Destined

When the eunuch arrived, the Gu family was in the midst of their meal. Upon hearing his words, Jiang Rou abruptly stood up and asked urgently, "Has something happened to my son?"

The eunuch waved his hand reassuringly, "Set your mind at ease, Madam Gu. Lord Gu is unharmed. However, there is a matter that requires Young Madam Gu to come to the palace to resolve."

These words eased Jiang Rou's worries, and Liu Yu Ru also calmed down. She wiped the corners of her mouth, stood up, and addressed the eunuch, "Please wait a moment, sir. I will go change my attire."

After speaking, Liu Yu Ru instructed someone to attend to the eunuch and then retreated into her room.

Inside, she changed into formal attire and followed the eunuch into the palace. The eunuch seemed to be in a great hurry, as if everyone in the palace was waiting for them. Unable to suppress her curiosity, Liu Yu Ru asked, "Sir, if it is not about my husband, why is the palace summoning me with such urgency?"

"It is best not to ask too much," the eunuch replied with a hint of pity on his face. "You will understand when you arrive."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru's heart sank.

She was certain Gu Jiusi was safe, but if he was safe and yet the situation was not good, and she was being summoned to the palace—what could it be about?

Unable to guess, she steadied her mind and proceeded into the palace.

The eunuch led her into the Imperial Harem, and as they walked further, Liu Yu Ru grew increasingly bewildered. She could not understand why the meeting place had been changed to the Imperial Harem. Frowning, she could not help but ask, "Sir, are we in the right place?"

"Indeed, we are," the eunuch replied promptly. "Both the Empress Dowager and His Majesty are summoning you, so the meeting will take place in Yeyang Palace."

Summoned by both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.

A name surfaced vaguely in Liu Yu Ru's mind. She frowned deeply but remained silent.

After a long walk, they finally reached the entrance of Yeyang Palace. Following etiquette, she entered and, while still in the outer chamber, knelt down before the curtain. She spread her sleeves, placed her palms on the ground, drew a semicircle, and crossed them in front of her, respectfully saying, "This humble woman pays her respects to Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, and may the Empress Dowager live a thousand years."

There was no sound from behind the curtain for a long time. Eventually, an aged voice spoke, "This must be Young Madam Gu?"

"Indeed," Fan Xuan's voice chimed in, carrying a tone of amusement. "Young Madam Gu is a woman of great righteousness. I am sure she will have no reservations about getting along with the princess."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru was taken aback, and a sense of foreboding suddenly rose within her.

At that moment, Fan Xuan continued, "Princess Yunshang, you may speak with Young Madam Gu."

As soon as he finished, Liu Yu Ru heard the sound of the beaded curtain being lifted, and a woman stepped in front of her. Liu Yu Ru remained kneeling, her head bowed, and then heard Li Yunshang say, "Sister Yu Ru, in the future, I may enter the Gu Family to serve Lord Gu alongside you. I hope you will be accommodating."

Liu Yu Ru's mind went blank with a "buzz." She knelt on the ground, silent and unmoving, as if petrified, completely stunned.The Empress Dowager's voice sounded from the side: "His Majesty said he would bestow a marriage upon my daughter. Since she had a prior engagement with Lord Gu and holds affection for him, I thought it would be a kindness to let them form a heavenly match. The princess, being of noble birth, naturally cannot be a concubine. I originally intended for you to be the concubine, but His Majesty said you and Gu Jiusi are wedded husband and wife, and you have rendered service to the court. Moreover, my daughter pleaded for you, so I agreed to let you and her both be equal wives. My daughter is a few months younger than you, so although you are both wives in name, you must understand the distinction in status."

Liu Yu Ru remained silent. After waiting a moment, the Empress Dowager continued: "What? Still not expressing gratitude? Do you have some dissatisfaction?"

Hearing this question, Liu Yu Ru slowly regained her composure. She couldn't identify her exact emotions, nor did she dare to examine them deeply. Instead, she shut down all feelings, just as she had in her youth, telling herself she must not grieve, must not despair. She needed to remain calm and clarify everything.

Taking a deep breath, she raised her head and looked directly at Fan Xuan, asking: "Your Majesty, may I ask where my husband is now?"

Her question seemed to make everyone somewhat uncomfortable. Fan Xuan cleared his throat lightly before responding: "Minister Gu is currently resting in the side hall. This is a matter of his household affairs. If you agree, you may inform him and Master Gu and his wife."

Liu Yu Ru remained silent for a moment, then looked steadily at Fan Xuan and said earnestly: "Your Majesty, matters of marriage should be decided by the parties involved. It is my husband who would be marrying Her Highness the Princess. How can I make this decision for him? I beg Your Majesty to allow me to consult my husband before reaching any conclusion."

"Audacious!" The Empress Dowager slammed the table angrily. "When the Son of Heaven bestows a marriage and the princess condescends to marry, how dare he be selective? Liu Yu Ru, don't be ungrateful when given face! Don't ask whether he permits it or not - I'll have him divorce you first and then marry!"

"Empress Dowager," Fan Xuan frowned with clear dissatisfaction, "As a married woman, it's only natural for Yu Ru to want to consult her husband. You shouldn't be so agitated and should show some understanding."

"If I show her understanding, she'll only become more presumptuous! A crude woman from Yangzhou - is she worthy of a family like the Gus? Who knows what came over Gu Lang Hua's mind to marry such an ill-mannered servant girl!"

"Your Highness!" Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru raised her voice sharply. She slowly stood up, her clear eyes fixed steadily on the woman behind the bead curtain. "I come from a respectable family with proper documentation. Though not extremely wealthy, I am certainly not what Your Highness calls a 'servant girl.' When I married my husband, I never abandoned him during difficult times and have supported him until now. I have never violated any of the seven grounds for divorce, and when the Gu family fell on hard times, I stood by them throughout. I never looked down on the Gu family in their poverty. If the Gu family now drives me away because of their wealth, it would be disloyal to our marital bond and unjust to the principles of gratitude. Does Your Highness wish to marry the princess to such a disloyal and unjust man?"

Her question left everyone momentarily stunned. Liu Yu Ru continued loudly: "If Your Highness marries your daughter to such a disloyal and unjust man, are you telling the world that disloyalty, inhumanity, and injustice are acceptable?""Of course not," replied the Empress Dowager, her face stiff with embarrassment. "Whether in previous dynasties or in Great Xia, character has always been the most crucial assessment for an official." Even she dared not contradict Liu Yu Ru's words at this moment. "That's why I'm suggesting you become an Equal Wife. It's common for men to have multiple wives and concubines—you shouldn't hinder this out of jealousy."

"I won't hinder it," Liu Yu Ru said calmly. "But this matter should be decided by my husband himself. I dare not make such a decision."

"Young Madam makes a fair point," Li Yunshang interjected, turning to the Empress Dowager. "Let Young Madam consult Lord Gu. If Lord Gu is unwilling, we shouldn't force the issue."

"How dare he refuse?" The Empress Dowager sneered, glancing at Fan Xuan. "This is an imperial decree. He can't possibly defy the Emperor's order, can he?"

Fan Xuan shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat before addressing Liu Yu Ru. "Go and persuade him. As someone about to become the Minister of Revenue, he ought to be more sensible."

At the mention of "Minister of Revenue," Liu Yu Ru's expression flickered slightly. Without another word, she stood and followed a eunuch to the side hall.

Gu Jiusi was in the side hall, reading leisurely. He sat cross-legged on the couch, leaning lazily against the window with a plate of peanuts before him. Casually cracking peanuts, he appeared utterly at ease.

When Liu Yu Ru entered, he turned and stared in surprise. After a moment, he hastily jumped down from the bed. "What brings you here?" he asked, astonished.

Liu Yu Ru remained silent, simply gazing at him quietly. Sensing something amiss, Gu Jiusi hurried to her side, taking her hand. "What's wrong? Has something happened? Have you been wronged?"

Liu Yu Ru continued to watch him in silence.

He truly had no idea what was going on—he even asked if she had come to the palace to fetch him.

Seeing him so spirited and confident, she suddenly understood Li Yunshang's implication.

Fan Xuan intended to marry off Li Yunshang, using her potential political marriage as leverage to pressure the Empress Dowager into transferring Gu Jiusi's case. The Empress Dowager must have agreed, so they reached a deal: Gu Jiusi would become Minister of Revenue, and Li Yunshang would propose marrying him now as an additional condition for the case transfer. To Fan Xuan, this was a minor matter, so he consented. But Li Yunshang likely anticipated that Gu Jiusi would refuse. If Gu Jiusi rejected the marriage now, it would be seen as defying Fan Xuan. Having just gained Fan Xuan's trust, such an act would make the Emperor view Gu Jiusi as difficult to control, potentially ending his political career in the monarch's eyes.

Understanding Li Yunshang's words, Liu Yu Ru looked at Gu Jiusi before her, feeling something lodge in her chest. She opened her mouth but found herself unable to speak.

Gu Jiusi knew she was struggling to voice her thoughts. After a moment of silence, he reached out and drew her into his embrace.

"I know you must have been wronged," Gu Jiusi murmured softly. "But no matter what happened, don't overthink it. Trust me—I can handle everything. Don't worry, and don't be afraid, alright?"

His gentle tone made Liu Yu Ru clutch his sleeve tightly.

"Don't be so good to me..." Her voice grew hoarse.

I might become addicted.

She thought to herself.

Such a wonderful man, such a devoted husband—if she had never met him, it would be one thing. But having met him, having given her heart completely, to let go now would be like tearing out her heart, an unbearable agony.Gu Jiusi listened to her words but held her even tighter. "I insist on treating you this well. If I treat you this well, you won't be able to bear leaving me."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuru's tears gushed forth uncontrollably. Gu Jiusi panicked and hurriedly asked, "What's wrong? Please don't cry."

Liu Yuru lowered her head, wiping her tears with her sleeve. She sobbed softly and whispered, "Gu Jiusi, why are you so wicked?"

Gu Jiusi didn't understand why she said this but could only wipe her tears while comforting her. "What happened? Did someone upset you?"

Liu Yuru kept her head down, tears falling as she spoke in a low, hoarse voice, "His Majesty intends to appoint you as Minister of Revenue and asked me to inform you."

Gu Jiusi was momentarily stunned by this news. Being directly appointed as Minister of Revenue was something he had never expected, but he quickly collected himself and said, "This is joyous news. Why are you crying?"

"Gu Jiusi," Liu Yuru whispered in a choked voice, "if... if someone liked me and wanted to marry me, and demanded that you divorce me, what would you do?"

"I'd kill him!"

Gu Jiusi grew agitated upon hearing this and asked urgently, "Has someone bullied you?!"

"What if you can't kill him?"

Gu Jiusi froze at these words, as if sensing something. He held Liu Yuru's hand, thought for a long time, and slowly replied, "I don't know what you mean by asking this. But Yuru, if you like that person, then so be it. However, if you don't like him, unless I am dead," he lifted his gaze and looked steadily at Liu Yuru, speaking earnestly, "I will never let anyone force you like that."

Liu Yuru looked at him, her tear-filled eyes involuntarily curving into a smile as she listened. She watched him, his expression so sincere, without a hint of falsehood.

"Then," she asked with a tone of solemnity, "do you like me?"

"Yes," he answered without hesitation.

"Do you like only me?"

"Only you."

"In this lifetime," she held his hand and whispered, "if you are only with me, will you regret it?"

"No regrets," Gu Jiusi smiled, "I am very happy, very content."

Liu Yuru's tears fell onto his palm, startling him with their heat. She lifted her head, smiled at him, wiped her tears, and said, "I understand. I'm going back now and will come to pick you up later."

With that, Liu Yuru released his hand and turned to leave. Gu Jiusi stood in the room, frowning as he carefully pondered her words.

"His Majesty intends to appoint you as Minister of Revenue..."

"If someone liked me and wanted to marry me, and demanded that you divorce me, what would you do?"

...

After thinking for a moment, Gu Jiusi suddenly realized something and asked the eunuch beside him, "When Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and His Majesty were discussing matters, was Yunshang Princess present?"

"Yes," the eunuch replied respectfully. "The princess has been here for two hours."

"Damn it!"

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi slapped his own head in frustration and then said to the eunuch, "Quickly, inform His Majesty that I request an audience!"

"His Majesty has said," the eunuch replied seriously, "without being summoned, Lord Gu should rest properly."

"Rest? What rest?!" Gu Jiusi flared up instantly. "They're keeping my wife confined next door and bullying her, and you tell me to rest?! Go and inform His Majesty!""The Emperor has said that you may enter upon summons without announcement."

"Are you certain you won't go?"

Gu Jiusi clenched his fists. The eunuch maintained a stern expression: "His Majesty said..."

"Go to hell with your nonsense!"

Gu Jiusi punched the eunuch to the ground and roared, "Get out of my way!"

With that, Gu Jiusi charged toward the main hall of Weiyang Palace. The eunuch covered his face and shouted, "Guards! Stop him!"

As Gu Jiusi fought his way through the courtyard, Liu Yu Ru wiped her tears, took a deep breath, and returned to the main hall.

The Empress Dowager and Fan Xuan were still conversing. When they saw Liu Yu Ru enter, Fan Xuan took a sip of tea and asked, "What did he say?"

"What else could he say?" the Empress Dowager said with a smile. "Lord Gu is a sensible man. Naturally, he agreed."

Liu Yu Ru remained silent. She bowed respectfully and then said, "Your Majesty, please forgive my offense."

Her words brought silence to the room. Fan Xuan turned to look at Liu Yu Ru, his expression calm. "He is unwilling?"

"My husband is willing."

Fan Xuan breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Then—"

"But I am unwilling!"

Liu Yu Ru raised her voice, stunning everyone present. It took Fan Xuan a long moment to process her words. He said incredulously, "Gu Liu Shi, what did you say?"

"I said," Liu Yu Ru replied firmly, "whether it is to marry the princess or any other woman, whether as a wife or a concubine, I am unwilling!"

"Preposterous!" Fan Xuan was thoroughly enraged. He stood up and shouted angrily, "How could there be such a jealous woman?! Marrying the princess would be for his own good. How could you be so foolish?"

"I know it would be for his good."

Liu Yu Ru's expression remained calm. "The princess is of noble birth, with the Empress Dowager's favor. Becoming a consort would be a great fortune for Jiusi, ensuring his smooth advancement in the court. But I am simply unwilling. He is my husband, the one I love. Because he occupies my heart, I wish for his heart and his side to be mine alone, forever."

"You are insolent!" Fan Xuan was utterly furious.

He could tolerate Gu Jiusi's foolishness—it showed his loyalty and righteousness—but he could not tolerate Liu Yu Ru's foolishness. That was the ignorance of a woman.

"Liu Yu Ru, oh Liu Yu Ru," Fan Xuan stood up and paced back and forth in the room, fuming. "I once thought you were a clever woman, that you would be a great support to Gu Jiusi in the future. How could you be so foolish? Utterly foolish! As Gu Jiusi's principal wife, it is your duty to think of his well-being and ensure the continuation of his lineage. How can you be so jealous? Do you have no regard for the Gu Family?"

"Your Majesty, he is in my heart. If there were others by his side, I fear I would know no peace day or night."

"Then endure it!" Fan Xuan roared. "What woman does not endure such things?"

Liu Yu Ru let out a bitter laugh. These words sounded just like what her mother had once said.

"Your Majesty," Liu Yu Ru bowed deeply, "my feelings cannot endure compromise. If Your Majesty insists on the princess marrying him, then I beg you to grant me death."

Her words shocked everyone. Fan Xuan stammered, "You... why would you ask me to grant you death?""Your Majesty," Liu Yuru's voice was calm, "I know I am not a good wife, unable to tolerate another woman by Jiusi's side, but I do not wish to cause difficulties for Your Majesty or Jiusi. If Your Majesty insists on bestowing this marriage, then first grant me death. I can only welcome another woman into the household as a spirit tablet."

"Stubborn and unyielding!"

"Your Majesty!"

At that moment, a eunuch's urgent voice came from outside as he hurried to the doorway, exclaiming, "Your Majesty, Lord Gu... Lord Gu is storming his way here!"

"Storming here?"

Fan Xuan looked utterly shocked. "What do you mean, storming here?"

Before he could finish speaking, chaotic noises erupted from outside, mingled with Gu Jiusi's shouting: "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, I won't marry! I won't marry anyone!"

"Your Majesty," Gu Jiusi shoved aside the guards blocking him, roaring, "I resign from my official post! I'll return to civilian life! Demote me, I beg you—I'm taking my wife home!"

"Yuru! Yuru!"

Gu Jiusi's voice echoed loudly: "Come out! I'm taking you away!"

"Outrageous!"

The Empress Dowager slammed the table and stood up, furious. "Summon the Imperial Guards! Shouting and making a scene at the inner palace gates—what kind of behavior is this?! Drag him away and beat him!"

The guards nearby immediately rushed out upon receiving the order.

Outside, Gu Jiusi was surrounded by guards trying to drag him away. He fought back fiercely at the entrance. Though highly skilled in martial arts, he was overwhelmed by the continuous stream of guards, and a stalemate ensued at the gates of Yeyang Palace.

The Empress Dowager was pale with rage, but Liu Yuru lowered her head, pressed her lips together, and couldn't help curling them into a faint smile.

Fan Xuan listened to Gu Jiusi's shouts outside and observed Liu Yuru's resolute expression before him. After a long silence, he finally said, "Gu Liu Shi, are you truly willing to die rather than share Gu Aiqing with the princess?"

"Yes," Liu Yuru replied firmly. Fan Xuan fell silent for a moment, listening to the commotion outside, before declaring, "Fengxiang, bring a cup of poisoned wine."

Liu Yuru's expression flickered, but she remained silent. Zhang Fengxiang bowed in acknowledgment and went out, returning shortly with a cup of poisoned wine.

Seeing Zhang Fengxiang holding the wine cup, Gu Jiusi went wild, lunging toward the main hall of Yeyang Palace and roaring, "What are you doing?!"

No one answered him, and panic surged in Gu Jiusi's heart.

He knew all too well what a cup of wine in the inner palace signified. He had already deduced what was happening inside, and the realization chilled him to the bone.

Knocked to the ground by a punch, he struggled to get up, but too many people pinned him down. Desperately, he fought to break through, yelling, "Liu Yuru, don't you dare do anything foolish!"

"Come out!"

"Your Majesty," Gu Jiusi cried out loudly, "this is the Empress Dowager's scheme to drive a wedge between us, ruler and subject! Don't be fooled! Release Yuru!"

As Gu Jiusi screamed frantically outside, Liu Yuru watched Zhang Fengxiang bring the poisoned wine forward. Fan Xuan looked at her solemnly and said, "Yuru, the wine is here. If you truly prefer death to compliance, I will not force you. After you're gone, I won't pressure him either. He will mourn you for three years, and whether he remarries afterward will be his own decision."

"In three years, he may have forgotten you. The position of the Gu Family's young madam may be filled by another. He is about to become the Minister of Revenue, Yuru," Fan Xuan's voice grew hoarse, "it's not worth it."Liu Yu Ru smiled faintly, turning her gaze toward the palace hall's entrance as she asked, "Your Majesty, how long does it take for this poisoned wine to take effect until death?"

"One incense stick's time."

"Will it be very painful?"

"No."

"Will I look ugly after death?"

"No."

"Then this humble consort is at ease."

As she spoke, Liu Yu Ru reached out and picked up the cup.

Her hand trembled slightly. She was actually terrified, utterly terrified. But thinking of Gu Jiusi, of his clear bright eyes, of his words that only upon his death would he allow her to remarry, she suddenly felt boundless courage surge within her.

One must always protect something, no matter the cost. She had to take this gamble.

She looked at Fan Xuan, making one final confirmation: "Your Majesty, after this humble consort drinks this poisoned wine, you will never trouble Jiusi about his marriage for the rest of your life, is that right?"

Hearing this, Fan Xuan couldn't help but laugh: "You truly are a businesswoman. I only said I wouldn't trouble him this time, and you're already asking for a lifetime guarantee."

Speaking, he looked at Liu Yuru's stubborn expression, sighed, and finally said: "Forget it, there's no need for further difficulties. If you say a lifetime, then it shall be a lifetime."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru closed her eyes, picked up the cup, drained the wine in one gulp, then smashed the cup on the ground.

"Your Majesty, remember what you promised," Liu Yuru gasped, her entire body trembling as she spoke urgently, "I want to speak with him more."

After saying this, she seemed unwilling to utter another word, rushing violently toward the hall's entrance, pushing open the great doors, and then saw Gu Jiusi pinned beneath a crowd of people.

His face was bruised, his clothes already torn and tattered. With many people restraining him, he resembled a lone dragon being gnawed by insects—furious yet helpless.

The moment the doors opened, everyone froze. Liu Yuru stood at the entrance, smiling as she looked at him.

Gu Jiusi saw her and was the first to react. Before anyone else could respond, he struggled violently and charged toward her.

Covered in wounds everywhere, he stopped panting before her.

The setting sun behind him painted the sky with brilliant clouds. Liu Yuru reached out and held him tightly.

Her legs felt weak—she didn't know if it was the poison's effect. Leaning against Gu Jiusi's chest, listening to his heartbeat, she whispered: "Jiusi, I am a very possessive person."

Gu Jiusi choked up without speaking. Liu Yuru leaned against him, eyes closed, and said: "Anyone who wants to marry you will have to step over my dead body."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi's body trembled slightly.

"Silly girl..." His tears fell as he suddenly held her tighter. "Silly girl."

Liu Yuru heard this and chuckled softly in his embrace.

She remembered when she was young, wanting a flower from a tree. Many children wanted it, but she, just a little girl, fought until bloodied, gritting her teeth to seize that flower.

After all these years, her nature still hadn't changed. What she wanted, she would fight for with her life.

"Jiusi," she felt somewhat tired, an indescribable drowsiness surfacing as she murmured: "Carry me home."

"Alright." Gu Jiusi's voice was hoarse. He turned her onto his back and lifted his eyes to gaze at the endless Imperial City.

The colorful clouds at the horizon were breathtakingly beautiful. Dressed in white with disheveled hair, his body covered in wounds, he walked with a limp.

And on his back, Liu Yuru closed her eyes as if asleep. Gu Jiusi carried her, gritting his teeth against the excruciating pain in his feet, walking step by step outward.

Everyone watched them, not daring to interfere. Liu Yuru's consciousness grew fuzzy; she felt sleepy but feared falling asleep, knowing that if she slept now, she might never see Gu Jiusi again.

Lying on Gu Jiusi's back, holding him, she asked incoherently: "Jiusi, do I like you very much?"

"Yes," Gu Jiusi's eyes stung, "so much you'd give your life for it."

"Liu Yuru," Gu Jiusi sniffled, "could you like me a little less, please?"

Hearing this, Liu Yuru couldn't help but laugh.

"Too late for that," she murmured, "next life."

"Next life, I'll like you a little less."