Destined

Wang Mei listened to Liu Yu Ru's words, twisting her handkerchief in her hands as she forced a smile. "If A-Xiang is doing well, I would naturally be happy. But A-Xiang's qualifications... aren't they a bit lacking?"

"That shouldn't be an issue," Liu Yu Ru smiled gently. "I've asked others as well, and they all say A-Xiang is an experienced master. After all, most people in the shop are newcomers now. Few know that you were her teacher, so it won't cause any problems."

Wang Mei's smile stiffened, leaving her speechless. Liu Yu Ru said softly, "But in my heart, you will always be Sister Xiang's teacher. That's why I specifically came to ask you—do you think I've handled this matter appropriately?"

"This is... naturally appropriate."

Wang Mei had nothing more to say. She knew Song Xiang's abilities surpassed her own. Yet the thought of Song Xiang rising above her left a bitter taste in her mouth. Liu Yu Ru noticed her discomfort but pretended not to see it. After exchanging a few more words, Wang Mei left the room.

Once outside, Wang Mei began to ponder. If Liu Yu Ru were to distribute Floral Visage products everywhere and collaborate with the authorities to crack down on counterfeit sellers, then selling fakes wouldn't just mean lower profits—it would carry significant risks. The punishment for counterfeiting might involve severe penalties that would permanently end one's career in the trade. With high risks and low returns, and with Song Xiang's upcoming promotion—which would not only increase her monthly wages but also grant her a ten percent share of Floral Visage's profits—she would likely never consider returning to counterfeit trade again.

A ten percent share! Given Floral Visage's scale and potential for expansion, that would far exceed what they earned from selling counterfeits. Moreover, it came without risks or burdens—all she needed to do was focus on her work.

Wang Mei realized that Liu Yu Ru was going all out to recruit talent this time. But why did it have to be Song Xiang? She was the apprentice Wang Mei had personally trained. How could a disciple surpass her master and take away her livelihood?

The more Wang Mei thought about it, the more resentful she became. Pacing back and forth outside, she eventually gritted her teeth and made a decision. Returning to the room, she respectfully called out, "Proprietor."

Liu Yu Ru feigned surprise, pausing for a moment before saying, "Aunt Mei, why have you returned?"

"Proprietor," Wang Mei said calmly, "There's something I've been thinking over, and I feel I must speak plainly with you. If you intend to promote A-Xiang, it might not be appropriate."

"Why is that?" Liu Yu Ru blinked, her face full of confusion. "Sister Xiang is upright, highly skilled, and unanimously recommended by everyone. What do you find inappropriate, Aunt Mei?"

"Proprietor," Wang Mei sighed, "To be honest, I've been hesitating about this for a long time. A-Xiang was trained by me, and there are many things I failed to teach her properly or shield her from. That's my fault. I originally thought that with more guidance over time, she might find her way back. But since you plan to promote her, I have no choice but to speak up."

"What's wrong with her?"

"Proprietor, you know about the flood of counterfeits outside, some of which are almost indistinguishable from the genuine Floral Visage products, right?"

Wang Mei watched Liu Yu Ru's expression closely. Liu Yu Ru frowned, looking quite troubled as she said, "I've heard about it, and it's been worrying me."

"Proprietor, have you ever wondered why the counterfeit goods are so similar to Floral Visage's products that they can pass as the real thing?"Liu Yu Ru was taken aback for a moment before she suddenly looked up in surprise and said, "Are you saying it's Sister Xiang?"

"Yes," Wang Mei replied with a grave expression, sighing. "Someone approached Sister Xiang earlier, asking for the formulas of Floral Visage's rouge and lip rouge. As you know, our workshop's process involves each person being responsible for one part of the production. Only Sister Xiang is different—she can identify the ingredients and proportions just by looking at them. So for some time now, she has been supplying outsiders. Not only has she been stealing formulas, but she's also selling defective products from the shop to others."

Liu Yu Ru's face darkened. Wang Mei glanced at her and, secretly pleased, continued to fan the flames, "I tried to advise her, but Sister Xiang has recently taken up with a man who is seriously ill and in need of money. She's forced by circumstances. Please don't blame her too harshly. I'm telling you this so you can consider the matter carefully. She is my apprentice, but you are my employer. I'm torn between both sides—it's a difficult position for me."

"Aunt Mei, I understand," Liu Yu Ru took a deep breath and looked up, saying, "But you must have some solid evidence for such serious accusations. I can't just take your word for it."

Wang Mei's expression stiffened momentarily before she gritted her teeth and said, "I know you're cautious, Employer. I have proof."

"Oh?"

"Yesterday, I secretly saw Sister Xiang writing a note to an outsider, arranging to meet in the courtyard of Eastern Arrival Tavern to deliver the goods. She plans to hand over the formula for Floral Visage's latest lip rouge to them. If you go there, Employer, you can catch her red-handed!"

"Are you sure about this?" Liu Yu Ru frowned. Wang Mei nodded emphatically, "Absolutely true. But Employer, Sister Xiang... she might try to falsely accuse others when cornered. I'm risking a lot by telling you this—you should trust me."

"Don't worry," Liu Yu Ru responded. "Since you've come to me with this, I naturally trust you. I know your character—you can rest assured."

After their conversation concluded, Wang Mei withdrew, feeling quite pleased. She fanned herself with a handkerchief; she had broken into a cold sweat earlier but now felt relieved.

She actually had no fear. Although she was the middleman in this scheme, she had been careful. Song Xiang was foolish and would never leave any evidence behind. At worst, Song Xiang might claim that Wang Mei was involved too, but by striking first, Wang Mei had preempted that. A young woman like Liu Yu Ru, though clever, lacked shrewdness and wouldn't believe such accusations.

Having calculated everything in her mind, Wang Mei left happily.

After she departed, Yin Hong and Yun Yun emerged from the inner room. Yun Yun sighed and said, "That Wang Mei is truly malicious."

"But it's just as well," Yin Hong said cheerfully. "Since they're crying thief while being thieves themselves, Madam can round up everyone behind this scheme. Let's see how they can stir up trouble then."

Listening to them, Liu Yu Ru remained silent for a moment before asking, "Is it true that Song Xiang found a man in Youzhou who is seriously ill?"

Yun Yun replied, "I recently looked into it—it's true. That's probably why she agreed to Wang Mei's plan."

After hesitating briefly, Yun Yun added, "Sister Xiang is still a good person at heart."

Liu Yu Ru lowered her gaze, silent for a while. Then she took a sip of tea, looked up, and said, "Shen Ming has returned, hasn't he? Send for him and have him bring men to stake out Eastern Arrival Tavern. We'll catch them together."

Yin Hong acknowledged the order and hurried off to find Shen Ming.Shen Ming was following Gu Jiusi through the streets buying supplies. Two grown men, stealthily carrying bundles of wedding veils, lanterns, and other items wrapped in cloth.

Walking beside Gu Jiusi, Shen Ming grumbled impatiently, "You're a grown man, not a child. Why bother with all these rituals? So what if you didn't drink the ceremonial wine? Running home on leave to hang lanterns—aren't you embarrassed if people find out?"

"Must you talk so much?" Gu Jiusi frowned. "I asked you to help, not criticize."

Shen Ming pursed his lips, then leaned in cheerfully. "You really haven't consummated the marriage yet? Do I still have a chance?"

"Shen Ming," Gu Jiusi gave him a cold look, "if your head's overheating, just say so. I'll send you to the execution ground to cool off."

Seeing Gu Jiusi's annoyance, Shen Ming quickly withdrew and fell silent. After purchasing what they needed, they noticed refugees begging on the streets. Gu Jiusi frowned. "I heard Lord Fan breached Lingjiang Pass and has now surrounded the Eastern Capital, confronting Prince Liang."

"Ah, so I've heard."

Shen Ming brightened. "When Lord Fan takes the city, will you get promoted? Can I get promoted too?"

"Weren't you planning to be a mountain bandit?" Gu Jiusi mocked. "Now you want an official post?"

Shen Ming coughed lightly. "Serving the people—I'll do anything. I can endure this hardship."

Gu Jiusi smirked but then grew concerned. "But doesn't Prince Liang still have 150,000 troops? How could Lord Fan break through Lingjiang Pass so quickly with that many soldiers?"

"Who knows?" Shen Ming shrugged, then urged, "Stop worrying. Hurry and prepare the bridal chamber. Tonight you can—"

Shen Ming gave a meaningful look. Gu Jiusi flushed slightly and coughed, about to respond when Yin Hong's distant call came from behind: "Shen Ming!"

Hearing her, Gu Jiusi panicked. "Quick, give me those things!"

Shen Ming frantically shoved the bundles at Gu Jiusi, who scrambled away clutching the pile taller than himself.

Yin Hong jogged up to Shen Ming, puzzled. "I just saw the young master here. Where is he?"

"No," Shen Ming glanced around vaguely, "There was only someone asking for directions earlier. Brother Jiu is still at the Magistrate Office."

"I'm sure I saw him," Yin Hong insisted. Shen Ming cut in, "State your business instead of interrogating people. Are you a spy?"

"What attitude!" Yin Hong huffed but dropped the subject. "Oh, the mistress said to bring some men to Eastern Arrival Tavern tonight to help her arrest someone."

Shen Ming raised an eyebrow and had her explain. After understanding, he nodded. "Fine, simple task. I'll gather the men."

Reassured, Yin Hong left. Once she was gone, Gu Jiusi emerged from hiding with the bundles. "What did she want?"

After Shen Ming relayed the message, Gu Jiusi immediately said, "I'm coming with you."

So they gathered Huzi and a group of brothers, along with Gu Family servants, and headed to Eastern Arrival Tavern. Disguised, they blended into the tavern, pretending to drink casually as if nothing was amiss.Gu Jiusi and Shen Ming sat upstairs, chatting idly until nightfall when they heard a chorus of silver-bell-like laughter from a group of women. Turning their heads, they saw Liu Yuru arriving.

Most of the staff at Floral Visage were women, and all of them were beauty enthusiasts. When the entire shop went out for a meal, four or five carriages arrived, and young and old ladies stepped down from them, chatting as they went. The fragrance of powder and rouge drifted through the air, drawing everyone's attention.

At the forefront was Liu Yuru, draped in a fox fur cloak over a blue gown, with teardrop-shaped white jade earrings swaying gently under the lamplight. This lent her an ethereal grace that blended softness with liveliness.

She wasn't particularly tall by northern standards, and she carried a hand warmer without any imposing presence. Yet, strangely, amid the clamor, she remained the focal point. A silent tranquility emanated from her, complementing her exquisitely beautiful features to create an indescribable, transcendent beauty.

A large group of women traveling together was already eye-catching, but with a Jiangnan beauty like Liu Yuru among them, the crowd fell silent. They watched as she entered the tavern, exchanged a few words with the staff, and then led her group upstairs to a private room.

As she lifted her skirt and ascended step by step, no one dared to speak. Even Gu Jiusi, in that moment, suddenly became aware of her astonishing beauty, which seemed to have emerged out of nowhere.

As if sensing Gu Jiusi's gaze, Liu Yuru paused mid-step, looked up, and met his eyes. In that moment of locked gazes, she saw him holding his cup, staring at her in a daze, and suddenly she smiled.

That smile, bathed in the soft lamplight, was like a lotus blooming, stirring tumultuous waves in the heart. Gu Jiusi was too stunned to react. Amused, Liu Yuru found it funny that even after being married for over half a year, she could still evoke such a foolish expression from someone who knew her inside out. Pressing her lips together, she turned her head away but stole a sidelong glance at him—a look filled with coquettish charm from the corners of her eyes and brows. Then, she led her companions to the adjacent staircase and entered the private room.

Only after the Floral Visage group had settled in the private room did the main hall regain its noise. Everyone was discussing how the female owner of Floral Visage was not only capable and successful but also exceptionally beautiful.

As for Gu Jiusi, he held his cup for a long time without speaking, as if still reeling from the impact of that bashful yet alluring glance.

Shen Ming couldn't help but wave five fingers in front of his face: "Ninth Brother?"

Gu Jiusi's eyes were fixed blankly. He downed the wine in his cup in one gulp and finally snapped out of it, saying, "I'm dead."

"Huh?" Shen Ming was confused. Why bring this up out of the blue?

Gu Jiusi sighed, a smile on his face that seemed somewhat helpless, yet Shen Ming could detect an indescribable joy in it. "I've died at the hands of this woman."

"What does that mean?"

Gu Jiusi didn't answer. He simply smiled and drank his wine. But in his heart, he knew clearly: the moment Liu Yuru looked up and their eyes met, he suddenly understood what it meant to speak of the waters of the Canghai and the clouds over Mount Wu.

He thought to himself that in this lifetime, he would never find another woman who could make his heart flutter like this.What was even more terrifying was that he realized Liu Yuru's beauty seemed like a rapidly growing tree—in his eyes, and in this world, it was blossoming at an unimaginable speed.

He didn't know how beautiful she could become, only that every time he truly looked at her, he'd astonishingly discover he liked her just a little bit more.

After finishing his drink, Gu Jiusi reached into his pocket, grabbed some copper coins, and handed them to Huzi beside him, smiling as he said, "Go, find someone to buy a few plum blossom branches and deliver them to Madam."

When Gu Jiusi's flowers arrived at Liu Yuru's table, she was momentarily stunned before accepting them amidst everyone's teasing.

While everyone was joking with her, only Song Xiang and Wang Mei appeared visibly unsettled. Wang Mei kept glancing between Song Xiang and Liu Yuru, while Song Xiang remained restless, seemingly preoccupied with something.

Liu Yuru led everyone in enjoying the hot pot, the atmosphere becoming lively and warm. She raised her wine cup and first approached Wang Mei to toast. Then she came before Song Xiang with her cup and said earnestly, "Sister Xiang, let me offer you a drink."

Hearing this, Song Xiang quickly stood up, somewhat flustered, "Proprietress..."

"In the six months since we came to Youzhou, everything has been chaotic, and I haven't had the chance to properly look after everyone. That's my fault. You're a pillar of Floral Visage, having grown with the business. I consider you a sister—if anything's troubling you, you must tell me."

Sighing, Liu Yuru continued, "I'll finish this cup. Sister Xiang, what about you?"

Song Xiang remained silent, her heart racing. Looking into Liu Yuru's clear eyes, she almost felt that Liu Yuru knew everything.

But if she knew, how could she still allow her to stand here?

Feeling both panicked and distressed, guilt made her lower her head. She quickly downed her wine and said, "Proprietress, I'm sorry."

Liu Yuru reached out and patted Song Xiang's shoulder without saying more.

Wang Mei watched quietly, growing increasingly worried. If Liu Yuru insisted on protecting Song Xiang and promoting her, what would she do in the future?

However, Wang Mei soon composed herself. As long as she made enough of a scene today with everyone watching, even if Liu Yuru didn't want to punish Song Xiang, she'd have to.

Feeling more assured, Wang Mei stopped speaking. As everyone drank and enjoyed the hot pot, the clinking of cups helped them relax. When Song Xiang heard the cuckoo call outside, she excused herself to use the restroom and went out.

Seeing Song Xiang leave, Wang Mei quickly went to Liu Yuru's side and whispered, "Proprietress, Sister Xiang has gone out."

Liu Yuru glanced up and nodded, responding, "I know."

She then beckoned Yin Hong over to help her up and announced to everyone with a smile, "Everyone, enjoy yourselves. I need to step out for a moment."

With that, Liu Yuru left with Yin Hong. After sitting for a moment, Wang Mei also grew restless. She stood up and asked a girl she was usually close with to accompany her to "freshen up" as well.

Three groups headed to the courtyard one after another. Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi and Shen Ming were already hiding on the beams of the rear corridor's roof. Sitting there cracking melon seeds, Shen Ming couldn't help but laugh at the cuckoo calls: "Imitating a cuckoo in deep winter—what kind of fool is that?"Hearing this, Gu Jiusi cracked melon seeds and clicked his tongue, saying, "Such a clumsy scheme really underestimates their employer. Just wait and see—my Yu Ru will slap their faces resoundingly."

Shen Ming rolled his eyes without a word. The two men continued cracking melon seeds as they watched a man sneak over to the corridor. Soon after, Song Xiang appeared. The man spotted her and urgently asked, "Where's the formula?"

Song Xiang hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "I've thought it over—I can't give you the formula. I don't want your money either. Here's the deposit..."

As Song Xiang pulled out the money from her sleeve, the man's expression instantly darkened. He slapped the silver from her hand and angrily retorted, "We agreed you'd provide the formula! We've already prepared the workers, purchased the materials, and arranged all the transportation channels. Now you suddenly back out? Do you think a few taels of silver can cover such huge losses?!"

Song Xiang paled at his words. Seeing her reaction, the man calmed down slightly and lowered his voice, "Master Song, I'm not deliberately making things difficult for you. We're all just trying to make a living. You need to survive, and so do I. You still have a consumptive at home to support. This is just division of labor—it won't cost you anything. At least complete this order. A person should keep their word. If you weren't going to agree, you should have said so earlier. Now that everything's ready, isn't it unreasonable to refuse?"

"I..." Song Xiang struggled, choking on her words for a long time before finally managing, "I'm sorry..."

"You have the formula on you, right?"

Finally losing patience, the man spotted the paper in Song Xiang's sleeve and reached to snatch it, growling, "I'm done wasting words with you! Today, whether you're willing or not, you're handing it over!"

"Let go..." Song Xiang struggled with the man as they pushed and pulled each other. Gu Jiusi continued cracking melon seeds, calculating when to intervene, when suddenly an authoritative roar echoed through the air: "What are you doing?!"

The voice, usually gentle and steady, now carried such fury that it startled Gu Jiusi, making him tremble and spill the melon seeds from his palm.

So when everyone turned toward the source after Liu Yu Ru's shout, they saw her frowning deeply, her expression frosty and imposing, as if she were utterly enraged. And right then, melon seeds came showering down all over her head.

Liu Yu Ru: "..."

Gu Jiusi raised his hand and covered his face in agony.

Shen Ming, sitting opposite, gave him a subtle round of applause.

No one dared to speak. Liu Yu Ru lifted her head and calmly looked at Gu Jiusi sitting on the beam.

Gu Jiusi put on an ingratiating expression.

Liu Yu Ru: "..."

Arguing about this wasn't important.

Suppressing all her emotions, Liu Yu Ru swiftly shot a sharp glance across the room before walking over with a smile. She extended her hand toward the quarreling pair and said gently, "What are you two arguing about? Why not show it to me?"

Song Xiang trembled slightly, while the man remained silent, as if they already knew exactly who Liu Yu Ru was.As the stalemate continued, Wang Mei, who had arrived later, swiftly stepped forward. Before Song Xiang could react, she snatched the prescription Song Xiang had written from her sleeve. After a quick glance, she exclaimed excitedly, "Well now, Sister Xiang! The master has been so good to you, yet you bite the hand that feeds you?!"

Song Xiang’s face turned deathly pale. Seeing the situation turn sour, the man turned and fled. But just as he passed the corridor, he let out a sharp cry, as if struck by a painful blow, and howled into the distance. Moments later, Shen Ming dragged him back, holding him firmly.

Wang Mei clutched the prescription, looking at Song Xiang with profound disappointment. "Xiang Jie, oh Xiang Jie, the mistress has treated you so well. Even for your husband's sake, you shouldn't have betrayed her like this. I know you've always resented the mistress for favoring a young girl, but how could you be so foolish? Just look at what you've done!"

"It's not..." Song Xiang's voice trembled. She seemed to want to explain but couldn't find the words. She could only look at Wang Mei anxiously and say, "Mei Yi, that's not how it is. You know that."

"What do I know?" Wang Mei raised her voice. "At this point, are you still stubbornly refusing to see reason? Are you still trying to drag others down with you?"

"I..."

"Mei Yi," Liu Yuru spoke calmly at that moment. Everyone turned to look and found her holding the "formula" that Wang Mei had snatched earlier. Liu Yuru turned the paper around and said to Wang Mei, "Xiang Jie wrote a few nursery rhymes for this person. What's wrong with that?"

Her words left everyone stunned, including Song Xiang, who was completely bewildered.

Liu Yuru lowered her head, looking at the paper in her hand with admiration in her eyes, and said gently, "I never expected that Xiang Jie is not only highly skilled at making rouge but also writes such beautiful characters."

Author's note:

Liu Yuru: Step aside, everyone. I'm about to show off.

Gu Jiusi: About those melon seeds, I can explain...

Liu Yuru: No need. Take this letter of divorce. Farewell, my Jiusi.

Gu Jiusi: ...