Chapter 023: A World of Ice and Fire

Li Dong arrived at a secluded residence, where Du Fuwei, gripping his arm, unexpectedly led him straight toward the inner chamber reserved for women. A delicate fragrance wafted out from within, a scent with which Li Dong was all too familiar. It was the very essence of Lu Rou, the woman who had haunted his thoughts day and night, whose whereabouts he had desperately sought.

Given her youth and beauty, Li Dong shuddered to imagine her fate were she to fall into the hands of the rank-and-file soldiers or some petty officer—her end would be too tragic to contemplate. Without the protection of Lu Lier and now deprived of his own, it would be nearly impossible for such a gentle woman to survive amidst the chaos and upheaval of these times.

It was only then that Li Dong realized the extent of Du Fuwei's resourcefulness. Who would have thought Du had quietly tracked down Lu Rou and kept her hidden, now presenting her as a most precious gift? A tide of emotion surged within Li Dong.

He had not misjudged Du Fuwei—truly, this man was a hero. Though he could have claimed Lu Rou for himself, he had refrained, understanding both Li Dong’s longing and urgency, and had gone to great lengths to see this deed done.

Neither Lu Rou nor Lu Lier could have foreseen, when they had bound him for the execution grounds, that the city would change hands in a blink. Now, the tables had turned, and Li Dong stood before them as the victor. Though Lu Rou's actions had wounded him, Li Dong was not one to bear grudges; he would not let his pain stop him from helping them.

Of course, what Li Dong did not know was that the so-called betrayal of Lu Rou and Lu Lier was but an elaborate ruse—a double act meant to frighten him in retaliation for a frightful ghost story he’d told, not with any true intent to kill him.

Now the question remained: how best to ensure Lu Rou’s safety? The challenge was not so much in protecting her, but in doing so without attracting the notice of Zhi Shilang, whose men now controlled every corner of the city.

His own home was out of the question; Wang Bo had certainly stationed heavy guards there, and entering would be like walking into a trap. Though it might not mean certain death, it was far less safe than this hidden refuge. For now, Li Dong was not ready to face Wang Bo head-on—he was still too weak, alone and outmatched.

Lu Rou lay on her side upon the couch, her back turned, her face to the wall, long black hair cascading down. She did not stir, lost in deep slumber.

Li Dong withdrew quietly, beckoning Du Fuwei to join him in another room.

“Where did you find her?” Li Dong asked.

“At the Lu estate, of course. Oddly enough, while everyone else was fleeing in panic, she showed no fear, nor did she try to hide. She sat alone in the garden, smiling at the flowers.”

Li Dong nodded, unsurprised. That was Lu Rou’s charm—innocent in the ways of the world, unafraid in the face of danger, her heart pure as water. She was gentle and shy, yet possessed a magnanimity and composure befitting someone destined for greatness. Given time, she would surely achieve much.

“It’s rare to have a brother so considerate,” Li Dong said. “You’ve done me a great service. Right now, I myself am under Zhi Shilang’s strict surveillance and cannot rescue her in person. Let her remain here for now, and when I have a plan, I will come for her. I must trouble you a while longer.” With that, Li Dong offered Du Fuwei a deep bow.

Du Fuwei hurriedly returned the gesture. “General, you honor me. That you regard me as one of your own is my greatest fortune. To be of service to you is a blessing. But the longer she stays, the greater the risk. We must get her out of the city as soon as possible, or there will be trouble if the secret gets out. Besides... I must soon conduct a public trial of her father. There’s nothing more I can do.”

Li Dong understood that Du Fuwei was caught in an impossible situation. “I know this is a burden for you. I’ll find a solution quickly.”

Just then, Du Fuwei fell silent, his gaze fixed behind Li Dong with an expression of alarm.

Li Dong turned, startled to see that Lu Rou had, at some point, silently appeared behind him. Her beautiful eyes were wide, her face full of a thousand unspoken questions.

Li Dong’s heart sank. She must have overheard their conversation, at least in part. She now knew both her own circumstances and her father’s fate. The distress was written plainly on her face. She could not believe that the two men—her father’s honored guests and the city’s former protectors—now stood with Zhi Shilang, preparing to act against her father.

“Traitors! If anyone dares harm my father, I will never forgive them!” Tears glistened in Lu Rou’s eyes, sliding silently down her porcelain cheeks and shattering as they struck the floor.

Du Fuwei, flustered, tried to explain. “Miss Lu, please listen. The situation is far more complicated than you think. We’re trying to find a way—”

“A way?” Lu Rou interrupted bitterly. “Big words, all talk of finding a way. If you truly cared, you would not have let the wolves in. A traitor is a traitor—once a rebel, always a rebel. Don’t think your pretty words can excuse your actions.” Her voice rose with each word until she was nearly shouting.

Li Dong quickly tried to calm her. “Du Fuwei has his reasons, please don’t misunderstand him.”

“And you!” Lu Rou snapped, “My father trusted you—he put the city’s finest in your hands. Now you stand with the traitors, making excuses for them. My father must have been blind to trust the likes of you. The people of Zhangqiu suffer—how they are wronged, to fall prey to such men!”

Li Dong realized that, in her agitation, Lu Rou could no longer distinguish right from wrong. He hurried to her side and covered her mouth, preventing her from saying anything more hurtful.

She struggled in his grasp, but finding resistance useless, fell still, lying in his arms with eyes closed, tears streaming down.

“If we truly meant your father harm, why would we go to such lengths to save you? Do you think we could bear to see you in such pain? Why would we torment you, and ourselves, so?” Li Dong’s words came in a rush, but Lu Rou gave no response.

Only then did he release his hand from her lips.

After a long silence, she spoke slowly and clearly: “If I get the chance, I will personally strike down you two traitors!” With that, she fell silent, standing tall and resolute, ready to meet whatever fate awaited her.

“One day, you will understand,” Du Fuwei replied coldly, then walked outside.

Li Dong tried to comfort Lu Rou. “I’ll come see you again. Right now, things are too complicated for me to explain. In time, all will be made clear.”

Without waiting for her reply, he left the room, quickly catching up to Du Fuwei.

“The misunderstanding has taken root and will only deepen. I am truly at my wit’s end,” Du Fuwei lamented.

“I understand—truly, I do. But there is something I must ask you face to face,” Li Dong said, knowing that the fate of Zhangqiu now depended on the fact that Du Fuwei still held some military authority. Yet, having only just acquired this power, would Du Fuwei truly be willing to let it go? That remained to be seen.

Du Fuwei looked at him in puzzlement. “What is it that troubles you so?”

Announcement: Good news! This Sunday at 2 p.m., "Stealing Tang" will be featured in the top recommendations for the history category. Please cast your votes! Every bit of support helps keep the writing going—thank you all!