I Want the Money, and I Want the Person Too!

Niu Youdao cupped his hands and said, "This humble one is indeed Niu Youdao. Greetings, General Feng!"

Indeed, this female general was Feng Ruonan, the youngest daughter among Feng Lingbo's three children. Hearing his words, her brow twitched slightly. "An old acquaintance? What sort of acquaintance are we?"

Niu Youdao smiled and replied, "Does the General remember the bamboo raft on the river in Ziyun Commandery back then? I was deeply impressed by the General. I dodged your arrow but nearly froze to death in the river."

Feng Ruonan curled the corners of her lips. She did recall the incident. Even without the notification from Shang Chaozong's entourage, she had an impression of the name Niu Youdao. After she had shot the token and left, she only then remembered, Wouldn't that clever kid freeze to death in the river? She had intended to go back and check afterward, but considering the river's flow, she estimated she wouldn't find him, so she let it go. What deepened her impression later was when people from the Shangqing Sect found her with her token, verifying if she truly had an encounter with Niu Youdao. It was then she learned that the clever kid on the bamboo raft was named Niu Youdao and had joined the Shangqing Sect, though Niu Youdao himself didn't know this to this day.

And then there was recently. As soon as she heard that Shang Chaozong's accompanying pháp sư was a disciple of the Shangqing Sect named Niu Youdao, she immediately remembered who he was. Furthermore, according to news she had only seen this morning, Niu Youdao had consecutively defeated Song Yanqing and his two junior brothers, which surprised her greatly. Niu Youdao has only been in the Shangqing Sect for a few years, yet he has this strength? The shot he threw just now was a probing attempt, and she hadn't expected Yuan Gang to intercept it.

"So it's you!" Feng Ruonan said with a hint of disdain, a mocking smile on her face. "What? Have you come to seek revenge on this General today?"

Niu Youdao replied, "I wouldn't dare. I am here on the Prince's orders to procure supplies in the commandery city. I remembered an old acquaintance was here, so I came to visit."

Feng Ruonan asked, "Just for that?"

Niu Youdao gave a dry laugh. "Of course. I also have a small matter I'd like to ask the General for help with."

Feng Ruonan couldn't help but sneer, her expression clearly implying, Why should I help you? However, she said readily, "Tell me about it first."

Niu Youdao rubbed his hands together, looking a bit embarrassed. "I'd like to borrow some money from the General. Is it convenient for you?"

Borrow money? Feng Ruonan was clearly taken aback and asked suspiciously, "How much?"

Niu Youdao happily held up a finger. "It's not much, just ten thousand gold coins!"

Feng Ruonan's expression changed slightly. What kind of joke is this? Ten thousand gold coins right off the bat? While the amount wasn't excessively large or small for her, her relationship with Niu Youdao wasn't close enough for her to lend him that much money, especially since he was involved with Shang Chaozong's group. She immediately waved her hand dismissively. "My hands are tied, it's not convenient at all. Pháp sư, please find someone else. Guards, escort him out!"

Immediately, a woman in black flashed down from the platform and extended her hand, saying, "Please!"

Niu Youdao raised his hand, signaling her to wait, and shamelessly added, "Perhaps the General could name her conditions for lending it?" Seeing her impatience and unwillingness to discuss further, he quickly thought that he must pique her curiosity. He immediately changed his tune. "One hour! Just for one hour. I'll return it immediately after an hour!" He held up a finger again.

Ten thousand gold coins for an hour? Feng Ruonan was indeed a bit curious about what this guy was up to. She said coldly, "Why should I trust you? If you run off with the money, who will I collect from?" She was just speaking hypothetically; on her territory, she wasn't afraid that Niu Youdao could run anywhere within an hour.

Niu Youdao patted his chest. "I won't run. How about I stay here as a hostage? If I can't return the money after an hour, you can do whatever you want with me – kill me or punish me!"

Feng Ruonan scoffed, "What use is your life? The Song Family will likely take your life sooner or later, won't they?" She clearly already knew about Niu Youdao killing Song Yanqing.

Niu Youdao laughed heartily. "My life isn't something the Song Family can easily take. However, since the General thinks so, I'm willing to make a bet with you. If I lose the bet, I will return ten times the amount, one hundred thousand gold coins, within an hour, with interest. I won't go back on my word!"

One hundred thousand gold coins? That's truly not a small sum. Several women in black exchanged glances.

Feng Ruonan was somewhat tempted. One hundred thousand gold coins would be enough to pay the salaries for the Guangyi Commandery's troops several times over. However, she didn't relent, sneering, "You need to borrow ten thousand gold coins, where would you get one hundred thousand to give me?"

Niu Youdao replied, "Even if I can't produce one hundred thousand gold coins, I will definitely offer something worth one hundred thousand gold coins as collateral. Although my Prince doesn't have cash on hand, he does have some valuable possessions. If the General doesn't believe me, I am willing to use this as a token of my promise." He took out a token from his bosom and threw it over. He had borrowed it from Shang Chaozong before setting out, saying that it was necessary to have a token to confirm his identity when meeting Feng Lingbo and also to command his accompanying guards.

The women in black on the opposite side received it and, after inspecting it, handed it over to Feng Ruonan. When Feng Ruonan took it and looked, she discovered it was Shang Chaozong's Commandery King's token. After examining it repeatedly, she confirmed it was likely genuine. It bore an exquisitely crafted royal insignia, making it difficult to counterfeit. This token was valuable in a sense, and worthless in another; its value depended on the authority of its owner. For the current Shang Chaozong, his token was clearly not worth much money. However, on the other hand, it represented credibility and significant face for Shang Chaozong himself. This meant that while it might not be worth much to others, it was valuable to Shang Chaozong.

With this token in hand, Feng Ruonan felt reassured, not afraid that Shang Chaozong would renege on the debt. She toyed with the token in her hand and said calmly, "What sort of bet do you want to make?"

Niu Youdao stated, "As I said, I want to borrow ten thousand gold coins from the General and return it within an hour. This token will serve as collateral."

Feng Ruonan dangled the token in her hand. "I asked how you want to bet?"

Niu Youdao cursed inwardly, This woman's appetite is truly enormous. It seems she really wants to earn that hundred thousand gold coins. The bet, he thought, was just to pique her interest so they could continue talking, rather than being summarily dismissed after a few sentences. He said with a dry laugh, "Is a bet really necessary?"

Feng Ruonan's brow furrowed, and her expression turned cold. "Are you trying to play me?"

"No, no, absolutely not. Alright, alright, we'll make this bet!" Niu Youdao raised both hands in a gesture of surrender and proposed the terms: "Ten thousand gold coins, borrowed for one hour. I bet that by then, the General won't let me repay the money and will let me leave the barracks safely. If I win the bet, the ten thousand gold coins naturally won't need to be repaid. If I lose, I will pay one hundred thousand gold coins, with interest, as agreed. What do you think, General?"

Feng Ruonan pondered for a moment, feeling that this bet had a problem. Her bright eyes flickered, and she said with a cold smile, "I don't agree. It's better to change the terms of the bet. I'll lend you ten thousand gold coins, and you must return it within one hour. If you can return it on time, I'll let you leave safely. If you're late, you'll owe me one hundred thousand gold coins, with interest, and you yourself will be at my disposal. And him..." She gestured towards Yuan Gang with her chin, "...if you can't repay on time, he will have to serve under my command. How about that?"

Niu Youdao couldn't help but chuckle, realizing this woman was truly someone who wouldn't suffer a loss. With this kind of bet, she wouldn't lose either way. He deliberately put on a show of difficulty. "General, with your terms, I don't seem to gain any benefit!"

Feng Ruonan glared. "Isn't the fact that I'm willing to lend you money a benefit? Do you think anyone can borrow money from me? What, you're not confident you can repay the money within an hour? If that's the case, are you intending to come here to swindle money?"

Niu Youdao gave a wry smile. "I'm willing to be a hostage here, so how could I be trying to swindle money?"

Feng Ruonan commanded, "If you're confident you can repay the money within the time limit, what are you afraid of? Bet or not?" She placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, looking as if she were about to draw it in anger.

Niu Youdao could only laugh wryly. "Alright, alright, I'll do as the General says. I'll bet!"

Feng Ruonan looked at Yuan Gang. "Hey, big guy, do you agree?"

Yuan Gang nodded. Feng Ruonan decisively waved her hand. "Bring ten thousand gold coins!"

Soon, several people carried over a heavy chest. When the lid was opened, a pile of shining gold coins was revealed. An empty chest was placed aside, and the coins were transferred and repacked in front of Niu Youdao and Yuan Gang, effectively counting them.

After confirming the amount was correct, Feng Ruonan waved her hand again. "Ink, paper, and inkstone. Draft the bet agreement!"

Someone immediately brought the writing materials. The bet agreement was written, and then brought over for both parties to sign. Feng Ruonan, Niu Youdao, and Yuan Gang all signed it, and each party held a copy.

The process of borrowing money was completed. Yuan Gang squatted down, let out a "Hah," and exhaled, effortlessly lifting the chest that several people had struggled to carry, hoisting it onto his shoulder. This feat once again made Feng Ruonan's eyes gleam with admiration. She praised him inwardly, What a fine fellow, such great strength! He can be a fierce general!

"General, I'll escort him to the door and say a few words before returning," Niu Youdao said to Feng Ruonan, turning his head. After all, he had agreed to be a hostage.

Feng Ruonan generously waved her hand, not fearing that Niu Youdao could escape from her territory.

After the two brothers walked a short distance away, Niu Youdao looked back and whispered to Yuan Gang, who was carrying the chest, "This woman has ill intentions and a huge appetite. She's very likely trying to trick me. Later, we'll see how she cries!"

Yuan Gang replied, "Daoist Master, if you trick her like this, be careful she doesn't hate you for life."

Niu Youdao chuckled. "I'm clearly helping her. Speaking of which, Monkey, this woman's build looks quite compatible with yours!"

"Your eyesight is problematic!" Yuan Gang scoffed, then changed his tune. "If you can get her to agree, I don't mind!"

"Uh..." Niu Youdao gave a dry laugh. "Let's forget it. Not everyone is qualified to ride this wild horse. We brothers are not fortunate enough to enjoy it. Let's leave it for someone who is fortunate enough to enjoy it!"

On the command platform, watching the two walk away, Feng Ruonan said to those around her, "Go and keep an eye on them. See what they're up to. Don't let them escape. If necessary, directly relay my order to seal the four city gates! Also, be prepared. If they can actually repay the money on time, set up obstacles along the way to prevent them from returning within the stipulated time. I'm definitely winning this bet! I want the money, and I want the person too!"

The four female guards beside her, named Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju, chuckled lightly upon hearing this, knowing she had ulterior motives. Zhu and Ju nodded in agreement and left to make preparations.