Destined

Gu Jiusi dashed out and saw Li Yuchang standing at the entrance. Panting heavily, he immediately said, "Search along the official road to the Eastern Capital!"

Li Yuchang nodded, turned around, and gave orders to the people outside.

Shen Ming was tracking along the road when he received the news. He pondered for a moment.

If Qin Nan had taken the official road, he couldn't have traveled alone—that would make him too easy to identify and also unsafe. So he must have hidden himself within a merchant fleet heading to the Eastern Capital.

Shen Ming promptly obtained the list of merchant fleets that had left the city that day. Excluding the time when Qin Nan was still at his office and the period after his disappearance was discovered, there were two merchant fleets that had departed. Shen Ming then checked the official travel document registrations of everyone in these two fleets but found no record of Qin Nan.

Since Qin Nan wasn't listed, it was highly likely that he had forged documents. Without hesitation, Shen Ming gathered his men and set off in pursuit along the route taken by the merchant fleets.

That evening, he caught up with both fleets. Shen Ming directly apprehended someone for questioning and learned that a man named Luo Nan had left the merchant fleet shortly after exiting the city gate and continued on his own.

Following this lead, Shen Ming arrived at an inn. Before even entering, he heard the sounds of a struggle from afar. Leading his men, he rushed toward the commotion and saw someone leap from the second floor, roll on the ground, and then sprint wildly toward the mountains. With sharp eyes in the darkness, Shen Ming immediately recognized the figure as Qin Nan. He galloped forward, drew an arrow from his quiver, and fired over a dozen shots in succession to fend off the assassins chasing Qin Nan.

Qin Nan didn't dare look back, fleeing desperately into the mountains. Shen Ming urged his horse forward, shouting to his men, "Clear the area!" before chasing Qin Nan into the forest.

"Lord Qin!" Shen Ming called out as he pursued him. "Stop running! It's me, Shen Ming!"

But upon hearing this, Qin Nan didn't turn back; instead, he ran even faster. Cursing under his breath, Shen Ming continued the chase.

Qin Nan ran with all his might. Although Shen Ming was faster, the initial distance between them was too great, and he couldn't close the gap immediately. Qin Nan raced up to the mountain peak, with Shen Ming hot on his heels until they reached the edge of a cliff. With no escape route left, Qin Nan stood trapped. Shen Ming, panting, fanned himself with his hand and taunted, "Run, go on, keep running."

Qin Nan clutched a bundle, his face filled with tension.

His hair was disheveled, a far cry from his usual composed and aloof demeanor. Shen Ming couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "For a civil official, you can really run. Do the Six Arts for gentlemen include sprinting?"

Qin Nan remained silent. After catching his breath, Shen Ming straightened up and said, "Alright, come back with me. I'm not here to kill you or steal anything. There's no need to be so nervous."

"Let me go," Qin Nan finally spoke, his gaze steady as he looked at Shen Ming. "I can't go back."

"If I let you go, where will you go?" Shen Ming replied bluntly. "Do you think we don't know what you're carrying? It must be evidence. Fu Baoyuan has already told Gu Jiusi everything—you're planning to take it all the way to the Eastern Capital to appeal to the emperor. Why go to such lengths? Gu Jiusi is a good man, and so is Lord Li. If you hand over the evidence to them, they will help you. If you insist on appealing to the emperor, without me today, you would have lost your life. Don't you understand?""Let me go," Qin Nan pleaded, his voice trembling. Shen Ming furrowed his brow. "I know you don't trust Brother Jiu, but we've known each other for some time now. Lord Qin, you know what kind of person I am. I swear on my life that nothing will happen if you return."

Qin Nan remained silent, so Shen Ming continued, "Perhaps you don't understand Brother Jiu..."

"Do you understand him then?" Qin Nan cut in sharply. "I don't know him, but do you truly know him? Who stands behind him? What are his intentions, and what are the motives of those backing him? Even if I were to trust Gu Jiusi," Qin Nan shouted, growing agitated, "how can you be sure he isn't just a pawn? Do you know who his uncle is? Asking me to return would be foolish!"

"Why do you hold such strong prejudice against Brother Jiu?" Shen Ming asked, perplexed. "I don't know what kind of person Lord Jiang is, but Lord Jiang is Lord Jiang, and Brother Jiu is Brother Jiu. I trust Brother Jiu because I believe he can distinguish right from wrong. If Lord Jiang is in the wrong, he won't shield him. Why must you conflate the two?"

Shen Ming pressed his lips together, aware that his words were insufficient to ease Qin Nan's wariness. He had always been clumsy with words and struggled to articulate anything persuasive. After a long pause, he finally managed, "I can't make you understand. We've been in Xingyang for some time now, Lord Qin. You're someone who has weathered storms—can't you judge for yourself what's right and wrong?"

"Eyes can deceive," Qin Nan said earnestly. Shen Ming scoffed, "Are your eyes blind, or is your heart blind too?"

Qin Nan froze momentarily. Seeing his resolve waver, Shen Ming subtly stepped forward and pressed on, "Lord Qin, the situation in the Eastern Capital is complex. Even if you manage to return with the evidence—a perilous journey in itself—who knows into whose hands it might fall once you arrive. Why not entrust it to Brother Jiu..."

Before he could finish, Shen Ming lunged forward. Qin Nan, sensing his intent, hastily retreated but slipped, tumbling over the cliff edge. Shen Ming dove after him, grabbing his hand just in time.

"You're damn heavy," Shen Ming grunted, straining to hold on.

Qin Nan looked up at him, clutching the evidence, his eyes pleading. "I can't go back."

"With me here, what the hell are you afraid of?" Shen Ming roared. "I'll take you back and protect you with my life!"

"Can you protect the evidence?!" Qin Nan shouted back. "Besides my son, all my family is hidden in Yongzhou. If I return and Wang Siyuan captures them to exchange for the evidence, what am I supposed to do?"

"And what can you do now? If you run away and they're captured, won't you have to go back anyway?" Shen Ming retorted, his face flushed as he searched for a foothold.

At this, Qin Nan slowly smiled. "I won't go back," he murmured.

Shen Ming was taken aback but quickly understood: Qin Nan was prepared to sacrifice his entire family to protect the evidence.

But humans are not unfeeling trees or grass. If his flesh and blood were truly used as leverage, who could say how things would end, even with such resolve? Fearing he might face such a choice, Qin Nan would rather remain ignorant and flee a thousand miles to the Eastern Capital than return.

"Coward..."Shen Ming took a deep breath, found a foothold, and began pulling Qin Nan upward.

"Where is there..." he gritted his teeth, suddenly yanking Qin Nan up as he shouted, "a man who would abandon his own family from the very start!"

As the words fell, Qin Nan was dragged up and thrown heavily onto the ground.

The moment Qin Nan hit the ground, Shen Ming twisted his arms and pinned him down. Qin Nan struggled fiercely while Shen Ming held him firmly, shouting: "Are you insane to abandon your family for such a thing?! Do you think going to the Eastern Capital will save Fu Baoyuan? Do you think going there will overthrow them? Brother Jiu and I came from the Eastern Capital ourselves—if even we were evil and couldn't help you, then no one in this world could!"

Qin Nan froze in his movements. Shen Ming spoke calmly: "I used to think all officials were corrupt dogs too, but later I learned there's another kind of official—Gu Jiusi. You ask why I trust Brother Jiu so much—I can't explain it, but Lord Qin, I can promise you this."

"If Gu Jiusi truly is the corrupt official you claim, I'll protect you with my life to return to the Eastern Capital and appeal to the emperor."

Qin Nan remained silent. Shen Ming slowly released him: "I also promise you that if you come back with me, I'll definitely rescue your family. Even if I die, I'll bring them back safe and sound."

"Lord Qin," Shen Ming said earnestly, "will you trust me?"

Qin Nan didn't respond. Lying on the ground, he pressed the evidence beneath his body.

It represented his and Fu Baoyuan's long journey through life. He gazed at the cliff ahead, which resembled his current life—having reached a dead end.

He couldn't help but look up at the bright moon in the sky. Suddenly he wondered—

If Luo Yishui were still here, what would she want him to do?

Travel thousands of miles to the Eastern Capital to present his appeal, abandoning his family to go alone? Or return to Yingyang and trust... Gu Jiusi?

At the thought of Gu Jiusi, Qin Nan's fingers trembled slightly.

He was prejudiced against him.

He knew he couldn't help being prejudiced.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Yishui, what should I do?

He silently asked, and from the depths of his consciousness emerged Luo Yishui's most frequent words to him in the past.

That lazy tone, drawn-out voice, carrying a restrained yet wild arrogance—Why not?

Qin Nan, in this world, whatever you want to do, whatever you want to change—you can.

You can protect your family, while also preserving friendship and righteousness.

A solution that satisfies both—you can achieve it.

"I'll go back."

Qin Nan finally spoke, pushing himself up as he said hoarsely: "I'll go back with you."

"Excellent!"

Shen Ming said happily: "I'll take you back. Lord Qin, don't worry—as long as I'm here, your family will absolutely be safe."

Qin Nan didn't respond, allowing Shen Ming to help him up. Shen Ming chattered excitedly throughout the journey. After they entered the carriage, Shen Ming said cheerfully: "Lord Qin, you're such a strange person. You left your family in Yongzhou while going to the Eastern Capital alone—why not take them with you?"

"The journey is dangerous," Qin Nan replied flatly. "My mother is in poor health and can't endure the hardship. Besides, with so many people, it would be impossible to take everyone. We could only hide them."

"Aren't you afraid the evidence might still fall into the wrong hands after you go to the Eastern Capital, while your family remains unprotected in Yongzhou?"

"The Emperor is in the Eastern Capital."After Qin Nan spoke, Shen Ming propped his chin on his hand and said with some confusion, "Ultimately, you still don't trust Brother Jiu. So why did you decide to return?"

"I don't trust him," Qin Nan looked up, meeting Shen Ming's gaze seriously. "But I trust you."

Shen Ming was taken aback for a moment. After a pause, he straightened up somewhat awkwardly, waved his hand, wanting to say some modest official pleasantries but not knowing how. Finally, he patted Qin Nan's shoulder and said happily, "Don't worry, I won't betray your trust."

Seeing Qin Nan's forced smile, Shen Ming suddenly remembered something: "So, Qin Nan, does this mean you consider me a friend?"

"You and I shouldn't be of the same generation," Qin Nan reminded him.

Shen Ming immediately responded, "What does age matter? What's important is that you see me as a friend. Qin Nan," Shen Ming said, becoming serious, "since you've placed your trust in me, I will repay that trust even if it costs me my life."

Qin Nan remained silent. After a long while, he finally spoke hoarsely, "Thank you."

Shen Ming led Qin Nan back to Xingyang, encountering three waves of assassins along the way. Fortunately, Shen Ming's martial skills were exceptional, and he fought his way through to bring Qin Nan back safely.

By noon the next day, when Shen Ming brought Qin Nan to the County Government Office, Li Yuchang and Gu Jiusi, hearing of Shen Ming's return, quickly went out to meet them. Both men were covered in blood and looked utterly disheveled. The moment he returned, Shen Ming collapsed in exhaustion, saying, "No more, no more. Whatever important matters there are must wait until we've slept."

Li Yuchang nodded. Gu Jiusi immediately arranged for them to wash up. Seeing Gu Jiusi making arrangements, Shen Ming called out to him, "Brother Jiu."

Gu Jiusi paused. Shen Ming quickly added, "I want to stay next to Lord Qin's room."

Gu Jiusi was momentarily surprised but soon understood—Shen Ming wanted to protect Qin Nan. He knew Qin Nan held hostility toward their group, with only Shen Ming barely earning his trust. So Gu Jiusi nodded and went to make the arrangements.

When Qin Nan heard Shen Ming's request, he realized this usually carefree man was truly dedicating himself to fulfilling his promise.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Li Yuchang calmly asked, "What about Lord Qin's family?"

Hearing this question, Gu Jiusi and Shen Ming finally understood that whether Qin Nan spoke up or not, the safety of his family was a crucial issue. After some thought, Shen Ming approached Qin Nan and whispered, "Shall I go bring your family here?"

Qin Nan frowned. Gu Jiusi stepped forward and said, "Lord Qin, if you're not absolutely certain about hiding your family safely, it would be better to bring them to the Magistrate Office where they can be protected day and night."

Qin Nan hesitated for a moment. Shen Ming carefully suggested, "Should we follow Brother Jiu's advice?"

Qin Ning pressed his lips together. After a pause, he motioned for Shen Ming to lean down and quietly told him an address.

Shen Ming nodded. "I understand. You go rest first. I'll fetch them."

"Go alone," Qin Nan instructed.

Shen Ming nodded. "Understood. I'll go alone."

Reassured by Shen Ming's response, Qin Nan finally relaxed and left with the attendants. Shen Ming, with no time to rest, bid farewell to Gu Jiusi and Li Yuchang and headed straight out. Just as he was about to leave, Gu Jiusi called out, "Shall I go with you?""No need," Shen Ming waved his hand, "It's a small matter. I can go alone."

"Isn't it a bit too reckless for you to go alone?"

Gu Jiusi frowned: "Lord Qin asked you to go alone because he doesn't trust others, fearing there might be spies among them. But if you go by yourself and get followed, you might find it hard to handle alone. I'll go with you—if something happens, there will be someone to help."

"Forget it," Shen Ming immediately replied, "If it really is as you say, and something goes wrong, we'd both end up trapped there."

"Then I'll give you a signal flare," Gu Jiusi added, "I'll prepare some men. If anything happens, release the signal flare immediately."

"Alright."

Shen Ming nodded, took the signal flare from Gu Jiusi, and said, "I'm off."

Seeing him leave, Gu Jiusi went to gather his men and remained on standby.

Shen Ming raced toward the direction Qin Nan had mentioned. He was so exhausted that he had to pinch himself hard whenever he felt drowsy.

Qin Nan had hidden his family in a small village outside the city. When Shen Ming reached the village, he began asking for directions along the way. After much effort, he finally found the Qin residence and knocked on the door.

After two knocks, there was no response. Shen Ming found it strange. After a moment's thought, he leaped onto the wall and looked inside—immediately, he was stunned.

Fresh bloodstains remained in the courtyard. It was clear that a fight had just taken place, though it hadn't been intense, and the surroundings were almost completely undisturbed.

Shen Ming quickly entered the courtyard and searched around. He found the direction in which the kidnappers had taken the family and, feeling both anxious and furious, immediately released the signal flare before following the trail in pursuit.

The other party had clearly arrived only slightly earlier and couldn't have gone far. Shen Ming pursued them relentlessly—his tracking skills were exceptional, but the other side was clearly no pushover either. By nightfall, the kidnappers grew impatient and left a few men behind to block Shen Ming while they made off with the captives.

By the time Gu Jiusi arrived, Shen Ming was surrounded and being beaten by several men, covered in blood. Gu Jiusi led his men charging in, and the assailants turned and fled. Shen Ming shouted, "Catch them!"

Without needing further instruction, Gu Jiusi ordered his men to give chase. However, the enemy was ruthless—the moment they were caught, they bit into poison capsules, dying almost instantly and leaving Gu Jiusi no time for interrogation.

Seeing the bodies fall, Shen Ming turned and charged deeper into the dense forest. Gu Jiusi called out, "Shen Ming!"

Ignoring him, Shen Ming pressed forward. Gu Jiusi rushed ahead and grabbed him. Seeing Shen Ming's agitated state, he immediately asked, "What are you doing?"

"Chasing them."

Shen Ming hurried onward, with Gu Jiusi close behind. "How long have they been holding you off?"

"Half an hour."

"Do you have any leads to track them?"

"No."

"Then what are you chasing?"

Gu Jiusi's voice was cold. Shen Ming looked up and roared, "So we just let them go?!"

Gu Jiusi remained silent. Shen Ming turned and headed deeper into the forest: "I saw them go in this direction. I have to keep chasing. I promised Qin Nan I'd protect his family. I can't let them get away, I—"

"Shen Ming!"

Gu Jiusi pulled him back: "Calm down!"

"I promised him! I promised him!"Shen Ming roared out, "This is the first time in my life someone has entrusted their life to me." He looked at Gu Jiusi, his body covered in wounds and blood, as if he had been dragged out of a pool of gore. Tears welled in his bloodshot eyes. "I don’t want to fail him."

Gu Jiusi remained silent. Shen Ming’s voice was hoarse and low: "In my life, I’ve never accomplished anything. Everyone says I’m impulsive, that I’m foolish—I know."

"This is the first time someone has placed their hopes in me, Brother Jiu." He spoke earnestly, "I’d rather die than fail him."

"This isn’t your fault…"

"They followed me here!"

Clutching his blade, Shen Ming looked around in confusion: "If only I had been more careful… If I had taken more detours on the road, been more alert, if only…"

"Shen Ming, everyone has their limits," Gu Jiusi frowned. "You’re not a god. You have your limits."

"Then how dare I promise him?"

Shen Ming stared at Gu Jiusi, finally trembling as he spoke: "If I can’t do it, how could I have agreed to it?"

Gu Jiusi said nothing.

The moon shone brightly over the mountains, and the early autumn wind howled past.

Meanwhile, Qin Nan woke from his sleep. Sitting at the dining table, he took a sip of millet porridge and asked the attendant behind him, "Has Lord Shen returned?"

The attendant did not respond but stepped forward, handing a box from his sleeve to Qin Nan.

"Lord Qin, your letter."

Qin Nan looked at the box, his expression calm, even carrying a kind of clear understanding.

He let out a bitter laugh and opened the box.

Inside was his mother’s hairpin—the one she never parted with.

"What to say and what not to say," the attendant stood behind him, his voice very composed, "His Lordship says you should know in your heart. His Lordship also said that Lady Qin’s poor health is due to the hardship of raising you alone for half her life. He hopes you remember the debt of life and upbringing."

Qin Nan held the hairpin, his hand trembling slightly.

"What does he want? The things in my possession?"

"His Lordship knows what you have," the attendant said calmly. "After Fu Baoyuan is executed, His Lordship will send someone to assist you in going to the Eastern Capital to appeal to the emperor."

"Appeal for what?"

"Gu Jiusi and Li Yuchang refused to accept evidence and deliberately killed a loyal official of the court. Isn’t that worth you personally going to the Eastern Capital to appeal?"

The attendant chuckled lightly: "Lord Qin, no one can stay clean forever. It’s been twenty years. You and Fu Baoyuan should finally become Yongzhou’s officials."