Hearing this, Chu Yu couldn't help but laugh: "What could possibly happen when I visit The Eldest Princess? It's you who..."
As she spoke, Chu Yu glanced outside: "Come up and talk."
Wei Yun lowered his head in acknowledgment and quickly boarded the carriage. Chu Yu made room for him and poured him tea, speaking slowly: "How did your talk with Zhao Yue go?"
"I gave him three demands: kill Yao Yong in the future, grant you a First-rank imperial title along with a military position, and let me go north."
Wei Yun took the teacup from Chu Yu's hand as he spoke, lazily leaning against the wall like a big cat, one leg bent, utterly without decorum.
Chu Yu lightly tapped his knee, smiling: "Where did you learn such a posture? No manners."
"It's not like I'm in public," Wei Yun muttered as he straightened up. "What's wrong with being a little lazy?"
"You're not a child anymore."
Chu Yu gave him a light glare, which Wei Yun took delight in. Propping his chin on his hand, he said: "Sister-in-law, I got you an official position. Are you happy?"
"Why go through the trouble?"
The Great Chu had had female generals before. Granting military titles to women wasn't common, but it wasn't unprecedented either. However, most men preferred to claim their female family members' military merits for themselves, making Wei Yun's insistence on securing her position a rarity.
"I can't climb any higher—it's just an empty title. Do you think I care about the monthly stipend?"
"It's not about that," Wei Yun chuckled. "If it's not yours, I'd still want to bring it to you. But since it rightfully belongs to you, no one should take it away."
Hearing this, Chu Yu paused as she held her teacup. She turned to look at him—his words were casual, spoken without thought, yet they revealed his deepest sincerity. Chu Yu lowered her gaze, feeling an unusual ripple in her heart. The corner of her lips curled helplessly: "Xiao Qi, you're too good to me."
"Not enough."
Wei Yun looked at her, his gaze filled with nothing but her. "It'll never be enough."
Chu Yu fell silent. Though neither of them moved, for a fleeting moment, she felt as if he were closing in, pressing forward step by step, leaving her breathless.
She coughed lightly, adjusting the atmosphere, and continued: "Did Zhao Yue agree?"
"He said he'd think about it. That was expected. What about The Eldest Princess? What did she say?"
"The Eldest Princess may be planning rebellion."
Chu Yu spoke seriously, explaining The Eldest Princess's plan: "She told me that Zhao Yue's patience proves he's no ordinary man—finding his weakness won't be easy. But Zhao Yue holds a grudge against her, and she intends to exploit that along with Yao Yong."
"Rebelling against a wise ruler is difficult, but against a tyrant—nothing could be easier."
By this point, Wei Yun understood The Eldest Princess's intention.
The plan was twofold: first, to strengthen their own forces, and second, to tarnish Zhao Yue's reputation, forcing him into the role of a tyrant.
Wei Yun remained silent. From the reluctance in his eyes, Chu Yu could tell—if Zhao Yue, originally a good man, were driven to villainy, the psychological burden on Wei Yun would be immense."Xiao Qi," she sighed, "a person willing to gamble a nation for the throne will never make a good emperor. Moreover, given the situation between The Eldest Princess and Zhao Yue, whether you help her or not, The Eldest Princess will take this step regardless."
As she spoke, she reached out to pat Wei Yun's head, speaking earnestly: "You're not a god. Everyone walks their own dark path, and where they end up is their own choice. You can't save anyone. You can only do your best and fulfill your own responsibilities."
Wei Yun nodded in agreement. Raising his eyes to meet hers, he smiled faintly: "Sister-in-law, thank you for always being by my side."
The two returned home together, finally relaxing. They went straight to their rooms and fell asleep.
Before dawn the next day, Wei Yun woke again. After donning his official robes, he left for the morning court session.
As he stepped out, he noticed a familiar figure standing by the gate. Blinking sleepily, he called Wei Xia over and gestured toward the shadow: "Shen You?"
"That's right."
Wei Xia whispered: "The steward says he's been coming here daily since his return. He arrives before morning court and returns after it ends. Rumor has it he rented a house diagonally across from our residence just to keep watch here."
"Waiting for the Sixth Madam?" Wei Yun frowned. Noticing his displeasure, Wei Xia hesitated: "Does the Young Marquis dislike this? Shall I have him driven away—"
"Never mind."
Wei Yun waved his hand: "He's now an imperial official."
Now that Wei Yun knew Shen You was Zhao Yue's man, he found nothing strange about the spy's legendary rise to become a young general.
The carriage jostled him all the way to the Palace Gates. Alighting, he saw officials descending from their carriages and preparing to enter. Spotting Wei Yun, they came forward to greet him, exchanging pleasantries and asking about Northern Di affairs until another carriage came speeding up and halted abruptly. All eyes turned toward it as an elderly man scoffed: "How the vile prosper."
Just then, Wei Yun saw Gu Chusheng lift the carriage curtain with his ceremonial tablet and step down slowly.
The old man beside Wei Yun edged closer, pursing his lips toward Gu Chusheng: "Look—that's the current Director of the Ministry of Gold, Gu Chusheng, Your Majesty's favorite. Don't be fooled by his modest position. Between you and me, His Majesty is grooming him for the cabinet."
Hearing this, Wei Yun's expression flickered briefly before he replied neutrally: "Minister Gu does possess such capability."
The old man smirked derisively, changed the subject, exchanged a few more words with Wei Yun, then headed inside.
Wei Yun followed to the plaza where officials arranged themselves according to rank before entering the hall. Shortly after they assembled, the master of ceremonies announced Zhao Yue's arrival.
As the emperor took his seat upon the Golden Throne, all present hailed him with "Ten thousand years!" Wei Yun lifted his gaze—the man maintained his usual genial smile, yet now carried an imperial dignity previously absent.
What formidable patience this man has.
Lowering his eyes, Wei Yun joined the prostration.
Following court protocol, urgent matters were reported first. After discussions came routine ministry reports, leaving Wei Yun's seemingly trivial homecoming for last.After the superficial pleasantries between the monarch and his subject, Wei Yun briefly recounted the events from the battle at Heaven's Guard Pass to the present. The court listened intently. Though they had heard rumors before, hearing it firsthand from the person involved carried a different weight.
Once Wei Yun finished, Gu Chusheng spoke up, "So it seems the Northern Garrison Marquis is quite familiar with the Northern Di now?"
"Not entirely, but I have a general understanding," Wei Yun answered truthfully.
A burly man beside him cheered, "That's excellent! The Northern Garrison Marquis can just follow the same tactics and crush the Northern Di in a few more rounds!"
"Waging endless war is not wise," an elderly man stroked his beard and countered. "Simply driving these barbarians out of Great Chu is enough. What Great Chu needs now is recuperation and rebuilding."
The two sides began to argue, and the court quickly descended into chaos. Zhao Yue listened quietly to the debates. After a long while, he turned to Gu Chusheng and asked, "Gu Chusheng, what is your view?"
"Recuperation benefits Great Chu in the short term, but if we can press our advantage and eliminate the Northern Di, it would secure our prosperity for a century. Given the Northern Garrison Marquis's strategy of sustaining war through war, and considering the state of our treasury, we are capable of this campaign. Your Majesty, I believe it is worth attempting."
Gu Chusheng spoke with steady confidence. Zhao Yue nodded in approval. "Well said, Minister Gu. Wei Aiqing."
"Your servant is here."
"You were appointed Grand Marshal in times of crisis. Now, continue in this role, lead the northern campaign against the Northern Di, and defend our homeland."
"Your servant obeys the decree."
"The Wei family has served with distinction. Lady Chu Yu, the eldest madam, proved herself a heroine on the battlefield—defending Phoenix Mausoleum, storming the royal court, and beheading Su Yong. For her outstanding military merits, Lady Wei Chushi is hereby granted the first-rank imperial title, bestowed the name Zhaohua, awarded the fief of Ning County, and promoted to the rank of fifth-grade Southern City Army Commandant."
"Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your boundless grace!"
"Wei Aiqing," Zhao Yue descended from the high platform and personally helped Wei Yun to his feet, his expression solemn. "The fate of Great Chu now rests in your hands."
"Your Majesty need not worry," Wei Yun met his gaze, eyes burning with fervor. "Your servant will shed every last drop of blood to prove worthy of Your Majesty's trust!"
"Excellent!" Zhao Yue declared with vigor. "I have faith that you, my loyal subject, will usher in a new era for Great Chu. On the battlefield, you may fight without concern—I will handle all matters on the home front. Your family will be under my personal care, ensuring you have no worries!"
At these words, Wei Yun's eyes turned cold, though his face remained the picture of loyal devotion. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
No sooner had Wei Yun received his honors in the grand hall than the imperial decree arrived at Wei Manor. Chu Yu, dressed in formal attire for the occasion, knelt at the main gate with Liu Xueyang, Jiang Chun, and others to receive the edict of enfeoffment. Chu Yu had anticipated this and was not particularly surprised. However, once the decree was accepted and the doors of Wei Manor closed behind them, the household erupted in excitement. Liu Xueyang was overjoyed. Clutching Chu Yu's hand, she exclaimed, "Your luck is truly remarkable! It took me at least ten years to earn this first-rank title. And here you are, so young, already holding it—Xiao Qi has truly brought us honor!"
Chu Yu smiled faintly but said little. Nearby, Changyue pursed her lips in dissatisfaction.
After exchanging a few more words with Liu Xueyang, Chu Yu turned to find Jiang Chun, instructing her to prepare the belongings Wei Yun would need for his departure.Jiang Chun found it strange as she took notes: "You just got back, and now you're leaving again? And these preparations you're making—it's as if he'll be staying away for several years."
Chu Yu smiled faintly. "Warfare can sometimes drag on for years, can't it? It's better to be thorough."
Jiang Chun nodded without dwelling on it further, simply recording everything Chu Yu mentioned.
When Wei Yun returned to the house and summoned Jiang Chun to inform her of his upcoming trip to the north, Jiang Chun pressed her lips together in a small smile. "A Yu has already given the instructions."
Wei Yun paused briefly in surprise before nodding. Jiang Chun handed him the list Chu Yu had written. "These are the items she asked us to prepare. Let us know if anything is missing, and we'll supplement it."
Wei Yun took the paper from Jiang Chun and glanced down at the writing.
The script was steady and restrained, yet upon closer inspection, one could detect traces of wild exuberance hidden beneath that disciplined composure—subtle enough to go unnoticed unless one looked carefully.
Unable to suppress a smile, Wei Yun barely registered the actual contents of the list.
Jiang Chun observed him quietly, studying his expression. She seemed on the verge of saying something but hesitated, finally murmuring, "Let me know if there's anything else we need to add..."
"Second Sister-in-law can handle it," Wei Yun replied, returning the paper with barely concealed eagerness. "I'm going to see Eldest Sister-in-law."
With that, he turned and strode off, his entire demeanor radiating joy.
Jiang Chun frowned slightly as she watched him leave.
When Wei Yun reached Chu Yu's door, he found her kneeling at her desk, brush in hand. Beside her lay the white cat he had gifted her—now fully grown and perpetually lethargic.
Standing at the threshold, Wei Yun's gaze lingered on the cat. "Practicing calligraphy, Sister-in-law?"
"You're back?"
Chu Yu finished a stroke before looking up. At her glance, Wanyue brought water for her to wash her hands. As she cleansed them, Chu Yu gestured for Wei Yun to sit, her voice calm and measured as she made small talk. "You seem in high spirits. What has you so pleased?"
"Madam."
Wei Yun's sudden address made Chu Yu's hands tremble slightly. He smiled at her, enunciating clearly: "Madam Zhaohua."
Understanding dawned, and her racing heart settled. She averted her eyes, focusing on her reflection in the basin as she scrubbed her hands. "What's there to be happy about?"
"It's the first step." Wei Yun's expression was earnest. Chu Yu accepted a towel from Changyue to dry her hands as he continued slowly, "Every promise I've made to you, Sister-in-law, I'll fulfill—one step at a time."
The words themselves weren't childish, yet Chu Yu couldn't help feeling they carried a childlike sincerity. A child's intentions are pure—whether or not the promise could be kept, the genuine desire to be good to her was undeniably real.
Chu Yu smiled softly, steering the conversation elsewhere. They chatted idly as Wei Yun had Wei Xia bring over his official documents, dividing his attention between work and their conversation.
By evening, neither felt like leaving. Wei Yun instructed Wei Xia to serve their meal in the room, and the two shared the table, talking as they ate.The moon had already risen above the willow branches, and a cool breeze was blowing. The two of them, completely disregarding propriety, ate from each other's plates while exchanging playful banter, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.
After finishing their meal, Chu Yu continued reading her book. Wei Yun, having nothing better to do, lay down beside her, resting his head on his hands as he gazed at the moon outside. Slowly, he said, "Actually, I really enjoyed those days with sister-in-law in Northern Di."
Chu Yu looked up at him. Wei Yun's expression was full of nostalgia: "The skies in Northern Di were clear, the land vast, and the people few."
So everything stood out more distinctly—important people, important matters.
"And," Chu Yu added with a smile, "the girls were very pretty."
Wei Yun turned onto his side, propping his head on his hand as he looked up at her.
His gaze was so direct that Chu Yu actually felt a little embarrassed. Lowering her head, she asked, "Why are you looking at me?"
"Just comparing," Wei Yun said after a moment's thought. "You're much prettier than the Northern Di girls. Even back then, I thought you were beautiful, and it had little to do with Northern Di."
Hearing this, Chu Yu gave him a strange look. "Why are you comparing?"
Wei Yun smiled but didn't answer.
The two of them chatted idly until Jiang Chun arrived carrying a lantern. As she turned into the courtyard, she saw Wei Yun lying beside Chu Yu, deep in conversation.
Both of them were animated and radiant. Jiang Chun watched quietly for a while, then frowned.
Wei Xia noticed her promptly and hurried forward. "Second Madam, are you looking for the Young Marquis and First Madam?"
Jiang Chun didn't respond. She stared at the people in the main hall and even raised a hand, signaling Wei Xia to be silent.
Wei Xia wanted to warn Chu Yu but feared making it too obvious. He could only grit his teeth and stand guard, carefully observing Jiang Chun.
As Jiang Chun watched their interaction, she pressed her lips together and finally spoke: "Don't disturb them. I'll wait here for the Young Marquis."
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