Upon hearing this, everyone present laughed, except for Wei Xia and Wei Qiu, who cautiously glanced at Wei Yun. Seeing his expression remain unchanged, they then looked at Chu Yu beside him.
Chu Yu, however, was completely at ease. After exchanging a few more words with Tuso, she teased, "You all are quite interesting."
This was the first time the people of Great Chu had interacted so closely with the Northern Di, sitting down to discuss folk customs. The surrounding soldiers were curious, and soon everyone gathered around Tuso, asking questions for a long time.
As night fell, Chu Yu felt drowsy and went to find Bai Chang. The two shared a tent and slept together.
By the next morning, Wei Yun, Wei Xia, and Wei Qiu were already seated together discussing their next steps. When Wei Yun saw Chu Yu awake, he quickly called out, "Sister-in-law, come here."
Chu Yu responded and sat beside him. Wei Yun outlined a route to her, saying, "This is the path Tuso marked for us. Following it, we can avoid most cities. There are water sources and small villages along the way. If we move quickly, we can leave in half a month."
Chu Yu nibbled on a flatbread and pondered, "Won’t our group be too conspicuous?"
"That’s why we must move fast," Wei Yun said gravely. "The Northern Di is mostly desert, making communication difficult. We can’t stay in one place for more than a night. As long as we keep moving and don’t have the misfortune of encountering the Northern Di’s main forces, Sucha won’t catch up, and we’ll be fine."
Chu Yu nodded. Wei Yun hesitated before adding, "Once we return—"
Everyone looked at him, but he swallowed his words. "We’ll talk about it after we return."
Following Tuso’s suggested route, the group set off, traveling day and night with no more than half a day’s rest, raiding villages along the way.
The Northern Di dispatched troops to hunt them down, but tracking them proved difficult. Wei Yun possessed an exceptional ability to judge the battlefield—knowing when to attack, how to strike, and when to retreat. The route also evolved from Tuso’s initial plan, constantly adjusted based on circumstances.
Even so, by the time they reached the border between Great Chu and the Northern Di half a month later, only half their original number remained. Some had died in clashes with Northern Di civilians, but most had succumbed to illness.
At the border, the path became lined with cities now occupied by the Northern Di. After discussing with Wei Yun, Chu Yu dispersed the remaining five hundred or so men, scattering them along the main road disguised as refugees.
The roadside was crowded with fleeing refugees, a mix of Great Chu and Northern Di people. Wei Xia gathered some information and reported back to Wei Yun, "Master, Yao Yong is currently imprisoned in the palace by His Majesty. His forces have been divided among Song Shizi, Chu Shizi, and several generals of the Guardian Army. The Northern Di still holds twelve of Great Chu’s cities, and both sides are at a stalemate."
Wei Yun nodded. As Wei Xia listed the occupied cities, Wei Yun suddenly interrupted, "Wait, say that again."
Wei Xia repeated the list, and Wei Yun exchanged a glance with Chu Yu.At this moment, they were in Bai City. Bai City and Qing City were currently the only two border cities still held by the Northern Di. In other words, the Northern Di were already surrounded on three sides, with only Bai City and Qing City connecting to their territory. Once these two cities were captured, the Northern Di would be completely trapped within the borders of Great Chu.
Therefore, these two cities were certain targets for the Great Chu army.
Chu Yu glanced at Wei Yun and hesitated before saying, "Should we just wait here?"
Wei Yun thought for a moment but still shook his head.
"I need to return as soon as possible."
Now was the time when various factions were vying for power, and he needed to return to consolidate the Wei family's influence under his control.
His fingers traced circles in his sleeves as he looked up at the city walls, seemingly deep in thought.
When he was thinking, his expression became serious and focused, his brows slightly furrowed. The youthful air about him faded entirely, replaced by a steady, reassuring presence. Chu Yu looked at him—even in their current state of destitution, with tattered clothes and disheveled hair, this man still exuded an imposing aura. Just gazing at him, one couldn't help but find him extraordinarily striking.
"Sister-in-law," he suddenly spoke. Chu Yu immediately responded. Wei Yun said calmly, "Tomorrow, we'll set off to find Gu Chusheng. After that, I'll negotiate with Zhao Yue. When the time comes, I need you to acknowledge something."
Chu Yu nodded. When Wei Yun asked her to admit something, she didn't even consider the possibility that he might harm her and simply said, "Go ahead."
"When you came to rescue me, it happened to be the moment I was retreating from the Northern Di Royal Court. The sacrifice of Prince Su Yong—you killed him."
During Wei Yun's time in the Northern Di court, he had killed a large number of people. Among them, Su Yong held the highest rank and was, to date, the highest-ranking noble general from the Northern Di that Great Chu had ever slain.
Chu Yu was stunned. This was an immense military achievement. She didn't understand why Wei Yun wanted her to take credit for it.
Back when she and Gu Chusheng were on the battlefield, all the merits had been attributed to Gu Chusheng, as it would benefit his promotions and titles. Now, Wei Yun wasn't claiming the credit for himself—why was he pushing it onto her instead?
"Xiao Qi," Chu Yu asked bluntly, not understanding his intentions, "what's your plan? This military merit would serve you far better than it would a woman like me."
Wei Yun smiled faintly. "I don't lack such things. Just agree to it, Sister-in-law. I have my reasons."
Chu Yu felt that Wei Yun had always been someone who could keep his composure, so she nodded and agreed, though still harboring doubts.
At night, everyone settled down to rest, lying close to one another. Chu Yu and Bai Chang slept in the middle, while Wei Yun and Shen Wushuang slept on either side, separating the two women from the others around them.
As the night deepened and everyone fell asleep, Wei Yun gazed at Chu Yu under the moonlight. Her face was covered in dust, her clothes stained with mud. Even the most destitute noblewomen in Hua Jing had likely never been as disheveled as Chu Yu was now.
Looking at her, Wei Yun felt an inexplicable tremor in his heart, like a stone suddenly thrown into a lake, sending ripples outward in endless circles.
Chu Yu seemed to sense his gaze. Slowly, she opened her eyes and saw Wei Yun looking at her. She couldn't help but smile. "Still awake?"
Their voices were soft, even quieter than the chirping of cicadas nearby.
Wei Yun looked at her and smiled gently. "Sister-in-law."
"Hmm?"
"When we return, I'll buy you lots and lots of beautiful dresses."
Chu Yu raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "Do you think I'm ugly now?"
Wei Yun shook his head. "I don't think you're ugly. I just feel... you deserve to be better than everyone else."There were many promises he wanted to make to her, but he had already said them too many times, so he remained silent. He simply looked at Chu Yu gently and said, "Since you married into the Wei family, you've never had a peaceful life. After we return, no matter what happens at the front, buy yourself some beautiful clothes and plenty of jewelry, alright?"
Chu Yu rested her head on her hand, smiling at him. "The battles aren't even over yet, and you're already thinking about resting. Wei Yun, you're slacking off."
Wei Yun also propped his head on his hand, shifting slightly closer to her.
His eyes were filled with starlight and warmth. Gone were the cautious retreat and restraint of the past—now he looked at her openly and unabashedly. Meeting his gaze, Chu Yu found herself inexplicably unwilling to back down, as if retreating would mean losing, as if it would change something between them and make everything awkward.
So she stared back at him. "What, did I say something wrong?"
"I'm not slacking off," Wei Yun said, his eyes locked on hers. "It's just that after we return, everything will settle down. The prestige and power of the Wei family should be earned by me. As for you, sister-in-law, what are your plans at home?"
"Plans?" Chu Yu thought for a moment before answering seriously, "To help you manage the Wei family well."
"And?"
"That alone won't be easy."
"Then help me with a few things," Wei Yun said with a smile. Chu Yu nodded. "Don't worry, I'll do everything you ask well."
"The first thing—find a physician after we return and take good care of your health."
Wei Yun's expression turned serious as he spoke.
"Your constitution leans cold, and the martial arts you practice are yin-aligned. I worry that any injuries you sustain in the future might leave lasting damage. I can't ask you to abandon your training and start over, so from now on, take good care of yourself, alright?"
Chu Yu was taken aback. She hadn't expected Wei Yun to bring this up.
In her past life, her naturally cold constitution, combined with her yin-aligned martial arts and the injuries she suffered for Gu Chusheng, had made it difficult for her to conceive. When it became clear she might never bear children, Gu Chusheng's mother pressured him relentlessly to take a concubine. Though Gu Chusheng refused, he brought her medicine every day.
Bitter bowl after bitter bowl, daily acupuncture and medicine—until finally, the physician told Gu Chusheng that the only way she might conceive was to abandon her martial arts and undergo extensive recuperation.
Back then, everyone—her mother, her younger sister—told her that for a woman, having a child was more important than anything else.
Gu Chusheng had said the same. He would take care of her for the rest of her life; she didn't need martial arts. Giving birth to a child was what truly mattered.
She had believed him.
Later, when she had nothing left, she couldn't even leave the Gu family.
Chu Yu never imagined that Wei Yun, amidst the chaos of war and upheaval, would still notice this. She lowered her eyes, her lashes trembling slightly as she suppressed the unnamed emotions surging in her heart. Softly, she murmured, "Alright..."
"The second thing," he said with a light laugh, "buy twenty sets of clothes and jewelry every month, and a set of cosmetics."
"You're going to manage that too?" Chu Yu couldn't help but laugh. Wei Yun looked at her, warmth in his eyes. "I'm not done. The third thing—take good care of the five cats at home and play with them for half a shichen every day."
"The fourth thing—sleep for four shichen every day."
"The fifth thing..."Wei Yun rambled on for quite a while until Chu Yu grew drowsy from his words. Impatient, she asked, "What exactly are you trying to say with all this?"
"Sister-in-law," Wei Yun sighed, "You're only sixteen."
Chu Yu looked up at him and saw the tenderness in his eyes. "I want you to live like a sixteen-year-old girl should—don't push yourself too hard. The sky won't fall on Wei Manor, not while I'm here."
Hearing this, Chu Yu became more alert. A trace of bitterness flickered in her eyes. "People have to grow up eventually. I can't stay sixteen forever."
"Why not?"
Wei Yun gazed at her calmly. "A Yu."
He called her by name, and Chu Yu was momentarily stunned. Then she heard him say, "As long as you stay in Wei Manor, as long as I live, whether you're sixteen, twenty-six, thirty-six, or fifty-six..."
"I'll do everything I can to let you live like a girl for the rest of your life."
What was it like to be a girl?
It was never having tasted hardship or suffered wounds, sheltered under a great tree while gazing at the sky—clear and bright, an endless expanse of blue.
Never having seen an eagle hunt, nor knowing how scorching the sun could be. Everything was radiant and beautiful, filling one with boundless courage. Holding a long spear, one believed there was nothing in this world that could make them kneel in submission.
Just like Chu Yu at sixteen, who loved Gu Chusheng so fiercely she would have given him everything.
But too many years had passed. She had battered herself bloody against an unyielding wall, her heart scarred and ravaged. And now, at last, someone stood before her and said—
For the rest of her life, he would let her live like a girl.
Chu Yu felt her nose sting and her heart tremble faintly. An instinctive urge rose in her—to reach out and grasp something that wasn't hers to take.
She curled into herself, silent, while Wei Yun watched her quietly.
The person before him seemed to have built an invisible wall, high and impenetrable. She hid behind it, burying all her sorrow and pain. But the grief was too vast, seeping through the cracks despite her efforts.
And so he sensed it. He didn't dare ask, didn't dare touch. He only watched as she turned her back to him and murmured softly, "Sleep."
Wei Yun waited until she had fallen asleep facing away from him. After a long while, he reached out and gently embraced her.
Chu Yu shivered slightly. She couldn't tell if this was something Wei Yun did consciously or in his sleep. Judging by his breathing, he was probably asleep.
She should have pushed him away.
But for some reason—perhaps the night was too cold—in that moment, as he held her quietly, she felt her sorrow and pain gradually settle. Against all reason, she closed her eyes and drifted off as though nothing were amiss.
The group slept until dawn. As the first light of morning touched the earth, Chu Yu felt the ground begin to tremble faintly. Her eyes flew open to find Wei Yun holding her from behind.
He seemed to have been awake for some time, observing the distance from their hiding spot in the grass. The civilians around them were beginning to stir, panic spreading as they scrambled toward the nearby woods. Wei Yun kept his hand on Chu Yu's shoulder and whispered, "It's the Great Chu army. Let's see who it is first."
But as long as it was the Great Chu army, no matter who came, they wouldn't be in grave danger.
Chu Yu signaled for Shen Wushuang, Bai Chang, and Tuso to gather close. Amid the chaos of fleeing people, the five of them stood out conspicuously.The army drew near, and Chu Yu was the first to spot a black flag with a large red character "Chu" embroidered on it, entwined with cloud patterns above the character. Chu Yu immediately exclaimed joyfully, "It's my eldest brother!"
No sooner had she spoken than a vermilion military flag bearing the character "Wei" and the emblem of the Vermilion Bird appeared, putting everyone present at ease. Wei Yun stood up and, leading five others, walked against the flow of the crowd onto the main road, quietly waiting for the approaching figures.
The first to come into view was Chu Linyang, clad in black armor. Chu Yu's eyes sparkled with joy as she stood behind Wei Yun, waving enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, Gu Chusheng was still at the rear discussing provisions with the officers when excited voices rang out ahead: "It's the young lady!"
"It's Young Marquis Wei and the young lady!"
At the sound of these words, Gu Chusheng abruptly turned his head and saw five figures standing together on the main road.
Though he didn’t recognize the other three, his gaze instantly found Chu Yu.
She wore a blue gown draped with a black cloak, her clothes tattered from long travel, her hair disheveled with dried grass tangled in it, and her face still smudged with dust.
Yet there she stood, not far away, waving at them with unrestrained delight.
Her face was alight with happiness, her smile bright and clear. The sun rose behind her, and for a moment, Gu Chusheng felt as if he were seeing the sixteen-year-old Chu Yu standing in the distance, waving as she waited for him.
The Chu Yu in his memories had been lifeless in her later years. Even after rebirth, though she regained her youthful form, she remained weighed down by an inescapable heaviness and gloom.
But now, it was as if all her worn-down edges, discarded pride, and lost brilliance had returned to her.
She seemed like her younger self again—willful and proud, unaware of the world’s hardships, believing she could cut through all thorns and obstacles with nothing but her sword.
He had no time to ponder what had brought about this change. Spurring his horse, he dashed through the crowd. Those nearby cried out in surprise, "Lord Gu!"
Gu Chusheng, usually composed and gentle, bearing the refined dignity of Hua Jing’s scholarly nobility, now acted like an impulsive youth. He rushed forward recklessly before pulling to an abrupt halt in front of Chu Yu.
They had come to attack the city, and Chu Linyang had no time for a lengthy reunion. Leading the troops past them, he called to Chu Yu, "Find a safe place to stay!" before the drums of war began to sound, signaling the assault.
Amid the bustling crowd, Gu Chusheng sat atop his horse, looking down at Chu Yu. Breathing slightly heavily, he clenched the reins, momentarily at a loss. Finally, after a long pause, he managed to say, "You're back?"
Chu Yu smiled faintly and replied calmly, "I’ve returned safely."
"Let’s talk over there." Wei Yun’s voice cut in, carrying a hint of coldness. Before anyone could react, he reached out and took Chu Yu’s hand, pulling her aside.
Everyone around them froze. Chu Yu, too, was stunned. She looked down at Wei Yun’s hand gripping hers, unsure how to respond.
Something felt off, but she sensed that shaking him off now would only lead to an even more awkward situation.Gu Chusheng watched from behind as Wei Yun pulled Chu Yu along, his brow furrowing involuntarily. He steered his horse off the main road, dismounted, and strode directly toward Wei Yun, his voice cold: "Young Marquis."
Wei Yun turned to look at him, still gripping Chu Yu's hand tightly. Gu Chusheng's gaze fell on their clasped hands as he suppressed his anger: "Men and women should not share the same mat after the age of seven. Shouldn't you let go now?"
Hearing this, Wei Yun's expression remained unchanged. He continued holding Chu Yu's hand, staring coldly at Gu Chusheng as he enunciated each word clearly: "Whether I let go or not—what concern is it of yours?"
"Xiao Qi..."
Chu Yu finally spoke up: "Don't cause trouble."
With that, she withdrew her hand from Wei Yun's grasp.
Wei Yun said nothing. He turned his head and gave Chu Yu a deep look that sent a shiver down her spine. Then, with a cold laugh, he flicked his sleeve and walked away.
Chu Yu hurried after him, calling out: "Xiao Qi!"
Wei Yun paused in his steps. With his back still turned to her, he finally regained some composure, restraining his emotions as he said calmly: "Sister-in-law, I'm going to assist Brother Chu."
Having said this, he quickened his pace to catch up with the army, took a horse from the rear, and galloped off after them.
Chu Yu frowned as she watched Wei Yun leave. Gu Chusheng stood to the side, waiting a moment before speaking: "Our camp is further back. Let me take you all there first."
As he spoke, he turned to Shen Wushuang with a smile: "And you are, sir?"
Shen Wushuang glanced at him and replied evenly: "Shen, a wandering physician. This is my wife, Bai, and my daughter, Shen Jiao."
Gu Chusheng was aware of the incident where Shen Wushuang, Bai Chang, and Shen Jiaojiao had been pursued all the way to Northern Di. Hearing the surname "Shen" now, coupled with the man being a physician, he couldn't help but frown slightly. But then he reconsidered—there were plenty of physicians with the surname Shen, so it likely meant nothing.
After a brief internal debate, he maintained his smile and gestured politely to Shen Wushuang and the others: "This way, please."
Gu Chusheng led them back to the camp. Along the way, he continuously inquired about Chu Yu's experiences—from Phoenix Tomb City to Northern Di. Having gone through so many life-and-death trials, facing Gu Chusheng again now, Chu Yu found that she didn't hate him as much as she thought she would.
She spoke to him openly and honestly, as one would to a friend, without much concealment. After briefly recounting her time in Northern Di—omitting the details of her interactions with Wei Yun—she found there wasn't much left to say. Instead, she turned the question back to him: "What about you? How has the court been since I left?"
"Second Madam and I managed to stabilize the Wei family's generals. The Wei family is safe now—we were just waiting for Wei Yun's return. You needn't worry."
Chu Yu nodded and said sincerely: "Thank you."
Hearing this, Gu Chusheng tightened his grip on the reins, lowering his eyes as he replied hoarsely: "There's no need for thanks between us. Everything I've done for you is only what I should have done. I've never asked for anything in return."
Just as she, too, had never asked for anything back then.
Chu Yu turned to look at Gu Chusheng.
This lifetime's Gu Chusheng truly seemed different—nothing like the cold, arrogant man she remembered from the past.
Noticing her gaze, Gu Chusheng instinctively tilted his head slightly, hoping to present his best angle to her.
Back then, Chu Yu had fallen for his face. He had once considered his looks the most useless thing about himself, but now he desperately wished she would look at him that way again.
Yet Chu Yu's eyes remained clear and calm as she looked at him, her voice filled with gratitude: "Still, I must thank you. Once this matter is settled, rest assured—the Marquis will not treat you unfairly."Gu Chusheng stiffened, slowly raising his head as he pressed his lips together. "Don't you know what I want?"
In the past, when Gu Chusheng said these words, Chu Yu would feel pain, irritation, and restlessness.
But now, hearing them again, she looked at him and found even the seventeen-year-old Gu Chusheng somewhat endearing. She chuckled softly, a hint of helplessness in her voice. "You really are persistent."
"What kind of person am I?" Gu Chusheng smiled bitterly. "Don't you know?"
What he wanted, no matter how many years it took, he would get it.
Just like when he wanted to marry Chu Jin back then—she didn’t marry him, yet he rose from a county magistrate all the way to become the prime minister, then married her home with the full Six Rites.
Chu Yu lowered her head with a light laugh and asked, “Where’s A Jin?”
Hearing that name, Gu Chusheng immediately understood what Chu Yu was thinking of. He felt bitterness rise in his throat, his hands and feet turning cold.
But what could he do?
The things he did in his past life—he had done them. There was no changing that.
So he could only brace himself and say, “She took Lord Han’s son back to the Chu residence and is recuperating in Hua Jing.”
“Is she alright?”
“She’s fine.” Gu Chusheng paused briefly before continuing, “She became a teacher at an academy. She’s much happier now than before.”
“That’s good.” Chu Yu exhaled in relief, her heart settling. Then she added, “What about The Eldest Princess?”
This time, Gu Chusheng didn’t answer. Chu Yu nodded. “You can’t say…”
“She’s in the palace.”
“The palace?”
Chu Yu was startled. She hurriedly asked, “Has she been imprisoned?”
“No…” Gu Chusheng sighed, his voice tinged with helplessness. “The current favored consort in the palace, the one rumored to soon be named empress—Consort Mei—is The Eldest Princess.”
Hearing this, Chu Yu abruptly tightened the reins, staring at Gu Chusheng in disbelief. “Has Zhao Yue lost his mind?! Or has The Eldest Princess gone mad?!”
The Eldest Princess’s father killed Zhao Yue’s grandfather. Her elder brother killed Zhao Yue’s father. Now Zhao Yue has killed her brother—and he’s making her his consort?!
Gu Chusheng’s eyes held a trace of pity. “Perhaps they have.”
“A Yu,” Gu Chusheng said bitterly, “Sometimes, loving someone doesn’t always mean treating them well.”
“Then that kind of love should be kept to oneself,” Chu Yu said coldly, gazing toward Hua Jing. “Just because you love someone doesn’t mean they have to endure it. And just because they love you doesn’t mean you can trample over them as you please.”
Gu Chusheng fell silent for a moment before laughing softly.
“You’re right.”
The love he once had—it would have been better if it never existed.
As for Zhao Yue’s love now, The Eldest Princess couldn’t bear it either.
Chu Yu looked at Hua Jing, deep in thought. She needed to return to the capital soon and rescue The Eldest Princess.
In their past life, Zhao Yue had died by The Eldest Princess’s hand. This time… they might need her help again.
Author’s Note:
Wei Yun: Jealous and unhappy.
Chu Yu: Oh.
Wei Yun: Flounces off in a huff! (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
Chu Yu: Oh.
Wei Yun: Don’t you care about me at all?!
Chu Yu: Stop. Where are you going?
Wei Yun: Oh, I’m going to help your brother! Don’t worry, sister-in-law, I’m not some petty, scheming little green tea. Love me, sweetheart—I’m easy to handle! Mwah~
Gu Chusheng: …Who the hell are you calling green tea?!
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