Destined

Ye Shi'an hung up the lantern and entered the dining hall with Shen Ming. The hall was bustling with people gathered around a large table. Just as the group settled down, a surprised voice came from outside: "What happened to the door?"

Recognizing the voice, Gu Jiusi immediately stood up and cheerfully went out to greet them, saying, "Brother Zhou."

Zhou Ye entered with Qin Wan Zhi, smiling apologetically as he explained, "There aren't many people at our place, so Wan Zhi and I decided to come over for a meal. Hope we're not intruding?"

"Of course not!" Gu Jiusi laughed, welcoming Zhou Ye inside while Liu Yu Ru rearranged the seating to accommodate him.

After everyone was seated, Liu Yu Ru glanced around and turned to Ye Shi'an, remarking, "It's a pity Yun'er isn't here."

"She should arrive soon," Ye Shi'an replied with a smile. "Probably by tonight."

Due to the ongoing turmoil outside, Ye Shi'an had initially rushed over alone, leaving Ye Yun midway. Now that the crisis in Wangdu had passed, he had sent for her to continue her journey. Based on the distance, she was expected to arrive that evening.

Once the meal concluded, Shen Ming, Zhou Ye, and others gathered in the courtyard to drink, soon becoming thoroughly intoxicated. When Liu Yu Ru heard that Ye Yun had entered the city, she quickly grabbed a lantern and hurried out. Reaching the alley entrance, she spotted Ye Yun's carriage. Ye Yun had the driver stop and lifted the curtain to look at her.

Clad in a fox fur coat and panting lightly, Liu Yu Ran stood as Ye Yun watched her silently from the carriage. After a long moment, both slowly broke into smiles. Liu Yu Ru softened her voice, saying gently, "I heard you'd arrived, so I came to meet you."

Ye Yun pressed her lips together in a smile, then decisively rolled up the carriage curtain and hopped down. Linking arms with Liu Yu Ru, she declared cheerfully, "Since you rushed out to welcome me, I'll do you the honor and walk in with you."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru felt a pang of emotion, recognizing that the person beside her still carried the willful demeanor of their childhood days.

Arm in arm, they tread on the fresh snow, which crunched underfoot. Neither spoke, yet countless unspoken words seemed to trail in their footprints, silently conveyed.

As they reached the doorway, fireworks suddenly burst overhead. Both girls turned simultaneously, watching the sparks soar and reflect in each other's eyes.

"Another year has passed," Ye Yun murmured.

Liu Yu Ru chuckled, "Yes, last year when we watched fireworks, we were still in Yangzhou City."

"This year has been so hard," Ye Yun turned to look at Liu Yu Ru, who smiled and reassured, "It won't be like that anymore."

It won't be like that anymore.

Liu Yu Ru glanced through the broken gate into the courtyard, where Gu Jiusi was playfully teasing Shen Ming. He seemed to have taken something from Shen Ming, who was chasing him in mock fury, much to everyone's amusement. Liu Yu Ru couldn't help but laugh along.

Family, friendship, love.

In truth, this was the most complete New Year she had ever experienced.

She lowered her head with a quiet laugh and said to Ye Yun, "Let's go in."

Together, they entered the house and joined the lively crowd. Everyone played leaf cards and reveled late into the night before finally retiring to their rooms.Gu Jiusi was too drunk to stand steadily. With the help of Ye Shi'an and Shen Ming, he was assisted into the room. Liu Yuru dismissed everyone and fetched a damp cloth, gently wiping his body. Half-conscious, Gu Jiusi opened his eyes and saw the girl bowing her head to wipe his hands. He couldn't help but smile softly.

"I want to spend every year like this."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru looked up and smiled. Gu Jiusi closed his eyes and murmured drowsily, "I want to celebrate every New Year with you, with family, and with brothers like Brother Zhou, Shen Ming, and Ye Shi'an."

"Go to sleep."

Knowing he was talking nonsense, Liu Yuru finished wiping his hands and chuckled as she instructed him, then moved to return the cloth to the basin. As she stood up, Gu Jiusi grabbed her hand. Smiling mischievously, he winked at her.

"Am I handsome?"

Liu Yuru laughed, pursing her lips as she replied, "Yes, you are."

"Am I more handsome than Ye Shi'an?"

"You are."

"Praise me again." Gu Jiusi lifted his chin. Liu Yuru sat down patiently and asked, "How should I praise you?"

"Do you remember how you praised me the second time we met, at the rouge shop?"

Liu Yuru froze, thinking carefully. Seeing her vague recollection, Gu Jiusi reminded her, "I'm more dashing, handsome, quick-witted, and upright than him."

"You remember it so clearly?" Liu Yuru was somewhat dazed. Gu Jiusi nodded earnestly, leaning closer. "Hurry, praise me."

"Boring and childish," Liu Yuru poked his forehead, stood up with pursed lips, returned the cloth to the basin, and said with her back to him, "Hurry up and sleep."

Liu Yuru went to wash up herself. When she returned, the room was dark. Assuming Gu Jiusi was asleep, she had just gotten into bed when someone grabbed her hand, pulled her forcefully inward, and flipped over to pin her down.

"Quick, praise me."

Drunk, Gu Jiusi seemed particularly stubborn. Liu Yuru looked at his expression and smiled. "What if I don't?"

"If you don't praise me, I'll find another way."

Gu Jiusi spoke with utmost seriousness. Curious, Liu Yuru asked, "What way?"

Pinning her down, he propped his chin on his hand. "Want to find out?"

"Huh?"

Before she could react, Liu Yuru felt her clothes being pulled open. She tried to stop him, but it was too late.

Unlike the first time, when he had been cautious, Gu Jiusi was noticeably more skilled and unrestrained this time.

Liu Yuru's voice grew hoarse from crying out. Even when she begged and praised him later, it was useless.

She finally understood that he truly had other ways to make her yield.

When it was over, Liu Yuru lay panting, completely unable to move. Gu Jiusi, however, was full of energy. He carried her to bathe, then held her as they fell asleep.

After closing their eyes, they knew clearly that when they opened them again, it would be the next year.

Thus, they slept exceptionally long. Whether it was due to the winter or their late night, they woke later and later. When Liu Yuru awoke, the sky was already bright, and Gu Jiusi was still sound asleep. Remembering they were supposed to go up the mountain with Jiang Rou to offer incense, she hurriedly shook Gu Jiusi. He grumbled and refused to get up. Anxiously, Liu Yuru urged, "Hurry up, or Mother will scold us!"

"Let me sleep a little longer..."Gu Jiusi immediately pulled the quilt over his head, whining like a spoiled child, "I'm so sleepy..."

Liu Yuru couldn't handle his antics. She got up first, and when she returned to find Gu Jiusi still asleep in bed, she gritted her teeth, fetched a cold towel, and pressed it onto his face. The icy shock jolted Gu Jiusi upright in bed, exclaiming in panic, "What's going on!"

The towel slipped from his face, revealing Liu Yuru sitting before him with a stern expression.

Gu Jiusi immediately asked, "Has something happened?"

Liu Yuru nodded.

"Is it trouble at the front lines?"

Liu Yuru shook her head.

"Has Northern Liang invaded?"

Liu Yuru shook her head again.

"Then what else could it be?"

Gu Jiusi was baffled, unable to imagine what could make Liu Yuru so serious. She grabbed his sleeve and urged, "The whole family is waiting for us to visit the temple today. Hurry up."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi breathed a sigh of relief. As he slumped back into bed, he mumbled, "I'm not going. I'm too sleepy, too tired, too exhausted..."

Liu Yuru stood up and declared, "I'll go fetch some ice."

Gu Jiusi instantly sprang out of bed, suddenly full of energy, and declared, "I think I can manage!"

Liu Yuru dragged a dazed and reluctant Gu Jiusi out the door, where the entire Gu household was already waiting at the entrance. She pulled him over to Jiang Rou and Gu Langhua, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Father, Mother..."

"It's fine," Jiang Rou waved her hand, smiling. "Young people, after all."

Liu Yuru's face flushed even redder.

Jiang Rou glanced at the yawning Gu Jiusi beside her and remarked with a chuckle, "After all these years, this is the first time Jiusi has joined us for the New Year's temple visit."

Liu Yuru: "..."

Just how lazy had this person been in the past?

Gu Jiusi, yawning, followed Liu Yuru as the entire Gu family went to the suburban temple to pray for a smooth and peaceful year.

Apart from the New Year's temple visit, Gu Jiusi hardly left the house for the rest of the Spring Festival.

As newlyweds, Gu Jiusi shadowed Liu Yuru every day, doing whatever she did, and when he couldn't keep up, he simply watched.

Liu Yuru taught him how to cook, practiced calligraphy with him, and even showed him embroidery. Though he was skilled with a sword, the embroidery needle pricked his fingers until they were covered in wounds.

He coaxed her into soothing his fingers with her mouth, though Liu Yuru didn't quite understand how that would help with needle pricks. By the time she realized his intentions, it was too late.

After muddling through the New Year, news arrived from the Eastern Capital. Fan Xuan had achieved a great victory, pacifying the entire northern region. Now, among the powerful feudal lords of Da Rong, only Fan Xuan in the north, Luo Zishang in Yangzhou, and Liu Xingzhi holding Jing and Yi provinces remained.

Yangzhou was prosperous, while Jing and Yi provinces were vast and fertile, especially Yi Province, which had always been a grain supply region. Thus, even with only two provinces, Liu Xingzhi was strong enough to rival Fan Xuan.

When Gu Jiusi received his transfer orders, Fan Xuan had already ascended the throne in the Eastern Capital. Staring at the document, Gu Jiusi felt uneasy. Liu Yuru, who was packing their belongings, noticed him standing by the window and said, "Don't stand by the window if you're thinking. The cold wind will give you a headache."

Gu Jiusi sighed, closed the window, and returned to help her pack.

Liu Yuru looked up at him and asked, "What's troubling you?"Gu Jiusi gave a bitter smile. "I'm being transferred back to the Eastern Capital. Do you know what position I've been appointed to?"

"How would I know that?"

"Vice Minister of Revenue."

Folding clothes, Gu Jiusi sighed. "Jumping five ranks at once—it's a high position indeed."

Liu Yuru was momentarily stunned, but quickly grasped the implications.

To enter the Ministry of Revenue and directly become Vice Minister—Zhou Gaolang must not have obstructed this at all. Zhou Gaolang kept Zhou Ye in Youzhou while having Gu Jiusi enter the Eastern Capital as Vice Minister of Revenue. This meant the one he was wary of probably wasn't Zhou Ye...

Liu Yuru understood what was worrying Gu Jiusi. She looked up at him—the man before her was folding clothes, seemingly deep in thought. After a long silence, Liu Yuru said calmly, "If you're unwilling, why not resign from the position? I could support you if needed."

"Don't talk nonsense," Gu Jiusi retorted, looking up to glare at her before pinching her cheek gently. "Don't you still need me to earn your Imperial decree bestowing an honorific title?"

"I knew it," Liu Yuru said with a laugh. "You just want to secure me an Imperial decree so you can divorce me."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi paused his movements. After a moment, he looked up at her and said tenderly, "No divorce. Unless you're the one who dismisses me, we'll stay together for the rest of our lives."