Destined

Gu Jiusi looked up and met Zhao Jiu's gaze. Zhao Jiu appeared extremely nervous, as if placing an enormous bet.

After quietly observing him for a moment, Gu Jiusi let out a soft laugh. "What kind of person do you take me for?"

"Since I've taken charge of this matter," Gu Jiusi said steadily, "I will see it through to the end. Let me give you a hint," he leaned closer and spoke calmly, "do you truly believe His Majesty sent me here merely to repair the Yellow River?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jiu froze momentarily before slumping back into his chair as if all strength had drained from his body.

He raised a hand to cover his eyes and said quietly, "Send my wife and children away from Yongzhou. Get them out, and I'll talk."

"Agreed."

Gu Jiusi responded without hesitation.

He stood up and went to find Munan, immediately arranging for Zhao Jiu's family to be escorted out of Yongzhou.

The next morning, Gu Jiusi arrived early at the Magistrate Office where Fu Baoyuan was presiding over a court case. Gu Jiusi waited until the proceedings concluded before approaching him.

While legal matters required attention, work on the Yellow River couldn't be delayed. After the flood, they needed to both settle the displaced people and begin preparations for waterway construction and channel digging. Gu Jiusi wished every coin could be split in two. He summoned Fu Baoyuan to arrange follow-up matters.

The immediate priority was relocating the displaced. Only a few villages had been affected this time, totaling less than two thousand people—a relatively manageable situation. Gu Jiusi suggested that since these villages were located in areas prone to future flooding after the Yellow River changed course, this presented an opportunity to permanently resettle all two thousand people elsewhere.

However, relocation required allocating new land. Hearing this, Fu Baoyuan shook his head. "This approach is inappropriate. They should return to their original homes."

Gu Jiusi frowned, looking at Fu Baoyuan with disbelief. He couldn't comprehend why Fu Baoyuan would want people to return to areas destined for repeated flooding. After a moment's thought, he asked, "Is there no land available for redistribution?"

Fu Baoyuan nodded. "Precisely."

Gu Jiusi responded with a cold laugh but said nothing more.

He didn't press the issue, instead moving directly to the matter of altering the river course. This was a complex process requiring coordination with numerous parties. Gu Jiusi broke down the entire procedure into detailed steps, specifying the budget, manpower, and responsible personnel for each phase. After presenting the plan, he looked at Fu Baoyuan and asked, "What does Lord Fu think?"

Fu Baoyuan remained silent, studying Gu Jiusi's list for a long while before finally smiling. "This official finds it quite satisfactory."

Fu Baoyuan's smile unsettled Gu Jiusi, who mentally noted this reaction without comment. Shen Ming, who had been observing nearby, burst out in anger after they left: "Is Fu Baoyuan deliberately making things difficult for us? Nothing meets his approval—if everything's unacceptable, why bother coming at all?"

Gu Jiusi glanced at the sky without responding, instead reminding Shen Ming: "Weren't you supposed to be monitoring Qin Nan? Shouldn't you be going?"

Shen Ming uttered an "Oh" and hurried off to find Qin Nan.

Qin Nan's position involved little substantial work. Since Shen Ming began shadowing him, he had become even less active—making brief appearances at the County Government Office in the mornings before returning home in the afternoons.

Qin Nan lived in a remote area with few household members: just several guards, along with a handful of servants who helped care for his mother.Qin Nan's mother, Madame Zhou, was nearly seventy years old and almost blind. Qin Nan usually took care of her, and when Shen Ming came, he would also help look after Madame Zhou when he had nothing else to do. Initially, Qin Nan didn’t like Shen Ming’s visits, but Shen Ming was talkative. When he came, he would keep Madame Zhou company, and she would listen to his jokes and stories, which lifted her spirits. As a result, Qin Nan gradually became less resistant to his presence.

After being sent back by Gu Jiusi, Shen Ming took care of Madame Zhou and then went to chat with Qin Nan. Qin Nan was sitting to the side, making a fan out of bamboo strips. In his spare time, he enjoyed crafting fans, and his room was filled with all kinds of them. Anyone who didn’t know better might have mistaken him for a fan seller.

Feeling bored, Shen Ming lay nearby, watching Qin Nan work on the fan. Resting his hands behind his head, he chatted leisurely with Qin Nan: "I’ve got to say, this Xingyang of yours is like a shallow pond with too many turtles. You’re a governor—why aren’t you impeaching all those turtles instead of targeting my Ninth Brother? He’s such a good official. How can you bring yourself to impeach him?"

Qin Nan remained silent. He picked up a painted peach blossom design and carefully laid it on the fan. Shen Ming watched for a while, finding it somewhat interesting, and then walked over to join Qin Nan in making the fan.

First, they had to trim the bamboo strips clean.

Shen Ming was skilled with a knife and quickly finished trimming the strips. As he worked, he said, "You don’t seem like a bad person, so why are you in cahoots with people like Fu Baoyuan and Wang Siyuan? Come on, don’t just stay silent—say something."

"What the eyes see isn’t necessarily the truth," Qin Nan replied calmly, speaking slowly. "And are you so certain that Gu Jiusi is a good man?"

"When it comes to others, I can’t say for sure," Shen Ming said earnestly, "but when it comes to Ninth Brother, I’m telling you, he’s absolutely a good man."

Hearing this, Qin Nan smiled mockingly but said nothing more. Seeing his reaction, Shen Ming grew impatient and blurted out, "Hey, let me tell you—"

"Your bamboo strip is crooked," Qin Nan interrupted, reminding him.

Shen Ming quickly checked his bamboo strip. Realizing Qin Nan didn’t want to discuss the matter further, he lowered his head and changed the subject. "Why do you make so many fans every day? Planning to open a fan shop?"

"She liked fans," Qin Nan said simply.

Shen Ming was taken aback for a moment before realizing he was referring to Luo Yishui. He couldn’t help but glance back at Qin Nan, whose expression remained calm, devoid of joy or sorrow. After a moment’s thought, Shen Ming leaned in and asked, "I mean, isn’t it hard for you to live all alone like this?"

"Why should it be hard?" Qin Nan continued working without pause, smoothing the paper surface and picking up a brush. He said lightly, "While she was alive, I cherished my time with her. That she passed before me is just the way of life. Birth, death, and rebirth—what is there to grieve?"

"Have you never thought about remarrying?" Shen Ming blinked and glanced around. "Look at you, all alone—it must be lonely."

Qin Nan paused with the brush in his hand. After a moment, he looked up at Shen Ming. "Though she is gone, my heart remains with her. Every sentiment deserves respect."

"I’m not saying it shouldn’t be respected," Shen Ming quickly clarified. "I’m just concerned about you—"

"If she were still alive, would you say such things to me?" Qin Nan lowered his gaze, adding peach blossoms to the fan as he spoke calmly. "All of you are merely taking advantage of the fact that she is no longer here."These words angered Shen Ming. He gave a mocking smile, sat down beside Qin Nan, and began working on the fan alongside him. With frustration, he said, "Fine, fine. If you won't listen to good advice, then live your life alone. Who cares about you?"

Qin Nan remained silent. After a moment, he spoke softly, "You have someone you like too."

Shen Ming was taken aback. Then he heard Qin Nan continue, "If one day she leaves, you'll understand. When you love someone, even if they're gone, they live in your heart forever. The hardest part isn't their death, but when even your love for them changes. If she doesn't love you, that's one thing. But if she does love you, how heartbreaking would it be for her to know in the afterlife?"

Shen Ming didn't respond. He lowered his head and continued attaching the fan surface.

The sound of rain came from outside. Qin Nan looked up at the heavy downpour and said gently, "Actually, I'm living quite well. No one says being alone means living miserably. I have my own matters to attend to, my mother to care for, official duties to remember. In my spare time, I can still think of him. I'm truly living well. Thank you for your concern."

Hearing this, Shen Ming felt much more at ease. After some thought, he hesitantly asked, "You and your wife... you had a good relationship, didn't you?"

"Perhaps."

"Did she love you as much too?"

At these words, Qin Nan's hands stilled. He seemed to be recalling something. Shen Ming couldn't help but look up at him. After a long silence, Qin Nan slowly said, "I don't know."

"Lord Qin?"

Shen Ming was surprised. Based on Qin Nan's previous descriptions, he had assumed they were a deeply loving couple - that's why Qin Nan had remained devoted to her memory all these years after her death. But this "I don't know" left him astonished. Qin Nan gazed out the window and said slowly, "I originally thought she didn't love me. When she was dying, I even let her see the person she loved. After they met, she sent him away. In her final moments, I was by her side. She told me, 'It's all in the past now.'"

Qin Nan looked bewildered. "At that time, I thought... perhaps in her heart, there might have been just a little bit... just a little bit... of me."

Listening to this, Shen Ming felt heavy-hearted. He lowered his head to work on the fan and said gloomily, "Lord Qin, if I may say, you're too devoted. You're not even sure if your wife had you in her heart, yet you've remained faithful for decades. Doesn't that make you sad?"

Hearing this, Qin Nan smiled gently. This time, he seemed genuinely happy.

He lowered his head to paint landscapes and said slowly, "How could loving someone make you sad? If she didn't love me, that's just a slight regret. But you," Qin Nan looked up at Shen Ming, reminding him, "when flowers are worth picking, pick them directly. Don't follow my example. Being reserved for many years, only reaching out when the person is already far gone."

Shen Ming listened to Qin Nan's words without responding. Thinking he wasn't paying attention, Qin Nan shook his head and fell silent.

After a long while, Qin Nan heard the young man's somewhat embarrassed voice beside him. "Um," Shen Ming said cautiously, "could you teach me how to paint a peach blossom?"Shen Ming learned how to paint peach blossoms from Qin Nan. It wasn't until sunset that he finished painting the fan. He carefully wrapped it and handed it to the messenger along with a stack of his letters. Qin Nan was delighted with him, and the two drank in the courtyard. After finishing the wine, Qin Nan chatted casually with him.

Mostly, Shen Ming did the talking, sharing his troubles—which were few, mostly concerning Ye Yun. Qin Nan listened with a smile, feeling as though Shen Ming's words had made him twenty years younger, like a youth listening to a friend's ramblings.

Shen Ming talked late into the night until the wine was finished, then he stood up and returned to his residence.

Gu Jiusi and Luo Zishang had just returned. Both had personally gone to supervise work on the river and were covered in mud. Gu Jiusi glanced at Shen Ming and ordered him to report Qin Nan's activities for the day. After Shen Ming finished, he said to Gu Jiusi, "Ninth Brother, actually, Lord Qin doesn't seem like a bad person."

Frowning, Gu Jiusi replied, "Why does he hold such a strong prejudice against me?"

Shen Ming was taken aback for a moment, then scratched his head and said with some frustration, "You're right about that."

Gu Jiusi gave him a helpless look and sighed, "When will you ever grow up?"

These words saddened Shen Ming, and he replied reluctantly, "I'm trying."

"Enough," Liu Yu Ru interjected, seeing that Shen Ming was genuinely affected. "Shen Ming has his own strengths. Why do you always criticize him?"

Gu Jiusi shrugged, glanced at the sky, and said, "Forget it. You have work to do tonight."

"Huh?" Shen Ming was confused.

Gu Jiusi tilted his chin up. "Tonight, we need to escort Zhao Jiu's family to Sizhou. I'm giving you the military order for Sizhou. Go and settle them properly."

Upon hearing this, Shen Ming immediately straightened up. He accepted the order from Gu Jiusi and left.

He gathered over thirty men, prepared horses, and had Zhao's family board the carriage. Just as they were about to depart, a deep voice said, "I'm coming too."

Everyone turned to see Zhao Jiu standing at the gate.

Shen Ming smiled. "Don't bother. Don't worry, I'll protect them."

Zhao Jiu didn't respond. He shook his head, walked straight over, and sat in the carriage. Turning to his wife and children inside, he said, "Don't be afraid. I'll escort you all the way."

Hearing this, Shen Ming realized that Zhao Jiu wasn't just going to protect his family; he knew they must be terrified, and his presence was a comfort to them—a stabilizing force.

Shen Ming and Zhao Jiu sat together in the carriage as they escorted the Zhao family out of Yongzhou. As expected, they were pursued shortly after leaving Yingyang. This was anticipated, so Shen Ming wasn't particularly afraid. His martial skills were exceptional, and the men he brought were also highly skilled. They fought and fled, galloping out of Yongzhou's borders before dawn.

Throughout the journey, Zhao Jiu remained in front of the carriage, guarding it at all times. He was like an unyielding door, a deity protecting that carriage. Though his martial skills were mediocre, he inexplicably earned Shen Ming's respect.At daybreak, they reached the borders of Sizhou. After Shen Ming presented the military order, they left the people there.

Then he and Zhao Jiu rode back together. On the road, Shen Ming smiled and said, "You know, when you first arrived, I thought you were highly skilled in martial arts. Turns out you only have some amateurish skills—haven't even killed many people, have you? Weren't you afraid, standing in front of the carriage?"

With his family settled, Zhao Jiu felt much more at ease. He chuckled, somewhat embarrassed, and replied, "But I'm the man of the family. No matter how scared I am, I have to stand in front."

"Don't you think we work hard all our lives," Zhao Jiu turned his head to look ahead, "just hoping to make their lives a little easier?"

Shen Ming listened, his mind filled with thoughts. After a moment, he responded, "You're right."

The two hurried back to Xingyang. As soon as they entered the residence, they saw Gu Jiusi in his official robes, about to go out.

Just as Shen Ming was about to speak, Gu Jiusi said, "Go rest for a while. Zhao Jiu, prepare your evidence and testimony. We'll talk when I return."

Zhao Jiu bowed respectfully and watched Gu Jiusi leave.

Gu Jiusi held a map in his hand, one he had someone sketch out yesterday.

Yesterday, Fu Baoyuan had said there wasn't enough land to distribute. Gu Jiusi didn't argue at the time, but after leaving, he had someone compare it with the map of Xingyang. He discovered that the supposedly unclaimed lands in the suburbs were all occupied, mostly by the Wang family. They had seized large tracts of land and cultivated wheat fields on them.

Gu Jiusi marked the map and waited for Fu Baoyuan at the County Government Office. When Fu Baoyuan arrived, Gu Jiusi spread the paper on the table and said calmly, "Lord Fu, you mentioned yesterday that there wasn't enough land. I took a closer look."

As he spoke, Gu Jiusi raised his hand and pointed to an empty area in the northwest. "Let's allocate this piece of land to the refugees. What do you think, Lord Fu?"

Fu Baoyuan looked at the map, his expression turning unpleasant. Just as Gu Jiusi was about to say more, they heard Wang Siyuan's voice from outside.

"Lord Gu."

Wang Siyuan entered and, seeing Gu Jiusi there, smiled and said, "Lord Gu, you're here too?"

Gu Jiusi acknowledged with a smile, "I didn't expect Lord Wang to come as well."

"Yesterday, when Lord Gu spoke about disaster relief, I didn't have time to come. Of course, I had to come today."

Since it was about disaster relief, Gu Jiusi didn't hold back and immediately explained his entire plan. Wang Siyuan listened quietly and, after hearing it, smiled and said, "Lord Gu's idea is excellent."

Then, Wang Siyuan turned to Fu Baoyuan. "Lord Fu, do you see any issues with this?"

At this question, Fu Baoyuan's smile faltered. He forced out a reply, "Lord Gu is absolutely right."

"Since that's the case, then let's proceed," Wang Siyuan said immediately. "Lord Fu, this is truly your fault. You should be doing everything you can to assist Lord Gu. What do you mean by being so hesitant?"

"I'm wronged," Fu Baoyuan quickly responded. "Truly wronged. It's just that I didn't fully understand the situation in Xingyang. This is my negligence. Fortunately, Lord Gu has clarified it. Lord Gu," Fu Baoyuan added hastily, "please forgive me."

"No need for forgiveness."

Gu Jiusi smiled. "Just get the job done. Since no one has any objections, starting tomorrow, we'll allocate the land to the refugees and prepare relief shelters."Wang Siyuan had spoken, and Fu Baoyuan wouldn't make things difficult. With Gu Jiusi's words, both fully committed to handling the matter.

Seeing that the discussion about the refugees was concluded, Wang Siyuan smiled and said, "Lord Gu, since official matters are settled, why not discuss some private affairs? This old man has heard that yesterday, Lord Shen barged into my nephew's residence, beat people without asking for an explanation, and even took away my nephew's esteemed guest. I wonder if Lord Gu is aware of this matter?"

"Oh, I truly don't know about that."

Gu Jiusi adopted an innocent posture and said, "After all, Lord Shen has already resigned from his official post and is no longer my subordinate. What he does has nothing to do with me. But speaking of this matter, I would like to ask—I received a report from Constable Zhao saying that Boss Wang forcibly seized his family members. Does Lord Wang know about this?"

"Such a thing happened?" Wang Siyuan also played dumb, immediately responding, "Impossible, this must be a false accusation. My nephew is honest and kind-hearted, and would absolutely never do such a thing. If you don't believe me, Lord Gu, you can summon those people and have a direct confrontation."

"A confrontation won't be necessary."

Gu Jiusi casually raised his hand and closed the ledger beside him, speaking offhandedly, "Just have Boss Wang come to the prison for an interrogation, and everything will be clear."

"Lord Gu is right," Wang Siyuan nodded, repeating Gu Jiusi's words with meaningful emphasis, "Have Lord Shen come to the prison for an interrogation, and everything will be known."

Gu Jiusi smiled without speaking, but his eyes turned cold. Wang Siyuan remained unmoved, leisurely sipping his tea and saying, "Lord Gu should think it over again. Some matters shouldn't be rushed, and some words shouldn't be spoken carelessly."

Gu Jiusi and Wang Siyuan engaged in a war of words all morning, only returning for lunch at noon before hurrying to the construction site to supervise the canal digging with Luo Zishang.

That afternoon, Gu Jiusi heard that disaster relief had begun. Watching the refugees being led into the city, lining up to receive land deeds, and seeing the porridge stations being set up, he finally felt relieved.

By nightfall, Zhao Jiu's confession was written, accompanied by a property deed signed by Wang Houchun. Looking at the evidence, Gu Jiusi thought for a moment before finally raising his eyes to Zhao Jiu and asking, "Based on your understanding of Yingyang, would it be better for me to arrest Wang Houchun directly now, or should we wait a little longer?"

"Wang Houchun doesn't hold real power," Zhao Jiu reminded him, "He's just a merchant."

Gu Jiusi remained silent.

A merchant—even if he were executed, it wouldn't shake those behind him in the slightest.

"One radish, one hole; one hole, countless roots," Zhao Jiu said slowly. "Executing Wang Houchun wouldn't bring any significant change to Yingyang. When the time comes for execution, they might even substitute someone else—it might not even be Wang Houchun."

Listening to this, Gu Jiusi twirled his fan in his hand. After a long while, he said, "Zhao Jiu, are you willing to continue investigating?"

Then he looked up at Zhao Jiu and Shen Ming: "Keep investigating this case. When the time is right, I'll take them all down in one sweep."

Hearing this, Zhao Jiu's eyes lit up, but he restrained his emotions, knelt down, and said respectfully, "At your command, my lord."

Shen Ming, as usual, didn't overthink things and simply nodded, "Alright."

Because of this matter, the next day Gu Jiusi released Zhao Jiu and his companions.Seeing that Gu Jiusi did not make a move, Wang Houchun finally felt his anger subside. He went to find Wang Siyuan and asked somewhat perplexedly, "What do you think Gu Jiusi meant by all that? He spoke so confidently, as if he was determined to take me down, yet now he’s released me without a word. Do you think," Wang Houchun said cautiously, "he’s afraid?"

Wang Siyuan remained silent for a moment, tapping the armrest of his chair before slowly replying, "If he’s afraid, that would be a good thing. What I fear is that this young man’s appetite is too big."

Wang Houchun still didn’t quite understand. Forcing a smile, he asked, "Uncle, are you saying that he’s not arresting me now because he’s aiming for someone even bigger?"

Wang Siyuan didn't elaborate immediately. He pondered for a long time before finally saying, "We still need to send them away. That's the only way."

Wang Houchun waited quietly nearby. After some thought, Wang Siyuan suddenly asked, "Has some warehouse been built in the city recently?"

"Yes," Wang Houchun replied immediately. "I've had people investigate. The warehouse is nominally owned by someone named Huzi, but our scouts often see Liu Yu Ru appearing there. Not only is Yingyang building warehouses, several other places are constructing them too."

"Are their locations aligned with the Yellow River route that Gu Jiusi repaired?" Wang Siyuan became interested.

Wang Houchun nodded, "Yes, basically consistent."

Wang Siyuan thought for a moment and chuckled lightly, "I thought they were so noble, but they're just the same - using power for personal gain. Why pretend otherwise?"

After a pause, he asked, "When does this warehouse open?"

"Soon," Wang Houchun answered promptly. "The ribbon-cutting ceremony is tomorrow."

Wang Siyuan nodded and inquired in detail about the warehouse's purpose. As a businessman, Wang Houchun had naturally investigated thoroughly when someone invested so heavily in Yingyang. When Wang Siyuan asked, he clearly explained Liu Yu Ru's plans.

"For long distances, they use large ships, but the rivers beyond Yingyang can only accommodate small boats. I heard she purchased many small vessels for transfers at Yingyang. This segmented approach using the most suitable transportation for each section, combined with large cargo volumes, reduces costs significantly."

Wang Houchun continued explaining, "If she implements this throughout Great Xia, merchant fleets will likely choose their transport service to save costs. This means most goods nationwide would pay them fees."

Wang Siyuan listened silently. After a while, he said slowly, "The ribbon-cutting is tomorrow? When will her merchant fleet pass through Yingyang?"

"Should be soon," Wang Houchun said. "Since they're holding the ceremony, they plan to start operations. The first shipment should arrive shortly."

Wang Siyuan acknowledged and thought for a moment before ordering, "Send some men to intercept her goods midway. The first shipment must not enter Yingyang."

Wang Houchun was momentarily stunned. After a pause, he asked somewhat confused, "Uncle, why have you suddenly decided to trouble Liu Yu Ru?"

Wang Siyuan glanced at Wang Houchun indifferently and said, "Just do as I say."

Seeing Wang Siyuan's displeasure, Wang Houchun quickly apologized and hurried out to arrange the matter.

While Wang Houchun was making arrangements, Liu Yu Ru stood before the warehouse, quietly checking the inventory.

Gu Jiusi waited for her at the entrance. He rarely took breaks, having sent Luo Zishang and Shen Ming to supervise the river embankment while he accompanied Liu Yu Ru.

Since it was his day off, he wasn't wearing his Official Robe, but rather a white brocade gown embroidered with blue cloud patterns, holding a small fan as he followed Liu Yu Ru closely.

He watched Liu Yu Ru check items from morning until sunset. If he hadn't reminded her to eat, she would have forgotten meals entirely. When the final check was complete, they sat together on a small hill outside the warehouse to rest. Gu Jiusi handed her water and asked with a smile, "The grand opening is tomorrow. Are you happy?"Liu Yuru smiled, a restrained smile, yet one couldn't miss the joy she couldn't quite conceal. Fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead, her eyes bright and gentle.

She gazed at the warehouse not far away, a massive structure spanning nearly ten acres—a rarity in size. When she first arrived here, this had been nothing but barren land. While Gu Jiusi was repairing the Yellow River, she built this warehouse. But in her eyes, it was more than just a warehouse. When she looked at it, she saw a single star, and in her mind, she knew exactly how many such warehouses she had already established across the land of Great Xia. Linked together, they formed a Milky Way in the sky, glowing brightly in her heart.

"Jiusi," she began slowly, her eyes still fixed on the distant warehouse as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her voice soft, "do you know, I feel as if I have a sky in my heart."

Gu Jiusi turned to look at the girl staring into the distance. Though Liu Yuru was holding back her emotions, he could still sense the surging passion within her. She slowly rose to her feet, gazing into the distance as she said, "One day, I will have my shops in every corner of this country, making the north and south feel exceptionally close. Not just 'a thousand miles to Jiangling in a single day'—I want Youzhou to feel near to Yangzhou, the Eastern Capital to feel near to Qiansheng. I want every place to feel within reach. If one day I miss you, no matter where you are in this world, I will be able to see you, very, very quickly."

As she spoke, Liu Yuru turned to look at Gu Jiusi and smiled. "I hope that one day, when the history books record your name, I can stand beside you."

"Not just because I am your wife," she turned away, her eyes as if filled with rolling hills, white clouds, endless mountain ranges, and rushing rivers. Gazing into the distance, a smile on her lips, she said with seriousness and determination, "but also because I am Liu Yuru."