Destined

Muffled thunder began to rumble outside.

Zhou Gaolang remained silent. After Gu Jiusi voiced his question, he was immediately startled by his own audacity. Whether Fan Xuan was in good health or not, during this early period of the new dynasty, he must be portrayed as perfectly well.

Hastily leaving his seat, Gu Jiusi knelt down and urgently said, "This humble official spoke recklessly. I beg for your forgiveness, sir."

"What are you doing?" Zhou Gaolang gave a bitter smile, turned to look at the sky outside, his expression calm. "Rise. It's about to rain outside. You should head back first."

Gu Jiusi quickly acknowledged, kowtowed in salute, and then withdrew from Zhou Gaolang's room.

Apart from the matter of Fan Xuan's health, most of what Zhou Gaolang had said today was within Gu Jiusi's expectations. He stood outside the corridor to collect himself. Just as he stepped out of Zhou Gaolang's residence, he saw Zhou Ye standing in the corridor with his hands behind his back. When Zhou Ye noticed Gu Jiusi emerging, he turned to him and said with a smile, "Your sister-in-law insisted on having you stay for a meal, so I've been waiting here for you to come out."

Hearing this, Gu Jiusi looked up at the sky and shook his head. "No, thank you. I promised Yu Ru I'd return home when I left today. I must take my leave now."

Zhou Ye didn't press the matter, merely saying, "You've just arrived in the Eastern Capital and don't have many colleagues yet. Take this opportunity to share more meals with Yu Ru. You might not have this much free time in the future."

Gu Jiusi smiled at this and shook his head. "I've had my fill of drinking outside in the past. Unless absolutely necessary, I intend to have my meals at home from now on."

As he spoke, Gu Jiusi seemed to think of Liu Yu Ru and said somewhat sheepishly, "A home should feel like a home. I want to have dinner with her every day."

Zhou Ye nodded and accompanied Gu Jiusi out, smiling as he said, "I should learn from you in this regard."

Gu Jiusi didn't elaborate further. He glanced at Zhou Ye.

Zhou Ye had been working away from home since childhood. Zhou Gaolang was upright and incorruptible, not skilled in financial matters, and had no family fortune to speak of, relying solely on his official salary. Thus, Zhou Ye began engaging in business in his teens. As he grew older, he mostly handled financial affairs in Youzhou. For instance, Zhou Ye's first trip to Yangzhou was to procure military supplies.

Having managed such responsibilities from a young age, Zhou Ye had mastered the art of interpersonal relations. Whether dealing with the rich or poor, noble or humble, he always handled situations with perfect tact.

When he wanted Gu Jiusi to stay for a meal, he would wait outside patiently. When Gu Jiusi decided to leave, he showed no trace of displeasure. Seeing Gu Jiusi to the gate, Zhou Ye reminded him, "It looks like heavy rain is coming soon. Be careful on your way back."

Gu Jiusi smiled. "Don't worry."

After a moment's thought, he added, "Brother Zhou, I'm truly sorry for making you wait in vain today."

"It's nothing," Zhou Ye said with a laugh. "Wan Zhi hasn't had the meal prepared yet, so nothing's wasted."

Knowing he was joking, Gu Jiusi smiled and bowed to Zhou Ye before lowering the carriage curtain and having Munan drive off. After they had gone a short distance, Gu Jiusi suddenly lifted the curtain and asked, "Where is my wife now?"

"I knew you'd ask," Munan said cheerfully. "I already sent someone to check earlier. The young mistress should be having tea somewhere along Jiufang Street."

Munan had spent the previous night memorizing the map of the Eastern Capital, and Gu Jiusi had also familiarized himself with the main streets. Jiufang Street was the most bustling thoroughfare in the Eastern Capital—this much he knew.

"Let's go pick her up," Gu Jiusi said happily.

Munan sighed with slight resignation but acknowledged the instruction.When Gu Jiusi headed toward Liu Yuru with great enthusiasm, Liu Yuru was having tea in a teahouse with Yin Hong. The storyteller sat in the main hall, narrating tales rarely heard in Yangzhou, mostly current gossip from the Eastern Capital.

Liu Yuru had spent the entire day running around, inquiring about housing prices and rents across various districts of the Eastern Capital and viewing several properties.

The housing prices in the Eastern Capital were twice those of Yangzhou, and rents were even more exorbitant, primarily because the Eastern Capital saw a dense flow of people, many of whom were wealthy elites from various regions. Spending a bit of money to stay here for some time was of little consequence to them.

After touring around, Liu Yuru realized that their current residence was actually quite good, aside from the subpar decor. Its location, in particular, was excellent—extremely close to the Imperial City, just a quarter-hour’s walk away. This meant Gu Jiusi could sleep in a little longer at home in the future.

He had always been a lazy person, and getting up each day was nothing short of torture for him, especially during the winter, when it became even more challenging. Back in Wangdu, as the highest authority in the County Government Office, he had decreed that official duties would begin at the end of the morning hour. Now, in the Eastern Capital, he had to attend court at mao hour (5–7 a.m.). On the first day, he was still somewhat excited about being new to the capital, but in the future, it would likely become a torment.

After a day of consideration, Liu Yuru decided to purchase the residence. Although the sum was not small, the earnings from Floral Visage over the past six months, combined with the rewards from the grain collection trip, were enough to buy a house in the Eastern Capital and still leave half the funds remaining.

Having settled on this matter, Liu Yuru felt somewhat weary. She casually entered a teahouse to rest for a while before heading home.

People around her were chatting, mostly about the new dynasty. The dynasty had now changed its name to Hua, with the era name Yongfu. Everyone was privately discussing Fan Xuan and the court officials, but overall, there didn’t seem to be much dissatisfaction.

The first thing Fan Xuan did after ascending the throne was to announce a reduction in taxes, which greatly pleased the common people. However, Liu Yuru pondered: if Fan Xuan lowered taxes, where would the court’s revenue come from? It must inevitably be sourced from elsewhere.

After sitting for a while, Liu Yuru noticed the sky darkening. She glanced outside and instructed Yin Hong, “It’s about to rain, isn’t it?”

Yin Hong, pouring tea for her, looked up and replied, “Soon. Should we head back?”

Liu Yuru nodded and told Yin Hong to fetch the carriage. Their carriage was parked three streets away, so it would take Yin Hong some time to get there.

Liu Yuru slowly sipped her tea, stood up, called for the bill, and made her way downstairs.

Outside, muffled thunder rumbled, and raindrops as large as beans began to fall. By the time Liu Yuru reached the entrance, it was already pouring heavily. Rain cascaded from the eaves, blurring the world into a hazy veil. Standing at the doorway, Liu Yuru calculated that Yin Hong likely hadn’t reached the carriage by now and was probably caught in the rain, taking shelter under some eaves along the way.

Liu Yuru wasn’t in a hurry. She stood by the entrance, watching the curtain of rain outside.

She stood quietly at the door, while in the tavern across from the teahouse, a lavishly dressed young man leaned back in his chair, calmly observing the pedestrians scrambling for cover from the rain on the street.

He was exceptionally handsome, with phoenix eyes and thin lips, his facial features sharp and clean, lending him a somewhat acerbic appearance. Yet, this did little to detract from his innate good looks, which carried a hint of roguish charm.He sat by the tavern window, rotating the emerald thumb ring on his finger, and said slowly, "I never expected such heavy rain in the Eastern Capital."

The attendant behind him remained silent, the room unusually quiet. Luo Zishang picked up the wine cup beside him, took a sip, and through the curtain of rain, his gaze fell upon a woman standing at the entrance of the teahouse across the street.

The woman wore a light gauze cloak over a white inner garment, her hair styled in a married woman’s chignon. She stood at the teahouse entrance, as soft and beautiful as a willow in Yangzhou in March.

Luo Zishang watched quietly for a moment before suddenly speaking, "Has Gu Jiusi arrived in the Eastern Capital?"

The attendant behind him finally replied, very briefly, "He should have."

Luo Zishang raised his head and murmured to himself, "The letter was sent before the New Year, and now it’s already March. He should be here."

With that, he chuckled and suddenly said, "Munan, fetch me an umbrella."

The attendant called Munan said nothing and walked straight out. Luo Zishang stood up, brushed his sleeves, glanced around to ensure his accessories were in place and his clothes free of wrinkles, then descended the stairs.

Munan had already settled the bill and was waiting at the entrance with an umbrella. Luo Zishang took the umbrella from him and instructed, "Wait here."

With that, Luo Zishang opened the umbrella and stepped into the rain.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi was in the carriage, drowsily leaning against the wall.

He had woken up too early that morning, and the initial tension had kept him alert. Now that he had relaxed, exhaustion washed over him. He dozed off against the carriage wall, oblivious to the torrential rain outside.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the carriage suddenly stopped. He faintly heard voices outside and groggily opened his eyes to see the carriage curtain lifted—it was Yin Hong stepping in.

She was slightly damp but otherwise fine. Gu Jiusi snapped awake and quickly asked, "Why are you alone? Where is the young mistress?"

"The mistress asked me to fetch the carriage. She’s waiting at the teahouse, but the sudden downpour delayed me on the way. I happened to run into you, sir," Yin Hong hurriedly explained.

Gu Jiusi lifted the curtain to look outside at the pouring rain, his back to Yin Hong as he asked, "Is she waiting for you alone?"

"Yes," Yin Hong replied anxiously. "Only the young mistress and I came out today."

Gu Jiusi frowned. He had initially thought it unfair to have Munan driving the carriage in such heavy rain, but concern for Liu Yuru being alone made him uneasy. "Did you tell Munan the location of the teahouse?" he asked.

"Yes," Yin Hong answered. "It’s very close. We’ll be there soon."

When Gu Jiusi encountered Yin Hong, Liu Yuru had grown somewhat bored waiting.

She had already settled the bill and found it troublesome to go back inside, so she leaned by the doorway, waiting. The storyteller inside had moved on from current affairs to the tale of Lady White Snake—the heavy rain on the Broken Bridge, Xu Xian arriving with an umbrella, an oil-paper umbrella with eighty-four bamboo ribs and a handle of purple bamboo, painted with blooming magnolias, raindrops sliding down the canopy, glistening in the wind like pearls.

With nothing else to do, Liu Yuru reached out to catch the fine drizzle. Then, she noticed a figure emerging on the empty street.

At first, she couldn’t see clearly and paid no mind. But as the figure reached the middle of the road, she suddenly recognized his face.

Liu Yuru withdrew her hand, her body involuntarily tensing, though her expression remained calm and composed.Seeing her movement, the other party gave a light laugh. He approached calmly, holding an umbrella as he stood before Liu Yuru, and said with a smile, "Shopkeeper Liu."

Liu Yuru smiled in return, as if unaware of anything, and replied respectfully, "Young Master Luo."

Neither spoke further, though both were fully aware of the situation, yet they pretended ignorance. Luo Zishang did not mention Gu Jiusi and simply asked, "Has Shopkeeper Liu also come to the Eastern Capital?"

"It is normal for me to come to the Eastern Capital," Liu Yuru said calmly. "But I did not expect that Young Master Luo, who is so busy in Yangzhou, would also be here."

"The Eastern Capital is a place of prosperity, admired by all under heaven. How could I be an exception?"

Luo Zishang glanced around and continued, "Where is Shopkeeper Liu headed? Allow me to accompany you."

"No need," Liu Yuru turned to look at the rain curtain. "I will wait here for a while; my family will arrive soon. If Young Master Luo has matters to attend to, I shall not trouble you further."

"Nothing pressing, really."

Luo Zishang walked to Liu Yuru's side, closed his umbrella, and said in a calm voice, "Meeting an old acquaintance so soon after arriving in the Eastern Capital fills me with joy. I shall wait with Shopkeeper Liu for your family and chat for a moment."

"Young Master Luo and I seem to have little to discuss."

Liu Yuru withdrew her smile and gazed quietly at the rain. "Young Master Luo would be better off going inside to drink some tea and watch the heavy rain of the Eastern Capital, rather than standing here idly, keeping company with a mere woman."

"How could there be nothing to discuss?"

Luo Zishang chuckled softly, his voice low and carrying an indescribable depth. "Let us talk about how Shopkeeper Liu evaded my ban in Yangzhou to inflate grain prices. That would be quite interesting."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru fell silent. She turned to look at Luo Zishang, her gaze steady and calm. Luo Zishang smiled warmly, not a trace of anger in his expression, and continued, "I ask sincerely, with no intention of holding you accountable."

"If Young Master Luo asks such a question, you must already know everything," Liu Yuru said calmly. "After I left, you could have captured and interrogated those I left behind. Why ask me?"

"After all, they are not you. There are many details they may not be clear about."

Luo Zishang lowered his head to look at the umbrella in his hand. The orchid pattern on it was still dotted with raindrops. He took a silk handkerchief from his sleeve and gently wiped the orchid, then added, "But if Shopkeeper Liu is unwilling to speak, then let it be. Perhaps we can discuss something else. I heard Shopkeeper Liu is searching for the Liu family?"

"No." At the mention of her family, Liu Yuru's voice turned cold. Luo Zishang let out a low laugh. "No need to be tense. I merely asked casually. If Shopkeeper Liu needs help, perhaps I could be of assistance?"

"No need."

Liu Yuru said coldly, "I am not on good terms with my family. There is nothing to search for. I appreciate Young Master Luo's concern."

"Then let it be." Luo Zishang's voice carried a hint of regret.

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of Gu Jiusi's carriage clattering in the distance grew closer. Liu Yuru spotted the carriage from afar and recognized the Gu Family emblem on it, her face immediately lighting up with joy. Luo Zishang glanced at her subtly and said slowly, "Speaking of which, Shopkeeper Liu and I are not without fate. We have met several times, yet I still do not know your given name. May I ask what it is?"

"Young Master Luo and I are not familiar enough for that. There is no need for you to know my given name."As they spoke, the carriage came to a halt at the entrance. Gu Jiusi retrieved an umbrella from inside, lifted the curtain, and leaped down from the carriage. He hurried to Liu Yuru’s side, holding the umbrella over her, and said cheerfully, "Yuru, the rain is so heavy today. Good thing I came to pick you up, or I wouldn’t know how you’d manage. Come, let me take you home."

Liu Yuru listened with a smile as he took credit for his thoughtfulness, but she remained silent. Gu Jiusi, noticing the complete understanding in her eyes, felt a little embarrassed and cleared his throat lightly. He continued holding the umbrella over her, placed a hand on her shoulder, and used his sleeve to shield her from the rain as he guided her toward the carriage.

Gu Jiusi hadn’t noticed Luo Zishang, and Liu Yuru deliberately refrained from bidding him farewell. Luo Zishang watched their retreating figures, narrowing his eyes. Just as the two reached the carriage, he suddenly called out, "Liu Yuru!"

Everyone stopped. Only then did Gu Jiusi notice Luo Zishang’s presence. He turned around and looked at him with some confusion.

Luo Zishang’s gaze was fixed on Liu Yuru. She frowned at him, and he responded with a light laugh. Holding his umbrella, he walked up to the pair, then closed it, letting himself be drenched in the rain without a care. He handed the umbrella to Liu Yuru and said with a smile, "The kindness of lending an umbrella is unforgettable."

Liu Yuru said nothing. Seeing that she wouldn’t take it, Luo Zishang calmly raised his hand and placed the umbrella on the carriage. He then bowed respectfully, as if meeting her for the first time, and said, "Miss Liu, I am Luo Zishang."

Gu Jiusi’s expression turned stern. Luo Zishang turned and walked into the tavern.

"Young master..." Munan spoke up with concern.

Gu Jiusi didn’t reply. He turned back, holding the umbrella over Liu Yuru, and said calmly, "Don’t stand in the rain. Get into the carriage."

Liu Yuru knew Gu Jiusi was displeased and didn’t dare say more. She simply nodded in agreement and followed his instructions, stepping into the carriage.

Gu Jiusi held the umbrella for her as she entered, then climbed in after her.

As he stepped onto the carriage, he felt something under his foot. Looking down, he saw an umbrella lying there, its surface exquisitely painted with orchids that seemed to bloom vividly in the rain.

Gu Jiusi fell silent for a moment. Suddenly, he bent down, picked up the umbrella, and, catching everyone off guard, hurled it fiercely in Luo Zishang’s direction!

The umbrella flew unexpectedly and struck Luo Zishang squarely on the head with a loud thud. Staggering from the impact, Luo Zishang turned back with a cold expression to see Gu Jiusi standing on the carriage, holding his own umbrella and smiling as he said, "Young Master Luo, next time we meet, please address her as Madam Gu."

Luo Zishang remained silent, his expression icy. Gu Jiusi’s face darkened, and he suddenly snapped, "If you dare give my wife any more random gifts, I’ll beat you every time I see you!"

With that, Gu Jiusi closed his umbrella, lowered his head, and lifted the curtain to enter the carriage.

Yin Hong and Liu Yuru were already seated inside. They had heard the commotion and were pressing their lips together, suppressing laughter.

Gu Jiusi sat down, his face flushed with anger, and turned away without a word.

As the carriage began to move, Gu Jiusi seemed to feel that throwing the umbrella once wasn’t enough. After a moment’s thought, he grabbed his own umbrella, lifted the curtain again, and prepared to throw it as well.Liu Yu Ru quickly reached out to hold Gu Jiusi's hand, advising, "Alright, alright, one hit is enough. Any more and we won't be in the right. You've just become an official—let's not have someone submit a Memorial tomorrow accusing you of beating people in the streets."

As she spoke, Liu Yu Ru took the umbrella from Gu Jiusi's hand and passed it to Yin Hong, continuing, "Besides, it's one thing to smash his umbrella, but this one is our own—a fine umbrella that cost quite a lot."

"Look at that pretty-boy face of his!" Gu Jiusi grew angrier the more he thought about it. "I'm right here, and he dares to act like this? Does he think I'm a pushover? Don't you know his name is Luo Zishang? Does he need to introduce himself like that? I think he's up to no good, harboring ill intentions, trying to take advantage of you right in front of me!"

Liu Yu Ru was amused by Gu Jiusi's outburst. She took a handkerchief from nearby and wiped the water from his hands, soothing him, "I've only met him twice, counting today as the third time. And I'm married—what could he possibly see in me?"

Lowering her head gently, she added, "He's targeting you. Do you think he doesn't know who you are? Even if he didn't, he surely knows my husband is you. The moment you showed up, he must have realized. He's deliberately trying to provoke you."

"Who cares why he did it?" Gu Jiusi snapped immediately. "If he bothers you again, I'll quit this official post, slash his face tomorrow, and pack him off back to Yangzhou! Let's see how he struts around here then!"

Yin Hong, standing nearby, could no longer hold back and let out a muffled laugh. Liu Yu Ru shot her a reproachful glance, and Yin Hong quickly bowed her head to pour tea. Gu Jiusi glared at her and demanded, "What are you laughing at? Is it funny?! You left your young mistress alone there to encounter such a scoundrel, and you have the nerve to laugh?"

"My apologies, young master. I was wrong."

Yin Hong hurriedly admitted her fault. Seeing Gu Jiusi about to vent his anger on Yin Hong, Liu Yu Ru swiftly changed the subject, "How was court today? How did His Majesty treat you?"

At this, Gu Jiusi's anger finally subsided. He took a sip of tea, a hint of irrepressible pride in his voice, "His Majesty was quite favorable toward me. The chief eunuch Wang Hong even came to congratulate me personally. I suppose I count as one of the emperor's favored officials now."

Liu Yu Ru watched his expression and poked his forehead lightly. "Don't get too proud. It's just a small achievement—there's a long road ahead."

"How is this a small achievement?" Gu Jiusi protested discontentedly. "Have you ever seen a minister as young as me? This achievement," he spread his hands wide, gesturing emphatically, "is a big, big, big achievement!"

Liu Yu Ru sighed in resignation. She glanced at Yin Hong, who was bowing her head and desperately suppressing laughter, and felt it inappropriate to scold Gu Jiusi in front of others. As the rain outside softened, Yin Hong promptly said, "Young master, mistress, I'll step out now. You two talk."

With that, Yin Hong exited the carriage. Once only Liu Yu Ru and Gu Jiusi remained inside, Liu Yu Ru chided gently, "Don't be too arrogant. There are many capable people in this world."

"I know, I know," Gu Jiusi sighed. "I just wanted to show off to you a little, hoping you'd praise me."Upon hearing this, Liu Yu Ru paused and reflected for a moment, feeling that Gu Jiusi had a point—he had always been sensible when outside. She then smiled and said, "That was my mistake. I was just afraid you might become too arrogant and complacent. If you truly know your limits, then I should praise you. Someone with your abilities is indeed a dragon among men."

"Really?" Gu Jiusi raised an eyebrow, seemingly skeptical. Liu Yu Ru took a sip of tea and chuckled, "You're unhappy when I criticize you, and you don't believe me when I praise you. What do you want?"

"I just want to know," Gu Jiusi leaned in close to Liu Yuru, "do you still regret marrying me, now that things are so good?"

Hearing this, Liu Yuru lifted her eyes to look at him. He was very close, his youthful face appearing playful, yet his eyes held complete seriousness.

Liu Yuru quietly gazed at him for a moment before slowly breaking into a smile. "Even if you weren't as good as you are now, I wouldn't consider it a regret."

"This marriage," Liu Yuru held her cup, thinking carefully, "seems like not long after I married you, I stopped feeling it was any kind of regret."

"So you liked me that early on!" Gu Jiusi suddenly understood.

Liu Yuru didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "You're flattering yourself again."

Gu Jiusi watched her laugh, and seeing her expression, unexpectedly leaned forward to steal a kiss. Liu Yuru had grown accustomed to such surprise attacks and gave him a helpless look. Only then did Gu Jiusi sit back properly, saying, "Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease."

"What were you worried about?"

Liu Yuru found his unease strange. In her mind, once married, what other possibilities could there be?

Never mind that no one else would look at her - even if they did, how could she possibly respond?

Seeing Liu Yuru's complete innocence, Gu Jiusi sighed. "Actually, I shouldn't be telling you this. I should be telling you more about your flaws, so you'd never leave me. But thinking about it, I still need to be honest with you."

Gu Jiusi spoke so seriously that it made Liu Yuru somewhat nervous. He reached out and took her hand, looking at her earnestly. "Many people will come to like you."

Liu Yuru was taken aback. She looked at Gu Jiusi, whose eyes held no trace of flattery as he quietly gazed at her. "A girl as wonderful as you - beautiful, with a good personality, capable of earning money, with your own ideas - anyone who sees you can't help but notice. Regardless of whether anyone has liked you before or told you so, I know that many people will definitely come to like you in the future."

Listening to Gu Jiusi's words, Liu Yuru felt both sad and happy inside.

For the first time in her life, someone had praised her so sincerely, so frankly telling her she was good, expressing liking - it made her nose tingle with emotion.

"Where am I as good as you say?" Liu Yuru lowered her head with a smile. "It's just your lover's eyes seeing a beauty."

Gu Jiusi smiled, holding her hand and gently kissing the back of it. Softly he said, "You don't understand yet, but you will in the future."

"Speaking as if you're so much older than me," Liu Yuru chided him with a glance.

Gu Jiusi laughed and moved to sit beside her, pulling her into his embrace as he teased, "Two years older is still older. Come on, call me Jiusi gege."

Liu Yuru's face flushed red as she ignored him. Gu Jiusi went to lift her chin. Liu Yuru pushed against him, so Gu Jiusi simply grabbed her hands, wrapped his arm around her waist, pressed her against the carriage wall, and lowered his head to kiss her.

He gently licked her lips, his voice hoarse. "Be good and call me gege, hmm?"

Author's note: [Mini Theater]

Luo Zishang: We're all respectable people here, must we resort to violence at the slightest disagreement? Beating me up at our first meeting - not very nice, is it?

Gu Jiusi: Everyone else is fine. It's just you who's the problem.