Chapter 6

During the few days Wu Ciyun languished on her sickbed, Chu Mingyi ordered a thorough investigation into the matter of Pingsu.

The Prince of Pingnan had already taken his own life in despair on the day the city fell, leaving Chu to interrogate several officials who had maintained close ties with the prince.

No matter how they were questioned, their statements remained consistent.

Pingsu was a county under Wu Ciyun’s jurisdiction. Seven days prior, Wu had blocked all roads leading to Pingsu under the pretext of a thorough investigation. The prince’s guards constantly manned checkpoints; not even a bird could fly out unnoticed.

After entering Ningzhou, Pingsu fell under the siege of the Rui King’s army, and no news could be gleaned from inside.

The Rui King’s officers claimed they were merely following his orders.

Chu Mingyi found himself in a dilemma. He now reasonably suspected the Rui King of harboring ill intentions, perhaps using the plague as a cover for sinister schemes. Yet, Wu Ciyun’s words on that day lingered in his mind, troubling him deeply.

To be cautious, he ordered most of Liang troops to withdraw from Ningzhou, leaving only a force equal in number to the Rui King’s army.

Since Wu Ciyun fell ill, the Liang army’s doctor had stayed at her residence, both to treat her and to keep watch more effectively.

Chu Mingyi wished to pry the truth directly from her lips, but Wu was genuinely gravely ill, unable even to meet him.

Not until the third day, when her condition slightly improved, did she send word requesting Chu Mingyi to come discuss the Pingsu situation.

Upon entering the residence, Chu Mingyi heard the clear laughter of children. Following the sound, he saw two young children playing touhu together, guarded closely by maids and servants who watched over them as if they were precious gems, fearful they might be hurt.

“Are these Wu Ciyun’s children?”

Standing in the corridor, he scrutinized the two children, a faint anger flashing in his eyes as he ground his teeth, “So he actually has a wife and household?”

He should have had Wu dragged out and executed immediately!

This treacherous villain was utterly shameless!

He himself indulged in all desires without restraint, now fathering children and ensuring his line would not end. No wonder he had numerous lovers, both male and female, indulging in illicit pleasures.

Poor his elder brother, a pure and noble gentleman of a noble family—if he truly followed Wu Ciyun, he would suffer humiliation and even be forced to raise another man’s children.

“The general, those are not Wu’s children but his younger siblings-in-law. I heard Wu’s parents died early, so he has personally raised them.”

The doctor, having spent several days at Wu’s residence, had pieced together the family relations from the servants and explained, “Wu currently has no wife or concubines.”

Hearing this, Chu Mingyi’s expression cleared somewhat. He withdrew his gaze and sneered coldly, “If he dared to have them, he wouldn’t even bother considering whether he could repay the debts of his affairs outside.”

The doctor was momentarily stunned but then looked at Chu Mingyi with a strange expression before suddenly realizing and quickly agreeing, “Master Wu is a man of integrity. Not only does he have no wives or concubines, I heard he has never even had a chambermaid.”

This was quite different from the rumors circulating outside.

When he first arrived in Ningzhou, he had heard that the favored servant of the Prince of Pingnan indulged in all manners of lust, regardless of gender. But after staying at Wu’s residence and examining Wu’s pulse multiple times, he realized those rumors were false.

Since Wu Ciyun was still unable to rise, the servant guided Chu Mingyi to her bedchamber, where a beaded curtain had been hung in advance to block any prying eyes.

The Rui King’s officers and Deputy General Li awaited outside. They understood that Wu was the Rui King’s trusted aide and bore no resentment, even patiently waiting without complaint.

Entering the room, Chu Mingyi immediately smelled the bitter scent of medicine. Glancing at the beaded curtain, he cursed Wu silently for being pretentious, then sat coldly in the grand armchair.

Recently, Wu’s illness had worsened, and the officers had been frequently negotiating with Liang troops. Seeing Chu Mingyi’s grim expression, they dared not speak, respectfully addressing through the curtain, “Master Wu, General Chu has arrived. Please kindly explain the plague situation in Pingsu.”

Wu had just finished her medicinal broth. She waved away the preserves a maid offered and slowly sipped some tea. Once the bitterness was subdued, she spoke slowly, “There is no plague in Pingsu.”

Her voice was weak and hoarse due to illness, and the three outside had to listen intently to catch her words.

“The Prince of Pingnan fabricated the plague to obtain disaster relief funds from the court. The people of Pingsu are safe and sound.”

The officers breathed a sigh of relief. “If so, this is a misunderstanding. I will order the guards outside Pingsu to stand down immediately.”

“No need to withdraw.”

Wu’s voice grew urgent, and she coughed lightly. Seeing this, the maid gently rubbed her back, trying to ease her breathing.

Through the curtain, Chu Mingyi could barely make out Wu’s intimate posture with a man inside; they were nearly embracing, utterly improper.

After a moment, Wu finally regained composure, steadying her breath before calmly stating, “The court’s main army is stationed near Ling County in Wuzhou. A few days ago, a letter was sent requesting Ningzhou to transport grain and supplies.”

“Currently, half the grain in Ningzhou is in Pingsu. Please order the city soldiers to disguise themselves as the remnants of Ningzhou’s army and transport the supplies to Wuzhou.”

The officers exchanged glances, surprise and doubt evident.

Sending supplies to Wuzhou was tantamount to aiding the court’s forces.

Chu Mingyi’s expression stiffened, but he did not interrupt. Instead, he grew curious to see what Wu was really plotting.

Deputy General Li hesitated before asking, “Madam, may I dare ask if you intend to ambush Wuzhou with cavalry hidden among the supplies…”

“No cavalry needed—just transport the supplies.”

Li urged, “But if the supplies truly reach Wuzhou, wouldn’t that strengthen the court’s power?”

Wu smiled lightly, her tone tinged with coldness as she spoke deliberately, “Do you think Wuzhou would accept supplies sent from plague-ridden Pingsu?”

Her words brought sudden silence to the room.

The maid noticed Wu’s slight frown and gently massaged her aching temples, softly asking, “Does this help a little?”

Wu closed her eyes and murmured faintly.

Chu Mingyi remained silent, though startled by her plan, keenly pointing out its flaw coldly: “What makes you so sure Wuzhou won’t accept them?”

“Cui Wenhua, the governor of Wuzhou, and I served together in Lingzhou during the fifteenth year of the Yuan Cheng era, managing the plague. His entire family perished because of it.”

The system, hearing Wu’s recollection, was moved.

That plague in Lingzhou had been devastating, sparing neither noble nor commoner.

Cui Wenhua and Wu Ciyun were both disciples under Wu Nanshan. While other officials fled or feigned illness, they risked their lives to manage the crisis.

To protect their families, they did not return home for three months. Cui later learned his family had all died, turning his hair white overnight and lamenting his lack of filial piety.

Wu, having contracted the plague, survived but never regained full health.

Recalling those grim times stirred faint emotion in Wu, but she spoke softly, “Cui Wenhua holds a grudge against the current court general, Zuo Can. Two years ago, over several concubines, Zuo Can forced Cui’s daughter to drown herself.”

If the supplies were sent to Wuzhou and Cui refused them, it would enrage Zuo Can, reigniting old and new enmities, inevitably causing internal strife.

The officers nodded, understanding Wu’s close relationship with Cui. “Governor Cui is a rare official who cares for the people. Should we successfully enter Wuzhou, we will treat him with due respect.”

“I have only one request.”

After a pause, Wu said calmly, “If Zuo Can surrenders and is executed, hand him over to Cui Wenhua.”

Though the Rui King had ordered no harm to surrendered enemies, the officers were shrewd and flexible, ignoring strict rules.

Even if Cui were to mutilate Zuo Can’s corpse, they could easily cover it up; there was no need to antagonize their own men over an enemy general.

Seeing Wuzhou nearly within reach, the officers rejoiced, but Chu Mingyi’s expression darkened, his eyes probing the vague figure behind the curtain.

Wu was not yet recovered and looked exhausted after speaking so long. The maid took the opportunity to speak loudly to those outside, “Madam needs to rest. If there is nothing else, please depart.”

The officers and Deputy General Li quickly took their leave.

Chu Mingyi, however, remained.

He said coldly, “Madam Wu, may I ask a few more questions?”

Wu frowned slightly, replying gently, “What do you wish to ask, General?”

“It concerns military matters, and it’s not appropriate with others present.”

Annoyed by Chu’s persistence, Wu took a deep breath and turned to the maid, “You may leave now.”

The maid hesitated, attempting to explain, “Madam, I…”

“Leave.”

Wu’s tone was firm, and the maid had no choice but to lower his gaze, silently drawing back the curtain and passing Chu Mingyi, exiting the chamber.

Chu glanced at the maid; his refined appearance and elaborate dress set him apart from the other servants. Realization dawned, and Chu sneered silently, cursing him as a fox spirit.

To be so intimate with Wu in broad daylight without restraint—no good could come of it. Clearly, he was a shameless scoundrel.

If his elder brother mingled with such a person, who knew how much suffering he might endure.

Seeing Chu still silent after dismissing the maid, Wu grew impatient and coldly demanded, “General Chu, what exactly do you want to ask?”

Chu raised an eyebrow and, ignoring decorum, pulled aside the curtain, striding inside.

Wu startled, her expression chilling as she scolded, “General, what do you mean by this?”

Looking down at her, Chu sneered, “I’m here to see if you’re truly ill or faking it. This isn’t a lady’s boudoir—why shouldn’t I come in?”

He had initially doubted her, but seeing her condition firsthand left him momentarily stunned.

Still convalescing, Wu did not tie her hair, and her flowing black locks accentuated her pale, delicate features, embodying the fragile beauty of a willow swaying in the wind.

Chu paused, his gaze involuntarily dropping, noting her Adam’s apple slightly protruding and her flat chest, then relaxed somewhat.

Wu was furious at his behavior, retorting coldly, “General Chu has the Liang army’s doctor watching over me day and night. If I were pretending, do you think he wouldn’t know?”

Realizing he had been staring at a man in a daze, Chu’s eyes flashed with disgust. He took a step back, distancing himself.

Wu’s accusation met no rebuttal. Chu scoffed, “What a coincidence—half the Liang troops just withdrew from Ningzhou, and now you’re suddenly lucid enough to see visitors. Perhaps someone in my army just doesn’t get along with you and is jinxing you?”

Wu did not deny it, replying calmly, “General Chu, I have not harmed a single soldier of yours. We each serve our masters. I only wish to strengthen the alliance between us.”

Originally, Liang’s forces had outnumbered the Rui King’s two to one, dominating Ningzhou.

Now, with half the Liang troops withdrawn, the forces were evenly matched, losing the initial advantage.

Chu’s belief in the Grand Tutor’s letter deepened.

This person was indeed cunning and calculating, having deceived everyone with a chain of schemes.

He had truly underestimated Wu Ciyun before.

Chu Mingyi was not one to shy away from admitting defeat. Recognizing her talent, he openly expressed his desire to recruit her, “With your skills, if you served the Liang court, you could easily rise to marquis or chancellor.”

Wu smiled faintly and replied calmly, “You flatter me, General. If the Rui King ascends the throne smoothly, I will have the honor of serving him directly. Why would I seek fortune in a foreign land?”

“Madam Wu, don’t be so quick to deny it. You say you serve different masters, but are you truly loyal to yours?”

Chu looked down at her with a half-smile, “Since you are close with Cui Wenhua of Wuzhou, I don’t believe you lack means to make him defect from the Rui King.”

Yet Wu had chosen the worst method. Even if Cui switched allegiance, he would surely harbor resentment.

Wu did not deny, tacitly acknowledging Chu’s point.

Chu did not mind; he even admired her foresight. As the saying goes, misfortune can bring fortune, but once one is discarded like a used bow, who can guarantee lifelong glory?

If one day Wu fell from grace, even disregarding his brother, Chu would welcome her with open arms.

“I have learned much from your stratagems, Madam Wu. Now that the serious matters are settled, let us speak of personal matters.”

Chu suddenly drew a dagger he carried and, with his left hand, pressed Wu onto the couch, swiftly cutting a lock of her hair with his right.

“If you dare betray my brother, I will never forgive you!”

Saying this, he sheathed the dagger and strode away without looking back, clutching the lock of hair.

Wu stared in shock at his retreating figure, stunned for a long while.

Wait...

Who exactly is his brother?!