Fu Yu released his grip, leaned against the bookshelf, and slightly lowered his head. His eyes were filled with turbulent emotions, and his breathing was very unsteady.
You Tong relaxed slightly, panting heavily, her cheeks flushed red.
Fu Yu blocked the candlelight, leaving her in a dim shadow. She looked up to meet his gaze, but her mind remained blank.
The two stared at each other for a moment before Fu Yu, as if making a decision, leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Wait for me." With that, he stepped back, gave her a deep look, and then turned and left. His black robes disappeared around the doorway of the side room. Outside, a cold wind swept through, but his body still felt hot. Afraid of being seen with a strange expression, he pulled up the hood of his cloak and covered his head. Then, with swift steps, he disappeared into the night.
Inside the room, You Tong was still standing by the bookshelf. Her mind gradually cleared, and then she felt her body go weak.
She turned to the side, gripping the shelf, and as she closed her eyes, she could still smell Fu Yu's scent and feel his body temperature.
The kiss came like a storm, too suddenly, sweeping over her and leaving her caught off guard, her mind blank. But now, recalling it, the memory is vivid. His almost possessive posture is like a brand etched into her mind, impossible to erase.
You Tong stood there for a while until she heard a maid's voice asking from outside. Only then did she calm herself down and order her to come in and serve her a bath.
That night, the two people in the capital city dreamed of returning to the South Tower while they were fast asleep.
The fragmented and chaotic silhouettes are the creeping vines climbing the fence, the setting sun slanting over the Wangyun Tower, the pale blue smoke rising from the small kitchen, the steaming hot pot enveloping the warm smiles in the side room, and even more so, the dim light inside the room, the graceful figure of a beautiful woman, the familiar warmth of her body, and their embrace as they sleep...
Every blade of grass, every tree, every frown and smile, touches my heart.
Looking back, there's no regret or displeasure, only nostalgia and longing.
...
Inside the Prince Rui's residence, Xu Chaozong had no time or inclination for such things.
After Fu Yu took his leave, he remained busy in his study for a long time. Only after finishing his meal did he recall the death of Grand Tutor Xu and the fact that Xu Shu had been placed under guard by his men. Then, the threat Fu Yu had made earlier came to mind—that man was ruthless and a man of his word; by threatening him with the matter of vying for the throne, he was clearly very serious.
Xu Chaozong walked slowly toward Xu Shu's residence in the cold air, the night wind gradually clearing his head.
Upon arriving there, he found the windows tightly shut, and the maids and matrons who served the princess kneeling in half the courtyard. The guards he had sent stood respectfully and cautiously at the door, their foreheads covered in a fine sweat despite the cold winter weather. Upon seeing him, the guards acted as if they had seen a savior, and hurriedly bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness."
A chorus of greetings rang out in the courtyard, but a crisp cracking sound came from inside the house.
—It sounded like porcelain hitting a bronze cauldron, a rather harsh sound.
Xu Chaozong frowned slightly, glanced at the people kneeling on the ground, ordered them to get up, then pushed open the door and stepped inside.
He was greeted by a teacup that crashed to the ground with a "bang" and rolled away with a gurgling sound.
If it weren't for his status, the teacup would have been smashed in his face.
The struggle for the throne was fraught with danger and complexity, and the passing of Grand Tutor Xu was like a knife to his wounds, adding insult to injury. Xu Chaozong had been preoccupied all day, and upon returning to find this scene, he was naturally displeased. Thinking of the Grand Tutor's passing, he barely managed to suppress his anger and asked, "What's wrong? Why are you taking your anger out on your servants?"
"Your Highness still knows how to come back!" Xu Shu sat on the chaise longue inside, her eyes red from crying.
Xu Chaozong didn't speak, but walked in and observed her expression.
Xu Shu didn't dare to show him any anger. After smashing the bowl to express her rage, she rose and wept, saying, "My grandfather suffered such injustice, so much so that he vomited blood and died! What a terrible thing! Not only does Your Highness ignore it, but you also imprison me here—what crime have I committed to deserve such humiliation?" She became increasingly heartbroken as she spoke, her handkerchief half-soaked with tears. She threw herself at Xu Chaozong, her tears falling even more rapidly. "I have been taught by my grandfather since childhood, and today I am extremely heartbroken, yet Your Highness still treats me like this. Does Your Highness have no conscience at all!"
After two years of marriage, there must have been some feelings between them.
When Grand Tutor Xu passed away, Xu Chaozong was furious about the mess left behind by the Xu family, but ultimately felt a deep sadness.
He then held Xu Shu's shoulders, letting her lean against him and cry her heart out.
Xu Shu cried for a long time before choking out, "Grandfather was already quite old. If it weren't for His Highness, why would he get involved in the court's disputes? In the past two years, he has devoted himself to His Highness, working tirelessly and painstakingly. Even if he hasn't made any great contributions, he should at least have worked hard. Now, the household is in such a state of panic, yet His Highness insists on imprisoning me. Are you just going to let my parents be heartbroken and anxious, and sit idly by? What kind of person is that censor? He dares to publicly berate the Grand Tutor and plot to kill someone. Are you just going to let it go?"
She wept bitterly, while Xu Chaozong remained silent throughout.
Only after she finished her long-winded rant did he ask, "Are you done crying?"
Xu Shu choked up, unsure of his attitude, and looked at him with red and swollen eyes, puzzled.
Xu Chaozong then said, "I am naturally heartbroken at the passing of the Grand Tutor, and that censor was too audacious to be let off lightly. But is it time to settle scores now?" Having sat opposite Fu Yu for a day, he had unconsciously picked up a bit of his sharp and ruthless mindset, and said in a deep voice, "What the Grand Tutor was planning for me was the throne. Now that my father is seriously ill and the situation is perilous, which matter is more important?"
Xu Shu could certainly distinguish the importance of each point.
She choked up, but remained silent.
Xu Chaozong continued, "Now that the Grand Tutor is gone, the only person I can rely on is Fu Yu. Did you hear what he said today?"
Xu Shu was taken aback. Thinking of Fu Yu's stern threat, a chill ran down her spine. She asked, "What does he want?"
"Let me give you an explanation."
"Explain?"
"Back then, the Xu family spread rumors and framed her, driving You Tong to desperation. She attempted suicide by drowning and nearly drowned in the frozen lake in December. They even relentlessly pursued her, using her suicide attempt to mock her." Xu Chaozong felt a pang of pain in his heart as he recalled the past, and unconsciously loosened his grip on Xu Shu. "The evidence for these matters is conclusive. Fu Yu needs an explanation."
"What explanation does he want? Does he want me to pay with my life?" Xu Shu said, thinking of Fu Yu's expression and the rumors of his ruthless killing on the battlefield. Although she felt it was impossible, she was still afraid. She immediately hugged Xu Chaozong and said, "No matter how powerful the Fu family is, they are only His Highness's subjects. Does he want to disobey us?"
Disobey? The Fu family holds considerable military power; they might very well have the guts.
Moreover, he is the one who needs my help now.
If Fu Yuruo abandons his responsibilities, the Fu family will still be able to dominate the region, but he will have no chance of survival.
Xu Chaozong remained silent, simply watching Xu Shu quietly.
Looking at that expression, Xu Shu felt a growing fear creep into her heart, and she gradually panicked, "He really..."
“If he doesn’t give an explanation, he won’t lift a finger to help with the succession struggle.” Xu Chaozong gently removed Xu Shu’s hand. “I advised the Grand Tutor to show mercy that day, but he insisted. The root of this matter lies with You Tong. If you can get her forgiveness, there’s still room for maneuver; otherwise—”
He paused, not continuing.
Xu Shu staggered back two steps, her face filled with horror.
"Otherwise what? Does Your Highness intend to abandon me?"
"I am determined to obtain the throne." Xu Chaozong avoided her gaze.
The deep, brief voice felt like a heavy sword pressing on her heart, or like cold water being poured over her head, chilling her to the bone.
If the throne is within their grasp, then they must give an explanation to Fu Yu. Judging from Xu Chaozong's expression, he has made up his mind to abandon her.
Disregarding the two years of marital affection they shared, disregarding the efforts and schemes the Xu family had made...
Xu Shu felt her hands and feet were ice cold.
The room was deathly silent. After a long while, Xu Chaozong finally spoke: "Those who do wrong must be punished. If we can weather this storm and get Fu Yu to lend a hand, the throne will be in our hands, and times will change. What happens after that will be another matter. But the situation is critical now, and the only way out lies with You Tong..."
When Xu Chaozong said this name, the image that came to mind was still that childhood sweetheart.
Lively and charming, with exceptional beauty, she is naive and kind-hearted despite her lack of worldly wisdom, and is willing to risk her own life to protect others.
If Xu Shu could beg for her forgiveness, it would be much easier to explain things to Fu Yu.
Xu Chaozong sighed, said nothing more, and slowly walked out of the house.
Xu Shu's legs went weak, and she collapsed to the ground, her eyes glazed over.
The past events were still vivid in her mind. Xu Shu knew exactly how badly the Xu family had trampled on her back then, and the harsh words and expressions of You Tong in Liuyuan that day also showed how deep her resentment was.
Should we really ask Wei Youtong for help?
She had painstakingly sought and humiliated her status as a princess, only to beg for the hand of a woman she had once defeated and nearly wiped out. Xu Chaozong was one step away from the throne, and she was just a stone's throw away from the position of empress, above all others! With such a vast difference in status and such deep-seated hatred, how could she possibly endure such humiliation and bow her head?
But if he doesn't ask for it, Xu Chaozong was able to abandon his childhood sweetheart with whom he had a deep bond in order to seize the throne. Now that the throne is within reach, will he abandon his wife, who is only nominally his wife and has little affection for him, and who now has no family support?
Xu Shu was not confident.
She even felt that Xu Chaozong might very well follow the same path as before.
To beg for help is merely a temporary act of humiliation. There is still a chance to rise again; to not beg for help means falling into Fu Yu's hands, and all hope for the future will be lost.
Xu Shu had no time to regret the past; she only hated Xu Chaozong's incompetence and ruthlessness, and then hesitated and weighed her options.
She sat there listlessly all night, and only managed to muster her energy the next morning to send someone to invite You Tong to her residence for a chat.
You Tong graciously accepted the invitation and rode in the luxurious carriage from the Prince Rui's residence, heading straight into the inner courtyard.
She was greeted by Princess Rui, Xu Shu, who had removed her hairpins and jade rings and had not applied any rouge or powder to her face. She knelt alone in the side room, dressed simply, with tears streaming down her face and looking haggard.
Chapter 97 All Punishment
Since their parting in the spring, You Tong and Xu Shu have never seen each other again.
At that time, Xu Shu was still the dignified and noble Princess Rui, dressed in brocade robes and embroidered belts, adorned with gold hairpins and phoenix hairpins, her beauty and elegance enhanced by layers of powder and rouge. But now, she was bare-faced, her eyes slightly swollen from crying. When she looked up at the sound at the door, her gaze was like still water, devoid of her former arrogance.
The princess, who was included in the imperial family genealogy and was the granddaughter of the Grand Tutor, originally only needed to kneel before the most honored person in the palace.
At this moment, however, he was facing the door, his face ashen.
Even though You Tong was mentally prepared, she was still slightly surprised by the scene before her eyes.
He immediately stopped, remained silent, and turned his head to look her over.
Even though Xu Shu had made up her mind, meeting You Tong's gaze felt like her face was being sliced by a sharp knife and roasted by blazing flames—utterly humiliating and unbearable. For a moment, she even regretted her decision that morning, feeling that enduring such humiliation to survive was worse than facing death with pride, which would at least preserve her dignity in this life. However, the instinct for survival ultimately overwhelmed all her emotions. After death, everything is empty, but while alive, there is still much to hope for—she had already given so much; how could she easily give up?
She opened her mouth, her voice unexpectedly calm.
"I invited you here today because of what happened in the past. As the letter says, it was my Xu family who wronged you back then. Now that the past has been cleared up, the Xu family is burdened with the infamy of the whole city and has fallen into the same situation you were in back then. My grandfather even lost his life because of this. You Tong—" Xu Shu raised her eyes, her face pale, "How many things are still unresolved between us? Let's settle them all today."
"Then what?"
“Now that things are settled, there’s no need to involve others, and there’s no need to threaten Your Highness’s grand plan with these trivial matters.” Xu Shu lowered her head and spoke slowly, her expression full of defeat and dejection. “I’ve wronged you about what happened before. I’ve come here today to apologize. If you have any resentment in your heart, you can hit me or scold me. I just hope we can resolve our grudges and settle our past grievances.”
She clasped her hands in front of her, her posture humble, just as she had when she coaxed the original owner, her attitude sincere and heartfelt.
You Tong sneered inwardly, "Is the Princess Consort trying to... plead for mercy?"
Xu Shu's expression stiffened, but she still nodded and said, "The matter between you and me is a personal grudge, but Your Highness's is a matter of national importance. I hope you can prioritize the affairs of the country, show mercy, and advise General Fu to assist Your Highness."
That's quite a heavy hat.
You Tong raised an eyebrow. "Is this a plea or a threat?"
"plead."
"Hmm, that's rare." You Tong nodded and clicked her tongue.
—By removing her hairpin to plead guilty and enduring humiliation to beg for mercy, it seems that this princess still harbors illusions, believing that after surviving this ordeal, she can still live happily with Xu Chaozong as before, and exchange humiliation for a bright future.
Since that's the case, it wouldn't hurt to shatter this illusion and let her experience the despair and heartbreak the original owner once felt.
You Tong chuckled, "I thought that because you went to such lengths to obtain the position of Princess Consort, His Highness treated you so well. Turns out, it's nothing special. Doesn't he know how deep the enmity between us runs? Can a simple act of removing a hairpin and apologizing really turn hostility into friendship?"
This clearly indicates a reluctance to easily reach a settlement.
In Xu Shu's memory, You Tong was still the innocent girl from before, who was easily swayed by gentle persuasion but not by force. Upon hearing this, her expression changed slightly.
Then You Tong continued, "Men, you could say they're affectionate, but they can turn around and abandon you so easily, like how they dumped me back then and are now pushing you away. But to say they're heartless is another matter, especially since His Highness Prince Rui isn't a truly evil person. Didn't he hold a grudge when he bullied me like that? That day at Enyou Temple—" She paused, deliberately leaving the rest unsaid, and only said calmly, "Was it General Fu's idea to remove his hairpin and plead guilty, or his?"