...
When Wei Tianze was born, the Wei family had already seized military power and been granted the title of Prince of Xiping.
With military and political power in hand, and the unparalleled honor of being a prince of a different surname in the court, the Wei family was undoubtedly extremely powerful and prosperous at that time. His childhood memories were already blurred. When Wei Tianze could remember, he did not live in the mansion, but instead went outside the city to learn some basic martial arts and reading from his instructors.
At that time, he seemed to be only five or six years old, and his name was not yet Wei Tianze. He lived a secluded life in a villa outside the city.
Everyone outside was saying that he had died young. Although Wei Tianze didn't understand the meaning behind it, he still followed his master's instructions and dared not run around. Even when he occasionally returned to the mansion to visit his mother, he would hide in the carriage and take secluded paths to avoid being seen by others. His mother was originally Wei Jian's favored concubine, but for some reason she suddenly fell out of favor and lived in a remote corner of the mansion, rarely visited by anyone.
There were many favored women in the manor, and his elder brother was a legitimate son of the royal family, a noble heir. Yet he could only hide his tracks, diligently practicing his skills with his master, and rarely even saw his father.
Until he was eight years old.
Wei Tianze returned home as usual to visit his mother, but found his father, who rarely appeared, in the house.
Wei Tianze couldn't remember the details of that time clearly, only that Wei Jian said a man should be tempered and honed by the world, not pampered in the royal palace. If Wei Tianze became successful in the future, his mother would also enjoy honor; otherwise, the two of them would be disliked and suffer endlessly for the rest of their lives. And this tempering required them to remain anonymous and not reveal their identities in the slightest.
Wei Tianze suffered hardship at a young age and was extremely sensible. Although he was not clear about the deeper meaning behind it, he still kept it in mind.
Then, Wei Jian handed him over to human traffickers, and he ended up in Qizhou.
Orphaned at a young age, Wei Tianze's only concern was his mother in the manor. Remembering Wei Jian's warning, he dared not reveal his identity, much less let anyone know he had learned martial arts. He worked odd jobs near the military camp, yet his quick wit and intelligence were often on display. Soon, he caught the eye of a straightforward sergeant who began teaching him martial arts.
With his previous training and Wei Tianze's exceptional talent, his progress was naturally rapid.
Because of his young age, although he was in the military camp, the rules were not strict. Apart from helping with some rough work and practicing archery and horsemanship, he could occasionally go out to play. In the mountains and fields, he would occasionally encounter woodcutters and travelers, who would whisper a few words to him when no one was paying attention—just as Wei Jian had instructed, he must hide his identity and not arouse anyone's suspicion. If anything went wrong, his mother would die without a burial place.
Children around ten years old, upon hearing such admonition, naturally remember it well.
Day after day, this idea took deep root in his heart, and Wei Tianze lived up to expectations, taking advantage of the fact that others had no suspicion of children, and hid himself perfectly. Later, the woodcutters, who were different each time, gradually told him more, that he should make a name for himself in the Qizhou army, that he should be hardworking and down-to-earth, be valued by the army, and lead troops as soon as possible—once he had gained enough experience, Wei Jian would take him back to reunite with his mother, and both mother and son would be favored.
Wei Tianze kept this in mind and endured even more hardship.
Later, he met Fu Yu and saw the dashing figure of the military governor's nephew; he was valued by the veteran general and taught military strategy and tactics; he was selected as a scout to gather intelligence and patrol enemy troops. Later still, he was even selected to work under Fu Yu, learning skills from the most capable veteran generals under Yongning.
During those years, Wei Tianze was undoubtedly very happy. Although he felt it was inappropriate to conceal his identity, he secretly thought that Wei Jian had arranged for him to come to Qizhou in order to secretly learn the military strategies of Qizhou and then use them for his own purposes after returning home. The old general who taught him had said that the Wei and Fu families' powerful troops defended the border in order to protect the land and its people.
He learned the skills in Qizhou and then used them to protect the people. What's wrong with that?
However, as the boy grew older, he learned more and more, and gradually came to understand the situation of the world.
Various speculations and anxieties arose in his mind, but he tried not to think too much about them and just followed the Fu family father and son to learn skills in the training ground and military camp.
It wasn't until he was sixteen that Chen San approached him.
Wei Tianze's original expectations were completely overturned after he learned of Chen San's purpose.
Wei Jian wanted him to do more than just secretly learn Yongning's military strategies and tactics. He also needed to use his close relationship with the Fu family to spy on the Fu family's defenses in various places and to understand the abilities and weaknesses of Yongning's generals. Most importantly, he needed to get even closer to the Fu family, uncover their secrets, and then, when the situation required, dismantle the Fu family from within, so that Yongning would lose its former glory and be able to only barely defend the borders, unable to contend for the world when war broke out in the future.
Such a request would undoubtedly be extremely difficult for Wei Tianze.
After experiencing trials and tribulations, Wei Tianze, who was no longer naive, finally understood that he was Wei Jianbu's pawn in Qizhou.
Like a subtle, hidden thread, it nourishes things silently.
But now that things have come to this, he has no way out.
His mother was trapped in Wei Jian's mansion, her life hanging in the balance. She was his closest relative in the world, bound by blood, and etched with the warmest imprints of his childhood. He was highly trusted and promoted within Wei Jian's army. If he made the slightest mistake, given the Fu family's strict military discipline, and if they discovered he was a pawn carefully planted by Wei Jian, his fate would be self-evident. Moreover, if he revealed any weakness, given Wei Jian's ruthlessness, his mother would undoubtedly die.
Having endured years of solitary trials, being coerced and exploited, he had almost no affection for Wei Jian.
His mother became his only relative in the world, the only flame in the icy snow, and the only light in the deep darkness.
After hesitating and weighing the pros and cons, Wei Tianze finally accepted.
Once the arrow is released, there's no turning back; once you step into the mud, no one can pull you out, you'll only sink deeper.
However, the Fu family was meticulous and cautious in their actions, so he could only serve in the military and could not, like Du He, access the study of the Fu family father and son. Regarding the Fu family's military intelligence and information network, he could only peek within his own capabilities, daring not to overstep the mark, lest he alert them.
Chen Sanzang walked among the shops unnoticed, bringing with him a portrait of his mother every year, complete with her handwriting.
The method of delivering messages was pre-arranged, and relying on the skills he had learned in the Fu family over the past ten years, he was meticulous in his work and never revealed any flaws.
With Emperor Xiping falling ill, discontent arose everywhere, and the sword of Damocles that had always hung over their heads finally began to fall—Wei Jian delivered a message, instructing him to instigate internal strife within the Fu family, causing Fu Deqing and his brothers to drift apart, and Fu family nephews to fight each other for military power, thus demoralizing the Fu family's soldiers. However, Wei Jian probably never imagined that not all people in this world were as greedy and self-serving as he was, willing to sacrifice family ties and resort to any means for power.
Wei Tianze's first attempt failed after Fu Deming made his stance clear.
Later, while accompanying Fu Yu to the capital to investigate the Prince of Ying's conspiracy, he saw his uncle, a man whose eyes and eyebrows resembled his mother's. Given Fu Yu's meticulous planning, his uncle was certain to die on the Lantern Festival. After hesitating and struggling, he finally offered a subtle warning. Then came the matters of Sun Meng and You Tong.
...
By the end, Wei Tianze's voice was hoarse.
The prison was dark and gloomy, and Wei Tianze drank the last drop of wine in his bowl. He didn't know how much time had passed.
Fu Yu's eyes were sharp and his face was expressionless. Seeing him lower his head and sit back down opposite him, staring at the table without speaking, Fu Yu said in a deep voice, "Sun Meng's matter, letting your father die from his injuries, will not harm you."
—But according to Fu Deqing, it was Wei Tianze who risked his life to save him and pull him back from the brink of death.
“It’s different.” Wei Tianze shook his head. “I was born into the Wei family, but I grew up in Qizhou. The old general spent his life on the battlefield, risking his life for the people, venturing into the enemy’s den alone to kill them. How could I stand by and watch him die?”
"You also have many opportunities to let me die on the battlefield."
Wei Tianze gave a wry smile. "What I want is not for you to die."
"Didn't you ever think of that?" Fu Yu stared at him. "If I die, the Fu family will also suffer a great loss."
Wei Tianze naturally understood this principle.
Whether Fu Yu or Fu Deqing dies, the Fu family will lose half of its backbone. Apart from this father and son, the Fu family actually has many veteran generals who can stand alone. Although the Fu brothers are not as outstanding as Fu Yu, they are still quite capable. Although the Fu family has lost its commander, it still has fighting power—at least those guarding the frontier will not have any disloyal thoughts because of this.
If he were ruthless enough, sacrificing one of their lives would still ensure the border remained unscathed and would also weaken the Fu family's power.
But on the battlefield, when you fight side by side with your comrades and entrust your lives to each other, how can you be so heartless when it comes to the life-or-death moment?
His mother was his closest blood relative, and during his ten years of infiltration, he had some connections with the soldiers and officers of Qizhou. Especially in his younger years, unaware of Wei Jian's schemes, he admired the Fu brothers and befriended the Fu brothers. The skills the Fu family taught him were invaluable throughout his life.
Amidst this contradiction, Wei Tianze carried the poisoned arrow and continued forward step by step.
He didn't answer Fu Yu's question, but instead said with his head bowed, "I've told you everything I needed to say. I'm sure you've found some leads. As for how to deal with it, military law will prevail. Now that things have come to this, I have no complaints." After saying that, he stood up, not looking at Fu Yu, but simply bowing to him in a salute.
Fu Yu stared at him, his expression shifting.
After a long pause, he stepped outside and said at the door, "I used to consider you a friend."
In the cell, Wei Tianze stood facing the wall, his hands clasped at his sides, his back slightly stiff.
...
As evening approached after he left the prison, Fu Yu remained silent the whole way, then mounted his horse and galloped away.
As we arrived in the countryside, the setting sun cast a golden-red glow over the mountains and forests.
Fu Yu reined in his horse and saw a group of young men riding past in the distance, shouting and yelling. Behind them followed servants, each carrying some game. They must be friends who had gone out of the city for a hunting trip. The horses galloped past, their shouts rising and falling, a lively and spirited race.
He glanced back, then, without lingering, rode his horse into the city.
As dusk settled, the restaurants and teahouses were still open, the aroma of food wafting through the air, while pedestrians hurried home.
Fu Yu rode his horse to a restaurant and smelled the aroma of fish and meat coming from inside, which was quite similar to the five-spice smoked fish from You Tong's place.
Suddenly, the scene in the South Tower flashed before his eyes: the small kitchen bustling with cooking, the shadows flickering in the candlelight of the side rooms, You Tong either reading by the window in the side room, or smelling the delicious food in the kitchen, or setting out chopsticks and inviting him in for a meal. But now, all that had returned to silence, leaving only Zhou Gu with her maids and servants, sweeping the courtyard, living a quiet and desolate life.
Fu Yu tightened his grip slightly, maintaining a dignified and cold demeanor as he shook the reins and rode forward. After taking a dozen steps, he suddenly reined in his horse and turned around.
He went to a restaurant, ordered two hot dishes, packed them into a delivery box, mounted his horse, and headed towards the city patrol garrison.
Chapter 82 A Pleasant Night
When Fu Yuchi arrived at Pear Blossom Street where You Tong lived, the surroundings were quiet.
As the moon rose, hanging above the willow branches, a sweet osmanthus tree peeked out from behind the wall, its fragrant aroma filling the evening breeze. The gatekeeper recognized Fu Yu and was quite surprised to see him. Just as he was about to go in to announce his arrival, Yu Zan, carrying a bamboo basket full of golden autumn pears, walked by chatting and laughing with a kitchen maid. Seeing a magnificent black horse standing in front of the gate, she looked up and saw Fu Yu sitting upright on its back, carrying a food box in his hand.
She moved here with You Tong and had already hosted Fu Lanyin twice, but this was the first time she had ever seen him.
Yu Zan was taken aback for a moment, then quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, General."
"Where is Shao—You Tong?"
"The young lady is in the courtyard, discussing matters with the two stewards," Yu Zan replied respectfully.
Fu Yu nodded, dismounted, and walked straight inside.
The gatekeeper was someone You Tong had arranged to find beforehand after investigating his background. He was reliable and meticulous in his work. Seeing that the male guest was tall and imposing with an extraordinary air, yet also possessed a rather cold and fierce demeanor, he was afraid that letting him in without authorization would be inappropriate. He quickly looked at Yu Zan. Seeing that Yu Zan secretly waved to him, he withdrew his outstretched arm, respectfully retreated to the back, and then went to take the horse and tie up the dark figure.
Fu Yu stepped inside, crossed the threshold, and was greeted by a screen wall painted with pine trees and cranes symbolizing longevity.
Passing the screen wall, the kitchen is in the corner, bustling with activity, and a familiar aroma wafts out.
Fu Yu was already intimately familiar with the layout of this courtyard. His gaze swept past the flowers and trees in the central courtyard, and seeing that the doors and windows of the main house were tightly closed, he headed towards the side courtyard. Just then, Granny Xu came out. Seeing him, she was clearly startled, but quickly straightened up and bowed, saying, "General. The young lady is discussing matters inside. I'll come over..."
"No need." Seeing her politeness, Fu Yu waved his hand and sat down in the pavilion by the pond.
Granny Xu stole a glance at him, not daring to ask rashly. Seeing Yu Zan follow behind, she whispered, "What's going on?"
"I don't know." Yu Zan shook her head and raised the tea tray in her hand. "I'll serve the tea first."
Tea was served and placed on a stone table in the pavilion. Across a pool of clear water, the doors and windows of the living room were wide open, allowing a glimpse inside.
As dusk settled and the light dimmed, You Tong sat against the wall, leaning against the window to enjoy the breeze, just as she had in the South Tower. However, this time she was clearly not sitting idly. She held an account book in reverse, occasionally looking up to ask a question, sometimes burying herself in writing furiously, oblivious to the sounds coming from the courtyard. Faint sounds drifted out—the sounds of spring grass, misty water, and two men's voices.
Fu Yu got up and walked around to the side. Through the window, she saw two men standing bowing in front of her. They were both under thirty years old, dressed in simple but neat and composed clothes. Each of them held a booklet and occasionally flipped through the pages to answer You Tong's questions.
Beside her, Chuncao sat at her desk, also writing something.
The Wei family is a scholarly family. Although Wei Sidao's official career is not very good, the two maids around You Tong are both literate.
Inside, the lights flickered as they discussed the preparations for a hot pot restaurant. Outside, dinner was just beginning to cook, its aroma tempting everyone's mouths. In the past, You Tong would have been irresistible to the allure of delicious food, ready to dig in as soon as it was ready. But now, she was quite focused, only putting down her pen after she had finished asking all the questions. She then gave the two managers a few instructions, saying, "It's getting late. I've taken up most of your time. You should head back early. There's still a lot to do tomorrow. Thank you for your hard work."
"Don't worry, young lady." The two stewards bowed and carefully put away all the things they had brought.
You Tong remained seated behind the desk, instructing Yan Bo to see the guests out, and then had Chun Cao bring over the copied material, which she scanned before putting it down.
After the manager left, she became lively, like a dignified stone statue, and rubbed her neck.
Turning to look out the window, she saw the night deepening, the shadows of the trees looming. In the wisteria-covered pavilion by the pond, someone stood with his hands behind his back, watching her. She didn't know when he had arrived; he was dressed in dark clothes, almost blending into the night. His imposing figure stood in the elegant pavilion, his usual cold and stern demeanor gone. The faint candlelight cast on his face made his features appear even more distinct, handsome, and dignified.
You Tong was stunned, never expecting that her ex-husband would come to her door in person and wait there without her noticing.
She stared blankly outside. Fu Yu, seeing her dazed expression, smiled after a long while and said, "Don't you recognize me?"
"How could I not recognize him?" You Tong smiled and got up to leave the hall.
...