After waking up, Fu Yan found that his beloved wife was nowhere to be seen. The comfortable, soft bed that always ended up in disarray was gone, replaced by the familiar yet long-destroyed Qitian Tower from his memories.
Fu Yan almost thought that the past nine years had been nothing but a dream. Now, having awoken from that dream, everything he gained within it had vanished into thin air.
But then the question arose: Did the people from his dream truly exist in reality?
The report in front of him mentioned “Marquis Zhongshun who had just returned to the capital today.” Could it be that this person was not the one from his dream?
The sudden loss after having gained everything filled Fu Yan with a sense of panic.
However, the earring Gu Fu had personally put on him brushed lightly against his cheek in the breeze, reminding him that the past he experienced wasnât just a fabricated dream.
He took off the earringâa blood-red jade pendant, vibrant and translucent, entwined with gold threads. This jade was something Gu Fu had traded for from Princess Ruiyang, and the gold thread was painstakingly attached by Gu Fu herself. After learning a bit of inlaying techniques from Gu Zhu, the Deputy Master at the Armory, she had meticulously added it herself.
Just as Fu Yan would put considerable effort and resources into preparing birthday gifts for her each year, Gu Fu had always been thoughtful with what she gave him in return.
Fu Yan lowered his head, gently brushing his lips against the vivid red jade, finding a bit of comfort in his heart.
So everything in his memory was indeed real, but for some unknown reason, he had returned to the pastâback to the day nine years ago when Gu Fu had faked her death and returned to the capital from the northern borders. And his former self from nine years ago was nowhere to be seen, likely having swapped places with him.
Fu Yan racked his brain, trying to recall what had happened on this exact day nine years ago.
After a moment, he rose and walked to the edge of the balcony. If he remembered correctly, tonight would mark his first encounter with Gu Fuâusing the Sunset Bow.
At the time, it didnât matter much since they didnât know each other yet. He saw someone suspicious out during the curfew and naturally had to apprehend them, showing no mercy.
But now, knowing that Gu Fu was not some suspicious person and would become the most important person in his life, he of course wouldnât use a bow and arrow against her anymore.
Fu Yan sat by the railing, holding a spyglass as he waited quietly. Eventually, he saw that familiar figure appear on the roof of a house on Fude Street.
He looked through the spyglass, watching as the Gu Fu from this timeâwho seemed a little more youthful than in his memoriesâleapt down from the rooftop, then after some time, jumped back up and left, heading toward the Gu residence in Quyu Alley.
This version of Gu Fu was a little different from the one nine years later. The Gu Fu of the future had a more composed aura, and because she no longer needed to disguise herself as a man, her appearance had become even more dazzling and striking, like a beautiful yet dangerous blade that could kill.
Of course, the current Gu Fu was also excellentâbold and brimming with youthful energy, carrying an unyielding fearlessness, with a sharpness that couldnât be hidden.
Yet there was one thing that had never changed about Gu Fu: she loved teasing him.
Gu Fu always said that over the years, he had become immune to her tricks and had even learned a lot from her.
But Fu Yan felt that no matter how much he learned, he could never compare to Gu Fu. Gu Fu didnât even need to say anythingâjust quietly looking at him was enough to make his heart flutter. And once she spoke, his eyes could no longer see anything or anyone else.
Fu Yan couldn’t bear to use a bow and arrow to get Gu Fu’s attention. He figured that this time he would miss the opportunity for their “first meeting.”
However, Gu Fu suddenly stopped in her tracks and looked around. She turned back and glanced in his direction.
After all, Gu Fu had been on the battlefield and had sharp senses, so she was sure someone was watching her.
She halted, trying to figure out who was secretly observing her.
Eventually, her gaze settled on the tall Qitian Tower on Xuanyang Street. Unfortunately, she was too far from the tower and didnât have a “spyglass” or similar tool, so she couldnât see clearly. All she could make out was the general outline of the tower against the night sky.
Gu Fu stood on the rooftop, staring for a while. Though uncertain, she thought she saw a faint glint from the spyglass’s glass lens reflecting the moonlight, along with a tiny red star-like gleam flickering beside it.
Just as Gu Fu was contemplating whether to approach Qitian Tower to confirm, a patrol of street guards spotted her.
Gu Fu had to dismiss the strange feeling of being watched and focus on escaping the pursuing guards, managing to return home safely.
Upon her arrival, Mu Qingyao, who had insisted Gu Fu take a bath before bed, saw the scars all over her body. For once, Mu Qingyao held back her obsession with cleanliness and told Gu Fu to sleep first, leaving the bath for the next morning.
However, after the lights were extinguished, Gu Fu’s voice echoed again from inside the bed curtainsâ
“Who’s living in Qitian Tower now?” Gu Fu, who had been away from the capital for five years, asked uncertainly.
Mu Qingyao, too sleepy to open her eyes, paused for a long time before answering, “The Imperial Preceptor.”
Gu Fu: “Thenâ”
Mu Qingyao kicked Gu Fu under the covers. “Go to sleep.”
Gu Fu had no choice but to fall silent, thinking: I’ll find time to visit Qitian Tower.
âŚ
Fu Yan was in a good mood.
Gu Fuâs expression when she looked toward Qitian Tower last night told him that she would definitely find an opportunity to visit it, because that was just the kind of person she was.
It was clear they were destined to be together. Even if he didnât shoot arrows at her, she would still notice him.
But because he hadnât shot at Gu Fu, she hadnât rushed to the base of Qitian Tower, which meant that the Prince Ying hadnât been injured by him, and the emperor didnât come to see him the next morning as he had in Fu Yanâs memory.
However, that afternoon, the emperor sent Li Yuming to summon him to the palace.
This part was exactly as Fu Yan remembered, and he remembered it well because the emperor had summoned him to discuss arrangements for Marquis Zhongshun Gu Fu after her return to the capital. But in his memory, he had refused the emperorâs summons and hadnât gone to the palace.
Later, the emperor teased him about it more than once, saying that back then, he had refused so decisively that not even a royal summons could bring him to the palace. Who would have thought he would eventually marry Gu Fu?
This time around, Fu Yan followed Li Yuming to the palace. When the emperor brought up Gu Fu, Fu Yan said, “Did Your Majesty not always urge me to marry? What does Your Majesty think of Marquis Zhongshun?”
The emperor was so shocked that he almost called for the imperial physician.
After confirming that Fu Yan was serious, the emperor uneasily asked, “Shall I issue a decree for your marriage then?”
Fu Yan thought for a moment and said, “I hope Your Majesty can wait a little longer.”
Fu Yan knew that Gu Fu, at this point in time, hated having her marriage arranged for her, so he discussed it with the emperor. He expressed that there was no need for an immediate marriage decree, nor should there be any secret interference with Gu Fu’s matchmaking meetings. The emperor only needed to remember this matter.
Hearing this, the emperor felt relieved, thinking Fu Yan had other plans and wasn’t truly eager to marry Gu Fu.
Five days later, Gu Fu attended a poetry gathering at Earl Lin’an’s residence. At the gathering, she threatened her first match to withdraw from the engagement and saved Mu Qingyao from drowning. Upon returning to her residence, she had her secret spies submit a memorial to the emperor to lodge a complaint.
At the same time, a pigeon that had been lingering at Gu Fu’s residence, along with a poem written about her at the gathering, was delivered to Fu Yan.
The pigeon, as usual, was plump and stiffened like a rock as soon as it was in his hands.
As for the poem, Fu Yan had no recollection of it, but since it was about Gu Fu, he took a lookâ
“With fragrant sleeves and cloud-like hair, she enters the red gates,
The wine cup reflects her shattered makeup by the pool.
The cold wind rises and hits the hanging curtains,
As if hearing the sigh of an immortal from the Jade Terrace.”
Fu Yan felt the poem didnât quite suit Gu Fu, so he changed the last two linesâ
“With fragrant sleeves and cloud-like hair, she enters the red gates,
The wine cup reflects her shattered makeup by the pool.
Who knows if the graceful beauty indulges in strong wine?
Her cold iron armor scorches the yellow sand.”
After revising the poem, Fu Yan vaguely recalled that he had also altered this poem before, but he couldnât remember how he had changed it back then.
Just as he finished, Yi Hua came in to report that someone had arrived downstairs, carrying a letter in his own handwriting.
Fu Yan knew it was his senior brother, Si Ya, because he had written to him on the second day after returning to the past. He just didnât expect Si Ya to come so late.
Yihua invited Si Ya upstairs and served hot tea and snacks.
Si Ya was fine when he came up, but when he saw Fu Yan, he stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening in surprise.
Fu Yan noticed Si Ya’s reaction and, after Yihua left, asked him, “Senior brother, did you notice something?”
Si Ya stammered, “Something’s off. According to my calculations, you should have returned two days ago.”
Fu Yanâs eyelid twitched. “What do you mean?”
Si Ya explained that he had observed the stars and saw that the stars had reversed, but after three days, the switch should have reversed again.
Fu Yan frowned. “Why didnât it reverse?”
“Maybe because you didnât want it to?” Si Ya said this in a very small voice because there wasnât a trace of reluctance to return on Fu Yanâs face.
There was only one other possibility. Si Ya nervously added, “The other you.”
Fu Yanâs anger flared up.
He had been restraining himself from interacting with Gu Fu from nine years ago, only to find out that his younger self was refusing to leave the future, trying to steal everything from him.
Dream on!
âIs there any other way to send me back?â Fu Yan asked Si Ya.
Si Ya replied, âForcing you to go back isnât impossible, but one of you will have to die.â
Fu Yanâs face darkened. âThen let him die.â
Si Ya felt a headache coming on. âDonât be so ruthless toward yourself.ââ
Fu Yan didnât relent. After days of persuasion, Si Ya finally understood that Fu Yan was this angry because the Fu Yan from nine years later was already married and had children.
No wonder he was so furious.
But Si Ya continued to reason with Fu Yan: âThatâs even more reason not to let him die. If he dies, what will happen to your wife in that timeline? Are you willing to let her marry someone else and have children?â
âIf she doesnât want to marry, no one can force her,â Fu Yan said, though Si Yaâs words did cause him to hold back.
And so he endured until the tenth day. That evening, Fu Yan leaned against the railing and counted the days.
In three days, it would be New Yearâs Eve. He wondered if Gu Fu would come to him with a jar of wine, just like in his memory.
If she came, how should he act around her? Should he pretend to be his younger self from nine years ago? Or should he just be himself, acting according to his current personality?
But more than seeing this worldâs Gu Fu, he wanted to see the Gu Fu from nine years later.
âHe missed her.
Fu Yan put the earring, which he had taken off when he first arrived, back onto his ear. In the next moment, the dim twilight and the view from Qi Tian Tower suddenly vanished. What appeared before him was a courtyard he knew so well that he could draw it with his eyes closed.
The cool morning breeze brushed against his cheek, accompanied by the sound of birds chirping and the voice of Gu Fu from nine years laterâ
â…You arenât the same person, and we arenât husband and wife. My husband is Fu Yan, the one who belongs to this time, Wang Xi. Heâs the only one I want.â
It was clear that Gu Fu had ruthlessly driven his younger self away.
Fu Yan felt no sympathy for his other selfâs sadness. Instead, he walked happily toward Gu Fu, embraced his wife from behind, and playfully bit her ear, telling her how much he liked what she had just said and asking to hear it again.
However, Gu Fu didnât indulge him as he wished. She turned around, held him close, and the two shared a long-overdue deep kiss, making the cool morning heat up with irresistible passion.
â Too bad it didnât rain.
This thought flashed through Gu Fu’s mind as she pushed Fu Yan down onto the bed.
However, the torment of longing was a more powerful catalyst than any rainy day could be, and soon, she was swept up in the waves of passion, leaving her unable to think about anything else.
The red earring dangling near Fu Yanâs cheek swayed continuously, only stopping after an indeterminate amount of time.
As Gu Fu slowly came back to her senses, she reached up to touch the earring and, with a hoarse voice, suggested, âNext time, letâs get one that makes noise. How about a bell?â
Fu Yan, ever compliant, nuzzled against her neck in agreement.
Gu Fu patted the back of his head and asked, âAre you done yet?â
Fu Yan, in response, tightened his embrace and said, âI missed you so much. Every part of me missed you. I wish I could just die right here on top of you.â
This was probably what people meant by surpassing oneâs teacher. Gu Fu sighed, but couldnât help the smile that appeared on her face.
Meanwhile, Gu Yuan, who hadnât seen his parents all morning, ran to the main courtyard. After being stopped by Yi Ye and learning that his parents hadnât woken up yet, he obediently held Yi Yeâs hand and went to play elsewhere.
As the two of them walked along the stone path toward the garden, Gu Yuan could be heard imitating an adultâs tone, saying worriedly, âParents are so grown up, and theyâre still sleeping in. What should we do?â
âŚ
Back in the past, the twilight outside Qi Tian Tower remained the same. If it werenât for the fact that ten solid days had passed, Fu Yan might have thought the last ten days were nothing more than a figment of his distracted mind.
Moments later, Si Ya rushed up the stairs and, upon seeing Fu Yan, excitedly exclaimed, âYouâre back! Finally, youâre back!â
Fu Yan remained calm, waiting for Si Yaâs excitement to subside before asking why he was there.
Si Ya then explained how the other Fu Yan had written to him, asking him to come over, and shamelessly inquired, âSo, when are you going to propose to your wife?â
Fu Yan lowered his gaze, thinking of Gu Fuâs back as she turned away from him. After a moment, he replied, âWeâll see.â
âWeâll see?â
You refused to come back because you couldnât let go of your wife and child from nine years later. So why are you saying âweâll seeâ now that youâve returned?
Si Ya had no idea that Fu Yanâs heart had been hurt by Gu Fu from nine years later. Even though he knew she had said those things intentionally, for the sake of the other version of himself, he still couldnât get over it.
So, even though he lay awake at night, he never called on the secret agents of the household to invite the second daughter of the Gu family from Quyu Lane.
In the blink of an eye, it was New Year’s Eve.
After returning from the palace, Fu Yan changed his clothes and sat down at his desk, sifting through the mountain of memorials piled up in front of him.
However, after reading for a long time, he couldnât focus on a single word.
Earlier in the palace, the emperor had brought up Gu Fu and asked if he really didnât need the imperial decree for their marriage.
Only then did Fu Yan realize that his future self had told the emperor that he wanted to marry Gu Fu.
Suddenly, Fu Yan felt a wave of disgust toward his future self and couldnât help but want to mock him: Isnât nine years later with Gu Fu enough? Does he also want to take Gu Fu from nine years ago?
Fueled by this anger, Fu Yan refused the emperor, stating that there was no need for the marriage decree.
âBut did he really not need it?
As Fu Yan pondered this, he suddenly heard a noise outside. He grabbed the Sunset Bow and hid in a dimly lit corner.
He prepared to shoot the intruder, but when he saw who it was, his breath caught, exposing his position.
Gu Fu set down the wine jar and swiftly moved in front of him, pinning him against the wall.
The Sunset Bow fell to the ground, and Fu Yan glared at Gu Fu, coldly saying, “Let go.”
“I wonât.” A tipsy Gu Fu, thinking Fu Yan didnât recognize her, was driven by a sudden urge to desecrate the divine. Like a rogue, she leaned in and whispered seductively in his ear, “You smell so good.â
If you enjoy my translations, feel free to consider supporting me on ko-fi! Thank you!
Release schedule: Every Monday.
Unlock chapters to read ahead!
