Destined

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi was momentarily stunned and instinctively said, "When did you learn fortune-telling?"

"Oh," Jiang He shrugged, "yesterday."

"Forget it then," Gu Jiusi showed a disdainful expression. "A half-baked skill probably isn't accurate. I'm leaving first."

"Little Jiusi," Jiang He stood behind Gu Jiusi, smiling as he said, "if you don't listen to your uncle, you might get beaten up."

Gu Jiusi paused in his steps. After a moment, he waved his hand and said, "Old folks should rest well and not meddle in young people's affairs."

Hearing this, Jiang He was momentarily stunned, then let out a scoffing laugh: "Brat."

Shortly after, a guard approached Jiang He and whispered, "Master, here is the list of officials in charge of city defense this time."

Jiang He took the list from the guard's hand. After reading it, he asked curiously, "Huh, why is Chen Maosheng, the commander of the Southern City Army, responsible for the Deity Pleasing Ceremony area?"

Chen Maosheng was someone promoted by the Crown Prince himself, essentially the Crown Prince's trusted subordinate. This position originally belonged to Shen Ming, but now Shen Ming had been replaced at the last moment—clearly the work of an insider.

"It was changed last night, apparently."

The guard replied respectfully, "After the young master visited Lord Zhou's residence, Chen Maosheng was swapped in."

Jiang He looked at the list without speaking. After a while, he smiled and said, "That kid."

After saying this, he folded the list and placed it in his robe, telling the guard, "He has his own plans. Send a few people to keep a close watch. Oh, wait a while and inform Lord Yang, who is in charge of this Deity Pleasing Ceremony, that we'll temporarily change one segment tonight."

"Change a segment?"

The guard seemed confused. Jiang He tucked his hands into his sleeves as he walked toward the corridor, saying calmly, "Before the main sacrifice performs the dance, have the substitute warm up the stage. But don't let this slip—don't tell anyone. We'll switch to the substitute at the last moment."

For the Deity Pleasing Ceremony dance, two people are usually prepared in case of emergencies. However, nothing has ever gone wrong over the years, so although substitutes exist, they rarely take the stage.

The guard was momentarily stunned, then smiled and said, "Master still doesn't fully trust the young master."

"Wang Lai, he's still young."

Jiang He called the guard by his name and smiled. "It's impressive enough that he can think this far ahead. But Luo Zishang..."

Jiang He paused, plucking a leaf from the courtyard edge, his smiling eyes carrying a chill: "A venomous snake that crawled out from a pile of bones—hard to figure out."

Wang Lai stood beside Jiang He, not daring to respond. He seemed to recall something, and after a long while, he said, "Master, should we..."

"No need."

Jiang He seemed to already know what Wang Lai wanted to say and interrupted, "There's no need to do anything."

Wang Lai said nothing more. He sighed and responded, "Master, I'll take my leave now."

Jiang He acknowledged with a sound and stood at the doorway without further words.

Gu Jiusi went out alone, quickly making his way through streets and alleys. After winding through various paths, he entered a residential house where he found a group of people gathered inside.

Huzi led at the front. He had grown much taller now and appeared stronger from daily martial arts training. As soon as Gu Jiusi entered, Huzi hurried over and called out, "Ninth Lord."

Gu Jiusi glanced around, and everyone followed Huzi in respectfully saying, "Ninth Lord."

Gu Jiusi nodded: "Is everything ready?"

"Ready."Huzi immediately said, "We've arranged for five hundred men in the city today. As soon as anyone makes a move, we'll capture them immediately."

"Mm," Gu Jiusi responded. "Keep an eye on Madam."

"Understood."

Huzi nodded. "Don't worry, everything will proceed according to plan. As soon as you give the signal, we'll immediately release the arrows."

Gu Jiusi patted Huzi's shoulder and discussed the day's arrangements with him. It wasn't until noon that he stepped outside. Just as he exited, he saw Shen Ming leaning against the doorway, raising an eyebrow as he looked at Gu Jiusi. "Killed two followers on the way. You're really bold."

"Isn't that why I have you?"

Gu Jiusi smiled. "What do you think I specifically brought you out for?"

Shen Ming let out a light scoff and turned his head. "I need to ask Manager Liu for a raise."

"Look at your priorities."

Gu Jiusi gave him a disdainful glance before saying, "Keep an eye on Yu Ru tonight. Don't let her get frightened."

"Pay increase."

"You're really obsessed with money." Gu Jiusi glared at him, then added, "She's arranged to stroll the streets with Ye Yun tonight."

"If she made plans, what's it to me?" Shen Ming appeared completely indifferent. Gu Jiusi sighed. "Shen Ming, you're not young anymore. Stop being childish."

"I don't understand what you're saying."

Gu Jiusi chuckled lightly but didn't elaborate further.

Gu Jiusi went to the Ministry of Rites. After Shen Ming followed him there, he secretly returned. As soon as Shen Ming left, Gu Jiusi sent someone to the Ye Family to inform Ye Shi'an, asking Ye Yun to accompany Liu Yu Ru that evening. Upon receiving Gu Jiusi's message, Ye Shi'an hesitated for a moment before telling the guard, "Tell him to be extremely careful."

The Eastern Capital was bustling with activity on Qixi Festival. Lanterns began to be hung during the day, the Ministry of War started deploying guards, and the Ministry of Rites prepared boats for the evening along the moat.

Everyone was busy, but the astute officials of the Eastern Capital clearly sensed the undercurrents beneath this lively commotion.

To ordinary people, all of this went completely unnoticed. Liu Yu Ru dressed up carefully at home. When evening came, she heard a message from outside: "Young Madam, Miss Ye is here. She asks if you'd like to go together?"

Liu Yu Ru paused, then asked, "Did the young master mention the time?"

"Miss Liu says," Yin Hong replied respectfully, "it was the young master who asked her to come."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru felt relieved. She nodded and smiled. "Then let's go."

With that, Liu Yu Ru went outside. The Ye Family carriage was waiting at the entrance. Liu Yu Ru boarded the carriage and saw Ye Yun sitting inside, holding a scroll of books. Ye Yun looked up at her and smiled. "Your husband will likely be busy tonight, so he specifically asked me to accompany you to the market first.""

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu Ru pursed her lips. "As a married woman, why would I need such arrangements? It's you who should take a good look around the streets today. If you meet someone you like, tell me, and I'll inquire for you."

"Liu Yu Ru," Ye Yun said somewhat helplessly, as if with a headache, "I feel like you're becoming more and more like my mother."

"That's probably why married women aren't particularly popular."

Liu Yu Ru sighed. "Never mind, never mind. Let's not overthink it today and just enjoy strolling through the market casually."

The carriage made its way toward the bustling areas. When it reached the main street, it could go no further. Liu Yu Ru and Ye Yun got out of the carriage and, escorted by their servants, walked along the main street.The streets weren't particularly crowded at the moment, making it quite suitable for a leisurely stroll. The two young women walked arm in arm, buying various trinkets along the way. Liu Yu Ru smiled and said, "I've realized that ever since I met you, we've spent every Qixi Festival together. In the past when we couldn't go out, we'd thread needles in your courtyard. This year is the first time we're out enjoying the festivities."

Ye Yun, picking through hairpins at a roadside stall, responded, "That's one benefit of growing up, I suppose."

Liu Yu Ru looked at the hairpins she was examining and pointed to a white jade hairpin. "This one looks nicer."

As they browsed through the hairpins, Liu Yu Ru kept glancing around their surroundings. Noticing her vigilance, Ye Yun asked, "You've been looking around since we came out. What are you watching for?"

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru linked arms with Ye Yun and lowered her voice. "His Majesty has put Jiusi in charge of the Yellow River affairs. Did you know?"

"I heard from my brother."

"This morning when I was about to leave, Jiusi specifically told me to wait for his instructions before going out. He normally wouldn't say such things to me, so I thought something must be happening today."

Though Liu Yu Ru spoke softly, Ye Yun heard her clearly. She remained silent as Liu Yu Ru continued, "Moreover, he's going to the Yellow River tomorrow, yet he accepted the position of chief officiant for the Deity Pleasing Ceremony without taking any rest. He never does anything without purpose - he must be planning something."

"Yu Ru," Ye Yun couldn't help laughing, "you always overthink things. Gu Jiusi hasn't told you anything, yet you've already figured everything out."

"Hmm?" Liu Yu Ru looked puzzled. "Do you know something?"

"Did you know that Shen Ming was originally one of the officials in charge of today's city defense?" Seeing Liu Yu Ru's curiosity, Ye Yun didn't hold back. "I heard that Gu Jiusi visited Lord Zhou's residence yesterday. Afterwards, Shen Ming was replaced by Chen Maosheng, one of the Crown Prince's close associates."

Liu Yu Ru was taken aback. Her mind raced as she tentatively asked, "Is Lord Zhou overseeing this matter?"

"Lord Zhou is responsible for arranging personnel, but the actual management falls to these younger officials. If anything goes wrong, naturally the subordinates will bear the responsibility."

Ye Yun analyzed, "I overheard my brother and uncle discussing quietly that Gu Jiusi specifically replaced Shen Ming with Chen Maosheng to guard against Luo Zishang."

"Guard against Luo Zishang?" Liu Yu Ru was momentarily confused before understanding dawned. "Jiusi means that if Chen Maosheng is in charge and Luo Zishang makes a move at this time, then Chen Maosheng will definitely lose his position?"

And Chen Maosheng was a crucial piece the Crown Prince had placed in the Eastern Capital's military forces. If he were ruined because of Luo Zishang, the alliance between Luo Zishang and the Crown Prince would effectively be over.

"Exactly." As the surroundings grew more crowded, Ye Yun looked at the lanterns along the street. "I asked my brother, and that's what he said. He told us not to worry, that Gu Jiusi has everything arranged, and we should just enjoy the lantern festival. Originally, they didn't want me to tell you."

"Why?" Liu Yu Ru smiled. "Why wouldn't they want me to know what they're doing?"

"Gu Jiusi told my brother that he doesn't want you to know about these matters. He said you don't need to know anyway. He just wanted me to accompany you today to see the lanterns and then witness the surprise he has prepared for you."Liu Yu Ru was momentarily stunned. Ye Yun turned back with a smile, her eyes carrying a hint of playful teasing. "He said that his Yu Ru already worries too much in daily life, and he can't bear to let these mundane matters trouble her further."

"He really..."

Liu Yu Ru didn't know whether to call him good or bad. Understanding her meaning, Ye Yun quickly added, "But I know you're someone accustomed to taking charge. His intentions are good, but you're too clever to be kept in the dark, so I told you."

"You know me best, Yun'er." Liu Yu Ru smiled. "He always wants to give me the best. Just knowing that makes me very happy."

"So don't disappoint his intentions," Ye Yun urged. "I heard that for this Qixi Festival's city-wide arrangements, Gu Jiusi specifically consulted with the Ministry of Rites and put in great effort."

As she spoke, Ye Yun bought two masks from nearby. She lifted one to cover half of Liu Yu Ru's face - Liu Yu Ru had a fox mask while she had a rabbit one. Looking at Liu Yu Ru, she laughed, "See, this little fox looks just like you."

Liu Yu Ru showed a slightly reproachful look and whispered, "You're the fox, you improper thing."

Ye Yun burst out laughing and then walked arm in arm with Liu Yu Ru onto the street.

While they were enjoying themselves on the street, Luo Zishang led his men through the main thoroughfare. He wore a red robe embroidered with gold thread, a jade crown, and a pure white mask that completely concealed his face, revealing only a pair of strikingly beautiful eyes.

A passerby hurried toward him and whispered, "Master, all personnel are in position, but Chen Maosheng has taken Shen Ming's position."

Luo Zishang's steps faltered slightly. The guard following him immediately said, "Master, this might be a trap. Should we withdraw?"

After a moment of silence, Luo Zishang chuckled softly. "It seems Gu Jiusi is betting that I won't make a move."

"What a pity," Luo Zishang looked toward the brightly lit pleasure boats on the distant moat and said calmly, "His life is worth far more to me than he imagines."

"Then what are your orders, Master?"

The guard hesitantly inquired. Luo Zishang opened his golden fan and commanded, "Send someone to inform the Crown Prince that Gu Jiusi has replaced Shen Ming with Chen Maosheng in the defense arrangements, likely to create trouble and frame Chen Maosheng. It's too late to change personnel now, so he should prepare early."

"Yes."

The guard acknowledged, then asked, "What about the assassination plan?"

"Where is Ye Yun?"

Luo Zishang unexpectedly asked this question. The guard was momentarily taken aback before responding, "This subordinate will investigate immediately."

"Once you locate Ye Yun, kidnap her. Ye Shi'an will surely panic. When Ye Shi'an inevitably seeks Shen Ming's help, and they both dispatch people to search for Ye Yun, Gu Jiusi will think I dare not move against him because of Chen Maosheng. When he appears at the main deity worship ceremony, have someone use a powerful crossbow to shoot him dead publicly."

After receiving the order, the guard immediately issued commands. Before long, they located Ye Yun and Liu Yu Ru's position.

"Ye Yun is with Young Madam Gu."

The guard reminded him. Luo Zishang's hand holding the fan paused briefly. After a moment, he said calmly, "Only capture Ye Yun. As for Liu Yu Ru..."

He hesitated briefly, then laughed. "After all, we're still business partners. I'm counting on her to make money for me. Leave her alone."After speaking, Luo Zishang ordered the majority of his men to move near where Ye Yun and Liu Yu Ru were located, setting up an ambush.

Liu Yu Ru and Ye Yun were on the street guessing lantern riddles, bargaining with a vendor over a rabbit-shaped lantern.

Shen Ming, along with Ye Shi'an and numerous hidden guards, lay concealed around them, closely monitoring the surroundings.

"Isn't it too dangerous to let them wander outside on a day like this?" Shen Ming asked, cracking melon seeds as he looked at Ye Shi'an across from him.

"When is it not dangerous for them to go out?" Ye Shi'an replied calmly. He glanced at the nearby street and said evenly, "Besides, Luo Zishang's target is Jiu Si. He can't spare manpower for this side. He wouldn't go to such lengths just to kill two young girls out of spite. What he needs to do now is eliminate Jiu Si, so he can take control of the Yellow River project and prevent ten million from going down the drain. However, he's unlikely to make a move today. If he does, Chen Maosheng is finished. With so many of us guarding them, today is probably the safest compared to usual."

"What if he doesn't care about Chen Maosheng?" Shen Ming asked curiously.

Ye Shi'an shot him a glance. "He might not care about Chen Maosheng, but can he afford to disregard the Crown Prince? If he intends to support the Crown Prince, he can't possibly discard Chen Maosheng."

Shen Ming widened his eyes, still not fully understanding. "But what if he doesn't want to support the Crown Prince either?"

Ye Shi'an was momentarily stunned by the question. "If he doesn't want to support the Crown Prince, why would he come to the Eastern Capital?"

No sooner had he spoken than a group of people suddenly rushed out from the surroundings. Without any attempt at concealment, they drew their blades and charged straight toward Ye Yun. Shen Ming and Ye Shi'an reacted swiftly, unsheathing their swords and pushing Liu Yu Ru and Ye Yun behind them in one swift motion.

Chaos erupted instantly. It was unclear where these people had come from—they seemed to emerge from everywhere, swarming toward Ye Yun like a dense, unstoppable tide! Ye Shi'an positioned himself in front of Ye Yun and whispered, "Don't be afraid, Yun'er."

But as soon as he spoke, Ye Shi'an was forced apart from Ye Yun by a blade. Ye Yun was abruptly dragged away. Shen Ming, who had been protecting Liu Yu Ru, saw everyone converging on Ye Yun. In a surge of adrenaline, he abandoned Liu Yu Ru's side, launched a flying kick, and swung his blade horizontally, decapitating the man in front of him.

Blood splattered across both their faces. Ye Yun suppressed her terror and nausea as Shen Ming pushed her toward Ye Shi'an, shouting, "Take her and go!"

The moment Shen Ming broke away, Liu Yu Ru saw a blade suddenly descending toward her. A guard threw himself in front of her, and she was so shocked she froze. In that instant, a hand yanked her backward. The person raised a closed golden fan to block the incoming longsword, kicked the attacker away, and dragged her out of the fray.

Amid the flashing blades and clashing swords, Liu Yu Ru caught a glimpse of those strikingly beautiful eyes and cried out in surprise, "Jiu Si!"

The person stiffened slightly but did not respond. He kicked aside anyone blocking his path and dragged Liu Yu Ru into a frantic sprint.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the main battlefield, Shen Ming and his men were locked in a fierce struggle with a group of assailants who seemed to disregard their own lives, relentlessly pursuing Ye Yun and Ye Shi'an. Ye Shi'an led Ye Yun into an alley, only to find Jiang He standing there holding a lantern, smiling as he watched them.

Ye Shi'an was taken aback but quickly exclaimed, "Uncle Jiang!"

"Well now," Jiang He said cheerfully, "you're not usually this sweet-tongued."Ye Shi'an grabbed Ye Yun and dashed toward Jiang He, with a group of pursuers close behind. Jiang He, followed by his own troop, clicked his tongue twice: "Young people are so hot-tempered. They've completely ruined such a fine Qixi Festival."

As he spoke, he tilted his chin toward the men behind him: "Go, drag all the corpses inside. Leaving them outside is far too frightening."