Fight For Love

At the sound of the angry shout, Gu Chusheng remained expressionless. He turned his head and took a sip of tea.

"Dressed in plain clothes, wearing a silver mask, and daring to shout at guests in the Wei family..." Gu Chusheng looked up with a smile. "It seems you hold considerable influence in the Wei family. Could you be Gongsun Mr., who was supposed to be at the Northern Border?"

Wei Yun didn’t respond. He frowned slightly, pondering how Gu Chusheng had discovered this identity.

Gongsun Zhan was someone he had rescued on the Northern Border battlefield. Later, when Wei Yun defied Zhao Yue’s military orders and secretly went to Hexi to purchase horses, he was ambushed. Gongsun Zhan died protecting him, and Wei Yun escaped back to Bai City under Gongsun Zhan’s name. He never announced Gongsun Zhan’s death, instead using it as an alias when traveling outside. For three years away from the capital, he had never returned to Hua Jing—so how did Gu Chusheng know about Gongsun Zhan?

Gu Chusheng noticed his displeasure and sneered. "But Gongsun Mr., no matter how much the Marquis favors you, you are still a commoner. I, the Minister of Rites, hold the third-rank position—how dare you raise your voice at me here?! Kneel!"

As soon as Gu Chusheng spoke, Wei Qian behind Wei Yun instantly drew his blade, while the guards behind Gu Chusheng also unsheathed their swords. Amid the standoff, Wei Yun spoke calmly, "Your Majesty promoted you to Minister of Rites at such a young age despite opposition, Lord Gu. Surely, you must be someone who understands and upholds propriety."

Gu Chusheng grasped Wei Yun’s implication.

Though Gongsun Zhan held no official rank, he was a retainer of the Marquis of National Stability’s household. Now that he stood within the Wei Manor, as a retainer protecting his master, telling Gu Chusheng to leave was already being polite.

A flicker of emotion passed through Gu Chusheng’s eyes. He sighed and adopted a sorrowful expression. "Lord Gongsun, to be frank, I am concerned for Madam Wei."

"The Wei family’s Madam Wei has her own household to worry about her, and the Chu family as well. What is your relationship with her?" Wei Yun gave a cold laugh. "Since when is it your place to care?"

"Gongsun Mr.," Gu Chusheng suppressed his anger. "Madam Wei and I are old friends."

"She is married."

Wei Yun’s voice turned icy. "I suggest you maintain proper distance."

The words made Gu Chusheng’s blood boil. Gripping his fan tightly, he let out a cold laugh and repeated, "Fine, fine, fine! Keep blocking me like this. When something happens, let’s see if a mere servant like you can bear the consequences!"

Wei Yun remained silent, his hands tucked into his sleeves. Calmly, he said, "Escort the guest out."

Hearing these words, Gu Chusheng knew Wei Yun was determined to make him leave. He glared coldly at Wei Yun for a long moment before finally taking a deep breath and storming off with a furious flick of his sleeve. After a few steps, he abruptly stopped and quickly said, "Last night, a fire broke out in the palace, killing Wang Guifei. His Majesty, enraged by Wang He’s daughter’s death, ordered the guards to execute over a hundred palace servants in a fit of anger. He summoned the Chief of the Court of Judicial Review overnight to investigate the matter. This morning, His Majesty had the Wang Family’s residence surrounded." He pressed his lips together before adding, "Though I don’t know exactly what Madam Wei has done, you should advise her to prepare early."

This time, Wei Yun did not make things difficult for Gu Chusheng. He bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you for the warning, Lord Gu."

With that, he stepped forward and personally escorted Gu Chusheng out of the manor. As Wei Yun walked beside him, Gu Chusheng asked coldly, "Why have you come to Hua Jing?""I am not under Lord Gu's command. Whether I come or go, what concern is it of yours?"

Wei Yun did not answer directly. Gu Chusheng pondered in silence. In his past life, Gongsun Mr. had never appeared lightly—whenever he did, it was inevitably followed by bloodshed and turmoil. Almost every major turning point in Wei Yun's life had been connected to this man, who had always held a high seat among the nobility. Considering their relationship, Gu Chusheng knew Gongsun Mr. would never reveal the truth to him, so he simply nodded and refrained from further questions. After reviewing recent major events, he looked up at Wei Yun and asked, "Have you come to discuss peace negotiations with His Majesty?"

Wei Yun's expression remained unchanged. Thinking he had guessed correctly, Gu Chusheng chuckled lightly. "I know your master is unwilling to return to the capital. In truth, you need not worry now. With the Wang Family in trouble, His Majesty won’t summon you back anytime soon. If you were to return, he’d fear you might collude with them."

"Lord Gu overestimates the situation," Wei Yun finally spoke, his tone indifferent. "You should focus more on advising His Majesty on how to cover up the Wang Family’s scandal. Surely, Lord Gu doesn’t truly believe," Wei Yun lifted his gaze to meet Gu Chusheng’s, "that those hundred palace servants were really killed by Wang He?"

Gu Chusheng’s expression shifted slightly. Wei Yun gave a faint smile and gestured politely. "Lord Gu, after you."

After seeing Gu Chusheng off, Wei Yun returned to the corridor. Before he had taken more than a few steps, he saw Jiang Chun standing at the doorway, greeting him with a warm smile. "Gongsun Mr."

Wei Yun hurried forward and bowed deeply, as befitting a retainer. "Second Madam."

"Gongsun Mr., you must be weary from your journey and should rest. However, the Old Madam heard of your arrival and, missing the Marquis deeply, wishes to speak with you to ease her longing for her son."

A pang of sorrow rose in Wei Yun’s heart. He cupped his hands respectfully. "It is my honor to receive the Old Madam’s regard."

Jiang Chun then led Wei Yun to the inner courtyard. At the door, she asked him to wait while a servant announced their arrival to Liu Xueyang. Moments later, the servant ushered them in, and Wei Yun saw Liu Xueyang seated at the head of the room, studying him quietly.

In the three years he had been away, streaks of white had appeared in Liu Xueyang’s hair. She examined him intently. Wei Yun lowered his eyes, suppressing all emotion, and bowed deeply to her.

Seeing his gesture, Liu Xueyang quickly motioned for him to rise. When Wei Yun looked up, he saw the glimmer of tears in her eyes. Startled, he couldn’t help but ask, "Why does the Old Madam grieve?"

"Forgive my sentimentality," Liu Xueyang dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. "Your eyes... they resemble my son’s so much."

Wei Yun fell silent. For a moment, he nearly confessed his true identity to her.

But reason held him back.

Liu Xueyang had never been one to keep secrets. His presence in Hua Jing must not leak even the slightest hint—he couldn’t afford such recklessness.

So he could only console her. "The Young Marquis ought to return."

"Nonsense," Liu Xueyang smiled weakly. "With the Northern Di still unsettled, if he rushes back only to leave again, it’s better he doesn’t come at all. I’ve grown accustomed to it..."

Her voice carried a quiet sorrow. "His father spent his entire life on the battlefield, and now he does the same. I’ve long since accepted it."

"Old Madam...""Speaking of which," Liu Xueyang turned her gaze to Wei Yun, "I heard it was you who rescued A Yu."

Wei Yun nodded. "I happened to encounter Madam."

"You serve under the Marquis in a civil position, don't you?"

"Yes," Wei Yun continued playing the role of Gongsun Zhan. "This subordinate serves as the Marquis's strategist."

Liu Xueyang nodded approvingly. "Civil positions are good, less risky. When the wars subside in a few years, return to Hua Jing, and I'll have the Marquis arrange an official post for you."

"Thank you for your kindness, Old Madam," Wei Yun bowed. "This subordinate is deeply grateful."

Liu Xueyang smiled warmly, looking Wei Yun up and down with increasing fondness. She questioned him at length about his experiences in the north and kept him for dinner.

Wei Yun sat properly beside Liu Xueyang as she chatted with Jiang Chun. "Did Gu Chusheng come again today?"

"Yes," Jiang Chun sighed. "But after all, he's an outsider, so I didn't let him visit."

"When A Yu is better, tell him to come again to see her."

Liu Xueyang said this calmly. Wei Yun's hand holding the chopsticks paused slightly. He looked up at Liu Xueyang, confusion in his eyes. Jiang Chun noticed his questioning look and explained with a smile, "Don't be surprised, Mr. Gongsun. The Old Madam wants to matchmake Minister Gu and the First Madam."

"My energy is failing more each day," Liu Xueyang sighed softly, smiling bitterly. "Now that the hardest times have passed, I'm not worried about Xiao Qi. Lingchun is already nine and seems very sensible. The Second Madam has support here too. When I think about it, the only one in the household I still worry about is A Yu. She's so young, pure and innocent with A Jun, without even a child. Our Wei family has wronged her. I must live to see her marry well, have children, and live happily—only then can I rest easy."

Hearing this, Wei Yun clenched his chopsticks tightly, lowering his eyes.

His hands trembled slightly, so he exerted all his strength to stop the shaking.

Jiang Chun beside him didn't notice his unusual reaction and instead comforted Liu Xueyang, "Mother-in-law, don't say such things. You'll live a long life. A Yu's marriage can't be rushed. There's unresolved feelings between her and Gu Chusheng, but since he's sincere, it's only a matter of time. Don't worry."

"That's true," Liu Xueyang smiled and looked at Wei Yun. "Mr. Gongsun, I regard you as family. What do you think of Gu Chushen? He's quite good, isn't he?"

Wei Yun couldn't speak. His entire heart was trembling. Afraid his voice would betray him, he could only murmur in response, "Mm."

"Gu Chusheng is truly a good man," Liu Xueyang turned back to Jiang Chun. "Everyone in Hua Jing who's met him speaks highly of him. Though they had some unpleasantness in their youth—I heard Gu Chusheng rejected her, didn't he? But how many young men truly understand their own hearts at that age... Now look at him, so young yet already Minister of Rites, destined for the Grand Secretariat. His conduct is upright, and most importantly, he's sincere."

"You're right," Jiang Chun smiled. "A Yu just has unresolved feelings. Once that's settled, all will be well. I can see Gu Chusheng is persistent—sincerity can move even metal and stone. Don't worry too much; it's only a matter of time."Hearing this, Liu Xueyang finally brightened up and happily shared some amusing anecdotes about Gu Chusheng's promotion to the Ministry of Rites with Jiang Chun. The two of them discussed how they might bring Chu Yu and Gu Chusheng together in the future, while Wei Yun listened numbly nearby.

After finishing his meal in silence, Wei Yun could no longer bear it. He stood up and excused himself respectfully.

Once he had left, Liu Xueyang looked in the direction Wei Yun had gone and sighed, "It's a pity his background is somewhat lowly."

Jiang Chun smiled. "How can a golden dragon be confined to a pond? Mother-in-law, even the legendary strategists Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong were once commoners. Background isn't important; what matters is sincerity."

Liu Xueyang fell silent for a moment before finally saying, "Let A Yu decide. As long as she's happy."

While Liu Xueyang and Jiang Chun continued chatting, Wei Yun walked along the corridor.

Wei Qian followed behind. Wei Yun walked so quickly that Wei Qian had to hurry to keep up, asking worriedly, "Master, what's wrong?"

Wei Yun didn't answer. He turned several corners before suddenly stopping and whirling around, his voice icy. "Investigate."

Wei Qian was taken aback. Wei Yun looked into the distance and said, "Find out everything Gu Chusheng has done in recent years, every interaction he's had with the Madam. I want to know every word they've exchanged, every action they've taken."

"M-Master?" Wei Qian was stunned. "Why investigate the Madam?"

Wei Yun didn't respond. He gave Wei Qian a cold glance, then pulled the token from his waist and threw it at him. "Return to White City and report to Wei Qiu for punishment."

Wei Qian held the token, bewildered. What had he done wrong? But he didn't dare question further and quickly left to carry out his orders. Wei Yun went straight to Chu Yu's door.

Chu Yu was still unconscious, so he couldn't enter. Instead, he sat at the stone table in the courtyard, asking the maids to set up a chessboard so he could play against himself.

Each move he made was slow and deliberate, his mind filled with the conversation between Jiang Chun and Liu Xueyang.

She would marry someday, but no one thought that person could be him. Even Jiang Chun, who knew his feelings, hadn't considered that he might return one day to marry her.

He pressed his lips together, frustration and helplessness surging within him. Even after three years, he felt no different from before.

Piece by piece, he placed the stones. As the sun reached its peak, a messenger arrived.

"Madam," the steward hurried in. Wei Yun looked up and saw him approach Chu Yu's door, urgently saying, "Quickly inform the Madam! An Imperial Decree has arrived from the palace—Your Majesty summons the Madam to court!"

Wei Yun frowned. He stood up as coughing came from inside the room.

Everyone waited at the door for Chu Yu's orders. Even in her illness, she remained the pillar of the household.

Just this scene alone made Wei Yun feel as though he had glimpsed how Chu Yu had upheld the solemn Wei Manor in his absence these past three years.

A sharp pang of pain surged through him, and all his earlier jealousy and anger seemed to dissolve into it. Standing outside the door, he heard Chu Yu's weak yet dignified voice.

"Where is Gongsun Mr.?"

With his hands folded before him, Wei Yun calmly replied, "Madam, I am here."Author's Note:

Jiang Chun: I think Gu Chusheng could marry A Yu.

Wei Yun: I disagree!

Jiang Chun: I think Gongsun Mr. could marry A Yu.

Wei Yun: I approve.

(After the wedding)

Jiang Chun: Contestants voting for themselves... Xiao Qi, this won't do...