Destined

"How did you get here?"

Seeing Liu Yuru appear, Gu Jiusi hurriedly stood up. Noticing he was still bound by ropes, Liu Yuru immediately crouched down to untie the restraints on his hands, explaining softly, "I've finished handling matters in Yangzhou. I was worried about you, so I came back to check."

"Weren't you supposed to go to the Yellow River?" Gu Jiusi couldn't tell whether he felt more surprise or concern, his emotions complex as he said, "For you to come here now..."

"I've sent others ahead first. If Luo Zishang has tampered with the Yellow River, it's most likely in locations meeting two conditions: first, upstream of Shounan Pass, and second, at sites he supervised during your absence." Supporting Gu Jiusi as he stood, Liu Yuru spoke rapidly, "I've already dispatched people to Xingyang to find Fu Baoyuan and confirm the locations Luo Zishang supervised while you were away. After verifying your safety, I'll go there myself to investigate each site according to these two conditions."

As she spoke, Liu Yuru finished untying the ropes and looked up at Gu Jiusi. After gazing at her quietly for a moment, he smiled and said, "You've been crying."

He reached out to gently touch the tear stains on her face, his voice tinged with bitterness as he asked, "Why are you crying again?"

"I just met with Lord Ye and His Highness," Liu Yuru switched to formal address, sniffing slightly, "We had... a disagreement."

Gu Jiusi knew what she had argued with them about. He remained silent for a long while, head bowed, before finally saying, "They sent you to find me?"

"Yes."

Liu Yuru nodded: "They asked me to persuade you to drop this matter."

Gu Jiusi stayed silent with lowered head. Liu Yuru brushed the dust off his sleeves and called out to have two bowls of noodles brought in. "Never mind that for now," she said, "Let's eat something first."

Gu Jiusi acknowledged and let her lead him to sit at the table. Liu Yuru held his hand, quietly studying him. Gu Jiusi had grown much thinner, his features bearing traces of hardship. Noticing her gaze, he looked up and smiled at her: "Why are you staring at me? Is it because I'm too handsome?"

Hearing his playful remark, Liu Yuru could no longer contain herself. She threw herself into Gu Jiusi's arms, holding him tightly.

She knew.

She knew how deeply he was suffering, and how lost he must feel now. He walked a path no one else would accompany him on, with everyone telling him he was wrong.

He was naive, he was childish, he didn't understand how the world worked.

His inner principles were being trampled upon, his steadfastness deemed worthless.

Those who once walked beside him had gradually departed, leaving him alone on this path, persisting in what everyone called meaningless persistence.

For a person who holds beliefs dear, the cruelest punishment is to destroy those beliefs. Yet even now, he hadn't spoken a word of this to her, still pretending to be his usual self, trying to make her smile.

Held in this embrace, Gu Jiusi could no longer maintain his smile. Feeling the young woman trembling slightly in his arms, he finally lowered his gaze and rested his hands weakly on her shoulders.

"I didn't want you to worry," he murmured, "But seeing you like this, I can't pretend to be happy anymore."Liu Yu Ru remained silent. Gu Jiusi held her tighter, taking a deep breath. "I know you've always been practical about life. Now that we have Yun Yun and our family, I shouldn't involve myself in this matter for your sakes. I'm not just an official of Great Xia—I'm your husband, Yun Yun's father, our parents' son. I bear many other responsibilities..."

His voice choked with emotion as he pressed his forehead against her hair, clutching her as if in agony. "I ought to return with you."

"Since it's what you ought to do," Liu Yu Ru's voice emerged hoarsely, "why are you still so distressed?"

Gu Jiusi didn't respond, keeping his eyes lowered in prolonged silence before finally saying, "There are still nearly a million people in the Eastern Capital."

A million civilians subjected to three days of pillaging—that would be a living hell.

"Yu Ru..."

His voice cracked dryly, but Liu Yu Ru raised her hand to stop him.

"Don't speak."

Her clear eyes gazed at him gently. "Don't make this decision. Let me make it for you, alright?"

Gu Jiusi watched her quietly.

This was perhaps the most radiant period of her life. When they first met, she had been too youthful and inexperienced, her world confined by the high walls of the rear courtyard. Now her features had matured, her stature grown slender and tall—she was truly a peerless beauty. What made her even more remarkable were her eyes, resembling precious gems, masterful paintings, and the vast sky itself.

Those eyes held within them majestic mountains and flowing rivers, the multitude of living beings, making them extraordinarily brilliant and luminous.

She was like a deity who could perceive people's hearts, yet also like a candle flame illuminating the long road ahead.

She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life.

Gu Jiusi's gaze remained fixed on her as Liu Yu Ru smiled softly. "Whatever decision I make, you must listen to me, alright?"

"Alright."

His voice was raspy. In that moment, he trusted her unconditionally—if she wanted him to live, he would cling to life; if she wanted him to die, he would march willingly to his death.

Liu Yu Ru didn't speak further. She raised her hand to gently trace his features, regarding him with profound care, her cool fingertips moving with deliberate tenderness.

"Jiusi," she said earnestly, looking into his eyes, "you must know that I love you."

"I know."

"I love your integrity, your sincere devotion. I know the person I love could never stand by and watch countless lives perish without taking action, nor could he rest content hiding away with me in our own little world."

As soon as she spoke these words, tears streamed down Gu Jiusi's face. He kept his eyes locked on her, weeping like a child until his face was streaked with exhaustion.

Liu Yu Ru brushed aside the strands of hair clinging to his tear-dampened face, her own eyes glistening as she smiled tenderly. "Go."

Gu Jiusi remained motionless, trembling as he listened to her calm voice. "Do what you feel you must. I've never thought you were wrong—it's just that this path you walk is too difficult for others to follow. But you can walk it, so you'll always be the hero in my heart. If you need money, I'll spend all we have. If you need help, I'll give everything I can. Of course, if you need me to go through fire and water..." she managed a strained smile, "I won't accompany you there. I'm quite selfish—I must protect Yun Yun. So regarding the Yellow River, if I can repair it, I will. If I can't, then I won't. Alright?"

"Alright." Gu Jiusi wept as he answered.He knew she was lying to him, yet he couldn't expose it. Clutching her sleeve tightly, he stared at her intently and said in a hoarse voice, "You must keep your word."

"I will."

Liu Yuru chuckled softly.

"You must live well, you must live better than anyone else."

"I know."

"No matter what I do, no matter what happens to me, you and Jin'er must be well. If I make your life difficult, stop loving me. Go love someone else," Gu Jiusi lowered his head, weeping, "Love someone more selfish, someone who treats you better, don't... don't love someone like me anymore."

As he spoke, he could no longer hold himself up. Hunched over, he collapsed to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Liu Yuru watched him quietly. Even in this moment, her tears were restrained, controlled, and elegant.

Looking at the person weeping bitterly before her, she sniffled and whispered, "Later, I'll give you a list of all the household funds. If you need to use them, use them all. I've already set aside enough for the family's needs, so it won't affect anyone."

"I met Chen Xun in Yangzhou. I've entrusted the family to him. Once I resolve the Yellow River matter, I'll take the family into hiding. When you're safe, I'll bring them to you. If something happens to you, I'll take them away."

Gu Jiusi couldn't speak. He just held her tighter, and tighter still.

He had apologized to her countless times, made countless promises.

But he finally realized he couldn't keep them.

He couldn't give her the lifelong stability he had envisioned. From the moment she met him, all he had brought her was turmoil and displacement.

He could strategize for the world, protect the people, save millions in the Eastern Capital, tame the raging Yellow River, but he couldn't give this girl a single moment of peace.

He was unworthy of her, had always failed her, yet she was so wonderful that he could never let her go.

Kneeling before her, he wept as if his heart were breaking, as if pouring all his pain into this moment, as if this were their final farewell.

Liu Yuru watched him quietly. Through this embrace, she sensed his agony and helplessness. She raised her hand to comb through his hair and smiled gently.

"Gu Jiusi," she called his name, tenderly and solemnly, "Thank you."

Gu Jiusi shook his head, sobbing, desperately denying her words. Liu Yuru lifted her eyes to gaze at the drifting white clouds beyond the courtyard, the boundless blue sky, and said slowly, "When I was young, I longed to marry a good man. I imagined many times what a good man should be like. I thought he would protect me, give me a life of luxury and carefree happiness. I would accompany him, depend on him, live for him, and die for him. Then, I married you."

Liu Yuru lowered her head, looked at him, and couldn't help but laugh. "Only then did I understand that one should live for oneself."

As she spoke, she bent down, held him tightly, and closed her eyes. "I don't feel you've failed me, and you need not feel guilty toward me. Though I am your wife, I am first and foremost Liu Yuru."

She did not depend on him, nor did she belong to him. The life she wanted, she would choose for herself—it was not for him to give.His life had been turbulent and wandering, ever since the moment she disembarked and returned to Yangzhou—it was she who had chosen this path of upheaval.

His life bore the weight of the people, ever since she received the imperial decree bestowing an honorific title and stood by his side, overlooking the populace from a high position—it was she who had chosen this responsibility.

He had no need to feel guilt, and she did not blame him.

They held each other tightly, and in that very moment, Gu Jiusi finally felt certain that walking this path, he was neither fearful nor lost.

They did not have much time for tenderness. After Gu Jiusi's emotions stabilized, the person delivering the meal arrived. Liu Yu Ru shared the meal with him, then listed all the household funds on a sheet and handed it to Gu Jiusi. Afterward, she detailed the situation in Yangzhou to him. By the time she finished, it was already noon. Liu Yu Ru said to Gu Jiusi, "I will go find Brother Zhou and Brother Ye shortly. I will tell them that you have been persuaded by me but are unwilling to participate in this matter. We will remain in Fenshui. Once they let their guard down, we will slip away tonight."

Gu Jiusi nodded. Liu Yu Ru urged him to rest awhile. After they freshened up, she led him to meet Zhou Ye and Ye Shi'an.

Zhou Ye had prepared a table of wine. When the three met, they spoke little. Liu Yu Ru, positioned between them, watched their silence and smiled lightly. "It's all in the past now. Don't be reserved. Once your affairs are settled, Jiusi and I will return to Yangzhou."

"Return to Yangzhou..." Ye Shi'an hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "What do you plan to do there?"

"Continue with business," Liu Yu Ru replied, raising her cup and glancing at Zhou Ye and Ye Shi'an. "Jiusi will no longer be in court. If we encounter trouble in our business, we may have to trouble you both."

Hearing this, Zhou Ye and Ye Shi'an gradually relaxed. Zhou Ye immediately responded, "That can be arranged."

With that, Zhou Ye picked up his cup, looked at Gu Jiusi, hesitated briefly, then raised it and said, "Jiusi, let's have a drink."

Gu Jiusi acknowledged and took his cup. After clinking it with Zhou Ye's, he lifted his gaze and said calmly, "Brother." Hearing the address "Brother," Zhou Ye felt a pang of sorrow and was about to speak when Gu Jiusi continued, "Regarding your wife's matter, I truly did my best."

"I understand," Zhou Ye said with a bitter smile, sighing. "I was just... too heartbroken, finding a reason to ease my own pain. I hope you can forgive me."

Gu Jiusi nodded without further words. He and Zhou Ye drank in one go, then he raised his cup again and turned to Ye Shi'an.

The two looked at each other for a while before Ye Shi'an lifted his cup, nodded, and downed the wine.

The meal passed in a somber atmosphere, with little conversation among the three. Zhou Ye drank heavily. When the gathering ended, Ye Shi'an helped Zhou Ye back. Halfway there, Zhou Ye suddenly turned around and called out, "Jiusi!"

Gu Jiusi, holding Liu Yu Ru's hand, turned back to see Zhou Ye staring at him. Zhou Ye's gaze was fixed, as if seeing someone else, and after a long pause, he said, "I'm sorry."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi fell silent for a moment, then smiled.

"For this apology," he sighed softly, "I'll still consider you a brother."

With that, Gu Jiusi raised his hand in a cupped fist salute and said with a smile, "Until we meet again."Zhou Ye was quite drunk and muddled. Liu Yu Ru quickly said to Ye Shi'an, "Brother Ye, please help Brother Zhou back to his room."

Ye Shi'an nodded and escorted Zhou Ye back to his quarters. After seeing them off, Liu Yu Ru and Gu Jiusi walked hand in hand to their room. Once they closed the main door, Gu Jiusi turned to Liu Yu Ru and said, "Wait a moment..."

Before he could finish, Liu Yu Ru suddenly stepped forward, grabbed him abruptly, and kissed him.

In the darkness, only their breaths were audible as they held each other tightly. When the kiss ended, Gu Jiusi rested his forehead against hers and heard her ask, "Did you like it?"

Gu Jiusi replied in a low, husky voice, "Yes."

"Remember what you want—come back alive."

"Okay."

Gu Jiusi didn't let her go, trembling as he said, "Yu Ru, if I don't want to let you go, will you resent me?"

"No." Liu Yu Ru looked up at him, her eyes bright as stars. "I'd be overjoyed."

As they spoke, a muffled grunt came from outside. Then, Wang Lai pushed open the window and said, "Alright, hurry up and go."

Liu Yu Ru and Gu Jiusi responded in unison. Gu Jiusi climbed over the windowsill, then pulled Liu Yu Ru over in one swift motion.

Liu Yu Ru's people had been preparing all day. Combined with Zhou Ye and Ye Shi'an's lowered guard due to drinking, the three of them quickly left the Magistrate Office and reunited with Liu Yu Ru's allies. After regrouping, the party galloped to the city gate. Liu Yu Ru held up a token Zhou Ye had given her earlier and declared loudly, "By His Highness's order, urgent business requires us to leave the city. Step aside!"

The gate guards saw Liu Yu Ru's token and, noting her impatient demeanor, hurriedly opened the gates for them. Once the entire group had rushed out of the city, Liu Yu Ru and Gu Jiusi reached the main road. Liu Yu Ru looked at Gu Jiusi and smiled, saying, "I have to go to the Yellow River."

"I know."

"Where are you planning to go?"

"Me?"

Gu Jiusi thought for a moment, pursed his lips, and finally said, "The Eastern Capital."

"Alright." Liu Yu Ru nodded, glanced at Wang Lai, and then said to Gu Jiusi, "Then Wang Lai will stay with you. You must be going to the Eastern Capital to find your uncle—he'll make it easier for you."

"Then Munan should go with you."

Gu Jiusi smiled, reaching up to adjust the collar of Liu Yu Ru's cloak as he gazed at her. "Be careful in all matters."

"You too."

After that, they fell silent, as if neither could bear to speak of parting. After a long while, Liu Yu Ru lowered her head with a soft laugh, waved her hand, and said, "I'm leaving."

With that, she turned away. Not daring to look back, she spurred her horse and galloped off toward Yongzhou.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi watched her depart before turning his horse around and heading in the direction of the Eastern Capital.

They arrived in Yongzhou and the Eastern Capital at almost the same time. It was then that news spread across the land: Zhou Gaolang had declared himself emperor and was advancing toward the Eastern Capital with unstoppable momentum.

On the very day Zhou Gaolang captured his first city, Shen Ming was playing Gomoku with Ye Yun on the city wall of Qin Cheng at the border. He had just placed a piece when he felt the ground tremble slightly.

Ye Yun, holding a chess piece, asked curiously, "What's happening?"

Hearing this, Shen Ming's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly stood up and rushed to the top of the city wall, where he saw rolling yellow dust in the distance. His eyes widened, and he shouted, "Enemy attack! Mobilize the troops!"

At that time, it was the thirteenth day of the eighth month in the first year of Kangping.In the Eastern Capital palace, music and dance flourished in a scene of peace and prosperity. Fan Yu, blindfolded within the hall, was enjoying himself heartily with the beauties.

Luo Zishang had been accompanying the drinking when a eunuch hurried over, entered the inner hall, and whispered something in his ear. Luo Zishang's expression shifted slightly as he stood up and addressed Fan Yu, "Your Majesty, your subject—"

"Go on, go on," Fan Yu waved his hand impatiently. "There's always so much business. You don't need to seek my permission—just leave quickly if you must."

Luo Zishang smiled, bowed respectfully, and took his leave, walking out of the main hall. Outside, Ming Yi stood alone at the entrance, his face extremely grim. Luo Zishang glanced over the person standing behind Ming Yi—their eyes were red-rimmed. A sense of foreboding stirred in Luo Zishang's heart, but he maintained a calm facade and asked with a light laugh, "What's happened? I sent you to Yangzhou—why have you returned in tears?"

"Sir," the man immediately dropped to his knees, his voice hoarse, "Lord Xiao... has passed away!"

At these words, Luo Zishang's eyes widened abruptly. After a moment, he snapped back to reality, grabbed the kneeling man by the collar, and roared, "What did you say?!"

He had been unable to contact Yangzhou for some time and knew something had gone wrong there, but he never imagined it would be Xiao Ming's death.

The guard was startled by Luo Zishang's reaction, but he gritted his teeth and repeated, "Lord Xiao has passed away!"

Luo Zishang fell silent, as if struck dumb. Ming Yi, concerned, stepped forward to support him and frowned. "Sir, please calm down."

Luo Zishang felt as if his soul had left his body, his mind a complete blank. After a long while, mustering all his strength, he managed to ask, "Who...?"

"It was Chen Xun," the guard replied immediately. "Chen Xun is now in charge of Yangzhou."

Luo Zishang quickly searched his memory for the name. It felt vaguely familiar, yet he couldn't place it. Frowning, he asked, "Who is Chen Xun?"

"He was originally a retainer under Madam Ji," the guard explained promptly. "After connecting with Wang Pingzhang, he somehow grew close to Madam Ji. Later, when Liu Yu Ru arrived in Yangzhou and stayed at the Luo residence, Madam Ji clashed with her. Lord Xiao intervened and attacked Madam Ji over the matter. In her fury, Madam Ji rallied the former followers of the Wang family, allied with Wang Pingzhang, and assassinated Lord Xiao."

"What about the East Battalion?" Luo Zishang clenched his fists.

The guard lowered his voice. "Wang Pingzhang bribed people in the army heavily and drugged the East Battalion troops. Then, Chen Xun forged Lord Xiao's order to allow Shen Ming to lead thirty thousand troops into Yangzhou. Once Shen Ming entered, Chen Xun and Wang Pingzhang captured almost all of our men. After that, Chen Xun killed Wang Pingzhang and sent those who opposed him to the army, which Shen Ming then took to the Yuzhou battlefield."

"Yuzhou?" Luo Zishang repeated incredulously. "You're saying Shen Ming went to Yuzhou?"

"Yes," the guard confirmed at once. "He took the Yangzhou army—eighty thousand troops in total."

Luo Zishang found it absurd. He took a step back, wanting to speak but unable to form words. His hands moved unconsciously as if trying to gesture something, but in the end, with reddened eyes, he whispered, "How could A-Ming die?"

No one answered. Luo Zishang suddenly burst out in furious curses, "How could a mere Liu Yu Ru outmaneuver him like this?!"His junior disciple—he understood him better than anyone else. Since childhood, he had been intelligent and steady, always thinking several steps ahead in everything he did. How could someone he had personally nurtured fall prey to Liu Yu Ru's schemes?

The guard lowered his head, his voice hushed as he whispered, "Liu Yu Ru said that Gu Jin is your child."

"And he believed her just like that?!" Luo Zishang roared in fury. "Is he really that foolish?!"

"The person by Lord Xiao's side said," the guard spoke cautiously, "that child's eyes resemble yours. Moreover, Lord Xiao always believed you were fond of Madam Liu, so regardless of whether it was true or not, he wanted to help you keep her by your side first."

Hearing this, Luo Zishang was completely stunned.

The guard continued, "Lord Xiao said that since you've finally taken a liking to someone, no matter what methods were used, he hoped you could have a family."

Yet it was this small wish, this rare—perhaps even only—moment of softness that cost him his life.

Luo Zishang stood there in a daze, then with great difficulty turned his head to look in the direction of Yangzhou.

In that instant, it was as if he saw many years ago, when he had just arrived at the Zhang family. He was sitting in the carriage, and a child was chasing after it, desperately calling out, "Young master, Young Master Luo, could you spare some food?"

He lifted the carriage curtain and saw the youth running strenuously. Pale and emaciated, Luo Zishang could tell at a glance that this child wouldn't survive much longer.

He stopped the carriage and stepped down. Crouching before Xiao Ming, he said with a smile, "I can give you a steamed bun. What will you give me in return?"

"My life," Xiao Ming looked up earnestly and said, "Save me, and I'll give you my life."

He had always thought it was a joke.

All these years, Luo Zishang had walked alone, surrounded by darkness and suspicion. Unless there was something to gain, who would truly offer him their life?

But now, at this moment, he realized that there really was someone so foolish.

Xiao Ming didn't die because of his own foolishness, nor because of Liu Yu Ru's schemes. He died because of that softness and concern for him. Whenever it involved his senior brother, he would become like a child, losing his guard and resilience.

Tears unconsciously streamed from Luo Zishang's eyes. Those around him were somewhat surprised, but Luo Zishang remained unaware until a tear fell on the back of his hand, jolting him back to reality.

The tear felt like molten lava, burning him from his hand all the way up, causing him to tremble with pain.

He had never imagined he could still feel such emotions. Ming Yi, standing nearby, looked at him with concern and couldn't help but say, "My lord..."

That address of "my lord" abruptly snapped Luo Zishang back to his senses. Ming Yi carefully chose his words to comfort him, "Those of us who walk this path have long accepted our fate. My lord, you need not grieve too deeply. If Lord Xiao's spirit watches over us, he would not wish to see you lose your composure because of him."

"Don't worry..." Luo Zishang listened to Ming Yi's words and replied hoarsely, "I won't lose my composure. For now, keep the news of Yangzhou from reaching His Majesty. Set up a memorial hall for A Ming within the residence, and don't let outsiders disturb it."

Ming Yi acknowledged the order and instructed his subordinates to carry it out. Then he stepped forward, supporting Luo Zishang as they walked toward the palace, and couldn't help but ask, "My lord, now that Yangzhou has been taken, what should we do?"

With Yangzhou gone, the purpose of pitting Liu Xingzhi and Great Xia against each other was lost.

"What should we do?"Luo Zishang curled his lips in a mocking smile. "Chen Xun stands behind Gu Jiusi. This time, Shen Ming is confronting Liu Xingzhi head-on. As long as Gu Jiusi's reinforcements are delayed, Shen Ming's eighty thousand troops will be utterly annihilated. All we need to do is stall the Eastern Capital front, letting Zhou Gaolang and Fan Yu fight to the death. Once Liu Xingzhi eliminates Shen Ming and marches here to seize the Eastern Capital, killing Zhou Gaolang, Gu Jiusi, and their allies, we will become key ministers. My original agreement with Liu Xingzhi was that Yangzhou would submit to him. I would help him conquer Great Xia, and he would swear brotherhood with me, grant me Yangzhou, and enfeoff me as a prince. So let's stick to the plan—let him take Great Xia first. By then, Chen Xun will have neither soldiers nor funds. Liu Xingzhi can lend me troops, and retaking Yangzhou will be effortless." Luo Zishang brushed his hand over the jade railing and said slowly, "Though it's not the sweeping victory we initially envisioned, it's far from a dead end."

"Your foresight is brilliant, my lord."

Hearing Luo Zishang's strategy, Ming Yi felt considerably reassured.

Yet Luo Zishang showed no trace of joy. He continued issuing orders: "Take a team of assassins to the Yellow River and await Liu Xingzhi's command. The moment he attacks Shou Nan Pass,"—Luo Zishang's eyes turned icy—"ignite the gunpowder we previously planted."

"Understood."

Ming Yi accepted the order without hesitation. Luo Zishang lifted his gaze to the distant horizon.

"The dead cannot return," he murmured. "I can only make Gu Jiusi and Liu Yuru apologize to A'Ming in the underworld."

That very night, Luo Zishang received news of Liu Xingzhi attacking the border and Zhou Gaolang advancing toward the Eastern Capital. Luo Zishang reported this to Fan Yu, who glanced at the message and sneered, "What now?"

He picked up a memorial and looked at Luo Zishang. "Zhou Gaolang is attacking, Liu Xingzhi is attacking, and Zhou Gaolang refuses to go to Yuzhou. What do you suggest?"

Luo Zishang remained silent. Fan Yu hurled the memorial at him and roared, "Speak!"

Reeking of alcohol—a common state these days—Fan Yu watched as Luo Zishang immediately knelt and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, there is only one solution now."

"What solution?" Exhausted after throwing the memorial, Fan Yu slumped in his chair, holding a courtesan in his arms, and glared coldly at Luo Zishang. "Cede Yuzhou."

"And if we cede Yuzhou, will Liu Xingzhi stop attacking?"

"This subject can send envoys to negotiate peace."

Luo Zishang responded promptly. Fan Yu pondered and nodded. "Fine. I'll issue an imperial decree. Let Yuzhou go."

Then Fan Yu worriedly asked, "What about Zhou Gaolang's side..."

"To reach the Eastern Capital, he must breach ten cities first. After conquering them and marching here, his troops will be exhausted. Meanwhile, we have two hundred thousand soldiers stationed in the Eastern Capital. We can lay a heavy ambush and crush them in one strike!"

"Excellent!" Fan Yu clapped his hands cheerfully. "Proceed accordingly. Ensure the three generals are well-fed and entertained these days—no neglect."

"Yes."

Luo Zishang smiled in acknowledgment. Fan Yu thought for a moment. "Should I receive them in audience?"

"That would be most ideal."

Luo Zishang quickly agreed. Fan Yu nodded, yawning. "Then it's settled."Upon receiving Fan Yu's instructions, Luo Zishang went to make the arrangements.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi and Wang Lai, disguised as merchants, entered the Eastern Capital.

"The largest pleasure house in the city, 'Xi Feng Pavilion,' is owned by Lord Jiang," Gu Jiusi and Wang Lai, clad in robes, walked through the bustling crowds of the Eastern Capital as the lanterns began to glow. Wang Lai led Gu Jiusi toward Xi Feng Pavilion, explaining as they went, "Lord Jiang has countless hidden agents and private properties in the Eastern Capital. If we want to find him now that he's hiding here, we must go to this place."

Gu Jiusi acknowledged with a sound and followed Wang Lai to Xi Feng Pavilion. Once inside, Wang Lai greeted the brothel keeper and recited, "After dusk, we drink by the eastern fence."

Hearing this, the brothel keeper glanced at Wang Lai and said, "Young masters, please follow me."

With that, the two followed the brokeeper to the rear courtyard, which was much quieter than the front. Gu Jiusi and Wang Lai entered a room filled with the faint, curling smoke of incense, its heavy fragrance permeating the air and making it somewhat oppressive. Gu Jiusi, still wearing his cloak, vaguely glimpsed a woman behind the beaded curtain in the inner chamber. She reclined lazily on a couch, holding a smoking pipe, her robe slipping off her shoulder to reveal a pale thigh.

"After dusk, we drink by the eastern fence," a slightly hoarse female voice rang out, followed by the sound of her tapping the smoking pipe. She continued slowly, "I wondered who it might be, so it's Wang Lai."

"Xi Feng," Wang Lai spoke up, "where is the master?"

"Who have you brought with you?"

The woman called Xi Feng turned her gaze to Gu Jiusi, who stood in the shadows behind Wang Lai. Hearing her question, Gu Jiusi pulled down his hood and calmly said, "Gu Jiusi."

The woman in the inner chamber exhaled a cloud of smoke, seemingly studying Gu Jiusi for a moment. Then, with a crisp rustle of beads, a woman in red emerged from the inner room.

She was extraordinarily beautiful, her hair loosely tied up in a bun, her eyes slightly upturned and captivating with a single glance, enough to make one's bones melt.

Gu Jiusi remained clear-headed and composed, allowing her to scrutinize him quietly. After a moment, Xi Feng gave a light laugh, turned around, and said, "Follow me."

She led them out of the room and deeper into the courtyard, finally stopping before a door adorned with two osmanthus branches. She knocked three times on the door, neither hurried nor slow. Moments later, the door opened, and Xi Feng stood at the entrance, respectfully announcing, "Master, Wang Lai has brought the young master back."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi heard Jiang He's voice, as if entirely unsurprised, say, "Come in. We were just talking about them."

Xi Feng acknowledged and led Gu Jiusi and Wang Lai inside. Upon entering, Gu Jiusi noticed the room was filled with people. Jiang He, dressed in white robes with his hair casually tied back by a jade band, sat in the host's seat, seemingly in the middle of a discussion.

Gu Jiusi looked at Jiang He and bowed, saying, "Uncle."

"It seems you've endured quite a bit," Jiang He said with a laugh. "Weren't you supposed to be with Zhou Gaolang? What brings you to the Eastern Capital?"

"I have matters to discuss with you."

Gu Jiusi glanced at the others in the room. Understanding his meaning, Jiang He nodded and addressed everyone, "You may all leave now."

At Jiang He's command, no one lingered, and they all withdrew.After everyone else had withdrawn, only Gu Jiusi and Jiang He remained in the room. Jiang He picked up a handkerchief and wiped his hands as he said, "I heard that Zhou Madam and the young madam have both passed away."

"Yes."

"When they left the Eastern Capital, I tried to save them," Jiang He smiled faintly, "but unfortunately, I failed."

"I tried as well."

"Did the Zhou father and son blame you?" Jiang He sat in a chair, propping his chin as he studied Gu Jiusi. "And then they drove you out?"

"No," Gu Jiusi shook his head, then looked up at Jiang He seriously. "To eliminate future threats to his throne, Zhou Gaolang promised his three armies three days of plunder once they enter the Eastern Capital."

At these words, Jiang He abruptly looked up, shocked. "Who proposed this?"

"Ye Shi'an."

The name startled Jiang He even more. After a brief moment of stunned silence, he let out a laugh, then waved his hand as if finding it absurd. "Ye Qingzhan was proud and aloof his entire life. He often told me that among the younger generation of his family, Ye Shi'an was the most outstanding. If Qingzhan knew from beyond the grave what this child has done, he'd probably claw his way back to life to strike him down."

Gu Jiusi remained silent. Jiang He rested his chin on his hand, pondered briefly, and then understood the whole story. He looked up at Gu Jiusi. "Since they've already decided to plunder the Eastern Capital, why have you come here?"

"Precisely because they plan to plunder the Eastern Capital, I had to come."

Jiang He raised an eyebrow. "Zhou Gaolang was your former master. You helped him become emperor, and now you're here to stand in his way?"

"I've already deceived the Zhou family out of thirty thousand troops. Shen Ming has taken them to Yuzhou. I also sent Yuru to Yangzhou to assist my friend Chen Xun in securing control there, then mobilized fifty thousand troops from Yangzhou to reinforce Shen Ming in Yuzhou. I promised Shen Ming reinforcements within a month. So now there are only two paths forward," Gu Jiusi continued without acknowledging Jiang He's question. "First, we take the eighty thousand troops and Yangzhou to join Liu Xingzhi, letting him march all the way to the Eastern Capital to stop Zhou Gaolang."

"No," Jiang He rejected firmly. "I've had dealings with Liu Xingzhi in the past. He's hedonistic and views the world as his private property. Entrusting the realm to him would be no different from the Da Rong dynasty."

"What about Zhou Gaolang then?"

Gu Jiusi looked up at Jiang He, who hesitated before saying, "Zhou Gaolang is a politician."

"But," Jiang He met Gu Jiusi's gaze, "he's not entirely without principles. He's rational and has his own dreams. His methods may be extreme, but compared to Liu Xingzhi, he's far better. Their current decision stems from the pain of losing their loved ones—there might still be room for negotiation. As long as there's room, Zhou Gaolang is the best choice."

"There will be room."

Gu Jiusi spoke decisively. "We just need to give him a reason not to plunder the Eastern Capital, and there will be room."

"You trust him that much?" Jiang He seemed surprised. Gu Jiusi walked over to the sand table and said earnestly, "It's not that I trust him—I trust my brothers."

"Whether it's Brother Zhou or Shi An, people inevitably make mistakes. As their friend, I can't stand by and watch them go down this path. I have to make them see reason before they commit an irreparable wrong. I don't know if Zhou Gaolang will be a wise ruler, but I do know that Brother Zhou will be."

"So what's your plan?"Jiang He stood behind Gu Jiusi, watching the young man before him with a smile and a trace of relief in his eyes. After some thought, Gu Jiusi slowly said, "First, to ensure Zhou Gaolang gains better control over the military, we cannot let the Eastern Capital fall into chaos. Once these generals breach the Eastern Capital, it will be far too difficult for Zhou Gaolang to restrain them. Moreover, if they forcefully enter the Eastern Capital, it would mean Fan Xuan's forces and Zhou Gaolang's men are at war. I fear we won't have the strength left to support Shen Ming afterward."

"So you want the Eastern Capital to collapse from within and surrender without a fight?"

"Yes," Gu Jiusi nodded, placing a soldier piece on the Imperial City. "Second, we must resolve Zhou Gaolang's lingering concerns, secure his imperial throne so he won't be threatened by those soldiers in the future, and thus lower his guard."

"How do you plan to secure his throne?" Jiang He asked, puzzled. Gu Jiusi calmly replied, "Zhou Gaolang fears his generals might rebel because he once deceived them into thinking Fan Yu intended to kill them, which spurred them to join his rebellion. We must turn this falsehood into reality. We need to obtain a genuine imperial edict ordering their execution."

Jiang He nodded. Gu Jiusi continued, "Furthermore, Lord Zhou's throne should be voluntarily abdicated by Fan Yu."

This gave Jiang He pause. If the previous edict could be forged, how could Fan Yu possibly abdicate willingly? But Jiang He never questioned methods—once a goal was set, he focused on finding a way. He gestured for Gu Jiusi to proceed. Gu Jiusi placed another soldier piece on the streets of the Eastern Capital: "Third, we must increase the difficulty of attacking the Eastern Capital, making it a losing proposition for Zhou Gaolang. Only then might he abandon his plan entirely. But as a precaution, we should evacuate the Eastern Capital's civilians beforehand, ensuring they leave orderly to seek refuge elsewhere."

Jiang He listened quietly, pondering. Everything Gu Jiusi said made sense, but these were merely objectives. He looked at him and asked, "So, how do you intend to proceed?"

"We'll take it step by step," Gu Jiusi mused slowly. "First, we must drive a wedge between Yang Hui, Wei Dacheng, Sima Nan, and Fan Yu, drawing them to our side. I've heard of these three generals: Yang Hui is lustful, Wei Dacheng is greedy, and Sima Nan is suspicious. We'll target them individually, taking our time."

"That sounds reasonable," Jiang He nodded, then added, "But everyone knows their weaknesses. Sending money or women now might not work—Luo Zishang has likely already tried."

"So why should we send anything?" Gu Jiusi laughed. "Uncle, do you have any exceptionally beautiful women skilled at dealing with men?"

"Naturally," Jiang He smiled. "Xi Feng is one."

Gu Jiusi nodded. "Has she met Yang Hui?"

"Not yet."

"I have some people in the palace Music House," Gu Jiusi said lightly. "Arrange for them to be sent over first."

"Alright."Jiang He didn't ask further and directly agreed. After a moment's thought, he chuckled and said, "Speaking of which, everyone is our enemy now—Liu Xingzhi, Luo Zishang, Zhou Gaolang... These people have money, power, soldiers, and generals. Tell me, at my age, it's one thing for me to make a last-ditch stand here, but why are you joining this mess for no reason?"

"If I didn't come," Gu Jiusi lifted his eyes to look at him, "what would your life—or the late emperor's, Qin Nan's, Fu Baoyuan's, or any of yours—amount to?"

These words stunned Jiang He. Gu Jiusi turned his head to gaze at the starry sky outside.

"Uncle, I truly believe that people never truly die." He tucked his hands into his sleeves, as if quietly watching someone in the night sky. "As long as there is one person in this world who persists in the causes they devoted their lives to, who continues walking their path and believing in their faith, then they live forever."

"I don't know how many others in this world have shared thoughts and efforts like ours. I don't know their names or what they've done, but I know that as long as I live one more day, they live one more day. And in the future, I too will live on through this legacy."

"Therefore," Gu Jiusi turned to look at Jiang He, "I have no fear in my heart."

Jiang He remained silent for a long while before letting out a bitter laugh. "Does Yuru agree?"

Hearing this name, Gu Jiusi smiled gently.

"Although she always claims to be selfish and says she lacks my bold spirit, I know deep down," a touch of tenderness unconsciously surfaced in Gu Jiusi's eyes, "she is just like me."

"Right now, she must be at the Yellow River," he turned to look in the direction of Yongzhou, murmuring softly, "doing her utmost to protect those she can, just as I am."

Author's Note: 【Mini Theater】

Luo Zishang: Mom, help me think of a way to kill Gu Jiusi!

Me: Okay, okay, let's do it! How can we look impressive without stirring up some major trouble?

After it's done.

Gu Jiusi: Mom, quickly help me think of a way to counterattack!!

Me: Hold on... Let me think... Who was it that wrote so many difficult situations to torment you? Trash! Trash! Trash!