Destined

Ye Shi'an was momentarily stunned, but Gu Jiusi had no time to linger. He turned and waved casually before heading to the imperial study to find Fan Xuan.

After Gu Jiusi left, Shen Ming approached and nudged Ye Shi'an. "Alright, don't overthink it. Trust Ninth Brother—no matter what, he'll stand with you. Even if not for you," Shen Ming lowered his voice, "I heard from sister-in-law that Luo Zishang nearly wiped out the entire Gu Family back then and even killed Ninth Brother's childhood sworn brother."

Reminded of this, Ye Shi'an pursed his lips. "Wang Shanquan was the one who actually did it. Luo Zishang was just a lackey under him."

"So what?" Shen Ming continued. "Brother Shi'an," he sighed, placing a hand on Ye Shi'an's shoulder, "have a little more faith in your own brother."

Hearing this, Ye Shi'an fell silent for a moment before sighing. "I've been overthinking things."

Having spent so long at court with Ye Qingwen, one's thoughts inevitably grew more complicated.

Regaining his composure, he said to Shen Ming, "Alright, hurry back and pack. Once Jiusi returns from the palace, we'll likely depart soon. Don't delay him."

"There's nothing left to pack," Shen Ming replied immediately. "Everything's already prepared. You're heading back to your residence now, right?"

"Yes, why?"

Ye Shi'an looked puzzled. Shen Ming quickly said, "I'll escort you back."

"Why would you escort me?" Ye Shi'an didn't understand. Shen Ming hastily linked arms with him. "I'm leaving soon. We're brothers—let me walk you home."

"I'm not a woman," Ye Shi'an frowned. "Why escort me home?"

"Ah, you—" Shen Ming grumbled in displeasure, forcibly dragging Ye Shi'an forward. "I just want to talk with you a bit longer. Must you interrogate me like this?"

Though Ye Shi'an had practiced some martial arts for fitness, his strength was no match for Shen Ming, who had formally trained under masters and later been a mountain bandit. Helplessly pulled into the carriage, Ye Shi'an reluctantly accepted Shen Ming's explanation—perhaps he'd suddenly grown a conscience and genuinely wanted to chat.

Once inside the carriage, Shen Ming hesitated. "Um, Brother Shi'an."

"Hm?"

Ye Shi'an looked down, picking up a scroll of books nearby, as Shen Ming stammered, "So... is Ye Yun at home?"

Hearing this, Ye Shi'an paused. He frowned and looked up at Shen Ming across from him. "Why do you ask?"

"No reason, no reason!" Shen Ming flustered, waving his hands hastily. "Just making conversation, idle chatter."

Ye Shi'an frowned without responding, his eyes scrutinizing Shen Ming up and down. Shen Ming unconsciously straightened his back under the gaze. After a moment, Ye Shi'an turned away with a "hmph," nodding as he read his book. "She's reviewing accounts at home today. She won't go out until afternoon."

"Oh, oh," Shen Ming nodded, then added, "Was she alright after returning last night?"

"Probably frightened," Ye Shi'an said lightly. "The servants said she sat by the window staring at the Rabbit Lantern all night."

"Rab... Rabbit Lantern?"

Shen Ming sounded surprised, blurting out, "She likes that sort of thing?"Ye Shi'an glared at him with a look that said "the pupil is beyond teaching." After a moment, unable to contain his frustration, he grabbed a book from nearby and began hitting Shen Ming on the head, exclaiming, "How can you be so foolish? How can you be so foolish!"

"Hey, hey, hey! Let's talk this out properly!"

Shen Ming covered his head, not daring to fight back. For some reason, he felt inexplicably guilty. After Ye Shi'an finished hitting him, he finally calmed down and said, "She used to be childish, and her preferences were no different from ordinary girls. Shen Ming," Ye Shi'an's tone softened, carrying a hint of bitterness, "she wasn't like this back then."

Shen Ming was taken aback. Seeing the look in Ye Shi'an's eyes, he instinctively lowered his voice and asked softly, "What... what was she like before?"

The first time he met Ye Yun, she was already the way she was now.

Like an unsheathed sword, like a blade of grass breaking through a massive rock. She was calm, silent, and carried a kind of unspoken resolve. Only when bickering with him did he occasionally catch a glimpse of the sparkle in her eyes that suited her age.

"As for her," Ye Shi'an smiled bitterly, "when she was young, she had a terrible temper. She acted like a tyrant at home all day, and if the slightest thing didn't go her way, she would cling to my mother and cry endlessly. The whole family spoiled her, making her utterly unruly."

As he spoke, Ye Shi'an couldn't help but laugh, his eyes filled with nostalgia. "I used to dislike her intensely back then, thinking she had no sense of propriety. I scolded her several times, and she went around telling everyone I treated her poorly. Her interests were always frivolous—she kept many small pets at home, especially rabbits. At one point, the Ye Family's backyard housed thirteen rabbits, all hers. When she bought them, they were just baby rabbits. The seller told Yun'er they wouldn't grow, tricking her into spending a fortune. But in the end..."

"They were meat rabbits?" Shen Ming had a rare moment of insight. Ye Shi'an nodded and continued, "She raised those rabbits until they were plump and sturdy, and they even required special care. No one was allowed to mistreat them—if anyone dared lay a hand on her rabbits, she would fight them tooth and nail."

Listening to Ye Shi'an's words, Shen Ming couldn't help but chuckle. As the two chatted about Ye Yun, they arrived at the entrance of the Ye residence. Ye Shi'an led Shen Ming out of the carriage and, while walking toward the mansion, said to him, "Deep down, Yun'er is still a child at heart. She was just forced to grow up too soon. Don't always provoke her—learn to speak kindly. She has already suffered enough."

These words were already quite pointed, but Shen Ming failed to grasp their deeper meaning. He nodded and said, "Alright, from now on, I won't talk back when she scolds me."

Ye Shi'an: "..."

As they spoke, Ye Shi'an stopped in his tracks and pointed expressionlessly to the entrance of a small courtyard. "This is her residence. Have someone announce your arrival yourself. I'm leaving."

"Alright," Shen Ming nodded. "I'll find you for a drink when I return."

Ye Shi'an let out a derisive "Hah!" at this but said nothing more before turning and walking away.After Ye Shi'an left, Shen Ming stood at the entrance of the small courtyard feeling somewhat nervous. Clutching the object in his sleeve tightly, he paced back and forth several times. The maids inside noticed him, recognized who he was, and while he was still hesitating, went in to inform Ye Yun. Ye Yun was reviewing the account books for Immortal Fragrance when she heard Shen Ming had come. She paused for a moment, then said, "Please invite him in."

Shen Ming was still thinking about how to speak without upsetting Ye Yun when he heard from inside, "Lord Shen, please come in. Stop pacing in circles."

Shen Ming was taken aback but felt relieved. There was no need to think about how to enter—he could just go straight in.

He followed the maid inside and entered the room, where he saw Ye Yun kneeling as she reviewed the account books.

Ye Yun looked somewhat haggard. He wanted to ask if she hadn't eaten, as she seemed listless. But before he could speak, he suddenly recalled the words of Gu Jiusi and Ye Shi'an.

The Ye Family was arranging a marriage for Ye Yun.

She had suffered a lot, and he couldn't upset her again.

He froze. Without looking up, Ye Yun said, "You wouldn't come without a reason. Say what you need to say and then leave."

Hearing this, Shen Ming coughed lightly, feeling somewhat awkward.

He mustered his courage and sat down opposite Ye Yun.

Ye Yun's posture was elegant and proper. Sitting across from her, he felt inexplicably restrained. He straightened his back, nervously clutching the makeup box in his hand, and coughed softly before saying, "Um, you don't look well today. Have you been too tired lately?"

"Have you taken the wrong medicine?"

Ye Yun looked up at him and was met with Shen Ming's flushed face. She paused, then frowned. "What's wrong with your face? Did you run here? It's so red. Has something big happened? Is it about last night's incident…"

"No, no," Shen Ming quickly waved his hands. He didn't dare look at Ye Yun anymore and lowered his head, muttering softly, "The matter from last night has been resolved."

"Then what is it?"

"Um," Shen Ming took a deep breath, mustered his courage, and said the words he had spent the entire morning court session preparing: "I... I'm leaving for the Yellow River soon. I... I might not be back for a while."

"Mm, so, is there something you need me to do?"

Shen Ming didn't speak. His face flushed, he took out the Rouge box Gu Jiusi had given him that morning from his sleeve. His hand trembled as he placed it in front of Ye Yun.

Ye Yun was stunned. Then she heard Shen Ming say, "Um, this, keep it and use it."

Ye Yun remained silent, still somewhat dazed. After a long while, she slowly said, "You... what is this?"

"I... I heard the Ye Family is arranging your marriage." Shen Ming lifted his head. He felt he needed to look at Ye Yun at this moment. He stared at her for a long time before finally saying, "You…"

"Shen Ming," Ye Yun interrupted him, as if she already understood his feelings. She looked at him calmly, her expression unusually gentle. She pushed the Rouge box back and said calmly, "Marriage is a matter of parental orders and matchmaker's words. It is not proper to exchange gifts privately like this."

Hearing this, Shen Ming was momentarily stunned. After a moment, seeing Ye Yun's honesty, he actually calmed down. He lowered his voice and said, "I still had to ask you. If you agree, I naturally…""I have no right to agree or disagree," Ye Yun said calmly. "Lord Shen, as a woman with a tarnished reputation, I am unworthy of being your principal wife. Though your official rank is low now, your future prospects are boundless. Marrying me now would only make you a laughingstock in the future."

Hearing this, Shen Ming's heart clenched. Ye Yun's expression was so composed it revealed no emotion whatsoever. Shen Ming watched her, slowly clenching his fists. "Ye Yun, don't speak of yourself like that."

"It's the truth."

"That doesn't matter!"

Shen Ming raised his voice abruptly: "I don't care!"

Ye Yun gazed at him quietly. After a long silence, she slowly smiled and spoke with deliberate clarity, word by word: "But I care. I don't want to ruin you, nor do I want to hurt myself. Shen Ming," she sighed, "you're still too young after all."

"I'm older than you," Shen Ming insisted earnestly. Ye Yun shook her head: "My heart is older than yours."

"I don't care about age, and I don't care if your heart is old," Shen Ming stared intently at Ye Yun. "I just want to ask you one thing - do I occupy any place in your heart?"

Ye Yun remained silent, her eyes fixed on the young man before her. Shen Ming slammed his saber onto the table with a "clang," causing the surface to tremble slightly. He looked at her seriously: "If I'm in your heart at all, I'd give my life for you."

The words startled Ye Yun. After a long pause, she gradually composed herself, lowered her gaze, and said quietly: "I'm sorry."

"You're not in my heart. And I don't want your life."

Shen Ming tightened his grip on the saber beside him. His eyes stung, but he stubbornly kept looking at Ye Yun: "What's wrong with me?"

"Shen Ming," Ye Yun took a deep breath and looked up, "there's nothing wrong with you. You're wonderful. It's me who's flawed... I'm incapable of loving anyone, do you understand?"

"You're talking nonsense," Shen Ming retorted angrily. "Aside from being blind to my qualities, what could possibly be wrong with you?"

Ye Yun didn't know whether to laugh or cry at his scolding. Shen Ming sniffled, seeming somewhat embarrassed as he turned away and retrieved his saber. His gaze fell upon the rabbit lantern by the window, and he said hoarsely: "I heard you've been looking at that rabbit lantern all evening."

Ye Yun didn't respond. Shen Ming continued: "I'm quite skilled at making rabbit lanterns. I can make rabbit-shaped lanterns too, and carve little rabbits. I'm also excellent at raising rabbits - I promise not to let a single one die on you."

"Just scold me instead..." Ye Yun said with lowered head, "That would make me feel better."

"I won't scold you," Shen Ming said immediately. "I'll never scold you again. Not only that, I'll shower you with sweet words every day until you're utterly miserable."

Ye Yun couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry. Shen Ming stood up, holding his saber: "My words today weren't spoken in jest. I'm leaving now. If you ever change your mind, come tell me."

"I'm sorry."

Ye Yun's apology was barely audible. Shen Ming waved his hand: "No need for apologies. It's not important anyway. We're both mature people - I won't take it to heart."

With that, he strode out. Seeing him leave so quickly, Ye Yun hurriedly picked up the rouge and called out: "Shen Ming, your rouge!"

"Throw it away if you don't like it," Shen Ming declared magnanimously without turning back. "It's not like I paid for it anyway!"

Then Shen Ming rounded the corner and disappeared. Holding the rouge in her hand, Ye Yun found herself at a complete loss about what to do.Shen Ming forced himself to walk out of the Ye residence, but once he reached the main road, he could no longer hold back.

A man nearly twenty years old, dragging a sword with his head hung low, trudged dejectedly along the road. Tears he couldn't suppress fell pattering down.

Even mature men find heartbreak unbearably painful.

Suddenly, he felt a surge of resentment toward Gu Jiusi. If Gu Jiusi hadn't reminded him, he wouldn't have overthought things, and without overthinking, he wouldn't have recklessly gone to her doorstep to say all that. He also thought Ye Yun was at fault. Originally, he just wanted to give her a box of rouge to nurture their feelings, but she had laid everything out so plainly, leaving no room for ambiguity.

It wasn't that he liked her all that much.

He told himself—it was just that he always thought of her, always wanted to talk to her, even if she scolded him, he'd still feel delighted. Receiving a piece of red bean cake from her would make him happy for days, and if she gave red bean cakes to others, he'd secretly snatch them all back to his room.

It was just that he found her beautiful, more beautiful than anyone else. After seeing her, he couldn't imagine marrying anyone else.

Not that he liked her all that much—it was just that he had never once thought of marrying anyone else in this lifetime.

Not that he liked her all that much—it was just that he wished for a bond in this life, the next life, and the life after that.

The more Shen Ming thought about it, the more miserable he felt. When he reached the alley leading to the Gu residence, he couldn't hold back anymore and began to sob aloud. Once he started crying, he instantly felt a sense of relief. Thinking no one was around in the alley, he hung his head, dragged his sword, and wept while wiping his tears, planning to quiet down by the time he reached the Gu residence.

But he was so lost in his grief that he only snapped back to reality when something blocked his path. Lifting his swollen eyes, he saw the entire Gu family moving luggage, everyone standing at the entrance, staring at him in stunned silence.

Gu Jiusi and Liu Yu Ru looked utterly shocked. Gu Jiusi asked nervously, "Wh-what's wrong?"

Shen Ming felt he had lost all dignity for the rest of his life. The thought made him even more miserable, so he decided to throw caution to the wind and threw himself at Gu Jiusi. Gu Jiusi braced himself firmly to withstand the impact of the burly man. Clutching Gu Jiusi, Shen Ming wailed, "Brother Jiu! I've been abandoned, wuuu wuuu wuuu!!!"——

Author's Note:

Shen Ming: I've been abandoned.

Liu Yu Ru: No, you haven't.

Shen Ming: Really? But...

Liu Yu Ru: You never had her to begin with, so how can you be abandoned?

Shen Ming: ...That stings even more.