"It's alright," Fu Yu said in a low voice, his voice slightly hoarse from the thick smoke.
Fu Deqing was still worried, so he crouched down to check on her, then reached out to check You Tong's nose. Seeing that although she looked pale and weak, her breathing was gradually becoming smoother, he was relieved. He then looked back at his youngest son, who was still unconscious, and felt a headache coming on. He said in a deep voice, "This time, if we catch Wei Tianze, we must kill him!"
"Tear him to pieces." Fu Yu gritted his teeth.
Fu Deqing was silent for a moment, but still said, "This time you acted rashly, which is not the behavior of a military governor."
It is certainly not the behavior expected of a man who plots to conquer the world and ascend the throne.
With so many soldiers, it doesn't matter who you send, but the burden on your shoulders is too heavy. You shouldn't risk your life.
Fu Yu understood what he meant.
His eyelids twitched slightly, and he tightened his arms, holding You Tong close in his embrace.
“I don’t regret it,” he said, then added, “She was in danger for Zhao’er.”
"For Zhao'er?"
Fu Yu nodded. "The note that sent the message was written by her."
Fu Deqing was stunned. After a moment, he realized the key to the matter—Fu Zhao was captured because he encountered Wei Tianze, who had escaped from prison. You Tong was able to safely hand over the note, indicating that she was not in danger at the time. However, the copper whistle used by the Fu family to deliver messages had a unique sound that could travel extremely far. How could Wei Tianze, who had been in the Fu family's army for a long time, not recognize it? You Tong's whistle delivered Fu Zhao's message, but it also attracted wolves and tigers, putting her in danger and leading to her being taken hostage by Wei Tianze, nearly losing her life in the fire.
He was deeply shaken, staring at his former daughter-in-law, unable to utter a single word for a long time.
Chapter 109 Free Meal
You Tong woke up in the evening.
Beneath her lay a thick, soft brocade quilt, and a red silk canopy hung down, blocking out the light and making the bed dimly lit. She didn't know how long she had slept; her mind was still hazy, and the lingering pain that haunted her dreams remained. However, the choking smoke in her nostrils had disappeared, replaced by a subtle, lingering fragrance of jade—a scent she often used in her residence, one she knew all too well.
You Tong's heart stirred slightly. She opened her eyes and saw the crabapple blossoms embroidered on the canopy ceiling and wisps of smoke rising from the Boshan incense burner beside the couch.
Through the soft curtains, the figure sitting outside was indistinct, a tall, imposing man in profile, not the usual okra or jade hairpin. He seemed quite weary, sitting in a square chair, one hand resting on a round, sandalwood table with a tapering waist, his head slightly tilted, eyes closed in rest. Yet his posture was as upright and imposing as a mountain, as if he could awaken at any moment and draw his sword.
You Tong looked at his profile; it was cold and rugged.
We parted ways in Beijing at the end of the year, and October has passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, we have only been able to communicate through letters, but we have never been able to meet.
Their long-awaited reunion took place amidst a fire. At that moment, You Tong was suffering from a headache and eye pain due to the thick smoke. The most vivid image she had of him was him coming against the flames, his expression anxious and fierce, his face covered in soot. She had thought she was going to die at the hands of that villain Wei Tianze, but unexpectedly, Fu Yu, who was far away in the capital, appeared out of nowhere and arrived at her side.
You Tong looked at him quietly, and after a moment she lifted the brocade quilt and saw that his wrists and ankles were wrapped in thick gauze, and his clothes had also been changed.
The rustling of the brocade quilt inside the tent made Fu Yu suddenly open his eyes and dart inside.
Having rushed here for days and then encountered the fire at Donglin Temple, he hadn't slept for two days and nights. His eye sockets were slightly sunken, and a faint bluish tinge surrounded them; his face was also quite haggard. The bed sank in, and he sat beside her, his voice a little hoarse, "How are you? Still feeling unwell?"
"I'm much better." You Tong was still half asleep. "Are you alright? Where's Zhao'er? And Qiu Kui and Yu Zan?"
"Everything's alright. Qiu Kui and the jade hairpin are in the side room. Zhao'er has already been sent back to the manor, and Lan Yin is also fine. Father said that he should thank you for this." Fu Yu saw that her face was not as pale as before, and was slightly relieved. He then picked up her ankle, which was wrapped up like a dumpling, and asked, "How did this injury happen?"
"It was Wei Tianze again. He tied my hands and it took a lot of effort to break free."
You Tong spoke with a pitiful expression, then casually gathered her loose black hair and draped it over her shoulder.
Fu Yu's eyes darkened slightly. He pulled her into his arms, still shaken, and stroked her back reassuringly, saying with concern, "When I found you, you were soaking wet. What happened to him...?"
"That has nothing to do with Wei Tianze. I originally wanted to soak my sleeves to keep out some of the smoke in the fire, but those two were so fierce and wouldn't let me move. I had no choice but to break free and jump into the pool." You Tong touched her toes with heartache, then looked up and smiled slightly at him. "Fortunately, although I sprained my ankle, it was still somewhat useful. I think those two were almost suffocated by the smoke in the end."
With his eyebrows and eyes curved, he even had a hint of relaxed banter after escaping death.
Fu Yu was at his wits' end with her, and could only hold her tightly, whispering, "This time, I've dragged you into this mess."
"But it was you who saved me." You Tong buried her head in his arms, feeling the familiar warmth and the man's scent. After waking up, the panic and fear from before had vanished. She hugged his waist, nuzzled against his chest, and then said in a muffled voice, "I'm so hungry. I've used up all my strength after struggling with that scoundrel Wei Tianze for so long."
"Then get up and eat. Aunt Xia has made a lot of your favorite dishes."
With a "gurgle," You Tong's stomach responded first. She quickly hugged her lower abdomen, smiled a little awkwardly, and then spread her hands, "But I can't get out of bed, and I haven't washed my face or rinsed my mouth."
Fu Yu glanced at her, a helpless smile on his face. "I'll serve you, okay?"
"Thank you for your trouble, General." You Tong smiled.
...
This was the first time Fu Yu had entered You Tong's room since she moved out. Fortunately, the furnishings remained the same as before, and Chuncao, who had rushed back from the hot pot restaurant upon hearing the news, had prepared a clean towel in advance, so it wasn't troublesome. Fu Yu personally brought it over and placed it on the high table. After You Tong finished washing her face, he washed his hands with the remaining water and then opened the door.
Chuncao dared not disturb her and waited outside with a worried expression.
Seeing that Fu Yu looked quite pleased when he opened the door, she guessed that her young lady was alright. Before Fu Yu could say anything, she ordered someone to set out the meal.
When You Tong was carried back unconscious in the afternoon, it really frightened everyone in the courtyard. Fortunately, the doctor said that there was nothing seriously wrong, so Chuncao and Granny Xu were relieved. They then asked Aunt Xia to prepare a rather sumptuous meal according to You Tong's usual preferences.
The first two bowls served were steaming bowls of fresh pork wontons. The filling was made with fresh pork, the wrappers were thin, the filling was fragrant, and they were smooth and slippery. After cooking, they were topped with chicken broth, sprinkled with finely chopped green onions and cilantro, and drizzled with a few drops of sesame oil. They were tempting but not greasy. You could scoop one up and put it in your mouth, swallowing it whole, tongue and all. Accompanying the wontons were soft and fragrant scallion pancakes, fresh out of the pan and cut into small pieces.
Then came a small steamer of glutinous rice balls and a small steamer of glutinous rice ribs. The balls and ribs were coated with sauce, their colors were enticing, and the glutinous rice was translucent, steamed until soft and delicious.
Because You Tong said she wanted to eat fish last night, I made a sour fish soup. Aunt Xia removed all the bones and thorns, and the sour soup was appetizing. The fish was tender and smooth. When the maid brought it in, the aroma wafted in, making everyone's mouth water. In addition, there was bamboo shoot and old duck soup simmered in an earthenware pot, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside radish cakes, boneless and cold chicken feet, previously pickled duck feet, cooked and shredded chicken in red oil, crisp and fragrant bamboo shoots and cucumbers, more than ten kinds in total.
Each dish was served in small portions, filling the table to the brim, enough for two people to enjoy.
You Tong's mouth watered at the smell, and her spirits immediately lifted.
However, his wrists were not flexible enough to reach far to pick up the vegetables, so Fu Yu helped to serve the vegetables and ladle the soup.
After dinner, it was late, and You Tong noticed that Fu Yu looked like he hadn't rested for days, so she urged him to go back to the mansion and get some rest.
The next morning, Fu Lanyin and her brother came to see her, and He Qinglan also came along—she had been defeated and kidnapped the day before and drugged. He Qinglan was also genuinely terrified and broke out in a cold sweat. After waking up and learning what had happened, she was very grateful to You Tong for risking his life to deliver the message. Without even greeting the Jiang siblings, she came straight to thank them.
As for whether the Fu family and the Jiang family would marry, she didn't seem to care much.
Fu Lanyin only realized something was wrong after witnessing the fire at Donglin Temple yesterday. When she rushed over with her attendants and guards, Fu Yu had already left with You Tong, leaving only Fu Deqing to clean up the mess. Seeing the monks who had perished in the fire being carried out, she was still shaken. However, Fu Yu forbade her to disturb them, which is why she had endured until now.
Seeing Fu Zhao's overflowing gratitude, he had a sudden inspiration and said, "If you're just expressing gratitude, what's the use of empty words?"
Fu Zhao was peeling chestnuts when she heard this and raised an eyebrow. "Then what do you suggest?"
"Let's hold a small banquet at the manor and invite her over. After all, she saved my life. We can't just brush her off with a few words."
This suggestion came as a surprise, but Fu Zhao didn't think much of it and readily agreed.
Fu Yu suddenly understood when he saw his sister's smiling eyes.
—The people in the west courtyard of the Fu family all get along well with You Tong. The only one with whom they've had a disagreement is the grandmother in Shou'an Hall. Yesterday in Linfeng Pavilion, although he made his stance clear, the old lady is old and stubborn, and may not be able to accept it readily. This banquet hosted by Lan Yin isn't really for You Tong, but rather for the old lady's benefit.
During her previous marriage, she came with a stigma and suffered many grievances.
This time, since we're going to marry her in a grand and glorious way, we naturally need to clear away all obstacles so that she has no worries whatsoever.
Seeing that You Tong seemed to find it troublesome, Fu Yu gently pressed down on her wrist.
"Lanyin's suggestion is excellent. Please ask your sister-in-law to make the arrangements later. You can go over once your foot injury has healed."
He sat upright, his tone calm and resolute.
Before You Tong could speak, Fu Lanyin interjected, "It's settled then!"
...
Yesterday, the situation was critical. A few of the spies outside Qizhou City were transferred to the military prison, while the rest were tasked with surrounding Wei Tianze to rescue Fu Zhao. Half of them were stationed outside Donglin Temple, leaving only a few in the surrounding area. As a result, the originally meticulously planned network was exposed and a gap was created. Taking advantage of Fu Yu's rescue of You Tong, Wei Tianze made a grand escape. With the skills he had honed over the years in the Fu family, he vanished without a trace in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
Although Fu Deqing sent people to chase after them, no news came back.
Wei Tianze was exceptionally talented and quick-witted, possessing skills that even Du He slightly lacked. He was also intimately familiar with the activities of Fu Yu's spies, knowing how to track others and, more importantly, how to evade pursuit and conceal his tracks. Having missed the initial encirclement, after escaping the first layer of the net, he vanished like an eagle returning to the sky or a fish returning to the sea; no one knew where he went.
Having missed yesterday's opportunity, even if Fu Yu were to take action himself, it would require a great deal of effort. How easy would it be for others to capture him?
Fu Yu clearly didn't have the time to travel thousands of miles to hunt him down.
Now that Xu Chaozong has made his move, according to the secret report delivered this morning, Wei Jian has already used Zhao Yanzhi's disrespect for the court and arrogance as a pretext to lead his troops northward on the emperor's orders, heading straight for Jingzhou.
Even with the advantages of the terrain and mountains, it wouldn't be easy for Zhao Yanzhi to defend against Wei Jian, who was eager to seize power.
The Fu family could not stand idly by. After discussing it, the father and son decided that Fu Yu would select soldiers and generals, and after the defenses of the surrounding key locations were arranged, he would set off for Jingzhou in person to secretly assist Zhao Yanzhi and try to wear down Wei Jian.
Fu Yu returned from the capital and, without even taking a moment to rest, was already spinning like a top again.
However, he would take some time every evening to visit You Tong.
Even in the midst of his busy schedule, this became the activity he looked forward to most each day. Every afternoon, as the sun was about to set, he would quickly finish what he was doing and then eagerly go out, carrying the snacks that You Tong liked, and climb the small courtyard on Pear Blossom Street alone.
Every evening, the courtyard is filled with the aroma of food.
Although Aunt Xia's cooking skills were not as refined and thoughtful as Du Shuangxi's, she was more than capable of cooking according to You Tong's instructions. Fu Yu took advantage of You Tong's injury to order people to send various ingredients to the mansion gate. After Aunt Xia's efforts, they could be transformed into delicious dishes and served on the dining table.
Naturally, whenever Fu Yu visited You Tong, he would always finish his meal before leaving.
If You Tong hadn't known that this man was currently preoccupied with trivial matters and only had free time before and after meals and rest, she would have almost thought that he was deliberately using the guise of visiting a sick person to freeload a meal.
Chapter 110 Confession
There weren't many people in the courtyard on Pear Blossom Street. After dinner, with nothing to do, You Tong would usually go to the side courtyard, or sit by the window to flip through account books or read some leisure books, or sit in the pavilion by the water to watch the sparse shadows of bamboo groves reflected on the wall, the moon moving and the shadows shifting, the night as cool as water.
Tonight too.
A thousand-layer oil cake was placed on the low table in the pavilion as a late-night snack. Chuncao brought out a bamboo rattan armchair and laid out a brocade quilt and soft blanket.
You Tong lay down inside, removing all the hairpins from her hair, her long, black hair cascading down like raven-black brocade, loosely draped over her shoulders. Lanterns hung at the four corners of the pavilion, their dim light illuminating her face, making it appear as smooth and delicate as fine porcelain. In her hand, she held a small silver spoon, scooping out a piece of fried cake and bringing it to her mouth.
Fu Yu sat opposite her, listening to her tell her story.
—Her past with Xu Chaozong, and Xu Shu.
More than ten years have passed, and childhood memories are blurry. You Tong has no intention of recalling them, only mentioning the most difficult period of her life.
"...Walking down the street, everyone was talking about it, but Xu Chaozong always washed his hands of it, showing no responsibility whatsoever. Later, when our marriage was arranged, I ran into him and Xu Shu when we went to Enyou Temple to offer incense. At that time, the loving relationship between Prince Rui and Princess Rui was already a well-known story, but I was still a laughing stock." You Tong chuckled. The past was long gone, and mentioning it now brought no ripples. She fiddled with her silver spoon and looked up at Fu Yu. "It was that hurdle that made me realize that in the face of important political affairs, personal feelings are insignificant. Anyone can abandon you; the only one you can truly rely on is yourself."
Beautiful eyes, clear and bright, with a hint of mockery for the past.
Fu Yu placed his palm on the cold stone table, his eyes clear and deep.
Married for a year and divorced for two, this was the first time she had told him in detail about her life before getting married, and she spoke of it all with a lighthearted tone.
But those various upheavals still stirred up a storm in Fu Yu's heart.
Those who truly care will keep it to themselves and find it hard to let go; those who are willing to speak out are no longer burdened by it.
She must have come to terms with it to be able to speak so frankly.
But hearing these things felt like a thousand-pound stone weighing on his heart, making it almost impossible for him to breathe—a fourteen-year-old girl, enduring the gossip of the capital, traveling thousands of miles to marry into her husband's family. And what did he do back then?