Xu Shu didn't dare to say anything more, called in a palace maid to serve her, and then took her leave.
The palace corridors were painted red, and the halls were majestic. This was the most noble and dignified place in the world, and also the place Xu Shu had always dreamed of.
The title of Princess Consort was enough to command the respect and deference of all the noble ladies and wives in the capital, yet it could not diminish the power and authority of the Empress and the imperial concubines. If she were to become the Crown Princess, or even the Empress, she would only need to kneel before the Emperor. The thought of such an unparalleled position and the splendor piled high with gold and jade was enough to make her heart flutter and fill her with longing.
She craved that position even more than she craved the title of Princess Consort Rui.
For that honor, she was willing to do anything, even if it meant getting her hands stained with blood.
But it concerns Wei Youtong...
Xu Shu recalled the scene in Fengyang Palace, and the anger and embarrassment she had been suppressing welled up again, causing her fingertips to tremble uncontrollably. Wei Youtong's blatant disrespect had resulted in the Consort and the Empress reprimanding her, while she, a princess consort, had fallen into such an embarrassing situation and had to speak softly—it was utterly humiliating!
Xu Shu grew increasingly resentful, and finally couldn't hold back any longer, violently tearing the handkerchief from her sleeve.
Fangling, who had been serving her for years, could easily see through her thoughts. Taking advantage of the fact that there were no outsiders around, she whispered, "That young mistress Fu was too arrogant just now. She's still as ill-mannered as ever. Your Highness, please don't be angry. A magnanimous person doesn't hold a grudge against a petty person. It's not worth getting upset over her."
"Who does she think she is!" Xu Shu said in a low voice, venting her anger.
Fangling quickly patted her back to soothe her.
Still not satisfied, Xu Shu boarded the carriage back to the mansion and said angrily, "No matter what, the Fu family is just a court official. No matter how famous Fu Yu is in the capital, his official position is only a fourth-rank deputy military commissioner! The Fu family has no marquis title, and Wei Youtong has no imperial title. She is not even a noblewoman. What is she so arrogant about!"
“Exactly.” Fangling went along with her thoughts. “You are His Highness’s principal wife, whom he married with the six rites of marriage, and a royal daughter-in-law who has been honored with sacrifices at the ancestral temple. Your status is so noble! Given her rank, she should kneel and kowtow to you when she sees you now. The Princess Consort kindly prepared a congratulatory gift, but she deliberately showed disrespect. She really doesn’t know her place!”
These words truly revealed what Xu Shu was thinking.
Taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, she tore the handkerchief to shreds and sneered, "Just you wait and see how long she can be so arrogant!"
After she had finished venting her anger, when she arrived at Prince Rui's residence and stepped out of the carriage, her face was already gentle and dignified.
Looking up, the magnificent and dignified plaque of the Prince's Mansion, personally inscribed by the Emperor, stood guard on both sides, yet it could not match the majesty of the Imperial Palace.
The wealth and glory that were once out of reach are now almost within reach. All that is lacking is the assistance of the Fu family's troops.
For the sake of that honor, does she really want to find a way to reconcile with Wei Youtong?
Chapter 36 Home
Unlike Xu Shu's anger and resentment, Empress Sun was quite pleased with herself in Fengyang Palace.
Although the situation nearly escalated to a standstill, it was ultimately averted. While You Tong was disrespectful to the Princess Consort, her attitude towards her was extremely respectful, without the slightest hint of negligence. Xu Shu and You Tong already had a past grudge, and You Tong's actions, targeting only the Princess Consort, weren't exactly an offense against the royal family. Xu Shu's awkward situation was entirely her own doing—
Who told her to not only steal someone's love but also to crush the person she stole from, leaving them no way out?
Since he wasn't trampled to death, it's inevitable that people will hold a grudge now.
She stood by the window, pondering the details of what had just happened, when she suddenly heard Feng Zhong's voice outside. She then walked towards the palace gate.
Emperor Xiping had already entered, supported by Feng Zhong.
After a day of exertion, he was not in good spirits; his face was pale and weak. As soon as he entered the room, he leaned against the couch to rest.
Empress Sun hurriedly ordered someone to bring over some nourishing tonic soup and served it to Emperor Xiping. Once his complexion had regained some color, she dismissed the palace servants. The personal maid withdrew and carefully closed the palace door, leaving only the couple sitting facing each other in the vast main hall of Fengyang Palace.
Emperor Xiping took a breath. "What was the situation here just now?"
"I think it's not too bad. Lady Wei still remembers the matter of Chaozong's marriage and didn't give Princess Rui a good look. Young people tend to hold grudges, it's nothing. She is also quite respectful to me and Consort Ling, which must be because Fu Yu treated her well and she has let go of the matter of Chaozong—otherwise, she would still feel resentful."
Emperor Xiping nodded and said, "Fu Yu has indeed treated her very well."
"Even the Emperor noticed?"
"After all, they are all young men. Fu Yu is brave and skilled in battle, but when it comes to women, he can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman; even heroes have their weaknesses. I was young once too, and I could tell from his expression and demeanor. Have you found out the truth?"
Empress Sun nodded and said, "It seems those rumors are true."
The whole city was abuzz with gossip that day. Wei Youtong's reputation plummeted, and without the glory bestowed upon her by Prince Rui, Xu Chaozong, she was left with nothing but ruin. Let alone noble families, even ordinary officials might not be willing to marry her. For the Fu family, with their prestigious status, to go against the tide and propose to Youtong was simply perplexing to everyone.
Among them was Emperor Xiping, who lived deep within the palace.
After all, one was a woman chosen by the late emperor, and the other came from the mansion of the powerful military governor of Qizhou, making them impossible to ignore.
When noble families marry, they only consider social status and family background unless there is mutual affection.
If the Wei family held high positions and power, like Grand Tutor Xu, who was a close advisor to the emperor, they could have assumed the Fu family was there to gather intelligence and connect with court officials. However, the Wei family was not in the central government, and although Wei Sidao was a diligent official, his abilities were mediocre. He was only responsible for guarding the few old and worn-out files in the Ministry of War, and he had limited contacts.
When his daughter was wronged that day, he couldn't even smooth things over with the mudslinging from the Xu family, so how much help could he offer?
While everyone was puzzled, news spread that Wei Youtong had once saved Fu Yu's life.
Whether this claim is true or false is impossible to know.
Emperor Xiping initially did not believe it, but after observing for a while, he found that the Wei family was behaving themselves and did not seem to be helping the Fu family win over court officials and military generals, so he gradually dispelled his doubts.
Empress Sun's appearance at Fengyang Palace this time was partly to recruit and partly to test the waters.
Now, Empress Sun, observing carefully, has come to have nine-tenths of her faith in You Tong from his words and expressions.
The general was brave and righteous, possessing a chivalrous heart. If the rumors were true, and You Tong had indeed unintentionally helped Fu Yu, then the Fu family's intervention in that situation, thus clearing the Wei family of their infamy, wouldn't be surprising. Moreover, the Fu family was deeply rooted, wielding military power and wielding considerable influence in Qizhou; they had no need for marriage alliances. You Tong was beautiful and charming, though somewhat arrogant and naive, her temperament was quite pleasing. It was reasonable for Fu Yu to marry her out of lust, hoping to gain a reputation for loyalty and righteousness.
You Tong's appearance is also completely different from before.
Compared to the naive girl who seemed oblivious to the ways of the world, You Tong was radiant and composed, indicating she was doing well in the Fu family. A young woman in her prime values love and relationships highly, finding it difficult to let go easily; her previous attempt to kill herself over Xu Chaozong was a testament to this. If it weren't for a new, considerate lover, how could she have so easily moved on from Xu Chaozong's affair and remained so nonchalant?
After much deliberation, Empress Sun gradually dispelled her concerns and inquired about the situation at Linde Hall.
Emperor Xiping frowned slightly, slowly sipping his tea as if troubled.
...
After You Tong left, only Emperor Xi Ping, Prince Rui, Prince Ying, and Fu Yu remained in Linde Hall, sitting facing each other.
The relationship between the emperor and his ministers was naturally not like that of the Fengyang Palace, where they could chat intimately and warmly. Emperor Xiping was, after all, the Son of Heaven, and it was impossible for him to be overly amiable with his ministers. He briefly inquired about the Fu Deqing brothers before steer the conversation toward court and military affairs.
Fu Yu then reported the military and political situation of Qizhou to him.
When the topic turned to the previous iron-fisted deterrence of the Tatar invasion, the three fathers and sons all praised the Fu family for their strict military discipline and the fact that their thousands of cavalry were well-trained, brave, and skilled in battle, truly able to share the emperor's burdens and protect the borders and people.
Emperor Xiping then naturally brought up the rebellion in the south, saying that previous attempts to send troops south to suppress it had all ended in defeat. The people were now suffering greatly, and most of the imperial treasury's funds and grain had been used for disaster relief, leaving very little for military supplies. He added that with the rebels running rampant, if no one stepped in to turn the tide, the people would only suffer more.
Following the tone of his words, Xu Chaozong asked Fu Yu if Qizhou could send a general to assist him.
Fu Yu did not express a clear attitude at the time, but his expression seemed to waver slightly.
Emperor Xiping, recalling the situation at the time, sighed, "Although Fu Yu was ruthless in battle, he still cared about the people. Unlike the Prince of Xiping, who refused to help me quell the rebellion even as he watched the people suffer, and even made such demands! I can only hope that Chaozong can persuade the Fu family. If he can do so, I will be at ease."
"I just hope the Fu family won't be like the Prince of Xiping, asking for an exorbitant amount."
Emperor Xiping sighed, "Chaozong plans to host a banquet to invite him, and we'll discuss this further. Let's wait for news."
...
Xu Chaozong's invitation arrived at the Wei family's door the following evening.
It was personally delivered by the Chief Secretary of Prince Rui's residence.
The invitation was handwritten by Xu Chaozong, and the words were sincere. He praised the Fu family extensively, and then said that he had not been able to have a full conversation in the palace that day, so he specially invited Fu Yu to gather at Liuyuan the next day. At the end, he also specifically mentioned that if You Tong was also interested in going, he would arrange for someone to accompany him and provide him with proper hospitality.
The Lingering Garden was a renowned residence in the capital, adjacent to the imperial palace. Although it lacked the extravagance and grandeur of the palaces and princely mansions, it was secluded and quiet, with winding bridges and flowing water, exquisite and delicate scenery, and many treasured items. It was a place where only royalty and nobility could hold banquets. Unless the emperor gave the order, or a prince or princess came to host a banquet, even ordinary noble residences could not easily set foot there.
Xu Chaozong's choice of this place to meet was even better than receiving him at the Prince's Palace.
Fu Yu accepted the invitation and returned to the guest courtyard. You Tong was wandering around in the courtyard, waiting for him to come back.
The guest house was more spacious than You Tong’s original residence and was arranged neatly and cleanly. Several smooth stone tablets were embedded in the east wall, with silver hooks and iron strokes, the characters carved with sharp edges and corners, and the paintings carved below were lifelike, the work of famous artists in the capital. Although the Wei family had no power, they had quite a few such things because the old master was quite talented.
At this moment, the setting sun casts a slanting glow, carrying a pale golden light that spreads across the east wall like shimmering gold and broken jade.
You Tong was tall and slender, her skirt trailing on the ground, the embroidered silk with its floating flowers and the plain silk with its ripples like water, perfectly accentuating her graceful figure. As the weather warmed, she changed her jacket into a thin shirt, revealing her delicate shoulders and slender waist. Standing alone in the evening breeze, she was like a pearl adorned with jade, graceful and charming.
Hearing the noise at the door, she turned around, a smile appearing on her face.
"My husband." A soft, smiling voice said, indicating that she was in a good mood.
Fu Yu entered with a frown, paused slightly, and unconsciously walked towards the east wall, his gaze falling on the stone tablet. "What is this?"
"My grandfather commissioned someone to carve stories from Buddhist scriptures."
"Oh?" Fu Yu looked at the carved tiger and then glanced at the pictures on both sides.
He practiced martial arts from a young age and was literate, mostly studying classics, history, and military strategy. He rarely touched poetry or literature, let alone Buddhist books and stories. After joining the army, he first honed his skills through experience and practice, and then took charge of military affairs. At the age of twenty, he led a group of veteran generals with outstanding military achievements, and he had no time for leisure.
Every time I visited Jinzhao Temple before, I saw the colorful stories painted on the eaves and dome, but because I was preoccupied with military affairs, I never investigated them in depth.
With the evening breeze in the courtyard and a beautiful woman by my side, I found myself in a rather pleasant mood.
He raised an eyebrow at her and said, "Tell me about it."
Although You Tong didn't have much knowledge, she had a lot of stories to tell, so she went to the beginning and told him.
In the gentle evening breeze and slanting sunlight, in the deep courtyard, setting aside the battles on the battlefield and the schemes in the court, this slowly unfolding story possesses a unique peace and generosity. She lifts the hem of her skirt, bows and points, her eyes sparkling, her smile gentle, carrying a touch of the charming liveliness of a young girl.
Fu Yu stood upright, as if he were sitting atop Mount Hua, but his eyes gradually softened.
During this long journey, he often paid attention to her behavior.
It was clear that her demeanor outside was completely different from that in Qizhou. Compared to the restraint and slight caution she displayed in Nanlou, she was now open and gentle, without any defensiveness, pretense, or restraint. When she spoke casually, her eyes were alluring and charming, and her tone was relaxed and carefree, almost like the tender conversation between a married couple.
Its soft appearance makes you want to hold it in your arms.
In that instant, Fu Yu suddenly remembered what his father had said when he was drunk.
“Every time I returned from a battle, after taking off my armor, the first thing I did was go back to my quarters to see your mother watering flowers, reading, or even just sitting in a recliner enjoying the cool air. It made me happy. I fought desperately and endured all kinds of hardships for the peace and stability of the people of Qizhou, and for the soldiers to whom I entrusted my life. Most importantly, it was for her.”
“I am enduring the bitter cold on the frontier, but the thought that she can sit at home and teach you brothers and sisters makes me happy.”
As he said this, there was a slight glint of tears in his eyes.
At that time, my mother had passed away nearly three years earlier.
My father carried the weight of countless soldiers under Yongning's command on his shoulders, bearing the safety of all the people inside and outside Qizhou. His armor was sturdy, his demeanor imposing, and he never showed the slightest weakness. The fierce and powerful presence he exuded when wielding a sword and drawing a bow, commanding the charge, and the valiant courage he displayed when single-handedly charging into enemy lines to take down the commander, could make the enemy army flee at the mere sight of him.
But when he said this, there was a gentle expression on his drunken face.
That expression remained vivid in Fu Yu's memory.
At that time, Fu Yu wondered what he could care about.
The South Tower was deserted and empty, devoid of any sign of life. The broken sword hanging high in the two book pavilions was like a cold moon over a vast wasteland, offering no warmth. The women of Qizhou City, the more beautiful they were, the more hypocritical and pretentious they became; he found them beneath his notice and felt no desire for them whatsoever. He could only walk alone, cold and proud.
It wasn't until he returned from the frontier slaughter and couldn't resist walking through the night wind to the South Tower that he vaguely realized what he was greedy for.
At this moment, as Fu Yu looked at the woman beside him, a thought gradually became clear in his mind.