Destined

Gu Jiusi led Xu Luo to Sizhou, concealing his identity as they headed to the shop Liu Yuru had opened in the city.

Xu Luo presented the Willow Reach Commerce token and summoned the manager.

Earlier, Gu Jiusi had given his envoy two tokens: one to mobilize Sizhou’s military forces, and the other—Liu Yuru’s—to activate all of her commercial resources in Sizhou during emergencies. Gu Jiusi had instructed the envoy to first report to Liu Yuru’s shop upon entering the city, ensuring at least one local contact. This precautionary measure, initially just for safety, had now proven unexpectedly useful.

"Someone did arrive earlier with Madam Liu’s token at Floral Visage," the Sizhou manager reported respectfully. "They requested guest rooms, saying they’d stay overnight. But the gentleman came during the day, visited the Magistrate Office, and never returned. We assumed he changed his plans and went back to Yongzhou..."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi understood immediately.

The envoy had reached Sizhou and visited the authorities but then vanished. With Sizhou’s troops never dispatched, it was clear the man was likely already dead.

Knowing he couldn’t remain in Sizhou, Gu Jiusi took a deep breath, stood up, and said, "Continue your operations normally. Act as if you never saw me—don’t speak of or inquire into any of this. If a man named Jiang He comes, tell him to launch a signal flare in the dense forest outside Yongzhou’s suburbs."

The manager repeatedly acknowledged the instructions. Gu Jiusi exited and led Xu Luo back into the woods.

Following behind, Xu Luo asked worriedly, "Sir, what do we do now?"

"Tomorrow, accompany me to buy paper, brushes, kites, and sky lanterns."

"What for?" Xu Luo looked bewildered.

Calmly, Gu Jiusi replied, "If we’re truly cornered, we’ll have to fight them with everything we have."

Xu Luo still didn’t comprehend. Gu Jiusi scoffed, "Do you think the Wang family alone could orchestrate such a massive operation? So many people involved in this plunder—you think they aren’t afraid?"

"These rabble," Gu Jiusi said coldly, "can’t even keep their own factions in order. Besides, after controlling Yingyang for so long, plenty are eager to replace them."

Xu Luo felt he vaguely understood yet remained confused. After a moment, he asked, "But what does this have to do with kites?"

"You’ll know when the time comes," Gu Jiusi answered directly.

Xu Luo nodded, sensing Gu Jiusi’s profound cunning was beyond his grasp.

Gu Jiusi and Xu Luo rested with their men in the forest that night. Wang Shusheng, never imagining Gu Jiusi would escape through and return to the woods, assumed a lone fugitive would seek shelter elsewhere—perhaps fleeing directly to the Eastern Capital or Sizhou. Thus, he ordered searches through every inn and village in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, after a peaceful night’s sleep at the Magistrate Office, Liu Yuru began inventorying supplies the next morning.

With over three hundred people now inside the compound, food was the primary concern. Fortunately, the grain originally allocated for river workers exceeded warehouse capacity, so two rooms in the office had been repurposed for storage—resolving the food issue.

The inner courtyard had a well, and Liu Yuru directed others to dismantle several side rooms, splitting the wood into firewood piled in the yard. Thus, water and fuel problems were also settled.While Liu Yu Ru handled the logistics, Luo Zishang and Li Yuchang went to take inventory of the weapons stored in the Magistrate Office. The two spent the entire day discussing and setting up defensive mechanisms layer by layer, centered around the inner courtyard.

No one could sleep that night.

Gu Jiusi was outside evading Wang Shusheng's pursuit, while Wang Shusheng was searching everywhere for Gu Jiusi. Jiang He led Ye Shi'an, traveling day and night as they rushed toward Sizhou. Meanwhile, Liu Yu Ru stood alone under the maple tree in the courtyard, gazing at the moon.

Having worked hard all day, Yin Hong was struggling to stay awake. She waited for Liu Yu Ru on the long corridor and finally said, "Madam, please go back and rest. You've been busy all day—aren't you tired?"

"You go ahead and sleep," Liu Yu Ru replied calmly. "I'll stay a little longer."

Yin Hong could no longer hold on. She acknowledged and went to bed. Liu Yu Ru remained in the courtyard. After a while, she heard someone suddenly say, "Can't sleep?"

Liu Yu Ru turned around and saw Luo Zishang standing on the long corridor, tilting his head as he looked at her.

Liu Yu Ru smiled faintly. "Lord Luo."

Luo Zishang nodded, lifted the hem of his robe, and sat down on the corridor. "Afraid you might not live to see tomorrow?"

"Lord Luo," Liu Yu Ru sighed softly, "some things are better left unsaid, even if we both know them."

Then, lowering her voice, she added, "It’s frightening when someone sees through your heart at every moment."

"You’re right, Manager Liu," Luo Zishang nodded. "But it’s a pity—I find it quite amusing to see you afraid."

His words left Liu Yu Ru speechless, and she didn’t respond. Luo Zishang followed her gaze upward and asked curiously, "What are you looking at?"

"Whenever Jiusi was troubled, he would stand here and look up. I’m just imitating him."

"What troubles you, Manager Liu?" Luo Zishang propped his chin on his hand, smiling as he watched her. Liu Yu Ru shifted her gaze to his face. "Aren’t you afraid, Lord Luo?"

Luo Zishang didn’t answer but raised his hand, signaling for her to continue. Liu Yu Ru walked over to the pillar beside the corridor where Luo Zishang sat and settled down on the other side, separated by the pillar. She spoke slowly, "The reason they haven’t attacked us yet is partly because I intimidated them earlier. I claimed I had left people and testimonies outside. If they didn’t let me in, I would set off a signal flare. Then, both Jiusi’s and my testimonies would appear in the Eastern Capital. If we died, they would be finished."

"They’re still afraid and are trying to disguise themselves as rioters, leaving themselves some room. Even if His Majesty leads troops in today, it would all be blamed on the rioters—nothing to do with them. And since we haven’t suffered any casualties, there would be no reason to investigate further. That’s the escape route they’ve left for themselves."

"But what if they abandon that escape route?"

Liu Yu Ru turned to look at Luo Zishang, her brow furrowed tightly. "That day, I claimed I had left testimonies outside to intimidate their underlings. But given these past few days, they’ve probably realized the truth. I’ve put myself in Wang Shusheng’s shoes. The Wang family is the most deeply involved in this case. Based on the list provided by Wang Siyuan and the evidence from Qin Nan and Fu Baoyuan, almost no one in the Wang family will escape punishment. Even if they don’t riot, once Jiusi returns with troops from Sizhou, given what they’ve done, they’re finished. Add to that Wang Siyuan’s tragic death—how could Wang Shusheng swallow such an insult?"

"If I were Wang Shusheng...""If I were Wang Shusheng," Luo Zishang took over the conversation, smiling as he said, "the best path would be to use the riot to eliminate Li Yuchang and Gu Jiusi in one fell swoop. With these two dead, the others are nothing to fear. Luo Zishang has his own plans—if we can negotiate, we'll join forces; if not, we'll kill them later. When the court arrives, we'll pin everything on the rioters, and the matter will be over."

"Now that Gu Jiusi has escaped," Luo Zishang propped his chin on his hand, smiling brightly as he gazed ahead, "either we capture Gu Jiusi and proceed with the original plan, or we wait for him to return with the army. Even if the riot is traced back to them, they'll already be dead—a mutual destruction, and with the four great families united, there might still be room to maneuver. Or we wait for Gu Jiusi to return with the army and enforce the law, in which case they won't survive either. So, what reason do they have not to tear off the mask?"

"Mutual destruction still leaves room for struggle, but being a fish on the chopping block is far less pleasant."

As Luo Zishang spoke, Liu Yu Ru's heart sank.

Liu Yu Ru listened quietly for a moment before letting out a soft laugh. "Lord Luo speaks so lightly only because you have Yangzhou behind you. At critical moments, you still have the capital to negotiate."

"Regardless," Liu Yu Ru sighed, "you still have a way out."

Luo Zishang didn't respond, quietly watching Liu Yu Ru. She lowered her head as he asked, "Then, are you afraid?"

Liu Yu Ru turned to look at him, forcing a difficult smile. "How could I not be afraid?"

"What if I said I'd save you?"

Luo Zishang pressed further. Liu Yu Ru was taken aback. He turned away and slowly said, "Madam Liu, with your talents, staying by Gu Jiusi's side is ultimately a waste. If you follow me," he propped his chin on his hand, smiling, "Yangzhou will offer you a world of your own."

Liu Yu Ru furrowed her brows slowly as she listened. Luo Zishang continued, "You can go to Yangzhou. It's prosperous and commercially advanced. I can entrust you with full control over Yangzhou's finances. In the future, you won't have to be Gu Liu Shi—you can simply be Madam Liu."

"Lord Luo," Liu Yu Ru laughed, "from your tone, you don't sound like a mere official."

"As if any of you believed I intended to remain one."

Luo Zishang chuckled, a hint of mockery in his eyes.

Liu Yu Ru fell silent. Luo Zishang stood up. "Think it over carefully. If you're willing, in an emergency, I'll take you away under the guise of being my wife."

"Lord Luo, you jest."

Liu Yu Ru's voice turned cold. Luo Zishang glanced back at her and said, "Whether I'm jesting or not, doesn't Madam Liu know in her heart?"

Liu Yu Ru didn't respond. Luo Zishang stood with his back to her for a moment before suddenly saying, "I am grateful to you."

Liu Yu Ru looked up in surprise. The breeze rustled gently as Luo Zishang stood with his back to her, his moon-white robe embroidered with gold thread fluttering. His voice was soft. "When I was young, I went to Yinshan Temple every month. I heard there was a wealthy young lady who would bring osmanthus cakes there each time. My father would always get a portion for me—it was the most delicious thing I've ever tasted."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru was utterly stunned.

She suddenly recalled the time she went to borrow money for the Yellow River and the painting hanging in Luo Zishang's main hall.

"Was Madam Liu interested in that painting earlier?""When I was young, my mother would take me to Yinshan Temple every month to pray for blessings. I'm quite familiar with this place."

"Back then, I wanted to study but had no money," Luo Zishang gazed ahead, his voice calm. "So I stole a book and was chased all the way to the entrance of Yinshan Temple, nearly beaten to death. It happened that a young lady was delivering supplies nearby. Hearing the commotion, she asked 'What's happening?' and I heard her voice."

As he spoke, Luo Zishang turned to look at Liu Yuru with a light laugh: "I was lying face down in a mud puddle not far away, looking up desperately trying to see what this young lady looked like. But I couldn't see anything—only a clean, beautiful carriage. Then a servant stepped down from the carriage, paid for my book, and gave me a tael of silver to buy books and treat my injuries."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru vaguely began to recall.

That was before Zhang Yue'er had entered their household, when she and her mother were still living comfortably, visiting Yinshan Temple monthly to pray.

She faintly remembered such an incident. And it was after this event, when she returned home, that Zhang Yue'er entered their household, and they never went back to the temple again.

Liu Yuru stared blankly at Luo Zishang, who looked back at her with earnest expression: "It's not easy for me to harbor kindness in this lifetime, Liu Yuru."

"Then you," Liu Yuru regained some composure from her shock, asking curiously, "you knew it was me later?"

"No."

Luo Zishang shook his head: "In Yangzhou, I didn't deliberately inquire. As a beggar, I feared developing unrealistic hopes if I sought information. Later, when I studied under Master Zhang, I didn't want to know anymore. But fate kept bringing us together. When you came to ask me for money, that's when I knew."

Liu Yuru remained silent, seemingly lost in thought. Luo Zishang grew somewhat displeased, knowing her thoughts, and said stiffly: "The money I gave you for the Yellow River has nothing to do with this matter. I'm telling you this because I want you to understand clearly."

"I'm not deceiving you. If you're willing to go to Yangzhou, I can certainly give you much more than what you're receiving now."

Luo Zishang spoke earnestly. But Liu Yuru laughed upon hearing this: "Yet your words make me feel even more that you're deceiving me."

Luo Zishang was taken aback. Liu Yuru stood up and said gently: "Lord Luo, some paths, once taken, cannot be retraced. What you've told me might contain some sincerity, but more importantly, you value my business and financial abilities. Back during the grain collection in Yangzhou, it must have caused damage to the region. I know this was unjust, but we were in the midst of warring times, and my allegiance was to Youzhou—I had no choice. Yet you realized from this incident that wealth, when properly utilized, is no different from weapons. What you want today isn't to ease your conscience, but to have Yuru go to Yangzhou and become one of your commanders."

"You say I'm deceiving you," Luo Zishang said lightly, "then consider it deception. But if real trouble comes, I can protect you."

Liu Yuru stood quietly. Luo Zishang looked up at her: "So, what is your answer?"

"I don't want to owe you anything. So I hope," she looked at him calmly, "if you wish to preserve your conscience, don't preserve it for me."

Hearing this, Luo Zishang was stunned. Liu Yuru said coolly: "It's not good for you."

After speaking, Liu Yuru bowed and turned to leave.

Luo Zishang watched Liu Yuru walk away without saying a word. He turned his head and quietly gazed at the red maples under the moonlight in the distance.After a long while, he let out a light laugh, tinged with mockery.

After Liu Yu Ru returned to her room to rest, the following day passed with everyone at the County Government Office on edge, yet the Wang family remained quiet. Surrounded by outsiders, they could neither leave nor gather any information.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi, after buying paper and brushes in Sizhou, was spotted by Wang Shusheng’s men. Fortunately, he was quick-witted and spent the entire day evading the Wang family in Sizhou’s county town before finally shaking them off.

With this delay, two full days had passed, and the major families in Xingyang City could no longer sit still.

That night, as Gu Jiusi was pursued to the remote outskirts of Sizhou and finally found a cave to rest in under the light of the morning star, the Wang residence was brightly lit.

Nearly all the heads of Xingyang’s prominent families were gathered there. Most were elderly, their hair streaked with gray, yet Wang Shusheng, barely in his twenties, sat in the highest seat.

The older elders sipped tea calmly, while the young man in the high seat sat rigidly. Everyone could see that Wang Shusheng was deeply uneasy in his position.

"Earlier, we planned to use the riots to eliminate Gu Jiusi and his companions. Now that Gu Jiusi has escaped, isn’t it unwise to continue this course?" Zhao Master, seated on the upper left, set down his teacup and spoke slowly. "If we stop now, clean up those 'rioters,' and let the matter rest…"

"And then what?" Wang Shusheng cut in coldly. "Wait for Gu Jiusi to return with evidence and wipe us all out?!"

"How much evidence he actually has is hard to say," Chen Master remarked, stroking his large belly with a furrowed brow. "Perhaps your father didn’t confess anything?"

Wang Shusheng remained silent. He knew his father well enough—he wasn’t one to hold out under pressure. In Shen Ming’s hands, he had likely confessed everything long ago, except perhaps implicating the Wang family. But the city’s connections were intricate; once others were investigated, it would only be a matter of time before they led back to the Wangs.

He couldn’t voice this certainty openly, though. Instead, he reddened his eyes and adopted a wounded tone. "Uncle Chen, my father would never betray everyone, but we must prepare for the worst. And if they dig hard enough, won’t the truth eventually come out?"

His words silenced the room. Reminded of Wang Siyuan’s nature, everyone grew uneasy.

The Wang family might not confess, but Wang Siyuan would surely reveal everything he could about the others.

"Nephew makes a fair point," Zhao Master weighed his words carefully. "But even if he confessed, offering up some scapegoats would be a lighter crime than letting the riot plot be confirmed. Should we consider other options?"

"Other options?" Wang Shusheng laughed derisively. "If there were any other way, would we have come this far?"

"Let me be clear," Wang Shusheng set his cup down sharply, his voice icy. "You are all leaders of your families. If Gu Jiusi has indeed obtained evidence, none of you will escape. We have no retreat left—our only choice is to capture Gu Jiusi and clean up this mess thoroughly!"

"But then, I fear His Majesty will not let it go easily."Master Li finally spoke up. Wang Shusheng lifted his gaze, his voice cold as he said, "Then let him investigate! If he finds anything, it's our fate. If he doesn't," Wang Shusheng laughed, "then we win."

No one spoke. Seeing everyone deep in thought, Wang Shusheng reminded them, "You've done this once over twenty years ago. What are you afraid of now?"

"This time is different," Master Chen waved his hand dismissively. He sighed and stood up, saying, "Nephew, I'm already halfway into the coffin. I don't want to sacrifice my entire family just to save my own life. The Chen family cannot participate in this matter."

As Master Chen walked out, Wang Shusheng roared angrily, "Do you think you can escape?! If anything happens to us today, your Chen family won't remain unscathed! I'm telling you all," Wang Shusheng stood up, "we're all grasshoppers tied together now, our fates bound as one. Since you're all so hesitant, there's no need for further discussion. At dawn tomorrow, we'll directly take over the County Government Office and drag them all up to the city tower. As long as Gu Jiusi is still around, I don't believe he won't come back."

"Have you gone mad?!"

Master Chen exclaimed in shock: "If Gu Jiusi goes to the Eastern Capital for reinforcements, this would be admitting your guilt! He could bring troops to break through the city gates, and none of us would escape!"

"He's right outside the city. My men have found traces of him several times, but he always escapes. Besides, even if he truly abandons his wife, at least we'll have company in death."

"You're insane..."

Master Chen walked toward the exit, muttering, "I won't stay with a madman."

"Stop him!"

Wang Shusheng shouted loudly. Immediately, many hurried footsteps could be heard from outside. Everyone in the room changed their expressions. Wang Shusheng stood elevated, hands tucked in his sleeves: "Don't be afraid, everyone. At dawn, I'll have people attack the County Government Office and capture Liu Yu Ru to hang her from the city tower. When Gu Jiusi comes, I'll make sure he dies a thousand cuts, never resting in peace. Once he's dead," Wang Shusheng laughed, "everything will be settled."

Everyone looked at Wang Shusheng with fear in their eyes. Wang Shusheng extended his hand: "Please hand over your family tokens."

"Shusheng," Master Zhao, who had always been close with the Wang family, finally couldn't hold back and spoke up, "This isn't what you originally told us. If you're planning mutual destruction, why didn't you just capture and hang Liu Yu Ru from the start?"

"Uncle Zhao," Wang Shusheng feigned composure, "Times have changed. I did consider a win-win solution. But since we've reached this point, there's no turning back for me. I must avenge my father."

"What revenge!" Master Chen roared angrily, "It's clearly because you've done too many things for the Wang family! Once Gu Jiusi investigates, you'll be the first to die!"

"Please escort Master Chen to rest!"

Wang Shusheng raised his hand and commanded directly: "Someone! Mobilize sufficient troops from the south city immediately! Storm the County Government Office and bring Liu Yu Ru to me!"

Liu Yu Ru was awakened in the morning.

She heard killing sounds outside. Her eyes snapped open, she grabbed an outer garment and rushed out. As soon as she emerged, she saw arrows flying everywhere. Before she could react, Luo Zishang pushed her back inside, shouting angrily, "What are you doing out here?!"

"Outside...""The Wang family is planning to storm the County Government Office."

Liu Yu Ru was taken aback, then said anxiously, "How did they suddenly..."

"They must have a death wish."

A ruthless glint flashed in Luo Zishang's eyes: "That madman Wang Shusheng wants others to join him in death."

After saying this, he shoved Liu Yu Ru inside and abruptly closed in on her.

His expression was cold and fierce as he lowered his voice: "Think carefully about what I said. I'll protect you for one day. After that, whether you live or die will depend entirely on yourself."

Having said this, he pushed her further inside and slammed the door shut, shouting loudly: "All elderly, weak, and women take cover and don't come out! Everyone else who can still stand, grab your swords and head to the outer courtyard!"

Liu Yu Ru stood in the room, momentarily stunned. Yin Hong rushed forward to support her, nearly in tears as she said: "Madam, what should we do? What should we do?"

Liu Yu Ru remained silent for a moment before composing herself and speaking calmly: "Bring me the dagger that Jiu Si gave me. Find yourself a weapon too. If it truly comes to the worst," her eyes glinted coldly, "killing one isn't a loss, killing two is a profit. We can't just go to our deaths for nothing."