Destined

Gu Jiusi followed Liu Yuru out, and Jiang Rou was already prepared and standing at the door.

Seeing Gu Jiusi arrive, she breathed a huge sigh of relief in her heart. Without further ado, she said directly, "Let's go quickly."

With that, she got into the carriage in front, while Gu Jiusi and Liu Yuru boarded the one behind. Gu Jiusi curled his lips disdainfully, and Liu Yuru noticed it, whispering, "What do you mean by that?"

"My mother must have thought I was going to make a big scene," Gu Jiusi lowered his voice as he got into the carriage with Liu Yuru, muttering, "Now that she sees you here, she probably thinks you're amazing for being able to keep me in check."

Liu Yuru couldn't help but laugh. Holding her round fan, she lightly tapped him with it and said, "Aren't I keeping you in check?"

"It's not you keeping me in check," Gu Jiusi sneered, "It's because I'm willing."

Liu Yuru: "..."

Alright, alright, you're the best.

The two sat in the carriage, and Liu Yuru chatted with him about the current situation. Both of them were originally just youngsters—Liu Yuru's world used to be confined to the inner courtyard, while Gu Jiusi's life revolved around the gambling den, tavern, and home. They had almost no foundation in understanding the affairs of the world and only began to study intensively after marriage. In fact, because Gu Jiusi was learning systematically, he could speak more logically than Liu Yuru. However, Liu Yuru, who was doing business outside, had heard more from merchants and had some different insights.

"The world is divided into these thirteen provinces. Huainan is the wealthiest, but in terms of real power, Youzhou has the strongest military. I've heard that those northern lords have always looked down on places like Yangzhou, with their decadent lifestyles. If the world truly falls into chaos, Yangzhou will likely be a piece of fat meat."

Gu Jiusi ate peanuts and sighed, "I just hope the world remains peaceful so I can continue to spend money recklessly and live as a young master."

"I don't think the northern officials are as disdainful of Huainan as you say," Liu Yuru pondered, choosing her words carefully. "Recently, I met a young master from Youzhou. From what he said, Youzhou covets Yangzhou's wealth but is also very cautious about it. He said that in war, it's not just about having fierce soldiers and brave generals—supplies like provisions and military equipment are also crucial on the battlefield. Hearing him say this, if chaos really breaks out, Yangzhou may be a piece of fat meat, but not everyone would dare to touch it. After all, even though the soldiers aren't particularly valiant..."

"They have money," Gu Jiusi interjected with a laugh, then tossed a peanut and said, "See what I told you? Money really is the root of all happiness."

Liu Yuru was somewhat helpless at Gu Jiusi's frivolous attitude. But after a moment's thought, Gu Jiusi asked, "A young master from Youzhou? What is he here for?"

"He said he's here to procure some cloth for the military..."

"That's strange," Gu Jiusi fiddled with the peanuts in his hand. "Aren't military supplies provided by the court? Does Youzhou need to procure them privately?"

"He said it's because Youzhou is cold, and the cotton clothes issued by the court are barely enough to withstand the harsh winter. His family are merchants, and they want to make a batch of clothing for the soldiers as a gift."

"Are there such good merchants?" Gu Jiusi blurted out. "Isn't it more likely that the court is withholding winter funds, Fan Xuan can't get the money, and he's paying for it out of his own pocket?""That's not quite it," Liu Yuru smiled. "I asked that gentleman the other day, and he said because Youzhou is a border region often harassed by foreign enemies, to avoid cumbersome procedures, the late emperor granted Youzhou and other border areas the privilege of not contributing salt taxes. This is used to purchase supplies that the court cannot provide in time. So although both are military governors, the military governor of Youzhou holds much greater power than the military governor of Huainan."

With independent military forces and economic autonomy, this essentially formed a small state. Compared to Huainan, which paid annual tributes to the court with few soldiers and generals, the military governor of Youzhou naturally held a much higher position and authority.

"Then," Gu Jiusi suddenly thought, "Prince Liang's fief is in the southwestern border, does he also..."

"The same applies," Liu Yuru completed his sentence.

At these words, they exchanged a glance.

Gu Jiusi remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Next time you need to discuss anything with this gentleman, I'll accompany you."

Liu Yuru nodded, her unease growing stronger.

If Prince Liang and Youzhou possessed independent financial and military power, the soldiers there probably knew only their local rulers, not the emperor.

With each new understanding of this world, Liu Yuru felt they were inching closer to turmoil.

"Jiusi," she couldn't help but say, "after we return, let's find a suitable place to transfer some of our assets. We can't keep all our family fortune in Yangzhou."

Gu Jiusi looked up at Liu Yuru. Though the young woman's face appeared calm, the worry in her eyes was unmistakable. He immediately understood her fear. Sitting beside her, he placed his hand on her shoulder as he would with his own brothers. The moment he held Liu Yuru, Gu Jiusi felt something was different, instinctively sensing that Liu Yuru was somehow distinct from Yang Wenchang and Chen Xun. He couldn't quite figure it out but after a moment's thought decided it was probably because she was smaller.

She wasn't thin, but had a petite frame with some softness. The feel of her under his hand was quite pleasant. Suppressing the impulse to squeeze her, he opened his mouth to comfort her: "Miss Liu, you needn't worry. If the sky falls, taller people will hold it up. You just focus on eating well, drinking well, and sleeping well. Do whatever you want, just don't worry. Worrying too much ages people quickly. Don't take advantage of your youth and beauty to torment yourself - it wouldn't be worth ending up with a face full of wrinkles and thinning hair while still young."

Liu Yuru wanted to maintain seriousness, but couldn't help laughing at Gu Jiusi's words. Hiding her smile behind her round fan, she said from within his embrace, "You, why are you never serious?"

"I am being serious," Gu Jiusi spread his hands openly, wearing an earnest expression. "I'm seriously comforting you, aren't I?"

Liu Yuru hit him with her round fan while Gu Jiusi playfully dodged. As they were frolicking, the carriage suddenly jolted, causing Liu Yuru to lurch forward. Gu Jiusi quickly steadied her, just as they heard Jiang Rou's surprised voice from outside: "Lord Wang."

They exchanged a glance. Liu Yuru hurriedly lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and saw that Jiang Rou's carriage ahead had stopped. Before Jiang Rou's carriage stood a crowd of people led by a middle-aged man. He was burly and wore a crimson official robe that seemed somewhat incongruous. Behind him were servants carrying a stretcher bearing the bandaged Wang Rong, his legs broken.Liu Yu Ru turned her head and whispered, "It's Wang Shanquan."

Gu Jiusi quickly leaned in, and the two of them peered through the carriage seam at the scene outside.

Jiang Rou hadn't expected to encounter Wang Rong halfway. Seeing his posture, she broke into a cold sweat inwardly, feeling grateful for Liu Yu Ru's quick wit. Wang Shanquan had actually come to their doorstep late at night—likely right after having Wang Rong's leg bound.

Pretending it was a chance encounter, she looked at Wang Shanquan and said, "Lord Wang! What brings you here? I was just on my way to your residence to see you!"

Wang Shanquan was momentarily taken aback, clearly not expecting this. He quickly bowed and replied, "Madam Gu, I was also heading to the Gu residence to see Lord Gu and you. I didn't expect to run into you here."

Without waiting for Jiang Rou to respond, he continued, "My son had a conflict with your son at the tavern. When I learned of it, I grew uneasy, so I specifically brought the child to apologize. I hope the Gu family will not hold it against us. Given that my son's leg is already broken, please spare him."

As he spoke, Wang Shanquan took a step back and bowed to Jiang Rou. "I apologize on behalf of my son! He was drunk and didn't realize that the woman was your daughter-in-law. He merely admired her and wished to befriend her, never expecting to offend your eldest son. It's entirely my son's fault. We accept any punishment—beating or scolding—but I beg the Gu family to be merciful and let this matter rest."

With these words, Wang Shanquan skillfully downplayed the incident, framing it as though Gu Jiusi had broken Wang Rong's leg out of jealousy.

Inside the carriage, Gu Jiusi gritted his teeth and muttered under his breath, "I really want to go out and beat him to death right now."

Liu Yu Ru grabbed his sleeve, afraid he might actually charge out, and softly urged, "Don't be so impulsive. Wait until Mother-in-law calls for us."

Outside, Jiang Rou listened to Wang Shanquan's words and sighed slowly. "Lord Wang, to be honest, when I heard about this at home, I was also troubled and immediately brought my son to apologize to you. The Gu family is merely a merchant household, and my son is hot-tempered. When he saw your son making comments about my daughter-in-law's beauty, he acted rashly and went too far. It's my failure in raising him properly. I've already scolded Jiusi at home. For Young Master Wang to take a liking to my daughter-in-law Yu Ru is her good fortune. What does it matter if he merely said a few words? If someone praises your wife for being to their taste and asks her to accompany them for some fun—but is firmly stopped by the servants before anything happens—how could you possibly retaliate so harshly? Don't you agree?"

At these words, Wang Shanquan's expression instantly darkened. The onlookers quickly grasped the full story and began whispering among themselves. Gu Jiusi glanced at Liu Yu Ru and whispered, "Whatever you do, don't get out of the carriage later."

"Why?" Liu Yu Ru asked, puzzled.

Gu Jiusi hurriedly explained, "If you step out, my mother's claim that he was captivated by your beauty won't hold up!"

Liu Yu Ru: "..."

She couldn't help but give Gu Jiusi a sharp pinch, making him gasp in pain. "You vicious woman!"

Liu Yu Ru glared at him.Outside, Wang Shanquan quickly regained his composure and hurriedly explained, "Madam, there's been a misunderstanding. My son merely admired the young madam's noble bearing and wished to befriend her. He truly had no idea she was the young madam of the Gu Family. Had he known, he would never have dared to approach her! Now that his leg is broken, I beg you, Madam Gu, to spare his life!"

As he spoke, Wang Shanquan made as if to kneel. Jiang Rou quickly instructed the steward to support him, but Wang Shanquan insisted on kneeling, pleading as he did so, "I know this matter is already settled in your heart, and no explanation will clear it. I can only beg for your mercy with what little dignity I have left in this lifetime. Please spare my son..."

"Lord Wang, what are you doing?" Jiang Rou grew flustered at his kneeling. Wang Shanquan was a military governor. Regardless of the truth behind the incident, if word spread to the Eastern Capital that the Gu Family had forced a military governor to kneel and beg for mercy after his son’s leg had been broken, it would be seen as a merchant family humiliating the court and the imperial family!

Seeing this, Liu Yu Ru panicked. She pushed Gu Jiusi and whispered urgently, "Go kneel too!"

Gu Jiusi was momentarily stunned but quickly understood her meaning. If Wang Shanquan could go this far, they had to go even further. He flung aside the carriage curtain, rushed out unexpectedly, and dashed to Wang Shanquan, grabbing him firmly. In a loud voice, he declared, "Lord Wang, please spare my Gu Family!"

Everyone was stunned by his words, and Liu Yu Ru grew anxious.

She had told him to kneel and show humility—why was he being so forceful? She hurriedly stepped down from the carriage, made her way through the crowd, and stopped Gu Jiusi. "Jiu Si, stop this nonsense. Apologize quickly."

Turning to Wang Shanquan and Wang Rong, she apologized frantically, "Lord Wang, I am sorry. My husband is impulsive and childish. Please do not take offense."

As she spoke, she tried to twist Gu Jiusi’s arm. "Let go! Apologize now!"

"Lord Wang," Gu Jiusi remained firm, his grip unyielding as he looked steadily at Wang Shanquan. "I admit it was my fault for striking Young Master Wang today, and I am willing to apologize. However, before that, I insist that Young Master Wang apologize to my wife first."

"Young Master Gu..." Wang Shanquan’s lips trembled slightly, as if enraged. "One should be merciful when possible!"

Gu Jiusi remained calm, his hold firm and unwavering. Surrounded by onlookers drawn to the spectacle, he stated clearly, "Today, my wife went to the tavern to discuss business. For some reason, Young Master Wang began by insulting her virtue. My wife, being gentle-natured, only wished to leave, but Young Master Wang refused to let her go, demanding she stay to entertain him. It was only through the intervention of our family servants and her business associate that she was spared further humiliation."

"You’re lying!" Wang Rong, lying on a stretcher, shouted angrily. "I merely complimented the young madam and asked where she was from. How could that be considered an insult?"

"Whether I am lying or not," Gu Jiusi retorted calmly, "will be clear once we question everyone who was present at the time."Gu Jiusi turned to look at Wang Rong and said calmly, "The servants who accompanied my wife have always been those accustomed to serving by my side. We often see each other at major gatherings. How can I believe that you didn't know she was the young madam of the Gu Family? Even if you didn't recognize the servants, even if you didn't recognize her as the young madam of the Gu Family, even if she were just an ordinary woman, she shouldn't be humiliated by you like this. Just because you are the son of a military governor, does that mean you can do whatever you want? Does it mean that in this world, those with power and influence can act without consequences? If she weren't the young madam of the Gu Family, would it be acceptable to harass and humiliate her?"

As these words were spoken, the commoners present began whispering among themselves. Wang Shanquan shot Wang Rong a meaningful glance, and Wang Rong angrily retorted, "Nowadays, it's all your word against mine. Your uncle serves as a minister in the Eastern Capital, and your Gu Family is the wealthiest in Yangzhou. My father is merely a local official—how would he dare provoke you?"

"Indeed, my uncle serves as a minister, but the state has its laws, the court has its regulations, and there is an order of hierarchy. The Gu Family is merely a merchant household—how could I possibly overstep the law or defy the court? Lord Wang, you are a military governor, a pillar of the state, a minister of the court. If you were to kneel before the Gu Family, you would be forcing us to become the target of public condemnation."

"It is true that I struck Young Master Wang today. As a commoner, I overstepped the law by taking private action—this is my fault. Jiusi is willing to accept any punishment. But I am also my wife's husband. If my wife and my family are humiliated and I remain indifferent, what kind of husband or son would I be?"

"Jiusi..."

Jiang Rou stared blankly at Gu Jiusi. She had never imagined that one day her son could speak such words.

She had always known that Gu Jiusi was inherently kind-hearted, but she had never expected her son to possess such a sense of responsibility.

Gu Jiusi released Wang Shanquan, took a step back, and bowed to Jiang Rou. "As your son, I have committed this wrongdoing and caused you worry. This is my fault—this is Jiusi's first mistake."

With that, Gu Jiusi turned to Wang Shanquan and bowed again. "Lord Wang, as a loving father, I have hurt your esteemed son, causing you immense pain. This is Jiusi's second mistake."

"Young Master Gu..."

Wang Shanquan wanted to say something, but Gu Jiusi paid no heed. Instead, he turned toward the direction of the Eastern Capital and bowed deeply. "As a citizen of the Great Glory, though of merchant status, I have overstepped the bounds of hierarchy by striking Young Master Wang. Even if it was to protect my wife and family, I cannot escape responsibility. This is Jiusi's third mistake."

After finishing his bow, Gu Jiusi stood up and looked calmly at Wang Shanquan. "Jiusi does not understand the twists and turns of worldly affairs. I only know that mistakes must be admitted and crimes must be punished. Today, Jiusi has made mistakes, so I admit them. I broke Young Master Wang's leg, so I will repay him with one of my own. But before that, may I ask Young Master Wang: your mistake—do you admit it or not?!"

Wang Rong grew flustered and looked at Wang Shanquan, who was momentarily at a loss for how to handle the situation. When Jiang Rou had been dealing with him tactfully, he could manage, but faced with someone like Gu Jiusi, who tore off all pretenses and threw caution to the wind, he suddenly found himself unsure how to proceed.

Accustomed to wearing masks, when suddenly confronted with such a genuine and reckless youth, he simply did not know how to respond.

Receiving no reply from Wang Shanquan, Wang Rong could only brace himself and say, "If speaking a few words to a woman counts as a mistake, then I suppose I have no choice but to admit it."As soon as the words were spoken, Gu Jiusi snatched a scabbard from a servant beside him and swung it toward his own leg!

Liu Yu Ru instinctively moved to stop him, but another hand in the crowd was faster, intercepting Gu Jiusi’s arm.

Everyone looked up to see an exceptionally handsome young man. Liu Yu Ru froze for a moment before murmuring, "Young Master Zhou?"

"Young Master Gu’s integrity and willingness to take responsibility are truly admirable," Zhou Ye said, taking the scabbard from Gu Jiusi and smiling at the crowd. "However, I believe Young Master Wang was at fault first. Young Master Gu acted out of deep affection, stepping forward to protect his wife. Though he is at fault, his actions are understandable. Besides, Young Master Gu still needs to assist me in escorting goods. If his leg were broken, it would cause me considerable difficulty."

With that, Zhou Ye unfastened the leather whip from his waist and turned to Wang Shanquan. "Lord Wang, how about replacing the broken leg with twenty lashes to satisfy your anger? What do you think?"

"Who are you?" Wang Shanquan frowned, clearly displeased by this sudden interruption.

Zhou Ye smiled and bowed respectfully. "I am Zhou Ye, the adopted son of Zhou Gaolang of Youzhou, at your service."

When a person only needs to state their name without any titles, they are undoubtedly someone extraordinary.

At the mention of Zhou Gaolang’s name, both Jiang Rou and Wang Shanquan were taken aback. Gu Jiusi and Liu Yu Ru, though unfamiliar with the name, understood that this was no ordinary figure and remained silent.

While the younger ones were unaware, Jiang Rou knew exactly who Zhou Gaolang was.

Zhou Gaolang was a fierce general in the Youzhou army. In the past, he and Fan Xuan had been the right-hand men of the former governor of Youzhou—Fan Xuan handled civil affairs, while Zhou Gaolang led military campaigns. He had fought in hundreds of battles in Youzhou without a single defeat, making him a formidable weapon of the state. Now that Fan Xuan had become the military governor of Youzhou, he entrusted Zhou Gaolang with even greater responsibilities. The two shared a deep bond, and though Fan Xuan held the title of military governor, Youzhou was effectively governed by both of them.

And Zhou Ye was Zhou Gaolang’s son!

Wang Shanquan was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure. "So it’s Young Master Zhou! You flatter me. Although my son was severely injured, it would be unreasonable to demand that Young Master Gu suffer as well. Let it be…" Wang Shanquan waved his hand dismissively. "Let the matter rest here."

With that, Wang Shanquan bowed to Jiang Rou and sighed. "The Gu Family has chosen not to pursue my son’s actions, for which I am deeply grateful. Since the misunderstanding has been resolved, let us consider the matter closed."

"You are too kind, Lord Wang," Jiang Rou replied with a sigh. "Let us hope this incident between the children does not harm the harmony between our families."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Wang Shanquan prepared to leave with Wang Rong. But just as they were about to depart, Gu Jiusi called out, "Stop!"

Everyone turned to look. Liu Yu Ru, knowing Gu Jiusi’s temper, quickly tugged at his sleeve to restrain him. Instead, Gu Jiusi grasped her hand, enveloping it in his own, and glared at Wang Rong. "You haven’t apologized to Yu Ru yet."

"Don’t push your luck!" Wang Rong snapped, unable to contain his anger. "Gu Jiusi, don’t think you can bully others just because you have the upper hand!"

"I’m not bullying anyone."

Gu Jiusi took the whip from Zhou Ye, strode over to Wang Rong, and cracked it fiercely.

Wang Rong flinched in fear, but the whip was flicked backward by Gu Jiusi, landing with a sharp crack that tore through flesh!Everyone's eyes widened in shock, and even Zhou Ye was stunned. Gu Jiusi stared at Wang Rong and said, "I told you, if you do something wrong, you must apologize. Young Master Wang, do you admit your mistake?"

Wang Rong was terrified into silence. Those around watched as Gu Jiusi raised his hand and lashed out with another whip. His whip struck mercilessly, without the slightest leniency, and blood seeped through Wang Rong's white robes. Gu Jiusi fixed his gaze on Wang Rong and repeated, "Young Master Wang, do you admit your mistake?"

Wang Rong remained silent, so Gu Jiusi continued to whip him, stroke after stroke.

Wang Rong's face turned deathly pale, and he could barely stand, swaying unsteadily. Beads of cold sweat dripped heavily from his forehead.

"Young Master Wang, do you admit your mistake?"

"Young Master Wang, do you admit your mistake?"

"Young Master Wang..."

"Enough!" Jiang Rou could no longer hold back. She suddenly cried out, rushed forward, and grabbed Gu Jiusi's hand. With red-rimmed eyes, she pleaded, "Enough, Jiusi, that's enough!"

Jiang Rou looked at the Gu Jiusi before her, who seemed to have abruptly grown up.

She clearly understood Gu Jiusi's intention, and precisely because she understood, her heart ached for him.

Gu Jiusi was seeking justice for Liu Yu Ru. He wanted Wang Rong to confess his crime. Once Wang Rong admitted his guilt and Gu Jiusi endured these twenty lashes, no matter what might be said in the future, the Gu Family would remain blameless. The beating Wang Rong received had been repaid with twenty lashes; the reason for beating Wang Rong had been confessed by Wang Rong himself.

Jiang Rou understood Gu Jiusi's thoughtful considerations.

As his mother, she had protected and cherished Gu Jiusi all along, hoping he could always live joyfully and carefree. Seeing him mature like this, seeing him see through the ways of the world with such clarity, and witnessing him resist in his own bloody way, her heart ached uncontrollably. She felt the shame of a parent, for she had failed to protect her child—it was her failing.

She held Gu Jiusi's hand, crying her heart out: "Jiusi... that's enough..."

"Mother," Gu Jiusi turned to look at Jiang Rou, his pale face breaking into a smile as if it were nothing, "I'm fine. I'm almost of age, a grown man. Don't carry on like this, or others will laugh."

Jiang Rou was speechless, all her words choked by tears. She just held onto him, shaking her head desperately.

But Gu Jiusi was resolute. He raised a hand to stop her, then suddenly lashed himself again, raising his voice abruptly: "Fifteen lashes, Wang Rong, apologize!"

"Sixteen lashes, Wang Rong, speak!"

"Seventeen..."

"Eighteen..."

...

"Twen...ty!"

By the time Gu Jiusi called out the count, his voice was almost devoid of strength. Staggering, he looked at Wang Rong: "Young Master Wang, my twenty lashes are done." He then gave a bitter smile, "Are you still unwilling to apologize to my Gu Family?"

Wang Rong dared not speak, staring at Gu Jiusi in terror.

Gu Jiusi's back was a bloody mess, the whip stained with flesh. Dragging the whip, he took a step forward.

Wang Rong could no longer control himself. Seeing Gu Jiusi's state, he covered his head and screamed: "I apologize! I was wrong! I'm sorry, Madam! I was wrong!"

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi halted. He turned toward Liu Yu Ru and smiled.

"He apologized to you."

His words were soft, his smile sincere and clear. Liu Yu Ru watched quietly, unable to describe what she felt. Later in life, after witnessing the complexities of the world, she would look back and finally understand how to put it into words.

At that moment, Gu Jiusi was like a beam of light. In this oppressive world where everyone wore masks and postured fiercely, only he stood real and stubborn, bright and steadfast, making one's eyes sting with emotion.

She couldn't help but smile, though her eyes grew blurry for some reason.

"Fool."

She said.

How could there be such a fool, one who insisted on distinguishing right from wrong, demanding justice, unwavering in his words, refusing to let her suffer the slightest grievance, stubbornly fighting to get an apology for her even at the cost of his life.

Gu Jiusi smiled, wanting to say something, but as he opened his mouth, his vision blurred and he collapsed forward.

Liu Yu Ru rushed over in panic, catching him in her arms.

Those around grew frantic. Jiang Rou urgently said, "Quick, fetch the physician!"

Zhou Ye immediately added, "His injuries shouldn't be moved. There's a clinic nearby; I'll get a stretcher."

...Amid the surrounding chaos and turmoil, Gu Jiusi, completely exhausted, collapsed into Liu Yu Ru's arms. He whispered, "Was I impressive?"

Liu Yu Ru felt like crying, yet also wanted to laugh. This time, she didn’t hit him with the round fan again. In a hoarse voice, she replied, "Impressive, very impressive."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi closed his eyes contentedly.

With Zhou Ye's help, Liu Yu Ru and Jiang Rou managed to bring Gu Jiusi back to the Gu Family residence. Zhou Ye had plenty of experience treating wounds, and before the physician took over, he praised Gu Jiusi’s condition and sent him in for bandaging.

Just then, Gu Lang Hua also rushed back. Upon entering the residence and seeing Gu Jiusi, he listened as the servants recounted the whole story. Furious, Gu Lang Hua exclaimed, "Wang Shanquan has gone too far! I’m going to—"

Noticing Zhou Ye’s presence, Jiang Rou quickly pulled Gu Lang Hua aside and whispered, "Let’s talk inside."

With that, she dragged Gu Lang Hua into the inner room.

Liu Yu Ru and Zhou Ye sat together in the outer hall. Liu Yu Ru’s thoughts were entirely focused on Gu Jiusi, leaving her somewhat dazed. Seeing this, Zhou Ye hesitated for a moment before comforting her, "Young Madam, there’s no need to worry. The young master is in the prime of his life, strong and healthy. With proper care, he should recover without major issues."

Hearing Zhou Ye speak, Liu Yu Ru quickly snapped back to attention. Forcing a smile, she said, "I’m afraid we’ve made a spectacle of ourselves in front of you today, Young Master Zhou."

"Not at all," Zhou Ye sighed. "The Wang family’s bullying was plain to see. It’s just that I, Zhou, hold little influence in the Eastern Capital and couldn’t speak up more for the young master."

"Young Master, your chivalrous spirit is admirable. The Gu Family is deeply grateful that you were willing to step forward and speak on his behalf today," Liu Yu Ru quickly responded, her voice filled with gratitude. "If not for the young master, my husband would surely have lost a leg."

"Those twenty lashes are no easier than losing a leg," Zhou Ye blurted out. "There have been civil officials at court who died from twenty lashes—"

He stopped mid-sentence, realizing his words were inappropriate, and continued, "But I observed that the young master is highly skilled in martial arts, so he should be fine."

"Thank you for your kind words," Liu Yu Ru smiled. "For your first visit to our home to be under such circumstances is truly regrettable. Once my husband has recovered, we will surely host a proper banquet to express our gratitude."

"These are trivial matters," Zhou Ye waved his hand dismissively. "The young master’s recovery is what matters most. It’s late now, so I won’t disturb you any further."

With that, Zhou Ye stood up, exchanged a few pleasantries with Liu Yu Ru, and left the Gu residence.

After seeing Zhou Ye off, Liu Yu Ru returned to the room. Gu Jiusi’s wounds had been treated, and he was lying face down on the bed, half-asleep.

His forehead was covered in sweat. Liu Yu Ru wrung out a cloth from the side and gently wiped his brow. With his eyes closed, Gu Jiusi murmured drowsily, "My back hurts today. I don’t want to sleep on the floor. Can we squeeze in together?"

"Alright," Liu Yu Ru replied softly. She wrung out the cloth again and began wiping his hands.

Gu Jiusi opened his eyes, propping his chin on one hand as he turned to look at her. "Why are you so agreeable all of a sudden? Were you captivated by me today? Did you find me incredibly dashing and charming?"

Hearing this and seeing Gu Jiusi’s rather smug expression, Liu Yu Ru couldn’t help but laugh. Not daring to push him recklessly, she could only say, "Gu Jiusi, who taught you this talent for praising yourself so effortlessly?""Is this what you call flattery?" Gu Jiusi said with an innocent expression. "These are all honest words. I never tell lies."

Liu Yuru was amused by him and chuckled softly.

Gu Jiusi lay on the bed, watching her laugh, and breathed a sigh of relief. He turned his head as Liu Yuru said, "The other paw."

Gu Jiusi stretched out his other hand, grumbling, "What do you mean 'paw'? This is called a hand."

Liu Yuru lowered her head, carefully wiping his fingers. Gu Jiusi was feeling a bit tired. He closed his eyes, enjoying the comfort of Liu Yuru wiping his hands.

The servants nearby, seeing the two of them, quietly withdrew. After a moment of thought, Liu Yuru finally said, "Don’t do this again in the future."

"Huh?"

Gu Jiusi opened his eyes. Liu Yuru didn’t dare look up at him and whispered, "I don’t really care about things like apologies or not. You need to learn to be more tactful in the future, not so blunt."

"Today, you happened to catch Wang Shanquan off guard with your straightforwardness. But you won’t always be this lucky. With your stubborn refusal to yield, you’ll end up suffering losses in the future."

Gu Jiusi didn’t respond. After a while, he said slowly, "I understand. I won’t cause trouble for you and Mother anymore."

"That’s not what I—"

"Are you happy?"

Gu Jiusi suddenly asked. Liu Yuru was taken aback. She looked up at him, confusion in her eyes. Gu Jiusi rested his cheek on his hand, tilting his head to look at her. "Seeing Wang Rong scared and apologizing to you, did it make you a little happy?"

Liu Yuru remained silent. Gu Jiusi continued, "Chen Xun used to be a lot like you when he was younger. When he was bullied, he wouldn’t even dare make a sound. I took him to beat up every one of those bullies, and when he heard them apologize, he cried from happiness."

As he spoke, Gu Jiusi pulled his hand back from Liu Yuru’s grasp and patted her shoulder. "I know you’ve had a tough time in the past, but it’s alright. Since you’re my person now, I’ll take care of you."

Hearing such childish words, Liu Yuru couldn’t help but feel like crying again. Gu Jiusi turned to look at her, rather pleased with himself, and said, "I told you not to worry, so... why... why are you crying again?"

Gu Jiusi panicked and blurted out, "What’s wrong with you? Do tears cost nothing that you cry so easily?"

"Alright, alright," Gu Jiusi said hurriedly, watching Liu Yuru’s tears fall. "I won’t be so reckless anymore. I’ll find another way, I’ll figure something out. Stop crying, okay? Today, we took down the Wang family—that’s something to celebrate. Don’t be so down. Think about it: I broke one of Wang Rong’s legs, and with these twenty lashes I took today, the Wang family has no grounds to complain. Even if word spreads to the Eastern Capital, it won’t cause trouble for my uncle. Twenty lashes in exchange for a leg—we came out ahead!"

Listening to Gu Jiusi’s words, Liu Yuru didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Gu Jiusi reached out and gently flicked her chin, saying carelessly, "Stop crying. Come on, give me a smile."

Liu Yuru couldn’t help but laugh. Gu Jiusi nodded approvingly. "That’s more like it. Cheer up. With me here, what do you have to be sad about? If you keep crying like this, it’ll make me feel like a failure as a husband. You don’t want me to pull a King You of Zhou and light the beacon towers for you, do you?"

"I am happy," Liu Yuru said softly. "Having someone treat me so well... it makes me happy.""Then what are you still crying about?" Gu Jiusi looked somewhat bewildered. Liu Yu Ru sniffled and whispered softly, "I just feel heartache for you."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi froze for a moment.

Chen Xun and Yang Wenchang would never say such things. At this moment, he finally felt that Liu Yu Ru was somewhat different from his brothers. He grew flustered, lowered his head, and said hurriedly, "Oh, it's nothing. I used to get into fights often—I'm thick-skinned and tough, so it's fine. Don't worry. Just let me rest for a couple of days, and as long as you let me go to the gambling den, I'll be back on my feet in no time!"

"Mm, alright." Liu Yu Ru nodded while sniffling. Gu Jiusi grew a bit scared: "You... don't be like this. Liu Yu Ru, act normal. And don't think I'm all that great. Just think—if it weren't for me, you'd have married Ye Shi'an. The Ye Family is good," Gu Jiusi sighed as he spoke, "There are many officials in the Ye Family. Though none hold high positions, they don't take sides or form cliques. No matter how chaotic the world gets, they'll always be fine. Our Gu Family, however—we rise and fall because of my uncle. If I didn't treat you well after you married into this family, your life would be truly miserable."

Gu Jiusi paused, thought for a moment, hesitated briefly, then looked up at Liu Yu Ru with uncertainty. "Liu Yu Ru, what if... I mean, just what if... if the Gu Family ever faces a situation where our property is confiscated and our clan exterminated, don't you dare do anything foolish."

He looked at her seriously and said, "Staying alive is more important than anything. If I give you a letter of divorce, don't ever think it's because I want to break our agreement or that I'm treating you poorly, alright?"

Liu Yu Ru was stunned by his words. Gu Jiusi turned his gaze forward, his voice calm. "I may be a bit unreliable, but I'm not a bad person. You were innocent from the start, and I genuinely hope you can live a good life, for your entire lifetime."

A lifetime, steady and safe, living well.

Author's Note:

【Mini Theater】

Mo Shu Bai: What do you think is the difference between a wife and a brother?

Gu Jiusi: Height, probably? She's a bit shorter and thinner than my brothers.

Liu Yu Ru: ...

Mo Shu Bai: What do you think is the biggest difference between Gu Jiusi and the people around you?

Liu Yu Ru: I've never hit anyone before.

Mo Shu Bai: And then?

Liu Yu Ru: Except for him.

Gu Jiusi: ...What did I do wrong...