Destined

When Shen Ming fled to the Eastern Capital, Gu Jiusi and Li Yuchang pretended to know nothing, openly searching for Shen Ming while continuing to supervise the river construction.

No matter how significant the events, river repairs had to proceed. After learning of Gu Jiusi’s plans, Liu Yuru quickly shipped all the goods to the next warehouse, minimizing the stock stored in Xingyang.

Gu Jiusi calculated that he only needed to stabilize Xingyang for the moment. Once the troops from Sizhou arrived, he would immediately take action and begin rectifying Yongzhou.

He had estimated that from Xingyang to Sizhou, a fast horse would take no more than half a day. After reaching Sizhou, notifying officials, obtaining deployment orders, and organizing the troops would take another day. Then, the Sizhou troops marching to Xingyang would take at most a day and a half. In this way, they would only need to wait three days for the Sizhou troops to arrive.

However, after three days, there was still no sign of movement. Li Yuchang grew restless and went to Gu Jiusi’s room early in the morning. Liu Yuru had gone out to check the goods, and seeing no one around, Li Yuchang closed the door and whispered urgently, "Didn’t you say the Sizhou troops would arrive in three days? Where are they now?!"

"Let’s wait a little longer," Gu Jiusi replied with a frown. "Perhaps the procedures there are too cumbersome…"

"We’re risking our lives waiting!" Li Yuchang grew anxious. With years of experience handling cases, he knew exactly how perilous their situation was. "We can’t handle this case. Every extra day we stay in Xingyang increases the danger. Gu Jiusi, we need to find a way to leave."

"Do you think I don’t want to?" Gu Jiusi was also frustrated, trying to keep his emotions in check. "But there are so many of us, especially you and me. If we make any suspicious moves now, they’ll know we’ve obtained evidence. At that point, if they become desperate, none of us will be able to escape!"

Assassinating an imperial envoy was a grave crime, and no one would take such a step unless driven to the brink. For now, the other side remained uncertain of their intentions and would not act rashly.

Li Yuchang knew Gu Jiusi was right, but he couldn’t help feeling anxious. Struggling to control his emotions, he said, "We can’t wait indefinitely. If Sizhou doesn’t send troops, something must have gone wrong. We need a deadline."

Gu Jiusi fell silent, pursed his lips, and calculated for a moment before finally saying, "Then let’s prepare. We’ll wait until the day after tomorrow at most. If Sizhou still doesn’t send troops, we’ll leave on our own."

Li Yuchang nodded, feeling somewhat reassured now that they had a plan.

After their discussion, when Liu Yuru returned that evening, Gu Jiusi stood in the courtyard. Dressed in white robes and wearing a jade crown, he stood with his hands behind his back, quietly gazing at the red maple under the moonlight.

The moon was exceptionally bright that night, casting a flowing radiance around him. Liu Yuru paused in the corridor, watching Gu Jiusi with a sense of inexplicable emotion.

Compared to when she first met him, Gu Jiusi had changed dramatically. He now truly resembled a noble gentleman, a man of distinction—composed in demeanor and steady in expression. Standing there, he seemed capable of carrying mountains and rivers on his shoulders, supporting the realm with his spine.

Gu Jiusi noticed Liu Yuru’s presence and turned to see her standing in the corridor, smiling quietly at him.

She wore purple robes over a white gown, holding a hand warmer, appearing both gentle and poised.Gu Jiusi smiled. "When did you return? You didn't make a sound."

Liu Yuru descended into the courtyard, coming to his side. She lifted her head like him, gazing at the bright moon through the gaps in the maple leaves.

"Even without a sound, you still knew I had returned, didn't you?"

Her voice was gentle. "What are you looking at, standing here?"

"Nothing much," Gu Jiusi said slowly, his eyes fixed on the starry sky. "I just realized that since coming to Yongzhou, I haven't truly taken the time to admire the moon here. Tonight, it seems to me that the sky in Yongzhou is far more expansive than in the Eastern Capital."

"Once the Yellow River repairs are complete," Liu Yuru said softly, "let's pick a day to explore Yongzhou properly."

Gu Jiusi remained silent. Liu Yuru turned to look at him, deliberately softening her voice. "What's wrong?"

"Yuru," Gu Jiusi looked at her, forcing a smile that carried a hint of guilt. "It seems I've brought trouble upon you again."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru chuckled lightly. "My husband, have you gotten into some mischief again?"

"The Sizhou troops haven't arrived."

Gu Jiusi smiled bitterly. "Li Yuchang came to question me today. I told her if they don't come by tomorrow, we'll leave at dawn the day after."

Liu Yuru nodded, indicating she understood. "That's not a bad plan."

"Tell me," Gu Jiusi lowered his eyes, hiding his expression. "Since you've been with me, life has been unstable and wandering. I haven't given you a single day of peace. I truly..."

"Husband," Liu Yuru interrupted him with a soft sigh. She reached out and took his hand. Her hand was warm, carrying the lingering heat from a hand warmer, suddenly bringing warmth to this cold autumn day. She looked down at their intertwined hands and said slowly, "Without you, there would be no Liu Yuru."

Gu Jiusi was somewhat surprised. He lifted his gaze to her and saw Liu Yuru's eyes curve into smiles. "If not for you, how would I have learned to love someone, to envision my own life, to achieve my own aspirations? Looking back now, all my previous thoughts—whether it was receiving an Imperial decree bestowing an honorific title on a woman, becoming a good mistress of the household, or hoping my husband would attain high rank and wealth—were about fulfilling others' lives, not my own. I was living as a member of the Liu family, not as Liu Yuru. Now, as I accompany you, we share both prosperity and hardship. What we achieve is for ourselves, not for each other. You've given me this opportunity, and for that, I am truly happy."

Gu Jiusi quietly watched the person before him. Seeing his silence, Liu Yuru knew his heart was stirred. She pressed her lips into a smile and, holding his hand, said, "Besides, didn't I tell you back then?" She tilted her head, her expression nostalgic. "I will accompany you and help you rise."

When he was just a youth, after breaking Wang Rong's leg and thinking he would face Wang Shanquan alone, she had also held his hand and told him she would stay by his side and help him rise.

That companionship has lasted until now. That support has likely become a lifetime commitment.

Gu Jiusi smiled. He lowered his head, seemingly embarrassed by how emotional her words had made him. He took a step forward, reached out, and embraced Liu Yuru.

"I will protect you," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "Even if it costs me my life, I will protect you well."

"Silly," Liu Yuru chuckled softly.She glanced at the sky, patted his back, and said, "Let's go back inside, it's getting chilly out here."

Gu Jiusi acknowledged with a sound, released her, and hand in hand, they chatted and laughed their way back to the room.

Somehow, after speaking with Liu Yuru like this, Gu Jiusi found his anxiety had eased. He slept peacefully through the night. The next morning, as dawn broke, Liu Yuru leaned over the bedside and asked him, "Is there anything I need to be cautious about today?"

"Not really," Gu Jiusi thought for a moment. "Just carry on as usual. Being overly cautious might draw attention. After all, we don’t have much to pack. As long as everyone is here tomorrow morning, we can leave directly."

"Mm," Liu Yuru responded. Suddenly, Gu Jiusi added, "Still, bring a few more guards. If the troops from Sizhou arrive, things might get chaotic for a while. But don’t be afraid," he rolled over, propped himself on the pillow, and grinned at her while hugging it. "I’ll come to your side immediately if anything happens."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru pursed her lips into a smile.

"Alright," she said softly. "I’m not afraid."

"What are your plans for today?"

Gu Jiusi rested his chin on his hand as he asked. Liu Yuru thought for a moment and replied, "I’ll go to the docks. If anything happens, it’ll be easier to escape from there."

"Clever."

Gu Jiusi quickly kissed her forehead. Liu Yuru shot him a playful glare and stood up, saying, "No more fooling around. Time to get to work."

Gu Jiusi watched her get up with a smile, waiting until others entered before starting his own morning routine. After they had both freshened up, they went their separate ways. Gu Jiusi escorted Liu Yuru to her carriage and watched it disappear into the distance. After a moment’s thought, he called Munan over and instructed, "Take all the hidden guards to protect Madam."

Munan hesitated, concerned. "But if all the men are withdrawn from your side, I’m afraid…"

"It’s fine."

Gu Jiusi shook his head. "I can protect myself. The important thing is to ensure no one disturbs Madam. Don’t let her notice, or she’ll refuse."

Munan acknowledged the order and withdrew with the guards. Gu Jiusi stood at the gate, watching Liu Yuru’s carriage until it was out of sight before turning back inside.

Back in his room, he stuffed various small bottles and containers into his clothing, strapped a short sword to his body, and then headed out to supervise work at the riverbank.

Not long after Gu Jiusi left, Wang Shusheng received the news in his quarters. He chuckled upon hearing it, "He dares to go out without guards? Is he out of his mind?"

"Young Master," Wang He said respectfully, "this morning’s report confirms that Sizhou’s men have disguised Gu Jiusi’s followers as casualties and left them on the road. They’ve agreed to pretend ignorance of the matter, but they also mentioned that Gu Jiusi’s token was given by the Emperor. They fear someone else might come from the Eastern Capital, so we must act quickly."

Wang Shusheng nodded. Wang He glanced at him hesitantly and added, "Today, Gu Jiusi happens to be without his attendants. The other families have secretly agreed to cooperate. As soon as you give the word, we can join forces and strike immediately. This is a heaven-sent opportunity. What do you think…?"

Wang Shusheng remained silent for a long while before taking a deep breath. "Proceed."

With this command, Wang He promptly acknowledged and left.

After he departed, Wang Shusheng pressed down on his slightly trembling hand.

"Don’t be afraid," he whispered to himself.

There’s nothing to fear.The Wang family in Yongzhou had lived this way for generations. Twenty years ago, his father had managed to eliminate Qin Nan and his associates, rising to the position of Provincial Governor, thus shielding the Wang family for two decades. Now, twenty years later, Wang Shusheng believed he could do the same.

Gu Jiusi had been busy on the riverbank all morning. Luo Zishang had returned early for lunch, planning to resume supervision in the afternoon. Left alone on the embankment, Gu Jiusi chatted with the river workers.

Thanks to his presence, the workers' meals hadn't been skimped this time. They held their steamed buns, sipped soup, and chatted casually with Gu Jiusi.

"My wife is really fierce, Lord Gu. Is your wife fierce too?" one worker asked curiously about Gu Jiusi's life.

Gu Jiusi took a bite of his bun and replied, "Fierce? Of course she is! Where would you find a wife who isn't? Back when I disliked studying, she had me locked up to force me to read, and she even withheld my meals."

"A wife who controls your studies?" The worker widened his eyes, then sighed. "Wealthy families are truly different. If I had such conditions and my wife pushed me like that, wouldn't I have topped the imperial exams?"

Gu Jiusi burst into laughter at this. "Exactly! Once when I went to a brothel, she showed up with a gang, knives in hand. One swipe of the blade right past my face—scared me half to death."

His words drew gasps and murmurs from the crowd, everyone remarking how formidable his wife must be. Then a young man chimed in, "Lord Gu must really adore his wife."

"Oh?" Gu Jiusi raised an eyebrow. "Even after all my complaints, you still think I like her?"

An elderly worker nearby chuckled, his eyes knowing. "If you didn't like her, would she indulge you like this?"

Before he could finish, a commotion erupted farther down the riverbank. Gu Jiusi frowned and stood up. "Let's go check it out."

The group followed him. As soon as Gu Jiusi stepped down from the embankment, a furious shout rang out: "Kill Gu Jiusi, the corrupt official who oppresses the people and treats lives like grass!"

"What nonsense are they spouting..." The men with Gu Jiusi scowled.

Hearing the shout, Gu Jiusi knew trouble was afoot. He immediately turned to a young man beside him. "Quick, go to the County Government Office and inform Lord Li Yuchang. Tell him I'll wait for him outside the city—the plan is moving up!"

Though confused, the young man responded promptly, "Yes, sir!" and dashed off.

This young man often interacted with Gu Jiusi, who knew his temperament and skills. He had been a street ruffian in his youth, taking up river work to pay for his ailing mother's treatment. Though not particularly strong, he was agile and exceptionally fast. Watching him sprint away, Gu Jiusi roared, "Run! Everyone, scatter!"

As he shouted, Gu Jiusi bolted madly toward the embankment. Pursuers closed in from all sides, but he was prepared. He raced up the bank, leaped onto his horse, and charged away.

He knew Liu Yu Ru was at the docks, but with a crowd tailing him, he couldn't lead them to her. Instead, he galloped straight out of the city and into the dense woods of the outskirts. A skilled horseman, he left his pursuers behind, their numbers dwindling with each passing moment.He glanced behind him and saw that all the pursuers were dressed as river workers. He immediately understood: Wang Shusheng wouldn’t dare assassinate him outright, because the imperial court would eventually send investigators. If he were to die by assassination, the local gentry of Yongzhou would face serious trouble.

Their plan was to stage a riot under the guise of river repairs—in such chaos, the death of an imperial envoy would seem entirely normal.

Once he grasped Wang Shusheng’s scheme, Gu Jiusi grew even more reluctant to return to the city. His heart heavy with concern for Liu Yuru, he pulled out a small bottle. Watching his pursuers and gauging the wind direction, he waited for a favorable gust, held his breath, and abruptly flung the powder backward.

The powder scattered like a dense cloud, eliciting startled cries from the pursuers. Gu Jiusi plunged deeper into the dense forest. As the voices behind him faded, he dismounted, jabbed the horse’s hindquarters sharply, and sent it galloping forward in panic. Swiftly, he climbed a tree. Before long, he watched the pursuers chase the horse farther into the woods.

Once they had all passed, Gu Jiusi hurried down from the tree. He removed his outer robe and began rushing toward the dock where Liu Yuru was. As he moved, he periodically veered in different directions, tearing strips from his robe and tossing them aside to create false trails. When he ran out of fabric, he scattered his belt and jade pendants randomly along the way.

After laying this deceptive path, he ceased concealing his tracks and sprinted straight toward the dock.

He had to find Liu Yuru.

Immediately. Without delay.

As he raced toward her, Yingyang had already descended into utter chaos. Liu Yuru heard the urgent tolling of bells from the city walls. Her heart seized with panic as she gazed toward Yingyang and asked Yin Hong, “What’s happening?”

Since she didn’t know, Yin Hong—who had been with her the whole time—naturally had no idea either.

Anxiety gnawed at Liu Yuru. After a moment’s thought, she issued orders: “Prepare the boats. All personnel from Willow Reach Commerce are to board immediately. Prioritize valuable cargo; abandon the rest if necessary. Yin Hong, send someone to investigate what’s happening in the city at once.”

Yin Hong acknowledged and hurried off to find someone. But she had taken only a few steps when arrows suddenly rained down from all directions, aimed directly at Liu Yuru. Her expression turned icy. Guards hastily deflected the arrows with their swords, shielding her as one asked urgently, “Are you unharmed, Madam?”

“Move.”

Without hesitation, Liu Yuru strode swiftly toward the warehouse.

Under such a dense volley of arrows, she couldn’t remain on the dock as a living target.

She expected a second wave of arrows to follow shortly, but instead, within the time she had anticipated, she heard successive screams. Liu Yuru looked up to see Munan leading a group charging forward.

Assassins and Munan’s men clashed in a chaotic melee. Assessing the numbers, Liu Yuru’s face paled dramatically.

The attackers had not anticipated Liu Yuru having so many guards; the assassins they sent were far outnumbered. Munan and his men quickly subdued the attackers, after which he rushed to Liu Yuru and began, “Madam…”

“Who told you to come here?!” Liu Yuru cut him off sharply.

Stunned by her tone, Munan faltered before explaining hurriedly, “The young master was worried about you…”

“He’s the one who should be worried!”Liu Yu Ru was both frantic and furious: "He's the imperial commissioner, I'm merely his wife. If they want to kill someone, he'd be the primary target! Has he gone mad, and have you all lost your minds along with him?!"

Munan dared not speak. Liu Yu Ru took a deep breath and then said, "Go to the river embankment immediately. Something must have happened to him."

Munan remained frozen.

They had just survived an assassination attempt. Had he not been there earlier, given the number of assassins, Liu Yu Ru's guards would never have held them off. If he left now and something happened, Gu Jiusi would surely kill him.

Liu Yu Ru knew Munan didn't dare leave her side. If Munan rushed to save Gu Jiusi now, it would be like picking up a watermelon only to drop the sesame seeds. She understood Munan took orders solely from Gu Jiusi. Taking another deep breath, she finally said, "Alright then. Immediately send a small team to the river embankment to search for Jiusi. If you find him, fire a Signal Flare at once and assist him. Then pick two clever men to enter the city and set fires at various Wang family properties to create chaos. Finally, dispatch another group to locate Lord Li and Lord Qin."

"As you command, Madam."

Munan finally acquiesced and quickly sent people out. Liu Yu Ru arranged for others to board the ship, entrusting all their money to her steward. "I'll wait here for Jiusi," she told him. "When the time comes, if he hasn't arrived, you are to depart first."

"Yes."

The steward acknowledged her orders. Liu Yu Ru then waited at the dock with Munan and the others.

Before long, a young man came rushing over from the distance.

"Madam," the youth called out anxiously, "Is Lady Gu here?"

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru immediately stood and hurried out. The youth, panting heavily, sighed in relief upon seeing her. "You're safe! That's wonderful."

"Who are you?"

"I work on the river embankment. You can call me Heizi," the youth quickly replied. "Lord Gu was attacked at the embankment. They've just carried him back to his residence. You must go see him at once."

At these words, Liu Yu Ru's eyes widened in shock. She could no longer remain seated, but as she moved to act, she paused and asked, "Did Lord Gu give you any token?"

"Lord Gu didn't have the strength to give me anything," the youth said urgently. "He only told me to check if you were safe before he passed out. I only managed to grab this jade pendant. Please take a look."

He handed the pendant to Liu Yu Ru. Stained with blood, it was the very piece she had fastened to Gu Jiusi that morning.

Liu Yu Ru's breath caught. She nearly dropped the pendant, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Munan, gather our people. We're leaving."

With that, she strode out immediately, her heart racing as she led the group charging toward Xingyang City. Munan hesitated and asked, "Madam, we don't know this messenger. What if it's a trap?"

"I understand."

Liu Yu Ru's expression remained steady. "But your master's jade pendant is here, stained with blood. He must be in trouble. If this is true and I don't go because I fear a trap, I'll never forgive myself if something has really happened to him. If he's unharmed and they're luring me back to the city instead of killing me, it must mean they haven't captured Jiusi yet. As long as he remains free, we won't be in danger.""Moreover," Liu Yu Ru's heart sank, "all available personnel are currently with me, leaving the County Government Office nearly empty. Judging by the timing, Lord Qin and Lord Li must still be within the city walls. If we leave now, regardless of whether Jiu Si is alive or dead, both Lord Qin and Lord Li would be in danger. If this is truly a trick to lure us back to the city, then let us play along with their scheme—at the very least, we must protect Lord Li and Lord Qin. Jiu Si will surely find a way to manage outside."

"I've prepared for the worst," Liu Yuru tightened her grip on the reins, "I can accept something happening to me, but I cannot bear him suffering any harm because of my hesitation."

Hearing Liu Yuru's words, Munan understood her meaning. He acknowledged and said no more.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi was doing the opposite—rushing toward the docks.

The distance from the docks to the city wasn't far. Within a quarter of an hour, Liu Yuru had already ordered her people into the city.

As soon as she entered, Liu Yuru sensed something was wrong. The streets were filled with running civilians, chaos everywhere. After just a few steps into the city, she found herself trapped in the crowd, unable to move forward or backward.

On the city gate tower, Wang Shusheng stood with a group of officials from Xingyang, looking down at the city engulfed in turmoil.

"Young Master," Wang He approached with a report, bowing respectfully to Wang Shusheng, "As you instructed, we used Gu Jiusi's jade pendant to lure Liu Yuru inside. But Gu Jiusi has escaped."

Wang Shusheng remained silent, frowning as he gazed into the distance at Liu Yuru. "Why is she accompanied by so many people?"

"It seems Gu Jiusi left all his guards with her."

"And you still failed to capture Gu Jiusi?!"

Wang Shusheng grew angry. Seeing his rage, Wang He quickly stepped forward to remind him, "Young Master, Li Yuchang is still here."

Hearing this, Wang Shusheng calmed down slightly. After a moment of silence, he turned to the elderly man beside him and consulted, "Uncle Zhao, shall we close the city gates?"

The old man nodded. "It's time. If we don't close them now, both Li Yuchang and Luo Zishang will escape."

After this exchange, Wang He descended and stood before the gate tower, shouting loudly: "Close the city gates—"

At that moment, Liu Yuru was struggling through the crowd, pushing against the flow of people, fighting to move forward.

A guard she had sent earlier to check on Li Yuchang's situation spotted her and hurriedly squeezed through to report, "Madam, Lord Li and the others are trapped in the County Government Office."

"What's happening here?" Liu Yuru asked anxiously. "Why are there so many..."

Before she could finish, she heard someone raise a cry: "Kill the corrupt officials, demand justice! Traitor Gu Jiusi, come out and face your death!"

Following that shout, many voices rose like waves, loud and seemingly coming from afar—"Kill the corrupt officials, demand justice! Traitor Gu Jiusi, come out and face your death!"

Then she heard a deep male voice shout from behind: "Close the city gates—"

In that flash of realization, Liu Yuru immediately understood what was happening.

"Madam!" Munan cried out urgently, "They're closing the city gates! Should we charge out?!"

Chaos reigned around them. Liu Yuru remained silent. Surrounded by turmoil, with the sounds of civilians and soldiers arguing, pleading, and the cries for killing corrupt officials blending together, the once bustling city of Xingyang had, in just one morning, turned into what felt like a living hell.

"Madam!" Munan urged again. Liu Yuru closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then declared, "To the County Government Office."

Having spoken, she opened her eyes and glanced back at the city gates.

The gates were slowly closing before her eyes, inch by inch, like hope fading away.

The last thing she saw outside the city was the vast wilderness, bathed in sunlight, displaying the unique pale yellow hues of autumn.

Jiusi.

She silently repeated the name in her heart.The name seemed to instill immense conviction in her. Without looking back, she led her people and hurried toward the County Government Office.

At that moment, Gu Jiusi dashed to the dock, which lay deserted and devoid of its usual bustle. Gasping for breath, he shouted hoarsely, "Yu Ru! Liu Yu Ru!"

After a moment, someone standing by a merchant ship moored nearby responded, "The proprietor has entered the city. If you're looking for her, go into the city to find her."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi grew both anxious and furious, exclaiming loudly, "What is she doing in the city?!"

"I heard you were alone," the man forced a smile. "Wasn't she worried about you and went to rescue you?"

"She's being reckless!"

Gu Jiusi roared in anger. No sooner had he spoken than he heard the distant tolling of the bell from Xingyang City.

The bell rang three long times—a signal that the city gates were closing.

Gu Jiusi stood by the river, staring blankly at the distant Xingyang City.

An autumn wind swept through, carrying with it the desolate rustle of withered grass, startling birds in the forest into frantic flight.

It was the perfect season for killing—

Author's Note: Gu Jiusi: The weather has turned cold, let Wang fall.