Reborn Lady - Chapter 445

Now, in Wei Ying’s time of sorrow, when she needed him most, Cui Yu was determined to stand by her side.

Having served the late Emperor since his youth, Cui Yu had spent over thirty years with him. With the court now full with talented individuals, his absence would hardly be felt.

At forty-five, Cui Yu realized he might not have many more chances to be with the Princess. In a few years, she might even come to despise him.

“Your relationship with the Third Brother is very close. With your qualifications, you could easily become his advisor. Do you truly wish to step down?” Wei Ying inquired, her fingers tracing his still handsome and elegant visage.

Cui Yu clasped her hand and replied, “I desire to be at the Princess’s side even more.”

Wei Ying simply chuckled.

After their discussion, Cui Yu proceeded to the palace to pay his respects to Concubine Shu.

Concubine Shu had long been aware of her younger brother’s relationship with Wei Ying, and now, at this stage of her life, she was relieved to see him finally pursuing what brought him joy.

“You may go and accompany the Princess. Your sister is always with the Empress Dowager, so you need not worry about my livelihood. Wei Jian is also surrounded by his wife and children, so you needn’t concern yourself,” Concubine Shu assured.

Cui Yu replied with a smile, “The Empress Dowager is indeed kind. This subject is truly grateful.”

Back when they resided in Yan Palace, his elder sister and Mrs. Wen shared a strong bond. Now that Mrs. Wen had ascended to the position of Empress Dowager and his elder sister was within the harem, he was not afraid of her being mistreated.

As for others, there were only a few individuals left in the late Emperor’s harem, all of them elderly. With the late Emperor no longer present, they couldn’t cause trouble out of jealousy.

After bidding farewell to his sister, Cui Yu proceeded to see the new Emperor.

Wei Luo awaited him in the imperial study.

As the elder of the court, Cui Yu regularly attended meetings between the monarch and the ministers. However, whereas these gatherings typically focused on political matters, that day Cui Yu handed Wei Luo a letter of resignation, citing an incurable illness.

Observing Cui Yu, Wei Luo couldn’t help but notice the slender and tall figure of the forty-five-year-old Old Ge, still as graceful as a lofty cypress tree. He showed no signs of illness whatsoever.

Wei Luo exchanged a knowing glance with An Shun’er.

With a nod from Wei Luo, An Shun’er dismissed the attending eunuchs.

Turning his attention back to Cui Yu, Wei Luo inquired, “Why do you wish to resign?”

It was evident he wanted Cui Yu to speak the truth.

Cui Yu knelt down, averting his gaze as he confessed, “I have someone I care for deeply, and I have consistently let her down. At forty-five years old, I wish to spend the remainder of my days with her, while I still possess the strength to do so.”

Wei Luo grasped the underlying message behind Cui Yu’s resignation.

He also understood that his younger sister’s affection for Cui Yu wasn’t merely inferred from their father’s words, but rather from Yin Hui’s occasional mentions of Cui Yu with a particular tone in her voice.

As a Prince, Yin Hui rarely discussed officials within official circles with him, so even the occasional mention of Cui Yu indicated her special concern for him.

Initially, Wei Luo had harbored suspicions that Cui Yu’s exceptional appearance and gentle demeanor might have sparked some interest from Yin Hui. However, he soon realized that Yin Hui’s concerns had always been directed towards his third sister.

Yin Hui cared deeply for his third sister, and before their father’s death, he had entrusted Wei Luo with ensuring Wei Ying and Cui Yu’s union. Naturally, Wei Luo was inclined to assist in any way he could.

However, given Cui Yu’s talent and prime years, Wei Luo couldn’t help but wonder why he chose to retire at such an early age.

Wei Luo weighed the complexities of arranging a marriage for his third sister. He had to consider not only their father’s and his own reputation but also the desires of Wei Ying and Cui Yu, who had kept their relationship secret for so long. Perhaps they didn’t wish for a formal marriage.

“If my third sister were to feign illness and then assume a new identity to marry you and reside in the inner palace, while you continue to assist me, wouldn’t that be the ideal compromise?” Wei Luo proposed.

He believed this approach was superior to Cui Yu’s plan. Faking Cui Yu’s death to accompany Wei Ying would inevitably draw attention, complicating matters.

In Wei Luo’s proposed scenario, Wei Ying would feign her death, allowing Cui Yu to maintain his ascetic lifestyle. He could return to his hometown under the guise of preparing for marriage and establishing a home in the suburbs. This arrangement would enable Wei Ying to raise their children at home without hindering Cui Yu’s ambitions.

Cui Yu was grateful for the kindness of the new Emperor, but he would rather follow the Princess anonymously and never marry than break the Princess’s wings and keep her trapped in the inner palace.

Wei Luo understood, looked at Cui Yu again, and suddenly asked, “Have you thought about where you are going to travel?”

Cui Yu replied, “The Princess wants to go to Yunnan.”

Wei Luo nodded. “Yunnan is a good place, but I intend to send you to the West. If you are interested, you can come to see me at any time.”

Great Wei was rich in products, and some items were inexpensive locally but could yield substantial wealth when traded with foreign countries.

Cui Yu was elegant and modest; he could not only communicate with foreign countries as an envoy but also had the ability to lead troops, manage accompanying soldiers well, and make strategic decisions in times of uncertainty.

“I’ll give you three days to think about it, so you should take this letter back first,” Wei Luo said as he returned Cui Yu’s resignation letter to him.

That night, Wei Luo told Yin Hui about this.

Yin Hui frowned and said, “Isn’t it too dangerous to go to sea? My third sister and Cui Yu just want to stay together and soar together. How can Cui Yu refuse to go to sea?”

Wei Luo’s plan was good, but the decision ultimately lied with Cui Yu and Wei Ying. Yet, now that he was the Emperor and Cui Yu was a courtier, could Cui Yu dare to decline the Emperor’s command?

Although Cui Yu was indeed a suitable candidate for a sea voyage, Yin Hui liked these two too dearly. She would rather Wei Luo go through the trouble of selecting other suitable candidates than risk spoiling their happiness.

Wei Luo chimed in, saying, “How many people overseas recognize them compared to those in China? Once they’re abroad, they can live freely.”