Destined

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuru was briefly taken aback before quickly regaining her composure.

The reason Luo Zishang had achieved his current position was primarily because he represented Yangzhou. Once he lost control over Yangzhou, his value to Fan Yu would diminish significantly. Having long entrenched himself in the Eastern Capital, Yangzhou must have already undergone changes.

Understanding Gu Jiusi's implication, Liu Yuru nodded and said, "I understand."

She then turned to look at the child, hesitated for a moment, and slowly added, "I'll take Jin'er with me."

Gu Jin still needed breastfeeding and couldn't be separated from Liu Yuru. Hearing this, Gu Jiusi was momentarily stunned before falling into silence.

He had his own considerations for sending Liu Yuru. She was alert and intelligent, and her business had deeply penetrated Yangzhou over the past year, where she had many contacts. Her going to Yangzhou would be more convenient than anyone else in their group. Most importantly, as a woman, she could more easily access Madam Ji. Moreover, she was the only one among them who had other interactions with Luo Zishang.

Gu Jiusi had long been monitoring Yangzhou. Although Luo Zishang guarded it as impregnably as a fortress, leaving his men with little intelligence, one thing he could infer was that Madam Ji's willingness to remain a puppet stemmed from her harboring certain expectations toward Luo Zishang. In her heart, Yangzhou might belong solely to her and Luo Zishang. Thus, to drive a wedge between Madam Ji and Luo Zishang, they needed to exploit their relationship, which required deeper understanding of Luo Zishang. All these factors pointed to Liu Yuru as the best candidate among them.

However, when Liu Yuru mentioned Gu Jin's name, Gu Jiusi hesitated. He recalled her previous trip to Yangzhou to procure grain, which had been perilous throughout the journey. Now, with Gu Jin not yet six months old, he had already failed to properly care for his wife and child—and now he was sending Liu Yuru away from his side...

He urgently needed to go to Zhou Gaolang to stabilize the situation, but Yangzhou also required attention...

Seeing Gu Jiusi's silence, Liu Yuru immediately understood his concerns. She had someone bring Gu Jin over and methodically directed people to prepare the carriage before saying to Ye Yun and Yun Yun, "You two come with me."

"Yuru..."

"Luo Zishang will soon finish matters in the Eastern Capital and come after you. If you take us along, it will be too dangerous," Liu Yuru lifted her eyes to Gu Jiusi, speaking calmly. "I'll take the child. You draw the pursuers away while we head south."

"Lord Gu," Ye Yun spoke up, her voice weary and hoarse, "I'll accompany Yuru. Nothing will happen."

Hearing this, Ye Shi'an also urged, "Jiusi, let's go."

With everyone persuading him, Gu Jiusi clenched his teeth and finally reached out to hold Liu Yuru tightly, his voice low and raspy. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright."

Liu Yuru responded gently, "Come back and spend more time with the child."

Gu Jiusi acknowledged her words, released her, and loudly instructed the group to split into two teams. He left Wang Lai with Liu Yuru and all the carriages for her use. After seeing Liu Yuru onto the carriage, he watched as the entire group departed.At this moment, Zhou Siguī finally woke up. Earlier, the maids had likely given him medicine to prevent crying, but now awake, he wailed loudly. Ye Shi'an held Zhou Siguī while Munan, flustered, asked, "Young master, what should we do? He won't stop crying."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi snapped back to attention. He took the child from Munan—accustomed to holding Gu Jin—and patted the baby's back before instructing those nearby, "Prepare some rice porridge."

Before departing, Liu Yu Ru had specifically left rice porridge for Zhou Siguī. Gu Jiusi fed the child, then secured him to his chest with a cloth sling. Mounting his horse, he led the group galloping toward Youzhou.

Two parties diverged—one heading south, the other north, riding in opposite directions.

Gu Jiusi, Ye Shi'an, and their companions raced on horseback, the wind and rain cutting like blades.

Meanwhile, Liu Yu Ru, Ye Yun, and the others traveled by carriage toward the nearest river.

Liu Yu Ru cradled Gu Jin, gently patting her back and humming a lullaby until the child fell asleep.

Ye Yun sat across from her. With no one else around now, she remained motionless in the carriage, gazing out at the sky. The day was gloomy, the horizon heavy and dark. After lulling Gu Jin to sleep, Liu Yu Ru glanced up at Ye Yun and, after a moment's silence, softly said, "Cry if you need to."

Ye Yun didn't respond, her eyes fixed out the window. A long while later, she finally murmured, "I cried my fill when my parents died. I don't want to cry anymore."

Unsure how to console her, Liu Yu Ru stayed quiet. Ye Yun continued watching the sky before slowly asking, "Do you miss your father?"

Liu Yu Ru paused at the question, then lowered her gaze and replied, "My father... you know how he was. It's not that I never think of him—he wasn't a good father, but I did eat the Liu family's food, lived under their roof. I still remember the debt of birth and upbringing. Yet, in the end, he chilled my heart..."

She sighed softly. "I think, if I tried to find him now, it wouldn't be easy. But if he wanted to find me, it would be simple. All this time, he hasn't sought me out. Either he's gone, or he doesn't wish to see me. I'll assume it's the latter."

Ye Yun listened quietly. She removed her shoes, curled up against the carriage wall, hugging her knees, and whispered hoarsely, "I thought reaching the Eastern Capital would be the end of our struggles—that even if turbulence came, we wouldn't face life and death partings again."

"But perhaps my Ye Family failed to honor the Bodhisattva in a past life," Ye Yun added with a bitter smile. "Now that my uncle is gone, I fear all our elders are lost."

Her voice grew thick. "Truthfully, I miss my father terribly. He treated me so well. I often wonder, if he were still here, perhaps everything would be better."

Liu Yu Ru fell silent. In that moment, she suddenly felt Ye Yun was still the same Ye Yun from years ago—that carefree young girl.

She had never been skilled at comforting others, as she too tended to bury her sorrows quietly. She didn't know what use consolation served, yet she understood she must say something now. Pressing her lips together, she finally offered, "Your brother is still here."

Then she added, "And Shen Ming is still here too."Hearing Shen Ming's name, Ye Yun's eyelashes fluttered slightly. Liu Yuru continued, "In one's lifetime, different people will accompany you. Your elders have left you, but new people will walk with you going forward. In the future, perhaps you'll become like me—someone else's elder."

As she spoke, Liu Yuru chuckled softly, "I suppose this is the path we must walk in this life."

"Then this path is far too bitter," Ye Yun smiled bitterly. "Our luck has been too poor—we missed the prosperous era of Great Glory where one could live freely and joyfully for a lifetime. We happened to catch the turmoil, happened to be forced into it. These past three years feel far more bitter than my previous dozen years combined."

"This is likely a unique experience," Liu Yuru said gently. "Having lived through it makes it precious."

Ye Yun smiled without further comment. Liu Yuru also fell silent. Their experiences differed—amid this turbulence, she had coincidentally met Gu Jiusi, who accompanied and protected her. While others faced life-and-death separations in these chaotic times, for Liu Yuru, because of Gu Jiusi, life had merely shifted from a stagnant, dull existence to another kind of legend.

But not everyone shared her fortune. Speaking more now would only rub salt in wounds. After some thought, she carried Gu Jin over and sat beside Ye Yun. Lifting one arm, she let Ye Yun lean against her shoulder, then said softly, "Sleep now. I'll stay with you."

Ye Yun made no sound, her hair covering most of her face. With closed eyes resting against Liu Yuru, she seemed asleep. Yet after a while, Liu Yuru discovered her shoulder was soaked through.

Switching from land to water route, Liu Yuru followed the current downstream and reached Yangzhou in just three days. Upon arrival, she first led her people to Floral Visage. The proprietor Shui Xiang, personally selected and sent to Yangzhou by Liu Yuru, immediately ushered her into a private room. After settling her companions, Liu Yuru asked Shui Xiang, "Do you have people inside the Wang residence?"

Hearing this, Shui Xiang looked puzzled but replied, "We do. What does Madam intend?"

"What positions do they hold?"

Though finding the question unusual, Shui Xiang answered routinely—her contacts were all insignificant servants, the highest being merely a second-tier maid in Madam Ji's inner courtyard. Such maids naturally had no access to secrets. After consideration, Liu Yuru had Shui Xiang gather all current Yangzhou officials' names and Madam Ji's complete biography.

Madam Ji was originally a dancer in Wang Shanquan's household who, due to her beauty, once enjoyed great favor—elevated from dancer to concubine, she even bore Wang Shanquan his youngest son. After the birth, Wang Shanquan ceased doting on her, forgetting her in the rear courtyard while favoring one new woman after another. Because of her past arrogance and bullying, Wang Shanquan's other wives and concubines took advantage of her downfall to exact revenge. It wasn't until after Wang Shanquan's departure, when Luo Zishang eliminated the other Wang sons, that she was brought forward.

Whether out of gratitude to Luo Zishang or dependence on him, she obediently remained his puppet.

"But one thing is clear to everyone in the Wang residence."Shui Xiang stood beside Liu Yu Ru and said in a low voice, "In Madam Ji's heart, there is Lord Luo. Back when Lord Luo was in Yangzhou, she repeatedly summoned him to her residence at night for discussions, but he always refused. Lord Luo only ever met with Madam Ji during the day and insisted on having others present."

"Is Luo Zishang afraid she might tarnish his reputation?"

Yun Yun chuckled beside them, while Shui Xiang pursed her lips, seemingly amused as well. Ye Yun, listening nearby, said with a cold expression, "This Madam Ji is exactly the kind of person who would do such a thing."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru turned to Ye Yun. "You know her?"

"I’ve seen her at the Prince’s residence."

Ye Yun’s voice was stiff, and Liu Yu Ru understood she was recalling a particularly difficult period. Not wanting to pry further, Liu Yu Ru opened the register of Yangzhou officials. As she scanned through it, her eyes fell upon a name in the list of the Prince’s advisors: Chen Xun.

She froze for a moment, a thought flashing quickly through her mind.

Of Gu Jiusi’s two close friends from back then, Yang Wenchang was gone, and Chen Xun had fled early on. They had all scattered afterward, and though Gu Jiusi had seemed intent on finding Chen Xun, there had been no trace of him. Now, seeing a familiar name here, Liu Yu Ru couldn’t help but hold onto a sliver of hope.

She quickly instructed Shui Xiang, "Go and find this advisor named Chen Xun for me."

Shui Xiang acknowledged the order and left to arrange the search. Liu Yu Ru continued familiarizing herself with the Yangzhou officials.

With Luo Zishang currently absent from Yangzhou, the person in charge was his top aide, Xiao Ming.

It was said that Xiao Ming was Luo Zishang’s junior from their time under Zhang Huai Li, and the two were as close as brothers. Xiao Ming was an exceptionally capable and ambitious young man, not yet nineteen but already second only to Luo Zishang in Yangzhou.

Liu Yu Ru mentally sorted through the relationships of everyone involved. Soon after, Shui Xiang returned and said, "Madam, we’ve found him."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu Ru acknowledged with a sound. She stood up, instructed Yin Hong to take good care of Gu Jin, put on her veiled hat, and followed Shui Xiang out.

As Shui Xiang led the way, after walking for a while, Liu Yu Ru realized where they were headed.

Familiar with the route, she soon arrived at San De Gambling Den. Since two women entering a gambling den would attract too much attention, Liu Yu Ru and Shui Xiang sat down in a teahouse across the street. They waited until nightfall when a light rain began to fall outside. A man wearing a veiled hat, holding an umbrella, swinging a purse, and humming a tune emerged from the gambling den.

"That’s him," Shui Xiang whispered.

Liu Yu Ru watched the man quietly for a moment, then nodded. She stood up and led everyone out.

They followed the man for a stretch. When he reached the middle of an alley, he seemed to sense something and suddenly stopped, placing a hand on the sword at his waist before turning around.

Liu Yu Ru, holding her umbrella, calmly watched the figure ahead. The young man had a beard, wore a veiled hat, and had a large black mole near the corner of his mouth, obscuring his originally handsome features. He stared at Liu Yu Ru, his initial wariness quickly turning into astonishment. After a long pause, Liu Yu Ru spoke calmly, "Young Master Chen."

This time, Chen Xun was finally certain. He exclaimed in surprise, "Liu Yu Ru?!"

Just as Liu Yu Ru found Chen Xun, Gu Jiusi and his party finally arrived in Wangdu.Their arrival was abrupt and unexpected, but Gu Jiusi had always held considerable prestige in Hope Capital City. The moment he appeared beneath the city walls, the people of Hope Capital recognized him.

"It’s Lord Gu!"

The city guards immediately opened the gates for Gu Jiusi. He led his party straight to the Zhou residence. By the time they arrived, Zhou Gaolang had already received word and hurried to the main hall. However, Gu Jiusi was even faster—when Zhou Gaolang entered, Gu Jiusi was already waiting for him there.

As soon as Zhou Gaolang appeared, Gu Jiusi promptly held Zhou Siguī and bowed in greeting. Zhou Gaolang waved his hand and said, "No need for formalities. You—"

"Jiusi!"

Before he could finish, Zhou Ye’s voice rang out from outside. Zhou Ye rushed in urgently, cutting off Zhou Gaolang’s words. He grabbed Gu Jiusi and asked anxiously, "Did you bring Wan Zhi out?"

The question was too loud and startled Zhou Siguī, who burst into tears on the spot. Zhou Ye looked down at the child and froze for a moment, murmuring in surprise, "This is…"

"It’s Siguī."

Gu Jiusi answered calmly.

After days of travel, Zhou Siguī had been surviving on rice broth, and his complexion had grown pale. Fortunately, he was a well-behaved child and hadn’t been too fussy during the journey. But now, whether it was a father-son connection or simply fear of Zhou Ye’s sudden appearance, he wailed loudly in front of him.

Zhou Ye stared blankly at Zhou Siguī. Ye Shi’an stepped forward and reminded him, "Let’s find a wet nurse to feed him first. A child enduring such hardship with us is bound to fall ill."

Zhou Ye looked up at the sound of his voice and noticed the white cloth wrapped around Ye Shi’an’s head. He was momentarily speechless. Unable to bear the scene any longer, Zhou Gaolang ordered someone to take Zhou Siguī away. Then, turning to Gu Jiusi, he asked, "What has Fan Yu done to make you travel all this way with a child in such haste?"

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi turned to Zhou Gaolang, his expression grave. "Qin Nan accused Lord Jiang of massacring the entire Luo family. Fan Yu used this charge to imprison Qin Nan. That same night, Fan Yu summoned me, Lord Zhang, and Lord Ye to the palace and simultaneously sent troops to surround our residences. Sensing something amiss, I escaped in advance and sent people to rescue Zhou Madam and the young madam. However, the enemy had already set an ambush. The young madam fought desperately to deliver the child to me. I led the survivors out of the city, but Lord Zhang and Lord Ye… both perished that night."

Gu Jiusi spoke calmly, and Zhou Gaolang listened in silence. Zhou Ye’s eyes were vacant, staring ahead as if lost in thought.

After a moment, Zhou Gaolang let out a bitter laugh.

"I knew it all along…"

He chuckled low, raising a hand to cover his forehead, his expression a mix of sorrow and irony. Gu Jiusi watched him, then bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Lord Zhou, His Majesty intends to abolish the cabinet. The next step will likely be summoning you. It would be wise for you to make a decision soon."

"A decision…" Zhou Gaolang laughed again. "What decision can I make?"

He looked up at Gu Jiusi and said, "My wife and children are in the Eastern Capital, and not all the troops in Youzhou obey my command. What decision do you expect me to make?"

Gu Jiusi remained composed. "If you don’t make this decision, your wife and children will remain in the Eastern Capital indefinitely—and I fear they may never return."

At these words, Zhou Gaolang’s expression stiffened. Beside him, Zhou Ye suddenly spoke up: "Let us raise an army."All eyes turned to him. Zhou Ye’s expression was eerily calm, as if a surprising composure had settled over him after the initial shock and anguish. He rose to his feet and said calmly, "Fan Yu dares to act this way today only because he believes he can do something to us. We must raise an army and revolt immediately, forcing Fan Yu to hand over the people. If he does, we withdraw and retreat to Youzhou, holding it as our own territory."

"This is rebellion."

Zhou Gaolang stared intently at Zhou Ye, who met his gaze steadily. "Do you care whether it’s rebellion or not?"

Zhou Gaolang remained silent as father and son locked eyes, neither yielding. Gu Jiusi, standing nearby, pondered for a moment before speaking. "Lord Zhou, are you concerned that the other generals in Youzhou might not dare to follow you in this uprising?"

Everyone turned to Gu Jiusi, who continued impassively, "That’s easily resolved. Today, I will spread the news that His Majesty has already executed Lord Zhang and Lord Ye. Tomorrow, have someone disguised as a eunuch from the Eastern Capital deliver a forged imperial decree summoning you back to the Eastern Capital. The decree should include some pretext ordering you to execute these generals. Then, summon them all to your tent. As for what happens next," Gu Jiusi curled his lips into a faint smile, "the generals will handle it for you."

Silence fell over the room at his words. Seeing Zhou Gaolang still unmoved, Gu Jiusi added, "Moreover, I have something else here."

Zhou Gaolang looked at him. Gu Jiusi drew a long box from his sleeve and placed it before Zhou Gaolang.

"What is this?"

Zhou Gaolang frowned. Gu Jiusi replied calmly, "The late emperor’s will."

Zhou Gaolang’s expression tightened. Gu Jiusi opened the box, retrieved the will, and handed it to him. "The late emperor’s second decree: if the new emperor proves unvirtuous, he may be deposed and replaced."

Zhou Gaolang stared at the will in shock, speechless.

Seeing Zhou Gaolang still hesitating, Ye Shi’an said coldly, "Lord Zhou, even if you care nothing for power, you should think of your brothers in the Eastern Capital. My uncle was your childhood friend, and Lord Zhang was your sworn brother through life and death. Now they have died unjustly by the blade—will you simply stand by and watch?"

Zhou Gaolang remained silent, his gaze fixed on the will as if deep in thought. Ye Shi’an stepped forward, his voice rising with emotion. "What is there left to hesitate about now?! Your families are all in the Eastern Capital, and they are mostly women. Fan Yu is depraved and tyrannical—every day they remain there, their danger grows. We must revolt now, besiege the Eastern Capital, force them to hand over our people, then storm the capital, capture Fan Yu and Luo Zishang alive, and make them atone with their deaths! What are all of you still hesitating for?!"

"Shi’an," Gu Jiusi placed a hand on Ye Shi’an’s shoulder. Ye Shi’an was breathing heavily, his fists clenched, his eyes burning with intensity as he glared at everyone. Gu Jiusi patted him gently and said soothingly, "Calm down."

Ye Shi’an relaxed slightly at Gu Jiusi’s words. Gu Jiusi turned back to Zhou Gaolang and repeated, "Lord Zhou, what concerns remain now?"

Zhou Gaolang said nothing. Just then, a young man strode in, carrying a long spear. His expression was grave and resolute, his silver armor stained with blood, and in his hand, he held a severed head.

Everyone froze. Zhou Gaolang rose to his feet, staring in shock at the young man. "Shen Ming, who is this?""The envoy from the Eastern Capital," Shen Ming spoke calmly, his gaze fixed on Zhou Gaolang as he looked directly into his eyes, "said that Fan Yu had come to request Lord Zhou to execute the rebel Gu Jiusi, so I killed him outside the courtyard."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jiusi quickly grasped the situation. He immediately stepped forward and said, "Lord Zhou, the envoy from the Eastern Capital has been executed. You now have no retreat. If you raise your banner now, I will draft a letter on your behalf explaining the matter of the late emperor's decree, demanding that Fan Yu return the hostages. Meanwhile, I have already sent people to Yangzhou to drive a wedge between Madam Ji and Luo Zishang. Once Luo Zishang loses his support and Zhou Madam returns to Youzhou, whether you advance or retreat will be entirely your decision. What do you think?"

Zhou Gaolang remained silent. In that brief moment, Zhou Ye spoke up: "Agreed."

Zhou Ye then looked calmly at Zhou Gaolang and said, "Father, you have no choice now."

In truth, everyone knew Zhou Gaolang had a second option: kill Gu Jiusi to demonstrate loyalty to the Eastern Capital, then ally with Luo Zishang.

But firstly, Zhou Ye and Shen Ming were protecting Gu Jiusi, making it impossible. Secondly, cooperating with Luo Zishang would be like bargaining with a tiger for its skin.

After brief contemplation, Zhou Gaolang finally declared, "Proceed as planned."

Relieved by Zhou Gaolang's decision, Gu Jiusi accepted the order and withdrew promptly with Shen Ming to arrange all matters.

He needed to ensure every soldier in Hope Capital City learned of the emperor's actions in the Eastern Capital that night, then find someone to impersonate an envoy from the Eastern Capital.

The first envoy had arrived discreetly and was beheaded by Shen Ming outside the gates. They took the envoy's robes and captured his accompanying eunuch to re-enter the city the next day.

This time, Zhou Gaolang orchestrated a grand reception for the "imperial envoy." The trembling eunuch, remembering Gu Jiusi's warnings, forced himself to maintain composure. When Zhou Gaolang led him into the government office, the eunuch cleared his throat as instructed and said, "Lord Zhou, we must discuss this decree in private."

Though puzzled, no one dared question this. They watched silently as Zhou Gaolang followed the eunuch inside.

The kneeling generals grew restless, whispering among themselves about what the eunuch might convey to Zhou Gaolang under such circumstances.

Before they could speculate further, a scream echoed from within. Zhou Gaolang emerged pale-faced, blood staining his hands.

The generals stared in terror at the blood. One boldly asked, "Lord Zhou, what...?"

"His Majesty," Zhou Gaolang spoke with visible difficulty, "has just given me a decree summoning me to the Eastern Capital."

This came as no surprise, since they already knew about Zhang Jue and Ye Qingwen's murders and Gu Jiusi's flight to Hope Capital. Fan Yu moving against Zhou Gaolang was inevitable.

They began calculating Zhou Gaolang's next move, but to their astonishment, he continued: "He demands that before my departure... I execute every one of you."

"What?!"

Chaos erupted. One general urgently reasoned, "My lord, you mustn't! We are your wings! Executing us would be cutting off your own limbs. Once you enter the Eastern Capital, you'd be like fish on the chopping block for that damned emperor!"These words jolted everyone awake. They immediately realized that they and Zhou Gaolang were now bound together—if Fan Yu wanted to kill Zhou Gaolang, he might indeed start with them first. Seeing the blood on Zhou Gaolang's hands, they roughly grasped his intention. Someone promptly declared, "Lord Zhou has already slain the imperial envoy for our sake. We will follow Lord Zhou's lead!"

"We will follow Lord Zhou's lead!"

Others quickly echoed, and soon everyone in the courtyard began pledging their loyalty one after another. Zhou Gaolang wore an expression of extreme anguish, his eyes red as he said, "The late emperor and I were like brothers. The current emperor is like a nephew to me, but all of you are my sworn kin—how could I bear to harm you? Today, we seek not power or high positions, but only to preserve our lives. Do you understand?"

"We understand!"

"The late emperor, in his benevolence, foresaw this day and left me an edict stating that if the new emperor proves unvirtuous, he may be deposed and replaced. Our actions today are, in private, to save our own lives and serve the state once more. In public, they are to honor the late emperor's final wish and uphold the Great Xia dynasty. Does anyone object?"

"We are entirely at your command, my lord!"

With this affirmation, Zhou Gaolang finally relaxed. Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi stood in the shadows of the corridor, quietly observing everything. Ye Shi'an approached, holding a scroll of documents, and said coldly, "Jiusi, the proclamation and the letters urging surrender are both written."

"Finished?"

Gu Jiusi turned and took the documents from Ye Shi'an's hands, speaking calmly, "Then send them out."

"Notify Brother Zhou," he scanned the impassioned words on the proclamation, his voice unusually composed, "to mobilize the troops from Youzhou today. First, capture Yongzhou and secure Xingyang."

"With Yongzhou's waterways," Gu Jiusi lifted his gaze, speaking slowly, "grain and supplies can be transported without worry."

"Will there be a fight?"

Ye Shi'an's voice was icy. Gu Jiusi glanced at him: "Do you want to fight?"

"Will there be a fight?" Ye Shi'an repeated. Gu Jiusi fell silent for a moment before finally saying, "That depends on whether Fan Yu will return the Zhou family members."

Ye Shi'an nodded without further comment. Gu Jiusi watched him intently: "So, what are your thoughts?"

"Whether we fight or not has little to do with me."

Ye Shi'an's tone was filled with coldness: "I only wish for Luo Zishang to be torn to pieces and Fan Yu to die without a complete corpse."

Hearing such venomous words, Gu Jiusi remained silent for a while. Then he set down the documents and sighed softly: "Shi An, don't let hatred blind you."

"Save those words," Ye Shi'an looked up at Gu Jiusi, "until you've walked in my shoes. Then you can say them to me."

Gu Jiusi had no reply. Ye Shi'an seemed to realize he had spoken too harshly. After a moment of silence, he finally said, "My family taught me how to be a gentleman, how to care for the nation and its people. But Jiusi, these three years have shattered all my beliefs."

"I upheld the path of a gentleman, yet my family was destroyed. Luo Zishang treats the people as pawns, disregarding life and death, yet he holds a high position and wears fine robes."

Ye Shi'an's eyes reddened: "Jiusi, all I want now is for him—if he lives another day, I feel that I, the Ye Family, and all our beliefs and perseverance are utterly ridiculous."

"Then are you still holding on to it?"

Gu Jiusi suddenly spoke up. Ye Shi'an was taken aback: "What?"

"Your path of a gentleman."Ye Shi'an listened to these words and found himself momentarily speechless. Gu Jiusi, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, turned and began walking forward as if strolling through a leisurely garden. "Shi An, a person must have principles in everything they do."

"Hesitation before crossing the line is a trial of character, but once the line is crossed," Gu Jiusi paused his steps, turning his gaze toward the sky with a distant expression, "it becomes an irreversible fall into damnation."

"Everyone faces their own hardships, yet no hardship should ever serve as justification for one to commit evil deeds."

"May you forever resemble the moon in the heavens," Gu Jiusi, clad in black robes over a white undergown adorned with golden chrysanthemum patterns, turned his clear, bright eyes toward Ye Shi'an. He then raised a hand toward the sky, smiling gently yet resolutely as he declared, "pure and unstained through the ages."