Destined

Jiang He woke with a splitting headache, a familiar sensation he recognized as the aftermath of heavy drinking.

Clutching his head as he sat up, he felt thoroughly unwell. After a moment to collect himself, he froze.

He shouldn't be here.

Lifting his head, he gazed around in confusion. The room's furnishings felt both familiar and strange, for one simple reason—this should have been his bedroom in the Eastern Capital when he was seventeen.

After becoming the head of the Jiang family, he had moved out of this room into his own residence, where the interior decor was completely different. Why... why was he here, when he should have died in the Eastern Capital palace fire?!

Despite Jiang He's usual sharp wit, he was momentarily baffled. As he pondered, his mother Jiang Rou's consoling voice drifted from outside: "A-He, I heard from your sister about your situation. What's the story with that girl? Tell the family, and I'll arrange a marriage proposal for you. If there's even the slightest chance, we'll help you..."

Hearing these familiar words, Jiang He grew even more bewildered.

He remembered this conversation.

When he was seventeen, after getting together with Luo Yishui, he had joyfully returned home to announce his intention to propose. His family knew he wanted to marry a girl and had made preparations. But when he went to ask Luo Yishui about her family background, she had chuckled softly and said, "I am the eldest daughter of the Luo family."

"The Luo family? Which Luo family?"

Luo Yishui raised her hand and pointed toward the distant peach blossoms in the suburbs.

He couldn't recall how he had made it back home. He had fled in panic, returning to the Eastern Capital overnight, then drowned himself in alcohol day after day, neglecting everything else.

This was...

A thunderous realization struck Jiang He—this was twenty-two years ago!

The voices outside continued their earnest persuasion. After a brief moment of shock, Jiang He rolled out of bed and rushed to the door. He yanked it open, staring breathlessly at his parents standing outside. Gasping, he managed to ask, "What month is it?"

"October..."

His mother answered instinctively. Jiang He closed his eyes and took a step back.

October—October twenty-two years ago. This was exactly when Luo Yishui got married.

"A-He?"

Madam Jiang sounded worried and stepped forward to support the still-weak Jiang He. After collecting himself for a moment, he suddenly declared, "I'm going to Yangzhou."

"But you just returned..." Madam Jiang didn't understand, but Jiang He's gaze turned resolute as he repeated firmly, "I'm going to Yangzhou."

The Jiang family had always raised their children with a hands-off approach, and Jiang He was the most unrestrained among them—no one could control him. Since he insisted on going to Yangzhou, they had no choice but to prepare a carriage and let him depart.

During the journey to Yangzhou, Jiang He gradually sorted out his situation.

He had indeed died once and returned to his seventeen-year-old self. This age was rather awkward—if he had returned a bit earlier, he could have avoided getting involved with Luo Yishui. And if he had returned even earlier, he might have been able to prevent the Luo family from causing his elder brother's death.Twenty years of a fleeting dream, upon waking, he was no longer as obsessive as in his youth. He had come to terms with the hatred between the Luo and Jiang families. Back then, when he mentioned Luo Yishui, he harbored both deep-seated hatred and profound love—he despised every member of the Luo family yet loved this one person alone. Now, two decades later, the hatred had faded, the love had mellowed, and what remained for this woman was mostly guilt. Beyond his guilt toward her, there was also remorse for Luo Zishang... no, or rather, for Jiang Zhiren.

This child—he had brought him into the world but abandoned him out of cowardice, then watched him stray down a crooked path without intervention.

As a father, he deserved to be torn apart a thousand times.

He could never make amends to Luo Yishui, for he truly could not marry her. Even after twenty years, he could not wed the daughter of his enemy. Moreover, based on the circumstances of their previous lives, Luo Yishui had ultimately fallen in love with Qin Nan. They were meant to be a couple, and he had no right to interfere.

Though he could not marry Luo Yishui, he still had to take good care of Jiang Zhiren. In this lifetime, he must not let Jiang Zhiren repeat his past mistakes—whether for his own sake or for the world.

Having sorted out his thoughts, he hurried to the Luo residence. The household was adorned with lanterns and decorations, as it was the day before Luo Yishui’s wedding.

He presented his token and requested to see Luo Yishui. The Luo family initially refused, but Jiang He happened to encounter Qin Nan at the gate.

The young Qin Nan was just as he would later become—stubborn, reserved, and somewhat rigid.

He stared at Jiang He, who calmly returned his gaze. After a long silence, Jiang He spoke: "She is marrying you tomorrow. Let me speak with her one last time..."

Before he could finish, Qin Nan threw a punch at him.

Their martial skills were worlds apart, yet Jiang He still yielded, allowing the blow to send him to the ground. Qin Nan grabbed him by the collar, pinned him against the wall, and with reddened eyes and a trembling voice, demanded, "Why won’t you marry her?"

Jiang He let out a bitter laugh. "I came today to explain that."

"She should marry you without any lingering doubts, Qin Nan."

Qin Nan was stunned. After a long pause, he gradually calmed down, took a deep breath, turned away, and said quietly, "I’ll take you to see her."

Qin Nan led Jiang He into the residence, and Jiang He stealthily made his way to Luo Yishui’s room.

Luo Yishui was sitting before a mirror, gazing calmly at her reflection.

Jiang He observed her from a corner.

In their previous life, after marrying Qin Nan, Luo Yishui had constantly worried about Luo Zishang, believing her child had died. Consumed by guilt and obsession, she became chronically depressed and passed away prematurely. The last time he saw her, she was emaciated and had lost all traces of her former beauty. But now, Luo Yishui was in the prime of her youth—even if slightly thinner, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

Trained in martial arts since childhood, unlike Qin Nan, she had sensed his presence the moment he entered the room.

She continued looking into the mirror and said calmly, "Since you’re here, have a cup of tea."

Jiang He stepped out from the shadows. Luo Yishui stood up and turned to face him.

Dressed in her wedding attire, her delicate face showed no trace of sorrow, remaining as elegant and composed as ever.

She studied him for a long time before finally saying, "I’m getting married."

"I know."

"Then why are you here?"

Luo Yishui smiled. "Surely not to elope with me.""What if I am?" Jiang He looked up at her, suddenly curious about her answer. Luo Yishui gazed at him quietly. After a long while, she spoke slowly, "You wouldn't do such a thing."

As she spoke, she walked forward and sat at the table, her voice calm. "Qin Nan has proposed to the Luo family, and I've already accepted. The feelings between you and me are our own matter—they shouldn't involve innocent people. Since I've agreed to marry him, I won't let him down. If you hadn't come tonight, I would have thought you heartless and faithless. But since you came, I know you're still Gu San."

Luo Yishui lifted her head to look at him, her gaze as clear as a mountain stream. "Since you're Gu San, you wouldn't do such a thing."

Jiang He remained silent. In truth, he had imagined countless times how Luo Yishui had viewed him back then. But now, witnessing it firsthand, he realized that even when facing this hopeless love, the Luo Yishui of those days never lost her grace.

"You don't hate me?"

"You had your reasons."

Luo Yishui shook her head and smiled. "If you hadn't come, I would have hated you. But since you came, I know you're here to give me closure."

She looked up at him, studying him intently. "Tell me, why?"

"My brother, Jiang Ran," Jiang He said calmly, meeting her gaze, "died because of your father."

At these words, Luo Yishui's eyes widened. Jiang He lowered his head to sip his tea and continued slowly, "You can ask your father for the details."

"So..." It took Luo Yishui a long moment to process this. "Is that why you left me?"

"Yes."

Jiang He didn't dare look up, unable to meet Luo Yishui's gaze. After her initial shock, she fell into a long silence. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she said, "I gave birth to the child."

"I know."

"I thought I could remain unmarried and raise him myself. I believed that if I were capable enough, I could defy these societal rules."

Luo Yishui smiled bitterly. "But I was wrong."

"To be honest, I don't quite understand, Young Master Gu," Luo Yishui looked at Jiang He, her smile tinged with a bitterness he'd never seen before. She used his old pseudonym, as if they were still those two people from before—she the young lady, he Gu San—never knowing each other's true names or backgrounds. He quietly watched her as she continued, "What did I do wrong?"

"I didn't want to marry. I wanted to raise my child alone. I could teach, I could do business, I have money. Why must I marry someone and have that status just to avoid bringing shame to my family?"

Hearing this, Jiang He couldn't help but smile.

Only at this moment did he clearly realize: he had grown old, while Luo Yishui remained that same young lady from years past.

What had he loved about her back then?

He loved her uniqueness, her defiance, that bold spirit of hers that dared challenge heaven and earth.

Because he was the same kind of person.

He gazed at her quietly for a long time before finally saying, "You did nothing wrong."

"No," Luo Yishui's tears fell suddenly upon hearing this. "I was wrong."

"Wrong in being too arrogant, too naive. I couldn't stand against my family, just as my family can't stand against the world. Jiang He," Luo Yishui closed her eyes, "he died."She knew exactly who "he" referred to. Jiang He watched as Luo Yishui clenched her fists, her voice hoarse as she spoke: "I escaped, wanting to keep the child. I fled far away, but my father still found me. I was near full term by then—too late to terminate. I watched them carry my baby away, begging and crying..."

That night, she discarded all her pride, all her dignity, every shred of self-respect she'd ever possessed.

She finally realized that among all living beings, she was merely ordinary.

She could change nothing, possessed no means to stand independently, couldn't even protect one child.

Despite her desperate pleas, the child was still taken away.

Jiang He listened quietly. After a long silence, he finally said: "The child didn't die."

Luo Yishui looked up in shock. Jiang He spoke calmly: "I will raise him well, educate him properly. If you're willing, you can discuss it with Qin Nan. You may visit him too."

Her eyes widened, lips trembling as she stared blankly at Jiang He.

"I won't pursue my brother's death anymore," Jiang He said slowly. "Tell your father this: keeping the imperial seal will bring him fatal disaster sooner or later. In a few years, he should surrender it to me. If he refuses, the Luo family won't survive."

Rising to his feet, he looked at Luo Yishui.

Gazing at her now, he realized she was truly just a young girl.

At eighteen years old, wasn't she just a girl in his eyes?

This was her darkest hour. Once heaven's favored daughter, worshipped like the moon among stars, her fall from grace had been catastrophic. Watching her, he couldn't help but step forward.

"Yishui," he said earnestly, "you're getting married tomorrow."

Luo Yishui remained silent. Jiang He smiled: "Do you regret meeting me?"

She looked at him quietly, realizing that in just a few months, this man had transformed like an ascended deity, carrying a depth and steadiness he never possessed before.

She had waited for him so long—from resentment to despair. She thought his arrival would bring overwhelming emotion, yet now that he stood before her, she understood she'd merely been awaiting closure.

Like a trapped spirit finally receiving salvation, she suddenly smiled.

"No," she shook her head, "I don't regret it."

"The person I loved remains unchanged in my heart. Even if we can't be together," Luo Yishui smiled, "I have no regrets."

"I wasn't lying to you," Jiang He said, finally voicing what he'd buried for twenty years. "I genuinely wanted to marry you."

"I know," Luo Yishui chuckled softly, "It doesn't matter now."

They fell silent like old friends. Jiang He took a deep breath before asking: "Qin Nan... are you marrying him sincerely?"

Luo Yishui lowered her gaze just as Jiang He detected someone approaching outside.

He knew Luo Yishui never lied—she was always forthright. He asked only to reassure Qin Nan about their future.

"Gu San," Luo Yishui spoke gently, "he stayed with me during my most desperate moments."

Lifting her head calmly, she declared: "I would never marry someone I feel nothing for."

Outside the door, Qin Nan's eyes widened abruptly. Jiang He smiled.Had he been in his youth, he would likely have been filled with rage. Yet now, gazing upon the young Luo Yishui, he felt a sense of solace.

"I will take good care of Zhiren," Jiang He spoke gently. "You need not worry."

"Very well."

"Then," Jiang He hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "is there anything else you wish to ask me?"

Luo Yishui thought for a moment and ultimately shook her head. "All that needed to be said has been said."

Jiang He nodded and finally said, "Farewell."

"Farewell."

After speaking, Jiang He turned and opened the door. Outside stood Qin Nan, staring blankly at them. Jiang He smiled gently and said, "May the two of you grow old together in harmony."

Qin Nan remained silent. After a moment's thought, Jiang He added, "Her health is delicate. After you move to Yongzhou, ensure she rests well."

Had it been anyone else, such words might have provoked anger. But Qin Nan was different—he always put Luo Yishui first. He pressed his lips together and murmured softly, "Thank you for your concern."

Jiang He nodded and walked out into the courtyard.

A light drizzle was falling. As he walked alone, he overheard the soft murmurs between Qin Nan and Luo Yishui and paused in his steps.

He remembered—this was his seventeen-year-old self, his most flamboyant, reckless, and beautiful years.

There was something he had never said to anyone like this before. Unable to resist, he turned back and called out loudly, "Luo Yishui!"

Luo Yishui and Qin Nan looked up at him. Jiang He laughed and declared, "I have loved you, held you in my heart, for a lifetime!"

In his previous life, he had been just like this—even until the end, he never allowed anyone to tarnish that name.

Luo Yishui was momentarily stunned by his words, then she let out a soft laugh.

Just as she had when they first met, she inclined her head with pride and restraint, her smile bright and gentle. "Well, thank you for your deep affection, young master."

There was not even a hint of refusal.

As if his love was something she took for granted. She was born with such innate pride.

Jiang He laughed heartily, turned, and walked away.

In that rain, the entanglements that had bound the three of them for over twenty years finally dissipated.

As Jiang He left the Luo residence, he knew in his heart that he had let go.

He no longer felt guilt toward Luo Yishui, nor did he cling to her.

His two decades of remorse and deep affection for her had finally found their place.

After apologizing to Luo Yishui, Jiang He went straight to the City God Temple to search for "Luo Zishang."

He gathered all the children abandoned during that period and examined them one by one until he found him. Although "Luo Zishang" had been abandoned, the brocade cloth he was wrapped in belonged to the Luo family, making it easy to identify him. Still fearing a mistake, Jiang He performed a blood test to confirm their relation before finally bringing the child home.

He hired a wet nurse for the child, but the boy clung to him, fussing incessantly every day. Left with no choice, Jiang He carried him whenever he had a spare moment.

At first, he worried whether this child was truly the future Luo Zishang. But after raising him for a few years, Jiang He could see the shadow of the later Luo Zishang in the boy's features.

Perhaps it was because he had been renamed Jiang Zhiren, but his temperament differed from his future self—he was gentle, even somewhat soft. And Jiang He, now a father, had changed as well. In his youth, he had been decisive and ruthless, often resorting to any means necessary. But now, fearing Jiang Zhiren might emulate him, he always left room for mercy in his actions, far from the man he once was.A single step altered, and everything changed. His approach became more measured, no longer as reckless as in the past, which naturally slowed his promotions. However, Qin Nan in Yongzhou, guided by Luo Yishui, avoided the impulsiveness of his earlier years.

Luo Yishui was exceptionally intelligent by nature. In the past, trapped in adversity and plagued by chronic illness, she could barely manage her own affairs, let alone assist Qin Nan. But now, with her mind unburdened and her spirit elevated, she skillfully coordinated with Jiang He from afar in court maneuvers.

Thus, Yongzhou—which should have been left for Gu Jiusi to resolve—was swiftly cleansed by Luo Yishui’s efforts. Qin Nan ascended to the position of Yongzhou’s governor as scheduled, taking full control of the region.

One change led to many. Although Fan Xuan and he ultimately established Great Xia together, the process was no longer as blood-soaked as before.

When Great Xia was founded, Gu Jiusi had just turned eighteen. Jiang Rou wrote to him, complaining that Gu Jiusi’s unruly temperament made him unmarriageable in the eyes of many.

Jiang He pondered this, then decisively penned a letter back to Yangzhou: "Go to the Liu family and propose to a girl named Liu Yu Ru. There’s no need to consult Jiusi—just arrange the marriage."

His tone was firm. Still uneasy, Jiang He decided to return with Jiang Zhiren to personally deliver the betrothal gifts to Liu Yu Ru.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi was locked in his room, pounding on the door and shouting, "Jiang He, you old fool! Let me out! Let me out!"

Jiang Zhiren leaned against the door, sword in hand, and chuckled. "Cousin, stop struggling. You’re marrying Liu Yu Ru whether you like it or not. Just accept it."

When Jiang He returned and heard the brothers arguing, he stood by the door, fan in hand, and remarked, "Jiusi, Jiusi, I’ve chosen a wife you’re bound to adore. You curse me now, but someday you’ll rush to thank me."

"Dream on!" Gu Jiusi roared from inside. "Even if every other woman in the world vanished, I’d never fancy Liu Yu Ru! Keep deluding yourself!"

Jiang He laughed heartily. On the wedding day, Gu Jiusi was practically dragged to fetch his bride. Reluctantly, he escorted Liu Yu Ru into the hall. A breeze lifted the red veil, revealing half of her face. Gu Jiusi froze, speechless.

When the veil was lifted in the bridal chamber, all eyes were on them. Liu Yu Ru glanced up indifferently at Gu Jiusi—and then she too paused in surprise.

Jiang Zhiren watched quietly, equally stunned.

After the guests dispersed, Gu Jiusi sat beside Liu Yu Ru and stammered, "Um... have we... met before?"

Liu Yu Ru felt the same but hesitated to admit it. She replied demurely, "Why do you say that, my husband?"

"It’s just... the first time I saw you," Gu Jiusi said awkwardly, "it felt like... I’d seen you countless times in a past life." He looked up, gazing at her intently, and took a deep breath. "I’m utterly delighted," he confessed nervously.

Liu Yu Ru didn’t respond but smiled faintly, her lips pressed together. Gu Jiusi couldn’t help asking, "Why are you smiling at me like that?"

"What a coincidence," she murmured, lowering her head. "I feel the same."

As they spoke, Jiang He and Jiang Zhiren strolled in the courtyard. Jiang He glanced at his companion and asked, "I noticed you seemed startled when you saw Yu Ru earlier. What were you thinking?"

"Hmm?"Jiang Zhiren couldn't help but laugh at these words: "Father, your eyes are too sharp—you even noticed this."

"You're my son," Jiang He sneered, "how could I not know you?"

Jiang Zhiren smiled gently, lifting his head to gaze at the sky as he said softly, "I just thought he looked somewhat familiar, that's all."

"Just somewhat familiar?"

Jiang Zhiren thought it over seriously before finally admitting, "And it brought me some joy as well."

"It feels as if we met in a past life. Seeing her doing well now, and I too am doing well, it's like meeting an old friend after a long separation—quite heartening."

"That's all."

She was doing well, and he was doing well too.

Meeting an old friend, reunited after a long time.

Meeting in this flourishing age, they would forever remain young.

Hearing this, Jiang He couldn't help but smile gently.

"Don't worry," he reached out and patted Jiang Zhiren's head, "I'll find you a better wife. In this lifetime, I guarantee you'll have a better life than Gu Jiusi."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Gu Jiusi's shocked voice came from the bridal chamber.

"Studying?! You want me to study?! No way, even if I like you, this is absolutely impossible!"