Destined

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi fell silent.

After the great turmoil in the realm, Wang Shanquan declared himself Prince Huai in Yangzhou. Following Wang Shanquan's death, internal strife ensued in Yangzhou, ultimately resulting in the selection of the youngest among his fifteen sons, Wang Nianchun, to become Prince Huai, while the remaining fourteen were executed by Luo Zishang. Wang Nianchun's mother was Madam Ji.

Madam Ji originated from a Dancer background, rumored to have once been a noble of the previous dynasty. After her family fell into decline, she was registered into the courtesan class. Later, due to her exceptional dancing skills and beauty, she was taken into Wang Shanquan's residence, becoming a concubine after giving birth to Wang Nianchun.

The primary reason Luo Zishang chose Wang Nianchun and Madam Ji among the many wives was their ease of control. Wang Nianchun was not yet five years old, and Madam Ji came from a lowly status; without relying on Luo Zishang, she had no ability to maintain control over Yangzhou. Currently, Luo Zishang was cooperating with Madam Ji—she guarded Yangzhou for him while he held an official position in the Eastern Capital.

Regardless of why Luo Zishang insisted on staying in the Eastern Capital, given his relationship with Madam Ji, it was clear that this ten million taels needed to be provided as a debt. This was evidently not Madam Ji's intention but Luo Zishang's.

However, Gu Jiusi could not say too much; saying too much would inevitably arouse suspicion of factional strife.

From this condition, it was apparent that Luo Zishang still wanted to preserve some strength for Yangzhou. If Great Xia issued Great Xia bonds nationwide, it would naturally guarantee the credit system. By purchasing these, even if Luo Zishang later resold them, he could still obtain a sum of money. In reality, Great Xia would not undermine its own foundations by defaulting on national debt, as doing so would make it difficult to sell bonds again in the future. This was an enormous amount of liquid capital.

He suddenly felt some admiration for Luo Zishang—this man always managed to find a better path for himself in desperate situations.

"What do you think?" Fan Xuan looked up at him.

Gu Jiusi met Fan Xuan's gaze and said, "Your servant has no opinion and will follow Your Majesty's command."

Fan Xuan remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "Luo Zishang told me that such a large sum of money must be fully provided by Yangzhou. He cannot suppress the others and must offer some appeasement. I understand his difficulties. If I were in his position, I truly couldn't do it either. His willingness to contribute ten million taels of silver already proves his sincerity. What do you think I should do about this matter?"

Hearing Fan Xuan's question, Gu Jiusi understood his hesitation. After some thought, he replied to Fan Xuan, "Your humble servant believes that national bonds should not be issued. Issuing bonds is fundamentally based on the people's trust, with the prerequisite of a stable political situation and sound taxation. The reason Youzhou debt could operate was that my wife meticulously calculated Yangzhou's future fiscal revenue and other incomes, ensuring sufficient repayment capacity. But now, if this money is used for the Yellow River, can Your Majesty guarantee profitability? If not, how dare we issue national bonds?"

"Yangzhou purchases the national bonds and then resells them—the ones who ultimately bear them are the common people. If we cannot repay this money, what will happen to the court's reputation?"

Fan Xuan sighed and nodded. "I understand. But if we don't give Yangzhou some benefits, Luo Zishang probably can't secure this money either."

Gu Jiusi said nothing more. Fan Xuan looked up and said, "Never mind, go back and think it over. I'll consult others as well."

Gu Jiusi acknowledged and withdrew. When he returned to his quarters, Liu Yu Ru was leading people in reviewing account books.The Immortal Fragrance business was doing quite well in the Eastern Capital, and the second batch of rice had been transported from Wangdu. When Liu Yu Ru saw Gu Jiusi return, he seemed troubled. Ye Yun glanced at Liu Yu Ru, who cleared her throat lightly and said to Ye Yun, "I'll go check on Jiusi first."

Ye Yun smiled without a word and turned to leave. Holding the account books, she became so absorbed in thinking about inventorying the rice supplies that she hurried forward with her head down and suddenly bumped into someone. She nearly stumbled from the impact, but the person caught her and said with a laugh, "You should be careful while walking, miss."

The voice was exceptionally pleasant, like a clear spring flowing through a gorge. Ye Yun looked up in a daze and met an extremely handsome face, seemingly just over thirty, yet with eyes that held a worldly wisdom. She stared blankly for a moment before snapping back to reality, stepping back and saying, "Greetings, Lord Jiang."

She had long heard that Gu Jiusi's uncle, Jiang He, had moved into the Gu residence. Seeing the resemblance to Gu Jiusi, it wasn't hard to guess his identity.

Jiang He raised an eyebrow at her words and said, "Oh, you know me?"

"I am Ye Yun, the manager of Immortal Fragrance. I've heard the young mistress mention you."

Ye Yun replied respectfully. Jiang He couldn't help but take a few more glances at her and said with a smile, "The eldest daughter of the Ye Family has such a temperament—quite unexpected. It seems all the young women around Yu Ru are remarkable."

Ye Yun kept her head down without responding. She had never seen such a handsome man. He resembled Gu Jiusi but possessed a demeanor that Gu Jiusi lacked—a quality that was utterly captivating to women.

Noticing her discomfort, Jiang He chuckled softly and said gently, "Miss Ye, if you have matters to attend to, please go ahead. I won't keep you."

Ye Yun responded calmly and withdrew. After she left, Shen Ming emerged from the courtyard and asked cheerfully, "I heard Ye Yun was here. Where is she?"

"Miss Ye has left,"

a servant replied with a smile. "Lord Shen, you should come earlier next time."

Shen Ming was somewhat displeased upon hearing this. "She couldn't even wait for me."

Those nearby suppressed their laughter. Jiang He, overhearing the exchange, remarked, "If you're pursuing a young lady, you need to be more proactive."

"Who's pursuing anyone?!"

Shen Ming flared up immediately, muttering, "I... I have business with her."

With that, Shen Ming didn't want to speak further with Jiang He and hurried away.

After seeing Ye Yun off, Liu Yu Ru went to find Gu Jiusi. He had been silent since entering the room, sitting with his head bowed, deep in thought. Liu Yu Ru approached him gently and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Luo Zishang agreed to provide the funds,"

Gu Jiusi sighed. "But he said his agreement alone isn't enough. There's significant resistance in Yangzhou to allocating such a large sum. They need some incentives."

Liu Yu Ru pondered this and said, "He does have a point."

"I know," Gu Jiusi looked up at her. "That's why I'm worried. I can't offer him government bonds because I don't plan to repay this money. Forcing Yangzhou to contribute such a large amount is meant to weaken them. Otherwise, with Yangzhou watching us battle Liu Xingzhi, if Luo Zishang harbors ulterior motives, it would be like nurturing a tiger to court disaster.""Your Majesty must have considered this as well," Liu Yuru pondered. "For Yangzhou to provide these funds is actually quite simple."

"Hmm?"

Gu Jiusi looked up at Liu Yuru, who smiled and said, "Jiusi, think about it—officials in Yangzhou usually come from merchant families. Government and business are inseparable, right?"

Gu Jiusi was momentarily stunned. Both of them were from Yangzhou, and he was indeed aware of the integration of government and commerce in Yangzhou's official circles. Liu Yuru said gently, "So the Yangzhou officialdom actually represents the interests of Yangzhou's merchants. Once the merchants agree to this matter, there will be no resistance. They want benefits—we just need to give them those benefits."

"Then what benefits should we offer?"

Gu Jiusi looked at Liu Yuru and quickly asked. Liu Yuru hesitated for a moment, thought it over, and finally said, "Jiusi, why don't I go talk to Luo Zishang?"

"You go talk to him?"

Gu Jiusi was taken aback. Liu Yuru nodded, "Yes, I'll speak with him privately."

Gu Jiusi remained silent. Liu Yuru looked up at him, understanding what he was thinking. After a moment of silence, she finally said, "I'll send Yun'er to talk to him..."

"You go."

Gu Jiusi took a deep breath and suddenly spoke. Liu Yuru was surprised and said, "You... don't you dislike..."

"I do dislike it," Gu Jiusi said with a bitter smile. "But I've always been a jealous person. You're in business—if I stop you from talking to everyone I dislike, I'd seem too narrow-minded."

With that, Gu Jiusi said generously, "So go ahead and talk to him. As long as your heart remains with me, you can meet anyone."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru covered half her face with a round fan and chuckled softly.

"What are you laughing at?"

Gu Jiusi frowned, pretending to be displeased. "Shouldn't you be touched right now?"

"My husband is so childish," Liu Yuru pursed her lips. "Luo Zishang has only spoken to me three times in total, and you remember it till now. You say you're a jealous person—that's certainly true."

On this matter, Gu Jiusi also felt he had been overly sensitive. Feeling somewhat guilty, he quickly changed the subject, "When will you go see him?"

Liu Yuru thought for a moment, glanced at the sky outside, and said, "How about now?"

"Ah?"

"Is it inappropriate?"

Liu Yuru turned to look at him. Gu Jiusi coughed lightly and nodded, "Appropriate, appropriate, very appropriate."

Once Liu Yuru made her decision, she had people prepare her things. She took the maps and various budgets she had prepared for the trade route, changed her clothes, and went to the Luo residence.

No sooner had Liu Yuru left than Gu Jiusi immediately changed his clothes and followed her out. He trailed her all the way to the Luo residence. After Liu Yuru presented her name card, Gu Jiusi circled to the backyard, thinking about how to climb over the wall. However, after thinking for a long time, he realized that sneaking in quietly might be quite difficult, and even if he succeeded, there wasn't much he could do.

Feeling somewhat dejected, he thought again and came up with a brilliant idea. He hurried to a clothing store, went in, and said to the owner, "Boss, quick, dress me up! Make me look exceptionally handsome—the kind that any woman would like at first sight!"When Liu Yuru's visiting card was delivered, Luo Zishang was fishing. The steward had just brought in the Gu family's card when Luo Zishang noticed its distinctive pattern. His eyelids twitched, and he immediately said, "I won't see them."

"It's Young Madam Gu."

The steward spoke respectfully. Luo Zishang paused, instinctively asking, "Where's Gu Jiusi?"

"Lord Gu didn't come."

Luo Zishang frowned. He pondered for a moment, uncertain about Liu Yuru coming alone, but eventually nodded and had her invited in.

Since Liu Yuru was a woman, Luo Zishang couldn't receive her as casually as he would Gu Jiusi. He specifically changed into formal attire before heading to the reception hall.

When he arrived, Liu Yuru was examining a landscape painting in the hall. She wore a water-blue gown with sheer blue gauze over a white inner robe. Her neck was gracefully proportioned, and the dress accentuated its slender elegance, making her appear like a solitary crane that had alighted in his courtyard.

He didn't disturb her, standing quietly at the doorway for a while as he watched her back. After a moment, Liu Yuru turned and noticed Luo Zishang at the entrance. She seemed briefly startled, then smiled composedly and said softly, "Lord Luo."

"Madam Liu."

Luo Zishang nodded, using this alternative form of address. By now, she had been in business for some time, and in commercial circles, people had begun honoring her as "Madam Liu." Only women who weren't dependent on their husband's family earned the right to be addressed by their own surname.

Liu Yuru didn't dwell on the form of address, smiling in acknowledgment. Luo Zishang entered the hall and invited her to sit. After they were seated, he asked, "Were you interested in that painting just now, Madam Liu?"

"This painting—it's your own work, isn't it, Lord Luo?" Liu Yuru looked at him and continued, "It depicts a place outside Yangzhou. I recognize it."

Luo Zishang didn't respond immediately. He took a sip of tea before nodding. "Indeed. Have you been there too, Madam Liu?"

"In my youth, my mother would take me to Yinshan Temple to pray every month. I'm familiar with this area."

Luo Zishang's tea-drinking paused briefly. After a moment, he changed the subject. "Madam Liu doesn't visit without a purpose. You likely didn't come here just to reminisce with me?"

"Certainly not," Liu Yuru retrieved several diagrams from beside her. "I came to discuss a business proposal with you, Lord Luo."

As she spoke, she spread the diagrams on the table. Luo Zishang approached and examined them, looking puzzled. "What is this?"

"This is the planned route for my future merchant fleet."

Liu Yuru's voice remained calm as she pointed at the diagram. "This fleet will primarily use water transport, starting from Youzhou, heading south to Yangzhou, west to Sizhou, and east overseas. Along the way, it will transition to land routes. This transportation network ensures goods can reach every location at maximum efficiency with minimal cost."

Luo Zishang remained silent, staring intently at the diagram. He couldn't comprehend how Liu Yuru had conceived such a plan—reducing costs by establishing warehouses, planning routes, and rationally combining land and water transport. He couldn't understand how a woman could think of such things.

Seeing his silence, Liu Yuru continued, "On this route, the Yellow River will be a crucial waterway if traveling from Yangzhou to Sizhou."Hearing this, Luo Zishang looked up at her, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips. "Madam Liu, you jest. The Yellow River is not suitable for navigation."

Liu Yuru shook her head. "Whether the Yellow River is suitable for navigation depends entirely on Lord Luo."

Luo Zishang remained silent. Liu Yuru unrolled a second map—the very plan Luo Zishang had proposed for managing the Yellow River. The strategy focused on two key aspects: repairing the embankments and designing a system for diverting the river's flow.

According to Luo Zishang’s proposal, the river channel would be redirected through the lowlands at the northern foot of Mount Tai, where the terrain was gentle, naturally slowing the water's current.

"If we follow Lord Luo’s plan, the Yellow River will remain navigable for the next hundred years," Liu Yuru explained, pointing to several key points on the map. "Moreover, with just one embankment opening to the south, the water can be diverted into the Huai River, allowing passage all the way to Yangzhou. In the future, merchant fleets could use this water route to travel directly from Yangzhou to Sizhou."

Luo Zishang listened intently, his eyes fixed on the map. After careful consideration, he realized Liu Yuru was right. If the Yellow River were managed this way, water transport in Yangzhou would become even more prosperous.

Seeing him deep in thought, Liu Yuru began to elaborate—detailing the starting point, the types of ships to use, and the estimated travel time...

As she spoke, she stood not too far from him. She couldn’t stand too far away, as the map was small and he might struggle to see it clearly. Yet she maintained a respectful distance, one that was entirely proper. Even so, he could catch the faint, elusive scent of magnolia that seemed to drift from her, lingering around him and unsettling his composure.

After a while, Liu Yuru finally finished and looked up at him. "What does Lord Luo think of this humble idea of mine?"

The question snapped Luo Zishang back to attention. He subtly took a step back and smiled. "Madam Liu’s idea is excellent. However, I still don’t quite understand—why are you telling me all this?"

"Lord Luo," Liu Yuru began calmly as she started rolling up the map, "I’ve come to propose a partnership. You may discuss the Yellow River management plan further with the officials in Yangzhou. As I’ve just calculated, if this waterway is established, transportation costs will be reduced by at least half. Yangzhou thrives on its water transport—improving the Yellow River would undoubtedly benefit the region. And once you’ve completed the project," she added with a slight smile, "I can consider it as your investment in my merchant fleet. From then on, all goods from Yangzhou transported by my fleet will enjoy a ten percent discount."

Luo Zishang nodded thoughtfully. "I see, Madam Liu," he said with a chuckle. "You’ve come to plead your husband’s case."

"It’s for my husband’s sake, and for my own as well," Liu Yuru replied softly, taking a sip of tea. "Would Lord Luo consider investing in shares of this merchant fleet?"

The suggestion caught Luo Zishang off guard. Liu Yuru went on to detail the potential profits of the fleet.

If such a fleet were truly established, the returns would be staggering. Even someone as worldly as Luo Zishang couldn’t help but feel tempted.Liu Yu Ru spoke with a steady composure, a calmness that inexplicably inspired trust, making one feel she wasn't persuading you but rather stating an objective, indisputable fact.

"If Lord Luo is hesitant, you may invest first. Once the merchant fleet begins operations, should you wish to withdraw, I will repay a portion of the principal to you annually at the original price. Consider it as a loan from you—what do you think?"

Luo Zishang listened, his heart stirring with interest.

Though he served as an official, everyone desired private assets. He knew very well that if Liu Yu Ru could successfully carry out this venture, the profits would be substantial.

Seeing Luo Zishang's expression, Liu Yu Ru knew he was tempted and continued, "Lord Luo, there's no need to overthink this. For you, this venture only brings gains, no losses. You only need to do two things: provide funds and repair the Yellow River. Financially, if the business thrives, you'll continue to receive dividends; if it incurs losses, I'll return your principal—essentially risk-free. As for repairing the Yellow River, it's a monumental task that benefits the nation and its people for centuries to come. Your name will surely be recorded in history. Moreover, once completed, your reputation among the common people will soar, making anyone think twice before challenging you."

"Sounds almost too good to be true," Luo Zishang pondered. "Why then, Madam Liu, do you seek me out?"

"The answer is quite obvious."

Liu Yu Ru took a sip of tea and replied without hesitation, "Because you have money."

Luo Zishang was taken aback for a moment before he couldn't help but laugh, somewhat resignedly saying, "Madam Liu, you really are..."

Liu Yu Ru remained expressionless. Luo Zishang drank his tea, shook his head, and said, "Never mind, Madam Liu. To be honest, your eloquence is so compelling that I can't find a reason to refuse. Allow me just two final questions."

"Please go ahead."

"If I refuse, how do you plan to deal with me?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu Ru looked up at him. Luo Zishang watched her with keen interest, fully expecting an answer. After a brief pause, she indeed responded, "If Lord Luo refuses, I will advise His Majesty to impose taxes on all goods from Yangzhou."

Luo Zishang feigned a sharp intake of breath. "Truly, it is difficult to deal with women and petty men. Then," he continued, "one last question. Given all I've done in the past, you still wish to cooperate with me. Haven't you considered what Ye Shi'an and Gu Jiusi might think?"

Liu Yu Ru listened and, after a long silence, slowly said, "I am a businessperson. Your affairs have nothing to do with me."

Hearing this, Luo Zishang burst into loud laughter, slapping his thigh as he exclaimed, "Madam Liu, you really aren't good at lying."

Liu Yu Ru remained impassive. Luo Zishang's laughter gradually subsided as he leaned back in his chair, gazing at her gently. "Since Madam Liu won't speak the truth, I'll say it for her. You must be thinking: a temporary collaboration doesn't matter—get the money first and deal with him later."

Liu Yu Ru showed no trace of embarrassment at being exposed. Luo Zishang watched her, waiting for her reaction. After a moment, she set down her teacup and said calmly, "You've laid it all out so plainly—I feel almost embarrassed."

"Then," Liu Yu Ru's gaze settled on Luo Zishang, "what is Lord Luo's decision?""Well, this Luo is born with a rebellious nature. If it were anyone else, I might need to think twice. However," Luo Zishang looked at Liu Yuru, softening his tone, "if it's Manager Liu, I'd willingly let myself be deceived."

"Oh?" Liu Yuru laughed, "Is Lord Luo serious?"

"Absolutely."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru revealed a gentle smile: "Then would you consider investing more money? I have another project here..."

Luo Zishang was momentarily stunned, then listened as Liu Yuru began introducing her next cash-strapped project.

It took Luo Zishang quite a while to recover. He raised his hand and slapped his own forehead, lamenting painfully, "Ah, Boss Liu is truly hard to deceive."

"Since I can't fool Lord Luo, shall I take my leave now?"

Liu Yuru stood up. Luo Zishang didn't try to keep her, instead seeing her out of the Luo residence.

After she left, Luo Zishang remained in the main hall. He gazed at the landscape painting hanging there for a long time before finally lowering his head with a soft laugh.

Meanwhile, as soon as Liu Yuru stepped into her carriage after leaving, she saw Gu Jiusi sitting inside.

He wore a red outer robe over a white inner garment, with a gold crown adorned with pearls on his head. In his hand, he held a small golden fan. The red robe was embroidered with golden chrysanthemums in gold thread, making his entire appearance strikingly resplendent.

Gu Jiusi's features were exceptionally suited to such attire. However, since he was already extraordinarily handsome to begin with, dressing like this made him almost too dazzling to look away from.

Liu Yuru was momentarily taken aback. After a moment, she saw Gu Jiusi turn his head toward her, smiling gently as he said softly, "I missed you on the way, so I came to wait for you."

Hearing his words and meeting those beautiful eyes, Liu Yuru felt her heartbeat quicken involuntarily.

She smiled, lowering her head as she said, "Then let's go home."

Gu Jiusi acknowledged her words and had Liu Yuru sit beside him.

As she settled next to him, holding her blueprints, she couldn't hold back any longer and burst into laughter after a moment.

Gu Jiusi looked puzzled, then asked, "What are you laughing at?"

"Jiusi," Liu Yuru raised her eyes to look at Gu Jiusi, who seemed to have deliberately applied makeup, suppressing her laughter as she said, "Your way of showing jealousy is truly unusual."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi knew Liu Yuru had seen through his thoughts. He didn't feel embarrassed at all, simply stating frankly, "An outstanding man never fears competition."

As he spoke, he glanced affectionately at Liu Yuru and added with a smile, "Especially when he's as handsome as your husband."