Destined

Upon hearing these words, everyone's expressions changed. Only Liu Yu Ru remained calm and composed as ever.

Su Wan was both worried and frightened, uncertain whether Jiang Rou was friend or foe. Meanwhile, Liu Xuan and Zhang Yue'er completely darkened their faces, feeling Jiang Rou had gone too far.

Zhang Yue'er had originally thought that once the betrothal gifts entered the Liu family, she could simply select some items that sounded impressive but were actually worthless to serve as Liu Yu Ru's dowry. The Gu Family was wealthy and influential, and she had heard Gu Lang Hua was kind-hearted and generous. Since the Gu Family hadn't mentioned the dowry initially, she assumed they wouldn't bring it up later. Who could have expected that now that the marriage was settled, they would come to discuss the dowry?

Liu Xuan shared similar thoughts with Zhang Yue'er, but his rationality as a father and head of the household reminded him that no matter how much he coveted the Gu Family's betrothal gifts, he couldn't lose face. So he cleared his throat and asked Jiang Rou in return, "What does Madam Gu think would be appropriate?"

"Master Liu, you jest," Jiang Rou smiled gently, her expression soft. "I'm merely asking. The specifics are entirely your family's affair. We are not a family that covets a bride's dowry, but the dowry represents the bride's dignity. I was concerned that the first wife might lack experience, so I came specifically to inquire."

With these words, she directly assigned the dowry matter to Su Wan. Zhang Yue'er quickly caught on and hurriedly said, "There's no need to trouble my elder sister with this matter. Madam Gu can ask me directly."

Hearing this, Jiang Rou turned her gaze to Liu Xuan and said with a meaningful smile, "So, currently in the Liu Family, it's not the first wife managing affairs, but a concubine?"

Liu Xuan remained silent. Recalling Jiang Rou's earlier pointed remarks, he felt his face burning. If he were to admit now that Zhang Yue'er was managing the household, the embarrassment would be even greater. He instinctively glanced at Su Wan and saw that she too was silent, turning her head away, gripping the armrest tightly, tears welling in her eyes—clearly deeply wronged.

A wave of guilt washed over Liu Xuan, and just as he was about to speak, Zhang Yue'er interjected, "Madam Gu may not know, but our first wife is in poor health, so she usually has me assist her."

"So, you're also assisting with her own daughter's dowry?"

Jiang Rou asked with a smile, her eyes brimming with barely concealed amusement. Liu Xuan couldn't hold back any longer and suddenly snapped in a low voice, "When Madam Gu is speaking, what right do you have to interrupt?"

Hearing this, Zhang Yue'er was utterly stunned. She had never imagined Liu Xuan would speak to her like this. Suddenly, she recalled how Liu Xuan had been frequently visiting Su Wan lately, and she began to suspect that there might be some undisclosed intimacy between Liu Xuan and Su Wan.

Having enjoyed smooth sailing in the Liu residence for over a decade, she had grown accustomed to it. Clenching her teeth, she turned her head away and simply stopped speaking.

Seeing her remain silent, Liu Xuan was content with the peace. He cleared his throat lightly and said, "Wife, since you're in charge of the dowry matter, you should discuss it further with Madam Gu."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan acknowledged with a response. After properly saying, "Thank you, Master," she began discussing the matter with Jiang Rou.Su Wan was not one to push her luck. After estimating the amount of money the Gu Family had provided, she proposed a sum. This amount wasn't substantial, but combined with the land deeds and property titles from the Gu Family, the dowry would still appear respectable. Jiang Rou, having received the response, left cheerfully. As soon as she departed, Zhang Yue'er erupted in anger, exclaiming, "Isn't this practically giving nothing? We're even adding our own dowry on top—are we marrying off a daughter or handing out silver?"

"Stop making a scene," Liu Xuan said, his head aching from Zhang Yue'er's noise. Over the years, she had grown increasingly domineering, talking of nothing but money. She couldn't compare to Yun Yun, and even the usually quiet Su Wan was better than her.

Liu Xuan couldn't help but make comparisons, but he still held some affection for Zhang Yue'er. Remembering the Gu Family's wealth, he turned to Su Wan with dissatisfaction and said, "Madam, I must say, you should have bargained harder for that money."

"Master," Su Wan sighed, "Fighting over a sum of money is just that—a sum of money. But what we'd lose is the entire Liu Family's dignity. You still have a future ahead of you; you can't tarnish it for such petty gains. Don't worry about the money—I'll cover Yu Ru's expenses from my own dowry."

One was clamoring over money, while the other was considering her husband's lifelong prospects and willing to dig into her own savings. The contrast was stark.

Liu Xuan suddenly wondered if he had been blind all along.

He grew irritable.

That evening, Liu Xuan stayed with Su Wan again. She arranged for Yun Yun to attend to him. After eating and drinking his fill, Liu Xuan held Yun Yun and sighed, "Why do people change so much from one day to the next?"

Yun Yun replied softly, "If one's heart belongs to her lord, she will naturally think of him in all matters."

Her words were subtle, but Liu Xuan understood. If one's heart wasn't with him, wouldn't she only think of herself?

It suddenly dawned on him: Was Zhang Yue'er fighting for the Liu Family's money? No, she was clearly fighting for herself and her own son!

Filled with indignation, Liu Xuan woke the next day and saw Su Wan's frail, sickly appearance. Overwhelmed by guilt, he sighed and said to her, "Wan'er, there's no need for you to supplement Yu Ru's dowry. The Liu Family isn't short of this bit of silver. I had already prepared a dowry for Yu Ru—just send it over."

Hearing this, Su Wan repeatedly declined. The more she refused, the guiltier Liu Xuan felt. Finally, when Su Wan agreed, though Liu Xuan felt a pang of regret, seeing her grateful expression, he thought, Well, it's fine. After all, the betrothal gifts from the Gu Family are substantial. However you calculate it, the Liu Family still comes out ahead.

After all the commotion, Liu Yu Ru's dowry was finally settled, and the wedding date drew near.

Gu Jiusi had been confined to his room for several days and felt he was going mad. Every day, he sat by the door, knocking on it listlessly and muttering, "Let me out... let me out..."

Meanwhile, Liu Yu Ru had also shut herself in her room, afraid that if she wandered outside, she might be tempted to flee the marriage.

Of course, it was just a thought—she wouldn't dare actually do it.

The Gu Family's betrothal gifts had been accepted, the wedding date was set, and she had even finished embroiding the mandarin duck-themed bedsheets and quilt covers. At this point, how could she possibly back out?

Yet, whenever she thought of marrying Gu Jiusi and recalled that dream, Liu Yu Ru felt as if she couldn't breathe.The day before the wedding, Liu Yuru slept lightly at night. In her dazed state, she dreamed again of the Gu family being raided, but this time she was no longer a mere observer in the dream. She was dragged and pulled, hauled out from the doorway. She heard Wang Rong’s voice, speaking in an utterly disgusting tone: "Back then, I wanted you, and you acted all high and mighty. Now look at you—destined for the brothel!"

Liu Yuru woke up with a start, drenched in cold sweat.

Staring at the bedsheets in the darkness, she felt an overwhelming fear about marrying Gu Jiusi.

By then, lanterns were already being lit outside, and everyone was busy putting up the double happiness characters.

Yin Hong walked in, smiling, and said, "I hadn’t even come to wake you, miss, and you’re already up."

As she approached Liu Yuru, Yin Hong looked puzzled and asked, "What’s wrong, miss? Your forehead is covered in cold sweat."

Liu Yuru blinked, slowly coming back to her senses.

It was just a dream.

She knew it clearly, comforting herself—it was only a dream.

But she was still afraid.

She had never believed in supernatural tales, but this dream felt so real that it was hard to stay calm.

Noticing Liu Yuru’s dazed expression, Yin Hong couldn’t help but chuckle. "Is miss just too nervous?"

"It’s nothing," Liu Yuru shook her head, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

Marrying Gu Jiusi was an irreversible matter. She couldn’t let a mere dream ruin this already settled marriage.

She wasn’t that foolish.

So she straightened up and, with the help of her maid, rose to put on her wedding dress.

Her wedding dress had been prepared long ago, every stitch of the embroidery sewn by her own hand. While working on the patterns, she had imagined that if she could marry Ye Shi’an, he might praise her for her skill and cleverness.

Ye Shi’an…

As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she didn’t know why, but the thought of that name suddenly filled her with a pang of sorrow and grievance.

It felt like more than just a name—it was seven years of her life.

From the age of eight, when she first realized she would have to marry someone, she had always thought of Ye Shi’an.

Perhaps it was calculation, perhaps it was suitability, but there was also a touch of youthful sentiment. Even though she had only exchanged a few words with Ye Shi’an in their childhood, and they hadn’t seen each other since he left for Egret Academy at thirteen, she couldn’t tell whether she truly liked Ye Shi’an or simply the hope she had cherished. No matter how she looked at it, he had been the person she had held onto the longest and most earnestly in her life.

And now, she was about to let go.

This surrender came so abruptly. When she truly realized it at this moment, tears welled up uncontrollably. She couldn’t explain the feeling—it was just an inexplicable sorrow that made her weep silently.

Su Wan had risen early to comb her daughter’s hair. Seeing her daughter sitting before the mirror, clenching her jaw and crying without a word, Su Wan felt as if her heart were being sliced by a knife.

She held her tightly, her voice hoarse as she said, "I understand your pain… I understand it all."

To have set her heart on marrying Ye Shi’an, to have put in so much effort, only for it all to come to nothing—and now to marry a man she had always looked down on the most.

As a mother, she knew all too well the despair and grievance her daughter felt.

But what could she do about it?If Liu Yuru were a son, then breaking off the engagement would have been acceptable. But no matter how strong-willed she was, she was still just a girl.

Su Wan held Liu Yuru, crying even more sorrowfully than her daughter. Liu Yuru quickly sniffled and patted Su Wan’s hand, saying, “Mother, it’s alright, don’t be sad. They say it’s auspicious to cry a little when getting married—I was just shedding a few tears for luck.”

As she spoke, Liu Yuru hastily wiped her tears and forced a smile. “Come, let’s do my makeup. It’s fine.”

Seeing Liu Yuru like this, Su Wan felt even more heartbroken. She grasped Liu Yuru’s hand and repeated, “I understand…”

She understood.

Her daughter was so sensible and obedient, always taking everything upon herself, afraid of causing her mother worry.

So while other girls wailed in their mothers’ arms, Liu Yuru learned to hide in corners and cry silently, afraid that Su Wan would notice, afraid that Su Wan would worry.

And now that she had grown up, even when facing a lifetime of grievances, she had to swallow her tears, put on a brave face, and pretend everything was fine—all to keep Su Wan from worrying.

But she was her own flesh and blood—how could she not understand? So she held Liu Yuru’s hand and said in a hoarse voice, “I can’t help you much, but don’t worry about me, and I won’t worry about you either. If you want to cry, cry freely. I won’t be worried.”

Liu Yuru didn’t respond. Instead, she smiled and said, “Mother, it’s my wedding day. There’s nothing for me to cry about—I’m just crying for good luck.”

As the mother and daughter spoke, Liu Yuru had her makeup done, put on her wedding dress, donned the Phoenix Crown, and then covered her head with the bridal veil, waiting for Gu Jiusi to come and fetch her.

After a long wait, they heard from outside, “He’s here, he’s here!”

Liu Yuru grew nervous, twisting her handkerchief in her hands. Moments later, the main door was kicked open with a loud “bang!” followed by Gu Jiusi’s angry voice: “Hurry up and get moving.”

Liu Yuru: “…”

Anyone listening would think he was rushing her on a journey.

Liu Yuru remained still. Gu Jiusi was about to lose his temper when Gu Langhua’s cold voice interjected, “Jiusi.”

That single word, “Jiusi,” instantly reminded him of the beating he had received in his room that morning and the servant who was still tied up at home as punishment.

He closed his eyes in frustration, walked over to Liu Yuru, and stiffly handed her one end of the red silk ribbon, saying, “Hold this. Follow me.”

Liu Yuru said nothing. She knew Gu Langhua and Jiang Rou were likely present, and she was willing to give Jiang Rou face. So she took hold of the red silk, stood up, and followed Gu Jiusi out the door.

Gu Jiusi walked ahead. Though reluctant, he glanced back and noticed Liu Yuru’s veiled head, realizing it might be difficult for her to see where she was going. He thought that if a young woman were to stumble on her wedding day, she would likely become the laughingstock of the entire city.

No matter what, this person was about to become his wife. Even if he didn’t acknowledge it, others would.

So Gu Jiusi let out a dissatisfied grunt and then muttered under his breath, “There’s a step ahead.”

Liu Yuru was taken aback for a moment. Then, she pursed her lips and smiled softly, suddenly feeling a little less angry.

She stepped into the bridal sedan, and Gu Jiusi lowered the curtain before mounting his horse.

As the sedan was lifted, the sounds of music and celebration filled the air. Seated inside the flower sedan, Liu Yuru felt surrounded by bustling noise.Never had there been a moment clearer than this minute when she realized that her life as Miss Liu had ended, and another chapter of her existence was about to begin.

At the time, she thought she was merely embarking on the life of Madam Gu, never imagining that what she was truly stepping into was a legend.

Back then, the fifteen-year-old Liu Yu Ru sat in the bridal sedan, anxiously contemplating her future while mourning her past. Amidst the clamor, she suddenly heard someone shout, "Young Master, slow down!"

There were many in Yangzhou City who could be addressed as "Young Master," yet for some reason, her heart began to race uncontrollably at that moment.

Her hands trembling, she felt an overwhelming urge to lift her bridal veil. She desperately wanted to catch a glimpse—to see if the young master outside was the one she had dreamed of day and night.

She had first shown signs of maidenhood at thirteen, came of age at fifteen, but when Ye Shi'an left, she was just twelve, her baby teeth not yet fully replaced. She had never seen Ye Shi'an through the eyes of a young maiden, yet he had been her entire world during those formative years.

Her entire life had been lived by the rules, never straying from convention. Yet in that instant, a surge of courage welled up within her. Amidst the sea of crimson, she lifted her veil and quietly drew aside a corner of the sedan curtain.

It was at this very moment that a rider galloped past—a young master with jade hair ornaments and white robes, his Wide Sleeves billowing with the delicate fragrance of plum blossoms that wafted past her nose. She saw his face with perfect clarity. Though five years had passed, she could still unmistakably recognize those distinct features and starry eyes—

This was Ye Shi'an.

On the day of her wedding, Ye Shi'an had returned!