Chu Yu woke up early the next morning to find everyone already prepared. The group headed straight for Hua Jing, each returning to their respective residences.
After Zhao Yue ascended the throne, he appointed Gu Chusheng as the Director of the Ministry of Gold and returned the former Gu family residence to him. Thus, after bidding farewell to Chu Yu, Gu Chusheng returned to his own home.
Wei Yun and Chu Yu arrived at Wei Manor. As soon as they stepped out of the carriage, they saw Liu Xueyang and Jiang Chun waiting at the entrance with a group of servants. Wei Yun and Chu Yu were momentarily stunned, but Liu Xueyang stepped forward and embraced Wei Yun, tears in her eyes as she said, "You’ve finally returned. You have no idea how terrified I’ve been all these days you were away."
Wei Yun’s gaze softened. He patted her back gently and reassured her, "Don’t worry, Mother. I’m home now."
While Wei Yun comforted Liu Xueyang, Jiang Chun approached Chu Yu with a smile. "You’re back?"
Seeing Jiang Chun’s radiant expression, Chu Yu teased, "You look positively glowing. Life seems to be treating you well?"
Jiang Chun blinked in surprise, then replied sheepishly, "You’ve heard about it already?"
Chu Yu feigned composure. "I have."
"I didn’t expect the news to spread so fast," Jiang Chun sighed helplessly, though she added, "But he’s always been frivolous with his words—don’t take it seriously. I’ll stay in Wei Manor for the rest of my life."
Chu Yu nodded solemnly. "Yes, a man’s words shouldn’t be trusted blindly. He must be tested first."
Jiang Chun pressed her lips together and shook her head. "I won’t betray Second Brother."
"A Chun..."
Chu Yu sighed, about to say more, but Liu Xueyang, having finally recovered from her joy, called out, "Come, come, let’s pass through the fire basin first. Bring the mugwort water..."
Thus, Chu Yu’s remaining words remained unspoken. Yet Jiang Chun’s eyes held understanding, as if she already knew what Chu Yu had intended to say.
Following Wei Yun, Chu Yu stepped over the fire basin. Liu Xueyang dipped mugwort in water and lightly patted it over their bodies to cleanse them of ill fortune. After paying respects to the ancestors in the ancestral hall to announce their return, the group dispersed to their rooms to freshen up.
Changyue and Wanyue had already prepared hot water. As soon as Chu Yu entered, they attended to her, helping her into the bath. Changyue massaged her hands while Wanyue scrubbed her back. Changyue chattered nonstop, "If you were going to the north, why did you leave us behind? Since when does a mistress abandon her personal maids?"
"I was worried about you," Chu Yu sighed. "This time, I acted recklessly. Only after going did I realize the dangers. Look at all the people I took with me, and yet..."
Her voice trailed off, a pang of sorrow in her heart. She waved her hand dismissively. "Never mind. Tell me what’s been happening in Hua Jing."
"What’s there to tell?" Changyue rolled her eyes. "Hua Jing has been peaceful."
Knowing she was still upset, Chu Yu turned to Wanyue. "Wanyue, you tell me."
"After Zhao Yue declared himself emperor, he placated the noble families—demoting some, promoting others. He’s quite shrewd, balancing all sides, so after he took control of Hua Jing, there was no major unrest. The common people remained at peace, and we weren’t much affected."
Chu Yu nodded. She was aware of this much. "What else?""He promoted Gu Chusheng and Song Shilan, and even elevated Shen You to the position of Chief Clerk of the Dali Temple. Every time Shen You returns, he comes to the manor to see the Sixth Madam. If she refuses to see him, he just stands at the gate. This has been widely known in Hua Jing for quite some time."
Chu Yu was stunned. Shen You's actions were something she hadn't anticipated. She frowned, unable to comprehend where Shen You found the audacity. If his miscommunication of the message was unintentional, then changing the rescuer from Zhao Yue to Yao Yong was undoubtedly a deliberate concealment. Given such deceit, why put on this hypocritical act?
As Chu Yu pondered, Changyue, noticing her silence, quickly added, "There's more, there's another big news."
"Hmm?"
"That Song Shilan, the Song Shizi—the one who rose from being a concubine-born son to become the heir—remember him?"
Changyue waggled her eyebrows suggestively. Chu Yu found it odd. Although Song Shilan appeared somewhat frivolous, he was actually extremely composed. Having climbed up from a concubine-born status, he was ruthless when needed and steady when required. What could possibly be the matter with him?
"He came to propose marriage to the Second Madam!" Changyue exclaimed excitedly. "With the Young Marquis away, he approached the Old Madam instead. The Old Madam couldn't make a decision, so the Second Madam personally declined the proposal. We all witnessed it—this Song Shizi has such a good temper! Even after being rejected, he didn’t say much, just advised the Second Madam to eat more, saying she was too thin..."
As Changyue rambled on, Chu Yu's eyes slowly widened. It took her a while to process—this was indeed big news!
Unable to suppress a smile, even after her bath, Chu Yu kept glancing at Jiang Chun during dinner. Jiang Chun, feeling self-conscious under her gaze, set down her chopsticks with a sigh. "A Yu, if you have something to say, just say it."
"Ahem, Xiao Qi," Chu Yu turned and tugged at Wei Yun's sleeve. Wei Yun looked up at her, puzzled. With a suppressed smile, Chu Yu said, "Let me tell you something amusing."
Wei Yun glanced at Jiang Chun, then back at Chu Yu, nodding curiously. Chu Yu began, "That Song Shizi came to propose to A Chun—"
"Ah, stop it!" Jiang Chun stood up to cover Chu Yu's mouth. Though Chu Yu was far more agile, she playfully let herself be silenced, casting a mock plea for help at Wei Yun. After a moment of bewilderment, Wei Yun slowly caught on and turned to Liu Xueyang.
Liu Xueyang cleared her throat. "It did happen, but A Chun wasn’t willing, so I declined on her behalf."
"Actually, Song Shizi isn’t bad," Wang Lan chimed in, cradling her child and smiling at Jiang Chun, who was now playfully wrestling with Chu Yu. "He still sends gifts every day."
Hearing this, Chu Yu raised her brows, blinking rapidly at Jiang Chun as if to say, "Really? Really?"
With all her secrets laid bare, Jiang Chun sighed and released Chu Yu. "Fine, fine, just treat me as your entertainment."
"How could we dare?" Chu Yu quickly sprawled over, leaning against Jiang Chun and cooing, "I’m sorry, dear sister. I won’t mention you and Song Shizi anymore. Don’t be mad, alright?"
"After just one trip to the Northern Di," Jiang Chun couldn’t help laughing, "how did you become such a cheeky rascal?"
Beside them, Wei Yun watched with a smile in his eyes. He loved seeing Chu Yu so utterly unguarded like this—it made him feel as though he had truly stepped into her world."She didn't learn this in Northern Di," Wei Yun tapped the table beside Chu Yu's bowl, signaling her to eat while continuing, "I think she's always been like this. She used to put on airs before, but now with our whole family, she can't even be bothered to pretend anymore."
"Xiao Qi is right," Liu Xueyang said with a laugh. "How come I never noticed before that you're such a little rascal?"
The whole family teased Chu Yu good-naturedly amidst laughter. Just as they finished their meal, a messenger from the palace arrived, waiting respectfully at the gate.
Seeing the man holding an Imperial Decree, Wei Yun's expression turned cold. Chu Yu also noticed and quickly sobered up, saying to Wei Yun, "Go receive the decree quickly."
Recognizing this as Chu Yu's reminder, Wei Yun took a deep breath and stood up, striding toward the eunuch. He approached swiftly and said, "Your Excellency has come bearing an Imperial Decree. Why didn't you announce your arrival so we could properly receive you?"
"His Majesty instructed this servant," the eunuch replied with a kind smile. "The young marquis has just returned from the north after a long journey. If you were still dining, I was to wait until you finished before informing you about entering the palace."
"His Majesty is truly considerate," Wei Yun said with gratitude. "How could this subject dare to be presumptuous in the face of such imperial grace? Please proclaim the decree."
With that, Wei Yun stepped back and knelt respectfully. The eunuch read out the decree and handed it to Wei Yun, then turned to Chu Yu kneeling behind him. "His Majesty also mentioned that Consort Mei in the palace was once close friends with Madam Wei and has been thinking of you. If you have no pressing matters, why not visit Consort Mei in the palace to renew your sisterly bond?"
"This humble one is deeply moved by Her Highness's concern," Chu Yu replied respectfully. "I too have missed Her Highness greatly and would be honored to accompany the young marquis to the palace."
Hearing this, the eunuch beamed and led them out. He boarded a separate carriage while Chu Yu and Wei Yun took the one behind.
As the carriage began moving, Chu Yu said calmly, "You know what to discuss today, right?"
"Mmm," Wei Yun kept his eyes downcast. Chu Yu continued, "Zhao Yue will surely keep me and mother in Hua Jing as hostages. Agree to it."
Wei Yun remained silent. Chu Yu frowned slightly, "Wasn't this already decided?"
"I know," Wei Yun finally murmured. Seeing him looking down like a dejected puppy, Chu Yu couldn't help but reach out and ruffle his hair.
"Trust me," she said firmly. "Focus on building your connections in the north. I won't cause you any trouble in Hua Jing."
"If you could cause me trouble," Wei Yun muttered, "I might actually feel better."
"Childish talk," Chu Yu patted his head, and Wei Yun said no more.
Soon the carriage arrived at the Palace Gates. Chu Yu and Wei Yun entered the inner palace directly—Wei Yun was led to the imperial study while Chu Yu was taken toward the rear palace.
Emperor Chunde hadn't been a licentious ruler, keeping few consorts in his harem. After Zhao Yue ascended the throne, apart from the Yao Family's daughter being considered for marriage, the only consort was Consort Mei, who resided in Phoenix Perch Palace.
Phoenix Perch Palace was traditionally the empress's residence. That Consort Mei lived there made Zhao Yue's intentions clear to all. Whether the Yao Family knew about this remained uncertain.Chu Yu pondered as she arrived before the gates of Phoenix Perch Palace. She knelt respectfully, pressing her forehead against her clasped hands resting on the ground. The doors slowly creaked open, releasing a strong wave of plum blossom fragrance from within. Moments later, a languid voice called out, "Enter."
Rising to her feet, Chu Yu kept her head lowered as she stepped inside. A woman in golden robes reclined on the divan, her hair cascading onto the floor. The exposed skin of her neck was covered with mottled red marks, as if deliberately displayed to make some declaration.
Her face was bare of makeup, her expression casual and indifferent, as though the upheavals of the past six months held no connection to her.
Standing before her, Chu Yu said respectfully, "Your Highness."
The Eldest Princess paused briefly in her examination of her nails, then let out a light laugh. "Those returning from the Northern Border are indeed different. It's been ages since I last heard that address." A cold smile played at her lips. "Do you know what they call me now?"
Chu Yu answered truthfully, "Your Majesty."
The Eldest Princess lowered her eyes. "My daughter has been imprisoned," she said quietly.
Chu Yu remained silent as the princess continued, "My elder brother is dead too."
"Sometimes I wonder—is this my retribution?"
Her laughter carried self-mockery as she stood, her elaborate gown trailing across the floor. The intricate design was rarely seen among Hua Jing's women, being entirely unsuitable for outdoor wear. From this attire, Chu Yu deduced, "Your Majesty doesn't leave these chambers?"
"Do you think I need to, or that I can?" The Eldest Princess raised an eyebrow. "Your words cut deep."
Chu Yu frowned slightly. "Then... why am I permitted to see you?"
If Zhao Yue's surveillance was so strict, how had this meeting been allowed? The Eldest Princess smiled faintly. "He wanted something from me, and I gave it."
When Chu Yu looked puzzled, the princess drew closer and pulled down her shoulder to reveal fresh marks. "This is all he desires from me now—all I can still give."
Chu Yu's eyes widened in shock.
Adjusting her garments, the princess returned to her seat, propping her chin on one hand. "I've had so many male concubines I lost count. Does he think this could humiliate me?" Her cold laughter rang out. "Ridiculous!"
After a long silence, Chu Yu spoke slowly, "Then what grieves Your Highness now?"
The princess didn't answer. Chu Yu stepped forward, kneeling to take her hand.
"Your Highness," she sighed, "there's no shame in hurting when wounded."
The princess's fingers trembled slightly. She gazed at Chu Yu before managing a strained smile.
"This princess isn't grieving," she said deliberately. "This princess has never lost before, and won't lose now either."
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