Fight For Love

At this moment on Heaven's Guard Pass, after the sound of the horn, the first war drum was struck, and the Northern Di began their siege!

This time, Yao Yong dared not be overconfident. While other places in Great Chu might be lost, Heaven's Guard Pass absolutely could not fall. If Heaven's Guard Pass were lost, for Yao Yong, it would mean completely losing the emperor's trust.

The Yao Family was never one of those deeply rooted, century-old aristocratic families. If they lost the emperor's trust and the Crown Prince were deposed, the Yao Family would be finished.

Yet even now, Yao Yong still pinned his hopes on Chu Linyang, quietly instructing his deputy: "Take some men to the side positions. Leave the critical spots to Chu Linyang. Don't fight desperately unless absolutely necessary."

The deputy understood perfectly. Yao Yong's troops had always fought this way. With this order, everyone immediately took up positions that wouldn't face the brunt of the attack.

As for key strongholds like the city gates, Yao Yong left them all to Chu Linyang.

Chu Linyang glanced at Yao Yong's arrangement and calmly said, "I'll lead the troops out for close combat. General Yao can stay on the city walls."

The key to defending a siege was, first and foremost, to prevent the enemy from approaching the walls. If they did get close, the priorities were to protect the gates and prevent them from scaling the walls with cloud ladders.

Sending troops to engage in close combat outside the gates was one strategy, but the casualties would be too high. Yao Yong had been waiting for Chu Linyang to say these very words. As soon as they were spoken, he hurriedly responded, "Your sacrifice is noble, General! Rest assured, I'll have the archers on the walls provide cover to ensure your safety!"

A mocking smile tugged at Chu Linyang's lips, but he said nothing more before turning to descend the tower.

Once below, he gathered his troops, organized them, and led them out through the city gates.

Yao Yong also had all the archers prepare. Filled with satisfaction, he stood proudly until his deputy couldn't help but ask, "Marshal, why are you so pleased?"

"General Chu is truly noble!" Yao Yong laughed. "With his help in this battle—"

"Marshal!" the deputy suddenly exclaimed in disbelief. "Chu Linyang has fled!"

"Don't talk nonsense—" Before Yao Yong could finish, his eyes widened in shock. Chu Linyang and his troops were galloping away from the city, raising white flags instead of engaging the Northern Di. They swiftly skirted around the enemy forces, racing past them as if fleeing for their lives, leaving nothing but dust in their wake!

Yao Yong's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. But just then, the battle cries of the Northern Di reached his ears—they were already at the city walls!

All the soldiers turned to look at Yao Yong, who roared furiously, "What the hell are you staring at? Fight!"

Amid the chaos, Yao Yong bellowed into the distance, "Chu Linyang! You bastard, get your ass back here!"

Yao Yong's voice, infused with internal force, echoed across the entire battlefield. Yet Chu Linyang didn't even turn his head—he merely raised a hand and gave a casual wave in farewell.

A surge of blood rushed to Yao Yong's chest as he finally realized he'd been thoroughly outmaneuvered by Chu Linyang.

He had never imagined that Chu Linyang, who always seemed so loyal to the army and devoted to the people, would one day pull such a stunt.

He was abandoning Heaven's Guard Pass...

The last natural stronghold of Great Chu, Heaven's Guard Pass just two hours from Hua Jing—he was actually giving it up!

Yao Yong wouldn't dare flee, yet Chu Linyang had led his entire force away without hesitation!

Gritting his teeth, Yao Yong heard his deputy cautiously ask, "Marshal, what do we do now?"

"What can we do?!"Yao Yong roared in anger, "Notify all the nearest troops nearby! Where is Song Shilan? Didn’t he just retreat from Quanzhou? Find him for me! Tell everyone—hold the line at all costs! No one is allowed to flee!"

Not long after his outburst, a servant rushed in anxiously and reported, "Marshal, a man named Gu Chusheng claims to be an envoy from General Song and requests an audience."

"Gu Chusheng?!"

Yao Yong froze for a moment before recalling who this person was. He immediately realized that Gu Chusheng’s arrival was unlikely to bring good news. "Arrest him!" he snapped. "I’ll deal with him after the battle!"

The soldier hurried off, but soon returned hesitantly. "Marshal..."

"What now?!" Yao Yong, pushed to the brink of collapse, bellowed.

The soldier lowered his voice. "Gu Chusheng said... do you no longer want General Song’s assistance?"

Silence fell over the room. After a pause, an adjutant cautiously suggested, "Marshal, perhaps it would be wise to meet with Gu Chusheng?"

Yao Yong trembled with rage, but he could only grit his teeth and say, "Bring him up to the city tower to see me."

With that, he turned and entered the command room at the center of the tower.

Gu Chusheng soon arrived, dressed in a crimson official robe, his face beaming with joy. The moment he entered, he clasped his hands in greeting. "Congratulations, General! My sincerest congratulations!"

"Speak plainly!" Yao Yong’s unease grew at Gu Chusheng’s cheerful demeanor. "No riddles."

Gu Chusheng smiled. "This humble official heard that you are defending Heaven’s Guard Pass and rushed here to offer my congratulations."

Yao Yong had no patience for Gu Chusheng’s theatrics, but his cryptic words piqued his curiosity. "What is there to congratulate me for?"

Gu Chusheng stepped forward and sighed. "At present, the soldiers of Great Chu are either fleeing or scattering—only you, Marshal Yao, remain to hold the pass. Once Heaven’s Guard Pass is secured and the Northern Di retreat, you will be the foremost hero of Great Chu. Every official in court will have to heed your commands. That is the first reason for celebration."

Yao Yong’s heart sank as he instantly grasped Gu Chusheng’s implication. With all other troops gone, defending Heaven’s Guard Pass would be an arduous task. Yet if he succeeded, he would become Great Chu’s greatest savior. But why had Emperor Chunde favored him in the first place? Precisely because he lacked political backing. If he gained such influence now, combined with what the emperor had previously granted him, his achievements would overshadow the throne.

He knew Emperor Chunde too well—would the emperor tolerate such a threat?

With just one sentence, Gu Chusheng had struck two blows: Yao Yong would have to risk his life to defend the pass, yet still end up in peril.

But Gu Chusheng’s expression was so earnest that Yao Yong couldn’t tell if he was genuinely congratulating him or subtly warning him. Suppressing his emotions, Yao Yong asked coldly, "And the second reason for celebration?"

"The second is this: the Duke Who Pacifies the Nation has gathered forty thousand troops outside the imperial city, surrounding Hua Jing to play chess with His Majesty. Once you secure Heaven’s Guard Pass, you can return to the palace to rescue the emperor—another great achievement, no?"

"Gu Chusheng!" Yao Yong shot to his feet. "Are you rebelling?!"

"Marshal Yao, how can you say such a thing?"Gu Chusheng looked puzzled. "Heaven's Guard Pass is currently under attack. If it falls, Hua Jing could be taken in just two hours by a light cavalry charge. The Duke Who Pacifies the Nation sending troops to protect Hua Jing in advance is an act of utmost loyalty to the imperial family. How could this be seen as rebellion?"

With that, Gu Chusheng sighed and showed a helpless expression. "Indeed, those with dirty eyes see filth everywhere."

"Gu Chusheng, don't you dare be so insolent!" Yao Yong suddenly drew his sword and pointed it at Gu Chusheng. "Or don't blame me for being impolite!"

Gu Chusheng faced the sword tip without flinching, still smiling calmly.

In his previous life, he had entered officialdom at fourteen and served until his death at fifty-two—thirty-eight years in total. What storms hadn't he weathered?

Like Wei Yun, he had always been a man who gambled with his life. To him, Yao Yong's sword was nothing more than a child's plaything.

Gu Chusheng raised his hand, pinching the sword tip between two fingers, and shook his head. "Marshal Yao, no need for haste. I still have a third piece of good news to share."

No one was eager for this third piece of news. Gu Chusheng moved Yao Yong's sword aside and said with a smile, "This third piece, I believe Marshal Yao will appreciate. General Song is currently on his way. Hold out for one more day, and he will arrive."

Yao Yong remained silent. Had he heard about Song Shilan's arrival before Chu Linyang, he would have been overjoyed. But now, the news only filled him with suspicion—some scheme must be afoot.

"Why isn't he coming now?"

He refused to believe Song Shilan truly needed another day to arrive. There had to be a plot...

Ah.

Thinking of time, Yao Yong suddenly realized—Song Shilan, that sly old fox, was waiting for him to engage the Northern Di forces, intending to swoop in and reap the rewards afterward.

They were all counting on him not daring to abandon Heaven's Guard Pass!

But...

Yao Yong clenched his fists.

He truly couldn't abandon it.

He glared at Gu Chusheng, who smiled and said, "So rest assured, Marshal. Just hold out for one night, and General Song will be here. There's no need for excessive worry."

What nonsense—one night!

By then, the Northern Di's main forces would have already clashed with him, and Song Shilan would arrive just to pick up the pieces!

Yao Yong stared at the drum signals, speechless, while Gu Chusheng leisurely sat down and remarked, "Marshal Yao, I won't disturb you further. May I have a cup of tea here?"

"You—"

Yao Yong wanted to say more, but his deputy pulled him back. Gu Chusheng represented Song Shilan, and everyone present feared Song Shilan might not come. The deputy quickly interjected, "Marshal, calm down. Let's step outside first—no need to stoop to his level."

Hearing this, Gu Chusheng scoffed, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and wore a smug expression.

Yao Yong knew now wasn't the time to clash with Gu Chusheng, so he turned and left to assess the battle situation.

The Northern Di were attacking fiercely, focusing on two key locations: Heaven's Guard Pass and Phoenix Tomb City. Watching the elite soldiers he had personally trained fall one by one, Yao Yong's heart ached unbearably. If this were for his own sake, fine—but for others? How could he not feel the pain?

And...

The thought of Song Shilan lurking in the shadows, waiting to replace him, gave Yao Yong a headache.

This was exactly how he had stolen others' military merits in the past. He knew all too well what Song Shilan was up to now.But Song Shilan's troops were better than nothing. Now that Chu Linyang had fled, with Wei Yun besieging the imperial city, if even Song Shilan didn't come... Heaven's Guard Pass would truly be lost.

Yao Yong gritted his teeth and held out until midnight. Watching the bodies being carried down from the city walls one after another, his heart bled. Just then, his adjutant rushed over in a panic: "Commander Yao, an Imperial Decree from Hua Jing has arrived!"

"An Imperial Decree from Hua Jing?"

Yao Yong looked puzzled. Why would Hua Jing send a decree now?

Nevertheless, he went to receive it. A clean-shaven eunuch approached with the decree and seemed surprised upon seeing Yao Yong: "Marshal Yao is still here?"

Confused, Yao Yong replied, "What does Your Excellency mean? This official has been defending Heaven's Guard Pass all along and hasn't fled. It's that scoundrel Chu Linyang who's run away! I beg Your Excellency to report this to His Majesty so Chu Linyang may be punished!"

The eunuch frowned but, being merely a messenger, said directly, "Then receive the decree, Marshal."

Unfurling the decree, the eunuch announced coldly, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Yao Yong, as commander of the battlefield, harbored intentions to flee before the great natural barrier of Chu, an unforgivable crime. He is hereby ordered to return to the capital under guard and surrender his command seal to the Marquis of National Stability, Wei Yun—"

"What did you say?!"

At this, Yao Yong abruptly raised his head, glaring coldly at the eunuch. "What do you mean by this?!"

The eunuch shrank back in fear, swallowing hard. "This servant is proclaiming the decree. Why do you rise?"

"Give me that decree!"

Yao Yong reached out toward the eunuch. Nearby, swords were drawn as a Northern Di soldier desperately scaled the Cloud Ladder to attack the wall, only to be impaled and fall at the eunuch's feet. The eunuch stumbled back in shock and was about to hand over the decree when a loud shout rang out: "Who dares forge an Imperial Decree here?!"

Before anyone could react, a figure in red robes lunged forward, seized the eunuch, and hurled him straight off the city wall!

The sudden turn of events left everyone speechless. Gu Chusheng turned back, dusted his hands, and smiled. "Marshal Yao, these are just petty men trying to deceive you. Pay them no mind—focus on defending the city."

Yao Yong fell silent.

Amid the clamor of battle, less than half a night into the fight, his forces had already dwindled by ten thousand. Staring at the smiling Gu Chusheng, he began to calmly assess the situation.

Gu Chusheng had come on behalf of Song Shilan, proving he was Song Shilan's man.

Now that Wei Yun had besieged the imperial city, this eunuch must have been sent by Wei Yun.

Emperor Chunde had always been paranoid and cowardly. Now that he was trapped by Wei Yun, who bore him deep hatred, this decree might not be fake. Perhaps Wei Yun had already convinced the emperor that Yao Yong had abandoned the city, securing a decree to punish him.

If Emperor Chunde believed he had fled, what difference did it make whether he stayed or left?

And why had Gu Chusheng thrown the decree away?

Because Song Shilan didn't want him to abandon the city—Song Shilan was still waiting to play the oriole. If Yao Yong confirmed the decree was real, he would surely retreat. And if he didn't hold Heaven's Guard Pass, Song Shilan would lose his chance at glory.Yao Yong pondered for a long while, while Gu Chusheng's expression grew increasingly grim. Forcing himself to remain composed, he said, "What? Marshal Yao, surely you don't believe this Imperial Decree is genuine? Why don't you consider how much trust His Majesty has placed in you? How could he possibly trust Wei Yun over you?!"

At these words, Yao Yong's face changed dramatically. Emperor Chunde's trust in him might be the most unreliable thing of all.

He had done so many things behind Emperor Chunde's back—where was there any trust between them? The only person Emperor Chunde trusted wholeheartedly was probably that utterly loyal Wei Zhong.

He raised his eyes to look at Gu Chusheng, gritted his teeth, and finally said, "Seize him!"

Gu Chusheng's expression shifted drastically. "Marshal Yao, do you no longer wish to wait for General Song's reinforcements?"

"Reinforcements?" Yao Yong let out a cold laugh. "I'm abandoning Heaven's Guard Pass—what need do I have for reinforcements?"

"Yao Yong!" Gu Chusheng shouted urgently. "Heaven's Guard Pass is the last line of defense for Great Chu! Aren't you afraid of His Majesty's wrath for acting like this?"

"Ha! He already thinks I've abandoned the city. What difference does it make whether I do or not? Should I really stay here like a fool and pave the way for Song Shilan's glory?" Yao Yong walked up to Gu Chusheng and patted his face. "Pretty boy, the battlefield isn't a place for play. In your next life, stay far away from war."

Hearing this, Gu Chusheng chuckled softly. "General Yao," he lowered his voice, "you can kill me if you want, but if I die, do you really think you'll escape?"

Yao Yong looked up at Gu Chusheng, who smiled and continued, "Before I came, I told General Song that I would stand on the city walls until dawn. If I'm not here, it means you intend to rebel, and General Song can immediately lead his troops to annihilate the remnants outside the city. Crushing rebels is much easier than defending Heaven's Guard Pass—but it's still a great merit."

Yao Yong fell silent. He understood Gu Chusheng's threat clearly.

Now, if he kept Gu Chusheng alive, Song Shilan would see him alive, and even if Yao Yong fled, Song Shilan wouldn't act immediately.

But if Gu Chusheng died, Yao Yong would be surrounded and destroyed at once.

Yao Yong stared at Gu Chusheng for a long time before finally saying three times, "Good, good, good."

"You brats," he released Gu Chusheng and gritted his teeth. "I underestimated you!"

With that, Yao Yong shoved Gu Chusheng aside and ordered, "Hold him on the city walls with a blade at his throat—don't let him move! The rest of you, follow me! Prepare to retreat!"

As he spoke, a sharp blade was pressed against Gu Chusheng's back. He didn't move, but Yao Yong immediately descended the walls, gathered his troops below, and began retreating at once.

Gu Chusheng stood on the city walls, his red robes fluttering in the wind. His gaze turned toward another hill, and he raised his hand slightly.

From the hill, Chu Linyang saw Gu Chusheng's signal and understood that Yao Yong had truly abandoned the city.

They watched Yao Yong's movements. After he left the city, only Qin Shiyue and the Guardian Army remained on the walls, refusing to retreat and fighting desperately. Yao Yong glanced back at Heaven's Guard Pass, clenched his teeth, and finally spurred his horse into a gallop, fleeing into the distance.

Seeing Yao Yong leave, Gu Chusheng exhaled in relief and turned to Qin Shiyue. "General Qin, can you hold out for half an hour?"

Qin Shiyue glanced at him and nodded.However, before half an hour had passed, the emperor's spies stationed at Heaven's Guard Pass rushed back to the palace the moment Yao Yong abandoned the city. Two hours later, the emperor received the urgent report.

"Your Majesty—"

The messenger stumbled in frantically: "Marshal Yao has abandoned the city! He's fled!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chunde and the Crown Prince jerked their heads up. The Crown Prince, who had been resting for some time, suddenly stood up, pointing at the messenger with eyes wide in fury: "You're lying!"

"It's true," the messenger wept. "Your Majesty, you must flee now. Only Qin Shiyue remains defending Heaven's Guard Pass. Once it falls, Hua Jing will soon be lost."

Qin Shiyue was originally a servant of the Wei family—a fact the emperor knew well.

In the end, the one who didn't abandon the city and still protected the Chu empire was, once again, a member of the Wei family.

As Emperor Chunde listened to the report, his heart was filled with turmoil.

He refused to admit his mistake, yet he had no choice but to face it.

Wei Yun, whom he had distrusted, had not truly abandoned Heaven's Guard Pass despite everything. On the other hand, Yao Yong, whom he had trusted most, had fled.

"What do we do…"

The Crown Prince knew the messenger was the emperor's trusted subordinate, so Yao Yong must have indeed abandoned the city. His expression lost and confused, he turned to the emperor and said, "Father, what should we do? Should we flee?!"

Emperor Chunde remained silent, his gaze fixed intently on the Crown Prince. The prince's legs weakened under the emperor's stare, and he stammered, "Father?"

"Wei Yun," Emperor Chunde rasped, his voice hoarse. "I cannot let the Chu empire fall by my hand. I could run, but the shame would be too great."

Emperor Chunde did not use the imperial "We," but the humble "I"—a choice of words that revealed his current stance toward Wei Yun.

Wei Yun calmly blew on his tea and said indifferently, "Oh? And what does that have to do with me?"

From Wei Yun's tone, Emperor Chunde knew he would not let the matter rest.

Drawing his sword from the side, the emperor gritted his teeth and said, "I agree to your terms."

Wei Yun lifted his eyes to meet Emperor Chunde's gaze. The emperor held the sword, tears brimming in his eyes as he trembled and said, "I will depose the empress, execute the Crown Prince and Yao Yong, strip the Yao clan of their nobility, appoint you as Grand Marshal of the Empire, and clear the Wei family's name."

"With this," Emperor Chunde said through clenched teeth, "will you take the field and reclaim Heaven's Guard Pass?!"

Wei Yun did not answer. Instead, his gaze shifted to the Crown Prince.

Emperor Chunde understood his meaning—and so did the Crown Prince.

The prince turned and bolted. Emperor Chunde raised his voice and shouted, "Guards, seize him!"

Soldiers rushed in and pinned the Crown Prince to the ground. Emperor Chunde approached with his sword. The prince's wounds had only just been bandaged, and he wept, "Father… Father… please, I beg you, Father…"

"Yao Yong was the one who killed them! Yao Yong was the one who did it! It has nothing to do with me, nothing at all!"

The Crown Prince struggled desperately to crawl backward, but Emperor Chunde pointed the trembling sword at him.

"This isn't about right or wrong…" Emperor Chunde said hoarsely. The prince shook his head violently. "Father, I'm your own son! You raised me with your own hands! How could you do this to me?"

Emperor Chunde said nothing, tears streaming down his face.

The Crown Prince was his most beloved child, the one he had cradled on his knees since infancy. Now that he had finally grown into a man, the emperor had endured and forgiven even his gravest mistakes."My child, in this world, there is no right or wrong," Emperor Chunde closed his eyes. "There has only ever been the victor becoming king and the loser branded a bandit, the strong preying on the weak."

As he spoke, Emperor Chunde's sword pressed forward slightly.

The Crown Prince stood frozen in place, not even noticing the pain as the blade pierced his flesh.

Yet with that slight movement, Emperor Chunde could bring himself to go no further. Wei Yun stepped forward and took the sword from the emperor's hand.

"A father's kindness and a son's love are the natural order of human relations," Wei Yun said calmly. "This sword stroke, let Wei Yun perform it in Your Majesty's stead."

As he spoke, Wei Yun suddenly lunged forward, his sword piercing through the chest and straight into the heart. Blood gushed from the Crown Prince's mouth, startling Emperor Chunde into taking a step back. The Crown Prince stared fixedly at the Emperor before slowly collapsing to the ground.

Wei Yun turned around, lifting his sword as he took a step back and knelt on one knee, calmly declaring, "Your subject, Wei Yun, requests to lead the battle!"

Emperor Chunde turned his head dazedly, seemingly unable to comprehend Wei Yun's words at first. He stared at Wei Yun for a long moment before finally understanding.

Numbly, he nodded. Wei Yun raised his head and said evenly, "Your Majesty, the guards around you are no longer safe. I wish to replace them all. What do you think?"

The Emperor continued to stare blankly at the Crown Prince, whose body still twitched on the floor. Wei Yun stood up and strode out, raising his voice to command, "Summon the Left Commander of the Imperial Guards, Chen Ling, to bring his troops and protect His Majesty in the main hall!"

Chen Ling had been waiting outside the door. At Wei Yun's order, he immediately led his men inside.

Wei Yun stood at the entrance, glancing back to see Emperor Chunde approach the Crown Prince. The Emperor slowly crouched down, his movements sluggish and heavy, as if he had aged decades in an instant. The once-vigorous ruler had now become a frail old man.

He placed his hand atop the Crown Prince's head, as if the latter were still a child.

But the Crown Prince had already ceased breathing, lying motionless on the ground. Emperor Chunde began to laugh softly, but soon his laughter turned into heart-wrenching sobs.

Wei Yun watched silently until the Emperor's cries reached his ears. Only then did he finally turn away.

The sound of Emperor Chunde's weeping intertwined with the wails he had heard half a year ago in White Emperor Valley when he last saw Wei Jun. As he walked through the palace corridors, it felt as though he were traversing two different moments in time.

Yet his steps never faltered. With an air of ruthless determination, he marched forward.

Once outside the palace gates, he swiftly mounted his horse and charged out of Hua Jing, leaving only five thousand troops behind as he led the rest straight to Heaven's Guard Pass.

Pushing through the night, he arrived at the pass before dawn.

At that moment, Chu Linyang was defending Heaven's Guard Pass alongside Qin Shiyue against the enemy. With Wei Yun's arrival, the defending forces swelled to a hundred thousand.

After being suppressed for so long, Chu Linyang's soldiers fought back with frenzied desperation. As Wei Yun surveyed the battlefield, Gu Chusheng approached from behind and calmly reported, "Marshal, the newly prepared gunpowder is ready. Should we deploy it now?"

Wei Yun shook his head and said to Gu Chusheng, "I've selected five thousand light cavalry. Give the gunpowder to them."

Gu Chusheng acknowledged the order and turned to leave, but Wei Yun called out to him, "Gu Chusheng."

Gu Chusheng paused. Wei Yun turned to look at him calmly, though his expression was heavy with suppressed emotion. "Once Heaven's Guard Pass is stabilized—no later than tonight—I will depart for Northern Di. After I leave, what are your plans?"

"How is the capital now?"

"I left five thousand light cavalry there," Wei Yun frowned. "I killed the Crown Prince and replaced the Emperor's guards."

Gu Chusheng replied evenly, "Then I will head to Phoenix Mausoleum soon."

"Why are you going there?"

"I came to save lives, not to help you conquer the realm."

Gu Chusheng met Wei Yun's gaze. "Yao Yong is finished, and the Emperor is as good as gone. I'll hold Heaven's Guard Pass for you. Proceed with your original plans. As for who ultimately controls Hua Jing—that's no longer my concern."The victor becomes king, the loser a bandit—whether Hua Jing belonged to Wei Yun or Emperor Chunde remained that man's concern held no importance for Gu Chusheng.

All he knew was that Heaven's Guard Pass had diverted some pressure from Chu Yu, Wei Yun had gone to ambush the Northern Di as planned, and Chu Linyang and Song Shilan had the situation under control. The rest was none of his business.

In his past life, he had given everything to this world—leaving nothing for Chu Yu. In this life, what did this world matter to him?

So he calmly added, "Even if it's just to watch, I must go and see."

Last time, he had watched her die. This time, even if it was just to watch, he would go and see.

Wei Yun didn’t speak. He stared quietly at Gu Chusheng for a long time before slowly smiling. "Very well."

Gu Chusheng frowned, unsure of what Wei Yun meant.

"With such intentions," Wei Yun said hoarsely, "I can entrust her to you with peace of mind."

Gu Chusheng sensed something amiss and turned to look at Wei Yun.

But Wei Yun had already averted his gaze. After a moment of thought, Gu Chusheng couldn’t help but find it somewhat amusing.

A mere fifteen-year-old child... what could he possibly be thinking about Chu Yu?

Gu Chusheng turned away and hurried downstairs. Wei Yun clenched his fists, gazing into the distance. Chu Linyang glanced at him, frowned, but said nothing.

Meanwhile, Yao Yong was fleeing desperately toward Qing Province.

Qing Province was his stronghold. Now that he had lost the emperor’s trust, his only path was to return to Qing Province and rebel.

As he galloped down the road, he spotted a man in a water-blue robe standing in the middle of the path. Yao Yong frowned, finding the figure vaguely familiar. When he drew closer, his eyes widened in shock, and he yanked the reins to a halt.

The man smiled at him. Though he wore the distinctive robes of one of The Eldest Princess’s male concubines, an air of nobility—rare among such men—surrounded him.

Yao Yong stopped before him. The man smiled and said, "General Yao, it’s been a while."

Yao Yong didn’t dare speak.

He recognized the man’s appearance, yet he couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge him—because this man should have been dead.

—The Prince of Qin, who had rebelled last year.

But upon closer inspection, Yao Yong noticed differences. This man was noticeably younger, with a tear mole at the corner of his eye—nothing like the Prince of Qin.

Yao Yong frowned. "Who are you?"

"The Prince of Qin’s heir," the man replied, hands tucked into his sleeves, smiling as he uttered a name that shocked Yao Yong: "Zhao Yue."

Yao Yong’s eyes widened in disbelief. How could this man still be alive?

The Gu family had been punished for harboring the Prince of Qin’s son. It was only because Gu Chusheng had acted decisively—handing him over to the palace and surrendering everything the Gu family had—that they had survived. He should have died...

"Lord Yao must be thinking, ‘I should be dead,’ right?"

Zhao Yue chuckled. "But not only am I not dead, I’m alive and well. Shouldn’t you be relieved?"

"Why should I be relieved?"

Yao Yong’s heart raced, but he understood what Zhao Yue was implying.

"The founding emperor of Great Chu was of my Zhao lineage. Back then, the Li family was merely the adopted son of the first emperor, yet they seized power and usurped the throne. My father was granted the fief of Qiongzhou, far from Hua Jing, and willingly submitted—that was the only reason he was spared. But what right do the Li family have to sit on that throne?!"

Zhao Yue’s expression turned cold. "Now, General Yao must distinguish right from wrong. Who is the true heir? Do you understand?"Zhao Yue's question carried a profound implication, but Yao Yong quickly grasped his meaning.

Returning to Qing Province would be considered rebellion no matter how he framed it, going against the will of the people. Even if he declared himself king, he feared he wouldn't meet a good end.

But now, if Zhao Yue was willing to cooperate with him—if he supported Zhao Yue's claim to the throne under the banner of "upholding the Zhao dynasty and eliminating the treacherous Li faction"—then his actions would be justified, and he wouldn't be left isolated.

Seeing Yao Yong hesitate, Zhao Yue pressed on, "Why hesitate, Lord Yao? The Xie Family, the Wang Family, and even The Eldest Princess have already pledged their support for my ascension. What is there left for you to fear?"

The Wang and Xie families represented the most influential civil official clans in the court, and The Eldest Princess was also a formidable figure. Though their military forces weren't vast, their wealth rivaled that of the nation.

Now, with Yao Yong's troops and the financial backing of the Wang, Xie, and the princess, supporting Zhao Yue—the last surviving heir of the Zhao line—to the throne seemed like a plan with all pieces in place.

Yao Yong gritted his teeth and finally asked, "If I cooperate with you, what do I get in return?"

Hearing this, Zhao Yue burst into laughter.

"General Yao, are you still in a position to negotiate terms with me? Rest assured," Zhao Yue said meaningfully, "you will remain General Yao, and I will not become another Emperor Chunde."

Yao Yong pondered this, and Zhao Yue continued, "If you're unwilling, I'll step aside. But just ahead, Song Shilan is waiting for you."

Yao Yong's expression darkened. Standing beside him, Zhao Yue calmly stated, "Now, General Yao, you have two choices. Return to Hua Jing with me, using the support of the Wang and Xie families to seize the capital. Or return to your Qing Province and fight Song Shilan—who has already laid an ambush—to the death."

The mention of Song Shilan's ambush made Yao Yong realize he had fallen into Gu Chusheng's trap.

Gu Chusheng hadn't feared his abandonment of the city at all—he had been counting on it, ensuring Song Shilan would be waiting for him here!

Yao Yong's face twisted through a series of emotions before he finally clenched his jaw and said, "Fine."

With great difficulty, he added, "I will accompany you back, take Hua Jing, and support your ascension to the throne!"

Zhao Yue laughed heartily, turning to gaze toward Hua Jing.

After lying in wait for so long, spring had finally arrived, melting the snow.

While everything was prepared on the front lines, Chu Yu remained locked in a stalemate with Sucha in Phoenix Tomb City.

After a day of rest, Sucha resumed his fierce assault.

Han Xiu had promised him the gunpowder, and now Sucha believed that capturing Phoenix Tomb City and securing Han Xiu would solve all his problems.

Wei Yun had already smuggled the gunpowder out, and the Northern Di had to obtain its formula at all costs—otherwise, they would be at a permanent disadvantage. Emperor Chunde didn't understand the value of this weapon, but Sucha knew it all too well.

After two days of relentless attacks with no success, Sucha's deputy finally couldn't hold back. "Your Highness, perhaps we should retreat?"

Sucha didn't respond. He merely glanced at the deputy, who mustered his courage and continued, "Your Highness, His Majesty has already ordered an assault on Heaven's Guard Pass, and they're still holding out. There's no point in wasting our strength here at Phoenix Tomb."

"No point?" Sucha scoffed. "I've mobilized so many troops for this, and you're telling me we can't take a single small city?!"

"Phoenix Tomb is different," the deputy insisted anxiously. "The city is naturally easy to defend and hard to attack, and with the gunpowder—"

"You think Phoenix Tomb is too difficult to capture?" Sucha fixed his gaze on the deputy, who swallowed hard and admitted, "Yes...""Then let me tell you," Sucha said calmly, "if we don't take Phoenix Tomb City this time, there will be cities like this everywhere in Great Chu in the future. Think about it—what will happen to Northern Di?"

The Northern Di people rarely farmed. Whenever food ran short each year, they would raid the borders of Great Chu. They typically looted and fled quickly, and the Wei family had been skirmishing with them for many years.

If all future cities in Phoenix Tomb City were like this, how would they plunder food?

The adjutant's expression darkened. Seeing his understanding, Sucha said indifferently, "This time, we must bring Han Xiu back. A talent like this—either they die, or they must be taken to Northern Di."

Seeing Sucha's resolve, the adjutant sighed and said no more.

Just then, a commotion arose outside. A soldier entered and reported with a smile, "Your Highness, a man from Great Chu wishes to enter Phoenix Tomb City."

"Kill him," Sucha said decisively. "A man from Great Chu dares to speak to me?"

"Your Highness, he claims to have information about your mother. He's willing to trade this information for passage into the city."

Hearing this, Sucha frowned.

His mother was a lifelong burden on his heart, and in his past life, Gu Chusheng had fought him for six years, knowing him inside out.

After a moment, he said, "Bring him in."

A man in crimson robes entered the tent. Sucha eyed him coldly. "Speak. What do you know about my mother?"

"If I tell you, will you let me into Phoenix Tomb City?"

"Just you alone?" Sucha frowned. Gu Chusheng replied calmly, "Just me alone."

"Fine," Sucha said decisively. "I'll let you pass."

"Your mother is buried in Mount Suolou."

Gu Chusheng revealed the truth they had spent years uncovering in their past life.

Sucha's expression shifted. He said coldly, "If you're lying, I will come back and kill you."

Gu Chusheng nodded. "You're welcome to verify it."

Though Sucha threatened, he knew Gu Chusheng spoke the truth. The traces of his search had already led him close to that mountain.

He waved a hand and said to the others, "Take him out."

Gu Chusheng exhaled in relief as a Northern Di soldier led him to the front of the camp. He passed through the military encampment and stepped onto the neutral ground between Phoenix Tomb City and Northern Di.

The moment he set foot there, chaos erupted within Phoenix Tomb City. Han Min rushed into the fortified room on the city wall, exclaiming excitedly, "Madam, a man from Great Chu is approaching Phoenix Tomb City! Come quickly and see!"

Chu Yu frowned in confusion. "A man from Great Chu? Just one?"

"Yes!" Han Min tugged at Chu Jin. "You come too! Everyone's going to see!"

Hearing this, Chu Jin sighed helplessly and glanced back at Chu Yu, who nodded. The two sisters walked side by side out of the room and onto the city wall.

There, they saw a figure in blazing red robes crossing the desert toward Phoenix Tomb Mountain.

As if sensing Chu Yu's gaze, he looked up.

Chu Yu stared blankly at the approaching figure. Chu Jin quickly turned to her. "Why is he here?!"

Chu Yu said nothing.

She simply watched as Gu Chusheng entered Phoenix Tomb Mountain and, soon after, appeared at the foot of Phoenix Tomb City.

He stood below the city wall, looking up at Chu Yu with undisguised joy.

Liu Rong stepped forward. "Who goes there?!"

"Director of the Ministry of Gold, Gu Chusheng."

"What is your purpose?"

"To find someone."

"Who are you seeking?""The Wei family's madam, Chu Yu."

"What are you looking for someone to do?!"

When this question was thrown at him, Gu Chusheng fell silent, pressing his lips together as everyone watched him eagerly.

After a long pause, Gu Chusheng smiled calmly.

"I was afraid something might happen to her here. So I thought, if anything really did happen, it would be good to beg for death together."

Author's Note: Daily updates in July are 6,000 words, and I've made up the 6,000 words for you~

The plot will likely take another 1-2 chapters before the male and female leads start their interactions.

If you're not a fan of plot-heavy sections, you can save up and read later.

But the plot has to be written—without it, the characters won't stand out.

[Bonus Scene]

Gu Chusheng: "Experience trumps youth—I'm the best at chasing girls."

Wei Yun: "Heh. Just wait for the slap in the face, loser."