Even if he couldn't explain why, this woman still held a special place in his heart, unlike anyone else.
He stood under the east wall, his gaze lingering between You Tong's face and the stone tablet, listening to her talk eloquently without interrupting.
You Tong had no idea what he was thinking. After she finished speaking, she saw that Fu Yu was just looking at her silently, so she guessed that a decisive and powerful man like him might not really be interested in this. So she changed the subject and said, "Husband, you came back quite early today."
"I visited a few old friends on behalf of my father and then returned." Fu Yu quickly came to his senses, then put his hand on her shoulder. "Come here, I have something to tell you."
The two entered the house, closed the door, and Fu Yu handed her the invitation.
You Tong unfolded the invitation; it was gilded and precious, and the handwriting on it was extremely familiar. She paused for a moment, but didn't say anything. After reading the contents, she looked up in surprise.
Fu Yu was also looking at her.
"Do you want to go?" he asked.
You Tong met his deep, clear, yet enigmatic gaze and hesitated slightly.
Chapter 37 Warning
From her previous audience with the Emperor, You Tong could deduce from the attitudes of Emperor Xiping and Empress Sun that Xu Chaozong's invitation to Fu Yu was likely related to the war in the south. This matter concerned the court and the people, far more important than her personal grudges and feelings. Unfortunately, Xu Chaozong and Fu Yu's status and relationship were somewhat awkward because of her involvement.
Fu Yu, however, was proud and arrogant, and valued his reputation and dignity highly.
You Tong felt that a normal man probably wouldn't want to take his wife to meet her ex-lover, even if the woman might not be to his liking.
But since he asked that question, perhaps he had another purpose.
Fu Yu's thoughts have always been unpredictable, so You Tong used a little trick and innocently threw the question back at him.
"Does my husband want me to go?"
This evasive answer made Fu Yu's lips curl slightly, and he smiled without saying a word. The couple looked at each other, and he, like an old fox, refused to give in, even with a hint of amusement.
You Tong almost wanted to facepalm, deciding to give up the struggle and ignore his intentions.
She casually tossed the invitation onto the table and said, "If I have to go, I'd like to see Xu Shu. As my husband knows, Xu Shu and I were once quite close, but she stirred up trouble for her own selfish desires, leaving me with a terrible reputation throughout the city. I have a lot of grudges against her, but I was powerless to do so before. Now that I have a chance to use her influence, I want to settle some scores."
"Looks like you didn't get enough at Fengyang Palace?"
"In front of everyone, we feel so constrained," You Tong frowned, looking quite regretful.
Fu Yu glanced at him, his smile deepening.
That very night, You Tong dutifully told him about her willful behavior at Fengyang Palace, which was attributed to the tiger's power.
Fu Yu was quite pleased to hear this.
Now that Xu Chaozong has sent the invitation, he may well be trying to repair the situation.
Fu Yu's interest grew even stronger, and he sat down at the table, looking up at her. "Xu Shu's matter is simple. What about Prince Rui?"
Upon hearing this question, You Tong seemed to detect a hint of sourness in it.
However, she knew her place; she wasn't important enough to make the proud and arrogant Fu Yu jealous. After all, jealousy stemmed from love, and he and Fu Yu were only pretending to be a couple, neither intending to stay together long-term. There was no love, so where did jealousy come from? Perhaps he had a moment of kindness and asked for her opinion before making a decision—
Compared to the autocratic and stubborn Wei Sidao, Fu Yu is much better in this respect.
She smiled gently, took out her knife and cut open an orange, and slowly said, "The things of my youthful ignorance are all in the past. Xu Chaozong's identity is Prince Rui, and to me, he is a complete stranger. If my husband wants me to attend, I can put on the demeanor of the young mistress of the Fu family, appear dignified, and listen to what I say and how I express myself. If there is no need for this, I am happy to be at peace. Rest assured, no matter when we meet, I will not tarnish my husband's reputation in the slightest."
As she spoke, she handed him the halved orange, her eyebrows slightly raised, her expression confident and resolute.
Fu Yu glanced at her, his smile deepening on his dignified face.
"Okay. Come with me to the banquet the day after tomorrow. Dress nicely."
Having said that, he rose and left, instructing someone to inform Xu Chaozong that he would be visiting Liuyuan Garden the day after tomorrow with his wife for a banquet. He specifically mentioned that You Tong wished to have a private chat with Princess Rui, hoping that Prince Rui could make the arrangements.
...
The Lingering Garden is located in the northwest corner of the capital city, with magnificent palaces and exquisite pavilions.
In early spring, while other places remain desolate and cold, here the bamboo groves are lush and green, and the streams murmur. Inside the spacious hall, charcoal braziers have been burning since autumn, and dozens of gardeners meticulously care for the famous flowers sourced from various places. Although the expense is extravagant, it ensures that flowers bloom in all four seasons, filling the air with pleasant fragrance.
Xu Chaozong, having grown up in the Prince's mansion, was accustomed to such things and paid them no mind.
Xu Shu was the granddaughter of the Grand Tutor. She had almost never had the chance to come here before. At the beginning of her marriage, she was busy dealing with trivial matters. After that, when spring came and flowers bloomed, there were plenty of beautiful places to enjoy, so there was no need to come here. But now, this was the first time she had set foot here. She should have been happy, surrounded by wealth and beauty, with her husband by her side. But now, looking at the lush greenery and the blooming branches in deep purple and light pink, she couldn't smile at all.
"When they arrive, let them have tea here first." Xu Chaozong was particularly concerned about this matter in order to win over the Fu family's support. He specially came half an hour early to supervise the servants in arranging the tables, chairs, cups, and plates. He also instructed Xu Shu, "After serving the tea, if You Tong wants to speak alone, please invite her to the west pavilion. There are calligraphy and paintings that she likes there. Prepare the fruit, snacks, and tea according to her old preferences, as you know."
Only after saying this did a hint of embarrassment flash across Xu Shu's eyes.
Xu Chaozong suddenly realized what was happening, paused for a moment, and felt a little embarrassed.
He then put his arm around Xu Shu's shoulder and said as if nothing was wrong, "If the Fu family soldiers can lend me a hand, we will be much more at ease in the future. You have always been reasonable and flexible, so please bear with this hardship for my sake. If this matter can be accomplished, I will remember your contribution."
His voice was gentle, but there was a hint of affection in it, which Xu Shu knew perfectly well.
Initially, she coveted the position of princess and, taking advantage of Wei Youtong's influence, always presented herself as understanding, gentle, and virtuous in front of Xu Chaozong. Later, Grand Tutor Xu secretly had several people persuade her, using the benefits of vying for the throne to convince Consort Ling and Xu Chaozong to abandon their old agreement and form an alliance with the Grand Tutor, thus proposing marriage to the Xu family.
Xu Shu knew perfectly well why Xu Chaozong had taken a liking to her.
She tried her best to put on a gentle smile and nodded, "Your Highness, rest assured, I know my limits."
"You know You Tong's personality; she's a bit spoiled. If she gets upset later, just let her have her way."
"I understand."
"I'm sorry to have troubled you." Xu Chaozong patted her shoulder lightly, turned his head, and left the house.
...
When You Tong and Fu Yu arrived, Xu Chaozong's face was already radiant with a clear and bright expression. He stood at the end of the corridor in his brocade robes, exuding a noble and dignified air. He was actually very handsome, inheriting some of the beauty of Consort Ling. His features were exquisite and refined, and he was in the prime of his life. The pine-green brocade robe he wore was a top-quality tribute brocade, worth a thousand gold pieces. It suited him perfectly, highlighting his extraordinary charm.
The winding corridors of Liuyuan Garden are warm and inviting, and the forsythia bushes in front of the house bloom earlier than elsewhere, heralding the arrival of spring.
He stood there with his hands behind his back, his jade crown and beautiful face revealing a refined and elegant air as he looked over.
Such beauty once captivated the original owner, leaving her with unforgettable memories, but now, in You Tong's eyes, it no longer stirred any emotion.
She glanced at him only once before casually looking away and turning her gaze to Fu Yu.
The couple walked side by side, only inches apart. His clothes were always jet black, with only the collar and cuffs trimmed with deep red, intricate and elaborate. He had once intimidated tens of thousands of enemy troops with his formidable reputation, his iron cavalry crushing invading soldiers, striking fear into the hearts of all. As he charged forward, his clothes' patterns resembled the bloodstains left by slaughter in the dark night. Every step he had taken was etched into his very bones, forging a cold, sharp edge.
Even now, as he walked toward Xu Chaozong with a stern and cold demeanor, he exuded an aura of authority that could intimidate even a prince.
As if sensing her gaze, Fu Yu suddenly raised his arm and put his arm around her shoulder.
His long, slender fingers, accustomed to wielding a sword, slightly curled and gripped her delicate arm.
Behind the couple, Du He, accompanied by two bodyguards and surrounded by servants and maids, formed a formidable entourage. Normally, in front of so many people, Fu Yu would maintain a dignified and imposing demeanor, but at this moment…
You Tong was slightly surprised, then heard him say in a low voice, "What, is Madam unwilling?"
The voice was extremely low, yet it clearly reached You Tong's ears.
She dared not disobey, so she moved closer to him and whispered, "I'm still counting on my husband to back me up."
Her tone carried a hint of teasing and joking, her eyebrows slightly curved, and her smile charming.
Fu Yu's lips twitched as he caught a faint fragrance from her hair and sniffed it.
This action, witnessed by Xu Chaozong across the hall, was utterly dazzling—a perfect match of hero and beauty, such praise had quietly spread after Fu Yu returned to the capital with his wife. Previously, in the Linde Hall, he had restrained himself from looking too closely, but now, seeing Fu Yu's imposing and heroic figure, his dignified and resolute demeanor, and You Tong's graceful and charming appearance, her elegant and graceful bearing, made her appear like a pearl set in a golden crown beside him.
You Tong looked at Fu Yu with a smile, her eyes clear and focused, alluring yet restrained.
That same gaze had been cast upon him before, even more focused and affectionate than it was now.
Xu Chaozong felt a sharp, tearing pain surge through his heart. The image of the girl, laughing and playing in the past, floated into his mind—bright spring days and autumn sunshine. The memories, never buried, were vivid and clear, as if they happened yesterday. His heart felt like it was being cut by a knife, bleeding profusely.
He unconsciously clenched his hands, feeling a slight soreness in his throat, so he cleared his throat and shifted his gaze to the warm, soft water.
He forced down the overwhelming pain and tried his best to focus his thoughts on the majestic palace and the supreme throne.
With a thousand thoughts swirling in his mind, Xu Chaozong had already regained his composed smile as Fu Yu and You Tong approached.
"General Fu, young mistress," he greeted first.
Fu Yu released You Tong, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "Your Highness, Prince Rui."
You Tong also curtsied in greeting and was then ushered into the house.
...
Xu Chaozong prepared an exceptionally lavish banquet.
Even though the war in the south was raging, and Emperor Xiping was constantly complaining about being poor in the Linde Hall, the cold dishes at this banquet were made with many rare and precious ingredients. The cups, plates, and bowls were all exquisite and valuable; presumably, more delicacies would be served later. Servants respectfully brought over teacups, the tea being a rare and precious tribute, its flavor quite fresh, suggesting it hadn't been long since arriving in the capital.
If I'm not mistaken, during last year's tea-picking season, rebels and government troops in the tea-producing area were locked in a fierce battle.
At that time, the royal family, who were supported by the whole country, still had the mind to order people to present tribute tea.
A mocking smile crossed Fu Yu's mind, but his expression remained cold and indifferent as he spoke with Xu Chaozong about the several battles with the Tatars and Dongdan.
After three cups of tea, servants filed in, each carrying a lacquered tray, which indeed contained famous dishes from the capital.
These ingredients are rare, and when cooked by the imperial chefs, they become even more delicious.
You Tong, unusually, did not indulge in the food. Seeing that the two were talking about war and trying to get to the point, she, sitting there in the way, said, "I have a few questions I would like to ask Your Highness. Is it convenient for you?"
Xu Chaozong paused, his gaze quickly sweeping across her face before turning to Xu Shu.
Xu Shu forced a smile and said, "Of course."
Then, with the help of her accompanying maid, she got up and tried to lead You Tong to the West Pavilion.
Before he could even take a step, Fu Yu said, "I'm a vengeful person, and I have a narrow mind—"
The voice was cold and abrupt, causing Xu Shu's heart to skip a beat. She turned her head and saw Fu Yu's sharp, eagle-like eyes looking directly at her. His eyes were dark and gloomy, filled with a domineering and intimidating aura, as if they held a hidden meaning. Even though she had been in the palace for a long time, she still felt a chill when she met that razor-sharp gaze.
Then Fu Yu calmly lowered his head and drank his tea, continuing, "If the enemy dares to invade, I will retaliate with my wrath."
This is about military affairs and warfare, but there is clearly a hidden meaning.
Xu Shu felt a slight tightness in her chest, and when she looked away, she happened to meet You Tong's gaze.
Calm as a cold pool, indifferent yet sharp.
Chapter 38 Questioning
The West Pavilion is exquisitely decorated.