Chapter 61

Chapter 61

When Gu Yu posed the question, Jiang Heng froze for a moment.

How could Gu Yu know so precisely what she had said to Yan Hui?

Had he sent someone to eavesdrop again?

She had openly invited him, but he had declined—only to have someone spy on her instead. What did he take her for?

Frowning, Jiang Heng remained silent, her enthusiasm instantly dampened. She pushed him away, saying, “I’m tired.”

Gu Yu, still unsatisfied, wouldn't let her go. Sensing her displeasure, he instinctively leaned in to kiss her, intending to soothe her.

To his surprise, the young woman turned her head, refusing his kiss. Her hands still pressed against his chest, pushing him away, as she calmly repeated, “I’m tired.”

Gu Yu frowned but still did not release her. He gripped her chin, turned her face back toward him, and leaned in to kiss her again.

Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain on his lips, tasting blood.

Jiang Heng had bitten him, drawing blood.

His blood stained her lips. She wiped it away with her hand and glared at him, saying, “I said I’m tired.”

With that, she lifted her feet high and pushed hard against his firm abdomen, using the leverage to shove him away.

By the time Jiang Heng had washed up and gone to bed alone, Gu Yu was still staring at her, stunned.

It took a long while for the shock in his eyes to fade.

Though he hadn't gotten his way and felt somewhat frustrated, surprisingly, he wasn't angry.

She actually dared to bite him?

He had bitten her before—was her action driven by the same impulse? Not out of dislike, but an instinct for intimacy.

She even dared to push him away with her feet. Her courage seemed to be growing. Perhaps it wasn’t entirely a bad thing.

Gu Yu got out of bed and called for cold water.

After cooling down, he lay back on the bed. Glancing at the young woman who had turned her back to him, he thought for a moment before reaching out with his long arm, trying to pull her closer.

But he was pushed away coldly again.

“I’m sleepy,” came her voice, flat and tinged with impatience.

Gu Yu finally realized she was in a mood.

But why?

Since returning from her visit with Yan Hui, she hadn’t said a single word to him. Earlier, during their intimacy, she had pushed him away. And when he mentioned Yan Hui, she grew even angrier.

So, was she truly upset with him because of Yan Hui?

Because of Yan Hui’s illness? Did she know about what Yan Hui suffered in prison and was blaming him for it?

Why didn’t she ask for the reason? Hadn’t he done it all to save Yan Hui’s life?

Gu Yu looked at her back again, then kicked the covers off himself and onto the floor.

He saw her shrink from the sudden cold.

Since winter began, whenever they slept together, they had shared the covers. He claimed that since his injury, he often felt cold and couldn't get warm alone. She had indulged him and never refused.

Gu Yu moved closer, intending to embrace the curled-up young woman.

But she, apparently sensing his intention, scooted farther away, clearly rejecting his advance.

Gu Yu fell silent, frowning deeply as he watched her but didn't try to get closer again.

After a moment, he got up, retrieved the quilt, and dumped it heavily over her.

Jiang Heng still gave him no reaction.

Pursing his lips, Gu Yu stared at her through the darkness, growing angrier by the minute.

Why had he tried so hard to keep Yan Hui alive? Why had he allowed Jiang Heng to see him? Why not let Yan Hui die? After all, Yan Hui had sought death himself—no one could blame him for it.

If Yan Hui were dead, Jiang Heng wouldn’t need to see him anymore, nor would she be angry with him over Yan Hui’s illness.

Why did Yan Hui’s existence always complicate things between them?

Gu Yu turned over, facing away from her.

Let Yan Hui fend for himself—he would never allow Jiang Heng to see him again.

...

The next day, Gu Yu ordered the final batch of northern troops, along with Prince Zhennan’s surrendered officials and their families, to pack their belongings and prepare to return north to the capital. He specifically instructed that Yan Hui, still ill, could delay his journey and make plans once he recovered.

“Wonderful! We can finally go back.”

Chun Jin, Rui Zhu, Cheng Ping, and the other servants brought from the Gu family were overjoyed, wishing they could sprout wings and fly back.

Only Jiang Heng sat at the desk, staring blankly at a document.

It was the divorce agreement she had asked Gu Yu for—still over eight months until the date specified in the contract.

She had thought she would stay here and never return to the capital.

“Madam, Military Advisor Xiao has sent a message asking to meet you by Plum Creek.”

Jiang Heng put away the divorce agreement and went to see Yan Hui.

Perhaps having taken Jiang Heng’s advice to heart and rested for a few more days, Yan Hui looked much better than when he had first been released from prison. His eyes finally held some of their old spark.

But Jiang Heng knew that even if he recovered, Gu Yu would find excuses to prevent him from traveling with them. Gu Yu’s specific instruction was not out of genuine concern for Yan Hui’s health—it was simply to avoid traveling with him.

“Brother, there’s no need to rush. Wait until you’re fully recovered before heading north. It should be just in time for the flowers to bloom along the way. You can enjoy the spring scenery as you travel. Perhaps by the time you reach the capital, the imperial gardens will be in full bloom, and you can go see the flowers with A Jiu.”

Hearing her words, Yan Hui smiled warmly. Back when they were studying in the capital, whenever the flowers bloomed in the imperial gardens, he and Jiang Heng would go see them. They would even write to Yan Rong, telling him how beautiful the flowers in the capital were and promising to bring him to see them when he grew up.

“A Jiu, I don’t plan to go to the capital,” Yan Hui said. He had invited her here to say goodbye.

Jiang Heng froze for a moment and instinctively asked, “Why?”

But Yan Hui did not answer.

There were too many reasons. Upon returning to court and meeting those old classmates, talking about Zhao Qing—he didn’t know how to tell them how Zhao Qing died. He also wasn't yet able to calmly accept the identity of a surrendered minister and serve Emperor Qi.

Perhaps one day, when he had fully come to terms with things, he would go to the divine capital, but for now, he had no intention of returning.

He didn’t answer, and Jiang Heng didn’t press further, instead asking, “Did Duke Wei permit it?”

Yan Hui had once been a close aide to Prince Zhennan. By rights, Gu Yu couldn’t allow him to stay in the former prince's residence, or else he would have no way to explain it to the emperor later.

“He permitted it and even said he would report to Emperor Qi to secure me an official position, but I declined.”

Civilian appointments required imperial approval; even Gu Yu couldn't arbitrarily decide. Letting Yan Hui stay was already against protocol.

“Elder Brother, will you… will you live well?” Jiang Heng had only this one question.

Yan Hui gave a faint smile, compelled by emotion to take two steps toward her, reaching out as if to embrace her, but he withdrew his hand in time, looking at her with warmth.

“Yes, I will live well.”

For his sake, she had prayed to gods and buddhas, pleaded with Duke Wei, and even let him go multiple times when he was seriously injured by Duke Wei. Even when she knew it was impossible for them to be together, she still found ways to ensure he lived.

Because she valued his life so highly, he ought to listen to her and live well.

“Elder Brother, then… take care of yourself.” Jiang Heng, as before, feared that saying more would only make things difficult for him.

“Mm.” Yan Hui nodded but did not return the farewell.

“A Jiu…”

He on a whim wanted to ask if she was still willing to stay.

But after a moment’s thought, he remained silent.

He could no longer keep her. It had always been her who came to him; he could not be greedy anymore.

...

Returning from Plum Creek, Jiang Heng sat at the desk for a long time, staring blankly at the signed divorce agreement.

She didn’t even notice Gu Yu standing behind her.

Gu Yu knew what she was thinking.

She must have heard that Yan Hui was staying and was considering staying herself.

The divorce agreement was spread out on the desk. Gu Yu could reach it easily, but she was spaced out. By the time she realized what was happening, the agreement had been snatched away, held high above her head—so high she couldn’t reach it even if she jumped.

“Give it to me.” Jiang Heng scowled at him and held out her hand.

Instead of complying, Gu Yu took out a tinderbox and burned the divorce agreement right in front of her.

He held it high until the paper was completely reduced to ashes, giving her no chance to extinguish the flames.

The flames scorched his hand, but he seemed not to feel it.

Finally, he grabbed a handful of the drifting ashes and held them out to her. “Still want it?”

“Or should I write another one for you?” he challenged her, pretending to be generous. “But the date would have to be today.”

Jiang Heng bit her lip and clenched her fists.

He could write it or destroy it as he pleased—had he ever truly intended to let her go?

Was it all just a whim, never serious, never truly caring about her wishes?

“I won’t be returning with you.”

Jiang Heng announced firmly and turned to leave.

She moved quickly, but he moved even faster, stepping past her and blocking the doorway with his tall, broad frame.

“Jiang Heng, do you remember what I told you? Before the agreement expires, if you dare to think about divorce again, this agreement is void. I won’t give you another chance.”

His expression was cold, his voice icy, exuding nothing but self-righteous intimidation and dominance.

Jiang Heng almost laughed in exasperation. When had she ever mentioned divorce?

Since he was injured, when had she ever said a word about divorce?

She had been looking at the agreement, yes, but had she given it to him? Had she uttered a single word about breaking the contract?

Yet he had snatched it away and burned it without explanation, only to blame her afterward, as if she were the one who had broken the agreement first.

He was indeed devious and cunning, capable of turning black into white.

Jiang Heng couldn't be bothered to argue and still tried to get past him.

Unexpectedly, he suddenly lifted her onto his shoulder, carried her to the bedchamber, threw her onto the bed, and then turned and left.

By the time Jiang Heng chased after him, the door was locked from the outside.

Through the door, she could hear him ordering the servants to lock the windows and doors securely and keep watch over her.

“Duke Wei, let me out!” Jiang Heng pounded on the door.

Gu Yu pretended not to hear, took his usual long saber, and drilled with it in the courtyard. He cut down a grove of bamboo but still unsatisfied, he went to Yan Hui’s courtyard with the knife.

“What did you say to her!”

He had kindly allowed Yan Hui to bid farewell to Jiang Heng, but Yan Hui had taken the opportunity to cause trouble, even daring to persuade Jiang Heng to stay.

Jiang Heng had long stopped being angry with him or deliberately neglecting him. It was all because of Yan Hui that she was acting up again.

Yan Hui didn’t answer, instead with a dark expression he asked, “Did you lose your temper with A Jiu again?”

Gu Yu ignored his question and warned, “If you’re not ready to move on, come back to the capital with me. I’ll see this through with you to the end. Don’t hide here scheming to ruin others’ relationships!”

“Duke Wei, if you can’t trust her, why do you insist on clinging to her?”

As someone on the outside, Yan Hui saw things clearly. His A Jiu was truly no longer his. It was Gu Yu who was overcorrecting, always assuming that Jiang Heng’s heart still lay with Yan Hui.

“Why don’t you let her go?” Yan Hui said calmly.

“Dream on.” Gu Yu’s expression was equally indifferent. He spun the long saber and retracted his aggressive stance, slightly raising his chin. “I have complete faith in her.”

He looked at Yan Hui, and said challengingly and firmly, “From now on, she and I will be in harmony and devotion, and grow old together.”

He lifted the corner of his mouth in a faint smile and returned to his courtyard.

The room where Jiang Heng was locked up had long fallen silent. He didn't know what she was doing inside—whether she was crying out of anger again.

Indeed, it was his own lack of restraint that led him to act forcefully with her again.

Why did she remain so attached to Yan Hui? Wasn’t it precisely because Yan Hui never lost his temper with her?

Yan Hui only lost his temper once, and Jiang Heng abandoned him…

Gu Yu walked to the water vat, looked down at his reflection on the surface—still looking rather stern.

He glanced around; the servants were all busy packing, no one paying attention to what he was doing.

He turned back, used the water's reflection to adjust the corners of his lips, forcing the naturally stern line of his mouth into a less severe curve, then headed toward the main chamber.

Dismissing the guarding servants, Gu Yu unlocked the door himself and saw Jiang Heng sitting by the desk. She glanced at him, then deliberately turned her eyes away.

He restrained himself from frowning and sat down beside her.

Jiang Heng had no desire to sit with him; as soon as he sat, she started to stand up.

Gu Yu still couldn’t hold back—he firmly held her arm, not allowing her to leave.

“If you don’t wish to stay in the capital, after I complete my duties, I’ll take you somewhere comfortable—somewhere neither too hot nor too cold, without snakes or insects plaguing the place. How does that sound?”

Jiang Heng shot him a surprised look.

He went on explaining, “It’s not that I don’t trust you—it’s Yan Hui I don’t trust. You have a kind heart and are easily swayed, easily deceived.”

“He didn’t deceive me,” Jiang Heng said.

Gu Yu felt his heart sink, but he suppressed his displeasure and replied in a reasonable tone, “That’s best then. I overthought it.”

He reached past her wrist, taking her small hand in his palm. “A Heng, come back with me.”