Destined

Liu Yu Ru slept through the night and woke up still clutching the silver notes.

She lay in bed, motionless, her heart numb and calm, thinking of nothing.

After experiencing a complete emotional release, all the pain and anger had poured out, leaving behind only despair and confusion about the future. She didn't know what all her years of persistence had been for, nor how she would continue moving forward in life.

No matter how intelligent and quick-witted she was, she was still just a fifteen-year-old girl. Even though fifteen was considered adulthood in their society, fifteen years were far from enough for true inner growth in the long journey of life.

One could master the Four Books and Five Classics in fifteen years, but no one could develop a heart that remains calm and composed in the face of all worldly affairs in just fifteen years.

She no longer wanted to struggle. She had completely given up—lying in bed, unwilling to move, speak, eat, or think about anything.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi didn't dare bother her. The moment the servants opened the main gate, he immediately ran out.

He had thought it over all night and decided he couldn't just accept his fate—he needed to rebel against Gu Lang Hua! He had to make Liu Yu Ru lose interest in him!

He would express his rebellion through action!

So during the night, he retrieved his secretly stored private money from the bridal chamber, changed his clothes, and dashed out of the Gu residence the instant the servants opened the gates. The servants were stunned by their young master's escape speed. After exchanging bewildered glances, they hurried to report to Gu Lang Hua. Gu Lang Hua and Jiang Rou had just gotten up. Upon hearing that Gu Jiusi had run away, Gu Lang Hua waved his hand and said, "Let him run. What about my daughter-in-law? Is she alright? She didn't run away too, did she?"

The butler who came to report was momentarily stunned and said somewhat confused, "She didn't run."

Weren't they concerned about their son? Why so concerned about their daughter-in-law?

Hearing that Liu Yu Ru hadn't run away, both Jiang Rou and Gu Lang Hua sighed in relief. Jiang Rou said, "As long as our daughter-in-law is still here, it's fine if Jiusi ran away."

The butler: "..."

This son probably wasn't their biological child.

Unaware of his parents' leniency, Gu Jiusi had desperately fled the Gu residence without daring to stop, running all the way to his usual tavern. After securing a private room, he sent messages to Yang Wenchang and Chen Xun, then took a sip of wine, finally feeling somewhat secure.

He waited in the tavern for Yang Wenchang and Chen Xun. After half an hour, the two young masters arrived with their clothes in disarray. After closing the door, the three brothers looked at each other. After a brief silence, Yang Wenchang cupped his hands and said, "Congratulations, congratulations..."

"Stop with the congratulations," Gu Jiusi said painfully, holding his forehead. "I feel like my head is about to explode."

"Explode over what?" Chen Xun walked to the table, poured a cup of wine, and comforted him, "It's just marrying a woman, not that big of a deal. Isn't Liu Yu Ru just coveting the status of Madame Gu? Give it to her, and we can continue having fun as usual. Don't worry."

"No," Gu Jiusi said miserably, "I wish she were just after money. The problem is, I only found out last night that she's not here for the money."

"Then what is she here for?" Yang Wenchang was confused. The three of them had long agreed that Liu Yu Ru was definitely after money—there was no other possibility.

Gu Jiusi lifted his head, sighed, and said with some pity, "She... came for me.""She wants revenge on you?" Yang Wenchang was the first to react, exclaiming in surprise, "Isn't that a bit too costly?"

"No," Gu Jiusi said seriously, "She likes me."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Chen Xun spat out his wine, spraying it all over Yang Wenchang's face.

Chen Xun hurriedly apologized, "Sorry, sorry, I was just too shocked."

Yang Wenchang remained expressionless as Chen Xun wiped his face, then turned to Gu Jiusi: "I'm too shocked as well."

"Who isn't?" Gu Jiusi took a sip of wine. "In this life, emotional debts are the hardest to repay. If she wanted money, that would be fine, but she wants my heart. I don't know what to do about it."

"You want her to give up?" Yang Wenchang understood Gu Jiusi's meaning. Gu Jiusi nodded: "The sooner she gives up, the better, so she doesn't fall deeper and make it harder for me."

"That's easy," Chen Xun chimed in eagerly, "Making a woman give up is too simple."

"How?"

Gu Jiusi looked over. Chen Xun smiled meaningfully: "Spend three nights at the Brothel. I guarantee she'll give up then."

Gu Jiusi fell silent.

The Brothel was the most famous pleasure house in Yangzhou, and also a place Gu Jiusi used to frequent. Though in the past, he only went to accompany Yang Wenchang and Chen Xun—he wasn't particularly fond of such places. Compared to brothels, he preferred gambling dens and taverns.

Of eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling, he liked all except whoring.

But he was wealthy, and wherever he went, he was treated as a VIP. Back when the Brothel's courtesan was auctioning her first night, he had splurged thousands to celebrate Yang Wenchang's birthday, earning quite a reputation in the pleasure quarters.

For a woman, what could be more devastating than her husband visiting a brothel the day after their wedding?

And for Gu Langhua, what could be more infuriating than his son going to a brothel the day after his wedding?

After just a brief thought, Gu Jiusi nodded and said to Chen Xun, "Alright, let's go to the Brothel!"

With that, Gu Jiusi happily took Chen Xun and Yang Wenchang up to the Brothel.

Upon arriving, the manager brought out the courtesans, lining them up row by row, then approached Gu Jiusi respectfully and asked, "Does the young master have any preferences? Our ladies here each have their specialties—singing, dancing, playing instruments, reciting poetry, arrow tossing... If you have any particular likes, I can recommend a few for you."

Gu Jiusi listened, thought seriously for a moment, then looked up: "Are there any who know how to play leaf cards?"

The manager was taken aback, instinctively blurting out, "Huh?"

Gu Jiusi continued, "Any who know how to gamble?"

The manager: "..."

Was he here to call for courtesans or to gamble?

Nevertheless, since he was a valued guest, the manager quickly summoned the courtesans who usually enjoyed playing cards, drinking, and shaking dice. Gu Jiusi cheerfully had a gambling table set up and, amidst the music and singing, happily began to gamble.

While Gu Jiusi found his amusement, Liu Yuru lay on her bed, motionless.

She knew Gu Jiusi had left. She didn't want to ask where he had gone, nor did she want to ponder what she should do next. Since life had come to this, she had lost all motivation to manage anything.

As for rules and propriety, she couldn't bring herself to care anymore.

She was like a turtle hiding in its shell, unwilling to face any more changes in the world.Yin Hong, seeing that she had not risen for a long time, went in to check on her. She found Liu Yu Ru staring blankly at the bedside, motionless. Yin Hong grew somewhat frightened and cautiously nudged her, saying, "Miss?"

Liu Yu Ru remained silent. Yin Hong closed the door and hurried to the bedside, speaking to her anxiously, "Miss, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

"Miss, please say something," Yin Hong pleaded, holding her hand with urgency. "What did the young master do to you last night? Why are you still in your wedding gown? Did you two..."

Her voice trailed off as she whispered, "Did you two... not consummate the marriage?"

Liu Yu Ru lowered her eyes. Seeing her respond, Yin Hong quickly urged, "Miss, please answer me. I'm scared."

"Yin Hong..." Liu Yu Ru's voice was hoarse. "He wants to divorce me..."

"What?!" Yin Hong exclaimed in shock. She saw Liu Yu Ru curled up on the bed, covering her face with her hands as she rasped, "He said it—he doesn't like me. He'll find someone he loves in the future, and he'll treat that person well, so sooner or later, he'll divorce me."

"He told me to make plans early..."

"Yin Hong..." Liu Yu Ru trembled slightly. "What should I do... what can I do..."

If she were divorced, how would she live the rest of her life?

If she gained no favor in the Gu Family, what would become of her mother?

Her mother had personally prepared her dowry this time, and she had brought so much wealth with her. If the Gu Family didn't support her, once Liu Xuan realized the situation and Zhang Yue'er regained power, how would her mother survive?

The thought of all this—the future—filled Liu Yu Ru with despair.

Yin Hong was also panicked. She stared at Liu Yu Ru for a long while before finally saying, "Miss, the young master... the young master must be talking nonsense! Don't be upset. The marriage proposal came from their family. Madam Jiang is very kind; she's quite pleased with you, and she won't ignore the young master's actions. Don't be afraid, don't be sad, alright? The young master doesn't know your virtues yet. Once he realizes, he'll love and cherish you—how could he ever divorce you?"

Liu Yu Ru said nothing. She lay on the bed, unmoving. Whether Yin Hong's words were comfort or truth, she understood better than anyone.

She had already cried her fill and didn't want to weep anymore. But what she could do about the future, how she should proceed—she truly had no idea.

Yin Hong tried to persuade her, urging her to eat something, but Liu Yu Ru remained in her initial position, unchanged, as if she had completely given up. Yin Hong sighed and continued, "Even if you won't eat, you should get up to serve tea to Madam Jiang and Master Gu. You've just arrived; you must observe some propriety, or we'll be laughed at."

Liu Yu Ru remained silent, her eyes downcast.

"Just tell them I'm ill."

She sighed. "Right now, I'm really... too tired."

Yin Hong didn't dare press her further and went out to relay the message. When Jiang Rou and Gu Lang Hua received the news, they exchanged glances. Yin Hong stood to the side, motionless. Gu Lang Hua felt somewhat awkward. After a moment, he cleared his throat and said, "Since Yu Ru is unwell, let her rest and come when she's better. I sent Jiu Si on an errand this morning, which is why he left early. Tell Yu Ru not to take it to heart."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a servant rushed in, panting, "Master, it's terrible! The young master has gone to the Brothel!"

Gu Lang Hua and Jiang Rou: "..."Gu Lang Hua's face was extremely grim, Jiang Rou gave an unnatural light cough and turned her head away, while Yin Hong secretly clenched her fists.

Visiting a brothel on the second day of marriage... This son-in-law, even if he is a spoiled young master, is... is simply too outrageous!

After processing this information, Gu Lang Hua didn't say much but decisively picked up a stick from nearby and stormed out angrily to beat Gu Jiusi. However, Jiang Rou reached out and stopped Gu Lang Hua, saying gently, "Husband, you can't beat him forever. He's a married man now, he can't always be disciplined like a child."

"That little brat! If I don't control him, won't he fly to the heavens?!" Gu Lang Hua cursed furiously. Jiang Rou pulled him to sit down, smiling as she said, "Husband, let me handle it this time, don't be angry. How many times have you beaten him over the past two years? Although he acts without rules, he doesn't go too far. This time he went to the brothel just to spite you. Before he was married, it was fine for you to beat him like this, but if you drag him back and beat him today, how will he and Yu Ru live their lives together?"

Hearing this, Gu Lang Hua hesitated slightly. Jiang Rou persuaded further, "He already resents this marriage, thinking that Yu Ru and we conspired against him. If you stand up for Yu Ru today, what will Jiusi think of her? When outsiders interfere in matters between husband and wife, it only creates more complications. It's easy to drag him back and beat him today, but Yu Ru and Jiusi would become enemies."

At these words, Gu Lang Hua finally relented, turning his head and saying, "Then you handle it, let's see what method you have."

"This matter doesn't depend on us," Jiang Rou said with a smile, "it depends on Yu Ru."

Only after hearing this did Gu Lang Hua finally stop speaking.

Jiang Rou stood up and turned to look at Yin Hong, who was waiting for Jiang Rou to confront Gu Jiusi. Instead, she heard Jiang Rou say gently, "Is your young lady available to receive guests now?"

Yin Hong was stunned for a moment, then Jiang Rou said, "Since she won't come to see me, I'll go see her."

With that, Jiang Rou called for someone and had a doctor summoned, then directly stepped out of the room.

By the time Yin Hong reacted, Jiang Rou had already reached the doorway. Not daring to say too much, Yin Hong could only follow behind Jiang Rou as they went to Liu Yu Ru's room together.

Liu Yu Ru was still lying in bed asleep. Jiang Rou entered the room quietly with her attendants, careful not to disturb Liu Yu Ru. She went to the inner chamber and saw Liu Yu Ru sleeping curled up with her back to everyone, still wearing her wedding gown.

She immediately understood what had happened and couldn't help but sigh, walking over to stand before Liu Yu Ru.

Liu Yu Ru sensed someone standing behind her. She opened her eyes and slowly turned her head to see Jiang Rou looking at her tenderly.

"Yu Ru," she said with concern, "I heard you weren't feeling well, so I came to check on you. Are you feeling better?"

Author's Note: [1]

Gu Jiusi: "Hahahaha I escaped from the Gu residence!! I left my wife behind!! I'm free!! I'm going to find happiness!! Gambling all day long, happy as an immortal. Gambling brings temporary bliss, continuous gambling brings continuous bliss! As long as I have enough money, sorrow can't catch me La la la la la"

Liu Yu Ru: "Bring me the knife."

Gu Jiusi: "..."

(Thuds to his knees)

Gu Jiusi: "Wife, it was all Yang Wenchang and Chen Xun who forced me to come!!"Yang Wenchang and Chen Xun: Black question marks???

【2】

Reporter: May I ask how fast your young master was when he fled the Gu residence?

Servant of the Gu residence: I didn’t see clearly, but the butler later told me it was called escape velocity.