Is that so? Fu Yu glanced at her expression, his gaze slightly narrowed.
What a hypocrite! I hadn't paid her any attention before, so I hadn't really looked closely. Now, having known her for a while, I'd grasped about seven or eight tenths of her temperament, and I knew her words weren't what she truly felt—otherwise, she wouldn't be avoiding his gaze, nor would she be secretly clutching her sleeves. Her expression was forced composure, so different from her former calm and collected demeanor. If it were the truth, she would have stared at him and said it with unwavering conviction; she'd done that many times before.
The snow crunched under their feet as they walked side by side into the depths of the woods.
Fu Yu added, "This kind of thing applies to both men and women. Are you in such a hurry to distance yourself from me because you want to marry someone else?"
“No, that’s not it.” You Tong shook her head. “I have no plans to marry someone else.”
“What a coincidence.” Fu Yu suddenly turned his head, his gaze fixed intently on her profile. “I have no intention of marrying anyone else.”
These words were truly profound, and coupled with his various actions, they were almost blatant. You Tong's mind was mostly focused on him, and she neglected her footing. Startled by these words, she remembered the question he had asked her when she moved out of the South Building. In her shock, she slipped and lost her footing, immediately falling backward onto the ground.
Fu Yu was already walking alongside her, and he had even held up half of his cloak to keep her warm. Upon seeing this, he immediately reached out and shielded her with his arm.
Then, losing her footing, she fell to the ground.
In her panic, You Tong lost her balance and fell onto Fu Yu. Then, in a dizzying moment, the man rolled over and covered her. Beneath her was his cloak and arms, and when she looked up, Fu Yu's face was so close that his breath fell on her face, warm and unsteady. His Adam's apple bobbed, and his piercing gaze fixed on her.
Her heart was pounding, and her face was burning from his breath. She didn't know how things had suddenly turned out this way.
Fu Yu leaned closer and whispered, "I'm going to lead an expedition to quell the rebellion the day after tomorrow. Can't you stop saying such cruel things?"
"I……"
"The bandits in Xuanzhou are causing trouble, and the imperial court is still unable to suppress them. I must go there in person."
Such a matter was naturally dangerous. You Tong didn't have time to ponder her little schemes; her heart was pounding with anxiety. She knew the Fu family was plotting to seize power; during the previous suppression of the rebellion, they had helped the court by placing their own people there. Emperor Xiping had been ill for two years, clinging to life, and might die any day now. Fu Yu's trip was likely to include that area in his plans, to prevent future trouble. Given Fu Yu's temperament and audacity, he might just act ruthlessly like Fu Deqing.
The dangers involved are self-evident.
She sat stiffly beneath him, her worry impossible to conceal. Her words, though seemingly heartfelt, were nothing more than earnest admonitions: "The war is important, but you must not put yourself in danger. Take care of yourself."
Fu Yu didn't speak, but placed one hand on her chest. "Are you worried about me?"
Her soft, tender peaks were beneath him, her breath sweet and fragrant, a flustered shyness she hadn't felt in a long time.
Since the divorce, he had fantasized about this scenario a thousand times over. In his dreams, it was tender and enchanting, but upon waking, he was left with only a long, lonely night.
And now, she is back in his arms.
Fu Yu couldn't help but lower his head and kiss her lips, trying his best to control the impulse that was gradually boiling in his blood.
You Tong's mind was in complete turmoil. Logically, she should push Fu Yu away; many times when she pondered this alone, considering all her concerns, she felt it was the safest course of action. But deep down, she still craved the warmth of his embrace and worried about his safety; not a single thought of pushing him away crossed her mind.
That brief moment of hesitation and struggle, however, seemed to Fu Yu like a glimpse into the secrets of the world.
He bit her lip lightly as if punishing her, his voice muffled, "You like me, you little liar."
You Tong struggled, but couldn't escape his grasp.
Their eyes met, and they could see each other's reflections clearly. His gaze was deep and insightful, piercing through the emotions hidden in their eyes.
Fu Yu's gaze locked onto her, his Adam's apple bobbing, and he suddenly laughed, "You like me!" It was like the joy of a heart bursting with happiness, the excitement of a wish fulfilled, yet he restrained himself and lowered his voice, only tightening his embrace, holding her tightly in his arms, and kissing her lips fiercely, prying open her lips and teeth, conquering her.
The world and all things instantly became quiet and distant, leaving only the two people wrapped in cloaks.
Chapter 89 Shy
The snow was cold, and the forest wind was biting. You Tong was half-pressed down by Fu Yu, who held her tightly in his arms.
Their lips and tongues intertwined, their breaths mingled, and all the forbearance, concessions, restraint, and dissatisfaction born of their separation were expressed in their kiss. Unlike the restraint and greed he showed when he was still rational after drinking last time, this time Fu Yu had endured for months. His longing was like wine stored in a cellar. Once unsealed, it was like a flood bursting its banks, fierce and aggressive, as if it wanted to devour her whole, wantonly plundering and seizing without regard for anything else.
You Tong was trapped in a small space, forced to endure it, her hands had nowhere to go, so she clung tightly to his waist.
Having grown accustomed to his indifference, aloofness, and self-restraint, Fu Yu at this moment was like a raging fire hidden beneath a snow-capped peak, bursting forth from a crack, ready to pounce.
The unfamiliarity and the fear it evoked made her feel dizzy and disoriented.
Her chest was burning hot, her back was ice cold. She only turned her head away and gasped for breath when Fu Yu finally caught his breath.
The icy snow air filled her lungs, yet her cheeks burned like fire. She glanced sideways and caught sight of Fu Yu's eyes.
His gaze was deep and intense, like a boiling pool, burning brightly. He stared at her, her breathing ragged, her cheeks slightly flushed. Beneath his black crown, his eyebrows were like ink-black knives, his nose high and straight. His handsome face, so close, possessed the resolute and imposing presence of someone who had conquered countless battlefields, yet also the possessive and aggressive posture of someone who had trapped her on the bed. Her heart pounded violently, as if it would burst from her chest. Seeing Fu Yu about to lean down and kiss her again, she slightly turned her head, burying her face in his chest.
Fu Yu's kiss landed on her cheek, turning her fair and delicate skin red, like snow dyed with rouge, making her even more beautiful.
The lips felt hot and soft to the touch.
With a cloud of emotion swirling in his eyes, Fu Yu glanced sideways and saw that her ears were bright red and her temples were as black as raven.
The person in his arms nestled against him, her chest rising and falling slightly. She looked shy, bewildered, and helpless, but there was no anger, nor did she seem to be deliberately distancing herself from him or creating distance, unlike when she was sober and tried to push him away.
This demeanor reveals that his thoughts are already clear.
Fu Yu suddenly chuckled softly, his voice low but full of pleasure.
He immediately helped her stand up, brushed the snow off the hem of her skirt, and straightened her hairpin.
Neither of them spoke. You Tong lowered her head to straighten her clothes, subconsciously glancing around—as if she had been caught having an affair, she felt inexplicably flustered. Turning her head, she saw that the man beside her was tall and composed. If it weren't for the lingering aftertaste of their kiss in his eyes and on his face, and the half of his cloak being darkened by the melting snow, she wouldn't have been able to tell anything amiss.
You Tong snorted softly, not expecting the meeting to turn out this way. Not daring to linger any longer, she turned and walked back.
Fu Yu hurriedly followed, like a shadow, his barely suppressed laughter reaching You Tong's ears. Seeing her quicken her pace, he, taking advantage of his height and long legs, refused to fall behind even a little. It wasn't until You Tong couldn't stand it anymore and lifted her skirt to run ahead that he spoke up to remind her, "Be careful, don't fall again."
He said "don't fall again," not "don't fall."
You Tong felt a surge of resentment and turned to glare at him.
Then Fu Yu smiled and said, "Also, keep your distance from Qin Liangyu; he has ulterior motives."
You Tong secretly pursed her lips, thinking of his narrow-minded way of giving instructions, and couldn't help but chuckle softly.
...
After returning from Wumei Mountain, Fu Yu indeed led his troops out of Qizhou, while You Tong continued to diligently run her small restaurant. Qin Liangyu still frequently sent ingredients for Du Shuangxi to cook, and You Tong never refused, but each time she tried to avoid them, leaving the two of them to enjoy the food at the restaurant—after all, the two had known each other for a long time and had a close relationship, and it was a case of diners meeting cooks, naturally getting along well.
She is still establishing herself, and all she wants to do is run the restaurant well and train the managers and staff to be more capable and competent.
As the weather grew colder and colder, and as midwinter approached, the green leaves in the courtyard withered, creating a somewhat languid winter atmosphere.
It was another day of heavy snowfall. At midday, large snowflakes began to fall, accumulating into a thick layer in no time.
You Tong had originally invited Fu Lanyin to come over today for a delicious meal, but seeing the heavy snow and wind, she assumed Fu Lanyin wasn't coming. Taking advantage of Du Shuangxi's free time to rest, she prepared a ton of food and placed two jugs of plum blossom wine in the living room, where they would gather around the stove to drink. However, before the food and wine were even warmed and the dishes were served, a sound of horses' hooves came from outside, and Fu Lanyin's figure emerged from behind the screen in the courtyard.
She had clearly come through the snow, dressed in a crane-feather cloak and snow hat, and was in high spirits.
You Tong hurriedly invited her into the hall, where they sat around the stove. He served her hot tea to ward off the chill, and once the food was ready, they enjoyed it together.
After chatting for a while and drinking a few cups of wine, seeing Fu Lanyin's lips twitching slightly from time to time, as if she was hiding something happy, I couldn't help but tease her: "Did you find a treasure on the road? Ever since you came in, I've seen you constantly daydreaming and smirking. Do you think no one can see you?"
Du Shuangxi, standing nearby, also laughed and said, "I noticed it too. Is Miss Lanyin celebrating a happy occasion?"
“I…” Fu Lanyin paused for a moment, then lowered her head shyly, her fingers twirling the ribbon of her skirt, while the smile on her lips grew deeper and deeper.
Seeing this, You Tong ordered Yu Zan and the others who were serving her to go out first, and then asked them for details.
With no one else in the room except You Tong and Du Shuangxi, Fu Lanyin felt less restrained and said in a low voice, "I didn't go out for a while and stayed in the mansion for more than half a month. It wasn't that Grandmother was restrictive, but... I was preparing my dowry." Her voice was slightly low, but it clearly revealed her joy. "My wedding date has been set for the beginning of the twelfth lunar month."
"So fast?" You Tong was slightly surprised.
Previously, when Madam Fu was choosing a marriage partner for Fu Lanyin, she was taking her time and choosing two, but Fu Lanyin declined both. Later, the Qin family came to propose marriage for Qin Taoyu. When Madam Fu asked Fu Lanyin's opinion, the girl naturally agreed. Then, according to the six rites, preparations were slowly made—the daughter of a wounded military governor was marrying into the well-known Qin family in Qizhou, so the marriage naturally had to be carefully prepared without leaving any flaws.
However, all of this happened after You Tong and Li left the manor. When she learned that their marriage was progressing, You Tong was happy for several days.
According to the timeline, the earliest the wedding should be held is next spring; waiting until the twelfth lunar month would be too rushed.
Fu Lanyin said, "There's nothing we can do about it. I heard recently..." She got along well with You Tong and trusted Du Shuangxi, whom You Tong admired and valued, so she lowered her voice and said, "The one in the capital's palace probably won't last long. Families with good connections are all rushing to hold weddings now."
Emperor Xiping was afflicted with a chronic illness, but he managed to stay alive until the very end. It was said that the twelfth lunar month was a difficult time to endure, and if something were to go wrong, marriage would be forbidden during the period of national mourning, needlessly jeopardizing the promising futures of young men and women.
The Fu family's arrangement was clearly for Fu Lanyin's benefit.
When You Tong first arrived here, seeing Xu Chaozong's heartlessness and coldness, and the original owner's despair and bleakness, she felt a chill and inevitably harbored some fear of romantic love. She felt that it would be foolish for a young woman to place all her hopes on someone else. Later, she married Fu Yu, who was initially arrogant and had no tenderness towards women, and their relationship was full of twists and turns.
Seeing Fu Lanyin and Qin Taoyu fall in love in their youth and have everything go smoothly without any heartbreak or setbacks is like seeing warm, blooming spring flowers after a bleak winter. It brings joy and great comfort.
Although they raised their cups and drank wine, they congratulated each other and joked.
After the meal had ended and everyone was satisfied, he went back to his room and found the letter that Wei Sidao had asked Fu Yu to deliver. The smile on his face gradually faded.
It's time to go back to the capital.
Xu Chaozong and Prince Ying have been entangled for so long that once Emperor Xiping dies, the struggle will no longer be for the crown prince position, but for the supreme throne. At this critical juncture, with each side blinded by rage, it will be the perfect opportunity to seize the moment and exploit the chaos. Judging from Fu Yu's previous actions in the capital, he clearly intended to have Xu Chaozong temporarily assume the throne to prevent Prince Ying from colluding with Wei Jian and hindering the Fu family's ambitions for the throne.
With her own strength, and with the entire Wei family involved, she wouldn't be able to shake Xu Chaozong, let alone retaliate against the Xu family.
But some people can, and might even be happy to, take the knife she offers.
It all depends on human effort.
After thinking it over, You Tong saw that everything at the restaurant was going well under the management of the Xu Changqing brothers, so she began to prepare for her return to the capital.
Qizhou was far from the capital, and although there was no fighting along the way, she had witnessed firsthand the rampant bandits and corrupt officials. Last time, with Fu Yu's protection, her journey was smooth and comfortable, staying in top-class inns. This time, she had to keep a low profile, so she found two reliable bodyguards, took only Chuncao with her, changed into ordinary clothes, and disguised herself as a family traveling to the capital to visit relatives.
Driving is too slow; riding a horse is much easier. They'll set off later in the morning and find lodging early in the evening. They'll avoid displaying wealth and causing trouble along the way. Bandits will only target wealthy merchants, and petty thieves will be dealt with by their bodyguards. These bodyguards are seasoned veterans, very familiar with the route. Whenever they arrive at a place, they'll find a reliable spot to eat and always manage to find out about the surrounding area before avoiding trouble, thus ensuring their safety.
Passing through Zhengzhou that day, as it was getting late, they went to an inn to stay the night.
The innkeeper was cautious and shrewd, and dared not keep guests of unknown origin, so he carefully checked their identities.
Suddenly, they heard the sound of hooves outside, and the neighing of three or five horses. They quickly ordered their men to go out and greet them. You Tong, who was walking outside, was paying close attention to the surrounding movements. He hid behind the bodyguard and looked towards the door. Before the men could come out to greet them, the heavy coarse cloth curtain was lifted, and a tall, strong, and imposing man entered, followed by his entourage.
The inn was small, and the guests were all ordinary people. The man in question was distinguished by his imposing presence and dignified manner.
The waiter noticed that he seemed to be someone of importance, with a sword hanging at his waist. Fearing he might cause trouble, he didn't dare to greet him hastily and instead secretly glanced at the shopkeeper.
You Tong froze on the spot after seeing the person's face clearly.
The inn was rather cramped, with the doors and windows tightly shut and the curtains heavy, making the interior dim. The newcomer was dressed in a long black robe with a dark blue cloak draped over his shoulders. He had handsome features and a dignified bearing; who else could he be but Fu Yu? Behind him were Du He and guards dressed in plain clothes.
Their eyes met, and before You Tong could even be surprised, Fu Yu strode over, his face unreadable.
The bodyguard was a steady and reliable man. Sensing that the newcomer was hostile, he immediately stepped in front of You Tong, without any intention of drawing his sword. He simply smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Sir..." Before he could finish speaking, You Tong stepped past him, smiled gratefully at him, and then looked up and asked, "General... what brings you here?"
Fu Yu rushed over, his heart sinking back into his chest upon seeing that she was unharmed. When he got closer, he saw that she was wearing a thick coat, wrapped up like a dumpling, and a large felt hat on her head, her head tucked into the thick fur collar, with only her eyes and nose showing. He was furious and said, "Come with me."
After saying that, he put his arm around her and walked up the stairs.
The bodyguard wasn't one to be bullied. He tried to stop them, but Chuncao held him back, saying, "It's alright, they're acquaintances."
Upon hearing this, the innkeeper realized what was happening and quickly told his waiter to follow him to open the guest room door.