Chapter 79: The Borrowing Child Who Scoured the Capital
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Lu Yuan Xiao’s first stop was the home of Lin Yan Yang, the son of the wealthiest family in the capital.
When it came to wealth, no one surpassed the Lin family, renowned for their overflowing coffers. Over the years, their business had expanded significantly. However, in this world of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, the Lin family yearned for more than wealth—they craved power. Their goal was to acquire the status of Imperial Merchant, hoping to elevate their lineage.
Despite their efforts, years had passed without success. Yet, none of this concerned Lin Yan Yang, the nine-year-old youngest son of the Lin family, who was still in his early stages of education.
When Lin Yan Yang welcomed his friend at the door, his eyes immediately landed on the child in Lu Yuan Xiao’s arms. “Last time, Li Si Qi said you brought your little sister to the academy. I didn’t believe it, but it’s true!”
“Let me take a closer look.”
Lu Chao Chao, mindful of borrowing etiquette, grinned widely, revealing several teeth.
“Yan Yang bro bro…” she babbled.
Lin Yan Yang’s heart melted instantly. “She’s adorable, Lu Yuan Xiao! Your sister is absolutely adorable.”
Lu Yuan Xiao puffed out his chest with pride. “Of course she is! She takes after me.”
Lin Yan Yang raised an eyebrow. “If she looked like you, she wouldn’t be so cute.”
The two boys were close friends and often exchanged playful jabs. Lu Yuan Xiao, wearing a sly grin, revealed his true purpose. “My sister wants to borrow some money to start a business. Are you interested in joining us?”
Lin Yan Yang blinked in surprise. “Start a business? Us?”
Lu Yuan Xiao nodded eagerly. “Exactly. I’m coming to you first because you’re my friend.” Of course, it wasn’t solely because Lin had deep pockets.
“Earn big, big money…” Lu Chao Chao said, spreading her little arms wide to emphasize the scale.
Lin Yan Yang gaped at the child. “Your sister wants to borrow money?”
Lu Chao Chao nodded earnestly. “Bro bro, do you has… … … New Year’s money?”
Lin Yan Yang chuckled and nodded. His New Year’s money had been carefully saved every year. Leading them inside, he dismissed the servants, then retrieved a large chest, significantly bigger than Lu Chao Chao.
Opening it revealed an impressive stack of silver banknotes.
“So much money!” Lu Chao Chao exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.
Scratching his head sheepishly, Lin Yan Yang explained, “My father gives me plenty, and I don’t spend much. I’ve saved six thousand taels. Here, it’s all yours, Chao Chao.” He handed her the entire sum.
Lu Yuan Xiao didn’t linger. After securing the funds, he carried Lu Chao Chao out, just as Lin Yan Yang’s father stumbled drunkenly into the house. The man reeked of alcohol, his steps unsteady. Lin Yan Yang’s concern was evident.
“My father has been drinking like this every day,” Lin Yan Yang explained with a heavy heart. “After a lifetime in commerce, he dreams of changing our family’s status, but it’s not easy. He tried donating for an official position years ago and failed. Now he’s pinning everything on becoming an Imperial Merchant, but that’s even harder.”
Lin Yan Yang’s mother wept silently as she helped her husband inside.
The intoxicated man squinted at the visitors, swaying on his feet. “A-Are these Yan Yang’s school friends?”
Lin Yan Yang steadied him and replied, “Father, this is my classmate, the young master of the Marquis Zhongyong’s Manor, Lu Yuan Xiao. And this is his sister, Lu Chao Chao.”
Slurring his words, Lin Yan Yang’s father hiccupped and fumbled for his purse. “It’s your… first visit, eh? H-Happy New Year! Here, a little meeting gift…” He stuffed a stack of silver banknotes into Lu Chao Chao’s hands before his wife led him away.
Lin Yan Yang apologized profusely. “My father’s not a nouveau riche or anything. He just had too much to drink.”
Lu Chao Chao, however, was ecstatic. “I like! Lin uncle’s best!”
After all, who gives two thousand taels as a red envelope? She decided she would visit the Lin family every year for New Year’s greetings.
Lin Yan Yang laughed at her enthusiasm. His father had clearly given the wrong amount, but he didn’t mind.
As Lu Yuan Xiao and Lu Chao Chao left, she clung to the doorframe, taking a deep breath.
“What’s she doing?” Lu Yuan Xiao asked, confused.
The toddler, barely steady on her feet, solemnly replied, “Sniff sniff… sniff… wealth.”
Lin Yan Yang burst into laughter.
Watching them leave, he sighed. [An Imperial Merchant, if only a benefactor would help our Lin family achieve that dream.]
Lu Yuan Xiao’s next stop was the Protectorate Duke’s Manor, where Lu Chao Chao successfully borrowed 2,630 taels from eight-year-old Li Si Qi.
She then visited the Fang Family, securing 560 taels from the Minister of Rites’s three-year-old grandson. Next was the Wang Family, borrowing 621 taels from the Vice Minister of Revenue’s five-year-old grandson. At the Imperial Cabinet, she borrowed 800 taels from a three-year-old granddaughter. The Grand Herald’s Manor provided 280 taels from a two-year-old grandson. Lastly, at the Minister of Imperial Sacrifices’s Manor, she obtained eight copper coins—and a jug of milk when her hunger overcame her.
With their purse full to bursting, Yu Shu and Yu Qin recorded everything meticulously in their account books.
“How much do we have now?” Lu Yuan Xiao’s face was numb with disbelief.
The two siblings had practically borrowed every child’s New Year’s money in the capital.
Yu Qin swallowed nervously. “22,368 taels and eight copper coins.”
The largest contribution, of course, came from the Lin family’s 8,000 taels.
Lu Yuan Xiao’s jaw dropped as he instinctively shielded his backside. “Little sister, when are we starting this business? My rear end is on the line!”
Lu Chao Chao handed all the silver banknotes to Yu Qin. “Big big uncle, buy!” She leaned close to whisper something into Yu Qin’s ear.
Yu Qin froze for a moment, then nodded resolutely.
“Buy what? What are we buying?” Lu Yuan Xiao asked, curious.
[Hee hee, you’ll find out soon, Third Brother. I’ll definitely earn more than Second Brother…] Lu Chao Chao’s mischievous smile widened.
…
That night, they returned to the Marquis Zhongyong’s Manor.
“Where have you two been all day? Running around with your little sister,” Madam Xu scolded. “Look at her; she’s so tired she can barely keep her eyes open.”
Lu Yuan Xiao clutched his rear and avoided her gaze. “We just… visited some friends to give New Year’s greetings.” And borrowed a bit of their New Year’s money.
[This is it; my rear end is doomed,] he thought grimly.
What Lu Yuan Xiao didn’t realize was that the one in trouble wasn’t him—it was his father!
…
The next day, after a night of rest and steeling his nerves, Lu Yuan Ze went to court brimming with confidence. He had even arranged for his superiors and colleagues to speak on his behalf.
The moment he stepped into the Golden Imperial Hall, a flurry of memorials accusing him descended like snowflakes. Every one of them targeted him.
The veterans of the founding generation, now largely retired from active duty but still holding immense influence, led the charge.
“Your Majesty, you must seek justice for us! The Marquis Zhongyong’s daughter swindled our grandchildren’s New Year’s money!”
“Your Majesty, the Marquis’s daughter tricked my grandson’s eight copper coins!”
“Your Majesty, this is outrageous!”
“She even took my granddaughter’s 800 taels!”
“And mine…”
“And mine…”
The accusations continued as courtiers fell to their knees, nearly filling the hall. All of them claimed to be victims.
Lu Yuan Ze stood frozen, his mind blank. [You’re accusing who? My one-year-old daughter swindled your children’s New Year’s money?!]
As he scanned the sea of kneeling officials, a chill ran down his spine. Gritting his teeth, he could only think, [Just how much did she borrow?!]
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