Chapter 121: No Secrets to Keep
This chapter is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
While indulging in his wine, Duke Xiao laughed heartily at the notion presented before him. “It’s downright laughable! A toddler, barely one-and-a-half years old, tasked with collecting debts? Forget her—even the crown prince couldn’t retrieve a single cent!” He made it explicitly clear that no debts would be repaid under his watch.
Reflecting on past times, Duke Xiao remembered when the late king married the dowager and lavished favor upon the Xiao family, elevating their status in the capital to near sovereign authority. However, following the king’s demise, King Xuan Ping had deliberately curtailed their influence.
With evident dissatisfaction, Duke Xiao pondered aloud, “Why doesn’t Aunt intervene instead of letting His Majesty suppress her own family? Could they truly pose any threat to her?”
Continuing his lament, he expressed his frustration about familial prestige in the royal court. “And my legitimate daughter, Yun’er, was merely made a regular concubine despite participating in the palace selection. Imagine, two queens from one family—what glory and prosperity that would have ensured for centuries!”
He contrasted this with another noble’s fortune: “Yet, the Protectorate Duke’s daughter was granted the queen position. His lineage holds merely military ranks, how dare they be bestowed with such a prestigious title?”
His irritation mounting, he claimed, “What makes the Xiao family less worthy? We are true blood of the royal line!” As he drank more, his smirk widened on his flushed face. “Let’s see who dares settle their debts now. Anyone who does is nothing but a coward! Hic… No repayments allowed! I decree it! Where’s that debt collector now?” he slurred, inquiring drunkenly.
“She’s at the Minister of Personnel’s residence, sir. That Minister, a formidable man, could silence even a crying child,” a servant responded respectfully.
At the Minister of Personnel’s residence, little Lu Chao Chao stood, barely reaching the door’s threshold. Her hair was styled in twin buns, and she was dressed in a peach-pink gown, a small milk bottle around her neck. She softly called out, “Debt c’lection…”
The gatekeeper promptly notified the master, and someone soon came out to lift and carry her inside.
The stern and imposing Minister Zhou, known for his strict governance in official selections, commanded respect and fear equally.
“Have you eaten, little one? We’re just about to dine,” Old Madam Lin, the minister’s wife, asked with maternal warmth.
“Hewwo, Gwamma, not yet,” Lu Chao Chao greeted endearingly, her charm disarming those present.
Old Madam Lin signaled for a servant, who helped Lu Chao Chao onto the dining table set with modest fare.
“Please excuse our simple meal,” Old Madam Lin apologized.
At the table, a little boy wailed, “Grandmother, I don’t want buns or pickles. I’d rather have venison soup and cherry meat. I won’t eat this…”
With a fierce bang, Minister Zhou’s fist slammed down, silencing the boy with a fearsome glare. “If you won’t eat, then leave!”
Terrified, the boy sobbed silently.
Amidst this strict silence, Lu Chao Chao noisily sucked on her milk bottle, uninterested in the food. The crown prince had told her: to make a horse run, you must feed it well. Thus, she was well-fed before her mission.
Despite her young age, she ate with impeccable manners, attracting discreet glances. Once the meal concluded, she finally spoke up, her voice steady.
“Gwampa Zhou, the debt, pwease,” she requested, extending her tiny hand.
Minister Zhou remained unyielding. “No money here. Take my life if you must,” he responded coldly.
Lu Chao Chao’s gaze hardened. “Don’t make me angwy. I’m vewy fierce!” she warned, puffing her cheeks.
Minister Zhou scoffed at the notion of a toddler collecting debts. “Then I’ll expose your secrets,” Lu Chao Chao threatened innocently.
“What secrets? I have nothing to hide. I’ve been loyal to the king and to my conscience,” Minister Zhou declared confidently, underestimating the child’s knowledge.
Lu Chao Chao looked towards Old Madam Lin, then back at Minister Zhou. She boldly accused, standing on the chair with her hands on her hips, “You… you wike wearing skirts!”
“You secretly wear Gwamma’s skirts… Ah! Let me go, let me go…” she continued.
Minister Zhou quickly covered her mouth, his composure breaking as he ushered her into a room. “This child speaks nonsense. I must discipline her,” he muttered.
“She’s just a child. Don’t frighten her,” others said dismissively as Old Madam Lin only caught a vague mention of skirts. She saw Minister Zhou lead Lu Chao Chao into the study and close the door.
Inside, Lu Chao Chao’s accusations grew bolder. “You do wear skirts! You even braid your hair and wear wipstick…”
Minister Zhou clasped his hands. “Quiet, please, quiet! I beg you. I’ll call you my ancestor, just keep it down,” he pleaded, opening the door slightly.
“Wait outside, everyone. Do not approach,” he ordered sternly.
Facing Lu Chao Chao alone, he was desperate. How did she know?
Lu Chao Chao, hands in pockets, demanded, “Give me the money.”
Minister Zhou, tormented, still hesitated.
Pointing at a porcelain by his bedside, Lu Chao Chao hinted, “Your secwet…”
Minister Zhou blanched, realizing she knew about his hidden room filled with women’s attire.
Lu Chao Chao dashed towards the adjoining room, her voice echoing, “I want it!”
Minister Zhou, overwhelmed, finally agreed. “Fine, five thousand—three thousand to settle the debt, two thousand as a donation for your effort in personally making this trip. Just please, don’t tell anyone.”
A grandfather and at the age of near retirement, he couldn’t afford the shame now.
Within half an hour, Lu Chao Chao had secured five thousand taels.
“Ha, the old fool let a child reclaim the funds. How disgraceful! Where’s our little debt collector now? Who’s next?” Grand Duke He Shu roared with laughter after getting news of the event.
“Minister Zhou sent her right to our doorstep,” a servant reported.
Darn old fool!!
Well, suffering alone is not enough. ?
Exactly ?????