After listening to the storyteller, Chu Yu strolled leisurely back home with Jiang Chun.
The frontlines had now advanced into Northern Di territory. With Wei Yun, Chu Linyang, and others leading the charge at the front while Gu Chusheng and Zhao Yue managed affairs in the rear, the overall situation in Great Chu had stabilized. Hua Jing had nearly returned to its pre-war state, and with many displaced people settling down, the city had even grown more prosperous than before. The streets bustled with people, lively and crowded.
"Xiao Qi has been at the front for four years now. I wonder when this war will finally end. Mother-in-law’s health has been declining lately, and she’s always worrying about Xiao Qi," Jiang Chun remarked, watching the passersby with a sigh. "Truthfully, things are stable now. Whether the war continues or not doesn’t seem to matter much."
"You can’t say that," Chu Yu replied calmly, steadying a girl who had bumped into her. "If you let someone hit you without retaliation, they’ll always think they can hit you again. But if you strike back hard enough to make them fear you, they’ll respect and dread you instead."
Jiang Chun glanced at the people on the street, thought for a moment, then sighed. "You’re right. It’s just that the common folk suffer too much."
Chu Yu also sighed helplessly. "Indeed."
"I heard the land you bought in Xuzhou has been yielding good harvests?"
Mentioning the common people reminded Jiang Chun of the displaced folk Chu Yu had taken in back then. Wei Yun and Chu Linyang had borrowed money to purchase large tracts of land in Xuzhou, then resettled many refugees there. Over the past four years, those refugees had settled into stable lives as tenant farmers, cultivating the land and producing vast quantities of grain that were now sold across the country.
Jiang Chun knew Chu Yu was busy with these matters. Every day, Wei Manor was bustling with visitors. While Jiang Chun managed the household finances, focusing on cutting expenses, Chu Yu oversaw all of the Wei family’s assets, working to expand their income.
Beyond that, Chu Yu had also begun training a large number of retainers. After the events at Phoenix Tomb City, Han Min had followed Chu Jin back to Hua Jing, and his father, Han Xiu, had also moved to the Chu residence, living under an assumed name. Once Chu Yu had settled things, she brought Han Xiu and his disciples over to focus on developing weapons.
However, these matters were handled much more discreetly, and Jiang Chun remained largely unaware. Seeing Chu Yu constantly occupied, she assumed it was all about financial concerns.
So when she brought up the refugees resettled in Xuzhou and received Chu Yu’s nod, she seized the opportunity to say, "Actually, Wei Manor isn’t short on funds now. You don’t need to worry so much. Money—it’s best not to take it too seriously."
Chu Yu smiled but didn’t respond.
The future was uncertain for Wei Manor, so she had to prepare early, waiting for the day to come.
Seeing Chu Yu silent, Jiang Chun was about to speak again when a voice called from behind them: "Lady Zhaohua."
The two turned to see Gu Chusheng standing there in a blue scholar’s robe.
He wore a headscarf and carried a few books in his hands, looking every bit the handsome scholar without a trace of official authority.
Chu Yu and Jiang Chun chuckled lightly and curtsied. "Greetings, Lord Gu."
Gu Chusheng studied them briefly and seemed to understand. "Out for a stroll today?"
"Lovely weather," Chu Yu replied casually, her gaze falling on the books in his hands. They were collections of strange tales—the kind Gu Chusheng had loved before he turned fourteen. After his family’s downfall, he had stopped reading them. Who would have thought that in this second life, she’d see these casual books in the hands of a twenty-year-old Gu Chusheng?Gu Chusheng noticed Chu Yu looking at the book in his hand. Following her gaze, he suddenly felt somewhat embarrassed, as if being caught indulging in leisure reading by Chu Yu was rather improper. He cleared his throat lightly and explained, "I only read these during my spare time. Normally, I'm too busy with court affairs to bother with such things."
Hearing this, Chu Yu couldn't help but smile and said slowly, "Actually, there's nothing wrong with that. Everyone needs time to rest. Knowing that Lord Gu has such interests makes me find you quite endearing. I also enjoy reading these stories. This book, The Tale of Xiao Shan , was one of my favorites when I was young."
"What a coincidence," Gu Chusheng laughed. "Among the books I picked today, The Tale of Xiao Shan is my favorite as well."
"This book is quite lengthy. It'll probably take you a long time to finish. And now that you..." Chu Yu suddenly remembered something and said, "Ah, I just recalled—I heard you were recently promoted to Minister of Rites. I forgot to congratulate you."
In the Great Chu, entry into the Grand Secretariat was always preceded by appointment as Minister of Rites. Becoming Minister of Rites meant the next step was the Grand Secretariat. Gu Chusheng, barely past twenty, had already reached this position, a clear sign of Zhao Yue's immense favor.
Gu Chusheng didn't think much of it, but when Chu Yu congratulated him, he felt a hint of bashfulness again.
He cleared his throat and said, "It's just an empty title. It only means more work for me."
Then, turning to them, he added, "Since we've met by chance and it's still early, why don't I treat you both to a meal?"
Chu Yu hesitated for a moment, about to decline, when Jiang Chun interjected, "That sounds good. I was just feeling hungry."
With that, she tugged at Chu Yu's sleeve and headed toward a nearby restaurant, smiling. "This place looks nice. Let's go."
Not wanting to embarrass Jiang Chun in public, Chu Yu had no choice but to follow along, bringing Gu Chusheng with them into the restaurant.
The three of them reserved a private room. Once inside, Gu Chusheng ordered dishes first before turning to Chu Yu and saying, "There's no need to be too reserved. I actually have some news from the frontlines that I wanted to share with you both, which is why I invited you separately. I hope you'll forgive any impropriety."
Hearing that it concerned Wei Yun, Chu Yu's awkwardness finally eased somewhat. She exhaled and asked, "How are things on the frontlines?"
"Your Majesty recently discussed with me," Gu Chusheng said slowly, watching Chu Yu, "the possibility of negotiating peace with the Northern Di."
Chu Yu frowned. Gu Chusheng continued, "The Great Chu is now stable internally, and the battlefront has been pushed north. His Majesty believes that continuing the war would only waste manpower. As you know, Wei Yun has helped Tuso annex most of the Northern Di tribes. Tuso may soon declare himself a rival king against the Su family. At this point, the Northern Di can be left to their own infighting—there's no need for further interference."
Chu Yu remained silent, listening quietly. Jiang Chun stood up and said with a smile, "You two talk. I'll step out for a moment."
Lost in thought over Gu Chusheng's words, Chu Yu nodded without pressing further.After Jiang Chun left, Gu Chusheng also relaxed and spoke more boldly: "Although Tuso has annexed some tribes now, he still lacks the capability to contend with Sucha. After Sucha killed Su Can the year before last and annexed the Chatu tribe, the Northern Di have united as one, greatly boosting their morale. If Great Chu withdraws its troops, Tuso will undoubtedly be defeated. However, the Northern Di have fought to this point—either we prop up Tuso and sign a treaty, or we must completely crush them."
"Did you not say these words to His Majesty?"
"Don’t you understand His Majesty’s intentions?"
A cold glint flashed in Gu Chusheng’s eyes: "The reason he wants Wei Yun to return now is entirely because he feels he can no longer control Wei Yun and cannot allow him to remain outside any longer."
"Wasn’t he quite pleased when he let him go?" Chu Yu sneered. Gu Chusheng replied calmly, "Because at that time, he believed he could still rein him back in."
Chu Yu fell silent. No matter how despicable Zhao Yue was, he was still the sovereign. With twelve military orders issued, unless Wei Yun openly rebelled, he would have to return.
She pressed her lips together, pondering how to proceed. Gu Chusheng watched her thoughtful expression quietly.
He rarely had moments like this to observe her in peace. Seeing her now, sitting in the sunlight, serene and gentle as she contemplated, filled his heart with warmth.
He was like a traveler who had journeyed far, far away, yearning deep in his bones for stability. And for him, this stability could only be given by this person. Even if she merely sat quietly beside him, he could feel the peace he had sought for two lifetimes.
After some thought, Chu Yu seemed to have reached a conclusion. She looked up and said sincerely, "Though I don’t know what your intentions are, I still thank you."
Gu Chusheng shook his head without elaborating.
On one hand, he had promised Wei Yun not to do too much before his return. On the other, he knew that Chu Yu, in matters of the heart, was like a cautious kitten—she couldn’t be startled. She had to be guarded until she emerged from that dark little nest on her own.
Chu Yu asked Gu Chusheng a few more detailed questions about Zhao Yue’s situation. By then, the pastries had arrived, and Chu Yu invited Gu Chusheng to eat. Only then did she realize Jiang Chun had not returned.
Chu Yu found it odd: "Did your wife say what she was going to do?"
"The mistress said she was tired from buying too many things and asked Lord Gu to escort the elder madam back."
Hearing this, Chu Yu understood Jiang Chun’s intentions. She sighed helplessly, but Gu Chusheng said, "Let’s eat first. Afterward, I’ll take you back."
"There’s no need—"
"A Yu," Gu Chusheng sighed, gazing at her quietly. "Must we be so distant? Can’t you just treat me as an old friend, a childhood companion? Is that so difficult?"
His words left Chu Yu somewhat at a loss. Seeing the emotion in Gu Chusheng’s expression, she sighed after a long pause and said, "I’ll try."
With that, the two ate and chatted.
When they stepped outside, they found the once-clear weather had turned drizzly. Chu Yu had no umbrella, and the carriage had been taken back by Jiang Chun, so she had no choice but to ride in Gu Chusheng’s carriage home.
Gu Chusheng helped her into the carriage but did not board himself. Chu Yu assumed he would return first and sighed in relief, leaning back to quietly digest his words.Wei Yun had made Zhao Yue feel threatened, and Zhao Yue wanted to recall him. Now, she needed to create some trouble for Zhao Yue to distract him from this matter.
For such a task, she would have to enter the palace and discuss it with The Eldest Princess.
At the thought of The Eldest Princess, she immediately rose, rolled up the carriage curtain, and was about to order the driver to turn toward the palace.
But as soon as she lifted the curtain and called out, "Someone—"
She saw a young man in a blue robe urge his horse forward a step, bending slightly as he asked, "What is it?"
He carried no umbrella, and the fine rain had long soaked his clothes. His hair clung to his face, damp with water. Yet despite his disheveled state, he still exuded a jade-like calmness. He gazed at her quietly, awaiting her instructions.
Chu Yu stared at him in a daze, only snapping out of it after a long moment.
"Why are you here?"
"I was worried," Gu Chusheng said with a smile. Noticing her gaze fixed on his face, filled with surprise, he wiped his cheek and asked curiously, "Is there something on me?"
Chu Yu didn’t answer. She shook her head and finally said, "You should go back."
Gu Chusheng smiled stubbornly. "It’s fine."
He added, "I’ll leave after seeing you through this stretch of the road."
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