Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

Finally, Song Yunzhi looked at her with clear eyes.

The young lady’s eagerness to risk her life lifted his spirits somewhat. A faint smile flickered beneath his deep, brooding gaze—his eyes, cold for two days, now softened. He reassured the young lady who looked up at him, “Thank you, Lady Qian.”

On closer inspection, his pupils were actually a light color. Whether it was Qian Tong’s illusion or not, she felt his smile carried a hint of chill detachment.

A maid from the Cui household returned and said, “Miss Qi, this way please.”

Qian Tong had no time to ponder whether the young master was outwardly compliant but inwardly resentful. She followed behind the maid toward the banquet. After some distance, she realized the maid was leading her to the waterside pavilion where Madam Cui and the Prefect’s wife were seated.

Qian Tong had once enjoyed a pleasant relationship with Madam Cui.

Years ago, when the eldest son of the Cui family sought to marry the eldest daughter of the Qian family, Madam Cui often invited her to visit Cui Manor, always producing candies from her pocket to amuse her.

She believed that back then, Madam Cui had been sincere, not only to her but to her eldest sister as well.

But things changed later...

Her eldest sister had been married into the Cui family for five years but bore no children. Meanwhile, the Qian family business grew and gradually clashed with the Cui family. Small daily disputes accumulated and weighed heavily on their hearts. Two years ago, when both families vied for the marriage alliance with the Prefect’s household, everything erupted completely.

Madam Cui and Madam Qian had a fierce argument in front of everyone during their visit to the Prefect’s mansion.

The relationship between the two families shattered beyond repair.

The Cui family resented the eldest lady for occupying the position of the primary mistress; bound by reputation, they dared not truly divorce her. Had it not been for the eldest lady, the Qian family would have long since severed ties with the Cui family.

What was once a mutually beneficial alliance between the two families had become a burden.

Qian Tong felt no regret—there were no eternal allies, only eternal interests. She stepped forward and greeted Madam Cui with a smile, “Aunt Cui.”

Madam Cui responded courteously, “I wasn’t expecting Miss Qi today, so I hadn’t prepared a seat for you. I had someone add a place beside Miss Fu. You two have been apart for some time; as childhood friends who grew up together, your bond is strong. There’s nothing you can’t overcome.”

Since the Cui family was the one securing the marriage with the Prefect’s household, there was nothing insurmountable.

“Thank you, Aunt Cui,” Qian Tong said, then greeted Miss Liu of the Cui family, “Sister Fu.”

Miss Liu was looking at the young man beside Qian Tong.

Earlier, from afar, he had appeared extraordinary, but now that he stood before her and she saw his features clearly, his striking presence was even more intense, making the young Master Lan look plain and ordinary in comparison.

Caught gazing too long, Qian Tong was snapped out of her stare by Miss Liu, who quickly averted her eyes and lowered her gaze, replying softly, “Sister Tong, I thought you’d never come to see me again...”

Miss Liu’s nature was well known to Qian Tong after all these years; the more she tried to reason with her, the more spirited she became.

Qian Tong smiled faintly but did not respond.

However, since she had brought a man to the banquet, she had to clarify his identity. Without her introduction, Madam Cui asked first, “And who is this young master?”

Qian Tong rarely showed any shy expressions, but now she glanced back at Fu Yin.

Fu Yin stepped forward with a smile and said, “Madam Cui, this is our seventh young master. Originally, madam planned to visit you with gifts on a proper day, but today, by chance, passing by your esteemed residence, she was concerned about the eldest lady and came unannounced. Please forgive any rudeness.”

No one cared about the rudeness.

Seventh young master? Was he not the husband of the seventh young lady?

Surprised eyes immediately turned to them. Just two days ago, the Qian family was still competing with the Cui family for the marriage of young Master Lan. How could there suddenly be a young master?

Young Master Lan looked as if struck by lightning, stunned and confused. The phrase the young lady had said the day before—“It’s all over now”—had troubled him all night. Sitting here now, he was restless, wishing he could somehow multiply himself to marry both and not disappoint anyone.

He could not understand how overnight the seventh young lady had acquired a husband.

The Prefect’s wife and Madam Cui’s smiles slowly stiffened. They knew the Cui family was about to be officially betrothed to the Prefect’s household today. Why bring a husband now?

Madam Cui’s tone grew cold as she asked, “May I ask where this seventh young master is from?”

Qian Tong deliberately paused before answering, “Jinling.”

She wanted to intimidate—it never hurt to try. Perhaps this little breath would be enough to make them gasp.

She watched Madam Cui’s reaction closely.

As expected, Madam Cui’s face tightened, and her breath caught. The four great families sought powerful backers; the Prefect’s youngest son was insignificant. The real influence lay in Jinling.

The Park family had the ability to secure a princess.

The other three families barely had any connections to Jinling.

The Prefect’s wife’s expression darkened. She doubted that someone as mediocre as Qian Minjiang could really have ties in Jinling. She raised her eyelids and asked the young man beside Qian Tong, “Young master, what is your line of work?”

Qian Tong habitually answered for him, “He is—”

Unexpectedly, the usually quiet Young Master Song interrupted bluntly, “A security escort.”

The Prefect’s wife was taken aback but pressed on, “And which noble family do your parents belong to?”

Song Yunzhi replied, “My parents are deceased.”

So he was an orphan. The Prefect’s wife gave a disdainful smile and ceased questioning.

Song Yunzhi was merely probing, uncertain whether Lan Mingquan had ever encountered him during his tenure in Jinling. Judging by the Prefect’s wife’s reaction, she did not recognize him.

Collusion between officials and merchants was a major taboo.

Lan Mingquan, a former official in the Censorate, would not have dared to marry into a wealthy merchant family in Yangzhou while knowing the court would send investigators.

He was not that foolish.

As Song Yunzhi contemplated his purpose, he felt a gentle touch on his arm. Turning his head, his gaze met the dense eyelashes of the young lady leaning close, who whispered softly, “Don’t take it too seriously.”

The sorceress’s sympathy was like an eagle eyeing prey beneath its talons—calculating whether to show mercy by killing quickly or to devour it alive to prolong suffering. It made him feel no better.

He did not care.

Their whispered conversation drew the Prefect’s wife’s scornful gaze. The demeanor of a merchant’s daughter was such—seizing the opportunity to humiliate her, she said, “I heard from the servants yesterday that the head of the Qian family came to the mansion. Unfortunately, I was busy with the lord and couldn’t attend. Miss Qi, do you know the reason?”

What else could it be but to seek favor from the Prefect’s household to protect the Qian family?

Before Qian Tong had even taken her seat, standing as the focus of attention, the Prefect’s words drew many eyes upon her, laced with ridicule, eager for a spectacle.

If she were an ordinary merchant’s daughter, she would surely be blushing with shame, wishing to disappear.

Qian Tong was indifferent.

She owed no debts, so she felt no humiliation. “As for my father, I really do not know. I suppose he collected some calligraphy or paintings to present for your appreciation.”

It was more like a gift than sharing; over the years, the Qian family had sent no small number of items to the Prefect’s household.

The Prefect’s wife understood and was momentarily speechless.

Meanwhile, a footman sent by Madam Cui returned with news, whispering in her ear.

“What?” Madam Cui looked shocked halfway through, then stared at Qian Tong. “You are still young and can be excused for your ignorance, but how could the head of the Qian family allow you to act so recklessly?”

Qian Tong studied her expression.

Her face was an odd mixture of wanting to smile yet forced to appear sorrowful—a ridiculous sight that revealed how a wicked heart changes one’s features.

Madam Cui continued, “You are the only daughter of the Qian head. Your future marriage must be with a family of equal standing. You cannot act rashly out of spite, randomly plucking some dockworker to betroth you. Such degradation of yourself—how could I, as your aunt, bear it?”

Dockworker? Betrothal?

The Prefect’s wife thought she must have misheard. Seeing Qian Tong silent without rebuttal, she was momentarily stunned. The once promising Miss Qi had fallen so far; she didn’t know what to say.

Guests began whispering among themselves.

Miss Liu’s voice trembled with tears, “Sister Tong, how can you disgrace yourself like this? How am I to live in peace...”

Song Yunzhi, who had been quietly observing the Cui family’s courtyard—luxurious beyond the Qian family’s extravagance—could not help but glance at the girl nearly surrounded by mockery.

She lowered her head, her shoulders drooping more than usual.

Having witnessed her fierceness before, he expected her to reveal her true nature, to rage and retaliate with the same severity she had shown him last night.

That would suit him perfectly; it was best if the four great families tore each other apart.

But as she slowly raised her head, he saw moisture welling in her eyes. She looked toward Madam Cui softly, “Thank you for your concern, Aunt. But I was not taken by force. The whole realm is governed by law. With Prefect Lan in Yangzhou, not even with a hundredfold courage would I dare act arrogantly or oppress the people.”

Song Yunzhi regarded her incredulously, his impression of her craftiness deepening.

The girl ignored the thoughts of the young man beside her, her eyes red as she continued, “Though his status is humble, I am but a merchant. What better can I expect?”

She turned to Miss Liu, eyes filled with admiration, “If only I had Sister Fu’s grace and appearance, I too would dare to hope and aspire to marry into a noble family. But I was raised rough and crude, unable to learn Sister Fu’s refinement. It’s better to be practical and find a decent man to live with. When Sister Fu becomes a government wife, please do not forget your sister here.”

Her words fell, and silence followed.

Miss Liu was so taken aback by her gaze that she lost herself, showing no jealousy or hatred—only pity.

Madam Cui, seeing her pitiful state, gasped softly and murmured, “The Qian family is a wealthy merchant in Yangzhou...”

Qian Tong shook her head slowly, seeming like a wealthy young lady whose spine had been broken by life, forced to admit defeat. “Aunt Cui, you may not know that the Qian family is no longer what it was. In the past two years, the salt wells have often failed to produce salt. Recently, we were robbed—over ten carts of goods lost without return. To be honest, the grandmother in the household has been without bird’s nest soup for over half a year. The servants haven’t received their monthly wages for months. Father travels constantly; the outward appearance of prosperity is just a façade.”

Everyone had heard about the Qian family’s salt wells failing and the recent bandit attack—both true.

Had they truly become hollow shells?

All were discussing the Qian family’s decline, mocking and ridiculing her, but Song Yunzhi stood silently at her side, calmly watching her performance.

The long-standing feud between the Cui and Qian families had bred deep hatred in Madam Cui. She hadn’t been this pleased in years. Just as her satisfaction rose, Qian Tong took out her ledger and handed it to her.

“Since Aunt Cui is in good spirits today, I’ve brought the accounts. Please see if we can settle the debts from the past few years. It might help our family hold on a little longer.”

In the eyes of Yangzhou’s people, the Cui and Qian families were once nearly equal in status, with many believing the Qian family’s wealth was even greater.

Today’s betrothal banquet was lavish, filled with praise for the Cui family. Madam Cui heard it all.

Since the Qian family was so destitute, and the seventh young lady was openly asking for money, how could she refuse? She turned to a maid, “Fetch the accounting office. Settle her accounts—seeing the Qian family in such need is not easy.”

Qian Tong bowed in thanks, “Thank you, Aunt Cui.”

While waiting, she caught the Prefect’s wife’s startled gaze. She quickly saluted her and struck up conversation, “The officials from Jinling should be arriving soon. When they do, I must trouble the Prefect’s wife to recommend my Qian family.”

The Prefect’s wife recalled the Qian family’s earlier promise of fifty thousand taels. Seeing her brazen attitude today, she suspected the Qian family had intended to deceive them all along. Annoyed, she said, “Officials from Jinling are not seen just by your word. If the Qian family acted properly and uprightly, would you fear an investigation?”

“Madam’s lesson is well taken,” Qian Tong lowered her eyes and flipped through the ledger. After a moment, she looked up. “Madam, the Prefect’s household has three years’ worth of unsettled accounts. Can we settle them today?”

The Prefect’s wife stared in shock. Was she mad, coming here to demand payment?

When had the Prefect’s household ever paid a single cent?

But under all eyes, she could not admit that the Prefect’s household had been freeloading on the four great families all these years. She sternly ordered, “Since the Qian family is truly in need, settle all their accounts. Let them have no excuse for involvement.”

Qian Tong paid no heed to this veiled threat.

Whether or not they had dealings, the Prefect’s household would never support the Qian family. If the four great families wanted to collaborate in their final hour to squeeze the Qian family dry, why couldn’t she reclaim what was owed?

Debts must be repaid; there was no sentiment involved. Every guest who owed salt money was summoned by Qian Tong, who opened the ledger.

What had been a grand betrothal banquet became the best debt-collection ground for the seventh young lady of the Qian family. By the time Madam Cui realized something was amiss, the scene was beyond control.

—

Qian Tong’s hands were overwhelmed. Eventually, she handed the bookkeeping to Song Yunzhi while she counted the silver notes.

She told him, “The first lesson for the Qian family’s young master is to learn bookkeeping.”

Song Yunzhi eagerly examined last night’s ledger, staring at each entry and then at the stacks of silver notes in the cabinet beside her. He finally understood why she would sacrifice even her dignity.

Since the emperor’s ascension, the treasury was nearly empty, spending heavily on repairs and relief, leaving the coffers bare.

Yet a merchant’s debts alone...

“Don’t shake. This money is ours; it won’t disappear.” Everyone harbors resentment toward wealth; she understood that. Seeing his eyes redden, she grasped his wrist and comforted him softly, “Whatever you want, I’ll buy it for you later. By the way, do you have other relatives? Now that you’re somewhat established, we should offer some aid.”