Fight For Love

The mention of Wei Jun's name made Chu Yu sense an immediate shift in the atmosphere.

Wei Yun stood up and moved away, sitting at a distance in the carriage. Chu Yu was curious about the relationship between this man and Wei Jun but felt it inappropriate to ask directly. Instead, she turned her attention back to Wei Yun and inquired about his experiences on the frontier.

Her concern seemed to slightly lift Wei Yun's spirits. He spoke slowly about life at the border as the carriage moved forward at a leisurely pace. After what felt like an indeterminate amount of time, the carriage came to a halt.

Wei Yun heard Wei Qian negotiating with the guards outside. Quietly, he moved closer to Chu Yu, letting her head rest against his shoulder while his hand gently settled on her shoulder.

Outside, the guards verified the official documents with Wei Qian before lifting the carriage curtain to inspect the passengers inside. Chu Yu tilted her face slightly, burying half of it against Wei Yun's shoulder as if in light slumber.

One of the soldiers frowned at her appearance and barked, "You—why are you wearing a mask? Take it off and let me see!"

Wei Yun remained silent. Chu Yu heard the rustling of fabric as the mask was removed. She discreetly lifted her gaze, following the line of his jaw upward, and saw the face beneath the white jade mask—covered in raised scars, as if seared by flames, a sight that sent a chill down her spine.

The soldier gasped and hastily waved his hand. "Put it back on! That's horrifying."

"My apologies for startling you, sir."

Wei Yun raised his hand to replace the mask. The soldier then turned his attention to Chu Yu, furrowing his brows. "This woman's documents—"

Before he could finish, the sound of approaching hoofbeats interrupted him. The soldier seemed to forget about them, hurriedly dropping the curtain and turning away. Voices outside greeted the newcomer: "Greetings, Lord Gu."

"At ease. I'm looking for someone."

Gu Chusheng's voice carried a note of urgency. Chu Yu's heart stirred—she knew Gu Chusheng must have learned something.

She shifted slightly against Wei Yun's shoulder, and his grip on her tightened. Pressing her down and holding her hand, he said calmly, "Madam, stay calm."

Just then, Gu Chusheng abruptly yanked open the curtain and peered inside. Wei Yun was holding Chu Yu's hand, seemingly whispering something to her. At the sound of the curtain being drawn aside, he turned his head composedly, meeting Gu Chusheng's sharp gaze.

Gu Chusheng's eyes swept over his face briefly before settling on Chu Yu. The moment he saw her, his brows knitted together. He seemed on the verge of speaking but restrained himself, slamming the curtain shut. "Move along quickly. Don't block the way for others."

"Lord Gu—" the guard hesitated. "That woman claims she lost her documents. It's suspicious—"

"Isn't her husband's enough?" Gu Chusheng shot the guard a cold glare. "Let them pass. Don't delay my honored guests."

The guard dared not argue further, hastily bowing and ushering them through.

Once the carriage entered the city and had traveled a fair distance, Chu Yu felt it safe to rise. Yet she found "Gongsun Mr." still firmly holding her down.

Frowning, she voiced her displeasure. "Gongsun Mr."

Only then did Wei Yun snap out of his daze, realizing what he was doing. He quickly released her and retreated in fluster. "My apologies. I was lost in thought just now."

"It's fine." Chu Yu smiled, straightening up and leaning against the carriage wall. "What were you thinking about, Gongsun Mr.?""That gentleman just now must be the current Minister of Rites, Gu Chusheng?"

Wei Yun spoke calmly. He had already learned about Gu Chusheng's promotion to Minister of Rites while he was in the north.

Chu Yu nodded. "Indeed."

"Remarkable for his youth." Wei Yun's expression revealed neither joy nor anger. "He may well enter the Grand Secretariat before turning thirty."

"With his abilities, it's only a matter of a few years."

Chu Yu was well aware of Gu Chusheng's capabilities. Even though this lifetime was vastly different from the last, for someone like Gu Chusheng, entering the Grand Secretariat was merely a question of time, no matter whose faction he served under.

Hearing Chu Yu's praise, Wei Yun's expression shifted slightly. "Madam seems to have a good relationship with him?"

Chu Yu wasn’t sure how to respond. Over the years, Gu Chusheng had helped her greatly. Though she had always refused his overtures, she was not one to forget kindness. She sighed, her voice tinged with resignation. "He has done much for the Wei family."

Wei Yun said nothing and turned away.

Through the swaying carriage curtains, he looked outside. Hua Jing had changed greatly since he had last seen it.

When he left, it was still wartime. Many had fled, the streets filled with refugees, half the shops shuttered, the scene desolate. But now, the streets bustled with life, lively and prosperous.

Seeing Wei Yun gazing outside, his eyes gradually warming, Chu Yu somehow sensed the softness in his heart and couldn’t help but smile. "Now that Great Chu has turned defeat into victory and the people are at peace, Hua Jing has long regained its former prosperity. Gongsun Mr., have you been to Hua Jing before?"

"I have," Wei Yun replied evenly.

"When?" Chu Yu pressed.

"Three years ago, when I left Hua Jing."

At these words, a trace of nostalgia flickered in Chu Yu’s eyes. "Our Marquis also left three years ago. Counting now, it will soon be four years in another month."

Wei Yun lowered his gaze and gave a quiet hum of acknowledgment.

Chu Yu continued, "Compared to three years ago, how does Gongsun Mr. find Hua Jing now?"

Wei Yun’s eyes lingered on the bustling streets outside the window. He spoke deliberately, each word weighted with solemnity. "Worthy of the sacrifices made by our soldiers at the border."

Chu Yu had expected him to elaborate on the changes in Hua Jing compared to his memories. She hadn’t anticipated such a response.

The words brushed gently against her heart, deepening her favorable impression of him.

She admired men like this.

Men like him, who carried both strength and gentleness, who upheld Great Chu and its people—men she could look up to.

After a moment’s thought, she asked, "Might I ask how old Gongsun Mr. is now?"

Wei Yun pressed his lips together.

He nearly gave his real age, but at the last moment, a flicker of reluctance stopped him.

He disliked being seen as a child, so he slowly lied. "Twenty-four."

Chu Yu nodded. "A fine age. Gongsun Mr. still has much to refine."

Wei Yun: "..."

Perhaps he should have said thirty.

"Madam considers twenty-four still young. Might I ask what age a man must reach before Madam deems him mature and steady?"

Wei Yun couldn’t resist asking. Behind the mask, his courage seemed to grow.

Chu Yu, broad-minded by nature, saw nothing amiss in his question and instead pondered it seriously.

Finally, she answered, "Well... at least thirty-five or thirty-six, I suppose?"She was in her thirties when she died. A mature and steady man should naturally be older than her.

Wei Yun felt a slight pang in his heart upon hearing this. "If the Madam wishes to remarry, does she prefer older men?"

Chu Yu didn't think much of it and earnestly pondered his question. "Hmm, if I were to remarry, I’d probably want someone at least a decade older than me."

"That much older?" Wei Yun took a sip of tea and said lightly, "Aren’t you worried about spending an extra decade or so alone?"

The remark was somewhat blunt, but Chu Yu didn’t take offense. Instead, she answered seriously, "I think men become more mature with age and know how to cherish others."

"That has nothing to do with age," Wei Yun retorted firmly. "It depends on the person."

Chu Yu considered his words and found some truth in them.

Take Gu Chusheng, for example. In his youth, he had seemed more tender-hearted than in later years.

Seeing her fall silent, Wei Yun finally had a moment to collect himself—only to realize what he had just said. A wave of regret washed over him.

He pressed his lips together, unsure how to remedy the situation, and remained quiet. Meanwhile, Chu Yu mulled over his words and nodded in agreement. "You’re right. Take our young marquis, for instance. Though he’s young, he’s more sensible and steady than many others, and he knows how to care for people. Whoever marries him in the future will surely live a happy life."

For some reason, Wei Yun’s ears grew warm at her words.

After a pause without a response from Wei Yun, Chu Yu asked curiously, "Gongsun Mr.?"

"Mm," Wei Yun knew he had to say something, so he brazenly nodded. "You’re absolutely right. The young marquis is indeed a steady man."

Thus, the two of them proceeded to praise Wei Yun further, his face beneath the mask growing redder by the minute. Soon, they arrived at the gates of Wei Manor. Wei Qian stepped forward to knock, and when the gatekeeper opened the door, Wei Yun raised his token and, following Chu Yu’s instructions, lowered his voice. "Escorting the Madam back to the manor."

The gatekeeper’s expression changed instantly. After glancing around, he whispered, "Come in quickly."

Wei Qian nodded and signaled for the carriage to inform Chu Yu and Wei Yun. Wei Yun helped Chu Yu don her hat, then carried her out of the carriage and swiftly entered the manor.

Once inside, Wei Yun continued holding her, following Chu Yu’s directions until they encountered Jiang Chun, who hurried over with Changyue and Wanyue. Seeing Wei Yun carrying Chu Yu, she asked anxiously, "Is she alright?"

Wei Yun nodded. "Her wounds have been treated. She just needs proper rest."

Still uneasy, Jiang Chun ordered someone to fetch a physician before leading Wei Yun to Chu Yu’s quarters. After setting Chu Yu down, Wei Yun stepped aside. Jiang Chun exchanged a few words with Chu Yu to confirm she was unharmed before finally turning to Wei Yun. "May I ask your name, sir?"

Wei Yun repeated the fabricated story he had given Chu Yu earlier. Upon hearing it, Jiang Chun quickly bowed in gratitude. Wei Yun stepped forward to stop her. "There’s no need for formalities, Second Madam. I was merely following the marquis’s orders. It’s nothing extraordinary."Jiang Chun shook her head and said earnestly, "You saved our sister-in-law, so it's only right that we express our gratitude. While Mr. Gongsun is staying here, if you encounter any difficulties, you can always speak to me. I oversee all matters within the household, so please don't hesitate."

Wei Yun nodded and replied respectfully, "Thank you, Second Madam."

Jiang Chun remained silent as she scrutinized Wei Yun. Chu Yu, lying on the bed, began to feel drowsy. With no one speaking to her, her consciousness gradually drifted away, and she fell into a hazy sleep.

Wei Yun glanced back at Chu Yu's sleeping form. Though the look seemed casual, the intensity and affection in his eyes were barely concealed beneath the surface—visible to anyone who looked closely.

As Jiang Chun listened to Chu Yu's breathing steadying beside her, she was about to speak when Changyue burst in from outside, exclaiming in a fluster, "It's bad! Lord Gu has arrived at the gate—he insists on seeing the First Madam!"

"Stop him!"

Jiang Chun and Wei Yun spoke in unison, their voices hushed. Chu Yu groggily opened her eyes, and after a brief glance at her, Wei Yun and Jiang Chun turned and hurried out.

Once they reached the corridor, Jiang Chun immediately said, "No one must know A Yu left the city—"

"He already knows."

Wei Yun spoke calmly. Jiang Chun's expression stiffened, but she clenched her teeth and insisted, "Even if he knows, the fewer details he learns, the better."

Wei Yun nodded in agreement. Just then, another servant rushed in, anxiously reporting, "Second Madam, Lord Gu refuses to leave without seeing the First Madam. He's causing a scene in the main hall!"

Jiang Chun frowned, her face troubled.

Wei Yun appeared composed and gentle on the surface, but turmoil churned within him. Seeing Jiang Chun's distress, he said decisively, "I'll handle it."

Without waiting for her approval, he strode toward the main hall.

Inside, Gu Chusheng was locked in a standoff with the household servants, the room filled with clamor. He knelt calmly by the entrance, pouring himself tea and sipping leisurely.

Sensing Wei Yun's gaze, Gu Chusheng lifted his eyes and met his stare steadily.

Unflinching, Gu Chusheng narrowed his eyes slightly, recalling how this man had interlaced fingers with Chu Yu in the carriage. Coldly, he asked, "May I ask how I should address you?"

"What I'm called doesn't matter," Wei Yun replied evenly. "You only need to know one thing—why I'm here."

"Enlighten me, then."

Gu Chusheng's tone was polite, but Wei Yun's gaze was steady and unyielding, far beyond what a young man his age should possess.

With his hands tucked into his sleeves, Wei Yun fixed his eyes on Gu Chusheng and enunciated each word with deliberate force.

"Get out."