Chapter 26

Chapter 26

"Duke Wei, you're here too?"

Stepping out of the official post station, Jiang Xing unexpectedly appeared.

Gu Yu gave a faint "hmm," mounted his horse, and stated directly to Jiang Wan, "You cannot return with me." He had never intended to take her back.

Jiang Wan's expression faltered, and she offered an awkward smile. Naturally, she hadn't planned to return to the Gu family with him, but she hadn't expected such bluntness.

"I'll go back later with Eldest Brother."

Jiang Xing, having matters to discuss, didn't press Gu Yu to take Jiang Wan this time, adding, "Yes, I'll take them back later."

Gu Yu sharply turned his head. "Them?" Was he taking Jiang Heng back too?

"Ah, Mother truly misses Seventh Sister and wishes for her to stay a few days. I've already secured Prince Qin's permission," Jiang Xing explained.

Gu Yu acknowledged with an "hmm," asked no further questions, and rode away.

Jiang Heng did not want to return.

"Don't worry, it's just for a few days. We'll send you back," Jiang Xing, understanding her desire to stay with Yan Hui, continued, "Duke Wei has tacitly accepted your identity swap. We previously asked you to revert to your true identity for fear of exposure at the palace banquet. Now that the incident has passed, no one will urge you to switch back."

Despite this, Jiang Heng remained reluctant: "Why do you want me back?"

"Does needing you to come home require a reason?" Jiang Xing said with displeasure.

Normally, it wouldn't, but every time her father and brothers asked her to return, they had an agenda.

"Do you truly wish to maintain this identity and be with Yan Hui? If you want to be with Yan Hui, don't you need Father and Mother's approval?"

"So this time, is it about Brother Xiong's matter?" Jiang Heng's tone softened slightly.

Jiang Xing nodded. "Naturally."

Only then did Jiang Heng cease her resistance and followed her elder brother into the carriage.

"You want me to persuade Brother Xiong to serve the imperial court?"

This was Jiang Xing's objective.

After today's banquet, Prince Qin specifically sought out Jiang Xing, mentioning their past association with Yan Hui and asking him to act as a persuader, promising promotions and titles upon success.

"Regardless of war or peace, what future does Yan Hui have following Prince Zhennan?" Jiang Xing argued, "If he declares his allegiance now, willing to serve, the imperial court is in need of talent. His Majesty will surely treat him generously. His wealth and honor won't be inferior to what he has with Prince Zhennan. This way, we can be at ease with you being with him, without worrying about your hardship."

Jiang Heng knew not to fully trust her elder brother's words. After a moment's thought, she said, "Aren't peace talks still ongoing? Perhaps peace will be achieved. Then, Brother Xiong would naturally serve the imperial court."

"You truly don't understand court politics. Serving now is entirely different from serving after negotiations. If he declares allegiance now, he becomes a valuable asset, greatly beneficial to the imperial court in restraining Prince Zhennan, a significant achievement. The official titles and rewards would naturally be far more generous."

"If he waits until after negotiations to enter the capital as Prince Zhennan's subordinate, although his reputation might sound better than those Jiangzuo officials forced north, in the eyes of His Majesty and the old court officials, there's little difference. At most, he'd receive a low-ranking, obscure position. In short, it's a world of difference."

Jiang Heng fell silent.

She understood what her elder brother said, but Yan Hui couldn't abandon Prince Zhennan now. Prince Zhennan had saved his life, and he valued loyalty above all.

"A Heng, we are ultimately your closest family. Would we harm you? We do this hoping you and Yan Hui can have a good outcome. If Yan Hui truly cares for you and wants a good life with you, he should recognize this as a rare opportunity."

"I understand. I'll think about it," Jiang Heng said perfunctorily.

Jiang Xing continued, "Moreover, Yan Rong is now studying in the capital. After gaining qualifications, he'll naturally serve the imperial court. The Yan family is humble; establishing themselves in the capital isn't easy. Doesn't Yan Hui want a high position to bring honor to his family and assist his brother's official career?"

Jiang Heng understood all this, which made her appreciate Yan Hui's dilemma even more.

He wasn't someone who would betray his lord for personal gain. In his current position, he would have to abandon things he once deeply cherished. That's why he hadn't visited Yan Rong since returning to the capital, not intending to let him know he was alive.

After saying so much and seeing his sister show little interest, Jiang Xing said discontentedly, "In short, I've made a pledge to Prince Qin—within seven days, I will surely persuade Yan Hui."

Jiang Heng frowned. "Who told you to take matters into your own hands?"

Angrily: "Then go persuade him yourself!"

Jiang Xing, also angry, retorted, "I will! You're not allowed back to the official post station these two days. Stay home properly!"

Jiang Xing made to leave in a huff.

"Are you going to threaten Brother Xiong again?" Jiang Heng grabbed her elder brother's sleeve, pulling him back. "You mustn't threaten him!"

Jiang Xing said impatiently, "How is that threatening? I'm showing him a path to quick advancement. Again, if he truly has you in his heart and wants a good life with you, he should seize this current opportunity."

Seeing his younger sister still unconvinced, he added, "You're young and don't yet understand what makes a marriage last. Have you seen any couple truly satisfied with just love alone? Haven't you heard 'when poverty comes in the door, love flies out the window'? If Yan Hui is truly responsible, he should think about achieving merit, earning titles, and providing for his family—not stubbornly clinging to principles while you suffer hardship with him."

Jiang Heng frowned, growing angrier: "Brother Xiong has talent. Even with a minor post, he could advance through ability."

Jiang Xing chuckled at his sister's naivete. "The capital is full of talent—that's the least scarce resource. Why did you help that Yan boy enter the Imperial Academy? Precisely because although the court offers imperial examinations, those who pass each year invariably come from wealthy families with early reputations. You well know Yan Rong needs to enter the Imperial Academy, study under famous teachers, and gain literary reputation in the capital before having a chance to pass exams and become an official."

"Back then, didn't you similarly assist Yan Hui, wanting him to take this path?"

Jiang Heng stared wide-eyed at her elder brother. "You knew all along?"

Jiang Xing slightly nodded. "Funding eight scholars at once wasn't small money. That incense business was under my name after all."

"I didn't stop you, firstly because Yan Hui was from Canghe, the same commandery as our Jiang family. You likely received his care at the old residence, so the money repaid his past kindness."

"Secondly, naturally I thought if he could truly earn qualifications and become an official, you marrying him would be perfect. But he was too late..."

Jiang Heng fell silent, recalling past events, her eyes flashing with anger.

"A Heng, someone who truly wants to marry should be like Duke Wei. When he wanted to marry your elder sister, I gave him a hundred-man unit to attack a city. Do you know what that was? Sending him to his death. He knew my intention but went anyway, only asking to choose his followers himself. He actually succeeded, but unfortunately your sister had already married. Otherwise, I would have chosen him over Xiao Ze."

"A Heng, someone truly wanting to grow old with you would certainly want you to enjoy wealth and honor. I believe Yan Hui should understand this. I don't want him to fall short compared to Duke Wei."

Jiang Heng silently returned to her room.

***

Jiang Xing's mission, however, was not yet complete. He sought Jiang Wan again.

"Duke Wei will likely command the southern expedition army. He'll also select deputy generals himself. You know the imperial court values military merit—one military achievement surpasses ten years of bureaucratic work."

Jiang Wan said, "You want to be Duke Wei's deputy general?"

Jiang Xing nodded slightly, smiling, "Talking with Seventh Sister is always effortless."

"Aren't you afraid Duke Wei might hold grudges, downplay your achievements, or make things difficult?" Jiang Wan spoke gently but pointedly.

Jiang Xing's expression turned awkward. After a pause, he said, "He isn't someone to withhold merits. As for difficulties, I am after all his elder brother-in-law. Would he send me to my death?"

"Then how can you be certain you'll return with military honors? Brother, you haven't led troops for many years," Jiang Wan said.

Jiang Xing felt his seventh sister was making excuses, unwilling to help him speak with Gu Yu, and said somewhat angrily, "Although I haven't led troops for years, a small military achievement is nothing to me."

Jiang Wan thought for a moment and asked, "Has the decision to go to war been made?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xing instinctively looked around and said cautiously, "Nothing has been decided yet. I just have a vague feeling that war might be imminent. Even though you were once the Empress of Southern Chen, don’t be foolish and do something treasonous!"

"Then let's talk about it after things are decided. Otherwise, if I go to Duke Wei now, he'll probably think you’re spying on military secrets," Jiang Wan said calmly.

Jiang Xing insisted, "By the time it's common knowledge, he will have not only chosen his deputy generals, but might even have finished the battle. You were Empress for years; you should understand this. Everything must be planned early; if you wait too long, the ship will have sailed."

"Did you fetch A Heng back for this matter, too?" Jiang Wan had naturally guessed that her elder brother wouldn’t visit without a reason.

"No, she has no influence with Duke Wei. I don’t count on her. She only cares about Yan Hui’s affairs and pays no attention to anything else."

"You want her to persuade Yan Hui to switch sides?" Jiang Wan hit the nail on the head.

Jiang Xing knew his seventh sister was clever and understood the importance of the bigger picture, so he wasn’t afraid she would send a secret letter to Prince Zhennan and did not deny it.

"Has A Heng agreed?"

Jiang Xing sighed. "She’s just not as clever as you."

"For this matter, it’s indeed inappropriate for her to do it. What if we swap tasks? Let her persuade Duke Wei, and I’ll persuade Yan Hui," Jiang Wan suggested.

Jiang Xing naturally could not agree. "She still holds some weight in Yan Hui’s heart, but she has no influence with Duke Wei. Ling Lu, if you don’t want to help your elder brother, there’s no need to beat around the bush like this."

"Why not give it a try? If it doesn’t work, I’ll go and speak to him," Jiang Wan said.

Jiang Xing knew his seventh sister had her own ideas and could only agree for the time being.

The next day, Jiang Xing invited Gu Yu to the pavilion for tea and asked his wife to fetch Jiang Heng.

"A Heng, your elder brother needs this opportunity. Will you help him?"

After hearing her sister-in-law’s words, Jiang Heng thought for a moment and asked, "Aren’t we in peace talks? Are they abandoning talks for war?"

Gao Rulan smiled awkwardly. "We don’t understand these matters. I suppose we must prepare for both outcomes. A Heng, when you speak to Yan Hui, don’t say anything reckless."

Jiang Heng did not answer and instead said, "Let Eldest Brother speak for himself. Otherwise, people will think he casually discusses such important matters with anyone."

"A Heng, if your elder brother goes to speak and Duke Wei directly refuses, there will be no room for negotiation. If you go, there’s still a chance to wear him down."

"Then why not ask…" Sister to go.

Jiang Heng ultimately swallowed her words and did not push the matter onto Jiang Wan. After thinking, she said, "Sister-in-law, you go ahead first. I’ll get ready and then go."

At the pavilion, after waiting for most of the day, Jiang Heng still had not appeared.

Jiang Xing laughed awkwardly. "When a lady goes to see her husband, she takes a long time to dress up. I’ll send someone to hurry her along."

Gu Yu said, "No need. If you have something to say, say it directly."

Jiang Xing made the excuse that Jiang Heng had something to say to him, but he knew very well—why would Jiang Heng have anything to say to him?

Her not coming for most of the day wasn’t due to dressing up; she simply didn’t want to see him.

"It’s not me, it’s really A Heng. I’ll go see what’s keeping her."

Jiang Xing went to check but heard that Jiang Heng was bathing, with the doors tightly shut and no one allowed in.

"Why is she bathing in the middle of the day?"

Jiang Xing was annoyed and naturally understood that the lady was deliberately stalling. He immediately sent someone to fetch Jiang Wan to save the situation.

"You see, your sister doesn’t want to speak to him. I’ve already invited Duke Wei. We can’t just leave him waiting there, can we?"

Jiang Wan was pulled by her elder brother toward the pavilion, but Gu Yu had already risen, intending to leave.

"Duke Wei." Jiang Wan had already reached him and could only greet him.

"I have matters to attend to."

Gu Yu showed no intention of staying.

Jiang Xing signaled with his eyes for his sister to detain him.

"Duke Wei, A Heng was truly delayed by something…"

Jiang Xing, hearing her bring up Jiang Heng again, was about to frown at her when he saw Gu Yu actually stop in his tracks.

"Duke Wei, please wait in the pavilion," Jiang Wan seized the opportunity to say.

Gu Yu stood still for a moment and then actually turned back to the pavilion.

Jiang Xing blinked in surprise, quietly stepped away, and then sent someone to keep an eye on Jiang Heng.

Once seated in the pavilion, Jiang Wan personally poured a cup of tea for Gu Yu and said, "This tea is Duck Foot Fragrance. Though it has some astringency, its aroma is rich and fresh. I wonder if it suits your taste, Duke Wei?"

Gu Yu gave a noncommittal "Hmm," took a sip, and said nothing more.

Jiang Wan knew that he stayed not to chat with her but truly to wait for someone.

Because she said A Heng was genuinely delayed, he believed it, thinking Jiang Heng wasn’t intentionally avoiding him.

Jiang Wan thought, *A Heng said he always called her "Ling Lu," but I have never heard Gu Yu call me by my style name when speaking to me.*

*The only time he did, looking at her features, it didn’t seem like he was calling me.*

*His first "Ling Lu" was for Jiang Heng, and the "Ling Lu" he married was also Jiang Heng.*

*The image of "Ling Lu" in his heart had long been A Heng.*

*So these past days, whether sharing a carriage with her or being alone with her, he had hardly looked directly at her. His eyes were always downcast, dim and lacking light.*

Gu Yu did not particularly enjoy drinking tea; occasionally taking a sip was merely to pass the time while waiting.

But he never once asked, "When will Jiang Heng arrive?" It was as if he were there just to drink tea, not to wait for anyone.

"Duke Wei, shall I send someone to hurry her along again?"

After three cups of tea, Jiang Wan couldn’t bring up the matter of the deputy general and could only say this.

"No need," Gu Yu said flatly, taking another sip of tea.

Five cups later, the sun was nearly setting, but Jiang Heng still hadn't arrived.

"I still have matters to attend to."

Gu Yu stood up and strode off purposefully this time.

***

Gu Yu sat in his study for a long time. On the paper spread before him, he had written three strong, forceful characters:

Letter of Separation.

The rest remained blank.

"Third Brother, why haven't you brought Sister-in-law back yet?"

Gu Qingyue burst in without warning. Gu Yu quickly covered the paper with a book and shot his younger sister a cold look. "Who gave you permission to enter without knocking?"

"I did knock! You just didn't respond!" Gu Qingyue felt unfairly accused. Glancing down, she noticed the paper Gu Yu was trying to hide.

Most of it was concealed, but the corner of one character was visible.

Gu Qingyue immediately recognized it as the character for "divorce."

She grabbed the paper and saw it was indeed a Letter of Separation. Angrily, she crumpled it and cried, "So you really intend to divorce Sister-in-law! You really plan to marry Madam Guiyi!"

"Get out!" Gu Yu seldom raised his voice to his younger sister.

Gu Qingyue ran off in tears, crying in her room for a long time.

"What's wrong? Who upset you?" Luo Ci, whose room was next to Gu Qingyue's, heard the crying and came over.

"Third Brother wants to divorce Sister-in-law. He really plans to marry that Madam Guiyi!" Gu Qingyue wept.

Luo Ci was stunned. "Who told you that?"

"I saw it with my own eyes! Third Brother was writing the Letter of Separation!"

Luo Ci frowned heavily, unprepared for such a sudden development.

She wasn't worried about Jiang Heng keeping her place, as Jiang Heng couldn't bear children for Gu Yu. But Madam Guiyi was the one who held Gu Yu's heart. If she were to marry into the family, she would likely become the true mistress of the household.

Where would that leave Luo Ci?

Luo Ci went to find Gu Cen, the fourth son of the Gu family.

"Ask Third Brother not to divorce?" Gu Cen waved a hand helplessly. "That's not appropriate. This is Third Brother's personal matter. How could I meddle?"

"Think about it. You're already eighteen and in marriage negotiations. If word gets out that Third Brother is being capricious and ungrateful, won't respectable families have second thoughts? Wouldn't that affect your marriage prospects?"

"Moreover, Madam Guiyi is a widow from the Southern Dynasties. The former ruler's body is hardly cold, and she's already being married off to Third Brother. What will people say? Third Brother is a man; he can shrug off the talk. But A Yue is to marry Prince Qin. Should she face such ridicule because of him?"

Gu Cen said, "But Third Brother is set in his ways. I can't persuade him."

"At least try to talk to him. Delay him. Don't let that Letter of Separation be delivered to the Jiang family. I'll go find Aunt and the other sisters-in-law. We'll all try to persuade him tomorrow."

Gu Cen could only agree reluctantly. After much thought, he brought two jars of wine to Gu Yu's study.

"Third Brother, busy?"

Gu Cen tried to sound casual, but Gu Yu's cold expression made him nervous. His strained smile froze on his face.

"Something wrong?" Gu Yu clearly had no intention of small talk.

"No... well, yes..." Gu Cen didn't dare speak the truth. He sighed heavily, slumped onto the couch, and finally let his fake smile fade, replacing it with a troubled expression.

"Third Brother, I don't want to study at the Imperial College anymore. Let me join the army with you. Studying is too hard!"

Gu Yu frowned and said firmly, "No."

The fourth son of the Gu family had repeatedly expressed his desire to give up studies for soldiering, hoping to follow Gu Yu's path of earning rank through military service. But Gu Yu refused, insisting he study at the Imperial College.

Of the four Gu sons, three had joined the army. Two had already died. War was unpredictable; someone had to remain to care for their widowed mother.

"Then drink with me." Gu Cen handed Gu Yu a jar of wine, knowing his excuse was flimsy. He sighed again. "I'm just not suited for studying. People always laugh at me."

Gu Cen took a swig of wine. Seeing Gu Yu sitting silently, he felt his performance of drowning his woes wasn't convincing enough. He took several more gulps, paused, then raised the jar toward Gu Yu. "Third Brother, aren't you going to drink?"

Then he tossed the jar aside and fell asleep.

Gu Yu ignored his younger brother. He picked up his brush again to continue writing the Letter of Separation.

After his sister's outburst, the entire family knew he intended to divorce.

There was no turning back now. It was time to make a decision.

After writing "Letter of Separation," Gu Yu paused again.

Was divorce truly the only path left for him and Jiang Heng? Was divorce really their only option?

If she saw this Letter of Separation, would her eyes be as gentle and bright as when she looked at Yan Hui? Or would they remain distant and cold, as they were when she looked at him?

After the divorce, where would she go? Would she immediately marry Yan Hui? Would she follow him south, to be together as a couple?

Would he never see her again after this?

Gu Yu's grip tightened around the brush.

Yes, once divorced, she would undoubtedly marry Yan Hui right away and leave with him.

They would never see each other again.

Gu Yu was certain of it. Once he wrote this Letter of Separation, he and Jiang Heng would never meet again in this lifetime.

Suddenly, Gu Yu flung the brush down. He took the paper—both the written and blank parts—and burned it all in a copper basin.

He watched as the characters "Letter of Separation" turned to ash in the flames. Then he took a long drink of wine and left the study.

***

Late at night, Jiang Heng lay in bed, restless and turning, unable to sleep.

If her elder brother was considering asking Gu Yu for a deputy general, it meant the peace talks had collapsed. War was coming, sooner or later.

She also hoped Yan Hui would stay. Her brother was right; Yan Hui had a brighter future here.

But... Yan Hui was out of the question. Trying to persuade him would only make things harder for him.

*Knock, knock, knock.* Suddenly, there came a soft, gentle knocking sound at the door.

"Miss, open the door," came the voice of a maidservant.

Jiang Heng rose, asking "What's wrong?" as she instinctively opened the door, only to see a tall, well-built man standing behind the maidservant.

Jiang Heng froze, instinctively trying to shut the door.

Gu Yu reached out with his long arm, grabbed the door, and with little effort pushed it inward, forcing the young woman completely back into the room. Then he turned and bolted the door.

"What are you doing here?" Jiang Heng frowned again, watching him with caution.

The man said nothing.

Only a thin layer of moonlight seeped into the room, not bright enough to clearly see the man's expression. But Jiang Heng could sense it—he was watching her intently, unblinking, like a beast eyeing its prey.

The next moment, he strode over, wrapped his arm around her waist, lifted her, and buried his face in her neck.

It was only then that Jiang Heng noticed he had been drinking—she could smell the alcohol.

When he was sober, he was already awful; drunk, he was bound to be worse.

"Duke Wei, let go of me. My elder sister's room isn't far—one shout from me and she'll hear."

She stubbornly tried to pry his arm away, struggling to break free.

Ever since Yan Hui came into the picture, she had only ever resisted him.

Why couldn't she humor him, even just a little, like she used to?

"Don't move," he muttered into her neck, his breath filled with her scent.

If they never saw each other again in this life, he would never smell her scent again.

"If you don't move, I won't either."

He just wanted her to be obedient in his presence, even for a moment—warm, bright, and obedient, like she was with Yan Hui. Was that so hard?