"Won't."
Fu Yu remained silent.
He knew that You Tong disliked this mansion and had stayed in the South Building since the beginning of their marriage. Apart from her friendship with Lan Yin, she wasn't very close to anyone in Shou'an Hall. He had also witnessed all the grievances she had suffered in the Fu family—many of which were caused by his own arrogance.
You reap what you sow. The Fu family did not treat her well, and she refused to stay, so he had no grounds for criticism.
Those who are forced to stay are merely serving Cao Cao's camp; they are not truly loyal.
Fu Yu's eyes were filled with turbulent emotions, his brows furrowed more and more tightly, and he suddenly pulled You Tong into his arms and sighed.
You Tong didn't move, letting him hold her.
She had longed for this embrace, and she was well aware of the changes this man had made for her.
But given the atmosphere of the mansion, she couldn't simply force herself to fit in.
Fu Yu had his pride and ambitions, and so did she—even if they were small and ordinary. It's just that she had a bad reputation and no one to rely on before, so she didn't know his true strength and had no right to fight for it.
...
The room grew darker and darker, with only the rustling footsteps of the maids coming and going outside and the sound of the wind rustling the treetops.
Fu Yu held her in his arms, his hand stroking her hair. After a long while, he said, "After the divorce, shall we open your hot pot restaurant?"
"Yes. Du Shuangxi and Aunt Xia are skilled enough, and the manager and accountant have also been found. They are Grandma Xu's grandson."
“I said I would help you, and I wasn’t lying. I even sent people to look for a shop.” Fu Yu rubbed against her hair.
You Tong's lips twitched slightly, "I am very grateful for my husband's kindness."
"And then?" Fu Yu paused slightly, his tone seemingly joking but rather stiff, "Did you remarry?"
You Tong pursed her lips, closed her eyes, and leaned against his chest. "I don't have to get married. As long as I'm comfortable, that's enough. Fortunately, my husband and father are wise, and Yongning is peaceful and safe, so I can stay here. After being in the Fu family for a year, I can see what kind of character and magnanimity my husband and father have. Even if we divorce, they won't mistreat the Wei family, right? And if I stay in Qizhou, I don't think they'll break their promise to the capital."
This means to test.
Fu Yu helped her sit up, her gaze fixed on him, deep and intense.
"No matter how narrow-minded I am, I will never repay kindness with enmity."
Having finished speaking, he felt a thousand thoughts weighing on his mind, a tightness in his chest. He had encountered countless major events and perilous situations in his life, and no matter how difficult the circumstances, he could always sort things out and calmly resolve them, settling accounts cleanly, whether it was gratitude or resentment. Only with this woman could he not be ruthless, could he not speak harshly. Knowing she was heartless and had abandoned him, he still couldn't bear to force her to stay, and even now, against his will, he indulged her.
For the sake of the Fu family, divorce is by no means a good thing. In his heart, he was also unwilling to let her leave the mansion, leaving the South Tower empty and lonely.
But if he were to be forced to stay, he would be reluctant, unwilling, and disdainful of doing so.
Fu Yu had many more questions he wanted to ask, but he didn't speak. He simply pulled her into his arms again.
...
Fu Yu learned martial arts and was well-versed in military strategy in his childhood. Although he had no time to attend poetry gatherings, he read extensively in history books and was well-versed in both literature and martial arts.
He could write ordinary official documents and orders with ease, but a letter of divorce took him four days to roughly draft. After burning all the discarded drafts in the brazier beside him, he looked at the messy handwriting on the final draft, and when he picked up his pen, it felt as if a thousand pounds were weighing it down. His two chiseled eyebrows were tightly furrowed, and Fu Yu's face was solemn. When he picked up his pen to copy it onto the white silk, he hesitated.
Memories of the past surged and churned in my mind.
On her wedding night, she sat gracefully on the embroidered couch, adorned in a phoenix coronet and wedding gown, her beauty unparalleled. I hadn't noticed her then, but now I remembered her clearly.
How much anticipation would a pampered young woman, raised in luxury, have on her wedding night? How much trepidation and fear would a fifteen-year-old girl, burdened with a bad reputation, endure on her wedding night? Yet he was impatient, casually pulling off her veil, treating her with disdain and indifference. He even harbored prejudice and spoke rudely.
The theory of cause and effect is nothing more than this.
The ink-soaked brush tip fell onto the white silk, and whenever Fu Yu thought of it, it felt as if ants were gnawing at his heart.
As he finished writing the last character, he tossed aside the brush, stood behind the desk with furrowed brows, and his knuckles, pressed against the table, turned slightly white.
Only when the ink dried and his fingertips stiffened did he come to his senses, put away the white silk, and head to Xieyangzhai.
Chapter 78 Determination
Inside the Xieyangzhai, Fu Deqing's injuries had largely healed.
However, it takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone. His injuries were so severe that he almost lost his life. Although he can now walk with crutches, he doesn't dare to exert himself too much. In his spare time, he sits in his study, looking through maps and landscapes.
When Fu Yu entered, Fu Deqing had just finished reading a volume and was stretching his limbs in his armchair. Seeing his son's gloomy expression, he leaned back in his chair and asked, "What, has Wei Tianze finally relented?"
“He hasn’t made a move yet,” Fu Yu said in a deep voice.
Fu Deqing didn't take it seriously. "Then let's lock him up for now. A few more days won't make a difference. That old scoundrel Wei Jian is ruthless. We're probably right about 80% of what we found out. Once he confesses, things will be easier." With that, he stood up, stretched, and cast an inquiring glance at Fu Yu.
"I've come here this time for You Tong." Fu Yu's brows furrowed slightly.
Fu Deqing gave an "Oh," a meaningful "Oh," and before he could ask any further questions, he saw Fu Yu reach out and unfold a piece of white silk, laying it on the table. The ink on it was thick and bold, like silver hooks and iron strokes, clearly his son's handwriting. The first few words, in particular, startled Fu Deqing so much that he almost twisted his arm.
"Divorce?" He grabbed the white silk handkerchief in surprise, glancing at it briefly. "Not out of spite?"
"No." Fu Yu pinched the space between his eyebrows with his fingers. "It's been carefully considered."
These words truly astonished Fu Deqing. Since marrying Wei, although there had been many bumps and conflicts before, the situation had clearly changed in the past six months—especially with his son. At this time last year, when they were engaged, Fu Yu hadn't taken his wife seriously at all, even saying he wanted to treat her as a decoration, his attitude indifferent. Even before the Lunar New Year, the couple treated each other with polite formality. But in the past six months, however, he frequently stayed overnight and ate at Nanlou, and took Wei out of the city to relax when he had time. He had even carried her back to Nanlou in a downpour. Fu Deqing had heard about all these things.
It is undoubtedly rare for such a thing to happen to a son who has never been interested in women.
Fu Deqing had assumed the young couple would grow increasingly harmonious, but upon seeing this, he was immediately stunned.
He read the divorce papers several times before asking, "Are you throwing a tantrum, or have you offended the Wei family?"
Fu Yu shook his head, and seeing that there was cold tea on the table, he poured himself a cup and drank it down.
"Father must have seen You Tong's temperament; she has no interest in power within the household, and she dislikes conflict unless someone crosses her. Since she married me, she's never had a good time in the manor. Aunt's actions this time are even more alarming. I don't need to tell you about the situation outside. Although Father and Uncle are working together, in the next year or two, the manor will eventually need to prioritize. Uncle understands matters of military and political power, but Aunt—" He paused, looking at Fu Deqing, "...the matter of my sister-in-law is there for all to see; Father should understand."
"Your aunt's situation is indeed troublesome," Fu Deqing sighed.
Shen had been married into the Fu family for over twenty years, raised three sons, and had a harmonious relationship with her husband.
For Fu Deming, his mother was his brother, and Shen was his wife. In the eyes of Fu Zhang and his brother, their mother was even closer than their uncle.
Unfortunately, Madam Shen was short-sighted and still held onto power in the inner quarters. If she were to learn of the Fu family's grand schemes in the future, how could she easily give up? Although she was good at managing the inner quarters, she wouldn't listen to advice. Fu Deming's attitude was so clear, yet he still set his sights on You Tong after the incident with Madam Han.
If Fu Deqing were to investigate this matter thoroughly, it would inevitably dishearten his nephews and create discord within the army.
But Fu Deming was clearly in a dilemma—after twenty years of marriage, their feelings for each other were still deep, and he could not bring himself to do it unless it was a matter of life and death.
Seeing his father's expression, Fu Yu knew what he was thinking and continued, "This time, Uncle said he wanted to hand over the power of the inner quarters to us, which shows he is reasonable. But how could Aunt easily agree? This matter arose because of You Tong, so wouldn't Aunt hold a grudge? If she stays in the mansion, she will be nominally taking over the power of the inner quarters, but in reality, she will be living in the cracks. Father and I will only be in the mansion for a limited time, and Uncle cannot take care of the affairs of the inner quarters. She and Grandmother... if something happens, trouble is inevitable."
"It was my oversight." Fu Deqing knew that the old lady and You Tong were incompatible, so he nodded and said, "We are not in the mansion, and she is caught in the middle. I'm afraid she can't protect her from your aunt. If we are not careful, it may damage the relationship between the two households."
"Compared to her, Grandmother prefers my eldest sister-in-law and is willing to take care of and guide her. In the past, my aunt managed the inner quarters, and Grandmother couldn't show favoritism. Now that she's handing over the reins, it'll be easier if Father explains the pros and cons to Grandmother. Besides, my eldest sister-in-law is a widow after all, and Uncle won't let the old ways repeat themselves."
Fu Deqing pondered for a moment, then said, "That's a good idea, but this—"
He tapped the divorce papers. "It hasn't come to that, has it?"
Fu Yu pretended to drink tea, unwilling to say that You Tong had long intended to divorce him, so he only said, "Living in the mansion will only lead to trouble, which is not good for her. Besides, I was the one who treated her with disdain and coldness, which hurt her. I saw how she was when I went to the capital before."
Fu Yu paused, recalling You Tong's charming and carefree appearance on Taocheng Street that evening.
Fu Deqing did not ask any further questions.
"This marriage was originally arranged for Wei Sidao. These maps given by the Wei family are worthless to others, but they are treasures to us. You know the benefits of this campaign to quell the rebellion in the south. As for the relationship between you two, I will not force you. I am also aware of the Wei family's situation in the household. You can make your own decisions, but you must think carefully and not break your agreement with the Wei family, nor let the Wei family suffer any grievances."
“I understand. You Tong said she’ll handle things with the Wei family. Father, please don’t blame her.”
This is speaking up for You Tong.
Fu Deqing was slightly surprised. Looking at Fu Yu's depressed expression, he could roughly sense what was on his son's mind.
Given Fu Yu's temperament, it's not easy for him to find someone who can move his heart, and it's even more rare for him to be willing to compromise to this extent.
He flipped through the divorce papers and reminded him, "Think carefully before you decide. If you are determined to do so, I will ask your uncle and aunt to come to Shou'an Hall to explain things clearly."
Fu Yu nodded, feeling somewhat annoyed, and pushed open the window. Outside, the pines and cypresses were as green as ink, and the buildings were tall and imposing. Above them, however, dark clouds had gathered, creating a gloomy and oppressive atmosphere. He had always been proud and arrogant, and the reason he could command the generals under Yongning's command was not through brute force or coercion, but through his ability and demeanor, which won their sincere respect.
Forcing You Tong to stay by your side will create distance and constraints, and she will eventually become unwilling.
Since she was intended to be a wife he truly loved, rather than just a decoration in the South Tower, he naturally hoped that she would marry him willingly.
She married happily.
The wind outside grew stronger, and rumbling thunder sounded. Soon after, a torrential downpour began, with rain pouring down from the eaves.
After the torrential rain, the dust was washed away, and the sky was a clear, blue expanse.
Fu Yu pushed open the door and stepped out, taking a deep breath, his tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxing.
...
That evening, Fu Yu still went to the South Building for dinner, and You Tong also treated him to delicious food.
Before leaving, Fu Yu gave her the drafted divorce letter so she could check if there were any problems, and then returned to the Two Books Pavilion to rest.
The ink on the white silk was hesitant and dull, revealing the mood he had when he wrote it. You Tong looked at it twice, sighed, put it away by her pillow, and sat on the edge of the bed in a daze. Hot water was prepared in the inner room, and Chuncao came to serve her bath. She called her name twice before You Tong came back to her senses. Granny Xu, who was originally applying perfume to her clothes, saw this and glanced at her a few more times.
She watched You Tong grow up and followed her to Qizhou, where she and Aunt Zhou managed all the maids and servants in the courtyard.
However, she was getting on in years, and You Tong was afraid of tiring her out, so she rarely asked her to do any work.
But Grandma Xu's heart was always with You Tong, and she took good care of her.
Ever since returning injured that day, You Tong had been preoccupied and often lost in thought, which Granny Xu noticed. Tonight, her expression was even more different from usual, and Granny Xu was worried. After You Tong finished bathing and sat by the bed drying her hair, Granny Xu brought in a cup of tea, gave her a wink, and told Guancao and Yanbo to go out first.
When You Tong saw that it was her, she stood up and said, "These things can be left to Chuncao and the others. Grandma, you should rest early."
Grandma Xu smiled kindly on her wrinkled face, "It's still early, I won't be able to sleep if I go back, I want to talk."
You Tong had a lot on her mind, which she couldn't tell Chuncao and the others, let alone mention to Aunt Zhou, so she invited her to sit down. Granny Xu was originally a servant of Madam Xue. She was old and experienced, and had often helped You Tong when she first entered the Fu family and was in a difficult situation. Seeing You Tong's slightly furrowed brows, she took the towel and gently dried her hair, chatting about everyday matters.
Halfway through her sentence, she mentioned Fu Yu and then added, "These past two days, I've noticed that the young mistress seems to have something on her mind, hasn't she?"
“Mother-in-law is indeed thoughtful.” You Tong grasped her hand and held it gently, glancing under the pillow. “There’s something I haven’t mentioned to anyone before, but I have to say it now. I… want to divorce the General.” She took out the white silk and gently spread it on the couch. “The divorce papers have been written. Tomorrow, I’ll inform the elders, and once the documents are approved, the matter should be settled.”
She spoke in a very low voice, but Grandma Xu was quite startled.
"Divorce?" she lowered her voice. "Why the sudden talk of divorce?"
"It wasn't sudden, it's just that I hadn't let it slip beforehand."
Granny Xu was stunned. Although You Tong was spoiled and willful when she was still in the manor, after marrying into the Fu family, judging from her actions, her young lady was quite independent, which Granny Xu could tell. Now that the white silk was placed in front of her, it seemed that the matter was beyond repair. She stroked You Tong's hair, looking at the downcast expression on her delicate face, and after a long while, she sighed.
"So be it. I saw how much suffering you endured when you first married into the family. To be honest, I resented it back then. How could Master and Madam have agreed to this marriage? Although the family is of noble birth, how many people, from masters to servants, treat you as a young mistress? It pained me to see you like this, but there was nothing I could do."
You Tong didn't say anything, only gave a bitter smile.
Only she knows how she got through those days.