Destined

While the two were strolling outside the city, the Wang family was already in utter chaos. Wang Shanquan held the note, pondered for a moment, and confirmed once more: "Are you certain the Gu family intends to flee?"

"Yes," the man reporting replied respectfully. "The spy placed in their residence said they began packing their belongings yesterday. They are likely to depart within the next few days."

Wang Shanquan thought it over and then declared, "Muster the troops and prepare the horses. We head to the Gu residence immediately. Is everyone in the Gu family present?"

"The undercover agent was reassigned today, so we don’t know for now. But it’s late, and they plan to leave tomorrow—they should all be there."

"Then let’s go to the Gu residence at once."

"Sir," an advisor hesitated, "is it appropriate to go so rashly?"

"No matter," Wang Shanquan waved his hand dismissively. "Jiang Cheng in the court is already overwhelmed. The Emperor is waiting for an opportunity to eliminate both him and Prince Liang in one fell swoop. The Emperor underestimates Prince Liang’s power. If he moves against Jiang Cheng, Prince Liang will rebel. Once Prince Liang rises, what authority will the Emperor hold? They’re all illegitimate pretenders. By then, the world will be ours."

"You are absolutely right," the advisor mused. "When the time comes to increase troops, we’ll need funds. If we ask the wealthy merchants directly, they’ll likely refuse. We must use ruthless methods. The Gu family is affluent and has repeatedly insulted you, sir. Starting with them is only fitting."

"According to the Emperor’s intentions, Jiang Cheng’s days are numbered," Wang Shanquan contemplated, then added, "We’ll seize the Gu family first. By the time Jiang Cheng falls and the news spreads, the timing will align. If we don’t act today and let them reach Youzhou, all that silver will be lost to us there."

With this in mind, Wang Shanquan made up his decision and instructed, "He has always resented Gu Jiusi, hasn’t he? Let Rong handle this matter."

Wang Rong, having received the order, immediately gathered his personal guards and headed to the Gu residence.

At that moment, Gu Langhua and Jiang Rou were preparing to retire for the night. Jiang Rou sighed and said, "I have a bad feeling. I’m afraid we won’t be able to leave tomorrow."

"Don’t worry," Gu Langhua reassured her. "We’ve been discreet. Whether preparing travel permits or loading the ships, we’ve divided the tasks among different people. No one outside our family knows the plan. I’ve arranged both land and water routes. If one fails, we’ll take the other. Our permits are valid for both routes, so set your mind at ease."

"You’re right—"

Before Jiang Rou could finish, the sound of troops and horses suddenly erupted outside. They exchanged a glance, and Gu Langhua, sensing danger, immediately said, "Take the essential documents, lead Madam Liu, and escape through the secret passage. If I haven’t joined you within an hour, set sail."

"What about you?" Jiang Rou grabbed Gu Langhua’s arm anxiously. Gu Langhua patted her hand gently and said, "Don’t worry. I’ll find a way. Sail directly out of Huainan and wait for me at the third stop, Huaicheng. I’ll manage."

Jiang Rou nodded hurriedly, knowing there was no time to hesitate, and quickly began gathering their belongings.

Meanwhile, Gu Langhua stepped outside. As he reached the main gate, he saw Wang Rong leading soldiers in a dispute with the household servants. Gu Langhua stood at the entrance, his hands tucked into his sleeves, and laughed heartily. "Young Master Wang, what a rare guest!"

"Gu Langhua," Wang Rong stepped forward with his troops and sneered, "Does your Gu family admit its crimes?!""You jest, Young Master Wang," Gu Langhua said with some confusion. "Our Gu family has always been law-abiding. What crime could we possibly have committed?"

"Prince Liang conspired to rebel, and Lord Jiang colluded with him. Your Gu family was involved in this. How dare you deny it?"

"Young Master Wang," Gu Langhua replied calmly, "do you have any evidence for these claims?"

"We already have a witness, and the material evidence is right here in your residence. A simple search will reveal everything!"

Wang Rong shouted loudly. Hearing this, Gu Langhua smiled and said, "Young Master Wang, that's quite interesting. So you're saying you currently have no evidence and are waiting to find it after searching my residence? Since you have no evidence, how can you accuse the Gu family of a crime? And if the Gu family is innocent, why should we allow ourselves to be ransacked for no reason?"

"How dare you!"

Wang Rong roared angrily: "I am acting under orders to conduct this search, Gu Langhua! If you dare not step aside, does that mean you have a guilty conscience?"

"A guilty conscience?" Gu Langhua laughed heartily. "The one with the guilty conscience is probably you! And your father! The moment something happened to Lord Jiang today, your Wang family couldn't wait to come search our Gu residence. Your true intentions are obvious to everyone! This is nothing but your Wang family coveting the Gu family's wealth, using any excuse to rob us! A bunch of bandits and thieves, hiding behind the court's name. Let me ask you this - you claim Lord Jiang conspired to rebel, but is the evidence conclusive? He probably just entered prison, and you rushed here immediately, didn't you?"

Lord Jiang definitely hadn't been convicted yet. If it had reached that stage, the Gu family would have received some news.

Moreover, Prince Liang's rebellion wouldn't happen this quickly. So at this moment, it must be that the emperor had decided to move against Prince Liang, using the pretext that Prince Liang was making his move, while secretly imprisoning Lord Jiang. Everything was happening in the shadows, not yet brought into the open. That's why the Gu family, as merchants, didn't know about it, while the Wang family might have received the emperor's orders long ago to take action, hence their swift move.

While calculating all this in his mind, Gu Langhua showed no trace of panic on his face as he said: "Your Wang family can certainly try to cause trouble for our Gu family. However, Wang Rong, go tell your father this - if he moves against our Gu family today, he should consider whether he's afraid of what might come out about the Yangzhou disaster relief funds from years ago."

Hearing this, Wang Rong's expression faltered. Seeing Gu Langhua's completely fearless demeanor, he couldn't determine whether Gu Langhua was bluffing or actually had leverage against the Wang family.

"Young Master Wang," Gu Langhua said generously, noticing his hesitation, "you're too young to make decisions about such matters. You'd better go ask your father about this quickly."

Saying this, he had someone bring him a chair and pour tea, then sat leisurely on the chair.

Wang Rong gritted his teeth and raised his hand, commanding: "Surround the Gu residence completely! Don't let even a single bird fly out!"

While Gu Langhua and Wang Rong were locked in their standoff, Jiang Rou quickly led Su Wan and others out through the secret passage.

Following behind Jiang Rou, Su Wan asked anxiously: "Madam Gu, if we leave like this, what will happen to Yuru and Jiusi?"

"We'll go out first, then I'll send people to find them," Jiang Rou said quickly. "Don't worry, nothing will happen to them."

Jiang Rou and Su Wan made their way along the secret passage.

The secret passage, dug just a month ago, wasn't very long, extending only to a shop not far from the Gu residence. After leading everyone out of the passage, Jiang Rou sent people to find Gu Jiusi, then hurried everyone toward the docks.At this moment, Gu Jiusi was still outside the city teaching Liu Yuru how to ride a horse. Liu Yuru had almost learned to trot, and the horse was gentle by nature. After playing with her for a while, Gu Jiusi led the horse and slowly walked toward the city gate with her.

When they were not far from the city gate, they could faintly hear the noise and clamor. He turned back with a smile and said to Liu Yuru, "This is what's great about Yangzhou—no matter how late it is, it's always this lively."

Liu Yuru responded with a smile, "Yes, I wonder if Youzhou will be as bustling as this."

As Liu Yuru spoke, she saw Yang Wenchang and Chen Xun galloping toward them from ahead. Gu Jiusi pulled the horse to a stop, stood still, and frowned.

He had a gut feeling that their sudden return was not a good sign. Though uneasy, he didn't show it. He watched as the two rushed up to him, and Chen Xun said anxiously, "Jiusi, your home has been surrounded by government soldiers."

"Surrounded by government soldiers?!" Liu Yuru exclaimed in shock, then immediately asked, "Who led them?"

"It was Wang Rong," Yang Wenchang said with a furrowed brow, pulling the group aside to a hidden patch of grass. He quickly added, "It's not safe for you to return home now. You should stay outside the city, and we'll keep an eye on the situation inside. We'll notify you as soon as there's any movement."

"No need," Gu Jiusi interrupted them. His mind was in turmoil, but he managed to calm himself with great effort before continuing, "Don't investigate on my behalf, and don't have any contact with us. Quickly gather some assets and leave Yangzhou immediately."

"Jiusi," Chen Xun said with concern, "What's going on?"

"I can't explain it in detail right now," Gu Jiusi replied urgently. "Just remember a few things: Yangzhou might be in turmoil. Wang Rong is targeting wealthy merchants, and he has a grudge against me. Since you've always been close to me, he won't let you off easily. Leave Yangzhou with your families as soon as possible. If the situation looks bad, flee Huainan immediately!"

"Is it really that serious...?" Chen Xun stammered, as if in disbelief. "Even if Wang Shanquan is the military governor, he can't just disregard the law like this, can he?"

"If the world descends into chaos, what law is there to speak of?" Gu Jiusi glanced at Chen Xun. Yang Wenchang looked shocked, then grabbed Gu Jiusi and said gravely, "Are you serious about this?"

"Absolutely no jest," Gu Jiusi replied calmly. Yang Wenchang seemed dazed for a moment, then immediately said, "Chen Xun, let's go back and inform our families to leave."

"Jiusi," Yang Wenchang turned to Gu Jiusi, looking at him earnestly. For a moment, it seemed he had much to say, but after a long pause, he gave Gu Jiusi a fierce hug, his eyes reddening as he said, "We don't know when we'll meet again after parting today. Take care of yourself."

Gu Jiusi, usually carefree and bold, felt a pang of sorrow at this moment. He nodded and sighed, "Go. When things settle down, I'll come back to share a drink with you."

Yang Wenchang and Chen Xun mounted their horses and galloped away.

Liu Yuru gripped the reins, gazing in the direction of Yangzhou. Her heart was tied to Su Wan, but she forced herself to remain composed. She looked down at Gu Jiusi and asked, "What do you plan to do, my husband?"

"Let's head to the dock first," Gu Jiusi said calmly. "My parents will surely have a plan. If they don't, there's nothing we can do by going there. We'll wait at the dock, and as soon as they arrive, we'll set sail immediately."Liu Yu Ru was somewhat anxious. "But..."

Gu Jiusi swung onto his horse, grabbed the reins, and reached out to hold her hand. His hand trembled slightly, yet he said, "Yu Ru, let's go to the dock."

In that instant, Liu Yu Ru suddenly understood.

He was also afraid, also worried.

She didn't know what was forcing him to mature, she only curled up in his embrace, feeling the night wind carrying the scent of soil rush toward them.

The two of them were like small animals huddling together in the harsh winter. She relied on him, while he regarded the person in his arms as a kind of conviction. She restrained him, preventing him from doing anything foolish.

The dock wasn't far from outside the city. They galloped all the way to the dock, where Gu Jiusi found the people he had previously stationed there. This ship had been secretly purchased by Gu Lang Hua. Familiar with the canal gang, he had registered the ship under their name. Therefore, even if Wang Rong knew the Gu Family intended to leave, he wouldn't expect them to have a ship with the canal gang.

Gu Jiusi had all the prepared personnel board the ship and began taking a headcount. Then the two of them sat on the deck, quietly gazing in the direction of Yangzhou.

Sitting on the ship at night, the wind felt even colder. Gu Jiusi raised his arm to hold her, shielding her from the wind.

"I'm a little scared."

Liu Yu Ru looked at Yangzhou's brightly lit streets, her voice drifting in the night. "My mother is still there. I'm so afraid she won't make it out."

"Me too," Gu Jiusi smiled bitterly. "Both my parents are there. I'm terrified they won't manage. I've sent people into the city. If they don't bring back news before dawn..."

Gu Jiusi pressed his lips together, and after a long pause, said in a trembling voice, "We'll set sail."

Liu Yu Ru didn't dare speak. She clung tightly to Gu Jiusi.

She knew Gu Jiusi's decision was the most rational, but she couldn't accept it.

Her mother was there—how could she set sail at a time like this?!

Some words she couldn't bring herself to say, but deep down she understood: if she severed ties with the Gu Family now, given her connections to the Liu and Su families, she might still survive.

But she couldn't say it.

Just moments ago, she had been thinking about spending her entire life with the Gu Family. Now, when the Gu Family was in trouble, how could she tell him she wanted to abandon him?

She couldn't do it.

So she could only quietly watch the young man before her. And Gu Jiusi, looking into her tear-filled eyes, seemed to read the meaning in her gaze.

He smiled gently and said softly, "If a letter of divorce could give you peace of mind, I'd gladly give it to you. But Yu Ru, it's not possible."

His eyes welled with tears. "Are people's hearts so kind? The Emperor has forced Prince Liang's hand, and his rebellion is imminent. The Emperor, distant and unaware of Prince Liang's true strength, doesn't realize that it's only a matter of time before Prince Liang marches on the Eastern Capital. The military governors in various regions already have their own agendas—none will care about the Eastern Capital. When chaos erupts across the land, the military governors, holding military power, will become local kings. In the midst of widespread conflict, would the Wang family only target the Gu Family? What they're after is the wealth of all Yangzhou's tycoons—silver, money. Yangzhou will soon become hell on earth. How could I leave you, a vulnerable woman, there?"

Liu Yu Ru was stunned by his words.

But she couldn't refute him. She knew Gu Jiusi's estimation was correct—was the Wang family causing such a stir over mere grudges? The Wang family had set their sights on the Gu Family's wealth!Liu Yuru's heart turned cold, overwhelmed by despair. She felt like water grass drifting in the river, its roots severed.

Her lifelong attachment was Su Wan. If anything happened to Su Wan, who would she have left to care for in this life?

Remembering Wang Rong's cruel methods toward Jiang Rou from her dream, she felt as if she had fallen into an icy abyss. She shuddered involuntarily, and Gu Jiusi quickly embraced her.

"Don't be afraid," he said clumsily. "My mother is clever, your mother will be fine. We'll all be fine. We just need to wait. Yuru, look at me." Gu Jiusi called her name, and Liu Yuru lifted her dazed eyes to meet his. He forced a smile. "Everyone will be safe. Trust me, alright?"

Liu Yuru didn't dare speak, but somehow—perhaps because trusting him had become a habit—she felt a glimmer of hope even in this desperate situation.

She nodded slowly. Gu Jiusi let out a relieved sigh and held her tighter, as if drawing strength from her.

They waited quietly until midnight, when they heard the urgent sound of hoofbeats. Both sprang to their feet and rushed to the ship's side, where they saw Jiang Rou arriving on horseback with a large group.

"They're here!" Liu Yuru cried out joyfully, tears immediately streaming down her face. She turned to Gu Jiusi, elated. "They made it!"

Gu Jiusi stared into the distance for a long moment before suddenly staggering back and collapsing to the ground.

"It's good they're here," he said weakly. "It's good they came."

Taking a deep breath, he rolled over, sprang up, and ran into the cabin shouting, "They're here! Prepare to set sail!"

After his announcement, he returned to the deck but quickly noticed something amiss. He called out to Jiang Rou, "Mother, where's that wretched old man?"

Jiang Rou's hands trembled slightly as she controlled her emotions and directed people aboard. Sensing something wrong, Gu Jiusi rushed forward and grabbed her hand. "Where's my father?!"

"He's still at the residence," Jiang Rou turned away, gazing at the river as she feigned calm. "We'll wait another quarter-hour. If he doesn't come, we'll set sail. He'll take the land route—we'll meet him in Huaicheng after leaving Huainan."

"How will he escape?" Gu Jiusi pressed urgently. "If he's still at the residence, he must be stalling Wang Rong to buy you time. You used the secret passage—if he takes it too, he'll reveal your whereabouts. How can he possibly get away?!"

"Stop asking me..." Jiang Rou's voice quivered. "If he says he can come, then he can!"

Gu Jiusi stood frozen. Jiang Rou pushed him away and hurried inside.

He remained silent at the bow until Liu Yuru, after settling Su Wan and Yun Yun aboard, approached him gently. "Jiusi, is everyone here? I saw your mother earlier—where's your father?"

Liu Yuru's words snapped him back to reality. Suppressing his trembling hands, he forced a smile. "He'll be here soon."

Straightening her clothes, he said softly, "You should rest first. I want to stay on deck a while longer to look at Yangzhou. When my father arrives, we'll depart.""Then take your time looking," Liu Yuru sighed. "I'll go check if all the necessary documents are packed."

Before the ship set sail, it was essential to verify that everything needed was in order. Jiang Rou seemed emotionally unwell at the moment, so Liu Yuru took it upon herself to inspect their belongings. When she turned back, she noticed Gu Jiusi was no longer on the deck.

Liu Yuru froze for a moment before heading into the cabin, searching everywhere for Gu Jiusi, but he was nowhere to be found. Upon entering their room, she spotted a letter left on the table.

It was a letter of divorce.

Gu Jiusi's name was neatly written on it.

"...I hope that after our separation, my wife will rearrange her hair like cicada wings, adorn her delicate eyebrows, and showcase her graceful figure, choosing to marry a high-ranking official. May she enjoy her reflection in the courtyard and embody the harmony of zither and flute."

"Let grievances dissolve and knots untie, with no lingering resentment. Parting brings freedom to both, and may each find joy."

"Months of happiness I offer with gentle respect. I sincerely wish my wife eternal prosperity."

Liu Yuru's hands trembled slightly as she gasped for breath.

Suddenly, the image of Gu Jiusi leaning close to speak to her flashed in her mind. He had once told her, "Staying alive is more important than anything. If I give you a letter of divorce, don't think it's because I want to break our agreement or that I'm treating you poorly, understand?"

Now, the divorce letter had truly arrived, and she knew deep down that in this lifetime, he would never treat her badly.

Yet, she felt no joy—only a gaping hole in her heart, aching sharply as if wind whistled through it.

The ship had already set sail, slowly departing from the dock.

Liu Yuru took a deep breath, clutching the letter tightly as she rushed to Jiang Rou's side. "Mother," she asked urgently, "where is Father?"

Jiang Rou, lying on the bed with her back turned, replied hoarsely, "He said he would take the land route and meet us in Huaicheng."

"Why didn't Father come?" Liu Yuru breathed heavily.

Jiang Rou remained silent for a long time before finally speaking with difficulty, "Wang Rong arrived too suddenly. He went to buy us time."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru staggered, instantly understanding what Gu Jiusi had done!

With his temperament... that kind of temperament!

She dared not make a sound, afraid of alarming Jiang Rou. Masking her emotions, she said respectfully, "Since Father said he would come, he must have his plans. Mother, don't worry. Please rest well for now."

With that, Liu Yuru withdrew, the divorce letter still clenched in her hand. She stood motionless, watching through the window as Yangzhou grew increasingly distant in the distance.

She might never see that person again in her lifetime.

That bright, proud youth who shone like the sun. The one who endured beatings for her, played with her, gambled recklessly in casinos, and took her to bet, watch cockfights, sing songs, and ride horses.

He had given her a different life, always thinking of her in everything. He was the first person she had ever met who treated her so well.

And now, she was about to lose him.

Tears blurred her vision. She tried to reason with herself, to accept that separation was separation, that survival mattered most. Yet, she couldn't move, her mind flooded with memories of him leading a horse ahead of her, humming a tune, promising to celebrate her birthday every year.

She wanted to save him...

The thought emerged, feeling almost insane, yet it grew clearer and more desperate in her heart.

She wanted to save him. Such a good person—she couldn't bear to give up on him!She might never meet someone as wonderful as him in her entire life. He had given her so much, and even at the last moment, he chose to ensure she was safely aboard the ship before going to rescue his own father. How could she ever betray someone so good to her?

Once this thought took root, there was no turning back. Gritting her teeth, she resolutely entered the room and swiftly gathered silver, her official travel documents, transit permits, and other essentials. She then took the sword she often used to intimidate Gu Jiusi, packed medicinal supplies for injuries along with poisons and sedatives, and donned her veiled hat. Proceeding to the ship's cabin, she commanded, "Prepare a small boat for me. After I depart, inform the Madam and request her protection for my mother. The young master has returned to rescue the master. I will go back and spare no effort to bring the young master back safely!"

Everyone was momentarily stunned. Liu Yu Ru sharply urged, "Go now!"

Having overseen the ship's preparations alongside Gu Lang Hua, Liu Yu Ru held considerable authority among the servants. At her shout, the steward immediately complied.

Yin Hong rushed to Liu Yu Ru's side, anxiously asking, "Madam, what are you planning to do?!"

"Yin Hong," Liu Yu Ru watched as the boatman lowered the small boat. She turned Yin Hong around, gripping her hands firmly, and said earnestly, "Take good care of my mother. Protect her, understand?!"

"Madam," Yin Hong clung to her tightly, "If the young master goes, he goes. What use is there in you going too?!"

"He is reckless by nature. I must go to reason with him."

"And if reasoning fails?!" Yin Hong cried out, "Have you no thought for the Madam? You are her only daughter! What will become of you?!"

Liu Yu Ru paused briefly before responding slowly, "My husband has treated me with sincerity. I should repay him with my life."

Just then, someone called out to Liu Yu Ru, "Young Madam, the boat is ready."

"I will return. Someone, hold her back!"

Pushing Yin Hong away, Liu Yu Ru shouldered her pack, adjusted her veiled hat, and descended the rope ladder to the small boat.

Yin Hong leaned over the ship's bow, weeping bitterly. In her distress, she forgot formal address and cried out, "Miss! Miss!"

Standing at the bow of the small boat, Liu Yu Ru watched the receding ship and took a deep breath. She herself did not fully understand why she had made this choice, yet having made it, she felt no regret.

She stood at the bow, knelt facing the distant ship, and bowed deeply. "Your unfilial daughter bids you farewell."

Meanwhile, Su Wan and Jiang Rou, alerted by the commotion, arrived on the deck. Su Wan trembled as she watched the small boat drift away. "What... what is she going back for?!"

"The Young Madam just said," the steward whispered to Jiang Rou, "that the young master has returned to rescue the master. She entrusted you with protecting Madam Liu and vowed to risk her life to ensure the young master's safe return."

Jiang Rou remained silent. The night breeze, carrying the scent of the river, swept past. Su Wan's legs weakened, and Jiang Rou steadied her.

"Madam Liu," Jiang Rou gazed toward Yangzhou City, her eyes brimming with tears yet her expression calm, "They will surely return safely."

Su Wan covered her mouth with her hand. As she watched Liu Yu Ru kneel in her direction, the woman who had been frail for years suddenly embodied the resolve of a mother in that single gesture.

Suppressing her sobs, Su Wan spoke in a low, strained voice, "You are right... We will wait for them."

Wait for them to return safely.

When Liu Yu Ru disembarked, she was still relatively close to the shore. Upon landing, she immediately rented a horse and hurried toward the Gu residence.

Having only recently learned to ride, she dared not go too fast. When she neared the Gu family estate, she hid the horse, acquired a lantern from a merchant, and hastened toward the Gu family home.The moonlight fell upon the bluestone-paved road as she walked through the narrow alley, suddenly struck by a realization.

At this very moment, it was exactly the same as in her dream!

She halted her steps, feeling a surge of fear. She was afraid that if she went forward, she would see Gu Jiusi, covered in wounds and weapons, collapsing before her just as in the dream.

Yet she hesitated only for a moment. Taking a deep breath, she told herself it wouldn’t happen.

Because the dream had already changed. This time, Jiang Rou had already left, so Gu Jiusi would be safe.

In the dream, he had asked her to save him. This time, she had truly come to save him and would never abandon him.

Holding the lantern, she hurriedly turned a corner in the bluestone alley and heard sharp screams not far away. Liu Yu Ru’s heart raced wildly, but she still urged herself to move forward—she had to keep going.

Walking through the alley, she looked around. The area around the Gu Family residence was already swarming with people. Wang Shanquan and Wang Rong stood at the entrance, while Gu Lang Hua guarded the front door, with servants holding blades blocking the way.

"Master Gu," Wang Shanquan said with a smile, "The matters you speak of are baseless and lack evidence. Stop trying to deceive my son. Surrender now to avoid unnecessary trouble."

"You say there’s no evidence, so there’s none?" Gu Lang Hua scoffed. "I’ve already handed over the evidence to a certain censor. If I die, I guarantee your name will be on the list for the Eastern Capital prison."

Hearing this, Wang Shanquan lowered his head and chuckled softly.

Seeing his smile, Liu Yu Ru felt uneasy. In the past, such words might have intimidated Wang Shanquan, but... what if he had already decided to rebel?

If Wang Shanquan intended to take advantage of the Prince Liang incident to establish his own power, what could a mere censor in the Eastern Capital do to him?

Gu Lang Hua seemed to have realized this as well. Though he appeared indifferent on the surface, a trace of panic flickered in his eyes. Wang Shanquan cleared his throat lightly and said, "Master Gu, the innocent remain innocent, and the guilty remain guilty. Your words might scare a child, but I’d prefer not to make this too unpleasant. If you refuse a toast, you’ll have to drink a forfeit."

Gu Lang Hua remained silent for a long while before sighing softly and murmuring, "In the end, it’s all about money. Lord Wang, if the Gu Family is willing to donate all our wealth, could that absolve us of this crime?"

"Master Gu, you jest," he replied gently. "How can the laws of the court be bought with money? It’s not that I wish to harm you today—it’s that you have broken the law."

"So," Gu Lang Hua closed his eyes, "Lord Wang refuses to spare the Gu Family."

This time, Wang Shanquan made no attempt to conceal his intentions and stated plainly, "Exactly."

Gu Lang Hua took a deep breath and shouted, "Form ranks and close the gates!"

With that, he rushed toward the house. However, Wang Rong’s soldiers were swift. Wang Rong leaped forward, leading his men to block the gate, and the two sides immediately clashed. It was at this moment that Liu Yu Ru saw a figure burst out from the crowd, kicking away those blocking the gate and pressing a blade against Wang Rong’s neck while shouting to the surroundings, "Everyone, step back!"

It was Gu Jiusi!

He was dressed in coarse hemp clothes, holding a sickle in his hand and wearing a bamboo hat. It was this disguise that had allowed him to hide unnoticed in the crowd until now.Wang Shanquan's expression instantly changed upon seeing Gu Jiusi. The fact that Gu Jiusi had changed his clothes and was here proved he had returned after escaping, which meant...

He abruptly turned around and immediately ordered: "Seal the city gates and all docks immediately! Search all properties under the Gu Family name! Notify every city in Huainan to strictly investigate the Gu Family's wanted criminals. Distribute all the arrest warrants and bring them back to me!"

"What are you coming back for?!"

Gu Langhua glared at Gu Jiusi and shouted in anger.

With his blade pressed against Wang Rong's neck, Gu Jiusi didn't look back at Gu Langhua but simply said: "Go."

The secret passage in the residence couldn't be discovered so quickly. He needed to keep everyone outside the door, allowing Gu Langhua to escape through the tunnel and leave. Otherwise, once discovered, if smoke was lit at the tunnel entrance, those inside moving slowly would be suffocated to death.

"Go my ass!" Gu Langhua roared furiously. "Give me this little bastard, you go."

"My martial arts are superior, I can hold them off. Any more delay and none of us will escape!"

Gu Jiusi suddenly turned his head, raising his voice: "Can you stop being so stubborn at your age?!"

"But I'm your father!"

Gu Langhua's voice boomed: "Since when does a son take blades for his father?!"

"Gu Jiusi," Wang Shanquan raised his hand, "release Rong'er, and we can negotiate properly."

"Let us leave the city."

Gu Jiusi stated decisively: "Otherwise there's nothing to discuss."

"You are wanted criminals by the imperial court." Wang Shanquan sighed. "If you want to negotiate with me, you should make reasonable demands."

"Wang Shanquan," Gu Jiusi said coldly, "all you want is money. We can leave all the Gu Family's wealth to you now, why won't you spare our lives?"

"Spare your lives?" Wang Shanquan laughed mockingly. "To warn the monkeys, you must kill the chicken. If not you, there will always be others. If everyone begs me for mercy, do I look like a living bodhisattva?"

"You already have the money..."

"Is money all I want?!"

Wang Shanquan roared angrily: "I want you on your knees!"

On your knees.

It wasn't just him kneeling.

He wanted to use the Gu Family's blood to force all the noble families of Huainan to kneel before him. Without such ruthless methods of executing families and wiping out clans, how else could he intimidate others?

"Gu Jiusi," Wang Shanquan said coldly, "if you kneel before me today, I might still spare your life. The more you resist, the less I can let you live. Since you dare press a blade against my son's neck today, I will use the blood of your entire Gu Family as sacrifice!"

"Father..." Wang Rong trembled. Wang Shanquan's voice turned gentle: "Rong'er, one must have some dignity. Don't be such a coward, begging me with a blade at your neck."

"Wang Shanquan!" Gu Langhua shouted angrily, "This is your own son..."

"I have sixteen damn sons! Sons mean nothing!"

Wang Shanquan bellowed: "Archers, fire! Charge!"

As soon as he finished speaking, soldiers rushed forward violently.

Gu Jiusi pushed Gu Langhua away and slammed the main gate shut, shouting: "Old man, get out of here!"

Gu Langhua stood frozen at the door. He wanted to open it, but he knew clearly that doing so would only mean certain death.

Gu Jiusi wielded his blade madly outside, yelling: "Don't you fucking want my mother anymore?! Get the hell out of here!"

Gu Langhua jolted violently.

Right... there was still Jiang Rou.Not both father and son could perish here. Gu Jiusi was already beyond saving—he had to go back. If he died too, what would become of Jiang Rou?

His lips trembled as he mustered every ounce of reason, his body shaking as he turned and rushed into the secret passage. He sprinted through the tunnel, not daring to look back.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi stood at the entrance, brandishing a seized blade with an aura that could hold off an army single-handedly. He roared at the swarming soldiers before him, "Come on! Bring it on, you bastards!"