in her eyes as she clenched her fists tightly, remaining silent.

Several children nearby rushed over, pounding on Chu Yu and shouting, "Let go of my sister! Let go!"

Chu Yu turned in surprise just as one of the children hurled a stone at her. A soldier swiftly restrained the child, prompting Chu Jin to cry out in alarm and anger, "Stop it!"

"Everyone, halt!"

Chu Yu roared, and at her command, silence finally fell. The children were forced to their knees, glaring venomously at Chu Yu, who slowly released Chu Jin, momentarily at a loss.

Chu Jin said nothing as the mist in her eyes dissipated. Clad in a tattered cloak, she turned her head slowly.

"These children haven't eaten in two days," she said hoarsely. "Let's talk inside. Feed them first."

Chu Yu nodded and ordered the children to be taken away. Chu Jin called after them, "Wait! Don't give them liquid food—and don't let them eat too much at once!"

Only after giving these instructions did Chu Jin turn back. She straightened her clothes, tucking her hands into her sleeves like a hedgehog raising its spines, ready for battle. Despite her ragged attire, she carried herself with the elegance and composure of someone in Hua Jing draped in fine robes and golden hairpins. "Let's go," she said calmly.

Chu Yu didn't respond but nodded, leading Chu Jin into the tent.

Along the way, she studied Chu Jin. She remembered this younger sister as one who had always been prone to tears, obsessed with lavish clothes and delicacies. Yet now, she seemed like a polished stone, unexpectedly radiant.

Chu Yu guided Chu Jin into the tent and sat down. Chu Jin appeared to be waiting for interrogation, but after a moment of silence, Chu Yu asked, "They haven't eaten—have you?"

Chu Jin remained silent, but Chu Yu understood. Given how Chu Jin had cared for those children, if they hadn't eaten, neither had she—at least not much.

With a sigh, Chu Yu ordered some food before saying to Chu Jin, "Have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself first."

Chu Jin looked up at her. "Don't you have anything to ask me?"

Chu Yu shook her head. "It's your business. You can tell me if you wish—or not. It doesn't matter."

Chu Jin said nothing for a long while before finally speaking. "I know you sent people to follow me."

Chu Yu didn't reply, sipping her tea instead. Chu Jin continued calmly, "I thought you didn't want to save Wenchang, so you stopped me from seeking out our elder brother. After leaving the city, I ran into bandits and deliberately plunged into the refugee crowd to shake off your men."

"You're quite resourceful," Chu Yu couldn't help but laugh. Chu Jin clenched her fists, silent.

The tent fell quiet. Chu Yu watched as the candle flame crackled softly. She took another sip of tea before hearing Chu Jin's voice again.

"I was wrong."

Chu Yu turned slowly, puzzled by Chu Jin's sudden admission.

Chu Jin clenched her fists, teeth gritted."It was my mistake to think this world was too simple,"

Chu Jin said as tears slowly fell. Chu Yu sighed, "Ah Jin, don't overthink it. Coming back is enough."

Chu Jin shook her head, raising her hand to wipe away her tears. The soot smeared, revealing her hideous scars. Chu Yu averted her gaze, but Chu Jin couldn't stop her tears from falling.

Chu Yu waited quietly until Chu Jin finally finished crying.

Calming down, Chu Jin spoke slowly, "I need to escort these children into Phoenix Tomb City. Besides that, there's something else I must say."

Chu Yu nodded indifferently. "Go ahead."

"There might be something strange in Phoenix Tomb City."

Chu Yu froze momentarily before her voice turned cold. "Explain from the beginning."

Meanwhile, Wei Yun was seated in his residence, writing a letter to Chu Linyang when Wei Xia entered and respectfully announced, "Young Marquis, a guest requests an audience."

Wei Yun frowned and looked up, only to see a figure emerge from behind Wei Xia.

Cloaked in black, the visitor lifted his head upon seeing Wei Yun.

His face was icy as he pressed in a low voice, "I heard Madam Wei has gone to Phoenix Mausoleum?"

Wei Yun was taken aback at the sight of the visitor. "Gu Chusheng? Weren't you at The Eldest Princess's residence—"

"Is it true or not?!" Gu Chusheng seemed unable to contain his emotions, raising his voice. "Did she go to Phoenix Mausoleum?!"

Wei Yun's frown deepened. Gu Chusheng's questioning unsettled him, but he sensed this might concern Chu Yu. Thus, he nodded truthfully. "Yes, she led twenty thousand troops to garrison Phoenix Mausoleum."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chusheng swayed on his feet. Wei Xia hurriedly steadied him in alarm. "Lord Gu, what's wrong?"

"Go after her—" Gu Chusheng's voice trembled before he turned abruptly, urgency lacing his words. "Give me fifty thousand soldiers, now!"

Wei Yun's brows furrowed further. "If you're asking me for troops, you must explain why. Phoenix Mausoleum is just a small city—"

"But the Northern Di's main force is there!" Gu Chusheng raised his voice. "There are at least a hundred thousand troops stationed there. Sending her with twenty thousand—are you sending her to her death?!"

Wei Yun's eyes widened sharply. The ink dripped onto the paper, spreading like a stain of panic and dread.