Destined

Ye Shi'an looked at Gu Jiusi, his expression subtly shifting.

The young man before him no longer resembled the person from his memories, and he himself had also drifted far from his youthful self.

He took a deep breath, turned his head away, and said hoarsely, "Let's not talk about this anymore. I have other matters to attend to."

After speaking, Ye Shi'an picked up the drafted proclamation and letters and hurried away.

Gu Jiusi quietly watched his retreating figure. After a long while, he withdrew his hand, lowered his gaze, and let out a soft sigh.

While Youzhou began deploying troops and strengthening defenses, Yangzhou remained shrouded in continuous drizzling rain.

Liu Yuru and Chen Xun sat in an elegant tea house private room, with Shui Xiang and guards stationed outside the door. Liu Yuru personally poured tea for Chen Xun, sighing with emotion, "I never thought we'd meet again after all these years apart."

Chen Xun smiled bitterly, having long shed his former frivolous and unrestrained demeanor. When he accepted the tea from Liu Yuru, his expression was respectful and humble, as if accustomed to maintaining a low profile.

"Jiusi looked for you before," Liu Yuru said, observing his demeanor with another sigh. "But in those chaotic times, reunions after separation were too difficult to achieve."

"Indeed," Chen Xun replied, taking a sip of tea. The warmth spread through him as he spoke gently, "But fortunately, Jiusi has become a high official. Even if you hadn't come looking for me, I would have found time to visit you both."

"Why didn't you come then?" Liu Yuru asked curiously. Chen Xun smiled wryly, "I don't hold a high position in Yangzhou. I have to report to the government office daily and can't easily get away. I didn't feel comfortable entrusting messages to others. I could have left Yangzhou - I've settled my family affairs over the years and could have lived peacefully."He took another sip of tea, turned to watch the drizzling rain, and said slowly, 'But ultimately, I felt a bit unwilling.'" Whenever I think of Wen Chang, of the past, I feel that as a man of stature, I must do something. Jiusi serves in the Eastern Capital, accomplishing great deeds. I lack his capabilities, but after much thought, I returned to Yangzhou, hoping I might contribute something here."

Then Chen Xun raised his eyes to Liu Yuru and said calmly, "Your visit must have a purpose, doesn't it?"

"With Fan Yu ascending the throne in the Eastern Capital, the late emperor established a cabinet to assist him. You know about this, right?" Liu Yuru spoke directly.

Chen Xun studied Liu Yuru, noting her choice of words - she referred to Fan Xuan as "the late emperor" but called Fan Yu by his name directly. He couldn't help commenting, "This news has reached Yangzhou. I'm fully aware. What has His Majesty done now?"

"Luo Zishang persuaded him to abolish the cabinet and execute Minister Zhang and Censor Ye. Jiusi barely escaped and has probably reached Youzhou by now. He sent me to Yangzhou for one purpose."

"Please speak freely."

"The main reason Luo Zishang gained Fan Yu's favor is because he has Yangzhou's support." Liu Yuru leaned slightly forward, lowering her voice. "We hope Yangzhou will publicly declare it's severing ties with Luo Zishang."

"This would achieve two things: first, it would create conflict between Luo Zishang and Fan Yu; second, if Jiusi marches troops toward the Eastern Capital, it would prevent Yangzhou from providing support."

"I understand." Chen Xun nodded, appearing deep in thought. Seeing his contemplation, Liu Yuru asked, "What are you thinking about?""Yangzhou is currently controlled by two individuals," Chen Xun began, analyzing for Liu Yu Ru. "First is Wang Pingzhang, a former retainer of the Wang family who previously served under Luo Zishang. Though he now assists Xiao Ming, he remains part of the old Wang faction and has been actively recruiting us retainers. I can tell that despite helping Xiao Ming, he has long been building his own power base."

Liu Yu Ru nodded, and Chen Xun continued, "The second is Xiao Ming, Luo Zishang’s junior disciple, who is utterly loyal to him. All matters in Yangzhou are currently decided by Xiao Ming. If you want Yangzhou to publicly sever ties with Luo Zishang, you must first get past Xiao Ming."

"And what about Madam Ji?" Liu Yu Ru tapped the table. "What is her position in Yangzhou?"

"That relates to the third faction in Yangzhou—the remnants of the Wang family," Chen Xun recounted his observations in Yangzhou. "They originally followed Wang Shanquan in submitting to Luo Zishang. After Wang Shanquan’s death, they aligned with the young Wang heir. Since the heir is too young, these people effectively form Madam Ji’s support base. But Madam Ji is quite ignorant; she hardly involves herself in any affairs, staying in the rear courtyard all day, waiting for Luo Zishang’s return."

"Does Luo Zishang have..." Liu Yu Ru pondered, searching for an appropriate term, "...any improper relationship with her?"

"I don’t believe so," Chen Xun shook his head. "Luo Zishang is extremely arrogant and likely looks down on a woman like Madam Ji. Moreover, he rejected her several nighttime invitations. If there were anything between them, he probably wouldn’t have refused like that."

Liu Yu Ru nodded, finding Chen Xun’s reasoning plausible. Though Luo Zishang was despicable, from her interactions with him, she could tell he was prideful and restrained in matters of affection. Chen Xun took a sip of water and continued, "But Madam Ji likely has strong feelings for Luo Zishang. After all, he was the one who selected her back then. Luo Zishang comes from a prestigious family, is handsome, and when not confronted as an enemy, he carries an air of elegance. Coupled with his heroic rescue that brought her wealth and status, it’s hard for any woman not to be moved. A friend of mine who works under Xiao Ming mentioned her several times, saying Madam Ji now dreams of marrying Luo Zishang upon his return, raising the young Wang heir together, and ruling Yangzhou as local overlords."

"So Madam Ji is just waiting for Luo Zishang like this?" Liu Yu Ru frowned.

"Probably," Chen Xun smiled. "And precisely because of that, she has almost no contact with the old Wang retainers."

Liu Yu Ru fell silent, deep in thought. After a long while, she asked, "Do you think Wang Pingzhang would betray Luo Zishang?"

"Hmm?" Chen Xun seemed puzzled.

Liu Yu Ru tapped the table and elaborated, "If we promise to help Wang Pingzhang eliminate Xiao Ming, how likely is he to cooperate with us?"

"About ninety percent," Chen Xun stated confidently.

Liu Yu Ru thought for a moment before slowly asking, "And what is the relationship between Xiao Ming and Madam Ji?"

"Superficial respect exists," Chen Xun replied, "but Xiao Ming has never thought highly of Madam Ji."

Liu Yu Ru remained silent, seemingly lost in contemplation. Noticing her quietness, Chen Xun asked curiously, "Yu Ru?""Very well," Liu Yuru tapped the table thoughtfully, speaking slowly, "Might I trouble you to arrange an introduction for me to meet Wang Pingzhang?"

Chen Xun was momentarily taken aback, then nodded: "Agreed."

Without hesitation, Chen Xun immediately made the arrangements. By nightfall, he had brought Wang Pingzhang to the inn where Liu Yuru was staying.

Liu Yuru had a screen set up, conversing with Wang Pingzhang from behind it. After Wang Pingzhang performed the customary greetings, he addressed her respectfully: "I heard from Master Chen that an esteemed guest has come from afar, all the way from the Eastern Capital. Is that correct?"

"I have heard of Master Wang," Liu Yuru ignored his question, kneeling behind the screen as she spoke slowly. "Master Wang was originally a villager from the countryside, later recognized by Lord Wang Shanquan who brought you to Yangzhou to become an advisor to the Wang family. The name Pingzhang was given to you by Lord Wang Shanquan himself. To you, Lord Wang Shanquan's kindness was like being reborn."

Hearing this, Wang Pingzhang picked up his teacup, blew on the tea leaves floating on the surface, took a sip and said: "Are you an old acquaintance of Lord Wang?"

"With such great debt of gratitude, now that Lord Wang has passed away with his soul departed, his son killed and his wife dishonored, don't you feel any shame watching this happen, Master Wang?"

Ignoring Wang Pingzhang's question, Liu Yuru continued her inquiry. Wang Pingzhang chuckled at her words: "So you've come to drive a wedge between me and Lord Luo."

"Don't you feel resentful, Lord Wang?"

Liu Yuru sensed this was a particularly difficult individual to deal with. After brief probing, she had roughly gauged Wang Pingzhang's nature and continued slowly: "Now that Luo Zishang is away from Yangzhou, leaving a mere nineteen-year-old boy in charge, don't you feel humbled serving under a child, Lord Wang?"

"Then what should I do?"

Wang Pingzhang looked at the elongated shadow on the screen, curling his lips: "What does this young lady think I can do?"

Liu Yuru remained silent, understanding that Wang Pingzhang was stating his conditions. After some thought, she spoke: "I can help you kill Xiao Ming."

"And then wait for Luo Zishang to return and kill me?"

Wang Pingzhang lowered his head with a light laugh: "Young lady, I'm not that foolish."

"Luo Zishang won't have time to return." Liu Yuru stated calmly. "Right now he's in the Eastern Capital inciting Fan Yu to kill Ye Qingwen and Zhang Yu. Gu Jiusi has gone to Youzhou - within half a month, Youzhou will inevitably rebel. Do you think Luo Zishang will have time to come back and deal with you?"

"Are you from Youzhou?" Wang Pingzhang probed further. Liu Yuru responded slowly: "Whether I'm from Youzhou or not is unimportant. What matters is that I can help you become the master of Yangzhou."

Wang Pingzhang fell silent, clearly tempted. Liu Yuru watched the shadow outside and continued: "I can have Madam Ji support you, and provide you with manpower and funds. After you and Madam Ji join forces to kill Xiao Ming, if Luo Zishang dares to return, Youzhou will send troops to assist you."

"Additionally, I will provide you with substantial funds to facilitate your operations. We supply money, manpower, and effort - you become the master of Yangzhou. This deal couldn't be more favorable."

"How much money can you give me?"

Wang Pingzhang immediately showed interest at the mention of money. Liu Yuru smiled and raised her hand: "One million."

Just as Wang Pingzhang was about to refuse, Liu Yuru added: "As a deposit."

"If Luo Zishang decides to attack you, I will take responsibility for all military supplies."Wang Pingzhang did not speak. After carefully calculating the accounts, he then said, "What are your demands?"

"After you become the ruler of Yangzhou, issue a warrant to the entire realm."

"Who is to be apprehended?"

Wang Pingzhang was somewhat puzzled. Liu Yu Ru softly uttered a name: "Luo Zishang."