Things in this world are always changing in an instant.
Fu Yu had kept You Tong hidden for several days and was planning to have a deep talk with her in the evening. However, in the afternoon, an urgent report came that the border had been repeatedly harassed and that the Tatars had sent troops to probe the border several times, showing signs of aggression.
The feud between the Tatars and the Fu family has been going on for decades.
In its early years, the Fu family rose to prominence and established its power by winning several fierce battles against the Tatars, reclaiming several cities that had been seized by them. Over the years, the imperial court has gradually become weak and powerless, while the Fu family's army has grown stronger day by day. The Tatars have not been idle either, eyeing the lucrative territory to the south, and while conserving their strength, they will occasionally send troops to probe the enemy.
Six years ago, the Tatars had amassed a powerful army. Hearing of internal strife in the southern court, they launched a large-scale southward campaign when the horses were fat in the autumn, intending to seize several cities.
The Fu family sent troops to repel the enemy, with Fu Deqing leading his nephews and sons into battle.
The battle was fierce, and the Fu family lost two sons. Enraged, Fu Deqing personally shot and killed two Tatar generals, inflicting tens of thousands of casualties and seizing countless military supplies and horses. After that, the Tatars were severely weakened, and Fu Yu also distinguished himself at that time, making many contributions.
Afterwards, the Tatars recuperated, and Fu Yu diligently trained his cavalry. When Dongdan repeatedly invaded, he dealt them a heavy blow. From a young man, Zhang Cheng has become the iron-fisted and ruthless General Han Li, who strikes fear into the hearts of the enemy. His iron cavalry is invincible, disciplined, and courageous in battle. Wherever their archers and horses pass, they are unstoppable.
Now that Dongdan has suffered many defeats, it has become more docile, while the Tatars, having been at peace for so long, are itching to cause trouble and have decided to harass them.
Upon hearing the urgent report, Fu Yu immediately went to consult with the Fu brothers, Fu Deqing and Fu Yu.
Normally, such minor disturbances could be easily repelled by sending out a capable nephew, without needing to launch a major attack.
However, with rampant banditry in the south and an empty treasury, the empire is on the verge of instability. If the Fu family doesn't want to face border troubles when intervening in the south, they must take drastic measures to instill fear in the Tatars who are testing the waters, preventing them from causing further trouble. Among all the forces under Yongning, Fu Yu's iron cavalry is the most suitable for such a task.
After discussing it, the uncle and nephews decided that Fu Yu would take action to intimidate them.
That evening, the Fu brothers arranged for provisions and other supplies. Fu Yu went straight to the cavalry camp outside Qizhou City, selected two thousand elite cavalry to accompany him, and after everything was ready, he set off northward with Wei Tianze, Du He, and others following behind.
The Tatars have been relatively stable in recent years, with ample supplies. This time, they launched a probing attack, dividing their more than 10,000 troops into six groups of over 1,000 men each, advancing south in four routes. They spy and lie in wait, ready to strike at any opportunity. If they can't win, they retreat far away, regroup, and then launch a counterattack, causing them considerable trouble.
After figuring out the details, Fu Yu didn't wait for the other side to make a move and directly led his troops to attack.
The men he chose to accompany him were all brave and resolute soldiers, with outstanding horsemanship, archery skills, and resourcefulness, as fierce as tigers and leopards.
Over a thousand iron cavalrymen surged forth, their sturdy horses and iron armor galloping forward like a whirlwind, like a dark cloud pressing down on the city. Before the Tatar central forces could react, they swiftly launched their attack. The Tatars, having only sent a considerable number of troops for harassment and probing, were not elite forces this time. Furthermore, the Fu family army had previously only defended and not attacked, leaving their defenses rather lax. When the horses' hooves suddenly thundered in, they were caught off guard and scattered in panic.
Fu Yu's iron cavalry charged left and right, trapping the fleeing enemy troops, killing or capturing them, and then, after a brief reorganization, marched straight to the next route.
The battle was fought swiftly and fiercely. The enemy's central force was completely wiped out, and before they could receive any news elsewhere, they were met with Fu Yu's surprise attack.
As before, Fu Yu attacked ruthlessly and fiercely, showing no mercy.
In just over twenty days, this iron cavalry swept across the border, defeating the more than ten thousand enemy troops one by one in their bloody battles. Afterwards, Fu Yu mobilized another three thousand troops to launch a surprise attack to the north without warning, capturing two poorly defended military outposts without harming a single civilian. After the mission was accomplished, they left triumphantly.
In just one month, the swift and fierce offensive swept through the enemy like a whirlwind, leaving them terrified.
The news was sent back to the Tatar royal court. Of the more than 10,000 troops he had dispatched, none survived, and they nearly lost two fortresses.
In his anger, he also felt a sense of fear, realizing that the Fu family's soldiers were even more ferocious than before. He immediately abandoned his plan to test the enemy's strength and launch a southward invasion. Dong Dan, who was standing nearby, heard about Fu Yu's formidable fighting prowess. While watching with amusement, he was also reminded of the lessons he had learned from his previous defeat. He was secretly alarmed and abandoned the idea of stretching his muscles in late winter and early spring, choosing instead to conserve his energy.
Fu Yu stayed on the border until the scouts reported that all of Dongdan's spies had escaped. Only then did he reorganize the remaining troops and set off back to Qizhou.
...
In Qizhou City, news of Fu Yu's crushing defeat of the invading enemy forces had already spread.
As the Lunar New Year approached in the twelfth lunar month, the people of the city were naturally excited upon hearing the news, and the streets and alleys were filled with joy. If Fu Yu hadn't kept the day of the cavalry's return to the city a secret, and had instead led his entourage back day and night without making a sound, the entire city would probably have lined the streets outside the city to welcome him.
Even so, starting from the beginning of the twelfth lunar month when news of victory was received one after another, the noble families and the female relatives of officials of all ranks in Qizhou City either came to visit him or sent servants to deliver congratulatory gifts, praising Fu Yu for his victory in the war.
Guests often visited Shou'an Hall, and the old lady felt that her family's reputation was glorious, which made her very happy.
These days, when You Tong went to pay her respects every other day as instructed by the old lady, the old lady would occasionally speak a few words in a kind and gentle manner, as if she no longer held any grudges about Su Ruolan's matter.
You Tong was unaware of Fu Deqing's contributions and assumed that the old lady was simply extending her affection to Fu Deqing.
Occasionally, when Madam Shen was too busy, the old lady would ask You Tong to help share the burden, and You Tong would do her best.
The entire twelfth lunar month was a whirlwind of activity, and it felt like the Lunar New Year was just around the corner. You Tong was confined to the mansion, and apart from looking at the few red plum trees planted there, she didn't even have the chance to leave. Her original plans to go out of the city to enjoy the scenery and search for plum blossoms in the snow were completely shattered, and she could only gaze at them from the Wangyun Tower and dream about them.
The weather was gloomy that day, with thick clouds piled up like torn cotton, making it quite chilly.
As soon as the hour of Si (9-11 AM) passed, snow began to fall. At first, it was just snowflakes drifting lightly in the wind, leaving only a damp coolness on the face. Gradually, the snow fell heavier, and after walking under the eaves for a short while, the snowflakes blown in obliquely could accumulate a layer of white on the shoulders. Distant mountains and nearby trees were all shrouded in a hazy snow mist, and the eaves and passageways were instantly covered in a vast expanse of white.
You Tong heard the maids laughing and joking in the courtyard, so she wrapped herself in a cloak and came out. She saw snow falling like goose feathers.
There were quite a few maids and servants in the South Building. Previously, because Fu Yu was strict and cold-faced, they rarely dared to slack off or joke around. Now that Fu Yu rarely sets foot there, and You Tong takes the time to prepare some delicious food and invites Fu Lanyin and her brother to come and try it, the atmosphere has gradually become more lively. They don't overstep the bounds and can often joke around.
At this moment, snowflakes are falling heavily, the deepest snowfall since the beginning of winter. The maids, who love excitement, all ran to the courtyard to watch the snow.
You Tong liked it too, standing under the eaves, not afraid of the cold wind, just staring at the snow and grinning foolishly.
On a whim, Chuncao encouraged everyone, "How about we build a snowman after the snow stops?"
“Great! We haven’t piled it up in the South Building yet.” A maid chimed in, glancing at Aunt Zhou.
Aunt Zhou laughed and said, "Okay, I also did that when I was young. Wearing a hat and a scarf, it was quite fun."
“Prepare a few more, Aunt Zhou—” You Tong reached out and scooped up a handful of cool, glistening snowflakes. “The snow is thick, let’s build a few more in the yard. There are soldiers on guard outside the general’s tent, so let’s have the snowmen stand guard at night, okay?”
"That's a brilliant idea!"
Chuncao was in high spirits and followed Aunt Zhou into the house, busying herself looking for things.
You Tong remained standing under the eaves, looking at the smiling faces filling the courtyard, her smile deepening—
Even if you can't escape this cage for a while, you can still find some fun and enjoy yourself, right?
For example, right now, besides building a snowman, she also wants to cook hot pot.
In the freezing cold, with snow and wind howling, gathering around a hot pot with close friends is simply one of life's greatest pleasures!
Thinking this, she called over Aunt Xia and instructed her to light more braziers in the kitchen. Once they were warm, she would prepare some ingredients for hot pot so they could have a good meal that evening! She also ordered someone to go to the cellar and fetch the frozen tofu and duck intestines that she hadn't finished last time and stored in the ice chest. Those were things that Aunt Xia had washed and frozen the day before, and they were still fresh.
Upon hearing this, Aunt Xia led several servants to get busy.
You Tong watched the snow for a while, then went back inside to add some incense to the incense burner. She leaned against the small stove in the corner to brew a pot of tea and slowly turned the pages of a book.
When the snow stopped in the afternoon, a group of people busied themselves in the yard, shoveling snow out of the path and piling six small snowmen, each about half a person tall, on both sides. On a whim, Chuncao broke off a few branches, stripped off the thin twigs, and placed them in the snowmen's laps. Standing at a distance, they really did resemble snowmen standing guard.
The maids were overjoyed, and You Tong also found it amusing, so she ordered people to sweep away the remaining snow around them.
Then everyone went about their business, waiting for everything to be ready before inviting Fu Lanyin over to enjoy the delicious food together.
...
Outside the mansion, Fu Yu galloped all the way to the military camp with his cavalry. After discussing the merits and rewards, he rode back to the mansion.
Qizhou and its surroundings were shrouded in a blizzard. Apart from a few travelers hurrying home for the New Year, there was hardly anyone to be seen on the official roads outside the city or in the streets inside. This made things easier for him, as he rushed to the military governor's office without stopping to settle the important matters of his trip. After disarming himself and returning home, it was only evening.
Inside the Two Books Pavilion, only the outer guards remained because Du He had gone out to fight.
Fu Yu had been gone for a long time, and the servants dared not place charcoal braziers in the study casually. When Fu Yu finally pushed open the door, the tables and chairs inside were icy cold, the doors and windows were desolate, and the broken sword seemed to have been frozen under millennia, its touch icy. He walked inside, where the towering bookshelves and silent bronze cauldrons made the desolation even more palpable.
The maidservant followed him in and saw him standing by the table lost in thought. She asked in a low voice, "General, shall we light the brazier?"
Fu Yu seemed not to hear him, and after a moment he turned around, saying, "No need."
He then waved for the servants to leave, removed his armor and battle robe, braved the wind to fetch a cloak from the neighboring courtyard, and headed towards the south tower.
The wind stopped and the snow ceased, leaving the mansion a pale white landscape, with withered trees and bamboo fences nestled in the middle, like an ink painting.
The wind howled, yet the surroundings were eerily silent; even the birds fluttering about foraging for food had vanished. Only the shadows of the trees swayed in the wind, swirling up layers of snow that drifted onto people's faces and necks. In a daze, it was as if he had returned to half a month ago, when he led his cavalry, braving the bitter cold and snowstorm to pursue the enemy across the vast wilderness, the wind howling fiercely around him, yet deathly still.
It leaves one feeling empty inside.
Upon reaching the South Tower, a wisp of smoke appeared amidst the vast white expanse. As one drew closer, two voices of laughter could be faintly heard.
Fu Yu paused, glancing at the tightly closed doors and windows of the attic, his eyes darkening slightly.
He didn't know why he suddenly thought of coming here.
I used to live alone in the Two Books Pavilion. Occasionally, I would feel like going to the South Building, but it was just as deserted, so I visited it less and less.
However, just now, standing in the study, with the stray snow still clinging to his clothes and temples, he inexplicably recalled the food box You Tong had delivered, and that evening when he stepped into the room, with wisps of smoke rising and a beautiful woman leaning against the railing. For a whole month, amidst the fighting and running, Fu Yu's mind and heart were filled with thoughts of war—how to spy, encircle, and pursue the enemy; how to ambush, raid, and kill; how to raise his sword and draw his bow, using the swiftest methods and the fewest losses to eliminate the most enemies.
Back at the manor, the scene of carnage was etched in his mind. Looking at the broken sword, he could still smell the blood.
Standing in the empty, desolate room, the smell became even more pronounced.
So much so that after thinking of a certain reason, he inexplicably walked towards the South Building.
Only when he got closer did he realize how far-fetched his reason was—when the commotion at Shou'an Hall happened that day, he did have a few words he wanted to say to You Tong to ensure the safety of the household. Now, more than a month later, he had returned from his campaign and could still recall the past; that woman was probably too engrossed in food to remember it.
Fu Yu frowned.
However, since we're already here, there's no harm in going in and taking a look.
He glanced around at the place that was rightfully his, then adopted his usual indifferent and dignified demeanor and walked into the courtyard.
His gaze froze the moment he entered the room—
Snow still clung to the eaves and tiles, but the snow near the passageway had been swept clean. The main and side rooms were brightly lit, and in the dim evening light, the lanterns lit under the eaves were hazy and dim. Six snowmen stood somewhat haphazardly on both sides of the passageway, wearing snow hats of different colors, with eyes and smiling faces outlined on them, using red carrots as noses, and each with a twig slanted across its body.
The fact that something that had never appeared in the South Building was now right in front of us didn't seem out of place at all.
Fu Yu stared in astonishment at the six uninvited guests. Chuncao came out with a lacquered tray of condiment bowls and was quite surprised to see him.
She paused for a moment, then deliberately raised her voice and bowed, saying, "General!"
"Where is the young mistress?"
"The young mistress is inside, preparing...dinner."
The noise reached the house, and You Tong, who was happily munching on candied fruit and pastries, vaguely heard it and asked in surprise, "Who is she talking to?"
"It seems to be..." Yanbo peeked through the curtain and quickly said, "It's the General! The General is back!"
You Tong never expected that Fu Yu would suddenly return.
He hasn't returned to the city yet, so why did he suddenly come to Nanlou?
If she had known he would come back, she wouldn't have foolishly built a snowman!
You Tong didn't have time to think. She quickly walked to the door, grabbed a cloak from the rosewood shelf, wrapped it around herself, and lifted the curtain to come out.
Fu Yu was still standing at the courtyard gate, watching the unique snow scene illuminated by the evening lanterns, with candlelight leaking through the window, which looked very warm.
As the curtain moved, his young mistress hurried in. Her long black hair was loosely tied up, adorned with a red gold hairpin with pearls. Her cloak was untied, held only by her slender white fingers. With her delicate eyebrows and beautiful eyes, she was graceful and charming. She walked in the dim light of the lanterns, her skirt swaying.
As you get closer, you can see the crumbs of pastry still clinging to her lips—milky white crumbs against her soft, red lips, like a speck of snow on a plum blossom.
She couldn't hide her surprise, but managed a smile. "My husband is back?"
As she spoke, she turned to the side and stood in front of the snowman, trying to block his view.
Fu Yu glanced at her side without making a sound, and You Tong shifted her feet slightly, opening her cloak slightly to try and block him from seeing.
"Come inside quickly, it's cold outside," she said again.