Destined

After the imperial examinations, with Fan Xuan's tacit approval, Gu Jiusi stayed on for some time longer. Together with Zhou Gaolang, Jiang He, Zhang Jue, and others, he assisted the Ministry of Personnel in arranging the postings for those selected in the exams. Afterward, Gu Jiusi visited the Eastern Palace several times to pay his respects to Fan Yu.

Having spent a considerable time in the position of Crown Prince and likely chastised frequently by Fan Xuan, Fan Yu had tempered his demeanor compared to the past. Though he still appeared somewhat arrogant, he at least maintained a surface level of courtesy toward others.

Fan Yu knew that Gu Jiusi was currently Fan Xuan's favored minister and that Fan Xuan had entrusted Gu Jiusi to assist him in the future. Although he disliked Gu Jiusi, he forced himself to save face, engaging in conversation with Gu Jiusi each time he visited.

Unlike Zhou Gaolang and others, Gu Jiusi was the same age as Fan Yu and enjoyed having fun. Every time he visited Fan Yu, he would seek out interesting novelties, lowering his posture to flatter Fan Yu with pleasing words. After several meetings, Fan Yu began to develop a certain fondness for Gu Jiusi.

On one occasion, Gu Jiusi brought a parrot as a gift for Fan Yu and happened to encounter Ye Shi'an lecturing Fan Yu. When a servant brought the parrot in, Fan Yu's eyes were immediately captivated by it. Ye Shi'an frowned and said to the servant carrying the parrot, "Where did this thing come from? Why bring it in now?"

"It was sent by Lord Gu," the servant quickly knelt and explained, "This humble servant brought it in for His Highness to see."

No sooner had he spoken than the parrot chirped cheerfully, "Long live the Crown Prince! The Crown Prince is the most brilliant and mighty under heaven!"

Hearing this, Fan Yu burst into laughter. Ye Shi'an's expression darkened, and he said sternly, "We are in the middle of a lecture. How dare you bring in some beast? Take it away!"

The servant, scolded by Ye Shi'an, hastily removed the parrot. The reprimand embarrassed Fan Yu, who immediately felt irritated. However, having clashed with Ye Shi'an frequently in the past and been reprimanded by Fan Xuan for it, he suppressed his anger and said nothing. After scolding the parrot, Ye Shi'an felt he had been too disrespectful to Gu Jiusi and stiffly added, "Lord Gu sent this parrot to remind Your Highness that to live up to others' praise, you must diligently study and prove yourself worthy. Praise that is undeserved is nothing but mockery."

Fan Yu, hearing Ye Shi'an's words, flared with anger. He knew Ye Shi'an was speaking up for Gu Jiusi, but he couldn't help feeling that Ye Shi'an had a point.

He was aware of his own lack of learning and idleness, which earned him the disdain of upright scholars like Ye Shi'an. These people constantly pressured Fan Xuan to take a new empress and produce another heir precisely because they looked down on him. Today, Ye Shi'an had shown restraint, likely out of consideration for Gu Jiusi. The thought of this instantly extinguished the slight fondness he had begun to feel for Gu Jiusi.

Fan Yu turned away without another word, tapping the table impatiently. "Lord Ye, continue the lecture," he said.

Seeing his attitude, Ye Shi'an's expression grew even more displeased. However, since Fan Yu hadn't argued back, he couldn't say much more and simply resumed the lesson from where he had left off.

After the lecture ended, Ye Shi'an immediately went to find Gu Jiusi.It was nearing the Spring Festival, and Gu Jiusi was busy at home putting up couplets. Ye Shi'an stormed in angrily while Gu Jiusi was still standing on a stool, tiptoeing to paste the couplets.

"Gu Jiusi," Ye Shi'an rushed over, sounding anxious, "come down here."

Without turning his head, Gu Jiusi continued pasting the couplets, a glue-covered stick clenched between his teeth. "Say what you need to say," he mumbled indistinctly.

"Why on earth did you send a parrot to the Crown Prince?" Ye Shi'an asked urgently. "You know how playful he is. By giving him such things, how can you expect him to focus on his studies?"

Gu Jiusi remained silent until he had finished pasting the couplets. Then, stepping down slowly from the stool, he said, "That’s an interesting point." He clapped his hands clean. "If he doesn’t study, it’s because he doesn’t want to. Don’t blame the parrot."

"And you think you’re in the right?" Ye Shi'an grew angrier. "Do you have any idea how much effort I’ve put into teaching him?"

"Shi'an," Gu Jiusi sighed, taking a towel from a servant nearby. He led Ye Shi'an toward the study, wiping his hands as they walked. "You need to take it easy."

"Take what easy?" Ye Shi'an frowned, confused. Once they entered the study, Gu Jiusi closed the door and gestured for Ye Shi'an to sit. He poured tea for him and spoke slowly, "You need to understand what kind of person the Crown Prince is meant to be."

"What do you mean, 'meant to be'?" Ye Shi'an still didn’t grasp it. Gu Jiusi took a sip of tea calmly and said, "Do you intend to make him a wise and capable ruler for a prosperous era?"

"Impossible." Having taught Fan Yu for some time, Ye Shi'an knew him well. He rejected the idea outright as soon as Gu Jiusi brought it up.

"Then why are you so intent on teaching him the classics of sages and wise men?" Gu Jiusi pressed.

The question stunned Ye Shi'an. Gu Jiusi looked at him and sighed. "Shi'an, let me be frank with you. The Emperor’s health is failing. As the Crown Prince’s teacher, you must understand what his role will be in the future before deciding how to teach him. Look at the Emperor’s arrangements—do you really think he expects you to mold the Crown Prince into an exceptional talent? Given the current situation, it’s best if the Crown Prince doesn’t have too many ideas or too much talent. In the future, if there’s anything that needs doing, can’t others handle it? The Crown Prince only needs to be a proper emperor, take a few more consorts, have more children, avoid meddling too much, and do as he pleases. That’s enough. So there’s no need to teach him the Four Books, Five Classics, or historical records. Just coax him along," Gu Jiusi leaned closer and whispered, "make him think well of you, respect you, feel some affection for you, and listen to you. That’s all that matters."

Ye Shi'an was dumbfounded by these words.

Gu Jiusi leaned back and took another sip of tea. "Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. With your large family and responsibilities, you probably won’t be spending it with us. Shen Ming and Brother Zhou aren’t here this year either." He raised his cup gently. "Let me wish you a prosperous New Year in advance."

Gu Jiusi’s words left Ye Shi'an reeling. When he left, he was in a daze. Liu Yu Ru happened to run into him on her way out and, noticing his troubled expression, grew puzzled. Returning inside, she saw Gu Jiusi lounging around in casual clothes and couldn’t help asking, "What did you say to Brother Ye? He didn’t look well when he left."Gu Jiusi waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing, just normal."

He then briefly recounted how Ye Shi'an had come looking for him. Upon hearing this, Liu Yu Ru couldn't help but laugh. "Brother Ye has always been such a stickler for rules. After hearing your words, he'll probably need quite some time to recover."

"He's just proper, not foolish," Gu Jiusi said with a smile, clasping his hands behind his back. "He'll understand in his heart."

As he spoke, Gu Jiusi looked Liu Yu Ru up and down—she had changed into a new outfit and was applying makeup—and leaned against the doorframe. "What are you getting all dressed up for?"

"Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, so we're closing early. I've reserved a restaurant tonight to treat everyone from the shop."

Liu Yu Ru sounded quite cheerful as she spoke, turning her head to glance at Gu Jiusi. "Are you coming?"

"Of course I am!" Gu Jiusi immediately straightened up, adopting a serious posture. "I absolutely must be present for such an occasion."

"But is it really appropriate for you to go...?" Liu Yu Ru hesitated upon hearing his eagerness. "You hold such a high official position now..."

"What does my position have to do with it?" Gu Jiusi retorted, visibly agitated. "Are you saying that just because I'm an official now, I can't even join a meal? Are you looking down on me?"

He pouted, feigning displeasure. "No, I have to go. I need to make an appearance and let everyone know my status."

Liu Yu Ru raised an eyebrow, curious. "What status?"

"My status as the boss's husband, of course!" Gu Jiusi replied without hesitation. "That way, no one with ill intentions will dare set their sights on you."

"What nonsense are you talking?" Liu Yu Ru couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry. "I'm already married. Who would still have designs on me?"

"You never know," Gu Jiusi said earnestly, circling around Liu Yu Ru as she sat at the dressing table and gesturing dramatically. "Look at you—so beautiful, so kind-hearted, and so wealthy. They say 'one would die happy under the peony,' and 'money makes the devil turn the millstone.' Even if you're married, it won't stop people from being tempted by beauty and money."

He then half-knelt beside Liu Yu Ru, resting his face on her lap and blinking up at her. "They say women change when they become wealthy. You haven't changed for the worse and started hiding things from me, have you?"

"Hide from you? Don't be ridiculous," Liu Yu Ru poked his forehead and couldn't suppress a laugh. "Fine, you can come if you want. But don't cause any trouble and ruin my event."

"Great!"

Gu Jiusi jumped up happily and rushed to the wardrobe, rummaging through the clothes. "We're leaving now, right? Which outfit do you think suits me best? It can't be too plain—I need to make an impression. But it also can't be too flashy, or I'll look undignified..."

Liu Yu Ru watched him muttering to himself as he picked out clothes, thoroughly amused. In the end, Gu Jiusi selected a red robe embroidered with gold thread and insisted that Liu Yu Ru change into a matching red dress with gold-thread chrysanthemum embroidery. Standing side by side in front of the mirror, they were a dazzling sight in red, and anyone could tell their outfits were coordinated.

Liu Yu Ru rarely wore such bold clothing. Gazing at their nearly blended reflections in the mirror, she felt a bit shy and whispered, "Let's change into something else. This is too ostentatious."With that, she turned to change her clothes, but Gu Jiusi pulled her into his embrace. Looking at their reflection in the mirror, he rested his chin on her shoulder and said gently, "I think it looks perfect. Dressed like this, you won't feel cold even in winter."

Hearing his words and gazing at their mirrored images, Liu Yuru felt a surge of courage and actually considered trying the vibrant colors Gu Jiusi typically favored. She remained silent, allowing him to hold her. After a moment, he retrieved a gold butterfly hairpin adorned with pearls from nearby, carefully secured it in her hair, studied the effect, then took her hand and declared cheerfully, "This is perfect."

Having said this, he led her outside.

For some reason, with Gu Jiusi holding her hand, Liu Yuru's shyness and anxiety noticeably diminished. He strode confidently ahead, clearing a path, while she followed with lowered gaze.

Their presence drew curious glances from those around them. Those nearby bowed respectfully and addressed them: "Young Master, Young Madam."

Gu Jiusi responded with pleased nods, while Liu Yuru could only murmur awkward acknowledgments with downcast eyes.

After walking awhile, Gu Jiusi noticed her discomfort. He stopped, turned to her with a frown and asked, "Are you feeling embarrassed?"

Liu Yuru kept her head lowered and whispered, "It's... alright."

Taking her words at face value, Gu Jiusi pondered briefly before breaking into a smile. "I've thought of a solution."

Puzzled, she looked up at him, wondering what brilliant idea he had conceived. But the moment she raised her head, he flashed a radiant grin, suddenly swept her into his arms, and dashed outward. Liu Yuru gasped in surprise, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her off.

When she regained her composure, she protested urgently, "What are you doing? Put me down this instant!"

Ignoring her pleas, he insisted, "Quick, bury your face against me! Then you won't feel embarrassed anymore!"

"What kind of nonsense is that?" she exclaimed between exasperation and amusement.

Carrying her at a jog, Gu Jiusi reached the carriage entrance, deposited her inside, then climbed in himself. To the coachman he announced, "Make haste! Your young madam is feeling embarrassed!"

The coachman chuckled and set the carriage in motion. Seated inside, Liu Yuru pressed her lips together, refusing to speak or look at Gu Jiusi. He leaned closer and asked teasingly, "Well? Not embarrassed anymore, are you?"

"Keep your distance," she retorted, shooting him a glare as she tugged her dress free from where he'd been pressing it. "What foolish notion! I suspect you just wanted to show off!"

"This isn't showing off," he explained with a laugh. "This is fighting poison with poison. Weren't you embarrassed? I made you even more embarrassed so when we step out of the carriage later and I walk holding your hand, you won't feel awkward anymore."

Though his logic was utterly absurd, Liu Yuru found herself strangely convinced by his reasoning. Pretending to be angry, she ignored him. Undeterred, he drew nearer, addressing her playfully as "my lady," then "my wife," followed by "my darling," and "my treasure."

His honeyed words and endless teasing finally broke her resolve, and she burst into laughter. At last she relented, saying, "I won't bicker with you anymore. But you must never do this again.""If you truly forbid it," Gu Jiusi held her hand, gently stroking her tinted nails, and whispered in a clear voice, "I'll just jump right off."

"I couldn't bear to actually upset you."

As he spoke, Gu Jiusi pressed her hand against his chest and said with a grin, "I rely on coaxing you into happiness to earn my meals. Isn't that right, Manager Liu?"

Liu Yuru withdrew her hand and softly scoffed, murmuring, "Smooth talker."

Gu Jiusi chuckled without responding, his charming peach-blossom eyes fixed on Liu Yuru as he softened his voice: "Even if I'm a smooth talker, isn't it all to make you like me? Tell me, do you like it or not?"

His voice was different from usual—clear yet inexplicably tinged with a huskiness unique to men, combined with his slowed cadence, evoking images of vast peach blossoms in spring, igniting like fire and spreading across mountains and fields.

Liu Yuru felt her heartbeat quicken. Feigning composure, she turned to look out the window, but Gu Jiusi reached out, half-kneeling before her, and took her hand again.

Forced to face him, Liu Yuru met his gaze as Gu Jiusi watched her, then slowly and elegantly kissed the back of her hand, his voice low and husky: "Do you like me?"

Liu Yuru remained silent. Usually self-possessed, she felt flustered and helpless facing such advances from the one she loved.

Yet, seeing the confident amusement in Gu Jiusi's eyes stirred a flicker of defiance. After a moment, she pressed her lips together, pulled her hand back, retrieved a stack of banknotes from her sleeve, and shoved them into Gu Jiusi's hand, her tone stiff: "You're... acceptable."

Gu Jiusi stared at the banknotes in surprise, but Liu Yuru brightened, suppressing a smile as she turned away and cleared her throat lightly: "I do like you quite a bit. This is your reward."

Recovering his wits, Gu Jiusi examined the stack of notes, thought for a moment, then quietly tucked them away before looking up at Liu Yuru with earnestness: "With so much silver, it seems I must serve you thoroughly tonight to deserve this price."

Liu Yuru stiffened, but just then the coachman called from outside: "Sir, Madam, we've arrived."

Liu Yuru seized the reprieve and hurried out: "We're here, no more nonsense."

With that, she stepped down from the carriage, while Gu Jiusi followed behind, beaming with delight.

Yun Yun and Ye Yun stood at the entrance greeting guests. Liu Yuru rushed past them with only a brief nod before hurrying inside, whereas Gu Jiusi ambled over leisurely and bowed to them. Yun Yun laughed at the sight and teased, "Sir, have you been bullying our proprietor again?"

"He'll pay for it," Ye Yun chimed in with a smile. "Yuru holds grudges."

Gu Jiusi chuckled softly, glanced at the arriving guests, and inquired, "Aren't you two coming in yet?"

"Not everyone has arrived," Yun Yun replied, holding a hand warmer. "You go ahead. Manager Ye and I are in charge—we need to stay and greet people."

Gu Jiusi bowed and went inside.Upon entering, Gu Jiusi was greeted by a lively crowd of men and women dressed plainly, yet all wore an uncommon joy on their faces—a joy distinct from ordinary happiness. One could clearly see their straightened backs and eyes brimming with anticipation for the future as they smiled.

Standing among them, Gu Jiusi suddenly wished that one day, the entire Great Xia could be like this.

After pausing briefly, Yin Hong returned and said to Gu Jiusi, "Young master, the mistress is waiting for you upstairs."

Gu Jiusi smiled, nodded to those nearby who greeted him, and made his way up.

The four-story tavern had been entirely reserved by Liu Yu Ru, who had invited all employees from the Eastern Capital, seating them according to their positions.

Only one private room occupied the top floor. When Gu Jiusi entered, he found it filled with people seated around tables arranged in a circle, leaving a large open space in the center.

Dozens of people were in the room, unlike other shops where men predominated—here, many women, young and old, were present. Liu Yu Ru sat at the head, and as Gu Jiusi walked in, all eyes turned to him. Many of these employees, having joined later, had never seen Gu Jiusi before, their gazes filled with curiosity and appraisal.

Gu Jiusi smiled and navigated through the crowd to Liu Yu Ru’s side. She took his hand, introducing him as if to her own family, "This is my husband. His surname is Gu. Everyone calls him…"

She paused, momentarily unable to find a suitable term.

In other shops, the owner’s spouse might be called "Madam" or "Boss Lady," but as a woman, calling him "Master" made Gu Jiusi sound old, while "Your Excellency" dragged his official title into it. What to call him…

"Call me Young Master," Gu Jiusi interjected, rescuing her with a smile as he raised his cup. "I am Gu Jiusi, styled Chengjue. Those younger than me outside call me Brother Jiu; those around my age may honor me as Lord Jiu; elders may address me as Young Master or Little Jiu. Since many here are meeting me for the first time, I’d like to express my gratitude for your hard work in managing my wife’s business this past year. I offer this toast in appreciation."

With that, Gu Jiusi drank the cup generously, then turned it over without spilling a drop to show his respect.

This toast carried the demeanor of the business world—utterly unpretentious. Immediately, everyone relaxed, and amid clinking cups and lively exchanges, the atmosphere grew warm.

Liu Yu Ru, not much of a drinker and further restrained by her pregnancy, was kept from alcohol by Gu Jiusi. Yet, he graciously drank all toasts intended for her in her stead.

When Yun Yun and Ye Yun returned, the room was bustling with excitement, leaving them both somewhat stunned. Ye Yun sat beside Liu Yu Ru, watching Gu Jiusi chat animatedly with an elder who had come to toast him. Leaning close to Liu Yu Ru’s ear, she whispered, "It’s so lively today. I’ve never seen our shop this vibrant."

Liu Yu Ru pursed her lips, glancing at the unusually talkative Gu Jiusi beside her as he drank, and murmured, "Him? He brings liveliness wherever he goes."

Ye Yun looked from Gu Jiusi to Liu Yu Ru, then shook her head and said, "Truly, the two of you are quite different."Liu Yu Ru smiled without a word, placing her hand on her stomach without making a sound.

Halfway through the drinking rounds, Yin Hong brought up a box and said to Liu Yu Ru, "Madam, it's time to distribute the red envelopes."

Upon hearing the reminder, Liu Yu Ru also caught the sound of cheers from outside. She nodded, and Gu Jiusi helped her to her feet before they walked out together.

She stepped outside and looked down from the fourth floor—the entire tavern was packed with people, all gazing up at her.

The atmosphere was lively with the influence of wine. Liu Yu Ru looked into each person's eyes, unaware of when exactly she had acquired so many employees and so much business. She had always known that success brought an indescribable sense of achievement, but she hadn't realized that beyond that, it could also bring an ineffable satisfaction and solidity in life.

Liu Yu Ru had prepared many words, but when she saw everyone looking up at her, she found herself speechless. After a moment's thought, she waved her hand and said, "Let's skip the speeches. Time for bonuses."

This prompted laughter from all, but after the merriment subsided, a burly man called out, "Boss, we've never heard you say much. How about sharing a few words?"

"Yes," Yun Yun chimed in from the side, "Even just a 'Happy New Year' would be something. We've all gathered with difficulty for this meal—don't be too shy."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru smiled helplessly and returned to her original spot. She glanced around at everyone and slowly began, "Then I'll say a few words. Today, we have 237 people here, all staff from Floral Visage and Immortal Fragrance. On average, each of you earns eight taels of silver per month, with a minimum of two taels and a maximum of one hundred taels. While I won't claim this is better than all other merchants, it's certainly not bad, is it?"

"Yes," came a chorus of agreement from below. Liu Yu Ru smiled and continued, "But this is only our beginning. This is the second New Year for Floral Visage and the first for Immortal Fragrance. This year, I've established 32 Floral Visage branches and 7 Immortal Fragrance branches across thirteen provinces. Due to high transportation costs, I've set up a merchant fleet. Next year, once the Yellow River is repaired and the Bian Canal connects to the Huai River, Yangzhou and Youzhou will no longer feel distant. The cost of Immortal Fragrance will decrease by at least half, and Floral Visage's costs will drop by at least thirty percent. I've already purchased fertile land in Youzhou and plan to buy more along the Yellow River next year to grow suitable crops. Within three years, we'll become the merchant with the lowest costs and the highest quality. We'll have the best goods at the most affordable prices. By then, you'll have higher pay, more time with your families, and better lives."

As she spoke, Liu Yu Ru paused, looking at the pairs of eyes glowing in the lamplight—full of hope and anticipation. Though she hadn't drunk any wine, she felt an inexplicable rush, her blood boiling with passion. She couldn't help but exclaim, "These are the achievements I'm most proud of in my eighteen years. To be honest, seeing so many women standing here today makes me especially happy."

"I don't know if you feel the same, but when we step out, when we earn money, when we gain recognition through our talents and hard work, our lives and our pasts become different."

"We can make choices now."

As Liu Yu Ru uttered these words, many of the women listened, their eyes silently reddening.

Sensing the fluctuation in Liu Yu Ru's emotions, Gu Jiusi walked to her side and gently took her hand.The warmth brought Liu Yuru back to her senses. She glanced back at Gu Jiusi, took a deep breath to compose herself, then turned with a smile and said, "Look at me, I've been talking too much. Come now, tomorrow is New Year's Eve, so today I'll give everyone an early red envelope. May you have a prosperous new year, and may all the businesses under our Liu Family Business thrive and flourish in the coming year!"

"Thrive and flourish!" Cheers erupted throughout the room. Yin Hong carried the red envelopes while Ye Yun and Yun Yun followed behind Liu Yuru. Gu Jiusi supported Liu Yuru as they moved through the crowd, distributing the red envelopes one by one. Those who received them seized the opportunity to share words they had long wanted to say to Liu Yuru.

Liu Yuru listened quietly, hearing repeated thanks—some choked with emotion, others filled with joy.

She knew some of these women had fled arranged marriages, and others had nearly been forced into brothels to support their families.

As she listened to their gratitude, she finished distributing all the red envelopes.

Then everyone raised their glasses in a toast, welcoming the arrival of New Year's Eve.

Liu Yuru would have normally celebrated with them all night, but being pregnant, she bid a final farewell to everyone in the elegant pavilion after handing out the envelopes and delivering her closing blessings. She then left with Gu Jiusi, who was already somewhat drunk.

Though Gu Jiusi had drunk plenty, he remained remarkably clear-headed when it came to caring for Liu Yuru. He boarded the carriage first, laid out cushions, and only then helped her sit down.

Once she was seated, he sat beside her, gazing at her with a constant smile.

Noticing his stare, Liu Yuru turned to him. "What are you smiling about?"

Gu Jiusi lowered his head, took her hand, and murmured, "Yuru, you're amazing."

"Hmm?"

"I used to think," he slurred, speaking haltingly, "that to help the common people, one had to be an official. But you're incredible. You're not an official, yet what you've accomplished far surpasses what I've done."

"You give them money, empower them, you've supported so many people, saved so many lives..."

As he spoke, he rested his head against her, embracing her, and mumbled, "I think you're wonderful. And I'm so glad... so glad my mother... helped me marry you..."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't deserve you, wouldn't have been able to marry you."

Liu Yuru couldn't help but laugh. "It's me who doesn't deserve you."

She took one of his hands, interlacing their fingers, and said softly, "Think about it—how many young women are waiting to marry you now?"

Gu Jiusi blinked in confusion, then tightened his embrace as if afraid she might run away, whispering, "But I only like you."

Liu Yuru chuckled at his blunt and childish words, but Gu Jiusi held her firmly, insisting seriously, "You have to keep liking me too. Don't pay attention to anyone else, especially Luo Zishang."

"Alright, alright," Liu Yuru assured him. "I won't pay him any mind. I'll just take his money, how about that?"

Satisfied, Gu Jiusi nodded.

He held Liu Yuru all the way back, and even after arriving at the Gu Family residence, he refused to let go. Liu Yuru couldn't pry him off, and when others tried to pull him away, he would kick at them, accusing them of trying to steal his treasure.Liu Yu Ru didn't want to wake Jiang Rou and Gu Lang Hua, so she had no choice but to let him hold her as she brought him into the room.

Gu Jiusi held Liu Yu Ru and slept through the night. The next morning, before they had woken up, they heard an announcement from outside that Qin Wan Zhi had come to visit them.

Gu Jiusi and Liu Yu Ru hurriedly woke up, dressed in a fluster, and went to the main hall, where they saw Qin Wan Zhi waiting for them.

When they came out, Qin Wan Zhi was sitting in her seat, wearing a crimson robe. Beneath the robe, her lower abdomen showed a noticeable bulge. Gu Jiusi and Liu Yu Ru were momentarily stunned. Qin Wan Zhi supported her stomach as she stood up, and only then did Gu Jiusi snap out of it, quickly saying, "Sister-in-law, please sit down. Don't tire yourself."

Qin Wan Zhi smiled gently and said, "How could I tire so easily?"

As she spoke, Qin Wan Zhi pointed to a box beside her and said to Gu Jiusi, "Your elder brother sent this gift from Youzhou and asked me to give it to you. It only arrived yesterday. I thought it could serve as a New Year's gift, so I brought it over today."

"Something like this could have been sent by a servant," Liu Yu Ru walked over to Qin Wan Zhi's side, helping her sit down as she said, "You're pregnant—why trouble yourself to come in person?"

"It's been a long time since I've seen you," Qin Wan Zhi smiled. "I've been feeling bored at home, so I told my mother-in-law and came out for a walk."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi and Liu Yu Ru exchanged a glance.

Zhou Ye's mother had always treated him poorly, and naturally, Qin Wan Zhi's life wasn't easy either. Logically, if Qin Wan Zhi could follow Zhou Ye to Youzhou, far from the emperor's reach, life would be much better. However, Zhou Ye was stationed in Youzhou, commanding the Youzhou army. Since Fan Xuan had originally been the military governor of Youzhou, after taking office, he had issued an order requiring all border generals to have family members detained in the Eastern Capital. Zhou Ye had no children, so Qin Wan Zhi had to remain in the Eastern Capital. Only after Qin Wan Zhi gave birth and left at least one child in the Eastern Capital could she go to join Zhou Ye.

During this time, Qin Wan Zhi could only endure the mutual dislike between her and Zhou Madam.

With just a little thought, Liu Yu Ru understood why Qin Wan Zhi rarely visited them—it was likely because Zhou Madam didn't allow it. She sighed inwardly but didn't feel it was her place to pry. Sitting opposite Qin Wan Zhi, she glanced at her stomach and said, "Why didn't you tell us earlier about your pregnancy? Judging by your belly, you must be about six months along, right?"

"Almost seven months," Qin Wan Zhi smiled. "I found out after you left. It's such a small matter—I didn't think it was worth writing a special letter to inform you."

As she spoke, Qin Wan Zhi looked Liu Yu Ru up and down and said, "You two haven't had any news yet?"

"We have, we have," Gu Jiusi quickly interjected, as if proudly presenting a treasure, "It's been over three months!"

"Go outside and help put up the couplets."

Liu Yu Ru shot Gu Jiusi a glare. Gu Jiusi shrank his head, as if afraid of her, and quickly said, "We put them up yesterday."

"Yesterday was for the inner courtyard," Liu Yu Ru immediately retorted. "The main gate is waiting to be done today. Go on."

After Gu Jiusi was shooed away by Liu Yu Ru, she finally had a chance to talk properly with Qin Wan Zhi. The two weren't particularly close, but Qin Wan Zhi hadn't spoken to anyone in a long time, and Liu Yu Ru, out of consideration for Zhou Ye, responded kindly. They ended up talking for quite a while.When it was nearly noon, Qin Wanzhi glanced at the sky and said, "I should head back now, or my mother-in-law will have more to say."

Liu Yuru didn't dare interfere in others' family affairs and could only console her: "After you have children in a few years, you'll be able to live peacefully in Youzhou with Brother Zhou."

Hearing this, Qin Wanzhi smiled bitterly and lowered her head: "We can only wait. But I truly hope that someday my father-in-law will come to his senses and allow my husband to return to the Eastern Capital."

Everyone knew Zhou Ye had been driven out of the Eastern Capital by Zhou Gaolang. Otherwise, with Zhou Ye's status and achievements at that time, he could have secured a high official position in the Eastern Capital. Wouldn't it be better to stay safely in the Eastern Capital enjoying prosperity rather than risking his life in a harsh place like Youzhou?

Liu Yuru detected the resentment in Qin Wanzhi's words. After a moment of silence, she could only say: "Don't worry, that day will come eventually. If it's for Brother Zhou's benefit, Jiusi will also find a way."

Upon hearing this, Qin Wanzhi finally smiled, and Liu Yuru understood the true purpose of her visit.

As Liu Yuru saw Qin Wanzhi out, Gu Jiusi returned from putting up couplets and noticed Liu Yuru's troubled expression. He couldn't help asking: "What did you talk about? You look so unhappy."

"We discussed matters concerning Brother Zhou."

Liu Yuru said with deep concern: "Sister-in-law is having such a difficult time."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi's heart sank as well. After some thought, he finally said: "We just have to endure for now."

Liu Yuru didn't quite understand. Gu Jiusi explained slowly: "Everything eventually reaches a conclusion. Whether Sister-in-law goes to Youzhou or Brother Zhou returns to the Eastern Capital - after enduring these few years, there will be an outcome."

"Lord Zhou is truly too harsh."

Listening to Gu Jiusi's words, Liu Yuru couldn't help sighing: "Even though Brother Zhou isn't his biological son, there's no need for such extreme caution."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi couldn't help but laugh.

"Both Lord Zhou and His Majesty are excellent chess players."

"Hmm?"

Liu Yuru didn't understand. Gu Jiusi turned to look toward the Imperial City and said slowly: "Skilled chess players never place any piece without purpose."

"So don't worry," Gu Jiusi said with a distant expression, "when the game concludes, we'll understand what this move was meant to achieve."