Chapter 41 – Play Within a Play (Part One)

The plot of “Pear Blossoms” unfolds like this.

From a young age, Yu Tang was sold into the Pear Orchard to learn opera, enduring countless hardships and suffering before finally making his debut at sixteen, catching the eye of Chu Yu, a nineteen-year-old gentleman who had just returned from studying abroad in England.

Chu Yu and Yu Tang hit it off immediately, becoming bosom friends whose feelings for each other deepened over time. Chu Yu lavished money on Yu Tang, propelling him to fame as the most renowned actor in Jinling, earning him the respect of all who knew him, addressed as “Boss Yu,” no longer to be looked down upon.

The Chu family disapproved of Chu Yu’s infatuation with an actor, refusing to allow him to redeem Yu Tang’s freedom, threatening to kill Yu Tang if he did not comply.

To protect his beloved, Chu Yu chose to join the military, determined to gain the power necessary to shield Yu Tang.

Years later, Chu Yu returned, now a battle-hardened general, showering all his tenderness on Yu Tang alone. Yet, the Chu family had already arranged a marriage between Chu Yu and Miss Zhang, a union that echoed through Nanjing.

During Chu Yu’s military service, the Chu family warned Yu Tang to stay away from Chu Yu.

“You’re just an actor, a lowly form of entertainment. What can you offer him? Status or fame? You’ll only hold him back. If you truly love him, you should step aside and not hinder Chu Yu’s future.”

Yu Tang thought, yes. The young master has a splendid marriage ahead of him, a bright career, far beyond my reach.

This misunderstanding created a rift between Yu Tang and Chu Yu.

However, the misunderstanding was soon resolved. Chu Yu openly declared his indifference to Miss Zhang and everyone else.

“A-Tang, you know I only have eyes for you.” Chu Yu kissed his brows gently under the night sky. “You should trust me.”

Yu Tang closed his eyes. “Alright, I trust you.”

That evening, the candlelight flickered dimly as Chu Yu undid Yu Tang’s sash, removing his heavy costume, revealing the youth’s exquisite face, usually masked by heavy makeup, now flushed pink. He saw the tears glisten in his long-lashed eyes, heard his voice, capable of singing melodious tunes, whisper his name in soft sobs.

Their love was an illness, a madness for each other.

After that night, Chu Yu and Yu Tang became even more devoted to each other. While he read under the lamp, Yu Tang added fragrance to the air. While he practiced martial arts in the courtyard, Yu Tang watched from the veranda. While he warmed wine for his sword, Yu Tang brewed snow-melt tea. When he plucked flowers for him, Yu Tang would smile and sing a tune spontaneously.

They were a perfect pair.

Chu Old Master and Chu’s father vehemently disagreed, but by then, Chu Yu was too powerful to be controlled by the family. His older brother, Chu Mu, was preoccupied with his tumultuous love affair with Green Peony, leaving no time to dissuade his younger sibling.

Chu Yu and Yu Tang enjoyed a harmonious period, the best days of their lives.

But good times do not last forever. With the chaotic domestic situation, Chu Yu was forced to wage war in another province. In Jinling, Yu Tang remained under the protection of a few men left behind by Chu Yu.

Despite their efforts, an oversight occurred.

Yu Tang was kidnapped.

Blindfolded and bound to a chair, the instant the cloth was removed from his eyes, he saw a woman.

His kidnapper was Miss Zhang.

Miss Zhang was no longer the naive and carefree heiress she once was. The political climate was perilous, her mother died from illness, her biological father was powerless, and the Zhang family, mere merchants, struggled to survive in these turbulent times. Miss Zhang grew up quickly in these hardships, knowing she must support the Zhang family, yet, as a weak woman, she had no choice but to seek help elsewhere.

She needed a husband who could protect her family.

Her husband should have been Chu Yu, the man with a formidable army at his command.

Yet, he preferred a lowly actor over her, a lady born into wealth.

Miss Zhang kidnapped Yu Tang to warn him, to make him distance himself from Chu Yu. She knew Chu Yu cared for Yu Tang, and she could never wedge herself between them, so she resorted to a plan.

She imitated Chu Yu’s handwriting to compose many love letters, placing them alongside a forged marriage certificate in front of Yu Tang.

“Boss Yu, I am married to A-Yu. Do you understand what marriage means? It means we are wedded.”

“When news of our families’ engagement spread, you were aware. Later, when it faded, outsiders assumed it was forgotten, but it wasn’t. A-Yu and I are married, but due to his status, it would be dangerous for his family. He kept it secret to protect me,” Miss Zhang told Yu Tang.

“He may have some fondness for you, like one might for a pet bird. Men often indulge in various pleasures outside, which I usually ignore,” Miss Zhang maintained her arrogance to mask her insecurity, knowing every word was a lie. “But it’s bothersome to think about. I won’t make things difficult for you. Just write a letter breaking up with A-Yu and leave him voluntarily. I’ll give you some money for your journey. Leave Nanjing, go as far away as possible.”

Once Yu Tang left heartbroken, when Chu Yu returned, Miss Zhang would tell him that Yu Tang couldn’t wait for him and had run off with another rich man. Chu Yu would surely be disappointed in the unfaithful actor, and then she could comfort him, taking advantage of his vulnerability… how could she not secure the position of Second Madam of the Chu Family?

Miss Zhang’s plan seemed foolproof.

But it failed at the first step.

Yu Tang looked at the pile of supposed letters Chu Yu wrote to Miss Zhang, and the black-and-white marriage certificate. After a moment, he laughed. “I don’t believe it.”

Miss Zhang felt a lump in her throat, forcing herself to remain calm. “Yu Tang, don’t deceive yourself.”

“It’s Miss Zhang who is deceiving herself, isn’t it?” Yu Tang lifted his gaze, smiling softly, even while tied to the chair, he appeared cold and dignified. “I only believe in him. Unless he stands before me and tells me himself that he doesn’t want me anymore, I won’t believe it.”

Miss Zhang couldn’t believe it. “You believe him that much?!”

Yu Tang merely tilted his head and smiled. “If I don’t believe him… should I believe you, Miss Zhang?”

“Actually, Miss Zhang’s handwriting is quite good, the strokes and structure are accurate, but you can’t replicate his spirit.” Yu Tang praised sincerely. “It’s true, Miss Zhang, Yu Tang knows few words; I only learned to read to memorize my lines. It was Young Master who taught me to write, so I naturally recognize his handwriting. If I wrote it, I could make it look even more like his…”

A slap echoed through the room, turning Yu Tang’s face to the side.

“Are you here to show off!” Miss Zhang exclaimed, enraged.

Yu Tang’s face stung, a bright red handprint blooming on his pale cheek, a hint of blood lingering in his mouth.

Yu Tang realized he had indeed been pampered by Chu Yu. Once able to withstand beatings and whippings, his body now found a single slap unbearable.

Yet, he showed no sign of distress, calmly looking at Miss Zhang. “Hitting me won’t change anything. Even if you kill me, your Zhang family won’t be spared.”

Miss Zhang, her thoughts exposed, was both shocked and furious.

Yu Tang had spent years in the entertainment world, seeing through human nature. He said, “You don’t love the young master, I know that. You’re just looking for a pillar of support.”

Miss Zhang acted like a madwoman. “Isn’t Chu Yu always praising your kindness and generosity? Then be generous. Give him to me, won’t you? This is my only chance to survive!”

Yu Tang shook his head slowly and firmly. “No.”

“I’m not kind, nor generous. I’m too vicious and petty. If Miss Zhang wants to snatch the young master from me, I’d rather kill you.”

The youth’s radiant and beautiful face, smiling as he said this, sent shivers down Miss Zhang’s spine.

Yu Tang… was no delicate vine.

He was a lethal poppy.

Miss Zhang hated Yu Tang, and she hated Chu Yu.

She thought, if she couldn’t be happy, neither should anyone else.

Unable to reach Chu Yu, Miss Zhang aimed for his enemy. Among those opposing Chu Yu, the strongest was Third Master Shen, Shen Nian, who occupied the northwest.

Miss Zhang couldn’t contact someone like Shen Nian herself, but Yu Tang could.

Yu Tang was Chu Yu’s weakness. For that reason alone, Third Master Shen would certainly meet her.

Miss Zhang went through many channels, finally managing to connect with Third Master Shen. Shen Nian had no interest in any Miss Zhang, but when she mentioned capturing an actor, the apple of Chu Yu’s eye, his interest was piqued.

The most crucial point was that Chu Yu had also arranged for his family’s relocation before leaving. No one knew where they were, except for Yu Tang.

Chu Yu loved him so much that he told him everything. Except for some secrets, nothing was hidden from Yu Tang.

Shen Nian had previously tried to control Chu Yu’s family but failed to locate them. However, it didn’t matter, he now found one of Chu Yu’s lovers.

Shen Nian was cold and ruthless. He believed that controlling family ties was more stable than abstract love. Shen Nian had heard of Chu Yu lavishing attention on an actor in Nanjing, but he dismissed it as a mere plaything for Chu Yu.

He didn’t believe that Chu Yu, a cold-blooded man, could have genuine feelings for an actor.

Miss Zhang traded Yu Tang for Shen Nian’s casual dispatch of a few men to protect the Zhang family. This alone was enough to make her immensely grateful.

When Shen Nian met Yu Tang for the first time, the youth sat frailly in the dungeon, his body leaning against moss-covered walls. Amidst the dark and silent cell, the youth appeared pale and fragile, his beauty striking.

Indeed, he was a breathtaking sight.

Unfortunately, Shen Nian only loved women.

“You know the whereabouts of the Chu family,” Shen Nian looked at him.

Yu Tang raised his eyes slowly. “I don’t know.”

Shen Nian calmly pulled out the leather whip at his waist. “No, you do.”

In the dungeon, Yu Tang was beaten to within an inch of his life, subjected to various forms of torture, but he steadfastly claimed he didn’t know.

Even if the Chu family didn’t like him, they were still Chu Yu’s family.

In the end, two whips broke, but Yu Tang didn’t yield. Shen Nian was perplexed. Could it be that the woman from the Zhang family was lying to him? Did Yu Tang really not know the location of the Chu family?

Shen Nian didn’t believe that an actor could be so resilient, enduring such abuse without divulging information.

Shen Nian left Yu Tang behind and returned after two days. His leather shoes stopped beside Yu Tang, who lay on the ground barely alive, and delivered a message.

“Do you want to know the whereabouts of your sister?”

Yu Tang suddenly lifted his gaze, shock evident in his eyes.

“What did you say?”

His… sister?

Yu Tang had always assumed that his family was dead. So he never thought to look for them.

“Yes. Your sister,” Shen Nian had spent the past two days investigating Yu Tang’s past, discovering something interesting. Green Peony, the famous courtesan of Jinling, was Yu Tang’s sister, and she had a relationship with Chu Mu.

“Who is she?” Yu Tang’s breath was unsteady. “Where is she?!”

“Hold on,” Shen Nian smiled. “Tell me where the Chu family is, and I’ll tell you who your sister is. It’s up to you whether you choose the Chu family or your own family.”

Yu Tang was silent for a long time.

After a long pause, he said, “I really don’t know.”

Shen Nian’s eyes turned dangerous.

He felt like killing someone.

Shen Nian composed himself. “Fine. Let’s assume you really don’t know. Do something for me. I’ll tell you about your sister.”

“What is it?”

“I’ve heard that Chu Yu dotes on you. So he probably doesn’t guard against you too much?” Shen Nian looked down at the youth sprawled on the ground. “I want you to poison Chu Yu’s wine. If you succeed, you’ll get the answers you want. If you fail, your sister dies. Will you agree or not?”

There was no answer for a long time.

Until a quiet word.

“Okay.”

Yu Tang refused to reveal the location of the Chu family, even at the cost of his life. He wasn’t indifferent to his sister, but he couldn’t betray Chu Yu either.

It was a delaying tactic.

Yu Tang was released.

However, the location of the Chu family was not concealed from Shen Nian. They weren’t betrayed by Yu Tang, but by Father and Daughter Zhang.

The Chu family hid in a mansion in a small alley in Jinling, guarded by a large force. One day, Old Master Chu went out for an errand and encountered Father Zhang. Almost in-laws due to the previous engagement, there was some friendship between them, so Old Master Chu chatted with Father Zhang for a while and even invited him home as a guest.

Unbeknownst to them, the Zhang family, having received favors from Shen Nian, had switched sides and reported the information to Shen Nian.

The few guards Chu Yu left behind were no match for Shen Nian’s forces, and the Chu family was swiftly taken away.

When Yu Tang heard the news, he accidentally shattered a teacup.

Lisheng worried, “Brother Tang, this…”

Brother Tang returned a few days ago, his body covered in wounds, shocking him. But no matter how he asked, Brother Tang wouldn’t reveal what happened. Now, the news of the Chu family being taken away by Third Master Shen…

Nanjing was becoming increasingly unstable.

Yu Tang clenched his long robe. “Zhang family…” He suppressed his anger. “Clean up the broken cup.”

On the day Shen Nian captured the Chu family, he sent a telegram to Chu Yu, luring him back to Nanjing, to walk right into his trap.

Chu Yu indeed returned, and upon returning, he met Miss Zhang.

Miss Zhang said, “It was Yu Tang who betrayed Old Master and the others.”

Indeed, the location of the Chu family was known only to Yu Tang.

Chu Yu didn’t believe it.

Miss Zhang urged, “I’ve said it before, actors are untrustworthy, why won’t you listen!”

“Silence,” Chu Yu’s eyes were cold. “I’ll ask him myself. It’s none of your business.”

Miss Zhang gritted her teeth inwardly.

Chu Yu, the person on the tip of your heart, is planning to kill you.

Yu Tang sat alone in the room, a jug of wine and two cups on the table.

He was waiting for Chu Yu to return.

Everything today was a trap set by Shen Nian for Chu Yu.

Unable to confront Chu Yu head-on, Shen Nian captured the Chu family to force Chu Yu to return, hoping to eliminate Chu Yu through Yu Tang’s hands. If it failed, he had backup plans. At present, people were watching this house from all around.

Yu Tang was merely a pawn.

He had to ensure Chu Yu’s death, otherwise, his sister would die.

But Yu Tang never intended to harm Chu Yu.

This poisoned wine, from the beginning, he planned to drink it himself.

If he died, perhaps the cold-hearted Third Master Shen would spare his sister.

If he died, he would no longer be a burden to Chu Yu.

Previously, Yu Tang thought of sharing weal and woe, willing to endure anything. But during the three days and nights of brutal torture in Shen Manor’s dungeon, he was frightened. He feared that one day he wouldn’t be able to bear it and would truly do something detrimental to Chu Yu. Chu Yu trusted him so much, telling him everything.

He was so afraid of pain.

Fortunately, he endured those three days. Yu Tang realized more clearly than ever that compared to those who held the guns, he was too weak.

Dying might be better.

When Chu Yu entered the room, Yu Tang greeted him with a smile. “You’re back.”

Chu Yu’s demeanor was still cold when he entered, but the moment he saw Yu Tang, his expression softened. “Yes. Did you miss me?”

Yu Tang stood up and kissed him gently.

Chu Yu kissed him deeper.

He didn’t suspect Yu Tang, he always trusted A-Tang.

Yu Tang sat with Chu Yu, talking to him about various things. Chu Yu listened with a smile, as if forgetting his original purpose.

Until Yu Tang picked up a cup of wine from the table and offered it to him. “Are you thirsty? Have some wine.”

Chu Yu took it casually, laughing. “Sure, A-Tang is always so thoughtful.”

But when the cup reached his lips, his smile faded.

From a young master to a general, he had faced numerous attempts on his life, how could he not distinguish the taste of the wine?

“A-Tang,” he lifted his eyes. “Is this what you want?”

Yu Tang was slightly stunned, saying, “Yes.”

He was certain that the cup he handed to Chu Yu was poison-free, while his own was poisoned.

Chu Yu laughed.

Then, in front of Yu Tang, he poured out the cup of wine.

It hit the ground, fizzing and bubbling.

Yu Tang’s face paled.

Why was this cup poisoned?!

Of course, it was Shen Nian’s men who secretly switched it.

What kind of person was Third Master Shen? How could he not have a backup plan? He likely guessed Yu Tang’s intentions and ordered his men to switch the cups in advance!

“A-Tang, they said you betrayed me, I thought they were fools. But now, I feel like a fool,” Chu Yu’s expression cooled. “How can I believe you?”

I can believe that you didn’t leak the information about Grandpa, Father, and Elder Brother, because I didn’t see it with my own eyes.

But the poisoned wine, you served it to me with your own hands.

A-Tang, how can I believe you?