Destined

The servant went to inform Li Yuchang, while Gu Jiusi took advantage of this time to have hot water prepared and entered the room to bathe and change clothes.

As the servant fetched the hot water, Gu Jiusi sat by the table, staring at the confession on the paper. These were Wang Siyuan’s admissions, signed and sealed with a bloody fingerprint. The list included nearly every official in Yingyang, from top to bottom. It was clear that behind each Yingyang official stood a local family, generations cultivating their influence in this land, grooming their children from a young age to enter the bureaucracy, who in turn supported their families.

Wang, Chen, Zhao, Li.

These four families controlled almost all official positions and industries in Yongzhou. Every official in Yongzhou relied on these families for their existence.

Yingyang was the capital of Yongzhou, and the allegiances of its officials represented the stance of the vast majority of officials in the entire region. On this list, whether they were officials dispatched by the court or local appointees, almost none were spared—all had dealings with the Wang family.

If Gu Jiusi were to take action against these people, given the crimes they had committed, it would mean cleaning out the entire officialdom of Yingyang.

Would they allow it?

Gu Jiusi let out a heavy sigh. Liu Yu Ru entered the room carrying a bowl of ginger soup. Hearing his sigh, she walked over to him and asked gently, "What’s troubling you?"

As she spoke, she glanced at the confession on the table and handed him the ginger soup. Gu Jiusi drank it while she stood behind him, massaging his shoulders. "Is this confession difficult to handle?"

"Very difficult," Gu Jiusi replied bluntly. "I knew Yingyang’s officials would be a challenge, but I never imagined there would be so many. If we prosecute all these officials, Yingyang will fall into chaos."

Liu Yu Ru continued massaging his shoulders and said slowly, "So what do you plan to do?"

Gu Jiusi remained silent. Liu Yu Ru added, "Surely you can’t actually prosecute all of them?"

"Wang Siyuan’s crimes must be confirmed," Gu Jiusi said, closing his eyes. "Only by convicting Wang Siyuan can Shen Ming have a chance to survive."

"What about the others?"

Gu Jiusi said nothing.

If he didn’t prosecute, how could he justify Shen Ming’s life-risking efforts to retrieve this evidence? How could he answer the people’s questions?

If these officials were allowed to escape easily, and since he and Li Yuchang couldn’t stay in Yongzhou forever, they would quickly regain power once he and Li Yuchang left. Nothing in Yongzhou would change.

But if he prosecuted, how could it be done?

With so many people, who would handle the affairs afterward? And would those who replaced them necessarily do a better job?

Moreover, who would carry out such a massive purge?

Gu Jiusi closed his eyes, feeling weary. The hot water was ready, and Liu Yu Ru reminded him. Gu Jiusi nodded, stood up, and went to the Purification Chamber to bathe.

Liu Yu Ru sat at the table, picking up the confession Shen Ming had provided. She studied it quietly for a while, understanding Gu Jiusi’s concerns. After a long while, when Gu Jiusi emerged from the Purification Chamber, she said, "Actually, you don’t have to deal with all of them."

She thought for a moment and continued, "This case involves too many people. You could apply to the Eastern Capital for a special pardon. For those not involved in murder cases, a fine would suffice. This way, money solves the problem, and everyone can avoid a confrontation."Gu Jiusi remained silent, listening as Liu Yu Ru offered her suggestions. After a moment of contemplation, she continued, "The Autumn Examination is approaching. Once this round of imperial exams concludes, the court will gain many new officials. That would be the time to remove those officials who have paid fines. By taking gradual steps like boiling a frog in warm water, we can avoid major disruptions."

Gu Jiusi reflected on her words and found them largely aligned with his own thoughts.

A wholesale purge of so many officials was impractical. The only feasible approach was to first eliminate the most corrupt ones, then proceed step by step.

However, he hadn't considered demanding payments from them. After hesitating briefly, he said, "If we allow them to pay their way out, the common people might find it hard to accept."

To the populace, using money to escape punishment would undermine the law's authority and impartiality.

Liu Yu Ru nodded. "Indeed. You should discuss the specifics with Lord Li. But this special pardon is likely unavoidable."

Gu Jiusi acknowledged her suggestion. "I'll first mobilize troops from Sizhou. By combining leniency with force, we should find alternative solutions."

As they spoke, an announcement came from outside that Li Yuchang had arrived. Gu Jiusi hurriedly threw on his outer robe and rushed out.

Li Yuchang was waiting in the study. Upon entering, Gu Jiusi bowed respectfully. "Lord Li."

"What brings you here?"

Li Yuchang's expression remained calm. Gu Jiusi dismissed the servants and instructed Munan to clear everyone from the vicinity. After scanning the area to ensure no one was hiding, he closed the door.

"Why such secrecy?"

Li Yuchang frowned. Gu Jiusi leaned against the door and whispered, "I found Shen Ming last night."

Li Yuchang was momentarily stunned, then quickly grasped the implication. "What about Wang Siyuan?"

"Dead."

Upon hearing this, Li Yuchang drew a sharp breath. "He's gone mad!"

"He obtained evidence," Gu Jiusi murmured. "Wang Siyuan implicated many people. With his confession, we have grounds to imprison them all. Once they're detained, we can investigate further for additional proof."

"How many?"

Li Yuchang cut straight to the point. Gu Jiusi lowered his voice. "Two hundred thirty-one officials of the eighth rank and above."

The entire officialdom of Yingyang numbered barely three hundred. Hearing this figure, Li Yuchang fell silent. Gu Jiusi looked up at him. "What does Lord Li think?"

"I must return to the Eastern Capital."

Li Yuchang stated bluntly. "This matter has surpassed our capacity to handle."

"You cannot return."

Gu Jiusi responded decisively. "Shen Ming has already killed Wang Siyuan. The officials in Yingyang are now on high alert. Any unusual movement from us, and they'll likely take action. If you return to the Eastern Capital, you'd be directly telling them you've obtained evidence but lack the power to prosecute. Do you think they'd let us leave?"

Li Yuchang remained silent. Gu Jiusi continued, "I've already issued orders to mobilize troops from Sizhou. His Majesty anticipated this situation and stationed forces there. The troops should arrive within four days. If we hold out until then, we can directly take control of Yingyang and begin the investigation."

"Is this the Emperor's command?"

"I bear the Son of Heaven's Sword."

Hearing this, Li Yuchang pondered briefly before finally saying, "What's your plan now?"

"Pretend you know nothing," Gu Jiusi advised. "Continue handling official business while I keep searching for Shen Ming. We just need to wait four days—"Gu Jiusi looked up at Li Yuchang, who immediately understood: "Sizhou troops have entered Yingyang."

After their discussion concluded, Li Yuchang thought for a moment and finally asked, "Where is Shen Ming then?"

"I don't know."

Gu Jiusi lowered his gaze: "All I hope now is that he remains safe."

Once their conversation ended, both parties returned to their respective duties—Li Yuchang continued investigating Fu Baoyuan's case while Gu Jiusi dispatched people to search for Shen Ming everywhere.

That afternoon, the Wang family located the site where Wang Siyuan had been executed. Following the blood trail, they discovered his corpse. Shen Ming had burned the body until only a skeleton remained, with identity confirmed solely by the missing tooth in the jaw. After verifying it was indeed Wang Siyuan, the Wang family gathered other prominent families and stormed Gu Jiusi's residence, demanding justice.

As the crowd clamored at his gates, Gu Jiusi remained indoors while Li Yuchang stood guard at the entrance like a door god, listening to the Wang family's furious accusations.

"Lord Li, Gu Jiusi condoned murder—and the victim was a fourth-rank court official! You must uphold justice for us!"

Wang Shusheng, dressed in mourning hemp with a white headband, shouted with red-rimmed eyes: "Gu Jiusi must be arrested today, and Shen Ming must be captured for investigation! We won't leave until this is resolved!"

"Right!" the crowd behind him roared. "We're not leaving! Justice! We demand justice!"

"Evidence," Li Yuchang responded coldly. Wang Shusheng stared blankly: "What?"

"You claim Gu Jiusi condoned murder. Evidence," Li Yuchang elaborated patiently. Enraged, Wang Shusheng retorted: "Shen Ming is his subordinate! Isn't Shen Ming's crime evidence enough? Our guards witnessed Shen Ming making the arrest! Today my father's body... his body..."

Wang Shusheng's voice broke into sobs. Those nearby hurried to comfort him before he steadied himself and continued: "My father's death is confirmed. Isn't that sufficient to arrest Gu Jiusi?"

"Shen Ming was formerly a court-appointed official," Li Yuchang stated calmly. "He resigned and remained in Yingyang. He isn't registered as a servant—what master-servant relationship exists with Gu Jiusi?"

"Lord Li," steward Wang He interjected, "Shen Ming constantly stays with Gu Jiusi and follows his orders in all matters. Your denial of their master-servant dynamic is far-fetched."

"You claim they're master and servant," Li Yuchang lifted his eyes to Wang He. "Evidence."

Wang He choked on his words. Wang Shusheng stepped forward and bellowed: "Li Yuchang! Why are you obstructing common sense? Would you make me prove Lord Wang is my own father?"

"Shouldn't you?"

Li Yuchang frowned slightly: "Everything requires evidence. If you need to confirm blood relation with Lord Wang, shouldn't proof be provided?"

The rebuttal left Wang Shusheng breathless. Li Yuchang remained stationed at the gate, hands folded calmly before him: "I, Li, operate by the law and concrete proof. If acting on speculation alone, I could suspect all of you are involved in Fu Baoyuan's case—should I arrest everyone then?"Everyone fell silent. After a moment, Li Yuchang continued, "Gu Jiusi does indeed have a connection with Shen Ming, but this alone isn't enough to prove that Gu Jiusi ordered Shen Ming to kill Lord Wang. Currently, Gu Jiusi is still searching for Shen Ming. Rather than wasting time arguing with me here, it would be better for all of you to go capture Shen Ming. Once Shen Ming returns, everything will naturally become clear."

His words made everyone exchange glances. After a pause, Wang He slowly spoke up, "Lord Li's words do make sense."

"The most important matter now," Wang He stole a glance at Wang Shusheng and said quietly, "should be finding Shen Ming."

Wang Shusheng pressed his lips together. After a moment, he raised his hand and bowed to Li Yuchang, then turned around and led his men away in haste.

As Wang He walked alongside Wang Shusheng on the road, he whispered, "Judging by Li Yuchang and Gu Jiusi's demeanor, it doesn't seem like they've obtained the evidence. The evidence should still be with Shen Ming."

"How so?"

Wang Shusheng's face remained cold. Wang He continued, "If Gu Jiusi had met Shen Ming last night, he would have sent people to help Shen Ming retrieve Qin Nan's family members. But last night, Shen Ming went alone to seize Qin Nan's family."

"Alone?" Wang Shusheng turned his head, furious. "Didn't I say to keep a close watch on them?"

"We didn't expect him to act so quickly," Wang He quickly apologized. "Last night, everyone was searching for you, Lord. We were already short-handed, and we thought that Shen Ming, alone and injured, wouldn't have the nerve to attempt a rescue by himself."

"How many people were guarding them?"

"Twenty."

"Twenty?" Wang Shusheng raised his voice. "Twenty people and you still let him get away?"

"Don't worry," Wang He immediately assured him, "Shen Ming is severely injured. I've sent men to pursue him."

Wang Shusheng remained silent. Wang He continued his analysis, "Shen Ming rescued Qin Nan and immediately left Yingyang. That means he could only have had contact with Gu Jiusi during the brief period before dawn. But if Gu Jiusi had obtained the evidence last night, he and Li Yuchang would have left Yingyang today."

"This matter is beyond their control," Wang Shusheng said coldly. After a moment of thought, he added, "Go investigate the surrounding garrisons. If they receive any news," Wang Shusheng glanced at Wang He and said calmly, "prepare generous gifts."

"Understood," Wang He promptly replied.

After causing this commotion, Wang Shusheng led his men and withdrew.

Gu Jiusi and Li Yuchang waited for the Sizhou army to arrive, while Shen Ming, pursued by assassins, traveled day and night to reach the Eastern Capital.

The journey that had taken nearly half a month on the way there, he now completed in less than three days, riding without rest, pushing his horse to the limit with urgent speed.

Assassins came in waves, chasing him all the way into the Eastern Capital. Just an hour before entering the city, he eliminated the latest group of killers and stumbled into the Eastern Capital.

He didn't know where to go.

Blood loss left him disoriented. Clutching his most severe wound, he staggered forward along the alleyway.

Since autumn began, the rain had been falling incessantly. As he stepped on the uneven bluestone pavement, water splashed up, making him feel cold.

He walked for a long time until he could go no further, collapsing to the ground.

His mind was hazy. He knew he needed to do something, remembered that he had come to the Eastern Capital for a purpose, but he couldn't recall what it was.He lay on the ground, feeling the blood slowly seep out of him. He didn’t know if he was going to die; he felt no pain, only cold.

In the distance, a carriage approached, and he faintly heard the voice of a young girl speaking.

"Young mistress, next time, don’t pore over the account books so late. No matter how hard you work, you must take care of your health. The eldest young master said the family can afford to support you—there’s no need for you to worry so much."

After the girl finished speaking, a calm and cool voice responded.

That voice felt somewhat familiar to Shen Ming...

No, it was more than just familiar.

It was a voice he had longed for day and night, a voice that occupied his thoughts every waking moment.

"The eldest young master was joking with you—don’t take it seriously."

The voice spoke slowly, "I need to find something to do. Since Yuru is busy outside, I can’t let myself fall behind, can I?"

Then the voice laughed softly, "I wonder how they’re doing in Yongzhou?"

Ye Yun...

Hearing that voice, Shen Ming called out her name in his heart.

He gasped weakly, wanting to call out to her, but he had no strength left. It felt as though his soul had already left his body; he observed everything around him with detached coldness, unable to move even a finger.

As the carriage drew nearer, he could clearly hear the conversation inside.

She was talking about him.

She said, "Shen Ming has a reckless nature—I wonder if he’s caused any trouble for Yuru in Yongzhou."

"But there’s no need to worry. If he causes trouble, Gu Jiusi will always cover for him. Those three are as close as brothers."

"You say he’s childish? Not really—it’s just that his loves and hates are more vivid than others’."

Ye Yun...

Shen Ming listened as the carriage passed by him. A faint, low sob escaped his throat.

Stay.

He wanted to call out to her—stay, look at me.

Not save me.

Just look at me.

He thought, he had come back. He had finally returned from Xingyang.

Whatever the future held, life or death, he had at last returned to the Eastern Capital and seen her once more.

But the carriage did not stop. It was like time, like fate, rolling forward relentlessly, as if crushing his flesh and blood beneath its wheels.

Tears mingled with rain streamed down his face. He closed his eyes in agony, but at that very moment, the carriage came to a halt.

"Over there..."

Ye Yun lifted the carriage curtain, leaned out, and frowned at the figure on the ground, hesitating as she said, "Is that a person?"

With that, she stepped out of the carriage, holding an umbrella, and walked over to Shen Ming.

Shen Ming lay on the ground, his face obscured by his hair. Ye Yun held the umbrella over him and asked gently, "Are you unwell?"

Shen Ming did not respond. Her maid hurried over, stepping into a puddle, and then noticed her shoes had changed color. The maid let out a frightened cry, exclaiming in alarm, "Blood!"

Grabbing Ye Yun’s arm, the maid urged anxiously, "Young mistress, this person is trouble. Let’s go."

Ye Yun frowned, studying the figure carefully for a moment before realizing he was covered in wounds. She hesitated briefly, then decided to turn away.

If it were just an ordinary person lying helpless on the ground, she would have helped. But someone covered in injuries—she did not want to invite trouble.

Yet, just as she turned to leave, the man who had been motionless mustered every last ounce of his strength and grabbed the hem of her dress.

His grip was faint, and with great effort, he uttered a single, indistinct syllable.The people nearby couldn't hear clearly, but Ye Yun recognized it.

He called out, "Ye Yun."

Even though the voice was mixed with hoarseness and indistinctness, she still recognized the familiar tone within it.

She turned around in shock, looking at the person on the ground who was so injured that their original appearance was completely unrecognizable.

She hurriedly crouched down, set aside her umbrella, and reached out to cup the person's face.

The maid, both startled and fearful, quickly tried to stop Ye Yun, saying, "Miss, be careful, it's dirty..."

Before she could finish, Ye Yun had already brushed aside Shen Ming's hair. She held Shen Ming's face, gazing at his blood-stained countenance.

Shen Ming saw her and struggled to force a smile.

"Why are you here?" Ye Yun asked in astonishment.

Shen Ming couldn't answer; he just stared at her intently.

His trembling hand, resting on her arm, lifted a finger with great effort, barely pointing at her with his bloodied fingertip.

The fingertip kept shaking, and Ye Yun stared at it blankly.

Though he didn't speak, she still understood his meaning.

Perhaps it was a joke, but she knew.

He was saying, "You."

Why are you here? Why did you come back? Why, at the brink of life and death, even when already unconscious, did you have to collapse not far from the Ye residence?

No matter how many reasons there might be, in truth, it all came down to one thing—

You.

Wherever Ye Yun is, Shen Ming must return.