Destined

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Liu Yuru's warehouse, it officially commenced operations. The first batch of goods arrived from Youzhou, with the majority destined for Eastern Capital's Immortal Fragrance, while the smaller portion consisted of trial shipments entrusted by various merchants from Youzhou.

Traditionally, the route from Youzhou to Eastern Capital relied on land transport, which faced challenges such as customs clearance, mountainous terrain, and bandits. The journey typically took at least half a month, often extending to a month and a half or two months, with transportation costs being prohibitively high. This time, however, by utilizing the newly planned waterway, costs were reduced by at least half, and the entire journey took only a month.

Everyone was closely watching Liu Yuru's shipment. If this batch succeeded, it would effectively open up a new route from Youzhou to Eastern Capital for all. But if the first shipment encountered problems, Liu Yuru's warehouses would be limited to her own use. Sustaining the expenses of ships, warehouses, and various operational costs solely with her own business would be far too costly.

Thus, from the moment the goods departed Youzhou, Liu Yuru had been tracking their progress closely.

The primary concern along the route was water bandits. To counter this, Liu Yuru not only arranged for a large escort to protect the merchant ships but also instructed each warehouse supervisor to distribute silver to local water transport authorities as a form of "facilitation."

Despite these dual safeguards, Liu Yuru remained uneasy. While the goods were still within Youzhou's jurisdiction—now under Zhou Ye's management—and those who understood the situation would not interfere, once they left Youzhou, she found it hard to sleep, tossing and turning at night. Gu Jiusi noticed her anxiety.

During the day, Gu Jiusi oversaw construction on the river, and at night, he often woke to find Liu Yuru still awake. Feeling somewhat exasperated, he pulled her into his arms and murmured, "My dear, I beg you, please sleep. If you can't sleep, neither can I."

"Sorry," Liu Yuru apologized. "Maybe I should sleep in the next room."

"Then I'd be even more awake," Gu Jiusi sighed, burying his head in her shoulder. "How about I talk to you? Don't dwell on those matters, and you'll fall asleep easier. There's nothing you can do about what happens on the road anyway."

Liu Yuru knew he was right. She turned over and hugged him, saying slowly, "How is the investigation into Wang Houchun going?"

"I've told Zhao Jiu to lay low for now," Gu Jiusi replied casually. "And to look into others while he's at it. Wang Houchun has committed plenty of misdeeds. For now, let him think I'm not targeting him, so he lowers his guard. Once we've gathered all the evidence, I'll deal with everyone in Yongzhou in one sweep."

Liu Yuru acknowledged with a hum. "What about Qin Nan?"

"Shen Ming is still keeping watch," Gu Jiusi said quietly. "It seems there's a group of people around him. Shen Ming hasn't figured out where they came from—they're not Qin Nan's men. Qin Nan hasn't even realized he's being watched. We don't know if they're friend or foe. Qin Nan probably isn't aligned with Wang Siyuan, but I still don't understand why he implicated me."

As they talked, they eventually drifted off to sleep. Meanwhile, at Wang Houchun's residence, a man knelt on the ground, looking uneasy as he said, "Master Wang, I've brought the items."As he spoke, the man took a letter from his pocket. Wang Houchun accepted it and asked with a smile, "Is the seal stamped?"

"It is," the man replied hastily, bowing his head. "As you instructed, I also stamped an extra blank copy."

"You've worked hard."

Wang Houchun took the letter and examined it carefully before nodding. "Summon someone."

At his command, a servant approached with a box. Wang Houchun crouched down and opened it, revealing it was filled with silver. The kneeling man's eyes lit up greedily. Holding the box, Wang Houchun smiled and said, "Since the seals are stamped, how about doing me one more favor?"

The kneeling man froze at these words. Wang Houchun continued, "Tomorrow night, Liu Tong's merchant fleet will pass by Third Uncle Liu's route. Deliver this letter to him and have him gather all the nearby strongholds. Tell them that if they successfully intercept this shipment, the goods are all theirs. If they fail, the authorities will immediately launch a suppression campaign against the bandits. Understood?"

"S-sir!" the man stammered anxiously. "We only agreed to steal the seal, not..."

"Do you still want the silver?"

Wang Houchun stared at the man, whose expression stiffened. Wang Houchun gently placed his hand on the back of the man's neck and added, "Do you still want your life?"

After resting for the night, Liu Yu Ru woke up the next day and began preparing the boats, waiting for the merchant fleet to enter Xingyang that evening so they could transfer the cargo to different vessels.

When night fell, Liu Yu Ru did not return home. Instead, she led her people to the dock and waited there for the ships to arrive. Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi finished his business on the river. After returning home to bathe and change clothes, he noticed Liu Yu Ru still hadn't come back. He finally asked, "Did the young mistress mention when she would return today?"

"No," Munan sighed. "But given the young mistress's temperament, I suspect she doesn't plan to return tonight. She'll probably wait until the cargo is safely out of Xingyang."

After a moment's hesitation, Gu Jiusi said, "I'll go to the dock to check on her."

He changed into a white casual robe, took his sword, and led Shen Ming and Munan to the stable in the rear courtyard. As they arrived, he spotted Luo Zishang also preparing his horse. Gu Jiusi couldn't help but chuckle, "Well, well, Lord Luo, still awake at this hour?"

"Unlike Lord Gu, who can rely on his wife," Luo Zishang replied with a faint smile, "I have official duties and some commercial matters to attend to."

Gu Jiusi detected the mockery in Luo Zishang's tone but brushed it off, proudly raising an eyebrow. "Indeed, my wife is exceptionally skilled at making money."

Luo Zishang: "..."

Shameless.

"Alright, Lord Luo, you handle your official business," Gu Jiusi said cheerfully as he mounted his horse. "As for me, I'm off to see my wife. Farewell."

With that, Gu Jiusi rode out of the estate in high spirits. Luo Zishang expressionlessly mounted his own horse and followed behind.

Though neither asked the other about their destination, both knew they were headed to the same place. Riding one after the other, they approached the dock. Just as they drew near, Gu Jiusi suddenly tightened his reins.From afar, he saw Liu Yuru standing at the dock. She wore a purple robe embroidered with falling blossoms, draped with a white crane-embroidered cloak. Her hair was pinned up behind her head with a white jade hairpin, revealing her slender neck—elegant and noble, captivating to the eye. The river breeze swept past, and her garments fluttered as she stood in the distance. Gu Jiusi watched quietly for a moment when he suddenly sensed someone nearby. Glancing sideways, he noticed Luo Zishang, who, for some reason, had also stopped and was silently observing Liu Yuru.

A flicker of displeasure stirred in Gu Jiusi’s heart, though he showed no sign of it on his face. Instead, as if struck by a sudden thought, he chuckled softly. Hearing the laugh, Luo Zishang turned and frowned, asking, "What are you laughing at?"

"Oh, nothing," Gu Jiusi explained. "I just remembered that I already have a wife, and she’s truly beautiful. But you, you haven’t married yet."

"Hmph," Luo Zishang sneered. "Utterly boring."

Gu Jiusi clicked his tongue twice. "If you think I’m boring, why are you getting angry? Such a hypocrite."

Luo Zishang seemed provoked by his words, a cold glint in his eyes. Gu Jiusi laughed heartily, then spurred his horse forward, rushing straight to Liu Yuru. Hearing the hoofbeats, Liu Yuru turned and saw Gu Jiusi dismounting, calling out cheerfully, "Yuru."

Liu Yuru looked toward the voice and saw Gu Jiusi in a white robe and jade crown, a sword hanging at his waist, jogging toward her.

At the sight of him, Liu Yuru couldn’t help but smile. As Gu Jiusi reached her, she reached out to smooth the wrinkles on his clothes and said gently, "What brings you here?"

"I heard you were overseeing the cargo," Gu Jiusi said happily, "so I came to keep you company."

Liu Yuru lowered her head with a smile and was about to speak when Luo Zishang’s voice came from nearby: "Manager Liu."

"Lord Luo is here too."

Liu Yuru was somewhat surprised. Luo Zishang nodded. "I heard the goods would arrive tonight, so I came to check."

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Luo," Liu Yuru said respectfully. "But rest assured, I’ve made all the preparations. Nothing will go wrong."

"It’s no trouble," Luo Zishang replied, shaking his head. "We can’t leave everything to Manager Liu alone."

After exchanging pleasantries, they continued waiting at the dock. With Gu Jiusi present, his chatter soon turned the quiet dock lively. Liu Yuru stood by, listening to his ramblings, and couldn’t suppress a soft laugh.

By the time the moon hung directly overhead, the merchant ship should have arrived according to schedule, yet not a single light was visible on the river—only the sound of rushing water.

Everyone frowned in concern. Shen Ming wondered aloud, "Why hasn’t it come yet?"

Before he finished speaking, a small boat appeared on the river, a single lantern lit on board. Then, a voice called out, "Is that Manager Liu?"

The voice mingled with the river’s roar, making it hard to discern, but Liu Yuru remained alert. She immediately stepped forward and shouted, "It’s me! Is that Brother Hei?"

Brother Hei was the man she had sent to receive the shipment, familiar with the situation in Xingyang. His voice was hoarse and distinctive, and Liu Yuru recognized it at once.

"It’s me! Manager Liu," the boat drew closer, and his voice became clearer. "The ship has been hijacked!"

At these words, Liu Yuru’s expression turned cold. Watching the boat approach, she called out loudly, "Do you know who did it?""Fourteen ships have arrived," Old Black shouted, "led by Third Master Liu from Tiger Roar Mountain. People from ten neighboring strongholds have all come."

As he spoke, Old Black's boat approached the dock. Gu Jiusi and Luo Zishang exchanged glances, while Liu Yu Ru lowered her eyes, seemingly lost in thought.

After a moment, Gu Jiusi said, "I'll go to the authorities to summon help immediately."

"Wait."

Liu Yu Ru raised her hand to stop Gu Jiusi. After a pause, she looked up at him: "You cannot go to the authorities for help."

"But..."

Just as Gu Jiusi was about to speak, Shen Ming interjected, "Ninth Brother, you really can't go. If you seek official help, it would be considered abusing your power."

Gu Jiusi fell silent.

He naturally understood the reasoning that even Shen Ming grasped clearly. Although it would be perfectly justified for the authorities to suppress these bandits who had robbed Liu Yu Ru, the fact that Third Master Liu could mobilize ten strongholds to attack Liu Yu Ru in Yingyang territory—where she had previously made special arrangements—clearly indicated this wasn't truly targeting her.

If there was some scheme behind this, going to the authorities would inevitably lead to delays and excuses regarding the suppression. With just a little procrastination, the news would spread. Even if troops were eventually sent to suppress the bandits and Liu Yu Ru recovered her goods, the reputation of Willow Reach Commerce would be ruined.

How could it be acceptable for the first shipment to be robbed and only recovered after a long delay?

Therefore, if Gu Jiusi went, it would inevitably lead to conflict with the authorities. Forcing an order for suppression would provide numerous grounds for impeachment.

Everyone present remained silent until Luo Zishang finally spoke: "Let Manager Liu report to the authorities. I'll handle this discreetly."

This was the best approach—Liu Yu Ru would make the official report while Luo Zishang dealt with the matter behind the scenes.

After considering it, Gu Jiusi responded, "That seems to be the only way."

"No." Liu Yu Ru flatly refused. Gu Jiusi and Luo Zishang were taken aback, with Luo Zishang instinctively asking, "What do you plan to do then?"

"I'll go demand them back."

Liu Yu Ru spoke calmly. Gu Jiusi immediately responded, "Absolutely not!"

Liu Yu Ru turned to look at Gu Jiusi: "If I report to the authorities, I won't know whether they'll send troops or when they might act. Moreover, once the authorities get involved, I'll lose any chance for a private settlement. Reporting to them means handing over all initiative—I can't do that."

"Then how do you plan to settle this privately?" Gu Jiusi frowned. Liu Yu Ru turned away and said slowly, "What merchant fleets fear most are these roadblock toll collectors. When goods are entrusted to Willow Reach Commerce for transport in the future, security will be the clients' primary concern. If I can't demonstrate the determination to protect this shipment, it will be extremely difficult to gain the trust of major merchants later."

"I've already made arrangements in Yingyang territory, yet they still came," cold determination flashed in Liu Yu Ru's eyes. "They must pay the price for robbing me."

"Sister-in-law is right."

Shen Ming chimed in, looking at Gu Jiusi: "Ninth Brother, if Sister-in-law wants others to leave her goods alone in the future, she must follow the canal gang's example—beat them until they're afraid. This clearly shows collusion between the authorities and mountain bandits, otherwise Third Master Liu couldn't have mobilized so many people."

"But..." Luo Zishang began hesitantly, about to dissuade them, when Gu Jiusi asked, "Then what do you intend to do?"

Just then, Old Black's boat reached the shore. He came ashore panting and heard Liu Yu Ru ask, "Old Black, have the ships been seized?""Not yet," Old Hei shook his head. "We have quite a few men and plenty of goods. They won't be able to chew through this bone in a short while."

"Good."

Liu Yuru nodded calmly. "Go back and tell the team leader to let Third Master Liu handle the goods. Prioritize everyone's safety."

"Yes."

Old Hei acknowledged the order. Liu Yuru arranged for an escort to see him back, then turned to Luo Zishang and said calmly, "Lord Luo, I have three hundred men here. May I borrow some of yours?"

Luo Zishang looked at Liu Yuru. Her expression remained composed as he gazed into her eyes. After a long moment, he slowly smiled and remarked, "You really are..."

He sighed and raised one finger. "One hundred."

Liu Yuru nodded, turning to Yin Hong who was following behind. "Tell Huzi to prepare the men and head to Huming Mountain immediately."

"Wait," Gu Jiusi immediately interjected. "You're going to attack Huming Mountain?"

"Yes," Liu Yuru responded promptly. "We'll take Huming Mountain, interrogate the mastermind behind this, and I'll hand them over to the authorities tomorrow. You can start the investigation then."

"Alright," Gu Jiusi nodded. "I'll go with you."

"What would you do there?" Liu Yuru looked puzzled. "You're a Third Rank Minister," she chuckled, "don't cause trouble."

"I'm not just a Third Rank Minister," Gu Jiusi said seriously, pulling her aside. "I'm also your husband."

Liu Yuru was taken aback. Gu Jiusi turned to Shen Ming and said, "Gather my men and prepare to go with Huzi."

"In that case," Luo Zishang chimed in with a laugh, "I'll join in the fun too."

With that, Luo Zishang turned to instruct his men to make preparations. When Liu Yuru came to her senses, she looked helplessly at Gu Jiusi and sighed. "As you wish."

She then pulled away and called out loudly, "Gather the men, let's go!"

As she spoke, she strode quickly to her horse, mounted it, and led the group out like an arrow released from its bow.

She headed from the dock toward Huming Mountain, while Yin Hong and Munan returned to the city to gather everyone before rushing out of the city toward Huming Mountain.

Wang Siyuan and Wang Houchun were still awake, playing chess in their room. The steward entered and reported respectfully, "Sir, many people from Liu Tong Trading Company left the city tonight."

Hearing this, Wang Houchun laughed. "What's the use of going now?"

He placed a chess piece on the board. "The goods are already gone."

"She didn't report it to the authorities," Wang Siyuan said calmly. "Could there be a hitch?"

"She thinks she can save the situation," Wang Houchun glanced at Wang Siyuan. "Don't worry. When she returns, she'll come to report it. Then we'll delay a bit, and Gu Jiusi will have to step in. Once he resolves the matter, we'll impeach him and deal with him directly."

Hearing this, Wang Siyuan looked up at Wang Houchun. "You rascal," he said with a smile. "Cunning as a fox."

They both laughed.

Meanwhile, Liu Yuru led her men in a swift rush to the foot of Huming Mountain. After a brief wait, the rest of the group arrived.

Her men, along with those from Luo Zishang and Gu Jiusi, totaled nearly five hundred, all waiting at the mountain's base. Liu Yuru called Shen Ming over. "Can we storm this kind of stronghold?"

Shen Ming looked up and studied it carefully before nodding. "There aren't many people there now. We can ascend the mountain."Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru felt much more at ease. She said to Shen Ming, "You take command."

Shen Ming acknowledged the order. Liu Yu Ru turned to the crowd and declared loudly, "Everyone, follow Young Master Shen's commands! Advance up the mountain!"

With that, under Shen Ming's direction, the entire group charged up the hill together.

Liu Yu Ru, Gu Jiusi, and Luo Zishang remained at the rear, observing the clash between the two sides.

At this time, most of the Tiger Roar Mountain bandits had not yet returned, leaving only a basic defense force to operate the traps. Liu Yu Ru led her people and captured Tiger Roar Mountain almost effortlessly. Only the elderly, weak, women, and children remained on the mountain. Liu Yu Ru had them all gathered in one place, then sent Shen Ming with a team to reset the traps at the base of the mountain. Afterward, she led Gu Jiusi, Luo Zishang, and the others to wait in the main hall.

Before long, commotion arose from below. Liu Yu Ru's forces hid in the shadows, listening as the noise drew nearer.

"Didn't expect the sheep to be so fat this time," someone remarked. "We really owe thanks to Steward Fu for the tip-off. Had we known Liu Tong Trading had this much cargo, no amount of money would've made us pass it up."

"Fool," another voice retorted. "With this much goods, do you think the owner would only make one preparation? The fact that we robbed it so easily gives me chills. Won't the authorities intervene? These rich folks' merchant fleets must have some ties with the government, right?"

"Who knows?" a third voice chimed in, tinged with worry. "It's not like we have a choice anyway, do we?"

No sooner had the words been spoken than the footsteps outside halted abruptly. A voice said, "Don't you think something's off? From the moment we started up the mountain..."

The speaker suddenly raised his voice, "Where are the guards?!"

"Probably asleep... it's so late. The two on the watchtower are still there."

"No, something's wrong," the one who first noticed the anomaly insisted. "The two brothers on the watchtower—how long have they been in the same position?"

As if realizing something, he suddenly shouted, "Retreat! It's an ambush!"

The moment he spoke, arrows rained down from all sides, followed by screams of agony outside.

Liu Yu Ru sat upright in the main hall. She picked up a teacup from beside her, and the entire hall lit up. A woman's voice, calm and composed, echoed through the space.

"Third Master Liu." The voice was gentle yet firm, possessing a strangely soothing power amid the chaos. The arrows ceased abruptly as the voice rang out. Third Master Liu, leading his men with blades raised, turned back in stunned silence.

Then he saw the brightly lit hall, a red carpet stretching from the entrance to the far end, where a woman in purple robes and white garments sat regally upon a golden throne.

Her features were gentle, not striking in an aggressive way, but elegant like a crane—graceful and pure, akin to a lotus emerging from water, blooming with noble warmth amid the surrounding darkness and savagery.

Flanking her on either side stood two men: one in white robes with a golden crown and a sword at his waist, the other in blue brocade holding a small golden fan—both peerless in their era.

Above her head, a black plaque with golden characters hung prominently in the main hall, inscribed: "Prosperity for the Compliant, Ruin for the Defiant."He had originally ordered someone to write and hang that plaque himself, yet now beneath it sat a woman poised calmly. He couldn't help but stare blankly for a moment. Just then, he heard the woman speak serenely, "Come, take a seat and have some tea."

Third Master Liu's eyes turned cold. Gripping his knife tightly, he asked tensely, "Where are the others in the stronghold?"

"Still alive."

Liu Yu Ru understood his concern and said plainly, "I don't harm the elderly, children, or women without reason."

"Who are you?"

Third Master Liu pressed further, to which Liu Yu Ru responded with a light laugh. She lifted her gaze to meet his and said, "You seized my goods, yet now you come asking who I am? Third Master Liu, you truly pay little mind to your dealings."

Hearing this, Third Master Liu looked astonished. "You... you’re from Willow Reach Commerce..."

"I am Liu Yu Ru, head of Willow Reach Commerce," she replied, setting down the cup in her hand and slowly rising to her feet. With her hands clasped in front of her, she gave a slight nod and bowed respectfully. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Third Master Liu."