After entering the city, Gu Jiusi and Liu Yu Ru first went to pay their respects to Gu Lang Hua, Jiang Rou, and Su Wan, reassuring them of their safety. After freshening up, Gu Jiusi followed Jiang He and Ye Shi'an through the palace gates.
Fan Xuan had been waiting for them for some time. When Gu Jiusi entered and performed the ceremonial greetings, Fan Xuan hurried forward to support him, saying urgently, "Minister Gu, you have worked hard. Please rise quickly."
Fan Xuan's demeanor put Gu Jiusi at ease. He declined the assistance and stood up respectfully, saying, "Serving Your Majesty is my duty. There is no question of hardship."
"I have heard some about your affairs in Yongzhou," Fan Xuan sighed, gesturing for Gu Jiusi to sit down. He picked up a cup of tea and said, "When you left, I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I never imagined it would be this difficult. For someone as young as you to handle such matters is truly demanding."
After taking a sip of tea, Fan Xuan sighed again and said, "Enough of that. Tell me about the outcome."
Gu Jiusi stepped forward and clearly reported the results to Fan Xuan. After listening quietly, Gu Jiusi placed the memorial on Fan Xuan's desk and asked respectfully, "Most of the remaining officials are still in the Eastern Capital. What does Your Majesty plan to do?"
Fan Xuan remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "Since the case has been initiated, it must be pursued to the end. There is no turning back halfway. The Autumn Examination is approaching soon. I originally entrusted this matter to Minister Ye and the Left Chancellor. Now that you have returned, you shall serve as the chief examiner this time. Let Shi An assist you, and conclude the case in the Eastern Capital before the Autumn Examination."
Hearing this, Gu Jiusi was taken aback. He instinctively blurted out, "But the Yellow River..."
"It will only take a few months," Fan Xuan interrupted him. "Luo Zishang is handling the Yellow River matters. You can return after this is done."
Gu Jiusi fell silent. After a moment's thought, he replied, "As you command."
Fan Xuan turned to Ye Shi'an, gave him a few more instructions, and briefly discussed the case. Then, glancing at the sky, he said, "It's getting late. Minister Gu, why not stay and join me for dinner?"
Gu Jiusi understood that Fan Xuan wished to speak with him alone and agreed. Jiang He and Ye Shi'an, being tactful, took their leave and departed.
After they had left, Gu Jiusi remained in the room. Fan Xuan said nothing, silently sipping his tea.
He appeared somewhat weary. In the few months since Gu Jiusi had been away, he seemed to have grown thinner. Seeing this, Gu Jiusi couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, please take care of your health."
Hearing this, Fan Xuan smiled. "Minister Gu, you are thoughtful. But as one grows old, the body is not something one can simply preserve by will alone."
Holding his teacup, Fan Xuan continued gently, "I heard your wife is with child."
His tone was reminiscent of his days as the military governor of Youzhou, casually chatting with his subordinates. Gu Jiusi couldn't conceal the joy in his heart, and his face lit up. "Yes, she is three months along."
"For the first child, a boy would be ideal," Fan Xuan remarked with a touch of emotion. "It's better to have several sons."Gu Jiusi pondered these words and began to grasp the underlying meaning—it seemed the Crown Prince had recently displeased Fan Xuan again. Fan Xuan sighed deeply and spoke slowly, "The Crown Prince has changed several tutors recently. I’ve been urging him to study Confucian classics, but he refuses to listen to his teachers and constantly opposes me. I originally intended to appoint Minister Zhou as Imperial Tutor, but Minister Zhou was unwilling, and the Crown Prince argued fiercely with me about it. He also doesn’t get along with Ye Shi’an..."
As Fan Xuan rambled on, he lifted his gaze to Gu Jiusi and sighed, "You have a gentle temperament and are Minister Lu’s beloved disciple, much like him. In the future, you should coax and assist the Crown Prince more."
Gu Jiusi understood clearly: Fan Xuan was well aware of Fan Yu’s temperament. Zhou Gaolang and Fan Yu were at odds, and Ye Shi’an’s straightforwardness was also something Fan Yu disliked. But Gu Jiusi was different—he knew how to have fun, having once been a frivolous young master. If he wanted to coax someone, it would be easy for him. Moreover, he had become a disciple of Lu Yong. What kind of person was Lu Yong? There was no flattery he couldn’t deliver. Having learned from Lu Yong, with his skills, coaxing Fan Yu in the future would be simple—it only depended on whether he was willing.
If Gu Jiusi had the ability and was willing to follow Fan Yu, speaking to his liking and guiding his actions, then Fan Yu would have a capable right-hand man in the court.
As Gu Jiusi quietly reflected, he suddenly understood why Fan Xuan had handed over Lu Yong’s people to him and arranged for him to become Lu Yong’s disciple. Perhaps even back then, Fan Xuan had already considered how to make Fan Yu utilize him in the future.
While thinking, Gu Jiusi slowly replied, "I am but a subject—how could there be any notion of coaxing the sovereign? I only speak the truth. Your Majesty, please do not jest with me."
"You, child," Fan Xuan sighed, "see everything clearly yet still play games with me. Do you think I kept you here to handle the case for no reason?"
Gu Jiusi remained silent. Fan Xuan continued, "Although Lu Yong’s people are now under your command, they are not truly your own. To establish yourself in the court, you must eventually cultivate your own disciples. This time, you’ve purged many officials, and the imperial examinations will need to fill numerous vacancies. This is an unprecedented major examination. As the chief examiner, you must deliberate carefully."
Gu Jiusi acknowledged the instruction. Fan Xuan coughed lightly and added, "In your daily conduct, you must also be cautious. I’ve already received many memorials impeaching you. Regarding Shen Ming’s matter, you claimed you didn’t orchestrate it, and he has confessed. But such a thing must never happen again."
"Your Majesty, I beg for forgiveness."
Hearing this, Gu Jiusi quickly knelt. Fan Xuan went on, "Fortunately, the Crown Prince suppressed the case. Chengjue, the Crown Prince may be immature, but he values talent."
"I understand," Gu Jiusi hurriedly responded, "I will wholeheartedly assist Your Majesty and the Crown Prince, even at the cost of my life."
Hearing this, Fan Xuan seemed to relax. Calmly, he said, "This time, Shen Ming’s case will be handed over to you."
Gu Jiusi was taken aback. Seeing his stunned expression, Fan Xuan lowered his voice and reminded him, "Chengjue, you must think more about your future."
"But...""You're about to become a father," Fan Xuan interrupted him, speaking slowly. "Yu Ru is a good girl. Since she started following you, she hasn't had a single good day—constantly running about and toiling, all she wants is for you to be safe and stable. You're not young anymore, you need to think more carefully about everything."
Gu Jiusi dared not speak. In that instant, he thought of the child, of Liu Yu Ru, and suddenly felt as if someone had struck him hard across the heart—that fiercely beating organ now ached, curling up in pain, trembling in the darkness.
Fan Xuan patted his shoulder and stood up. "Come, let's have dinner."
Gu Jiusi acknowledged and rose, following Fan Xuan to the evening meal.
Dining with the Emperor was an immense honor, yet this meal sat heavily in Gu Jiusi's heart.
After eating, Gu Jiusi hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "Your subject wishes to see Shen Ming..."
"Cheng Jue," Fan Xuan looked up, gazing at him calmly, "think it over again."
Gu Jiusi fell silent.
Fan Xuan's meaning was all too clear.
He said nothing more. After paying his respects, he followed Zhang Fengxiang out. Zhang Fengxiang, who usually attended to Fan Xuan, rarely personally escorted anyone out. Seeing Gu Jiusi to the gate, he said with a smile, "Minister Gu, you don't seem too happy."
Gu Jiusi forced a smile. Zhang Fengxiang clasped his hands before him, his sharp voice lowering as he advised, "Minister Gu, some opportunities are what others spend a lifetime seeking yet never obtain. When an opportunity comes, if you seize it, you'll soar to great heights. In this world, one must give to gain. Some people simply cannot be saved—why bury yourself along with them? Don't you agree?"
Gu Jiusi remained silent. After a long while, he slightly hunched his shoulders and murmured, "You speak wisely, Eunuch."
With that, he bowed to Zhang Fengxiang and walked away.
It was already late at night. The deep autumn in the Eastern Capital was turning cold. Gu Jiusi had changed into casual attire before leaving the palace. Now dressed in a blue brocade robe with a jade crown, he wandered onto the main street in a daze. He didn't board the carriage that had been waiting for him, and the coachman, hiding from the cold behind the vehicle, didn't see him pass by.
After waiting a long time without seeing Gu Jiusi emerge, the coachman finally went to ask the guards at the gate, "Have any of you seen Minister Gu leave the palace?"
Recognizing the coachman, the guards were surprised. "Didn't he leave long ago?"
The coachman froze, then realized something was wrong. He hurried back to report.
Liu Yu Ru had gone to Floral Visage and Immortal Fragrance to check the accounts. Not daring to overexert herself, she returned early in the afternoon to wait for Gu Jiusi.
She was still taking her tonic medicine when Yin Hong rushed in, anxiously saying, "Madam, something's wrong—the young master has disappeared!"
This startled Liu Yu Ru, but she remained relatively calm. "How did he disappear? Bring the person who reported this to me, I'll question him myself."
Yin Hong acknowledged and quickly brought the coachman inside. Kneeling on the ground, the coachman tremblingly relayed what had happened. Liu Yu Ru listened quietly. After a long silence, she asked, "You didn't see him leave the palace, but the guards said he did?"
The coachman confirmed, trembling. "Please forgive me, Madam, it was my fault. The weather was too cold, I..."
"Where are the shadow guards?"
Liu Yu Ru cut straight to the point. Yin Hong was taken aback, then said, "I'll send someone to find them right away.""Start asking from the palace gates and follow the leads."
After Yin Hong left, Liu Yuru had the coachman recount the events once more. After pondering for a moment, she went directly to the neighboring courtyard and found Jiang He, who was in the midst of entertaining guests.
Jiang He was summoned from a lively gathering of music and song. When he saw Liu Yuru, he raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's the matter?"
"Jiusi has disappeared. There are no signs of a struggle, and the covert guards have no news either. It seems he left voluntarily and didn't intend to return home. I want to know what you discussed in the palace."
Jiang He was taken aback. After a moment, he furrowed his brow and thought carefully. "There wasn't much else, but if His Majesty said something that troubled him..."
Jiang He trailed off, then suddenly exclaimed, "Shen Ming!"
Liu Yuru was puzzled. Jiang He's eyes held a trace of regret as he sighed and said, "I thought His Majesty intended to spare Shen Ming. I didn't expect him to use this to test Jiusi."
"What do you mean, Uncle?" Liu Yuru probed cautiously.
Jiang He explained, "Shen Ming came to the Eastern Capital to turn himself in, claiming full responsibility for Wang Siyuan's death. But His Majesty didn't deal with him immediately—he merely imprisoned him in the imperial dungeon. I initially thought His Majesty was planning to show leniency and handle the matter lightly. But if Jiusi is acting strangely, the only explanation is that His Majesty is keeping Shen Ming for Jiusi to deal with."
"Why?" Liu Yuru blurted out.
Jiang He chuckled. "Why? Jiusi is His Majesty's newly favored minister, personally elevated by the emperor. His calligraphy style was even bestowed by the Son of Heaven himself. Such high expectations—how could His Majesty tolerate even the slightest flaw in Jiusi?"
With this explanation, Liu Yuru immediately understood.
Just then, Yin Hong returned and reported to Liu Yuru, "Madam, we've found him. They say the young master has been walking alone on the street, doing nothing, and he's still at it."
Liu Yuru remained silent for a moment before instructing someone to prepare hot water. Then, she led her attendants out.
Gu Jiusi had been walking alone on the street for a long time.
He was afraid to return home and dreaded the break of dawn.
His mind felt numb, and he sensed his spine bending, like a ridiculous soft-shelled shrimp, hunched over and pitifully manipulated.
He kept thinking, why hadn't he spoken up earlier in the palace?
Why, as he left, had he said to Zhang Fengxiang, "You are right, sir Eunuch"?
He trudged on with his head down, feeling an indescribable frustration welling up inside him.
When Liu Yuru found him, she spotted Gu Jiusi from a distance, wandering aimlessly. His head was unconsciously lowered, as if weighed down by an inexplicable despondency.
The streets of the Eastern Capital were bustling, filled with people dressed in splendid attire and adorned with exquisite hairpins. Their speech was refined and articulate, in the purest official dialect.
But the Gu Jiusi here was utterly different from the Gu Jiusi of Yingyang. Liu Yuru could no longer see the vibrant young man who once rode his horse like the rising sun. Instead, she saw someone who seemed to have faded into the crowd, walking in a daze.
A sharp pain pierced Liu Yuru's heart.
She took a deep breath and called out, "Jiusi."
Gu Jiusi turned and saw Liu Yuru not far away.
She wore a pink gown with a white fox-fur cloak draped over it. In one hand, she held a lantern; in the other, a cloak. She stood there, illuminated by the lantern's glow.
Gu Jiusi was momentarily stunned, then watched as Liu Yuru walked toward him.She said nothing, merely pressing the lantern into his hands before gently and softly unfolding the cloak and draping it over his shoulders.
The cloak carried her warmth, reviving the blood in his chilled limbs.
"I heard you couldn't find your way home, so I came especially to fetch you."
Liu Yuru spoke, her voice slightly hoarse. Gu Jiusi held the lantern, quietly watching the girl fastening his cloak, and slowly asked, "Why are you sad?"
"Today I heard a storyteller," Liu Yuru began, "and it made me feel sorrowful."
"What did you hear?"
"First, I heard the tale of Nezha, how he returned his bones to his father and flesh to his mother, his pride unyielding."
"You needn't grieve over that," Gu Jiusi consoled her. "He ended up well, even becoming a deity."
"That's not what saddens me."
Liu Yuru finished tying the ribbons but didn't step away. Her hands paused before Gu Jiusi as she bowed her head.
Gu Jiusi waited quietly for her to continue. Then he heard her say, "What grieves me is that later they spoke of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven stealing the peaches of immortality and being pursued by all the immortals. He repelled the Crown Prince Nezha with his staff and defeated the Five Heavenly Kings."
Gu Jiusi fell silent. He watched as Liu Yuru lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. Her eyes were clear and penetrating, as if she understood everything: "Both were beings born of heaven, full of unyielding pride. How did they both end up falling to the mortal realm?"
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