Admittedly, that man was somewhat to her liking. Otherwise, she wouldn't have blushed and felt hot when he teased her with his chest exposed, her heart wouldn't have pounded when he showered with his chest and back exposed, and she wouldn't have even resisted when he kissed her, letting him do as he pleased.
That kiss tasted wonderful, even tempting.
However, it is difficult to waver in one's original intention because of this temptation.
Even if past unpleasantness could be resolved, the rules of the Fu family were not something she could shake, especially since Fu Yu was plotting to conquer the world and would eventually lead his troops to the capital and take control of the palace. The situation became increasingly complex. Xu Chaozong's example was a stark warning. Men might be tempted by beauty and indulge in passion during the initial stages of a relationship, but what about later? The matter of divorce could not be easily swayed, but given the current situation—the Fu family was beset by internal and external troubles, and Fu Yu was carrying a heavy burden, rarely lowering his noble head—she couldn't bear to immediately dampen his spirits.
Moreover, her feelings for Fu Yu as a person were growing stronger.
When You Tong wrote the proposal, she was very organized and clear. But when she thought of Fu Yu, she felt overwhelmed and the situation became more and more complicated.
It's such a headache!
Couldn't he have remained as arrogant and dismissive as when he first arrived, allowing her to stay calm and collected?
Chapter 61 Sowing Discord
You Tong's worries temporarily vanished the next day—Fu Yu was about to go on an inspection tour.
Previously, Fu Deqing led his troops to resist the enemy. Although he penetrated deep into enemy territory and killed two Tatar generals, he also lost many soldiers and officers in the fierce fighting. He was seriously injured and fell into a coma. He hurriedly returned south to Qizhou. His capable veteran general Xu Kui was also seriously injured. Some of the follow-up matters had to be entrusted to others, which may not have been done well.
Although Fu Deqing is now unable to move, managing military affairs while leaning on his couch is not too troublesome.
Therefore, Fu Yu finished dealing with several backlogged matters that he needed to handle, and after reporting to Fu Deqing the next morning, Fu Deqing suggested that Fu Yu quickly head north to inspect and organize the troops and arrange border defenses, so as to prevent Dongdan from taking advantage of the situation and catching them off guard. As for the military affairs in Qizhou, they were transferred to Xieyangzhai, where he would handle them when he was in good spirits.
Fu Yuzong was a little reluctant to part with Nanlou, but he dared not take the important matter of border defense lightly, so he immediately agreed.
When this was mentioned, You Tong was also standing nearby, and was slightly surprised upon hearing it.
However, it's common for generals to be constantly on the move—she married into the family last July, and only two days later, Fu Yu went to patrol the border, a trip that lasted two months. After returning, he spent all his time training troops in the barracks, and then led troops out again in December. After returning to Qizhou after the New Year, he barely had time to settle down before heading south to quell a rebellion in the spring, working non-stop like a spinning top on ice, without a moment's rest.
She naturally couldn't interfere in military affairs, so she only told Fu Yu that if he had time at noon, he could go back to the South Building for lunch.
Afterwards, Fu Yu returned to the Two Books Pavilion to explain things, and she hurriedly rushed back to the South Building to prepare a meal.
Feeling sorry for Fu Yu's exhaustion, she took out her two treasured jars of spiced beef jerky and packed them into portable oil paper bags. This stuff was not only delicious but also very filling, a hundred times better than dried food or pastries. Xia Sao's preparation was meticulous; it would keep for two or three months without any problems. Fortunately, she had prepared plenty of these paper bags beforehand, and the three maids busily packed them up for half a day until everything was ready.
At noon, Fu Yu arrived right on time for lunch.
In the sweltering heat of midsummer, the South Building overlooks a ginkgo grove on the north slope, with a small pond behind it where red carp and lotus flowers are kept.
At this time of year, lotus leaves stand tall and graceful, round and full like canopies. They can be used to make lotus leaf soup, or steamed glutinous rice ribs or steamed chicken with lotus leaves, all of which have a refreshing aroma. You Tong used local ingredients to make a refreshing winter melon and lotus leaf soup, steamed glutinous rice ribs and spiced tender chicken, cooked and served cold tripe and tripe that had been delivered a couple of days ago, and also made mung bean jelly, steamed shad, and crab roe shrimp and bean soup, served with cold chicken noodles.
The table was laden with delicious food, some tangy and spicy to whet the appetite, others smooth and refreshing to cool the body. Though not expensive, they were all incredibly tasty and tempting.
Fu Yu ate with great relish, emptying the plate almost completely before putting down his chopsticks.
Seeing that he liked it, You Tong was naturally happy too. She ladled a bowl of soup for him to drink slowly, went into the house to take out the two bags she had packed, and placed them in front of him. "These are all spiced beef jerky made by Sister Xia. Husband, take them with you on the road. If you miss a meal or get hungry at night, they can last you for a while."
The bag was made of dark blue, dirt-resistant coarse cloth, much like a purse, bulging and with a drawstring at the opening.
Fu Yu stretched out his fingers and opened the bag, revealing neatly stacked small paper bags inside. Within each bag were small pieces of beef, about the size of a fingertip. He popped one into his mouth; it was flavorful and chewy. These two bags of meat didn't look much bigger than dry rations, so carrying them on a march wouldn't be cumbersome, but they would keep him full for a long time.
If beef weren't so expensive, it would be perfect for soldiers on the march; I wonder if she made it as a snack or prepared it for him.
Fu Yu couldn't help but raise his eyes and glance at You Tong, his eyes showing approval.
“It’s delicious, thank you for your help,” he said.
You Tong smiled and accepted the gift calmly, helping him put on his armor and seeing him out.
Both their reunion and parting came abruptly. He arrived like a whirlwind, bursting in with a haggard face, sunken eyes, and dust on his shoulders; he left with his head held high and a powerful stride, his imposing figure completely erasing his previous exhaustion, quickly disappearing into the corridor. What remained for her was that sudden kiss after yesterday's rain, like half a bowl of cinnabar poured onto a blank sheet of paper, striking and blatant, catching her off guard and making her realize the change in her attitude towards Fu Yu.
Even though she tossed and turned all night, You Tong still couldn't figure out how to deal with Fu Yu if he came to the South Building tonight.
Fortunately, he was away for the time being, which gave her time to think things through.
You Tong stood facing the wind, letting out a faint sigh of relief.
However, the thought of the cold iron bow and the sharp, icy sword made his heart sink again.
When she first heard that Fu Hui's cousins had died on the battlefield, she felt nothing but admiration and regret, and not much fear. But after seeing Fu Deqing's severely wounded and unconscious state, You Tong truly understood what it was like to be wounded on the battlefield, something that could turn a vigorous and powerful man into someone on the verge of death and utterly vulnerable.
The old scars she saw on Fu Yu's shoulder were probably left from countless dangerous incidents.
Now that he has gone out with a knife, doesn't that make people worry?
You Tong felt a mix of joy and sorrow. After looking back at Yunlou, she stood gazing into the distance for the entire afternoon.
...
Besides reorganizing military affairs and border defenses, Fu Yu had another important task on his northward journey: to find Sun Meng's whereabouts.
It was no easy task for Yongning's generals to penetrate deep into enemy territory and find traces of people, but Fu Yu had not only brave scouts under his command, but also skilled spies who traveled to various parts of the capital to gather information. These men, disguised and traveling alone, found it much easier to search for people than the fierce men in the army, and their eyesight was also much sharper.
By the end of July, when Fu Yu returned to Qizhou, he also brought back news of Sun Meng.
After being killed and its body abandoned in the wilderness, it would likely have been torn to pieces by wolves and tigers if it hadn't been hidden in a cave.
Even though it was expected, Fu Deqing's face immediately darkened upon hearing the news.
"Did you see it with your own eyes?"
“I saw it with my own eyes.” Fu Yu’s expression was gloomy, his eyes as cold as ice in the dead of winter. “The body had been hidden for a long time and was already rotting. The fatal wound was on his back, and it was a single, fatal stab. There were no other wounds. The cave where he was hidden wasn’t far from where Father had arranged to meet his third cousin.” He sat on the edge of the bed, his back taut like a fully drawn bow, even his voice was strained. “That wound was definitely not from a sneak attack, but from close combat. With Sun Meng’s skills, how could he have been so easily seriously injured if he hadn’t been caught off guard?”
The door was tightly shut, leaving only the father and son sitting facing each other.
Fu Deqing's waist injury had slightly healed. He sat upright with a solemn expression and cold, deep eyes, completely unlike his usual magnanimity.
"You mean, Sun Meng was killed by someone he knew."
"It's definitely someone I know!"
His voice was deep and resolute.
In the quiet room, a slight cracking sound suddenly rang out, the sound of Fu Deqing clenching his knuckles.
After more than thirty years of warfare, his father and son had both died on the battlefield, his elder brother was severely wounded and crippled, and many of his former comrades had also perished. Fu Deqing had long since become indifferent to life and death. However, the news that his trusted confidant of many years had been murdered by an acquaintance still shocked and enraged him. A murderous intent gradually crept onto his usually composed and dignified face. He stared at Fu Yu and said in a low voice, "There aren't many people who can lower his guard and give him a chance to kill you with a single blow."
—There are countless people like this under the entire Yongning army.
Moreover, given the circumstances at the time, very few people knew that Sun Meng had gone to meet him.
With his body hidden near the rendezvous point, Fu Zhang was naturally the most suspicious person.
Even before this incident, the father and son had heard rumors and gossip.
The military power of the Yongning Jiedushi (military governor) was originally handed over by the old master to his eldest son, Fu Deming, with Fu Deqing as his deputy. It was not until Fu Deming was seriously injured that he handed over the military power to his younger brother. Among the sons and nephews, the eldest son's sons were actually quite capable, standing out among their peers, and could be entrusted with important responsibilities on the battlefield.
However, Fu Yu made rapid progress after joining the army, and his skills, abilities, and military strategies far surpassed those of his peers.
Fu Hui and others were no match for him in skill, and even seasoned veterans could not match Fu Yu's decisiveness, bravery, and repeated victories. Fu Deqing had also considered appointing his nephew as deputy military commander, but Yongning's army was full of talented people and fierce generals, and his nephew's military achievements and skills could not intimidate them. Only Fu Yu could make the veteran generals sincerely admire him and obey his orders.
Therefore, after discussing it, the Fu brothers finally promoted the rising star Fu Yu, and with the help of the whole family, he took charge of Qizhou.
Over the past two years, Fu Yu has become a formidable figure on the battlefield, and rumors have begun to circulate that the military and political power that should have been held by Fu Hui and his son has fallen into other hands. Fu Deming, however, was unconcerned and made his stance clear: Fu Yu is capable of driving out the enemy and leading troops, so he should hold a high position, and in the future, when he undertakes important matters, he should be respected.
But the human heart is unpredictable. Even if Fu Deming is open-minded, others may not be so. They might be misled by such remarks and develop wicked thoughts.
Therefore, as soon as the discussion began, Fu Deming dealt with it quickly, and no one dared to speak recklessly anymore.
At this moment, things have silently returned to this place.
The father and son were silent for a moment, understanding the suspicion and hesitation in each other's eyes.
After a long pause, Fu Deqing finally said, "I don't believe it. Zhang'er isn't that kind of person, and your uncle certainly isn't either."
“I don’t believe it either. If my cousin had ulterior motives and deliberately delayed the rescue, he would have destroyed the body and left no trace. Why would he leave obvious evidence? Besides, my father is responsible for the safety of Yongning’s people and the border. If anything happens to him, it will be the soldiers and civilians who will suffer. My cousin wouldn’t be so foolish.”
"So—" Fu Deqing's face darkened further, "you guessed that someone framed you, deliberately trying to sow discord?"
"The rumors of the past, and Sun Meng of today, are all aimed at my father and my uncle, trying to create suspicion and discord within the Fu family."
A family like the Fu family, with its impregnable walls, is difficult to breach from the outside. However, if internal strife and disloyalty arise within the family, it will crumble and collapse without a fight. Even if the soldiers are full of iron will and will fight to the death to defend the border, they will no longer be as invincible as before.
Who will benefit then?
Thinking of this, Fu Deqing sneered, "A fox will always show its tail. Only my and Zhang'er's confidants know about this. This person has been planning this for a long time, hiding in the Fu family army for many years. Now that the country is in turmoil, he can no longer sit still. Both of his actions were attempts to sow discord. If we remain inactive, he will definitely cause more trouble."
"Okay," Fu Yu said in a deep voice.
Once the other party's intentions are understood, the matter becomes traceable, and there are only a few suspects, so it's not too troublesome.
Fu Yu temporarily suppressed his thoughts and asked about Fu Deqing's injuries.
It has been almost two months since the injury was treated. With the help of high-quality ointments and medicinal diets, the back and leg injuries have healed considerably. Fu Deqing has recently been able to walk with the aid of crutches. Fu Yu, who has also been injured many times since joining the army, is an expert in treating illnesses. Even if he doesn't have miraculous healing abilities, he still has some insights. After examining Fu Deqing's injury, he felt reassured.
He then got up to say goodbye, left Xiyangzhai, and went straight to Liangshuge.
In late summer and early autumn, when the heat is gradually intensifying, cicadas chirp desperately in the shade of trees along the roadside, and the leaves are all wilted by the sun.
He rushed back under the scorching sun, his body drenched in sweat. When he arrived at Xiyangzhai, he asked the servants to bring two buckets of cool water. After washing himself thoroughly, he changed into some ordinary clothes and headed towards the South Tower.
When they arrived, the courtyard was empty, and the maids and servants were hiding in the rooms to cool off, all in quiet.
It was Aunt Zhou who was alert; hearing footsteps, she looked out the window and hurried out to greet them.
When Fu Yu asked about You Tong, she replied, "The old lady complained of the heat and had two kinds of cooling soup made here. The young mistress personally delivered them, but she hasn't returned yet. There are still two bowls left in the kitchen. Shall I bring them to the general?"
"No need." Fu Yu waved his hand, and without even touching the door, he turned around and headed straight for Shou'an Hall under the sun.
Chapter 62 A Meeting of Minds
Inside Shou'an Hall, You Tong was currently eating pear pieces with a bamboo skewer.
The best pears are juicy, sweet, crisp, and delicious. Outside, the summer heat is intense, and the sun is so hot that it makes your scalp burn. But inside, it's not too stuffy. The Fu family has built a rather large ice cellar, which is filled with ice in winter. Now, the ice is taken out and put into porcelain basins. A fan is used to spread the cool air, making the room cool and refreshing, perfect for relieving the summer heat.
Besides her, there were also the old lady, Madam Shen, and Madam Mei and her daughter in the room.
Those women who had just visited the second branch of the family to see their newborn great-grandson were sweltering in the heat, even with servants holding umbrellas for them. They each fanned themselves and ate fruit. The old lady sat on a daybed covered with a straw mat, asking about the baby's well-being and whether she had enough breast milk.
She is elderly and extremely afraid of heatstroke. The child is still an infant and should not be taken out in the hot weather to suffer. She hasn't seen him for several days.
Madam Shen then told her about each of them, adding that the child had beautiful features and a heroic air about him, and would surely become a pillar of society in the future.
How much can you tell about a baby in swaddling clothes?
Even though the old lady knew that Madam Shen was trying to please her, she still found the words agreeable, so she said, "The child's 100th birthday is coming soon. There have been many things to do this year, and they have been fighting on the front lines. We haven't been able to hold a banquet for the past six months. Instead of just inviting everyone to enjoy the flowers, why don't we take this opportunity to hold a banquet?"
“My daughter-in-law thinks so too.” Madam Shen readily agreed. “This year we’ve been so busy visiting other people’s homes that we haven’t hosted any.”