At the end, there is his signature and bright red handprint.

The IOUs were all for high-sounding reasons, such as paying for his mother's medical treatment, purchasing calligraphy and paintings, and making friends with famous people.

The minimum amount is one hundred taels.

Zi Xi solemnly handed these few pieces of paper, which contained deception and betrayal, along with the gorgeous invitation, to Xiao Liu Zi.

"Little Liu, once the bell rings to signal the end of the school day at Bailu Academy, you must find that Scholar Pei."

Zi Xi's voice returned to its usual gentleness, even carrying a faint hint of a smile. But this smile, when seen by Xiao Liu Zi, sent a chill down his spine, causing him to involuntarily straighten his back.

"Then, you must personally hand over these IOUs to him and tell him... that it is only right to pay back debts, and that he must pay back the principal and interest within three days, otherwise the officials in the yamen will have to come and judge the matter."

Zi Xi handed over the IOU and invitation card. Xiao Liuzi took the light yet heavy papers and the gorgeous invitation card, feeling his palms burning.

Although he was young, he had been in the streets for a long time and understood what his employer was trying to do.

This is going to expose that scholar Pei's shame in public!

"Don't worry, Master! Little Liu understands! I'll make sure that Scholar Pei accepts it in style! Not a single word will be missed!"

He immediately perked up and patted his chest to assure her.

Watching Xiao Liuzi carefully tuck the IOU and invitation into his pocket, then dash out the back door and disappear into the alleyway, Zi Xi slowly withdrew her gaze.

"You scumbag Pei, you should enjoy this big gift I'm giving you... Let everyone see the filthy side of you."

A villainous laugh slowly bloomed on Zi Xi's lips.

As the premier academy in the capital, Bailu Academy is located in a quiet place in the east of the city. Its vermilion gate is solemn and dignified, and the two stone lions in front of the gate have weathered the wind and rain, adding to its solemnity.

The academy gate is busiest at the end of each school day.

Students dressed in matching blue robes filed out, the air filled with the scent of ink and the vibrant energy unique to young students, creating a scene of refined elegance.

The same is true today.

Before the melodious school bell had even finished ringing, students poured out of the gate like a stream released from its dam.

Pei Ziqing was mixed in with the crowd.

Today, he specially changed into a brand-new moon-white fine cotton long gown, his hair was combed meticulously, he straightened his back, and wore what he considered to be a gentle and composed smile.

He was chatting and laughing with several classmates from relatively well-off families.

The conversation revolved around the upcoming lecture by the great Confucian scholar and Princess Jingle's recent appreciation of his poetry.

He subtly or unintentionally elevated himself in his words, enjoying the genuine or feigned compliments from his classmates.

"Brother Pei has won the princess's favor; his future rise to prominence is just around the corner!"

"Indeed, Brother Pei is exceptionally talented, and Princess Jingle has a discerning eye!"

"When Brother Pei achieves success in the imperial examination, bringing double joy, don't forget to help us out!"

Pei Ziqing was smug. Even though he hadn't paid someone to push the princess, the heavens had helped him that day, and the princess still fell into the water.

"My fellow students are too kind in their praise. I am unworthy of such praise. It is only by chance that I have been favored by Her Highness the Princess. This is a blessing that I have accumulated over many lifetimes! As for the imperial examination, I still need to study diligently and dare not slack off in the slightest!"

He feigned humility and waved his hand, but inwardly he was thoroughly enjoying the vanity and was even planning how to further deepen his relationship with these classmates.