Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Lin Shuyun froze for a moment, then gently took Lu Yu's hand. As she lowered her head, tears suddenly fell.

She asked hoarsely, "How long has he been like this?"

An Ran replied, "The Young Master has been this way since he came to Shuobei six years ago."

"When the symptoms are mild, he just has trouble sleeping at night. But when it gets worse, he becomes like this—he doesn't recognize anyone."

"This is a condition of the heart/mind. My grandfather and I have pored over medical texts but haven't found a good solution. But this time, with the high fever, we're worried if his body can take it."

An Ran's voice grew weaker and more choked as she spoke.

Lin Shuyun said softly, "Alright, I understand. You may leave now."

As the sound of everyone filing out faded, a deathly silence filled the room, overwhelming Lin Shuyun.

She looked at Lu Yu, who had closed his eyes and fallen deeply asleep, and realized tears had unconsciously streamed down her cheeks.

Back then, she thought that to Lu Yu, what happened was like losing a pet—his guilt stemmed only from their past relationship.

She didn't know when Lu Yu regained his memories. When she saw him again, she couldn't hide the hatred in her heart.

Why was it that all these years, she alone had nearly died and suffered so much, while Lu Yu seemed unscathed, going to Shuobei to lead troops and earn military honors?

He was the distinguished heir of the Marquis of Xuanping estate, leaving her alone trapped in memories.

At this thought, Lin Shuyun's tears flowed again.

It turned out all these years, he too had been tormented by the past. Even after marrying her, he remained anxious and fearful every day.

These past few months, Lu Yu had cheated death, and Zhang'er coming down with smallpox had strained his nerves again, causing the illness buried deep in his heart to resurface.

Lin Shuyun reached out and gently touched the small mole beneath Lu Yu's eye. As she, red-eyed, was about to say something, the man slowly opened his eyes.

"Wanwan?"

Lu Yu's eyes widened, his voice trembling with disbelief. Then he took Lin Shuyun's hand firmly, which was resting on his cheek.

Lin Shuyun nodded. "I'm here," she said.

Before she could finish, Lin Shuyun was suddenly pulled into Lu Yu's embrace.

Lu Yu held her tightly against his warm chest, his slightly trembling hands as if pulling her closer.

"Wanwan, are you here to take me with you?"

Lu Yu's deep voice trembled, as though she had abandoned him.

Lin Shuyun reached out and hugged him back, choking up. "Yes, I'm here to take you home."

"I thought you would never forgive me. I thought even in the underworld, you wouldn't want to see me."

Lu Yu's warm breath, along with a moist tear, fell onto Lin Shuyun's neck.

So, his mind was still confused.

Lin Shuyun gently patted Lu Yu's back. "We're both still alive."

"You're lying. I saw the remains of you and our son with my own eyes," Lu Yu held Lin Shuyun tighter, his voice shaking. "You were still wearing the silver hairpin I'd given you. Our son's once-chubby body had become so light—I could hold both of you with one hand."

"Wanwan, I..." Lu Yu's eyes were shattered. "No one in this world matters more to me than you."

Tears slowly slid from the corners of Lin Shuyun's eyes. "Then why did you put me and our son in harm's way back then?"

Lu Yu said hoarsely, "I'm sorry. I forgot about you."

"After my father passed, I was raised with the belief that I must uphold the honor of the Marquis of Xuanping estate, shoulder my responsibilities, and make decisions most beneficial to the family—even at my own expense..."

Lin Shuyun bit Lu Yu's shoulder hard. "Just because you forgot us, because we were strangers to you, did we have to be the price?"

Lu Yu held her tightly. "I'm sorry."

"So, I burned down the Marquis of Xuanping estate. I came to find you."

There was a note of relief in Lu Yu's words, his red-rimmed eyes filled with relief.

Lin Shuyun choked out, "What if you hadn't died?"

Lu Yu paused, then said hoarsely, "Then I would have killed everyone who hurt you, including myself."

"I don't ask for your forgiveness. I only ask that you let my remains rest beside yours."

Lu Yu rested his head against hers gently and spoke solemnly.

So this was what Lu Yu had been thinking all these years.

Lin Shuyun let out a long sigh and sank into Lu Yu's arms, her eyes red.

If they had met like this last year, she would never have forgiven him.

But since their reunion, Lu Yu had been protecting them constantly.

From the catastrophic flood in Lingshui County to kneeling in the pouring rain before the Emperor to request marriage, and through all the hardships in Shuobei.

What she would never forget was that dusk, under a blood-red sky, Lu Yu using his own body as a shield to block Su Bibo's deadly arrow for her. In that life-or-death moment, the desperate devotion in his crimson eyes was etched deeply into her heart.

And when Zhang'er contracted smallpox, he stayed by his side day and night, without rest, completely disregarding the risk of infection.

Lin Shuyun, her eyes red, slowly lifted herself from Lu Yu's chest and gently caressed his cheek, gently touching the small mole at the corner of his eye.

She sighed softly and whispered into Lu Yu's ear, "I forgive you."

Then she gazed steadily into Lu Yu's eyes, only to find his mind seemed to drift away again, his alert eyes growing heavy.

"Sleep."

As soon as Lin Shuyun spoke, Lu Yu had already drawn her down onto the bed, his strong arms encircling her, his warm chest making her eyelids grow heavy.

She slowly closed her eyes but could feel Lu Yu's gaze fixed intently on her.

She didn't know how much time had passed when Lin Shuyun slowly opened her eyes to find Lu Yu's red-rimmed eyes watching her.

She turned to look out the window and realized it was already dark outside.

Turning back to Lu Yu, Lin Shuyun noticed he seemed to have been watching her all day—from the moment she fell asleep until now.

"Why have you been watching me?"

Lu Yu looked down and said, "I'm afraid you'll leave me."

Lin Shuyun gazed steadily at Lu Yu and said, "We didn't die, and I won't suddenly disappear."

"I'm afraid."

"I'm afraid you'll deceive me. I'm afraid I'll forget you again."

Lu Yu's voice was low, thick and trembling with fear. His eyes turned red as he gazed motionlessly at Lin Shuyun.

Suddenly, Lin Shuyun realized that beneath his usual calm and restraint, Lu Yu was actually filled with anxiety, unable to rest easy.

She recalled An Ran's words before leaving: "The high fever is under control now. As for the heir, he might wake up after a nap, or it might take several days."

Lin Shuyun gestured. "I'm tired. Lie down and keep me company."

With that, she closed her eyes, appearing utterly exhausted.

Hearing the man at the foot of the bed slowly lie down, Lin Shuyun sighed inwardly.

Her eyes remained shut, but she listened intently, listening to the man's movements.

After what felt like a long time, Lin Shuyun began to grow drowsy. In her half-asleep state, she felt the man's warm breath fan across her cheek.

Her drowsiness vanished in an instant. Her eyes trembled slightly, and her heart pounded wildly.

Just as she thought Lu Yu was about to kiss her lips, his warm lips gently pressed against her forehead instead.

Lin Shuyun opened her eyes abruptly. Caught off guard by her gaze, Lu Yu froze in front of her, his lips parting as if to say something.

Lin Shuyun wrapped her arms around Lu Yu's neck, arched her body forward, and gently pressed her lips to his.

Lu Yu seemed stunned for a moment, but before he could react, Lin Shuyun had already pushed him away, closed her eyes, and lay back on the bed.

The brief, fleeting kiss left Lu Yu touching his lips lightly with his fingers, staring blankly at Lin Shuyun lying on the bed.

The next day, Lu Yu still wasn't fully lucid. Even though Lin Shuyun told him countless times that they were both still alive, he continued to watch her nervously, refusing to let her leave his sight.

By the third day, Lu Yu spiked a high fever again. Lin Shuyun quickly summoned the old military physician to administer acupuncture and medicine.

After tending to him late into the night, Lin Shuyun leaned against a soft pillow at the foot of the bed, keeping watch over Lu Yu. Half-asleep, she was suddenly enveloped in a burning embrace.

Lu Yu nuzzled into the crook of her neck, saying nothing.

"Awake?" she asked.

"Awake," Lu Yu replied hoarsely.

Lin Shuyun wrapped her arms around Lu Yu, smiling gently as she leaned against his shoulder. "Then let's go home. The children are waiting for us..."

Before she could finish, Lu Yu's heated lips were already pressed against hers. Unlike the brief kiss from days before, his surging emotions transformed into a fierce, passionate kiss.

His usual cold restraint had vanished, replaced only by a tidal wave of affection.

After a long while, Lin Shuyun looked at Lu Yu with eyes glistening with tears and slightly reddened lips, the red mark near her right eye becoming more prominent.

Lu Yu's eyes were full of heartache. He gently touched the red mark on Lin Shuyun's face, his lips parting as if to speak.

But Lin Shuyun smiled and took his hand, her peach-blossom eyes shimmering with tears. Softly, she said, "AYu, it's wonderful to be alive. Let's go home."

Lu Yu tightened his arms like iron bands around her, holding her as if with chains.

"Okay, let's go home."

---

One month later, at Prince Ding's estate in the capital.

Prince Ding and his wife received word of Lin Shuyun's return and waited early in the flower hall. The Princess Consort was pacing anxiously, clutching a handkerchief.

"Is it today? Has Lin Shuyan picked up YunEr yet?"

"Cuitao, go check if all the snacks the young lady loves are prepared. This child has been away in the north for almost a year without telling us—she must have suffered. Nothing outside is as good as home."

"My poor daughter, she's endured hardship since she was young."

The Princess Consort went on fretfully while Prince Ding massaged his throbbing temples and called out, "My lady, please sit down. You've already checked five times."

The Princess Consort frowned immediately. "Five times? Even ten times wouldn't be enough for YunEr—"

Before she could finish, two young, cheerful voices echoed from outside the door, like two happy little birds flying into the flower hall.

"Grandpa! Grandmother!"

The Princess Consort turned abruptly as YingYing threw herself into her arms, saying plaintively in a soft voice, "YingYing missed you, Grandmother."

The Princess Consort’s heart softened at once. Smiling, she said, "Let Grandmother see if you've grown taller."

YingYing immediately raised her head and stood up straight.

"And ZhangEr? Let Grandmother see if you've been mistreated. You look darker and thinner," the Princess Consort said, turning her gaze to ZhangEr, who was clinging to Prince Ding's arms, her heart aching.

Suddenly, a soft voice tinged with grievance spoke up: "Father, Mother, I missed you both so much."

Before the Princess Consort could react, Lin Shuyun also threw herself into her arms. The Princess Consort's eyes reddened instantly.

Before she could speak, she saw Lin Shuyan walking in, carrying a suckling child.

YingYing hurried over and pointed at the baby in the swaddling clothes, introducing, "This is LinEr. YingYing chose the name."

The Princess Consort's eyes widened in shock, her voice trembling. "YunEr, you foolish child, why didn't you write to tell me you were pregnant?"

Lin Shuyun, her eyes red, smiled and said, "Mother, you're seeing her now, aren't you?"

The Princess Consort's heart ached with sadness, her eyes welling up. "But you shouldn't have given birth in such a remote, wild place. I don't know if you had proper postpartum care. Is your health fully restored?"

Lin Shuyun held the Princess Consort's hand, her eyes glistening with tears. "I didn’t want you to worry. I’m fine, the children are fine, and Lu Yu treats us very well."

The Princess Consort gave Lin Shuyun an admonishing look, tears in her eyes. "That’s still not acceptable. Since you weren’t with me, I’ll send for Imperial Physician Jiang from the Imperial Hospital later—he’s the best in women’s health—to examine you."

Lin Shuyun gently guided the Princess Consort to sit down, smiling. "Okay, I’ll do as you say, Mother."

The Princess Consort frowned slightly and looked behind them, asking sternly, "Where’s my son-in-law? I don’t see him."

"His Majesty permitted him to lead the 40,000-strong Zhenbei Army back in triumph. The Emperor personally went outside the city to welcome him, so I brought the children back first."

The Princess Consort’s expression softened slightly. "Good," she murmured.

Lin Shuyun turned and took LinEr from her brother’s arms, placing the baby into the Princess Consort’s embrace. Smiling, she said, "Mother, take a look at LinEr."

LinEr stretched her pink arms, blowing spit bubbles, her chubby face looking exactly like Lin Shuyun's.

The Princess Consort coaxed the child, her words tinged with complaint, "Your mother only knows how to please me, but you, little one, are so chubby."

Lin Shuyun smiled as she looked around the flower-adorned hall, gradually feeling at ease.

At Prince Ding's residence.

In the afternoon, Lin Shuyun lay on a recliner inside the room, with the grown Erhei resting beside her. The two children were gently swaying the cradle, amusing little Lin Er.

A gentle breeze rustled, and leaves floated down slowly.

Today was the day Lu Yu returned to the capital. Not only the emperor but also the court ministers had gone outside the city to welcome the victorious army. In the evening, a victory banquet was to be held in Lu Yu's honor.

She and the children only needed to attend the banquet, after which they would return to the Marquis of Xuanping's residence with Lu Yu.

Seeing that it was still early, Lin Shuyun closed her eyes, planning a short nap, when suddenly hurried footsteps were heard outside the door.

Ming Yue frowned and hurried out of the room, whispering sharply, "What's going on? How dare you disturb the mistress's rest?"

A maid whispered anxiously into Ming Yue's ear, and Ming Yue's eyes widened suddenly. Her lips trembled as she stammered out, "Is what you said true?"

The maid nodded emphatically, and the two hurried together into Lin Shuyun's bedroom.

"My lady!"

Lin Shuyun frowned slightly and opened her eyes, asking, "What happened?"

"Just now, outside the city, His Majesty publicly issued an edict: Crown Prince Lu is actually the Third Prince! At this moment, a palace maid has arrived, summoning you and the third prince to the palace for an audience immediately!"

"What?!"

---

Outside the city, the war banners of the Shuobei army snapped loudly in the wind.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the emperor proclaims: Heir to the Marquis of Xuanping, Lu Yu, is my flesh and blood, his mother being Noble Consort Zhao. Today, moved by the vastness of heavenly grace, I am greatly pleased that my third son has led the army to victory. On this auspicious occasion, I hereby announce this to the world. Respect this!"

Lu Yu, clad in steel armor, knelt before the emperor. He seemed stunned and failed to accept the decree immediately.

The eunuch Lv Yi darted his eyes and said with a smile, "Third Prince, please accept the decree."

Lu Yu slowly raised his eyes to the emperor, his calm gaze devoid of emotion. He merely cupped his hands and accepted the decree, saying, "Your subject... your son thanks Your Majesty for this grace."

The emperor's stern face and tightly pressed lips instantly broke into a smile.

His beloved son could finally be acknowledged openly.

After Lu Yan's death, Lu Yu should have inherited the title of Marquis of Xuanping and been recorded in the family lineage as the sixth Marquis of Xuanping.

But how could he allow his beloved son to inherit Lu Yan's minor marquis title? Despite repeated petitions from court officials, he had held back approval, all for this day.

His son was naturally meant to inherit his throne.

The emperor still remembered the first time he saw Lu Yu—a tiny, wrinkled infant lying in his arms. Now, he had become a general capable of guarding a region.

His heart filled with deep satisfaction of raising a child.

"Cheng Yu, in a few days, let the Ministry of Rites arrange for me to take you to meet the ancestors in the Imperial Ancestral Temple."

The emperor stroked his beard as he descended the steps and patted Lu Yu's shoulder gently. "As a prince, you shall henceforth take the imperial surname Gu. The name 'Yu' is excellent; from now on, you shall be called Gu Yu."

"Your son receives the decree."

Gu Yu?

Lu Yu lowered his head in a kowtow, a fierce glint flashing momentarily in his eyes.

If not for accidentally learning the truth of his father's death from Su Bibo, he might have been deceived by this 'biological father' for life!

No matter who he was or who he would become, he, Lu Yu, would acknowledge only this surname until death.

"As for your residence, I ordered the Ministry of Revenue to renovate the former dynasty's princess residence over the past two months. Have the Imperial Astronomers select an auspicious date, and Cheng Yu can move in."

The court officials behind the emperor were shocked inwardly.

Years ago, when Noble Consort Zhao passed away, the emperor canceled court sessions for seven days, staying in Linghua Pavilion dressed in plain clothes without stepping out until the Empress Dowager personally came to see him, after which he resumed court duties.

The ministers sighed inwardly, grateful that this Noble Consort Zhao whom they'd never seen had no children; otherwise, her child would have been the crown prince.

Now, years later, Noble Consort Zhao's biological son had appeared before them. Recalling the emperor's favor toward Crown Prince Lu over the years, some officials who had aligned with the first and second princes went pale, their fingers clenching into fists inside their sleeves.

While the emperor was satisfied, the courtiers were already contemplating how to win favor with this future heir.

"I have heard that Cheng Yu has a son. Where is the Third Prince's Consort?"

The emperor asked with a smile.

Lu Yu's heart skipped a beat. He cupped his hands and replied, "Your Majesty, the Third Prince's Consort returned to her parents' home in the capital two days ago."

"Good. Old Lin, have your daughter bring my grandson to the palace. I wish to see him properly."

The emperor turned to Prince Ding with a cheerful smile.

Prince Ding was momentarily stunned but replied, "As Your Majesty commands."

Inside the carriage on the way to the palace, Lin Shuyun tightly held the sleeping Lin Er in her arms, her heart pounding in her chest.

Her body trembled slightly, her limbs stiff and cold.

---

Years ago, the emperor had ordered the assassins to hunt her down. She did not know if the emperor remembered her appearance, but the audience today made her deeply uneasy.

Lin Shuyun suddenly recalled the first time she was brought to the Marquis of Xuanping's residence. Her frame of mind then was exactly the same as today.

Back then, she had held the infant Zhang'er in her arms, just as flustered and worried. Like Lin Er, Zhang'er had been so small, held tightly in her arms, sleeping like a little piglet.

Suddenly, the carriage came to a slow stop. The court lady announced solemnly, "Third Prince's Consort, please alight. We have arrived at Shenhua Gate."

Lin Shuyun was so nervous her heart felt as if it would leap out of her chest. Holding Lin Er, she stepped out of the carriage, her feet touching the palace road.

Her body swayed a little, but her arms tightened even more, clutching the swaddled Lin Er close.

Suddenly, a pair of large hands reached from behind her and took Lin Er. Her face stiffened as she turned to look. Upon seeing it was Lu Yu, her eyes instantly reddened.

"Did you wait here just for me?"

Lu Yu nodded, reassuring her softly, "It's alright. I'm here. His Majesty only wants to see Lin Er."

The court lady standing beside them said respectfully, "Since the Third Prince is here, this humble servant will not escort you further."

Lu Yu responded, "Alright, you may go."

Walking along the secluded palace corridor, Lin Shuyun's cold sweat trickled down her temples. She tightly gripped Lu Yu's arm, wanting to say something, but fearing eavesdroppers, she swallowed her words and only managed to utter, "I'm... a little scared."

Lu Yu, holding Lin Er, said softly, "It's alright. Apart from our wedding day, His Majesty has never seen you. He just wants to meet you and Lin Er. Don’t worry."

Lin Shuyun understood the underlying meaning in Lu Yu's words. Her anxiety eased slightly, but as the Hall of Deliberations drew nearer, her nervousness grew.

Inside the Hall of Deliberations, the opulent palace was filled with the scent of dragon's saliva incense. A dark spirit tablet stood on the table beside the emperor.

Lin Shuyun dared not look too closely. She knelt and kowtowed, saying, "This subject pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years."

"I even attended your wedding banquet. Now that Cheng Yu calls me Imperial Father, as his wife, what should you call me..." The emperor, in high spirits as he looked at Lin Er in the maid's arms, said with a smile.

Lin Shuyun paused briefly before replying, "This subject greets Imperial Father."

The emperor laughed heartily. "Good, good, good! You’ve given me a fine grandson. This child is quite adorable. Has a name been chosen? When was he born?"

Lin Shuyun’s heart sank, but Lu Yu responded promptly, "Yes, his name is Lin. All beautiful jade is called Lin."

"He was conceived on our wedding day and born on the twentieth of February. It happened that I was injured at the time, and Shu Yun, worried, gave birth to him prematurely in the seventh month."

Lu Yu’s words were flawless. The emperor, flicking a folding fan*, playfully teased Lin Er, who, unafraid of strangers, giggled happily.

"Lü Yi, bring the gold neck ring I prepared for my Imperial Grandson and put it on him."

"This servant obeys."

As if suddenly remembering something, the emperor sat upright at his desk and said seriously, "Since the primary consort has given birth to an heir, and her family background is respectable—the Dingwang Estate is a prestigious, hereditary noble house—though she is a previously married woman with two children, it is difficult for her to further assist Cheng Yu."

"I have selected a few daughters of high-ranking ministers. Review them and see if any suit your preference. Whomever you choose, I will issue an edict for your marriage at the celebratory banquet."

Lin Shuyun quickly lowered her head, hiding the turmoil in her eyes. Her heart was a mix of emotions, and unease once again filled her chest.

She had been too naive.

Lu Yu was already the Third Prince of the emperor. If the emperor wished, not only Li Pingting, but even Zhang Pingting or Wang Pingting could share the same husband with her.

If Lu Yu were to become the master of the dragon throne, the ruler of Yuan Kingdom, the sovereign of the nation...

Both the court and the harem were matters of political interest. If Lu Yu could not control the situation then, she would be utterly lost among wives and concubines.

Lin Shuyun clenched her fists, the pain bringing clarity slightly, but her body trembled with fear.

She never wanted to live a life like the one in the Marquis of Xuanping's mansion again.

"Your son does not wish to."

Lu Yu’s firm voice sounded beside Lin Shuyun. She shuddered, hearing him continue, "In this life, I will only have Shu Yun as my wife. I beg Imperial Father not to make things difficult for me."

The emperor frowned slightly, his face darkening. "The ways of emperorship are about balancing advantages and disadvantages. One cannot have everything."

With a thud, Lu Yu knelt and lowered his eyes, saying hoarsely, "Didn’t Imperial Father hurt Mother’s heart the same way back then?"

The emperor was taken aback. His face gradually aged, and as he gently touched Shen Nuo’s memorial tablet, the tenderness in his eyes turned sharp in an instant.

He waved his hand. "Enough. You may leave now."

After exiting the Hall of Deliberations, Lin Shuyun’s legs went numb. She leaned against the red wall, her eyes gradually reddening.

Lu Yu quickly handed Lin Er to the wet nurse and held Lin Shuyun tightly, whispering comfort, "It won’t happen. I swear what you fear will never come to pass."

Lin Shuyun's lips trembled, but only managed to utter faintly, "Everything is fate, not a thing is up to us. If you marry someone new, remember to give me a divorce decree."

Lu Yu stood firmly before Lin Shuyun and said solemnly, "Wanwan, trust me one more time."

Lin Shuyun, flustered under Lu Yu’s burning gaze, could only nod hastily.

That night.

The Taiji Hall was grand and solemn. The resounding beats of drums and blasts of horns made the square before the hall even more solemn, with straight-backed palace guards standing guard there.

Inside the hall, the banquet was lively with singing, dancing, and the music of silk and bamboo instruments.

Watching the palace maids processing in with dishes, Lin Shuyun’s lingering unease and anxiety made it hard for her to eat.

----

As a wine-pouring maid filled an empty cup to eight parts full, she picked up the wine glass and, in that instant, saw Lu Yu sitting across from her, his eyes full of concern.

"Are you the Third Prince's Consort?"

A voice as clear as an oriole’s reached her ears.

Lin Shuyun turned to see a charming young woman standing beside her, smiling as she offered tea. "I am Zhang Huà. My father is Left Prime Minister Zhang Àn. I’ll trouble you, Consort, for your guidance in the days to come."

As she spoke, a hint of shyness flickered in her eyes.

If it were Yun Wan, she might not have understood what this noble lady was doing, but Lin Shuyun had attended many palace banquets. Zhang Huà’s intentions were already clear.

She was likely one of the secondary consorts the emperor had selected for Lu Yu.

Lin Shuyun’s face darkened as she took the teacup from Zhang Huà, noticing the flash in her eyes out of the corner of her eye.

Her fingers trembled slightly, and with a clatter, the teacup fell to the ground.

"You!" Zhang Huà exclaimed, trembling with anger.

Ming Yue, sensing her mistress’s attitude, said sternly, "Miss, please show some respect to the Consort."

Zhang Huà had thought Lin Shuyun was a pushover from the countryside, never expecting her to dare treat her like this. Which noble lady in the capital didn’t speak to her politely?

Seeing that Lin Shuyun was neither intimidated nor yielding, she angrily turned to leave but bumped into Lu Yu, who had hurried over at the sound.

She raised her face, about to offer greetings, but Lu Yu walked straight past her. He bent down slightly and asked worriedly, "Did you hurt your hand?"

Lin Shuyun shook her head, her eyes instantly reddening. "Your secondary consort has arrived without invitation."

Lu Yu sighed. "It won’t happen. Please be at ease."

With that, he stood up and turned to Zhang Huà. His composed expression instantly darkened, and his voice, icy cold, rang in Zhang Huà’s ears.

*Folding fans are traditional Chinese accessories, often used by nobility.

"One should not entertain improper thoughts."

"Regardless of which noble family you belong to, since you have offended Her Highness the Princess, apologize and leave quickly."

Zhang Hua trembled all over, her legs shaking as she bowed in apology, stammering, "Your servant offers her apologies to the princess."

With that, she fled in a panic under Lu Yu's icy gaze.

Lin Shuyun looked up at Lu Yu, her lips trembling. "What about next time?"

Lu Yu crouched before Lin Shuyun, holding her cold hands. "There won't be a next time."

"Swear it."

"I swear."

After the emperor took his seat, a faint unease grew in Lin Shuyun's heart. She recalled how, years ago during a court assembly, the emperor had abruptly named her as a marriage alliance candidate, catching her father off guard and leaving no chance to beg for mercy.

Lin Shuyun's heart tightened with tension. As the banquet progressed into its later stages, the emperor suddenly called a halt to the singing and dancing.

"Chengyu?"

Lu Yu stood up, cupping his hands in salute. "Your son attends."

"Well, I have selected several noble daughters for you. Choose whichever one you prefer, and I will issue the decree immediately."

The emperor believed Lu Yu's earlier words in the assembly hall were likely due to Lin Shuyun's presence. Now, with all the court officials and their families present, his Chengyu would surely choose a consort who could support his path to the throne.

Seated among the guests, the Prince of Ding lowered his gaze to conceal the fury in his eyes, raising his wine cup and draining it in one gulp.

For so many years, he had believed the emperor was on good terms with him, yet this old dog repeatedly humiliated the Prince of Ding’s household.

Everyone in the banquet hall watched Lu Yu nervously. Zhang Hua, from earlier, smiled faintly in Lin Shuyun's direction.

Men always pursue power, and her father could offer the Third Prince the greatest support.

Since the emperor had chosen her, her joining the Third Prince’s household was a foregone conclusion. Everyone knew the Third Prince would soon be crown prince—he would not refuse His Majesty.

"Your son is unwilling."

Lu Yu's cold voice echoed through the hall. Lin Shuyun looked up abruptly to see Lu Yu lifting his robe, kneeling, and kowtowing.

"First, because my principal wife met me in humble times. I once vowed: 'Together in life, together in death.' I will never waver in my devotion. Second, I am grateful for Your Majesty's grace. If I were to take a consort against my will, it would be a crime of deceiving the sovereign. I beg Your Majesty not to force me."

The emperor's face darkened. "What if I insist you take a consort?"

"Then your son requests to be removed from the imperial lineage, stripped of rank and made a commoner, and allowed to take my wife and children to the northern frontiers. This would fulfill the bond between me and my wife while ensuring the imperial family is free of such an unfilial descendant."

Lu Yu bowed low, kowtowing with a heavy thud.

Seeing his son's stubbornness, the emperor was suddenly reminded of Shen Nuo's resolute eyes and Lu Yu's earlier words in the assembly hall.

He let out a light sigh. "Very well, do as you wish."

As the emperor conceded, Lin Shuyun watched Lu Yu kneeling upright in the center of the hall, two tears instantly rolling down her cheeks.

When Lu Yu glanced back at her, he gave a slight smile. He mouthed silently, "Wanwan, believe in me."

Lin Shuyun, her eyes red, nodded.

At that moment, the First and Second Princes, seated at the banquet, also breathed sighs of relief. They raised their wine cups and drank deeply.

The Second Prince seemed to sense the First Prince's unease. He turned slightly, raising his cup with a smile. "I heard Eldest Brother has acquired a pink jade penjing in his residence. Might I come and admire it?"

The First Prince remained silent for a long moment. When he looked up at the Second Prince, he raised his cup and drank, then smiled. "Of course."

---

After the celebratory banquet concluded,

Following the events of the banquet, the Princess of Ding's heart was even more uneasy than Lin Shuyun's. She had the nurse carry Lin'er.

The princess whispered, "A woman must hold her man's heart. I'll take Lin'er with me. Since His Highness is deeply devoted, you must use a softer tone."

The princess continued her earnest advice until Lin'er waved her little hands, babbling, and only then did the princess board the carriage back to the manor.

By then, evening had deepened, and dark clouds gathered in the sky as if rain were imminent.

Yet Lin Shuyun's heart pounded fiercely, much like when Lu Yu first confessed his feelings to her in their youth.

Her mind replayed the scene of Lu Yu defying the emperor before all the court officials.

Her eyes reddened as she quickly stepped onto the wooden stool and entered the carriage.

Lu Yu was already inside, rubbing his temples and leaning against the carriage wall, a faint smell of wine surrounding him.

Noticing her entry, he opened his eyes and, seeing she was alone, asked, "Where's Lin'er?"

"My mother took her back to the Prince of Ding’s household."

"Good. Shall we go pick up the children?"

Lin Shuyun shook her head. Remembering the princess's words, her cheeks flushed slightly. She reached out gently to massage Lu Yu's temples.

"Back at the security convoy, Eldest Brother always liked to call us for drinks. Whenever I got drunk, my head would buzz with pain, and Wanwan would massage it for me just like this."

"Today, everyone wanted to ingratiate themselves with me—court officials whose names I don’t even know..."

Lu Yu stopped halfway, looking up to see Lin Shuyun gazing intently at him as if she wanted to say something.

He sat up straight and slowly opened his arms. Lin Shuyun instantly threw her arms around him, settling on his lap.

Her flushed cheeks pressed against his neck as she whispered nervously, "You can only be mine."

Lu Yu held Lin Shuyun, gently rocking her as if comforting a child, his voice hoarse. "I will. I am Wanwan’s A-Yu alone, only Wanwan's husband, only the father of Wanwan's children. No one will disturb our family of five again."

In Lu Yu's warm embrace, Lin Shuyun's eyes gradually reddened. She parted her lips and gently nipped at his earlobe. "What if you become emperor?"

"No matter what I become, I will always be only Wanwan's husband."

Lu Yu raised his hand to swear, his deep eyes filled with solemnity. "By heaven and earth above! If I, Lu Yu, break this oath and betray Lin Shuyun, may I bleed from seven apertures, fall into eternal hell, and never be reincarnated across all lifetimes!"

Lin Shuyun seemed frozen in place, her captivating peach-blossom shaped eyes shimmering with tears once more. Her pale pink lips parted slightly as if she wanted to speak.

Lu Yu smiled, bent forward to gently kiss the corner of her lips. "What's wrong? Are you stunned?"

Tears instantly streamed down Lin Shuyun's cheeks. She sobbed, "If you really break your oath and die, I'll never bother with you again."

Lu Yu couldn't help but give a soft laugh. "Wanwan, believe me. I will never let you or the children suffer again."

Bewildered by Lu Yu's intense yet gentle gaze, Lin Shuyun nodded. At that moment, Lu Yu kissed her lips again, and the kiss deepened.

Her cheeks gradually grew warm as she nestled in Lu Yu's embrace, being kissed by him. His broad palm cradled the back of her head, deepening the kiss further.

Their lips and teeth met, soft lips kissing and sucking, as a damp, heated tension slowly rose between them.

Lin Shuyun's peach-blossom eyes shimmered with an alluring gleam. She pressed her legs together, shifting restlessly, nestled in Lu Yu's arms, tilting her head up to kiss his lips but only managing to brush her lips against his throat.

Lu Yu's deep eyes darkened with intensity as he looked down at Lin Shuyun.

The moment their gazes met, sparks flew.