These words were entirely directed at Xu Shu, who was clearly disgusted.
You Tong could see everything: the situation at Enyou Temple, Xu Chaozong's letter, and the look in Xu Chaozong's eyes during their several meetings at the beginning of the year.
That person was clearly still attached to the past and couldn't let go of the past. Although they ruthlessly abandoned the original owner, they didn't completely sever the ties.
How could Xu Shu not know this?
After two years of marriage, Xu Chaozong often found himself lost in thought, gazing at old objects. Although he was polite and courteous to her, he remained distant and elusive. Xu Shu had witnessed the deep affection between Xu Chaozong and Wei Youtong in the past; how could she not know? Xu Chaozong was, after all, a member of the royal family, with a refined and gentle demeanor. He was kind to everyone, and what young woman wouldn't admire him? Xu Shu was no exception. When she first married into the royal family, she had also thought of winning his heart and their deep affection.
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.
The husband's heart is elsewhere, and the couple's relationship is merely a facade. Now, Xu Chaozong does not protect his wife, but instead subtly sides with outsiders...
Xu Shu already felt that Xu Chaozong had treated her cruelly, and upon hearing this, she couldn't help but speculate. Feeling embarrassed, she felt as if a knife was stabbing into her heart.
Blood was everywhere.
You Tong added insult to injury, "Guess what, if I asked you to pay with your life today, would he be willing? After all..."
What is it, after all?
Xu Shu couldn't help but speculate. After all, Xu Chaozong still longed for his former lover, and would even whisper her childhood nickname in his dreams while they were in bed together; after all, his former lover was now unmarried, and once he had the world at his fingertips, she would be within his grasp; after all, the Xu family was no longer of any use to him, and if she died, it would at least make room for him...
She dared not think any further, and angrily retorted, "You're talking nonsense!"
With his emotions in turmoil, his voice suddenly rose in pitch.
You Tong chuckled, bowed slightly, and then said, "Fine, even if that's not the case. Back then, the Xu family wantonly humiliated me, putting Prince Rui in their place. Did he feel any pride in those three people involved in the rumors? They could have parted amicably, but they had to make it so unbearable. Do you think he didn't mind? He married you for Grand Tutor Xu. People come together for profit, and they part when the profit is gone. Your Highness should understand this principle, shouldn't you? Your Highness has plenty of conditions to negotiate with General Fu: troops, money, official positions, titles—which of them isn't tempting enough? Why would you stake your success or failure on someone as insignificant as me? Has Your Highness ever considered the reasons behind this?"
Having said that, he straightened up and took two steps back.
Xu Shu's face grew increasingly grim.
While tossing and turning last night, she pondered the reasons behind Xu Chaozong's actions. Many speculations ran through her mind, but she dared not let her imagination run wild. In the face of this sudden turn of events, she lacked the composure and rationality to analyze the truth of every possibility. In the end, almost like burying her head in the sand, she believed he was forced by circumstances to endure humiliation.
But at this moment, You Tong's repeated questions still aroused her suspicion.
—A woman who is not favored by her husband is suspicious of his affections.
Xu Shu remained silent, but her face grew increasingly pale. Finally, as if she had imagined the worst, her knees buckled and she collapsed to the ground.
It was an expression of near despair and despondency, completely different from the gloomy look she had put on when she first entered.
All the speculations and heartbreak the original owner felt when Xu Chaozong abandoned her are now being returned to her in full, just like the infamy that filled the city.
When emotions are involved, a woman's suspicion is the most terrifying thing. This kind of prying into people's hearts and asking questions without getting any answers is even more torturous.
You Tong glared at Xu Shu, finally making her stance clear, "As for reconciliation, it's impossible in this lifetime. But what I want is simple: I was forced to jump into the frozen lake by the Xu family back then, and now two years have passed, it's still that cold December, and the lake in the Prince's mansion isn't shallow. If you can jump in and soak for two hours, I will let this matter drop."
“You—” Xu Shu hadn’t expected her to be so cunning, and suddenly raised her head.
The twelfth lunar month was bitterly cold; even a finger stuck in the ice would feel like it was being chilled to the bone. She had been pampered since childhood and had never suffered any hardship. How could she possibly endure the icy lake? Even if she were lucky enough to survive, she would be riddled with health problems. Forget about having children; even living a peaceful life would be difficult.
Xu Shu stared at her in disbelief.
You Tong sneered, "If you can survive the waters of the frozen lake, then I admire your skill. If you can't, then you deserve it."
Having said that, he didn't linger any longer and turned to leave.
Upon reaching the outside, they saw two people standing side by side under the trees in the courtyard.
It was Xu Chaozong and Fu Yu.
You Tong paused for a moment, then curtsied and said, "Since Your Highness has come in person, you must have heard it. It's just a matter of settling old scores. If she can get through it, I will have no objections. If she can't, it's only because her sins are too grave, and fate will decide." After speaking, she walked straight out without stopping.
Xu Chaozong was in turmoil. He wanted to call out to her, but the words caught in his throat, and he hesitated to utter them.
Fu Yu also bowed slightly, "I believe Your Highness will keep your promise." Then he stepped forward to follow You Tong.
Hearing the commotion, Xu Shu crawled out of the house, trying to plead with Xu Chaozong, but only received four words in return.
"Leave it to fate."
Lightly, like the gentle hand he once extended, it pushed her to the bottom, into despair and gloom.
...
You Tong quickened her pace and breathed a sigh of relief after leaving the two courtyards.
Inside the house, she mentioned Xu Chaozong to Xu Shu, implying that Xu Chaozong was still thinking about the lost and unattainable "white moonlight" (his beloved). Her intention was to disgust Xu Shu, to make her see Xu Chaozong's heartlessness, and then, like the original owner of this body, suffer despair and torment, both physically and mentally. Little did she know, just a wall away, two men were secretly eavesdropping.
As for Xu Chaozong, well, he had already severed all ties, so it didn't matter to him no matter how you looked at it.
Fu Yu stood there, however. As a soldier, his hearing was extraordinary, and he had heard countless things.
You Tong never expected Fu Yu to come to this event. Startled and flustered, she didn't wait for anyone to lead the way and, relying on her familiarity with the Prince Rui's residence, ran out as if fleeing.
As soon as I stepped out of the hanging flower gate, I heard someone behind me say, "You seem to know this Prince's mansion very well."
It was Fu Yu's voice.
You Tong sighed inwardly, knowing there was no way to avoid it, so she slowed down and turned her head, a hint of embarrassment in her eyes.
Then Fu Yu approached with calm, steady eyes and a hint of...sourness in his expression.
Chapter 98 Care
In winter, the Prince Rui's mansion is desolate, with the sun shining dimly and offering little warmth.
You Tong was completely wrapped in a silver-red and gold-sprinkled cloak. Feeling the wind chilling her ears, she pulled Zhaojun over her head, leaving only her eyebrows and eyes visible amidst the fluffy white fox fur. Seeing Fu Yu's sour expression, her inexplicable embarrassment lessened considerably—it was just a case of being caught using a provocation, why was she panicking?
She glanced at him and smiled, saying calmly, "After all, I used to come here often, so I still remember the way."
Her voice carried a hint of teasing, her profile was exquisite, and the corners of her eyes and eyebrows exuded a graceful charm.
Fu Yu choked, then quickened his pace and walked to her side.
You Tong then asked, "Did the general hear what was said just now?"
"Hmm." Fu Yu murmured, taking advantage of his height to glance at her from the side.
You Tong, not wanting him to misunderstand and cause unnecessary trouble, explained, "I said those things to provoke Xu Shu. The knife she stabbed me with before, I'm returning now. What happens to her in the end doesn't matter; I just want her to know what that feels like. As for the rest, I'm not afraid of being laughed at by the general, but I did indeed try to jump into the lake that day. Firstly, the ridicule and insults outside were so severe that no one could bear it; secondly, Prince Rui's actions were chilling." She gave a wry smile. "If I were unlucky enough to die in the icy lake, then in terms of the culprits, those two were actually the ones who stabbed me the deepest. Grand Tutor Xu has already paid with his life. As for the rest, even if I don't have the ability to do anything to him, how could I easily forget the past?"
They will not forget the past, and will naturally keep the lessons learned in mind, so there will be no more lingering thoughts or desires.
She spoke as if it were nothing, but her tone and expression revealed a deep certainty.
Fu Yu seemed to be touched, and his brows furrowed slightly.
During their marriage, the couple rarely mentioned the past. Occasionally, when Xu Chaozong was mentioned, they would simply say that it was all in the past and there was no point in dwelling on it anymore. You Tong, mindful of Fu Yu's arrogance, naturally dared not mention her feelings and thoughts at the time to him. Fu Yu, on the other hand, did not have such delicate sensibilities at the time. Although he had speculated about the situation of his childhood sweetheart, he never asked her about it.
Like a thin cicada wing, try not to touch it and carefully avoid it.
But this is not a long-term solution.
Everyone's temperament and actions are rooted in their past experiences. For You Tong, Xu Chaozong was a lesson, or perhaps a shadow—the kind of person who, once bitten, is afraid of even a rope for ten years. So much so that even when Xu Chaozong made verbal promises, You Tong still unconsciously became timid and hesitant, only trusting what he had in his hands.
Fu Yu glanced at You Tong, a hint of pity rising in his eyes. "What happened in the past? Can you tell me about it?"
You Tong slightly raised her almond-shaped eyes, a clear look of surprise in them. She had always thought that, given Fu Yu's proud and arrogant nature, he wouldn't bother asking about the past, especially since another man was involved. Ideally, he would erase the past's absurdity and naivety, leaving only the long road ahead, to walk side by side. But she hadn't expected him to ask about it, and judging from his gaze and expression, it wasn't jealousy, but a genuine desire to understand.
She looked into those eyes, and gradually, a smile appeared on her lips.
"Okay, one story for another."
With her eyebrows slightly raised, she looked like she was determined not to suffer any loss.
Fu Yu smiled and said, "No objection."
The rest of life is long, and why not slowly tell her about the joys and sorrows of the past that no one knows?
The two left the mansion together. Fu Yu had already ordered someone to prepare a light carriage covered with blue cloth outside to wait for them. He asked You Tong to get in and said that the situation in the capital had been dangerous these past two days, and You Tong had gotten involved in the matter between Prince Ying and Prince Rui. He was worried about leaving her at the Wei mansion, so he had already spoken to Wei Sidao and arranged for her to stay in a secluded place for the time being.
You Tong was aware of the risks involved, and out of caution, she followed his instructions.
...
Long after the guests left, Xu Shu remained sitting in the empty room.
Since Wei Youtong quietly returned to the capital, the past half-month has been the most difficult period of her life. The once highly praised Grand Tutor's mansion has been utterly disgraced, and even though she is now a princess, she is powerless to salvage the situation. Amidst the overwhelming public outrage and condemnation, the Xu family has lost all face, her grandfather has died from anger, and she herself has fallen from a noble and elegant princess to her current state overnight.
With his grandfather gone, the Xu family's power collapsed, and after being blackmailed by the Fu family, they were practically abandoned.
Her husband, Xu Chaozong, the man she loved so deeply and who had gone to great lengths to marry her, abandoned her at such a crucial moment. Her former pride, dignity, and painstaking efforts were shattered when she knelt down to apologize, removing her hairpin. The last glimmer of hope she had gained by sacrificing her dignity had now vanished.
Xu Shu was filled with regret at this moment, feeling like her intestines were turning green with envy.
If she could do it all over again, she would never believe his lies again and plead for him; that would only bring shame upon herself!
Now, she's lost the power of her maternal family, becoming a laughingstock among her former defeated adversaries. And her husband, whom she had pledged herself to, not only abandoned her but also harbors ulterior motives… Looking around, the sun is bleak, the vegetation withered, and the once opulent royal palace is empty and desolate. Even if she survives, where will she go from here? With the Xu family's reputation ruined and without Xu Chaozong's protection, will she become a laughingstock, ridiculed and scorned like Wei Youtong was?
The sun disappeared behind the mountains, and the surroundings slowly darkened. A cold wind rose in the courtyard, chilling the air.
Xu Shu had no idea what Wei Youtong was thinking when she hid in the mansion and walked towards the frozen lake at night.
But at this moment, a thought was stirring in her mind.
Before yesterday, she had dreamt more than once of Xu Chaozong ascending the throne, and her, as his first wife, being crowned Empress, revered and worshipped by thousands, enjoying unparalleled glory. Even before the dream came true, she was the noble Princess Consort of Rui, a woman at the pinnacle of power, envied and flattered by countless people. But overnight, it was as if everything had collapsed. Her glory vanished with a roar, and even her last remaining hope was coldly shattered by Xu Chaozong, leaving her tormented by a mix of emotions: sorrow, humiliation, and despair…
She was actually only seventeen or eighteen years old. She had been pampered since childhood and had not experienced many setbacks.
The rest of my life is long, I am alone and destitute, and I have lost all hope. How can I go on?
Xu Shu sat alone, oblivious to her hunger. Hearing the maids outside whispering about whether to come in and disturb her, she felt utterly humiliated. The person she was waiting for hadn't come to see her, and her trusted maids and nannies were all confined to their quarters, unable to come. A bitter, ironic smile crept onto her lips. Finally, she stood up and walked out the door.
"Tell His Highness that I did not break my promise. After all, we were husband and wife, so please remember my past contributions."
—If her death could resolve Xu Chaozong's grievances, then Grand Tutor Xu's hard work wouldn't have been in vain, would it?
The maid who had come to deliver the meal on Xu Chaozong's orders hurriedly bowed, not knowing what she meant, and looked at each other in bewilderment.
Seeing that Xu Shu went out alone, he sensed that something was wrong and hurriedly went to report to Xu Chaozong.
Xu Chaozong was currently in his study, utterly distraught. After You Tong and Fu Yu left, he had been thinking about Emperor Xiping and went to the palace again. This time he did manage to get to the Emperor's presence, but unfortunately, Emperor Xiping was unconscious after taking his medicine, and the father and son couldn't speak. Based on his years of experience in the palace, Xu Chaozong vaguely sensed that Emperor Xiping must have revealed some of his true feelings. Several important people in the palace, including the Empress, were treating him differently than usual.
It is said that Consort Zhao has been granted an audience twice recently, while Consort Ling has been consistently refused entry.
The implications of this situation are self-evident: he no longer harbors any hope for Emperor Xiping and can only proceed according to Fu Yu's plan.
Xu Chaozong was losing his hair over this matter when he heard the maid's report, and his expression changed drastically.
He did harbor resentment towards the Xu family, but two years of trust and reliance had already intertwined their grievances. Love couldn't be etched into his bones, nor could hatred. Making Xu Shu remove her hairpin to plead guilty was an act of conscience, a feeling that an explanation was indeed warranted, and also a way of making his stance clear to Fu Yu—since he needed their help to secure the supreme position, what harm was there in temporarily showing deference? Xu Shu's kneeling was as an old friend, not as a princess, and he understood.
He understood what You Tong was saying today; all he wanted was to settle old scores, not to take Xu Shu's life.