Chapter 50: Wiping his Body

Perhaps because Wei Zhao had been angered by Yu Tingwan so many times before, her shocking words no longer surprised him. Still, he felt somewhat offended.

He withdrew his hand expressionlessly, unable to comprehend what exactly Yu Tingwan was after. Was it merely for the sake of a kind mother-in-law? In this world, women were inherently vulnerable—and being beautiful without a strong family background to protect oneself was the greatest liability of all.

A widow without children, with aging in-laws like Wei Shouzhong and his wife—if anything were to happen, she would be left completely helpless. Yu Tingwan didn’t seem like someone who would act so recklessly.

Li Lian had already been helping her arrange matches. While the men introduced weren’t without flaws, they at least offered security. Yet she insisted on entering the Wei household.

Over the years, many had tried to forge ties with Wei Zhao. The political connections aside, countless people had tried to curry favor, hoping to become his sworn brothers. Others appeared claiming distant kinship, seeking a place to stay. But… someone wanting to become his “sister”? Yu Tingwan was the first.

However, Wei Zhao had long been too preoccupied with his own troubles to investigate any hidden agendas. He neither objected nor showed anger, tacitly allowing it—if only to prevent Yu Tingwan from doing anything more outrageous.

Yu Tingwan tossed a cotton cloth into the water basin, let it soak, then wrung it dry before wiping Wei Zhao’s face. He remained still, allowing her to do as she pleased.

At the Hu household, Yu Tingwan had always been quiet—not from timidity, but because she had nothing to say to people like Madam Wang. But now, things were different.

In a low voice, she said, “I think something’s happened at my uncle’s home.”

The uncle she referred to was Zhao Yong.

Speaking to Wei Zhao, Yu Tingwan continued, “When you had your accident, they should have come to visit, but they never appeared. At the time, the family hadn’t split yet, and my husband’s medical expenses at Doctor Qian’s were considerable. Mother feared our savings wouldn’t last, so she went back to her maiden home to borrow money.”

But the Zhao family was just an ordinary household, their situation hardly better than the Wei family’s. When Hui Niang returned, she came back empty-handed. Something must have happened, for her eyes were red as if she had been crying.

“A few days later, my aunt sent someone from their village with three hundred coins for my mother, saying it wasn’t much but should help for now.” The money was probably borrowed from elsewhere.

Yu Tingwan continued wiping Wei Zhao’s neck. Her movements were gentle, but when the damp cloth brushed over his Adam’s apple, it left a faint tickling sensation.

“My uncle’s family doesn’t live in Xilin Village. With this freezing weather and thick snow outside, they should have stayed overnight, but they insisted on leaving in the dark. Just now, I saw mother slipping the three hundred coins back, not even accepting the red envelope my aunt brought this time.”

As she spoke, Yu Tingwan suddenly felt something was off. She pressed her lips together, and her movements ceased.

The room fell silent.

Wei Zhao met Yu Tingwan’s accusing gaze. He had a feeling that if he didn’t respond soon, she might actually hit him.

Wei Zhao felt a headache coming on. With Hui Niang, he could ignore her whenever she nagged in his ear. But Yu Tingwan wasn’t the same—she wouldn’t perform a monologue. She clearly expected a response.

He had already spoken more today than usual.

Weakly, he replied, “Is that so?”

Though his response was halfhearted, Yu Tingwan seemed satisfied. She analyzed further:

“This time, only my uncle and aunt came.”

Their son, Zhao Yu, was missing.

As Wei Shen’s cousin, Zhao Yu should have attended the wedding.

“Normally, someone would have mentioned it. But today, none of the elders brought it up. They didn’t seem surprised by his absence, as if they were avoiding something sorrowful on a joyous occasion.”

Yu Tingwan concluded, “I fear something has happened to my cousin.”

She recalled a conversation at the Hu family’s dinner table when Hu Yaozhu had mentioned Zhao Yu:

«That Zhao Yu from Zhao Family Village studied under the same teacher as me. He was hardworking and determined, but he started his education late and wasn’t very bright. The teacher even advised him to stop wasting money on books.»

«But his mother was stubborn, going to the academy saying that studying was the only path to success, that generations of farming with hoes would always leave them as peasants. Without money or power, they could only be at others’ mercy when trouble came.»

«She also said… if Zhao Yu succeeded in his studies, he could seek justice for his cousin who died unjustly.»

When Madam Wang heard this, she hadn’t bothered to hide her disdain.

«Not everyone is as naturally gifted as Erlang.»

She showed no sympathy either.

«They’re talking about Xiao Niang, aren’t they? She’s dead and buried—why can’t they let it go?»

At the time, Yu Tingwan had paid little attention, never imagining she would have any dealings with the Zhao family.

“This is probably something serious, but since mother hasn’t mentioned it, I didn’t ask.” Even if she did, she doubted she could help.

The one who could actually do something—Wei Zhao—merely moved his pale lips. “Oh.”

He didn’t know them—what did it have to do with him?

Yu Tingwan suddenly reached for his clothing.

Wei Zhao’s hand gripped the blanket tightly. “What are you doing?”

Yu Tingwan responded with complete sincerity, “Wiping your body.”

Wei Zhao looked utterly resigned.

This wasn’t the first time Yu Tingwan had seen him shirtless. The last time, she had been entirely focused on applying medicine. But this time, she allowed herself a quick glance. His chest was broad and firm, his waist lean yet powerful. He looked… strong.

Must be an illusion.

Yu Tingwan let out a small gasp.

“What…”

Wei Zhao followed her gaze to the crisscrossing scars covering his body—old wounds layered over fresh ones.

Seeing her face pale, Wei Zhao slowly unclenched his fists. His eyes were vacant as he raised a hand, his fingers resting on his waist.

“This one—I got it when I was thirteen, during a duel.” Back then, he hadn’t yet formed the Wei family’s Army.

“He had always been my defeated opponent, so I didn’t take the fight seriously. I was overconfident, and I paid for it.”

“The injury wasn’t severe. With proper care, it wouldn’t have scarred. But I deliberately let it stay—to serve as a warning.”

You were that ruthless at thirteen?

Were village boys already fighting with blades at that age?

Yu Tingwan blurted out, “What happened to him?”

Wei Zhao replied, “Three days later, I ignored my injury and gave him a proper beating.”

“He was convinced after that and became my deputy.”

Yu Tingwan: …

Fine, fine, now he was showing off.

Wei Zhao pointed to another scar.

“This one—I was hit by a poisoned arrow two years ago.”

Yu Tingwan wasn’t sure which of his words were true and which were false.

But at least he was willing to talk—that was something.

His tone remained flat. “No ordinary person could get close to me. The Wei army’s defenses were impenetrable, like a fortress. And yet, I had a traitor in my ranks.”

Wei Zhao would have noticed if someone around him was acting suspiciously.

But that person couldn’t be touched—he was connected to Grand Eunuch Hong from the emperor’s inner circle.

Did it even need to be said who wanted him dead? Wei Zhao’s countless military achievements had long made him a threat to the emperor.

Still, having built his reputation over many years, the traitor hesitated before acting.

“His hand shook. That arrow should have missed.”

Yu Tingwan looked at the scar, then at Wei Zhao.

“Then why…”

Wei Zhao replied tiredly, “How could I let all their careful planning go to waste?”

“I took a few steps forward and let him hit me.”