These past two days, after finishing his shift at the yamen, Wei Sidao would always change into inconspicuous civilian clothes and go to teahouses and taverns.
Looking at those who once scorned You Tong but now turn around and criticize the Xu family, claiming they were deceived and misled, he felt a cold sneer in his heart. Yet, listening to the discussions, mockery, and insults directed at the Xu family, all sorts of harsh and sarcastic words being hurled at their doorstep, he also felt a sense of satisfaction.
When Grand Tutor Xu was ridiculed in the marketplace, he was so angry that he vomited blood and died. Finally, he felt completely relieved and exhilarated.
Today, he still went out dressed plainly, went to a teahouse to drink a couple of cups of tea, listened to the gossip in the marketplace, and returned home under the moonlight.
After returning to the mansion, he went to his study and took out a book on mountains and rivers to read. On the way, he heard from the steward that Fu Yu had come to visit. He assumed that there was something important to discuss and hurriedly invited him in.
Unexpectedly, upon entering the hall and exchanging greetings, Fu Yu briefly mentioned the situation in the capital before changing the subject and saying he wanted to see You Tong.
Wei Sidao was completely stunned.
When the divorce had broken out earlier, Wei Sidao felt that his daughter was too willful and unreasonable, and he felt somewhat guilty towards the Fu family. However, it was too late to undo the damage. The Fu family, who were based in Qizhou and had ambitions for the world, did not hold a grudge because of this incident, for which Wei Sidao was naturally grateful. Since he was already on the wrong path, there was no reason to turn back, so Wei Sidao was still willing to serve and treated Fu Yu with great courtesy.
But this only applies to political matters.
It's the dead of night now, and You Tong is still unmarried, when Fu Yu suddenly says he wants to see her...
Wei Sidao subconsciously felt something was amiss, so he said, "My daughter has probably already retired for the night. If the general has any instructions, I will pass them on."
“That would be too much trouble.” Fu Yu stood up, his black robes fluttering, and bowed to him, saying, “These few words are quite important, concerning a major matter, and should not be delayed. I would like to ask You Tong in person, and I ask that you make an exception for me, sir.”
Wei Sidao hesitated for a moment, then suggested that You Tong come over for a talk.
To his surprise, Fu Yu maintained his initial stance. Having stayed at the Wei residence with You Tong for a while earlier in the year, he knew quite a bit about the situation there. He assumed You Tong was staying in the guest courtyard. The guest courtyard wasn't a place where men were forbidden to enter, and it even had a small study for discussing matters. His late-night visit was already a disturbance; he couldn't possibly add to the chaos. Besides, it was a cold winter night, and young ladies shouldn't go out and catch a chill. You Tong was steady and sensible, and he had no ill intentions, so there was no need to worry.
When speaking, he was respectful and polite, and his words implied that this matter should only be discussed with You Tong.
Wei Sidao was speechless.
If Fu Yu were as aloof and arrogant as before, he could have firmly rejected him, but this fellow was exceptionally courteous, even more so than when he was a son-in-law.
One doesn't hit a smiling face, especially when the person opposite is a hidden dragon in the abyss who knows the situation in his mansion well. As for the Fu family's plot to seize the world, Wei Sidao is just one of their supporters. Compared to You Tong, who once lived in the Fu family, he doesn't know much about the Fu family's affairs, and there are indeed some things that shouldn't be explored too deeply.
Wei Sidao felt a headache coming on, but he couldn't refuse, so he had no choice but to bring Fu Yu over himself.
...
The room was brightly lit. Wei Sidao entered and went straight to the small study in the east wing.
After a slight pause, You Tong noticed her father's presence and didn't dare to be presumptuous. She simply curtsied and invited Fu Yu inside. However, their feelings for each other were deep and their thoughts were hard to hide. Their eyes met, and their gestures revealed a familiar intimacy. Although You Tong lowered her head and remained composed and dignified, Fu Yu seemed eager to see her. Even though his posture was as upright as Mount Hua, his gaze towards You Tong was unabashedly bold.
When Wei Sidao reached the end of the room, he looked back and saw the scene, and doubts arose in his mind.
—When they divorced, You Tong said it was because the couple's relationship was not harmonious and it was not advisable to get entangled, but now it doesn't seem to be the case.
He cleared his throat, and after the two men followed, he said, "General Fu says he has a few questions for you."
You Tong readily agreed, "General, please give your orders."
"It's about the Shen family." Fu Yu frowned, then looked at Wei Sidao, his eyes clearly wanting to speak privately.
Wei Sidao was met with a rebuff and felt slightly annoyed. He looked at You Tong.
You Tong secretly rubbed her forehead.
What important matter could the Shen family possibly have that warrants Fu Yu's midnight visit? It must be an excuse he made up to trick Wei Sidao into bringing him here. Fu Yu is arrogant and won't give up until he gets what he wants; if he wants to get rid of Wei Sidao, he must have other methods. Dragging this out would only be awkward. So, she smiled slightly, curtsied, and said, "Father, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."
Wei Sidao had no choice but to say, "It's late, so tell me soon. I'll go back to my study and wait for you."
Having said that, he went out.
You Tong and Fu Yu remained standing facing each other, the lamplight flickering, filling the room with warmth.
Once the door closed, You Tong's dignified demeanor immediately crumbled. She took two steps back, leaned against the bookshelf, her delicate brows furrowed, and glared at Fu Yu with her almond-shaped eyes. She slowly said, "General, you're quite the big shot these days, even trying to deceive my father. If I hadn't helped you just now, would you have bluntly asked my father to step aside? This is the Wei family home."
Fu Yu was not ashamed at all. Instead, he curled the corners of his lips slightly and said, "That's why I pleaded with you so earnestly and made many bows before I could persuade my father-in-law."
"Who's your father-in-law!" You Tong scoffed, forcing a straight face as she raised her hand to fidget with her hair.
Fu Yu smiled without saying a word, observing her with amusement.
The last time they shared a passionate kiss in the snow at Qin Liangyu's villa, the feeling was unforgettable. Even when Fu Yu was leading his army to quell the rebellion, he couldn't help but reminisce about it whenever he had a spare moment before bed. Unfortunately, the distance was too great, and he could only sketch her face in his mind. Afterwards, he traveled day and night at breakneck speed, finally catching up with her, but to avoid being noticed, they had to part ways. In the days since returning to the capital, Fu Yu has barely had a moment's rest—
The Fu family harbors ambitions to seize power, and the pawns they have secretly planted in the capital have almost formed a dense network. He is the one who weaves this network, and given this crucial juncture of imperial power transition, since he has come in person, he must inquire about the details and understand the situation.
I finally had some free time today. After meeting with Xu Chaozong, I went straight to the Wei family.
A day apart feels like three autumns. He and You Tong have been separated for so long that, in retrospect, the past month or so of restlessness has felt like a lifetime.
Now that the night is deep and quiet, such moments of tranquil solitude are all the more precious.
Under the lamplight, a beautiful woman stood gracefully, her crimson brocade dress vibrant and alluring, the skirt flowing like waves beneath. All the jade pendants and sashes had been removed from her waist, leaving only a thin belt cinching her waist, so slender it could be grasped in one hand, making her full breasts appear like towering peaks, arousing allure. The room was warm and cozy, and she was dressed lightly, her collar embroidered with delicate patterns, revealing her elegant collarbone. Her lips were naturally red, her cheeks fair and her chin beautiful, her eyes holding a hint of reproach. When she turned to glance at him, her brows exuded an even more captivating charm.
If not for reason, Fu Yu would have almost pounced on her, pinned her against the bookshelf, and raped her.
He even felt regret that he shouldn't have let her leave the mansion and severed their marital ties.
—She's living a carefree life, while he's the one suffering, and he can't even express his bitterness.
You Tong, unaware of his thoughts, urged, "Father said he'll wait in the study, so he will. Speak your mind, don't delay."
"Hmm." Fu Yu finally remembered this. Seeing tea on the table, he poured himself a cup and drank it, regardless of whether it was hot or cold. The cool tea soothed his throat and slightly suppressed the restlessness in his blood.
You Tong couldn't stop her in time, so she could only say "Wait here" and go to the side room to get a bowl of cool and sweet yellow peaches. This was made in imitation of canned peaches. The yellow peaches were cut in half, cooked with honey, and then cooled. They were even crisper and sweeter than eating them raw. When the fire pit made the whole room hot and dry in winter, the sweet juice could soothe the throat.
Fu Yu tasted a piece and found it to his liking, so he briefly recounted what had happened during the day.
When he mentioned Xu Shulai's complaint and Xu Chaozong's rebuke, a sarcastic smile appeared on his lips.
Seeing that he didn't continue, You Tong asked, "What's wrong?"
"It's a good thing you didn't go with him back then."
These words were spoken frankly, not out of jealousy. You Tong, sitting opposite, her slender hand resting on the table, was sipping sweet juice when she heard this and raised an eyebrow with interest. "Why?"
"What use is a man who can't protect women?" Fu Yu replied seriously.
Having been married for so long, You Tong had never seen him gossip about others behind their backs. Seeing the undisguised disdain in his cold and stern eyes, she couldn't help but chuckle and said with a smile, "This Prince Rui is ultimately a bit indecisive. He doesn't know how to plan ahead and always makes a choice at the last minute when he has no other choice. Without prior preparation, he naturally cannot handle things properly."
—This applies to her as well as to Xu Shu.
If Xu Chaozong were decisive enough, he should have made a choice, stated his position, and made proper arrangements from the very beginning when he had the idea of seizing the throne. Instead, he waited until the last minute and then abruptly chose Xu Shu when the emperor bestowed a marriage upon him, pleasing neither side.
If Xu Chaozong were decisive enough, even with some of Fu Yu's strategic acumen, he should have known that the Xu family's despicable actions were a huge threat to the Xu family, which relied on its reputation. Having already boarded the Xu family's pirate ship, and with the Xu family unable to eliminate the future troubles, he should have used the Prince's Mansion's methods to clean up the mess instead of letting it run rampant, leading to the Xu family's disgrace and the Prince Rui's Mansion cutting off its own arm.
Even if such a person is born into royalty and has the blood of the emperor, how can he achieve great things?
You Tong shook her head and chuckled, then said, "Xu Shu holds a grudge against me. What does Prince Rui intend to do?"
Her eyes were wide open, bright and clear, clearly full of anticipation.
Fu Yu's expression held a hint of self-satisfaction. "He wants to seize the throne, and he needs my help. If he wants me to take action, he must first clarify the matter of the Xu family. And the root of that matter lies with you, not me. He knows that very well. I came here tonight to inform you that Xu Chaozong is in dire straits and may come to you tomorrow. At that time, there is no need to worry; just act according to your own will."
Is this what they mean by backing her up and letting her do whatever she wants with Xu Shu?
Her initial plan was to use the Prince of England's power to discredit the Xu family, which would implicate Xu Shu and cause her misfortune. However, that largely depended on Xu Chaozong, and it would be very difficult for her to intervene. Who knew that Fu Yu would offer her this opportunity?
You Tong was overjoyed, "After all, she is the princess..."
“But it could also be a pawn to be discarded.” Fu Yu was confident.
You Tong glanced at him, her smile deepening. Emperor Xiping was gravely ill, and the two princes were vying for the throne; the dangers were unimaginable. Fu Yu was caught in the middle, burdened with countless important matters, yet unexpectedly, amidst this hectic pressure, he still managed to secure this benefit for her. This also showed her some importance in his heart.
Overjoyed, she couldn't resist getting up and leaning over to give Fu Yu a gentle kiss on the lips.
"Thank you, General!" Her eyes crinkled with joy, her happiness overflowing.
The kiss was fleeting, like a dragonfly skimming the water, and came unexpectedly. By the time Fu Yu realized what was happening, she had already sat back down in her chair and started eating a yellow peach.
Fu Yu licked his lips, a sweet taste lingering on them, unsure whether it was his or hers.
However, a surge of joy welled up within him like a spring. His eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed at her luscious, moist lips, almost wanting to pounce on her like a tiger. But then, the inappropriate voice of a servant came from outside, faintly heard through the window, reminding Fu Yu that he was staying at the Wei family's residence and needed to restrain himself.
In that brief moment, You Tong had already stood up.
“I’ve remembered that. Does the general have any other instructions?” she asked.
Fu Yu stared straight at her. "No."
"Then... see the guest out?" You Tong noticed the look in his eyes and vaguely sensed danger.
Fu Yu's blood was boiling from the charcoal fumes, and he feared that if he stayed any longer, he would be tempted to bully others.
He stood up, his voice slightly stiff, "Okay."
His eyes were deep and dark, his expression showing no trace of indifference. You Tong understood what was hidden in his staring, wolf-like gaze. She abruptly saw him off, fearing it might inadvertently ignite a fire—if they were in her courtyard in Qizhou, given their mutual affection, it would be fine, but this was the Wei family home… it was better to be more respectful.
However, since the two rarely met, Fu Yu was reluctant to part with her, and she did not want to say goodbye like this.
Judging from Fu Yu's words, Xu Chaozong is already in dire straits. Since he is determined to turn the tide, the only way is through a palace coup. The Prince Rui's mansion doesn't have many capable military men, and since Fu Yu can use this to blackmail him, he will likely be a pillar of support during the coup. The imperial palace and the capital region are, after all, dangerous dens of wolves and tigers; wouldn't it be worrying if he ventured into their lair?
You Tong watched him take two steps, his back as steady as a mountain, but his steps were slow and stiff.
"General." She finally couldn't help but call out to him in a low voice.
Fu Yu turned around almost instantly, his eyes flashing like lightning as he stared intently at her.
You Tong's heart suddenly raced, her hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched slightly, and she said earnestly, "The palace is extremely dangerous, and matters concerning the throne are even more fraught with peril. You must take care and not act rashly..."
Fu Yu could no longer hear what was said after that.
He stared at the face he had longed for, and saw her delicate, moist lips moving, and the worry and concern in her eyes.
This is his woman, the woman he once shared a bed with, and now the woman he is deeply in love with!
Hot blood rushed to his head, burning away his usual calmness, self-control, and restraint. He didn't care that they were divorced, or that he was in the Wei family. He wanted to kiss her, he had wanted to for a long time! With long, strong legs, he moved as fast as a tiger pouncing on its prey. In almost an instant, he was in front of You Tong. Before she could say anything, he grabbed her waist and pulled her into his arms, lowering his head to fiercely kiss her lips.
Chapter 96 Choice
Fu Yu's arms were wrapped tightly around her, as if he wanted to meld her into his body. He pressed his chest against her, trapping her tightly in his embrace.
Before You Tong could react, a dark shadow lunged at her, her waist tightened, and she was pulled against his chest. Her unfinished words were cut off; his lips were slightly dry, and he roughly captured hers, like a sudden downpour. The candlelight on the table flickered in the wind from his sleeve. Fu Yu's advance was fierce; You Tong was caught off guard and pushed back two steps.
It felt like my back had hit a bookshelf, but I didn't feel any pain because of his arm.
Her mind was almost entirely occupied with his back, and she was forced to tilt her head back slightly, her hands trapped in front of his hard waist and abdomen.
Her lips and teeth were easily pried open, and Fu Yu attacked, wantonly seizing her, as if trying to plunder the breath from her chest and swallow her soft, fragrant tongue. His tongue swept over her pearly teeth, tasting the sweetness, while one hand held her head, giving her no time to breathe. Like a long-accumulated storm, he swept in, intending to take everything he owed her, both the previous ones and the ones he would owe her in the coming days.
You Tong's mind was in complete disarray, unable to retain any rational thoughts, and she was completely enveloped by his aura.
It felt like a long time, yet also like a fleeting moment.