Destined

When Gu Jiusi arrived at the Eastern Capital, Liu Yuru had already met Fu Baoyuan by the Yellow River. Having received Liu Yuru's letter, Fu Baoyuan immediately retrieved the renovation logs from that period.

During the Yellow River Renovation, daily progress, specific locations, and responsible personnel were all meticulously recorded. Fu Baoyuan then proceeded to compile all the time and location data from Luo Zishang's renovation work. By the time Liu Yuru arrived, he had already prepared the documents and handed them to her.

After obtaining the materials from Fu Baoyuan, Liu Yuru cleared the area upstream of Shounan Pass and said to him, "Let's split up and take people to inspect these locations one by one, checking for any issues."

Fu Baoyuan nodded, but after glancing at the scope Liu Yuru had outlined, he frowned and said, "This area is too large. If we inspect every location, it will take at least a month. But if their plan is to tamper with the Yellow River to capture Shounan Pass, they will act as soon as Qin Cheng falls. We won't have enough time."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru's hands stiffened. After a moment of thought, she slowly asked, "If Luo Zishang were to tamper with the Yellow River, how would he do it?"

"The most convenient way would be to plant explosives at key locations."

Having supervised the Yellow River project throughout, Fu Baoyuan was quite familiar with it. Liu Yuru, still puzzled, continued, "Wouldn't those explosives be buried very deep then?"

"Correct."

Fu Baoyuan nodded, pondering as he spoke, "Moreover, if Luo Zishang planned to blow up that location from the start of construction, its structure would inevitably be weaker than other areas. It's likely hollow inside." He looked up at Liu Yuru and added, "Firstly, to conceal the explosives without detection, and secondly, to make it easier for the embankment to breach once the explosives are detonated."

"How would they ignite them?" Liu Yuru frowned.

Fu Baoyuan smiled faintly. "The core of the embankment is made of large stones, but the exterior is ordinary brickwork. The fuse would be placed behind the bricks. When the time comes to ignite, they would simply remove the bricks, expose the fuse, and light it."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuru unconsciously tapped the table. After a moment's thought, she looked at Fu Baoyuan, pressed her lips together, and said, "So, if we tap the walls, we should be able to detect abnormalities?"

"You could say that." Fu Baoyuan nodded.

Liu Yuru couldn't help but ask, "In that case, if we conduct inspections in batches, would it still take a month?"

Hearing this, Fu Baoyuan sighed helplessly. "We don't have enough manpower."

He seemed somewhat uneasy as he added, "The troops from Yongzhou have all been transferred to the Eastern Capital. The people I can use... aren't many."

"It's fine," Liu Yuru said immediately upon hearing the reason. "For now, gather all the available personnel and recruit more workers. Offer twenty coins per person per day, and mobilize the entire region to go to the embankment..."

She paused mid-sentence. Fu Baoyuan, who had brightened at her words, noticed her hesitation and asked, "What's wrong?"

Liu Yuru thought for a moment and shook her head. "No, we can't do this."

"Why not?"Fu Baoyuan was momentarily stunned, but Liu Yuru immediately spoke up: "If we proceed this way, and I were in Luo Zishang's position, I would have my people blend into the crowd. Knowing the correct locations, they could deliberately search those areas and then pretend to find nothing. That way, we would truly lose track of the explosives. More importantly, this would make it easier for them to approach the dam, and igniting the fuses would become even simpler."

"You're right."

Hearing her words, Fu Baoyuan's expression turned grave. After a moment's thought, he said, "Then I'll first issue an order forbidding anyone from approaching the dam."

"Exactly," Liu Yuru nodded. "Then you select reliable personnel from your side, and I'll mobilize people from my shops. We'll mix our teams, draw lots to form groups, and have each location inspected at least twice by different people. This will prevent any spots from being overlooked."

"Good," Fu Baoyuan responded promptly. "With government personnel, plus my own servants, relatives, friends, and your people, we'll divide into several teams to work simultaneously. We should have results within ten days."

Liu Yuru nodded in agreement and urged Fu Baoyuan to begin immediately.

Liu Yuru spent a day mobilizing personnel, then divided them into over a dozen teams dispatched to suspicious areas to begin inspecting the Yellow River.

Meanwhile, after dressing Xi Feng elaborately, Gu Jiusi sent her into the palace Music House, entrusting her to his contacts there.

Once Xi Feng was settled in the Music House, Gu Jiusi began making inquiries elsewhere. Learning that Wei Dacheng often dined with Sima Nan at a particular copper pot beef restaurant, he thought for a moment and went to find Huzi.

When Gu Jiusi had fled the Eastern Capital, he hadn't been able to bring Huzi along. Huzi, already well-established in the Eastern Capital's underworld, had immediately connected with Jiang He. Finding Huzi, Gu Jiusi instructed him: "Get some people to vandalize that restaurant owner's shop daily."

Huzi looked puzzled: "Why wreck his shop?"

"Do you know the staff there?"

"Of course I do," Huzi laughed. "I know everyone in the Eastern Capital."

"Then it's settled," Gu Jiusi nodded. "After you've trashed the place, the owner will surely seek solutions. Have the staff encourage him to send gifts to Wei Dacheng and Sima Nan. Then make sure they include two boxes of Floral Visage rouge in the gifts."

"Why add rouge?" Huzi remained confused. Gu Jiusi gave him a push. "Stop asking so many questions. Just go do it."

Scratching his head, Huzi didn't ponder further and set off immediately.

That very day, Huzi sent his subordinates to vandalize the shop, bullying the owner through intimidation. In the afternoon, when Wei Dacheng and Sima Nan came for their beef meal, the shop owner fell to his knees, kowtowing and begging them to uphold justice. Sima Nan remained cautious, but the hot-tempered Wei Dacheng couldn't tolerate such harassment of his regular dining spot. He immediately led his men to capture Huzi's subordinates and beat them thoroughly before the matter was settled.

Grateful for their intervention, the shop owner not only comped their future meals but also presented each with a gift.

While inspecting the gifts, Sima Nan noted nothing particularly valuable and let it pass. Accepting the presents, both men turned to leave.

After their departure, the shop owner's face darkened as he confronted his employee: "I told you to send gifts, but why did you take it upon yourself to add an extra box of Floral Visage rouge?""I heard that both ministers are deeply devoted to their wives," the clerk said nervously, "so I thought to give a little more, as a way of helping the owner."

Hearing this, the shopkeeper felt somewhat relieved. After all, it wasn't his money being spent, and he couldn't help but say, "Alright then, you meant well."

When the news reached Gu Jiusi, he was chatting with Jiang He in a tavern.

"You've taken such a roundabout path," Jiang He said slowly, "what exactly are you trying to accomplish?"

"Has the late emperor's journal been forged yet?"

Gu Jiusi took a sip of wine, watching the pedestrians coming and going on the street, suddenly asking an unrelated question. Jiang He didn't press further, pouring himself more wine as he replied, "It's still being done. I found a master forger who can imitate handwriting perfectly. He's currently working on what you gave us."

Gu Jiusi nodded, simply saying, "Make it quick."

Jiang He thought for a moment and chuckled softly. Gu Jiusi looked up at him, somewhat puzzled, "What are you laughing at?"

"I've always known you were clever," Jiang He leaned against the railing, twirling his fan, "but I never thought there'd come a day when I couldn't even understand what you're trying to do."

"No need to understand," Gu Jiusi took a sip of wine, "you'll know when the time comes."

The two continued drinking and chatting intermittently, but deep in the palace at night, things were far from peaceful.

Fan Yu sat on the dragon bed, reading the message brought by the guard. A beauty behind him massaged his shoulders, but he turned his head and snapped, "Get out!"

The beauty immediately knelt in fright before hastily retreating. Everyone knew Fan Yu was a master of unpredictable moods. Many beauties had been casually put to death simply for displeasing him during their service. Everyone around him served with trepidation, except for Liu Shan, who had been with him since his days as Crown Prince and understood his temperament well. Liu Shan stood by his side, watching Fan Yu crumple the note as he said, "Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng actually dared to accept gifts from Gu Jiusi. Do they harbor rebellious intentions?"

"Such a thing actually happened?"

Liu Shan expressed surprise, quickly stepping forward to approach Fan Yu and extending his hand, "Your Majesty, may I take a look?"

The secret networks and informants Fan Yu used privately were largely established by Liu Shan, so Fan Yu didn't mind handing the note directly to him. Liu Shan quickly scanned it and smiled, "Your Majesty, it's just a shopkeeper giving away two boxes of rouge..."

"That's Floral Visage rouge!" Fan Yu roared, making Liu Shan realize he was extremely angry. After a moment's thought, Liu Shan continued, "Your Majesty is right to say so. Everyone knows Floral Visage's owner is Liu Yu Ru, Gu Jiusi's wife. Knowing this, they still accepted Floral Visage rouge - if we interpret it as a secret signal, that would make sense. But we don't need to intervene in this matter," Liu Shan said with a smile, "Lord Luo is handling it."

"Handling it?"

Fan Yu sneered, "Do you think he'll tell me? I know all their schemes. Zhou Gaolang wants to depose me, Luo Zishang wants to use me as a puppet - which of them is any better?"

Liu Shan remained silent beside him. Fan Yu seemed somewhat weary, "Has the information your people gathered recently been confirmed?"

"Confirmed."

Liu Shan responded promptly, "Yangzhou has indeed fallen into the hands of Liu Yu Ru's people.""Yangzhou has fallen," Fan Yu sneered. "What support can Luo Zishang possibly offer me now? He concealed this news from me—what do you suppose he plans to do? He'll have to find himself a new master."

"What does Your Majesty mean?"

"If Gu Jiusi truly has ties to Wei Dacheng and Sima Nan, I am finished. Do you think Luo Zishang would still stand by us? He won't reveal this news to me."

Fan Yu's gaze turned profound. "Every one of them wishes for my death."

"Your Majesty," Liu Shan sighed, "do not think that way. Lord Luo is your Imperial Tutor. If he can protect you, he naturally will."

"Protect me?"

Fan Yu let out a derisive laugh. "Just wait and see how he addresses me tomorrow."

Fan Yu's men had learned that Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng had accepted gifts of Floral Visage Rouge, and Luo Zishang was naturally aware as well. As the de facto handler of court affairs, he pondered silently until Ming Yi prompted, "Should we inform His Majesty of this news?"

"It's trivial. Floral Visage Rouge is merely a customary gift exchange," Luo Zishang said lightly. "No need. Let's avoid provoking his frenzy."

Ming Yi nodded.

Lately, Fan Yu had been drowning in alcohol, secluded in the inner palace, his paranoia festering. His volatile moods bordered on madness, and even Luo Zishang struggled to restrain him.

After a moment's thought, Luo Zishang added, "Investigate the backer behind that shop owner."

Ming Yi acknowledged the order.

The next day, Luo Zishang entered the palace. Fan Yu had slept until noon, rising groggy and disoriented. He called for wine to sober up. When Luo Zishang stepped into the inner chambers, the stench of alcohol assaulted him, and the floor was littered with empty jars. Luo Zishang knelt, steadying a toppled jar, and murmured, "Your Majesty's tolerance for drink has grown remarkably."

"Indeed," Fan Yu chuckled, propping his chin as he eyed Luo Zishang. "How fares the front line?"

"Nothing of concern," Luo Zishang replied, approaching with a gentle smile. "Your Majesty may set your heart at ease. Your servant handles all."

Fan Yu smiled faintly. "With the Imperial Tutor here, I am naturally reassured."

He lifted a wine jar. "Imperial Tutor, will you share a drink?"

"If Your Majesty desires companionship, your servant would be honored to drink with you."

Luo Zishang did not refuse. Seeing his willingness, Fan Yu waved a hand. "Never mind. The Imperial Tutor has endless duties. I must not detain you."

"Your Majesty's affairs are the most paramount."

Luo Zishang's respectful reply gave Fan Yu pause. After a moment, he laughed. "Imperial Tutor, what I admire most about you is how—despite your power and influence—you never forget your place and always prioritize me."

"Your Majesty rules all under heaven. You are inherently foremost."

At these words, Fan Yu roared with laughter. He stood, wine jar in hand, brushed past Luo Zishang, and clapped his shoulder. "Your drinking is weak. Summon my three uncles to the palace for a session someday."

"As Your Majesty commands."

Luo Zishang bowed in response. Once Fan Yu departed, he straightened, a flicker of frost in his eyes.

He turned and exited the palace, instructing Ming Yi, "Investigate all personnel interacting with His Majesty."

"My lord?"

Ming Yi was perplexed. Luo Zishang's heart tightened. "His Majesty is plotting something."He had always trusted his instincts, adhering to the principle of "better to kill by mistake than to spare by mistake." Now, at this critical juncture, he absolutely could not allow any mishaps on Fan Yu's side. As he spoke, he took a few steps forward, then paused in thought before adding, "His Majesty intends to host a Palace Banquet for the three generals. Have the preparations made."

"Is it appropriate for His Majesty to receive the three generals now?" Ming Yi voiced his concern, feeling that Fan Yu was too unpredictable. Luo Zishang shook his head. "His Majesty suspects me. If I don't appear to take his orders seriously, he will likely be displeased."

Though uneasy, Ming Yi dared not say more upon hearing this.

As the palace began preparing for the banquet, the Music House swiftly arranged its own affairs.

Xi Feng sat before the mirror, listening to the Music House manager shouting outside, "Hurry up, you lazy sluts! His Majesty is hosting a Palace Banquet the day after tomorrow. There must be no slack in the recent dance rehearsals—not a single mistake! Otherwise, even I won't be able to save your skins!"

Xi Feng leisurely applied a floral ornament to her forehead and stood up, joining the other girls who were scurrying out.

She was tall and striking, with a captivating beauty. Her every movement carried an indescribable allure—not vulgar, but innate, etched into her bones. With just a lift of her eyes or brows, she could enchant anyone, yet she herself remained as elegant and pure as pear blossoms floating on water.

As she moved through the crowd, she drew sidelong glances. The Music House manager, Yue Niang, softened her expression at the sight of Xi Feng and said, "Xi Feng, this is your first time as the lead dancer on stage. You must perform well. If His Majesty takes a liking to you, it will be your great fortune."

Xi Feng smiled at these words, replying cheerfully, "Xi Feng will never forget Yue Niang's guidance."

Then, hesitating slightly, she added, "But this is my first time attending a Palace Banquet, and I'm a bit nervous. Could you give me a chance to build up my courage first?"

Yue Niang found this reasonable and seemed to ponder for a moment. "I'll find some opportunities for you to meet nobles."

Xi Feng eagerly agreed, and Yue Niang sought out acquaintances to inquire about any noble households hosting banquets where Xi Feng could make an appearance.

Since this Palace Banquet was Xi Feng's first entry into the palace, and given her exceptional beauty, Yue Niang worried that Xi Feng, unfamiliar with high-ranking officials, might offend the emperor. So, she flipped through the register and selected the highest-ranking official, sending Xi Feng to his residence that very night.

Yang Hui was fond of song and dance, hosting banquets at home every night. Yue Niang had someone inform Yang Hui's steward, who gladly agreed upon learning that the visitor was from the palace Music House. Before Xi Feng's departure, Yue Niang specifically reminded the steward, "She is a Dancer from the palace. If your lord is interested, he must discuss it with His Majesty."

The steward chuckled in response. "Our lord knows his limits. Rest assured."

Only then did Yue Niang seem to relax, saying, "Thank you for your consideration."

That night, Xi Feng entered Yang Hui's residence. The estate was not particularly large. After arriving early, Xi Feng was settled in the rear courtyard, with a private dressing room to herself while the other dancers prepared in another room. Shortly after, a maid entered with a plate of pastries and whispered, "Yang Hui is in the rear courtyard. Follow the corridor and turn left."Xi Feng nodded without saying more. The maid exited the room, and Xi Feng, holding a handkerchief, wiped the eyeliner from the corner of her eye. She removed the hairpin from her hair and examined her reflection in the mirror.

The beauty in the mirror was pure and lovely, appearing like a girl in her late teens, as simple and elegant as a pear blossom.

She smiled, stood up, and walked into the courtyard. From a distance, she spotted Yang Hui on the other side but pretended not to see him. Instead, she headed toward the chrysanthemums blooming vibrantly in the yard. She crouched down, gazing softly at the flowers as if speaking to them.

To an ordinary person, this might have seemed like nothing more than admiring flowers, but Xi Feng was too beautiful. Her crouched figure among the blossoms resembled a scene from a painting, captivating Yang Hui momentarily. Known for his fondness for beauty, he did not hesitate to take a few steps forward and stop behind her. Watching her tenderly stroke the chrysanthemums, he said, "If you like these flowers, I’ll give them to you."

Startled by the voice, Xi Feng abruptly stood up and saw a middle-aged man standing behind her, looking at her with a faint smile. He appeared to be in his forties or fifties, tall and sturdy, dressed in simple blue clothing.

After a moment of stunned silence, Xi Feng hurriedly said, "My apologies, I mistakenly entered this place. I’ll return to my room now. Please forgive me."

"Who are you?" Yang Hui asked with a smile. Xi Feng stared at him blankly, as if mesmerized, then quickly blushed and lowered her eyes, whispering, "Xi Feng."

Feeling she had been too reserved, she lifted her head and met his gaze with bright, steady eyes, saying, "My name is Xi Feng."

While the Yang residence echoed with music and laughter, the news reached Gu Jiusi. He was bent over, writing something, when Wang Lai rushed in and reported, "Xi Feng has met Yang Hui."

"Hmm." Gu Jiusi set down his brush and looked up. "How did it go?"

"Yang Hui took the bait."

Wang Lai continued promptly, "Xi Feng arranged to meet him again another day. Yang Hui will likely visit her frequently in the coming days."

Gu Jiusi nodded. "Tell Xi Feng to proceed as planned."

After meeting Xi Feng once, Yang Hui couldn’t forget her. The next day, he went to the Music House to see her.

Fearing he might disturb the beauty, he didn’t dare ask for her directly. Instead, he used the pretext of watching the dance rehearsals to spend the afternoon at the Music House. By the time he left, he hadn’t managed to exchange a single word with Xi Feng.

Frustrated yet helpless, Yang Hui watched Xi Feng intently for a long time. She stood to the side, chatting with other dancers as if she hadn’t noticed him. His heart heavy with disappointment and afraid of being too forward, he sighed and walked out. Just as he boarded his carriage outside the Music House, he heard a clear, lively voice call out, "Lord Wei!"

Yang Hui had been thinking of that voice all afternoon. Hastily, he lifted the carriage curtain and saw Xi Feng standing not far away. Delighted, he gazed at her as she approached with a radiant smile and asked, "Are you returning to your residence, my lord?"

"It’s getting late, and I have other official duties," Yang Hui restrained his excitement. He didn’t understand what had come over him—after all these years, he suddenly felt like a lovesick youth, nervous and uneasy in front of a woman. Carefully, he added, "However, if Miss Xi Feng has any matter, naturally, your affairs come first.""Nothing much," Xi Feng smiled. "I noticed Lord Wei has been sitting here all afternoon and thought you might be thirsty, so I brought you some sweet water."

As she spoke, Xi Feng handed Yang Hui a bamboo tube filled with sweet water. Yang Hui took it in a daze, and just as Xi Feng was about to withdraw her hand, he grasped it firmly. Xi Feng's face flushed as she whispered, "What are you doing? Let go quickly."

"May I come see you again tomorrow?" Yang Hui asked urgently, his heart fluttering at the soft, delicate feel of the woman's hand in his. Xi Feng turned her head away and murmured, "You're a general. If you wish to come, how could I possibly stop you?"

"You certainly can stop me," Yang Hui immediately responded. "I would never go against your wishes."

"So if I forbid you from coming, you won't?" Xi Feng seemed skeptical. Yang Hui sighed and said, "If you don't allow me to come, I'll wait at the entrance of the Music House until you permit me."

"You're shameless." Xi Feng spat out the words, then withdrew her hand and turned away. "Tomorrow I have to enter the palace. Do as you please."

After saying this, Xi Feng turned and walked away gracefully.

Yang Hui stared obsessively at Xi Feng's retreating figure. Without seeing those clear, water-like eyes, the woman became an enchantress—even her back view made it hard for him to maintain composure.

The attendant watching Yang Hui's expression couldn't help but laugh. "My lord, she's just a dancer. Why go through all this trouble? You could simply ask His Majesty for her."

"What do you know?" Yang Hui turned his head and smiled. "Beauty is merely superficial. Between men and women, it's this ambiguous stage that's most captivating."

"Will you attend tomorrow's Palace Banquet, my lord?"

The guard's question made Yang Hui's smile vanish. After some thought, he said, "When summoned by His Majesty, one cannot refuse."

"My lord..."

The guard hesitated as if wanting to say more, but ultimately just sighed softly without speaking further.

Yang Hui glanced at him, seeming to understand the unspoken words. Calmly, he said, "Don't speak of what shouldn't be said. The late emperor showed me great kindness, and His Majesty is his only descendant."

"Yes," the guard immediately responded. "This humble official understands."

Preoccupied with thoughts of Xi Feng, Yang Hui arrived early at the palace for the next day's banquet.

His early arrival prompted Fan Yu, who was rarely sober, to have himself groomed and specifically receive Yang Hui. Though their interactions had been limited since coming to the Eastern Capital, Yang Hui had heard Fan Yu was an emperor fond of wine and women. Thinking of Xi Feng, after brief conversation with Fan Yu, Yang Hui said, "Your Majesty, I came specifically today to make a request."

"General Yang, please speak," Fan Yu said eagerly. Seeing the emperor's favorable attitude, Yang Hui relaxed and smiled. "Your subject has recently taken interest in a dancer from the Music House named Xi Feng. I hope Your Majesty would be willing to grant her to me."

"Easy enough," Fan Yu said cheerfully, turning to Liu Shan. "Liu Shan, make note of this. Later, send the woman to General Yang."

"No need," Yang Hui quickly interjected. "The dancer and I haven't reached that stage yet. Forcibly sending her to my residence might spoil things."

Though young, Fan Yu had become quite experienced in romantic matters since Fan Xuan's departure. Delighted, he said, "I understand. Women are more enjoyable when they're willing in heart too."

With Fan Yu's agreement secured, Yang Hui felt relieved. The emperor twirled his wine cup thoughtfully before cautiously asking, "General Yang, you know Zhou Gaolang is approaching the Eastern Capital, right?""

Hearing this, Yang Hui paused with his cup before smiling. "Naturally, I know."

"Your Majesty need not worry," Yang Hui set down his cup and looked solemnly at Fan Yu. "We have 200,000 elite troops in the Eastern Capital. Zhou Gaolang's army is weary from their long campaign—they're no match for us. General Sima, General Wei and I, having received the late emperor's grace, will defend Your Majesty with our lives. You can rest assured!""Excellent!"

Upon hearing this, Fan Yu clapped excitedly and said, "With your words, General, my heart is greatly comforted. Let me toast to you."

Seeing Fan Yu personally pour him wine, Yang Hui became delighted. After drinking a few cups with Fan Yu, he added, "Your Majesty, is Yuzhou safe for now?"

Hearing this, Fan Yu hesitated for a moment before smiling and replying, "All is well."

As he spoke, he patted Yang Hui's shoulder. "General, rest assured. If there's any movement on the front lines, I will inform you immediately."

Yang Hui nodded without saying more. Before leaving, he had stationed his own men at the front lines, instructing them to report to the Eastern Capital immediately if anything happened. Since there had been no news so far, it was likely that nothing had occurred.

After drinking a few more cups with Fan Yu, Yang Hui rose and left for the front hall. Once he was gone, Fan Yu turned to Liu Shan and asked, "Have all the messengers been killed?"

"They have been killed."

Liu Shan replied calmly, "The Eastern Capital has essentially sealed off the information. Apart from Lord Luo and Your Majesty, no one will know the news from Yuzhou."

"Have the envoys for peace talks been dispatched?"

"Lord Luo has already sent them."

Fan Yu nodded. Holding his wine cup, he said slowly, "Yang Hui is too concerned about Yuzhou, but fortunately, he is sincere. However, Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng..."

Fan Yu rubbed his cup thoughtfully, then turned to Liu Shan and asked, "What do you think should be done?"

"Lord Sima and Lord Wei must still be loyal to you," Liu Shan advised. "Otherwise, they wouldn't have come to the Eastern Capital."

"But they accepted Rouge from Floral Visage," Fan Yu said coldly, his voice low.

"Instead of harboring suspicions, Your Majesty, why not ask them directly?" Liu Shan hesitated before continuing, "If they are indeed plotting something with Gu Jiusi, this will serve as a warning. If there is no plot, clarifying the matter will prevent misunderstandings."

"You are right."

Fan Yu nodded. "I must ask them."

Having made up his mind, that evening, when the drinking reached its peak, Fan Yu personally descended from the dais and approached Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng. Cheerfully, he said, "Gentlemen, my late father often said that you are capable ministers, talented generals, and meritorious servants of the Fan family." Patting his chest, he added, "In my heart, I respect you and regard you as my own uncles. Come, let me toast to my uncles."

Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng were filled with trepidation and repeatedly expressed their unworthiness.

After drinking with them, Fan Yu looked up and said, "However, there is one thing I do not understand."

Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng exchanged glances. Sima Nan cautiously asked, "What troubles Your Majesty? May we share your concerns?"

"Why did you accept the Rouge?"

This question left Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng bewildered. Wei Dacheng hurriedly asked, "Your Majesty, which Rouge are you referring to?"

"Your Majesty," Luo Zishang, who had been listening nearby, finally sensed something amiss. He stood up, cup in hand, and said coldly, "You are drunk."

"Shut up!"

Fan Yu immediately hurled a cup at him, striking Luo Zishang squarely on the head. Blood streamed down Luo Zishang's face instantly. Fan Yu roared, "Who do you think you are to interrupt me?!"

This sudden turn of events shocked everyone. Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng grew increasingly uneasy. Fan Yu pressed on, "It's the Rouge given to you by that beef vendor. Why did you accept it?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces turned pale.The court officials present felt a surge of anger, especially Sima Nan, Wei Dacheng, and Yang Hui.

Having been away from the Eastern Capital and respected upon their return, they now realized they were under constant surveillance by Fan Yu. How could they not be furious?

Supported by Ming Yi while others went to summon the eunuchs, Luo Zishang stared at Fan Yu and understood—Fan Yu was guarding against him.

Fan Yu had his own intelligence channels, far from the fool he pretended to be. Luo Zishang swiftly assessed Fan Yu’s inner circle: almost all were his own placements, except for Liu Shan. Yet his men had been monitoring both Liu Shan and Fan Yu closely. Liu Shan was merely an ordinary eunuch—how could he possibly establish an intelligence network for Fan Yu without detection?

Building such a network required immense resources and manpower, far beyond an average person’s means. Under Luo Zishang’s watch, it was impossible for Liu Shan to covertly construct one. So who was feeding information to Fan Yu?

Each person present harbored their own thoughts. On the high platform, Xi Feng, clad in a red gown with wide sleeves, suddenly spread her arms, revealing a faintly mocking gaze that swept across everyone in the hall.

Sima Nan was the first to react. He knelt and pleaded, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. This rouge was a gift from a shopkeeper in gratitude for driving off thugs. The items given that day were not valuable—we accepted them as a simple gesture of goodwill…"

"Is this about money?!" Fan Yu, unable to control his temper at Sima Nan’s evasion, roared, "I’m talking about the rouge! The rouge sold by Gu Jiusi’s wife!"

Hearing this, Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng finally understood. Having been long absent from the Eastern Capital and unfamiliar with such matters—let alone being men who knew little about cosmetics—they immediately grasped the implication upon hearing Gu Jiusi’s name. They kowtowed repeatedly: "Your Majesty, we truly had no idea. Stationed far away and being rough military men, we cannot distinguish between rouges. We will destroy them at once. Please forgive us!"

Their explanation gradually cooled Fan Yu’s rage. Realizing he had been too harsh and that the Eastern Capital now relied on these two, he personally helped them up and said, "Uncles, there’s no need for this. I was too agitated—I feared you might have ties to Gu Jiusi."

With a sorrowful expression, Fan Yu added, "After my father’s passing, I’ve been isolated and helpless. Now, with Zhou Gaolang pressing relentlessly, only you three uncles support me…"

"Your Majesty need not worry," Sima Nan comforted, seeing Fan Yu on the verge of tears. "We swore a solemn oath to the late Emperor to protect you with our lives."

Reassured, Fan Yu turned cheerfully and announced, "Come, let these misunderstandings pass! Everyone, resume your drinking!"

When no one responded, Fan Yu grew anxious. Feigning delight, he raised his voice: "What? Is no one happy? Drink! Play some lively tunes! Dancers, continue!"

At his command, the crowd snapped back to attention, and the hall once again filled with noise and excitement.Everyone endured until the banquet ended. Sima Nan, Wei Dacheng, and Yang Hui walked out together, none of them speaking. After a long while, Wei Dacheng finally said, "His Majesty... seems excessively unsettled."

The other two shared the sentiment, but neither dared to voice it. Yang Hui let out a sigh and finally said, "Never mind. After we quell the rebellion, we'll return to Yuzhou. We won't have much time left with His Majesty anyway."

"What if the rebellion isn't quelled?"

Sima Nan suddenly spoke up. Yang Hui's expression remained calm as he replied, "If we've done our utmost and remained worthy of the late emperor, we can face him on the Yellow Springs road in the afterlife."

No one spoke further. Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng exchanged glances but remained silent.

Having accepted the rouge gifts, they were the ones under Fan Yu's suspicion, making their inner turmoil far more complex than Yang Hui's. But with Yang Hui having spoken thus, no one dared say more. After Fan Yu's alternating threats and favors, Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng were already deeply unsettled.

After the three returned to their respective residences, Xi Feng left the Music House that very night to find Gu Jiusi and Jiang He, reporting everything that had transpired in the main hall.

After hearing the account, Jiang He laughed and said, "These people are all calculating their own interests. With Fan Yu's recent moves, both Sima Nan and Wei Dacheng have likely become estranged from him."

"Not enough yet."

Gu Jiusi looked at the map and said, "Tomorrow I'll arrange for Xi Feng to enter the palace and serve Fan Yu." He then looked up at Xi Feng and asked, "Does Miss Xi Feng have any objections?"

Hearing this, Xi Feng covered her mouth with a laugh. "I saw that young emperor today - he's quite handsome."

"If you're willing, is there anything you'd like..."

"No need to say more," Xi Feng shook her head. "I have no objections. Though I've fallen into the world of dust, I'm not someone who doesn't understand greater principles. Lord Gu didn't need to involve himself in this matter - your presence here is for our sake. With so many girls still in the West Wind Pavilion, I must enter the palace for their sakes if nothing else."

Gu Jiusi pressed his lips together, took a step back, and bowed respectfully to Xi Feng. "Thank you, miss."

"But there's one thing," Xi Feng frowned. "Since Yang Hui has taken an interest in me, he must have already spoken to that young emperor about me. How will you get me into the palace?"

"Change your name," Gu Jiusi said calmly. "Call yourself West Wind. I have people in the palace who will arrange your entry. After you enter, don't completely break things off with Yang Hui. His feelings for you aren't deep enough to make him defy the emperor, but after last night's events - and you entering the palace despite him having already petitioned Fan Yu - he'll see this as Fan Yu suppressing and warning him. This will stick in his craw, so make it even harder for him to swallow."

"Understood." Xi Feng nodded.

Gu Jiusi thought for a moment before continuing, "As for Wei Dacheng and Sima Nan..."

He hesitated before finally saying, "After Xi Feng enters the palace, arrange for me to meet with all three of them."

"No."

Jiang He immediately objected, his tone firm. "If you show yourself, Luo Zishang and Fan Yu won't let you go.""They won't let me go because they're afraid. Only when I appear in the Eastern Capital and meet these three generals will they truly fear." Gu Jiusi looked up at Jiang He. "Once I show myself, Luo Zishang will inevitably send assassins after me. That's why we must prepare early - we need to escape right in front of the three generals' eyes. When Luo Zishang's men witness the three generals meeting with me, they'll be irrevocably tied to us with no way to clear themselves."

"Step by step, we'll force these three generals into a corner where standing with us becomes their only viable option. Once we've stacked this firewood properly," Gu Jiusi gazed at the flickering candle flame, "I'll light the fire just before Zhou Gaolang arrives in the Eastern Capital. This is our only path to survival."