Chapter Twelve: If You Can't Pay the Bill, You Can Ask Me

“Shopkeeper, may I take a look?” Luo Ningsang asked with a bright smile.

“This jade bracelet is the treasure of our shop, miss. You truly have a discerning eye!” The shopkeeper said as he carefully presented the bracelet.

Yu Xiaoxiao instinctively touched her purse. The two pearl hairpins she had snatched earlier had already left her purse nearly empty, and this jade bracelet was even more expensive. Doubts stirred in her heart. Seeing Yu Xiaoxiao’s predicament, Shen Shuwan smiled gracefully and whispered, “Xiaoxiao, if you like it, I’ll give it to you.”

She had always been skilled at navigating social situations. Her gentle and magnanimous persona could not be shattered. She intended to let Yu Xiaoxiao and Luo Ningsang tear into each other.

“Shopkeeper, you must keep your eyes wide open when doing business. Some maidservants simply can’t afford such fine things. If they accidentally break it, they wouldn’t even be able to pay for it!” With Shen Shuwan’s backing, Yu Xiaoxiao grew bolder and spoke sharply.

“Shopkeeper, wrap it up for Miss Yu quickly! If my clumsy hands break the jade bracelet, how else would Miss Yu buy it?” Luo Ningsang teased deliberately, her gaze sweeping over Yu Xiaoxiao from head to toe, as if mocking her inability to afford it.

“Hmph! Shopkeeper, wrap it up for me!” Yu Xiaoxiao couldn’t stand the insult anymore. She lifted her head high, nostrils flaring, and ordered the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper grinned from ear to ear. Three precious items sold in one transaction, each more expensive than the last—this was a big profit.

Luo Ningsang didn’t stop there; she wandered over to the ready-made clothing section. She didn’t even glance at the ordinary materials or plain colors. Among more than a hundred pieces, she selected a truly magnificent gown.

“Shopkeeper, this one looks good… I’ll take it.” Luo Ningsang pointed at a brocade satin dress embroidered with a splendid peony pattern in gold and silver threads. The flower’s center was adorned with plump, lustrous pearls.

Over it was a snow-gauze cloak trimmed with fox fur, as white as snow and soft to the touch. Around the waist hung a jade belt inlaid with rubies and sapphires, dazzling and complementary.

“Miss, you have excellent taste!” The shopkeeper’s eyes sparkled as he praised without pause.

“This dress took our embroiderer half a year to complete and was only finished a few days ago. It’s the only one in the shop. All the inlaid materials are extraordinary, and the fox fur is from a snow fox, which I painstakingly collected. It’s incredibly precious!”

“Wrap this dress up for me. I want to gift it to Sister Shen. Only someone with her beauty deserves such a gown.”

Shen Shuwan merely sighed softly, “So beautiful.” Yu Xiaoxiao immediately turned to snatch it.

“Yu Xiaoxiao, enough! You want to compete with me for everything I like? I won’t let you have it; I saw it first! Shopkeeper, there’s an order to buying things—first come, first served. I’m buying it!” Luo Ningsang acted as if she was already reaching for her silver.

“I’m snatching it! You’re so ugly, you’d just ruin the dress. Why don’t you look in the mirror first?” Yu Xiaoxiao crossed her hands on her hips and argued back.

“What? Do you look in the mirror every day before going out? Maybe it’s because of your upbringing; I don’t have that habit.” Luo Ningsang’s quick tongue silenced Yu Xiaoxiao, who angrily rolled up her sleeves, ready to strike, but Shen Shuwan swiftly pulled her back.

“Sister Ningsang, Xiaoxiao is young and naive; don’t be angry. She also wishes to give me this dress out of kindness. Sister Ningsang, you are always magnanimous; I hope you can let Xiaoxiao have this.”

Shen Shuwan spoke gently, seemingly considerate of others but actually hoping to prevent Luo Ningsang from winning.

“Of course, I won’t let Sister Ningsang yield without compensation. I will pay double to make it up to you.” Shen Shuwan added generously.

“Sister Wan, why are you so polite to such a person? This dress is so exquisite; where would she find the silver to pay for it?” Yu Xiaoxiao linked arms with Shen Shuwan, signaling her sisters behind them.

“Some people are just like Dong Shi’s imitation; no matter how well they dress, a fool trying to catch Xiao Gongzi’s attention is laughable.”

“Miss Shen, don’t mind such people. These expensive items only suit you. On some maidservants, they only make them look cheap.”

The sisters behind Yu Xiaoxiao chimed in, throwing shade at Luo Ningsang and flattering Shen Shuwan.

“Don’t say such things. We’re all out to enjoy ourselves, so let’s not quarrel. Pick whatever you like today; Brother Xiao said he’ll pay later.”

Shen Shuwan’s light words showed her generosity while subtly displaying her affectionate relationship with Xiao Ze’an, letting everyone know how doting he was.

“Xiao Gongzi is always generous to Sister Wan. Whatever she likes, he will give to her.”

Yu Xiaoxiao beamed proudly and shot Luo Ningsang a glare. Luo Ningsang responded with a pair of rolling eyes.

With Shen Shuwan’s words, the sisters eagerly dispersed to pick their items.

Before long, Xiao Ze’an arrived hurriedly, followed by two close young masters who had insisted on coming along for fun upon hearing Shen Shuwan was there.

“Brother Ze’an, you’re here!” Shen Shuwan’s eyes sparkled with delight as she released Yu Xiaoxiao’s arm and naturally nestled against Xiao Ze’an’s side, her chest pressing against his arm, the wide sleeve concealing her, leaving only Xiao Ze’an able to sense her softness.

“Xiao Gongzi, these are what the young ladies have picked—totaling seven thousand three hundred taels of silver. You only need to pay seven thousand.” The shopkeeper was quick, having already wrapped the goods, waiting for Xiao Gongzi to pay.

Xiao Ze’an frowned slightly. Seven thousand taels was no small sum.

Sensing his change in expression, Shen Shuwan quickly softened her tone. “Brother Ze’an, did Wan’er pick too many things? Actually, some were just on a whim, and I don’t really need them. I can let go of some.”

Her words were a strategic retreat, knowing Xiao Ze’an valued his face in front of friends and wouldn’t embarrass her over money.

“Wan’er, nonsense; as long as you like it, it’s fine.” Xiao Ze’an replied, reaching into his pocket for money but found only some loose coins and no banknotes. His face darkened.

Not far off, Luo Ningsang watched the scene leisurely, waiting for this moment.

“Could it be that Xiao Ze’an has no money? His face darkened as soon as he heard seven thousand taels.”

“He obviously came to pay; how could he bring so little? He doesn’t even have enough for one dress.”

Whispers around him crept into Xiao Ze’an’s ears, making sweat break out on his forehead.

Usually, Shen Shuwan’s outings cost no more than a hundred taels. Why so much today?

Luo Ningsang sat down on a chair nearby, watching with great interest, almost cracking open some melon seeds. She was secretly delighted. She had purposely led Shen Shuwan shopping, knowing Yu Xiaoxiao hated her and would fight over the things she liked, so she deliberately chose expensive items.

Shen Shuwan would surely play the good person and fight to pay. Now it was time to see how Xiao Ze’an, the unlucky spender, would handle this.

“Xiao Gongzi…” The shopkeeper rubbed his hands awkwardly. All eyes were on Xiao Ze’an, making him uncomfortable as if those gazes could burn holes in him.

“Who carries this much silver all the time? Besides, I was too busy with the recent provincial exams to get the banknotes. This little silver is nothing to worry about. I’ll go get it now.”

Xiao Ze’an was proud and sensitive about his reputation. His difficult childhood left him with deep insecurities, and he relied on generosity to keep up appearances. Luo Ningsang knew this well.

Hearing this, everyone relaxed.

“See? Xiao Ze’an is so generous; he wouldn’t fail to bring the money. So this is the reason.”

Xiao Ze’an led Shen Shuwan and others toward the bank, followed by the two young masters and Shen Shuwan’s sisters, with the shopkeeper carrying the parcels at the front.

The bank was only a couple of blocks away. Xiao Ze’an took a token to withdraw money, while the others waited outside.

The shopkeeper craned his neck to peer inside. Others chatted or adjusted their clothes, but Luo Ningsang leaned against a nearby tree, calmly watching, openly present. She knew Xiao Ze’an would come looking for her.

Sure enough, shortly after, Xiao Ze’an rushed out anxiously and headed straight to Luo Ningsang, grabbing her wrist and pulling her to a more secluded spot before stopping.

“Luo Ningsang, is this your doing? Why can’t I withdraw the banknotes?”

Xiao Ze’an was furious, his grip turning Luo Ningsang’s arm red.

“You’re accusing me now? Why can’t you withdraw my banknotes?”

Luo Ningsang raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly, as if she were an outsider.

“I…” Xiao Ze’an was momentarily speechless, the words of blame stuck in his throat.

“People are strange. When something isn’t theirs, once they possess it, they take it for granted, even forgetting how they got it.”

Luo Ningsang’s smile faded as she spoke deliberately and calmly.

“All I have, I’ve laid before you, and you disdain it. You even pull others down with you.”

Guilt surged in Xiao Ze’an’s heart like a tidal wave. He raised a hand instinctively, fingertips brushing Luo Ningsang’s cheek.

“I know you love me. I can’t respond to you now, but I know all these schemes you’re pulling are to make me care about you, to get my attention.”

Luo Ningsang tilted her head back, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, her mood was steady.

“Xiao Ze’an, from now on, you won’t be able to withdraw a single tael from the bank.”

Previously, Luo Ningsang had asked her imperial brother for help, whispering in his ear to inform the emperor that she had lost her token and requested a new one by imperial decree.

The red agate pendant she now wore was the new token.

“Luo Ningsang, must you be so ruthless?”

Xiao Ze’an was both angry and anxious. Without her token, he couldn’t withdraw the silver, and there were many people around, including the shopkeeper. Where could he save face?

“I almost forgot—since Xiao Gongzi has no money now, come to me! Maybe I’ll be in a good mood and reward you a bit.”

Luo Ningsang crossed her arms, eyes teasing as she stared at Xiao Ze’an.

Xiao Ze’an clenched his fists, glaring fiercely at Luo Ningsang. After a moment, he gritted his teeth and strode away.

Luo Ningsang watched his retreating figure and murmured softly, “Still that proud spirit…”

That very pride had once drawn her to him.

“Brother Ze’an, why do you look so troubled? You’ve been with Sister Ningsang for so long…”

From afar, Shen Shuwan saw the two whispering under the tree, her heart anxious and curious about their conversation. Seeing Xiao Ze’an approaching, she hurried to ask.

Xiao Ze’an leaned close to Shen Shuwan, lowering his voice. “Shuwan… can you figure out a way to pay the bill today? Don’t let others know. I’m usually careless and keep my money with Luo Ningsang, but… today she used that to threaten me. You know me—I don’t compromise when I don’t like something.”

He affectionately stroked the hair atop Shen Shuwan’s head.

Shen Shuwan was momentarily stunned. Thinking it over, she recalled that Xiao Ze’an often let Luo Ningsang pay for things. Her brows arched in displeasure.

“How can Luo Ningsang be so bold! Brother Ze’an, she’s just a maidservant, yet she’s acting like she’s above her master!”

She stamped her foot in mock indignation, her face flushed as if deeply wronged.

“If not for her father’s sake, I wouldn’t tolerate her mischief. When I get home, I’ll tell my father to have her disciplined by our elders.”

Xiao Ze’an frowned deeply, full of impatience, but gently pulled Shen Shuwan into his arms, resting his chin lightly on her head, as if this intimacy could soothe his frustration.

Shen Shuwan obediently leaned into him and softly said, “Brother Ze’an, don’t be angry; it’ll harm your health, and Wan’er would be worried.”

Xiao Ze’an snorted coldly. “That Luo Ningsang dares to embarrass me openly like this, making me lose face. I’ll deal with her.”

He sighed heavily. “But in such a situation, Wan’er is so considerate and sensible. I can’t lose face. Wan’er, please help me advance the money. When I settle things at home, I’ll present the gifts and silver together.”

His words were sincere, his gaze earnest, filled with helplessness and hope.

Shen Shuwan had no doubts. Over the years, Xiao Ze’an had spent a great deal on her—during festivals, birthdays, and small gatherings, exquisite and valuable gifts had never ceased, his generosity well known.

She thought that since Xiao Ze’an needed her now, and Luo Ningsang was making things difficult, she should step up and offer timely help. This favor would surely make Xiao Ze’an grateful to her.

So Shen Shuwan smiled warmly and didn’t hesitate to pull a purse from her sleeve, taking out all the banknotes inside.

“This is only right, Brother Ze’an. Take these banknotes; they’ll cover today’s purchases.”

Xiao Ze’an took them, his fingertips brushing hers casually, making Shen Shuwan’s cheeks flush.

He counted the banknotes, a faint glimmer of joy flashing in his eyes—ten thousand taels—finally easing his urgent predicament.

“Wan’er, I’m so grateful you’re always so understanding.”

Xiao Ze’an carefully tucked the banknotes into his sleeve, then took Shen Shuwan’s hand and strode back to the group.

He flicked his wrist, tossing a stack of banknotes to the shopkeeper, chin raised slightly, and asked, “Is this enough?”