Destined

Liu Yu Ru relayed Gu Jiusi's words to Zhou Ye, who immediately understood. He nodded and responded, "I will speak with His Majesty about this matter. Please rest assured."

Liu Yu Ru acknowledged with a sigh, "We're counting on you."

Without delay, Zhou Ye went to find Zhou Gaolang. Knowing they would choose an appropriate time to enter the palace, Liu Yu Ru wasn't overly worried and returned to the Gu residence on her own.

Upon arriving home, she found Jiang Rou, Gu Lang Hua, and Su Wan waiting anxiously in the main hall. As she entered, Gu Lang Hua hurriedly wheeled his chair forward and asked urgently, "How is Jiusi now? Is he doing alright in prison?"

Jiang Rou pressed for details. Liu Yu Ru nodded and truthfully reported the situation: "I've bribed someone at the Ministry of Justice, so he should be safe for now. Jiusi asked me to test the Imperial Will, and I've already approached the Zhou family. For now, we should wait quietly. I'll keep gathering information and will inform you both immediately of any developments."

Hearing this, Jiang Rou grew increasingly anxious. After careful consideration, she finally said, "Tomorrow, Lang Hua and I will bring gifts to visit some old acquaintances and seek their help."

Liu Yu Ru paused briefly before stiffly nodding. "We only hope they can ensure Jiusi receives better treatment at the Ministry of Justice and doesn't suffer. It's best not to say anything to His Majesty for now. We should wait until we understand the Imperial Will before taking further action."

After the family discussion, noticing everyone's somber expressions, Liu Yu Ru forced a smile and instructed servants to serve the meal. She addressed them all: "There's no need to worry too much. Jiusi is currently a favored official of His Majesty and a key subordinate of Lord Zhou. Lord Zhou won't let anything happen to him. Please, everyone, be at ease."

Though they all nodded in agreement, the meal passed in heavy silence, with no one able to eat much. Throughout the tense dinner, Liu Yu Ru kept pondering the situation. After the meal, she stood at the entrance for a while before summoning servants and instructing others: "Send two groups out. One to Yangzhou to continue investigating Luo Zishang based on the clues Brother Ye uncovered earlier, and secretly escort that beggar to the Eastern Capital. The other to Taizhou to investigate Luo Zishang's activities there and carefully examine Master Zhang's death."

After giving these orders, Liu Yu Ru remained standing at the door, silently gazing toward the Ministry of Justice Prison until Yin Hong called out to her. Noticing her mistress's state, Yin Hong said apprehensively, "Madam, you must be tired. Please rest for a while."

Liu Yu Ru shook her head and waved her hand. "I'm going to check on the shop."

During her busy schedule, Floral Visage had already opened a store in the Eastern Capital. When Liu Yu Ru arrived, the workers were closing the main gate. Seeing her, they cheered, "The owner is here!"

Liu Yu Ru smiled faintly and entered the shop to inspect its condition.

Currently, Ye Yun managed the Eastern Capital store while Yun Yun handled negotiations for branches in other prefectures. After entering, Liu Yu Ru inquired about recent business conditions from Ye Yun, who patiently answered. Liu Yu Ru listened expressionlessly before nodding and saying, "You've worked hard lately. I'll go audit the accounts now."

Ye Yun acknowledged and had the account books brought over. Liu Yu Ru took them and settled into a small room.The small room contained her usual desk and chair. Ye Yun placed the account books beside her, lit the lamp, and then said, "I'll go organize the rooms with the others first."

Liu Yu Ru responded with a hum, offering no further words. As Ye Yun left and the sound of the door closing echoed, Liu Yu Ru suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of peace. This place seemed like her personal sanctuary. She took off her shoes, curled up in the chair, and hugged the abacus to her chest.

In truth, she had already reviewed the account books countless times—at most, today's entries remained unsettled. But with Gu Jiusi imprisoned, it was only in this moment, after completing all her tasks and nestling in her small room with the abacus, that she finally felt a sliver of security.

She listened to the light rain outside. As summer approached, showers often arrived without warning. Clutching the abacus, Liu Yu Ru slowly closed her eyes and drifted into a light nap.

Outside, Ye Yun finished inventorying the goods and directed the servants to store them properly. When she turned back, she noticed Yin Hong still standing by the door. Approaching quietly, she glanced at the lit room and whispered, "Has Yu Ru not come out yet?"

Yin Hong shook her head. Ye Yun frowned. "She comes to check the accounts every day; it shouldn't take this long." After a moment's thought, she added, "Has she eaten anything?"

"Barely touched her chopsticks."

Yin Hong sighed. "Miss Ye, please talk to her. With the young master in trouble, she can't go on like this."

Ye Yun fell silent briefly before saying, "Prepare a bowl of fermented glutinous rice balls. I'll take it in to her."

Yin Hong acknowledged and hurried off. Ye Yun waited by the door until Yin Hong returned with the bowl. Accepting it, Ye Yun knocked lightly. Hearing no response, she pushed the door open and entered.

Liu Yu Ru was curled up on the chair, the abacus still in her embrace, fast asleep. Her head rested gently against the chair's corner, her slender frame evoking a sense of tenderness.

Ye Yun stood still for a moment, then quietly set down the bowl, fetched a blanket from nearby, and draped it over Liu Yu Ru. She selected a book from the shelf and sat down to read quietly. Much later, Liu Yu Ru stirred awake and, noticing Ye Yun reading nearby, quickly sat up, dazed. "What time is it?"

"Midnight," Ye Yun replied with a soft smile. She set the book aside and pushed the bowl of fermented rice balls toward Liu Yu Ru. "Yin Hong mentioned you haven't eaten. Have some now."

Liu Yu Ru gazed at the bowl, silent for a while before sighing. She placed the abacus on the table and picked up the spoon. "In the past, whenever I was upset, you'd bring me fermented rice balls. Now that I'm grown, even they can't ease my worries."

Ye Yun chuckled softly, relieved that Liu Yu Ru had managed to eat after her nap. Watching her calmly, Ye Yun said, "I heard about Lord Gu's situation from my brother. You needn't worry too much—with Lord Zhou and my uncle vouching for him, his life isn't in danger. At worst, he'll be stripped of his official position. With a 'goddess of wealth' like you at home, what does it matter? He can join you in business. Isn't that just as well? Our roots are in trade anyway, and with my brother's support, there's no need to cling to an official post. Don't you agree?"Liu Yu Ru listened to Ye Yun's persuasion without showing any sign of yielding. Her expression remained calm, revealing neither joy nor anger as she kept her head lowered, eating meatballs spoonful by spoonful. After a long while, she put down her bowl, sighed, and said, "Actually, I know this matter won't be too problematic, but what troubles me is myself."

"In the past, I thought the money I earned was enough, believed I was already quite capable," Liu Yu Ru smiled bitterly, her face filled with helplessness. "When I was in Wangdu, I felt like I could accomplish anything under heaven. But now I suddenly have this indescribable feeling."

"I feel utterly incompetent." She gazed at the flickering candle flame. "When is money ever enough? Look at Jiu Si now in prison. Mother-in-law told me we need money to pull strings, but I realized we actually don't have much left."

"All these expenses - buying residences, relocating shops, greasing palms everywhere, specifically bribing the Ministry of Justice... money is needed at every turn."

Liu Yu Ru raised her hand to cover her forehead, speaking with some pain: "But what can I do? I have to pinch and save everywhere - this money must be spent."

Ye Yun listened quietly. After a long silence, she slowly asked, "What will you do now?"

"The money from Floral Visage's Qingzhou branch hasn't been sent over yet. I plan to use that money first."

Liu Yu Ru kept her hand pressed against her forehead, not looking up as she whispered, "Let's see if it's enough first. We can figure out the rest later."

Ye Yun remained silent for a moment before hesitantly saying, "Some time ago, someone came asking if the Gu Family residence was for sale."

Liu Yu Ru looked up at Ye Yun: "The residence we're living in now?"

Ye Yun nodded and continued, "When I was renovating the residence earlier, that person approached me at the gate. He said he originally didn't like the residence, but now that we've renovated it, he likes what we've done with it. He wants to buy it."

Liu Yu Ru fell silent, deep in thought. Watching her expression, Ye Yun slowly said, "If you're interested, shall I contact him to try?"

"We haven't reached that point yet," Liu Yu Ru shook her head. "Besides, if I sell the residence, the family would probably worry even more. Let's put Floral Visage aside for now and focus on doing well with the Eastern Capital shop. The grain we prepared when buying land earlier is now ready for harvest. I'll go talk to people to see if we can get an advance by using it as collateral."

"Don't worry too much," Ye Yun pressed her lips together. "I'll go talk to uncle - he should be able to help somewhat."

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru looked up at Ye Yun. Ye Yun seemed puzzled by Liu Yu Ru's gaze. After a moment, for some reason, Liu Yu Ru suddenly laughed.

"Yun Jie'er is taking care of people now," Liu Yu Ru said with a laugh. "I always thought you'd keep your young lady temper forever."

Hearing this, Ye Yun looked somewhat helpless. She sighed: "People always change. I used to think you'd live your whole life being that cautious too."

"After all, we've grown up."

Liu Yu Ru picked up the account book, speaking calmly: "When we were young, we always wondered what growing up would be like. Now we find it's always beyond what we imagined. But what's good is that, no matter what," Liu Yu Ru looked up at Ye Yun, seeming somewhat embarrassed as she smiled with pressed lips, "we're still sisters."

Ye Yun smiled without speaking, moisture gathering in her eyes.After chatting for a while about their childhood memories, the two stood up, locked the door, and went out. Once outside, Liu Yu Ru visibly relaxed considerably. Ye Yun then asked, "What do you plan to do next?"

Liu Yu Ru remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "I intend to seek out Luo Zishang."

"Him?" Ye Yun was taken aback, her voice unconsciously sharpening with urgency. "What do you want with him? Don't tell me you think he would still help Lord Gu?"

"This matter likely has some connection to him," Liu Yu Ru said calmly. "Whether it's true or false, we'll find out after probing."

Seeing that Liu Yu Ru seemed resolute, Ye Yun knew it was pointless to persuade her further and could only say, "Since you have a plan in mind, I won't say more. Just be sure of yourself."

"Don't worry," Liu Yu Ru, aware of Ye Yun's concern, turned to look at her earnestly. "I have arrangements in place."

After accompanying Ye Yun to the entrance of the Ye Family and watching her enter the main gate, Liu Yu Ru finally withdrew, letting the carriage curtain fall. Yin Hong, seeing no one around, quickly asked, "Madam, what are your plans?"

"Let's wait for now," Liu Yu Ru replied calmly. "Wait for the people sent to Yangzhou and Taizhou to return."

After a night's sleep, Liu Yu Ru woke the next morning feeling much more composed. She first took stock of the available silver in the household, then sought out Gu Lang Hua and Jiang Rou. After the three discussed and compiled a list, she accompanied Gu Lang Hua and Jiang Rou to visit each household one by one.

With the case still unclear, many households, upon hearing the Gu Family's name, quickly claimed the master was not home. Gu Lang Hua did not press the matter, merely presenting gifts respectfully in private.

Through these efforts, the pressure on Gu Jiusi in the Ministry of Justice lessened significantly. He was only subjected to routine interrogations daily without excessive harassment.

By the fifth day of the case's stagnation, Zhou Gaolang decided the time was right and led Zhou Ye, Ye Shi'an, and Ye Shi'an's uncle Ye Wen into the palace to gauge the emperor's stance.

As the group entered the palace, Luo Zishang was lecturing Fan Yu at the Eastern Palace Pavilion. Fan Yu was sprawled across the table, snoring loudly, while Luo Zishang continued his lecture as if noticing nothing.

The summer heat was intense, but the pavilion remained cool with a gentle breeze. A strand of Luo Zishang's hair fell across the scroll as a guard hurried over and said urgently, "Imperial Tutor."

Luo Zishang raised a hand to silence the guard. He stood and walked to the edge of the pavilion, asking, "Zhou Gaolang has entered the palace?"

The guard, surprised that Luo Zishang had guessed this directly, paused briefly before nodding promptly. "He entered with Imperial Censor Ye, the commander of Wangdu Garrison, and Young Lord Ye."

Luo Zishang nodded to indicate he understood, then returned to the pavilion. He crouched beside Fan Yu and said softly, "Your Highness."

Fan Yu waved a hand impatiently at being disturbed. Luo Zishang leaned closer to his ear and continued, "Your Highness, Lord Zhou has entered the palace to lodge a complaint."

Hearing this, Fan Yu jolted awake, straightening up abruptly from the table.

Suddenly wide awake, Fan Yu exclaimed, "Zhou Gaolang is in the palace?!"

"Indeed," Luo Zishang said with a smile. "He's likely here to plead for Lord Gu."

"I knew it would come to this!"Fan Yu let out a cold snort and immediately declared, "These people form cliques for selfish gains and embezzle treasury silver—how dare they come to plead for mercy? I always knew Gu Jiusi couldn’t have such capabilities on his own; it must be Zhou Gaolang backing him from behind. I’m going over right now to ensure Father isn’t deceived by them! Gu Jiusi has never looked like a decent man from the start—how could such trash even think of holding office? I’ll have Father behead him at once!"

As he spoke, Fan Yu had his attendants tidy his appearance, then prepared to leave. Luo Zishang hurried to follow, but after a few steps, Fan Yu seemed to recall something and turned back, saying, "There’s no need for the Imperial Tutor to come along. If you do, Father might suspect you of stirring up trouble again."

Hearing this, Luo Zishang sighed with a trace of bitterness. "If I truly had ulterior motives, why would I have come to the Eastern Capital? I wonder when His Majesty will trust my sincere loyalty."

"Don’t worry," Fan Yu said, placing a hand on Luo Zishang’s shoulder with bold assurance. "I know your heart is set on planning for Great Xia."

"Thank you for Your Highness’s favor." Luo Zishang took a step back and bowed respectfully, sighing, "It’s fortunate that I have Your Highness’s support now; otherwise, I wouldn’t know how to carry on."

Pleased by these words, Fan Yu patted Luo Zishang’s shoulder and said, "Rest assured, as long as I’m here, those treacherous officials won’t bully you. I’m heading to the palace now—I won’t let them succeed."

With that, Fan Yu, anxious to act, hurried off.

The two groups entered the main hall almost one after the other, though Fan Yu was visibly more agitated. When Zhou Gaolang saw Fan Yu at the entrance and was about to lead his men in paying respects, Fan Yu bounded up the steps in great haste, entered the hall, and shouted, "Father, I have urgent matters to report! Father!"

Zhou Gaolang and Ye Wen exchanged a glance and instinctively halted. Moments later, Fan Xuan’s amused voice echoed from inside the hall, "Yu’er, what has you so flustered?"

"Father," Fan Yu’s tone steadied upon finding his audience, though it remained rushed, "I’ve heard the Gu Family is lobbying officials everywhere to speak on their behalf. You mustn’t heed those corrupt ministers! If we can’t even handle one Gu Jiusi this time, what authority will you have left in the court?!"

Outside, the four men’s expressions darkened, and the eunuch waiting at the door lowered his head, pretending not to notice.

Fan Xuan seemed somewhat embarrassed and replied slowly, "Yu’er, Gu Jiusi’s case hasn’t been concluded yet. Where did you hear such things…"

"Father, you’re not thinking of sparing Gu Jiusi, are you?!" Fan Yu’s voice rose sharply at this. "What’s left to investigate? Gu Jiusi is nothing but a dissipated, good-for-nothing playboy. I saw him gambling in Yangzhou with my own eyes—he’s no decent man. I absolutely believe he stole from the national treasury. I know you’re impressed by his achievements in Youzhou and want to promote him, but you must weigh priorities. The national treasury is our family’s coffers, our money bag! As a subject, he’s merely our servant. If a servant steals from his master’s purse and isn’t executed, what will the other servants think?!"

"Fan Yu!"Upon hearing Fan Yu's nonsense, Fan Xuan finally couldn't contain himself and raised his voice, angrily shouting, "What nonsense are you spouting!"

"What nonsense is this?"

Fan Yu stiffened his neck and roared, "This is the truth! Since you won't say it, I'll say it for you. I want those people to understand what it means for rulers to be rulers and subjects to be subjects, what it means for the Son of Heaven to be supreme. Today I'm telling you, and the four outside better hear it clearly too!"

Hearing this, Fan Xuan abruptly sat up and hurried outside. At the doorway, he saw Zhou Gaolang and his companions.

Fan Xuan was momentarily stunned, then his face flushed crimson. Ye Wen was the first to bow, respectfully saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Following Ye Wen's lead, Zhou Ye and Ye Shi'an also bowed. Zhou Gaolang cleared his throat lightly before saying, "Your Majesty, let's speak inside."

Feeling deeply embarrassed, Fan Xuan quickly ushered the group inside and ordered the eunuchs to close the main gate.

With only these few people remaining in the room, Fan Xuan returned to his seat. After struggling for words for a long time, he finally said, "You came without any notice, and ended up witnessing this embarrassing scene."

Zhou Gaolang remained silent, and no one else dared to speak. Only Fan Yu snorted, sitting in his chair without looking at them. Zhou Gaolang poured tea for Fan Xuan and said in a familiar tone, "I originally came to discuss some matters with you, but now it doesn't seem appropriate. Why don't we two old friends just drink tea and reminisce, passing the time?"

Knowing Zhou Gaolang had something to discuss, Fan Xuan lowered his head in acknowledgment and dismissed everyone. Seeing that Zhou Gaolang wanted to speak with Fan Xuan alone, Fan Yu hurriedly said, "I'm not leaving."

"Get out!"

Fan Xuan finally lost his temper and had Fan Yu dragged away. Ye Wen then led Zhou Ye and Ye Shi'an as they stood up and took their leave.

With only two people left in the room, Zhou Gaolang pulled up a chair and sat at an angle to the table. Pouring tea for Fan Xuan, he sighed and said, "Since you became emperor, we brothers haven't had tea like this for a long time."

Fan Xuan looked at his teacup somewhat helplessly: "I apologize for the embarrassment. Yu'er is still immature, please don't take it to heart."

Zhou Gaolang didn't respond immediately. After taking a sip of tea, he slowly said after a long pause, "I know these words are unpleasant to hear, but I must say them now. Yu'er isn't young anymore - he's seventeen."

Fan Xuan fell silent. Zhou Gaolang turned to look at the palace entrance and said with a laugh, "What were we doing at seventeen? I was already supporting my family, risking my life, while you were celebrating your success as a top imperial scholar. Seventeen years old - if you had told me before that he was young, that would be one thing. But now you tell me a seventeen-year-old Crown Prince is still mentally immature." Zhou Gaolang turned back to look at Fan Xuan, somewhat helplessly adding, "How can you expect me not to take it to heart?"

Fan Xuan remained silent for a long time before finally raising his teacup and drinking it like wine in one gulp. After draining it, he said, "I understand what you mean, but he's my only son. Zi Qing," Fan Xuan used Zhou Gaolang's courtesy name, looking up at him seriously, "if anything should happen in the future, I hope you'll consider our friendship and leave me an heir."

Zhou Gaolang didn't speak, just quietly watched Fan Xuan. After a long while, he smiled bitterly, raised his cup to clink with Fan Xuan's, and said helplessly, "Actually, Yu'er sees things quite clearly in his heart."

Rulers should be rulers, subjects should be subjects - that remains eternal.

If the ruler demands the subject's death, the subject has no choice but to die.

Neither man spoke further, but having reached this point in their conversation, they both understood everything in their hearts.Fan Xuan wore a pained expression, while Zhou Gaolang gazed ahead. Fan Xuan's voice choked with emotion: "Ziqing, I understand—if you truly cared about monarch-subordinate formalities, we wouldn't be sitting here together. You're honoring our bond, and it's I who've failed you as a brother. I won't put you in a difficult position, I..."

"Let's not speak of this anymore."

Zhou Gaolang waved his hand dismissively. "Enough, these are matters for the future. Just live a long life—as long as you're alive, I can live peacefully day by day. Who knows, I might even depart before you do."

He chuckled. "Let's not dwell on such things. Instead, let's discuss Gu Jiusi's situation."

Lifting his gaze to Fan Xuan, he asked, "What do you intend to do?"

Fan Xuan paused briefly before responding slowly, "We must handle this strictly by the book."

He continued deliberately, "The new dynasty has just been established. We cannot let rules be broken simply because Gu Jiusi is clever. If he is truly innocent of corruption and has been wrongly accused, I will naturally compensate him. But if he is guilty, the law must take its course."

Zhou Gaolang fell silent, contemplating for a moment. "What if it were me who committed the offense instead of Gu Jiusi?"

Fan Xuan was taken aback. He looked up at Zhou Gaolang and forced a smile. "What do you mean by that?"

"What I mean," Zhou Gaolang stated plainly, "is that Gu Jiusi has only recently been promoted to Vice Minister of Revenue and had never set foot in the Eastern Capital before. If he could truly make a Granary Bureau Director work for him immediately upon taking office and then have all related individuals meet untimely deaths after the incident came to light—how formidable would he have to be?"

Fan Xuan remained silent. Zhou Gaolang took a deep breath. "Let me speak plainly. This case has been pending for days. You neither speak nor conduct an inquiry. Everyone is waiting for your stance, yet you remain silent. What are you afraid of?"

"Aren't you afraid that the investigation might lead to Lu Yong—"

"Zi Qing!"

Fan Xuan raised his voice. Zhou Gaolang fell silent, and the hall grew still. After a long pause, Fan Xuan sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Leave this matter to the Ministry of Justice. Do not involve yourself further. Zhou Ye and Gu Jiusi are deeply implicated. You and the Ye Family must step back."

Zhou Gaolang sat quietly. Fan Xuan looked up at him and said earnestly, "Though we are brothers, remember this: I am the sovereign, and you are the subject."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Gaolang picked up his teacup, took a small sip, then rose and walked to stand before Fan Xuan. He knelt respectfully and declared loudly, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

Fan Xuan clenched his fist. Zhou Gaolang stood up, turned, and walked out.

Once outside, Zhou Gaolang hurried across the square. Ye Wen stood waiting at the steps with Zhou Ye and Ye Shi'an. Ye Wen turned and asked, "What did His Majesty say?"

"We can no longer intervene in this matter," Zhou Gaolang replied calmly. "His Majesty intends to protect Lu Yong."

"What about Jiusi?!" Ye Shi'an halted abruptly, his voice filled with shock.

Zhou Ye frowned and said quietly, "Let's leave the palace first. We'll deliberate on this carefully."

Ye Shi'an took several deep breaths and nodded. The group exited the palace. At the gate, Zhou Gaolang and Ye Wen boarded their respective carriages, while Zhou Ye and Ye Shi'an followed their elders into theirs.

The carriages headed in different directions. Inside Ye Wen's carriage, he and Ye Shi'an sat in silence. Ye Shi'an clenched his fists, head bowed. Ye Wen rested with his eyes closed. After a while, he spoke slowly, "Lord Zhou has said we cannot intervene. The Ye Family truly should not meddle further."

"I understand," Ye Shi'an replied hoarsely.

"You have helped him plenty. You've done all that could be expected. There's no need for remorse."

"I understand."After a long while, Ye Wen opened his eyes and looked at his nephew across from him.

Ye Shi'an was dressed in a blue Official Robe, his demeanor elegant and transcendent. Even after being immersed in officialdom for over half a year, he still resembled a youth, untouched by worldly influences.

Ye Wen watched him quietly for a long time before speaking calmly, "Since you understand everything, what is it that you cannot let go of?"

"Uncle," Ye Shi'an took a deep breath, opened his eyes, and looked at Ye Wen. "I cannot let go of righteousness, I cannot let go of friendship, and I cannot let go of gratitude."

Ye Wen's expression remained placid, his eyes like dried-up ponds. In contrast, Ye Shi'an's gaze was clear and bright; though usually gentle as water, he now seemed ablaze like fire.

"Today, I knew full well that Gu Jiusi was not at fault, yet I remained silent and feigned ignorance to protect myself. This is the righteousness I cannot let go of."

"Gu Jiusi and I have known each other for ten years, studied together for seven, endured the hardships of Yangzhou, faced life and death, and survived the horrors of the siege in Wangdu, sharing the fierce wine before execution. I have always considered myself indifferent by nature, but when others treat me with sincerity, how can I not respond with genuine friendship? This is the bond I cannot let go of."

"During the Yangzhou crisis, it was Madam Gu who rescued me and Yun'er from peril. When Wangdu was besieged, it was Gu Jiusi who defended the city at the risk of his life, saving its people—including me. This is the gratitude I cannot let go of."

"By reason, by emotion, by duty—I should not let go of any of these. Uncle, why do you ask what I cannot release?"

Ye Wen said nothing, quietly observing Ye Shi'an. After a long pause, he chuckled softly, "Young people."

With a sigh, he halted the carriage, rolled up the curtain, and said gently, "You young folks deserve to throw away your futures and seek death."

Hearing this, Ye Shi'an was slightly taken aback. Ye Wen looked at him, tilted his chin up, and said, "Since you cannot let go, why are you heading to the Ye residence? If you don't care about your future, I still care about mine."

"Uncle, you mean..." Ye Shi'an was incredulous.

Ye Shi'an waved his hand. "Get out."

Upon hearing this, Ye Shi'an quickly smiled, hurried out of the carriage, leaped down, and sprinted toward the Gu Family.

Meanwhile, the Zhou Family's carriage swayed along. After traveling some distance, Zhou Gaolang slowly remarked, "This doesn't seem to be the way to the Zhou residence."

"Taking a detour," Zhou Ye replied with a smile.

Zhou Gaolang fell silent. A moment later, he raised his hand and patted Zhou Ye's shoulder.

He said nothing more. When they neared the Gu Family, Zhou Gaolang had the carriage stop. "If you want to go, go on your own."

Zhou Ye bowed respectfully and got off the carriage. After taking a few steps, Zhou Gaolang suddenly lifted the curtain and called out, "Ye'er."

Zhou Ye turned back to look at Zhou Gaolang, who gazed at the young man in his early twenties for a long while before suddenly saying, "You are my son."

Zhou Ye was stunned. Zhou Gaolang suddenly laughed. "Quite like me."

Hearing this, Zhou Ye felt countless words surge in his throat. He swallowed, and then heard Zhou Gaolang continue, "Once this matter is settled, return to Youzhou early. Don't stay here."

At these words, all the unspoken words receded. Zhou Ye forced a smile and bowed respectfully. "I understand, Father."

"You kids," Zhou Gaolang sighed. "What do you understand?"

With that, he let the curtain fall and called out loudly, "Let's go."Zhou Ye watched Zhou Gaolang's carriage disappear into the distance, let out a bitter laugh, then turned and headed toward the Gu Family residence.

As he reached the entrance, Ye Shi'an arrived panting heavily. Both men paused briefly before breaking into smiles.

"You're here too," Ye Shi'an said, wiping sweat from his brow. Zhou Ye nodded and responded, "Not entirely unexpected."

They entered the Gu residence together, just as Liu Yu Ru returned with Gu Lang Hua and Jiang Rou.

The family had been busy visiting various officials' residences lately, sending out numerous gifts. Some were accepted while others were refused, but since they only asked for favorable words at critical moments and the gifts were valuable, most were ultimately accepted.

Seeing the two men arrive, Liu Yu Ru looked surprised and quickly asked, "What brings you here?"

"We've come to help," Zhou Ye immediately explained. "We've learned the situation clearly - His Majesty is determined to protect Lu Yong. Since both my father and Official Ye are no longer involved in this matter, we decided to come."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu Ru and those around her immediately grew solemn. Shen Ming burst out, "What does His Majesty mean by this? An emperor protecting corrupt officials and framing loyal ones?!"

"Don't say such things," Ye Shi'an glared at him before turning to Liu Yu Ru. "Right now, we should visit the Ministry of Justice prison. First, to ensure Jiusi is alright, and second, since we're the only ones left in this matter, we should discuss with Jiusi - his mind works better than ours."

"Third," Shen Ming chimed in, "if all else fails, we'll break him out!"

"Nonsense!" Ye Shi'an scolded immediately, but Liu Yu Ru said, "If it truly comes to that, it wouldn't be entirely unacceptable."

This stunned both Ye Shi'an and Zhou Ye. While they dared scold Shen Ming, they were less inclined to challenge Liu Yu Ru.

After thinking for a moment, Liu Yu Ru declared, "We'll go see Jiusi in prison tonight."

She then summoned Munan: "Go find the prison guards at the Ministry of Justice and arrange a time for us. We'll go immediately."

Munan acknowledged and left. Liu Yu Ru had everyone stay for dinner, then prepared a food container, clothing, scented sachets, books, and a complete set of writing materials.

Watching Liu Yu Ru pack all these items, Ye Shi'an couldn't help but ask, "Why are you bringing so many things?"

"He's suffering in prison, we should take better care of him."

Hearing this and looking at the overflowing food container, Ye Shi'an said against his better judgment, "This prison sentence does seem rather pitiful indeed."

After everything was prepared, they waited until after midnight when the streets were quiet. Liu Yu Ru led the group to the prison.

"I've already bribed everyone," Liu Yu Ru whispered. "But we can't stay too long. Once inside, we'll make it brief and don't cause any trouble."

Ye Shi'an, Zhou Ye, and Shen Ming all nodded. Zhou Ye glanced around and sighed, "Money can make the devil turn the millstone. When Yu Ru becomes richer, she might even buy this entire prison."

Though meant as a joke, Liu Yu Ru took it seriously: "You're right. I should focus on making more money. I've come to understand that our biggest problem is that I'm poor."

The three men following her: "..."

They reached the depths of the prison and finally saw Gu Jiusi in his cell.Gu Jiusi's cell now held a desk, a bed padded with cotton cushions, and a chamber pot filled with fragrant ashes that left almost no odor. He was dressed neatly, his hair combed impeccably, and he held a travelogue, reading with great interest. Seeing several people enter, Gu Jiusi smiled, set down the book, and looked at the group. "I've been waiting for you. I should have been asleep long ago."

"Sorry to delay your rest," Shen Ming remarked, his expression complicated as he surveyed Gu Jiusi's cell. "It seems you're living quite well in this prison."

"Indeed," Ye Shi'an nodded. "Better than I am."

"Manager Liu," the jailer nearby spoke up, smiling at Liu Yu Ru. "Same as usual, I'll keep watch outside for you."

Liu Yu Ru smiled faintly, took some silver from her hand, and passed it to the jailer. "Thank you," she murmured.

The jailer accepted the money cheerfully and left. Liu Yu Ru carried a food container over and hurriedly said, "Never mind the rest for now. Have you eaten tonight? I brought crispy-skinned duck from East Street. Eat first while Brother Ye explains the specifics. Don't go hungry while we talk."

The group glared darkly at the young couple before them but didn't want to waste time. Ye Shi'an began immediately, "Today, my uncle and Lord Zhou—"

Before he could finish, the jailer's deliberately loud voice echoed from outside: "Your Highness the Princess? What brings you here? Lord Gu? He's a serious criminal—no casual visits allowed!"

Everyone exchanged startled glances. Shen Ming quickly urged Liu Yu Ru, "Hide over there!"

With that, Shen Ming leaped to a high spot while the others found cover. Liu Yu Ru swiftly carried the food container into a side room to conceal herself. Then, footsteps sounded from outside. Li Yunshang's gentle voice rang out: "Lord Gu and I were once acquaintances, so I came to visit today. Keep quiet about this, understand?"

"Understood, understood," the jailer hastily replied. "I wouldn't dare speak a word even with ten extra guts."

As Li Yunshang spoke, she arrived at Gu Jiusi's cell. Gu Jiusi had just stuffed a duck leg under the desk, lain on the bed facing away from the entrance, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and pretended to be asleep.

Li Yunshang paused when she saw him, then rushed forward, gripping the wooden bars of the cell. In a voice so mournful it made everyone shudder, she cried out, "My dear Gu! Are you well, my dear Gu!"

Hearing this, Liu Yu Ru clutched the food container tightly. The three men hiding in various spots instinctively glanced at her, then cast sympathetic looks toward Gu Jiusi.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Gu Jiusi—who had just finished wiping his mouth—was seized by inexplicable panic. Abandoning all decorum, he bolted upright, turned to Li Yunshang, and roared angrily, "What nonsense are you shouting, you proper young lady?! Address me as Lord Gu!"

Li Yunshang: "..."

The three men hiding in the shadows: "..."

Liu Yu Ru, concealed in the inner room, couldn't help but smile.

A little proud—

Author's Note: I! AM! BACK!

[Bonus Scene]

Mo Shu Bai: What gave you the courage to scold the princess?

Gu Jiusi: The will to survive.