Chapter 41

“Heh! Thank you for your kindness, Brother Xie!”

Xia Yuanxiu smiled bitterly in his heart. What difference does it make between compensating 485,000 taels of silver or 500,000? There’s absolutely no difference!

This young master obviously doesn’t want to let go of Xia Jinlan. Why would he choose to offend us and favor that little vixen, Xia Qingqing? He even gave her a VIP card!

Did that little vixen climb up his ladder? She looks just average. What could attract a young master who’s used to beautiful women?

Xia Yuanxiu was full of questions.

“Fine! I’ll take my second sister home to gather the silver. We’ll settle everything within three days. Does that sound acceptable to you, Brother Xie?”

Young Master Xie smiled as he opened his fan. “Liu, prepare the pen, ink, paper, and inkstone for them to sign an IOU, and release them!”

“Yes, I’ve prepared everything!”

Liu, the shopkeeper, waved his hand, and a staff member brought everything over.

Xia Yuanxiu dipped the brush into ink and wrote the IOU, then asked Xia Jinlan to sign her name and press her fingerprint.

Young Master Xie took the IOU, inspected it carefully, and smiled broadly.

“Oh my! Truly, this is the most beloved student at the Imperial Academy. Look at this calligraphy—graceful and powerful! We should frame it and display it in the main hall for everyone to admire. Imagine how many scholars and literati would stop to appreciate it!”

Xia Yuanxiu felt his chest tighten! He almost couldn’t breathe!

I’m writing an IOU! And now you’re going to display it in the hall for everyone to see? Are you trying to embarrass the Xia family even more?

“Brother Xie, if you like my handwriting, I can write another one for you. Let’s forget about this IOU. Let’s keep a bit of dignity for the Xia family. What do you think?”

Xia Yuanxiu forced a smile and cupped his hands.

“Hahaha! Look at me, how forgetful I am! I was so distracted by Summer Brother’s beautiful calligraphy that I forgot this was an IOU!”

Young Master Xie scratched his head and chuckled.

“Liu, take care of the IOU. Once Summer Brother brings the silver to settle it, return the IOU to them! It’s a pity though! Such fine calligraphy!”

Liu stepped forward and carefully took the IOU, securing it safely.

“By the way, Brother Xie, my Xia Qingqing is still here. Should I take her home too? I’m sure we’ll find her in your VIP room?”

“Oh! The Sixth Miss is one of my VIPs. She’s still picking out some fine jewelry. Once she’s done, I’ll personally send her home in a carriage. It’s a special service reserved only for my VIPs. You needn’t trouble yourself, Summer Brother!”

Young Master Xie picked up his teacup and swirled the lid.

Xia Yuanxiu realized that he was now in front of Xia Qingqing.

He held Xia Jinlan’s hand, paid his respects, and quickly left.

“Eldest Brother, the Sixth Miss is in the VIP room at the end of the corridor. Shall we rush in and grab her? Does this little master really think he can stop us from taking our family members?”

Xia Jinlan pulled her hand free and started to rush back upstairs.

“Second sister, don’t forget, Young Master Xie is the grandson of the Duke of Zhen. Do you think his subordinates are pushovers? If you barge in, his men could cut your throat with a single sword!”

Xia Yuanxiu quickly grabbed her and warned.

“Ah? Young Master Xie is that powerful?”

Xia Jinlan froze, her eyes wide in shock.

“That’s the power that comes with authority! Although we have our grandfather as a support, in front of the immense power of a century-old family like the Duke of Zhen’s, we’re nothing! If one of our girls married him, we’d be able to walk all over the capital!”

Xia Yuanxiu looked up enviously at the third floor.

Young Master Xie stood tall by the window, looking down at the bustling street with an air of superiority.

One day, I’ll be like him!

Xia Yuanxiu silently vowed.

The Xia family carriage soon left.

Xia Qingqing then came out of the VIP room.

“Little doctor, you should thank me today! I helped you by blocking your big brother and second sister. They were coming to cause trouble for you. How will you thank me?”

Young Master Xie stepped forward, looking for praise.

“Sigh! I’ll still have to avoid their claws when I get home! Blocking them or not, it’s no different!”

Xia Qingqing shook her head helplessly, knowing full well that once she got home, she’d be targeted by the likes of Yan Meili, Xia Yuanxiu, and Xia Jinlan!

“Do you need me to send bodyguards to protect you?”

Young Master Xie frowned, asking with concern.

“No need! I’m used to it. What can they do to me? I’ll just go home!”

Xia Qingqing smiled and walked down the stairs, completely unfazed.

Young Master Xie quickly caught up. “Little doctor, are you really not afraid? Should I go to the Duke’s residence to show them who’s boss? Xia Yuanxiu is a treacherous and cunning person. He was quite the schemer back at the Imperial Academy!”

Xia Qingqing shook her head again. No matter how treacherous Xia Yuanxiu is, so what? If I die, I’ll definitely transmigrate back to Longguo. After experiencing life and death once, I’m used to it by now!

Young Master Xie gave her a thumbs up as he watched her back.

“Truly a hero among women! She faces death without fear. What has she gone through to become this unshakable?”

“Little Mountain, I’m here to play crickets with you!”

Sixth Prince skipped over and threw his arms around Xie’s neck.

“Fifth Prince, when did you arrive? How come I didn’t notice?”

Young Master Xie was surprised.

“Hehe! I’ve been here for a while. I fell asleep in your study just now. I woke up when I heard your voice!”

“Let’s go, we’re going to find someone to have a cricket fight. I’m going to win back the silver I lost!”

Sixth Prince wiped his nose, ready for action.

“Alright, I’m in! Let’s do this like we did when we were kids!”

Young Master Xie tucked his fan into his belt, rolled up his sleeves, and, together with Sixth Prince, marched out of Zhenbao Pavilion.

Meanwhile, Xia Qingqing bought some roast chicken and snacks, happily walking back to the Xia family mansion.

“Uncle Zhao, here’s the roast chicken I promised to buy for you. Enjoy!”

“Thank you, Miss Six!”

Uncle Zhao, the doorman, accepted the wrapped chicken and smelled the delicious aroma. He lowered his voice and said to Xia Qingqing:

“Miss Six, the eldest young master and second young mistress just rushed in, furious. I heard the second young mistress say you’ve returned. I’m afraid the madam will scold you properly. Be careful!”

“Thanks for the reminder, Uncle Zhao. I’ll be careful!”

Xia Qingqing cupped her hands and slowly walked through the second gate.

“Stop!”

A harsh command rang out, and Xia Jinlan, accompanied by a group of strong women, was waiting for her.

“Second sister!”

Xia Qingqing feigned surprise and called out to her.

“Ugh! Who are you calling second sister? You little vixen! Because of you, the Xia family had to pay so much silver. Now you have to pay for it, and we’ll deal with you properly today!”

Xia Jinlan’s face twisted in anger, her expression terrifying.

“It seems that Xia Jinlan is really determined to make things difficult for me today?”

Xia Qingqing crossed her arms and looked at her disdainfully.