Gu Chusheng brought Chu Yu to the rear military camp. After settling Shen Wushuang and the other two, he turned to prepare a separate tent for Chu Yu and had hot water brought for her.
Chu Yu was concerned about the battle at the front, so Gu Chusheng explained the situation in detail to reassure her. "Don't worry," he said. "General Chu has come prepared this time. Even if we can't take Bai City, there won't be any major issues. You should rest and freshen up first. We can discuss the rest later."
Chu Yu nodded, thinking that even if there was anything she needed to discuss with Gu Chusheng, it would have to wait until Wei Yun returned.
She asked Gu Chusheng to leave first so she could wash up. Gu Chusheng, too, had many matters to attend to, so he took advantage of the time while Chu Yu bathed and ate to hurry off and handle his duties.
By the time Chu Yu finished washing and eating, she felt exhausted. The tension of the journey had worn her out, and now that she was on a soft bed, she could barely keep her eyes open. She lay down in the tent and fell asleep, not waking until the afternoon.
Rubbing her eyes, she asked the waiting maid for the time and was told, "Madam, Lord Gu has been waiting outside for quite some time."
Chu Yu was surprised, unsure why Gu Chusheng was waiting for her now. But since he had come, she couldn’t very well leave him outside. She quickly had the tent flap lifted and welcomed him in. "Lord Gu, is there something urgent?"
Gu Chusheng, who was carrying a stack of account books and reports, froze for a moment before realizing she was addressing him as "Lord Gu."
He composed himself, lowered his gaze, and sat down across from her.
Chu Yu had tea served to him, her demeanor calm and gentle, with none of the wariness from before.
She always kept her word—he had helped protect the Wei family, and with that, all past grievances were settled.
Yet an inexplicable bitterness lingered on his lips. He lowered his eyes and placed the account books in front of her. "These are all the financial transactions and expenditures while you were away. I consulted the Second Madam for approval on each."
"Thank you," Chu Yu said, taking the books and flipping through them before looking up again earnestly. "Truly, Gu Chusheng, thank you."
Chu Yu could see that Gu Chusheng had genuinely put in great effort for the Wei family.
In their past life, he had relied on Wei Yun to rise through the ranks. In this life, by chance, he had aligned with Zhao Yue and could have chosen a different path. Yet he had still kept his promise and taken good care of the Wei family for her.
She could tell the measure of a person. Free from the lens of her past infatuation, viewing Gu Chusheng now as a friend, she understood why everyone but her had admired him in their previous life. There was a reason for it.
Gu Chusheng didn’t respond. Instead, he pushed the other reports toward her and continued, "These are records of all major events that occurred in your absence."
"Thank you."
"A Yu..."
Chu Yu’s hand paused slightly. She looked up at Gu Chusheng, frowning briefly before smiling calmly. "Though we’ve had our differences in the past, I’m not ungrateful. The Marquis and I deeply appreciate everything you’ve done, and we will repay your kindness in the future. If you consider me a friend, we can address each other by name, as we did in our youth."Gu Chusheng sensed the distance in her tone. His throat tightened, but in the end, he said nothing. It seemed to take immense effort for him to steady his smile as he began recounting events at Wei Manor and the Chu residence.
They hadn’t spoken long when the sound of approaching horses and soldiers erupted outside, followed by a loud shout: "Great victory! Great victory!"
Chu Yu sprang to her feet and rushed out of the tent, with Gu Chusheng close behind. A group of bloodstained riders galloped forward, kneeling before Gu Chusheng with grins. "Lord Gu, General Chu requests you break camp and enter the city at once."
"Are Generals Chu and Wei injured?" Chu Yu immediately interjected.
The young officer hesitated, but seeing her standing beside Gu Chusheng, he tactfully replied, "Both generals are unharmed."
Chu Yu exhaled in relief and quickly mounted her horse, heading straight for the city.
Gu Chusheng could only sigh helplessly. Bound by military duties, he had no choice but to order the camp dismantled and follow.
By the time Chu Yu arrived, Bai City had already been captured, and the battlefield was being cleared. She hurried inside, where Wei Xia was waiting at the entrance. With a smile, he guided her forward. "The Young Marquis said you’d be the first to arrive. I didn’t believe him, but it seems he knows you best, Madam."
Overjoyed at the successful siege, Chu Yu laughed. "He’s always understood me."
Wei Xia gave her an amused glance but said no more, instead recounting the battle’s progression.
Chu Linyang had prepared thoroughly, ensuring a smooth campaign. Wei Yun, leading the charge, had scaled the city walls alone and taken the enemy commander’s head, hastening the enemy’s collapse.
As she walked, Chu Yu caught snippets of Wei Yun’s name and deeds. She couldn’t help but smile—wherever he went, Wei Yun was destined to shine.
Following Wei Xia to Wei Manor—one of the Wei family’s strongholds in Bai City—she found Wei Qiu directing the cleanup. These were the same soldiers who had followed Wei Yun to the Northern Di. As Chu Yu entered, the burly men paused their scrubbing to greet her:
"Madam!"
"Madam!"
"Madam, you’re here too!"
"Madam, the Young Marquis is inside!"
...
The chorus of "Madam" echoed through the winding corridors, filling her with an unexpected sense of homecoming.
She reached the main hall, where Wei Yun and Chu Linyang sat across a chessboard, freshly changed into clean robes.
Chu Linyang, in his usual black robes, looked as composed as ever. Wei Yun, still in mourning, wore plain white robes and a jade crown.
Now dressed in the refined attire of Hua Jing’s nobility, Chu Yu suddenly realized how much thinner Wei Yun had become. Never resembling a typical warrior, his presence had always relied on the battlefield-forged aura of command. But now, clad in the wide-sleeved summer robes favored by Hua Jing’s scholarly elite, he seemed almost like a delicate scholar.
Yet his movements as he placed a chess piece were steady. Though his face was youthful, his bearing was calm and assured, devoid of any boyish uncertainty.
As Chu Yu approached, Wei Yun looked up. His gaze met hers, and his lips curved into a gentle smile. "Sister-in-law, you’ve come."
Chu Linyang shot him a sidelong glance before gesturing to the seat beside him. "Sit."Wei Yun was momentarily stunned. Noticing his expression, Chu Yu pressed her lips together in a smile and knelt behind Chu Linyang, just as she had before her marriage.
Chu Linyang tapped the chessboard with a piece. "What are you looking at? She's still my sister, married or not. Make your move."
Wei Yun withdrew his gaze and smiled at Chu Linyang. "You're right, Brother."
As they continued their game, he picked up the earlier conversation. "Shen You returned ahead of time to warn you, yet Zhao Yue didn't think to trouble me?"
From Wei Yun's words, Chu Yu could guess what he was referring to.
Now that Wei Yun knew Zhao Yue was the mastermind behind the White Emperor Valley battle, he naturally wouldn't allow Zhao Yue to sit securely on the throne. However, having been away in the Northern Di for nearly four months, he had given Zhao Yue too much time. Now that he was back, his first move was to test the attitudes of various factions toward Zhao Yue.
Chu Yu wasn't sure if Wei Yun had revealed to Chu Linyang that Zhao Yue was the mastermind behind White Emperor Valley. She remained silent, quietly listening to their conversation. Chu Linyang watched Wei Yun place his piece and said calmly, "Why would he kill you?"
"He wants to protect Yao Yong. Doesn't he understand the enmity between Yao Yong and me?"
Wei Yun stared at the board, probing further. "Since he chose Yao Yong, he must be eager for my death."
"He made promises to me and Song Shilan," Chu Linyang replied evenly. "Once the country is stable, he will kill Yao Yong."
"And Yao Yong will just wait to die?"
Wei Yun's eyes held mockery. Chu Linyang answered slowly, "Zhao Yue married his daughter and showers her with favor. Right now, Yao Yong is dreaming of being the emperor's uncle."
"And how do you know you're not dreaming he's a wise ruler?"
At this, Chu Linyang fell silent. After a moment, he lifted his head and said coolly, "If you have something to say, speak plainly."
Wei Yun didn't respond immediately. Instead, he turned to look at Chu Yu.
Meeting his gaze, she nodded slowly after a long pause.
She trusted her elder brother, and given the current situation, they needed Chu Linyang.
Noticing their exchange, Chu Linyang placed his piece back in the box and looked up at Wei Yun.
"Say what you need to say. I can't promise to help, but I promise to hear it as if I never did."
Reassured, Wei Yun pressed his lips together. "Do you know where Shen You is?"
Chu Linyang raised an eyebrow but answered, "He returned to Chu half a month before you. He's now under Qin Shiyue's command."
A cold glint flashed in Wei Yun's eyes as he took a sip of tea. After a moment of silence, Chu Linyang heard him say, "I need to see him."
"Mm," Chu Linyang nodded. "Gu Chusheng will soon return to Kunyang County. They're stationed there—you can see him when you go back. But what does this have to do with Shen You?"
"Shen You might be Zhao Yue's man."
Chu Linyang looked surprised. Wei Yun continued calmly, "And Shen You was the traitor in Chu during the White Emperor Valley battle. Because of his message, Yao Yong and The Crown Prince insisted on sending troops..."
Wei Yun recounted his deductions about the events of that year. As he spoke, Chu Linyang's frown deepened. By the end, he remained silent, though his hand trembled slightly as he reached for his teacup.
Wei Yun waited patiently for Chu Linyang's response. After taking a sip of tea to steady himself, Chu Linyang lifted his gaze and said slowly, "You must not repeat today's words to anyone else."
"I understand.""Now Zhao Yue has secured the full support of the Wang and Xie families, and he holds Yao Yong's military power in his hands. In the four months since he became emperor, the entire Great Chu has united under him. He excels at employing capable individuals and is magnanimous and tolerant. Do you understand what I'm implying?"
"Faced with such a ruler, few would harbor thoughts of rebellion."
Wei Yun clenched his fists, the taste of blood filling his throat.
Chu Linyang's eyes held a trace of pity: "Xiao Qi, Great Chu has longed for such a ruler for far too long."
"But he sacrificed seventy thousand lives for his own selfish ends!"
Wei Yun could no longer restrain himself, abruptly raising his head and raising his voice: "How can someone so ruthless and cruel be considered a good ruler?!"
"A general's success is built upon ten thousand bones," Chu Linyang said calmly. "Whose path to the throne isn't paved with countless corpses?"
"But those should be bones that can face conscience, mountains of corpses and seas of blood that can face righteousness!"
Wei Yun's expression was agitated. Chu Yu glanced at Wei Xia standing guard nearby, who immediately withdrew to secure the perimeter.
Wei Yun stared at Chu Linyang: "Is this the kind of heartless, unprincipled, and ruthless ruler you want?"
"I don't know what others think," Chu Linyang remained composed. "I only know that Great Chu cannot afford more chaos now. With Zhao Yue in power, he's given me and Song Shilan the best military support and provided the people with the greatest stability possible. With victory for Great Chu now within reach, what would be the consequences if you killed Zhao Yue? Another civil war in Great Chu would give the Northern Di time to recover. What then would become of Great Chu? What would become of the people?"
These words stunned Wei Yun. Seeing the young man's incredulous and lost expression, Chu Linyang felt a pang of compassion: "Xiao Qi, if we're speaking of personal feelings, you're my friend's younger brother, my sister's brother-in-law. No matter what, I would help you. But if I helped you, what would become of the people?"
"I can't sacrifice countless lives for personal vengeance—can you?"
"Then back then..." Wei Yun's voice was hoarse. "What did your promise to help me deal with Yao Yong mean?"
"From beginning to end, I've had only one goal," Chu Linyang said coolly. "What's best for the people."
"I've seen what happened to the Wei family," Chu Linyang looked up at him. Wei Yun stood before him, lips trembling slightly. Seeing the young man with tightly clenched fists before him, Chu Linyang's heart trembled too. Yet he had to continue, he could only continue.
"With Yao Yong alive, if we had acted then, we would have just thrown away our lives for nothing. Without thunderous means, Great Chu couldn't be saved. I agreed to help you deal with Yao Yong for Great Chu's sake. Now I refuse to help you against Zhao Yue..."
"Still for Great Chu's sake."
Wei Yun laughed softly, tears glistening in his eyes: "Right, for Great Chu's sake, my Wei family and those seventy thousand men should just have died for nothing. Since this ruler can bring stability to Great Chu now, what he's done doesn't matter anymore, is that it?"
"But how can such a person be fit to rule? Aren't you afraid your Chu family might be the next Wei family?!"
"At least not now."
Chu Linyang's voice was calm: "If you want to kill Zhao Yue, at least wait until he makes a mistake. Not now."
"What if he never makes a mistake?"
Wei Yun gritted his teeth. Chu Linyang remained silent. Slowly, Wei Yun closed his eyes.
"Fine, I understand.""I hope the Chu heir will keep his promise," Wei Yun spoke each word with great difficulty. "You must act as though you never heard any of today's words."
Chu Linyang lowered his eyes and said slowly, "Rest assured."
Wei Yun turned to leave, but Chu Linyang called out to him.
"Xiao Qi."
Wei Yun paused. Chu Linyang spoke slowly: "The first lesson of growing up is learning to endure."
Wei Yun didn't turn back. Chu Linyang traced the rim of his teacup. "Never repeat today's words to another soul."
"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Chu."
Wei Yun's voice was hoarse. Then he strode out and disappeared down the corridor.
Only after he had gone far did Chu Yu slowly rise and sit opposite Chu Linyang.
"Aren't you going after him?"
"Let's finish this game first, brother."
Chu Yu placed a piece on the board. Chu Linyang glanced up at her and said slowly, "His temper is too fiery. Keep an eye on him."
"Only around you." Chu Yu alternated moves with him, her expression calm. "He understands far better than I what should and shouldn't be done."
"I forgot one thing," Chu Linyang placed a black stone, surrounding an entire area. As he began removing captured pieces, he said, "Your temper is just as fiery."
Chu Yu remained silent. When it was her turn, she placed her piece on the board with sharp precision, then looked up at Chu Linyang and said calmly, "I concede."
Then she began removing the captured stones. Chu Linyang studied her face, noting how she revealed no emotion whatsoever, and couldn't help but laugh. He leaned back in his chair, spreading his hands. "You've grown up."
Only after placing all the stones back in their box did Chu Yu look up. "I seek one honest answer from my brother."
Chu Linyang stayed silent, as if already knowing what she would ask. Chu Yu fixed her gaze on him. "If one day, my Wei family wishes to rebel, how would the Chu heir respond?"
Hearing this, Chu Linyang raised his eyes to meet hers.
His gaze was cold and heavy, as if looking at a complete stranger.
She had used "Wei family," declaring her stance and identity. After a moment, Chu Linyang let out a cold laugh. "What kind of bewitching potion has the Wei family given you? What does their family vendetta have to do with you? Zhao Yue is no fool. As long as you pretend to know nothing, as long as you remain useful, he'll treat you well."
"And when we're no longer useful?"
Chu Yu's voice was even. "Could someone who sets such intricate traps truly be an upright man? Do you believe that?"
Chu Linyang frowned deeply. Chu Yu continued, "Those who can manipulate hearts so skillfully often don't trust others' hearts either. So tell me, if one day Wei Yun loses his usefulness, do you think he'd leave such a threat alive?"
"What does this have to do with you?"
"He and Wei Yun are already locked in a fight to the death."
"What does that have to do with you?!"
Chu Yu didn't answer. She simply looked at Chu Linyang in silence.
She wore the same plain white robe as Wei Yun, her demeanor steady and solemn, reminding Chu Linyang of the black plaque with golden characters reading "Wei Manor" before the century-old residence in Hua Jing, and of the rows of ancestral tablets in the Wei family shrine.
The Wei family's unyielding spirit had, imperceptibly, become etched into Chu Yu's very being. Sitting there with such composure, she commanded such respect that no one dared act presumptuously around her.
She gazed steadily at Chu Linyang and spoke word by word: "I am Wei Chushi, now the senior madam of the Wei family. If this has nothing to do with me, then Wei family matters have nothing to do with anyone else."
Chu Linyang looked at her, his eyes seeming to hold sudden understanding.After a long silence, he asked, "Why?"
Just as Chu Yu was about to speak, she heard him say, "Chu Yu, if it's for the people, Zhao Yue can provide stability now. Who sits on the throne doesn't matter—what you should do is make the same choice as me and ensure the better candidate secures that position!"
"If it's for your sense of duty," Chu Linyang's voice darkened, "you've already done enough for the Wei family. What 'Madam Wei'? You took the Divorce Letter long ago—you stopped being the Wei family's madam ages ago!"
Chu Linyang had known about Xie Jiu obtaining that Divorce Letter for her. Yet he had respected Chu Yu's choice. Watching her dazed expression, he continued, "You're deceiving yourself."
"You're not doing this for the people, not for the world, not for your duty. Chu Yu, search your heart—"
Chu Linyang spoke solemnly, "Why?"
Chu Yu said nothing. A flicker of panic rose in her chest.
But she knew she couldn't afford to panic or falter. No reason, no justification, could stop one thing—
The Wei family could not have died in vain.
She couldn't let Zhao Yue become emperor.
She repeated this to herself, gradually calming down. Meeting Chu Linyang's gaze, she said firmly, "Zhao Yue is unfit to be emperor."
Chu Linyang locked eyes with her. Neither yielded, both stubborn and composed, as if pressing swords against each other in silent combat.
Finally, after a long while, Chu Linyang relented. His expression softened as he looked at her.
"A Yu," he sighed, "you really are a foolish child."
Stunned by his words, Chu Yu stared blankly at him. Chu Linyang stood and placed a hand atop her head, his eyes filled with sorrow and pity. "Why don't you ever learn? Wasn't Gu Chusheng enough of an obsession for you?"
"You," he sighed, "throw yourself wholeheartedly into whoever you care for. First Gu Chusheng, now the Wei family. If Wei Yun turns out to be ungrateful in the future, won't you regret it?"
Hearing this, Chu Yu slowly smiled.
"No, I won't."
"He's not like Gu Chusheng," she said. At the mention of Wei Yun, it was as if a piece of Warm Jade had melted into her cold, hardened heart, radiating a gentle warmth that gradually softened her resolve and brought warmth to her world. Her eyes curved as she added earnestly, "He treats me well."
Chu Linyang fell silent. He studied her quietly for a long moment before finally saying, "If necessary, I'll help."
With that, he turned to leave. It took Chu Yu a while to process the meaning behind his words.
If the Wei family rebelled, he would assist when needed.
Chu Yu abruptly stood and called out to the young man at the corridor's turn, "Brother!"
Chu Linyang paused and glanced back, finding her standing at the doorway. Suppressing her agitation, she smiled softly and said sincerely, "Thank you."
Chu Linyang gave a silent nod before walking away.
Only after watching him leave did Chu Yu finally feel at ease. She turned and sent someone to fetch Wei Yun.
Wei Xia, upon learning she sought Wei Yun, hurried over anxiously. "Madam, please save him! The young marquis has locked himself in again."
Knowing Wei Yun must be in a dark mood, Chu Yu sighed and nodded. "Lead the way."
Wiping his sweat, Wei Xia quickly guided her to Wei Yun's room. Standing at the door, Chu Yu hesitated briefly before pushing it open without asking for permission.Wei Yun knelt on the cushion with his back to her.
Before him lay a sword—one Chu Yu recognized as the blade he always carried.
"This sword was given to me by my brother," he rasped, knowing who had come.
Chu Yu stepped closer as he continued, "At White Emperor Valley, I swore I would use this sword to kill the enemy with my own hands—to avenge them."
"I thought I could do it."
His body trembled slightly. "I thought... on this path of vengeance, all I had to do was cut down everyone standing in my way."
Chu Yu stopped behind him as Wei Yun slowly closed his eyes.
“But what if it’s the common people standing in my way? What if everyone opposes and obstructs me?”
“But why…”
“Why should he escape all punishment after doing wrong?”
Wei Yun clenched his fists, his entire body curling up as if in unbearable pain.
He stared at the sword, glaring at it fiercely, his voice strained. “Why should he, after committing such unforgivable crimes, be able to wash himself clean once he does good deeds? Why should he be allowed to transform into a saintly ruler?”
Chu Yu didn’t answer. She raised her head to look at the sword and spoke calmly, “Don’t you know what to do?”
Wei Yun froze where he stood. Chu Yu crouched down, reaching out to grip his chin and turn his face toward her.
The young man’s face was streaked with tears, yet his expression remained as sharp and steady as an eagle’s.
They locked eyes in the darkness, the flickering candlelight dancing like flames in their gazes.
Chu Yu forced him to look at her, and once their eyes met, he refused to yield.
Entangled in the night, their wills clashed like beasts tearing at each other. Chu Yu said evenly, “If the emperor lacks virtue, the righteous path is to oppose him. If he wears the skin of a man, tear it off. If he tries to erase the past, drag out the blood—pour it over him, basin by basin!”
Wei Yun’s lips trembled slightly. Chu Yu stared at him. “Wei Yun.”
Her voice was like a forest of blades, each word sharp and unyielding.
“I’ll walk this path with you.”
“No matter how difficult, no matter the mountains of knives or seas of fire, no matter the curses of thousands or the piles of bones—I’ll stay by your side.”
The moment he heard these words, Wei Yun lunged forward, clutching Chu Yu in a desperate embrace.
They held each other in the darkness, his tears falling onto her shoulders.
He had never thought before that he couldn’t lose Chu Yu in this lifetime.
But at this moment, he realized—he could never lose her.
If she walked this path with him, then he would carry her on his back.
He would ensure no blood stained her, no dust sullied her skirts.
Through all hardships, through fire and blade, through scorn and death—if she stayed with him for a lifetime, he would protect her for all of hers.
You wish for me to remain forever young—I vow to shield you for all your days.
Author’s Note:
[Mini Theater]
Wei Yun: Sister-in-law, I have a request.
Chu Yu: Go ahead.
Wei Yun: Please don’t grab my chin like that in the future.
Chu Yu: Why?
Wei Yun: People might think I’m a wimp.
Chu Yu: Don’t worry, no one will think you’re a wimp.
Wei Yun: Why?
Chu Yu: They’ll just assume you’re the bottom.
Wei Yun: …
Sob sob, I actually started feeling envious of this kind of relationship while writing. My “saving the fallen” (rescuing the male lead from peril) trope is really strong here.
OpenNovel