Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Gu Yu held her by the waist, his grip firm only on her hands as she struggled to break free, making no further inappropriate moves.

Jiang Heng's resistance gradually faded, and the man's hold on her softened. Still, he kept his head buried at her neck, his hot breath caressing her skin.

Jiang Heng frowned, turning her head away. "Duke Wei, what exactly do you want?"

The man said nothing. Carrying her, he walked towards the bed and, without giving her a chance to resist, pressed her down.

Jiang Heng felt his arousal—it had been there earlier, and now it was even more intense.

"Duke Wei, my elder sister's chamber…"

"Sleep."

The man cut her off, a hint of impatience in his voice. He rolled off her, lying on his back, and actually closed his eyes. One arm remained tucked under her neck, pulling her closer to his side by her shoulder.

"Duke Wei…" Jiang Heng intended to send him away.

"Do you want me to do something?" He rolled over and pressed down on her again, his hand firmly squeezing her waist.

"You and I are not yet divorced, understand?" They were still husband and wife; whatever he wanted to do was legitimate.

Jiang Heng frowned, speechless. She looked at him and asked, "When will you finally let me go?"

Let her go?

Was being with him truly so painful, so unbearable?

Gu Yu's brow furrowed, and his hand tightened on her sash, then loosened it. But seeing the lady's stubborn, cold expression, devoid of any warmth, he rolled onto his back again and released her.

"If you provoke me again, I can't guarantee I'll hold back."

Gu Yu closed his eyes, clearly intending to sleep.

Unable to make the man leave, Jiang Heng could only get up herself. As she slightly lifted her head, Gu Yu turned onto his side, draped an arm over her, and pulled her closer into his embrace, his breath almost at her neck again.

"If you're full of energy and can't sleep, I can help you," he said coldly.

Jiang Heng knew how dangerous he was at that moment and quietly complied.

Fortunately, the man simply held her and fell asleep without any further actions.

The next morning, when Jiang Heng awoke, Gu Yu was already sitting neatly at the table in the outer chamber.

The Jiang family had its own dining hall where all family members were expected to eat. Only those who were ill or had other inconveniences were permitted to dine in their rooms. Today, likely because Gu Yu was present, breakfast had been brought to their room.

After washing up, Jiang Heng took her seat and noticed the breakfast on the table was almost identical to what she had at the official post.

Breakfast at the official post was always arranged by Yan Hui, consisting of her favorite dishes. How could this be…

Could it be that Yan Hui had sent someone to deliver it?

"Did anyone come to deliver anything?" Jiang Heng asked the maid.

"No, your husband sent someone to buy it."

Jiang Heng was startled and lowered her eyes, saying nothing.

Gu Yu knew so clearly what she ate at the official post; it seemed he still had people monitoring her and Yan Hui.

"I have something to discuss with you," Gu Yu said, maintaining his usual cold, businesslike demeanor.

"Hmm," Jiang Heng responded faintly, lowering her eyes to eat.

"I cannot divorce you right now."

Jiang Heng looked up, her brow tightly furrowed. "Why?"

"Silang is discussing marriage, and A Yue is about to marry Prince Qin. These are both joyous occasions. I don’t want to bring trouble to the Gu family at this time."

Seeing the lady's unwilling expression, he added, "A divorce now would also harm your elder sister’s reputation. After all, she is a recent widow. If I divorce at this time, people might assume we had an illicit affair."

Jiang Heng frowned deeply. Since when did he care about such reputation?

"You were the one who mentioned divorce, and you were the one who said you would marry my elder sister. Are you going back on your word?"

Gu Yu’s expression remained indifferent, and he did not argue with the lady.

"I said it’s temporary."

Jiang Heng, however, did not want to argue further. "Our divorce would also be cause for celebration. How would it hinder Silang and A Yue’s marriages?"

"If they say it’s a hindrance, and you think it’s not, go and discuss it with them yourself." Gu Yu said no more and focused on eating.

Jiang Heng had completely lost her appetite.

What did "temporary" mean? How long was temporary?

Although the fourth son of the Gu family was discussing marriage, no match had been finalized. Even if one were decided, based on Luo Shi’s earlier remarks, he would not marry until he reached adulthood. Did that mean they would remain married for the next two years?

The situation was similar for Gu's younger sister’s marriage. She was keen to marry Prince Qin, but so far, there had been no indication that Prince Qin intended to propose. Who knew how long it would drag on?

Jiang Heng pondered for a moment and said, "Is it only because of Silang and A Yue? Are there no other reasons?"

"Hmm," the man responded faintly, giving her a deep look.

"If Silang and A Yue can be persuaded, will you have any other concerns?"

Gu Yu frowned imperceptibly. Was she that desperate to divorce?

"No," Gu Yu said coldly, suppressing his emotions.

Jiang Heng said nothing more and ate quietly.

After the meal, Gu Yu went to the palace. Jiang Xing walked him out. Before they reached the gate, a servant came to report that an envoy from Prince Zhennan had arrived to see Madam Guiyi to discuss matters.

Jiang Xing was about to instruct someone to fetch Jiang Heng.

Gu Yu said, "Tonight, I must take A Heng home."

He deliberately mentioned Jiang Heng’s name, signaling that the exchange ended here.

Jiang Xing was momentarily stunned but didn't dare press further. He could only instruct someone to fetch Jiang Wan, though he worried Yan Hui would object. Secretly, he signaled to another servant to bring Jiang Heng as well.

In the end, only Jiang Heng came out. After saying goodbye to her older brother, she walked toward Yan Hui.

Gu Yu thrust out an arm to stop her, saying coldly, "Are you Madam Guiyi?"

“Duke Wei, you must have got the wrong person again?” Yan Hui also looked at him gravely: “The Madam Guiyi I saw in the prison has always been her. Unless you intend to swap her right under my nose?”

Gu Yu remained silent, his arm still blocking Jiang Heng’s way, while his other hand gripped the short knife at his waist tightly.

Yan Hui also rested his hand on his knife.

The tension between the two was palpable; even Jiang Xing could sense the hostility.

“No way! Duke Wei was just asking casually.” Jiang Xing jumped in with a laugh, whispering to Gu Yu: “If this gets reported to Prince Qin, it won’t look good. If A Heng insists she is Madam Guiyi, there will be no chance to switch back later.”

After persuading Gu Yu, Jiang Xing added: “A Jiu still wants to stay at home for a few days. What business does Envoy Xiao have with her?”

Yan Hui replied: “The late lord’s seventh-week memorial is approaching. The emperor is holding a ceremony at Yongning Temple to guide the late lord’s spirit.”

“Then she must attend, she must attend.” Jiang Xing said, gently lowering Gu Yu’s arm to signal Jiang Heng to leave quickly, then reminded her: “Remember what I told you.”

···

That day, Yan Hui personally drove the carriage carrying Jiang Heng away from the courier station, heading east towards Chunming Gate.

“Brother, aren’t we going to Yongning Temple?”

Yongning Temple is a royal Buddhist temple, located about a third of a mile south of the imperial city, east of the imperial road, while the courier station is south of Luocheng. They should have headed north.

“You are not Madam Guiyi, you shouldn’t attend such occasions.” Yan Hui replied.

“But…” Jiang Heng was worried.

“I’ve spoken with Prince Qin. The Xiao and Chen clans hold grudges against Madam Guiyi, and I fear trouble may arise. You don’t need to go to Yongning Temple; go to Guanyin Temple instead.”

Jiang Heng’s heart leaped with joy upon hearing this.

The ceremony would last seven days, meaning they could spend a full seven days together!

This time, her brother was driving the carriage himself, so they could talk freely without so many constraints.

Guanyin Temple was not within the city, which required some traveling.

It was June, and the summer heat still baked the land. Fortunately, rows of green willows lined the road, providing shade, and the breeze from the Yishui River made Jiang Heng feel comfortable inside the carriage.

“Brother, have some water?”

Jiang Heng leaned partway out of the carriage and handed Yan Hui a leather pouch.

“Brother, it’s a little stuffy inside. I’d like to sit outside too.” Jiang Heng said pointedly.

“Alright.” Yan Hui always humored her. He took a cushion from inside the carriage and placed it beside himself for her to sit on.

Yan Hui drove more steadily and slowly. Jiang Heng sat beside him, gazing quietly at him.

It had been over three years since they said goodbye at the Yellow River. Finally, she had the chance to see him up close again.

“Brother, stay with me.” Jiang Heng blurted out.

Yan Hui abruptly pulled back on the reins.

The carriage stopped. Yan Hui fell silent, unable to agree but reluctant to refuse.

“Brother,” Jiang Heng didn’t want to see Yan Hui struggling with this, but she truly treasured this moment of being with her beloved.

“Can’t we really reach a peace agreement?” If peace could be achieved, even as a minor official, at least Yan Hui could stay here honorably without the guilt of betrayal.

“You know about this?”

Jiang Heng nodded, “Don’t ask how I know. In short, I know.” She shouldn’t have revealed this to Yan Hui.

“A Jiu, I traveled north this time originally just to see if you were doing well.” He hadn’t planned to take her away or become her husband.

If she were doing well, he would never have revealed himself to her. But she recognized him at first glance, her eyes filling with tears the moment she saw him.

At that moment, he knew she had never forgotten him. In fact, her longing had only deepened over time and through life and death.

How could he help but acknowledge her? How could he stand by and watch her alone, taking the fall for others in prison?

He was determined to have her divorce Duke Wei; that man wasn’t worthy of her.

But he also knew deeply that he himself wasn’t right for her either.

His life was given by Prince Zhennan, and he was sworn to loyalty until death. Once war broke out, battle was unpredictable. It was uncertain if he could safely return to Lingnan, much less ask her to suffer alongside him.

“A Jiu…”

“Brother, I won’t be a burden to you. Remember, I snuck off to the capital several times when I was young. I’m not a delicate young lady. I can run and jump, and I know how to navigate on my own. We can even travel apart if needed.”

Jiang Heng no longer hoped he would stay, but could he at least take her with him? Or, give her an address—she could go on her own.

“A Jiu, that’s enough.”

Yan Hui grabbed the young woman’s wrist, pulled her toward himself, looked at her for a moment, and then held her tightly anyway.

Jiang Heng didn’t struggle. She sank obediently into his arms, even wishing this moment could last longer.

Suddenly, a glint of steel—a long knife struck, cutting the horse’s reins. The horse, startled, bolted, sending the carriage lurching. Yan Hui, holding the young woman, leaped out. Before he could draw his knife, another long knife attacked.

Each strike was vicious, aimed at taking Jiang Heng’s life.

No one expected that shortly after leaving the city, someone would attempt an assassination in broad daylight. The assassin was in plain clothes, masked, of average height and build, with no distinguishing features.

Yan Hui looked at him for a moment, held Jiang Heng tightly to shield her with his body, drew his knife, and fought the assassin.

The assassin was agile and skilled with the knife, but Yan Hui seemed very familiar with his opponent’s techniques. He didn’t attack but defended strictly, engaging in a prolonged struggle.

“Who’s fighting!”

A squad of several dozen soldiers shouted, riding forth with flags.

Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, the assassin fled. Yan Hui didn’t pursue but stayed by Jiang Heng’s side.

“Envoy Xiao, what happened?” The approaching person was the street patrol of Shendu.

It turned out that Gu Yu’s close followers were routinely monitoring Yan Hui’s movements. They saw a plain-clothed assassin suddenly emerge from the woods. The two followers couldn’t reveal themselves, so they sent a smoke signal to summon the Shendu street patrol.

“Someone tried to rob me.” Yan Hui said.

After this incident, the two could no longer proceed to Guanyin Temple and returned to the city.

Yan Hui cooperated with the street patrol to give a statement. However, the assassin was masked, with no distinct features in appearance or build, making identification difficult. The street patrol could only conduct investigations along the route but found nothing.

···

At night, a man dressed as a commoner slipped into Yan Hui's room carrying a set of new clothes.

"Ziyuan, aren’t you going to change out of those torn clothes?" The man sat down casually by the table.

"Why did you try to kill her?"

Yan Hui was not the only envoy sent by Prince Zhennan; while he was the public representative, this plain-looking man, who could easily blend into a crowd, was the covert operative.

"By the prince’s order, of course—Madam Guiyi must die," Zhang Qian replied.

"Why wasn’t I informed?" Yan Hui said coldly.

"Would you have killed her if I had?" Zhang Qian retorted. "Xiao Ziyuan, surely you haven’t been so easily swayed by her beauty, trapped in her web of charm already?"

"If it weren’t for this woman—living extravagantly, touring Lingnan twice in three years as queen, building ships to sail overseas under the pretext of showcasing power, even demanding our prince to offer lychee as tribute, wasting resources and burdening the people—would our kingdom have fallen so quickly? Would our prince have been unable to march north in time to defend the throne?"

"She is just a woman. What's the point of killing her now?" Yan Hui argued.

"It serves a great purpose. The Qi Dynasty claims to be benevolent and generous to the Xiao and Chen royal families, doesn’t it? Then Madam Guiyi’s death will serve to expose their hypocrisy. Her death would be meaningful, worthy of the deep affection our late lord held for her."

Yan Hui understood clearly—this was about establishing a pretext.

It seemed Prince Zhennan was already preparing for the northern campaign.

"I’ll do it."

Wasn’t the goal to make the Qi Dynasty lose the moral high ground? In war, envoys are not to be harmed. If he were assassinated in the Qi capital, it would serve as Prince Zhennan’s pretext for war.

There had already been one attempt during the day; this time, it needs to draw blood.

Yan Hui drew his blade and said to Zhang Qian again, "If you dare lay a hand on Madam Guiyi, I will kill you."

The clashing of blades soon echoed in the room.

By the time Jiang Heng and the inn official arrived, the assassin had already escaped through the window, vanishing without a trace. In the darkness, they found Yan Hui leaning against the wall, a dark pool on the floor around him.

The air was thick with the smell of blood.

"Get a doctor, quickly!"

Jiang Heng rushed to support him while the inn official lit a lamp, illuminating the room and revealing Yan Hui’s severe wounds: one on his back and another at his waist, both deep.

The inn official sent for a physician and also dispatched someone to inform Duke Wei.

"Go back," Yan Hui said to Jiang Heng.

She shook her head.

Yan Hui explained gently, "After all, men and women should maintain propriety. If you stay, it will be inconvenient for them to treat my wounds. Don’t worry, I won’t die. Go back now."

Hearing this, Jiang Heng held back her tears and left, instructing the inn official to prepare warm water and bandages to expedite the physician’s work.

Gu Yu, having already learned of the incident from his close attendant, arrived swiftly. He entered just as the physician was tending to Yan Hui’s wounds.

"What happened?" Gu Yu asked.

Yan Hui replied calmly, "Someone attacked me during the day, and now they’ve come to kill me at night."

Gu Yu, being a military man himself, could see the wounds were merciless, aimed at vital points. It was clear someone truly wanted him dead.

His attendant's initial report had mentioned only that one person had gone to pursue the assassin, without many details. Gu Yu needed to inquire further.

"Rest well," Gu Yu said briefly before heading to Jiang Heng’s room.

He found her sitting motionless under the lamplight, her gaze distant and thoughtful.

"This place isn’t safe. You're coming with me," Gu Yu said, intending to take her away that very night.

"Who wants to kill him?" Jiang Heng turned to him, her eyes sharp as nails, unusually severe.

"We’re investigating," Gu Yu replied.

"When will you have answers?" She pressed him relentlessly, her eyes locked on his.

Unwilling to say more, Gu Yu insisted, "Pack your things and come with me."

"When will you have answers?" Jiang Heng remained seated, unmoving.

Gu Yu was no stranger to her stubbornness. Previously, she had been gentle and placid because she had no strong desires, but now, if she didn't get her way, she would not obey him.

After a moment’s thought, Gu Yu answered seriously, "If all goes well, by tomorrow. If not, who knows?"

If his attendant successfully tracked down the assassin and captured him, the truth could be uncovered by the next day. But if the assassin escaped, finding him in the vast capital would be nearly impossible, and the case would go cold.

"I’ll wait here for your results."

Frowning, Gu Yu stopped arguing and grabbed her wrist to pull her up, intending to take her by force.

She did not struggle but swiftly pulled out her hairpin, pressing it to her neck as she had done in the prison that day, her eyes cold as she stared at Gu Yu. "I said I’ll wait here for your results."

If she left, would it be easier for him to have Yan Hui killed?

Gu Yu frowned deeply. "What exactly are you trying to do?"

"Waiting for your results," Jiang Heng replied, her gaze icy.

Finally, Gu Yu recognized the sharp suspicion in her eyes.

She doubted him—suspected he had orchestrated the assassination attempt on Yan Hui.

Gu Yu, exasperated, gave a cold laugh. "Fine, wait then."

He strode out of the room.

Gu Yu brought in more guards, securing Jiang Heng’s room, making it impenetrable, before heading to another chamber to question his attendant about the details of the daytime assassination attempt.

"It appears the assassin from earlier today and the one who fled tonight are the same person," the attendant reported.

Though the daytime assassin was of average build—neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin, with no distinctive features—the attendant Gu Yu had assigned for surveillance had formerly been a military scout, skilled in covert tracking and identifying individuals, making him certain of the observation.

"How did the assassin get in?" Gu Yu asked.

The attendant looked ashamed. "The courier station is bustling with people. I didn’t notice when he entered."

"Walk me through what happened today," Gu Yu said.

"During the day, the assassin suddenly jumped out, as if he knew Envoy Xiao would take that route—it seemed planned in advance. However, the assassin’s target during the day was clearly Madam Guiyi. He fought several rounds with Envoy Xiao, cutting his clothes but not injuring him."

Gu Yu frowned slightly. "You didn't step in?"

The attendant shook his head. "No, I remembered your orders and didn’t dare act rashly. I sent up a signal flare to summon the capital patrol officers."

Gu Yu’s brow furrowed even more tightly. He pressed his lips together, holding back his frustration, and finally instructed, "From now on, if you encounter him in danger, act immediately."

"Yes," the attendant replied.

After hearing this, Gu Yu had already drawn his conclusions.

If the assassin during the day could engage Yan Hui in several rounds and only tear his clothes, how could he have severely injured him in such a short time during the night assassination? Either the assassins from day and night were not the same person—the daytime one testing Yan Hui’s skills, and the nighttime one intending to kill him.

But the attendant was observant; if he wasn’t certain, he wouldn’t claim it was the same person. If it was the same person, his ability couldn't vary so much in such a short time. Moreover, the daytime assassin was targeting Madam Guiyi, while the nighttime one targeted Yan Hui? If the assassin truly intended to kill Yan Hui, the first attempt during the day would have been the perfect opportunity. The nighttime attempt was much more dangerous.

Another possibility: Yan Hui and the assassin were acquainted. The purpose of the daytime assassination remained unclear, but the nighttime one might have been a staged attack.

In warfare, envoys are not to be attacked. An envoy being severely injured in an assassination would be seen as the most shameful act if made public.

After considering all these possibilities, drawing on his years of military experience, Gu Yu leaned toward the idea that Yan Hui and the assassin were orchestrating a deception.

But without concrete evidence, telling Jiang Heng this would only make her think he was making up evidence to frame Yan Hui. Everything would have to wait until the other attendant returned with results.

The next day, the attendant brought news.

"General, the assassin is dead."

They had indeed tracked down the assassin’s lodgings, but during the arrest, seeing no chance of escape, the assassin swallowed poison and killed himself.

"The man was highly trained, extremely vigilant—I almost lost him. He was no ordinary assassin; likely an elite soldier."

This made the theory of the assassin’s connection to Yan Hui even more plausible.

"General, should we interrogate Envoy Xiao?"

Gu Yu pondered for a moment. "No need."

It seemed Prince Zhennan had sent two fiercely loyal death warriors. If the assassin could swallow poison to avoid capture, Yan Hui wouldn’t reveal anything either.

"I’m going to the official courier station," Gu Yu said, rising.

···

Gu Yu recounted the whole account of the assassination to Jiang Heng, omitting only the true identity of the assassin.

"Now, can you return?" Gu Yu said sternly, looking at her.

Jiang Heng remained deep in thought, not answering. After a long while, she lifted her eyes to scrutinize Gu Yu.

He said the assassin was dead—meaning there's no evidence now?

She had asked for results, and he gave her a dead body.

"Who was behind it? Who ordered the killing?" Jiang Heng stared fixedly at Gu Yu, her tone as sharp and cold as before.

Clearly, she still suspected him, believing he was the mastermind.

Gu Yu stood with his hands behind his back, fists clenched, his expression cold and severe. "Why don’t you ask your beloved brother?"

Jiang Heng frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Duke Wei—you’ve never gotten over not killing my brother, have you?"

"You’ve been watching him all along. Who else knew our movements better than you? Who else had the ability to position an assassin on the route we were bound to take?"

"Isn’t the official courier station staffed with your men? Who could come and go undetected, injuring my brother so severely in such a short time?"

Her gaze was sharp and furious, as if she saw him as an enemy.

Gu Yu felt anger burning in his chest, his eyes dark like oppressive storm clouds. "I would indeed kill him—on the battlefield, I would personally take his head and use it to heat wine."

With that, he turned to leave without another word.

"Stop." Jiang Heng’s voice turned cold once more.

Gu Yu instinctively halted but remained with his back to her, unwilling to face her hostile gaze.

"You truly cannot agree to a divorce for now?"

Gu Yu guessed what she was about to say.

She was going to make demands. Convinced he had hired the assassin to kill Yan Hui, she was bringing this up now to protect Yan Hui’s life.

"Even if you refuse the divorce, I can still submit a petition and take it to court, making it public. If I insist on a divorce, there are ways..." She said this to make it clear that if she truly wanted a divorce, he couldn’t stop her. If he wanted to postpone the divorce, he would have to agree to her terms.

Her insistence on divorce was for Yan Hui; her agreement to postpone it was also for Yan Hui.

Gu Yu’s eyes darkened, his clenched fists trembling as if he could crush his own fingers.

She was so obsessed with another man—what was the point of this marriage?

He didn’t care...

He wouldn’t agree, wouldn’t help her protect another man. If she wanted a divorce, then let it be.

"You and I can postpone the divorce for now, but while my brother is in the capital, you must guarantee his safety."

So that was her demand.

Gu Yu remained silent.

Jiang Heng didn’t push him, standing quietly. She had already made up her mind: if Gu Yu refused, they would divorce immediately. She would share fate with her brother, without relying on his protection. If he agreed, at least for now, her brother would be safe.

"Fine."

After a long pause, Gu Yu bit out the word.