A light drizzle had begun to fall outside, but the house was quite quiet.
Fu Deming moved a wide chair and sat next to his second brother, with a thin blanket covering his legs.
After being wounded on the battlefield that year, due to the remote location and the long journey he had undertaken despite his severe injuries, the wound worsened considerably in the freezing winter. He now suffers from chronic leg pain, which flares up whenever it's cloudy or rainy, and nothing seems to help. Learning from this experience, he was extra attentive to Fu Deqing's injury this time, sending in a constant stream of expensive medicinal herbs. During his visit, he repeatedly urged him not to be careless and to rest quietly.
When Fu Yu entered, the two brothers were chatting about old times.
Hearing the noise, he stopped for the moment and took a sip of the hot tea beside him. "He only slept for half a day?"
“That’s enough.” Fu Yu, dressed in a dark blue long robe, bowed to Fu Deming. “Uncle.”
“I’m much relieved to see Xiuping back.” Fu Deming smiled and nodded. “He was gone for four months, and the south isn’t our territory, so the old lady and I were worried sick. How is everything going over there?”
That's appropriate; it certainly doesn't refer to suppressing the rebellion.
The rebels had already been wiped out; the news had been reported to the imperial court on the day Fu Yu shot and killed the rebel leader with his bow.
Fu Deming refers to playing chess.
Since the Fu family assumed the reins of the Yongning military governorship, they have firmly grasped military power and maintained tight control over the region's administration and taxation. Having ambitions to conquer the world, their vision must extend further—
The Prince of Xiping, separated from Qizhou by the capital, is a formidable opponent, though his reputation is poor. He commands a large army, enjoys strategic advantages, and is a tough nut to crack. Furthermore, the capital region is heavily guarded by troops and the Imperial Guard, while several forces of varying strengths are scattered to the south. However, unlike the Fu and Wei families, who are constantly preparing for war, these local powers, operating independently and without external threats, have long enjoyed peace and division. While prosperous and wealthy, their military strength is insufficient, and they have suffered repeated defeats in the face of rebellion.
If the Fu family were to send troops to the capital in the future, the Prince of Xiping would certainly be a formidable enemy, but these places also need to be guarded against.
This time, Fu Yu selected elite troops to go south to quell the rebellion, also taking the opportunity to investigate the situation and plant people. He wove the scattered people that the Fu family had secretly arranged in the past into a net to ensure that the south would remain peaceful and quiet and not cause trouble after the uprising.
This room served as Fu Deqing's study, and naturally, it also contained maps.
Fu Yu went inside, picked out a suitable one, and hung it on the wall opposite the bed. He then explained the terrain, defenses, and manpower deployment of each prefecture. If the Fu brothers had any questions or felt anything was inappropriate, they immediately raised them for discussion, working together to devise a solution.
They talked at length until midnight.
Fu Deming went back to the west courtyard first. Fu Deqing had slept a lot during the day and was not sleepy at all.
Seeing that he was in good spirits, Fu Yu asked him about his relationship with the Tatars.
Now that the battle was over and the dust had settled, the details of the previous fighting and defense could be inquired about later. What concerned him most was Fu Deqing's serious injury. Fighting with the enemy was unavoidable, and getting wounded was common when one took up arms, but such a severe injury was rare, especially considering Fu Deqing's expression during the day; something seemed amiss—
"Since Father wasn't besieged at the time, the message should have reached my third cousin. How could something have gone wrong?"
When Fu Yu said this, his face was ashen and his eyes were like cold knives.
Fu Deqing frowned, his expression also solemn. "The person who delivered the message was Sun Meng, but he later disappeared. After I was rescued, I asked Zhang'er, and he said that he went to meet him according to the originally agreed route, but he didn't see Sun Meng, nor did he receive any news, which is why he was delayed. Afterwards, I also sent people to search for him in secret, but they couldn't find him alive or dead."
Sun Meng was Fu Deqing's confidant. He always fought alongside Fu Deqing and protected him with all his might. He was also quite capable.
Logically, since he personally took charge, there shouldn't be any mistakes. Even if he encountered trouble, he should...
"He didn't leave any distress signals?"
"No," Fu Deqing shook his head. "I didn't mention this to your uncle, and you shouldn't spread it around either. Fortunately, Tianze arrived by chance and saved me and General Xu. After returning from the border, not a word of my serious injuries leaked out. Based on our previous speculation, if Wei Tianze really had an affair with the Prince of Xiping, he could have let me die in battle far from home. If this news got out secretly, Wei Jianruo could have taken advantage of the situation and gained a lot of benefits. Speaking of which, is there any news from the capital?"
“Someone was secretly colluding with Wei Jian’s men, and they gave themselves away.”
Upon hearing this, Fu Deqing paused slightly, then smiled, as if relieved.
Chapter 58 The Gift
Fu Yu's safe return not only brought a sigh of relief to You Tong, but also to Old Madam Fu and Madam Shen.
For example, right now, Shou'an Hall is filled with laughter and people are having a great time chatting.
It was late summer, and the sun was scorching, making people sweat profusely, but it was still quite cool under the shade of the trees. Compared to the dryness caused by the charcoal brazier in winter, now that the thick curtains were no longer needed, the south-facing windows of Shou'an Hall were wide open, letting in a breeze mixed with the fragrance of grass and trees, making it a comfortable temperature.
To the left of the entrance is a pot of water lilies, their ripples gently swaying, buds about to bloom.
The room was clean and refreshing, without any incense burning. The old lady sat on the daybed, her wrinkles smiling.
Sitting beside her, Madam Shen was eating fruit with a bamboo skewer. She slowly said, "...That time I left in a hurry and didn't take Lanyin with me, and several people asked about her. Our Lanyin is beautiful and has a steady temperament. Many eyes are watching her, just waiting for the old lady's approval. I think those young men are all quite good. How about we hold a banquet later, and the old lady can take the lead and help Lanyin choose one?"
"Lanyin is certainly good; her marriage cannot be taken lightly." The old lady was in a good mood and asked Madam Shen with a smile, "Do you have anyone you like?"
“These are all quite good, but I’m afraid the old lady might not be satisfied with them, so you’ll have to make the decision yourself.”
This means they didn't want to interfere in their niece's marriage.
Madam Fu smiled and nodded, pondering to herself.
Madam Mei, who had been sitting beside her for a while, rarely brought up this topic. She smiled and said, "Lanyin's looks and character are outstanding, not to mention in Qizhou, even in the capital. You are a wise and knowledgeable old lady, so this matter naturally needs your advice. Speaking of which, Yueyi is about the same age as Lanyin. Why don't you ask the old lady to put in some effort and help her make a decision? If it works out, I will prepare a generous gift to thank you."
Upon hearing this, the old lady turned her gaze to Shen Yueyi.
The person who had set up a desk to help with the Buddhist scriptures happened to look over when he heard this.
When her eyes met the old lady's, Shen Yueyi blushed slightly, lowered her head shyly, and stopped writing, remaining silent.
Madam Shen then joked, "What does the old lady lack? Why would she care about your gift? I'd like to see what you'll offer as a gift if you help her get it done."
“I brought over a mountain of gold. It’s nothing to the old lady; it’s just a token of my appreciation.”
As she spoke, a hint of eagerness appeared in her eyes as she looked toward the head of the table.
She did not say this on a whim.
...
Since the mother and daughter came to the capital, they have been treated with great courtesy because Shen was favored by the old lady.
Both mother and daughter were eloquent and persuasive. Shen Yueyi, like her aunt, was adept at understanding and flattering the elderly. Within a few days, she had won the old lady's favor, and the praise she received was almost overwhelming. She was even later allowed to move into Shou'an Hall—a privilege that even Fu Lanyin, her own granddaughter, did not enjoy.
In the past six months, Shen Yueyi has also thoroughly investigated the situation in the mansion.
For example, although Fu Yu married You Tong, he rarely stayed overnight at the South Tower. Judging from his daily greetings and the implication in Madam Fu's words, this granddaughter-in-law was not favored by her elders. It seems that Wei You Tong's nature is hard to change. Although she has a beautiful face, she does not have the ability to keep her husband. Even if she is fortunate enough to marry into the Fu family, she is not fortunate enough to enjoy this wealth and honor.
In comparison, the old lady's affection for her far surpassed that.
Shen Yueyi had always admired Fu Yu's charm, and seeing that there seemed to be a gap in the South Building, she was naturally tempted.
Later, he found an opportunity to tell Madam Mei.
Seeing her sister-in-law's immense wealth and status after marrying into the Fu family, how could Madam Mei not be envious? Seeing her daughter's interest, and with Old Madam Fu's special favoritism, she secretly pondered the matter many times, increasingly convinced it had potential. Now that she had the opportunity, she might as well sound out the situation—if Wei Youtong truly failed to win over her in-laws, once Fu Yu's initial infatuation wore off, Shen Yueyi would have hope for the future.
The old lady liked Shen Yueyi so much, how could she not want her to stay by her side for a long time?
Seeing this rare opportunity, I casually asked.
The atmosphere inside was harmonious and cheerful, and everyone understood the implication of Madam Mei's words.
Madam Fu glanced at Shen Yueyi and said, "I like Yueyi very much. How can I ignore her affairs? There are many talented young men in Qizhou City, and Xiuping is away..."
Halfway through his sentence, he suddenly heard someone outside greeting him—
"General, young mistress."
The voices were all in unison, conveying respect.
What a coincidence! Madam Fu, please stop here for now.
Shen Yueyi had been listening intently, her heart pounding with a mixture of joy and trepidation as she heard Fu Yu mentioned. Suddenly, she felt stuck, like a mouthful of sweet food stuck in her throat, neither going down nor coming up, making her feel uncomfortable. Unable to show any of this, she lowered her head, her hand trembling as she pretended to flip through a book.
A moment later, Fu Yu and You Tong walked in.
...
Fu Yu and You Tong came from Xieyangzhai.
The father and son talked until late last night. Fu Yu still went back to the South Building to stay. You Tong had already fallen asleep and was completely unaware.
When they woke up this morning, they were once again sleeping in each other's arms. Because Fu Yu was young and vigorous, and had eaten a lot of warm mutton yesterday, he was still full of fighting spirit in his sleep, clinging to her body, almost causing an embarrassing situation. At that time, Fu Yu coughed and went to the inner room to change his clothes. You Tong thought that the Fu family was going through a lot of troubles, so she pretended that nothing had happened.
The two went to Xieyangzhai together, and the atmosphere was quite pleasant because Fu Lanyin and her brother were there.
Fu Yu then summoned the military doctor and learned that although Fu Deqing's injuries were severe, he would still retain his imposing presence after recovering, which put him at ease.
Therefore, he was in a very good mood at this moment, and when he brought You Tong in, he even gently helped her.
Several people inside, who hadn't seen Fu Yu for months, couldn't help but look over.
Then the couple came side by side, their steps leisurely.
Fu Yu, needless to say, possessed an outstanding demeanor as the Deputy Military Commissioner. His appearance was dignified and resolute, his bearing imposing and his movements graceful. Beside him, You Tong wore her hair up with jeweled hairpins, her silk skirt trailing on the ground. At sixteen, her figure was slowly blossoming, her chest rising and falling like mountain peaks, her sash fluttering at her waist, and her long legs forming a graceful silhouette.
Madam Fu glanced at it and then looked away.
She is indeed a beauty, but she is not sensible or considerate enough, and does not act like a wife.
She was still looking at her grandson, then pointed to the armchair below, saying, "I was just saying 'I'm talking about you,' and here you are, what a coincidence."
Fu Yu bowed respectfully, his tone carrying a rare hint of amusement, "Is Grandmother talking about me?"
"That's right." After he sat down, Madam Fu said slowly, "I was just saying that I wanted to find a few outstanding young talents. Since I am in the mansion, I can only see a limited number of people. You are often out and about. If you see anyone around you who is talented, good-looking, or from a good family, or who is capable and upright in the government office, please keep an eye out for them for me."
As he spoke, he glanced at Shen Yueyi with a smile.
Fu Yu glanced at You Tong as she looked towards Shen Yueyi, but didn't notice her expression. He simply nodded in agreement.
Mei, who was standing nearby, saw this clearly and her expression changed slightly.
—I always felt that these words were said to her on purpose.
However, it was clearly not a good time to probe further, so they simply sat idly and listened to the grandfather and grandson chat.
Among the women, the old lady didn't inquire about military affairs or battles, but only chatted about everyday matters, showing great concern.
Finally, he pushed the sandalwood box next to him forward.
"The battle report on the suppression of the rebellion came yesterday, and many people brought gifts to the mansion to congratulate us. I took a look, but there wasn't much of anything special. However, this is something special—it was specially requested by your Uncle Shen. It is a rare and precious inkstone, with excellent material and workmanship. Placing it on the desk to grind ink and dip brushes will not be a waste of his kindness."
As they were talking, the maidservant brought the box to Fu Yu.
Fu Yu's maternal uncle was serving in Yuezhou, so the so-called Shen family uncle was naturally Shen Feiqing.
The women of the Shen family were guests at the mansion, and since the old lady had specially brought it out, it was obviously for the guests to see.
How could Fu Yu refuse? So he got up and accepted it, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Shen." After saying that, he turned around and placed it in front of You Tong, "I'm going to the camp later, please put it in the Two Books Pavilion for me."
“Okay,” You Tong agreed.
Taking the opportunity to turn aside and drink tea, I glanced at Shen Yueyi and saw that she had her head down and her cheeks were flushed.
You Tong frowned slightly.
As she entered the room, she inadvertently caught Shen Yueyi's gaze fixed on Fu Yu, her eyes filled with eager anticipation and a blush on her face. Upon noticing Shen Yueyi's gaze, Shen Yueyi immediately averted it. Later, during their greetings and conversation, she felt uneasy, as if someone was watching her from behind. Although she hadn't caught Shen Yueyi in a compromising situation during that brief glance, she could tell that Shen Yueyi's gaze was secretly directed at Fu Yu.