Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Jiang Heng didn't know when the man had finished and released her, nor when she had fallen asleep or for how long. When she awoke, the night was deep, and the room was utterly dark.

Some of the strength drained from her by the man had returned, and her stomach rumbled incessantly.

Jiang Heng looked toward the dining table and saw that Gu Yu had not yet left. He sat upright, shrouded in deep darkness, his face unclear, his breathing almost inaudible, like a beast lurking in the shadows, waiting for prey.

Jiang Heng withdrew her gaze, making no sound, pretending to still be asleep.

Unfortunately, in such a quiet night, her empty stomach growled particularly loudly, impossible to conceal.

"Come eat."

The man's voice reached her, as cold and devoid of warmth as ever.

Jiang Heng ceased pretending to sleep, adjusted her sleeping robe, and sat at the table to eat.

Fortunately, it was midsummer, and though the food had cooled, it was still palatable. Moreover, this dinner seemed to have been prepared for her by Yan Hui himself. Besides the usual soup and vegetables, there was even a stack of paper-thin pancakes.

These pancakes were a specialty of Qingzhou and Jiang Heng's favorite. Even when not hungry, she could eat several; now, with her stomach rumbling, she naturally ate even more.

She sat opposite the man, the moonlight from the window spilling onto her, delicate and serene, pale as jade.

She ate unhurriedly, but Gu Yu could still tell that the stack of paper-thin pancakes suited her taste the most. In no time, she had finished a stack two fingers thick and still seemed to want more.

After the meal, the lady quietly rinsed her mouth, washed her hands, and then silently returned to the bed to rest, not speaking a word to him, as if he were not in the room.

Gu Yu frowned slightly, no longer wishing to stay. Just as he rose and reached the door, he heard scratching sounds from the north-facing window—a tabby cat clawing at the window, trying to get in.

Gu Yu's gaze darkened, and he strode toward the window. Before he could get close, Jiang Heng blocked his path.

"I will not let it in. Do not harm it," she said softly.

Gu Yu clenched his fist, staring intently at the lady.

He finally understood why she was so protective of this tabby cat and why Yan Hui had been able to tame it so quickly.

Yan Hui, Yan Jiu, Yan Xiao Shi. The names sounded just like a harmonious family of three.

"If I see you holding that cat again, it won't live," Gu Yu said coldly before striding away.

Jiang Heng bolted the door, ensuring the man would not return, then went to the window and whispered to the tabby cat, telling it to go back to sleep and not wander off. Only when she heard the sound of a window closing from the other side, indicating Yan Hui had taken the cat back in, did she feel at ease and return to bed.

But she tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

She had thought that by assuming Madam Guiyi's identity and coming to the official post station, she could temporarily escape Gu Yu. Yet, she never imagined he would brazenly follow her here.

She knew he was retaliating against her, punishing her. Perhaps he would not only come today but tomorrow, the day after, and in the days to come—he could appear at any time. If this continued, how could she keep it from Yan Hui every time?

This could not go on. Either she had to obtain a divorce quickly, or she had to move somewhere Gu Yu could not easily intrude.

...

"Brother, must we really wait for Prince Zhennan's reply regarding my sister's matter?"

Jiang Heng thought all night and finally came up with a place to avoid Gu Yu.

Ciyun Nunnery, where all the residents were nuns and male visitors were strictly forbidden. It would be perfectly justified for her to go there under Madam Guiyi's identity to observe Buddhist rites. Gu Yu would have no reason to stop her. But doing so would mean she could not be with Yan Hui.

She still wondered if there was a better way to avoid Gu Yu while staying with Yan Hui.

Yan Hui, however, did not immediately respond to her question.

Waiting for a reply was merely an excuse. His purpose for coming north was twofold: first, to buy time for Prince Zhennan to redeploy forces in the south, waiting for an opportunity to act—preferably to launch a northern campaign, but if not, at least to secure the current territory. Second, to assess the military preparedness of the Qi Dynasty, to know the enemy and oneself, and to devise tactics accordingly.

But these were things he could not share with the lady.

"Brother, I would like to stay at Ciyun Nunnery for a while. It's cool and quiet there."

Jiang Heng could easily read Yan Hui's silence. Not wishing to put him in a difficult position, she pretended not to notice and casually made the suggestion.

"A Jiu, divorce him." Yan Hui, however, understood the reason behind her proposal.

Hiding was useless; only divorce would bring her freedom.

Jiang Heng sighed softly. Naturally, she also wanted to divorce as soon as possible, but given the current circumstances...

Her elder sister was already back home. If Gu Yu intended to divorce now, her father and brother would have long since written the divorce papers and come to persuade her. But there had been no news from her family, suggesting Gu Yu had not yet revealed his plans for divorce.

He must be deeply angered, likely wanting to retaliate and torment her for a while before venting his resentment and letting her go. If she pushed too hard now, she might provoke him and end up even more entangled.

"Brother, I should still go to Ciyun Nunnery for a while. Please prepare a carriage for me..."

Before she could finish, Jiang Heng saw Gu Yu approaching.

He stood at the door of Yan Hui's room, not knocking or making a sound, just staring darkly at her. If she had not been facing the door while standing opposite Yan Hui, she would never have noticed him there, openly watching the two of them.

He had left late last night, yet here he was again so early in the morning. He had never been this diligent even when returning to his own residence, rising early and retiring late.

Jiang Heng pressed her lips together, stopping her previous words. After a moment's pause, she deliberately tried to conceal his visit the night before and said, "Does Duke Wei have business here today?"

Yan Hui also turned to look at Gu Yu, frowning. "Is Duke Wei observing me?"

Though Yan Hui was a scholar by background, he had served as a Military Advisor for three years. Even if he was not as sharp as Gu Yu, he should have noticed a man's approach unless Gu Yu was using the scouting and tracking techniques reserved for military campaigns to deliberately conceal his movements.

Gu Yu did not answer Yan Hui's question. He stepped into the room, gave the lady a dark look, and finally fixed his gaze on Yan Hui. His cold voice was full of warning: "A man and a woman alone in a room—does Ambassador Xiao so disregard Madam Guiyi's reputation?"

Reputation? Jiang Heng frowned at his words. Did Gu Yu have any right to say such a thing?

"Duke Wei, I sought out Ambassador Xiao to speak with him."

Gu Yu's gloomy gaze deepened.

He had merely spoken a few words to Yan Hui—harmless and not hurtful—yet she was so eager to defend him?

"Madame Jiang, do not forget your identity." Gu Yu gripped the hilt of his knife, his hand resting on his girdle, reminding the lady.

Jiang Heng avoided his gaze and said indifferently, "I naturally remember my identity. That is why I asked Ambassador Xiao to prepare a carriage to take me to Ciyun Nunnery to observe Buddhist rites and pray for my late husband."

Gu Yu frowned deeply, finding the words "late husband" particularly grating.

"You are not going anywhere," Gu Yu commanded bluntly and without restraint.

"Duke Wei, what right do you have to restrict Madam Guiyi's movements?" Although Yan Hui also did not want the lady to leave for Ciyun Nunnery, he disliked Gu Yu's overbearing manner even more.

Madam Guiyi also said sternly, "Duke Wei, I am Madam Guiyi, not your prisoner."

She stood side by side with Yan Hui, just like that night in the prison, united and standing together against a common opponent.

And Gu Yu was that outsider.

How many times had she sided with Yan Hui to resist and oppose him?

Who gave her the audacity? This foolish woman, did she truly believe Yan Hui could be her safeguard? A messenger from a conquered state ultimately had only two paths: surrender or death—neither of which promised glory. Had she really considered following Yan Hui into an uncertain path?

If so, he would let her have it. Let her see what fate awaited her as Madam Guiyi, aligned with Yan Hui.

"Madame Jiang has just been released from prison and is still weak. Ciyun Nunnery is a place of austerity, with plain fare that won't help her regain strength. It is better for her to stay here, properly nourished and looked after, so no one can say our court mistreats a widow."

Gu Yu spoke coldly, giving the lady no chance to rebut, and turned directly to Yan Hui with a serious expression. "Prince Qin has asked me to fetch Ambassador Xiao to his residence for a discussion."

Using this pretext, Yan Hui could not refuse and had to follow him out of the room. Just then, they ran into the innkeeper bringing breakfast to Jiang Heng.

The meal was identical to the supper Gu Yu had prepared for Jiang Heng the previous night, except the paper-thin Qingzhou pancakes were doubled in quantity.

Yan Hui had not yet ordered breakfast for the day, so it must have been arranged by someone else.

While the other dishes were commonplace, the Qingzhou pancakes were not typically available at the official posthouse and had to be specially ordered. Who else would know Jiang Heng liked them?

Could it be Gu Yu? How could he have arranged the exact same meal as the previous night?

Was it a coincidence? Or...

Yan Hui glanced at Gu Yu and faintly detected a mocking smirk at the corner of his lips.

Under Yan Hui's furious gaze, Gu Yu casually pulled out a piece of silver and placed it on the innkeeper's tray, making it clear to Yan Hui he had arranged the breakfast.

"Thank you for your generosity, my lord." The innkeeper beamed, set down the meal, pocketed the silver, and left cheerfully.

Yan Hui didn't let on, gently urging the lady to eat well before leaving the posthouse with Gu Yu.

"Duke Wei, must you even steal someone else's ideas with a mere meal?" Yan Hui speculated that Gu Yu must have visited the previous night and prodded him with the remark.

Gu Yu was eager for Yan Hui to realize where he had been last night and did not conceal it. Instead, he added fuel to the fire: "She was too exhausted last night and told me the pancakes weren't enough."

Yan Hui remained silent, mounting his horse and unconsciously tightening the reins, causing the horse to whinny in pain.

To Gu Yu, the sound was music to his ears. Seeing Yan Hui fuming with anger lifted his spirits.

"I know many of her preferences, Duke Wei. Would you care to hear more?" Yan Hui turned his horse and spoke calmly.

Gu Yu's relaxed brow suddenly furrowed.

"She is very picky about her pancakes. I wonder which street vendor Duke Wei bought them from and whether they suited her taste?"

"We met when she was six. I have celebrated every birthday with her, and she has celebrated mine with me."

"That tabby cat—we raised it together for five years. You must have heard its name, Yan Xiaoshi. She named it, saying, 'close to perfect,' and we vowed to be there for its entire life."

"When I studied in the capital, I often visited Guanyin Monastery. We planted several pomegranate trees there, right behind the room she lives in now."

Yan Hui guided his horse at a leisurely pace, speaking as if to himself.

Gu Yu remained silent, his grip on the reins tightening until his knuckles were white.

What was so remarkable? Who cared about their past?

It was just celebrating birthdays, raising a cat, planting trees, and praying for matching charms—nothing more!

What was there to boast about? What was worth mentioning?

No matter how much he talked, her wedding night was still spent with him. The blood shed that night was for him.

Who didn't have childhood playmates? Were those trivial old stories worth flaunting in front of him?

He had no interest whatsoever.

Gu Yu shot Yan Hui a hostile glare, spurred his horse, and rode off alone.

...

Official Posthouse.

Jiang Heng assumed the breakfast had been arranged by Yan Hui and finished every last bite. While washing her hands after the meal, she heard hurried footsteps approaching outside, accompanied by the postal clerk's attempts to dissuade someone.

"Princess, Madam Guiyi is also officially recognized by His Majesty. You must not act recklessly."

"I don't care! Previously, in prison, Duke Wei protected her, and I couldn't do anything. Today, I will kill her to pay for my brother's death. At worst, let the Emperor execute me too!"

With these words, Jiang Heng's door was kicked open, and a woman in white mourning garments burst in, wielding a longsword and pointing it at Jiang Heng.

"You murderer! Today, I will send you to accompany my brother!"

Xiao Shunhua did not bother to identify the person before her, swinging the longsword directly at Jiang Heng. The clerks tried to disarm and restrain her but were afraid to use force for fear of injuring Xiao Shunhua.

Unaware of the woman's exact identity but hearing her refer to herself as "Princess," Jiang Heng said, "Princess Xiao, I have already told you: your brother took his own life. The poisoned wine was prepared at his request."

Hearing her speak so calmly and factually, without a trace of grief, Xiao Shunhua grew even more enraged. Gripping the hilt with both hands, she slashed the table, startling the clerks into retreat, and pointed the blade at Jiang Heng. "You poisonous woman! How dare you say such things! If my brother asked you to prepare poisoned wine, you did it. If he asked you to die with him, why didn't you die with him?"

She lunged at Jiang Heng again.

The clerks, unable to restrain Xiao Shunhua, could only shield Jiang Heng and evade the attacks. However, Xiao Shunhua guarded the doorway, preventing anyone from leaving.

Suddenly, a "meow" sounded as the tabby cat leaped through the northern window. Before anyone could react, it bounced off the table and walls, pouncing directly onto Xiao Shunhua's face.

The cat moved too quickly. Before Xiao Shunhua could swing her longsword, she felt a stinging pain on her face and could barely open her eyes.

"Ah! Quick, save the Princess!" the clerks exclaimed, rushing to chase the cat off.

"Xiao Shi, run!" Jiang Heng whispered.

"Venomous woman, just you wait! I will never let you off!" Xiao Shunhua, her face bloodied by the scratches, was escorted out by the clerks but continued to shout threats at Jiang Heng.

...

Prince Qin's Estate.

Since Yan Hui's arrival in the capital, the negotiations had made little progress. Prince Qin, who oversaw the matter, remained patient. If Yan Hui did not broach the subject, Prince Qin never asked, instead inviting him for informal chats, feasts, and leisurely activities.

"Envoy Yan, has the letter to Prince Zhennan been sent?" Prince Qin asked during a tea break after the three had finished playing polo.

Yan Hui replied, "I handed it to the postal clerk. Beyond that, I know nothing."

Given Yan Hui's special status, such openly sent letters must undergo multiple layers of inspection to ensure he wasn't leaking state secrets. Thus, he wasn't entirely sure when the letter would actually be sent.

Prince Qin said "Oh," and added, "Then it should be soon."

He then asked, "I recall that Envoy Xiao is from Qingzhou. Does he have any other family?"

"There are none, only me," Yan Hui replied.

Hearing this, Gu Yu looked up at Yan Hui, thought for a moment, but did not mention Yan Rong, continuing to sip his tea in silence.

"Your Highness, there has been an incident at the official courier station," the prince's steward reported, detailing how Xiao Shunhua had caused a scene with a blade.

Yan Hui and Gu Yu both stood up at almost the same time but remained silent.

"Was Madam Guiyi injured?" Prince Qin asked.

The steward replied, "No, but Princess Heyi was scratched by a cat."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yu calmly sat back down.

Yan Hui, however, took his leave from Prince Qin and returned to the courier station.

Gu Yu hadn't originally planned to leave, but seeing Yan Hui go, he stood up again, planning to head to the courier station as well.

"Cheng Zhou, stay," Prince Qin called out to him, turning to serious matters. "What do you think, should we fight or seek peace?"

Gu Yu had no choice but to sit back down. After a moment's thought, he said, "We should fight."

Prince Qin was a little surprised and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Have you changed your mind?"

They had discussed this matter several times before, and Gu Yu had never taken a clear stance. In fact, he had even cautioned against war by citing the example of the last emperor of the previous dynasty, who, driven by grandiose ambitions and ignoring the people's well-being, launched three campaigns against Fuyu, ultimately leading to the downfall of his dynasty. It seemed Gu Yu had leaned more toward peace. Why, then, was he now arguing for war?

"Judging by Prince Zhennan's envoy's attitude, it seems he has no intention of negotiating in good faith. His presence here is merely a stalling tactic," Gu Yu explained.

Prince Qin had also sensed this and asked further, "Then what do you think are our chances of success compared to the previous dynasty's expedition against Fuyu?"

The previous dynasty had also had a full treasury, and truth be told, the last emperor was far from incompetent. Before he led a million troops to personally conquer the small, remote state of Fuyu, no one expected that he would meet his end and bring about the fall of his empire.

The lesson was too painful and too recent. The current dynasty took it as a grave warning. For this reason, although many military officers were eager for battle and clamored to march south and quell Prince Zhennan in one swift campaign, the Emperor had refrained from rashly declaring war.

"If we were to launch a long-distance expedition, our army would be stretched thin over thousands of miles. Not to mention the immense cost of supplies and provisions, by the time we reached the front lines, our soldiers would be exhausted, while Prince Zhennan's forces, well-rested and familiar with the terrain and climate of Lingnan, would have the upper hand. In such a confrontation, our fatigue would be met with their vigor, putting us at a severe disadvantage."

"Moreover, Lingnan is mountainous with little flatland. Our army's elite cavalry, which has always been the key to our quick victories, would be nearly useless in such terrain."

Prince Qin raised an eyebrow upon hearing Gu Yu list so many disadvantages. "Then why do you think we should fight?"

Gu Yu's expression darkened. "Peace cannot be achieved through one-sided compromise. It is Prince Zhennan who seeks war."

Prince Qin said, "You have already made numerous preparations. I assume you have a strategy in mind?"

Gu Yu nodded slightly and outlined his plan to Prince Qin.

After thinking it over for a while, Prince Qin said decisively, "We will proceed as you suggest. I will persuade His Majesty."

"There is one more matter—" Gu Yu paused before continuing, "The Xiao clan holds a great deal of hostility toward Madam Guiyi. Today, it was Princess Heyi seeking revenge; tomorrow, it might be some other prince or noble. I believe it would be best to ask Noble Consort to intervene and resolve this conflict."

Prince Qin, well aware of Gu Yu's concern for Madam Guiyi, readily agreed. "I will report this to my mother tomorrow and have her set some rules."

...

"A banquet in the palace, and A Heng is to attend?" Jiang Xing asked with concern.

Gu Yu corrected him, "It is Madam Guiyi."

"This banquet has invited many people—not only members of the Xiao clan but also many former officials of the Southern Dynasties and their families."

Gu Yu said no more.

"Then... then we must... switch Xiaoqi and A Heng back, right?"

Jiang Xing did not dare to have his two sisters swap identities in public, yet he feared Gu Yu might not want to switch them back. Hesitantly, he tested the waters with a tentative look.

Gu Yu remained silent, appearing indifferent to whether they switched or not.

To Jiang Xing, this meant it was permissible to switch back. Otherwise, Gu Yu would have outright refused.

"Duke Wei, let's switch them back. Once this critical period passes and no one is watching Xiaoqi anymore, we can make further plans," Jiang Xing negotiated gently.

Only then did Gu Yu reluctantly grunt in agreement and stand up. "Come with me to fetch her."

Jiang Xing was momentarily surprised.

Gu Yu could fetch her alone, or Jiang Xing could handle it by himself. For both men to go together seemed entirely unnecessary. Jiang Xing couldn't understand why Gu Yu had suggested it.

"There's no need for you to trouble yourself. Xiaoqi and I can go. We are siblings, so it's perfectly normal for us to visit each other..."

Jiang Xing decided to go alone.

Gu Yu said, "I happen to have business with Envoy Xiao." It wasn't specifically to fetch Jiang Heng—just a coincidence.

...

Jiang Heng had also received the invitation to the banquet.

"If you don't want to go, I can make an excuse for you."

Such an occasion was ultimately too risky. Yan Hui did not want Jiang Heng to go, nor did he want to send her back to Gu Yu.

"I want to go," Jiang Heng said, looking at Yan Hui. "Aren't you going too? I'll go with you."

She did not know how much time she had left to spend with Yan Hui like this, nor did she ask about his plans or future intentions. She only wanted to cherish every moment, and if she could be with him, she would be.

"Alright, we'll go together," Yan Hui replied, unable to bring himself to refuse her again.

Unbeknownst to them, Gu Yu and the other two had already arrived at the courier station's main hall.

"You go ahead and speak with her first. Once you're done, I will seek out Envoy Xiao."

Gu Yu stopped and spoke earnestly, as if his visit were entirely official, with no ulterior motives whatsoever.

Jiang Xing, assuming Gu Yu had not yet uncovered Yan Hui's identity and not wanting the two men to appear before Jiang Heng at the same time, quickly agreed and took Jiang Wan upstairs alone.

Though Gu Yu remained seated in the main hall, his gaze never strayed from the direction of Jiang Heng's room.

There would be many people at this banquet. She ought to understand how dangerous it would be to continue pretending. Besides, she had always obeyed her father and brother. With Jiang Xing there, she should... come back with him.

Gu Yu sat by the window, where sunlight streamed through the carved lattice, casting a glow on his face like jade gleaming in the sun. When he had arrived, the sun was just rising; now, it had climbed higher, and the light pouring in had grown intense.

A faint sweat had formed on Gu Yu's forehead, yet his expression showed no trace of impatience.

He knew that the seemingly gentle and quiet lady actually had a stubborn streak. Even if Jiang Xing stepped in, it would likely take some time to persuade her.

Finally, he heard the door to Jiang Heng’s room open.

He stood up, only to see Jiang Wan descending the stairs—the same Jiang Wan who had still come with him.

Meanwhile, Jiang Heng remained upstairs, leaning firmly against the railing, side by side with Yan Hui.

Jiang Xing offered some explanations, but Gu Yu didn’t hear a single word. His gaze fixed on the lady standing beside Yan Hui, and he asked grimly, “She’s not coming back?”

“Yes, but don’t worry, we’ve already…”

Gu Yu only heard the word “yes” and saw that even Jiang Xing, clearly Jiang Heng’s eldest brother, couldn’t bring the lady back from Yan Hui’s side.

She still refused to return!

“Fine,” he said abruptly, grabbing Jiang Wan’s wrist and yanking her to his side, while his eyes remained fixed on Jiang Heng. “Tomorrow, I too will bring my wife to the banquet.”