Gu Minglang blinked, seemingly understanding yet not quite.
Qin Kou'er couldn't take it anymore. She sighed slightly and looked at Gu Minglang, saying, "Lord Gu, have you thought about this? Today I gave you 300,000 taels of silver. What if all these officials in Yangzhou come to me asking for money? Should I lend it or not? If I lend it, I won't be happy, and I'll be branded as someone who opposes the Crown Prince; if I don't lend it, that's even worse. I'm based in Yangzhou, and I'll be under their control. If I don't lend it, I'll break off relations. Wouldn't that be asking for trouble?"
Now I'm using Third Master Gu's painting as an excuse, which shuts up any potential criticism! Third Master Gu's reputation is renowned throughout the land; even a single piece of his calligraphy is priceless! If anyone else can find me Third Master Gu's paintings or calligraphy, I'll lend them to them too. Do you understand now?
Gu Minglang nodded immediately, "I understand! I understand perfectly!"
As he spoke, Gu Minglang stood up and bowed deeply to Qin Kou'er.
"Thank you so much, Pavilion Master, for your understanding and righteousness! I am extremely grateful and full of admiration!"
Qin Kou'er quickly stood up to return the greeting.
"You flatter me, Lord Gu!"
Gu Minglang stood up and finally revealed a bright smile, "Then I'll go get that calligraphy and painting for Pavilion Master Qin right now! I just hope that Pavilion Master will keep this a secret from Minglang for the time being, otherwise it will be difficult for Minglang to get past Third Uncle."
Qin Kou'er immediately smiled and nodded, "Alright! Then I'll have Mo Hun go back with you to retrieve the calligraphy and painting! After dawn, you can take your servants to Kou'er's branch to exchange for the silver!"
"Alright, alright! Thank you, Master!"
Just as the two were talking, Mo Hun suddenly walked in. He glanced at Gu Minglang, then went straight to Qin Kou'er's side and whispered something in her ear.
Qin Kou'er frowned slightly, then looked at Gu Minglang and asked, "Has Lord Gu offended anyone?"
Gu Minglang was taken aback by the question. "How could I, a mere scholar, have offended anyone? Pavilion Master, is something the matter?"
Qin Kou'er looked at Gu Minglang and said thoughtfully, "The people outside just came back and said that someone seems to be secretly checking Lord Gu's official sedan chair! It's quite interesting that someone is still secretly following Lord Gu at this hour!"
Gu Minglang looked at Qin Kou'er, not knowing what to do for a moment!
Qin Kou'er quickly smiled, "Lord Gu, there's no need to worry. Perhaps those officials just want to see how you're going to get those 300,000 taels of silver, which is why they had people following you. It's alright, I'll have Mo Hun accompany you and escort you back later."
After saying that, Qin Kou'er turned to look at Mo Hun: "You should properly send Lord Jiang back! Have your men investigate who is following him. Don't make a sound. Come back after you've accompanied Lord Gu to hand the silver over to the Crown Prince!"
"yes!"
Gu Minglang immediately expressed his gratitude and bowed to Qin Kou'er again: "Then I thank you, Pavilion Master! Pavilion Master, please wait, I'll take my leave!"
"Please take care, sir!"
Qin Kou'er watched Gu Minglang and Mo Hun leave together with a smile, and sighed slightly. There was never a moment of peace in this day!
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