Chapter 53: Before One Wave Subsides

It seemed that the one topic men, especially ex-lovers, could never discuss was when they would repay money.

Lu Bai immediately darkened his expression, filled with countless grievances he could not vent.

Yet, having witnessed Cheng Yuan’s persistence, he simply muttered a few words, “I don’t have the money for now. I’ll repay you once I get it sorted.”

With that, he quickly sidestepped Cheng Yuan and left, his steps swift.

Surprisingly, Cheng Yuan did not stop him but watched him return indoors.

Then she took out an odd object from her bosom—a wooden carved duck.

After a moment of silence, scrutinizing it from all angles, she finally noticed something unusual; this was actually a mandarin duck.

Naturally, it couldn’t have been a gift for herself, so it must have been for his new lover, Yun Yue.

Frequent kindness without cause—either deceit or theft.

Recently, Qi Yun Yue, influenced by herself, was either savoring small cakes or experimenting in the kitchen, and had barely crossed paths with him.

It seemed that the neglected scholar Lu’s days were hardly any better. Surely, he must be planning to seek money from Qi Yun Yue again.

Caressing the wooden carving, Cheng Yuan conceived a plan in her mind.

——

Elsewhere, Fan Xiaopang returned to the Cheng residence, about to bid farewell to two others when Xie Yanzhi pulled him along.

Fan Xiaopang glanced back, puzzled. “Brother Xie, it seems Uncle has something to say to you.”

Xie Yanzhi curled his lips and laughed off the concern, brushing it aside.

What could that old man say? Most likely scold him again for not heeding advice and causing trouble. Then he’d be told to stay indoors and study diligently.

Xie Tingjun stood by the courtyard gate for a long while before turning back.

“So, Brother Xie, where are we headed now?”

Fan Xiaopang passed by his own home, still a bit confused.

Xie Yanzhi’s pace did not slow. “To stake someone out.”

Suddenly, he stopped, speaking into the air, “Mo Bai, Mo Fei?”

From nowhere, a figure leapt out—it was Mo Bai. He knelt respectfully on one knee. “Young master, Mo Fei is at the Cheng residence.”

Xie Yanzhi nodded casually. “Stand up. Did you notice that old lady today?”

Before Mo Bai could answer, Xie Yanzhi saw him shake his head.

“I’ve been following you all along.”

Xie Yanzhi’s frustration deepened.

Such a large old lady, yet she vanished without a trace?

He should have been more cautious last night and had Mo Bai keep watch on her.

That wretched old woman was truly wicked!

He waved his hand. “Never mind.”

Just as he was about to send Mo Bai back into the shadows, inspiration struck him.

“You go stay with Aunt Sang. I have urgent matters. If anything unusual happens, report immediately to the Jiang residence.”

Mo Bai hesitated. “Young master, Master ordered me to follow you constantly. I must ensure your safety.”

Mentioning that old man, Xie Yanzhi’s expression darkened. He glared at Mo Bai. “Do you listen to him or me? Besides, in such a small village, do you think I’d let anyone get kidnapped?”

Not that it was impossible—after all, there were two chestnuts earlier!

Mo Bai felt wronged but dared not defy Xie Yanzhi, so he nodded.

Fan Xiaopang had remained silent on the sidelines until Mo Bai left; then he cautiously asked, “Brother Xie, why are we going to the Jiang residence?”

Xie Yanzhi narrowed his eyes, hands on hips, a sinister gleam on his face.

——

The two crept to the Jiang residence’s gate; the courtyard door was tightly shut, and the walls stood high.

They pressed close to the wall, listening for a while—no sound stirred inside. Just as they prepared to find a place to wait, Fan Xiaopang nimbly climbed a tall tree.

As Xie Yanzhi hesitated, suddenly the courtyard erupted with the sound of overturned tables and chairs.

“No! This money must be for Brother Yun. Brother Yun needs to pay the tuition fees. I’ll take it to the county tomorrow. You’re not allowed to touch this money!”

That was the loud voice of Aunt Jiang, boldly speaking. Then came the slow reply of Old Madam Jiang:

“Brother Yun caused trouble at the academy, and with several young masters no less. Do you think he has a promising future? My family has a nephew, slightly younger but praised repeatedly by teachers. He recently returned from the break, saying he mingled with some noble youths. If he passes the scholar exams and becomes a degree holder, he can marry an official’s daughter! This money won’t be spared!”

“Damn old woman! Your favoritism knows no bounds! Last time, you made me give up He’er, which I swallowed bitterly. Now you want me to give up Brother Yun, my only child! He’s also your grandson!”

Old Madam Jiang replied lightly, “Grandson? I have several grandsons on my side. Eldest daughter-in-law, behave yourself. When the eldest returns, you can try for another. As for Brother Yun, just pray those young masters don’t drag our family into trouble—that would be lucky enough!”

More clattering of tables followed, and Fan Xiaopang and Xie Yanzhi exchanged glances.

They seemed to have caught some vital information, though their minds had yet to fully grasp it.

“If you disagree, fine. I’ll bring Aunt Sang back anyway—she likely hasn’t gone far in one night.”

Old Madam Jiang’s voice darkened, “If she returns and accuses you publicly, then you might as well pack up and go back to your mother’s home. Our family cannot afford that disgrace!”

“But wasn’t it you, Mother, who told me to arrange this?” Aunt Jiang’s voice was sharp with frustration.

Old Madam Jiang seemed to mutter something, and those inside the courtyard began moving toward the outside.

The two exchanged looks and hurried away.

Xie Yanzhi’s face brightened from his earlier gloom, now filled with excitement.

Fan Xiaopang was also delighted. “Brother Xie, you will soon be cleared of all suspicion!”

——

“Well done,”

Cheng Yuan praised Xie Yanzhi, a rare compliment. But before he could feel encouraged, her next words deflated him.

“Do you know where Aunt Sang has fled? After a day and night, she must have left the county. And Old Madam Jiang and Aunt Jiang—you only overheard them. Do you have any tangible evidence or witnesses?”

Instantly, Xie Yanzhi’s face turned as red as a tomato. He stammered for a while before suddenly having a bright idea. “Brother Yun—we can use Brother Yun!”

His eyes gleamed brighter and brighter. “We can turn Aunt Jiang against Old Madam Jiang. The old woman betrayed her own family; Aunt Jiang must hate her with a passion! If we assure her this won’t implicate her or her son, and that we’ll help Brother Yun get rid of those young masters, Aunt Jiang might be willing to testify.”

Even Xie Tingjun glanced over upon hearing this.

Noticing his father’s gaze, Xie Yanzhi stiffened, but with Cheng Yuan’s nod, his smile grew wider, proud and confident like a cat strutting with its head held high.