Volume One, Chapter 19: I Will Take Charge

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Zhu Xiaozhi calculated her current resources and judged that even without Xiao Pipa’s literary talent, she could still afford to keep two idle people for the time being. Only then did she extend the invitation.

“I have some bond with Xiao Pipa as well. Since you two have nowhere else to go, come stay at Princess Zhaoyang’s residence as my guests. It will be a six-month probation period, with a monthly salary equivalent to that of a ninth-rank official. The salary can increase afterward. But if there’s no outstanding contribution after half a year, you’ll have to find your own way. How does that sound?”

The brother and sister had never heard such an unusual proposal before. It was Wang Qi who took the initiative to ask, “If we need to leave for any reason, can we resign?”

In fact, recruiting talent was the same in any era. Establishing a regime in ancient times was no different from opening a company in modern times. Zhu Xiaozhi pondered for a moment and directly applied modern regulations.

“During the probation period, resign with three days’ notice; after that, thirty days’ notice. You’re free to come and go as you please.”

Before Wang Shi could speak, Wang Qi readily agreed, “Fine.”

Satisfied, Zhu Xiaozhi linked arms with Wang Qi and led her forward, leaving Wang Shi awkwardly following behind with his sword, while Madame Wei watched them curiously.

“Since you’re my guests, no one must bully you. You borrowed twenty taels from that man earlier—how much have you repaid?”

“The last time we sold writings, we repaid all thirty taels. But if we count the hundred taels he claimed, seventy taels are still owed.”

It seemed the Wang siblings’ IOU was still in the hands of that burly man. Zhu Xiaozhi clenched her fists, itching to punch the man’s face.

“Let’s go; today we must seek justice. Wang Shi, do you know how to fight?”

“Not really…”

But there was no time for refusal. The two girls dashed off, ignoring the bewildered looks of passersby. Madame Wei followed closely behind, unusually shouting, “Princess, mind your manners!”

The girls’ skirts fluttered like clouds through the winding alleys. At several corners resembling Fanyang, Zhu Xiaozhi suddenly thought of Song Yun. If she hadn’t died, would she have run side by side like this through the streets and alleys?

But she was gone. The turbulent past of Fanyang was gradually forgotten under Chang’an’s peaceful calm, the vivid bloodshed fading into indelible brown scars.

Finally, Wang Qi stopped in front of a bustling shop, where two golden stone beasts resembling chubby pixiu guarded the entrance as if it were a noble mansion.

“This is the Liu family’s bank on the main street.”

Again the Liu family—Zhu Xiaozhi rolled up her sleeves and stepped in first. The burly man with the surname Liu came over, picking his teeth.

“Princess, so soon we meet again. What brings you here today?”

Zhu Xiaozhi’s voice was firm and resolute, attracting the attention of passersby who glanced over at the unfolding drama.

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“The Wang siblings owe you twenty taels but have already repaid thirty. Since the debt is cleared, why not return the IOU?”

The sedan of Princess Changle was nowhere to be seen, and the man no longer showed respect.

“Princess, have you heard the saying—‘The world’s hustle and bustle is all for profit’? My master opened this bank not purely to do good; charging interest is only natural. The hundred taels haven’t been fully repaid, and even for your sake, I dare not give you the IOU.”

Zhu Xiaozhi’s eyes gleamed as a plan formed.

“Then show me the IOU and I’ll see if the interest rate is specified.”

The Liu family’s IOU had several black smudges beneath the word “interest,” with a handwritten note “one hundred taels.” The handwriting was inconsistent, clearly altered after signing.

Zhu Xiaozhi flicked the IOU open with one hand and held it before his eyes.

“Since it’s been altered, this IOU should be rewritten. Ten taels is already half the original amount, more than enough as interest. I declare this IOU void.”

Liu’s mustache twitched as he widened his eyes.

“You can’t decide that. This bank belongs to the Gao family!”

Zhu Xiaozhi slammed the IOU onto the table with heroic flair.

“Whether it’s the Gao family or anyone else, I decide!”

With that, she lightly pulled from both sides, splitting the IOU in two. Under Liu’s astonished gaze, she tore it into countless pieces, scattering them like snowflakes on everyone’s shoulders.

“From now on, the Wang siblings’ debt is fully repaid.”

She grabbed Wang Qi’s hand and turned to leave, predictably surrounded by Liu family servants. They dared not harm the princess, but Zhu Xiaozhi fought fiercely, protecting Wang Qi despite getting bruised.

Madame Wei slipped away quietly to summon the palace guards. Wang Shi, carrying his sword, swung fists with brute force but no real impact.

Frustrated by his clumsiness, Zhu Xiaozhi smacked his back hard.

“Aren’t you carrying a sword?”

Wang Shi dodged the slap and grumbled indignantly.

“I practice swordsmanship for the sword itself, not to fight…”

What a dullard, clueless about adapting or at least pretending to intimidate! Zhu Xiaozhi, exasperated, reached to draw his sword, but her delicate wrist was suddenly caught by a large hand, accompanied by the familiar scent of sandalwood.

“Princess, you never seem to break your bad habit of snatching others’ weapons.”

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The restrained girl looked up; loose strands of hair fluttered across Pei Zai’s eyes, making him blink reflexively.

In that brief moment, the girl nimbly slipped away like a rabbit, leaping several paces back.

“Lord Pei, these people openly lend at usurious rates. Will you intervene or not?”

Pei Zai’s facial wounds were still bandaged on one side, obscuring his expression.

“The crimes you mention fall outside the Ministry of Rites’ jurisdiction. Moreover... the only evidence that could convict them seems to have already been destroyed by you just now.”

He then turned to Liu.

“How much do these two friends of Princess Zhaoyang actually owe? I will cover it for now and deduct it from their salaries gradually.”

Liu shrugged hesitantly and gestured the number two.

“Twenty taels... twenty taels.”

Zhu Xiaozhi was still dissatisfied and, from a distance, kicked toward him, stomping in frustration.

“Twenty taels have not only been fully repaid, but an extra ten taels in interest as well!”

At that time, one tael could buy two hundred dou of rice. The old woman had sold her for a hundred taels, and now ten taels could buy a tenth of her.

“Yes, yes, Lord Pei, it’s all a misunderstanding.”

Though just and incorruptible, the girl constantly stirred up bigger troubles in her pursuit of justice—and unfortunately, it always involved him. Pei Zai suppressed a sigh and ordered,

“Since that’s the case, everyone disperse.”

Having said that, he turned to leave but was met with a persistent invitation.

“Lord Pei, I’ve established a new residence in Chongren Lane. Please visit whenever you have time!”

Pei Zai nearly stumbled, silently marking Chongren Lane as a place to avoid forever.