Now that Fu Yu said the arrangements were complete, the old lady didn't ask any further questions, only giving a few words of advice to be cautious.
Fu Yu had other things to do later and didn't have much free time. He felt that it would be a delay when the eldest son's mother and daughter-in-law came over, so he said, "I have a few words to say to my grandmother. You Tong, wait for me in the outer room for a moment."
You Tong understood and got up to leave.
The maids and servants inside dared not stand still, and all bowed and left. Shen Yueyi, of course, followed behind with great tact.
In the blink of an eye, only the grandfather and grandson remained in the room.
Madam Fu was still wearing her padded jacket, her hand idly touching the hand warmer. As she got older, her eyes became slightly cloudy.
"Could it be something to do with the Wei family again?" She looked at her grandson, her face expressionless, with a slight droop at the corner of her mouth.
Fu Yu nodded, his expression slightly solemn. "Grandmother knows the reason for the marriage. Since returning to the capital, the Wei family has provided me with many conveniences and assistance. As for the rumors circulating in the capital, according to my recent investigation, the Xu family deliberately spread rumors and slanders to divert attention and prevent others from gossiping about their daughter. Grandmother must also know about this?"
Madam Fu nodded. "I've heard about it. But if it's the Xu family spreading rumors, why would Princess Rui personally refute them?"
Such a self-contradictory act is something that even the most respectable families in Qizhou wouldn't do, so it's questionable that it happened to Princess Rui.
Fu Yu then said, "What has been done cannot be denied. Xu Chaozong needs my help, and even for the sake of the Fu family's reputation, I will not allow the Xu family to bully the Wei family as they have in the past. He has spoken, so how could Princess Rui refuse? Others do not know that she is the one spreading rumors behind the scenes. To outsiders, it looks like she is trying to clarify things in good faith, so it is not like she is contradicting herself."
"That makes sense."
"Therefore, I hope that Grandmother can set aside her prejudices and put an end to those gossips of the past."
Fu Yu's expression was resolute, and his words were quite earnest.
The old lady shook her head helplessly, pretending to adjust her sleeves, a hint of desolation appearing in her expression. Of course, she knew that Fu Yu was referring to what happened at Shou'an Hall. Even though Fu Yu and Fu Zhao hadn't said much at the time, she knew that her two grandsons probably had some complaints.
For her, it was a lesson.
The old lady was already prone to liver qi imbalance and easily irritable. That time, she was instigated by Su Ruolan and became extremely angry. Although she vented her pent-up dissatisfaction, she was now in a difficult position. After Fu Zhao clarified the facts, she was truly ashamed. If You Tong hadn't offered her a way out, she probably would have had to feign illness to end the situation. Over the years, she had lived a life of honor and privilege, and with Shen Shi's skill in flattery, the old lady, who had always been surrounded by admirers, had never stumbled in the slightest. How could she not remember being in such a predicament?
If you suffer a loss in secret, you should learn a lesson.
—Wei Youtong is gentle on the outside but firm on the inside, and her words are like a knife hidden in cotton. If she still harbors prejudice and dissatisfaction, and is later instigated by others, she may make mistakes in her actions. Even if others do not say it, they will still have doubts in their hearts.
As an elder, and holding a high position in Qizhou, how could she be at a disadvantage because of this?
Madam Fu chuckled to herself, “Although I am getting on in years, I am not senile. After what happened with Su Ruolan last time, your father advised me that I have not neglected her lately and have treated her the same as everyone else. But she must also know that no matter why she married into the family, once she has married in, she is simply a daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law of the Fu family, without any exceptions. I do not expect her to be as filial, considerate, and reliable as your aunt, but the young mistress of Nanlou is being watched by countless eyes. If she breaks the rules, I will still punish her severely.”
"Grandson understands." Fu Yu paused. "And Miss Shen?"
Madam Fu was stunned for a moment before she understood what Fu Yu meant.
She rarely had younger generations living with her, not even her own granddaughter Fu Lanyin; this was the first time ever.
Holding the hand warmer, she whispered, "Do you think that Grandmother dislikes Wei Shi and has some plans for keeping Yueyi by her side?"
"It's just nipping a problem in the bud," Fu Yu said, without denying it.
The old lady laughed, "That's right, I do like Yueyi. Her temperament is more pleasing than Wei's. I'm happy to keep her around to keep me entertained. However, your marriage is decided by your father, which is a major matter. Even if I don't like Wei, I will discuss it with your father first. Besides, we already have your aunt in the household, why add another member of the Shen family?"
This means they didn't plan to stay long.
Fu Yuyuan was worried that the old lady would be fooled and cause trouble in the inner quarters, so he felt a little relieved after hearing this.
He then got up to take his leave.
Once outside, he saw You Tong standing under the eaves waiting, so he strolled over.
The couple walked side by side as they had come. After leaving Shou'an Hall, You Tong raised his eyebrows and said, "This trip south to quell the rebellion will probably take a long time again. Have you packed your things?"
"Not yet." Fu Yu paused for a moment. "I'll have someone go to the South Building to fetch a few things later."
You Tong agreed, paused slightly, and then said, "General, you should have mentioned this last night so I could prepare in advance and avoid any omissions in the rush."
Fu Yu glanced at her, his eyes filled with a hint of mockery, "You didn't ask."
This is actually turning the tables, blaming her for not being caring enough and being out of touch?
However, You Tong preferred to stay in the South Tower and rarely inquired about Fu Yu's affairs. When he came to the South Tower, she took care of his daily life and served him delicious food, but she almost completely left the affairs of the Two Books Pavilion to the servants. Apart from that one time when she took the initiative to petition, she hadn't been there for more than half a year since she married into the Fu family. To be honest, putting aside matters of love between men and women, she was quite negligent in her duties as the young mistress in terms of food and daily life.
Although the Fu family is hiding secrets and she shouldn't ask questions, her attitude of ignoring them is indeed not proper.
You Tong felt a little guilty. "I'll ask Aunt Zhou to keep an eye out and visit the two book pavilions more often."
“No need for Aunt Zhou to go—you can come yourself.”
After saying that, he turned onto a side road, took a few steps, turned back and saw You Tong standing there dumbfounded, so he waved to her to go back.
...
Fu Yu always travels with minimal equipment and simple clothing, carrying only a change of clothes and a few effective medicines.
After You Tong tidied him up, she added a thick outer robe for him in case of a late spring chill.
That night, Fu Yu mobilized his troops and stayed overnight in the military camp. The next morning, he led his elite troops south.
In the past, when he went on expeditions, he mostly traveled around under Yongning's command, fighting with others on the border. He had tens of thousands of troops behind him as a backup, and he was also familiar with the terrain and defense, possessing both the advantage of terrain and popular support. After Fu Deqing had trained him for two years, he felt a little more at ease and sent a reliable person to accompany him on his orders.
This time, however, the situation is quite different.
War raged in more than a dozen prefectures and counties to the south, and the imperial army suffered successive defeats. Fu Yu had traveled a long distance to raid the area, separated by the territories of other military governors, essentially venturing alone into danger. He knew the terrain of Qizhou well, but his knowledge of the south was limited to a hasty passage during his youthful travels. Although he had a map of the secret crossing and had sent people ahead to find a guide, he was still unfamiliar with the area and suffered some losses.
Fu Deqing didn't show it on his face, but he was actually worried, so he sent his capable assistant to do so.
Originally, Fu Yu always took Wei Tianze with him on every expedition, but this time he sent him to the border a few days earlier, so he missed this event.
On the day of departure, Fu Deqing personally went to the outskirts of the city to see them off, and took You Tong and Fu Zhao, the siblings, with him.
As mid-spring arrived, the outskirts were already lush and green. The two rows of old willows along the official road sprouted new leaves and swayed gently in the wind. Further away, the distant mountains were a deep blue-green, and the rivers flowed with evening banquets. Wine flags fluttered, and merchants came and went. Everywhere one looked, there was vitality. Even though war was raging in the south and people in the capital were filled with anxiety, the Qizhou region remained peaceful and stable. Apart from the occasional refugee who came from afar, it was no different from usual.
The group was seeing off the departing army; they brought no servants, each riding a horse and galloping away.
Outside the training ground, Fu Yu's elite troops were already lined up in neat rows, with the imposing character "Fu" on the tall banner. These were two thousand soldiers transferred from Qizhou. Once they left Qizhou, they would be recruited from elsewhere, so that the suppression of the rebellion would not affect the defense of Yongning's troops.
Two thousand soldiers stood densely packed together, clad in fine armor, their spirits high and their presence awe-inspiring.
Fu Yu sat upright on the back of the shadowy figure, a sword hanging at his waist. His chainmail gleamed coldly, and the armor concealed his hair and neck, revealing only his composed and resolute face. His eyebrows were sharply defined, and his eyes were like deep pools, exuding both majesty and coldness. He was the backbone of this expedition, his flamboyant and ruthless demeanor unreserved, looking as vigorous and fierce as a dragon and tiger.
Seeing Fu Deqing approach, he dismounted and stepped forward, saying, "Greetings, General!"
"Greetings, General!" came the powerful voice of the two thousand soldiers behind him.
Fu Deqing, with his resolute and imposing figure, patted him on the shoulder.
On a low hill not far away, You Tong and her brother Fu Lanyin stood against the wind, clearly seeing the scene.
Although You Tong had long heard of the Fu family's military prowess, this was the first time she had ever witnessed it in person.
The ranks were like dark clouds, their armor gleaming in the sun. Even from a distance, when faces were obscured, their vibrant and heroic bearing was exhilarating. The journey ahead was long, and the clash of swords was inevitable. Who knew how many soldiers would return unscathed after the battle? Their lives, and the plight of the people amidst the chaos of war, rested on Fu Yu's shoulders—a man of twenty years old with the experience of a deputy military commissioner of Yongning, commanding respect and admiration. The burden on his shoulders was truly immense.
The Fu family's prestige, the city's peace, and her desire for freedom of action were all under the protection of thousands of soldiers.
You Tong stared blankly at Fu Yu, who stood as straight as a drawn bow, and at the soldiers in their neat armor.
The horn sounded, and Fu Yu mounted his horse, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Fu Deqing, and then shook the reins and rode off.
Behind him, soldiers, some on horseback and some on foot, followed closely like a long snake.
From a considerable distance, Fu Yu seemed to glance back in their direction. Though her face was unclear, You Tong had a feeling that he was looking at her. Of course, it was probably just her imagination. A man like Fu Yu, burdened with heavy responsibilities and with the world in his heart, would hardly be thinking of a wife he had only recently married and with whom he had little affection before setting out on a campaign.
You Tong chuckled softly and closed her eyes.
I hope this trip goes smoothly, and that Fu Yu, as well as those seemingly insignificant soldiers, will all return safely.
She stood on the low hill, her hands clasped together, tightening their grip.
In the distance, Fu Yu glanced at her briefly before turning back to look straight ahead, his expression almost imperceptible. Before him lay the lush greenery of early spring, the verdant mountains and clear waters, while his heart was filled with the decisive battles of the battlefield and the iron horses and horns of the frontier. And there, in the distance, stood a graceful figure, like a silhouette floating in the middle, her skirt swaying gently, her face beautiful, her eyes clear as a spring in the forest, and the allure in her eyes and brows just right.
Fu Yu was surprised and pleased that she actually came to see him off, despite her initial intention to avoid him.
Chapter 52 Different Paths
As the departing troops gradually disappeared into the distance, until even the last figure was obscured by the jungle, You Tong finally loosened her grip on his hand.
The spring sun was warm and gentle, and a light breeze was blowing. The three of them stood on the hill without saying a word.
The sound of horses' hooves echoed in the distance. Fu Deqing spurred his horse forward and paused beside them. His robes fluttered in the wind as he said to You Tong, "I have business to attend to at the yamen. You take them back first."
You Tong agreed, and after Fu Deqing left, she led the horse over.
Fu Lanyin mounted her horse first, while Fu Zhao remained standing there, gazing in the direction the army had gone, his expression somewhat complicated.
You Tong glanced at her, but didn't disturb her. Instead, she looked at Fu Lanyin for her opinion.
"Never mind," Fu Lanyin said helplessly, taking her arm and walking a few steps away. "Let's wait for him for a moment."
You Tong found a place to sit with her. A mountain breeze blew, and Fu Zhao's young figure resembled a newly grown bamboo shoot, tall and resilient. Since coming to the Fu family, You Tong hadn't had much contact with him. She knew that Fu Zhao was mischievous as a child, and although Fu Deqing and Fu Yu were strict, they indulged him and doted on him. Although Fu Zhao was occasionally naughty, he was also sensible, lively and energetic every day. Judging from his daily behavior, he also knew some martial arts.
Such a young and strong man should have been sent to the battlefield to gain experience according to the Fu family tradition, but he has hardly ever left Qizhou.
Today, as we bid farewell to Fu Yu before his departure for the campaign, Fu Zhao's expression seemed somewhat envious.
You Tong glanced at him for a moment, then whispered, "Does Third Brother also want to go?"
"I want to go, not only do I want to, but I'm also green with envy." Fu Lanyin looked at her younger brother, shook her head and sighed, "It's a pity he can't go."
You Tong was slightly surprised, "Is there a reason for this?"
Fu Lanyin sighed and nodded.
All the sons of the Fu family had taken up arms in battle, except for Fu Zhao.
Like Fu Yu, he was taught martial arts as soon as he was born. However, he wasn't particularly talented and was playful as a child, so he didn't work as hard as Fu Yu in martial arts training and his progress was slow, similar to his older cousins in the eldest branch of the family. If he had trained in that way, given time, although he might not have become as outstanding as Fu Yu, he would have been able to lead troops into battle and stand on his own.
Until that fierce battle six years ago.
The sons of the Fu family were taught from a young age to lead by example and be courageous in battle. His eldest brother, Fu Hui, was especially so, volunteering to guard the border from the age of fifteen, training alongside his cousin. However, when foreign invaders attacked from the south, after several days of fighting, Fu Hui, having repelled the enemy, heard that his cousin was besieged by enemy forces and rushed to his rescue. Unfortunately, the weather was harsh, and although they managed to break the siege, both brothers were severely wounded and died on the battlefield before they could be carried back to the camp for treatment.
When the news reached Qizhou, the old lady was so shocked that she fainted for several days, and Fu Zhao's mother, Madam Tian, also fell ill and never recovered from the grief of losing her beloved son.
Fu Zhao was only seven years old at that time.
The whole family is grieving, but the heavy burden still needs to be borne.
Fu Hui had already died in battle, so Fu Yu stepped forward to carry the battle flag.
However, as a mother, how could Lady Tian not be heartbroken? She and her husband had a deep and abiding love, and they had only three sons and one daughter. After Fu Hui died in battle, only two sons remained. Coincidentally, Fu Yu was exceptionally talented and destined to take over Fu Deqing's heavy responsibility of commanding troops. Lady Tian pondered this deeply, fearing for her son's safety yet unwilling to let personal matters interfere with military affairs. She tossed and turned on her sickbed for over half a year, until her deathbed, when she finally confided her true feelings to her husband—
Please ask Fu Deqing to take good care of his young son, and let Fu Zhao study literature and practice martial arts to strengthen his body, but do not let him go to the battlefield to fight the enemy.
Having already lost his beloved son, Fu Deqing was now facing the loss of his wife. How could he not be heartbroken?