Chapter 51

Chapter 51

The room was already stuffy, with the windows tightly shut. Gu Yu went to open them, but Jiang Heng stopped him.

She feared snakes or insects might get in.

But if the windows remained closed, the room would become a veritable steamer. Sleeping like this all night would not only make it hard to sleep but might also cause illness by the next day.

In the end, Gu Yu did not open the windows. Instead, he picked up a folding fan and began to wave it.

Though the bed wasn't particularly spacious, it was wide enough for two people to lie side by side.

This time, Jiang Heng did not curl up against the wall as she usually did. Instead, she lay in the middle, keeping distance from both the wall and the man lying on the outer side.

Gu Yu knew she was still afraid.

"Do you regret coming with me?" His voice carried a cool tone.

Jiang Heng remained silent.

Gu Yu knew well that she had not come for his sake. If not for her brother, she would never have come to such a place.

Did she regret it?

She was simply not used to this place yet. Once she grew accustomed, it would be fine.

"Does he know you came for him?"

The man’s tone was flat, without any fluctuation, as if he were merely asking a casual question out of sleeplessness from the heat.

Jiang Heng still did not respond.

"Perhaps he thinks you couldn’t bear to be apart from me and followed me here."

"No." Jiang Heng immediately denied it.

Her brother would surely understand her true purpose for coming here. He would know exactly whom she had come for.

The man beside her fell silent for a long time, the folding fan in his hand creaking softly.

"I regret it," he suddenly said.

"Regret what?" Jiang Heng looked at him in surprise. "You’re not thinking of going back on your word again, are you?"

"Jiang Heng," his tone sounded genuinely helpless, "if Yan Hui refuses to give up Prince Zhennan and won’t leave with you, what’s the point of you coming to a place like this?"

It was obvious to anyone that Jiang Heng did not like this place.

Gu Yu already regretted bringing her here. The place was humid, plagued by miasma, and overrun with mosquitoes and insects. There wasn’t even an effective way to cool off. She was so afraid of snakes and insects that coming here felt like being an exile.

Back in Shen Du, at least she ate well, lived well, and slept well, without having to endure this hardship.

"Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for your return."

"I’m not going back." Jiang Heng bolted upright. "I think this place is quite nice. It’s very warm."

Gu Yu chuckled wryly. "Warm? He couldn't believe she'd say that."

"If that's how you feel, why aren’t you asleep yet?"

His usually cool tone carried a hint of sarcasm.

Jiang Heng pressed her lips together, then plopped back down defiantly. "I’m going to sleep right now."

She closed her eyes and said nothing more, feigning sleep.

Gu Yu moved closer to her while waving the fan and fell silent.

The room was filled only with the soft creaking of the fan.

A long time later, hearing the woman’s steady breathing, Gu Yu assumed she had fallen asleep and decided to open the window.

Just as he swung his legs off the bed, the woman behind him woke alertly and sat up as well. "What are you doing?"

Gu Yu paused.

She was still awake.

This couldn't go on.

"Wait for me a moment."

Gu Yu still got up and stepped off the bed. Unexpectedly, Jiang Heng followed him down.

Gu Yu turned to look at her. He had started to tell her to wait, but realizing her tension was due to fear of snakes, he held back and instead took her hand, leading her out of the room together.

Gu Yu had someone set up an elevated bed in the open courtyard. The frame was built from bamboo and wood, with a bamboo ladder for climbing. The sides and top were covered with a thin layer of gauze, enough to shield people but still let the wind through. Around it, snake-repelling herbs were placed.

"We’ll make do with this tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll have them make it sturdier and more secure."

The bed was built higher than Gu Yu himself. A layer of snake-repelling herbs was scattered beneath it, so the woman wouldn’t have to worry about snakes climbing onto the bed.

Lying on the elevated bed, the wind blew in from all directions. Below, an incense burner released a calming fragrance. Above, the stars filled the sky.

The gauze on top was meant to keep mosquitoes out, so it was lighter and thinner than the sides, allowing the starry sky to pour in unobstructed.

Gu Yu continued to wave the folding fan, sending cool breezes her way.

Jiang Heng had to admit that at this moment, she felt comfortable, relaxed, and safe—so much so that she couldn’t help but feel drowsy.

She turned to look at the man beside her. His eyes were closed, and his usually stern features seemed much softer now. His breathing was steady, as if he were asleep, but the fan in his hand continued to wave tirelessly.

The wind rustled the gauze; stars showered down like rain.

Jiang Heng soon felt sleep overtaking her.

Gu Yu opened his eyes and gently tapped her nose lightly. There was no reaction.

It seemed she had truly fallen asleep this time.

No matter what decision she made in the future, he was the one who had brought her here. Before she left with Yan Hui, he would do everything in his power to ensure her comfort and safety.

······

During Gu Yu’s convalescence, Prince Zhennan launched an assault on the city. Although Gu Yu took command personally, he did not give orders, leaving everything to the previously appointed general.

After three days of fighting, Prince Zhennan’s forces withdrew. Jiang Xing suggested pressing the advantage with pursuit, but Gu Yu refused. Unwilling to let it go, Jiang Xing came to his quarters to argue further and even presented a plan.

"General Yang and I have already located the granary in Shao City. If we infiltrate and burn their supplies, their morale will surely crumble. If we seize the moment to pursue and attack, taking them by surprise, we can definitely retake Shao City."

After hearing this, Gu Yu calmly said, "Not appropriate," without explaining the specific reasons.

Jiang Xing tried to persuade him for a long time, but Gu Yu remained focused on reading his book, ignoring him completely as if his words were nothing but empty words.

Jiang Xing had no choice but to return unsuccessful, but he still refused to give up. He went to find Jiang Heng, hoping she could persuade Gu Yu.

Upon hearing his request, Jiang Heng lazily replied, "Brother, matters of military strategy are important. Aren’t you afraid I’ll just get in the way?"

Jiang Xing sighed heavily. "I don’t know what’s wrong with Duke Wei. Nowadays, he’s so timid and indecisive. Could it be that he’s afraid of losing the battle and simply doesn’t dare to send troops?"

"A-Heng, you have no idea—Prince Zhennan’s men are hurling terrible insults at us beneath the city walls, calling Duke Wei a cowardly turtle. How can he tolerate that?"

No matter what he said, Jiang Heng, like Gu Yu, remained silent.

"If things go on like this, how long will this war drag on? A-Heng, are you really willing to stay here?"

Only then did Jiang Heng nod. "I think it’s quite nice here."

"Nice?" Jiang Xing snorted sarcastically. Realizing his efforts were in vain, he stopped talking and left in a huff.

Unexpectedly, just two days later, news arrived that Jiang Xing and Yang Zhihong had been captured by Prince Zhennan.

It turned out that the two of them had always believed their plan was feasible. Since Gu Yu refused to approve it, they took matters into their own hands and secretly sneaked into Shaocheng.

One was her own brother, the other her dear friend’s husband. Jiang Heng couldn’t simply stand by and do nothing. She couldn’t help but ask Gu Yu, "Will Prince Zhennan kill them?"

Gu Yu shook his head. "Not so quickly."

Given Jiang Xing and Yang Zhihong’s status, Prince Zhennan would likely try to persuade them to surrender first. Only if they refused would he consider killing them.

Gu Yu wasn’t worried about Prince Zhennan killing them—he was worried they might defect.

Once they became turncoats, they might find safety for themselves, but the Jiang and Yang families back in the capital would face disaster.

Jiang Heng glanced at Gu Yu, wanting to ask if he would rescue them. But upon further thought, she decided it was inappropriate and said nothing more.

Gu Yu, however, seemed to read her mind and spoke frankly: "From a strategic perspective, I cannot launch a campaign against Prince Zhennan just for two deputy generals who acted without authorization. For now, we can only bide our time and strike when the moment is right."

Jiang Heng nodded slightly.

Noticing her distracted state, Gu Yu rose and walked to her side, gently holding her wrist. His voice was soft as he said, "Don’t worry. Their talent for staying alive is far greater than their ability to fight."

···

Shaocheng.

The person who captured Jiang Xing and Yang Zhihong was none other than Yan Hui.

When Jiang Xing saw that the commander in charge of the interrogation was Yan Hui, he relaxed and couldn’t help but laugh.

"All of you, leave. I know these two generals. We have some old times to discuss."

Yan Hui had the others leave, untied Jiang Xing and Yang Zhihong himself, invited them to sit, and personally poured them a brew, urging them to drink.

"How do you find this brew, Generals?"

Both had heard about the debate between tea and yogurt porridge at the palace banquet when Yan Hui was an envoy to the capital. They knew his question wasn’t just about the brew but pretended not to understand. They drank it in one gulp and said, "We’re too thirsty to care about the taste. We could drink another bowl if you offered."

Yan Hui smiled.

Yang Zhihong said, "Save your breath. We won’t say anything. If you’re going to kill us, just get it over with!"

"General Yang, so much spine! Very well, as you wish."

Yan Hui spoke indifferently and ordered Yang Zhihong to be taken away again, leaving only Jiang Xing behind.

"Ziyuan, it’s been a while," Jiang Xing said, genuinely acting as though they were reminiscing.

But Yan Hui lost his earlier politeness and said coldly, "If you weren’t A-Jiu’s brother, do you think I’d have let you live this long?"

Relying on this connection, Jiang Xing smiled confidently. "If I weren’t A-Heng’s brother, why would I have become your enemy in the first place? In the end, I was just protecting my sister, trying to find her a better future. And the facts prove I made the right choice—Duke Wei can indeed give her prosperity and honor."

At this point, Jiang Xing sighed heavily. "It’s a shame A-Heng doesn’t understand my intentions. She just refuses to live peacefully with Duke Wei. This time, when she followed Duke Wei here, others thought it was because of their deep affection as husband and wife, but I know she didn’t come because of him."

Jiang Xing looked up at Yan Hui. "She came for you. She still hasn’t forgotten you. She followed him here just to find a chance to see you."

Yan Hui fell silent for a long time, as if truly moved by Jiang Xing’s words.

When he spoke again, he asked about Jiang Heng’s recent situation. "Is she used to it here?"

Jiang Xing shook his head repeatedly. "How could she be? She eats poorly, sleeps poorly, and has lost weight. We urged her to return, but she’s stubborn and refuses to go back."

Seeing the guilt on Yan Hui’s face, Jiang Xing seized the opportunity. "Ziyuan, defect. Bring Shaocheng with you, and your merit will be no less than Duke Wei’s. Then, you and A-Heng might still have a chance."

Yan Hui was silent again for a moment before asking softly, "Does she really still have feelings for me?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the door was suddenly kicked open with a loud crash. A man dressed as a general burst in with a sword, pointing at Yan Hui and shouting, "Well done! I wondered why you insisted on capturing them alive and forbade harming them. So, you’re not just old acquaintances—this man almost became your brother-in-law! I think you’re not trying to recruit them—you’re plotting with them to betray the city from within!"

"Xiao Yihan, don’t make false accusations!" Yan Hui also grasped his long saber.

"Let me kill this scoundrel first, then take you to see the prince!"

Xiao Yihan swung his sword at Jiang Xing but didn’t expect Yan Hui to draw his blade and stab him in the back from behind.

For some reason, Xiao Yihan failed to evade. Jiang Xing watched as Yan Hui’s sword pierced Xiao Yihan’s right shoulder and was quickly withdrawn.

"You... you actually dare to kill me!" Xiao Yihan stared in disbelief. Forgetting about Jiang Xing, he staggered out of the room, shouting, "Xiao Ziyuan is rebelling!"

Yan Hui chased him out the door and delivered two more blows. Xiao Yihan collapsed to the ground, motionless.

Jiang Xing sat stunned on the low daybed inside the room, watching as blood dripped from Yan Hui’s blade.

He had intended to persuade Yan Hui to defect, but he never expected events to unfold so quickly.

However, he quickly collected himself and rushed out to say to Yan Hui, "You have no way back now. Come with us, quickly!"

···

Even Gu Yu was stunned. On the second day after Jiang Xing’s capture, Jiang Xing, Yang Zhihong, and Yan Hui appeared on horseback outside Yongzhou’s city walls. Riding hard, they shouted, "Open the gates!" while being closely pursued by a group of pursuers.

"General, should we open the gates?"

The three were getting closer to the city gates. Opening them would save them, but there was a fear of a trap.

"Loose arrows, then open the gates," Gu Yu ordered without hesitation.

A torrential rain of arrows halted the pursuing soldiers, and Jiang Xing and his two companions were successfully rescued.

Jiang Xing dismounted, laughing heartily in relief, and clapped Yan Hui on the shoulder, but said to Gu Yu, "Duke Wei, look who I've brought!"

Gu Yu, however, did not look pleased and instinctively gripped the hilt of his sword.

Yan Hui, on the other hand, looked at him calmly, showing no hostility.

"Lord Xiao, why are you unwilling to continue drinking tea?" Gu Yu asked.

Jiang Xing, still immersed in the joy of having persuaded Yan Hui to surrender—a great achievement—was afraid that Gu Yu would purposely antagonize him and push him to rebel again. He hurriedly played the peacemaker, saying, "It's a long story. Let's go back and talk slowly."

Jiang Xing recounted to Gu Yu how Yan Hui had killed someone and helped the two of them escape from Shaocheng. He concluded, "General Xiao has no retreat left now. It’s a great fortune that he can come to aid us. Duke Wei, please be magnanimous and let bygones be bygones. Don’t dwell on those past matters."

Gu Yu mulled it over for a moment but did not delve deeper into Yan Hui’s escape. Instead, he looked at Jiang Xing and asked, "What past matters?"

"Uh..." Jiang Xing gave an awkward smile, not daring to bring it up.

Gu Yu then turned his gaze to Yan Hui. His deep eyes suddenly flickered with a complex smile. "Lord Xiao’s defection is truly a fortunate event. How about becoming my Military Advisor?"

Yan Hui also smiled. "If you dare to use me, I dare to take the position."

······

The news of Yan Hui’s surrender soon reached Jiang Heng’s ears, and she heard that Gu Yu was treating him with great courtesy.

That night, when Gu Yu returned, Jiang Heng did not beat around the bush and said directly, "I want to see my brother."

As soon as she finished speaking, she saw the man’s brow furrow deeply.

"Jiang Heng, have you forgotten your status again?"

His tone carried a cold and stern seriousness that made Jiang Heng feel somewhat unfamiliar.

He hadn’t reminded her so coldly to mind her status in a long time, so much so that she had almost forgotten what a stern person he originally was.

Hadn’t he previously intended to sleep in separate rooms? Hadn’t he planned to completely move on? Why was he reminding her of her status again?

But at the moment, she didn’t want to argue with him about all that. She just wanted to see her brother as soon as possible.

"Precisely because I know my status, I’m bringing it up with you. Otherwise, I could simply go see my brother on my own. Why would I need to tell you?"

Gu Yu’s frown deepened, though her words did make some sense.

Indeed, if she weren’t his wife, why would she need his permission?

In that case, was she still somewhat mindful of his dignity?

"Fifteen minutes."

He would only allow her fifteen minutes to see Yan Hui.

"Not enough," Jiang Heng said discontentedly. "An hour."

Gu Yu fell silent. After a long while, he said, "Half an hour. Otherwise, don’t see him at all."

"Fine," Jiang Heng agreed decisively.

Gu Yu frowned and pressed his lips together but ultimately did not go back on his word. He sent someone to summon Yan Hui.

"Invite my brother here?" Jiang Heng had already planned how to disguise herself to see Yan Hui and had not expected Gu Yu to have him brought over.

Gu Yu was furious but let out a cold laugh. "Where did you want to go?"

Jiang Heng didn’t answer and immediately turned to sit at her dressing table, beginning to powder her face, pencil her eyebrows, and apply lip color.

Because of the hot weather and frequent sweating, which often ruined her makeup, she had been too lazy to apply any for quite some time.

Gu Yu took a deep breath, his fists unconsciously clenching. He punched the door, shattering the carved patterns on it. Unfortunately, the lady was busy with her makeup and had no time to look over.

By the time Yan Hui arrived, Jiang Heng had finished her makeup.

"Brother," Jiang Heng said, looking at him with the same gentle gaze as before.

Yan Hui studied her for a moment and also smiled. Jiang Xing had said she had lost weight, but fortunately, that was false. She was no thinner than when they had last parted.

"A Jiu, that time..." He knew he owed Jiang Heng an explanation.

"Brother, don’t say anymore. I know everything. I don’t blame you."

With only half an hour, Jiang Heng didn’t want to waste time on those unimportant past events. She had something very important to advise Yan Hui.

"Brother, don’t become Duke Wei’s Military Advisor. Don’t stay here."

Yan Hui was stunned, thinking he had misheard. "What?"

"Brother, Duke Wei won’t trust you so easily. He will surely test you repeatedly. If you are genuine, you’ll inevitably have to kill some of Prince Zhennan’s men, your former comrades. I don’t want you to have to kill your own comrades again with your own hands."

"If you are false..."

Jiang Heng didn’t continue, only pleading with her eyes for Yan Hui not to be false.

She knew Yan Hui well—how could he possibly defect? How could he betray Prince Zhennan?

She could imagine that Gu Yu must have thought the same. By keeping her brother here now, he surely intended to use him against Prince Zhennan.

Her brother was kind-hearted—how could he kill his former comrades?

"Brother, don’t help anyone anymore, alright?"

Her gaze was earnest, but Yan Hui lowered his eyes faintly and could not promise her.

"A Jiu, I have no way back. I came here to help Duke Wei achieve great deeds."

"Is that so?"

There were some things Jiang Heng couldn’t ask aloud. Was he helping Duke Wei, or was he helping Prince Zhennan?

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave."

After saying these few words, Yan Hui prepared to depart.

The half hour she had bargained for from Gu Yu now seemed somewhat superfluous.

"Brother..."

Yan Hui’s footsteps paused at her call, but he did not turn back. In the end, he strode away.

After a while, Gu Yu entered and, seeing the smudged makeup from tears on the lady's face, had already figured out what happened.

Yan Hui had actually made her cry.

Such a good opportunity, such a rare chance to meet—she had chased after him all the way from the capital, put up with the rough travel, dealt with bug bites and sweltering sleepless nights, all in anticipation of this day.

Yet, with just a few words, Yan Hui had brought their meeting to an end.

Gu Yu felt a mix of emotions—sympathy for the lady’s disappointment, yet also... a selfish sense of relief.

“No need to rush. After all, he is here now. You can play the long game.”

Jiang Heng was stunned, never expecting such understanding words to come from Gu Yu’s mouth.

Hadn’t he just warned her to know her place? Why did he now seem almost pleased to let her see Yan Hui?