Destined

"Why are you here?"

Liu Yuru finally snapped back to reality. Gu Jiusi had shielded her, swiftly cut down two assailants, turned his horse around, and led her away from the battle.

When Gu Jiusi appeared, Munan had already rushed to Ye Shi'an's side with his men, protecting both Ye Shi'an and Ye Yun. With dozens on Gu Jiusi's side against merely over ten pursuers, the ones chasing Liu Yuru were quickly overpowered even before Gu Jiusi needed to intervene.

Only after bringing Liu Yuru to safety did Gu Jiusi explain, "I've been waiting for you. I happened to pass by tonight, heard the commotion, and came to check." He then smiled and added, "I didn't expect it to really be you."

Liu Yuru was still reeling from the life-and-death terror. While speaking with Gu Jiusi, she kept glancing back at the skirmish. Seeing the assailants being driven back by Gu Jiusi's men, she finally relaxed and turned to look at him—only to freeze.

His arm remained wrapped around her waist. He gazed at her sideways, his gem-like eyes holding only her reflection, captivating her instantly. She sensed complex emotions in his gaze, yet he restrained himself visibly. They stared at each other in silence for a long moment before he finally spoke, his voice hoarse: "You've lost weight."

A bittersweet ache stirred in Liu Yuru's heart, mingled with an inexplicable calm. With him here, she feared nothing.

She longed to embrace him but deemed it inappropriate. Lowering her head, she murmured, "Traveling takes its toll, of course I'd lose weight."

Shifting her gaze forward, she saw the stark disparity in strength—the assassins had retreated shortly after engaging. Munan approached with Ye Shi'an and Ye Yun. Ye Yun had fainted and was being carried by Munan, while Ye Shi'an limped from his injuries.

Upon seeing Gu Jiusi, Ye Shi'an managed a strained salute. Gu Jiusi dismounted and returned the gesture respectfully, saying, "Brother Shi An, you've endured hardships on this journey. My wife has troubled you these days."

Ye Shi'an was taken aback by the phrasing, sensing subtle implications but not daring to comment. He hurriedly replied, "It is I who have inconvenienced your wife."

"Let's not dwell on this now," Liu Yuru interjected, noticing Ye Shi'an's pallor and Ye Yun's unconscious state. "Quickly arrange horses to send Yun'er and Young Master Ye back."

Munan acknowledged and offered his horse to Ye Shi'an. With Ye Shi'an carrying Ye Yun and Munan sharing mounts with others, the group hurried toward the city.

Upon returning to Guangyang, Liu Yuru observed Ye Shi'an's worsening complexion. Knowing his stubborn pride, she kept a close watch. Gu Jiusi shot her a detached glance, suddenly spurred his horse forward, overtaking Ye Shi'an to block her view.

Frowning with concern, Liu Yuru said, "I think Brother Ye looks unwell. Perhaps Munan should tend to Yun'er instead."

"He'd likely refuse. He's always been particular about propriety—he wouldn't entrust his sister to others unless absolutely necessary," Gu Jiusi replied flatly. After a pause, he added, "It's just a short distance. Don't worry."

Liu Yuru acquiesced but remained uneasy at heart.When they arrived at the place Gu Jiusi had arranged beforehand, Ye Shi'an carried Ye Yun into the room on his back. He had just laid Ye Yun down on the bed when he turned to Gu Jiusi and said, "I must trouble you, Young Master Gu..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ye Shi'an could no longer hold on and collapsed forward.

Liu Yu Ru had been watching him closely. The moment he swayed, she quickly reached out to support him, then said to Gu Jiusi, "Hurry and call for a physician!"

Gu Jiusi glanced at Liu Yu Ru's hands holding Ye Shi'an but said nothing. He simply stepped forward, nudged her aside, and slung one of Ye Shi'an's arms over his own shoulder. Carrying Ye Shi'an, he laid him down on another bed nearby, then turned to Munan and said, "Go and hurry them along—why hasn't the physician arrived yet?"

After saying this, Gu Jiusi sat to the side and fell silent.

Liu Yu Ru, however, was far more anxious. She first went to check on Ye Yun, carefully examining her injuries, then returned to Ye Shi'an's side. Not daring to touch him, she could only ask Munan, who was cleaning Ye Shi'an's wounds, "Does he have any other injuries?"

"Many hidden wounds," Munan sighed. "They're all small cuts, nothing too serious, but there are a lot of them."

Liu Yu Ru nodded but said nothing more.

A short while later, the physician hurried in. After examining both patients, he said to Gu Jiusi, "The young lady hit her head, but it shouldn’t be serious. She’ll need a few days of rest after she wakes up. The young man is in much worse condition. His old wounds weren’t properly treated, and now he has new injuries. He’s running a high fever that won’t break. If the fever subsides by tomorrow, he should be fine. But if it doesn’t, the situation could turn critical."

With that, the physician wrote a Prescription and handed it to Munan, saying, "I’ll prescribe some medicine for now. Make sure to take good care of them."

Liu Yu Ru felt her heart grow heavy at the physician’s words. She was terrified that something might happen to Ye Shi'an. With Ye Yun’s family now reduced to just Ye Shi'an, what would become of her if he didn’t make it?

Yet there was nothing more she could do. Liu Yu Ru stood by, watching Ye Shi'an, unable to sleep.

Gu Jiusi walked up behind her and said calmly, "Go back and rest. Munan will take care of things here. It’ll be fine."

Liu Yu Ru nodded, murmured an acknowledgment, and followed Gu Jiusi out of the room.

The night wind was cold. Gu Jiusi walked beside her, shielding her from the chill.

Liu Yu Ru’s mind felt numb, filled entirely with thoughts of Ye Shi'an and overwhelming worry. She barely noticed her surroundings.

Gu Jiusi entered the room with her. Noticing her sluggish movements, he sighed and said, "Don’t overthink it. Wash up first and get some sleep."

Liu Yu Ru nodded vaguely, then climbed into bed.

Though exhausted, she found herself unable to sleep. The weight of Ye Shi'an’s life hanging in the balance kept her on edge. Ever since leaving Yangzhou, she had slept poorly, waking each day burdened by the lives of so many. Now, after being pursued all the way from Yangzhou, her nerves were stretched to the breaking point. With Ye Shi'an fighting for his life and Ye Yun still unconscious, her mind was a tangled mess of tension, numbness, and unease.Gu Jiusi extinguished the lamp and lay down beside her. Liu Yu Ru had her back to him, unable to sleep. Yet she instinctively thought of how Gu Jiusi had also been traveling continuously for days. Afraid of disturbing his rest, she dared not move, lying awake in the darkness, wondering whether Ye Shi'an would make it through the night.

If he didn’t…

Her heart suddenly ached.

She had already lost so much.

Family and friends from the past were leaving her one by one. Must she now face Ye Shi'an’s departure as well?

Lost in thought, Liu Yu Ru held back for a long while before quietly slipping out of bed. She draped a robe over her shoulders and prepared to leave. But as she silently opened the door, Gu Jiusi’s calm voice broke the stillness: "Going to see Young Master Ye?"

Liu Yu Ru froze momentarily, then sighed softly. "I can’t sleep. I keep thinking… what if something happens to him…"

Her voice grew strained. "If something happens… I should be there for his final moments."

Gu Jiusi remained silent for a long time before rising and putting on his own robe. "I’ll go with you to keep watch."

"Please rest," Liu Yu Ru urged with a sigh, her eyes filled with concern. "You’re exhausted too."

Without a word, Gu Jiusi fastened his robe and stepped before her. He picked up a lantern from nearby, lighting the way as he said, "Let’s go. I’ll accompany you."

They walked along the corridor, lantern in hand, heading toward Ye Shi'an’s room. With Gu Jiusi beside her, shielding her from the wind, Liu Yu Ru felt a sudden sense of relief. She yearned to confide in him—to voice her sorrow, anxiety, and unease. But accustomed to restraint, she found herself unable to speak.

Sensing her emotional turmoil, Gu Jiusi glanced at her. Seeing her lowered gaze, he reached out and took her hand, speaking gently, "Even if the sky falls, I’ll always be here."

A lump formed in Liu Yu Ru’s throat. Bowing her head, she replied in a muffled voice, "I know."

Entering the room, they found Ye Shi'an still lying in bed, with Ye Yun resting on another cot nearby. Liu Yu Ru took a seat beside Ye Shi'an, quietly watching over him.

Had she been alone, she might have been afraid. In truth, she was neither particularly brave nor resilient. The thought of life and death terrified her, but when fate forced such moments upon her, there was no escape—only confrontation.

Yet now, she had someone with her. Gu Jiusi stood behind her, silently keeping her company, and she suddenly understood the solace and strength that love could bring.

Ye Shi'an, delirious with high fever, intermittently called out names—his father, his mother, Ye Yun, his uncle…

As he murmured incoherently, Liu Yu Ru watched him quietly. A sudden urge to speak to Gu Jiusi overcame her. She smiled bitterly and whispered, "He’s always carried the weight of the world on his shoulders—taking everything upon himself. He was like this as a child, and he never changed."

Gu Jiusi sat down beside her. Liu Yu Ru leaned against him, and after a moment’s hesitation, he lifted his arm and draped it over her shoulder.

Liu Yu Ru spoke slowly, "Do you know why I once wanted to marry him?"

"Why?""Because when we were young, every time he traveled far, he would bring gifts for Ye Yun. I was so envious—I wanted an older brother like that too. I mentioned this to Ye Yun, and for some reason, after that, whenever he went on a journey, he always remembered to bring me a gift as well."

"Back then, I thought this person was too good to others. If I married him, it would surely be wonderful."

"He truly is a very good person."

Liu Yu Ru's voice trembled slightly.

Though their interactions weren't deep, in her youthful days, this disciplined young man had been one of the few bright spots in her life.

Gu Jiusi might find it hard to understand how precious every bit of affection was to someone emotionally deprived. Ye Yun giving her a piece of candy was enough for her to remember it forever; Gu Jiusi celebrating her birthday once made her willing to follow him through life and death.

In truth, she also understood that Ye Shi'an represented more than just an old friend to her—he was like a symbol of her youth. With the Gu family moving north, the Liu family in exile, and the Ye family shattered, Yangzhou was no longer the city she remembered, and Da Rong wasn't the empire she had imagined.

The fear and unease brought by the turbulent times had always been buried deep in her heart. She had constantly restrained and endured these emotions, but after more than ten days of fleeing, nearly dying herself, with Ye Shi'an's fate unknown and Ye Yun unconscious, everything finally erupted.

Her heart churned with turmoil. She feared that Ye Shi'an might not open his eyes the next day, but this fear wasn't just about her feelings for him—more than that, if Ye Shi'an died, perhaps Liu Yu Ru's past would completely vanish too.

She really wanted to tell Gu Jiusi all this, to simply say she was scared, anxious, and suffering.

But the words wouldn't come out.

The long years had taught her silence and pretense, making it impossible to voice those inner feelings directly. She could only pick through the fragments in her mind and share them slowly with Gu Jiusi.

As she spoke, her heart gradually calmed. Only then did she notice that Gu Jiusi hadn't responded at all. Puzzled, she looked up at him: "Why aren't you saying anything?"

"Why should I speak?"

"My heart aches," Liu Yu Ru smiled bitterly, her tone light as if nothing was wrong, "I just wanted to chat with you."

Gu Jiusi remained silent, seemingly resistant to these topics. But when he lifted his gaze and saw the glass-like clarity in her eyes, he suddenly understood what she was feeling.

She was exhausted.

She was afraid.

Gu Jiusi's heart softened. He sighed, and after a long pause, he made an effort to say: "I really disliked him when I was young because my father always compared me to him, and I could never measure up."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru chuckled softly. Gu Jiusi looked ahead and continued slowly: "I hope he's alright tonight, that nothing happens to him."

"Of course."

"Otherwise, I'd really never surpass him in this lifetime."

These words made Liu Yu Ru pause. She looked up at him as Gu Jiusi lowered his eyes and added: "Don't worry anymore. Lean against me and sleep. I'll wake you if he regains consciousness later."

Liu Yu Ru murmured agreement. Resting her head on Gu Jiusi's shoulder, she felt his warmth seep through their clothing. She leaned quietly against him for a while before finally drifting into sleep.