Chapter 10: Attempting to Show Off but Ending Up Trapped Instead

Shì Wúshuāng was instantly infuriated. He had never anticipated Li Yè to say something like that. Did he have no sense of dignity at all? People of their status would never demand repayment from a woman after a breakup. If word got out, it would be a complete disgrace. But since the matter had come up, Shì Wúshuāng naturally refused to back down.

“Fine,” he said, “however much Sixth Prince has spent on the Qin family, I shall repay you in full.”

Li Yè applauded, “Truly worthy of being the unmatched young master of Yunlu Pavilion—your actions are indeed magnanimous. I admire you.”

Shì Wúshuāng’s pride swelled at the praise, feeling an immense sense of satisfaction.

“Xiaocui, calculate how much has been spent on the Qin family over the years. Don’t count trivial expenses like meals or clothing. Just the properties acquired and the large sums spent.”

Xiaocui promptly responded, “Your Highness, the properties purchased for the Qin family, the debts you helped clear, and the living expenses over these years amount to a total of 189,000 taels of silver.”

Shì Wúshuāng nearly staggered and fell to the ground upon hearing the figure. With disbelief, he exclaimed, “This is utter nonsense! Are you trying to extort me?”

Xiaocui replied coldly, “I have recorded every expenditure of Your Highness’s household in detail. If you don’t believe me, I can recount every single item…”

Sure enough, Xiaocui began listing expenses from the very first payment—debts repaid for the Qin family, purchase and renovation of their residence, monthly allowances for their upkeep, each sum and the exact dates clearly accounted for. This did not even include gifts and miscellaneous expenditures.

Those nearby listened in shock. Everyone knew Sixth Prince Li Yè was involved with Qin Qingxue, but no one expected such a vast sum to have been spent on her. It was clear Li Yè was no miser.

Hearing about Sixth Prince’s devoted care for the Qin family, many began to change their opinion of Li Yè. Though since Qin Qingxue had gained merit and rewards from the court, many thought Li Yè no longer deserved her. But now it seemed that as soon as she achieved success, Qin Qingxue abandoned him without scruples. Without Sixth Prince’s support, there would be no present-day Qin Qingxue; the Qin family would likely still be drowning in debt.

Previously, Qin Qingxue couldn’t even break into the upper echelons of society. Now, as a renowned female general, it was all thanks to Li Yè’s backing.

“Who would have thought Sixth Prince is such a romantic? He’s so devoted to one woman,” someone remarked.

“Nearly 200,000 taels spent over a few years—his dedication is beyond reproach.”

“I think Qin Qingxue was unfair. If she didn’t like Sixth Prince, why accept his support?”

“If she no longer loves him, breaking up is fine, but such a large sum is not trivial and should be repaid.”

…

Listening to the murmurs around her, Qin Qingxue’s face turned pale. She angrily confronted Li Yè, but it only backfired. No one thought Li Yè petty or vengeful after the breakup; instead, they felt Qin Qingxue was in the wrong. No one had expected that Li Yè had spent so much on her—almost 190,000 taels of silver. Even with her achievements, it was unclear when she could ever earn so much.

Qin Qingxue also knew Xiaocui had not exaggerated; some items matched exactly with what her father had said. Gritting her teeth, she stared at Li Yè as if her eyes would shoot flames. In her heart, she screamed:

“He did this on purpose. He wants to humiliate me publicly!”

“This is his way of revenge!”

“Li Yè, don’t think you can make me bow to you with this. You won’t win me back, but only deepen my hatred!”

Li Yè was inwardly delighted—a fool gifted on a silver platter was a blessing not to be wasted.

“Young Master Wúshuāng, any questions about these accounts?” Li Yè asked.

“I never expected such largesse from you, Young Master Wúshuāng, willing to repay the Qin family’s debts,” one onlooker remarked.

“This sum is not small. I’ll give you some time—just repay me within a month. I believe even at the risk of Yunlu Pavilion’s reputation, you won’t default.”

Shì Wúshuāng glared at Li Yè’s gleeful expression, wanting to punch him. To maintain face, he now bore nearly 190,000 taels of debt. It was maddening. Though he had saved some silver intending to buy a treasured sword, now all had to be returned to Li Yè. But with so many witnesses, he could not back down from his words.

He snorted coldly, “Hmph. A disciple of Yunlu Pavilion always keeps his word. The silver will be delivered to your residence. But I warn you, do not oppress Qingxue anymore. If you do, even as a prince, I will not spare you any face.”

“I am a man who believes in mutual respect. As long as you don’t cause trouble for me, I won’t bother with you,” Li Yè replied.

Though Mr. Xiao said nothing, his eyes held amusement and approval of Li Yè’s approach. As assassins, they valued swift justice and never letting themselves be wronged. If Li Yè had swallowed his pride, he would have lost their respect.

Shì Wúshuāng dragged Qin Qingxue aside, his face dark as storm clouds, unwilling to engage with Li Yè any further.

Qin Qingxue felt uneasy, sensing that although Shì Wúshuāng agreed to help repay the debt, he was far from pleased.

“Young Master Wúshuāng, rest assured, I will repay you as soon as possible! Once His Majesty’s rewards arrive, I will return the money immediately. Any future spoils from battles will be handed to you first,” she promised.

“Don’t rush the repayment. I’m just worried that if I give the money to Li Yè, I won’t have enough left to bid on that sword,” Shì Wúshuāng replied.

Qin Qingxue could hardly believe her ears. Although she sincerely wanted to repay the debt, she hadn’t expected Shì Wúshuāng to demand it. A wave of discomfort swept over her. She had thought she was deeply important to Shì Wúshuāng, that at least he would be courteous enough to tell her not to worry about the money. Instead, he merely said not to rush repayment.

For some reason, memories floated through her mind of when she was with Li Yè—whenever she desired something or needed anything, even without a word, he would immediately buy it for her. But the thought vanished as quickly as it came.

“Young Master Wúshuāng probably didn’t mean it! He grew up in Yunlu Pavilion and doesn’t understand human affairs well. In his heart, I am the most important. Even if I don’t repay him, he wouldn’t ask for it,” she reassured herself.

“Hmph, Li Yè, today I finally see your true nature. You are steeped in the stench of money. You don’t even compare to a finger of Young Master Wúshuāng,” Qin Qingxue tried to convince herself, believing her choice was not wrong.