Chapter 185: Uncle, Don’t Overdonate

Chapter 185: Uncle, Don't Overdonate

As Lord Zhang enthusiastically greeted Xin You, he also discreetly observed her. Seeing that she was calm and collected, his impression of her improved even further.

"I heard that Miss Kou is pledging 50,000 taels of silver to the disaster area?" Lord Zhang had rushed over because he wanted to confirm it personally.

It wasn't that he couldn't keep his composure; it was just that Miss Kou's donation was too generous.

Xin You nodded.

Lord Zhang instinctively wanted to ask if the Shaoqing Mansion knew about it, but a quick glance at the box of silver notes prompted him to promptly close his mouth.

Whether Duan Shaoqing knew or not was irrelevant to him. The silver was already here.

"Miss Kou is truly benevolent and righteous. On behalf of the people of Dingbei, I, Zhang, thank you." Lord Zhang bowed with his hands folded.

Xin You performed a respectful bow. "Lord Zhang flatters me. I am just a commoner."

"No, I sincerely believe you deserve such praise," Lord Zhang said seriously.

Xin You, observing his expression, felt much better towards Lord Zhang.

At least he cared about the suffering of the people, even if it wasn't a heavy concern. But as long as he cared, it made him better than many other officials.

This way, she could feel more at ease about the silver she had donated.

"Prince Xiu will host a banquet at He Garden on the 28th at noon on behalf of His Majesty to thank those who care about the people of Dingbei." Lord Zhang handed over the invitation, avoiding the polite phrase "I hope Miss Kou will honor us with your presence."

Such a phrase could be said for any banquet, but not for an imperial one. When the Emperor invites you, you must attend, even if it rains knives from the sky.

Xin You received the invitation with both hands. "Thank you, Lord Zhang. If there is nothing else requiring your attention, I will take my leave."

"Miss Kou, walk safely," Lord Zhang personally escorted Xin You out. As soon as he turned around, he saw Yan Chao.

Lord Zhang's carefully maintained serious expression almost cracked.

When did a Jinlin Guard deputy arrive?

"Lord Zhang." Yan Chao bowed, and then left.

Lord Zhang glared at his subordinates. "When did that Jinlin Guard deputy arrive? Why didn't you inform me?"

Did he say anything inappropriate in front of Miss Kou?

The subordinate looked utterly speechless. "Lord, that deputy arrived even before Miss Kou."

"Did he?" Lord Zhang thought for a moment but still couldn't recall. His thoughts returned to Miss Kou. "Ahem, Miss Kou is indeed as noble as the rumors suggest, dignified and composed."

The subordinate's mouth twitched slightly.

If I could casually donate 50,000 taels of silver, I would be dignified and composed too.

When Yan Chao returned to the Jinlin Guard, he reported his encounter with Miss Kou to Lord He Qingxiao.

"How much silver did Miss Kou donate?"

Yan Chao's gaze towards Lord He Qingxiao was particularly complicated.

Is my lord certain he wants to know?

He Qingxiao raised his eyebrows slightly.

Yan Chao lowered his eyes, unwilling to see his superior's reaction. "Reporting to you, Miss Kou donated fifty thousand taels."

Fifty thousand taels.

He Qingxiao did not seem surprised. He said calmly, "Well done."

Yan Chao looked up in shock.

Isn't my lord being too calm?

It's not that Miss Kou's large donation should embarrass others, but my lord is different. Shouldn't he feel a bit embarrassed about his own poverty?

Maybe he had misunderstood; his lord might not have feelings for Miss Kou.

After some reflection, Yan Chao asked, "My lord, should we monitor Qingsong Bookstore over the next two days? The news of Miss Kou's donation of fifty thousand taels might attract the attention of petty thieves."

"Donating to the Dingbei disaster area is a matter of great concern to the Emperor. If someone were to be robbed because of their donation, it would certainly provoke the Emperor's wrath, leading to a thorough investigation. Extermination of the entire family would be the lesser punishment. Ordinary thieves wouldn't dare take such a risk," He Qingxiao analyzed rationally.

Yan Chao nodded repeatedly.

My lord is right. Thieves aren't foolish either. There are plenty of rich people to steal from. It wouldn't be worth the risk for thieves to rob Miss Kou and face the extermination of their entire family.

He Qingxiao's tone shifted. "But we should still send someone to monitor the situation."

Yan Chao thought, *My lord always makes him realize he’s wrong just when he thinks he doesn’t care about Miss Kou.*

As He Qingxiao had expected, the officials in charge of the donation did not bother to hide Miss Kou's contribution. Instead, they deliberately spread the news to inspire more people to donate. The news of Miss Kou's fifty-thousand-tael donation to the Dingbei disaster victims spread like wildfire through the city.

Upon hearing this, Duan Shaoqing nearly spat out blood and couldn't help but go to Qingsong Bookstore to find Xin You.

"Uncle is here." There were many people in the book hall, and Xin You greeted Duan Shaoqing courteously.

Noticing many eyes on him, Duan Shaoqing quickly said, "Uncle has something to discuss with you. Let's go somewhere more convenient for talking."

"Uncle, please follow me." Xin You led Duan Shaoqing into the reception room.

The chairs in the reception room were padded with thick fur, soft and warm to sit on. As he felt the comfort, Duan Shaoqing secretly seethed. Seeing how recklessly this girl spends money, it won't be long before she uses up all the family wealth.

Donating fifty thousand taels at once, how dare she!

After Xiao Lian served the tea and left, Xin You asked calmly, "Uncle, what is it?"

It didn't take a guess to know he came because of the fifty thousand taels donation.

Sure enough, Duan Shaoqing brought it up. "Qingqing, I heard you donated fifty thousand taels?"

"Yes."

"Uncle knows you have a kind heart, but you must think things through and not act impulsively."

Xin You looked puzzled. "I wasn't impulsive. When I first heard about the donation drive for the Dingbei disaster area, I didn't take immediate action. It was only after observing for a few days and confirming that the funds were truly intended for the disaster victims that I decided to donate."

"Donating to help the disaster victims is a good thing, but isn't the amount a bit too much?"

"Too much?" Xin You thought carefully. "Excluding the shops, I have over four hundred thousand taels in my hands. I don't think fifty thousand taels is much."

Duan Shaoqing's face darkened. "Qingqing, these assets are the legacy of your ancestors and father. If you waste them, how will you face your ancestors?"

Xin You's expression darkened. "Uncle, are you overstepping? I am the only blood heir of the Kou family. How I use this money is my own decision."

"What did you just say?" Duan Shaoqing was taken aback by his niece’s harsh words.

"I said, don't meddle in my business. This is my money, and I can do with it as I please. You have no say in the matter." Xin You held her teacup, a casual smile on her face. "Or would you rather, at the He Garden banquet, if Prince Xiu or others ask, I tell them you scolded me for donating too much?"

"You dare say that!" Duan Shaoqing was startled by her words, his face turning pale as he stormed out, flinging his sleeves.

Xin You followed him, gently cautioning, "There are many people in the study hall, Uncle. Try to look more cheerful."

Duan Shaoqing tightly clenched his fists for a moment, forcing a smile as he left the reception room.

Xin You, no longer cold and aloof, called out sweetly, "Uncle!"

Duan Shaoqing stiffened, turning his head to look at the brightly smiling young girl.

Xin You gently pulled at his sleeve. "Uncle, I know you have a heart as kind as my mother's. But you have a large family to take care of, so please don't donate as generously as I did."

Duan Shaoqing struggled to keep his composure, forcing a smile. "Uncle knows you care about your family. But the disaster in Dingbei is severe. As an official of the imperial court, I must contribute my share."

He did not dare to stay any longer, hastening out.

Xin You sighed and, with a look of pride, addressed the people in the book hall. "I tried to persuade him, but Uncle insists on donating more."