"What is it, madam? Surely you haven't changed your mind?"
Chu Lange turned her head, her gaze suddenly turning rather sinister, and failed to stop the scissors in her hand.
Snip.
The most magnificent blossom on that mutated Eighteen Scholars camellia fell...
As though her very lifeline had been severed, Madam Sun's eyes instantly reddened.
"Your Highness, the Sun Residence owes the Ministry of Revenue three thousand five hundred gold. Two days ago, His Majesty bestowed that IOU upon Miss Jiang here beside you. How about I settle it today and let you take the money away?"
Chu Lange's eyes lit up. She quickly turned to glance at Jiang Yourning, fresh admiration filling her gaze.
Was collecting a debt really this easy?
Jiang Yourning smiled at Chu Lange, then bowed to Madam Sun.
"I was still wondering how to bring up this debt with you, madam. I never expected you to offer to settle it yourself. You truly are as gracious and generous as everyone says."
Madam Sun was so angry she nearly twisted her handkerchief apart, yet she still had to maintain a dignified, gracious expression.
"Repaying one's debts is only right and proper. It is what I ought to do. Please follow me to the storeroom to count out the payment."
"No, that won't do. We'll wait right here for you. What if you change your mind later?"
It wasn't that Chu Lange had actually gotten smarter. The camellias smelled quite lovely, and now she genuinely wanted to take some home to try brewing tea or making pastries.
Madam Sun choked on her anger.
Having given her word before the princess, she naturally wouldn't go back on it.
Weren't they being a little too cautious?
"Very well. I'll count out the gold and silver now and have it