Destined

Gu Jiusi's words left everyone in silence. He lifted his gaze to Jiang He and said calmly, "Uncle, these are extraordinary times."

If they didn't fight with their lives on the line, where would they find even a sliver of hope for survival?

They had no soldiers or generals at their disposal, yet they had to balance forces equivalent to nearly three kingdoms—how could they afford a moment's respite?

Jiang He understood Gu Jiusi's meaning. He sighed, patted Gu Jiusi's shoulder, and simply said, "Let's follow your plan then."

Although Jiang He held no real power, he had made many arrangements in the lower levels of the Eastern Capital. They mapped out an escape route for Gu Jiusi when the time came and set the plan in motion.

The next day, Xi Feng was rehearsing a dance in the Music House when Yang Hui arrived early. After some flirtation, he pulled her into a hidden embrace. Xi Feng seemed somewhat nervous, her back to Yang Hui as she breathed softly, "Will you take me into your manor?"

"As long as you're willing," Yang Hui chuckled, whispering in her ear, "I've already spoken to His Majesty."

"You spoke to His Majesty?!" Xi Feng turned around joyfully. "Did he agree?"

"It's just a Dancer," Yang Hui smiled at her delight. "His Majesty won't make difficulties."

Hearing this, Xi Feng stood on her toes and kissed Yang Hui. Unaccustomed to such girlish affection, he laughed without replying. As Xi Feng was about to speak again, she suddenly frowned. Yang Hui asked, "What's wrong?"

"Yesterday at the Palace Banquet," Xi Feng looked up at him cautiously, "I saw His Majesty clash with two other generals. Will this cause trouble for you?"

Yang Hui's expression shifted slightly, but he maintained his composure and said lightly, "His Majesty is benevolent and generous. The matter yesterday was indeed significant—it's no wonder he was stern. He treats me kindly, so you needn't worry."

"If you say so, then I'm relieved."

With that, Xi Feng leaned into him, clinging to his neck happily. "When will you come for me?"

Yang Hui thought for a moment and suggested, "Tomorrow?"

He wrapped his arm around her waist, buried his face in her neck, and inhaled deeply, captivated. "You smell wonderful. Prepare yourself well tonight. Tomorrow morning, I'll send someone to the Music House to fetch you."

"I'll be waiting for you."

Xi Feng lowered her voice. "From now on, I'm yours. You must treat me well."

"Of course."

Yang Hui laughed heartily.

After their reluctant parting, dusk had fallen. Xi Feng returned to her room in the Music House and began to adorn herself.

She applied a glamorous makeup look, with sharply winged eyeliner that made her appear stunningly beautiful.

As twilight deepened, Yue Niang entered her room and whispered, "Eunuch Liu has sent someone from the palace. Hurry."

Xi Feng acknowledged with a graceful rise, curtsying to Yue Niang and murmuring, "Thank you for your care."

Yue Niang returned the gesture. "It is we who should thank you."

They both straightened up, looked at each other for a moment, and then broke into smiles.

"Go quickly," Yue Niang urged.

Xi Feng nodded and stepped out, entering the palanquin sent from the palace. She was carried into the palace and stood outside the imperial bedchamber, where several other girls were also waiting. Xi Feng recognized them—they were fellow Dancers from the Music House.These dancers were far less beautiful than her, standing to the side trembling with fear. From inside came the sound of Fan Yu cursing, seemingly directing his invective at someone. After a moment, a woman's scream was heard, and soon the bedchamber door opened as a woman's corpse was carried out.

Xi Feng lifted her gaze along with the other women, watching the body being taken away. Then came Fan Yu's impatient voice from inside: "Come in."

Hearing this, Xi Feng stepped forward and entered, followed by the other trembling dancers. Fan Yu turned his head and saw Xi Feng curtsy gracefully toward him, respectfully saying: "Your Majesty, may you live ten thousand years."

Her demeanor formed a stark contrast with the quaking women beside her. Fan Yu raised an eyebrow: "You don't seem afraid of me."

"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven," Xi Feng replied respectfully. "This servant's life belongs to Your Majesty. Even dying for Your Majesty would be a willing sacrifice, so what is there to fear?"

"Truly?"

Fan Yu raised an eyebrow, grabbing a sword from nearby and tossing it toward her: "Take your own life then."

Hearing this, Liu Shan hurriedly tried to speak, but before he could utter a word, he saw Xi Feng draw the sword without hesitation and bring it toward her own neck. Before Liu Shan could make a sound, Fan Yu immediately said: "Wait!"

Fan Yu straightened up, looking at Xi Feng as he raised his hand: "You, stay tonight."

Xi Feng set down the sword and bowed gracefully toward Fan Yu: "Thank you for Your Majesty's favor."

"As for the rest," Fan Yu said listlessly, "take them all away to feed the dogs."

"Your Majesty!"

The women in the room immediately burst into tears. Fan Yu turned to look at Liu Shan, who quickly waved his hand: "Go on, take them all away!"

While Liu Shan was ushering the others out, he followed them out himself. After they had left, only Fan Yu and Xi Feng remained in the room. Fan Yu looked at Xi Feng with amusement: "Your life belongs to me?"

"Yes."

Xi Feng answered decisively. Fan Yu leaned back on the bed, quietly watching Xi Feng. After a long while, he laughed softly: "Do you like me?"

Xi Feng didn't speak. She gazed at the young emperor on the throne - he was quite handsome, with his collar open and hair disheveled, giving him a decadent appearance that didn't quite suit him. Xi Feng watched him with gentle calmness, then after a moment, she knelt and moved forward, placing her hand against Fan Yu's cheek.

"I feel heartache for Your Majesty."

"Heartache for me?" Fan Yu laughed mockingly. "What is there to feel heartache about? I asked if you like me, and you say you feel heartache - does that mean you don't like me?"

"Your Majesty," Xi Feng sighed, "only when one likes someone would they feel heartache for them."

"If there were many people around Your Majesty who liked you," Xi Feng gazed at him, and Fan Yu seemed somewhat stunned by her words. He looked at this woman who seemed to have eyes that could see through people's hearts as she slowly continued, "why would Your Majesty ask such a question of this servant?"

"This servant is merely a dancer, not comparable to Your Majesty's heavenly status," Xi Feng murmured as she leaned against Fan Yu's chest, speaking softly. "This servant's affection isn't worth much, but if Your Majesty asks, this servant must speak honestly."

"This servant came here precisely because of affection."

"Does Your Majesty remember when you were still Crown Prince, riding your horse into the Eastern Capital?"Xi Feng's words left Fan Yu somewhat dazed. He slowly recalled when he first entered the Eastern Capital with Fan Xuan. Back then, he thought the world would belong to them, father and son, and everyone should submit to him, respect him from the bottom of their hearts, and adore him.

Thus, he was high-spirited and unrestrainedly arrogant. That day, crowds of commoners lined the streets, cheering as they entered the city. Though they didn't kneel, it still delighted him immensely.

Xi Feng leaned against his chest, her fingers tracing circles on it as she said softly, "At that time, watching Your Majesty's demeanor, this humble servant felt utterly captivated."

Hearing this, Fan Yu remained silent. He pushed Xi Feng onto the bed and drew the bed curtains.

Early the next morning, just as Gu Jiusi awoke, he received news from the palace—

Xi Feng had been enfeoffed as a Noble Consort.

She was also the first formal consort since Fan Yu ascended the throne.

This took everyone by surprise, even Gu Jiusi found it somewhat unexpected. Yet for them, this was extremely advantageous—it proved that Fan Yu, at the very least, held affection for Xi Feng.

After a moment's thought, Gu Jiusi turned to Wang Lai and asked, "Where is Zhou Gaolang now?"

"At most five days," Wang Lai replied nervously, "Zhou Gaolang will reach the Eastern Capital."

"And Shen Ming?"

"According to this morning's report," Wang Lai lowered his voice, "Qin Cheng is likely about to fall. Within five days, they must retreat to Shounan Pass."

Shounan Pass was the most strategically vital natural barrier in Yuzhou—and indeed the entire Great Xia. If they could retreat there, the battle would become much more manageable for Shen Ming.

But this was absolutely impossible.

"Has there been any word from Yuru?" Gu Jiusi asked urgently. "If Yuru hasn't resolved the Yellow River situation, Shen Ming must not retreat to Shounan Pass."

The Yellow River flowed upstream from Shounan Pass. The reason Luo Zishang hadn't yet acted on the Yellow River was precisely because he was waiting for Shen Ming to retreat to Shounan Pass. Once Shen Ming withdrew and the Yellow River burst its banks, both the eighty thousand troops and the city's inhabitants would be lost.

"Madam is still searching."

Wang Lai reported: "Yesterday's letter said Madam sleeps less than two hours daily. I fear her health can't withstand this much longer."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi lowered his gaze. His hand rested on the sand table for a long while before he slowly said, "Send someone to tell her..."

But before finishing, he fell silent, finally saying, "Never mind, don't say anything."

What was there to say anyway?

What could he possibly do?

All comforting words would merely console himself. Giving instructions might create an illusion of action, but in reality—without being by her side, unable to help her, not even capable of bringing her a cup of water—what value was there in uttering these empty phrases just to ease his own conscience?

Gu Jiusi took a deep breath and turned to Wang Lai: "Make arrangements. After Yang Hui meets Xi Feng, I'll meet with the three ministers."

Wang Lai acknowledged the order and withdrew to make preparations.

News of Xi Feng's ennoblement as Noble Consort spread quickly. Yang Hui was no exception, receiving the news at his residence. His subordinate had just returned from the Music House—he had sent people to fetch Xi Feng, but the sedan chair returned empty. The servant tremblingly reported: "The Music House manager said palace officials came last night, summoned a group of dancers to the palace, Xi Feng among them. She then remained in the palace.""Nonsense!" Yang Hui grew furious upon hearing this. "I just pleaded with His Majesty, and he agreed to leave the person to me. Doesn't the Music House know about this? How dare they send her into the palace?!"

"The steward... the steward..."

The kneeling man trembled with fear. Sensing there was more to the story, Yang Hui frowned and demanded, "Speak!"

"The steward secretly told this servant that it was someone from the palace who specifically requested her."

Hearing this, Yang Hui was stunned. He had specifically asked Fan Yu for Xi Feng, and Fan Yu had agreed. Then, during the banquet, Fan Yu had clashed with two others, and now Xi Feng had been summoned to the palace...

The conflict between Fan Yu, Sima Nan, and Wei Dacheng was more of a warning, he could see that. Fan Yu was cautioning them. But what about Xi Feng...

Yang Hui's thoughts began to spiral, and as he pondered further, his anger flared.

He had always been loyal to Fan Yu, yet Fan Yu was testing him by taking someone from him—how could he not be enraged?

Just as he was about to go to the palace to confront Fan Yu, news arrived at his doorstep that Xi Feng had been enfeoffed as a noble consort. If she had merely been kept overnight, he could still plead for her return, but now that she had been granted such a title, it was impossible.

Yang Hui stood frozen at the entrance. A guard beside him whispered, "My lord, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Let it go, shall we?"

The words tightened his chest, but there was nothing he could do. He took a deep breath, turned around, and finally returned to his residence.

While everything proceeded in an orderly manner on Gu Jiusi's end, Liu Yuru had already led her team to inspect most of the sites Luo Zishang had repaired, following the marked points on the map. They were now heading toward the most inaccessible water channel, which cut through the mountains and lay hidden in the wilderness. Merely entering the mountains would take a full day. Ideally, she would have left this channel for last, but doing so would prolong the timeline. So, she assigned others to check the remaining sites while she personally led a team to inspect this channel.

At sunrise, Liu Yuru led her people into the mountains.

She had long abandoned her usual silk dresses, gold hairpins, and jade ornaments. Instead, she wore a dark, coarse linen outfit, straw sandals suitable for trekking, her hair tied high with a ribbon, and a weathered bamboo hat on her head. In her hand, she carried a green bamboo staff, marching alongside the others into the mountains.

Munan cleared the path ahead by cutting through the undergrowth. Partway through, he suddenly said, "Someone has been through here."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru looked up, her voice weary. "Who would come to such a desolate mountain?"

Munan bent down, examining the crushed branches, and continued, "They must have passed through not long ago, and they seem quite wealthy." As he spoke, he pushed aside the grass and picked up a torn piece of fabric. "Look, this cloth is of good quality."

A sense of unease washed over Liu Yuru. She stepped forward, took the fabric from Munan, felt it between her fingers, and then bent to sniff it. Her expression abruptly changed. "Quick, after them!"

"My lady?" Munan was puzzled.

Liu Yuru immediately ordered those behind her, "Hurry out of the mountains and seek reinforcements! Tell them Luo Zishang has likely sent someone to light the fuse. Have Lord Fu bring men at once. The rest of you, follow Munan and pursue!"

"My lady, what's going on?"Yin Hong was still somewhat bewildered, but Liu Yu Ru tightened her grip on the cloth strip in her hand and said in a deep voice, "This is Yangzhou brocade!"

At the mention of Yangzhou, everyone immediately tensed up. Munan pondered for a moment, connecting it with the battle report Shen Ming had sent the day before, and quickly understood.

Qin Cheng would soon be unable to hold out, and Shen Ming was about to be forced into Shounan Pass. Once Shen Ming entered Shounan Pass, they would inevitably blow up the Yellow River.

Munan steadied himself and immediately followed Liu Yu Ru's instructions to chase ahead. The remaining few were dispatched by Liu Yu Ru to deliver messages, leaving only Liu Yu Ru, Yin Hong, and a gentleman responsible for constructing embankments with them.

The gentleman was surnamed Li, a Scholar in his thirties, who had been employed by Fu Baoyuan due to his expertise in building bridges and water conservancy projects. Liu Yu Ru had originally brought him along for inspection, but now that everyone had split up, Mr. Li couldn't help but ask, "Madam, where do we go next?"

Liu Yu Ru thought for a moment and then said, "We'll also head to the riverbank."

With that, Liu Yu Ru led the two forward: "No matter what, let's first go to the riverbank to assess the situation."

Liu Yu Ru, Yin Hong, and Mr. Li cautiously moved ahead. As they neared the riverbank, they heard the sound of fighting ahead. The three quickly crouched down, hiding in the grass to observe. They saw Munan leading his men to surround three men. Munan's side had the advantage in numbers, but the opponents were highly skilled in martial arts. After a prolonged struggle, one of the men gritted his teeth and leaped into the river, only to be swept away by the current. In that brief moment, Munan had already subdued the other two. Liu Yu Ru rushed out and urgently cried, "Keep them ali—"

But before she could finish her words, the two men spat blood—they had already bitten into poison capsules and taken their own lives.

The turn of events was too swift. By the time Munan realized what had happened, he quickly knelt and apologized, "It was my negligence."

Liu Yu Ru composed herself and glanced at the nearby embankment before saying, "No need to say more. Let's proceed with the inspection. Mr. Li," she turned to him, "come and take a look with us."

With that, Liu Yu Ru led everyone down from the bank. This location was in a valley, situated between two mountains. About ten meters ahead was the mountain pass exit. Liu Yu Ru glanced at the map and noticed that the scene described in the construction records did not match what lay before her. According to the map, this section of the Yellow River should have been longer and more gradual, far less steep than what she now saw.

Frowning deeply, Liu Yu Ru grew increasingly suspicious of this place. She handed the records to Mr. Li and pointed out the discrepancies. Mr. Li furrowed his brow, looked around, and then said, "They likely wouldn't set the breach point in the middle of the two mountains."

"I think so too."

Liu Yu Ru nodded. After discussing it further, they led everyone downward. As they reached the valley exit, the world suddenly opened up before them. Ahead, the terrain abruptly turned into a steep slope, and the riverbed's gradient became extremely sharp. However, it was evident that soil had been filled in to reduce the slope, yet even so, they could see the river surging violently forward, racing wildly downstream.Directly below this river channel lay Shounan Pass. After reviewing the construction records of the embankment, Liu Yuru noted that three water level markers had been established at this location. Now in the rainy season of August, the river had already surged past the middle marker, leaving only the outer embankment and the high-water riverbed accessible for inspection.

The terrain here was too steep, so only Munan led a team down to investigate.

Perhaps due to the extreme precariousness of the location, the embankment was constructed with greater refinement than elsewhere. The inner layer facing the river was built with large stones filled with soil in between, while the outer layer was reinforced with stones and bricks, making it appear exceptionally sturdy without any visible abnormalities.

Munan and his team meticulously inspected every section of the high-water level. Meanwhile, more people began arriving from behind. Fu Baoyuan emerged from the forest with his men and, upon seeing Liu Yuru's group, asked, "Any findings?"

Liu Yuru glanced back at Munan and replied, "Still checking."

"Let us help," Fu Baoyuan said promptly, directing his followers to join the inspection to speed up the process. Half an hour later, Munan approached and reported, "No anomalies."

"How could that be?!" Liu Yuru was taken aback.

Given the previous assassins, the errors in the records, and the already eliminated embankments, this one seemed the most likely location for hidden explosives. Yet Munan shook his head firmly. "It's all solid."

Liu Yuru fell silent, pondering for a moment before asking, "What about the lower water levels?"

Her question left everyone stunned. Mr. Li stepped forward and explained, "I checked the timeline. During construction, it was the dry season for the Yellow River, so the water level would have been very shallow. The middle and lower levels should also be inspected."

"But if explosives were placed at the lower levels," Fu Baoyuan expressed doubt, "how would they ignite them now that the Yellow River has submerged those areas? I don't think Luo Zishang would resort to such a method."

This posed a dilemma for Mr. Li. After a moment's thought, Liu Yuru looked at the embankment and declared, "I don't know how they would ignite them, but given Luo Zishang's intelligence, he would have accounted for the flood season. Let's search below first."

Her directive was met with hesitant glances. One person ventured cautiously, "Madam, the current is too swift here, and there's nothing to anchor onto..."

The surrounding area was barren yellow earth, and any trees on the embankment were newly planted saplings, too fragile to support a person's weight or serve as anchor points for descending into the Yellow River.

After considering the situation, Liu Yuru finally announced, "Form groups of twenty, each holding a rope. Those skilled in swimming will go down. A reward of ten taels of silver for each descent."

Hearing this, all objections ceased, and several volunteers stepped forward to accept the task.

Liu Yuru had them tied with ropes, held by those onshore, and sent into the turbulent waters. Meanwhile, Mr. Li paced along both sides of the embankment, frowning thoughtfully.

Noticing his behavior, Liu Yuru asked curiously, "What are you doing, sir?"

"Something feels off," Mr. Li replied, looking up and surveying both sides. "Don't you think the water levels seem uneven?"

Liu Yuru followed his gaze and observed the Yellow River. The water surfaces on either side did appear uneven, with the side facing Shounan Pass slightly lower. This implied that the embankment on that side was enduring greater pressure."Moreover," Mr. Li pointed downstream, "this is clearly a slope, so why is the riverbed flat until about thirty zhang ahead, where it suddenly drops off? This design is quite unreasonable."

It was indeed unreasonable—it would make the water's descent beyond the thirty zhang mark more abrupt, while increasing the workload within that thirty zhang stretch, as more soil would need to be filled in.

Liu Yuru grew rather uneasy. Just then, the men who had gone down into the river came back up. Munan, who had been the first to go down, ran over panting heavily and shook his head, saying, "It's not hollow."

These words made Liu Yuru press her lips together. Beside her, Fu Baoyuan looked dumbfounded: "Surely we can't just dig up the entire embankment to search for it?"

According to their plan, the construction of a dam would be divided into three layers. The riverbed was built up with large stones, forming the thickest layer. Outside the large stones, compacted soil was added, and beyond that, small crushed stones contained in woven vines were laid, finally topped with bricks and tiles.

Liu Yu Ru had initially assumed the explosives would be placed on the outermost layer, but now all possible hiding spots were solid. If they continued searching, they would have to dig into the dam itself.

Liu Yu Ru was uncertain. Munan thought for a moment and suddenly said, "But, Mr. Li, what’s below isn’t stone—it’s bricks. Is that normal?"

Hearing this, Mr. Li looked up sharply. "What did you say?!"

Munan was startled and swallowed nervously. "I mean, the wall I touched wasn’t stone—it was brick."

"Brick?"

Mr. Li was stunned for a moment, then immediately rushed to the riverbank. He crouched by the water, leaned down, and reached into the riverbed. After probing, he frowned—the texture beneath his hand was indeed stone. Munan quickly added, "Mr. Li, not there—over here."

With that, Munan stepped forward and pointed out the spot. Mr. Li reached down again and, after a moment, grasped a thick hemp rope. The rope was buried in the mud. Mr. Li’s expression darkened. He had someone tie a rope around him for safety, then leaned halfway down to feel around. This time, he finally touched bricks—not just one, but many, tightly bound together with hemp rope and fixed to the riverbed.

Mr. Li took a deep breath, stood up, and instructed everyone to search for more of these bricks. In the end, they discovered ten such bundles of bricks tied with hemp rope, the last one precisely at the end of the smooth thirty-zhang section.

These bound bricks were fastened into panels and secured to the wall, alternating with large stones—one panel of bricks, then a stone, and so on.

Seeing Mr. Li’s grave expression, Liu Yu Ru sensed something was wrong. Mr. Li then had someone bring long bamboo poles to measure the water levels one by one. After crouching by the river in thought for a while, he stood up and said to Liu Yu Ru, "Madam, I suspect Luo Zishang may not have planted explosives at all."

"Then what did he do?"

Fu Baoyuan was puzzled and couldn’t figure it out. Mr. Li continued, "I believe he designed this spot during construction. Look—the water level on the opposite side is significantly higher than ours, meaning this area has been under water erosion for a long time. These brick sections should have been made of stone, but he replaced them with bricks tied with hemp rope. As long as the ropes hold, they act like a large stone or a wall, bearing the water’s impact. But what if they come loose?"

His words cast a shadow over everyone’s hearts. Liu Yu Ru pressed, "If they come loose, can the dam hold?"

Mr. Li shook his head. "To be frank, I’ve just inspected it. The outer layer of this dam is thinner than usual, and the soil isn’t fully compacted. Because the north and south sides are uneven, it’s actually more prone to breaching. If the ropes are undone, it basically can’t hold. Add a heavy rain, and it will collapse completely."Liu Yu Ru remained silent, gritting her teeth before finally saying, "In that case, if they want to breach this dam, they'll have to cut the hemp ropes. If we use iron chains to firmly secure those bricks, they won't be able to do it, right?"

"We need to drive piles."

Mr. Li said with some difficulty, "It's flood season now. Reaching the riverbed to drive piles for securing the iron chains and then binding them won't be easy."

"We still have to do it."

Liu Yu Ru immediately looked up at Fu Baoyuan and said, "What does Lord Fu think?"

Fu Baoyuan remained silent for a moment, then turned to look at the crowd.

Everyone was watching them. Fu Baoyuan took a deep breath and finally said, "Everyone, you've all heard clearly. If we do nothing today and the Yellow River breaches, millions of common people downstream will suffer. I ask you all - shall we take action or not?"

Everyone fell silent. After a long while, a burly man stepped forward and said in authentic Yongzhou dialect, "Madam, if I take on this task, could you add five more taels of silver?"

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru laughed and said, "I'll add ten taels!"

The crowd immediately cheered. Seeing how delighted they seemed, Liu Yu Ru couldn't help but say helplessly, "Don't celebrate too early. This is dangerous work that could easily cost lives."

"Madam," those men sighed, "to be honest with you, these past few years, which day haven't we lived in constant fear of losing our heads? If the Yellow River floods, won't it be us from Yongzhou and Yuzhou who suffer? Even if you didn't pay us, we'd still have to do it."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru couldn't help but smile. She quickly said, "Alright, you won't be treated unfairly. Hurry up and get to work."

After giving instructions, Fu Baoyuan ordered people to find sufficiently long iron chains, while Mr. Li measured the positions for driving piles and calculated the required chain length nearby.

It was already night, and Liu Yu Ru was somewhat exhausted. Seeing everyone busy working, she said to Munan, "Bring all the other people over. Luo Zishang will surely send people here. We need strict defense."

Munan nodded. Liu Yu Ru glanced at the sky and finally said, "I'm going to rest for a while. Wake me when they start driving piles."

Munan acknowledged, and Liu Yu Ru took Yin Hong to sleep nearby.

In the past, she had always slept on high beds with soft pillows. Except during the time she fled with Gu Jiusi, she had lived quite comfortably materially, especially over the past year when she had hardly suffered any hardships. Yet in these past few days, she had endured all the suffering.

Her body was covered with scratches from branches, her feet blistered. For so long she had hardly slept well, able to fall asleep just leaning against any tree.

After falling asleep, she entered dream after dream. In her dreams, the Eastern Capital was engulfed in raging flames. Gu Jiusi, dressed in white robes with his long hair loose, sat cross-legged burning in the fire, smiling with compassion and pity like a divine Buddha.

Holding Gu Jin, she desperately tried to rush into the flames, but only heard him say, "Don't come."

"I've left you many banknotes," he said. "Hold the banknotes and stop crying."

Yet hearing this, she cried even harder in her dream.

"Gu Jiusi..." she cried hoarsely, desperately calling his name. "Gu Jiusi!"

The voice seemed to travel from one dream to another.

When Gu Jiusi opened his eyes, it was already dawn.

Jiang He knocked on his door and entered, saying, "Xi Feng and Yang Hui met yesterday."Gu Jiusi sat on the bed, one leg curled beneath him, a hand resting on his knee as he supported his forehead, seemingly still half-asleep. Jiang He sat down and poured himself some tea, saying, "Yang Hui nearly exposed Xi Feng's identity as the person he was looking for right in front of Fan Yu. But Xi Feng managed to control the situation and later privately sought him out, tearfully pleading with Yang Hui not to reveal their acquaintance, fearing Fan Yu might kill her out of jealousy. Yang Hui, moved by compassion, agreed. When he left the palace," Jiang He chuckled lightly, "it's said he struck a eunuch who offended him."

Gu Jiusi slowly roused himself at the sound of Jiang He's voice. He nodded, pushed himself off the bed, and went to pour a cup of tea. "He must be seething with rage by now," he remarked.

Jiang He twirled the fan in his hand, propping his chin as he watched Gu Jiusi casually. "Didn't sleep well?"

Gu Jiusi paused mid-motion with the teacup. After a moment, he nodded. "I dreamed of Yuru and A-Jin."

"It won't be long now."

Jiang He sighed softly. "Zhou Gaolang will arrive in the Eastern Capital the day after tomorrow. We don't have much time. Will you meet with Yang Hui and the other two today?"

"Let's meet today."

Gu Jiusi nodded in agreement.

With this confirmation, Jiang He went to make arrangements. He contacted a former protégé of his and, under a pretext, invited Sima Nan, Wei Dacheng, and Yang Hui to a private room in a pleasure house. The three, assuming it was a routine official banquet, gladly accepted. Upon arriving at the designated location, they were surprised to find all three of them present. Wei Dacheng couldn't help but express his astonishment, "Why are all of you here?"

"Lord Li said he had matters from Yuzhou to discuss with me," Yang Hui frowned. Sima Nan added, "He told me the same thing."

"What a coincidence," Wei Dacheng laughed. "He said the same to me."

"Then where is he?" Yang Hui grew uneasy.

Still fuming over the incident with Xi Feng, everything irritated him. As soon as Yang Hui finished speaking, the door opened. The three looked over to see a cloaked figure enter. Wei Dacheng smiled and began, "Lord Li, you—"

Before he could finish, the door closed. At the same time, Gu Jiusi lowered his hood and gazed calmly at the three men.

They were stunned. Sima Nan immediately placed his hand on his sword, his voice cold. "Gu Jiusi?"

They had all seen him in Youzhou years ago. Later, the three were stationed in Yuzhou. Though not closely acquainted with Gu Jiusi, they recognized his appearance.

Seeing their tension, Gu Jiusi smiled and clasped his hands in greeting. "How have you been, esteemed gentlemen?"

The three remained silent, quickly weighing their options. Should they call for guards to arrest Gu Jiusi immediately, or... hear what he had to say?

But Gu Jiusi gave them no time to hesitate. He strode into the room, knelt gracefully beside the small table, and poured himself a drink. "You've all heard about His Majesty executing Lord Zhang and Lord Ye and overthrowing the cabinet, haven't you?"

The three stared at Gu Jiusi. He raised his wine cup, inhaled its aroma, and looked up at them. "Aren't you gentlemen even the slightest bit afraid?"

"Why should we be afraid?" Yang Hui was the first to speak, his voice icy. "We are not traitors who rebel against the throne. Do not try to sow discord here."

"Heh..."Gu Jiusi lowered his head with a light chuckle. Taking a sip of wine, he slowly said, "Lord Yang, before I left the Eastern Capital, the late emperor specifically instructed me to assist His Majesty diligently in the future. He bestowed upon me the Son of Heaven's Sword, hoping I would properly guide His Majesty to become a virtuous ruler."

Raising his eyes with a mocking tone, Gu Jiusi continued, "Whether it's me, Lord Zhang, Lord Ye, or even Lord Zhou and Lord Jiang—we were all appointed as regent ministers by the late emperor. Even His Majesty's ascension to the throne was secured single-handedly by my uncle, Jiang He. Do you truly believe the late emperor would have established the cabinet and entrusted us with governance if we weren't utterly loyal to His Majesty? You accuse us of treason and rebellion—tell me, before His Majesty took action, what 'treason' did we commit? What 'rebellion' did we incite?"

His words left the three men in silence. They had only heard Fan Yu's side of the story and knew little of the actual events. Now, with Gu Jiusi present, they were forced to consider another version. Watching them, Gu Jiusi pressed on, "His Majesty is inherently suspicious and has been further misled by the treacherous minister Luo Zishang. He has long distrusted us, constantly seeking excuses to suppress us. He covets the beautiful wives of his officials and attempts to seize them; he suspects Lord Zhang and Lord Ye of forming factions merely because they are close. Having been in the Eastern Capital for some time, haven't you three witnessed this yourselves?"

The three men bowed their heads, pondering Gu Jiusi's words.

His accusations struck a chord—seizing wives and baseless suspicions were injustices they too had recently endured.

Seeing their silence, Gu Jiusi cut to the chase: "Time is short, so I'll be direct. Gentlemen, Fan Yu is no worthy ruler. To force Lord Zhou to deplete his forces, he deliberately transferred you away from the Eastern Capital when Liu Xingzhi attacked Yuzhou, intending to pressure Lord Zhou into heading there."

"Liu Xingzhi has launched an attack?!" Yang Hui exclaimed in shock.

Gu Jiusi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You didn't know? I assumed you three were prepared to cede territory and betray the nation for personal gain."

"Bullshit!" Wei Dacheng roared. "You're the one betraying the nation!"

"If it's not betrayal," Gu Jiusi's voice turned icy as he slammed his cup onto the table, "then why are you three generals abandoning the front lines to come to the Eastern Capital? Even if Lord Zhou were to become emperor, Great Xia would remain Great Xia. Would he treat you unfairly?"

"His Majesty is the late emperor's only bloodline," Sima Nan retorted coldly. "The late emperor showed us great kindness—we cannot stand by idly."

"Understood," Gu Jiusi sneered. "Betray the nation to protect the ruler—such loyalty and righteousness!"

"You!" Wei Dacheng slammed the table and pointed at Gu Jiusi, as if ready to strike, but Sima Nan and Yang Hui quickly restrained him. "Don't act rashly," Sima Nan urged.

"Exactly," Gu Jiusi laughed. "Don't be impulsive. The spies monitoring you are still listening outside."

"Spies?" Wei Dacheng's face darkened.

Gu Jiusi drained his cup and toyed with it. "Indeed. Did you three not realize that Luo Zishang and Fan Yu's informants surround you? From the moment you entered this inn and I followed, they've been watching. After all this time we've spent 'conspiring' here, how do you think His Majesty will view you once this reaches his ears?"

"I'll kill you!" This time, Wei Dacheng truly lost control. Already under Fan Yu's suspicion, this incident would make it impossible to clear their names—like trying to wash oneself clean in the Yellow River.He drew his sword and pointed it at Gu Jiusi. Gu Jiusi abruptly stood up, stepping toward the blade as he said, "Come on!"

His sudden movement startled the three men. Gu Jiusi stared fixedly at Wei Dacheng, advancing step by step as he declared, "Aim for my chest. Let me tell you what will happen if you kill me. At the latest, by the day after tomorrow, Zhou Gaolang will arrive at the Eastern Capital. Your two armies will clash there, while my brother Shen Ming stands alone on the front lines with eighty thousand men, defending against the enemy. You people fight to the death for power, but only my brother disregards his own life to protect Yuzhou!"

"Once the eighty thousand troops on the front line can no longer hold out, they will have to retreat to Shounan Pass. But Luo Zishang has planted explosives along the Yellow River above Shounan Pass. The moment the Great Xia soldiers retreat into the pass, the Yellow River will be breached, and millions of Great Xia citizens will suffer. At that point, the entire front line will collapse."

"After losing Shounan Pass, the path from there to the Eastern Capital is wide open. Liu Xingzhi can lead his army in a swift night assault, reaching the Eastern Capital in just three days. By then, our two elite Great Xia forces will have exhausted each other in battle, and Liu Xingzhi will seize the Eastern Capital without any effort. When you meet the late emperor on the path to the underworld, you can tell him you did not fail His Majesty—that to protect him, you sold out the nation, destroyed Great Xia, and brought ruin upon the people. Then see if the late emperor approves of your actions!"

These words left the three men pale. Gu Jiusi continued, "If His Majesty believed such actions were right, he would not have left me the Son of Heaven's Sword, nor would he have left an edict stating that an unvirtuous emperor may be deposed."

"So you mean," Sima Nan finally regained some composure and asked, "Luo Zishang is Liu Xingzhi's spy?"

"What do you think?"

Gu Jiusi let out a scornful laugh. "If he weren't a spy, would he tamper with the Yellow River?"

Sima Nan fell silent. Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from outside. Gu Jiusi heard three knocks at the door. He stood up and said, "You can think it over carefully. After all, from today onward, you won't have much life left to live."

"What do you mean by that?"

As Gu Jiusi walked toward the window, Yang Hui, seeing he was about to leave, urgently spoke up. Gu Jiusi pushed the window open and saw the Net of Heaven and Earth outside, bows aimed at him. He removed his robe, turned back to the three men, and smiled. "Did you really think that after conspiring with me for so long, at such a critical moment, Fan Yu would still tolerate you?"

With that, he flung his robe aside and shouted, "Think carefully! Come find me when you've made up your minds!"

At that moment, Gu Jiusi leaped out the window. Arrows rained down upon him, but with a sweep of his robe, he deflected the first volley. Then, screams erupted from all around as the archers positioned on high ground were struck by hidden arrows.

"Capture him! He's not alone!"

Someone shouted. Gu Jiusi landed on the ground, glanced back at his pursuers, and sneered before drawing his sword and sprinting forward.

Pursuers were everywhere, and hidden arrows flew from all directions. Traps had been set along his escape route, slowing down his chasers. Gu Jiusi dashed into an alley, lifted a bamboo basket, opened a hidden tunnel entrance, and jumped inside.After a moment, footsteps sounded outside. While those people were searching through the streets, Gu Jiusi emerged from the secret passage, changed his clothes and appearance, then swaggered away and returned to Xi Feng Tower.

Back at Xi Feng Tower, Jiang He sat at the desk staring at a note, his expression grave.

Gu Jiusi raised an eyebrow: "Why the long face?"

Jiang He looked up, his expression serious: "Qin Cheng has fallen."

"What did you say?!"

Gu Jiusi turned back in shock. Jiang He pressed his lips together and repeated: "Qin Cheng has fallen. Shen Ming is retreating to Shou Nan Pass."