Chapter 174 – Only Fools Leave Money Behind
“Compensation for emotional distress!” Long Yu mused over these words, quickly grasping their meaning. “So, you’re greedy but try to make it sound noble.”
To Yan Xiaosi, being called greedy wasn’t an insult. “Everyone is greedy; it’s natural. If you can make money and don’t, you’re a fool. Besides, Yan Bozhang’s silver isn’t clean, so there’s nothing wrong in taking it.”
Long Yu disagreed with her first statement but nodded in agreement with the second. “Indeed, the Western Wastelands of our Great Chu Dynasty are impoverished largely because of corrupt officials like Yao Jin and Yan Bozhang.”
“That’s for the government and General Zhan to worry about. Right now, I’m just concerned with repaying the ten silver taels I owe you.”
Long Yu, eyeing the silver ingot in her hand, asked with a hint of amusement, “Do you think I’m in need of these ten silver taels?”
“Of course, General Zhan doesn’t need the money, but debts must be repaid. It’s only right that I return what I owe.”
“You’re going to be a military doctor in my camp, aren’t you? Consider these ten silver taels as an advance payment for your services.”
Long San, driving the carriage, couldn’t help but comment inwardly: The master obviously knows that Yan Xiaosi’s family is about to build a house and is short on money.
Hearing about advance payment, Yan Xiaosi’s eyes lit up. “General Zhan, will I receive a salary as a military doctor in your camp?”
“I never let my people work for nothing,” Long Yu affirmed.
Yan Xiaosi’s face blossomed into a smile. “How much will I be paid each month?”
“Five silver taels.”
Five silver taels a month was a considerable salary in the Western Wastelands of Great Chu. Yan Xiaosi suddenly found General Zhan quite charming. Although her goal wasn’t just to earn a salary, at least she wouldn’t be working for free.
“So, I can consider these ten silver taels as two months’ salary. Since it’s my salary, I’ll accept it,” she declared, tucking the silver into her bosom. Then, with a raised eyebrow, she asked Long Yu, “About those imperial pastries I ate, how long do I have to work in your camp to repay that?”
Yan Xiaosi, who had been a military doctor in her previous life, didn’t want to continue the same path in this life. She aspired to open her own medical clinic and pharmacy, aiming for a prosperous and successful life.
“You can leave when the war ends,” Long Yu replied.
Yan Xiaosi’s heart sank. “General Zhan, what if the war lasts for years? Does that mean I have to stay in your camp for years?”
“Mm-hmm.”
Seeing Long Yu nod, Yan Xiaosi felt her heart drop even further. “General Zhan, I’m only fifteen this year. If I spend years in your camp, I’ll be an old man by the time I leave. Who would want to marry me then? Can’t the duration be a bit shorter?”
Long Yu was initially considering reducing the time, but upon hearing Yan Xiaosi’s concern about marriage, he dismissed the idea.
“You’re so young and already thinking of marriage.”
Yan Xiaosi rolled her eyes at his comment.
Listening to his voice, seeing his skin, this General Zhan was at most 20 years old. To say that she’s young, did he think he was old?
Yan Xiaosi questioned Long Yu, “General Zhan, aren’t men in our Great Chu Dynasty usually betrothed by fourteen or fifteen and married by sixteen or seventeen? By eighteen, they’re often fathers.”
Under his mask, Long Yu’s expression darkened slightly, his tone turning cold. “There’s no need to rush. I am twenty-two and not yet married.”
“You’re not married?” Yan Xiaosi was genuinely surprised, her expression showing her astonishment.
In her understanding, nobles and officials typically engaged in political marriages. Someone of Long Yu’s age and status should have been married by now.
“General Zhan, if you don’t have a legitimate wife, do you have any concubines?”
Long Yu shot her a cold glance. “Do I look like someone who would be indiscriminate in love?”
Yan Xiaosi blinked. “No concubines? Then surely you have some servant girls?”
Long Yu’s face turned as dark as storm clouds. “I have neither concubines nor servant girls. You’re so young, how do you even know about these things? Who told you?”
Yan Xiaosi was taken aback. “Isn’t County Magistrate Yao surrounded by wives and concubines? I assumed that someone of your stature would be similar.”
Long Yu gritted his teeth. “It seems I need to address the corrupt practices in Xize County.”
Meanwhile, Yao Jin sneezed violently in the county office, feeling a chill run down his spine, as if someone was watching him with cold eyes.
Long San, eavesdropping from the driver’s seat, was puzzled by Long Yu’s anger and his explanation to Yan Xiaosi. Could it be that the General had taken a liking to Yan Xiaosi? It would explain why there were no women around Long Yu for years – perhaps he preferred men. Realizing this, Long San thought they should be more courteous to Yan Xiaosi in the future.
To avoid attracting attention, Long San took a detour around the villages at the foot of Big Sister Peak.
After the initial conversation, Long Yu leaned back to rest, closing his eyes.
Yan Xiaosi, feeling relaxed without the need to converse, soon dozed off, even snoring softly.
Long Yu opened his eyes to the sound of her light snoring, seeing her leaning awkwardly against the carriage, sleeping soundly. Despite finding her sleeping posture ridiculous, he didn’t have the heart to disturb her.
Yan Xiaosi slept throughout the journey until the carriage jolted to a stop, waking her up. She opened her eyes to find Long Yu looking at her.
“Why have we stopped, General Zhan?” she asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
“We’ve reached the foot of Big Sister Peak. Are you not getting off, or do you expect me to escort you up the mountain?”
Yan Xiaosi didn’t dare impose any further. “No need, General. I’ll get off here. Goodbye.”
Having rested well on the ride, Yan Xiaosi stepped out of the carriage to find the evening had set in. She quickly made her way up the mountain, her steps lively and brisk.
