Destined

The next day, after the two woke up, they were summoned by Jiang Rou to her room. It seemed she had pondered all night, and she sighed, saying to Gu Jiusi, "I've thought it over, and you're right. We merchants are all gamblers at heart. Since you want to bet on Zhou Gaolang, then we'll bet on Zhou Gaolang. I'll send someone to find Young Master Zhou right away. Starting today, we'll take stock of the family's finances and wait for his return."

"Alright," Gu Jiusi nodded. Jiang Rou continued, "I've considered it carefully. If you approach Zhou Gaolang privately, he won't be able to hide it from Fan Xuan, but he'll understand your intentions. Eventually, he'll report it to Fan Xuan and find a way to transfer our family's assets to his own military funds. Remember, don't ask for anything in return. But given Zhou Gaolang's character, he won't leave us with nothing. Whatever he offers, take the smallest possible amount."

"I understand," Gu Jiusi replied.

"We must not keep any of our residences—hand them all over to him. If he tries to bestow a residence upon you, you must never accept one of our own properties."

"Why?" Gu Jiusi looked puzzled. Jiang Rou sighed, "Silly child, if you're giving him everything, you must set his mind at ease. By surrendering the residences, he can search them thoroughly and be certain you haven't hidden large amounts of silver. They can control the source of silver certificates, so as long as they ensure you don't have substantial silver reserves, they'll know you've given nearly all that's due."

"They won't take everything completely, but they certainly won't leave us with much. Our family is the wealthiest in Yangzhou—they have a rough idea of how much we can offer. But going through this process will make them more confident."

"Actually, Mother-in-law, you needn't worry too much," Liu Yu Ru interjected. "For Fan Xuan, the most important thing isn't whether we've hidden anything, but that someone sets an example. As long as we make a grand gesture, Fan Xuan will be satisfied. However, for Jiusi's future career, we must do this cleanly. Hiding a little privately isn't a big issue."

Everyone understood Liu Yu Ru's meaning. In Youzhou, silver certificates were strictly controlled, and it was difficult to conceal large sums of silver. If they risked hiding money, it would inevitably involve a series of operations to launder it later. If Gu Jiusi gained a reputation by donating all his family's wealth, any trace of hidden assets discovered in the future would become a liability for him.

Jiang Rou nodded and agreed, "That's true."

With the three settled on the plan, Liu Yu Ru accompanied Jiang Rou to audit the accounts, while Gu Jiusi stayed home reading.

A few days later, Zhou Ye returned. Having received the news on his way, he hurried to Gu Jiusi's home as soon as he arrived in Wangdu. He rushed into the house and found Gu Jiusi reading in the courtyard. The green bamboo swayed gently, and Gu Jiusi, dressed in white with his hair half-tied with a cloth ribbon, blended into the surroundings, exuding a serene and effortless elegance.

Zhou Ye was taken aback, suddenly realizing that this young master before him had changed in an indescribable way compared to the person he remembered from Yangzhou.

It wasn't that the change was bad, but when Gu Jiusi rolled up his sleeves, raised a cup, and looked up at him, Zhou Ye felt an inexplicable sense of melancholy.

Noticing him, Gu Jiusi said with some surprise, "Brother Zhou?"Zhou Ye entered with a smile. Gu Jiusi gestured to the seat opposite him, set down his book, poured wine for Zhou Ye, and said cheerfully, "When did you return, Brother Zhou? Why didn't you send word ahead?"

"I came straight after arriving. I heard you intend to donate your entire family fortune to my father?"

"Yes." Gu Jiusi remained expressionless, raising his cup casually. "A drink?"

"Do you realize what you're doing?" Zhou Ye grew anxious. "Your family is Yangzhou's wealthiest—such a vast sum..."

"And what of it?"

Gu Jiusi looked up with a light laugh. "What use is immense wealth if it cannot protect us?"

Zhou Ye was taken aback. Gu Jiusi took a sip of wine and said calmly, "Brother Zhou, I've always been one to spend extravagantly. Having faced life and death, I see money clearly now. I cannot safeguard this wealth myself—better to seek someone who can."

"If you fear a repeat of Yangzhou's troubles, set your mind at ease," Zhou Ye said urgently. "While I'm in Youzhou, no harm will come to you."

Gu Jiusi paused, moved beyond words. He deeply admired Zhou Ye's integrity. Meeting his gaze, he knew Zhou Ye spoke sincerely in this moment. Yet his understanding of human nature kept him from being overly optimistic.

Zhou Ye might think this way—but what of Zhou Gaolang? What of Fan Xuan? Those in high positions—when pressed, who among them would remain benevolent? Still, Fan Xuan was far gentler than Wang Shanquan. Surrendering the wealth would likely suffice; only the timing made all the difference.

Gu Jiusi smiled faintly. "Brother Zhou, there's no need for this."

"I know Youzhou lacks funds," he continued evenly. "Since the Gu Family has settled here, we ought to contribute. With Prince Liang rebelling and provinces declaring independence, I wish to see this chaotic era end sooner. I know your father and Lord Fan have grand ambitions. Donating this—whether for military peace or civilian welfare—seems right to me. If our roles were reversed, what would you do with such wealth amid this turmoil?"

Zhou Ye fell silent, convinced. After a long pause, he finally said, "I understand, Jiusi. I'll take you to see my father shortly."

After staying a while longer, Zhou Ye had Gu Jiusi change clothes and accompanied him to the Zhou residence. Having sent word ahead, they proceeded directly to the study upon arrival. Zhou Ye asked Gu Jiusi to wait in the courtyard before entering alone. Dressed in a blue outer robe patterned with silver-white curling clouds over a white undershirt, his hair crowned with jade, Gu Jiusi cut a striking figure in the courtyard with his elegant features.

After a brief wait, Zhou Ye summoned him inside. Gu Jiusi entered with bowed head, kneeling respectfully before Zhou Gaolang until permitted to rise. When he finally looked up, he saw a man in his forties, vigorous yet restrained—more scholar than military commander in demeanor.

Zhou Gaolang studied him briefly before smiling. "Ye'er told me about you. I expected someone older than him, but you're remarkably young."With that, Zhou Gaolang stood up and gestured for Gu Jiusi to take a seat. He personally poured tea for Gu Jiusi and said with a smile, "At such a young age, to possess such courage is quite unexpected."

"It was merely what should be done," Gu Jiusi replied respectfully. "I wouldn't call it courage."

"What you seek, I understand completely." Zhou Gaolang did not beat around the bush and spoke directly. "I am indeed in need of this sum of money, and I will remember your actions today. Your Gu Family are businesspeople—I will not let you suffer losses."

Zhou Gaolang's words were so straightforward that in just a few sentences, Gu Jiusi had a rough understanding of his character. He, too, stopped being evasive and spoke candidly, "Then I shall first express my gratitude to Lord Zhou here."

"As for the donation you made, I will speak with Old Fan, and there will be a public commendation. Since you are setting an example, you cannot retain too many assets afterward. I will arrange a residence for you and leave one business for your family to sustain yourselves. You may decide what to do, but you must be clear about what is permissible and what is not."

"I understand," Gu Jiusi responded.

He grasped Zhou Gaolang's meaning: he had to lead a frugal life to set an example for other merchants. Yet, he should not be left without any prospects, as that would frighten others away.

Seeing that Gu Jiusi understood, Zhou Gaolang nodded in satisfaction and added, "I will entrust this matter to Ye'er. If you have any issues, seek him out. Wait until the situation calms down."

He left the rest unsaid, but Gu Jiusi had already grasped his intent. Zhou Gaolang stood up, patted Gu Jiusi on the shoulder, and returned to his seat.

After finishing the last sip of tea, Gu Jiusi bid farewell to Zhou Gaolang and followed Zhou Ye out.

Zhou Ye seemed quite pleased. Once they left the courtyard, he said to Gu Jiusi, "Jiusi, my father admires you. I had just relayed your words to him today, and he told me that I should get to know someone like you well."

"Don't worry," Zhou Ye raised his hand and patted Gu Jiusi's shoulder. "As long as you have talent, Youzhou will be the most suitable place for you."

"Then I'll take your kind words to heart."

Gu Jiusi tucked his hands into his sleeves and walked out with a smile. Since the two residences were not far apart, they decided to forgo the carriage and walked back while chatting.

"To do business in the city now, one must have a permit issued by the authorities. Everyone hopes that more people will focus on farming—the more land cultivated, the better the harvest next year. Youzhou was never a major grain-producing region, and if we don't prepare adequately, next year will be difficult."

"Indeed," Gu Jiusi nodded.

"So, the fewer people engaged in business, the better," Zhou Ye said with a light laugh. "In a couple of days, the permits will be completely banned. Jiusi, have you decided what you want to do?"

"What to do?" Gu Jiusi thought for a moment, then replied with a smile, "I'll leave it to my wife and mother. Whatever they wish to do, we'll do."

Zhou Ye was taken aback for a moment before breaking into laughter. "I never expected you to be such a person, Brother Gu."

"The two of them don't have many interests—they simply enjoy doing business."

As he spoke, Gu Jiusi seemed to recall something. He glanced toward a jewelry shop not far away, thought for a moment, and suddenly said, "Oh, Yuru also wants a hairpin."

"Hmm?"Zhou Ye was somewhat bewildered and hadn't fully processed what was happening when he saw Gu Jiusi striding toward the jewelry shop. Zhou Ye hurried after him and found Gu Jiusi standing at the counter, examining hairpins.

Extravagant pieces were out of the question now—he feared they might bring trouble to Liu Yu Ru. Yet, those too plain always felt lacking somehow.

As Gu Jiusi stood there picking and choosing, Zhou Ye watched for a while before cautiously asking, "Buying for your wife?"

"Mm."

Gu Jiusi tilted his chin up. "Care to help me choose?"

Thus, two grown men began selecting hairpins together. After much deliberation, Gu Jiusi finally gave in and gritted his teeth to purchase a phoenix-tail hairpin with dangling pearls.

The hairpin was exquisitely carved. Gu Jiusi had it boxed, and upon leaving the shop, he noticed a child selling flowers by the roadside. After a moment's thought, he bought a magnolia blossom.

He tied the magnolia to the jewelry box with a thin string, instantly brightening the otherwise somber package. Having watched Gu Jiusi put so much thought into this all the way, Zhou Ye finally blurted out after holding back for a long time, "Jiusi, if you could devote half this effort to your studies, you'd have topped the imperial examinations long ago."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi turned back with a laugh.

"Brother Zhou, you jest," he said gently, adjusting the magnolia's position. "How could topping the exams compare to earning a beauty's smile?"

Zhou Ye was taken aback. Gu Jiusi laughed heartily and walked ahead, carrying the jewelry box himself.

It took Zhou Ye quite some time to process this.

Why wasn't he married yet?

This was probably the reason.

When Gu Jiusi returned home, he brought the jewelry box to Liu Yu Ru. She was chatting with Jiang Rou, and upon seeing Jiang Rou, Gu Jiusi instinctively hid the box. He briefly recounted Lord Zhou's words before asking, "What business do you think would suit us?"

"Selling rice?"

Jiang Rou pondered. "Nothing is more crucial than grain right now."

Gu Jiusi smiled but responded, "Lord Zhou said we must understand what's permissible and what's not."

Everyone knew grain was highly profitable during wartime. If such a lucrative business were given to them, their donation wouldn't be seen as charity but as buying profits.

As role models, they couldn't engage in such practices.

After some thought, Liu Yu Ru spoke up, "Then let's sell Rouge."

This took everyone by surprise. During wartime, even if not dealing in grain, one wouldn't typically sell such items.

Yet Gu Jiusi didn't reject the idea, merely asking, "Do you like Rouge?"

"Not particularly," Liu Yu Ru considered. "I was just thinking that Youzhou likely won't see battles—it's more probable to be the aggressor. For the people of Wangdu, the main difference from before is having less money. But even with less money, they still have some. Since we can't trade in life-essential goods, we're left with non-essentials. When money is tight, what non-essentials would people buy?"

"I thought about it—most men are too busy to shop, leaving the women at home. If I were them, I'd want to buy some Lip Rouge, or Rouge, or something similar."

"Why?" Gu Jiusi looked puzzled, but Jiang Rou understood. Exchanging a glance with Liu Yu Ru, she said with a smile, "Because they're affordable."Seeing that Gu Jiusi still didn't understand, Liu Yu Ru explained in detail: "When war breaks out, there's naturally constant worry in our hearts. But life must go on, so we need to do things that make us happy. Women love beauty, and things that can make us beautiful bring comfort. However, with limited money, spending too much hurts. Only items like rouge and powder are both affordable and make us feel like we're still living well."

Gu Jiusi understood—this was about spending money to buy oneself comfort.

For women in daily life: not spending money brings no joy, but spending too much also brings no joy.

It's precisely spending a little money on beautiful yet impractical things that brings the greatest happiness.

Gu Jiusi nodded, indicating his agreement. As they returned, he walked with his hands behind his back and asked Liu Yu Ru: "How did you come up with such an unconventional business idea?"

"Because I used to have no money," Liu Yu Ru smiled. "Unlike you, who could have whatever you wanted. I had very little money, but I would try hard to buy myself a box of rouge every month. Each time I held that box, I felt very happy, as if it were a reward for living diligently."

Listening to her, Gu Jiusi couldn't help but glance at her sideways. Hearing her talk about her past, he didn't know why, but his heart suddenly ached with sadness.

He couldn't resist asking: "You've been away for so long—don't you ever think about your family?"

"My mother is here," Liu Yu Ru's voice was light, "so there's nothing else to worry about. The rest is just fate."

As they spoke, they entered the house. After washing up, when Liu Yu Ru returned to her dressing table, she found a jewelry box placed there.

She froze for a moment, then glanced back at Gu Jiusi lying on the bed.

Without a word, she carefully opened the box and saw the phoenix-tail hairpin inside.

She couldn't wear such a flashy accessory now, yet she still felt incredibly happy—a happiness more complete than any she'd felt from buying her favorite rouge in the past.

Pressing her lips together in a smile, she placed the hairpin in her hair and examined it seriously for a long time before putting it away.

Gu Jiusi had been half-reclining on the bed reading, pretending not to notice anything. After a while, Liu Yu Ru came to bed, lying beside him while continuously smiling at him.

Gu Jiusi grew somewhat unnerved by her smiling and turned to look at her: "What's with this silly grinning?"

Liu Yu Ru lowered her head, proactively wrapped her arms around his waist, and said with a laugh: "Gu Jiusi, you're so good."

Gu Jiusi stiffened. His gaze drifted elsewhere as he blushed and said: "If you want to say I'm good, just say it. Why all the physical contact?"

With that, he put his book aside, burrowed under the covers, and said stiffly: "Time to sleep, time to sleep."

Liu Yu Ru never let go of him. Holding him, she fell asleep smiling.

But Gu Jiusi couldn't sleep. He lay awake in the darkness, feeling his heartbeat—thump, thump.

He felt he had fallen ill—afflicted with a condition where his heartbeat wouldn't slow down, a strange sickness that emerged whenever Liu Yu Ru drew near him.

After all preparations were made, within a few days Fan Xuan's commendation came through. Subsequently, the Gu Family dismissed all their servants, keeping only Yun Yun and Yin Hong.

The entire family moved to a small courtyard provided by the government. Compared to their previous residence, this courtyard could be called humble, yet everyone felt quite at ease.On the first day after moving in, the whole family worked together to clean the courtyard, then received quilts and other items sent by Zhou Gaolang.

That evening, Liu Yu Ru chatted with Su Wan and sighed, "Mother, please bear with it for now. In a while, I'll earn money, and our life will get better and better."

Su Wan found it amusing, "Why would I feel wronged? Having a life like this now is already very good."

As she spoke, Su Wan reached out to tidy Liu Yu Ru's hair and said gently, "Although life is a bit hard now, having food and clothing is already good enough. The most important thing is that we're united. Now that Jiusi treats you well, I feel at ease."

"Yes," Liu Yu Ru smiled, "He has always been good to me."

Su Wan smiled meaningfully. After a while, she said, "Besides being good to you, is there anything else?"

Liu Yu Ru was momentarily stunned, as if she didn't understand. Seeing her confusion, Su Wan smiled and said, "Yu Ru, you used to dislike him before. Do you have some affection for him now?"

Now Liu Yu Ru understood. She smiled, lowering her head to look at the round fan she was twirling in her hand, "Mother, actually I don't really understand what liking or not liking means. I only know that I'm willing to spend my whole life with him, and he's willing to be good to me—that's enough."

"Isn't this how a woman spends her whole life?" Liu Yu Ru looked out the window, her expression gentle, "I can see that Jiusi is no ordinary man. If he becomes successful in the future, there will be many people around him. Liking him might not be a good thing for me."

To like means to be jealous, and jealousy means losing control.

Having watched Su Wan her whole life and witnessed the struggles in the Ye Family residence, Liu Yu Ru knew all too well what losing control meant for a woman.

Gu Jiusi was good to her, but she couldn't let herself drown in it.

Once a woman is captivated, she cannot free herself—

Author's note:

[Short Theater]

Zhou Ye: Jiusi, if you could put half this effort into studying, you would have passed the imperial examinations long ago.

Gu Jiusi: What's passing the imperial examinations compared to making a beauty smile?

Zhou Ye: Damn, I give this show-off full marks.