Destined

Minister Jiang did not come to the Gu Family immediately. Instead, with his characteristic fastidiousness, he had Gu Jiusi make preparations first.

Jiang Rou was well-acquainted with her younger brother's ways. She took Liu Yu Ru to purchase a carriage, select beautiful women, and buy a collection of dazzling golden clothes to hang in the wardrobe. With practiced ease, she hastily trained a group of people to attend to Jiang He.

Watching Jiang Rou's last-minute preparations, Liu Yu Ru couldn't help but remark, "Mother-in-law, if Uncle is so particular, why not train people in advance?"

Jiang Rou sighed. "Yu Ru, our family isn't as wealthy as before. What if he doesn't get released? Wouldn't that money go to waste?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu Ru thought Jiang Rou made a valid point. The expenses for buying the carriage, the beautiful women, the clothes, and training the servants would indeed be a considerable sum if no one reimbursed them.

After preparing the residence, the next day, Gu Lang Hua led the entire family to wait outside the Ministry of Justice for Jiang He. On the way, Gu Jiusi gave her a brief introduction to this uncle.

The Jiang Family was originally the wealthiest in the Eastern Capital. In Jiang Rou's generation, there were two sons and one daughter, with Jiang He being the youngest. According to Old Master Jiang's original plan, the eldest son, Jiang Shan, was to enter politics, while the younger son, Jiang He, was to manage the family business. However, Jiang Shan had only been an official for five years when he became embroiled in a succession dispute, was exiled to the southern border, and died of illness on the journey. After being scarred by political struggles, Old Master Jiang was even more reluctant to let Jiang He become an official. Yet, at the age of fifteen, Jiang He secretly took the imperial examinations, achieving the highest honors in all three levels and becoming one of that year's Imperial proteges. From then on, his official career soared. By the age of thirty, he had firmly established himself in the court, moving from the Ministry of Works to the Ministry of Revenue and finally to the Ministry of Personnel, where he became the Minister of Personnel, overseeing the evaluation and promotion of officials across the entire Da Rong court. If not for the incident with Prince Liang, Jiang He might have already risen to the position of Prime Minister.

Of course, these were the more formal accounts. According to Gu Jiusi's private introduction: "My uncle has a terrible temper, but he usually smiles. Remember, never provoke him."

"He's quite arrogant. If his words hurt you, you must forgive him. I'll scold him for you, but make sure to have a physician ready and remember to treat my wounds—he likes to hit me in the face."

"Other than that, don't be afraid. I'll handle everything. Just make sure the physician is prepared."

After Gu Jiusi had built up the atmosphere for a long time, Liu Yu Ru finally followed the group to the entrance of the Ministry of Justice. The entire family stood respectfully at the gate. Soon, footsteps echoed from inside, and then a figure appeared at the doorway.

At her first glimpse of this person, Liu Yu Ru's eyes were filled with a blaze of gold. He wore a dazzling golden outer robe over a white inner garment, with a Hetian white jade pendant hanging from his waist and a gold crown adorned with pearls on his head.

He appeared to be in his early thirties, exceptionally handsome, with features reminiscent of Gu Jiusi's good looks, though perhaps more striking due to his maturity. Holding a small fan, he stepped out into the sunlight. With a "swish," he flipped the fan open and held it against his forehead, gazing into the distance with a flourish and exclaiming in a melodious voice, "Ah, it's been so long since I've seen such a blinding sun."

Then he turned, swept his eyes over the Gu Family, and smiled. "Long time no see, Sister, Brother-in-law, Little Jiusi."

"Nian Ming, you're out."Gu Langhua forced a smile, addressed Jiang He by his courtesy name, and then said, "We've prepared everything at home. Let's hurry back and have a good meal."

"Thank you for your trouble, brother-in-law." Jiang He closed his fan and nodded gracefully in gratitude. Then he glanced around and headed directly toward the dazzling golden carriage Jiang Rou had purchased.

The carriage was coated with gold powder, appearing extremely luxurious. In fact, if any thief dared to scrape it, they could indeed steal some gold dust to exchange for money. But Jiang He didn't care—he simply enjoyed the feeling of wealth.

After he boarded the carriage, Liu Yu Ru approached Gu Jiusi and whispered, "Your uncle seems quite easy to get along with."

Gu Jiusi managed a strained smile. "As long as you're happy."

Once Jiang He was in the carriage, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Just as Liu Yu Ru and Gu Jiusi were about to head to another carriage, Jiang He lifted the curtain and called out warmly to Gu Jiusi, "Little Jiusi, why so distant with your uncle? Come up and catch up with me. Oh," he added, turning his gaze to Liu Yu Ru, "that must be my little niece-in-law? Come up together."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi's face immediately fell, but he didn't refuse. Bowing his head in resignation, he led Liu Yu Ru into the carriage.

The carriage was exceptionally spacious, with four beautiful women seated inside—all chosen by Jiang Rou. When Liu Yu Ru and Gu Jiusi entered, Jiang He was leaning against one woman who was massaging his head, his feet propped on another who was kneading them. A third woman knelt beside him, feeding him grapes, while a fourth sat nearby holding a pipa and asked, "Which song would you like to hear, my lord?"

Liu Yu Ru felt like a country bumpkin; in that moment, she was truly stunned by Jiang He's extravagance.

But Gu Jiusi seemed entirely accustomed to such scenes. He led Liu Yu Ru to sit far away and said calmly, "Let me make this clear: if you want to hit someone, hit me. If you want to scold someone, scold me. If you want to cause trouble, come at me. Don't touch my wife."

Hearing such a serious opening, Liu Yu Ru grew somewhat fearful. Jiang He looked up, scrutinized Liu Yu Ru carefully for a moment, then chuckled derisively. Propping himself up from the woman, he leaned against the carriage wall and said, "When have you ever seen me trouble a woman? Little Jiusi, your uncle isn't that kind of lowly man."With that, he swept his eyes over Liu Yu Ru from head to toe, then slightly opened his folding fan to cover his lips as he chuckled softly." "Your taste is quite impressive, no wonder you turned down the princess I offered you and went for this little Yangzhou simpleton instead."

Liu Yu Ru was taken aback by his words. It was the first time she had been described that way, but she didn't feel offended—in fact, she found it somewhat endearing.

Gu Jiusi, however, clearly didn't consider it a compliment. His face stiffened as he said, "Uncle, show some restraint."

Jiang He shrugged and spread his hands. "Haven't I been restrained enough? You gave me such a shabby carriage, these plain-looking maids, and this set of clothes unfit for any decent occasion—and I haven't complained at all. Yet you still think I'm not showing restraint?""Jiusi," Jiang He spoke with profound sincerity, "I've long advised you to come to the Eastern Capital to broaden your horizons, at the very least to learn how to spend money properly. They say a nephew takes after his uncle, but look at you—aside from bearing some resemblance to me in appearance, you haven't inherited an ounce of my elegant demeanor. Since I have no son of my own, if you don't properly carry on this legacy of mine, how will others ever recognize the distinctive style of our Jiang family?"

"Enough, Uncle," Gu Jiusi said with a dark expression. "You could just find an aunt and have another child."

"Ah, an aunt," Jiang He raised a hand to his forehead as if troubled by the mention, then after a moment's thought, he turned his gaze to Liu Yu Ru and said gently, "Sister Yu Ru, does your family have any unmarried sisters as beautiful and gentle as you?"

"Jiang He, you old lecher!"

Gu Jiusi immediately swung at him, but Jiang He blocked the punch with his fan and looked over with a smile. "Little Jiusi has grown up."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi inexplicably felt a sudden twinge of cowardice, and in that very instant, Liu Yu Ru saw Jiang He deliver a swift kick that sent Gu Jiusi tumbling out of the carriage and rolling onto the ground.

Liu Yu Ru immediately cried out, "Stop the carriage!"

Before she could finish, Jiang He pressed his fan against her shoulder, the immense force compelling her to sit back down. In an unquestionable tone, he called out to the coachman, "Don't stop."

The coachman didn't dare to halt. Gu Jiusi scrambled to his feet and chased after the carriage, shouting angrily, "Jiang He! Jiang He, if you have any guts, stop this carriage for me!"

Jiang He lifted the carriage curtain with his fan, looked at Gu Jiusi, and said with a smile, "Little Jiusi, your physical condition seems lacking lately. You should get some exercise—catch up if you can."

With that, he let the curtain fall and turned his smiling gaze to Liu Yu Ru.

Once Gu Jiusi was gone, Liu Yu Ru instantly felt an unspoken pressure fill the entire carriage. Jiang He watched her, and though Liu Yu Ru feigned composure, it was a long while before Jiang He let out a light laugh. "I truly never imagined that a modest family like the Lius could raise a young woman like you."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she had passed Jiang He's test.

She remained silent as Jiang He reclined against the beauties, plucking a grape and slowly remarking, "I've looked into you and know what you've done. The Gu Family's ability to come this far owes much to you. Everyone thinks my nephew is a good-for-nothing, but he's actually quite clever. I practically raised him myself, and originally, I intended for him to marry someone of at least a princess's stature. I never expected you'd be the one to snag him."

Liu Yu Ru didn't understand why Jiang He was telling her all this. She waited quietly as he continued, "I don't care for women, unless they're like my sister. Since you've married him, don't think you'll spend your life relying solely on a man. Make your own money. In the future, you handle the finances while Jiusi serves in office—that's how you'll secure the Gu Family's foundation."

Then, he looked up at her. "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"I understand," Liu Yu Ru replied gently, a smile on her face. Jiang He frowned slightly, as if finding her response perfunctory, but then he heard her add, "This niece-in-law has just one question. Jiusi mentioned that during your stay with the Gu Family, you would cover all household expenses. Was he joking, or...?"Jiang He was momentarily stunned, then slowly began to laugh.

"Young lady," he said, his fan resting against his lips, unable to suppress his amusement, "you are quite interesting."

Liu Yu Ru smiled without responding. After a moment, Jiang He seemed somewhat weary and closed his eyes. "Since you understand, I won't ask further. I have some money here. If you encounter any difficulties in the Eastern Capital in the future, you can come to me."

"If Uncle says so, Yu Ru is somewhat puzzled."

Liu Yu Ru waved her round fan, gazing at the handsome young man before her. "Yu Ru sees that Uncle now looks radiant and doesn't seem to have suffered much in prison. I wonder if Uncle stayed in jail for so long voluntarily or out of helplessness?"

Hearing this, Jiang He turned to look at Liu Yu Ru, a smile in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Uncle," Liu Yu Ru turned to look outside the carriage, where Gu Jiusi was struggling to chase after it. Everyone was watching Gu Jiusi, and Liu Yu Ru suppressed a smile, speaking softly, "Jiu Si has always believed you were wronged. He staked his own life to persuade His Majesty to release you and appoint you as Vice Minister of Revenue. Yu Ru hopes you will treat Jiu Si as family and be open with him."

"Do you think I'm being dishonest?" Jiang He looked at Liu Yu Ru with a smile. Liu Yu Ru remained silent for a long time before raising her eyes to meet his gaze. "Lord Jiang, is it true that you had no dealings with Prince Liang?"

Jiang He fell silent.

After a moment, he chuckled and turned to look out the window. "You little girl."

As he spoke, a trace of melancholy crept into his expression. "Those who are already dead—what's the point in talking about these things now?"

He did not evade the question, and Liu Yu Ru understood his meaning. She hesitated but ultimately did not voice the questions she wanted to ask.

The carriage traveled all the way to the main gate of the Gu Family residence, where Jiang He alighted in front of everyone.

The Gu residence was now located in a narrow alley, far inferior to Jiang He's former mansion. As soon as he stepped out of the carriage, Jiang He couldn't help but remark, "You've come to the Eastern Capital—why not buy a better house? Don't you find it stifling to live in a place like this?"

As he spoke, another carriage came to a halt. Everyone looked up and realized that the Gu Family's carriage was blocking the other's path.

The Gu Family's rear gate was behind them; the carriage had dropped off passengers at the main gate and was supposed to enter through the rear gate. From this perspective, the other carriage was also blocking the Gu Family's way.

Thus, the two carriages stood facing each other. Jiang He raised an eyebrow and glanced at Gu Jiusi, who had just caught up, panting. Gu Jiusi, having just reached the gate, saw the situation and wiped the sweat from his forehead before hurriedly stepping forward. "My apologies, sir. Could you please back up a little..."

"Lord Gu."

Before he could finish, a male voice tinged with laughter came from the carriage. Gu Jiusi's expression immediately turned cold upon hearing it. Then, a small fan lifted the carriage curtain, revealing Luo Zishang in a blue robe and jade crown, sitting inside and looking at Gu Jiusi with a faint smile. "Long time no see."

As he spoke, he lifted his eyes, scanning the surroundings before settling his gaze on Jiang He's face.

Jiang He and Luo Zishang locked eyes. Jiang He was slightly taken aback, and Luo Zishang's face also showed clear surprise.

They were evidently acquainted, yet after that brief exchange of glances, they quickly averted their eyes, clearly neither wanting to be the first to acknowledge the other.Gu Jiusi observed the interaction between the two before speaking, "I haven't heard any news of the Crown Prince returning to the Eastern Capital, yet Imperial Tutor Luo has returned ahead of schedule?"

"His Highness the Crown Prince is encamped not far outside the city. After resting, he will enter the city tomorrow."

Luo Zishang smiled faintly, "I returned early due to feeling unwell and needing rest."

"I see." Gu Jiusi nodded, then asked, "So, will Lord Luo make way or not?"

Luo Zishang: "..."

Luo Zishang seemed taken aback by the question. After a moment, he cleared his throat lightly and said, "Of course, I should make way."

As he spoke, Luo Zishang seemed to ponder something, then lifted his gaze to glance at Liu Yu Ru.

It was merely a fleeting look, but Gu Jiusi immediately bristled like a guard dog whose bone had been eyed, growling angrily, "What are you looking at!"

Luo Zishang smiled, lowered the carriage curtain, and instructed his servant, "Back up."

The servant guided the horses to retreat from the alley, making way for the Gu Family. Gu Jiusi approached Liu Yu Ru and muttered under his breath, "He just won't give up his wicked intentions."

Liu Yu Ru sighed helplessly, "He didn't say a single word."

"He looked at you."

"He also looked at your uncle," Liu Yu Ru whispered. "Next time, don't make such a scene. Do you want everyone to know he glanced at me?"

Gu Jiusi pursed his lips and fell silent.

Jiang He entered the house without saying much. After eating, he retired to his room to rest. With Jiang He settled, Gu Jiusi relaxed as well. He took a bath, then sat with Liu Yu Ru as they attended to their respective tasks—she calculating accounts, he handling official documents. They chatted idly while working.

"Aren't you curious about Luo Zishang's early return today? Why not talk to him a bit more?"

"What is there to say?" Gu Jiusi flipped through the documents. "Whatever he would say, I probably already know. As for the rest, he wouldn't reveal it anyway. Why waste time with him?"

Liu Yu Ru found his reasoning sound. After a moment's thought, she asked, "Why did he really return early?"

"To see if there's any chance to salvage the situation," Gu Jiusi replied, looking quite pleased as he glanced at her. "I've spoken with Lord Lu. It was Luo Zishang who directed Lu Yong in the Liu Chun affair. So it's clear—he's aligned with the Empress Dowager. With her fallen, what prospects does he have left? Just wait," Gu Jiusi said coolly, "once the Crown Prince returns, I'll impeach him. I'll make sure his days are difficult."

"Don't push him too hard," Liu Yu Ru sighed. "Even His Majesty has to treat him with deference now. He controls Yangzhou. If cornered, he might defect to Liu Xingzhi, and if that happens, you'll be blamed. What will you do then?"

"Let him defect if he dares," Gu Jiusi said, holding his brush. "At worst, I'll resign from office. I have my wife to support me—does he?"

Gu Jiusi wore an expression of utter righteousness, making Liu Yu Ru laugh.

She picked up a cushion from beside her and threw it at him. Gu Jiusi caught it, shaking his head. "Look at this tigress. Now that she has money, her attitude has changed—daring to hit her own husband."

"Gu Jiusi," Liu Yu Ru said, torn between laughter and exasperation, "when will you ever be serious?"

"You want to see me serious?" Gu Jiusi propped his head on his hand, appearing to genuinely ponder the question.

In the nearly two years since he had met Liu Yu Ru, he seemed to have grown considerably taller, his figure now slender and his features refined.His features inherited the beauty of the Jiang family, combined with Gu Langhua's handsomeness, blending into an indescribable elegance on him.

At this moment, he wore a white silk robe, his dark hair casually flowing, his fair skin glowing like jade under the lamplight. Leaning his head casually, a smile playing on his lips as if lost in thought, he exuded an aura of restrained allure.

Liu Yuru had only intended a quick glance, but upon seeing him, she froze momentarily.

Gu Jiusi turned and noticed her dazed expression, his smile unconsciously deepening.

He rose, draped in his outer robe, and walked barefoot to her side before kneeling on one knee, one hand resting on his own leg.

Liu Yuru looked up at him. He was extremely close, gazing at her quietly, his dark eyes shimmering with light.

He extended his hand, pale and finely sculpted like white jade, gently pinched her chin, and tilted her face up to meet his gaze.

Feeling somewhat flustered, Liu Yuru began, "Husb..."

But the word was swallowed before it fully left her lips.

Outside, the bright moon hung high in the sky, and autumn begonias slowly bloomed beneath its glow.

Gu Jiusi released her gently, observing her misty, dazed eyes. He swallowed hard, his voice—usually clear and melodious—now tinged with a husky roughness as he wiped her lips with his thumb and murmured, "Is your husband behaving properly now?"

Liu Yuru blushed deeply. Even after being married for so long, she could never match Gu Jiusi's bold frankness in such matters.

Clutching her sleeves tightly, she struggled to steady her voice, yet it still dripped with tenderness as she whispered, "How is this proper? Go attend to your documents."

Gu Jiusi chuckled, his gaze trailing after her like an invisible hand slowly tracing her form. The intensity of his stare made it hard for Liu Yuru to breathe. He retrieved a small fan from his sleeve, using it in place of his hand to part her garments, and said, "If you want me to be proper, it's only to win your favor. So now, if you like me, I am proper; if you don't, I am not. Yet I've heard most women prefer impropriety. Tell me, should a man be proper or not?"

Liu Yuru remained silent, gripping her abacus tightly.

Seeing her disheveled state, Gu Jiusi tilted his head and smiled, ultimately unable to bear letting her suffer any longer, and carried her back to the bed.

Satiated and content, Gu Jiusi was in remarkably high spirits the next day at court.

Ye Shi'an couldn't help but ask, "Why are you so cheerful?"

Before Gu Jiusi could respond, Shen Ming interjected, "He must be well-fed."

Ye Shi'an looked puzzled. Gu Jiusi cleared his throat lightly and said, "Shi'an, is your memorial prepared?"

"What memorial?" Shen Ming asked, confused.

Gu Jiusi brushed aside the stray hair near his ear and replied nonchalantly, "I ran into Luo Zishang yesterday. He returned to the Eastern Capital early, and the Crown Prince will enter the city today."

Hearing this, Ye Shi'an's expression instantly turned cold.

He turned abruptly and declared, "I'll go draft it now."

Shen Ming: "???"

"Wait," Shen Ming watched Ye Shi'an fetch paper and brush, uneasy. "Isn't it inappropriate to draft a memorial to His Majesty so hastily?""What's wrong with it?" Gu Jiusi clasped his hands in his sleeves and said gently, "After all, His Majesty wants someone to impeach him. If I hadn't impeached too many people recently, would Shi An need to draft the memorial today?"

Shen Ming was momentarily stunned. For some reason, he detected a hint of regret in Gu Jiusi's tone.

After a while, Shen Ming thought for a moment and said, "Ninth Brother, did Luo Zishang go to curry favor with Sister Yuru again yesterday?"

Ever since Liu Yuru found Shen Ming some odd jobs to earn extra pocket money, she had become "Sister Yuru" to him instead of "Young Madam."

Gu Jiusi's thoughts were seen through by Shen Ming. He shot Shen Ming a cold glance: "No, what are you thinking?"

"That can't be right," Shen Ming immediately replied. "The way you're being so petty clearly means someone must have offended you. The worst thing Luo Zishang ever did to you was his constant attention to Sister Yuru. If he hadn't bothered Sister Yuru yesterday, would you be so eager to impeach him today?"

"I like that word."

Gu Jiusi's voice was flat. Shen Ming instinctively repeated: "What word?"

"Bothered."

Gu Jiusi emphasized the word.

Shen Ming felt somewhat helpless. So he was right—Luo Zishang must have bothered Liu Yuru.

Ye Shi'an was highly efficient, especially when it came to avenging his family. He borrowed paper and brush, and before the morning court session began, he quickly drafted a memorial.

This memorial was a lengthy tirade against Luo Zishang, written so fluently without a moment's hesitation that it was clear Ye Shi'an had long been prepared to denounce him. After the scolding came the main point: this man was unfit to be the Imperial Tutor and should be replaced immediately.

After reading Ye Shi'an's memorial, Gu Jiusi nodded and said, "Very well done. I'm deeply moved."

"Then it's settled," Ye Shi'an said coldly. "His Majesty has already begun to doubt him and has decided to prioritize internal stability over southern campaigns. There's no way he'll be allowed to remain as the Crown Prince's Imperial Tutor. Keeping him away from the Crown Prince and allowing me to properly guide His Highness will ensure he isn't led astray."

Gu Jiusi nodded without refuting.

Although he privately believed that Ye Shi'an's lecturing skills were no match for Luo Zishang's professional sycophancy.

But Gu Jiusi felt this wasn't important. The only key event today was to impeach him.

So shortly after the morning court session began, when Fan Xuan asked, "Does anyone have a memorial to present?" Ye Shi'an stepped forward briskly and declared loudly, "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present! I believe Luo Zishang lacks the virtue of a teacher and is unfit to serve as the Crown Prince's Imperial Tutor!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Gu Jiusi immediately stepped forward and voiced his support: "I second the motion."

Shen Ming was taken aback. Seeing the two brothers step forward, he felt he couldn't fall behind. So he promptly stepped forward as well, wearing a serious expression, and said, "I feel the same way."

Author's Note: [Courtroom Daily Life]

Ye Shi'an: Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present!

All Ministers: It must be about impeaching Luo Zishang. Nothing to worry about.

Gu Jiusi: Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present!

All Ministers: Everyone, get ready! Gu Jiusi is about to impeach someone! Minister Gu, may I ask how many people you plan to impeach this time?

Shen Ming: Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present!

All Ministers: Who is this???