Destined

The Crown Prince led his men swiftly into the palace, charging all the way to the inner palace gates. Huang Ping was stationed with his guards outside the inner palace. Seeing Fan Yu approach, his heart sank, but with matters having reached this point, he dared not act rashly. He could only stand firmly at the forefront, and when Fan Yu arrived, he bowed respectfully and said, "Your High—"

Before he could finish, Fan Yu slapped him across the face and roared, "What is the meaning of this? My father is not yet dead, and you’ve surrounded his chambers—are you plotting a rebellion?!"

That slap chilled Huang Ping’s heart, but it also steadied his previously uneasy emotions.

Zhou Gaolang was right—such a man was unworthy of the throne.

He looked calmly at Fan Yu and replied respectfully, "I am acting under orders. I beg Your Highness’s understanding."

"Under orders? Whose orders? You—"

"My orders!"

Before Fan Yu could finish his tirade, a deep, composed male voice sounded from behind him. Everyone turned to look and saw Zhou Gaolang in his Official Robe, a sword at his waist, leading soldiers as he stood calmly outside the palace gates, watching Fan Yu.

Seeing the soldiers behind Zhou Gaolang, Fan Yu felt a surge of panic. Fortunately, an advisor beside him stepped forward and shouted sharply, "Zhou Gaolang, you treacherous rebel! How dare you wear a sword before the palace?!"

Zhou Gaolang’s expression remained unchanged. He led his men forward, and no one dared to stop him. He walked right up to Fan Yu and looked at him as if he were a child, saying, "Your Highness, leading troops to force your way into the palace late at night is hardly appropriate."

Fan Yu had always been afraid of Zhou Gaolang and found himself momentarily unable to reply. Seeing this, the advisor stepped forward again, ready to shout in anger, but Zhou Gaolang slapped him so hard he tumbled to the ground. Zhou Gaolang cast a cold glance at him and rebuked, "When I am speaking with the Crown Prince, how dare a lowly servant like you interrupt? Drag him away and behead him!"

Hearing this, Fan Yu, despite his fear of Zhou Gaolang, knew he had to step forward. If he couldn’t even protect his own advisor, his dignity as Crown Prince would be utterly lost. He stepped forward, pointed at Zhou Gaolang, and raged, "Zhou Gaolang, how dare you! You’ve imprisoned my father and now seek to kill my men! Zhou Gaolang, are you rebelling today?!"

"Your Highness," Zhou Gaolang said calmly, "you accuse me of imprisoning His Majesty. Do you have proof? His Majesty is gravely ill, and by protocol, the inner palace must be guarded to prevent anyone from entering. By forcing your way in like this, who is truly disregarding the rules—you or I?"

"You—"

As the two argued, the inner palace gates suddenly opened, and Zhang Fengxiang hurried out. Everyone turned to look at once.

The moment the Crown Prince saw Zhou Gaolang, he cried out, "Eunuch Zhang, how is my father? Tell him Zhou Gaolang is rebelling! He’s bullying me—ask Father to uphold justice for me!"

Hearing this, Zhang Fengxiang gave Fan Yu an ingratiating smile, then turned to Zhou Gaolang and said respectfully, "Lord Zhou, His Majesty requests your presence inside."

Zhou Gaolang said nothing. With his hands tucked into his sleeves, he listened to the strains of "Carefree Wandering" being played inside the inner palace. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded and strode inside.

Fan Yu continued to clamor outside, demanding to follow, but everyone held him back. Zhang Fengxiang paid him no mind and led Zhou Gaolang in.

As soon as Zhou Gaolang entered the bedchamber, he was met with the heavy scent of medicine. Fan Xuan sat on the bed, while Zhang Yu sat nearby, calmly playing the zither.The peaceful scene inside the room stood in stark contrast to the armed confrontation outside the inner palace. Zhou Gaolang bowed respectfully to Fan Xuan and addressed him, "Your Majesty."

Fan Xuan smiled at him and gestured for him to sit down, then said to Zhang Yu, "Luoming, you may rest for a while. I wish to speak with Old Zhou."

Zhang Yu rose, bowed, and withdrew.

Not daring to leave the inner palace, he retreated to a side hall to wait. In the bedchamber, only Fan Xuan and Zhou Gaolang remained. After a moment of silence, Zhou Gaolang chuckled, "You look well enough. I almost thought you were on death's door."

"Death will have to wait a while longer. I just wanted to see what would happen if I died."

Fan Xuan smiled wryly, "I thought if I died, you would bully my son. I never expected you'd plan to bully him while I'm still alive."

Zhou Gaolang remained silent. Fan Xuan fell quiet for a moment before finally saying, "Go to Youzhou."

These words surprised Zhou Gaolang. As Fan Xuan tried to sit up straight, Zhou Gaolang hurriedly supported him and adjusted his pillows. Breathing lightly, Fan Xuan continued, "After I'm gone, don't stay in the Eastern Capital. Go to Youzhou."

"You want me to go to Youzhou?" Zhou Gaolang pressed his lips together. "Aren't you afraid of setting a tiger free upon the mountains?"

If he went to Youzhou with military authority, he could rebel whenever he wished.

Hearing this, Fan Xuan laughed, "Leave your family behind."

Zhou Gaolang stared at Fan Xuan in astonishment. Fan Xuan sighed, "Old Zhou, I know you. You value loyalty and relationships above all. As long as your family remains here, you would never rebel."

Zhou Gaolang tightened his lips without responding. Fan Xuan went on, "Since ascending the throne, I've never truly worried about anything. Great Xia has many talents—you, Luoming, Qingzhan, and among the younger generation, Gu Jiusi, Li Yuchang... Great Xia progresses steadily. I won't claim it will last forever, but with southern campaigns to unify the land, a century of prosperity is within reach. This past year, I've focused on recuperating the people's strength, expanding trade, guiding farmers to cultivate fertile lands, and making the most of our resources. Gu Jiusi repaired the Yellow River, connected north and south, consolidated Yingyang, and established national prestige to intimidate the regions. The hardest tasks are done. All that remains is for you all to proceed steadily. But my only concern is you and Yu'er."

Fan Xuan looked up at Zhou Gaolang and smiled bitterly, "The enmity between you and Yu'er runs too deep. You and I are brothers, and you are a renowned general of Great Xia. I cannot kill you."

"You couldn't kill me even if you tried."

Zhou Gaolang spoke calmly. After a pause, Fan Xuan chuckled, "You're right. This empire belongs to both of us. Killing you would be destroying my own fortress walls. I cannot kill you, but I also cannot depose Yu'er. He is my only child..."

"Look at what he has become!"

Zhou Gaolang roared angrily, "I told you to remarry and have more children early on, but you refused to listen. Now we've reached this point. Do you think I wanted this?! I watched that child grow up with my own eyes. Do you think I could bring myself to harm him?! Depose him," Zhou Gaolang stared intently at Fan Xuan, "and select another child from the clan. I've already chosen the candidate. I won't kill him. I'll ensure he lives comfortably for the rest of his life."

"You might as well kill him then."Fan Xuan lowered his head with a light laugh: "He is my only child. As long as he lives, there will always be people causing trouble in his name. You tell me today you won't kill him, but after I'm gone, day after day, year after year, how long can you tolerate him?"

"What do you intend to do then?"

Zhou Gaolang spoke coldly: "Since I've already surrounded the inner palace with troops, I never considered turning back. Even if I spare him, would he spare me?"

"So, go to Youzhou."

Fan Xuan sighed: "In Youzhou, with military power in hand, he can't do anything to you. Yu'er isn't inherently bad—he's just easily influenced and simple to appease. I'll have people stabilize him in the Eastern Capital and grant your family an ironclad pardon. Unless you rebel, I guarantee your family's safety."

Zhou Gaolang remained silent. Fan Xuan continued: "I've already arranged for people in the Eastern Capital. The newly appointed ministers will present him with beautiful women and jewels, indulging him in pleasures. Once he has children, have him abdicate as grand emperor—treat him like a golden canary, keeping him happily content. After his abdication, you may return to the Eastern Capital."

Hearing this, Zhou Gaolang laughed: "You place quite some trust in me."

"Why wouldn't I?" Fan Xuan said gently. "You still owe me your life."

Zhou Gaolang fell silent, gazing at Fan Xuan's pale face. He had always maintained this scholarly demeanor, speaking softly, yet everyone around him respected him as their leader.

Because he valued loyalty deeply—to his wife, he vowed to have only her his entire life and kept that promise; to his friends, he would go through fire and water without hesitation.

Zhou Gaolang quietly watched Fan Xuan. What he owed him wasn't just one life, but many.

On battlefields, the blades Fan Xuan had taken for him, the hardships they endured together—these were beyond count.

Even his current illness stemmed from an arrow Fan Xuan took for him during the assault on the Eastern Capital.

Zhou Gaolang suddenly realized Fan Xuan truly was nearing his end. Unless driven to this extremity, given Fan Xuan's character, how could he ever speak words that leveraged past favors?

"Promise me," Fan Xuan smiled wearily. "For the sake of our brotherhood, grant him a path to live."

This was Fan Yu's only chance at survival.

If he didn't become emperor, he would become someone else's pawn and inevitably meet his end.

If he became emperor, with Zhou Gaolang in the Eastern Capital, they would fight to the death. It was better to send Zhou Gaolang to Youzhou—like establishing his own rule—while keeping his family in the Eastern Capital as a leash to restrain him.

Zhou Gaolang looked at Fan Xuan. After a long silence, he finally said: "Alright."

Hearing this, Fan Xuan patted Zhou Gaolang's hand gently: "I knew you would agree."

Then, Fan Xuan called to someone outside: "Fengxiang, bring Yu'er in."

Zhang Fengxiang acknowledged and left. Fan Xuan turned to Zhou Gaolang, speaking slowly: "Tell me, do you regret reaching this point?"

"I do," Zhou Gaolang answered decisively, smiling bitterly. "I'd rather be in Youzhou—at least there, my sword only points at enemies."

"I have no regrets," Fan Xuan said measuredly. "Whenever I feel regret, I stand atop the Wangdu Tower and look upon the Eastern Capital. Seeing the people live well makes everything feel worthwhile.""I just feel like I've lived too short a life," Fan Xuan sighed. "If only I could have lived a little longer..."

Perhaps he would have had time to teach Fan Yu more, or perhaps he could have had another child.

Zhou Gaolang remained silent. In the stillness between them, hurried footsteps echoed from outside, followed by Fan Yu's anxious voice rushing to the entrance of the grand hall, shouting, "Father! Father!"

With that, Fan Yu hurriedly burst in. He threw himself before Fan Xuan, positioning himself protectively in front of his father, and glared warily at Zhou Gaolang. "What are you going to do to my father?!"

"Yu'er," Fan Xuan smiled faintly at his son's fierce protectiveness. He patted Fan Yu's shoulder gently and said calmly, "Uncle Zhou means no harm."

"Father, you..." Fan Yu turned around to look at Fan Xuan and froze.

Fan Xuan appeared to be in decent spirits, even better than usual, yet for some reason, Fan Yu felt an inexplicable dread rising within him. A sense of fear gripped him, as if he could perceive something ominous. He knelt before Fan Xuan, his voice trembling as he said, "Father..."

"Yu'er," Fan Xuan reached out and took Fan Yu's hand. He gazed at him intently and spoke slowly, "It's your father who has failed you."

Fan Yu stood frozen in place as Fan Xuan continued to look at him steadily. With some difficulty but great care, Fan Xuan reached up to smooth his son's hair. "In the past," he said slowly, "your father had too many things on his mind, was too busy, and didn't take proper care of you. Lately, I've been thinking about what I've accomplished in this life and what I've failed at. When I think about it, the person I've failed the most is you."

"When you were young, I didn't spend enough time with you, didn't properly teach you what should and shouldn't be done. Then when you grew up, I expected you to understand everything without guidance. When you didn't understand, I would say you were wrong, I would scold you."

"Father..."

Fan Yu felt his eyes growing blurry. Fan Xuan's expression remained gentle. "You're a good child, I've always known that. Actually, your uncles all care for you deeply. When Uncle Zhou scolded you before, it was only because he wanted what's best for you. After I'm gone, treat them as you would treat me, alright?"

"You won't leave," Fan Yu gripped his father's hand tightly, his voice urgent. "You just said you've failed me. You've already failed me for over ten years, and now you want to abandon me too?!"

"Father," Fan Yu leaned closer, clutching Fan Xuan desperately, panic in his voice. "Don't go, I'm scared. Don't abandon me, please don't leave, alright?"

Fan Xuan didn't respond, merely looking quietly at Fan Yu.

Tears fell from Fan Yu's eyes in large drops. Father and son had always been at odds, but for the first time since Fan Yu had grown sensible, he showed such desperate fear—as if he were still a small child, that timid boy who would clutch his father's sleeve in panic whenever something frightened him, crying "Father! Father!"

Now nearly seventeen, he seemed like a frightened child again, pleading desperately, "Promise me, Father, you can't leave me alone!"

"Yu'er," Fan Xuan sighed. "I cannot accompany you for a lifetime. My time has come to an end."He spoke, turning his head to look at Zhou Gaolang: "In the future, your Uncle Zhou will help you guard Youzhou. As long as he is here, Northern Liang will never dare to cross the border. Gu Jiusi, Ye Shi'an, along with your Uncle Ye and Uncle Zhang, will assist you in managing the court's internal affairs, ensuring the nation's prosperity and peace. Li Yuchang is also a loyal minister. With him present, the court's discipline will remain intact. There is another uncle who, although not close to you in the past, is my dearest friend. He will always stand by your side and support you."

"Though I will no longer be here," Fan Xuan looked at Fan Yu, coughing violently. Zhang Fengxiang hurriedly stepped forward to pat his back and help him catch his breath. Fan Xuan felt as if his internal organs were about to be coughed up, but after the intense fit, he gasped for air, raised his head, and continued, "I have already made arrangements for you. In the future, you need not worry about anything. Just live as you did before, alright?"

Fan Yu wept without responding, his eyes red as he stared at Fan Xuan.

Fan Xuan seemed to be fading. With great difficulty, he asked again, "Alright?"

Fan Yu clutched his hand, sobbing as he lowered his head. After a long while, he instead asked, "Father, in your heart, who is more important—me or the empire?"

Fan Xuan fell silent. He looked at Fan Yu, then turned his gaze to Zhou Gaolang.

His eyes held a plea, and Zhou Gaolang understood.

"Rest assured."

He spoke: "Rest assured."

Outside, the rain fell softly. Fan Xuan listened to the sound of the rain and slowly closed his eyes.

Fan Yu remained unaware, still tightly gripping Fan Xuan's hand, his head bowed, shoulders trembling as he waited for an answer.

Zhou Gaolang watched quietly. Zhang Fengxiang was the first to react, his sharp voice crying out, "The imperial physician! Quickly, summon the imperial physician!"

Fan Yu struggled to lift his head. Zhou Gaolang walked to Fan Xuan's side, placed his fingers under Fan Xuan's nose, and then froze.

After a moment of rigidity, he slowly straightened up. He gazed quietly at Fan Xuan for a while before saying to Fan Yu, "Let us step outside."

Fan Yu clung to Fan Xuan's body, wailing bitterly.

"Father!"

As his mournful cry echoed, soldiers outside burst through the doors and rushed in.

Soldiers from both sides crowded into the room. Fan Yu's advisor hurried over, helping him up and urgently saying, "Your Highness."

Zhou Gaolang said nothing. He strode out, and the advisor immediately whispered to Fan Yu, "Your Highness, stop him quickly! He is going after Zhang Yu!"

Hearing this, Fan Yu rushed out, chasing after Zhou Gaolang and shouting, "Zhou Gaolang, what are you going to do?"

Zhou Gaolang marched straight ahead. By then, his soldiers and Fan Yu's men were locked in a standoff, surrounding Zhang Yu in the middle. Zhang Yu, protected by another group, panicked at the sight of Zhou Gaolang and cried out, "Lord Zhou, what are you doing?"

"Give me the edict."

Zhou Gaolang spoke directly. Zhang Yu anxiously replied, "Has His Majesty not spoken clearly enough? Old Zhou, do not lose your mind!"

Zhou Gaolang pressed his lips tightly together. Fan Yu rushed out and shouted, "Lord Zhang, give me the edict!"

"There is no edict!"

Zhang Yu immediately responded, "Your Highness, Lord Zhou, His Majesty's body is not yet cold. Must you create such an ugly scene? His Majesty toiled his entire life—must you deny him peace even in death?"Zhou Gaolang fell silent, seemingly wrestling with intense inner turmoil. Fan Yu, however, lunged forward and seized Zhang Yu, shouting, "How can there be no edict? You're lying to me! Are you conspiring with this old fool to rebel? You—"

"Your Highness!" Zhang Yu, shoved by Fan Yu, pushed him back and roared, "You are losing your composure!"

Fan Yu stumbled to the ground, trembling with fear and panic. Zhou Gaolang watched the Crown Prince, who now resembled a madman, his brow deeply furrowed. After a long pause, he took a deep breath and turned to Zhang Yu. "Luoming, the edict—"

"The edict is with me!"

A clear, resonant voice cut through the air from the palace gates. Everyone turned simultaneously to see Jiang He, clad in a scarlet official robe and wearing a golden crown, holding a box in his hands. His eyes were calm and steady as he faced the bedchamber and declared loudly, "I, Jiang He, have come by His Majesty’s command to proclaim the edict!"

His words left everyone stunned. Jiang He’s gaze fixed on Zhou Gaolang, and his voice turned stern. "Kneel!"

Zhou Gaolang remained silent, but Zhang Yu was the first to react, quickly dropping to his knees. Fan Yu, after a moment of dazed confusion, was pulled down by his advisors. Zhou Gaolang and Jiang He locked eyes in a silent standoff. As Zhou Gaolang took a step forward, arrows suddenly appeared along the palace walls, and soldiers emerged from all sides, surrounding the area. Jiang He glared at him and barked again, "Kneel!"

After a moment of silence, Zhou Gaolang let out a light laugh and slowly knelt.

Jiang He opened the box, retrieved the imperial decree, and handed the box to an attendant. Unrolling the scroll, he read aloud, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have learned that all living things must die, as the stars revolve and fate follows its course. Sensing my time is near, I leave this decree to settle matters after my passing. All subjects and kin of Great Xia shall abide by these arrangements."

"Crown Prince Fan Yu, my only heir, is gentle by nature, respectful and filial, and fit to inherit the throne. However, considering his youth, I hereby appoint Left Chancellor Zhang Jue, Vice Minister of Revenue Jiang He, Censor-in-Chief Ye Qingwen, Palace Guard Commander Zhou Gaolang, and Minister of Revenue Gu Jiusi to form a cabinet and assist in governance. Jiang He is promoted to Right Chancellor, while Zhou Gaolang shall concurrently serve as military governor of Youzhou, stationed there with his family remaining in the Eastern Capital. He may not enter the Eastern Capital without the cabinet’s summons."

"Henceforth, all decrees shall be deliberated by the cabinet and proclaimed by the Emperor. Military affairs shall be decided by Zhou Gaolang, while key administrative matters shall be overseen by Jiang He. Thus, officials shall fulfill their duties, and the Emperor shall rule with sincerity. Sovereign and subjects shall work in harmony to govern the realm. When the time is ripe, we may march south to reclaim our lands and unite Great Xia."

"With this," Jiang He lifted his eyes to the crowd, "though I depart, my heart shall be at peace."

After the reading, everyone was left in a daze. Jiang He stepped forward and handed the decree to Fan Yu with both hands, smiling as he said, "Your Majesty, accept the decree."

Fan Yu numbly took the scroll. A moment later, he snapped back to reality, sprang to his feet, and shouted, "Jiang He, what is the meaning of this?! You produce a decree and claim it’s genuine? A cabinet? Assistants in governance? My father would never issue such an edict! You’re lying! You—"

"Your Majesty," Zhang Yu rose to his feet and said calmly, "this edict is genuine. Earlier, His Majesty summoned me to the palace and spoke of this matter."Fan Yu stared at Zhang Yu in shock. Jiang He chuckled softly and lowered his voice, "Your Majesty, why be so angry? Think about it—no matter what, we are merely your subjects, bound to follow your arrangements. Establishing this cabinet is simply to ease your burden, allowing us to assist you. Your Majesty once told me that you’ve had a frail constitution since childhood. If all state affairs were left entirely to you, wouldn’t that be excessively taxing?"

Hearing this, Fan Yu felt somewhat comforted. An advisor beside him stepped forward and angrily retorted, "Don’t you dare spout nonsense! Your words are nothing but deceit, tricking His Majesty. The cabinet holds all critical state affairs, yet you claim it’s to share His Majesty’s burden? Do you take His Majesty for a child to be fooled so easily?"

At this, Jiang He smiled. He clasped his hands in front and said cheerfully, "Might I ask who you are?"

"Chen Shuang, advisor to the Eastern Palace."

"Oh, Master Chen," Jiang He clasped his hands with a smile, "a renowned scholar under Lord Luo's patronage. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier."

At these words, both Chen Shuang and Fan Yu's expressions shifted. Jiang He turned to look at Xiong Ying standing behind Fan Yu and continued: "Ah, I heard that when Lord Chen Mao Chun lost his position due to the Qixi Festival sacrificial ceremony mishap, Lord Luo recommended this Lord Xiong for the position, correct? Why wasn't he appointed back then, yet is being employed now? Your Majesty," Jiang He looked at Fan Yu, "how is it that all the talented civil and military officials around you are Lord Luo's people? Though he's merely a minor ruler of Yangzhou, he's certainly generous to lend his people to you like this."

"You..."

Chen Shuang stepped forward, but Jiang He's face turned cold as he angrily declared: "How dare a mere commoner carry a sword into the inner court? Is there no law anymore?! Guards, arrest this lowborn!"

Soldiers swiftly apprehended Chen Shuang. Jiang He then turned and addressed Fan Yu respectfully: "Your Majesty, how would you like to deal with Chen Shuang?"

Fan Yu remained silent, his expression unreadable. Jiang He calmly continued: "I know Your Majesty doesn't trust me, but consider this - if I harbored any disloyalty toward Your Majesty, why would I appear here with the imperial decree? The late emperor established the cabinet truly for Your Majesty's benefit. As the Son of Heaven, how could you be burdened with administrative paperwork? This empire is yours, and we are all your subjects. Our lives and deaths rest on your word alone. If you remain uneasy, let us postpone the cabinet establishment. Govern for a period first. If you find it exhausting, we can establish the cabinet later. What does Your Majesty think?"

Hearing this, Fan Yu gradually relaxed his expression. Straightening his posture, he nodded: "Let it be as you suggest."

Jiang He smiled: "Then for now, perhaps Your Majesty should rest while I handle the late emperor's funeral arrangements."

Having stayed up all night, Fan Yu was indeed tired. He nodded, and the eunuch Liu Shan who accompanied him stepped forward to support him. Fan Yu said: "Then I'll trouble Lord Jiang with this matter. I shall take my rest now. Do not harass the people I brought with me. As for Master Chen," Fan Yu glanced over, speaking lightly, "Lord Jiang, for my sake, release him."

"As Your Majesty commands."

Jiang He replied respectfully. After seeing Fan Yu off, he turned to Xiong Ying: "Lord Xiong, if you please?"

Xiong Ying pressed his lips together and stormed off angrily.

After everyone had left, Jiang He approached Zhou Gaolang and asked with a smile: "Will Lord Zhou depart today or postpone for some days?"

Zhou Gaolang remained silent, quietly observing Jiang He. Jiang He continued: "I believe the sooner, the better."

"I wasn't aware," Zhou Gaolang slowly spoke, "when did Lord Jiang become so close with His Majesty?"

Jiang He smiled without answering. Turning to look outside the palace gates, he said slowly: "I know Lord Zhou is discontent. Rest assured."

He looked back at Zhou Gaolang, his eyes meaningful: "His Majesty has another decree, but the time isn't right yet."

Hearing this, both Zhou Gaolang and Zhang Yu were taken aback. After a moment, they seemed to understand something. Seeing their comprehension, Jiang He smiled slightly and bowed, making an inviting gesture: "Lord Zhou, if you please."

Zhou Gaolang pressed his lips together, finally turning without another word and striding out quickly.

After Zhou Gaolang departed, Jiang He looked at Zhang Yu: "I'm afraid I must trouble Lord Zhang to share this burden with me."Zhang Yu nodded. He seemed to have questions but remained silent, as if pondering for a moment before selecting his words carefully: "Lord Jiang, I don’t quite understand..."

"I know," Jiang He cut him off, responding swiftly, "You want to ask why I let the Crown Prince handle administrative affairs first instead of forcibly establishing a cabinet."

Zhang Yu fell silent, tacitly agreeing. Jiang He smiled faintly: "His Majesty’s current arrangement is precisely to ensure we coexist harmoniously with the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince responds better to persuasion than coercion—he just needs some tempering."

"Tempering?" Zhang Yu seemed puzzled. Jiang He coughed lightly and lowered his voice: "If he wants to manage affairs, we’ll give him trivial matters to handle. Then we’ll send more people into the Imperial Harem. Once the novelty wears off, he’ll naturally invite us back."

Hearing this, Zhang Yu immediately laughed and nodded: "Lord Jiang is very thoughtful. And Lord Gu..."

"His Majesty has already sent someone to notify him."

Jiang He stood on the high platform, speaking calmly: "We’re just waiting for him to return."

The message arrived in Xingyang by urgent courier the following night.

That evening, Gu Jiusi was drinking with Qin Nan and Fu Baoyuan.

The Yellow River had finally been fully repaired, and they were holding a celebration banquet. Everyone had gathered, singing and dancing joyfully. Gu Jiusi, Qin Nan, and Fu Baoyuan, having drunk merrily, deliberately stayed behind to chat privately in the backyard.

Despite their significant age differences, the three of them conversed like old friends, drinking and chatting in the courtyard.

"The Yellow River project is complete," Fu Baoyuan leaned back in his chair, speaking casually, "Jue should return soon. Once he’s back, he’ll become a high-ranking official in the court."

"Am I not one now?" Gu Jiusi laughed, "I’m at least the Minister of Revenue."

"It’s different," Qin Nan said lightly, "What he means is a high-ranking official like Lord Zhou."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi waved his hand dismissively: "I’ve been stuck in remote areas—even if I return, I’ll just be assisting. How could I compare to Lord Zhou?"

"It’s different," Fu Baoyuan insisted immediately, "You’re different from him, different from all the other officials."

"Jue," Fu Baoyuan placed a hand on Gu Jiusi’s shoulder, hiccupping from the alcohol, "You’re the most unique official I’ve ever met."

"What’s so unique about me?" Gu Jiusi seemed perplexed. Fu Baoyuan began listing reasons: "Other officials scramble for power and climb the ranks, but you’re different. Every task you undertake becomes an achievement—everything you do benefits the people. In the future, you’ll rise higher and go further than Zhou Gaolang. Do you know why?"

Fu Baoyuan patted his chest twice earnestly and declared: "The people hold you in their hearts."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi smiled: "The people hold you all in their hearts too."

"We’re old," Fu Baoyuan waved his hand, "But most importantly, you’re Great Xia’s role model."

He looked at Gu Jiusi, who still seemed unsure. Fu Baoyuan’s eyes reddened slightly: "Because of you, the youth of Great Xia now understand that working diligently—without scheming or engaging in petty politics, focusing on real tasks and practical deeds—can also lead to becoming high officials."

"Or rather," Qin Nan added, "High officials in Great Xia should inherently rise this way."

"The future belongs to you," Fu Baoyuan said, both laughing and crying, "It belongs to all of you."Gu Jiusi listened to Fu Baoyuan's words, feeling a pang of sorrow in his heart. Supporting Fu Baoyuan, he said hoarsely, "When I return to the Eastern Capital, we'll go back together. I'll petition the emperor to commend your merits and have you return to the Eastern Capital as well."

"No need," Fu Baoyuan laughed, leaning against Qin Nan and patting his stomach as he gazed at the moon in the sky. "I've been here for over twenty years. My wife and children are all here. I just want to stay in Xingyang and do more for its people. Xingyang needs me now."

"What about you, Brother Qin?" Gu Jiusi turned to Qin Nan. Qin Nan smiled calmly and said, "Same here."

"We're used to working at the local level," Qin Nan said gently. "Protecting the people of this region is already quite enough for us. We don't need to do more than that. When you have time in the future, just come back to visit."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi sighed and raised his cup, clinking glasses with both of them.

The three of them drank together late into the night until they were all drunk before parting ways.

Qin Nan, supported by his servants, was escorted home. His head was spinning badly, and he felt nauseous. Just as he reached his doorstep, he saw someone standing there.

The person was dressed in a blue brocade robe, holding a small golden fan. Flicking the fan open and closed, he looked at Qin Nan and called out with a smile, "Lord Qin."

Qin Nan was taken aback. Rubbing his head, he said somewhat confusedly, "Lord Luo?"

Luo Zishang gently opened his small fan and said, "Lord Qin seems to be drunk."

"Not too bad," Qin Nan straightened up, the night breeze sobering him up a bit. He asked calmly, "What brings Lord Luo here?"

Luo Zishang smiled. "The Yellow River repairs are complete, and we are returning to the Eastern Capital. I came to ask if Lord Qin would be willing to accompany me back to the Eastern Capital?"

Hearing this, Qin Nan relaxed considerably. He shook his head with a laugh and said, "I've grown accustomed to staying here and have no desire to go elsewhere. I won't be joining you in returning to the Eastern Capital to receive rewards."

"What if it's not for rewards?"

Luo Zishang spoke directly, leaving Qin Nan stunned.

The moon disappeared behind dark clouds, plunging everything into darkness. Luo Zishang covered half his face with his small fan and murmured, "What if I were to ask you to help the Luo family with a favor?"

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi had just finished washing up and collapsed onto his bed. He thought of Liu Yu Ru, thought of Gu Jin, and wondered when he would be able to return.

Then hurried footsteps sounded from outside.

"Sir, sir!"

Munan rushed anxiously into the room. Gu Jiusi sat up abruptly and saw Munan kneel on the ground, exclaiming urgently, "The emperor has passed away!"