Chapter 956: Debt with Qiao Hongxi

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Infuriated, Qiao Hongxi sneered. “What’s the rush? I haven’t reneged on my promise. Get out of here!”

Songshi maintained his calm smile. “Young Master Qiao, it would be best if you accompany me to meet our Old Master and Young Madame. Otherwise, it wouldn’t look very good if I were to show up at Hanlin Academy with the bet tomorrow…”

Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan had informed him about the arrangement.

Qiao Hongxi stiffened, his anger rising.

“How dare you!”

Songshi’s smile widened. Why not?

Debts should always be repaid.

Qiao Hongxi cursed inwardly and glared at Songshi. “Let’s go!”

He had no choice but to comply.

If Songshi truly appeared at Hanlin Academy with the bet, he would be left humiliated before his colleagues.

Qiao Hongxi prided himself on his knowledge and advancement, but many secretly harbored jealousy and ostracized him. If they were to learn of this situation, his situation would only worsen.

Meanwhile, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan had secured a private room at a nearby tea house, not far from Hanlin Academy. They were happily sipping tea and engaged in lively conversation.

Witnessing this, Qiao Hongxi’s fury intensified.

How could that lowly concubine’s daughter deserve such treatment?

“Young Master Qiao, please have a seat. When do you plan on fulfilling your end of the bet?”

Qiao Xuan wasn’t the same person she used to be, nor was she the concubine’s daughter who had been restrained by the Qiao Family. Therefore, she harbored no fear of Qiao Hongxi’s dark glare or twisted expression.

Qiao Hongxi knew he couldn’t show his face in the next life if it were up to her!

Upon hearing her words, Qiao Hongxi sneered. “Why are you so worried? Haven’t you seen money before?”

Qiao Xuan maintained her smile. “Yes, I have seen money before, but the money won from the bet holds a different significance. It is clearly stated in black and white, Young Master Qiao. Just say the word, or else we’ll have to go to Hanlin Academy to collect it ourselves.”

“You!” Qiao Hongxi’s expression darkened.

Where was he going to find 1,000 liang?

His monthly salary at Hanlin Academy was a mere 10 liang, and he had no means of earning extra income. Five liang had to be paid to the intermediate every month, leaving him with only 5 liang.

He had to save for a long time to afford good pens, ink, paper, inkstones, folding fans, jade pendants, sachets, hairpins, belts, and other miscellaneous items. It was only through his parents’ occasional financial support that he could indulge in these exquisite and beautiful things. Every time he received money, he would prioritize buying these beautiful items. Additionally, he often had to attend various social events, leaving him with no money to spare.

Moreover, how dare a lowly concubine’s daughter threaten him!

He had no intention of giving them any money!

Why…

“That was merely a joke, and you took it seriously? Don’t forget that I am your elder brother by blood! Our parents will be returning soon, and you should think about how to explain this to them!”

Qiao Hongxi snorted.

There were no outsiders present, and he was merely being shameless!

Qiao Xuan found it inconvenient that there were no cell phones in this era to record such situations. People like him should be recorded for all to see!

She wanted to reveal his true nature to the world.

Shao Yunduan spoke calmly, “Officer Qiao and Madame Qiao can go to the capital, but that has nothing to do with us. You wrote the letter yourself, and the senior members of the Qiao Family have signed it. You cannot simply back out now.”

Qiao Xuan’s smile persisted. “What about you? Do you want us to return the money to you at Hanlin Academy, or to the Qiao Family? Or perhaps you would like to report us to the governmental office?”