Fight For Love

Gu Chusheng fell silent.

In truth, he had known since his past life that when it came to the word "responsibility," he could never compare to Wei Yun. Both he and Wei Yun were reckless gamblers, but the difference lay in the fact that he had always staked his life for his own future, while Wei Yun had always exchanged his life for the futures of others.

For a fleeting moment, he wanted to ask why.

Why go to such lengths for Chu Yu? She was merely his sister-in-law. On this battlefield where life and death hung in the balance, was it worth trading Wei Yun's life for Chu Yu's?

Yet he found himself afraid to ask. That youthful determination and selflessness—qualities his heart, long tainted by worldly concerns, could no longer possess. He took a deep breath, stepped back, and bowed. "As the Marquis commands."

With that, Gu Chusheng turned and left.

Everyone dispersed to their assigned tasks, heading for the battlefield. Wei Yun remained in the manor, silent for a moment before summoning the steward.

The steward approached steadily. Wei Yun began writing a letter, speaking slowly. "If I should meet an unfortunate end, deliver this letter to my mother. From then on, the Wei family will be entirely under the authority of the First Madam. Should she remarry in the future, half of the Wei family's assets shall serve as her dowry."

"Marquis?!" The steward looked up, startled. Wei Yun continued writing. "Additionally, instruct the First Madam to retrieve a key from my mother. She will know what to do with it. From then on, the Wei family's covert operations will be entirely entrusted to her, as will the family's seal of authority."

As he spoke, Wei Yun lifted the paper, blew on it to dry the ink, and handed it along with the key to the steward. "If I return alive..."

Wei Yun lowered his gaze, his voice quiet. "Burn this letter. No one needs to see it."

The steward said nothing. His eyes reddened as he stepped forward to accept the letter sealed with wax, his voice hoarse. "Young Marquis, we all understand your feelings."

"What do you understand?" Wei Yun couldn't help but laugh.

The steward bowed his head. "Young Marquis, in this life, it is rare to meet someone one truly loves. The Eldest Young Master and the First Madam only met once. You cannot be considered—"

"Dismissed." Wei Yun cut him off, his tone steady. "Keep this matter buried. Don't be too clever."

Having said this much, the steward could say no more. He knelt and kowtowed before rising, as though unable to contain his emotions, and hurried away.

The room was empty, leaving only Wei Yun. He remained kneeling for a long time before letting out a soft laugh.

So everyone knew he loved her. Only he himself had been unaware.

Truly, youth.

But at least, still youth.

Wei Yun braced himself, staggering to his feet.

With everyone gone, he could finally indulge his emotions, allowing himself this moment of vulnerability.

That night, two messages were dispatched from Wei Manor, racing toward the front lines. The letters arrived almost simultaneously in the hands of Song Shilan and Chu Linyang. As Song Shilan read his letter, Jiang Chun rushed in anxiously. "General, I heard a letter arrived from Wei Manor. Is it true?"

Hearing her voice, Song Shilan looked up with a smile, meeting Jiang Chun's worried gaze. "Second Madam, do not fret. This is merely a letter from the Young Marquis discussing military strategy. There is no ill news."

At this, Jiang Chun exhaled in relief, then remembered. "And the First Madam? Has she been rescued?""This..." Song Shilan hesitated for a moment. Jiang Chun's heart instantly leaped into her throat as she gazed at him with hopeful eyes. Meeting those clear yet anxious eyes, Song Shilan found his tone softening inexplicably, as if afraid of startling the person before him. He spoke gently, "The First Madam remains in Phoenix Tomb City to hold back the enemy's main forces for us..."

Before he could finish, Jiang Chun swayed violently. Song Shilan hurriedly reached out to steady her, exclaiming in alarm, "Second Madam!"

Leaning on Song Shilan's arm to regain her balance, Jiang Chun's eyes reddened, her lips trembling. After a long pause, she finally spoke, "How... how could you do this?"

"Second Madam..." Song Shilan sighed. "This was the Young Marquis's decision."

"How could he do this?!" Jiang Chun abruptly shook off Song Shilan's hand, stepping back as she shouted, "There are a hundred thousand troops in Phoenix Tomb City! Leaving his sister-in-law there is nothing short of sending her to her death! I'm going back—" She turned to leave, fury in her voice. "I'm going to find Wei Yun and ask him—where is his conscience?!"

"Second Madam." Song Shilan's steady yet firm voice came from behind her. "We are at war. If you insist on returning, you must go with me. Should anything happen to you, neither the Young Marquis nor I could bear the responsibility."

Jiang Chun halted, her back still turned to him. "What responsibility? In his eyes, are we sisters-in-law nothing more than chess pieces?"

"Second Madam," Song Shilan sighed softly. "Why vent your anger on the wrong person? Do you truly not understand—was this the Young Marquis's choice, or the First Madam's? The First Madam has always been noble and selfless. The Young Marquis has only ever indulged her wishes."

Jiang Chun said nothing, her fists slowly clenching. Watching her slightly trembling figure, Song Shilan felt an unexpected pang of pity.

He stepped forward, standing beside her, and said gently, "Second Madam, don't clench your fists too tightly. You might hurt yourself."

Jiang Chun remained silent. Outside, the sounds of siege warfare erupted once more. Song Shilan strode out and called loudly, "Evacuate the civilians to Jun County first! Abandon the city before dawn!"

After giving the order, he turned back to Jiang Chun, who stood with tightly pressed lips. After a long silence, he sighed. "Second Madam, don't worry. We'll be home soon."

At the same time, Wei Yun's letter reached Chu Linyang.

Upon seeing it, Chu Jianchang erupted in fury. "That brat Wei Yun was supposed to rescue A Yu! Not only did he fail, but he has the audacity to write to you?!"

Chu Linyang read the letter in silence. After a long while, he slowly folded it. His hands trembled slightly, yet his expression remained composed. Chu Jianchang paced the room, cursing Wei Yun, Yao Yong, and the Northern Di in turn.

Listening to this, Chu Linyang calmly instructed his strategist to prepare ink. "Send a letter to Yao Yong. Tell him Heaven's Guard Pass is the final line of defense for our Great Chu. I am willing to set aside our past grievances and join forces against the enemy."

The strategist hesitated. "Do you think Marshal Yao will believe this?"

"Strategist, what kind of men does Yao Yong think my father and I are?"

After careful consideration, the strategist replied, "The Marquis is a loyal subject who serves the nation and its people."

"Then do you think I would truly abandon Heaven's Guard Pass?"

"Never!" The strategist's expression turned grave. "Marquis, Heaven's Guard Pass must not fall. If it does, reclaiming it would be near impossible!""The military advisor also thinks I wouldn't abandon Heaven's Guard Pass," Chu Linyang said calmly. "So naturally, Yao Yong would think the same."

The advisor was momentarily stunned, but Chu Jianchang quickly grasped the implication: "Linyang, are you truly giving up on Heaven's Guard Pass?"

A mocking smile appeared on Chu Linyang's face. "What would it matter if I held Heaven's Guard Pass against such a foolish ruler? Could defending one pass save the entire Great Chu?"

He closed his eyes. "When the rot runs to the roots, nothing improves until it's completely purged."

"But you can't treat Heaven's Guard Pass so lightly!"

"I trust Wei Yun."

Chu Linyang slowly opened his eyes, his expression resolute. "Or rather, I trust A Yu."

At the mention of Chu Yu's name, Chu Jianchang finally understood. He stared at Chu Linyang in disbelief. "You're in league with Wei Yun?! You agreed to let him place A Yu there?!"

Chu Linyang remained silent. This wasn't a matter for him to approve or disapprove, but if asked, he would have consented.

Chu Jianchang leapt to his feet, roaring, "She's your sister!"

Silently, Chu Linyang began organizing his documents. "If you have nothing else, Father, please leave."

"Chu Linyang!"

Chu Jianchang bellowed, "Go rescue A Yu immediately!"

"Father," Chu Linyang raised his head, meeting his father's gaze calmly. "If I were in Phoenix Tomb City today, I'd make the same choice. I believe you would too. A Yu merely did what any member of the Chu family would do."

Chu Jianchang fell silent. After a long pause, the gray-haired elder's tears fell. He wiped his face roughly and turned away.

After his departure, Chu Linyang addressed the others quietly, "All of you, leave."

The military advisor glanced at the guards before nodding and withdrawing with the rest.

Alone in the room, Chu Linyang sat watching the candle flame for a long, long time before finally closing his eyes.

"A Yu..."

Meanwhile, a thousand miles away, Chu Yu sat atop the city wall, drinking beneath the moonlight.

The Northern Di army camped nearby as Chu Jin approached from behind, asking curiously, "Sister, what are you looking at?"

"Hmm?" Chu Yu turned, surprised. "What brings you here?"

Chu Jin smiled. A massive scar now crawled across her face like a centipede, twisting grotesquely with her expression. Yet her smile remained pure, her eyes clear—to Chu Yu, she looked far better than she ever had in Hua Jing.

"I heard you were on the wall. Knowing your fondness for drink, I worried you might fall asleep here and catch cold."

Her gentle tone carried the same concern she'd shown in their youth. She'd always been more thoughtful than Chu Yu, whether sincerely or not.

Chu Yu shifted sideways, patting the space beside her. "Dare to sit?"

Pursing her lips in slight defiance, Chu Jin carefully climbed up, steadying herself against the stone. Once seated, the breeze brushed their faces as they gazed across the endless plains beneath the bright moon. Thousands of tents dotted the landscape with flickering lights, while fireflies danced in the moonlight, breathing life into the silent night."Tell me the truth," Chu Yu said with a smile. "When you used to fuss over me, was it sincere or utterly nauseating?"

Hearing this, Chu Jin thought seriously for a moment before answering, "Depended on my mood."

"Ha," Chu Yu wasn't surprised by this answer. She took a sip of wine and handed the flask to her. "Can you drink?"

"No," Chu Jin shook her head. Chu Yu leaned closer. "Good. Then take three penalty sips as your apology to me."

Chu Jin remained silent. Chu Yu thought about it and realized Chu Jin probably wouldn't drink. Her inherent temperament was always willful, just hidden beneath that gentle exterior, rarely noticed by others. But looking back now, when had Chu Jin ever truly done anything she didn't want to do?

Just as Chu Yu reached for the flask, Chu Jin stopped her. Holding the wine, Chu Jin looked at her seriously. "I won't elaborate on what I'm apologizing for—you understand. My 'sorry' is here. From now on, let's start fresh as sisters."

With that, Chu Jin tilted her head back and took a sip. The strong liquor burned her throat, and Chu Yu laughed as she watched her cough violently, reaching out to pat her back.

Chu Jin's face flushed red, and Chu Yu quietly observed her.

This was a completely different Chu Jin from the one in her past memories.

Perhaps this was the sister she had always hoped for, the one she truly wanted.

"Alright," Chu Yu said, patting Chu Jin's back with a smile. "If we survive this, we'll be sisters again. If we don't—"

"Then in the next life."

Chu Jin lifted her head and met her gaze firmly. "Next life, I'll be the older sister."

"What's this?" Chu Yu raised an eyebrow. "Rebellion?"

"No," Chu Jin chuckled. "If I'm the older sister, I'll take care of you."

Chu Yu felt a faint stir in her heart. Chu Jin turned away, gazing into the distance.

"You've taken care of me a lot in this life. I'm grateful."

Chu Yu didn't respond. After a long pause, she placed a hand on Chu Jin's shoulder. "Fine. For that sip of wine, I'll tell you another truth."

Chu Jin turned to her, curious. Chu Yu leaned in and whispered, "Back then, whenever I saw you, I thought, 'What a little bastard...'"

Before she could finish, Chu Jin angrily swung at her. Chu Yu lightly stepped back, leaping off the city wall and landing gracefully in the distance.

Under the night sky, Chu Jin watched her smiling face and froze for a moment before slowly smiling herself.

"Alright," she sighed in resignation. "I'm a little bastard, but you're not much better."

Chu Yu considered this and was about to agree when Han Min's voice suddenly rang out from the stairs. "Madam Chu! Come quickly—my father wants to see you!"

Hearing this, Chu Yu hurriedly followed Han Min downstairs to Han Xiu's residence.

As soon as they arrived, she saw Liu Rong approaching with a group of men—and soldiers trailing behind him. Startled, she asked, "Commander Liu, what is the meaning of this?"

Liu Rong didn't answer. He stormed forward, kicked open the gate, and barked orders. "Arrest the traitor Han Xiu for colluding with the enemy!"

Chu Yu's expression darkened. She clasped her hands behind her back, watching calmly as Liu Rong's men rushed inside. Soon, the sounds of struggle echoed from within, and before long, Han Xiu was dragged out, looking disheveled.His mask was still on, his hair disheveled as he was forced to kneel on the ground.

He continued to struggle when Liu Rong rushed forward and slapped Han Xiu across the head, furious. "You’ve learned to be a traitor now, huh? You’ve got some nerve! Haven’t I treated you well all this time? And this is how you repay me?!"

Liu Rong kept berating him while striking him repeatedly. Han Xiu finally lost his patience and snapped, "Enough!"

Startled, Liu Rong took a step back. Han Xiu raised his eyes, his expression simmering with suppressed rage. "A scholar would rather die than suffer humiliation. If you want to kill me, then do it. I won’t resist."

"I won’t kill you," Liu Rong retorted immediately. "I’ll humiliate you!"

"You—!" Han Xiu lunged forward as if to strike Liu Rong, who quickly retreated behind Chu Yu, peeking out from behind her. "What’s with this ‘you’ and ‘me’ nonsense? I show you a little respect, and you think you can walk all over me? Just you wait—guards!" Liu Rong pointed at Han Xiu and barked, "Take him to the dungeon! I’ll personally see to his punishment!"

At this, Han Xiu let out a scornful laugh, making Liu Rong falter slightly.

Nevertheless, the soldiers dutifully carried out Liu Rong’s orders, dragging Han Xiu toward the prison. Chu Yu watched him silently, and in the moment they passed each other, she instantly understood the look in his eyes.

Relieved, she said nothing more. After the others had left, Liu Rong detained Chu Yu under the pretense of discussing official matters and led her to the main hall. The moment they entered, he hastily shut the door. Before he could speak, Chu Yu raised a hand with a smile. "No need to explain, Lord Liu. I understand everything."

"You understand, Madam?"

"Right now, the city is likely infiltrated by spies looking for Lord Han, isn’t it?"

Chu Yu took a seat and poured herself some tea. "Lord Han decided to play along, pretending to agree to the spy’s terms and escape with him. Then you and I staged this act of capturing Han Xiu. This way, Sucha will have hope—if he can take the city by force, Han Xiu will supposedly agree to his demands and hand over the gunpowder."

"Madam truly understands everything." Liu Rong exhaled in relief. "That was indeed Lord Han’s and my plan. If we’re using Phoenix Tomb City as bait, we must make it convincing. Otherwise, if Sucha believes a full assault would only result in mutual destruction, he might turn his forces toward Heaven’s Guard Pass instead."

Chu Yu nodded in approval. "You two are absolutely right. First, give Sucha something to hope for."

After discussing further, they each retired to rest. Within three days, Chu Yu saw the beacon towers at Heaven’s Guard Pass ignite with signal smoke.

After Song Shilan abandoned Quanzhou, the Northern Di army marched straight for Heaven’s Guard Pass. By then, Chu Linyang and Yao Yong had already assembled their forces and arrived at the pass. Chu Linyang bowed deeply to Yao Yong and said earnestly, "Linyang greets the Marshal."

"General Chu, there’s no need for such courtesy," Yao Yong quickly helped him up, beaming. "General Chu is a young prodigy. With you fighting alongside this old man, I have nothing left to worry about."

"Marshal Yao is my senior. I dare not presume," Chu Linyang replied diplomatically. "For this battle, I must still rely on Marshal Yao’s guidance."

Just as Yao Yong was about to decline further, urgent news arrived from outside: "Report!! The Northern Di army is attacking!"Chu Linyang and Yao Yong swiftly turned around. Chu Linyang raised his sword and spun on his heel, calmly commanding, "Pass the order—prepare for battle! General Yao," he paused mid-step and glanced back, "Shall we?"

Yao Yong was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure.

Chu Linyang had always been reckless in battle. As long as he followed behind him, things would be fine. Chu Linyang was just a brat in his twenties, while he himself was the commander of this campaign. Even if they won, who would get the credit? That could be settled with a single letter from him.

And if they lost... he could always push Chu Linyang forward to take the blame.

But—Yao Yong frowned—if Heaven's Guard Pass fell, Hua Jing would likely be indefensible. Emperor Chunde's patience would surely reach its limit, and by then, any discussion of merits or faults might be too late.

Yao Yong racked his brain as he and Chu Linyang arrived at Heaven's Guard Pass.

The battlefield before the pass was filled with the clamor of battle cries. Chu Linyang watched the enemy desperately trying to scale the walls below the city tower and roared, "Light the beacon tower! Prepare to engage!"

At the moment the beacon tower was lit, Wei Yun sat quietly in his courtyard, sipping tea.

The steward rushed into the courtyard in a panic, exclaiming, "Young Marquis, the beacon tower at Heaven's Guard Pass has been lit!"

"Oh?"

Wei Yun lifted his gaze, his expression unperturbed. The steward hurried up the steps, urgently saying, "My lord, Heaven's Guard Pass cannot fall. What should we—"

"Some days ago, I instructed you to recall the troops stationed in Luozhou. Have they all arrived?"

Wei Yun took a sip of tea, his calm demeanor starkly contrasting with the steward's agitation.

The steward hesitated, then nodded. "They are ready."

"Then have Wei Qiu lead them there," Wei Yun said lightly. "Muster the troops and stand by."

"Yes, my lord." The steward bowed and immediately hurried off to carry out the orders.

Once the steward had left, Wei Yun stood up. With the help of his attendants, he entered the house and began changing into a plain white robe adorned with cloud patterns. He placed the jade crown atop his head, fastened a jade pendant at his waist, and hung a sword at his side.

Just as he finished, an urgent voice called from outside, "Wei Yun! Where is Wei Yun?! Wei Yun, receive the Imperial Decree!"

Wei Yun turned around as the grand doors slowly swung open, revealing the young man clad in pristine white robes and a jade crown. He stood in the room, sunlight falling before him. The guard holding the Imperial Decree was momentarily taken aback. Wei Yun regarded him calmly and spoke, "Wei Yun is here, prepared to enter the palace. Please lead the way."

Hearing this, the guard visibly relaxed, his movements steadier as he took a step back and gestured, "Young Marquis, this way."

Wei Yun nodded and followed the guard out.

The guard escorted Wei Yun into the palace, stopping before the grand hall. Palace guards stepped forward to take Wei Yun's sword and conducted a thorough inspection before allowing him to proceed.

Wei Yun entered the grand hall, where the emperor sat upon the Golden Throne, wearing a twelve-beaded imperial crown and a black dragon-embroidered robe, his cold gaze fixed on Wei Yun.

Normally, the grand hall was only opened for morning court, filled with civil and military officials, making it feel anything but empty. But now, with only Wei Yun and the emperor present, Wei Yun realized just how vast and desolate the hall truly was.

The emperor sat high upon his throne, like a solitary dragon coiled in judgment, scrutinizing Wei Yun.

Wei Yun stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and then knelt on the ground, lifting his gaze to the emperor seated above.Their gazes locked, neither yielding an inch. The emperor sneered, "Now that the Northern Di have reached Heaven's Guard Pass, are you satisfied?"

"That's my question for Your Majesty," Wei Yun replied calmly. "Favoring treacherous officials and bringing the nation to such turmoil—are you satisfied?"

"Preposterous!"

The emperor roared in fury, "Did I cause this turmoil? Instead of facing the enemy, you blame me—what kind of logic is that?"

"When it's time to send people to their deaths, you think of my Wei family, but in times of peace and prosperity, all you care about is maintaining balance," Wei Yun sneered. "If my family shows even the slightest dissatisfaction, it's labeled as treason or a crime. Your calculations are truly impeccable."

"It was my fault for treating the Wei family unfairly," Emperor Chunde gritted his teeth. "But does having a reason justify doing whatever you want? As a general, you refuse to go to the battlefield and instead plot rebellion behind the scenes—do you still think you're in the right?!"

"Rebellion..." Wei Yun repeated the word slowly, then chuckled. "Your Majesty must be joking. How could my Wei family ever rebel?"

Wei Yun stared at the emperor, his gaze icy. "If the Wei family wanted to rebel, would you even have the chance to sit on the throne?"

"How dare you!"

"How exactly did you become emperor—don’t you know in your heart?" Wei Yun burst into laughter. "If your father hadn’t committed treason and murdered the previous emperor, do you really think you’d be sitting here today?!"

"Wei Yun!" The emperor stood, pointing furiously at Wei Yun’s face. "You go too far!"

Wei Yun smirked, locking eyes with the emperor. "What? Did I hit a nerve? Why so agitated?"

"Guards!" the emperor shouted. "Seize him and bring me his head!"

At this command, everyone hesitated for a moment. Wei Yun took a sip of tea and said leisurely, "It takes about a day for troops to march from Heaven's Guard Pass to here. But do you know how quickly a fast horse could bring news from the frontlines?"

The emperor frowned. Wei Yun smiled. "Two hours."

"What nonsense are you spouting?"

"Your Majesty asked me earlier where those deserters from the battlefield went, didn’t you?"

Wei Yun shifted the topic, deepening the emperor’s scowl. He poured himself more tea and continued slowly, "Today, I’ll tell you—they’re right outside the imperial city."

The emperor’s face turned deathly pale. Wei Yun blew on the tea leaves and said calmly, "Your Majesty wanted my head, didn’t you?"

He then raised his head, grinning. "Wei Yun is right here. Come and take it."

But the consequences of doing so were clear to the emperor without Wei Yun spelling them out.

If Wei Yun died, even before the Northern Di could reach the capital, Wei Yun’s forces would storm the city—and his reign as emperor would be over.

Emperor Chunde’s expression darkened. Wei Yun looked up and smiled. "Your Majesty isn’t going to execute me anymore?"

"Wei Yun," the emperor softened his tone. "If I’ve done wrong, you can tell me. Why gamble with the fate of the empire?"

"And when Your Majesty protected the Crown Prince, why didn’t you say you were gambling with the empire?"

Wei Yun grinned at Emperor Chunde. "When Your Majesty employed Yao Yong, why didn’t you say you were gambling with the empire?"

The emperor wanted to retort, but considering the current situation, he swallowed his anger and forced out, "Fine, all of that was my fault. But now, with the enemy at our gates, since the Marquis of National Stability has troops at his disposal, I hope he will live up to his title—to stabilize the nation and protect its people."

He emphasized the last four words heavily. Wei Yun listened, then let out a soft laugh.

"Your Majesty speaks so lightly. You admit your mistakes, but is that all it takes—just a casual 'I was wrong'?""What do you want?" Emperor Chunde gritted his teeth, his patience hanging by a thread. Wei Yun looked up calmly and said, "The incident at White Emperor Valley—wasn’t The Crown Prince the one in command?"

Emperor Chunde remained silent, but understanding flashed in Wei Yun’s eyes. "With my father and brother’s temperament, they would never have taken such a reckless risk. If they knew there was an ambush, they simply wouldn’t have gone. If The Crown Prince hadn’t forced them, why would they have ventured into White Emperor Valley?"

"Even if that’s true," Emperor Chunde said through clenched teeth, "it’s not that I won’t deal with The Crown Prince—I just need to find another reason."

"Why look for another reason?" Wei Yun met the emperor’s gaze, his eyes filled with mockery. "To preserve the dignity of the royal family? Or because the guilt of seventy thousand lives is too heavy for The Crown Prince to bear, and you still want to spare your son’s life?"

"What else do you want?!" Emperor Chunde roared. "I can depose The Crown Prince, but do you actually want to kill him?!"

"Why not?!"

Wei Yun raised his voice. "He must bear the consequences of his mistakes—even if it costs him his life. Why shouldn’t he?!"

"Wei Yun, don’t go too far," Emperor Chunde snarled. "Mercy should be shown where possible. The Crown Prince did make a misjudgment, but if every error in command demanded a life, who would dare to make decisions? No one wanted what happened at White Emperor Valley. Stop dwelling on it."

"Then summon him here."

Wei Yun’s voice was icy. "I have questions for him."

Emperor Chunde suppressed his fury, wanting to argue further, but in the end, he didn’t dare say another word.

Swallowing his anger, he waved his hand and ordered The Crown Prince to be brought in.

Soon, The Crown Prince hurried in. After a hasty bow, he looked up at Emperor Chunde and asked anxiously, "Father, they’ve reached Heaven’s Guard Pass—what should we do?"

"Come here first and apologize to Lord Wei," the emperor said wearily, not looking at him. The Crown Prince was bewildered. "Apologize?"

"Shouldn’t you?" Wei Yun spoke up. The Crown Prince whirled around, only then noticing Wei Yun kneeling in the shadows.

His face stiffened momentarily, but he forced himself to remain composed. "This Prince does not understand what the Marquis of National Stability is referring to."

"You don’t? Shall I remind you?" Wei Yun chuckled lightly before suddenly smashing the teacup in his hand. The sound of shattering porcelain echoed through the hall. Picking up a shard, he smiled at The Crown Prince. "Do you need a reminder?"

The Crown Prince said nothing, his gaze fixed on Wei Yun’s hand. He knew Wei Yun had come for retribution.

His mind raced through possible strategies as Emperor Chunde looked up at him and frowned.

Wei Yun smiled faintly. "In truth, I invited Your Highness here not for anything else—just to ask a few questions."

The Crown Prince glanced at Emperor Chunde, who gave him a weary nod. Only then did he steady himself. "Back then, my father and brother left the city one after another. Given their habits, they would never have moved the entire family to White Emperor Valley. Yet they all died there. Your Highness, why do you think that happened?"

"How should I know?" The Crown Prince’s voice was stiff.

Wei Yun took a sip of tea and said lightly, "It’s fine if you don’t know."

He turned to Emperor Chunde. "In that case, Your Majesty, I will attribute all the blame to The Crown Prince. I ask Your Majesty’s permission to take one thing from him."

"What do you want?"Emperor Chunde frowned as Wei Yun smiled slightly and said, "Your head."

The moment the words were spoken, Wei Yun lunged forward. The Crown Prince was abruptly slammed face-first into the ground by Wei Yun, his face smashing against the black marble floor with such force that it left a dent.

Blood streamed from the Crown Prince's head as he struggled desperately. Guards rushed in with swords and spears, forming a tight protective circle around Emperor Chunde.

Terrified by Wei Yun's sudden violence, the emperor cowered behind his guards and exclaimed in shock, "Wei Yun, are you truly attempting rebellion?!"

"Your Majesty," Wei Yun lifted his head, his voice calm. "This subject merely wishes to know what truly happened back then. Is that a crime?"

"That is the Crown Prince!" Emperor Chunde roared.

The Crown Prince writhed on the ground, but Wei Yun pressed his head down, crouching beside him with an eerily composed expression. "If Your Majesty were to depose him, would he still be?"

The emperor's eyes turned bloodshot with rage at these words. Wei Yun turned back to the Crown Prince, his voice deceptively gentle. "Your Highness, speak clearly. Why did my father and brothers die there? Why did they all enter White Emperor Valley together? If you don't explain properly, I'll assume you killed them. Let's count the lives, shall we? One, two, three..."

"It wasn't me..." The Crown Prince struggled, his words slurred as he repeated, "It wasn't me..."

"Five, six..."

"It was Yao Yong!" the Crown Prince suddenly screamed, his voice breaking with sobs. "It really wasn't me!"

Wei Yun's eyes darkened, though his smile remained. "How did Yao Yong lure my father and brothers into White Emperor Valley? If Your Highness can't explain clearly, I'll assume you're lying..."

"He tricked them into going," the Crown Prince's strength waned as he felt blood draining from his body. Trembling, he gasped out, "General Wei split his forces, taking his two sons ahead while leaving another detachment to guard the rear nearby. When Yao Yong saw the enemy forces grow too numerous, he didn't dare advance. But if he retreated, Wei Jun would have known and never forgiven him..."

"And then?" Wei Yun's hand trembled slightly.

"So... Yao Yong sent someone to deliver a false message to Wei Jun, claiming Wei Zhong needed reinforcements. Wei Jun sent Wei Rong back to report and request aid, but Yao Yong had his men intercept and kill Wei Rong..."

"And thus my entire Wei family perished there." Wei Yun's voice was frighteningly calm.

This outcome wasn't unexpected.

For Wei Yun, this had always been the most likely explanation—nothing surprising at all.

Yet something still churned violently in his chest, roaring for him to crush the life from the man beneath his hands.

"And you?" Wei Yun's voice grew colder.

Meanwhile, Emperor Chunde sat frozen on the Golden Throne, staring at his son in utter shock.

He had believed that battle was merely a case of the Crown Prince's poor judgment. Never had he imagined that Yao Yong had actually deserted at the critical moment!

Desertion would have been bad enough, but to then fear discovery of his actions, deceive the remaining Guardian Army into White Emperor Valley, and personally kill Wei Rong who went to seek reinforcements—all to protect himself!

For selfish motives, he had gone to such extremes!

It took Emperor Chunde a long moment to process this before rage overwhelmed him. He spat blood and bellowed, "You traitorous son!"

"Where were you?" Wei Yun increased the pressure, making the Crown Prince howl in pain. "I was on the mountain! Watching!"

The Crown Prince burst into tears. "I truly did nothing..."Hearing this, Wei Yun couldn't help but laugh.

"Your Highness," he said calmly, looking at him, "if I were to have someone stab you right now and watch you bleed to death, would you say I did nothing?"

Then, mimicking the Crown Prince's tone, he added mockingly: "I did absolutely nothing."

The Crown Prince remained silent, but Emperor Chunde rose from the Golden Throne and began kicking and punching the prince, roaring in anger: "You bastard! Worthless scum! How can such trash be the Crown Prince?! You've ruined my empire, you've destroyed the Wei family! Wei Zhong's life..."

The emperor crouched down, grabbing the prince by his collar and shouting: "Do you have even an ounce of conscience left?!"

Dragged up by the emperor, the prince's face was covered in blood, his expression dazed. But after a moment, his focus returned, and he looked at the emperor before bursting into laughter.

"Conscience? Father, I have no conscience!"

He stared at Emperor Chunde and spat out vengefully: "I'm your son. How could I possess something you never had?"

"Bastard!"

Emperor Chunde kicked the prince, sending him rolling across the floor until he crashed into a pillar. The prince curled up in pain, breathing heavily.

When the prince fell silent, the emperor hesitated, then turned to look at Wei Yun, who was still kneeling on the ground.

Wei Yun kept his head lowered without speaking. After a long pause, the emperor said slowly: "This matter... I have wronged your Wei family. I thought they had merely made a wrong decision, but never imagined..."

That the war had come to this point entirely because of these people.

The emperor stammered: "I will compensate for this..."

"Kill him."

Wei Yun raised his head, his expression calm.

The emperor's face changed drastically as Wei Yun stood up: "Depose the empress and the Crown Prince. Execute him, execute Yao Yong. Strip the Yao clan of their fiefs and reduce them to commoners. Give me the commander's seal, appoint me as general, and let all of Chu's soldiers obey my orders."

Hearing this, the prince stirred slightly, as if wanting to say something, but lacked the strength.

Emperor Chunde clenched his fists without speaking.

Wei Yun smiled coldly: "What? Because he's your son, you can't bear it?"

"Then what about me?!" Wei Yun roared: "That was my father, my brothers, my entire Wei Manor! Your imperial family is noble beyond compare, while our lives are worthless?!"

"Wei Yun, a life cannot be exchanged for another life..."

"Then I'll exchange it for justice!"

Wei Yun raised his voice: "Can the lives of seventy thousand not even buy the deaths of the Crown Prince and Yao Yong?!"

The emperor remained silent, and Wei Yun's expression turned mocking.

"Your Majesty may continue to protect them, but I wonder if Marshal Yao deserves such trust from you."

"What do you mean?" Emperor Chunde frowned. Wei Yun slowly returned to his seat and said calmly: "What I just said—before Yao Yong abandons Heaven's Guard Pass, Your Majesty still has time to think it over."

"Impossible!"

The emperor exclaimed in shock: "Yao Yong would never abandon Heaven's Guard Pass."

Heaven's Guard Pass was the emperor's bottom line. Beyond it lay Hua Jing. If Yao Yong abandoned the pass, he wouldn't just be abandoning a fortress—he'd be abandoning the capital, abandoning Emperor Chunde himself!

Observing the emperor's expression, Wei Yun picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"If Your Majesty doesn't believe me, then wait—"

"See whether Yao Yong abandons Heaven's Guard Pass or not."

Author's note: [Mini Theater]Wei Yun: Another day of growing up quickly by drinking AD Calcium Milk.

Gu Chusheng: I don’t think what you’re drinking is AD Calcium Milk.

Wei Yun: Then what is it?

Gu Chusheng: It’s hormones.

Chu Yu: Even hormones don’t make someone grow as fast as him.

Wei Yun: No, I’m still just a little puppy.

Emperor Chunde: Wails

The Crown Prince: Wails

Sucha: Wails

Su Can: Cry cry cry!!!!