After Han Min finished speaking, Chu Yu finally understood what had truly happened in Phoenix Tomb City back then.
After the fall of Phoenix Tomb City, Wei Yun had gone to provide support. On the city walls stood only Chu Linyang, yet he alone held the city. The scorch marks outside the walls were evidence that the five thousand defenders had relied on gunpowder to hold out until the very end. The corpses strewn across the city were entirely due to famine.
The reason Sucha had besieged Phoenix Tomb for three months was undoubtedly influenced by Chu Linyang’s deliberate provocation. Chu Linyang could have escaped—he had the ability—but he chose to remain in the city to pin down the main forces of the Northern Di.
Sucha had committed his main forces to attack a city defended by only five thousand, yet failed to take it despite prolonged efforts. His frustration must have been immense, like a gambler who, after losing, becomes obsessed with winning—especially when victory seems just within reach.
Chu Linyang must have been like her now, devising ways to lure Sucha into staying at Phoenix Tomb. Whenever Sucha considered leaving, Chu Linyang would make him feel as if victory were moments away.
If Sucha had initially attacked Phoenix Tomb for power, his later assaults were driven purely by irrationality.
With the main forces of the Northern Di tied down here, Wei Yun, emerging from the heavenly prison unprepared, was still able to sweep across the battlefield and ultimately preserve Great Chu.
Back then, Chu Linyang had single-handedly defended the city. He did not do it for Chu Jin, nor for Chu Yu. Knowing full well the hellish path ahead, he stood firm with his blade, trading the lives of five thousand in the city for a victory that minimized Great Chu’s losses on the main battlefield.
In the end, he held his ground until he starved to death within the city walls.
Chu Yu clenched her fists as she recalled the news of Chu Linyang’s death in her past life. A surge of pride and grief swelled in her chest—he was her elder brother, a true son of the Chu family!
Now it was her turn to stand here. Given the choice, she knew she would make the same decision as Chu Linyang.
And this time, she had provisions and twenty thousand warhorses. She would not suffer the same desperation of running out of supplies.
She looked up at Han Min and said earnestly, “Thank you, Young Master Han. But your father serves His Majesty. Aren’t you afraid of being punished for telling me these things?”
“I’m not going back,” Han Min replied calmly. “I wish to stay by Sister Jin’s side.”
Chu Yu’s eyes widened slightly. “You want to stay with A-Jin?”
“If not for Sister Jin’s safety,” Han Min muttered awkwardly, “why else would I be here?”
Chu Yu chuckled softly and sighed. “Very well. Go find A-Jin. If she’s willing to take you in, then so be it.”
Han Min bowed respectfully and left. Watching his retreating figure, Chu Yu turned to Wei Yun, who sat nearby. “You heard that, didn’t you? Are you reassured now?”
Wei Yun remained silent. Chu Yu sighed. “Xiao Qi, look—we have water, food, and all these supplies here, plus the natural defenses of Phoenix Tomb Mountain. I’ll be fine.”
“For a month, perhaps,” Wei Yun lifted his gaze to her. “But what about two months? Three? If Sucha simply blockades the city without attacking, if I’m tied down by the Northern Emperor’s forces and can’t come to your aid—what then? You’ll be trapped here. What will you do?”
Chu Yu said nothing. Wei Yun’s voice turned icy. “You have twenty thousand men here, plus the city’s civilians and officials. How long will those provisions and horses last? If I don’t return within a month, what will you eat? Each other?!”In her past life, Chu Linyang had been besieged for three months, while Wei Yun was entangled on the frontlines. Chu Yu already knew what Phoenix Mausoleum would look like after those three months.
"Then," Chu Yu lifted her head, looking at him earnestly, "come back for me in a month."
Wei Yun was momentarily stunned. Chu Yu's gaze was resolute: "No matter how long it takes, I'll wait until I can wait no more. But if I truly reach that point where I can't hold on, and you're still struggling so hard even with me restraining Sucha, it proves your side is fighting an extremely tough battle. If I don't hold Sucha back, Great Chu will surely fall."
"If my sacrifice can minimize Great Chu's losses on the frontlines and ensure the safety of both the Wei and Chu families, I don't consider it a loss."
Just like Chu Linyang in her past life—amidst court struggles, internal and external threats, and when major families were only looking out for themselves—he traded his life for final victory.
"A nation has its schemers and power-seekers, but it also needs those willing to sacrifice to maintain its prosperity. If someone must be chosen from among us," Chu Yu spoke calmly, raising her eyes to Wei Yun, "let it begin with Chu Yu."
Her tone was too composed, as if life and death were already beyond her concern.
Wei Yun trembled uncontrollably. With great difficulty, he stood up, pointing at her, his voice hoarse: "You want to sacrifice yourself... but have you thought of me?"
Chu Yu was taken aback. Wei Yun raised his voice: "If you're gone, what will I do? What will the Wei family do?!"
How could she die?
In this lifetime, he wanted her by his side—how could she die?!
As they spoke, Wei Qiu hurried in, urgently reporting: "Lord Marquis, the beacon towers in Quanzhou have been lit!"
Chu Yu and Wei Yun whipped their heads around. Beyond Quanzhou lay Heaven's Guard Pass—if Quanzhou's beacons were lit, Heaven's Guard Pass couldn't be far behind.
Chu Yu stood up, urgency in her voice: "Prepare immediately. At dawn, I'll see you out of the city."
Before daybreak, most of the Northern Di army would still be asleep, making it the safest time for a surprise attack.
Yet as Chu Yu stepped forward, Wei Yun grabbed her wrist fiercely, growling: "You're coming with me."
"After all I've said, you still don't understand?!"
Chu Yu's anger flared as she glared back: "Let go!"
"I won't!"
Wei Yun shouted: "Anyone in this world can die—but not you!"
"Why?"
Chu Yu stared at him: "Why not me? I was raised by my father, who lived on the court's stipend—stipends funded by the people's taxes. I was nurtured by the people—why can't I?"
"Wei Yun, open your eyes," Chu Yu pointed outside, "Amidst war, some starve, some fall in battle—life is as fragile as grass. Only through our choices does it become weightier than Mount Tai or lighter than a feather. If my death can have meaning, why can't I die?"
"Then have you thought of me?"
Wei Yun's eyes were red: "If you die, have you thought of me?"
Chu Yu frowned: "Xiao Qi, no feast in this world lasts forever."
Wei Yun froze slightly. Chu Yu said calmly: "No one can accompany you for life—not your parents, not your brothers, not your children, and certainly not me. If you wish to share life and death with someone, only your wife has that right. Yet even your wife might not fulfill it."Wei Yun stared at her blankly. Chu Yu sighed, "I know you rely on me, but Xiao Qi, in the end, I'm just your sister-in-law. My life and death are not your responsibility."
My life and death are not your responsibility.
No one will accompany you for a lifetime. Except for your wife, no one has that right.
Chu Yu's words struck Wei Yun's mind like thunder from a clear sky.
He stared at her dazedly. In just these few days, she had grown much thinner, her face pale. Yet that resolute clarity made her resemble an unsheathed sword, glowing faintly, breathtakingly beautiful.
Seeing Wei Yun frozen in place, Chu Yu sighed and pulled her hand free from his grasp. She instructed Wei Xia, who was standing nearby but hadn't hurried over, "Go pack the Young Marquis's luggage. We depart before dawn."
With that, Chu Yu turned and left. Wei Yun remained rooted to the spot, watching her retreating figure disappear down the corridor.
The spring flowers at Phoenix Mausoleum were already budding, their tips peeking from branches. The spring breeze carried a hint of warmth, making the flowering branches tremble slightly.
She had always been like this—coming and going with effortless grace. Wei Yun suddenly realized that since meeting her, what he'd seen most was her back. Yet even her retreating figure could captivate him so.
His mind was in turmoil as Wei Xia dragged him to his room. While Wei Xia packed, Wei Yun knelt on a cushion before the flickering candlelight.
For the first time, he probed the depths of his heart—something he'd never dared do before. But today he understood he couldn't afford not to. He had to be clear, had to understand.
What did he want? What exactly was he trying to do?
All this time, he'd used childishness as a fig leaf to conceal his true feelings. He hadn't dared expose them, hadn't dared examine them closely.
But now he had to understand.
Only a wife could have that right.
Yet he wanted her by his side for life.
When Wei Xia finished packing, he saw Wei Yun kneeling on the cushion, his hair loose, facing the wall in complete silence.
Wei Xia wanted to say something but ultimately didn't. With a sigh, he withdrew.
Left alone in the room, Wei Yun's gaze fixed on the candlelight, his thoughts becoming clearer.
He remembered first seeing Chu Yu—a young bride leaning against the corridor railing, looking up at him with a smile.
He recalled the woman in wedding red standing on the autumn plains, saying she would wait for him and his father and brothers to return.
At the time, he'd only been struck by her beauty. But now, remembering that moment brought a pang of pain.
He wished she'd been waiting for him, wanted her to be waiting for him.
Then on the day he returned with his father and brothers' coffins, she stood smiling amidst the surrounding wails, parting the clouds for him, placing her hand on his forehead and saying—"It's good you're back."
From then on, she stood in his world and never left.
He thought this was dependence, no different from his feelings for his mother or sisters. Until she questioned aloud—
Why should her life and death be his responsibility?
His gaze calm, he drew the sword from his hand.
The sword had been given to him by Wei Jun when he was young.
He'd carried it since childhood. When he was small, the sword was too long for him to wield properly. After coming of age, it never left his side.
As he drew the blade from its scabbard, its cold gleam reflected his face in the darkness.
For an instant, he felt the reflection wasn't him.
It was Wei Jun.Wei Jun stood within the long sword, quietly observing him. The two brothers faced each other across the divide of life and death, Wei Jun's expression calm, as if questioning him—
Do you want her?
Your sister-in-law, my wife.
Wei Yun, do you want her?
To become your wife, to stay by your side for a lifetime, to be the one responsible for your life and death, the one bound to you.
From then on, she would no longer leave you with just her retreating figure. Wherever she went, she would think of you. Even in death, she should say to you, "I'm sorry."
Not this casual dismissal, telling you that her life and death had nothing to do with you.
Wei Yun's hand trembled slightly.
In his mind, the images of Wei Jun and Chu Yu flashed wildly, alternating between each other.
"Xiao Qi, is she beautiful?"
"Where is my husband, Wei Jun?!"
"I want to find you a sister-in-law, someone lively—someone unlike me, who's too dull."
"I had a dream. Of the entire Wei family, only you returned."
"If the Chu family can protect her, can't our Wei Manor do the same? What does it matter if she's a little spoiled?"
"No one has ever treated me so well before. Your brother is a good man."
"Xiao Qi, come with me today to fetch your sister-in-law."
"Xiao Qi, though your brother is gone, I’ll still be here with you."
...
Wei Yun closed his eyes in pain and abruptly sheathed the sword.
She stayed for Wei Jun. She accompanied him for Wei Jun.
He knew her because of Wei Jun. He took care of her for Wei Jun.
But why, in realizing this, did he finally become aware of that suppressed, hidden pain in his heart?
When had it changed? When had he fallen for her?
Was it the moment she placed her hand on his forehead? Or when she drunkenly twirled her long spear before him just to make him smile? Or perhaps that afternoon on the corridor, when she looked up and smiled at him?
She used orchid-scented perfume, so he had everyone around him switch to orchid-scented balms.
She praised Gu Chusheng's graceful demeanor, so he slowly began emulating Gu Chusheng, dressing in fine robes and wearing a Jade Crown.
The changes were silent, imperceptible—even to himself. When had that simple reliance and respect transformed into this?
"I like you..."
Wei Yun murmured the words.
In the depths of the night, he slowly opened his eyes.
"Chu Yu..."
He trembled as he spoke her name.
He liked her.
Never before had he been so acutely aware—this was what his feelings truly were.
Yet the moment he realized it, he couldn't help but clutch the sword to his chest, bending forward slowly.
"I'm sorry..."
I'm sorry, Eldest Brother.
How could such filthy emotions exist?
How could he covet someone as flawless as Chu Yu?
He bit his lower lip hard, trembling slightly, tears welling in his eyes as he knelt before the wall, bowing low with the sword in his arms.
As if Wei Jun stood before him, he spoke with solemn reverence: "I was wrong."
To be wrong meant turning back from the misguided path. To be wrong meant reining in at the cliff's edge. To be wrong meant burying these feelings deep within, hiding them in the dark—never letting anyone know, even in death.
Outside, the sound of soldiers moving about reached him, followed by a knock at the door.
"Xiao Qi," Chu Yu's voice came from beyond, tinged with helplessness. She sighed softly and said, "Come out. It's time to go."
Wei Yun remained kneeling, gradually steadying his trembling body.Chu Yu stood outside, lowering her head as she said, "Though my words earlier were harsh, they were indeed the truth. You don’t need to worry too much—I know what I’m doing. Sucha is clever; perhaps instead of besieging me, he’ll come for you..."
Wei Yun slowly opened his eyes. As Chu Yu’s voice reached him, he straightened his back with deliberate firmness. Then he stood, placing his sword aside, and said to her, "Come in."
Hearing Wei Yun’s hoarse voice from outside, Chu Yu froze momentarily before bowing her head in acknowledgment and pushing the door open to enter.
Once inside, Wei Yun commanded, "Close the door."
"Huh?"
Chu Yu hesitated briefly, but Wei Xia, ever obedient, immediately shut the door behind them.
The room was much warmer than outside. Wei Yun was the only one inside, his back turned to her. He wore wide-sleeved robes of white, his ink-black hair cascading loosely to the floor. His silhouette was slender and solitary, and from behind, he already bore the stature of a young man.
Chu Yu felt the atmosphere grow stifling. Not daring to move, she stood near the door and softly admitted her fault, "Don’t be angry with me yet—I’ll apologize. Once we return to Hua Jing, everything—"
Before she could finish, Wei Yun slowly rose to his feet. His sleeves fell gracefully with the motion as he turned toward her in the candlelight.
His features were strikingly handsome, yet his expression was as unyielding as a blade.
He gazed at her calmly, his demeanor colder and clearer than she had ever seen before. Then he walked toward her, each step slow and deliberate, as though treading on knife edges—yet steady and resolute.
Finally, he stopped before her, looking down.
He had grown quickly in recent times, now towering over her by more than half a head. The youthful scent of him rushed into her senses, startling her so much that she instinctively wanted to step back.
But reason held her in place before she could act—if she retreated now, the tension would only worsen.
Instead, she turned her head aside, rubbing the tip of her nose as she remarked, "You’ve grown so tall..."
Before she could finish, Wei Yun abruptly reached out, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly.
This was the first time he had embraced her. The warmth of his chest enveloped her, his wide sleeves encircling her completely. She could feel the tension in his muscles, the rapid beating of his heart.
Chu Yu stood frozen in place, the scent of orchids lingering around her.
Only then did she realize—Wei Yun’s sachet had always been the same as hers. But his was used so sparingly, so lightly, that only now, this close, could she detect it.
Perhaps just like his feelings—only by stepping into the depths of his heart could one glimpse even a trace of them.
Chu Yu remained motionless in his arms, utterly stunned. For some reason, her own heartbeat grew slow and heavy.
"Hold the city well," he said hoarsely, his voice now carrying the clarity of youth, enough to make one’s heart race. "Within a month, I will end this war and come back for you."
His breath brushed past her ear, and she stiffened like a cat caught by the scruff, eyes wide, not daring to move.
Wei Yun held her tightly, clutching her as though this might be the only time in his life he could embrace her like this.
There were many words left unspoken—words that didn’t need to be said.
Like how this departure might mean they’d be separated by life and death.
Like how, even if he returned alive, he might never be the same again.
Wei Yun clenched his teeth, tears rolling down his face.
"Don’t worry," he said firmly. "You won’t die."If he died, she would not die.
Hearing this, Chu Yu slowly regained her composure.
Wei Yun trembled slightly, and Chu Yu’s heart softened.
She vaguely understood that, at this moment, Wei Yun simply felt that perhaps this meeting would be their last farewell. Setting aside all propriety between men and women, she followed her heart and reached out to embrace him, gently stroking his back as she whispered tenderly, "Don’t be afraid, Xiao Qi."
"Life and death hold no fear. Even if something truly happens to me, there will still be someone to walk with you in the future."
Wei Yun said nothing. He closed his eyes, savoring the sensation of being held by her.
Perhaps in this lifetime, this would be the only time she embraced him like this.
A long while later, Liu Rong’s voice came from outside: "Madam Wei, everything is ready."
Chu Yu and Wei Yun opened their eyes simultaneously, their gazes turning cold. Wei Yun released Chu Yu and swiftly turned away. He stepped behind the screen, quickly donned his armor, and said to Chu Yu, "Hold the city for a month. Within this month, I will find a way to quell the frontlines and force Sucha to retreat. You only need to do one thing." Emerging from behind the screen, he stood clad in silver armor, a sword at his waist, a silver crown upon his head, and a red-tasseled long spear in hand. He looked at her calmly and said, "Wait for me."
"What if I can’t wait?"
Chu Yu couldn’t help but laugh. Wei Yun lowered his eyes. "Then don’t wait."
If she couldn’t wait, he would simply follow her.
If it was the road to the underworld, then so be it. Catching up to her, standing before Wei Jun, watching them reunite in the afterlife—that too would be a kind of fulfillment.
Yet he did not voice these thoughts. Instead, under Chu Yu’s astonished gaze, he strode toward the door to swiftly muster the troops.
Chu Yu hurried after him and pressed a small box into Wei Jun’s hands. "This contains everything Phoenix Tomb City has developed over the years. Take it with you. The formula for gunpowder is inside as well—stolen by Han Min. Once you reach Hua Jing, have it mass-produced immediately."
Wei Yun acknowledged her words. As the group reached the entrance, Chu Jin was distributing gunpowder to the soldiers while Han Min repeatedly demonstrated and explained its usage.
Wei Yun stepped out and waited briefly until everyone was ready. Just then, Han Xiu rushed in, roaring furiously, "Han Min, get out here this instant!"
Han Min swiftly ducked behind Wei Yun, who turned to meet Han Xiu’s furious gaze and said calmly, "You are not one to ignore the suffering of the people. Why then do you serve His Majesty with such devotion?"
"His Majesty recognized my worth," Han Xiu replied coldly. "Who sits on the throne makes no difference—the current emperor is the rightful heir. If I do not serve him, should I instead side with a rebel like you?"
Wei Yun sneered. "If not for His Majesty, how could the Great Chu have fallen to this state?"
"What’s the point in assigning blame now?" Han Xiu raised a hand toward Han Min. "Han Min, come here."
"Father," Han Min said, peeking out from behind Wei Yun, "you yourself said there’s no point in assigning blame now. I’ve already given them the gunpowder, stolen the formula—what use is there in holding out? Why not ally fully with the young marquis and Madam Wei to end this chaos sooner?"Han Xiu pressed his lips together and remained silent. Han Min raised his voice, saying, "Father, have you forgotten how Mother died? Sister Jin has already explained everything to me. If not for that damned emperor indulging Yao Yong and letting the Wei family perish in White Emperor Valley, how could our great Chu have fallen to this state?! If our great Chu hadn’t been destroyed, how could Mother have been killed by refugees on the road?"
"Enough!" Han Xiu raised his voice. "Get out here!"
As he spoke, Han Xiu rushed forward, trying to drag Han Min out. Wei Yun grabbed his hand and said calmly, "Lord Han, I must leave the city now. Please don’t delay me."
Han Xiu stared coldly at Wei Yun, who met his gaze unflinchingly. After a long silence, Han Xiu let out a mocking laugh. "What difference is there between you and His Majesty? He plays with power—aren’t you doing the same?"
"The difference is that I stand here now, while he abandoned Phoenix Mausoleum."
"But you abandoned it too!" Han Xiu roared. "If you hadn’t, why would you be leaving now?"
"I did not abandon Phoenix Mausoleum," Wei Yun replied calmly. "I left something very important there. How could I possibly abandon it?"
Han Xiu faltered slightly, and Chu Yu turned back, puzzled by what Wei Yun could have left behind. Seeing Han Xiu hesitate, Han Min rushed forward and knelt before him, clutching his leg. "Father, please stop this. Let them go."
Han Xiu remained silent. Wei Yun raised his hand, and the troops began gathering at the city gates. Han Xiu’s gaze followed them into the distance before he finally closed his eyes, turned away, and said in a low voice, "I’ll clear the way for you."
Once Han Xiu finished speaking, Chu Yu followed Wei Yun through the streets and out of the city. As they moved, she noticed waves of people in green robes and white masks emerging from the city’s rear.
She hadn’t seen so many before and couldn’t hide her surprise. "Where did all these people come from?"
"Han Xiu’s research facilities are underground. I’ve never been there," Liu Rong’s voice came from behind. "It seems he’s brought everyone out now."
Chu Yu observed the crowd—many clearly weren’t soldiers, their steps unsteady. They hurried onto the walls, following Han Xiu’s orders.
Liu Rong bowed slightly to Wei Yun beside him. "Young Marquis, please follow Lord Han’s instructions. Wait for his signal before advancing."
Wei Yun nodded. Under Liu Rong’s guidance, they descended but hid in the forest instead of moving forward.
Chu Yu climbed the city wall and saw Han Xiu directing his men to load small cylindrical objects onto crossbows two feet wide.
Moments later, Han Xiu commanded, "Draw!"
The soldiers pulled their bows in unison. Then Han Xiu waved a small flag. "Light!"
The arrows were set aflame.
Finally, Han Xiu raised his voice. "Fire!"
In an instant, arrows streaked through the sky like rain, trailing flames in their arc as they raced toward the horizon.
The crossbows launched the arrows with incredible range. Flames rained down, accompanied by deafening explosions.
The Northern Di forces erupted into chaos.
"Divine Punishment!" a Northern Di soldier screamed in their tongue. "This is Divine Punishment!"
The commotion naturally drew Sucha from his tent. He rushed out, watching as the flaming arrows struck the ground and exploded, leaving craters three feet deep.
Soldiers fled in panic, but Sucha remained composed. "Fall back ten li!" he ordered immediately.
Yet at that moment, a cavalry charge burst forth from Phoenix Tomb City. Sucha reacted at once, bellowing, "Hold them! Hold them!"
Before he could finish, a second wave of arrows descended, exploding upon impact and shaking the earth.
The Northern Di army was in complete disarray. Sucha took to the field himself, roaring, "Stand your ground! What are you afraid of?"
With that, he led his personal guard against the tide, charging toward Wei Yun. "Warriors of the Northern Di, follow me into battle!"The war drums of the Northern Di resounded as everyone watched Sucha charge toward Wei Yun. The third wave of arrow rain descended, but by now, Sucha had already discerned the range and explosive radius of these arrows.
Though the arrow rain appeared overwhelmingly fierce, the intervals between explosions were too wide, and the actual destructive area was limited, with abysmal accuracy—merely intimidating. Seeing Sucha nimbly weaving through the explosions, the Northern Di army's morale gradually rallied. They finally hoisted their military flags once more, roaring as they charged toward Wei Yun.
Chu Yu stood atop the city wall, watching Wei Yun's silver-armored guards surge like a dragon into the tide of the Northern Di battlefield. Clenching her fists, she remained silent, while Han Min beside her cried out anxiously, "Father, fire again! Shoot more arrows!"
"No," Han Xiu replied calmly. "The two forces are too close now. We can't use them anymore."
Yet even as he spoke, the battlefield erupted again with thunderous booms—Wei Yun and his men had begun using gunpowder to clear their path.
The gunpowder Wei Yun carried was far more potent than that launched by arrows, and amidst the densely packed enemy ranks, every strike found its mark.
Chu Yu saw flames erupting continuously across the battlefield as the silver-armored troops inched forward with difficulty. She strode to the war drum, raised the mallet, and struck it with all her might.
The drumbeats carried a murderous intent, stirring the blood of all who heard them. Wei Yun cut down those blocking his way and glanced back into the night. There, he saw a woman in plain robes, her hair loose, standing atop the city wall. Amidst the blazing fires, her white robes fluttered wildly, blending with the blood-red remnants of light—a breathtaking sight.
He only looked for a moment before turning back, an inexhaustible surge of courage filling him. Gazing at the path of corpses and blood torn open by explosions ahead, he roared, "Charge!"
He would survive.
He had to survive.
Not only would he survive, but he would also crush the Northern Di and bring her home.
That battle cry, mingled with the drumbeats, invigorated the troops behind him.
By the time the sun rose, the silver dragon had finally reached the breach in the encirclement. They had maintained their formation without faltering, so when Wei Yun broke through the Northern Di's blockade, the rest swiftly followed, charging out behind him.
Meanwhile, the beacon towers of Quanzhou sent thick columns of smoke into the sky. Wei Yun led his men in a desperate sprint, while Sucha mounted his horse to give chase—only to be stopped by a man who said coolly, "Don't pursue."
The man wore a silver mask and a water-blue robe, his attire entirely that of a Great Chu native.
Sucha, halted mid-action, seethed with anger. "He must have the gunpowder formula! If I don't chase him, he'll take it to Hua Jing. If Hua Jing mass-produces this, what chance does the Northern Di have?"
"You won't catch him," the blue-robed man stated bluntly. "If you keep chasing, the people in Phoenix Mausoleum will escape."
Sucha froze. The blue-robed man lifted his gaze to Phoenix Tomb City, where the white-robed woman stood atop the walls, her robes billowing. His thin, cold lips curled slightly. "Han Xiu is still in Phoenix Tomb City. If you capture him, you can obtain the gunpowder formula. What then is there to fear from Great Chu?"
Hearing this, Sucha calmed somewhat. After a pause, he asked, "You told me the people in Phoenix Mausoleum were cowards who feared death. Now that they're putting up such resistance, what if they destroy everything if I attack forcefully?"
"No matter," the blue-robed man said calmly. "First, feign a siege to trap them. When they feel death closing in, we'll send someone secretly to find Han Xiu. As long as Han Xiu wants to live, he'll come out on his own.""Hit them with a stick and then offer a date," the man in blue murmured, rubbing the jade ring on his finger as he narrowed his eyes. "If a direct assault won’t work, how do you know it isn’t still a viable tactic?"
Sucha pondered for a moment. But now that the troops had already been mobilized to Phoenix Tomb City, which had a mere twenty thousand defenders, even with the support of gunpowder, prolonged siege would inevitably lead to supply shortages.
After much deliberation, Sucha finally steeled himself and decided to follow the man’s advice, continuing the siege.
Yet he couldn’t help but sigh. "If only His Majesty had listened to me and focused on attacking Phoenix Tomb City instead of Heaven's Guard Pass, we would have taken it by now. Heaven's Guard Pass is easier to capture, but if Great Chu secures the gunpowder while Northern Di fails to, it’ll be much harder to fight them later. How could His Majesty be so shortsighted?!"
"His Majesty has his own considerations," the man in blue replied indifferently. Seeing the woman on the city walls turn and leave, he found the situation dull and excused himself from Sucha before departing.
After breaking through the encirclement, Wei Yun dared not stop. He raced back to the capital with the box Chu Yu had given him. He had sent word ahead to Wei Manor to prepare, and upon his arrival, the entire household was already gathered in the main hall. Gu Chusheng stood at the forefront, noticeably thinner. The moment Wei Yun entered, Gu Chusheng rushed forward and demanded, "Where is Chu Yu?!"
Wei Yun gave him a deep look.
In the past, he hadn’t understood his own feelings—only that he disliked this man.
Now that he did, it was a mix of aversion and admiration. Suppressing all his emotions, he forced himself to face Gu Chusheng calmly. "Sit down first. I’ll explain everything to you."
Wei Yun swiftly recounted the events at Phoenix Tomb City in full, then concluded, "This is the situation. Sister-in-law is currently in Phoenix Tomb City. She can hold out for at most a month, so we must crush Northern Di’s rear within that time."
"That’s impossible," Shen You interjected firmly. "Northern Di’s forces are divided into two. Sucha’s troops are at Phoenix Tomb City, but the Northern Emperor Su Can also commands a significant army. Right now, Su Can is launching a full-scale assault on Quanzhou, advancing toward Heaven's Guard Pass. It won’t be easy to defeat Su Can’s forces within a month."
"What if I’ve brought the gunpowder?" Wei Yun countered, staring at Shen You.
Shen You met his gaze. "How much can you produce in such a short time?"
Even with the formula, Great Chu was engulfed in war. Safe locations were scarce, and establishing a military production base like Phoenix Tomb City’s would be nearly impossible in such a short span.
A month was simply too tight for a nationwide war.
As they spoke, Gu Chusheng slowly began to laugh.
Wei Yun turned to him. Gu Chusheng’s eyes burned with fury, as if dripping blood. "No problem. Phoenix Tomb City can hold out for two more months."
Back then, Chu Linyang had defended it for three months. With troops and supplies, Chu Yu couldn’t possibly hold out for less time than her brother had.
Gu Chusheng staggered to his feet, laughing wildly. "Sacrificing your sister-in-law’s life to buy those three months! Isn’t that what you’ve been planning all along? Crush Northern Di in a month?"
He spat in disgust and sneered, "Wishful thinking!"
Wei Yun remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ground. Gu Chusheng, seeing his lack of response, was overwhelmed by rage and helplessness.
"Wei Yun," he rasped, "she’s been nothing but good to you.""Shen You," Wei Yun looked up at him calmly, "Return to Northern Di. I'll arrange a false identity for you. Forge a token from Sucha to carry with you and wait for me in the Northern Di capital."
Shen You frowned. "What do you want me to do there?"
"I'll tell you when the time comes."
Wei Yun gestured dismissively. "Go now. Depart today."
"Wei Yun!" Gu Chusheng raised his voice. "You're really just leaving her on the battlefield like this?!"
"Wei Xia," Wei Yun spoke evenly, turning to Wei Xia, "Go to the front lines and find Song Shilan. Tell him to abandon Quanzhou and retreat immediately, then bring the Second Madam back. Have Song Shilan wait at Ten Feet Gorge. When Yao Yong leads his troops in retreat from Heaven's Guard Pass toward Qing Province, ambush him there—kill him on sight."
"Yes." Wei Xia acknowledged and withdrew.
"Wei Qiu, go find Chu Linyang," Wei Yun swiftly wrote a letter and handed it to Wei Qiu. "Tell him to send Yao Yong an invitation to jointly defend Heaven's Guard Pass. Once the battle begins, abandon the city immediately and leave Yao Yong alone to hold it."
"Yes."
"Wei Yun!"
"Gu Chusheng," Wei Yun lifted his gaze, staring at him quietly, his tone devoid of emotion. "After Chu Linyang abandons the city, you persuade Yao Yong to do the same. Then, together with Qin Shiyue, hold Heaven's Guard Pass until I arrive."
"Wei Yun," Gu Chusheng's voice turned icy. "Do you even understand what I'm saying? Have you forgotten what I told you? I agreed to serve you because I wanted to marry Chu Yu. Now that you're treating her like this, why should I still help you?"
Wei Yun lowered his eyes to the blank paper, gripping the jade brush in his hand tightly, suppressing his emotions.
He couldn't speak, couldn't show jealousy, couldn't voice his thoughts.
He was different from Gu Chusheng. Gu Chusheng could openly love that person, but his own feelings were destined to rot in the darkness.
"After Chu Linyang abandons the city, you persuade Yao Yong to do the same. By then, Hua Jing will be in imminent danger, and I'll request the commander's seal from His Majesty to retake Heaven's Guard Pass. Then I'll have Chu Linyang and Song Shilan capture cities along the way. You return to Hua Jing and take full control of the Wei family's forces there. Maneuver among the noble families, trap Emperor Chunde in the palace, and strip him of his power."
Hearing this, Gu Chusheng finally sensed something amiss.
Wei Yun continued calmly, "After securing Heaven's Guard Pass, I'll lead five thousand light cavalry over the snow-capped mountains into Northern Di, straight to the royal city. I'll capture the Northern Emperor and force Su Can to order a full retreat."
At this, Gu Chusheng's eyes widened, staring at Wei Yun as if he were a madman. Wei Yun remained composed. "By then, Su Can's forces will be weakened. When Sucha withdraws from Phoenix Mausoleum, Chu Linyang and Song Shilan will pursue the retreating Northern Di troops. Sucha, concerned about the capital, won't engage in prolonged battle. We’ll maximize their casualties, chasing them all the way to Northern Di and pressing toward the royal city."
"I'll coordinate with them from within the capital. Once Sister-in-law exits Phoenix Mausoleum, if Yao Yong is still alive, have her blockade his forces and prevent him from leaving Qing Province. If Chen Country makes any moves, you advance and offer substantial bribes to stabilize them."
Wei Yun recounted all possible scenarios with detached calm.
Gu Chusheng listened, gradually falling into silence."Wei Yun," he finally spoke. "Let's not even discuss how you crossed those snow-capped mountains or how five thousand men took the northern capital. Even if you've captured it, waiting for Chu Linyang and Song Shilan with five thousand troops in the heart of Northern Di territory—once the Great Chu army arrives, Sucha will kill you first as retribution. Your chances of survival are slim to none. Do you understand this?"
Hearing these words, Wei Yun slowly smiled.
"I know."
"Then you—"
"But I can't abandon her."
As he spoke, Wei Yun lifted his gaze, looking past the clear spring sky, beyond the layers of clouds, as if seeing that fluttering snow-white robe on the distant city tower. Then his eyes fell upon the courtyard.
Once, in this very courtyard, under moonlight like flowing water, with a long spear dancing like a dragon, she had given him a dream both enchanting and magnificent.
Back then, he had sat on the veranda, listening to the women singing in harmony indoors, watching the graceful movements of the woman before him.
What had he been thinking then?
He thought—
To witness such a dance, I would gladly die at your feet.
Author's Note: BGM: "Reign Over the World" and "What Have We to Fear"
I'm about to explode with hype!!!!
Let me tell you, my Xiao Qi is the most dashing, my Xiao Qi is the most dashing, my Xiao Qi is the most dashing.
To those who urged me to lose weight by chasing stars today, let me tell you—I do chase stars! I chase Xiao Qi!!! I chase Gu Chusheng!! I chase Chu Linyang!! I chase Song Shilan!!! I chase Xue Hanmei!! I chase Shen You!! I chase Wei Jun!! I chase the Wei family's one, two, three, four, five, six, seven!!
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