Chapter 61: Cui Yuzhe’s Discovery—The Little Sister Likes…

Liyang City.

With the New Year approaching, more and more people were returning to their hometowns, and the number of citizens and travelers passing through the city gates of Liyang was noticeably greater than usual.

Accompanied by Cao Yong, Fu Zihou escorted Zhao Han, Xie Shudu, and the others all the way out of the city.

“My cousin has already sent word! By noon tomorrow, they’ll bring the person here!”

Xie Zhangyuan chatted idly with Fu Zihou as he watched the bustling crowd.

“Thank you,” Fu Zihou nodded.

Several days had passed since the events, and Fu Zihou could distinctly sense that both Xie Shuyuan and Xie Shudu had come to terms with what had happened to Xie Yan. Perhaps this was largely due to Xie Zhangyuan’s counsel.

“Now that chaos is breaking out everywhere, where do you intend to go, my virtuous nephew—Jiangdu or Luoyang?” Xie Zhangyuan asked quietly, glancing at Fu Zihou.

Zhao Han, Xie Shuyuan, and Xie Shudu, upon hearing the question, turned their attention to Fu Zihou as well.

With the favor he had gained from the Yang and Cui families, and now having distinguished himself, Fu Zihou could choose whether to remain in Hebei as an official or to go to Luoyang or Jiangdu.

Hebei had the support of the Cui clan of Qinghe; if Fu Zihou chose to be an official there, he need not worry about failing.

Luoyang was the most prosperous city in the realm, a place revered by all scholars.

Jiangdu was currently under massive construction; everyone knew that Emperor Yang Guang was preparing to move the capital there, and soon it would become the seat of power for the Sui dynasty.

“I would like to go to Guanzhong…” Fu Zihou replied to Xie Zhangyuan’s inquiry.

He understood that Xie Zhangyuan was really asking, amid the turmoil, what he thought of the future of the Sui dynasty.

Jiangdu represented the legitimate line of Yang Guang, while Luoyang was an unknown seat of power.

“To be honest, Uncle Xie, precisely because of the chaos, after witnessing the ferocity of the rebels outside Qinghe, I desire a place where I can settle safely. Guanzhong has always been the most strategic and secure region in the realm. I believe that, unless the northern Turks invade, Guanzhong will be safer than anywhere else.”

Fu Zihou spoke with a smile, explaining his wish for a secure place to settle.

“Guanzhong!” Xie Zhangyuan frowned slightly, looking at Fu Zihou, and recognized his meaning, so he did not probe further.

Outside the city.

As Xie Zhangyuan halted, Zhao Han, Xie Shudu, Xie Shuyuan, and their attendants also stopped.

Just as Xie Zhangyuan was about to raise his hand in farewell, a voice suddenly called out from a nearby carriage.

“Zihou!”

Hearing the shout, Fu Zihou, Xie Zhangyuan, Zhao Han, and the others turned to see Cui Yuzhe lifting the curtain of the approaching carriage.

“Brother Yuzhe!” Fu Zihou was surprised; he hadn’t expected to see Cui Yuzhe, who had been gravely injured and unconscious in Xi County, now here.

The carriage rolled to a stop, and Fu Zihou saw Cui Yuzhe and his sister Cui Wenjin. He introduced them to Xie Zhangyuan, Xie Shuyuan, Xie Shudu, and Zhao Han.

“Cui Yuzhe of the Qinghe Cui clan. Greetings, Uncle!”

“Cui Wenjin of the Qinghe Cui clan. Greetings, Uncle!”

The siblings promptly raised their hands and saluted the elderly Xie Zhangyuan.

“So, you’re Xinxin’s children!” Xie Zhangyuan smiled kindly at the siblings, his gaze full of goodwill.

He had never met them, but had heard their names, so upon hearing their introductions, he immediately recognized them.

“Hm?” Originally smiling, Fu Zihou was suddenly startled by Xie Zhangyuan’s words, looking at the Cui siblings in shock.

The children of Lord Cui Xin?

He had only needed a Cui surname for certain purposes and never bothered to learn about their family. To him, as long as they bore the name and were decent, any Cui would do.

He hadn’t expected Cui Yuzhe and Cui Wenjin to be Lord Cui Xin’s children!

Beside the carriage.

The surprise was not limited to Fu Zihou; Xie Shuyuan and Xie Shudu were equally astonished.

Seeing Cui Wenjin, their minds immediately recalled the conversation from a few days earlier, when Old Yang had laughed and suggested to Lord Cui that his daughter be married to Fu Zihou.

“It’s getting late and we must be on our way. We won’t intrude on your reunion,” Xie Zhangyuan said to Fu Zihou and Cui Yuzhe.

Though he sensed Fu Zihou was unfamiliar with the siblings, he saw their closeness and wanted to return home soon, so he did not linger.

“Farewell, Uncle!” Fu Zihou and Cui Yuzhe raised their hands in respectful farewell.

Watching Xie Zhangyuan depart for his carriage, Fu Zihou approached Cui Wenjin.

“Miss Wenjin, might I borrow some money?” Fu Zihou asked softly.

He knew well that Cui Wenjin was the wealthy one; the hairpin he had failed to buy, her money was still unspent.

“Of course.” Cui Wenjin, seeing Fu Zihou’s attitude unchanged from their time in Xi County, felt slightly annoyed.

“Thank you!” Fu Zihou gratefully accepted several strings of coins, then turned to catch up with Zhao Han.

“Brother Han, please take this to my teacher,” Fu Zihou handed half the money to Zhao Han.

“Don’t worry,” Zhao Han replied, having witnessed Fu Zihou borrow money from Cui Wenjin.

In the city, Fu Zihou had already entrusted a letter to Zhao Han. Zhao Han wished to tell him that, with the Zhao family’s support, his teacher would never lack for food or clothing.

Yet, seeing that this was Fu Zihou’s heartfelt gesture, it was best to deliver it.

“Thank you! Brother Han, remember: if chaos truly breaks out, head for Guanzhong!” Fu Zihou reminded Zhao Han earnestly.

Seeing Zhao Han nod in agreement, Fu Zihou felt relieved as he watched him board the carriage with Xie Shudu.

“Brother Han! Miss Wei is still waiting for you in Guanzhong!” Fu Zihou teased with a smile.

Zhao Han nearly stumbled as he boarded, turning to glare at Fu Zihou, half annoyed, half amused, his ears reddening as he got in.

“Why did they all look at me so strangely just now?” Cui Wenjin, joining her brother, turned to Fu Zihou and asked.

Fu Zihou, watching the departing carriage, looked at Cui Wenjin.

“Perhaps they were surprised you came to Liyang,” Fu Zihou explained, then turned to Cui Yuzhe.

“It’s all because of little—Ow! That hurts!” Cui Yuzhe, about to say it was due to his sister, was abruptly stomped on and jumped in pain, tugging at his wound and causing further discomfort.

Seeing his sister glare at him, Cui Yuzhe looked to Fu Zihou in urgency.

“We didn’t expect you really to be here in Liyang. It’s a relief you’re unharmed! Zihou, why did you come so hurriedly to Liyang after defeating the rebel army? And what about that Xie uncle—didn’t my sister say you were deceiving us?” Cui Yuzhe asked.

He hadn’t expected, as his sister claimed, that Fu Zihou would indeed be found in Liyang. Now, seeing him and recalling Xie Zhangyuan’s departure, Cui Yuzhe’s heart was full of questions.

“Deceiving you?” Fu Zihou turned to Cui Wenjin, puzzled, then suddenly realized and smiled.

“This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s head into the city first,” Fu Zihou said, leading the siblings inside.

Within Liyang.

At Fu Zihou’s modest lodgings, he distributed the remaining money among Cao Yong, Xiong Ruixiang, and others, instructing them to buy whatever they fancied in Liyang before returning to Xi County, not to be stingy.

In the room, Fu Zihou poured two cups of wine from a bamboo flask and handed them to the Cui siblings to taste.

Cui Wenjin, who had initially been disdainful of the humble room, sniffed the wine, took a small sip, and was instantly surprised by its quality.

“Zihou has never lied,” Fu Zihou said to Cui Wenjin.

Cui Yuzhe, also amazed by the wine, felt its pleasant warmth and rich aroma.

He turned to his sister, puzzled—if the wine was as Zihou said, why had she previously called him a liar?

“But that day, when I went to your lodgings, there was such a nauseating smell…” Cui Wenjin realized she might have misunderstood and felt embarrassed.

Especially recalling how she had repeatedly called Fu Zihou a fraud, she now fidgeted with her teacup, wishing she could hide her face.

“That was a specially boiled herbal concoction to mask the scent of wine—back then…” Fu Zihou explained the origin of the smell and recounted how his family had nearly been killed by refugees.

Hearing his account, both siblings were amazed by his experiences.

Especially Cui Wenjin, realizing her own privileged background, saw that Fu Zihou’s ordeal was beyond her imagination, and she had wrongly accused him.

The more she thought about it, the more guilty she felt.

“Brother Yuzhe, Miss Wenjin—these past days I’ve made arrangements with the Xie family as discussed. Please, keep this confidential, even from Uncle if possible,” Fu Zihou requested.

“Of course,” Cui Yuzhe replied, certain he would never mention it to his father. More than Fu Zihou, he feared word spreading.

He then put down his teacup, stepped back, and bowed deeply.

“Zihou! I must thank you for risking your life to go to Qinghe…” Cui Yuzhe’s words were interrupted as Fu Zihou helped him up.

“Brother Yuzhe, you’re still injured—no need for formalities. If I ever need something, I hope you’ll not refuse me,” Fu Zihou said.

As they spoke, Cui Wenjin noticed a blood-stained bandage by the bed and looked at Fu Zihou.

“Rest assured, Zihou! If needed, both I and the entire Qinghe Cui clan will aid you!” Cui Yuzhe declared with sincerity. As a renowned family, the Cuis were known for their gratitude.

Outside, the streets bustled.

Kneeling by the upstairs window, Fu Zihou, Cui Yuzhe, and Cui Wenjin listened to tales from Xi County, especially how Madam Li worried for Fu Zihou and searched for news of him. Fu Zihou felt deeply touched.

Yet when Cui Wenjin spoke, he couldn’t help but laugh wryly.

“…I had planned to redeem your sword for you, but your fiancée clings to it day and night!” Cui Wenjin complained, having guessed Fu Zihou was in Liyang. If not for Li Cha, she would have brought the sword herself.

Suddenly flustered, she nervously blurted out, “Well, you see—Li Cha can’t speak, born under an unlucky star, and without news of you, all she does is hug your sword! Since you rescued Qinghe County, I happen to know a noblewoman, not as wealthy as the Cui clan but—”

Cui Wenjin looked at Fu Zihou, giving him advice “for his own good,” though her manner was awkward and her gaze evasive.

She failed to notice her brother’s expression darkening.

“Sister! Mind your manners!” Cui Yuzhe rebuked her, forbidding her to say more.

Whatever the case, this was the business of the Fu and Li families; she, as an outsider, had no right to interfere.

“Zihou, please don’t take offense—my sister was out of line,” Cui Yuzhe apologized, indicating he hadn’t taught her well.

Cui Wenjin pouted, seeing her brother’s anger, and fell silent.

Wasn’t she just trying to help him? He was a fine young man; why should he marry a mute…

Stealing a glance at the youth across the wooden table, Cui Wenjin looked at his cheeks and eyes, thinking… he was truly a good person.

He deserved a better wife to stand by his side.

Though scolded, saying it aloud made her feel much better.

“It’s nothing,” Fu Zihou said, not taking offense.

From his first meeting with Cui Wenjin, he’d seen that she was not ill-natured, only biased like many in society against Li Cha due to old prejudices.

“Zihou, when do you plan to return? The Cui family’s promise is ready in gold!” Cui Yuzhe asked, knowing the Fu family’s circumstances and that the promised gold would allow them a fine residence.

“Tomorrow, I think,” Fu Zihou replied, and Cui Wenjin exclaimed in surprise.

“Tomorrow?” Cui Wenjin, seeing her brother and Fu Zihou looking at her, realized her loss of composure and explained quickly.

“I heard that every New Year, the Wang clan of Ji County gathers hundreds or thousands to honor their ancestor, Prince Bigan—it’s a sight rarely seen! Since my brother and I are visiting father in Wei County, I thought we might also go to Chaoge together. It’d be a pity to miss it…”

She laughed sheepishly, then turned to her brother.

“Brother, you and Fu Zihou haven’t really spent much time together…”

She suggested this as an opportunity to deepen their friendship.

“Chaoge!” Cui Yuzhe nodded, seeing that Fu Zihou seemed unaware.

He explained: the Wang clans of Tianshui, Dongping, Xincai, Xinye, Shanyang, Zhongxin, Zhangwu, Dongcai, Hedong, and others all branched from Ji County’s Wang clan over centuries.

At New Year, Wang clansmen from all regions gathered at Ji County to honor Prince Bigan’s tomb.

Prince Bigan was a loyal minister of the Shang dynasty, uncle to King Zhou, said to possess a heart of seven apertures, and was killed by King Zhou, then buried near Chaoge.

This was why the Wang clan always spoke proudly of their ancestor and cursed King Zhou.

“Every year is lively; many scholars, students, and noble youths from other cities come to watch. Over time, it became a place where Wang clan girls and other handsome youths often found good matches,” Cui Wenjin added.

“Others are honoring their ancestors; I won’t intrude. Besides, elders in Xi County are worried about me—I’d rather return sooner,” Fu Zihou shook his head, unmoved by the invitation.

Ji County’s seat was Wei County, west along the river from Liyang, and Chaoge was even farther, making it a round trip from Wei County.

In Xi County, Madam Li and Li Cha were anxious. Though Madam Li had helped conceal his absence, no one knew how long it would last, and Fu Zihou didn’t wish to join festivities at this time.

More importantly, the Xie family had sent word that tomorrow the person would arrive; he could not leave.

“As you wish,” Cui Yuzhe said, understanding Fu Zihou’s priorities, though disappointed they couldn’t go together.

As he lamented not being able to accompany Fu Zihou to Chaoge, he noticed a glimpse of disappointment on his sister’s face.

Why did she look so disappointed upon hearing Fu Zihou wouldn’t go?

Suddenly, Cui Yuzhe recalled her awkward gaze, her earlier inappropriate remarks, and now this fleeting sadness.

A thought occurred to him—could his sister… have fallen for Fu Zihou?

The more he considered, the more plausible it seemed. During his own coma and the family’s crisis, his sister had been at her most vulnerable and alone, and Fu Zihou had appeared as her savior.

He remembered, after waking, how all the scholars, officials, and generals in Li’s house had abandoned hope for Qinghe County.

Only Fu Zihou, in the face of universal despair, led prisoners to rescue the county, slaying the rebel general Xu Jinpeng and routing the enemy.

This was unforgettable for his sister, and even for himself—a young hero saving Qinghe County at the New Year.

He recalled her often gazing at his sword in Li’s house, lost in thought.

At the time he’d been worried for Fu Zihou and hadn’t thought much of it, but now it made sense.

Yet this made him uneasy—if his sister truly liked Fu Zihou, it might not be good.

She was of the Cui clan, and though Fu Zihou was a young hero, his father’s merchant background might not be accepted by all the family.

Or perhaps he was overthinking—his sister had always been proud and picky; surely she wouldn’t fall for someone of such humble origins.

Cui Yuzhe tried to reassure himself, but couldn’t shake the worry.

“Zihou!” Cui Yuzhe raised his hand.

“On our way, Yang Juncheng and Uncle have already submitted a report to the Luoyang court about the Qinghe affair. After the New Year, you’ll surely receive a reward from the imperial court,” Cui Yuzhe said, pausing.

“Today, we must hurry to Wei County, so we’ll not stay long. After the New Year, I’ll visit you in Xi County,” he said, rising.

“Huh? Brother, didn’t we agree…” Cui Wenjin frowned, confused—they had planned to spend the night in Liyang if they found Fu Zihou.

But seeing her brother’s look, she could only rise reluctantly.

“Then I’ll await you in Xi County, Brother Yuzhe,” Fu Zihou said, raising his hand.

Reading the look in Cui Yuzhe’s eyes, Fu Zihou sensed something was amiss, so he didn’t try to persuade him to stay, but agreed to meet again after the New Year.

“Farewell, Zihou—no need to see us off!” Cui Yuzhe signaled, as his sister looked on in confusion.

For Cui Yuzhe, confirming Zihou’s safety was enough; there would be plenty of chances to meet again.

But his sister’s feelings needed to be clarified first.