Chapter 249: Crazy Man, Crazy Woman 9

Just as Wu Daniu’s rebukes left Wu Wanqing speechless, Xiao Mumu suddenly burst in from outside.

Her face was pale, her eyes held a mix of panic and stubbornness, and her voice was rushed:

“Grandfather, Mother, stop fighting! I’ll pay the one thousand taels of silver!”

Hearing Xiao Mumu’s words, Wu Wanqing’s expression changed instantly, her voice becoming sharp:

“Mumu, are you crazy? One thousand taels of silver—where would you get that kind of money?”

Xiao Mumu bit her lip, a flicker of determination in her eyes:

“Mother, I’m already carrying Zhixiao’s child. His debt is my debt. I’ll pay the one thousand taels!”

Hearing this, Wu Wanqing’s face instantly turned ashen.

She shot to her feet, her voice filled with fury. “Mumu, what nonsense are you spouting? You’re an unmarried young lady, how can you say such things?”

Xiao Mumu lifted her head, her eyes filled with tears, her voice laced with defiance:

“Mother, I’m not talking nonsense! I am carrying Zhixiao’s child, and I will pay the one thousand taels! We’re already engaged anyway. What’s mine is his, what does it matter?”

Hearing this, Wu Wanqing looked as if she had been struck by lightning, frozen in place, unable to process what she’d heard for a long moment.

‘She never imagined her own daughter would do something like this.’

‘But what’s done is done. She had to take Mumu’s side.’

Wu Wanqing let out a long sigh, her voice tinged with helplessness:

“So be it, so be it. Since you’re carrying Li Zhixiao’s child, I’ll pay the one thousand taels.”

She took a one thousand tael silver note from her sleeve. She had originally planned to use the money to buy some jewelry.

But now, she had to grit her teeth and hand it over to Ji Xiaosong.

Ji Xiaosong accepted the one thousand tael silver note from Wu Wanqing and gave a slight curtsy. Her tone was calm but tinged with a chill. “Since the matter is settled, I won’t trouble you any further. I’ll take my leave.”

With that, she turned and walked toward the gates of the General Mansion, her steps unhurried, as if the earlier dispute had nothing to do with her.

Seeing this, a playful glint flashed in Wu Chufeng’s eyes, and he quickly followed her.

“Miss Ji, wait a moment!” Wu Chufeng’s voice came from behind.

Ji Xiaosong stopped and turned to look at Wu Chufeng, her eyes showing a hint of confusion. “Young Master Wu, is there something else?”

Wu Chufeng smiled, his tone teasing. “Miss Ji, what happened today was truly an eye-opener. But, I suggest you don’t be in such a hurry to leave. How about we talk?”

Ji Xiaosong raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone calm. “If you have something to say, Young Master Wu, please speak plainly.”

Wu Chufeng took a few steps closer and lowered his voice.

“Miss Ji, you may have gotten the silver today, but do you really think it’s over? Wu Wanqing and Xiao Mumu are not to be trifled with. They won’t let you off easily. You made them lose so much face today; they’ll come after you sooner or later.”

‘Of course, Ji Xiaosong knew that. But she wasn’t afraid.’

‘Li Zhixiao only got a few whacks with a paddle. How could that possibly atone for a life?’

‘But she wouldn’t be revealing these trump cards to anyone.’

‘Wu Chufeng’s attitude, however, piqued her interest. As a member of the Wu Family, it was one thing for him not to help his relatives. But he always seemed to be enjoying the drama, not minding if things got worse, and he even seemed to want to help her.’

‘Still, she had to keep up appearances. Today’s events had gone so smoothly largely thanks to him.’

So she gave a faint smile, her tone laced with a hint of sarcasm. “Is Young Master Wu reminding me, or threatening me?”

Wu Chufeng shook his head, a note of sincerity in his voice.

“Miss Ji, you misunderstand. I’m not here to threaten you; I’m here to help you. Your performance today was very impressive, and I’d like to befriend you. After all, you could say I’m an ‘insider’ here at the General Mansion. With my help, they won’t dare to act rashly.”

Ji Xiaosong looked at Wu Chufeng, a flicker of scrutiny in her eyes.

“Why would you want to help me, Young Master Wu? We’ve only just met. Why are you so interested in me?”

Wu Chufeng smiled, his tone playful.

“Miss Ji, you’re a smart woman, so I won’t hide it from you. Wu Wanqing and Xiao Mumu are always acting high and mighty, banking on my father’s favor. I’ve been tired of them for a long time. You made them suffer a huge loss today, and I’m quite delighted. Helping you is, in a way, helping myself.”

Hearing this, a flash of understanding appeared in Ji Xiaosong’s eyes.

She smiled faintly, her voice tinged with amusement. “I see. So, Young Master Wu wants to use me to deal with them?”

Wu Chufeng shrugged, his tone casual. “With your current abilities, you’re no match for them. The only reason you’re walking out of here alive today is threefold: my father has his limits, I was watching from the side, and this whole affair has drawn a lot of attention. I just think you might be useful for now. That’s all.”

Hearing this explanation, Ji Xiaosong’s tone was teasing. “You’re certainly honest, Young Master Wu. But, since you find me ‘useful,’ why not help me with a small favor?”

Wu Chufeng raised an eyebrow, his voice filled with interest. “Oh? What favor?”

“I’ve traveled a great distance to the Capital City, and I have nothing to my name. Since you want to cooperate with me, Young Master Wu, why not start by helping me with food, clothing, and shelter? After all, if I don’t even have a place to stay, I’m afraid I won’t be of much help to you.”

Hearing this, a playful look flashed in Wu Chufeng’s eyes, and he burst out laughing. “Miss Ji, you really are straightforward! Alright, a small matter like this, you can leave it to me.”

With that, he turned and walked back into the General Mansion, saying to Ji Xiaosong as he went, “Wait a moment, Miss Ji. I’ll go make the arrangements.”

Before long, Wu Chufeng returned with a man who looked like a butler.

The butler was holding a heavy money pouch, which he respectfully handed to Wu Chufeng.

Wu Chufeng took the pouch and casually tossed it to Ji Xiaosong, his tone nonchalant.

“Miss Ji, here’s a one thousand tael silver note and some broken silver. It’s enough for you to live quite well in the Capital City. As for a place to live, I’ve had someone arrange a courtyard for you in the south of the city. You can move in anytime.”

Ji Xiaosong caught the pouch, tested its weight, and a smile touched her lips. “You’re very generous, Young Master Wu. But where did this one thousand taels of silver come from?”

Wu Chufeng smiled, his tone teasing. “From my father’s private coffers, of course. He has more money than he can spend anyway. It would be a waste not to use it, and we can’t let it all go to those ungrateful wolves.”

“How filial of you, Young Master Wu.”

“It’s not about being filial, just putting things to good use. Come on, I’ll take you to the new house myself. Don’t want you getting ‘taken care of’ on the way.”

Wu Chufeng had the butler arrange for a carriage, and the two of them headed to the new courtyard.

When they arrived, the butler had already transferred the contract. The new courtyard was now under Ji Xiaosong’s name.