Destined

Fan Xuan remained silent for a moment before turning to the eunuch outside and saying, "Bring Gu Jiusi from the Ministry of Justice. I have questions for him."

Upon hearing Fan Xuan's words, Liu Yu Ru finally relaxed. Fan Xuan looked at her and sighed, "You don't need to stay seated any longer. Go home and rest first. I'll have the imperial physician examine you."

Liu Yu Ru bowed in gratitude. Fan Xuan ordered someone to escort her to a side hall. As she was about to leave, Liu Yu Ru remembered something and said to Fan Xuan, "Your Majesty, please don't tell Jiusi about my punishment."

Fan Xuan was taken aback, then smiled helplessly. "You, young lady..." He waved his hand and said, "Go on, I won't tell him."

With Fan Xuan's assurance, Liu Yu Ru departed. Fan Xuan waited in the imperial study. The chief eunuch approached, grinding ink for him, and said, "Your Majesty, what should we do now? If it truly was Lord Lu who did it, and Lord Gu has evidence, then if Lord Gu allies with the Empress Dowager to force you to punish Lord Lu, wouldn't that be troublesome?"

"Let's wait and see," Fan Xuan said calmly. "I want to see what plan this Gu Jiusi has for me."

After a while, Gu Jiusi arrived. Fan Xuan watched as Gu Jiusi entered and bowed respectfully. Without a word, Fan Xuan picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and said calmly, "I won't beat around the bush. Your wife told me you have a way to help me. Tell me your plan."

"Your Majesty," Gu Jiusi straightened up and said plainly, "Your current concern lies in the factional disputes behind this matter. It's clear that the Empress Dowager wants to use this opportunity to place her people in the Ministry of Revenue, while you, Your Majesty, do not wish to move against Lord Lu and dare not do so. Firstly, Lord Lu is your right-hand man, and out of sentiment, you want to spare him. Secondly, Lord Lu has been your close aide from the beginning. You have been on the throne for less than half a year, and your position as emperor is not yet firmly established..."

"How dare you!" the eunuch beside him shouted angrily. Fan Xuan raised his hand and said calmly, "Let him speak."

Gu Jiusi waited for the interruption to cease and continued, "The new dynasty is in a state of recovery, with intricate power dynamics. Liu Xingzhi is stationed in the south, poised to act. At this moment, you need capable people and trusted aides. If you move against Lord Lu now, you will disillusion your loyal followers. Moreover, without Lu Yong, who will manage the Ministry of Revenue? Who will get things done? Thirdly, Lu Yong himself has a large group of followers. If he is driven to his death, there's no guarantee that his subordinates won't bear resentment and defect to others."

"Your Majesty has decided not to act against Lu Yong based on these three considerations. However, the Empress Dowager will not allow you to remain inactive and will do everything in her power to force you to concede. This is the dilemma you face now."

"You are correct," Fan Xuan nodded. "Lu Yong cannot be moved against at this time."

"But he cannot remain untouched either."Gu Jiusi spoke up, "Your Majesty, your desire not to disappoint those close to you is commendable. But have you considered that these confidants are precisely taking advantage of this mindset to act so recklessly? Do you know the current deficit in the national treasury? After my review, it amounts to nearly forty million. Lu Yong reported thirty million, and below that, petty officials are embezzling left and right—likely exceeding ten million more. The Minister of Revenue stole tens of millions, killed the Director of the Granary Department, and framed the Vice Minister of Revenue, yet goes unpunished. How will Your Majesty restore order in the court and manage your officials in the future? If this continues, I fear Great Xia will bring about its own downfall long before Liu Xingzhi even attacks."

"So, you’ve come to persuade me to punish Lu Yong and make him confess his crimes."

"Punishment is necessary. But a confession is not."

Gu Jiusi said calmly, "Your Majesty, if you trust me, you might proceed this way. This case may appear to be about embezzled treasury silver, but its core lies in factional strife. As long as the Empress Dowager relentlessly pursues this case, let the investigation follow wherever it leads."

Fan Xuan nodded. "Go on."

"In truth, the Empress Dowager has already become a major concern for Your Majesty. With your impending campaign against Liu Xingzhi, the matter of the Empress Dowager must be resolved. So why not use this case to send her a warning? Your first step should be to relocate the Crown Prince away from the Eastern Capital. According to protocol, his departure requires an escort of five thousand men. Then, citing security concerns in the Eastern Capital, transfer five thousand troops from your personal guard—though in reality, move ten thousand. This serves two purposes: it prepares for the worst possible outcome and ensures the Crown Prince’s safety elsewhere, preserving a vital asset."

Fan Xuan agreed, and Gu Jiusi continued, "Next, have Censor Ye impeach Cui Shiyan, the Vice Minister of Justice, and have him detained. Then, on the grounds of inefficiency in handling the case, transfer it to the Censorate for investigation."

"Why detain Cui Shiyan?" Fan Xuan seemed puzzled. Gu Jiusi smiled faintly. "Your Majesty, Cui Shiyan is the youngest son of the Cui family’s main branch, doted on since childhood. The Cui family has deep connections in the Eastern Capital, with over half the Ministry of Justice tied to him through marriage or kinship. He himself is notorious for his debauchery, with plenty of misconduct to uncover. Having the Censorate target him makes it easy to find faults. Moreover, arresting him sends a clear message to his relatives, effectively warning the entire Ministry of Justice. Should any relative dare to plead for him, Your Majesty can charge them with favoritism and detain them as well. Once the Ministry of Justice is disciplined, they will naturally hand the case over to the Censorate."

"And the Empress Dowager…" Fan Xuan hesitated. "She may be difficult to handle."

"Yunshang Princess is of marriageable age."

Gu Jiusi’s words caught Fan Xuan off guard. Gu Jiusi continued calmly, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has lost her son and now has only Yunshang Princess left. I’ve heard the princess is exceptionally bright and deeply cherished by the Empress Dowager. Do you think she would compromise for her daughter’s lifelong happiness?"

"Weren’t envoys previously sent to Northern Liang? If the Empress Dowager dares to confront you, explain clearly: the envoys took the princess’s portrait to Northern Liang, and the Northern Liang emperor has expressed interest in a marriage alliance. You are considering whether to prioritize the state by having the princess marry for alliance or prioritize her happiness by arranging a swift marriage to a noble here in the Eastern Capital. The Empress Dowager will come to her senses."Fan Xuan nodded, his expression finally seeming to ease somewhat, then asked, "And what comes after that?"

"Once the case reaches the Censorate, we have evidence of Liu Chun privately embezzling treasury silver. We'll then classify the case as Liu Chun's private theft of treasury funds and begin investigating the missing silver. Next, we'll have Minister Lu recover the ten million taels of silver from those conducting the investigation. A thorough audit of the entire Ministry of Revenue will serve as a warning to everyone—that should suffice. After the commotion dies down, you can advise Minister Lu to resign. This way, your trusted followers will understand they cannot act recklessly. Since Minister Lu would at least preserve his life, if you then reward him generously and provide his subordinates with alternative career paths, your confidants won't feel disillusioned, and his subordinates won't be driven by excessive fear to switch allegiances."

"Your suggestions are indeed sound strategies," Fan Xuan sighed. "But if Lu Yong steps down, who can take the position of Minister of Revenue? I absolutely will not allow one of the Empress Dowager's people to fill it, yet the number of capable individuals at my disposal is truly limited."

Gu Jiusi remained silent for a long while before suddenly stepping back, kneeling, and performing a deep bow. "Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness."

Fan Xuan was taken aback by this gesture and asked somewhat bewildered, "What are you doing?"

"Your Majesty," Gu Jiusi said with his head lowered, "I actually have a candidate in mind. However, this person is closely connected to me and is currently in a state of disgrace. If I recommend him now, I fear Your Majesty might suspect me of favoritism. Yet, in terms of qualifications, capability, and stance, he is the most suitable candidate available at present."

"Who?" Fan Xuan instinctively asked but immediately realized the answer.

Gu Jiusi looked up calmly and said, "The former Minister of Personnel and my maternal uncle, Jiang He."

Fan Xuan fell silent without responding. Gu Jiusi quickly continued, "Your Majesty, I am aware that Lord Jiang was formerly Prince Liang's father-in-law. But now that Your Majesty rules the Central Plains, Lord Jiang should naturally pledge allegiance. As my relative, I stake my official position to guarantee that Lord Jiang harbors no disloyalty. Should he prove disloyal, I will personally resolve the matter for Your Majesty without causing you any distress!"

"There's no need to go that far," Fan Xuan waved his hand. "I had simply forgotten he was your uncle. With all the recent busyness, it slipped my mind, leaving him imprisoned all this time. This is partly your fault for not mentioning it earlier—had you done so, I would have arranged for Lord Jiang's situation sooner."

"Lord Jiang's case is handled by the Ministry of Justice, while I belong to the Ministry of Revenue and should not interfere. If Lord Jiang is innocent, the Ministry of Justice will naturally release him. I trust that under Your Majesty's virtuous reign, no one would dare commit injustices. It is only because Lord Jiang is suitable for the Ministry of Revenue position that I must recommend talent without avoiding familial ties."

"He previously served as Vice Minister of Revenue, overseeing the Ministry of Revenue for nearly a decade during the previous dynasty before being promoted to Minister of Personnel. No one is more familiar with Ministry of Revenue affairs than him. His past connections with the Empress Dowager, as a former official, mean she won't cause him undue trouble—his appointment would be a balancing act. Moreover, being my uncle, and given my unwavering loyalty to Your Majesty, I can persuade him to pledge allegiance to you. Lord Jiang was a capable minister in the previous administration. With him at your service, Your Majesty would gain formidable strength—why not take this opportunity?"

Fan Xuan listened without comment. After a long pause, he finally said, "Let me think it over. You may withdraw for now."

Seeing Fan Xuan's softened attitude, Gu Jiusi felt confident of success. He respectfully took his leave and departed.The eunuch escorted Gu Jiusi out. Only after they had left the main hall did Gu Jiusi ask, "May I ask, sir, why did I not see my wife today?"

"The young mistress was tired," the eunuch said with a smile. "His Majesty allowed her to return first."

Gu Jiusi was taken aback, and a sudden unease stirred in his heart. He quickly asked, "Is my wife unwell?"

The eunuch's smile stiffened briefly before he hurriedly replied, "No, it's just that the young mistress appears delicate. His Majesty, seeing this, could not bear to keep her and thus allowed her to leave early."

As he spoke, the eunuch led Gu Jiusi further out and explained, "Moreover, His Majesty summoned you specifically. Having the young mistress present would have been awkward, which is why His Majesty issued the decree. Please do not take offense."

Gu Jiusi lowered his head, deep in thought. After a moment, he said, "Eunuch Zhang, I recall that Physician Wang from the Imperial Hospital is highly skilled in treating external injuries. I am feeling somewhat unwell and, now that I am in the palace, I would like to see Physician Wang."

"That is unfortunate," the eunuch said with a smile. "Physician Wang has left the palace on official business today."

Gu Jiusi nodded but said nothing more, his expression growing increasingly somber. Zhang Fengxiang glanced at Gu Jiusi. Although this man was still imprisoned, based on his observation of Fan Xuan's demeanor, he knew that this lord likely had a promising future ahead. He quickly said, "Is there something troubling you, Lord Gu? If this humble servant can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to command me."

"It is nothing," Gu Jiusi replied with a light laugh. "I was just thinking of Lord Ye Shi'an and Lord Shen Ming. We have always been close, like brothers. It has been a long time since I left the prison, and I would like to see my two brothers and have a few words with them."

"That can be arranged," Zhang Fengxiang said promptly. "I saw Lord Ye and Lord Shen at the palace gate earlier. I will have them accompany you back to the Ministry of Justice shortly."

"Thank you, Eunuch Zhang," Gu Jiusi said, quickly bowing. Zhang Fengxiang made a gesture to stop him and said, "Lord Gu, you are destined for great things in the future. This humble servant only hopes that you will remember this small favor and perhaps lend a hand someday."

"Rest assured, Eunuch Zhang," Gu Jiusi said with a smile. "I understand."

As they conversed, they reached the palace gate. Sure enough, Ye Shi'an and Shen Ming were waiting outside, their faces filled with anxiety upon seeing Gu Jiusi emerge. Zhang Fengxiang bid farewell to Gu Jiusi, saying respectfully, "This humble servant will not escort you further. I will have a few junior eunuchs accompany you."

He then sternly admonished the surrounding junior eunuchs to take good care of Gu Jiusi before bowing and taking his leave.

Gu Jiusi, Ye Shi'an, and Shen Ming boarded the carriage together. Ye Shi'an immediately asked, "What did he say?"

Gu Jiusi recounted his conversation with Fan Xuan. Shen Ming nodded and finally said, "I mostly understood, but I don't get it—why did you insist on having the Crown Prince leave? Isn't this move too drastic?"

"He didn't mean for the Crown Prince to leave," Ye Shi'an, being perceptive, explained. "He intended to transfer Luo Zishang out."

Gu Jiusi leaned against the carriage wall, his eyes closed, listening as Ye Shi'an clarified for Shen Ming: "Luo Zishang is the Crown Prince's Imperial Tutor. If the Crown Prince leaves the Eastern Capital for an extended period, and Luo Zishang holds no other official position, he will certainly have to accompany him."

Shen Ming nodded in understanding. Suddenly, Gu Jiusi asked, "What happened to Yuru?"

"Huh?"Hearing this, Shen Ming and Ye Shi'an quickly exchanged a glance. Ye Shi'an spoke up: "Yu Ru has caught a slight chill and isn't feeling well today."

"Couldn't she go to Shuntian Prefecture another day then?"

Gu Jiusi opened his eyes and looked at Shen Ming, saying calmly: "Did something happen to her at Shuntian Prefecture?"

"How could that be?" Shen Ming quickly responded, "She's so fierce..."

"Shen Ming," Gu Jiusi interrupted him, "you're especially obvious when you lie."

Shen Ming froze. Gu Jiusi continued: "She told you to keep it from me, but now that I've figured it out myself, there's no need to hide it anymore. I wouldn't believe you even if you tried. Given Yu Ru's personality, unless something serious happened, she would definitely be waiting at the door of the imperial study today to say a few words to me when I came out. She didn't show up today, the imperial physician Wang who usually treats high-ranking officials left the palace, and you're all being evasive. Are you telling me she's fine?"

Gu Jiusi suddenly raised his voice: "Who do you think you're fooling?!"

"She underwent finger-press torture at Shuntian Prefecture."

When Ye Shi'an spoke, Gu Jiusi was stunned. He stared at Ye Shi'an in shock, then suddenly understood: "How could that be?! Weren't you and Brother Zhou both there? Shuntian Prefecture hasn't used that method for years, and with you and Brother Zhou present, how..."

"The princess came."

Ye Shi'an continued to explain. Gu Jiusi immediately understood: "Li Yunshang?!"

He quickly grasped the situation and exclaimed: "Then why didn't she leave? There were plenty of ways to avoid it! Why undergo finger-press torture?!"

"Li Yunshang provoked her using your reputation, saying that if she was truly innocent, why would she dare not endure the punishment. She wanted to protect your reputation, so she endured it."

Ye Shi'an sighed helplessly: "With her temperament, once she decides something, how could we possibly stop her?"

Gu Jiusi fell silent. Sitting in the carriage, he felt his heart wrench with pain.

The thought of the torture instruments being used on Liu Yu Ru, the image of such a gentle and delicate girl enduring such punishment, made his heart ache beyond words.

"I'm the one who harmed her."

He murmured: "It's my fault. I should have anticipated this. Why did I let her go to Shuntian Prefecture? I should have thought of this earlier."

"Don't say that," Shen Ming quickly advised when he saw Gu Jiusi's distressed state. "No one expected Li Yunshang to suddenly appear. I'd never even heard of finger-press torture before - who knows where that rule came from? How could you have anticipated it?"

"It's my fault. I'm incompetent." Gu Jiusi ran his fingers through his hair. Ye Shi'an sighed: "You can't blame yourself entirely. We share responsibility too. Don't be too hard on yourself. Go back and get some proper rest..."

"I want to see her."

Gu Jiusi suddenly spoke up. Both Ye Shi'an and Shen Ming were taken aback. Shen Ming instinctively asked: "How?"

But Ye Shi'an understood immediately and urgently said: "No! We shouldn't cause more trouble now..."

"Brother Ye," Gu Jiusi looked up at Ye Shi'an, "you and I have similar builds..."

"Not appropriate." Ye Shi'an immediately refused. "This isn't proper."

"Since when have we been so concerned with propriety?" Gu Jiusi immediately retorted anxiously. "I want to see her now! Please help me!"

"In extraordinary times, we should follow extraordinary measures," Ye Shi'an grasped his own clothes, "but we should maintain propriety whenever possible. I don't agree with this.""Ye Shi'an, are you still my brother or not?" Gu Jiusi looked at Ye Shi'an, his eyes full of pleading. "Can I call you Brother from now on?"

"No, no." Ye Shi'an waved his hand. "There's really no need."

At this moment, Shen Ming caught on: "Oh, you want Brother Ye to take your place in the prison."

"I'll definitely swap you out before tomorrow's morning court session."

Gu Jiusi continued negotiating, raising his hand to swear: "My cell is quite comfortable, very quiet, and has many books. You can have your own personal space."

"No, no." Ye Shi'an shook his head. "This really goes against the rules."

Gu Jiusi glanced at Shen Ming, who froze for a moment before understanding Gu Jiusi's look and nodding. Seeing their silence, Ye Shi'an thought Gu Jiusi had given up. He relaxed his grip on his clothes slightly and continued: "His Majesty's matter..."

Before he could finish speaking, Gu Jiusi and Shen Ming pounced on him together, pinning down his limbs and starting to tug at his belt.

Ye Shi'an was shocked and hurriedly said: "Don't be reckless! Let me go!"

"Brother Ye, I will never forget your kindness today. If there's a chance in the future, I will definitely help you."

Gu Jiusi spoke while removing his clothes.

"Brother Ye, since you're doing a good deed, see it through to the end. Don't be so rigid. If I weren't so different in build from him, I'd go in his place."

Shen Ming persuaded while taking off his pants.

Ye Shi'an struggled desperately, but how could a scholar who had studied hard for ten years contend with these two young masters? Yet Ye Shi'an maintained his integrity and refused to surrender. After a stalemate, Gu Jiusi sighed, finally loosening his grip and saying helplessly: "I'm very worried about her."

Ye Shi'an was taken aback. Gu Jiusi wore a bitter smile—he had always been frivolous, but in this smile, Ye Shi'an detected a trace of sorrow. Ye Shi'an felt a pang in his heart as he heard Gu Jiusi say: "Will you let me see her?"

Ye Shi'an didn't know what came over him. Hearing Gu Jiusi's plea, his heart softened, and he instinctively replied: "Alright."

The two changed clothes in the carriage. Since Gu Jiusi couldn't be seen by too many people when he emerged, he wore a large black cloak. When Ye Shi'an put on the cloak and pulled up the hood, his face was hidden. Upon reaching the Ministry of Justice, he got out of the carriage and followed the guards into the prison.

The jailers, grateful for Liu Yu Ru's care towards them, had always treated Gu Jiusi well. Seeing that "Gu Jiusi" didn't wish to speak today, they didn't press him, smilingly escorted him to the cell, and even opened the cell door for him.

Once inside the cell, Ye Shi'an sat on the bed, somewhat bewildered as he stared at the wooden bars of the cell ahead.

Gu Jiusi had said he would come to swap him out before tomorrow's morning court session, but it was only noon now...

Ye Shi'an felt somewhat heavy-hearted.

After sending Ye Shi'an to the Ministry of Justice Prison, Shen Ming felt rather gleeful, but Gu Jiusi showed no joy at all.

Shen Ming poured tea for Gu Jiusi and said cheerfully: "You're about to see your wife soon, yet you're not happy. With such a gloomy face, aren't you afraid she'll worry about you?"

"You're right." Gu Jiusi smiled bitterly. "I shouldn't make her worry."

As he spoke, Gu Jiusi buried his face in his hands and rubbed it.

After a long while, he suddenly asked: "Did she cry?"

Shen Ming looked confused: "What?"

"She must have been in a lot of pain."Gu Jiusi's voice was somewhat hoarse. Shen Ming fell silent, and only after a long while did he speak again: "I think sister-in-law was willing."

"I understand."

Gu Jiusi murmured softly: "It's just that I've only now realized—when you truly care for someone, their physical pain becomes your heart's agony."

"More excruciating than enduring torture yourself."