Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Half a month later, Gu Fuzhou led the reinforcements to the Northwest. Lin Qingyu was once again half a country away from him. His only consolation was that this time they could at least write to each other, a privilege bestowed upon them by His Majesty.

Every report sent to the capital from the Northwest would have with it a letter from General Gu to his wife; both letters though were sent directly Lin Qingyu’s desk.

Although the report and the personal letter were written by the same person, their styles were quite different. The report was concise and to the point, the wording was appropriate, speaking only of military affairs. During this period, under the leadership of the demon commander, the Xixia army was an irresistible force. After occupying Yongliang, they captured several more strategic towns in the Northwest. After Gu Fuzhou led the reinforcements from the capital, in any case, he stabilized the troops’ morale and elevated their fighting spirit.

Under the fierce offensive of the Xixia Army, the Dayu’s army established a last line of defense at Guizhou City. They were to defend this position to the death. Once Guizhou City falls, the Dayu’s gates would be thrown wide open in the Northwest. If that happens, Xixia would be free to claim the Jiangnan Flatlands as it withdraws or charge directly to the capital as they proceed.

When all was said and done, Gu Fuzhou was a man who had climbed atop a city gate and directed its defense while covered in his quilt. He was a man who knew something of defending a city. The Northwest Army and the reinforcements worked together as one and they halted the Xixia Army’s advance, stopping them outside Guizhou City.

These were written simply in the report. Only the results were stated; the process and details were all left out. However, just by looking at the number of casualties, one could tell how difficult a feat this was. On the other hand, Gu Fuzhou’s letter home was written thus:

“Qingyu, you won’t believe me but since I came to the Northwest, I haven’t slept a single wink. Do you now see my determination to triumph?

After an evening meeting with the generals, I walked out of the tent and saw the stars overhead. The stars in the Northwest are so very bright. I suddenly wished you were by my side.

That demon commander is quite impressive. I don’t think I’m a match for him. But Wu Youyuan appears very confident. He can talk nonstop about tactics for hours on end — I tried following his words and afterwards I started losing hair in clumps.

Qingyu, counting the last time I was in the Northwest, I’ve won six battles in a row. I have a hunch that it’s coming. My first defeat is coming soon. Help.”

...

For some reason, seeing Gu Fuzhou complaining about the Xixia’s demon commander’s superb military skills, about how he wasn’t his match, Lin Qingyu did not feel particularly worried. This was merely Gu Fuzhou’s lips making mischief. Though he obviously hadn’t written anything good, it somehow inspired confidence in Gu Fuzhou. This man was always like this; handling everything to the utmost amidst his unenthusiastic reluctance.

The peace of mind that Gu Fuzhou gave him had never been one through words. This time...will probably be the same.

No, it must be the same.

Lin Qingyu invited in the New Year in a very simple manner. Yuan Yin, as in previous years, hung red silk lanterns in the General’s Mansion, pasting paper cuttings on the windows. He also had the kitchen prepare a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner. But Lin Qingyu cared nothing for these and he returned to his room to rest after just a couple of bites.

Inside the room was the big bed that Gu Fuzhou had meticulously selected. In order to cause the least amount of inconvenience, Gu Fuzhou had specially asked the carpenter to create a matching wooden table. Every night, a tea set would be place atop the table so that if one were to wake up thirsty in the middle of the night, simply leaning over would bring you within reach of something to drink.

Lin Qingyu was lying on the inside of the bed. His limbs felt slightly cold. No matter how thick the quilt was, his body simply wouldn’t warm up.

After the fourth watch, Lin Qingyu gave up on trying to sleep. He got out of bed, put on a fox fur robe, took a lit candle and walked to the table. He picked up a brush and wrote down what was in his heart: Mandarin ducks cold as frost, the emerald quilt cool as ice.

First, I wish my husband a thousand years old; second, I wish for my continued health; third, may we be as swallows upon the beams, seeing each other year after year... In the end, these were but fine wishes.

After writing, Lin Qingyu turned absent-minded. He raised his eyes and looked towards the northwestern horizon.

The candle burned out as he sat alone, greeting the dawn.

On the third day of the New Year, people begun visiting the General’s Mansion to pay their New Year’s greetings. Unlike last year, aside from the numerous military officials, there were also many civil officials who came calling. After the new emperor ascended the throne, all the elites in the capital knew that aside from General Gu, the General’s wife was also not one to look down upon. It was said that this fifth-rank medical officer Imperial Physician Lin, if one were to replace “Imperial Physician” with “Taifu“, then his name would reflect reality.

Most requests for visitations, Lin Qingyu outright rejected. However, there were some people he could not not see. For example, Gu Fuzhou’s right-hand man in the army, Wu Zhan.

The impudent remarks he had made regarding General Gu still weighed on Wu Zhan’s mind. During this New Year’s visit, he intended to make a formal apology and the gifts he brought occupied half the courtyard. “I hope that the Madam would not reject the kindly regards of the General’s brothers.”

Lin Qingyu said unhurriedly, “But I clearly remember that Prime Minister Cui earlier expressed in his letter to the Emperor that there is no better candidate that the General to take command of the Northwest. What could possibly have made Prime Minister Cui change his mind so drastically?”

Cui Lian was momentarily struck speechless. However, he reacted very quickly and said calmly, “A letter to His Majesty? This minister has not sent any letter to the Emperor regarding the command of the Northwest. Did Imperial Physician Lin remember it wrong?”

“So, I see.” Lin Qingyu smiled slightly. “It’s possible I may have remembered it wrong.”

Such beauty should be a balm to eyes and mind but Cui Lian was apprehensive. He truly had sent this letter but the only one who saw it was His Majesty. What Lin Qingyu said; did he really know something? Or was he trying to make him slip?

Not giving Cui Lian time to think too much, Lin Qingyu got up and bid him goodbye. Before leaving, Lin Qingyu said, “Prime Minister Cui, you are a senior minister of two dynasties, the pillar of the country. I urge the Prime Minister to think matters over thrice before taking any action. Please don’t do anything stupid.”

After Lin Qingyu left, Cui Lian was still uneasy. He thought it over and over, but in the end, he still decided to head to the palace though it was already the hour for resting. The emperor had already gone to sleep and the one who went to meet him was Eunuch Xi. The first time he had faced His Majesty alone, the emperor had said, Xi Rong’s intentions are Zhen’s intentions. Aiqing may deal with him as aiqing would to Zhen.”

Cui Lian gave Xi Rong a detailed account of what had happened today. “Eunuch Xi, my letter to the Emperor recommending General Gu as commander...”

“Do not worry, Lord Prime Minister, it was burnt after His Majesty read it. It was impossible for Imperial Physician Lin to have read it.”

Fear still lingered in Cui Lian’s heart, “Then he was really trying to make me slip. How insidious and cunning. He truly is hard to guard against!”

The corner of Xi Rong’s lips pulled up. “But when the Lord Prime Minister came visiting the Emperor so late at night, did this not already imply to Imperial Physician Lin that you conceal guilt in your heart?”

Cui Lian had a sudden realization, and was immediately vexed. “I didn’t even think of that!”

“There is no need for the Lord Prime Minister to blame himself.” Xi Rong said, feeling greatly interest, “Imperial Physician Lin has already seen it clearly earlier on. This visit by the Lord Prime Minister simply gave him evidence. Even without this evidence, he has already confirmed the situation.”

“You mean, he already knew all about it?”

Xi Rong narrowed his eyes. “Today, he came calling you to account. In the future, it will be my turn.”

At this time, a little eunuch came looking for Xi Rong. “Eunuch Xi, the emperor is awake and is looking for you.”

“I have troubled the Lord Prime Minister over this matter. Please leave the rest to me.” After saying so, Xi Rong hurriedly headed to the emperor’s palace.

On the day of Lantern Festival, Lin Qingyu once again received a letter from Gu Fuzhou. “Seven consecutive victories, Baobei. Wu Youyuan has made great contributions. As expected of the man who will crush the Xixia. However, he seems to be getting complacent; he keeps feeling he can take them all on himself. But it’s not a big problem, I’ll make sure to reign him in a little — Happy Anniversary.”

Gu Fuzhou had written this last letter during the New Year. It happened to reach Lin Qingyu’s hands on the day they confessed their feelings for each other.

Lin Qingyu gave a shallow smile. He put away the latter, putting it together with the ring that Gu Fuzhou gave him.

In the afternoon, a servant from Ci’an Palace came to the mansion to deliver a message. The Empress Dowager was inviting Lin Qingyu to the palace to celebrate the Lantern Festival. They were to climb the tower after sunset to admire the lights.

The author has something to say:

Mini theater:

Classmate Jiang went shopping with the beautiful wife who had been delivered to his door.

On the subway, the great beauty, who had just learned to use a mobile phone, was chatting on WeChat with the stranger who helped him.

Stranger: What? He’s even making you take the subway! I f*cking can’t stand this! Couldn’t he have taken a taxi! How dare he make such a great beauty take the subway! Damn this attractive but worthless high-schooler!

After seeing it, Classmate Jiang thought for a while and said to the beautiful wife: Er... maybe you should get a driver’s license first?