Destined

Third Master Liu remained silent, having calmed slightly. After Liu Yuru introduced herself, he understood her purpose.

Observing Third Master Liu’s expression, Liu Yuru gestured politely and said calmly, “Third Master, please take the seat of honor.”

Third Master Liu took a deep breath and sat in the first seat to Liu Yuru’s left. Holding her teacup, Liu Yuru said lightly, “Before this batch of goods arrived, I specifically sent someone to notify you, Third Master. The silver was paid, and you accepted it. What happened today—can you give me an explanation?”

Third Master Liu stayed silent, gripping his knife as if weighing his options. Liu Yuru looked at him gently and said, “Third Master, my time is limited. Where are the goods now, and how do we retrieve them? Give me a clear answer. Otherwise, I’ll settle accounts with the other ten strongholds later, but your Tiger Roar Mountain will not survive tonight.”

“What do you plan to do?”

Hearing this, Third Master Liu immediately looked up. Liu Yuru chuckled softly, “Third Master, surely you don’t think that just because I’m a woman, I dare not kill?”

As she spoke, she raised her eyes to meet his gaze. Her clear, delicate eyes held a cold, mocking glint. “If I don’t get the goods before dawn, shall we test that theory?”

Third Master Liu gripped the armrests, breathing heavily but saying nothing. Liu Yuru stood and walked toward him. Gu Jiusi tightened his grip on his sword, ready to act at any moment, but Liu Yuru moved as casually as if strolling through a garden. She stopped before Third Master Liu, looking down at him, and said, “Third Master, let me offer you a suggestion. Send word now to those who divided the spoils and have them deliver the goods to Tiger Roar Mountain. If there must be deaths, why should only your stronghold suffer? Think about it—if only your people die, and your families survive, do you think the bandits who’ve long held grudges against Tiger Roar Mountain will spare them?”

“Third Master…”

Someone standing in the outer hall spoke up upon hearing this.

Yet Third Master Liu remained silent. Liu Yuru watched him for a long while. Seeing him still struggling, she nodded and said, “I understand. Since when have mountain bandits been so righteous, protecting even their usual enemies? You’re just too afraid to speak, aren’t you? Whoever can frighten you, Third Master Liu, must be someone from the authorities.”

Third Master Liu’s expression shifted slightly. Liu Yuru returned to her seat and continued, “I thought as much. The authorities are fighting among themselves, using common folk like us as pawns. You may not know what’s happening, but I do. If it’s the authorities behind this, then you must think carefully. If you insist on being their loyal dog today, I’ll have no choice but to bury Tiger Roar Mountain. But if you reconsider, speak what needs to be said, and do what needs to be done, not only will I let tonight’s matter slide, but I’ll also ensure you’re not punished by your master.”

“You’re just a merchant,” Third Master Liu said coldly. “Where do you get such audacity?”

“It’s true I’m a merchant,” Liu Yuru replied with a smile. “But do you think a merchant who built a fleet from Youzhou all the way to the Eastern Capital would dare do so without powerful backing?”Third Master Liu pondered Liu Yuru's words, but she had already lost patience to engage with him further. Gazing at him calmly, she stated plainly, "Third Master, I don't have time to waste with you either. Starting now, I'll count to ten. After ten, someone among you must step forward to deliver the message—have them bring all my goods back to me. If no one comes forward after the count, I'll kill one person with each number I call, until daybreak."

"If the goods aren't returned before dawn," Liu Yuru let out a cold laugh, "I guarantee not a single soul will be left alive on Tiger Roar Mountain."

"How dare you!"

Third Master Liu roared in fury, "With so many people here, I don't believe you'd dare to kill everyone. When the time comes... when the time comes..."

"And then what?" Liu Yuru lifted her eyes to meet his gaze, "Do you think anyone would dare cause trouble for me? Even if I lent Wang Siyuan ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare!"

This furious shout stunned everyone present.

Wang Siyuan was the undisputed ruler of Yongzhou. If even he wouldn't dare offend this person... just what kind of powerful figure was she?

Third Master Liu couldn't determine whether Liu Yuru's words were true or false, but she had already begun counting.

"Ten, nine, eight..."

She counted rapidly, without any drawn-out pauses or hesitation. Everyone's hearts raced wildly, feeling as though a sword hung over their heads, ready to drop at any moment.

When she reached three, someone finally broke under the pressure, suddenly dropping to their knees and shouting, "I'll go! Don't kill me, I'll go!"

"Good," Liu Yuru glanced at the others, "Anyone else?"

"Me, I'll go too!"

Voices emerged sporadically from the crowd. After verifying the identities of several individuals, Liu Yuru had their family members step forward.

She selected those with wives, children, and elderly parents, then had someone bring out a tray of silver.

Everyone's eyes widened at the sight of so much silver. Looking at the chosen men, Liu Yuru smiled and said, "Bring my goods back, and not only will I release your families, but I'll also give you a substantial sum of silver and ensure your safe passage out of Yongzhou. You have my word."

Hearing this, the men were momentarily stunned before immediately responding, "Yes! We'll definitely bring your goods back!"

With that, they promptly set off.

Third Master Liu remained seated in his chair, seemingly deep in thought. Liu Yuru turned back, took the seat of honor, and looking at him said, "While it's still dark, Third Master, you have plenty of time to think carefully about other matters."

"You... what do you want me to think about?"

Third Master Liu quickly corrected his formal address, speaking with some hesitation. Liu Yuru reminded him, "Think about how you'll explain to the authorities tomorrow who's really behind all this."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of disdain appeared in Third Master Liu's eyes. Observing him, Liu Yuru continued, "And I'm not talking about the Yongzhou authorities—I mean the imperial commissioner sent by the court."

Third Master Liu froze, a sudden unease stirring within him. He seemed to understand where Liu Yuru's confidence originated.

Liu Yuru stopped at this hint, saying no more. Shen Ming and his men were lying in ambush outside when soon enough, commotion erupted. Liu Yuru consulted with Gu Jiusi beside her, "Everything should be fine outside, right?"

"Don't worry," Gu Jiusi reassured her, "We prepared the ambush in advance. Besides, Ah Ming used to be a mountain bandit himself—he knows their methods well. There's nothing to worry about."Liu Yu Ru nodded upon hearing Gu Jiusi's reassurance. Before dawn broke, Shen Ming entered through the door, his blade stained with blood, and said to Liu Yu Ru, "It's all cleaned up. Come check the goods."

Liu Yu Ru nodded and issued the order, "Tie them all up," before hurrying outside.

The goods were piled at the entrance, and the original transport crew had arrived by then. Liu Yu Ru had someone bring the ledger, checking and packing items simultaneously, sending them off immediately once packed.

With many hands making light work, the inventory was swiftly completed. Before daybreak, all goods had reached the dock. Liu Yu Ru had them loaded onto pre-prepared small boats and watched as the vessels disappeared into the morning mist.

As the boats sailed into the distance, Liu Yu Ru turned to Gu Jiusi with a smile and said, "Lord Gu, I'm going to file a lawsuit."

Gu Jiusi chuckled, clasping his hands behind his back as he gazed at the girl bathed in morning light, his voice softening, "Go ahead. This official will ensure justice for you."

Liu Yu Ru acknowledged and turned away. Spotting Luo Zishang standing still, she hesitated briefly before approaching him and bowing, "Thank you, Lord Luo."

Luo Zishang offered no further words, merely nodding in silence.

Gu Jiusi and Luo Zishang returned to their residences to change into official robes. Luo Zishang resumed supervising river works, while Gu Jiusi hurried to the Magistrate Office. Upon arrival, he halted his carriage and waited inside for news from Liu Yu Ru.

Liu Yu Ru had Third Master Liu and his men bound—nearly a thousand bandits in total—all tied up and driven outside the Magistrate Office. The area swarmed with people, drawing curious civilians. Liu Yu Ru stood at the entrance, and as soon as the office opened, she had someone submit the indictment.

Fu Baoyuan arrived at the Magistrate Office yawning wearily in the early morning. No sooner had he entered than a bailiff presented the indictment, informing him, "Lord Fu, Young Madam Gu is here to file a lawsuit."

"A lawsuit?" Fu Baoyuan was bewildered. "What lawsuit?"

"Yesterday, bandits from nearby mountains jointly robbed Young Madam Gu's goods. Last night, she led a team that swept through eleven bandit strongholds, captured everyone, and now they're all tied up outside awaiting your judgment!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Baoyuan's jaw dropped, remaining agape for a long while.

After a prolonged silence, he stammered, "Eleven... eleven strongholds?"

Clearing eleven strongholds in one night—such methods were unheard of, unprecedented.

The bailiff nodded, furrowing his brow, "What should we do about this? You know, those people outside," he gestured toward Tiger Roar Mountain, "aren't to be trifled with."

Fu Baoyuan remained grimly silent. Soon, another bailiff rushed in, "My Lord, hurry! Madam Gu is pressing for action outside."

After much deliberation, Fu Baoyuan finally said, "Let's proceed. What else can we do? We'll see how Lord Wang handles it."

With that, Fu Baoyuan hastily donned his official hat and hurried to the main hall.

Upon entering the hall, he saw Liu Yu Ru standing alone on one side, while the defendants stretched from the hall all the way outside, beyond sight.

"Lord Fu," Liu Yu Ru declared coldly, "This commoner accuses Third Master Liu of Tiger Roar Mountain and 1,231 bandits of robbery, murder, and pillaging. I implore you to investigate justly!""Oh, oh," Fu Baoyuan nodded, "Madam Gu, the number of people you are accusing is too large to be tried all at once. How about we first detain these thousand-plus mountain bandits, slowly clarify their charges, and then try them one by one?"

"I defer entirely to your lordship's arrangements."

Liu Yuru bowed without any objection. But just then, a clear male voice came from outside: "Wait!"

Fu Baoyuan froze. Everyone turned to see Gu Jiusi dressed in an official purple satin robe with five insignia patterns, a golden fish pouch at his waist, leading attendants as he entered from outside.

Fu Baoyuan immediately stepped forward and bowed to Gu Jiusi: "Lord Gu."

"Lord Fu." Gu Jiusi returned the courtesy with a calm expression. "My apologies for interrupting your official duties."

"Not at all, not at all," Fu Baoyuan quickly replied with an ingratiating smile. "Might I ask what brings Lord Gu here?"

"It's like this," Gu Jiusi turned to look at Third Master Liu and the others. When Third Master Liu saw Gu Jiusi, his expression stiffened, clearly recognizing him as the man who had stood behind Liu Yuru last night. Noticing his reaction, Gu Jiusi smiled and continued, "Last night, I received a secret report stating that among the officials of Yongzhou's government, some have private dealings with the Tiger Roar Mountain bandits. Therefore, I fear it would be inappropriate to entrust this case to your lordship for trial."

Hearing this, Fu Baoyuan's smile froze on his face. After a moment, he cautiously asked, "Then what does Lord Gu suggest?"

"Before I came here, His Majesty bestowed upon me the Son of Heaven's Sword, granting me authority to punish corrupt rulers above and treacherous ministers below. Having received this report from the people, I naturally cannot ignore it. Coincidentally, the investigation into the earlier assassination attempt on me has also yielded some leads. Since both matters involve Yongzhou officials, I thought it best to investigate them together."

"So," Gu Jiusi looked directly at Fu Baoyuan, "I will be taking over this case."

Fu Baoyuan fell silent. He stared at Gu Jiusi for a long time before slowly saying, "Lord Gu, this case involves your wife. For you to handle it would be inappropriate."

"This case also involves Yongzhou officials," Gu Jiusi insisted. "For Yongzhou officials to handle it would likewise be inappropriate."

The two stood at an impasse. After a moment, Fu Baoyuan forced a smile and said, "Since both are inappropriate, perhaps we should report to His Majesty and request that he appoint another official to handle it. What do you think?"

Gu Jiusi curled his lips into a smile and nodded. "Agreed."

Fu Baoyuan breathed a sigh of relief, wiping sweat from his brow as he turned and said, "Then let's have these people detained for now."

"Wait," Gu Jiusi raised his hand and said calmly, "If these people are guarded by Yongzhou officials, I fear something might go wrong. From today onward, the prison guards will be replaced by my men."

Fu Baoyuan remained silent upon hearing this. Gu Jiusi glanced at him and said, "Lord Fu, I am not negotiating with you."

His tone carried a clear warning. Understanding Gu Jiusi's intent, Fu Baoyuan took a deep breath and clasped his hands. "As you command."

With the matter settled, Gu Jiusi had the prisoners taken away and dispatched his guards to the prison to replace the original jailers.

After completing these arrangements, Liu Yuru and Gu Jiusi headed home together. Liu Yuru couldn't help but ask, "How soon can the official appointed by His Majesty arrive?"

"I will send the message by express courier," Gu Jiusi pondered. "It will reach the capital in at most three days. The official will then depart from the capital and should arrive here in about half a month.""Aren't you worried about unexpected changes in between?"

Liu Yu Ru furrowed her brows. Gu Jiusi carefully considered before replying, "As long as Third Master Liu remains alive, there won't be any changes."

Liu Yu Ru nodded and fell silent.

The prison guards had been replaced by Gu Jiusi's men, placing the prisoners firmly under his control. Gu Jiusi didn't concern himself with their wellbeing, only occasionally sending Shen Ming to check on them and attempt to persuade Third Master Liu.

For over half a month in his cell, Third Master Liu's only contact had been Shen Ming. Having seen no one else, he gradually came to realize that the power structure in Yongzhou might truly be shifting.

Half a month later, the official appointed by Fan Xuan arrived. Following established legal procedures, Fan Xuan had assigned Li Yuchang, the Minister of Justice. Li Yuchang had previously been only a low-ranking official in the previous dynasty's Ministry of Justice. Due to his inflexibility and poor political skills, he had failed to gain promotion despite handling numerous major cases. However, his exceptional ability and unwavering integrity made him crucially important in the ministry, where all difficult, ironclad cases were assigned to him to handle the resulting political fallout. After the new dynasty was established, Fan Xuan appreciated his integrity and directly promoted him to Minister of Justice.

Gu Jiusi understood that his appointment to this case was precisely because it involved Liu Yu Ru. Fan Xuan wanted Gu Jiusi to avoid implication as much as possible, hence the deliberate selection of this famously rigid-minded official. This way, regardless of the outcome, there would be no rumors about Gu Jiusi abusing his power to protect Liu Yu Ru.

On the day Li Yuchang arrived in Xingyang, his carriage went straight to the Magistrate Office and he immediately began hearing the case. Gu Jiusi was still supervising work on the river. When he returned to his residence, Munan brought him news, saying quite happily, "Sir, Third Master Liu has confessed."

Gu Jiusi raised an eyebrow. Munan lowered his voice and whispered, "It's Fu Baoyuan."

"Fu Baoyuan?"

Gu Jiusi was quite surprised, though it seemed reasonable upon reflection. Knowing that Gu Jiusi hadn't expected Fu Baoyuan to be involved, Munan explained in detail: "Third Master Liu produced the forged document with Lord Fu's official seal, saying it was only with Lord Fu's seal that he could unite so many bandit groups to rob Madam's goods. He also drew a portrait of Lord Fu's steward, Fu Cai. He didn't even know this was Lord Fu's steward, but after he drew the person, Lord Li had people identify it and discovered it was Steward Fu."

"And Fu Cai?" Gu Jiusi immediately followed up.

Munan sighed, "He's fled!"

"Fled?" Gu Jiusi expressed surprise.

Munan nodded, "Yes. When Lord Li sent people to the Fu residence to arrest him, they found he was already gone. Fu Baoyuan claimed that Steward Fu had recently requested leave to return to his hometown. Who would believe that? I heard Lord Li's men just discovered today that Fu Cai was still eating bean curd jelly at the Fu residence's entrance this morning."

Gu Jiusi remained silent. Seeing him deep in thought, Munan couldn't help asking, "Young master?"

"Never mind."

Gu Jiusi collected himself and, after some consideration, told Munan, "Quickly send more people to search. We must find Fu Cai and bring him back."

Munan acknowledged the order and immediately went to arrange for more searchers.

That night, lying in bed, Gu Jiusi tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Liu Yu Ru noticed his restlessness and asked, "Jiusi?"

"I'm fine," Gu Jiusi patted her hand, "You sleep."

Liu Yu Ru thought for a moment, then turned over and embraced Gu Jiusi from behind, whispering softly, "What's troubling you?""Today..." Gu Jiusi hesitated before saying, "Liu San has confessed, saying it was Fu Baoyuan who ordered him."

"I know."

Liu Yuru responded: "Fu Baoyuan was never a good person to begin with. There must be someone behind him. Now that we've captured him, we might be able to trace it back to Wang Siyuan."

Gu Jiusi remained silent, so Liu Yuru continued her analysis: "Wang Houchun is Wang Siyuan's blade. The evidence of his attempt to assassinate you is almost certain. If you submit the evidence to Li Yuchang tomorrow, Wang Houchun will be finished. But making him implicate Wang Siyuan is absolutely impossible - even for the sake of the Wang family, he wouldn't move against such a big tree like Wang Siyuan. As long as Wang Siyuan remains standing, dealing with Wang Houchun will be quite difficult. But Fu Baoyuan is different - he doesn't have the same determination to protect Wang Siyuan. If we want to move against Wang Siyuan, we can only start with Fu Baoyuan."

Gu Jiusi stared at the mosquito net without speaking. Noticing his unusual behavior, Liu Yuru asked softly: "Jiusi?"

Knowing Liu Yuru's confusion, Gu Jiusi thought for a long time before slowly saying: "Tell me," he hesitated, "why would Fu Baoyuan use his official seal when giving orders to Third Master Liu?"

Liu Yuru was taken aback. Gu Jiusi continued: "Wasn't he afraid Liu San might use it as evidence against him?"

He went on analyzing: "Back then, Zhao Jiu had to go through great lengths to get Wang Houchun's signature - he asked Wang Houchun for a house, and Wang Houchun only signed on the property deed. How could Fu Baoyuan be so foolish as to stamp his official seal on such ironclad evidence as an order?"

"So you suspect Fu Baoyuan was framed?"

Liu Yuru pondered Gu Jiusi's words. Gu Jiusi remained silent.

Fu Baoyuan had always opposed them - he was sycophantic and very slick, appearing to be Wang Siyuan's man through and through.

Gu Jiusi sighed and finally said: "Let's wait until tomorrow to see."

With that, he embraced Liu Yuru and comforted her: "Sleep now. Tomorrow I'll go talk with Lord Li."

They slept through the night. After daybreak, Gu Jiusi changed into his official robes and went to the Magistrate Office to find Li Yuchang.

When he arrived, Li Yuchang was still conducting interrogations. After being announced, Li Yuchang washed his hands and went to the study. Gu Jiusi waited respectfully in the study. When Li Yuchang saw him, they exchanged greetings, then Li Yuchang asked in his emotionless voice: "What business brings Lord Gu here?"

"I have some materials I'd like to submit to Lord Li."

As he spoke, Gu Jiusi took out all the boxes he had collected regarding Wang Houchun. He pushed them forward respectfully and said: "Lord Li, you should know about the assassination attempt against me at the river embankment. These are all the materials related to the incident for your review."

Li Yuchang didn't speak. He took the boxes, opened them, and examined all the evidence one by one. After a moment, he immediately issued an arrest warrant and told the bailiffs: "Take troops to the Wang residence and detain Wang Houchun."

Seeing how swiftly Li Yuchang acted, Gu Jiusi felt somewhat reassured. After some thought, he continued: "Might I ask about your progress on the bandit case, Lord Li?"

Hearing Gu Jiusi's question, Li Yuchang immediately understood his thoughts. Without beating around the bush, he said directly: "Fu Cai?"

"Exactly," Gu Jiusi said decisively. "Has Fu Cai been captured?"

"Hmm."Li Yuchang nodded. Gu Jiusi said happily, "That's good. Did he confess?"

"He's dead."

Li Yuchang spoke directly. Gu Jiusi's face froze. Li Yuchang flipped through Wang Houchun's files, his tone devoid of emotion: "Early this morning, in the suburbs. Hunting dogs found him, dug three feet underground."

He only mentioned the keywords, but Gu Jiusi understood everything. It must have been Li Yuchang who used hounds to track someone, ultimately finding Fu Cai's body.

"When did he die?"

Gu Jiusi quickly spoke up. Li Yuchang didn't conceal anything and continued, "Last night. Poisoned."

Gu Jiusi fell silent, frowning deeply. Seeing that he had no further questions, Li Yuchang looked up and, after a moment's thought, added reassuringly, "The evidence is solid, no need to worry. Fu Baoyuan has already been detained."

Author's Note: [Mini Theater]

Gu Jiusi: I think Wang Houchun is a definite wolf. Everyone vote him out. Fu Baoyuan is suspicious—let's hear more discussions.

Wang Houchun: I am indeed a wolf, but Fu Baoyuan definitely isn't.

Li Yuchang: Wolves protecting wolves—Fu Baoyuan is a definite wolf. The Sheriff is calling for votes.

Fu Baoyuan: In that case, I have no choice but to reveal my divine role.

Luo Zishang: I have a bottle of poison and a bottle of antidote. Who wants to test me by voting?

Qin Nan: Seer. This round depends on me.

Shen Ming: Fool. Vote however you want.

Liu Yu Ru: Guardian. Tonight I'll protect Gu Jiusi.

Gu Jiusi: Aww, darling~~

Everyone: Get out!!! How dare you show off your affection while playing Werewolf???