Destined

In the courtyard, Gu Jiusi was thoroughly engrossed in his revelry. Under the influence of alcohol, everyone in the yard had become unusually unrestrained—except for Qin Nan, who maintained an out-of-place composure, sitting in his seat with a cold, detached gaze, his eyes filled with disgust.

The courtyard echoed with shouts as people placed bets large and small. Gu Jiusi and Wang Siyuan stood on opposite sides of the gambling table, each holding a die. Gu Jiusi sat slumped in his chair, leaning against Shen Ming, both of them bleary-eyed from drink. Clutching a dice cup, Gu Jiusi stared at Wang Siyuan across the table and hiccupped, "Lord Wang, I won’t hold back this time. I’m bound to roll a perfect six..."

"Young Master! Young Master!"

Before he could finish, Munan squeezed through the crowd, urgently calling out, "The Madam is here."

"What did you say?" Gu Jiusi squinted drunkenly, cupping a hand behind his ear and shouting, "Speak louder! It’s too noisy—I can’t hear you!"

"Young Madam is here!" Munan continued anxiously.

Gu Jiusi still couldn’t make it out and insisted, "Louder! I can’t hear you!"

Munan took a deep breath and bellowed, "Young Master! Young! Madam! Is! Here!"

This time, not only Gu Jiusi but everyone present heard it clearly.

The entire courtyard fell silent. All eyes turned to Gu Jiusi, who froze mid-action, head lowered. After a moment, the drunken haze seemed to vanish as if doused by a bucket of cold water. He sobered up instantly, sprang to his feet with surprising agility, and demanded, "Where’s the back door? Quick, I need to leave through the back!"

"Lord Gu, there’s no need to panic," Wang Houchun hurried over to reassure him. "Don’t worry, I’ll have the servants keep your wife outside and prepare a carriage for you right away..."

"My lord, it’s bad news!"

A servant’s shout came from outside: "Madam Gu has broken in!"

At these words, everyone’s faces paled. Gu Jiusi immediately retorted, "Stop holding me back—you can’t stop her! You’ve never seen her with a blade!"

With that, Gu Jiusi shook off Wang Houchun’s grip and yelled, "Hurry, where’s the back door? Get me a carriage! Now!"

Without waiting for a response, Gu Jiusi dashed toward the back door, relying on his knowledge of typical house layouts. Servants scrambled after him, just as Liu Yuru arrived with her guards.

In everyone’s minds, a wife who would storm in to confront her husband must be a coarse, brutish shrew. Yet when Liu Yuru appeared, she stunned them all. She was the epitome of a Jiangnan water-town maiden—slender, fair-skinned, with a gentle demeanor like a spring breeze caressing willow branches, and a delicate beauty reminiscent of a lotus emerging from water.

Her striking looks drew all eyes the moment she entered. She gracefully bowed to the assembled guests and inquired softly, "Greetings, my lords. May I ask where my husband, Gu Jiusi, is?"

No one dared to speak. Liu Yuru’s gaze swept the room and settled on Munan, who was trembling in the crowd, not yet fled. She smiled gently and asked, "Where is he?"

Munan closed his eyes, mustering a desperate resolve, and pointed toward the direction Gu Jiusi had fled. Liu Yuru lifted her chin slightly and ordered her guards, "After him."The guards immediately rushed toward the backyard. Liu Yuru turned her head, swept a glance over the crowd, and identified Wang Siyuan standing to the side as the most prominent figure among them. She stepped forward with a smile and said respectfully, "I apologize for disturbing you, my lords."

Everyone's expressions were rather unpleasant. Wang Siyuan hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "Madam Gu, as an elder, there is something I feel compelled to advise..."

"Your Excellency, I understand what you wish to say," Liu Yuru interjected before he could finish. She raised her hand, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, and said softly, "A woman should be virtuous and gentle, not prone to jealousy. But this is simply my nature. Even His Majesty once said the same when he attempted to arrange a marriage for my husband."

At these words, no one dared to offer further advice. If even the emperor's attempt to arrange a marriage had failed, who could persuade this woman? In that moment, everyone present felt a pang of pity for Gu Jiusi. They suddenly understood that his earlier avoidance of other women and claims of disinterest were not mere excuses—there really was a tigress at home.

While Liu Yuru was speaking with the people in the courtyard, the guards hauled Gu Jiusi over from the backyard, supporting him on both sides.

Gu Jiusi was heavily intoxicated, his steps still unsteady. When he reached Liu Yuru, she silently stared at him.

Without a word from her, Gu Jiusi felt an unspoken fear welling up inside him. Losing all composure, he rushed forward, clung to Liu Yuru's leg, and cried out pitifully, "Yuru, it wasn’t my choice! They forced me into it!"

Everyone present: "..."

Wang Houchun’s expression darkened, but he forced a smile and said, "Lord Gu is drunk. This is just a normal banquet for everyone’s enjoyment. I hope you can be understanding, madam."

"I am not understanding."

Liu Yuru’s reply was resolute. Gu Jiusi continued to feign sobs, saying, "I kept saying I didn’t want to drink anymore, but they insisted. After drinking, they pressured me to gamble. You know I’ve given up gambling long ago. Today, I was truly forced into it. They said if I didn’t drink or gamble, I wasn’t their friend—that I was disrespecting them. I really had no choice..."

"That’s right, that’s right," Shen Ming chimed in, catching on quickly. "Sister-in-law, we were all forced. And those women have nothing to do with us. Though there are many women here, we haven’t even glanced at them."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru lifted her head and looked at Wang Siyuan. "I have heard that according to the laws of Great Xia, officials are forbidden from consorting with prostitutes and gambling. Does the official circle of Xingyang hold its own rules above the emperor’s laws?"

Wang Siyuan’s face turned cold at her words. Gu Jiusi secretly glanced at him, desperately signaling an apology with his eyes. "Lord Wang, I apologize. My wife simply cannot stand me engaging in such activities. I apologize for disturbing everyone. My sincerest apologies."

With that, Gu Jiusi hurriedly stood up and bowed to everyone. "I must take my leave now. We’ll gather another day."

After speaking, he pulled Liu Yuru to leave. She remained silent, her face stern as she walked out with him. Shen Ming wiped his face, bowed his head, and apologized to the crowd. Everyone’s expressions remained sour. Once Liu Yuru and Gu Jiusi were far enough away, Wang Houchun turned to Shen Ming and said bluntly, "For Lord Gu to behave like this is utterly undignified. A woman should be kept in check properly."Shen Ming forced a smile and said, "If I could manage it, I would have done so long ago. I can only ask the esteemed officials to bear with it."

After apologizing to everyone, Shen Ming returned to the carriage and saw Liu Yuru and Gu Jiusi sitting on opposite sides. Gu Jiusi was fanning Liu Yuru with a small fan, coaxing her, "Our Yuru is so clever. Your timing today was perfect—throwing such a fit ensures no one will dare invite me to banquets anymore. Wonderful."

"Stay away from me," Liu Yuru covered her nose and said calmly, "You smell of alcohol."

Gu Jiusi immediately moved back, fanning himself and putting on an ingratiating smile. Sitting across from them, Shen Ming tilted his chin outward and asked, "Aren’t we going to deal with Luo Zishang?"

"Why bother with him?" Gu Jiusi twirled his fan. "He has his own grand plans. We’ll just leave a few people to keep an eye on him."

Shen Ming nodded and sighed, "Today went well—we managed to offend every official in Xingyang as soon as we arrived. I wonder what we’ll do next."

"Offend all of them?" Gu Jiusi waved his fan. "I was just letting them see how many weaknesses I have. If they send money and I report it all to the court, that’s fine. But if they send women, I’d really be in trouble. After Yuru’s outburst, they probably won’t dare send women anymore. They’ve also seen that I’m henpecked, so starting tomorrow, they’ll likely try to win Yuru over."

"Should I accept the money then?" Liu Yuru asked cautiously. Gu Jiusi looked up at her, "Accept it, of course. Not only accept it, but also record clearly who gave how much. Keep track of every amount received and send it all to the Eastern Capital, making sure the Censorate and the Emperor know exactly what’s happening. Lay the net wide, and then we’ll catch the fish all at once."

"What about Luo Zishang…" Shen Ming still seemed uneasy. Gu Jiusi tapped his palm with the fan, "Keep an eye on him for now. Send people to watch him closely and make sure nothing goes wrong."

"I doubt anything will go wrong with the Yellow River project," Liu Yuru shook her head. "He invested so much in repairing the Yellow River to facilitate water transport for Yangzhou later. Besides, he’s invested in my merchant fleet—he won’t work against his own money. What I’m worried about is him causing trouble for Jiusi."

Liu Yuru frowned, "We’re all outside now, so we must be careful."

Gu Jiusi acknowledged her words and, after a moment’s thought, said to Shen Ming, "Send someone to investigate that Qin Nan."

Shen Ming nodded, "Understood."

The three of them discussed business until they reached the gate. Only then did Shen Ming laugh and say to Liu Yuru, "Sister-in-law, weren’t you angry today?"

Liu Yuru looked puzzled and glanced at Shen Ming, who gestured toward Gu Jiusi with his chin, "Brother Jiu drank, gambled, and…"

"Get out!"

Before he could finish, Gu Jiusi grabbed a nearby box and threw it at him. Shen Ming caught it with a laugh and added, "…and helped many young ladies, having a grand old time."

Gu Jiusi lunged to grab him, but the carriage happened to stop at that moment. Shen Ming jumped out just before Gu Jiusi could reach him. Gu Jiusi stumbled forward, then turned back to Liu Yuru with an awkward smile, "Yuru, don’t listen to his nonsense."

"I’m not listening to his nonsense," Liu Yuru said. Gu Jiusi felt relieved and was about to speak again when she added, fanning herself, "I saw it with my own eyes."Gu Jiusi's face stiffened, but Liu Yuru remained composed, her smile gentle as ever: "My husband has official duties to attend to, what is there for me not to understand? Please don't overthink it."

Though she said this and should have thought this way, for some reason, Gu Jiusi felt an inexplicable unease spreading in his heart.

That night, Gu Jiusi wanted to talk to Liu Yuru, but he was both drunk and sleepy. After forcing himself to say a few words to which Liu Yuru paid no attention, he couldn't stay awake any longer and fell asleep holding her.

The next day, Gu Jiusi woke up early. When Liu Yuru got up, she saw him eagerly carrying a washbasin, his large eyes full of flattery: "Yuru, you're awake?" Let me help you get up."

Liu Yuru's expression remained unchanged as she smiled and said, "Thank you, husband."

Gu Jiusi quickly brought her water and handed her a towel. His movements were clumsy as he helped her wash up, then proceeded to help her dress. Watching him struggle with the ribbons, tying the belt crookedly back and forth, Liu Yuru couldn't help but laugh aloud. She pressed his hand and said, "Enough, no need. I'm not angry anymore."

Hearing Liu Yuru's laughter, Gu Jiusi finally breathed a sigh of relief. He wrapped his arms around her waist and said with relief, "You're finally laughing. I was terrified."

"What were you afraid of?" Liu Yuru asked curiously. "It wasn't your fault. I was angry at those officials."

As she spoke, Liu Yuru reached up to straighten Gu Jiusi's collar and said somewhat helplessly, "This world is too biased in favor of you men. There are so many delicious foods and fun places outside. Even if you don't want to enjoy them, people force you to. I don't even have a place to enjoy myself..."

"What did you say?" Gu Jiusi caught the key point and asked in shock, "What do you want to enjoy?"

Liu Yuru choked back her words and quickly said, "Nothing, I'm just jealous of you. Look at your life," Liu Yuru sighed, "you have wine to drink, money to gamble, girls to accompany you - such a dazzling world of infinite excitement. I..."

Before she could finish, Munan walked in from outside and said cheerfully, "Young master, you're awake. The guard who followed Luo Zishang last night is here with the morning report. Shall I have him speak?"

"Go ahead," Liu Yuru said first. Gu Jiusi nodded in agreement, and Munan immediately reported, "Last night, Luo Zishang drank with all the officials at the banquet and got along very well with the Yongzhou officials. When he returned drunk at night, it was Governor Qin who brought him back."

"Oh?" Gu Jiusi looked up. "Do we know what they talked about?"

"The doorman said he heard Qin Nan invite Luo Zishang to visit graves the day after tomorrow."

Gu Jiusi frowned. Qin Nan inviting Luo Zishang to visit graves must be related to Luo Yishui. Gu Jiusi had always been unsettled about Luo Zishang's identity. He waved his hand and said, "Keep a close watch on him."

Munan acknowledged the order. After Gu Jiusi gave some additional instructions, he dismissed Munan.

With this interruption, the two didn't discuss the matter further. They had breakfast together, then Gu Jiusi took Luo Zishang and Shen Ming to the County Government Office, while Liu Yuru went to the streets alone to look for warehouse locations.

Xingyang was located at a diversion point of the Yellow River and would be the largest transfer station in Liu Yuru's waterway planning. Liu Yuru needed to first find a warehouse to store goods that required diversion, then purchase a batch of small boats to transfer goods from the Yellow River to smaller canals.Liu Yuru spent the entire day in the city searching for a suitable warehouse location. It couldn't be too far from the docks, needed convenient transportation, and the land price had to be reasonable. While inquiring about prices in various areas, she also asked about available labor from different shops.

While she was busy with this, news came from home that many officials' wives had visited the residence.

Liu Yuru hurried back to the mansion, freshened up, and went to the main hall.

Over a dozen ladies were seated in the main hall, all around Liu Yuru's age. The mansion's steward introduced each visitor to Liu Yuru one by one. These women had been brought by Chen Shi, Fu Baoyuan's wife, to chat with Liu Yuru. They were extremely eloquent, much like Fu Baoyuan himself, skillfully inserting compliments whenever possible.

Liu Yuru carefully navigated the social interactions. After everyone became acquainted and the atmosphere warmed up, Chen Shi invited Liu Yuru to stroll in the garden. The two women entered the courtyard arm in arm like close sisters, while the others remained seated at a distance. Sensing that Chen Shi clearly had something private to discuss, Liu Yuru directly asked, "Does Madam Fu have something confidential to say?"

"Madam Gu truly has celestial insight, seeing through us mortals' thoughts completely," Chen Shi replied. "Indeed, I have some matters I'd like to discuss with Madam Gu. I've heard that Lord Gu has come to oversee the Yellow River restoration project. This is a major undertaking. My husband has held the county magistrate position for over twenty years and has witnessed three Yellow River repairs. Each time the supervising official completed the project, they not only got promoted but also became wealthy—truly extraordinary fortune, the reward for accumulating virtue."

Liu Yuru listened with a surprised expression, full of admiration. "The Yellow River restoration brings such blessings?"

"One year on the Yellow River, a hundred thousand silver taels," Chen Shi said with a smile. "Previous repairs were just minor efforts. I've heard the court has allocated ten million taels this time—is this true?"

Liu Yuru showed astonishment at these words. "So much?"

"It seems Madam Gu wasn't aware?" Chen Shi pretended not to notice Liu Yuru's act and continued, "My husband told me it's a full ten million taels. Presumably Lord Gu is planning a massive project. Such work requires capable people. The ladies who came with me today are all wives of key personnel from previous Yellow River management projects. Hearing of Madam Gu's arrival, they wanted to pay their respects and hopefully earn a favorable word from you to Lord Gu."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru understood the situation. She glanced at the colorful array of women in the room and smiled slightly. "As long as no one sends women to my husband, everything can be discussed."

Chen Shi paused briefly, then laughed heartily. "Understood. We all heard about yesterday's incident. Madam Gu handled it excellently, and we greatly admire your approach."

Liu Yuru appeared somewhat embarrassed, smiling without responding. Chen Shi leaned closer and whispered, "Does Madam prefer white or objects?"

Hearing this, Liu Yuru understood Chen Shi was asking about the form of the bribe. "White" likely meant silver, while "objects" probably referred to goods equivalent to silver. After some thought, she responded calmly, "White would be better. Have it delivered to the mansion tonight. As for today's visitors, I'll accompany you to meet them again shortly."The Chen woman cheerfully responded and then led Liu Yu Ru to meet everyone. After meticulously noting down each person, Liu Yu Ru saw the ladies off only after the meal had concluded.

While Liu Yu Ru was entertaining these ladies at the residence, Gu Jiusi, along with Luo Zishang and Shen Ming, was at the County Government Office discussing the current renovation plan with Wang Siyuan, Fu Baoyuan, and others.

"This Yellow River renovation project will take nearly a year in total, from July this year to July next year. If we work quickly, it would be best to finish by April next year. The national treasury has allocated ten million taels of silver for this—this is the entire budget, not a single tael more—so everyone must use the funds with extreme caution." Gu Jiusi unrolled the blueprint and explained to everyone.

"Ten million?" Fu Baoyuan chuckled beside him. "That should be enough to repair those embankments."

"It's not just about repairing embankments," Gu Jiusi glanced at Fu Baoyuan. "The entire plan is divided into three phases. The first phase, in July and August, involves reinforcing all embankments to prepare for the summer and autumn floods. During this phase, the main tasks are strengthening the existing embankments, continuously monitoring the flow, promptly notifying downstream residents to evacuate, and providing disaster relief afterward."

"And the latter two phases?" Wang Siyuan furrowed his brow. Gu Jiusi pointed to several dotted lines on the blueprint representing river channels and said calmly, "Dredging canals and altering the course. The frequent disasters of the Yellow River are mainly due to its winding channels. This time, we have redesigned the river course: on one hand, straightening the excessively curved bends, and on the other, adding diversion channels to change the entire flow direction of the Yellow River. We aim to complete this project during autumn and winter. There are four major bends to rectify. After the renovation, the Yellow River will flow from Yingyang through Liangshan, Pingyang, Changqing, Jinan, Jiyang, Gaoqing, and Boxing, then directly into the Bohai Sea."

"Lord Gu," Fu Baoyuan frowned, "the most challenging issue with the Yellow River's perennial disasters isn't downstream, but at Yingyang. Yingyang is the diversion point of the Yellow River, with sharp bends and high water levels. Even if you straighten the downstream, the core problem remains unresolved."

"That's why we're not just altering the course," Luo Zishang interjected, pointing at Yingyang on the map. "Our most crucial task is canal construction."

"Canal construction?" Wang Siyuan seemed puzzled. Gu Jiusi nodded. "At Yingyang, the previous dynasty once attempted to build a Bian Canal to divert the Yellow River, but it was never completed. This time, we will fully construct the Bian Canal, connecting it from the Yellow River all the way to the Huai River."

Hearing this, Fu Baoyuan and Wang Siyuan exchanged glances. Wang Siyuan set down his teacup, his tone hardening slightly, "And the third phase?"

"The third phase involves installing sluice gates and reinforcing external embankments," Gu Jiusi replied calmly. "After these renovations, the Yellow River's flow will become steady, allowing for navigation in the future. We'll set up sluice gates every ten li along the river. During floods, they can be used to block and drain water; in normal times, they'll ensure navigation and irrigate farmland. Lord Fu," Gu Jiusi looked up at Fu Baoyuan with a smile, "if the Yellow River project is completed, Yingyang will undoubtedly become a hub, and your official career prospects will be boundless."

Fu Baoyuan gave a dry laugh, not daring to respond. Gu Jiusi turned to Wang Siyuan, "What does Lord Wang think?""Excellent," Wang Siyuan nodded. "Lord Gu's grand ambitions make this old man realize how daring the younger generation truly is. The Yellow River floods have been a persistent problem for thousands of years. For Lord Gu to plan on solving it single-handedly within a year—truly, the younger generation inspires awe."

Though Wang Siyuan's words sounded like praise, everyone present detected the underlying sarcasm. Gu Jiusi smiled and said, "Lord Wang, I am young and often fail to consider matters thoroughly. If you notice anything inappropriate, please do advise me."

"Nothing inappropriate," Wang Siyuan replied, pleased by Gu Jiusi's humility. "It's just that the funds might be somewhat insufficient."

"The matter of funds is simple," Shen Ming spoke up at last, speaking with casual bluntness, "His Majesty has stated that ten million is the court's allocation. If it's insufficient, it can be supplemented from Yongzhou's tax revenue. For river channel repairs, ten million should be more than enough."

"Is that so?" Wang Siyuan took a sip of tea and said mildly, "Then proceed with the repairs. This official believes Minister Gu has thorough foresight, so this matter shall be fully entrusted to Minister Gu. It's nearly noon now."

Wang Siyuan rose to his feet, clasped his hands behind his back, and walked out saying, "This official has other matters to attend to and won't stay longer. Regarding the water control project, Lord Fu," Wang Siyuan glanced at Fu Baoyuan, "assist Minister Gu properly without any neglect."

Fu Baoyuan kept his head lowered and repeatedly acknowledged the instruction.

Gu Jiusi watched Fu Baoyuan escort Wang Siyuan out as he sipped his tea. He understood the implied meaning in Wang Siyuan's words, but with Luo Zishang present, he couldn't say much.

When Fu Baoyuan returned after seeing off Wang Siyuan, he smiled and said to Gu Jiusi, "Minister Gu, shall we continue after lunch?"

Gu Jiusi gave an affirmative response, but Luo Zishang stood up and addressed both Gu Jiusi and Fu Baoyuan: "Gentlemen, I have some personal matters to attend to. Please discuss the subsequent matters between yourselves and inform me of the outcome. I shall take my leave now."

Just as Gu Jiusi was contemplating how to discuss the next steps with Fu Baoyuan, Luo Zishang's voluntary departure naturally wasn't opposed by him. After Luo Zishang cupped his hands in farewell and left first, Gu Jiusi turned to Fu Baoyuan: "Lord Fu," he said with a smile, "could you give me some guidance - how much funding would actually be sufficient?"