Destined

This sudden and massive assault threw all the wealthy gentry involved in the city into a panic. Even Wang Shusheng felt a twinge of unease, though he maintained a calm facade. He turned to Wang He and said, "Go see if Gu Jiusi has brought reinforcements."

Wang He, who had been eager to go, quickly assented and left.

Trapped in his position, Boss Chen angrily shouted, "What's there to see? It must be Gu Jiusi leading his men back to fight!"

"And what if he has?" Wang Shusheng roared. "Can we stop now?"

His words silenced everyone. Seeing the fear and anxiety in the room, Wang Shusheng felt both frustrated and concerned about the situation outside. After leaving some men to guard them, he strode out.

He galloped straight to the city tower. By the time he ascended, Wang He had returned and reported respectfully, "We haven't spotted Gu Jiusi's troops yet, only heard shouting outside the city. Young master, what should we do now?"

"What should we do? You're asking me?" Wang Shusheng snapped. "Go out and capture them!"

"What about the County Government Office...?"

"Keep attacking!" Wang Shusheng ordered immediately. "I want to see Liu Yu Ru before dawn."

"But I'm afraid we don't have enough manpower," Wang He hesitated. "The city only has three thousand soldiers in total. After today's fierce battle, we can only deploy about two thousand. Judging by the noise outside, there must be nearly a thousand men. Without double their numbers, engaging them might be risky."

Wang Shusheng fell silent. After a moment, he finally said, "Go out and confront the enemy. If we can't hold them off, when you return, set the County Government Office on fire if Liu Yu Ru doesn't come out."

"Set it on fire?" Wang He exclaimed in shock. "Everyone inside would likely die. How would we restrain Gu Jiusi then?"

"If we lose, we lose," Wang Shusheng said coldly. "What's the point of restraint? One more companion on the journey to the afterlife."

Hearing this, Wang He's heart sank. He understood Wang Shusheng's intent and, though terrified, could only obey.

Wang He ordered the soldiers to march out and instructed servants to fetch oil and dry firewood.

With these actions, the County Government Office suddenly fell quiet. Liu Yu Ru, hearing the silence outside, remained tense, her brow furrowed. Yin Hong, upon realizing the troops had withdrawn, collapsed to the ground and patted her chest in relief. "We're safe at last."

Turning to Liu Yu Ru, who was still anxiously twisting a handkerchief, she said, "Madam, your husband has come to rescue us. Why do you still look so worried? Listen—they've left."

"They've left," Liu Yu Ru murmured, unable to feel joy. She lowered her head and said quietly, "They've gone to find your master."

"Master is so capable," Yin Hong said dismissively. "Nothing will happen to him."

Liu Yu Ru gave a bitter smile and said no more.

As she tended to the wounded, she silently prayed for Gu Jiusi.

Meanwhile, outside Yingyang City, the Wang family members led the local troops toward the source of the shouting. Gu Jiusi stood on high ground, overlooking the city's movements.

He wore a red outer robe embroidered with gold thread over a pure white inner garment, his hair half-tied with a golden crown. A long sword hung at his waist as he stood atop the hill, the wind billowing around him, making him strikingly conspicuous.

The men in the forest couldn't see far and didn't know what was happening. They simply followed Gu Jiusi's orders, continuing to shout."The Wang family's treason warrants execution of nine generations of kin, with accomplices sharing the same fate. We urge you to reconsider."

"Three million taels of silver in the Wang family's coffers are built upon the bones of common people. If these traitors do not perish today, Yongzhou may never again see clear skies."

...

The voices drifted into Xingyang City, repeating tirelessly, over and over.

Gu Jiusi calculated the distance of the soldiers. Once they reached his predetermined mark, he immediately said to Xu Luo, "Retreat!"

With that, Gu Jiusi, Xu Luo, and others swiftly organized and escorted the civilians to flee rapidly.

The civilians scattered chaotically into the woods. When the soldiers entered the forest, they first encountered a series of traps, causing chaos and overturning men and horses. After a brief period of disarray, the military formation broke. Gu Jiusi, gripping his sword, and Xu Luo guarded the rear of the fleeing civilians, ensuring their escape. The common people barely even caught a glimpse of the soldiers' faces before they all managed to run out.

These civilians were local villagers. Once they escaped, they took shortcuts and crossed over to another mountain.

Gu Jiusi, Xu Luo, and the others hid in the trees, observing the soldiers searching for them, and incidentally killed a few who were isolated. Before long, the soldiers noticed that some of their men were missing, and then shouts arose from another mountain.

The leader immediately realized something was wrong and shouted, "Retreat! Fall back!"

With that, the leader quickly led the soldiers out of the dense forest.

After retreating, the soldiers did not dare to delay and promptly returned to the city to report.

Wang Shusheng, watching the troops return from the city tower, initially thought they had captured Gu Jiusi. But upon hearing the report, he flew into a rage: "What do you mean you didn’t see anyone? With so many of you going in, are you blind?!"

"The forest is extremely complicated, and Gu Jiusi refuses to engage us directly. I—"

"Silence!"

Wang Shusheng snapped. Wang He fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly, "Young master, since Gu Jiusi has already confirmed he will confront us at dawn, why don’t we just wait for him to come? The urgent matter now is to capture Liu Yu Ru and the others alive and arrange an escape route."

Wang Shusheng said nothing. After a pause, he took a deep breath and said, "You’re right."

He then stepped forward and whispered, "Send the family members away. Have them go straight ahead without looking back, all the way to Yizhou."

Wang He bowed respectfully and left with his men.

Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Wang residence, the elders and heads of various families were anxiously drinking tea. A servant came to serve tea to Zhao Master, who picked up the teacup and noticed the characters on the saucer. His face instantly turned pale.

Noticing his change in expression, Chen Master, who had been observing everyone, couldn’t help but ask, "What kind of tea has Zhao Master been served?"

"The same as everyone else," Zhao Master steadied himself and continued, "but the Wang family’s tea is likely not the same as ours."

Hearing this, everyone exchanged glances, realizing that Zhao Master had uncovered something.

Outside, the shouts continued to repeat. Chen Master remarked slowly, "It seems Gu Jiusi holds a deep grudge against the Wang family. It’s all about the Wangs, over and over."

"Speaking of which, this matter stems from Shusheng’s youthful impulsiveness and inability to swallow his pride," Zhao Master wiped the characters off the saucer and calmly set it aside, saying slowly, "Our families have many members. Some children have achieved success, but many are just ordinary people. In the end, staying alive is what matters most. Don’t you agree?"

Clever people speak in circles. With just a few words, everyone understood the underlying meaning.This matter primarily concerned the Wang family. It had reached this point because Wang Shusheng could not swallow the anger over his father’s murder, and Gu Jiusi was also fixated on delivering a fatal blow to the Wang family. Their families had some members in official positions, and it was originally to protect these members that they had followed Wang Shusheng in assassinating the imperial envoy. However, aside from these officials, their clans also included many ordinary people who were not involved. If they were to truly follow the Wang family down this dark path to the end, and the Wang family managed to flee, they would be left facing the grave crime of family extermination. It would be better to sacrifice a few, at least preserving some hope for the future, so that the younger generation of the clan might one day rise again.

At this point, no one spoke further.

Now, anyone who spoke up would be firmly resolved to abandon this ship. Yet, none of them trusted each other, fearing that if someone took the lead, another would immediately report to Wang Shusheng. Their lives were now entirely in the hands of the Wang family, and no one could afford to be careless.

Everyone was suspicious and anxious. Meanwhile, Wang Shusheng had completely given up on capturing Gu Jiusi outside and instead personally led his men to the County Government Office.

The Wang family had prepared oil and firewood, bringing two thousand soldiers to surround the County Government Office.

Outside the County Government Office, most of Liu Yuru’s people were injured. They held their blades, forming a protective circle around the perimeter.

"Liu Yuru!"

Wang Shusheng stood outside the gate and shouted, "Come out here!"

His shout was heard both inside and outside the courtyard. Liu Yuru, in the inner courtyard, only heard the commotion outside. Moments later, Munan entered and respectfully said, "Madam, Wang Shusheng is calling for you outside."

Liu Yuru hesitated for a moment but eventually stood up. She led her people to the outer courtyard, where she could hear the noise outside the gate.

Wang Shusheng waited outside for a while before Munan announced, "My lady has arrived. Speak your piece."

"Liu Yuru, your husband Gu Jiusi is currently outside the city gates, waiting to see you," Wang Shusheng shouted. "Let’s not continue fighting like this. If you come out yourself, I will spare everyone inside."

"Lord Wang, you jest," Liu Yuru said calmly. "If it were so easy for you to take our lives, why would you need me to come out? You could simply take them yourself. The truth is, you can do nothing against my husband outside the city, nor can you do anything to us here. You merely want to lure a mere woman like me out to use as a shield for Yingyang City."

"Madam Gu seems quite confident in herself," Wang Shusheng laughed. "Capturing you may be difficult, but killing you is easy. Liu Yuru, let me tell you, I have brought all the oil in the city and enough firewood and straw. If you don’t come out, don’t blame me for taking action."

"Lord Wang," Luo Zishang, who had been standing beside Liu Yuru, finally spoke up. He sneered, "If you burn us to death here, you will lose your leverage over Gu Jiusi. Moreover, if I die here, you should carefully consider the consequences.""Lord Luo," Wang Shusheng immediately responded, "I have no desire to make an enemy of you, nor do you wish to oppose me. I merely seek a way out. If you are willing, open the gates and hand over Lady Gu. As long as Lady Gu emerges, I swear I will not lay a finger on the County Government Office."

Luo Zishang fell silent. Wang Shusheng continued, "Lord Luo, I have reached a dead end. Even a cornered rabbit will bite, let alone someone like me, Wang Shusheng?"

No one spoke. Seeing that no one around her voiced an opinion, Yin Hong's eyes reddened with urgency. "No! The lady cannot go out! They clearly intend to use her to threaten the young master. If that happens... if that happens..."

If Gu Jiusi refused to walk into the trap and sacrifice himself, Liu Yu Ru would not survive.

If Gu Jiusi entered the trap and faced life or death... Liu Yu Ru would likely not survive either.

It was a hopeless situation either way.

Yin Hong anxiously pleaded with everyone, yet no one spoke. All eyes were fixed on Liu Yu Ru. After a moment, Liu Yu Ru finally spoke: "Then I must trouble Lord Wang to wait a while. After I freshen up, I will leave the residence."

"Half an hour," Wang Shusheng said promptly. "If I don't see anyone in half an hour, I will burn down the Magistrate Office."

"Agreed."

With that acknowledgment, Liu Yu Ru turned and said to Yin Hong, "Fetch water. I shall bathe."

Yin Hong stood motionless. Liu Yu Ru walked toward the room, her voice calm but firm. "Fetch water."

Yin Hong recognized the warning in Liu Yu Ru's tone. With red-rimmed eyes, she stamped her foot in frustration before leading others to draw water.

Liu Yu Ru retrieved new clothes and the jewelry Gu Jiusi had bought for her. She let down her hair, then proceeded as if preparing for a grand banquet: she bathed, changed into fresh attire, styled her hair, applied delicate makeup, and adorned both sides with white jade pearl-drop hairpins. Rising to her feet, she donned a purple gown embroidered with white blossoms, stretched out her arms, and allowed a warmed incense ball to smooth the fabric over her entire outfit.

When all was done, Munan's voice came from outside: "Madam, it has been nearly half an hour."

Liu Yu Ru acknowledged him calmly. "Open the gates."

As the gates swung open, Liu Yu Ru saw everyone lined up in two rows outside. She lifted her gaze, her expression serene and composed. Li Yuchang looked at her with pity, speaking slowly, "Lady Gu, you..."

Before he could finish, Liu Yu Ru smiled. "Lord Li, there is no need for concern."

She spoke tranquilly, "Everyone will be safe."

Li Yuchang did not know whether her words were meant as comfort or if she failed to grasp the gravity of her departure. Yet, he could say no more at this moment.

He sighed silently.

Liu Yu Ru stepped through the gates. All eyes followed her as she walked forward without looking back, her demeanor steady and dignified.

Someone among the guards began—perhaps spontaneously—and suddenly knelt, voice choked with emotion: "We bid you farewell, Madam."

Then, like a wave, the two rows of guards knelt one after another as Liu Yu Ru walked forward at her unhurried pace. Voices echoed in succession: "We bid you farewell, Madam. We bid you farewell, Madam."

Liu Yu Ru did not pause, did not speak, nor did she look back.

This was her due.

Everyone knew that, as the lady of the house, she should have remained in the inner quarters, protected as the last line of defense. Even if they all fell in battle at the front, this woman should have been the last to depart.Yet she chose to exchange her life for theirs, shielding them with her frail feminine form.

Liu Yuru walked to the door, gazing at the blood-stained County Government Office gate before finally halting. After a moment, she turned around, clasped her hands before her, and gave a slight bow.

"My gratitude to you all."

Hearing these words, Luo Zishang's eyelashes trembled.

Just before Liu Yuru turned away, he suddenly called out: "Liu Yuru!"

She paused in her steps as he finally said: "I'll take you back to Yangzhou."

But his words were met only with Liu Yuru's steady two-word response: "Open the gate."

The gate creaked open slowly, revealing the crowd standing outside.

They stood densely packed, with Wang Shusheng at the forefront, leading them like vengeful spirits emerging from the underworld. Separated by the gate, they faced each other across the boundary between life and death.

Behind the gate was life; beyond it, death.

Liu Yuru offered Wang Shusheng a slight curtsey, speaking in gentle tones: "Young Master Wang."

"Madam Gu."

Wang Shusheng returned the courtesy with a smile before saying: "Shall we?"

Liu Yuru nodded and stepped across the threshold without hesitation.

When she descended the steps and looked back, she saw the Magistrate Office gate still open, everyone watching her as if she could return whenever she wished. Liu Yuru smiled faintly but said: "Close the gate."

"Madam!"

Yin Hong finally couldn't contain herself, bursting into loud sobs as she tried to rush toward Liu Yuru, only to be grabbed by Munan. He held her back, his body trembling, saying nothing.

Liu Yuru waved her hand and repeated: "Close the gate."

As the gate slowly shut, Liu Yuru also turned away, looking toward the city tower as she asked Wang Shusheng: "Are we going up to the city tower?"

"Madam Gu doesn't seem afraid at all?"

Wang Shusheng seemed surprised by Liu Yuru's demeanor and couldn't help asking. Following his guidance into the carriage, Liu Yuru said calmly: "What should I fear?"

"Do you know what will happen?"

"Nothing more than using me to threaten Gu Jiusi, making him comply step by step until he's captured by you."

"Do you think Gu Jiusi would exchange his life for yours?"

Wang Shusheng found this interesting, watching Liu Yuru as he said: "I've heard you share deep affection."

"Do you think he would?" Liu Yuru looked at Wang Shusheng, who laughed and responded: "What do you think I believe?"

"You think he wouldn't." Liu Yuru stated with certainty. Wang Shusheng nodded: "So how should I best use you? Since you can't threaten Gu Jiusi anyway."

"He wouldn't exchange his life for mine, but my death could disrupt him. You must have many archers ambush him. If you kill me before his eyes, he'll surely lose composure, then you can strike."

Wang Shusheng's smile faded as Liu Yuru continued calmly: "Do you think if I can anticipate this, he cannot?"

"He's far more intelligent than I am."

"What does that matter?" Wang Shusheng finally hardened his expression. "Even if he knows, wouldn't he still be affected?"

"Wang Shusheng," Liu Yuru advised him, "you still have a path of retreat.""Do I still have a way back?" Wang Shusheng sneered. "Don't play the peacemaker for your dear husband. I've done so many things, even attempted his life, and now I'm commanding troops to besiege the County Government Office. You tell me, do I still have a way back? Go on, tell me, would Gu Jiusi spare my life?"

Liu Yu Ru fell silent. Wang Shusheng continued, "He had Shen Ming kill my father, and now he wants me dead too. Even if I can't take his life today, I'll at least take his family's. I'll make sure he lives the rest of his life in guilt, even if he survives. You'll die because of him."

Wang Shusheng grabbed Liu Yu Ru's chin fiercely. "Remember to hate him. If he hadn't insisted on repairing that damned Yellow River, investigating cases, and seeking justice for the common people, you wouldn't be dying. Understand?"

Liu Yu Ru looked at him calmly and said, "I'm being killed by you."

Her eyes were terrifyingly serene. "If I must hate someone, it would be you. If I must curse anyone, it should be you."

Wang Shusheng fell silent, staring at her intently. After a long while, he shoved her away angrily. "Madwoman."

They arrived at the city gate tower together. Dawn was approaching, and the sky was at its darkest. Wang Shusheng ordered Liu Yu Ru to be tied up and hung from the tower.

Liu Yu Ru remained silent throughout. She had never endured such suffering before—her hands bound and lifted, the coarse ropes chafing against her delicate skin. She couldn't help trembling from the pain.

Wang Shusheng laughed. "Just a woman after all."

Liu Yu Ru said nothing. Once bound, she was suspended from the tower. Unwilling to dwell on it further, she closed her eyes and hung there silently.

The sky gradually brightened, and birds chirped around them, flying up from the forests.

Liu Yu Ru heard a young man's clear singing in the distance—a voice both familiar and remote, reminiscent of the joyful songs he sang on her birthday years ago.

"Have you not seen the Yellow River's waters descending from the sky, racing toward the ocean never to return?"

Liu Yu Ru slowly opened her eyes and saw a young man in the distance, his red robes blazing like fire, his golden crown shimmering brilliantly.

Alone with his sword, he rode a white horse, treading the morning light as he sang his way forward.

The autumn wind swept dried grass, lifting the golden-embroidered hem of his robes. He halted beneath the tower and looked up at her.

His eyes held a smile that masked all emotion.

Everyone watched him, but his gaze remained fixed on Liu Yu Ru.

After a long silence, he finally spoke. Just as everyone expected him to say something profound, they heard him shout:

"Liu Yu Ru, I'm here to save you!"

Liu Yu Ru burst into laughter.

She laughed and cried at the same time.

All the pain ceased to be pain; all the suffering ceased to be suffering.

Hearing Gu Jiusi's words, Wang Shusheng flew into a rage. He glared at Gu Jiusi and yelled, "Gu Jiusi, where are your men?!"

"My men?"

Gu Jiusi raised an eyebrow, one hand holding the reins, the other resting his sword on his shoulder. "Aren't I right here?"

"Where are your troops?!"

Wang Shusheng demanded immediately, growing anxious. After last night's grand display, who would believe Gu Jiusi had come alone?

Gu Jiusi gestured toward the city with his chin. "My men are inside the city."

"Nonsense!"

"Don't believe me?"

Gu Jiusi raised an eyebrow. "Then open the gates and let me in. See for yourself if my men are in the city or not."Wang Shusheng dared not respond. Gu Jiusi continued, "You families have quite the audacity—using servants disguised as commoners to fabricate riots, assassinate imperial envoys, and besiege the County Government Office. What are you doing? This is rebellion! Do you know the punishment for rebellion? The extermination of nine clans! Can you local tyrants of Yongzhou bear such a crime?"

"But I am generous," Gu Jiusi declared loudly. "I will only target the Wang family. The other families, seize this chance today to atone for your crimes by meritorious service. For the charge of rebellion, I can plead with His Majesty to show leniency and refrain from prosecution!"

"Young Master," Wang He grew anxious upon hearing this, "we cannot let him speak any further."

"Listen, you people of Yongzhou, are you spineless? After being bullied for so many years, when someone comes to stand up for you, you still don't dare to step forward? If you don't dare, fine—then I'll pay! A thousand coins for cheering me on, three thousand for joining me in a fight, ten taels of silver for each head of those killed, and a hundred taels for Wang Shusheng..."

"Gu Jiusi!" Wang Shusheng grabbed Liu Yuru by the hair and pressed a blade to her neck. "Do you still care about her life or not?"

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi fell silent. He stared at Liu Yuru's pained expression, his gaze lingering on the hairpin in her hair.

"Wang Shusheng," Gu Jiusi said calmly, "when it comes down to it, you just want my life to avenge your father. Let her go, and I'll give you my life."

His words stunned everyone, even Liu Yuru.

She immediately began struggling wildly, shouting angrily, "Go! Gu Jiusi, get out of here!"

"Shut up!"

Wang Shusheng snapped back to reality and chuckled. "I never thought Magistrate Gu would be such a romantic. Then draw your sword and kill yourself."

"You think I'm a fool?" Gu Jiusi laughed in exasperation. "What if I kill myself and you don't let her go?"

"Then what do you want?"

"Release her."

"If I let her go, what if you run?"

"Open the city gates, and I'll enter the city."

Gu Jiusi responded immediately, "Let her go. As long as she leaves the city and is out of arrow range, I will take my own life."

Wang Shusheng hesitated at this. Wang He leaned in and whispered in his ear, "We have archers ambushed inside the city." Just lure him in."

After a moment's thought, Wang Shusheng finally said, "Then drop your weapons and enter the city in plain clothes!"

Entering the city in plain clothes meant he would be treated as a criminal, without even the protection of soft armor.

Liu Yuru tried to struggle again, but she saw Gu Jiusi say nothing. He dismounted, removed his outer robe, took off his golden crown, set down his long sword, and stood barefoot at the city gate in nothing but a thin garment. He shouted, "Open the gates!"

Seeing that he had discarded all his weapons, Wang Shusheng finally pulled Liu Yuru up. As soon as her ropes were untied, she shoved aside the people around her, scrambled to her feet, and stumbled down from the city wall.

Wang Shusheng didn't order anyone to stop her. Liu Yuru ran as fast as she could, losing her usual composure. She rushed madly toward the city gate below, tears in her eyes like a teenage girl who had suffered a grave injustice, desperate to find the one person who could save her.

She sprinted the entire way, the wind whistling past her. By the time she reached the gate, her clothes were disheveled, her hair had come loose, and she looked utterly disheveled.

Gasping for breath, she watched as the city gates slowly opened. First, the morning light streamed in, and then, behind that light, a figure gradually emerged.

He wore only a thin garment, his long hair loose, standing barefoot before the city gate. Soldiers surrounded him, all armored and armed, their expressions stern and vigilant. Yet he alone retained his usual air of nonchalance, as if he were out for a leisurely stroll to admire the flowers, indifferent to these trivial annoyances.

Liu Yuru panted heavily. They stood ten meters apart, neither moving.

Gu Jiusi quietly studied her, his smile slowly spreading. After a long moment, he beckoned to her, his voice slightly hoarse.

"Yuru," he said, "come here."Without a moment's hesitation, Liu Yuru threw herself into his embrace.

At that very instant, the ground rumbled with tremors. Wang Shusheng shouted, "Release arrows!"

Then thousands of flaming arrows came flying from outside the city walls. Arrows shot toward Gu Jiusi from all directions, while soldiers simultaneously raised shields around him.

In mere moments, the surroundings had descended into chaos. The sounds of battle, clashing weapons, and galloping horses filled the air. The morning was painted with dawn's light and blood, yet the two of them thought of nothing else, embracing as if no one else existed, as if everything in the world had nothing to do with them.

"During these days when I was away, were you afraid?"

Gu Jiusi held her as if she were a precious treasure he had lost and regained. Liu Yuru choked back a sob, "Was I not afraid?"

"So brave, are you?"

Gu Jiusi chuckled softly.

Liu Yuru sniffled, clutching his clothes tightly.

"I knew..." she said through tears, "I knew you would come back."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi raised his hand and gently placed it on her hair. He turned his face, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

"Yuru is so good," he said tenderly. Then, gazing at her tear-streaked face, he looked at her intently and said hoarsely, "From now on, I will never let you suffer like this again."

"You truly are my heart."

My very heart.

The kind that aches at the slightest touch, that hurts to the point of despair with the gentlest wound.

The precious heart that he wouldn't let the dust of this world stain the hem of her dress, even if it cost him his life.

This was his wife, Liu Yuru.

No matter how formidable she might be out in the world, before him she would always remain the delicate flower that needed to be cherished in the palm of his hand.