Chapter 840 Chapter 840: Knee Pillow [Please vote for me]

One or two hundred thousand taels of gold?

In an instant, blood rushed to the top of his head.

Shen Tang felt the scene before her eyes flickering, and Kang Shi's large head swayed from side to side, giving her a strong feeling of suffocation.

"One, two hundred thousand... in gold?"

She forced herself to endure the discomfort and held up two fingers.

Because Shen Tang's expression was not good at the moment, and her voice had a low, stormy tone, Kang Shi immediately backed down.

He stammered, unusually, "Ah, um."

He nodded emphatically after he finished speaking.

This figure is still a relatively optimistic estimate from Kangshi.

In reality, it was much more significant! When the Heavy Shield Warriors were at their peak, their offensive was fierce, and Xun Zhen alone likely withstood 40% of it, buying precious time for the others. Without this tactic, even if they had won, it would have been a Pyrrhic victory, and the city gates would most likely have fallen, turning into street fighting within the pass. With such immediate and effective results, how could its appearance fee not be high? And it's high for a reason!

Shen Tang's face was deathly pale, and Kang Shi thought a gust of wind could blow her away: "...Having you all is truly my blessing!"

Kang Shi said awkwardly, "It's an emergency, so we have to act expediently."

Then he added, “My lord, don’t be too sad. Money can never be earned enough! No one can be poor forever. As the saying goes, ‘Even if you spend all your money, it will come back again!’ With your abilities, my lord, you can definitely pay it off in five, six, seven, eight… years. Don’t you think so?”

Five, six, seven, eight... years...

Shen Tang felt like stabbing Kang Shi to death with a sickle.

Unfortunately, she finally couldn't hold on any longer.

His gaze was fixed straight back.

"My lord—"

Kang Shi's ghostly screams echoed through the sky.

"My lord, wake up, my lord—" Kang Shi's heart raced with fright. He swiftly caught his lord, who was falling backward, and cried out, "My lord, my lord, you must pull yourself together—"

With a weak, feeble breath, Shen Tang closed her eyes slightly and waved her hand at Kang Shi: "I'm tired, let it all end! Ji Shou, go and unplug my oxygen tube. Then go and tell Gong Xichou to put a coffin lid on me tonight and buy me a standing ticket back to my clan's territory."

Only by faking her death can she escape her debts.

A loan of one or two hundred thousand taels of gold!

In modern terms, this would be like a wage slave burdened with centuries-old debt, working for free. Other wage slaves who work to pay off their loans at least get to see a house; she didn't even get a glimpse of it, not even a whisper of it, and a hundred thousand taels of gold vanished...

She had tightened her belt and struggled to repay the previous loan of 5,000 taels of gold for a long time. Before she could even enjoy a few days of escaping poverty, she fell back into it, with her debts now amounting to tens of thousands! Even with her good attitude and optimistic personality, she felt like crying.

"What's wrong with Goro?"

Just as Kang Shi was at a loss for what to do, Chu Yao, who had heard the commotion nearby, rushed over. He panicked, thinking that something had happened to his lord. When he saw Shen Tang lying on the ground, her once vibrant almond-shaped eyes now drooping listlessly, looking like a hopeless salted fish, and even Kang Shi's forced smile couldn't make her move, Chu Yao knew what had happened and sighed as he stepped forward.

Kang Shi looked at him for help.

Chu Yao gave him a look, indicating that he could leave.

At the same time, she lightly waved her palm downwards, signaling the crowd that had gathered to leave. Her lord was easily embarrassed; she shouldn't linger in the commotion. Seeing Chu Yao come to clean up the mess, Kang Shi breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly grabbed her hem and ran away; staying away from trouble was the way to survive.

Chu Yao knelt quietly beside Shen Tang.

Shen Tang, with her back to him, blinked and pouted, her heart pounding, or rather, she regretted it—regretted her impulsive temper. She was indeed distressed about the money, but this expenditure had saved Chaoli Pass, indirectly protecting her foundation and the lives of the soldiers who followed her. For her, as the lord, to throw a tantrum would likely create resentment, and outsiders would say she was stingy.

After all, she preserved her power.

Even if someone holds a high position of power and dominates a region, losing a little money is nothing compared to the fact that as long as their foundation remains intact, they can still make money through careful management or by exploiting others and creating various pretexts. What is a hundred or two thousand taels of gold worth in this chaotic world?

The atmosphere around was very quiet.

The only way to tell if Chu Yao was still alive was by his breathing.

After Shen Tang finished feeling guilty and reflecting on her actions, and was about to start criticizing her willful behavior that was unbecoming of her lord, she heard Chu Yao sigh from above and say, "My lord, I apologize." Confused, she felt a pair of warm and steady hands supporting her head and neck. Not knowing what Chu Yao was going to do, she cooperated with his strength, and then she had a pillow.

She rested her head on Chu Yao's lap.

The dead fish eyes widened in fright and turned into almond eyes.

When her gaze met Chu Yao's from above, she couldn't help but cough awkwardly twice: "Wu Hui, don't you think I'm being willful this time?"

The leader of the faction was lying on the ground, rolling around like a spoiled child, which was extremely improper. If Yuan Liang, who valued etiquette and manners, knew about this, wouldn't he be so angry that he'd be driven to madness?

Chu Yao said, "Humans are not plants or trees."

Even the strongest person can break down.

Where is the vitality if everything is done in a rigid and inflexible manner?

Shen Tang covered her face with her hands: "They all saw it."

Chu Yao suppressed a laugh: "I won't tell."

A debt of one or two hundred thousand gold coins might not be too difficult for other well-established forces, since the situation in the Northwest would be largely settled after this battle, so how could they not raise the funds? But their lord is different; or rather, she adheres to her principles and never mixes public and private treasuries, so this debt can only be paid off through her private treasury. She repays as much as she earns until the debt is completely cleared.

Before she paid off her debts, her pockets were emptier than anyone else's.

Let alone a leader of a faction, even an ordinary person would try living a life with room and board provided for several years, working overtime every day but receiving no pay. Even the most composed person would break down. The lord was just lying on the ground throwing a tantrum; she's very well-behaved.

Shen Tang pouted: "But they're all listening intently."

She possessed the strength of a sixteenth-grade Grand Master; how could she not know how many people were nearby? None of them had left!

How could a group of scholars and warriors with exceptional hearing not hear such a short distance?

Where would she, as the lord, put her face?

She was heartbroken, utterly heartbroken.

Chu Yao raised his hand and cast a spell to prevent eavesdropping.

He suppressed a laugh and said, "You can't hear it now."

Upon hearing this, Shen Tang breathed a sigh of relief.

Chu Yao noticed that Shen Tang's tense muscles had relaxed, and said gently, "The victory banquet will be a while longer. If you are tired, my lord, please take a rest. You have also worked hard in this battle."

Shen Tang suppressed the corners of her lips that wanted to curl up, and swayed her toes lightly from side to side: "Hmm, I'm actually a little tired."

So I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep for a while.

Chu Yao quietly fanned her to cool her down.

Thanks to her literary and martial energy, which tirelessly flowed and nourished her meridians, her physical fatigue had long since dissipated. After resting for a while, she was full of energy again and exclaimed, "Wu Hui, don't you feel like something's missing?"

Chu Yao asked, "What's missing?"

Shen Tang pointed to the sky: "There aren't any birds!"

The aftereffects of Kangxi's last policy of promoting scholars lasted for seven or eight days, even after Shen Tang had fully recovered. Today's battle was arduous and dangerous, and theoretically, its power should be no less than the last one. Why aren't those annoying birds following along to defecate anymore? Has the diarrhea stopped?

Chu Yao laughed and said, "Of course, someone went to drive them away."

This area is temporarily closed to flights!

Shen Tang's lips curved slightly, and her eyes also held a smile.

"Yes, that's more like it! I'm their lord!" She stood up, brushed the dirt off her clothes, and bounced around a couple of times to regain her energy. "How can a victory celebration be complete without me, the star of the show? Wu Hui, how's Brother Zhao De? Is he dead?"

Chu Yao followed behind her: "You're injured."

"How serious are the injuries?" Shen Tang frowned.

With Huang Lie dead, the remaining troops are scattered and easy to defeat one by one. This means that Shen Tang has finally broken the sword of Damocles hanging over her head! Without external threats, Wu Xian's forces, weakened by this battle, no longer pose a threat to her.

Whether he is alive or dead is no longer important.

But they are allies after all, so it's better for them to stay alive.

Shen Tang quickly came up with many strategies to utilize this.

Chu Yao: "The injuries are not minor, but they are not life-threatening."

After all, they possessed the physique of martial artists; ordinary external injuries would heal within a few days with simple bandaging. This victory celebration banquet was also Wu Xian's suggestion, clearly intended to curry favor with their lord. Chu Yao and the others naturally had no objections…

It was called a victory celebration banquet, but it was actually a preliminary division of benefits.

Wu Xian also wanted to find out how much vitality Shen Tang had preserved, as this would determine whether he would get a share or just some soup. His thinking was understandable, given that the alliance between the two families was only lip service; they were forced to cooperate due to a common enemy.

Whether things will turn out peacefully or otherwise remains to be seen.

Wu Xian was also afraid that Shen Tang would overturn the table at this critical juncture.

Shen Tang said, "It's good that your life is not in danger."

She was filthy; the bloodstains on her clothes had long since dried, and the combined effects of body heat, air temperature, dust, and dirt created an unpleasant stench. Chu Yao had already had clean clothes and water prepared, waiting for her to wash up.

As they passed by, Shen Tang shot a dagger at them.

He feigned a fierce tone and said, "Are you still watching?"

Are you all so bored that you have nothing better to do?

The group of subordinates who had been hiding in the shadows of the ruins scattered like birds and beasts.

Every now and then you can hear a few muttered words.

"Wu Hui really does seem quite virtuous..."

"Virtuous and kind? Not a loving father/mother?"

"It's rare to see our lord so childlike..."

Shen Tang's face turned pale and then red, and she gritted her teeth.

She was such a tall and majestic figure as the lord!

By the moonlight, Qin Li could be vaguely seen mixed in with the crowd.

Shen Tang: "..."

Why is Qin Gongsu here as well?

She voiced her inner question.

Chu Yao: "Ji Shou's voice was so shrill."

To put it bluntly, even mourning wailing wasn't this genuinely moving. Not only were the others startled, but even Chu Yao was taken aback. Qin Li probably rushed over after hearing the commotion…

Shen Tang: "..."

She silently made a note of Kang Shi in her heart.

"Wu Hui, I want to take this opportunity to be frank with Brother Zhao De about Gong Su and the others. Since Gong Su and Dayi have entrusted themselves to me, they are now my people. They need to have a proper status. What kind of image would it be if they followed Wu Zhao De?"

Chu Yao tilted his head as he listened.

A ripple appeared on her previously calm lips.

My lord, there's something unsettling about what you're saying.

Is it really appropriate to say that?

Unfortunately, Shen Tang didn't think there was anything wrong with her explanation and kept asking Chu Yao for his opinion: "But I'm also a little worried. Is it taking advantage of someone's vulnerability to confess now? Wouldn't it be bad for Gong Su and Da Yi's reputation if word got out?"

Chu Yao: "...What's wrong with it?"

Shen Tang frowned: "I'm afraid the outside world will criticize them for being disloyal."

A scholar's pen is more powerful than a sword.

Chu Yao pondered for a moment and offered a sound suggestion: "That's true, but if we don't speak up now, it will be difficult for them to handle things when they get back. The injustice suffered by Qin Gongsu and the others is a tragedy no one can ignore. If we lay it all out, Wu Zhaode will find it harder to say anything. After all, it was Tianhai who wronged them first."

Shen Tang nodded: "Then you should go and sound out Gong Su and the others. We should also let them know about this matter."

A two-way journey is what YYDS truly means.

Chu Yao took a deep breath, gently brushed away a strange thought from his mind, and said with his hands clasped, "I will certainly live up to my lord's expectations."

Shen Tang placed her hand in his hand.

Satisfied, he said, "I trust Wu Hui to handle things."

Chu Yao: "..."

That strange sense of déjà vu became even stronger.

It wasn't until Shen Tang skipped off to take a shower that Chu Yao rubbed his aching temples and resignedly went to find Qin Li. Fortunately, Qin Li hadn't gone far; the latter was standing there lost in thought, not even noticing him approaching. His face was deathly pale, with dark circles under his eyes that he couldn't hide, and fine lines had appeared at the corners of his eyes at some point.

This might seem ordinary to most people, but scholars possess a protective aura of literary talent, allowing them to maintain a youthful state for a long time and avoid aging easily. Qin Li's change is a dangerous sign…

Qin Li noticed Chu Yao's gaze and paused for a moment.

He said softly, "Don't worry, it's only temporary."

A few months of rest will allow you to recover your energy.

Since Qin Li had already said so, Chu Yao didn't ask any further questions. Considering the previous situation, Wu Xian's camp had also been subjected to a surprise attack by a large force; Qin Li must have paid a heavy price to barely preserve some of his strength. What price could be more precious than lifespan?

"The internal deficit still needs rest to heal, and Gongsu shouldn't overexert himself." Chu Yao didn't mince words but went straight to the point. "Our lord wants to ask Lord Wu for you and Dayi at the banquet, but this matter requires your consent. I think if we don't bring it up now, when we return to Tianhai, Lord Wu, who is already severely weakened, will be even less likely to let you switch sides. What do you think?"

Only by seizing the moral high ground can one point fingers at others. Qin Li was indispensable at the banquet, and he and his companions sang in unison.

Qin Li had not yet spoken.

Chu Yao thought that he still had concerns, so he advised, "Only if Lord Wu is in the wrong, and with the Lord's deterrence, can the safety of your relatives be guaranteed. As long as Lord Wu wants to maintain his dignity, he must ensure their safety. If you have any concerns, you may speak them."

A sigh escaped Qin Li's lips.

"Let's do as Mr. Shen says. Our families have all been settled. Mr. Wu will have to agree tonight, whether he likes it or not."

Chu Yao blurted out, "So fast?"

Qin Li said, "Fortunately, I received assistance from Prefect Xu."

His relationship with Xu Jie wasn't good; in fact, it was quite bad at first. Because he was well aware of the nature of merchants, he saw early on that Xu Jie was playing both sides, having an affair. On one hand, he was helping his former lord, Wu Xian, while on the other hand, he was secretly having an affair with Shen Jun, exchanging flirtatious glances.

This person will become a major problem sooner or later.

Qin Li was straightforward and honest, repeatedly speaking frankly to Wu Xian about the dangers Xu Jie posed, even arguing with him in public, which thoroughly offended him. In the following years, Da Yi became closer to Xu Jie, which somewhat eased their relationship, but they were still not exactly friendly.

Unexpectedly, it was Xu Jie who stepped in at the crucial moment.

Qin Li, I am ashamed.

|ω`)

Tangmei, who rarely acts willfully, felt the love (crossed out)/motherly love (crossed out) from Wuhui.

P.S.: In a dream I had the day before yesterday, a sudden inspiration struck me and I came up with a book title: "Is Being a Farm Owner Inevitable?" Whether I actually write it or not, I've already claimed the title. Shiitake mushrooms are truly naming geniuses.

(End of this chapter)