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Chapter 73: Guidance

Wen Ruyu figured that he wouldn’t show up at her bedside without reason — surely not just to pretend to be a ghost to scare her.

So she opened her mouth and asked Chu Ying, “What’s wrong?”

“I’m leaving,” Chu Ying’s voice was still a little hoarse.

He had grown a lot taller recently. Wen Ruyu rarely saw a child shoot up like that.

In a few years, he might reach over 1.8 meters. If he could grow up safely, he’d definitely be a handsome young man. She wondered how he would compare to her own children.

Not to mention anything else, Chu Ying’s temperament was completely different from her kids.

Lu Jinnian and the others had a gentle warmth to them. They used to be a bit unruly, but as the years passed, they became more and more composed.

Chu Ying, however, had a sharp edge to him. When he glanced at others, he naturally carried an air of authority that made people instinctively want to obey.

Wen Ruyu tightened her outer robe and rubbed the corner of her eyes. “Is someone coming to pick you up? If you just leave like this, I’ll need to make up an excuse to explain to Fu’er.”

Though she felt a bit dazed, she had already prepared herself for the day she would have to part with Chu Ying.

This child wasn’t destined to stay in a small county like Qinghe.

Even if he was willing to stay, those former subordinates of the late prince probably wouldn’t allow it.

Wen Ruyu also felt a bit envious of his youth. In this world, she was already forty-one. If she had transmigrated ten years earlier, who knows what she could have become?

But it was those ten years that fate had cruelly taken from her.

Chu Ying nodded. “Yes. In a couple of days, someone will come. They’ll say they’re relatives from my mother’s side, and I’ll leave with them. The old madam will need to approve it.”

“That’s easy. But regarding your sister, it’s best that you say goodbye to her. She’s the only family you have left here.”

The “sister” Wen Ruyu referred to was naturally Qin Fu.

Although Chu Ying and Qin Fu weren’t actually blood-related, since Wen Ruyu called her his sister, Chu Ying never refuted it.

He was silent for a moment before speaking again: “I’ve arranged for someone to rescue the women of the Qin family. They’re temporarily settled in the suburbs of the capital. I hope the old madam will inform Sister Qin when the time comes. Just say it was done in your name. I can’t come forward directly.”

But Wen Ruyu replied, “The Lu family may have some influence, but not enough for something like this. If I say I saved them, people won’t believe it.”

“In the capital, there’s an official named Pei who worked with Master Qin years ago. Their relationship was decent. Just say you asked for his help — she’ll believe that.” With that, Chu Ying didn’t reveal more.

Wen Ruyu nodded. “Alright, I understand. After you leave, I’ll pass on the message.”

She thought the conversation would end there, but after a moment of silence, Chu Ying spoke again:

“This departure may be life or death. I’ve benefitted greatly during my time here with you. I no longer have a mother, and the old madam has treated me well. In my heart, I consider you a second mother. As I prepare to leave, do you have any words of advice for me?”

Wen Ruyu raised an eyebrow slightly. What advice could she give?

She thought to herself, All I hope is that if you ever fall, you don’t drag the Lu family down with you.

As for him calling her a second mother — perhaps he truly meant it.

After all, Wen Ruyu admitted that she had treated Chu Ying (when he was still Qin Rong) with genuine kindness.

But given Chu Ying’s extraordinary identity, even if he sincerely viewed her as a mother, Wen Ruyu didn’t dare accept it.

Still, she knew she couldn’t say that out loud.

She was about to say a few polite words when she saw something in Chu Ying’s eyes — a sense of tragic determination, like “the wind sweeps through the cold river as the hero sets off.”

Wen Ruyu paused.

In the end, she just sighed, “Unite all the forces you can. If one day you seize a city and establish achievements, never harm the people.”

Though she wasn’t a historian, she understood enough of warfare and dynasties to say a few things.

“To the common folk, it doesn’t matter who sits on the throne. As long as there’s peace and no excessive oppression, they’ll accept whoever’s in power.

Throughout history, many nobles acted like bandits in disguise. After conquering cities, they’d allow their soldiers to pillage and burn. But a true gentleman endures hardship — don’t think of plundering the people. If you refrain from that, they’ll support you.

Your power is still weak. You must rely on the support of the common people to have a future. Don’t blindly listen to those under you who might try to crown you too early. If the time comes, declare yourself a king first, then take your time.”

“This journey will be full of danger, likely life-threatening. All I can do is wish you safety.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Ying realized just how unusual Wen Ruyu truly was.

She clearly understood his ambition. She saw the beast that raged within his heart.

Chu Ying wanted to hear more, but the sound of the maids getting up interrupted them.

Wen Ruyu’s expression remained calm as she called for someone to help her get up.

——

Lu Bainian had been waking early lately — by dawn, he had already finished a round of martial arts practice.

He was good-looking, and his moves were powerful and energetic. Perhaps due to consistent training, he had developed a strong, athletic build.

Lu Mingzhu came early to greet Wen Ruyu and swung by to check on her brother.

A few young maids passed by, saw Lu Bainian wiping sweat, and gave their greetings with flushed faces before scurrying away.

When he saw his sister, Lu Bainian lifted his chin and said, “Wanna spar?”

Lu Mingzhu declined, “If I sweat now, how can I face the old madam later?”

Truthfully, she just didn’t want to spar with him. Her second brother didn’t hold back when fighting — although he never truly hurt her, his strength made it hard for her to defend against him.

She only practiced martial arts because their mother said it was good for health, so she wasn’t particularly diligent.

Lu Bainian, on the other hand, was genuinely passionate. Naturally, their progress differed.

Seeing her refusal, Lu Bainian just smiled. “I’ll go change after I’m done and head over too. I’ve got something to discuss with the old madam.”

After a few words, Lu Mingzhu left for Wen Ruyu’s courtyard.

Today was her day off from school. Over time, she realized she wasn’t that fond of embroidery. To pass the time, she preferred chatting with her mother.

After Wen Ruyu had breakfast and noticed her daughter dressed plainly, she gave her a set of gemstone hair ornaments she had recently bought.

“The house is still under renovation, when did you buy these?” Lu Mingzhu asked as she looked at the jewels. She was clearly pleased, but also worried about family finances.

“What else is money for? The granaries are full, and we’re not lacking food or clothing. Naturally, we should buy pretty things to adorn ourselves. Don’t worry — we’re earning more than we spend.”

Wen Ruyu knew she had been spending extravagantly lately — nearly 70 to 80 percent of her earnings had gone into luxuries.

There were whispers behind her back about her being extravagant, but due to her status, no one dared say it to her face.

There was no one above her in the Lu family anymore. Everyone else were her children. As long as she opened her mouth, they’d do anything to fulfill her wishes.

As for Lu Ke and Concubine Qian, Wen Ruyu was spending her own money, so they had no say.

If she got upset and stopped making money, that was what they truly feared.

Moreover, whenever she bought something, she’d always share with the other women in the family — even Concubine Qian got a piece, so naturally, she wouldn’t complain.

The reason Wen Ruyu spent money so freely was simple.

First, most of what she bought was gold and silver — things that would retain value even in chaos.

Second, in her modern life, she had lived lavishly, surviving comfortably off interest alone.

Now that she had the means, she naturally wanted to give herself the best.

Lastly — and most importantly — money couldn’t be taken with her after death.

So she earned now, and spent now. She kept a small reserve for emergencies and used the rest for her own joy.

Her sons disappointed her, so when she had money, she spent it. She didn’t want to leave too much behind for them.

They chatted a while before Lu Bainian came to pay respects, just as he said.

He was no longer dressed for martial arts, but wore a red robe with subtle patterns.

Now that he had come of age, his long hair was neatly tied up, and he wore tall boots. He looked just as steady as his older brother Lu Songnian, but sturdier and taller.

Wen Ruyu guessed he was over 1.8 meters tall now, his build becoming more solid — a very handsome young man.

Looking at him now, one would hardly believe he had once behaved so recklessly.

It wasn’t just him — even Lu Jinnian and Lu Mingzhu had grown taller.

Wen Ruyu figured that at this rate, her daughter would reach at least 1.7 meters tall.

After paying his respects, Lu Bainian sat down.

“I have something to discuss with you, Grandmother.”

Seeing his rare serious expression, Wen Ruyu grew curious. “What is it?”

“Lately, the court has lost to the Xiongnu, and taxes have increased. I heard they’re recruiting soldiers in the north. I want to enlist.”

In Fengguo, those with military registration (junji) were sometimes given land by the court. When not serving, they farmed to survive.

They trained occasionally, and provided their own horses and gear.

When war broke out, those with military registration were the first to be sent.

When the army was short-handed, the court would recruit commoners to fight — usually poor families or desperate times. Rarely would noble families send their sons to war.

That Lu Bainian offered to enlist himself — this was his true ambition.

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