Destined

After a tense day, both were exhausted. Gu Jiusi went to rest first, and after washing up, Liu Yu Ru returned to bed. Nestling in Gu Jiusi's arms, she suddenly remembered something and asked, "Why did you put Brother Ye in charge today? He just arrived in Hope Capital City. Aren't you worried he won't command respect?"

"I know the officials in Hope Capital City well," Gu Jiusi said calmly with his eyes closed. "The competent ones were all taken away by Fan Xuan, leaving only mediocre ones. They can't handle such a situation. If they were in charge, they'd likely surrender at the first sign of setback. If they surrender, when Prince Liang enters the city, you and my parents, as family members of generals, probably won't escape."

Gu Jiusi continued calmly, "I know Ye Shi'an inside out—his abilities and character. If I entrust matters to him, even if I'm defeated at the front, he'll defend the city at all costs. Moreover, Ye Shi'an has experience with city defense from following his uncle, and he's clever. Having him in charge is far better than those fools who only care about lining their own pockets. As for whether he can command respect, isn't that where you come in?"

Hearing Gu Jiusi mention her, Liu Yu Ru felt somewhat helpless. "You even factored me into your calculations?"

"This isn't calculating," Gu Jiusi sighed. "It's understanding."

Liu Yu Ru couldn't help but laugh at this. Leaning against him, she continued, "So when you charged out of the city today, did you already expect they would retreat?"

"Just testing the waters."

Gu Jiusi kept his eyes closed and spoke peacefully. "When they arrived, the city was completely unprepared. If they had attacked directly, the city would have fallen for sure. I figured that since Prince Liang was going all in, his entire army must be anxious and cautious. So I deliberately led troops out, arrayed them in formation, making them think I had advance intelligence. Then I provoked them, pretended to be defeated and fled. When Prince Liang pursued, I ordered them not to shoot even if the enemy got close, completely feigning to lure them into the city. After this whole act, Prince Liang would grow fearful, thinking Lord Fan had received intelligence and set an ambush here, waiting for them—only I was too young and inexperienced, overacting and revealing an opportunity."

Listening to this, Liu Yu Ru finally understood why Prince Liang had retreated just one li away today.

Gu Jiusi was acting, but wasn't Prince Liang testing them too? If the city's defenders had shown any intent to resist, Prince Liang might have firmly decided to attack. But Gu Jiusi held out until the last li without firing an arrow, which truly unsettled Prince Liang and made him retreat.

"This is Prince Liang's last chance to bet. He not only needs to take Hope Capital City but also can't afford heavy losses," Gu Jiusi's voice grew drowsy. "Otherwise, when Fan Xuan counterattacks, he won't have a chance to resist the connection between Fan Xuan and Northern Liang, and all his efforts will come to nothing. But he must take Hope Capital City, so he's waiting for the best moment to strike. When the time comes, they'll act."

With that, Gu Jiusi opened his eyes, patted Liu Yu Ru's back, and forced a smile. "But don't be afraid..."

"I'm not afraid," Liu Yu Ru said decisively. She hugged Gu Jiusi, listening to his heartbeat, and spoke gently, "We've been through storms together. With you by my side, I'm not afraid at all."Gu Jiusi was momentarily stunned. He pressed his lips together, ultimately saying nothing, then sighed and reached out to embrace Liu Yuru.

"I owe you a wedding."

He spoke softly. Liu Yuru looked somewhat puzzled as he continued, "Once this matter is settled, we'll hold another wedding ceremony."

Liu Yuru blushed faintly, murmuring an acknowledgment without further words.

People always need something to look forward to.

While the couple slept, the city walls were bustling with activity. All the young women of Hope Capital City had gathered atop the battlements, singing Jingzhou Ballads with laughter and cheer. Their singing and dancing caught the attention of soldiers outside the walls. Some, unable to sleep due to the noise, rose in the deep night to see women standing on the walls, draped in light gauze, which only made sleep more elusive.

Having been at war for over half a year, especially during these past months of hurried marches with little contact with women, the sight stirred the bolder soldiers to move closer for a better view.

Listening to familiar hometown tunes and gazing at the distant women while lying on the cold ground, some soldiers couldn't help but feel lost.

What had they come all this way for?

Their hometowns had already fallen to Liu Xingzhi, the Eastern Capital was besieged by Fan Xuan, and after traveling thousands of miles to Hope Capital City—even if they captured it—what lay ahead?

Gu Jiusi's harsh words from daytime echoed in the soldiers' minds. Though not the first time they'd heard such accusations, it was the first time they'd been so bluntly called traitors—disloyal, unjust, condemned by all. Destroyers of the people, disruptors of Da Rong's order, targeted by the entire nation.

How had Prince Liang's personal ambition dragged them all to this point?

The singing and dancing continued through the night. At dawn, military officers discovered many soldiers had sneaked off to watch the women. After arresting the offenders and executing several on the spot, order was restored as everyone returned to their tents.

Yet those executions planted a thorn in every heart. Following Prince Liang had made them rebels, and now they'd been beheaded merely for looking at women.

Resentment simmered, compounded by sleepless nights. As Prince Liang's remaining troops trickled in, he sensed the unstable morale and grew uneasy.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi, well-rested, rose early. After having a throat-soothing pear soup prepared, he dressed in a red robe topped with a warm pure white fox fur cloak, donned a golden crown, and carried a hand warmer. He instructed Munan, "Go find me some exceptionally skilled insult-slingers in the city—men, women, old, young, as long as they're good at cursing."

"What are you up to now?" Liu Yuru asked with a laugh, emerging from the room and taking in Gu Jiusi's attire.

He had always been handsome, but the vibrant red robe paired with the fluffy white fox fur cloak added a bold brilliance to his beauty. To Liu Yuru, it even carried a touch of endearing charm.

Others, however, simply saw their handsome magistrate Gu Jiusi, whose good looks now held a more striking flair.

Seeing Liu Yuru, Gu Jiusi smiled and said, "I'm going to the city walls to take some people and engage in a war of words with them."Liu Yu Ru felt that the way Gu Jiusi described this battle made it seem like child's play. With tens of thousands of troops stationed outside the gates, they were merely engaged in a war of words. She sighed, stepped forward to straighten his clothes, and said gently, "Just curse them casually, don't strain your voice again."

Gu Jiusi was amused by her words and waved his hand. "Don't worry, I've brought help this time."

After discussing with Liu Yu Ru, Gu Jiusi went out. Liu Yu Ru went to find Ye Shi'an and began taking inventory of weapons and comforting the city's residents.

With the army outside, the people in the city were extremely tense. Ye Shi'an ordered all teahouses to serve customers for free, with the government covering the expenses. Storytellers were to provide timely updates to keep the people calm.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi went up to the city tower. When he arrived, he saw Shen Ming leading a group of people standing there—all skilled in verbal confrontations. They looked nervous upon seeing Gu Jiusi. Holding a hand warmer, Gu Jiusi spoke gently, "Don't be nervous. Just stand on the tower and curse at them. You'll be protected, and you'll be rewarded afterward. This is a chance to make a living with your talents."

His words reassured the group, and they secretly observed this amiable official. Gu Jiusi discussed the content of the curses with everyone. The purpose of today's cursing was mainly to undermine the enemy's morale.

They needed to make it clear to the opposing side what their current situation was, what Prince Liang intended to do, and what fate awaited them if they followed Prince Liang.

Once everyone understood Gu Jiusi's plan, they knew how to proceed. Gu Jiusi took the lead, stepped onto the city tower, and began cursing: "Old thief Prince Liang, why aren't you attacking the city today? Are you afraid of divine retribution for your deeds? Why have you brought these soldiers to Wangdu? Do you think no one knows your intentions? You merely want to capture Wangdu, offer Youzhou as a gift, ally with Northern Liang, and then invade the Central Plains! Do you think no one is aware of your schemes? For centuries, Northern Liang and our Darong have fought repeatedly, but they have always been stopped at the Great Wall. Trading Youzhou for your throne means sacrificing the safety of Darong's people for generations to come! Only a traitorous, insane, and unprincipled scoundrel like you, Prince Liang, would commit such an act of betrayal and humiliation!"

Gu Jiusi laid out Prince Liang's plans in explicit detail. When Prince Liang heard this in his tent, he grabbed his sword and wanted to charge out. Qin Si quickly restrained him and urged, "Your Highness, you've endured so far. Acting impulsively now would be unwise."

"Look at what that brat is saying!" Prince Liang roared. "How will others view me if he continues like this? If we let him curse like this, how can we fight this war?"

"Your Highness, please calm down," Qin Si said with a smile. "It's just a war of words. There's no need to be angry. Let me handle it."

Qin Si's words somewhat cooled Prince Liang's temper. Prince Liang nodded and said, "Then you go."Qin Si cupped his hands in acknowledgment and withdrew, then exited the military camp. He walked to the base of the city tower, brushed off his sleeves, and shouted loudly, "You ignorant brat, spouting such nonsense! Prince Liang is of the legitimate Li bloodline, and his actions now are to restore the nation and align with the will of heaven. Yet you label him a treacherous rebel—this is truly twisting right and wrong! The prince aims to take Wangdu for the sake of the country and its people—how dare you slander him like this?"

"Slander?" Gu Jiusi burst into laughter. "Then tell me, why is Prince Liang heading north to Youzhou instead of south to Yangzhou or west to Jingzhou, now that his home base in Jingzhou has been taken by Liu Xingzhi and the Eastern Capital is besieged by Lord Fan? Isn't it to exchange Youzhou's Great Wall with Northern Liang? Or do you truly believe your ragtag bunch can defy the tide of history and establish your own state? If you seize Youzhou and don't hand it over, you'll face Northern Liang's invasions every autumn and winter in the north and attacks from other lords in the south. Explain to me—if not for the plan I described, why else would you expend such effort to come to Youzhou?"

"Who are you to question the prince's decisions?" Qin Si sneered. "A fop from Yangzhou, too stupid to even pass the Scholar exams, who bought his way into a magistrate position—daring to discuss state affairs here? Do you think no one in Youzhou knows of your disgraceful past in Yangzhou? A wastrel who only knew cockfighting and gambling past eighteen, and now in Wangdu you fancy yourself a phoenix? And you people actually believe what such a man says?"

Hearing this, Munan flared up and stepped forward to retort, but Gu Jiusi grabbed his arm and said with a smile, "How strange, Bamboo Sprite—do I know you? How would you know what I did before? I, Gu Jiusi, have been clever since childhood; I didn't take the imperial exams because I couldn't be bothered. I earned my magistrate post through meritorious service as a constable—everyone in this city knows that. I stand here today because of the reputation I gained from destroying Black Wind Fortress and solving the refugee food crisis in Wangdu. How can you dismiss me as a good-for-nothing with a few words?"

"If you're not a good-for-nothing, let's test it and see," Qin Si said expressionlessly.

In truth, he had no desire to bicker with Gu Jiusi, but Gu Jiusi's words were indeed undermining morale, and they held truth. If Gu Jiusi were a fool, it would be easier, but he was shrewd and had reason on his side. Even with eloquence, Qin Si couldn't alter the facts. So, rather than debate the legitimacy of Prince Liang's uprising, he resorted to trivialities about Gu Jiusi's official appointment.

Gu Jiusi understood Qin Si's intent, but he was merely stalling for time—every day gained was a victory.

Thus, the two engaged in a battle of wits. Gu Jiusi had an excellent memory and read voraciously; over the past six months, he had spent every spare moment studying. They quizzed each other all afternoon, each stumping the other in turn. By nightfall, their throats were sore, and they finally ceased.

Upon returning to the camp, Qin Si found Prince Liang, who said gravely, "We can't wait any longer. Delaying further might give that lad more tricks. Rest well tonight—tomorrow, we storm the city!"Qin Si nodded. After cursing for an entire day, he deeply felt that Gu Jiusi was no ordinary man. Moreover, given the timing, they truly couldn't delay any longer.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi descended from the city wall and hurriedly went to find Ye Shi'an.

Upon hearing that Gu Jiusi was looking for him, Ye Shi'an rushed over immediately. Gu Jiusi then spoke in a hoarse voice, "Prepare everything. Tonight, I will lead everyone out of the city for a surprise attack."

"Out of the city for a surprise attack?!"

Ye Shi'an was stunned. The words "Are you insane?" nearly escaped his lips, but recalling how Prince Liang had withdrawn his troops earlier, he forcibly held back and instead advised, "Jiusi, it would be better for us to focus on defending the city and not take such risks."

"They will attack the city tomorrow," Gu Jiusi said hoarsely. "Tonight, they won't be prepared. If we strike first while their morale is in disarray, they might even retreat."

Gu Jiusi looked up at Ye Shi'an. "Otherwise, when Prince Liang's army attacks, our own forces will collapse first."

Ye Shi'an was taken aback for a moment before he understood Gu Jiusi's meaning. They were already fighting for survival against overwhelming odds—if they didn't take unconventional risks, where would they find any chance of victory?

After a brief silence, Ye Shi'an finally said, "I'll go prepare."

With that, Ye Shi'an turned and left.

Gu Jiusi returned home to eat and bid farewell to Liu Yu Ru.

As he prepared to leave, he kept his eyes fixed on Liu Yu Ru. She personally helped him into his armor, seemingly unaware of everything, trusting him completely. Softly, she said, "My husband has always looked dashing holding a brush, but today, in military attire, he is equally handsome."

Gu Jiusi gazed at her intently. Liu Yu Ru remained calm, her expression serene as she bent her head to tie a protective talisman at his waist, whispering, "Don't act recklessly."

"I know."

Gu Jiusi smiled. "I have it all under control. Get a good night's sleep, and everything will be fine. Oh, and if you hear war drums in the night, don't be afraid—it's just me trying to intimidate Prince Liang."

"Mm," Liu Yu Ru nodded. She accompanied him to the door and watched as he mounted his horse. Throughout, she wore a calm smile, her demeanor steady. Gu Jiusi, thinking she hadn't noticed anything, rode off without looking back.

Had he turned around, he would have seen Liu Yu Ru's smile vanish abruptly and her posture slump. Yin Hong quickly stepped forward to support her, exclaiming softly, "Madam!"

"I'm fine," Liu Yu Ru waved her hand. After a moment, she said, "Clean out the prayer hall. I will go there tonight."

When one feels powerless in the face of events, they often place their hopes in the divine.

In truth, she knew Gu Jiusi all too well. Just by his demeanor, she could tell he was planning something major. But since he didn't speak of it, she naturally wouldn't ask. She could guess—the only thing he would hide from her was his intention to go into battle.

Not wanting to worry him, she refrained from questioning further. She had the prayer hall cleaned and knelt before the altar.

She had never believed in gods or buddhas, but in that moment, she suddenly became a devout believer, pleading for the bodhisattva's protection and mercy, praying for that person's safe return.

Gu Jiusi returned to the city wall, issued orders for the night's plan, and then went to sleep.

On Prince Liang's side, preparations for the next day's attack were also made, and everyone was ordered to rest well. However, in the dead of night, not long after everyone had fallen asleep, the thunderous sound of war drums erupted.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"Prince Liang's army suddenly fell into chaos. Everyone jolted awake from their dreams, donned armor, grabbed weapons, and rushed out of the camp to form battle lines, only to find the wilderness utterly empty without a single soul in sight.

Cursing and grumbling, they all went back to sleep.

Another hour passed. Just as everyone had fallen asleep again, war drums sounded once more from outside!

This time, hoofbeats accompanied the drums. Prince Liang's soldiers were hastily roused again. They charged out, only to find no one there. Now thoroughly enraged, they decided not to sleep at all, gathering at the city gates to shout curses. After a while, with no one responding to their insults, exhaustion set in again. As they finally settled down to sleep, many soldiers mocked, "Those Youzhou brats only know these cheap tricks."

"Next time they drum and shout, we won't even bother with them!"

Amidst resentful discussions, they drifted off to sleep.

By then, the darkest hour of the night had arrived. In the firewood room behind Floral Visage, Wang Mei was gnawing strand by strand at the ropes binding the man's hands.

Her mouth was already bleeding, but she didn't stop. This was Qian San, her lover of over ten years. He was wanted for murder, and though Gu Jiusi had captured him, he hadn't had time for interrogation yet. Once matters were settled, neither she nor Qian San would escape punishment.

She broke a tooth but finally severed the rope. The moment Qian San's bonds came loose, he immediately found a bowl nearby, smashed it, and desperately sawed through the ropes on her wrists. Then he led her to stealthily open the door.

Everyone was asleep now, and Floral Visage was exceptionally quiet. Aunt Wang and Qian San sneaked out of the establishment and sprinted toward the city gates.

They had heard the war drums earlier - where there were drums, there would be battle, and where there was battle, the city gates would open!

This was their only chance. Though the battlefield was perilous, it was also their only opportunity to leave Wangdu.

They reached a spot near the city gates and watched the soldiers coming and going. Not daring to show themselves, they hid in an alley, peering out cautiously.

Wang Mei and Qian San huddled together for warmth. The air was chilly. "You left the money in the Money house, right?" Wang Mei asked hoarsely.

"Yes," Qian San whispered. "Once we're out of Wangdu, we'll go to Cangzhou, withdraw the money, and I'll find a way to get new official travel documents. We'll change our names and disappear."

Wang Mei felt weary and didn't respond. But Qian San's words became her only hope. She sat with him on the steps, waiting for the city gates to open again.

Truthfully, they didn't know if the gates would open, but if they didn't, they had nowhere else to go. They waited for what felt like ages until the morning star began to shine. Then the war drums sounded once more!

This time, as the drums echoed, the gates slowly creaked open. Soldiers on horseback, armed with blades, charged out in formation.

Their movements were subtle, concealed, completely silent.

Meanwhile, Prince Liang's army was roused again. Everyone was displeased; many dragged their feet, refusing to get up, convinced this was another false alarm.

"They just don't want us to sleep," someone complained angrily. "If we keep getting up like this, we're falling right into their trap!"

Many shared this sentiment, making this mobilization particularly difficult. But just as Prince Liang was still gathering his troops, the ground suddenly began to tremble.This time, everyone finally sensed something was wrong. But by the time they realized it, they saw a massive, shadowy horde of iron cavalry brandishing long swords, charging toward them with slashing blades!

In the darkness, nothing was clear—neither how many enemies there were nor their exact situation. They could only flee blindly in all directions.

The nearly hundred-thousand-strong army scattered chaotically in every direction almost instantly. The battle had barely begun, and without even organizing any effective resistance, they broke and retreated.

Gu Jiusi seized the opportunity to press the advantage, cutting his way through the ranks while the enemy was still in disarray.

Blood stained his vision, and the glint of blades surrounded him on all sides, yet he felt no fear in his heart.

He swung his long spear, galloping across the battlefield on horseback.

Prince Liang had not slept since the war drums sounded, lost in thought and hesitation.

Must Hope Capital City be taken at all costs?

This is the prefectural seat of Youzhou, capturing it would naturally be the best outcome. But what is the most crucial element of Youzhou? It's the Great Wall. As long as we can seize the Great Wall, does capturing Hope Capital City hold such great significance?

Prince Liang desperately sought reasons not to attack Hope Capital City, completely forgetting his original purpose for coming here. He simply felt that Hope Capital City was too unpredictable—advancing risked ambushes, so retreat seemed the only option now.

Qin Si noticed Prince Liang's hesitation and cautiously asked, "Your Highness, are you afraid of an ambush in the city?"

"Master Qin," Prince Liang sighed, "I can't afford to lose anymore."

Hearing this, Qin Si fell silent for a moment before nodding calmly. "I understand. But Your Highness, we're at the final moment now. Will you be content without taking Hope Capital City?"

Prince Liang pressed his lips together without speaking. How could he possibly be content? He took a deep breath and finally said, "As you say, Master."

No sooner had he spoken than chaos erupted outside. A furious roar followed, and a man on horseback, spear in hand, charged straight into the tent, heading directly for Prince Liang!

Panic spread everywhere. Qin Si shielded Prince Liang and shouted sharply, "Guards! Protect His Highness!"

Amid the chaos, many tried to stop Gu Jiusi while Prince Liang and Qin Si were escorted outside by guards. Beyond the tent lay a scene of utter carnage—wherever the torchlight fell, there was nothing but slaughter. Standing in the midst of his formation, Prince Liang couldn't discern how many enemies there were. He felt completely surrounded by Gu Jiusi's forces, his life hanging by a thread! Everyone was fleeing, no one listened to him, and in his panic, he mounted his horse and yelled, "Go! Retreat now!"

Prince Liang spurred his horse fiercely, with Qin Si close behind. Qin Si knew that after facing death directly, it would be difficult to persuade Prince Liang anymore. He could only follow as Prince Liang analyzed, "There must be many ambushed in the city. Fan Xuan knew I was coming—how could he not prepare? We'll abandon Hope Capital City and move to the next location!"

Qin Si remained silent, feeling this was unwise.

Behind them, the battle cries shook the heavens as Gu Jiusi pursued them relentlessly, seemingly determined to end the conflict with their lives.

Thus, one fled while the other chased. Meanwhile, Wang Mei and Qian San took advantage of the confusion, quietly knocked out a soldier, seized his official travel document, and hurriedly escaped through the city gates.

Outside the gates, they found slaughter and blood everywhere. Terrified, they held hands and crept through the battlefield, fearing any mishap.

When dawn broke after the long night, Gu Jiusi finally ordered a retreat. Prince Liang had fled far away and only relaxed when he saw Gu Jiusi wasn't pursuing anymore. Looking back, he found about half his forces still with him.

Seeing no one around, Prince Liang felt somewhat reassured and decided to set up camp. Gu Jiusi led his troops back to Hope Capital City. Upon entering, he found everyone watching him.

They seemed to want to praise him but lacked the right words. Instead, they simply looked at him with hope. Gu Jiusi smiled and told everyone, "Don't worry, they've left."

Then, setting down his spear, he calmly added, "Everyone, return to your duties. Don't delay."

They nodded in agreement, their excitement undeniable. Everyone knew this battle was over, and what awaited was Hope Capital City's renowned reputation for overcoming overwhelming odds!Ye Shi'an organized everyone to carry the wounded away. Gu Jiusi glanced at the injured and sighed, "It's a good thing they left. If they came back, we wouldn't know what to do."

Ye Shi'an nodded in agreement, "Indeed."

At that moment, Wang Mei and Qian San were supporting each other as they walked forward. Qian San suddenly halted and cautiously asked, "Is that Prince Liang's camp over there?"

Wang Mei was taken aback for a moment before looking at the fluttering banner bearing the character "Liang" and nodding. Qian San gritted his teeth and declared, "It's just as well that Prince Liang is here. A Mei, wait for me here. I'll be right back."

"What... what are you going to do?" Wang Mei asked fearfully. Qian San patted her hand gently and reassured her, "Don't worry, I'm just going to ask for food. I won't cause any trouble."

Wang Mei couldn't believe it, but Qian San was resolute and completely disregarded her concerns. He sprinted toward Prince Liang's camp and urgently addressed the guards, "Quickly, please report to Prince Liang! I have very important information to tell him! I beg for an audience with His Highness!"

Prince Liang had initially no intention of meeting such a person, but upon hearing that Qian San had escaped from the city, he ordered him to be brought in.

Containing his excitement, Qian San kowtowed to Prince Liang before raising his head and saying, "Your Highness, I have come specifically to ease Your Highness's worries."

"How so?"

"Your Highness probably doesn't know how many people are in the city, does you?"

Hearing this, Prince Liang looked up sharply. Qian San gave a light smile and said, "As it happens, I know the exact number—exactly ten thousand, no more no less."