Destined

Thus, this banquet came with a purpose.

Liu Yu Ru had someone prepare the gifts and led her attendants to the banquet the following day.

She casually had a carriage arranged for the journey. The banquet was held in the suburban outskirts, where there was a garden bestowed upon Yunshang Princess by the emperor years ago. As Liu Yu Ru left the city, she noticed a steady stream of luxurious carriages heading out of the city gates. Such carriages were rarely seen in the Eastern Capital on ordinary days—they were adorned with gold and jade or featured intricate bas-relief designs, appearing both grand and stable. Wooden plaques bearing the surnames of their owners hung at the front of each carriage, each with unique and elegantly flowing designs, as if engaged in a silent competition.

By the time they reached the entrance of the banquet venue, such carriages were lined up in a queue. Liu Yu Ru’s carriage, however, was plain and unremarkable, looking no different from an ordinary one, except that it was slightly larger than those of commoners. Wedged among these luxurious vehicles, it appeared rather shabby.

Others had noticed this carriage early on. Many ladies and young misses, assisted as they alighted from their carriages, would instinctively glance over and whisper, "Which family does this belong to?"

Then, upon spotting the character "Gu" on the plaque at the front of the carriage, they would show understanding, press their lips into a faint smile, and say no more.

As soon as Liu Yu Ru joined the carriage queue, she sensed something amiss. Frowning slightly but saying nothing, she picked up her round fan and fanned herself intermittently while lifting the carriage curtain to observe the outside.

Yin Hong only belatedly realized the awkwardness of the situation. As they approached the entrance, she whispered, "Madam, does our arrival today seem a bit too humble?"

Liu Yu Ru continued fanning herself calmly and replied, "Don’t panic. Just act as if nothing is out of the ordinary."

Yin Hong acknowledged her words and, seeing Liu Yu Ru’s composure, felt somewhat reassured.

In truth, Liu Yu Ru was also a little uneasy, but having weathered greater storms, she knew that in such situations, it was enough to speak and act sparingly, sit quietly through the day, and then return home.

Nevertheless, she began observing the attire and adornments of the women from the Eastern Capital.

These noblewomen, with ample time and wealth, were precisely the Eastern Capital’s most premium clientele. However, they seldom ventured out, making opportunities to interact with them rare. How could Liu Yu Ru let such a chance slip by?

At the thought of their silver, her earlier unease suddenly vanished, replaced by an indescribable eagerness.

When the carriage reached the main entrance, Liu Yu Ru lifted the curtain and stepped out. Many people had already drawn their curtains and leaned out to see who was inside this carriage.

Liu Yu Ru wore a light blue spring gown and carried herself with graceful composure, leaving no room for criticism. Yet, all the women could tell at a glance that not a single item on her was of any real value. Thus, despite her lovely appearance and dignified demeanor, in their eyes, she was merely a girl from a modest family, meticulously groomed to appear refined.

Coupled with the surname on the carriage plaque, it was inevitable that someone would remark, "From the region of Youzhou, after all—still unfit for such occasions."Liu Yu Ru alighted from the carriage and was led by a maid into the courtyard, where she took her seat at the banquet. The seating arrangement was determined by the status of the attending women. As Gu Jiusi held the position of Vice Minister of Revenue, his rank was relatively high, so Liu Yu Ru’s seat was placed toward the front. Liu Yu Ru instructed Yin Hong to give the maid two taels of silver, at which the maid finally smiled, curtsied to Liu Yu Ru, and said, “Madam, if you need anything, you may call for me. This servant is Si Yu, on duty at the banquet.”

Liu Yu Ru smiled. “I’ll have to trouble you today.”

Si Yu seemed to be in high spirits now and respectfully exchanged a few more words with Liu Yu Ru before withdrawing.

After Si Yu left, Yin Hong poured wine for Liu Yu Ru and whispered, “These servants in the Eastern Capital are all money-grubbers.”

Liu Yu Ru tapped Yin Hong’s head with her round fan. “Don’t talk nonsense like that.”

Yin Hong pouted. Liu Yu Ru glanced around and spotted Zhou Madam. Zhou Gaolang currently served as the Grand Marshal in the court, commanding the nation’s military forces, so Zhou Madam’s seat was naturally in the very front row. Zhou Madam was surrounded by a group of high-ranking officials’ families from Youzhou, so Liu Yu Ru stood up and went over to greet Zhou Madam first.

When Zhou Madam saw Liu Yu Ru, she smiled and said, “Yu Ru, you’ve come too? Today’s banquet hosted by the princess seems to have gathered everyone.”

Liu Yu Ru responded with a smile and was invited by Zhou Madam to sit beside her.

Back in Youzhou, Liu Yu Ru had already been on good terms with these ladies. Seeing her arrive, they began chatting with her about the new scented cream released by Floral Visage. After introducing Floral Visage’s latest products to them, Liu Yu Ru added, “Floral Visage will soon open a store in the Eastern Capital. This time, I’ve hired some craftsmen and also made some accessories. I’ve brought some with me today, and when it’s time to leave, I’ll have someone deliver some to each of you ladies.”

Hearing this, most of the ladies beamed with delight and then said, “Yu Ru, running a business isn’t easy for you. How can we accept these for free?”

“If they can be gifted to you ladies and used by you, I’d even wish to become a box of scented cream myself. It’s an honor.”

This remark made everyone laugh, as flattery naturally brings comfort. Liu Yu Ru sat for a while longer, but as more guests arrived, she stood up, bid farewell to Zhou Madam, and returned to her seat.

Yin Hong was somewhat puzzled. “Won’t you chat a bit longer?”

Liu Yu Ru smiled. “After all, we live in the Eastern Capital now.”

“Huh?”

Yin Hong didn’t quite understand.

Liu Yu Ru fanned herself. “If a person becomes fixed in one circle, those outside will naturally keep their distance, feeling excluded. Staying with Zhou Madam for too long may be beneficial, but it would also make it hard to integrate into the Eastern Capital.”

Yin Hong began to grasp her meaning.

As they spoke, more and more guests took their seats.

Not long after, a plump woman sat down in the seat next to Liu Yu Ru, complaining to her maid as she did so, “How are these seats arranged? I wanted to sit with Madam Zhang.”

Liu Yu Ru turned to look and saw that the woman seemed impatient. She smiled and said to her, “Madam, do you have friends you’re familiar with here?”

“And you are?”

The other woman looked puzzled. Liu Yu Ru pursed her lips and said, “My surname is Liu. My husband is Gu Jiusi, the Vice Minister of Revenue.”

Upon hearing this, the woman was momentarily stunned, then laughed, though her smile carried a hint of sarcasm. “So you’re the wife of the highly popular Minister Gu. I’ve long heard of you. My husband, you probably don’t know him, his surname is Liu…”

“Could it be Liu Chun, the Director of the Granary Bureau?”Liu Yu Ru spoke with a beaming smile, and Madam Liu chuckled, "So you've heard of it too."

"Minister Liu is diligent in his official duties and highly capable, earning much praise from his colleagues. I've also heard a thing or two about it."

Hearing these compliments, Madam Liu's expression improved considerably. She no longer brought up changing seats and instead engaged in casual conversation with Liu Yu Ru.

Liu Yu Ru, intending to gather information from Madam Liu, steered the conversation toward her clothing: "The fabric you're wearing must be high-quality silk."

"Snow silk," Madam Liu replied while cracking melon seeds, a hint of pride in her eyes. "Have you heard of it?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu Ru looked utterly astonished and exclaimed, "Is that the snow silk that costs a hundred taels per bolt?!"

Madam Liu was delighted to see Liu Yu Ru's provincial reaction and began boasting, "It's really nothing special. My entire outfit is made from snow silk. My skin is delicate, and I can't stand coarse fabrics—they scratch and hurt."

"You truly have the fate of a noble," Liu Yu Ru quickly added. "Destined to wear such fine silk."

"It's just ordinary," Madam Liu said, now in high spirits. She raised her hand and asked, "See this bracelet?"

Liu Yu Ru pretended not to recognize it. "What is it?"

A lady nearby, who had been listening to their conversation, couldn't hold back any longer. Covering her face with a round fan, she let out a soft laugh.

Both Liu Yu Ru and Madam Liu turned to look. Liu Yu Ru appeared puzzled, while Madam Liu grew displeased and snapped, "What are you laughing at?"

The lady waved her hand and hurriedly explained, "I just recalled something amusing. Please don't misunderstand, sister."

"You're clearly laughing at me!" Madam Liu said unhappily. Seeing this, the lady quickly insisted, "It's a misunderstanding, truly a misunderstanding."

A thin-faced lady who had been watching the scene chimed in with a smile, "Madam Liu, she isn't laughing at you but at someone else. Please don't misunderstand."

Hearing this, Madam Liu understood the implication. Liu Yu Ru smiled without speaking, pretending not to grasp their meaning, and picked up Madam Liu's earlier question: "Is it warm jade?"

"Oh," the thin-faced lady expressed surprise, "You even know about warm jade?"

Liu Yu Ru looked over and asked curiously, "And who might this lady be?"

"This is Madam Ye," Madam Liu explained. "The wife of Vice Censor-in-Chief Ye."

Upon hearing the surname "Ye," Liu Yu Ru couldn't help but take an extra glance. She nodded in acknowledgment and offered a slight bow but said nothing more.

Subsequently, the other ladies joined in, each trying to show off to Liu Yu Ru as if she were truly a country bumpkin from Youzhou. Madam Liu, in particular, took subtle jabs at her from time to time, with Madam Ye chiming in alongside.

"Since you're from Youzhou, you must know about Floral Visage, right?" Madam Liu said with a touch of pride.

Liu Yu Ru paused for a moment before replying gently, "I do."

"Do you use it?"

"I use some."

"Floral Visage's new golden peony scented balm released this year is excellent. You should try it."

As soon as Madam Liu finished speaking, the other ladies burst into laughter.

"You're really putting Madam Gu in a difficult spot," Madam Ye said with a laugh. "Isn't that the most expensive product from Floral Visage this year? Minister Gu has only just taken up the post of Vice Minister of Revenue, and I heard his family previously fled from Yangzhou in dire straits. I doubt he has the means to let Madam Gu enjoy such luxuries."As these words were spoken, everyone burst into laughter. Just then, a commotion arose outside—Li Yunshang had arrived. Everyone stood up and bowed respectfully to her. Li Yunshang walked through the crowd, saying, "We are all sisters, please rise," while swiftly making her way toward Zhou Madam and the others, to whom she then paid her respects.

With the princess's arrival, the banquet officially began.

Compared to those in Yangzhou, the banquets of the Eastern Capital's aristocratic circle were more lavish but lacked charm. Familiar faces gathered in groups to chat, while Liu Yu Ru sat on the sidelines, quietly listening. As the banquet reached its later stages, Liu Chun's wife, having drunk some wine, was speaking with Lu Yong's wife when she suddenly laughed and said, "Look at Madam Gu's attire—even the servants in your household dress better than her."

Drunk, her voice carried, and the banquet hall fell silent at her words. Liu Yu Ru glanced over; Liu Chun's wife appeared somewhat embarrassed. Just then, Lu Yong's wife chuckled softly, patted her shoulder, and said, "You're drunk."

Turning to Liu Yu Ru, Lu Yong's wife added, "She's drunk and doesn't mean what she says. Please don't take it to heart, Madam Gu."

Those around them gradually resumed laughing, dismissing the incident. Zhou Madam frowned, about to speak, when Liu Yu Ru gazed admiringly at Lu Yong's wife and said, "It's nothing, really. Yu Ru was just thinking that if even the servants in your household live so well, Madam Lu must be an exceptionally kind and benevolent person."

Flattered by such praise, Lu Yong's wife relaxed, her tone softening as she inwardly dismissed Liu Yu Ru's meekness. She replied, "It's not as grand as you say. I simply dress them well so they serve with dedication."

"Then Master Lu must be truly generous," Liu Yu Ru remarked with admiration. "This dress of mine cost two taels of silver. If even the Lu family servants wear such fine clothing, Master Lu's monthly salary must be quite substantial, no?"

At this, Lu Yong's wife's expression instantly changed. Liu Yu Ru lowered her head to sip tea and said slowly, "But it's no surprise. We all know Master Lu has some ventures in Youzhou. However, the Liu family isn't from a wealthy clan—they've risen entirely on their own. The salary of a Director of the Granary must be very high. This ensemble alone," she smiled, scanning Liu Chun's wife from head to toe as if appraising inventory, "gold hairpin, warm jade, snow-silk fabric, the latest Floral Visage scented cream... this set must cost at least several hundred taels, wouldn't you say?"

Silence fell over the room, all eyes fixed on Liu Chun's wife.

Many present came from wealthy, prominent families where money was no novelty, but Liu Chun had genuinely climbed from the bottom rungs of society. Previously, everyone had tacitly avoided the topic out of courtesy, as this was a women's gathering, not a battlefield for court politicians. Yet Liu Yu Ru showed no such restraint. Her eyes, though smiling, seemed to carry blades as she gazed gently at Liu Chun's wife and said softly, "Although my husband is the Vice Minister of Revenue, he is far less extravagant than Master Liu. I wonder what wealth-building secrets Master Liu possesses. Could you enlighten me, Madam Liu? Otherwise, it would be rather undignified if my dress costs less than the attire of a servant in Madam Lu's household, wouldn't it?"

Liu Chun's wife dared not respond.She had sobered up, her mind crystal clear. Facing everyone's gazes—especially Zhou Madam's—she immediately knew she had caused serious trouble.

Madam Lu quickly signaled her with her eyes. Breaking out in a cold sweat, she finally managed to devise a response after a long moment, forcing a smile as she said, "Madam Gu, you jest. How could it be that expensive?"

"No?" Liu Yuru laughed. "A box of Floral Visage's Black Gold Fragrant Balm costs twenty taels of silver. As for your entire outfit," Liu Yuru gestured toward Madam Liu's whole attire, "surely it can't all be fake, can it?"

Madam Liu's smile became strained, but she still had to force herself to say, "So you've seen through it."

Her face flushed red as she continued, "To be honest, I'm afraid it's rather laughable, but since Madam Gu has misunderstood, I have no choice but to explain. This outfit is indeed something I've been boasting about. I never expected Madam Gu to take it so seriously... I've made a fool of myself in front of everyone."

Hearing this, Liu Yuru suddenly understood and quickly said, "Then I truly apologize, sister. I had no idea."

Sighing, Liu Yuru added, "But you too—money is merely an external possession. As women of officials, if we have it, it's a blessing, just like how the other madams come from good families and have fortunate destinies. These clothes and accessories are just the icing on the cake. But for ordinary people like us, why force ourselves to compete for such face?"

"Madam Gu is right," Madam Liu said through gritted teeth. "I was wrong and caused everyone to misunderstand."

"I was wrong too," Liu Yuru hurriedly said. "I should have asked you clearly first, sister."

That "sister" made Madam Liu nauseous, but she still forced a smile and maintained her pleasant expression.

"Alright, alright," Li Yunshang finally spoke from her seat. "We're all here to have fun. Why take it so seriously? Madam Gu, there's no need to press the matter further."

When Li Yunshang spoke, Liu Yuru couldn't help but turn to look. The woman seated there was exquisitely beautiful, as if carved from ice and jade. Having lived in high society, she lacked the worldly air that Liu Yuru had acquired from struggling in the common streets.

As Liu Yuru looked over, Li Yunshang happened to glance her way as well. After a moment of silent eye contact, Li Yunshang nodded first before turning away.

Liu Yuru felt an indescribable sensation. In that instant, she suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of insignificance, as if she were mere dust.

This feeling left her somewhat dejected, but she didn't voice it.

She simply sat down and remained silent.

After the banquet concluded, Liu Yuru had gradually gotten acquainted with a few people before finally taking her leave.

Early spring still carried a chill. Liu Yuru rode back in her carriage, feeling somewhat drowsy. Halfway through the journey, the carriage suddenly stopped. Puzzled by the halt, she was about to speak when she saw a young man in white suddenly lift the curtain and step inside.

The cold air sharpened her senses, and she couldn't help exclaiming in surprise, "Husband?"

Gu Jiusi sat down beside her and said to the driver outside, "Let's go home."

As the carriage started moving again with a clatter, Gu Jiusi turned to Liu Yuru and said, "I had little to do today and returned home early. You weren't there, so I grew worried. After thinking it over, I decided to come pick you up. I thought about going directly to the princess's residence, but I was afraid people might laugh at you, so I waited halfway. I waited and waited, carriage after carriage, and finally, you arrived."When Liu Yuru heard these words, for some reason, all the grievances, anger, and emotions she had felt during the day suddenly dissipated. She pressed her lips together, looked at the person before her, and said with a smile, "How long have you been waiting?"

"Not too long, but also quite a while."

"How so?"

Liu Yuru blinked. Gu Jiusi chuckled, resting one hand on the carriage window, his fingers loosely curled into a fist as he lightly leaned his head against it. With his other hand, he twirled a paper fan, looking every bit the frivolous young master. A smile brimming with spring-like warmth graced his lips as he said, "The wait wasn't long, but without you here, every moment felt like an eternity."

Author's Note:

[What do you have a lot of?]

Liu Yuru: I have a lot of money.

Luo Zishang: I have a lot of schemes.

Gu Jiusi: I have a lot of flirtatious lines.