Three thousand taels of silver—this precise amount was somewhat awkward.
Songyin knew that if she had made an unreasonable demand by asking for too much at this moment, Jiang Gu’an would not have been so conflicted.
His handsome face was filled with shock and unease, and the man before her remained silent for a long while.
“Ayin, how can the affection between us be measured by money? Do you truly doubt my feelings for you because of this woman’s nonsense?” Jiang Gu’an said through gritted teeth, as if the wind had cleared his mind a little.
Three thousand taels—not thirty, not thirty thousand!
If it were thirty taels, he would have handed it over immediately, as it would not have cost his family much. If it were thirty thousand, he could have boldly promised to repay it in full once he had the money.
But three thousand taels… his family happened to have exactly that amount. Once he agreed, the money would truly be gone.
It wasn’t that he didn’t care about Songyin—it was because he was terrified of poverty!
Since childhood, he had loved studying. Although his family was willing to support him, the resources they could provide were extremely limited. He didn’t even dare to practice calligraphy on paper, instead writing over and over again on smooth stones with water. He knew all too well that his family could only support him up to the level of a xiucai, with no possibility of advancing further.
It was only in the past two years, when his family’s circumstances suddenly improved, that he gained the conditions and opportunities he had today!
Money was vulgar, but without it, he was nothing!
He also knew that the amount Songyin mentioned was not even excessive. His family had indeed taken her money and owed her much, but he was willing to repay her for a lifetime. He would treat her well and ensure her eternal happiness—wasn’t that enough?!
Why did she have to make things difficult for him?
“It seems you’ve already made your choice,” Songyin said mockingly, her gaze as if seeing through everything. Her tone was light, yet every word pierced his heart. “Choosing to abandon your previous promise for three thousand taels of silver—this path is one you chose yourself. But failing to repay a debt and being heartless and ungrateful must come at a price. Since you’ve come knocking today, let’s settle it all at once. From now on, the money and the marriage can be treated as if they never happened.”
Songyin’s voice grew increasingly cold as she looked at the man before her, not a trace of her earlier gentleness remaining. She said fiercely, “Seize him and beat him mercilessly. I want him to crawl out of here today!”
Madam Meng’s heart was in turmoil.
But since Songyin had already spoken, she couldn’t back down.
She could only steel herself and nod, instructing the steward to take action with the others.
“Songyin… he’s a xiucai…” Madam Meng whispered to Songyin, reminding her softly.
Jiang Gu’an was restrained on both sides. After all, he was a scholar with little strength and couldn’t move at all.
His eyes burned with rage, and his entire body struggled. “Ayin! How can you be so heartless as to lay hands on me?! Have you forgotten the times we spent together in the past?!”
“Fortunately, you’ve made such a scene that all the neighbors know and can bear witness. In the past, I saved your father’s life, helped your elder brother treat his leg ailment, and gave you money. Yet today, you come to my door like a fiend, insulting my parents and brothers. You repay kindness with enmity and show ingratitude—why shouldn’t I beat you for such grievances? Today, I will take the law into my own hands, and I will take full responsibility for it tomorrow. After you crawl out of here, go ahead and report me to the authorities. I’ll be waiting.”
“I have no fear of letting others know about this minor grudge between us, treating it as a mere anecdote to be shared. No matter who hears of it, my conscience remains clear.”
“Beat him!” Songyin commanded sharply.
At her order, the Xie family servants sprang into action.
The accountant, timid by nature, clutched his abacus and retreated five steps back. Madam Meng watched the chaotic and brutal scene, her ears seemingly able to hear the pounding of her own heart.
Though tense, she also felt an unusual sense of exhilaration. This Jiang Gu’an had bullied her son at the academy, and his sister had bullied her daughter. The whole family was despicable—they deserved a thorough beating!
The thuds of fists and kicks echoed loudly, but even louder were Jiang Gu’an’s screams.
When he had come, he had imagined many possible outcomes.
The best scenario would have been Songyin following him without a backward glance. The worst would have been a heated argument between them. Yet, based on his understanding of Songyin, even if conflicts arose, they would only be temporary. After a few days, with a little effort on his part, she would inevitably return to him.
But he had never imagined this outcome.
Pain—excruciating, heart-rending pain.
He could only clutch his head tightly, his humiliation and fury reaching their peak. Through the gaps between the blows, he caught sight of the lofty woman. Gone was her former gentleness and tolerance; her cold expression made her seem like a different person, corrupted by the Xie family’s power, exuding a venomous aura from head to toe.
He would never forgive her!
Even if she were driven out by the Xie family in the future, even if she suffered endless abuse at their hands, he would never again regard her with the same devotion and adoration as before!
After a long while, the Xie family servants finally withdrew.
Jiang Gu’an lay sprawled on the ground, his face bruised and swollen, looking utterly disheveled.
Songyin took a moment to appreciate the sight and couldn’t help but laugh. Her laughter was light, as if a heavy cloud had lifted, revealing a brilliant, blinding light.
This was who she was meant to be—no one could ever again blind her eyes or force her to be a foolish, desireless creature!
Songyin no longer looked at him and turned to return home with Madam Meng.
The gate closed behind them, as if nothing had ever happened.
“What if he really goes to report this to the authorities? Taking private justice against a scholar—if this escalates…” Madam Meng still harbored some doubts.
“He won’t. Being beaten like this is already humiliating enough. If he reports it, everyone will learn how the Jiang family deceived and exploited me. Besides, he just suffered humiliation at the academy today. If he turns around and drags me, the creator of the prescription, into court, he’ll have no place left in the academy.” Songyin showed no concern at all.
It was just a pity that she hadn’t written a receipt when she gave him the silver earlier. Otherwise, she would have beaten him and reclaimed the money as well.
Hearing this, Madam Meng’s eyes brightened slightly. “That’s true. But did you already guess he would come?”
“People accustomed to taking will inevitably feel anxious and unsettled when they suddenly lose all the privileges they once enjoyed. They’ll always try to find a way to reclaim what they lost. And the only one who can restore it all is me. So, how could he not come?” Songyin smiled, feeling light and carefree.
Madam Meng glanced at her twice.
She had once doubted whether Songyin would remain entangled with Jiang Gu’an…
Pah! This break was clean enough—how could there be any lingering ties?
What surprised her even more was how decisive this young woman was. To this day, she still didn’t understand why Songyin had suddenly severed ties with the Jiang family!
If Songyin were still by Jiang Tan’er’s side now… and harbored hatred towards the Xie family…
Madam Meng found the thought quite terrifying. This young girl had brains, and she calculated people’s hearts with such precision. Jiang Tan’er alone had already left them in a state of utter chaos; if Songyin were added to the mix, it would truly be unbearable!
Madam Meng’s mind was filled with many thoughts.
Meanwhile, Xie Yingyue, standing under the corridor not far away, watched her mother’s smiling face directed at Songyin. Her heart ached with bitterness, and the pain was almost uncontrollable.