Inside the dimly lit bedchamber, after a moment's pause, You Tong opened her eyes, her fingers unconsciously clenching under the brocade quilt.
She was slightly nervous.
Since their marriage, she had slept in the same bed with Fu Yu quite a few times. Initially, the two got along peacefully, sleeping under the covers without talking, and Fu Yu's attitude towards her was rather cold. This inevitably led her to mistakenly believe that Fu Yu had exceptional self-control and had no interest in her whatsoever. Who knew that during this trip back to the capital, things gradually went astray.
Fu Yu forced her to call him "husband," held her hand and caressed it, even deliberately tore off the buttons on her clothes, and now...
When she met Fu Yu's eyes, which held a hint of fire, behind the screen, she felt uneasy. Not wanting to attract attention by going out so late, she could only hide in the corner of the bed, hoping to get through the night peacefully. However, Fu Yu's actions just now shattered that hope—his slightly unsteady breathing, his warm body, his groping hand—every sign made her realize that this man was probably driven by some animalistic desires.
He used to be prejudiced against her, looking down on her and unwilling to touch her, so he could remain indifferent.
Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, even if the couple may not have feelings for each other, in the man's eyes, she is his wife.
The relationship between husband and wife is based on human relations, and the basic human needs of food and sex are fundamental.
Fu Yu had said before that the duties of a young mistress were not simply to help him undress and take care of his daily needs; it also included accompanying him to ease his emotions when he was in the mood. But You Tong was unwilling to formally establish their marriage in such a muddled way. Their relationship was already delicate; adding this entanglement would be tantamount to digging a hole for herself.
You Tong's palms were damp with sweat. She composed herself before turning around.
"General." She called out again, leaning against the corner of the bed, meeting Fu Yu's eyes.
Fu Yu propped himself up on his arms, looking down at her, his warm palms still resting on her waist.
You Tong didn't dare to force him to move it away, so she said tactfully, "I'm not feeling well." Seeing him frown, she didn't want to be too direct, so she said with a forced smile, "Your period is coming, so you need to rest early to avoid delaying your journey tomorrow." Because Fu Yu's gaze was a bit frightening, she quickly sat up and tidied her hair before he spoke.
Fu Yuyi sat up, the faint flame in his eyes fading, and silently looked at her.
Inside the bed curtains, it seemed as if a deathly silence had fallen instantly.
You Tong lowered her head, while Fu Yu stared down at her, feeling a slight emptiness as his hands could not touch her soft waist.
Having spent years on the battlefield and in the military, he knew very little about women's affairs, and the word "menstruation" sounded completely unfamiliar to him. But he could tell from her attitude that she had been deliberately avoiding him earlier, refusing even to help him apply the ointment. Now, her sudden interruption and refusal to have any physical intimacy with him was probably just an excuse.
This cannot be explained by the word "shyness".
The words spoken that night in the South Tower resurfaced in his mind, and Fu Yu's gaze gradually darkened as he asked, "Are you still planning to leave?"
His deep voice clearly carried the displeasure of being rejected.
You Tong's heart skipped a beat. Knowing that this man was arrogant and unpredictable, she didn't dare to meet his gaze and only nodded.
Fu Yu's eyes immediately showed some embarrassment. Not wanting her to see it, he lowered his head and straightened his clothes, wrapping himself up more tightly.
This reaction was indeed unexpected. Previously at the South Tower, his attitude had been cold and indifferent. It was understandable that she, having traveled a long distance to marry into his family, would be upset and consider leaving in a fit of pique. But after that, he gradually changed his attitude, supporting her behind the scenes, going to Jintan Temple and the Prince Rui's Mansion banquets as she pleased, treating her well both in public and in private, showing an unprecedented level of initiative.
Who knew, she remained true to her original aspirations.
Fu Yu had never been so defied in his life. He rarely tried to be nice to her, but she pushed him away twice.
My chest felt like it was stuffed with a rag, a suffocating feeling.
He tried his best to suppress his displeasure and said, "Why? Could it be—" He smirked, "that you look down on my Fu family?"
Although the words sounded like a joke, they carried an air of arrogance and coldness.
You Tong quickly shook her head, "General, you misunderstand. The Fu family is full of heroes, not only protecting the peace of the border, but also deeply loved by the people. Few in the world can match your talent and ability. Although I have limited knowledge, I am not arrogant enough to do so. Your bearing and demeanor are admired by countless people. However—" She paused, her voice lowered, "I am of mediocre talent and virtue. All I seek in life is to do as I please. The Fu family is good, but it is not a place I can stay for long."
After saying that, he glanced at his expression.
Fu Yu remained silent, staring at her for a moment before suddenly jumping off the bed. He casually slipped on his shoes, went behind the screen, grabbed an outer garment, and headed out. After a few steps, he turned back to see You Tong still sitting on the bed, wrapped in the covers, staring blankly at him. He gave a mocking smirk, "Why bother with this?"
Before You Tong could answer in astonishment, he strode out the door, his robes swaying slightly.
...
The night outside the inn was chilly, the lanterns at the entrance were dying, and there were no pedestrians on the street.
Fu Yu's hair was still damp after his shower, and the night breeze made it feel chilly.
He didn't seem to care, taking a couple of steps with a sullen face. Suddenly, he heard someone behind him say, "General?" Turning around, he saw Wei Tianze had appeared out sometime earlier, still wearing the clothes he had worn during the day, carrying a jar of wine and a small net bag made of straw rope. He seemed quite surprised, taking two steps forward and laughing, "In the middle of the night, you've run into trouble again?"
Fu Yu didn't answer, his gaze falling on his wine jar. "Just bought it?"
"The wine around here is quite famous. I had nothing to do, so I asked the shopkeeper for directions and came here specifically to buy a jar."
Fu Yu knew about his little hobby and nodded.
Wei Tianze then said, "How about... we go in and have a couple of drinks?"
"good."
When the two arrived at Wei Tianze's residence, it was still brightly lit. Wei Tianze was dressed simply, and the house was empty. Because it was quite late, he didn't look for wine glasses, but instead found two teacups and poured some fine wine into them.
Fu Yu felt frustrated, so he grabbed the drink and drank it all.
After three cups, Wei Tianze finally said, "If it's about military matters, the general would never drink alone in silence. What's wrong, did you two have a fight?"
Were they arguing? It doesn't really seem like it.
She remained calm and composed, as if nothing had happened, which only made him feel annoyed.
Fu Yu, recalling You Tong's earlier demeanor, grew increasingly irritated. He sat upright at the table and muttered, "Women are such a nuisance!"
“This is truly taking one’s blessings for granted. The young mistress is so beautiful, so many men would love to marry her but cannot, yet the general never complained about the trouble of finding a wife. He even tricked me into buying him candied chestnuts to please her.” Wei Tianze raised his glass and lightly touched it to Fu Yu’s glass, saying, “It’s easy to say such things when you’re not in her shoes, just because you have a little disagreement now.”
The two had known each other for several years and had a deep friendship. They were very disciplined in military affairs, and in private, they were quite familiar with each other like friends.
Fu Yu merely snorted at his teasing and raised his glass to drink.
Wei Tianze then laughed and said, "Women are all delicate and have complicated and intricate thoughts, unlike us who are resilient and straightforward. The general is a man, so we must give way to her and not intimidate her with our authority."
Fu Yu silently drank another cup.
Wasn't he accommodating enough to her? He gave her a kind look twice, only to be met with a cold shoulder both times. When did he ever show her any authority?
However, Wei Tianze's mention of this matter stirred something in his mind.
He hadn't previously cared much about marriage; in his early years, he had navigated life alone with relative ease and decisiveness. Madam Fu, residing in the inner quarters, not only worried about him but also frequently inquired about Wei Tianze, who had close ties with the Fu family, intending to play matchmaker. Fu Yu listened but paid no attention—a man of stature, standing tall between heaven and earth, capable of countless things, why concern himself with the private affairs of others?
But at this moment, he suddenly raised an eyebrow and said, "You seem to know quite a lot."
"I only know the basics," Wei Tianze said modestly.
"It's a real pity that a hero has no place to use his talents." Fu Yu raised his eyes, concealing the probing in them, and said casually, "Grandmother often says that she will help you keep an eye out for a good woman. Why don't you ask her to keep an eye out for you when you go back this time?"
Wei Tianze laughed heartily, "That won't be necessary."
Why?
Wei Tianze was still smiling as he raised his glass to drink, but his expression paused slightly.
Having known Fu Yu for several years, he paid attention not only to military and political affairs, but also to the character, conduct, and abilities of the men of the Fu family. Fu Yu was a cold and shrewd man, with an iron fist and fierce courage. He kept his thoughts hidden and was meticulous in military affairs. He would investigate the information gathered by scouts thoroughly, but he rarely scrutinized other matters.
Such sudden concern for his marriage and probing into the details is unprecedented.
He shook his head and sighed, “Even a general as fierce and powerful as you has to drink alone because of a woman. It shows that marrying a wife is also a troublesome thing. I am not experienced enough right now, and I am too busy to focus on important matters. How can I spare my attention? It is fine to consider it again in two years. I will ask the old lady to help me then.”
Fu Yu glanced at him, his expression shifting slightly, but he simply raised his cup and they each drank it down.
...
After drinking half the wine, which eased the pent-up frustration in his heart, and with Wei Tianze's deliberate attempts to cheer him up, Fu Yu's sullen mood gradually dissipated.
Back in the room, everything was dimly lit.
On the bed, You Tong was already fast asleep, curled up on her side, her black hair spread out on the pillow, her brows slightly furrowed, and her breathing even and long.
Fu Yu approached her, took off his outer robe and threw it aside, sat on the couch, and looked at her with a deep frown.
The alcohol wasn't strong, and he was perfectly sober, the kind of person who could immediately prepare for battle and kill without hesitation. But when he saw her face, he still felt a strange unease. In the past, given his proud nature, he wouldn't have looked down on any of the noble ladies in or around Qizhou City, and even if he had shown some interest in someone, after being rejected a couple of times, he would have forgotten about her and never bothered to look at her again.
When he stormed out just now, he even thought that since she refused to stay in the Fu family, he would just go with her!
Even without Wei Youtong, he wouldn't necessarily suffer a single loss.
Before, I lived alone in the Two Books Pavilion, keeping to myself and her, which was quite good.
Since she has no interest, let her go!
However, as the anger from being rebuffed subsided, and he truly considered the matter, Fu Yu felt... the laughter and warmth of the South Tower, the calm and tacit understanding during the incident, the fragrant scents and the soft touch of a beautiful woman in bed, the unspoken understanding and heart-fluttering moments between husband and wife in the capital—all these things were unconsciously etched into his heart. That night, staying overnight in Tao City, as she walked through the streets and alleys at dusk, she was so light and graceful, like a free-spirited fox in the mountains, enchanting and captivating.
The scene was vivid and clear, almost palpable.
Fu Yu vaguely felt that there was something about her that was beautiful yet unattainable to him—unbound and unfettered, free-spirited and genuine, yet knowing when to advance and retreat. He had left in a huff earlier without thinking too much about it, but now, upon reflection, he realized that her statement that all she ever wanted in life was to follow her heart might not have been entirely a lie.
However, even with the vastness of the world and the dignity of the emperor and the abilities of the generals and ministers, it is still difficult to do as one pleases.
She is a weak woman. It is understandable for her to seek glory and wealth, but to seek such illusory things is naive.
Moreover, the wife whom the Fu family had arranged for her to marry was not someone she could just leave on her own. For example, tonight, he was so angry that he went out in the middle of the night and was teased by Wei Tianze, while she slept soundly and carefree.
Fu Yu frowned, glared at her resentfully, lay down, and then grabbed her hand.
You Tong sensed the warmth while fast asleep and immediately and obediently held his hand in return.
When You Tong woke up the next morning, the two were already holding hands.
She vaguely sensed it and was slightly startled. She wanted to pull back quickly, but Fu Yu seemed to be awakened by the noise and suddenly opened his eyes.
The two locked eyes, and You Tong felt a little awkward, secretly observing his expression.
Fu Yu sat up expressionlessly, glanced at her clasped hands, then gently pried her fingers apart and got out of bed.
Liu Youtong lay on the couch with her head hanging down, wishing she could disappear into a crack in the ground.
She could tell that her words last night had offended Fu Yu. Given Fu Yu's proud nature, he left in a huff, went for a walk, and when he returned, he naturally wouldn't touch her again. Because she was sensitive to the cold, she had a history of holding his arm to warm herself while sleeping. Last night, with her period approaching and her stomach upset, she was most craving warmth, so she must have relapsed and secretly reached out to touch him while sleeping.
When he tried to grope her last night, she politely declined, but then...
No wonder he had that expression just now.
Chapter 48 Seeking Medical Help
The trip back to the capital took more than half a month. When You Tong arrived in Qizhou, spring was in full bloom.
Because Fu Deqing had to go out on business and Fu Deming was busy with official duties, the couple went to Shou'an Hall first after entering the mansion.
Springtime brought warm weather, and while other places had replaced their curtains with light, soft gauze, Shou'an Hall remained tightly sealed off. The screen at the entrance had been replaced with a rosewood relief carving of magpies perched on plum blossoms, and the charcoal brazier inside was still burning, making it feel warm and stuffy as soon as you stepped inside. Perhaps because it was too hot, two water urns had been added to the corner this time.
After passing the screen wall, there were many figures inside, and laughter could be heard.
The couple entered the inner room side by side, where they found it filled with fine silks and emeralds. Madam Fu sat regally on a daybed, wearing a brand-new autumn-colored brocade robe with floral patterns, and a new warm hat adorned with a striking emerald. Beside her sat Madam Shen and Madam Mei, whom they had met in Tao City. Below them were Fu Lanyin and Shen Yueyi.