Chapter 50

Chapter 50

The question Gu Yu posed was one Jiang Heng had never contemplated.

Since her marriage to Gu Yu, she had never witnessed him in distress over any matter, nor had she seen him suffer a defeat. It had simply never occurred to her that he might one day fall at Yan Hui’s hands.

Even during the preceding three years, when he frequently led military campaigns abroad, she had never once worried that he might perish on the battlefield.

How could a man as formidable as him possibly die by Yan Hui’s hand?

“That won’t happen. You are blessed with great fortune—don’t utter such inauspicious words.”

Gu Yu remained with his back to her for a moment, then turned and walked away.

Jiang Heng could discern his dissatisfaction with her reply, yet he did not press further with his usual relentless insistence.

...

It was already late autumn. In the capital, several cooling autumn rains should have fallen by now, each chillier than the last. But in Yongzhou, the sun still blazed fiercely, rivaling the capital’s midsummer heat. The slightest exertion would drench one’s clothes in sweat.

Even more unbearable was the constant, hazy mist that seemed to hang in the air, even without rain, making it difficult to breathe.

In such a climate, wounds did not heal easily, necessitating even more frequent dressing changes.

When Jiang Heng returned to her quarters, the physician was applying Gu Yu’s fourth dressing of the day.

“Another change will be needed in two hours, General. Shall I return then, or…” The physician glanced at Jiang Heng.

In two hours, it would be nearly midnight. If Gu Yu were alone, it might not be an issue, but with his wife present, a late-night visit from the physician would be inappropriate. As changing dressings was not complicated, the physician thought it best to entrust the task to the general’s wife or other personal maids for the night.

Gu Yu pondered for a moment, about to instruct the physician to explain the dressing change procedure to Zhou Wu.

Jiang Heng proactively interjected, “I’ll do it.” She then asked the physician to thoroughly explain the precautions for changing the dressing.

Gu Yu looked at her but did not immediately refuse, merely signaling for Zhou Wu to also listen.

After the physician departed, Gu Yu ordered Cheng Ping to pack his belongings and move them to the study.

“All of them?” Cheng Ping was somewhat taken aback.

Gu Yu had only just moved into this residence today, and the servants had only just finished arranging their belongings. Naturally, all of Gu Yu’s possessions had been placed with Jiang Heng’s in the main chamber.

Logically, even if Gu Yu needed to conduct official business in the study, he would still reside in the main chamber. There was no need to pack his things separately.

“All of them,” Gu Yu stated.

Cheng Ping could only comply, returning to unpack the luggage that had just been arranged.

Jiang Heng watched silently, not uttering a single word, as Cheng Ping moved the items to the study.

Once everything was cleared, Cheng Ping and several maids went to arrange things in the study. With only Jiang Heng and Gu Yu remaining in the room, she finally spoke, “Leave your door unlatched. I’ll come at midnight to help you change your dressing.”

“No need. Zhou Wu can handle it,” Gu Yu replied coolly.

Not wanting her to mistake his coldness for petulance, Gu Yu clarified, “Since you’ve made your decision, be resolute. Act as you did before—there’s no need to soften toward me now.”

Her nature was kind, and caring for the wounded might be instinctive, but toward him, it would only deepen their entanglement. If he was destined not to have her in the end, it was better to sever ties cleanly than to prolong the pain.

“From now on, I will sleep in the study.”

Gu Yu rose, not sparing her another glance, and exited the room.

Jiang Heng was stunned.

Was he suggesting they sleep separately?

Voluntarily choosing to sleep apart?

From his words, it seemed he was resolved to respect her decision and would no longer force anything upon her.

If that were truly the case, did she still need to wait a year for a divorce? Perhaps she could seek one now?

Though the thought crossed her mind, Jiang Heng decided to set it aside for the time being, considering Gu Yu’s injury and not wanting to agitate him and risk worsening his condition.

Not long after Gu Yu left, Rui Zhu entered with a basket of fresh fruits.

“Miss, look—this place does have its perks. We arrived at an unfortunate time, missing the lychee season, but there are plenty of other fruits. Some I’ve never even seen before.”

As soon as they entered Yongzhou territory, Rui Zhu had complained incessantly about the relentless humidity and the vicious mosquitoes that left her covered in bites, clearly regretting the journey.

But now, with the fruits she had gathered from who-knows-where, her mood had visibly lifted.

“Where did you pick these? Some fruits are poisonous—you can’t just eat anything,” Jiang Heng cautioned.

Rui Zhu laughed. “Don’t worry, Miss. Master Dalang picked these himself. They’re safe.”

“Miss, Master Dalang is waiting outside. He wishes to see you. Should I…?”

Rui Zhu had once served Jiang Wan and still held a degree of respect for Jiang Xing. Since Jiang Xing had slapped Jiang Heng and was subsequently sent to another boat by Gu Yu, and now even his residence was arranged far away, Jiang Xing had repeatedly tried to see Jiang Heng, always relying on Rui Zhu to relay his messages.

Today was no exception.

Jiang Heng frowned slightly, her usually gentle eyes turning unusually stern. “My elder brother has no one attending to him. Why don’t you go serve him instead?”

Jiang Xing had been polite and courteous to Rui Zhu lately, and she had already begun to entertain thoughts of becoming his concubine. Though he had not broached the subject, she dared not show her interest too openly. Hearing Jiang Heng’s suggestion, though she sensed her mistress’s displeasure, Rui Zhu pretended not to notice and replied, “This maid would be willing to serve Master Dalang…”

Jiang Heng was taken aback, surprised that Rui Zhu had actually considered the idea.

“In that case, you may go.”

“Then… Miss, will you see Master Dalang? I’m afraid… he might not want me…”

Having served Jiang Heng for over three years, Rui Zhu still felt some loyalty despite their distance. Seeing her plead so earnestly, Jiang Heng could not refuse and agreed to let Jiang Xing in.

“A Heng, have you tried the fruits? Aren’t they sweet?” Jiang Xing spoke cheerfully, as if their previous conflict had never happened.

Jiang Heng remained indifferent. “If I wish to eat fruit, I can send someone to pick them. You may take these back.”

Jiang Xing, unaccustomed to such cold treatment, visibly displeased, paused briefly before forcing a smile. “Are you still angry with me? I lost my temper that day—I acted impulsively. How could you hold a grudge?”

Jiang Heng had no desire to engage further and was about to bring up Rui Zhu’s matter when Jiang Xing added, “Regardless of why I pressured you into marrying Duke Wei back then, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, didn’t it? You’ve found a good husband. That day, Duke Wei nearly beat me to death and even warned me to tell Father that your actions, right or wrong, are no longer our concern. A Heng, it was only then that I realized how deeply Duke Wei cares for you. My earlier words were only out of concern for your marital harmony. Had I known he’d be so lenient with you, why would I have been so angry?”

Jiang Heng had known Gu Yu struck her brother but was unaware of these warnings. Hearing them now stirred complex emotions within her.

Pushing aside her feelings, she returned to the matter of Jiang Xing.

“Has Eldest Brother come to see me multiple times because he has another favor to ask of Duke Wei?” Jiang Heng’s gaze was icy. “What is it this time that has displeased you? Is the accommodation unsatisfactory? The food not to your liking? Or are you feeling troubled?”

Jiang Xing couldn't bear to hear this. His pride was wounded, yet he suppressed his anger and said gently, “In your eyes, am I the kind of person who only shows up when I need something? Duke Wei is injured, and both of us are far from home. As your Eldest Brother, isn’t it only natural for me to see how you're doing? Why must it always be about asking for favors?”

Jiang Xing wanted to mend their relationship, but Jiang Heng was tired of such superficial pleasantries.

“Brother, since you’re here, there’s something I need to discuss with you.” Jiang Heng got straight to the point about Rui Zhu. “Since you have no one to attend to you here, rather than finding someone unfamiliar, why not let Rui Zhu attend to you?”

Jiang Xing’s mind wasn't interested in romantic matters. He had no intention of taking Rui Zhu as a concubine; his kindness toward her was merely a means to an end. Moreover, if Rui Zhu were to follow him, who would speak on his behalf in Jiang Heng’s presence?

“A Heng, what do you mean by this? You know how devoted I am to your sister-in-law. If I were to take a concubine, I’d have to ask her permission first. If I needed someone to attend to me, why would I ask you for Rui Zhu? I could simply bring some servants from home.”

“Alright, I just wanted to see how you were doing. Duke Wei is injured and probably doesn't want to see me, so I won't bother him. Take good care of him and I hope he recovers soon. I’ll be on my way now.”

To avoid Jiang Heng pushing Rui Zhu onto him further, Jiang Xing didn't stay long and took his leave.

“You heard him,” Jiang Heng said, turning to Rui Zhu, who had been standing behind the curtain.

Rui Zhu walked out dejectedly, not daring to lift her head or meet Jiang Heng’s eyes, feeling utterly ashamed.

“From now on, it’s best if you don’t harbor any hopes regarding my Eldest Brother.”

Otherwise, she might end up being completely destroyed.

After all, they were siblings, and Jiang Heng could only advise Rui Zhu to this extent.

Having said this, Jiang Heng felt tired. But the sticky, humid heat made it impossible to sleep, so she called for a bath.

The weather in Yongzhou was unbearably hot and humid. Unlike the capital, where ice was readily available during the summer, there was no ice here. Cooling down relied solely on fanning. Even after just bathing, it took only a moment for her skin to become damp with sweat again.

She endured it and lay down on the bed, feeling as if the mattress beneath her was soaked.

Jiang Heng suddenly began to dislike this place.

Although the bed was meant for a couple, it was rather crude, with no curtains or partitions, and far less spacious than before. Jiang Heng lay on the empty bed, gently fanning herself as she gazed at the moonlight streaming through the window.

Everything felt unfamiliar, even the moonlight.

She had thought she was fully prepared.

She knew this place was extremely hot, with no distinct seasons. They didn’t grow millet or wheat here; instead, they relied on seafood and fish. She had even heard there were snakes, rats, frogs, and insects—everything peculiar and troublesome.

She believed she could endure it, but having only experienced the weather so far, she already felt a sense of aversion.

However, she quickly dismissed these negative thoughts.

She was simply not used to it yet. If her brother could live here, she should be able to as well.

Jiang Heng fanned herself for a long time until she finally began to feel drowsy. Suddenly, she heard panicked shouts from outside.

“A snake! There’s a snake! There’s a snake on the bed!”

Instinctively, Jiang Heng sprang up from her bed, dressed quickly, and went outside.

The servants in the courtyard were already in chaos. A group of them chased after a snake but ultimately didn't manage to catch it, losing track of where it had gone.

“What happened?” Gu Yu, having heard the commotion, came over from his study.

Cheng Ping reported the incident: a maidservant had gone to bed but felt something wriggling under her mattress. When she lifted it, she found a long snake coiled there. The snake, startled, slithered away. The servants, too fearful to catch it properly, lost track of it.

The midnight snake hunt alerted the Yongzhou magistrate, who hurried over to apologize. He explained that the residence had been unoccupied for a long time, and during the recent cleaning, only the main rooms had been thoroughly attended to, while the servants’ quarters had been neglected.

The magistrate ordered some locals to search the courtyard again, but the snake was still nowhere to be found. They scattered herbs meant to repel snakes and insects in various areas.

“General, with these herbs, you don't need to worry about snakes or insects entering the rooms. You can rest assured.”

After the commotion died down, the night grew deeper. Gu Yu dismissed everyone, instructing them to return to their quarters, and called Cheng Ping alone to his study.

“Tomorrow, hire some locals to work here.”

The Yongzhou magistrate had already arranged for servants who understood both the official language and the local Yue dialect. However, such servants were already trained and difficult to observe or control. Gu Yu preferred to hire new ones, as he could gradually learn the Yue dialect from them and also teach them how to handle snakes and insects.

Yongzhou was hot and humid, with an abundance of snakes and insects. Incidents like tonight’s were likely to recur.

Cheng Ping acknowledged the order and left the study. Noticing that the main room was still lit, he paused.

The room was brightly lit, suggesting more than one oil lamp was burning. Yet it was late at night, well past the hour for sleep...

After a moment’s thought, Cheng Ping returned to Gu Yu’s study.

“My lord, the lady’s room is still lit. Perhaps... she is waiting for you to retire.”

Gu Yu’s gaze froze, and he instinctively looked toward the main room.

But he knew she was not waiting for him.

She had watched as Cheng Ping moved all his belongings out without uttering a single word of protest.

She, too, was willing to sleep separately. Why would she be waiting for him?

“Attend to your duties,” Gu Yu said coldly to Cheng Ping.

Cheng Ping bowed in acknowledgment and retreated to the door. After a brief hesitation, he mustered the courage to add, “My lord, the lady is likely afraid and unable to sleep.”

The snake had not been caught. Although repellent herbs had been scattered, their effectiveness was unknown. Even if the snake had been caught, the fear would linger, with everyone worried that another might appear. The servants, though they had returned to their rooms under Gu Yu’s authority, were likely still awake.

The servants, at least, were not alone in their rooms and could comfort one another.

But in the main room, Jiang Heng was alone.

“My lord, the lady’s room is very bright, as if more than one lamp is lit.”

Gu Yu remained silent for a while before uttering a faint “Hmm” and dismissing Cheng Ping.

Zhou Wu checked the time—it was nearly midnight. “My lord, let me change your bandages.”

Gu Yu waved him off. After a moment’s consideration, he asked Zhou Wu for the medicine and went to the main room.

The door was shut tightly but not bolted. Gu Yu had intended to knock but found it pushed open easily.

Inside, he saw the young lady not resting on the bed in the inner chamber but crouching on a low stool beside the desk.

Not sitting, but crouching—curled up on the stool with both feet off the ground. Around the stool, from the inside out, several oil lamps were arranged, both for light and, undoubtedly, to keep snakes and insects at bay.

As he opened the door, she trembled slightly, curling up even tighter and looking over warily. When she saw it was him, her tense posture relaxed a little.

She was naturally afraid.

From the Divine Capital to Yongzhou, over a thousand miles away, she had left her homeland, traversed mountains and rivers, and arrived here with nothing.

Every pillar, every stone slab, every crevice in this mansion was unfamiliar to her.

After all, he was the one who brought her here, yet he left her alone in this place.

Gu Yu said nothing and entered, placing the medicinal salve on the table before removing the oil lamps around the stool. He then said to her, “Help me apply the medicine.”

Jiang Heng felt somewhat reassured and got down from the stool, taking the medicine to carefully apply it to his wounds.

Her movements were slow, and she took a long time with each wound, no matter how small.

Gu Yu did not rush her, sitting patiently and quietly.

Finally, when she had finished tending to all his wounds, Jiang Heng placed the medicinal salve back on the table beside Gu Yu's hand, indicating that he should take it back with him.

But Gu Yu paid no further attention to the medicine. He stood up, reached out to grasp her wrist, and led her toward the bedchamber.

“The study gets too stuffy. From now on, I will come back to sleep here.”

Jiang Heng looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the flickering light of the lone remaining candle.