Destined

Liu Yu Ru couldn't help but smile as she read the letter. When she saw the first line, she thought to herself that Gu Jiusi was indeed still quite plain-spoken. Perhaps she should hire him a poetry tutor, lest when he wanted to express his feelings, he could only use simple words:

"I miss you."

"I'm very happy."

"Hahahahaha."

If this continued, he might be looked down upon when seeking promotions. Fortunately, by the second page, the tone shifted, finally showing some of the refined sentiment expected of a scholar.

Liu Yu Ru studied the letter and decided that after finishing her tasks and compiling any reports, she would discuss matters with Gu Jiusi.

She stayed in Wu City, spending her first day gathering information. She visited nearly all the grain stores and rouge shops. Most rouge shops carried Floral Visage products, with varying prices and a mix of genuine and counterfeit goods.

After a day of investigation, Liu Yu Ru had a good grasp of Wu City's situation. Grain prices were relatively stable with little fluctuation, while the quality of rouge shops varied greatly. One shop called Xie's Fragrance enjoyed considerable reputation in Wu City—both its pricing and decor were similar to Floral Visage, and all its products were authentic. Liu Yu Ru learned that these were personally brought back by the shop owner from Wangdu, hence the higher prices.

Liu Yu Ru had roughly formed a plan.

Her primary purpose was to purchase grain, with a secondary goal of understanding Floral Visage's sales situation in different regions to determine whether using agents for distribution would be suitable. If appropriate, she would select suitable local agents and return to Wangdu to assemble a team to negotiate this matter. Therefore, she didn't personally engage in detailed discussions with Xie's Fragrance, returning to the inn after gaining sufficient understanding.

The next day, Liu Yu Ru instructed her merchant fleet members to disguise themselves as merchants and purchase grain from all major grain dealers in Wu City. They were to act quickly and announce their intention to buy even more.

After deploying her people, Liu Yu Ru sat in a teahouse drinking tea while gathering information about the surrounding area.

By evening, her team had purchased one thousand dan of grain, and city grain merchants had promised to transfer additional grain from various locations.

Liu Yu Ru gazed at the scene outside without speaking. Shen Ming glanced at her and asked, "What are you looking at?"

"Six months ago," Liu Yu Ru turned back with a smile, speaking slowly, "I visited Cangzhou."

Shen Ming nodded, "I've heard about that."

"At that time, refugees were everywhere."

Liu Yu Ru sighed, "Jiusi and I were locked outside the city gates and witnessed people killing for wealth, even resorting to exchanging children to eat. Now Wu City also has refugees, but look—this is still Cangzhou, yet wealthy merchants in Wu City can still transfer grain to sell to us."

"That's why I say," Shen Ming said coldly, "these wealthy merchants and corrupt officials collude like wolves and should all be executed."

"Shen Ming," Liu Yu Ru shook her head, "if you're seeking revenge for one person, then naturally you can indulge in personal vengeance. But if you're thinking about a group of people, or even a nation, then you must aim higher. Do you think Jiusi enjoys being an official?"

Liu Yu Ru smiled bitterly, "Isn't it also for the sake of helping more people live better lives?"

Shen Ming remained silent. The more time he spent understanding this couple, the more he realized his past perceptions of many people had been prejudiced.

But he said nothing. Liu Yu Ru took a sip of tea and said calmly, "Continue buying grain tomorrow."

Every day, Liu Yu Ru sent people out to continuously purchase grain at increasing prices. No matter how high the prices rose, Liu Yu Ru accepted them without hesitation.In less than four days, a frenzy of grain buying suddenly swept through the city. Every household rushed to purchase grain from various sources to exchange for silver. At this time, Liu Yu Ru also had her people contact the local money houses, using part of the funds for loans.

Liu Yu Ru did not seek meat or vegetables—only millet and flour. As a result, the prices of these two items quickly soared far above other foods. In Wucheng, everyone caught wind of the trend and jumped into the grain trading business.

With grain becoming scarce, prices naturally surged. Most people did not understand how the price hike had started, but they soon realized that even if they didn’t sell to Liu Yu Ru, there were others in the city willing to buy grain at high prices. Thus, they confidently began hoarding grain.

Taking advantage of the public’s fervor for buying grain, Liu Yu Ru quietly released the grain she had previously purchased back into the market in small, frequent batches.

Gradually, people noticed that grain supplies were increasing, yet many continued to frantically buy and stockpile large quantities.

Liu Yu Ru calculated the timing and announced to everyone, "We’ll stop buying grain for now. That’s enough."

Once Liu Yu Ru halted her grain purchases, many who had bought large amounts at high prices to make a profit found themselves with nowhere to sell. Especially for merchants, their cash flow was cut off, and panic set in.

Soon, some began selling grain at reduced prices, causing grain prices to plummet rapidly. Everyone who had hoarded grain grew fearful. Watching the prices fall steadily, even dropping below the levels when they first arrived in Wucheng, Liu Yu Ru remained calm. Then, her subordinate Yun Yun came to ask, "Madam, is it time to act?"

Liu Yu Ru observed the expressions of the people outside, took a sip of tea, and said, "Today, we’ll buy one thousand dan first."

The amount Liu Yu Ru purchased each day was always less than the amount she sold.

No one understood how Liu Yu Ru calculated these prices. She spent her days leisurely visiting tea houses and taverns, appearing completely unconcerned with the matter.

As everyone watched grain prices continue to fall, anxiety grew. Yun Yun couldn’t help but say, "Madam, if prices keep dropping, the authorities might step in."

Liu Yu Ru looked at her, nodded, and replied, "Wait one more day."

That night, Liu Yu Ru returned home to review the account books. She calculated the interest on the loans they had issued and determined that it had likely reached the breaking point for many merchants.

Sure enough, by the next day, some in the market were desperately selling grain on the spot, while others proposed to the money houses to repay their debts with grain or other goods.

Liu Yu Ru sent Shen Ming to inform the money houses that the funds she had lent could be repaid with grain.

She set a price slightly higher than the market rate.

Then, Liu Yu Ru sent people out to buy grain again. By this time, those who had hoarded grain, pressured by loan repayments, had already begun offloading their stocks. Liu Yu Ru did not buy out entire supplies—instead, she purchased half from each seller. In just one day, she acquired her target amount for Wucheng.

Without delay, she had the grain loaded and immediately sent out of the city, decisively directing it to be transported back to Wangdu.

Having purchased fifty thousand dan in Wucheng, Liu Yu Ru considered the distance. Land transport would result in significant losses, but Wucheng was not far from the sea. She decided to reroute the shipment by land to the coast and then send it by sea back to Gu Jiusi.

As the grain was being sent off, Yin Hong reminded Liu Yu Ru, "Madam, your husband wrote you a letter earlier. Shouldn’t you send a message back?"Liu Yu Ru had been checking the grain supplies all night, her mind somewhat dazed. Only after hearing these words did she snap back to attention, quickly instructing the returning messenger: "Take a message to my husband. Tell him not to miss me too much—this trip will be long, and he should get used to it. Also, remind him that I've gathered information: Prince Liang's defenses are tight, this war won't end soon, so he should start preparing early for next year."

Hearing this, Shen Ming stifled a laugh. Yin Hong looked somewhat helpless and hurriedly advised, "Madam, say a few more words."

Liu Yu Ru thought for a moment before remembering: "Oh, and tell him to find a tutor to practice his handwriting. His writing may be neat now, but it's still quite ugly. He shouldn't neglect his studies just because he's become an official."

Yin Hong: "..."

Shen Ming burst into laughter beside them.

Yun Yun wore a face full of resignation.

Liu Yu Ru paid no mind to what others thought, waved her hand to send the messenger off, then climbed into the carriage. She collapsed onto the seat and said, "Time is urgent, let's hurry on our way." With that, she immediately fell asleep.

These grain supplies, carrying Liu Yu Ru's message, traversed mountains and crossed seas, finally arriving in Wangdu half a month later.

When Gu Jiusi learned the grain had arrived, he knew Liu Yu Ru's letter would come with it. Early in the morning, he personally went to receive it, with Huang Long and Huzi following behind, urgently saying, "Sir, slow down, the grain isn't going anywhere."

Gu Jiusi paid no heed. He rushed straight to the city gate, saw the flags of Liu Yu Ru's merchant fleet, and dashed to the leader, anxiously asking, "Uncle Zhang, where's the letter?"

Leader Uncle Zhang was originally a servant of the Gu Family. After Liu Yu Ru earned money, she had recalled all the former Gu Family servants who had moved from Yangzhou to Wangdu. Seeing Gu Jiusi's anxious expression, Uncle Zhang couldn't help but laugh: "Young master, don't rush. The situation was too hurried at the time—the young mistress bought the grain and immediately led us out of Wu City. After checking the supplies all night, she sent us off without time to write."

"If there's no letter, there must be at least a verbal message?"

Gu Jiusi frowned, seeming somewhat displeased. Uncle Zhang quickly said, "There is a verbal message. The madam gave three instructions."

"What?" Gu Jiusi brightened up, his eyes shining, eagerly asking, "Did my wife say she misses me?"

"No, the madam said that her trip will be long, you shouldn't miss her too much, and should get used to it."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi's smile froze. As Huzi and Huang Long caught up, they saw Uncle Zhang, completely oblivious, continue: "The madam also said that based on information she gathered outside, Prince Liang's defenses are tight, the war won't end soon, and you need to start preparing early for next year."

"And?" Gu Jiusi lost his smile, furrowing his brow, but still clinging to a thread of hope.

Three instructions—surely the last one would be about him?

"The madam added one last thing," Uncle Zhang said with a smile, "She wants you to find a tutor to practice your handwriting. She said although your writing is neat now, it's still quite ugly, and you shouldn't neglect your studies just because you've become an official."

Gu Jiusi's face completely darkened.

He stiffened his expression and remained silent. Uncle Zhang sighed with emotion: "Young master, the madam truly cares about you. Even while traveling far from home, she remembers your studies—she's truly a rare virtuous wife."Gu Jiusi remained silent, his hands tucked into his sleeves. He glanced at the merchant fleet behind Uncle Zhang and said lightly, "You've worked hard, Uncle Zhang. A banquet has been prepared at home to welcome you back. I still have matters to attend to at the Magistrate Office, so I'll take my leave first."

With that, Gu Jiusi turned and walked away, seemingly somewhat irritated.

Uncle Zhang was taken aback, feeling somewhat flustered. He hurriedly asked Munan beside him, "Munan, what's with the young master..."

"It's nothing, nothing." Munan waved his hand. "Don't worry, this has nothing to do with you. The young master is angry with himself."

As he spoke, Munan hurried after Gu Jiusi and said with a smile, "Young master, don't walk so fast. The merchant fleet will be returning soon. You should at least leave a message for your wife."

"Why should I leave one for her?" Gu Jiusi said sternly, his voice cold. "She doesn't miss me, so why should I miss her? Let's just keep things strictly business."

"After all, since she went out, she hasn't been thinking about me at all." Gu Jiusi's tone carried a hint of grievance. "Does she even have me, her husband, in her heart?!"

At that moment, Liu Yuru was in the prefectural office of Qingzhou discussing business. As she drank tea and chatted, she suddenly sneezed.

The merchant across from her was startled and said, "Manager Liu, are you feeling unwell?"

Liu Yuru felt somewhat embarrassed and quickly replied, "I don't know why, but my nose suddenly felt itchy."

"Sneezing so suddenly probably means someone is thinking of you," the merchant across from her said with a smile. "Manager Liu, since you're out doing business, your family must be missing you a lot, right?"

Hearing this, Liu Yuru couldn't help but smile.

She suddenly recalled Gu Jiusi's simple and unadorned words, "When will you be back?" Her heart softened with warmth, and her voice unconsciously gentled.

"Yes," she said softly. "The one at home must be missing me a lot."

Author's Note: [Mini Theater]

Gu Jiusi: My wife's letter is here, running frantically to receive it!!

Huang Long: Sir, slow down!

Gu Jiusi (eagerly): Uncle Zhang, does Yuru miss me?

Uncle Zhang: No, she's very happy.

Gu Jiusi's smile gradually fades, then becomes distorted.