Chapter 86: Extorting a Fortune

Shen Zhao looked at the fox-faced youth, who was still frozen in place, and spoke with displeasure. “Well? Must I personally escort you out? Don’t think that just because you look both male and female, bewitching and alluring, I’ll feel any tender pity for you. I don’t know how to hold back when I act. If Lord Du ends up hurt, I certainly won’t be the one to comfort you.”

Du Qi’an stared at Shen Zhao’s moving lips, an urge rising within him to stride forth and tear them to shreds. What did he mean by saying he was some seductive creature, beautiful and dangerous, and what was all that nonsense about feeling pity or affection? Hurt him? Such words—who was he trying to insult?

The world had deceived him! If anyone dared say again that General Chu was a man of few words and rare speech, he would slap their mouth. “General Chu—”

“Out!” Shen Zhao interrupted sharply.

Du Qi’an: …

Had he even said anything? And he was told to get out! Fine—he would endure it. If not for the duty he carried, he wouldn’t stay another second with this foul-mouthed general.

Stay calm, stay calm, he reminded himself. He forced a faint, polite smile. “Just now, General Chu said I was lacking in the arts of a guest. But do you know the ways of a host? I am a guest here, after all. How can you tell me to ‘get out’ so bluntly?”

There is a saying, never strike a smiling face; he didn’t believe General Chu would—

“You admit you don’t know how to be a guest, yet have the nerve to accuse me of poor hospitality? Why, is the Du family allowed to light lamps, but the Chu family may not set fires? I have pressing matters to attend to, Lord Du, so please—get out! Is that direct enough for you? Be so kind as to leave!”

Du Qi’an was utterly stunned. He’d offered his face, and the general had really slapped it. Was this man bereft of all propriety? Did he know nothing of courtesy?

Clenching his rising anger, Du Qi’an reminded himself again—calm, calm, calm. He was a proud scion of a noble family. This was his carefully maintained image; he must not let this insufferable general break it.

He exhaled slowly. He was certain he bore no grudge against this foul-mouthed general—no, against General Chu, he corrected himself hastily. And when General Chu had come in, there hadn’t been such hostility. It was only when his uncle’s name was brought up that the general’s demeanor changed.

He did not know much about the uncle who had never cared for the family’s interests; his father had said only that this uncle was nothing good. If not for the fact that his uncle was now the sole legitimate member of their branch, his father would never have sent for him to return to the Du family. Perhaps all this anger was because of that uncle he had never met.

“General Chu, all things can be discussed. Has my uncle committed some offense while in your residence? Has he caused any loss? You know the Du family—if my uncle has done wrong, we will shoulder the responsibility. We would never let your household suffer.”

Shen Zhao snorted coldly. Even if she denied Du Kang was in the general’s manor, the Du family would not believe it, and would do all they could to rescue him. That would complicate things. Since Lord Du was so willing to accept all responsibility for Du Kang’s crimes, why not take him at his word? After all, the Ministry of Revenue was a fine position.

Yet Du Kang had conspired with a venomous woman to harm Chu Mu’s mother; such a crime was unforgivable. If she handed Du Kang over to the Du family, not only would Chu Mu refuse to accept it, she herself would never be at peace. She wanted proper compensation—and Du Kang’s life as well.

“Does Lord Du truly mean what he says?”

“I do!” Du Qi’an saw that the general’s attitude had softened at last, and seized the opportunity.

“Hmm… I don’t believe you.” She would not allow Lord Du to take Du Kang away.

Du Qi’an was momentarily dumbfounded. Didn’t believe him? Then why bother to ask? Was the general just toying with him?

“What do you mean by this, General Chu?” Du Qi’an’s words carried a hint of anger. He was about to lose control thanks to this insufferable general.

“Anyone can make empty promises. Without written proof, why should I trust you?” As Shen Zhao spoke, Du Qi’an’s face grew stormy. She was questioning his integrity. Wasn’t it just a written agreement? He could write one. His father had said to bring that uncle back at any cost, to carry on the responsibilities of their branch. If there had been even one other legitimate son or daughter, he would never have come seeking this unreliable uncle.

“This is your residence, General. Would you have your servants bring brush, ink, and paper?”

Watching Du Qi’an’s readiness to risk all for this, Shen Zhao felt no pleasure, only concern. Du Kang’s identity must be anything but simple. Du Qi’an was the legitimate son of the Du family head. This did complicate things. But for now, she would make him sign a written agreement.

She turned to the servant waiting outside the door. “Quickly, bring brush, ink, and paper.”

Before long, the writing materials were brought in. Shen Zhao said, “I’ll dictate, you write. At the end, you’ll add your seal and signature.”

Du Qi’an felt a stifling sense of indignation. Add his seal and signature? Was the Chu family trying to sell him off? No—he would not bicker with petty men. Teeth gritted, he said, “Very well. Please proceed, General Chu.” Just wait, Chu—pray you never fall into my hands.

Shen Zhao ignored Du Qi’an’s clenched teeth and began slowly, “Because Du Kang has committed a heinous crime in the Chu residence, Du Qi’an, heir of the Du family, hereby guarantees that the Du clan will bear full responsibility for all his offenses…”

With every sentence Shen Zhao spoke, Du Qi’an wrote a line. On and on she went, but where was the crux? Where was the compensation?

“As for compensation: First, Du Qi’an, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Revenue, must establish a good rapport with Chu Mu, and on the court must spare no effort to support Chu Mu, standing together on all matters, regardless of circumstance!”

The Ministry of Revenue—the purse of the Southern Chu dynasty, the office that distributed salaries. At least the four thousand strong Northwestern Army would have its pay. Du Qi’an thought it over. This was acceptable. Since Chu Mu never allied with or opposed the Du family, and stayed out of the struggle for the crown, they were not enemies. According to the family’s information, General Chu’s presence in court was minimal and non-confrontational. He could agree to this. He wrote a swift “Agreed” and jotted it down.

“Second, after the Chu family has cared for Du Kang for decades, the Du family must compensate the Chu for one hundred thousand taels for food, one hundred thousand for lodging, one hundred thousand for clothing, and one hundred thousand for protection—a total of four hundred thousand taels of silver.”

The Chu family was now poor, and she herself was not wealthy; every corner required silver. The Du clan had a commercial branch that brought them endless wealth. If she didn’t take advantage of them now, when would she? Du Qi’an agreed without hesitation. “Fine.” After all, these four hundred thousand taels would come from Du Kang’s branch—it was no concern of his.

Du Qi’an’s easy acquiescence made Shen Zhao frown slightly. Had she asked for too little? He agreed as if it were four taels, not four hundred thousand.

As Shen Zhao remained silent, Du Qi’an thought—were these the only two terms? He looked up and asked: