Destined

Gu Jiusi was dazed for a moment before quickly regaining his senses. He immediately realized these idle onlookers were here for the spectacle. Without caring whether Li Yuchang would report him, he rushed toward the delivery room. The servants tried to block him, but a sharp glare from Gu Jiusi made them shrink back—no one dared obstruct this habitual troublemaker, allowing him to charge inside.

Upon entering, Gu Jiusi hurried to Liu Yuru’s side. He snatched the handkerchief from Su Wan’s hands, wiping Liu Yuru’s sweat while checking her condition. Simultaneously, he asked Imperial Physician He, who stood guard nearby, "Your Honor, what’s the situation? Are both mother and child safe?"

Imperial Physician He was startled by Gu Jiusi’s sudden appearance and took a while to collect himself. Fortunately, as a seasoned imperial physician accustomed to turbulent situations, he composed himself and bowed respectfully before replying, "Lord Gu, rest assured. The lady is currently in good condition, though childbirth takes time. Everything is proceeding normally."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi let out a relieved sigh. Finally, he turned his gaze to Liu Yuru, clasped her hand, and softened his tone as he repeated, "I’m back. Don’t be afraid."

Liu Yuru remained silent, gripping his hand tightly. Strangely, though his presence—wiping her sweat, holding her hand, tending to her—wasn’t practically helpful, she felt the pain lessen.

Breathing shallowly, she whispered, "Why did you return?"

"I’ve arranged everything," Gu Jiusi instantly understood her question and hurriedly explained. "I left people to monitor the Yellow River affairs. I rushed back urgently—I’ll stay until the child is born and leave tomorrow."

"Then why bother?" Liu Yuru frowned tightly. "It’s unnecessary exhaustion. I could have managed alone."

"I know you could," Gu Jiusi gently wiped the sweat from her forehead and said tenderly, "but I wouldn’t be at ease until I saw you and the child safe."

Liu Yuru fell silent. Gu Jiusi gazed at her quietly. He had traveled in haste, still wearing dust-stained, sweaty clothes, while Liu Yuru was far from her best—arguably at her most disheveled. Yet in their mutual wretchedness, clasped together, they found each other perfect.

After Gu Jiusi’s arrival, Liu Yuru’s tension eased. By daybreak, the child was born, crying vigorously. The crowd waiting in the courtyard, who had dozed off leaning against walls, jolted awake abruptly.

Gu Langhua was the first to react, exclaiming anxiously, "Was it born?"

"Yes, yes!" Yin Hong emerged beaming, "It’s a young lady!"

Whether it was a girl or boy no longer mattered; everyone sighed in relief upon hearing of the successful delivery. Ye Yun promptly asked, "Is Yuru alright?"

"She’s fine," Yin Hong replied cheerfully. "The lady is resting now."

After giving birth, Liu Yuru felt utterly exhausted. Remembering the many guests still outside who had come out of concern, she told Gu Jiusi, "Go attend to the guests. Don’t neglect them and hurt their feelings."

"Alright," Gu Jiusi agreed. After gently wiping her face clean, he said softly, "I’ll make sure you’re settled first, then go receive them."Liu Yu Ru responded softly. Gu Jiusi instructed others to attend to her first, then carried the child outside to show everyone, expressing his gratitude to all.

Those who had waited outside all night were primarily concerned about Liu Yu Ru's safety. Now that both mother and child were well, everyone was exhausted. After seeing Gu Jiusi, some rested directly at the Gu residence, while others departed immediately. Gu Jiusi made arrangements for everyone; for those leaving, he had pastries prepared as modest gifts, presenting them upon their departure as a token of appreciation for their concern for Liu Yu Ru throughout the night.

He and Liu Yu Ru had always been courteous in their dealings. Though they appeared to joke and banter with others, their etiquette was consistently thorough, earning them excellent rapport. People had come primarily out of personal concern for Liu Yu Ru, and receiving these pastries—though not valuable—made them feel their thoughtful intentions were acknowledged, leaving them satisfied with their visit.

Except for Li Yuchang.

When Gu Jiusi presented the gift to Li Yuchang, he deliberately added an extra basket of pastries, smiling apologetically as he said, "Lord Li..."

"You shouldn't have come to the Eastern Capital," Li Yuchang stated coldly. "It's against the law."

"Lord Li," Gu Jiusi's smile faltered, "please accept these pastries. I'll leave tomorrow. Could you pretend you didn't see me?"

"Bribing an official," Li Yuchang continued, "adds to your offense."

"Pastries count as a bribe?!"

Gu Jiusi was on the verge of cursing. Li Yuchang said nothing more, took the pastries from Gu Jiusi's hands, turned away, and remarked indifferently, "I'm taking leave today. I'll report you tomorrow."

With that, Li Yuchang walked off leisurely, carrying the pastries. Gu Jiusi was left stunned. Only after Li Yuchang had gone far did he snap out of it, erupting in fury: "Li Yuchang, you little bastard! Just wait till I return from the Yellow River—I'll finish you off!"

After his outburst, Gu Jiusi felt a twinge of guilt. After a moment's thought, he hurried off to find Liu Yu Ru.

Since he was going to be reported anyway, he might as well enjoy himself before facing the consequences.

Having seen off the guests, Gu Jiusi went to Liu Yu Ru, who had already been moved to her room. She had been cleansed with warm cloths, and the room was refreshed with new incense. As soon as Gu Jiusi entered, he noticed his own scent. He quickly retreated, washed up in a hurry, changed clothes, and returned. By then, Liu Yu Ru was already asleep. Gu Jiusi carefully climbed into bed and settled beside her.

Liu Yu Ru slept deeply for a long time before gradually waking. Even before opening her eyes, she sensed the familiar warmth and scent beside her. She shifted closer, leaning against Gu Jiusi's chest without a word.

Gu Jiusi gently stroked her hair and said softly, "The Yellow River project is nearly done. At most, two more months, and I'll have finished the repairs."

Liu Yu Ru murmured in acknowledgment. Knowing she was too tired to speak much but still wanted to hear his voice, Gu Jiusi added, "I'll talk, and you just listen. No need to reply—I know what you'd say in your heart."

"You're not me..."

"But I know," Gu Jiusi chuckled. "You live in my heart. I know everything you're thinking."

Liu Yu Ru fell silent, resting against Gu Jiusi as he continued, "Your reputation has spread far and wide now. Your businesses are everywhere. People call you the Goddess of Wealth, saying you're the richest person in the world."

"They're talking nonsense."Upon hearing this, Liu Yuru finally couldn't maintain her composure and murmured softly, "Not at all."

"Sooner or later you will be," Gu Jiusi gently kissed her forehead and said tenderly, "You're already the Goddess of Wealth. Becoming the richest is just a matter of time."

"Everyone adores you," Gu Jiusi praised her, recounting her reputation outside. "You've built schools, established charities, helped common people earn money, provided medicine and food for the poor. Wherever I go, I hear people praising you. Some have even erected statues of you for worship. I've heard that if someone is worshipped long enough, they become a deity. I wonder if that's true."

"How could that be true?"

Liu Yuru laughed at this: "Where would deities come from in this world?"

"But there are."

Gu Jiusi said this as if it were obvious. Liu Yuru looked puzzled: "You've seen one?"

"Indeed I have."

"Where?"

"Right in front of me."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru knew Gu Jiusi was teasing her.

Too tired to banter with him, she gave a soft hum and fell silent.

Gu Jiusi chuckled lowly: "Your temper keeps growing fiercer."

Gu Jiusi stayed for one day. Just after learning how to hold the baby, he had to leave again.

The child was named Gu Jin. Shortly after the naming, Gu Jiusi mounted his horse and departed.

When he left, Jiang He escorted him out of the city. Before their parting, Jiang He whispered to him, "His Majesty's health is failing. He coughs up blood daily. The imperial physicians say he won't last more than a few months."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi didn't say much. After some thought, he simply responded, "Inform Yuru about this matter. Have her open a shop near the city walls."

Jiang He nodded, understanding Gu Jiusi's intention, and saw him off.

When Jiang He returned, he told Liu Yuru, "Jiusi wants you to open a shop by the city walls, specifically selling flowers and plants. What do you think?"

Liu Yuru paused, then looked up at Jiang He. She stared at him for a long moment, suddenly recalling those palace rumors. After a long silence, she nodded calmly and said, "Understood."

As she was in her postpartum confinement period, she couldn't handle this matter personally, nor was it appropriate for her to do so. Therefore, she contacted Yun Yun and had Yun Yun find someone completely unrelated to the Gu Family. Using that person's name, they purchased a residence near the city walls to serve as a flower shop.

The flower shop was quite spacious. To grow flowers inside, they needed soil for bedding. Thus, construction work commenced noisily as they built the courtyard for cultivating flowers.

Meanwhile, after Gu Jiusi returned to Xingyang, Qin Nan and Fu Baoyuan came to see him first. After briefly reporting recent developments, Fu Baoyuan asked Gu Jiusi, "The river repairs are nearing completion, and the summer flood season is just two or three months away. Will you wait to inspect the results across various locations after the summer floods, or will you leave once the Yellow River repairs are finished?"

Gu Jiusi smiled: "How is that my decision to make? It depends on His Majesty's wishes. Let's focus on the work at hand. When the time comes, I'll follow whatever His Majesty decides."

Without Fan Xuan's orders, Gu Jiusi remained dutifully in Xingyang overseeing the river repairs.

The repairs continued for two months. By this time, the Eastern Capital was already swirling with turbulent undercurrents.

After a severe episode of coughing blood, Fan Xuan didn't wake until two days later. When he regained consciousness, he realized his condition had worsened significantly. He summoned the imperial physician and asked, "How much longer do I have?"

The physician dared not speak. Fan Xuan coughed and commanded, "Speak!"

"Your Majesty!"Imperial physicians knelt across the floor, and Fan Xuan understood. He lay on the dragon bed with his eyes closed for a long time before opening them and rasping, "The Yellow River repairs are nearly complete. Issue an immediate order to summon the Minister of Revenue, Gu Jiusi, back to the Eastern Capital."

Zhang Fengxiang, red-eyed, suppressed his voice as he replied, "Yes."

After resting a moment, Fan Xuan waved his hand, dismissing the physicians. Then he said quietly, "Summon Chancellor Zhang Jue for an audience."

"Your Majesty," Zhang Fengxiang urged anxiously, "you should rest."

"Summon," Fan Xuan insisted in a lowered voice, "Zhang Jue for an audience!"

Hearing this, Zhang Fengxiang took a deep breath and finally responded, "Yes."

With that, Zhang Fengxiang withdrew. Upon reaching the doorway, he instructed a young eunuch, "Go summon Chancellor Zhang to the palace."

The news of Fan Xuan dismissing the physicians and summoning Zhang Jue spread instantly.

The entire Eastern Capital grew tense upon receiving the news.

That night, amid heavy rain, Zhou Gaolang stood in the courtyard watching the downpour. After a long silence, he finally said, "Tell Huang Ping to prepare. Once Chancellor Zhang leaves the palace, immediately escort him to the side hall for protection."

Hearing this, Zhou Shande, the steward following Zhou Gaolang, was momentarily stunned before understanding. He replied softly, "Yes."

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, Fan Yu sat elevated on his seat, with two rows of advisors below him.

Amid flashes of lightning and claps of thunder, everyone heard the news. Fan Yu looked at the group and slowly asked, "Now that Father has summoned Zhang Jue first, what do you all think His Majesty intends?"

"You are His Majesty's only son," one advisor said. "A tiger does not devour its own cub. Since His Majesty has not deposed the Crown Prince, summoning anyone to the palace is of little consequence."

"Then why hasn't Father summoned me?!" Fan Yu glared at the advisor, his voice sharp with urgency. "The physicians all say he has little time left, yet he still won't allow me into the palace..."

"His Majesty is considering Your Highness's safety," the advisor interrupted calmly. "Zhou Gaolang has never favored you. Tonight is his only opportunity. If he plans to act, it will surely be tonight. Would it not be dangerous for Your Highness to enter the palace now?"

"Should we just wait like this?" Fan Yu frowned. The advisor promptly replied, "Certainly not. Your Highness must take one more step."

"What step?"

"Tonight, Zhou Gaolang will undoubtedly replace all personnel with his own men. I have already stationed people in the palace to watch. The moment Zhou Gaolang's men make a move, Your Highness can rightfully lead your forces into the palace to confront him."

"Where would I get troops?" Fan Yu frowned.

The advisor smiled confidently. "Your Highness need not worry. The palace guards number only three thousand. Zhou Gaolang can mobilize at most five hundred of his trusted followers tonight. Five hundred men will be sufficient for Your Highness. And Lord Luo has already prepared these five hundred men for you."

With that, the advisor clapped his hands. A man entered from outside, knelt, and said respectfully, "This humble official, Xiong Ying, garrison commander of the Southern City Army, pays respects to Your Highness."Fan Yu found the name somewhat familiar but couldn't recall who it was. Before he could ponder further, his advisor continued: "Five hundred men were hidden in the city. We've now gathered them at the Eastern Palace, awaiting Your Highness's command. They'll disguise themselves as Southern City troops, led by Lord Xiong to accompany you into the palace. Tonight's gate commander isn't Lord Zhou's man - if they detect Zhou Gaolang's movements, they won't dare interfere but won't dare permit entry either. We'll force our way in, then focus on one task: protecting Lord Zhang as he leaves the hall to proclaim the imperial decree."

Fan Yu frowned deeply. "What if Lord Zhang's decree..."

"That outcome is impossible."

The advisor drew an imperial edict from his sleeve, holding it reverently with both hands as he presented it to Fan Yu. Looking intently at the prince, he declared: "There can only be one version of Lord Zhang Jue's final decree."

Fan Yu remained silent, staring at the decree. After a long pause, a slow smile spread across his face.

"Good," he said, rising to his feet. "So it shall be! Zhang Jue can only possess one legitimate decree!"

Taking the document, Fan Yu exclaimed cheerfully: "We'll wait right here!"

As Fan Yu waited in the Eastern Palace, Zhou Gaolang's men also entered the palace grounds. Huang Ping, the imperial guard on night duty, had received Zhou Gaolang's orders. After much hesitation, he finally responded: "Understood."

Meanwhile, Zhang Jue had already entered the palace. Though internally panicked, he maintained outward composure. Entering the chamber, he saw Fan Xuan seated on the sickbed. After kneeling in formal greeting, Fan Xuan nodded and said: "Sit."

Zhang Jue roughly understood why he'd been summoned tonight. Not daring to speak first, he pretended ignorance as he sat beside Fan Xuan, forcing a smile: "Your Majesty appears to have better color today."

Fan Xuan glanced at him with an ambiguous smile but didn't elaborate. Leaning against the pillows, he rested briefly before saying slowly: "Don't be afraid. I didn't summon you about the decree matter."

Zhang Jue stared blankly. Fan Xuan lay gazing at the canopy, speaking calmly: "I merely wish to know what might happen... when I'm truly gone."

Hearing this, Zhang Jue's mind raced to decipher the emperor's meaning, but dared not ask directly. Fan Xuan closed his eyes and said peacefully: "Luoming, you play the qin well. Play something for me."

Zhang Jue remained silent, momentarily stunned at hearing his courtesy name. Just then, Zhang Fengxiang entered carrying a zither. Placing the instrument before Zhang Jue, he bent to whisper in Fan Xuan's ear: "Your Majesty, Huang Ping has made his move."

Fan Xuan acknowledged with closed eyes. Zhang Jue barely caught the words but understood the emperor's intention.

He had never intended to get involved in these affairs. Now hearing this, his heart filled with trepidation, though he showed nothing outwardly. "What would Your Majesty like me to play?"

Fan Xuan didn't respond immediately. After some thought, he asked: "Back when we were in Youzhou, wasn't 'Carefree Wandering' your frequent piece?"

"Yes."

"Play that then."

At the emperor's command, Zhang Jue moved to the zither. As his hands touched the strings, a single clear note rang out, soon followed by the soaring melody that filled the palace halls.

Accompanying the qin music came the rustling sounds of soldiers hurriedly approaching outside the main hall.In stark contrast to the covert activities within the inner palace, the commotion outside the palace gates as Fan Yu led his men in a swift advance was far more brazen. Five hundred light cavalry charged to the palace entrance, where Fan Yu glared at the guards and bellowed, "His Majesty has urgently summoned me! Stand aside!"

The guards dared not move, trembling as they replied, "Your Highness, by orders—"

"Your Excellency," interrupted Fan Yu's advisor before the guard could finish, "why not enter the palace and verify this with His Majesty?"

Taking the suggestion, the guard immediately responded, "Yes, please wait a moment, Your Highness. We will report to His Majesty at once."

With that, the guard sprinted toward the inner palace.

Everyone knew that the Crown Prince storming the palace gates with such a large force at night was no ordinary matter, yet no one dared to breach protocol at this critical juncture. At this moment, rules were like a rope restraining a wild beast—once loosened, chaos would ensue.

The guard followed procedure to report, and soldiers relayed the message step by step to the inner palace. However, the entrance to the inner palace was already tightly surrounded. A soldier nervously delivered the news of the Crown Prince's arrival, but Huang Ping stood at the forefront and coldly declared, "The inner palace is under lockdown. No one may enter without summons."

Upon hearing this, the soldier hurried back to relay the message. The guard sensed something amiss but dared not comment, merely repeating Huang Ping's words. Fan Yu grew frantic and began to protest, but his advisor cut him off with a smile before he could curse. The advisor clasped his hands respectfully and said, "Your Excellency, do you not realize you are addressing the Crown Prince, His Majesty's only son? Hearing of His Majesty's grave illness, the Crown Prince wishes to visit. How could His Majesty refuse him? Someone must be lying to obstruct His Highness. Though the Crown Prince discerns right from wrong, subtle deceptions are hard to detect. It would be wise not to entangle yourself in this."

The guard remained silent, well aware of the irregularities but unwilling to be implicated. The advisor produced the Eastern Palace token and declared sternly, "The Crown Prince has learned that traitors are holding His Majesty hostage and has come to rescue him. Anyone who obstructs us will be deemed an accomplice. Stand aside!"

At these words, all behind the Crown Prince drew their swords. The advisor fixed his gaze on the guard and roared, "Move!"

Hesitating, the guard watched as the advisor raised his sword and stepped forward. Finally, the guards scattered, and the advisor led the Crown Prince and his men swiftly through the palace gates.

Fan Yu's blatant actions alarmed everyone. Liu Yu Ru, still in the midst of a night's dream, was jolted awake. She hurriedly dressed and rushed to find Jiang He.

She expected him to be asleep, but to her surprise, Jiang He was already clad in his Official Robe, sitting by the lamp and securing his crown.

Just then, Gu Lang Hua and Jiang Rou also arrived, everyone gathering at the doorway. Liu Yu Ru steadied herself and said slowly, "Uncle, the Crown Prince has entered the palace with his men."

"I know."

Jiang He inserted a jade hairpin into his crown, picked up a box nearby, and calmly stated, "There's no need to panic. Everyone, return to bed. I will head to the palace immediately."

As he moved to leave with the box, Liu Yu Ru grabbed his sleeve. Gritting her teeth, she finally asked, "The flowers in the shop have mostly bloomed. Shall we pick them?"Hearing this, Jiang He chuckled. He patted Liu Yu Ru's arm reassuringly and said, "Don't worry, we'll talk after the flowers bloom."

Liu Yu Ru had no idea where Jiang He's confidence came from, but she still felt reassured. She released his sleeve and, along with Gu Lang Hua and Jiang Rou, saw Jiang He off as he left the residence.

After exiting the residence, Jiang He asked the guard outside, "Wang Lai, has His Majesty sent any message to Xingyang?"

"Yes," Wang Lai replied immediately. "An urgent summons for the Eldest Young Master to return."

"Mm," Jiang He acknowledged. "Send an escort to ensure the message reaches Xingyang."

Wang Lai assented. Jiang He lowered his gaze, stroking the box in his hand, and murmured slowly, "Once Jiu Si returns... the world will be his to command."