Destined

Liu Yu Ru woke up to find it was already the next day.

She felt as though she hadn't slept like this in ages. Ever since Gu Jiusi had been imprisoned, she had been unable to sleep well. This deep, heavy slumber left her feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

After lying in bed for a moment, she suddenly sat up and called out loudly, "Jiusi!"

As she spoke, she hurriedly put on her shoes. Yin Hong, hearing the commotion from outside, quickly entered and asked, "Madam, what's the rush?"

"Where is my husband?" Liu Yu Ru asked anxiously. "Is he alright?"

"The young master is fine," Yin Hong replied, setting down the water basin and gently pressing Liu Yu Ru back to sit. "He brought you back, but His Majesty summoned him again. The young master said not to worry—he'll be back within three days."

"Did a physician check his injuries?" Liu Yu Ru gradually calmed down.

Yin Hong brought over the water basin and helped her wash up, answering, "He was examined before leaving. It's nothing serious. Young Master Ye personally escorted him to the Ministry of Justice and brought plenty of medicine along. He'll be fine."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru took the water to rinse her mouth and finally settled down.

It was then that she realized how hungry she was—her stomach rumbled loudly. Yin Hong, hearing the sound, smiled faintly and said, "Madam has slept for a full day and must be starving. I've had someone prepare porridge; it'll be brought over right away."

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Liu Yu Ru acknowledged and stood up to wash her face and comb her hair before sitting down to eat.

As she ate, she inquired in detail about what had happened during the day. Just as Yin Hong finished reporting, a voice announced from outside, "Madam, Manager Yun and Miss Ye are here."

Liu Yu Ru invited them in. Ye Yun and Yun Yun entered together, carrying account books. Liu Yu Ru quickly stood up and said, "You've come so early. Have you eaten?"

Yun Yun bowed to Liu Yu Ru, while Ye Yun smiled. Liu Yu Ru gestured for them to sit, and they placed the account books on the table. Ye Yun said with a laugh, "We've been here for a while. Hearing you were still asleep, we ate first. We were about to leave, thinking you'd sleep longer, but you woke up just in time."

She glanced at Liu Yu Ru with a teasing smile and added, "I've heard all about your bold move yesterday. When we were young, didn't you often tell me to be more open-minded, to learn how to be a proper lady of the house and even find concubines for my husband... Why aren't you so open-minded now?"

Embarrassed by Ye Yun's teasing, Liu Yu Ru shot her a glare and said, "Let's not talk about that. Are you here for business?"

"Oh, right," Ye Yun nodded. "Yun Yun, you go first."

"I don't have much to report," Yun Yun smiled, placing the accounts in front of Liu Yu Ru. "These are the recent accounts for Floral Visage, along with the arrangements for the upcoming new products. I brought them for you to review."

Liu Yu Ru acknowledged and took the accounts to examine. Floral Visage was now running smoothly, and Yun Yun was becoming increasingly skilled in managing it. Aside from periodic account checks and major decisions, Liu Yu Ru rarely interfered with the business operations.

After all, Floral Visage was just a rouge shop. Although it had begun expanding and testing operations in various regions, at its core, it remained merely a rouge shop, with its growth potential inherently limited.In the past, Liu Yu Ru would have been satisfied, but after the incident with Li Yunshang, she felt as if her heart had been forcibly expanded, making her clearly aware of what kind of person she was and what kind of world this was.

Many of Li Yunshang's words had stabbed into her heart like knives.

Compared to a noblewoman like Li Yunshang, who grew up in the Eastern Capital, she was indeed of humble origins and could not help Gu Jiusi much. If it were earlier, when she had planned to rely entirely on her husband, it might not have mattered. Back then, if Li Yunshang had wanted to marry into the family, she might even have been pleased, as it would have been a great support for Gu Jiusi. As his principal wife, she naturally had to think of his interests.

But now it was different. Greed had sprouted in her heart—she wanted that man to belong entirely to her. Since she had deprived him of the right to take multiple wives and concubines, she could no longer think of depending on him.

Loving someone is strange. It not only makes one disregard gains and losses but also inexplicably brave, inspiring one to fight and strive for that affection.

She wanted money.

She wanted a lot of money—so much that she could rival a nation's wealth, so much that no one would dare scheme against Gu Jiusi without her even having to speak. So much that if Fan Xuan wanted to arrange a marriage for Gu Jiusi, he would have to consider whether Liu Yu Ru would be pleased.

All status and dignity must be earned by oneself, not given by others.

Having to risk her life to fight for her husband fundamentally came down to the fact that others valued her husband, not her.

Liu Yu Ru understood this well. So, as she reviewed Floral Visage's account books and the new proposals, she merely nodded, added a few suggestions to the new product plan, and then entrusted Yun Yun to handle the rest.

The fastest way to make money was never to open a shop oneself and earn whatever one could—such earnings would always be limited by one's energy. The quickest method was always to make money with money. She would provide the capital, others would provide the labor, and then they would share the profits. She didn't need to handle everything personally; she only needed to decide where to invest her money.

Before starting Floral Visage, she had no money and couldn't make it grow. Now, with the profits from speculating on grain and Floral Visage's earnings, she had the ability to start this path of making money with money.

After discussing Floral Visage with Yun Yun, Liu Yu Ru turned to Ye Yun.

Ye Yun had been raised as a young lady from a young age, constantly influenced by her father and brothers. Though she lacked extensive business experience, her insight and abilities were far superior to Yun Yun's. With nothing else to do now, she had been assisting Liu Yu Ru. Recently, while Liu Yu Ru was preoccupied with Gu Jiusi's affairs and the grain had arrived in the Eastern Capital, Ye Yun had been solely responsible for handling the grain.

"The grain has all been sorted. I've calculated the costs—a standard dou of rice in the Eastern Capital usually costs ten wen. Our rice costs eight wen per dou. If we price it at ten wen, we'll only make a profit of two wen per dou."

Liu Yu Ru acknowledged with a hum. Ye Yun cautiously added, "Should we set the price at ten wen as well?"

Liu Yu Ru thought in silence for a moment, then shook her head. "No, we need to set it higher."

"But we're new grain merchants. If we set high prices right after arriving, I'm afraid...""Don't sell it yet," Liu Yu Ru said decisively. "There are many nobles and officials in the Eastern Capital, and our rice is of high quality. We don't need to target commoners for this batch. First, we must establish our reputation in the Eastern Capital. Currently, most rice in the Eastern Capital sells for ten wen per dou, but we'll sell ours for fifteen or even twenty wen, and we'll limit the daily supply—once it's sold out, that's it."

Ye Yun was taken aback. Liu Yu Ru continued thinking aloud, "First, gather a group of people to discuss and summarize what makes our rice superior. Then, give our rice a name—it must be well-chosen, something that makes people think it must be fragrant and delicious upon hearing it. It shouldn't be too vulgar; it has to be presentable. Next, assemble a team to meticulously sort the rice—no sand allowed, every grain must be plump and uniform. From the shop assistants to the cloth containers used for measuring, every detail must be perfected. The subpar rice we discard can be transported to various regions to set up porridge kitchens for disaster relief, building a good reputation. Once the rice itself is perfected, craft a story about its origins and promote it widely. Ideally, we could even present it to the palace, secure an inscription from the emperor or a poem from a renowned scholar, making it a designated tribute grain. That would be unbeatable."

"With all that, the price is bound to become expensive," Ye Yun said with some concern. "Are you sure about this?"

Liu Yu Ru thought for a moment before replying, "Yun'er, think carefully. People are divided into the wealthy and the poor. The wealthy want to eat and use the best, while the poor seek affordability. Different people want different things. If you only focus on low prices, can you really make a profit?"

Ye Yun fell silent, pondering quietly. Liu Yu Ru went on, "I won't interfere too much in this matter. I'm entrusting it entirely to you—consider it practice. From now on, you'll be the manager of the grain shop. I'll pay you thirty taels per month plus a forty percent share of the profits. As manager, if you wish, you can also select someone to take over your current duties. Whatever you want to do, you can come to me—I'll provide the funds, and you'll contribute the effort. How does that sound?"

Ye Yun was stunned by the proposal. Liu Yu Ru reached out and grasped her hand, saying earnestly, "I can tell you don't want to marry. If that's the case, why not carve out your own place in the world?"

Hearing this, Ye Yun couldn't help but smile.

"You've hit the nail on the head," she sighed. "Truthfully, I didn't know how to live my future days. But following you every day now, earning money, has made me quite happy. Living like this for a lifetime would be wonderful. If you trust me, leave the grain shop to me. I'll work hard for you—what do you think?"

"How could I not trust you?" Liu Yu Ru smiled, pressing her lips together. "Our Miss Ye has excelled at everything since childhood."

Detecting the teasing in Liu Yu Ru's tone, Ye Yun raised her fan and playfully pushed her with it.

After discussing a while longer, Ye Yun stepped out. Just as she left, she saw Shen Ming bouncing over. Spotting Ye Yun, Shen Ming brightened up immediately. "Well, if it isn't Miss Ye! You're here too."

Ye Yun had never been fond of Shen Ming. She smirked mockingly, "How old are you, hopping around like a monkey? You dare wear an official robe with wrinkles still in it to court—aren't you afraid people will laugh at you?"

Shen Ming flared up at her words and retorted unhappily, "If you're so worried about me being laughed at, why don't you come and iron it for me?"Ye Yun let out a scornful "Hah," completely ignoring Shen Ming as she hugged the account books and walked away. Shen Ming was deeply wounded by this silent mockery. He roared at her retreating figure, "Ye Yun, don't you dare act so arrogant! Do you remember who rescued you from Yangzhou?! You ungrateful wretch! Women are hard to deal with, petty people are hard to deal with—you're the hardest of them all to deal with!"

"Shen Ming," Liu Yu Ru called out from inside, emerging with a smile. "What's all this commotion about?"

Hearing Liu Yu Ru's voice, Shen Ming suddenly realized how childish his behavior seemed. He cleared his throat awkwardly and said with some embarrassment, "Sister-in-law."

Suppressing her laughter, Liu Yu Ru noticed Ye Shi'an and Zhou Ye entering the courtyard while chatting. She suggested, "Since you've all returned from court, shall we talk in the main hall?"

After speaking, she accompanied them to the main hall where servants served tea. Liu Yu Ru asked calmly, "Is Jiusi doing alright?"

"Don't worry," Ye Shi'an replied. "The case was transferred to the Censorate today. It was just a formality—he's been released."

"What about Liu Chun's case?" Liu Yu Ru inquired curiously.

Ye Shi'an took a sip of tea. "That depends on whether His Majesty wants to investigate it, and how he intends to proceed."

As the group continued their discussion, Gu Jiusi followed a eunuch into the imperial study.

Inside, Fan Xuan was playing chess with Zhou Gaolang, while Left Chancellor Zhang Yu, Minister of Personnel Cao Wenchang, Censor-in-Chief Ye Qingwen, and others stood nearby. Virtually all the core members of Fan Xuan's inner circle were gathered there.

Though fewer than ten people occupied the imperial study, they represented the very heart of Great Xia's power structure. After a brief moment of surprise, Gu Jiusi promptly knelt and said respectfully, "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years!"

Fan Xuan ignored Gu Jiusi and continued playing chess with Zhou Gaolang. The only sound in the room was the clicking of chess pieces. Gu Jiusi remained kneeling with his head bowed, not uttering a word.

After a while, Zhou Gaolang looked up and remarked with a smile, "He certainly knows how to keep his composure."

Fan Xuan also lifted his gaze and said cheerfully to Gu Jiusi, "Rise."

Gu Jiusi kowtowed respectfully before standing. Fan Xuan stated calmly, "I've gathered you all here today to inform you privately: Old Lu has passed away. From now on, Jiusi will take his place. You all know what that means. Decide among yourselves who will recommend him."

"Your humble servant understands," Zhang Yu responded respectfully, while the others subtly observed Gu Jiusi.

This young man had already drawn attention back in Youzhou with his outstanding political achievements. But no one expected his promotion to be so rapid—rising from a county magistrate of the eighth rank to Minister of Revenue of the third rank in less than a year. Such speed of advancement was unprecedented throughout history.

Though filled with doubts himself, Gu Jiusi didn't dare ask questions and could only express his gratitude once again.

Fan Xuan waved his hand dismissively and continued, "You are all the people I trust most. Let's dispense with formalities. The reason I called you here is to ask your opinion: how should we handle Liu Chun's case?"

How to handle Liu Chun's case?

Everyone present understood that the question wasn't really about Liu Chun's case, but rather whether they should use it to take action against someone.

After exchanging glances, Fan Xuan chuckled lightly and said, "You old foxes."With that, he looked up at Gu Jiusi: "The old foxes aren't willing to speak. Young fox, you tell us—should this case be pursued?"

"Your Majesty, it would be better to hear from the other esteemed officials," Gu Jiusi hurriedly replied. "This humble official lacks experience and fears misspeaking, which might invite ridicule from the others."

"What's there to fear?" Zhou Gaolang said with a laugh. "Even I am often laughed at by them."

At these words, everyone chuckled. Ye Qingwen looked at Gu Jiusi as if advising a junior, gently saying, "Jiusi, we've all been laughed at before. Don't worry, just speak boldly."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi glanced gratefully at Ye Qingwen, understanding that he was signaling their closeness to everyone present.

Gu Jiusi respectfully said, "Then this humble official will speak. I believe this case should be pursued."

Fan Xuan nodded and raised his hand. "Speak freely, continue."

"Your Majesty, in my view, there must be someone behind Minister Lu's matter orchestrating things. I worked with Minister Lu for a time and believe his temperament would not lead him to kill Liu Chun. Firstly, Minister Lu is not a ruthless person—he has always been uneasy about taking lives and would not indiscriminately harm others unless pushed to extremes. Secondly, he has always held brotherly affection for Your Majesty and should not harbor such suspicions. Thirdly, most of those guarding Minister Liu were veteran officials with little connection to Minister Lu. How could Minister Lu have had the means to meet with Minister Liu, let alone kill him?"

Everyone fell silent, but in their hearts, they knew Gu Jiusi was right.

Lu Yong lacked both the courage and capability to kill Liu Chun. If not for someone fanning the flames behind the scenes, the matter would not have escalated to this extent.

In their minds, everyone pointed to the Empress Dowager as the mastermind. But Gu Jiusi continued, "The intentions of the person behind this are clear—they aim to escalate this matter to an irreparable point, ensuring someone pays with blood. Their original targets were likely either Minister Lu or me. If one of us falls, or if their initial plan succeeded, I would be executed first, then evidence would emerge to exonerate me, leading to Minister Lu's punishment as well. This would vacate two key positions in the Ministry of Revenue. And who else in the court has the audacity for such a grand scheme? I suspect, first, the veteran officials led by the Empress Dowager, and second..."

"There's a second?" Wen Chang exclaimed in surprise, and everyone looked puzzled.

Gu Jiusi went on, "Second, is the Crown Prince's Imperial Tutor, Luo Zishang."

At the mention of this name, after a brief moment of stunned silence, everyone quickly grasped the implication.

Since entering the court, Luo Zishang had remained almost entirely inactive, quietly teaching Fan Yu his lessons, to the point where everyone had nearly forgotten his existence. Now, suddenly reminded, they recalled that this was the Imperial Tutor who governed the entire region of Yangzhou.

To govern Yangzhou—with its wealth, vast territory, and population—was akin to ruling a small kingdom. For the ruler of such a domain to submit as a subject was no simple matter."Your Majesty originally planned to campaign south against Liu Xingzhi. For this southern expedition, you agreed not to purge the former dynasty's officials extensively and permitted Luo Zishang to enter the Eastern Capital as the Crown Prince's Imperial Tutor. Yet the outcome is now clear: Your Majesty's tolerance has not been met with their compliance. They now covet the Ministry of Revenue's position and dare to use four lives in their scheme. Consider this, Your Majesty—a southern campaign cannot be accomplished overnight. If you truly launch this expedition, with such internal turmoil, would Your Majesty feel at ease?"

The southern campaign was a national policy long established by Fan Xuan. Gu Jiusi's words directly challenged this policy. Zhang Yu listened, cleared his throat softly, and slowly said, "However, if we allow Liu Xingzhi to continue developing, Your Majesty would also find it difficult to rest easy."

"While Liu Xingzhi develops, so does our Great Xia. Our Great Xia holds legitimate authority, inheriting the Imperial Jade Seal. Liu Xingzhi is a treacherous rebel—even if he develops, what is there to fear? Since ancient times, northern campaigns against the south have proven difficult, while southern campaigns against the north have rarely succeeded. Even the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang halted at Wuzhang Plains. What does Great Xia have to fear? Rather, forcing a southern campaign now risks internal unrest and depleting our strength."

"That point is indeed valid."

After listening for some time, Fan Xuan finally spoke. He sighed and glanced at the assembled officials. "Recently, I have often pondered this matter, especially since the Empress Dowager has become increasingly overbearing. I have grown more concerned. I believe the timing of the southern campaign should be reconsidered. What are your thoughts?"

Fan Xuan's tone made it clear he had already reached a decision. Everyone present was astute enough to grasp this immediately and hurriedly responded, "Your Majesty is wise."

With the decision made to stabilize internal affairs instead of launching the southern campaign, how to utilize the Liu Chun case as leverage became evident.

Fan Xuan thought for a moment and continued, "Now that we must stabilize internal affairs, how should we proceed? Do any of you have suggestions?"

No one spoke. Though everyone had their own thoughts, they knew this was not the time to voice them lightly. Fan Xuan smiled and looked at Gu Jiusi. "Since no one else is speaking, you may proceed."

"Many officials from the previous dynasty remain in court. To stabilize internal affairs, Your Majesty should avoid excessive measures but still demonstrate decisive authority. I believe the first step is to neutralize the Empress Dowager, leaving the old nobility without leadership. The Empress Dowager holds two key cards: the marriage of Yunshang Princess and the support of the noble families. We must undermine both. First, arrange Yunshang Princess's marriage. Then, use the Liu Chun case as grounds to strike against several families supporting the Empress Dowager. This process must be swift, before they can react and spread news, to prevent internal unrest."

Fan Xuan nodded and raised his hand. "Continue."

"Afterward, Your Majesty should offer some concessions to these nobles. Before that, select a few impoverished or illegitimate children from these families and reach agreements with them. After disinheriting the current heirs, allow these selected individuals to take their places, offering them consolation. This way, even if news leaks, there will be no further unrest."

After all, if people can live peacefully, no one wants to rebel.

Noble families differ from those constantly waging war—their lives are precious, and they lack the courage to take great risks.

Seeing that Fan Xuan did not object, Gu Jiusi added, "Finally, Your Majesty must reinstate the imperial examinations this year to recruit talented individuals broadly. Then, gradually replace officials from the previous dynasty to free yourself from their constraints."After hearing Gu Jiusi's words, Fan Xuan laughed and said, "He's quite clever indeed."

As he spoke, he glanced at the officials around him. "What do you all think?"

Since Fan Xuan had already praised him, everyone naturally chimed in with compliments. Then the group began discussing in detail how these matters should be handled and who should take charge.

The discussions lasted until evening before everyone dispersed. Gu Jiusi and Ye Qingwen walked out of the main hall together. When no one was around, Ye Qingwen remarked, "Young Master Zhou, I've always heard you were a spoiled noble son, but now I realize you were truly hiding your talents all along."

"Uncle, you flatter me," Gu Jiusi quickly responded with humility. "I was ignorant in the past and have only recently come to understand things. My previous self was truly inept, and even now, if you were to examine my book learning, I would still fall short."

Ye Qingwen smiled faintly, his gaze drifting toward the stars in the sky as he spoke slowly, "Young man, many things must be learned gradually. Jiusi, let me offer you a piece of advice."

"Please enlighten me, Uncle," Gu Jiusi said, his expression turning serious as he respectfully sought guidance. Ye Qingwen, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, replied calmly, "There are many clever people in this world. In youth, cleverness is often flaunted, but with age, one realizes that true wisdom lies in restraint."

Gu Jiusi fell silent upon hearing these words. Ye Qingwen chuckled softly and added, "Don’t take it to heart. I merely meant—"

"Uncle, I understand your meaning," Gu Jiusi interjected, then continued, "But someone must speak these words."

"Yet if you speak them now, many responsibilities will inevitably fall upon you—matters that will earn you enemies. I fear the Empress Dowager’s faction will target you from now on."

Seeing his candor, Ye Qingwen did not mince words: "We are both from Yangzhou, and you are Shi An’s close friend. Jiusi, heed my advice: henceforth, speak less of such things."

"Uncle," Gu Jiusi replied with a bitter smile, "What do you suppose His Majesty summoned me for today?"

Ye Qingwen paused in surprise, then listened as Gu Jiusi explained, "His Majesty summoned me to make me his blade. If this blade isn’t sharp enough, it serves no purpose. Uncle Ye, I am not like Shi An, who has you paving his way. I have nothing to rely on."

"In this court, standing firm has little to do with whether you offend others and everything to do with who stands behind you. Look at the officials in court—anyone can impeach me without a second thought, but who would dare impeach Shi An without hesitation? If this case involving Liu Chun had fallen on Shi An instead of me, would the Ministry of Justice have dared arrest him right at the Ye residence gates? Would they not fear being impeached to death by the Censorate?"

Ye Qingwen listened in silence. Gu Jiusi smiled wryly and said, "Uncle, every official must walk their own path. Shi An can afford silence, but I have no such luxury. If I don’t speak up now, I may not even have the chance to speak at all in the future. His Majesty wants me as his blade, so a blade I must become. Only by honing this blade can I prevent such situations from recurring."

"I understand," Ye Qingwen sighed, his eyes lifting toward the sky. "Go back now. Tomorrow, I’ll have the case files prepared, and the day after, you should be released."

Gu Jiusi bowed respectfully before taking his leave.

He still had to return to the prison to rest—the case had just been transferred to the Censorate, and for appearances’ sake, he had to play the part.

Sitting in the carriage, listening to the creaking of the wheels, he felt an inexplicable sense of desolation wash over him.

If silence were an option, who wouldn’t choose it?

If one could advance steadily and securely, who would willingly become a blade?

But he had no other choice.

He was not like Ye Shi’an. Now, he stood alone.

Lost in thought, he returned to the prison in a daze. As soon as he entered, he saw Liu Yu Ru sitting in his cell, engrossed in the book of maps he usually read, her expression one of keen interest.She had already become familiar with the jailers, and now that they noticed the palace's attitude toward Gu Jiusi had improved, they allowed Liu Yu Ru to come and go freely. Hearing footsteps, she set down her book and looked up to see Gu Jiusi standing at the doorway, staring at her in a daze.

She gave a soft laugh and said gently, "You're back? I brought you some stewed soup. Drink it while it's hot."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi couldn't help but slowly break into a smile.

He hurried forward a few steps and pulled her into his arms.

"In the end, I'm a little luckier than them."

He spoke in a low voice, and Liu Yu Ru looked somewhat bewildered. "What?"

But Gu Jiusi didn't say anything more. He knew it well in his heart.

Though he couldn't compare to Ye Shi'an and others who had their families to support and pave the way for them, he had Liu Yu Ru.