Chapter 50: Borrowing Money Part 3

“Who is that person? From Ji Province?” Wei Lingci turned slightly. Unaware, Xun Changqing collided straight into her embrace. The girl’s frame wasn’t yet fully adult-sized; her small body was very soft. She fell onto her lap, her head nearly hitting the desk corner. Wei Lingci quickly kicked the low desk away.

Losing balance, the two tumbled to the ground in a heap. Xun Changqing was held securely in her arms, unharmed and tickled. She giggled, pillowed her head on Wei Lingci’s arm, and had no intention of getting up. She continued the topic.

“You’re practically a demon. That person was sent by Ji Province Governor Yao Kun to seek help from Wang Bai. The tribute smuggling was Yao Kun’s doing, but he gave all the silver to Wang Bai and Shao Cheng. Now Shao Cheng abandons him in his hour of need, and Wang Bai watches from the sidelines. Yao Kun had no choice but to send someone to the capital for aid, but they were all turned away. I guess Zi Jin kidnapped the person, so Shao Cheng and Wang Bai can’t sit still anymore.”

The person in her arms was thinking more deeply now, showing she was studying diligently. Xun Changqing hadn’t mentioned it explicitly, but she had figured it out thoroughly—a rare feat. Wei Lingci couldn’t help but hold her tighter. “Why not send the person to the Ministry of Punishments? Keeping them will cause trouble.”

“No, I plan to hand them to Yuan Qingming. The Ministry of Punishments might cover it up. Yuan Qingming is upright.” Xun Changqing looked up at her like a child eyeing her favorite pastry, lips pursed. After a moment, she added, “Shouldn’t we remind Yuan Qingming to watch his surroundings lately, in case someone harms him?”

Stared at so intently, Wei Lingci’s face flushed red. She covered those beguiling peach-blossom eyes with her hand. Uncontainable joy surged like waves. She said to herself, “Since you’ve thought of it, just do it. No need to ask me.”

The warm, soft palm with its faint ink scent delighted Xun Changqing. She placed her hand over Wei Lingci’s and turned her head happily. “Good. Tonight, I’ll have Zi Jin send the person over.”

After Wei Lingci withdrew her hand and looked away, Xun Changqing sneaked a kiss on her cheek. Just as Wei Lingci glared, intending to speak, a man’s voice came from outside. “Wei Lingci, your senior brother is here.”

The two lay on the ground in an undignified pose. Wei Lingci released her and sat up, straightening her clothes. Mu Chen burst in, laughing. “Wei Lingci, I stood in the courtyard for so long, and you didn’t notice me. Your vigilance has declined too much. You should return to Lingyun Sect and start over.”

The pleasant moment ruined, a blush flew to Wei Lingci’s earlobes. Beside her, Xun Changqing sat cross-legged and looked at Mu Chen in his white robes and jade belt, feeling indignant. She complained, “Uncle Master, you should knock before entering!”

“Knock what door?” Mu Chen smacked her forehead. After months apart, the girl seemed to have grown a bit, her brows sharper, her mouth as sharp-tongued. But seeing this little moneybag, he couldn’t offend her. His tone softened. “Changqing, do you have any silver?”

Xun Changqing rubbed her forehead and turned her head. “No!”

“Such a stingy look. You’ve been in the Imperial Capital and didn’t treat your uncle master to a meal. Just like your master—one hair not plucked.”

The words offended both. Xun Changqing didn’t dare retort verbally, but Wei Lingci feared nothing. She smiled faintly. “You manage Lingyun Sect now. Still short on silver? Don’t tell me it’s for wine and women?”

Wei Lingci hit the mark, delighting Mu Chen. He couldn’t hide his joy and grinned. “The top courtesan at First Tower dances so captivatingly—soul-stirring. I want to see her again today, but I’m short on silver. Naturally, I’m borrowing from you two.”

With the request out and Mu Chen as their senior, Xun Changqing couldn’t play dumb. She asked, “Uncle Master, how much silver do you want?”

Mu Chen held up five fingers. Xun Changqing asked back, “Five hundred taels?”

Mu Chen looked disdainful and shook his head.

This was borrowing big money. Xun Changqing regretted speaking up and pouted. “In a bit, I’ll have the steward give you five thousand taels.”

Mu Chen smacked his lips, glared at her, and said directly, “Five thousand taels buys nothing. Little Changqing, don’t be stingy. I want fifty thousand taels of silver!”

Fifty thousand taels stunned Xun Changqing for a moment. She hid behind Wei Lingci to avoid another random slap. She refused, “No. Fifty thousand taels? You’re asking a lion’s price. Sell this County Princess Mansion, and it wouldn’t fetch that.”

Wei Lingci’s gaze paused. She glanced subtly at Mu Chen. “We can’t produce fifty thousand taels right now. Ten thousand taels might be possible.”

Better than an empty trip, Mu Chen went along. “That works too, junior sister. First Tower is spectacular. Want to come watch?”

The invitation was extremely abrupt. Though senior and junior, they were still male and female—Mu Chen’s words were unreasonable. Yet Wei Lingci agreed without thinking. “Sure.”

“No, I disagree.” Xun Changqing poked her head out opportunely. Her delicate face scrunched with furrowed brows. Seeing the bright smile on Wei Lingci’s cheeks, she quietly pinched her waist hard and whispered, “I disagree.”