Chapter 62 A Two-Hundred-Tael Silver Contract

Chapter 62: Two Hundred Taels of Silver for a Contract of Sale

Only after Xi Qianyue had soaked in the bath to her heart's content and called the maidservants in to join her did Qi Chengyun take his leave.

As usual, he left two shadow guards hidden in the dark to protect Xi Qianyue.

Yuan Lin sneaked a cautious glance at his master's expression, wondering why he seemed so preoccupied.

Qi Chengyun couldn't stop thinking about it: what was the "task" that Miss Xi had mentioned? Why would sending Bai Zhining to his residence count as completing the task?

Could they be spies?

Were they sent by the third brother?

Sending someone to his residence—was it to spy on him, or to get close enough to assassinate him?

Qi Chengyun didn't want to think that way. The moment his mind went there, it made him deeply uneasy.

"Go find out where that Bai Zhining lives. Give her two hundred taels of silver, get her to sign the contract, and bring her here."

He gave the order in the end.

He wondered what would happen after he played along with their scheme.

Bai Zhining was getting anxious at home. It was one thing for Sixth Young Master Qi to disappear, but even Yang Xingxian had vanished.

Although Yang Xingxian had sent someone with an explanation, no matter how you looked at it, it was just an excuse.

At least she now had a few dozen taels of silver and could still afford a doctor for her mother.

Just as she was fretting over what to do next, a man in a guard's uniform arrived.

"Miss Bai, my master is Sixth Young Master Qi. You said before you were willing to sign a contract and sell yourself. Well, now's the time to sign. Two hundred taels of silver."

With that, the guard handed over two one-hundred-tael banknotes.

Bai Zhining's heart went thump-thump. So Sixth Young Master Qi had acted all cold and aloof, but he'd actually taken a liking to her.

But she couldn't act too eager. Instead, she put on a look of alarm: "I don't know who you are. How can I just sign a contract with you out of nowhere? I can't accept your silver either. Not unless I see Sixth Young Master Qi in person!"

"Fine. You may keep the banknotes. Get your affairs at home in order, then come with me."

Bai Zhining didn't hesitate any longer. She took the banknotes, told her mother, and lied that she was going to play the pipa at a noble's residence to earn money.

Her mother was loath to let her go and kept asking if it was dangerous, if she'd be safe. She also said that since she was already sick all over, there was no need to earn that money anyway.

But Bai Zhining knew her mother's illness wasn't really that serious. With proper care, she could live for a long time yet.

"Mother, when the physician came a few days ago, didn't you hear clearly? Your illness just needs proper rest—how can you stop taking your medicine? You hold down the fort at home, and I'll come back to see you when I have time. Hold on to this silver carefully."

Afraid the two hundred taels would shock her mother, she gave her the few dozen taels she'd had before instead.

"Where did all this silver come from? Daughter, can playing the pipa really earn this much? You'd better explain this clearly, or I'll be worried sick at home."

Bai Zhining soothed her with kind words: "Mother, this is half a year's pay that I got in advance. Otherwise, how would we get by? When you play for nobles, if you play well, you can get tips too. Don't worry."

Once she'd calmed her mother down, Bai Zhining left with the guard.

She was very confident she could win Sixth Young Master Qi's favor, and then taking care of her mother would be a piece of cake.

What Bai Zhining didn't expect was that as soon as she got on the carriage, she was taken out of the capital.

She was a bit alarmed: "Where are you taking me to?"

"Don't worry. You're going to see Sixth Young Master Qi."

At the estate, she did indeed see Sixth Young Master Qi, who was as handsome as a jade statue.

Sixth Young Master Qi's face was a bit pale, and he wore loose, plain clothes for lounging at home. He said in a cold tone, "Since you're willing to sell yourself to me, go ahead and sign the contract."

Bai Zhining felt relieved and signed the contract.

Sixth Young Master Qi had Yuan Lin put the contract away, then had someone take her to her quarters.

Bai Zhining was confused but didn't dare ask.

She got her own room, with all her daily necessities already set out, even a change of clothes. The clothes weren't fancy, but she still calmed herself down.

Bai Zhining gave herself a silent pep talk. The fact that she'd been brought to Sixth Young Master Qi's estate meant she was definitely different from other women in his eyes.

But to her surprise, aside from the moment she signed the contract, she never saw Sixth Young Master Qi again.

She thought about going to serve him, but she couldn't get near his room.

The guards would stop her and tell her to just stay in her room.

She wanted to make some food for Sixth Young Master Qi, but the cook told her not to bother—the young master only ate what the cook made.

Bai Zhining sensed something was off. With no other choice, she dressed up and waited in her room, hoping the young master would call for her sooner or later.

But the summons never came.

Until she couldn't hold back anymore and started playing the pipa. But before long, that man Yuan Lin came over and told her to stop, because she was disturbing the master's rest!

Bai Zhining was shocked. She'd been left here for no reason at all—was she under house arrest?

When she found out Sixth Young Master Qi was going out, she hurriedly tried to follow, but the guards stopped her again.

Sixth Young Master Qi shot her a sarcastic look: "Just stay put."

Bai Zhining felt like she'd been doused with a bucket of cold water, with no idea where she'd gone wrong.

Yuan Lin let out a silent sigh. Sixth Young Master was going to have a meal with Miss Xi again, and had even gone out of his way to send someone to bring dates and grapes from the mansion.

These were all tribute goods!

Sure enough, Miss Xi was picky about food, and she was delighted at the sight of the fruit.

"I consider myself a foodie, but I could never buy fruit of this quality. From this, I can tell you must be rolling in money."

Qi Chengyun was glad to see she liked them: "It's no trouble. I can give them to you."

Xi Qianyue took a look at his face: "Ginseng really does do a body good. Your complexion today is much better than yesterday's."

Qi Chengyun gave a bitter smile. As if he hadn't eaten plenty of ginseng already? That wasn't the reason.

"How much longer are you planning to stay at this estate?"

Xi Qianyue said with a smile: "Me? I'm free. I can stay as long as I like."

Qi Chengyun was somewhat surprised. Did she really have that much freedom? Perhaps she was just saying that to keep up appearances.

"But I plan to stay here for another day or two, then return to my mother's home for a short visit. I kind of miss my mother and little brother."

Upon hearing this, Qi Chengyun was even more certain that this Miss Xi had been kicked out of the Marquis's mansion! Otherwise, why would she either be at this estate or heading back to her mother's home?

While he was still mulling it over, Xi Qianyue suddenly got straight to the point: "Sixth Young Master Qi, have you gotten married yet?"

Qi Chengyun coughed awkwardly and replied, "Not yet."

"How strange. Aren't people around here supposed to marry young? You're almost twenty, aren't you? Why aren't you married yet?"

People around here?

"I'm nineteen this year, and my birthday is in half a month."

Qi Chengyun didn't know what had come over him, blurting out his birthday.

Xi Qianyue let out a "wow" and said, "Since you've told me your birthday, I'll have to get you a gift then."

"Really? Actually, the Guangju Tower we visited last time is under my name. If you ever want to find me in the future, you can go there and ask for the manager."