Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Only today did Gu Yu truly understand the meaning of intimate closeness.

In the past, when he sought intimacy with her, her reluctance meant it was confined to her ears, temples, and at most, her neck.

Today, she clung to his neck, eagerly chasing his lips.

He gripped her chin, but she pulled away with a soft, warm petulance, cupping his face to ask earnestly, "Brother, why are you so fierce?"

Gu Yu frowned, silent, and she reached out to smooth his brow.

"Brother, don’t be so gruff."

She was patient, gentle, with a hint of coquetry and more of a pleading tone. As she smoothed his furrowed brow, she tilted her head up to press her lips against his.

Gu Yu had never touched her lips before because she always avoided it. And having never experienced its subtleties, he hadn’t been particularly fixated on it.

This was the first time.

Her mouth carried a faint scent of wine. Perhaps due to her drunken drowsiness, she would lightly press her lips to his and then pull away, calling out "Brother" before leaning in again.

Gu Yu didn’t know why, but he couldn’t evade her repeated, light, teasing kisses—like a dragonfly skimming water or a kitten toying with its food.

"Don’t call me 'Brother.' Call me 'Husband,'" he said in a low voice.

The young lady also knitted her brows. "Brother, if you keep being so gruff, I won’t want you anymore."

Gu Yu was momentarily speechless and fell silent.

But it was as if she was teasing then appeasing. Her soft arms wrapped around his neck, gently pulling him down as she tilted her head up to kiss his lips again.

"Brother."

She wasn’t going to change how she addressed him.

Gu Yu didn’t avoid her this time, letting her pull his neck down.

Perhaps the "Brother" she was referring to was him?

On the deck earlier, she hadn’t been drinking and had seen clearly—he wasn’t Yan Hui.

He was taller than Yan Hui, and in terms of both build and appearance, he believed himself to be more handsome than Yan Hui.

She had clearly called him "Brother" and expressed her gratitude to him, not to Yan Hui. It was him.

Perhaps, for men she liked and felt close to, she preferred to call them "Brother"?

He stopped avoiding her, gazing steadily at her, waiting for her to lift her head and kiss him again.

But she seemed truly dead drunk and unaware, her eyes dazed with desire as she looked at him for a moment. She lightly lifted her head as if intending to kiss him, but before their lips could touch, she slumped back down weakly, murmuring only, "Brother."

Gu Yu waited for a long time until the arms she had wrapped around his neck grew limp, showing signs of loosening and letting go.

Her eyes were closed, as if she were drowsy.

Was that… all?

After teasing and kissing him like that, just a few light kisses like a kitten playing with food, was she… satisfied?

Gu Yu frowned again, but the young lady didn’t reach out to smooth his brow as before, nor did she coquettishly scold him for being fierce. She just lay there lazily, her expression already drowsy.

Could it be that the wine was truly calming and sleep-inducing?

Then why did he feel no drowsiness at all? Why was his mind so restless?

After a pause, he lowered his head and, mimicking her earlier actions, kissed her lips.

Unlike her light, fleeting kisses, he held her lips and, instinctively, didn’t want to let go.

"Brother."

The young lady was awakened by him again and wrapped her arms around his neck, responding to him.

She tried to kiss him lightly and pull away again, but the man lowered his head to pursue her, holding her lips captive.

The soft murmurs from her lips were swallowed by him.

Only the word "A" from "Brother" managed to escape.

"Call me 'Husband,'" he persistently coaxed her in the pause between kisses for breath.

"A…"

The other word was swallowed by Gu Yu.

The night was warm and fragrant.

The next morning, Gu Yu unusually did not rise early.

He had actually been awake for a while, but Jiang Heng was lying on his chest, sleeping soundly. He couldn’t go anywhere, so he had no choice but to sleep in with her.

It was well into the morning when Jiang Heng finally fluttered her eyelids and lazily opened her eyes. Seeing the man’s firm, sun-kissed chest, she was momentarily stunned but soon regained her composure.

Unhurriedly, she moved away from his chest, dressed calmly, and didn’t spare another glance for the man lying beside her.

Gu Yu also got up and dressed.

Neither of them spoke, returning to their previous state of calm and mutual respect, as if the tender intimacy of the previous night had been nothing but an illusory spring dream, and neither had truly lost themselves in it.

Unexpectedly, as Jiang Heng stepped down from the bed, her legs suddenly gave way, and she nearly stumbled. Fortunately, Gu Yu, quick-eyed and deft-handed, reached out with a long arm while dressing and caught her.

Their eyes met unavoidably.

The reason for her weak legs involuntarily surfaced in the young lady’s mind, and her face instantly flushed crimson.

Perhaps guessing what she was thinking, Gu Yu raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "If you’re tired, lie down a while longer."

The blush on Jiang Heng’s face hadn’t faded, but her voice was remarkably steady: "It was just a dream. I’m not tired."

"Dream?"

Gu Yu frowned again, his previously raised eyebrows now sinking. He glanced at the mirror on the dressing table, then suddenly pulled the young lady over to sit down. He tugged at the high collar she had deliberately arranged, revealing patches of kiss marks on her neck that extended down to her chest.

"Was this a dream?" he demanded coldly.

Jiang Heng pushed his hand away, quickly pulling her collar back together. Collecting herself, she said utterly indifferently, "It really was a dream."

She looked up at him. "I dreamed of Brother."

"Would you like to hear what exactly I dreamed of?"

Gu Yu's gaze turned icy, his lips pressed into a thin, sharp line like a deadly blade.

Seeing his silence, Jiang Heng said no more. She rose to wash and dress, then called for the meal, acting as if nothing had happened at all.

Once ready, Gu Yu also sat down at the table to eat.

"Do you have to provoke me like this?" he suddenly asked, his eyes fixed intently on her.

After a long silence, Jiang Heng replied calmly, "Duke Wei, you're joking. Why would I provoke you?"

"Last night, you were not drunk. You knew exactly who I was." Gu Yu spoke each word with heavy emphasis. "Jiang Heng, don't fool yourself. Though you called me 'brother,' you knew it wasn't Yan Hui—yet you still acted as you did."

His gaze remained steady on her eyes, each syllable firm and resolute. "Jiang Heng, you wavered."

The lady pressed her lips together, saying nothing. She stared at Gu Yu for a long moment, then indifferently looked away, refusing to engage in argument. "Think what you will, Duke Wei. Last night was my mistake—I should not have mistaken you for someone else."

"Jiang Heng!" Gu Yu's anger flared abruptly at her words.

"Are you angry?" she asked, showing no fear and instead pretending to be surprised. "If Duke Wei is angry, I won't argue. I only ask that, given how often you once mistook me for others, you not hold this against me."

Gu Yu fell silent.

Jiang Heng also said no more. She finished her meal unhurriedly and prepared to leave.

"Must it always be like this between us?" Gu Yu suddenly spoke.

Three years of marriage, and only last night did he truly understand what marital bliss could be—how a husband and wife could be as they were then.

He could not deny he had become somewhat captivated by it.

But must such a night be only a fleeting glimpse? Must Jiang Heng, when she's clear-headed, always argue with him? Must she insist on driving this marriage toward its end?

"Duke Wei, please understand—we are meant to separate eventually."

"What if Yan Hui dies?" he asked, his gaze cold as a knife's edge. "If Yan Hui dies, will you still seek separation?"

Jiang Heng's eyes froze.

She had been solely focused on being near her brother during this southern journey, even dreaming of staying in the south with him under assumed names, living as a blissful couple. But she had not considered what she would do if her brother were to perish in this war.

After a long pause, Jiang Heng looked at Gu Yu and nodded slowly. "Even if my brother dies, I will still seek separation."

She had long resolved to leave and never return to the capital. If she could not be with her brother, then she would... remain here alone.

Gu Yu's expression changed slightly. He had thought her insistence on separation was all because of Yan Hui, but even without Yan Hui, she still wished to part.

Why? Was he truly so unworthy?

Suddenly, Gu Yu felt deflated. If that was how it was, forcing things would yield no sweetness. He would not press her further.

He decided to let her go.

...

Leaving Xijin Ferry, they traveled south along the waterways. Half a month later, they neared Yongzhou, the city Gu Yu had been ordered to defend.

It was also close to Shaocheng, the northern stronghold of Prince Zhennan.

Most cities in the south were built to fit the land—some following mountain contours, others adapting to water flows. Some places did not have constructed walls but relied on natural barriers as part of their defenses, alongside man-made fortifications. However, such cities often had vulnerable points where enemies could infiltrate.

Though Gu Yu's journey was discreet, this was, after all, an area long managed by Prince Zhennan, whose forces included elite warriors. It would not be difficult for them to track Gu Yu's movements and cause trouble.

Gu Yu thus ordered all ships to be on high alert and dispatched several deputies to travel overland to Yongzhou, also surveying the mountains and rivers along the way.

They were one day away from Yongzhou.

"My lady, the method you taught me really works. Look, I’m not seasick at all now."

Zhao Qing stood at the bow, demonstrating his newfound mastery by swaying vigorously side to side. The entire boat rocked with his movements, yet he not only kept his balance but gradually steadied the vessel again.

Jiang Heng smiled approvingly. "Hard work pays off. After practicing so hard, it’s only natural you’d succeed."

"My lady, once I earn merits on this campaign, I’ll brew several jars of fine wine for you myself!" Zhao Qing laughed heartily.

Jiang Heng smiled and agreed.

As they stood talking at the bow, sudden urgent drumbeats sounded, followed by a sentry’s shout: "There are people in the water!"

"My lady, go back inside!" Zhao Qing urged, then immediately turned to assess the situation.

Gu Yu also came to the bow and warned Jiang Heng, "Do not enter the water unless absolutely necessary."

No matter how skilled they were in water, they were newcomers here. Once in the water, they would be no match for southerners.

Even if Prince Zhennan’s men infiltrated, they could not come in large numbers and would rely on stealth rather than direct confrontation. Though hard to guard against, once detected, countermeasures could be taken.

"The ship is leaking!" another sentry shouted.

Following the sound, several smaller boats were slowly beginning to sink.

"There are people at the hull!"

Several soldiers skilled in swimming dove into the water with knives to investigate. Soon, they surfaced, locked in struggle with assailants.

"General, eight in total!"

The sentry relayed the message signaled by the swimmers in the water, indicating the positions of the infiltrators—three of whom were right near Gu Yu’s ship.

With their position exposed, one of the infiltrators stopped hiding. Aided by his comrades, he scaled the hull, leaped aboard, seized Jiang Heng just as she was turning toward the cabin, and threw her into the water before turning to engage Gu Yu.

"My lady!"

Seeing Jiang Heng fall into the water, Zhao Qing feared she would be killed by the enemy and dove in without hesitation to rescue her.

Gu Yu killed the assailant on deck and also jumped into the water to save Jiang Heng.

It was nearly dusk, and underwater visibility was poor. The infiltrators wore specialized clothing for concealment and mobility in water, putting Gu Yu’s men at a disadvantage. Several had already been killed, their blood spreading crimson in the water.

Seeing Gu Yu enter the water, the infiltrators converged on him.

Gu Yu recognized Yan Hui among them. Unlike the others, Yan Hui did not move toward him but signaled for his men to kill Gu Yu before swimming toward Jiang Heng.

Jiang Heng, held by one of the infiltrators, suddenly felt calm upon seeing Yan Hui. The infiltrator, under Yan Hui’s order, released Jiang Heng and moved toward Gu Yu, grappling on the way with Zhao Qing, who was rushing to Jiang Heng’s aid.

Yan Hui didn't recognize Zhao Qing, thinking he was just one of Gu Yu's regular soldiers, and showed him no mercy. Catching Zhao Qing off guard, he stabbed him in the back of the neck, then pulled out the blade and continued swimming toward Jiang Heng, ignoring the gushing blood spreading behind him.

Witnessing Zhao Qing die by Yan Hui's blade, Jiang Heng lost her composure and tried to scream, only to choke on water. Fortunately, Yan Hui arrived in time, sharing his breath with her and signaling her not to be afraid, telling her to come with him.

Jiang Heng shook her head and looked toward Zhao Qing, who was now floating on the surface, drifting with the current.

By then, Gu Yu had also shaken off his attackers and was chasing after Jiang Heng.

Yan Hui and his companions had been holding their breath underwater for a long time. Though familiar with the water currents, they'd used up all their advantages, and being outnumbered, they had already suffered casualties. Any more delay would only make things worse, so they decided to stop fighting and get Jiang Heng out of there.

Yan Hui ordered three of his comrades to hold off Gu Yu and again signaled Jiang Heng not to resist, urging her to come along.

Jiang Heng still shook her head and swam toward Gu Yu.

Yan Hui frowned slightly. This time, without hesitation, he grabbed Jiang Heng’s wrist, pulling her along forcefully.

Jiang Heng saw that Gu Yu had caught up.

He was covered in blood, his robes torn in many places, and as he moved his arms, fresh blood kept welling up.

Jiang Heng broke free from Yan Hui’s grasp once more, surfaced to take a deep breath, then dove back underwater, swimming past Yan Hui toward the direction where Gu Yu was approaching.

More and more Qi Army soldiers were diving into the water to pursue them. Any further delay would make escape impossible. Yan Hui gave Jiang Heng a complicated look before swimming toward the planned escape spot.

...

In the government office of Yongzhou City, the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been placed in coffins.

Jiang Heng stood before Zhao Qing’s coffin, unable to leave.

After having his wounds bandaged, Gu Yu also came to the place. Seeing Jiang Heng standing dejectedly before Zhao Qing’s coffin, he knew what was on her mind.

She was grieving for Zhao Qing, but also feeling guilty about Yan Hui.

"War is like this," Gu Yu said calmly. "We all serve different masters; there is no right or wrong."

Jiang Heng glanced up at him, then lowered her eyes again. The tears she'd been holding back finally fell.

"Perhaps I really shouldn’t have spoken up to plead for him earlier. Maybe his seasickness and vomiting were a mercy from heaven, trying to spare him from this disaster, but I insisted on going against heaven's will..."

Using the method Yan Hui had taught her, she had helped Zhao Qing overcome his seasickness, allowing him to arrive here safely, only for him to die by Yan Hui’s blade.

She knew Yan Hui had done nothing wrong. Even if Zhao Qing looked vastly different from before and Yan Hui likely hadn’t recognized him, even if he had, as Gu Yu said, everyone fights for their own side—Yan Hui would probably still have killed him.

But understanding it in her head was one thing; she couldn’t help thinking, how could Brother be so cruel as to kill Zhao Qing?

"You must get used to it," Gu Yu said slowly, standing beside her. "Everyone around you, whether you like them or dislike them, could end up killing Yan Hui or being killed by him."

Jiang Heng suddenly looked up, staring blankly at Gu Yu.

"Why didn’t you go with him?"

Gu Yu had seen clearly. During the underwater battle, Jiang Heng had the chance to leave with Yan Hui, but she didn’t.

Hadn't she made so many preparations, suffering through the journey south with him, all to be closer to Yan Hui? Wasn't it all for the day she could reunite with Yan Hui?

Just moments ago, she had the perfect chance. If she hadn't struggled and had followed Yan Hui without looking back, she would have gotten what she wanted. But she pushed Yan Hui away and swam toward him.

"Was it because he killed Zhao Qing?" Gu Yu asked.

Jiang Heng shook her head. "I couldn’t go with him right then."

If she had followed Yan Hui then, it would have been Prince Zhennan capturing Duchess of Wei. If they used her to force Gu Yu into something disloyal or dishonorable...

Though she was just a woman, not particularly wise or brave, she knew she couldn’t become that kind of sinner.

She had always longed to be with Yan Hui, but she couldn’t allow Yan Hui, as Prince Zhennan’s man, to take her away.

She was willing to leave behind the Jiang family and her identity as a Qi native, and she hoped Yan Hui could cast aside the identity given to him by Prince Zhennan.

The young woman didn't say much more, but Gu Yu understood her thoughts and concerns.

He had always known she wasn’t the type to let romance cloud her judgment and act recklessly.

"Go rest now. Take care of yourself. Don’t let Zhao Qing die with his eyes open," Gu Yu advised coolly before turning to leave.

"Duke Wei," Jiang Heng suddenly called out to him, "if one day my brother falls into your hands, could you... spare his life?"

Even if he were captured alive, she just wanted her brother to live.

Gu Yu remained silent for a long time before finally uttering a low "Hmm," agreeing.

Jiang Heng was momentarily taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to agree so easily. Hadn't he always said that one day on the battlefield, he would personally kill her brother?

Why had he agreed so readily this time? Wasn't he afraid of letting a tiger return to the mountains, only to face the consequences later?

"If one day, I die by Yan Hui’s hand, what would you do?" Gu Yu asked, his back to her.