From being thousands of miles apart to being within arm's reach, it all seems like just a moment.
You Tong stared wide-eyed, seeing the reflection in his eyes.
The carriage rumbled forward, its body swaying slightly. Their breaths mingled, landing on their cheeks, warm and slightly itchy.
You Tong stepped back into the corner, her surprise turning to delight. She smiled and said, "You scared me to death! I thought something had happened."
"Don't worry, it's nothing." Fu Yu chuckled, then sat down beside her and wrapped his arms around her. "Why are you walking so slowly?"
“It’s a carriage after all, not as fast as you can on horseback. I’ve already tried my best to go fast.” You Tong leaned against him and helped straighten his collar, which had been ruffled by the wind. “I also sent you a message. It’s a four-day journey. We should be able to enter the city by noon today.”
But he couldn't wait.
I've been waiting ever since I received the news of her departure.
I stayed up for two nights, and if I hadn't been held up by important matters, I would have rushed to pick her up last night.
Fu Yu's eyes were deep and intense. He wrapped one arm around her, while the other stroked her brows, eyes, and cheeks. He lowered his head and kissed her lips again. Her skin was soft and tender, her breath sweet as orchids—a scent he had longed to savor countless times. His restraint crumbled instantly. As his arms tightened, her soft breasts pressed against his chest, the thin summer shirt making his heart flutter.
The kisses grew hot and urgent, greedily seizing, until he almost pressed her against the wall of the room, wantonly plundering her.
Chapter 123 Deathbed
The carriage slowly traveled for more than forty miles before Fu Yu finally let You Tong go.
As they approached the city gate, he solemnly ordered the coachman to rein in the horse, then straightened his clothes and bowed as he stepped out. Maintaining his initial dignified and imposing posture, he took the reins from the shadowy figure and leaped onto the horse. In that brief moment, You Tong lifted the side curtain and looked out. The city gates and towers stood majestically and silently as before, and the soldiers on the city walls were even more disciplined than before.
Because of the recent influx of all sorts of people entering and leaving the city, even though Wei Jian was defeated and fled, he still had many spies left in the capital. Among the gatekeepers were many sharp-eyed confidants of the Fu family, who were dedicated to catching those who slipped through the net.
To prevent chaos, each of the nine gates dispatched a junior officer to deter the villains.
Upon seeing Fu Yu, the young general leading the group immediately bowed respectfully. Seeing the more than one hundred iron cavalry guards behind Fu Yu, the surrounding people spontaneously made way for him.
From leading troops into the city to quell the rebellion, to now managing the court and inspecting city defenses, Fu Yu rides his horse along Zhuque Street several times a day. Over time, the surrounding people have come to remember his imposing and stern face. Compared to the previously domineering yet weak and incompetent royal relatives, this General Fu has rescued the people from suffering, maintains strict military discipline, and commits no offenses against the people. In just a few days, he has restored order to the city, earning the respect of the populace.
Moreover, prior to this, the Fu family's reputation for guarding the border and suppressing rebellions had already spread far and wide.
The common people may not understand the undercurrents in the imperial court, but they know that whoever has the strongest fist is the boss.
The current emperor was unable to stop the rebels, allowing the capital to be forced to surrender and the palace to be looted. Even if he were alive now, he would have little ability left. On the other hand, the Fu family traveled a thousand miles to come to the aid of the emperor, quelled the bandits, and restored peace to the people. It is said that the Fu family's army is now stationed all around the capital and inside and outside the palace, and even the city patrol corps and the disorganized imperial guards are under their command.
Who would dare to disrespect such a person?
Some people took the lead in making way, and others, seeing this, quickly followed suit and stepped aside.
In the blink of an eye, a path was cleared on the Vermilion Bird Street, the middle of which was spacious enough for two carriages to pass side by side, with crowds of people on both sides peering out.
A moment later, with the Fu family guards clearing the way, a sturdy and spacious carriage slowly drove up.
A magnificent carriage, adorned with a green canopy and carved with precious stones, was covered in the dust of its long journey. Occasionally, a side curtain would sway gently, revealing a beautiful woman in elegant attire, her hair adorned with golden hairpins, seated gracefully within. Though the carriage itself lacked elaborate decorations, its craftsmanship was exquisite, with clearly defined patterns. Fu Yu rode alongside her, accompanied by over a hundred iron cavalrymen as escorts, creating a grand and imposing spectacle, no less impressive than the royal processions of a prince's palace.
It is unclear who first found out that the carriage came from Qizhou, and the beautiful woman in gorgeous clothes inside was Fu Yu's wife, Wei Youtong.
After several ups and downs and numerous rumors, who doesn't know the name Wei Youtong?
She was abandoned by Prince Rui and suffered endless infamy, but then she married into the Fu family. Now, Fu Yu personally went out of the city to welcome her back with his invincible cavalry, which shows how much he loves and respects her.
As the carriage slowly drove away, the crowd whispered among themselves, their voices filled with envy.
...
Inside the carriage, You Tong could not hear the whispers and discussions, but she knew she was being watched all around her.
Separated by a soft curtain, she maintained the most dignified sitting posture until the carriage stopped outside the Osmanthus Garden, at which point she relaxed slightly.
After capturing the capital, this place was not only used for Fu Yu's residence but also for handling official business, with two rows of soldiers standing guard at the gate. You Tong was helped down from the carriage by Yu Zan. Before she could even stand properly, Du He hurried over to report to Fu Yu. She leaned against the carriage and waited for him in the shade of a tree.
A moment later, after Fu Yu finished giving his instructions, Du He clasped his hands in response and then turned to bow to her.
"Greetings, young mistress."
“General Du.” You Tong nodded.
Fu Yu strolled over and said, "I didn't sleep a wink last night because of the bandits. If there's nothing urgent today, don't bother me."
Du He obeyed the order and left.
The gatekeeper was busy welcoming the carriages, while You Tong followed Fu Yu inside.
Passing through the study that had been converted into a temporary government office, and entering through the hanging flower archway, one arrives at the rear garden residence. It is still the same courtyard where she used to live, with towering old locust trees and elegant maple trees, their shadows dappled and carpeting the ground. Maids and servants wait respectfully at the entrance, bowing in neat rows.
The couple walked side by side, with Yu Zan and Qiu Kui following a few steps behind. Once inside the courtyard, they tactfully stopped.
The door was half-open, and fresh fruits and vegetables were laid out on the table inside.
Despite the sweltering heat and exhaustion from her journey, You Tong felt thirsty upon seeing the chopped fruit pieces and quickened her pace to walk further in.
She hadn't taken two steps inside when she heard a loud bang. Turning around, she saw the light dim and the door slam shut. The next instant, Fu Yu, who had been walking calmly, moved like the wind, taking half a step forward, hooking his arm around her waist, and gently pulling her back into his embrace. Half a year's worth of longing had been pent up during their passionate kiss in the carriage, all of which had transformed into desire. As they traveled along the Vermilion Bird Street, though he remained calm and composed, beneath the surface, a turbulent undercurrent was brewing.
Now that there are no outsiders around, they can do whatever they want.
Fu Yu had already dealt with the thorny matter before she returned to the capital, and having stolen half a day of leisure, he was already itching to make a move.
You Tong was weak and limp, no match for his strength. After a slight struggle, she was pinned down on the table.
Their lips and tongues intertwined, their clothes half-undone, the faint chirping of cicadas outside could not drown out the hurried breaths in their ears.
The plate of fruits looked fresh and tempting; the juice smeared on her lips, and he took most of it.
After noon, Fu Yu, under the pretext of washing away the dust of travel, ordered someone to bring water in. After lunch and a short rest, Fu Yu roused himself again, acting as if he were about to hand over half a year's worth of imperial rations, and began to torment her in various ways. He only stopped when You Tong was completely exhausted and refused to let him touch her anymore, then carried her to bathe and ordered someone to bring dinner.
Such a day of hard work almost made You Tong's bones fall apart.
Fu Yu, however, was a seasoned warrior who grew stronger with each battle. After dinner, he refrained from further abusing her out of conscience, and they simply cuddled and talked in the tent. But before going to sleep, he still succumbed to his beastly nature and tormented her until midnight.
So much so that by noon the next day, You Tong was still lying in the brocade quilt, refusing to move.
In the afternoon, Yu Zan helped her to the inner room to bathe. Looking at the marks all over her body, she muttered "beast" several times in secret.
The consequences of such indulgence are quite serious—
For two consecutive nights, when Fu Yu tried to seduce her, You Tong kicked him away, citing his still-healing injury, refusing to let him have any sexual relations. He could only settle for second best, restraining himself and holding her as they slept through the night. It wasn't until the fourth day, when he had some free time, that he took a bath and half-opened his nightgown, displaying his hot chest and lean waist to her. He used all his strength to finally entice her to break her vow.
...
Naturally, You Tong's trip to the capital this time was not just for a reunion with her husband and for their sweet romance.
With the capital city initially stabilized, Fu Deming, as the prime minister, managed state affairs, while Fu Yu guarded the palace and the defenses of the capital region. With the assistance of his uncle, he gradually took over political affairs.
His original plan to use someone else to kill him failed. Given Xu Chaozong's deep hatred and determination to fight to the death, he would likely be branded a usurper. Since things had come to this, Fu Yu was no longer in a hurry to kill Xu Chaozong and take his place. Instead, he used the pretext that the emperor was traumatized by the chaos and that the rebels, still harboring treacherous intentions, were lurking in the capital and plotting to assassinate him, to "protect" the emperor within the Forbidden City.
With the emperor's name and unshakeable military power, matters of the court become much easier to handle.
Outside the capital, apart from Wei Jian, the military governor of Dingjun, and Jiang Shao, the military governor of Jianchang, the north was already under the control of the Fu family. The Xuanzhou area was also controlled by Fu family troops who were willing to obey orders. As for Chuzhou, the north and south were in chaos due to Zheng Biao's actions. The government troops were scattered and the government offices were in disarray. Even if a capable person were sent to reorganize the situation, it would not be able to stir up any trouble for the time being.
During these two months, Fu Yu was stationed in the capital, busy eliminating potential threats and consolidating his power.
With the palace raided, the emperor was unable to attend court, and all affairs of the court were handed over to Fu Yu and his nephew. The palace and the defense of the capital region also fell into the hands of the Fu family. Who could not see the implications behind this?
Yongning's reputation for clean governance has spread far and wide. In the year and a half that Fu Deming has been in the capital, he has gone from initially struggling and losing popular support to now being able to enforce orders and gradually gaining momentum. In addition to winning people's hearts, he has also earned the respect of many. Compared to the mediocre and incompetent Xu family, who have twice instigated rebellions, the Fu family's iron-fisted ambition is evident to all.
Apart from a few stubborn loyal ministers and officials who secretly colluded with Wei Jian, the people gradually submitted to his rule.
As Fu Yu's wife, You Tong is also quite busy at this critical juncture.
The front courtyard of Dan Gui Garden was converted into an office for Fu Yu to handle miscellaneous matters outside of the court, while the back courtyard had a side gate for receiving female relatives.
For four whole months, people came and went at Dan Gui Garden, and Fu Yu was so busy that he barely had time to breathe, but his situation also improved rapidly. The stubborn old ministers were won over one by one, and the spies of the Wei family were removed one after another. At first, the court officials had a lot of complaints about the Fu family's almost tyrannical approach, but now they only recognized Fu Yu and did not mention the emperor. The fact that the court and the public had accepted the fact that the Fu family was in power had been accepted.
Deep within the palace, Xu Chaozong continued to live a life of luxury, but he was confined to his small space and gradually faded from memory.
The old ministers who had initially gone to great lengths to enter the palace and meet the emperor were all defeated one by one by Fu Yu and disappeared without a trace. The former generals who had been loyal and tried to save him from his predicament were also no match for the Fu family's ferocity and vanished without a trace. Even the palace servants and eunuchs, who had initially served him with respect, became lax and lazy.
For four months, there was no communication between the inside and outside, and he could only mourn within the four walls of the palace.
This palace was once his domain, but now it has become his prison.
As summer faded and winter arrived, the maple tree in the courtyard gradually withered. In the long, agonizing nights, Xu Chaozong counted the blue bricks beneath his feet and the marks on the walls, reflecting on his short life—born into nobility as a child, he was pampered by his grandfather and enjoyed a life of luxury; as a youth, he was unrestrained and had a childhood sweetheart, yet he was the least favored of his father among the three brothers; and then…
It seems that things went wrong from the moment his elder brother passed away, when he was unwilling to remain silent and determined to seize the throne.
His beloved of his youth married another, and his wife of many years was abandoned in the face of conflicting interests. The coveted throne, however, brought him no joy. After the initial euphoria of triumph, he was left with only the tedious and mundane affairs of state, beset by internal and external troubles, and the country falling apart. Without military power, he felt like a lone figure pushing a boulder uphill, weary and powerless. Even knowing the Fu family's ambitions, he was forced to compromise and exploit them, ultimately nurturing a predator that led to his current predicament.
Those ministers who once groveled at his feet have now turned to the Fu family.
Despite being the emperor, he couldn't even step out of this narrow courtyard. In his distress, Xu Chaozong rapidly lost weight. After sleepless nights and days of torment, his already weak will quickly eroded.
The capital city was already quite cold in October, with howling winds at night and snowflakes falling in scattered patterns.
Xu Chaozong, wrapped in a slightly worn cloak, sat by the fireplace, lost in thought, and eventually drifted off to sleep.
He had a dream. A distant dream, now sealed away in a corner of his memory.
In his dream, he was still young, without any ambition to covet his elder brother's position. His daily worries were only the lessons assigned by his teacher and his father's occasional questioning. Not yet old enough to leave the palace and establish his own household, he still lived in the palace, and his mother would often bring Youyou to keep him company. That charming, soft, innocent, and beautiful little girl was someone he had practically watched grow up. She would accompany him to pick flowers and catch crickets all over the palace, she would quietly burn incense and write calligraphy with him, she would bring him fragrant and soft pastries when she entered the palace, she would sneak out of the palace with him to the bustling market, and she would hold onto his clothes and wipe away tears when she fell, acting coquettishly.
He once cherished and loved that little girl dearly.
But later, they got separated.
As if led away by her unrecognizable grandfather, she skipped and hopped in her delicate, pale yellow brocade dress to pick flowers, with the icy lake water in front of her. He tried his best to call her back, his voice hoarse, but she seemed not to hear him, wading through the water until she was gradually swallowed up, never looking back at him again.
When Xu Chaozong woke up from his dream, his eyes were icy cold.
He sat there in a daze until dawn, then wrote a short letter and asked the palace servants to deliver it to Fu Yu when they brought him his meal.
Chapter 124 Questioning
The letter was handed over to the guards of Hanliang Palace by palace servants, and then quickly delivered to Fu Yu.
At that moment, Fu Yu sat upright in the government office, discussing state affairs with Fu Deming and several court officials. The guards inside and outside the palace were all in the hands of the Fu family's generals, and after Xu Chaozong appeared, drafting an edict for him to temporarily take over the government would not be difficult. Fu Yu unfolded the letter handed to him and glanced at it. His eyes darkened slightly, but he did not say much. He simply nodded to signal Du He to leave.
After the matter was discussed, he got up and left the government office, heading straight for Dan Gui Garden.
Last night, the north wind howled, and snow fell all night long, accumulating to about an inch. This morning, thick clouds covered the sun, and a chilly wind blew straight down to the neck. The Osmanthus Garden was covered in silver, except for the passageways and gates which had been swept clean by the servants. The flowers, trees, and rocks were all hidden under the snow, and a few shallow cat paw prints were left on the ground.
The Yinfeng Pavilion, where You Tong resides, is filled with a warm and harmonious atmosphere at this moment.
After winter set in, Yu Zan busied herself changing the curtains to thicker ones and bringing out a charcoal brazier. The wind had been blowing hard last night, so she lit the silver charcoal early, making the room warm and cozy. She used a silver knife to cut open a fresh orange, the sweet flesh neatly sliced. You Tong took a piece and bit into it, flipping through the account books sent from Qi Zhou.
Suddenly, they heard familiar footsteps at the door. Looking up, they saw Fu Yu, dressed in formal attire, walk in.