Chapter 23: Visiting to Offer an Apology, the Vice Minister Empties His Family Fortune

It must be said, the previous cries of agony had merely echoed through the White Jade Pavilion. Today, however, his screams could be said to have resonated across half the capital. Training in martial arts really made a difference; setting aside the power, the precision of the pain points was truly remarkable.

This particular cry of pain caused a man currently lying atop Jing Hong to go soft in an instant.

"Damn it, Zhao Ang, are you trying to keep all the women to yourself!" he cursed at the sky, his voice filled with indignation.

To the side, Jing Hong draped a thin veil over her shoulders, a trace of mockery flashing in her eyes. Say what one might, when it came to prowess in the bedroom, Zhao Ang was still the best! Why on earth had he taken a liking to that ugly woman, leading to even her falling out of favor? What was so good about an ugly woman, anyway?

It was true; the trend of preferring "ugly women" had begun to take root in the capital. The brothel madam, eager to keep pace with the changing whims of the patrons, had even begun promoting a new top courtesan—someone far uglier than Jing Hong.

"Young Master, are you alright?" Seeing the dull, vacant look in Zhao Ang’s eyes, Liu Yu felt a pang of worry. What if she had been too heavy-handed and battered the Young Master into a stupor? That would be a grave sin indeed.

"I’m fine!" Struggling to stand up from the tub, the sharpest edge of the pain finally began to subside. "Help me dress."

He spread his arms, and Liu Yu skillfully wiped him down before dressing him in his undergarments and outer robes. Pushing open the bedroom door, Zhao Ang was met with the excited gaze of Fu Gui.

"Young Master, are you done?" Seeing Zhao Ang, he quickly stepped forward. Zhao Ang nodded and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Let’s go, we’re heading back to the manor."

"Ah? You aren't staying the night, Young Master?" Fu Gui was stunned, but upon catching Zhao Ang’s look, he quickly corrected himself. "Yes, Young Master, let me support you."

At this moment, Liu Yu’s voice drifted over, sounding increasingly concerned. "Young Master, will you come again tomorrow? Perhaps you should rest for the night?"

"Rest? To hell with that, I’ll be back tomorrow!" It was only a bit of pain; what was there to be unable to endure?

"Very well, I shall await your arrival tomorrow, Young Master." Liu Yu replied. To Fu Gui, however, their exchange took on an entirely different meaning.

It was no wonder the Young Master wouldn't stay the night; it seemed he had been worn out by Liu Yu’s intensity. Yet, despite being in such a state, he insisted on returning tomorrow. Indeed, Liu Yu had her ways—though she might be a bit plain, her skills were top-notch!

"What are you daydreaming about again?"

"Ouch!" Clutching his bumped head, Fu Gui dared not let his mind wander further.

He helped Zhao Ang into the courtyard, where a maidservant assisted him to bed. "That’s enough, get out!"

Dismissing them, Zhao Ang did not go to sleep but instead sat in meditation. It had to be said that although his meridians had been aching from the pummeling, the medicinal effects and the force of Liu Yu’s strikes were now circulating through them. He had a premonition that if this continued, he would surely achieve another breakthrough in the Tendon-Changing Classic within half a month.

Time passed in cultivation, and soon it was morning. Although he had not slept, Zhao Ang felt remarkably refreshed.

"Young Master, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue is here with his people," Fu Gui knocked on the door, his tone full of excitement.

"Hmm, let them in to help me wash up." Zhao Ang nodded faintly, and the maidservants waiting at the door filed in. After refreshing himself, Zhao Ang took up a folding fan and led Fu Gui to the main hall. Liu Yu, having no interest in such affairs, remained in the courtyard, focused on her fist training.

"Young Master, I have brought my daughter to beg for your forgiveness." Upon seeing Zhao Ang, Wang Pingzhi stood up immediately. Beside him, Wang Xiuyun appeared completely listless.

"What has happened to Miss Wang?" Even though he had never liked Wang Xiuyun, Fu Gui felt a flicker of concern at her state.

Seeing that it was Zhao Ang’s constant attendant who had spoken, Wang Pingzhi paused before explaining, "Ever since that day, my daughter has been listless, and she has remained in this state ever since." He bowed again, adding, "I had hoped she could apologize to you in person, but I must stand in for her now. I hope you will not take offense."

"It is of no matter; a formal apology from the Vice Minister is sufficient." Since she was in such a condition, Zhao Ang naturally wouldn't force her to beg for mercy. In any case, the sins she had committed would be judged by others. Today, as long as Wang Pingzhi settled the debt, that was all that mattered.

"Beyond the apology, I have also brought the silver." Wang Pingzhi clapped his hands, and his steward handed over a casket. "My wayward, good-for-nothing child owes you far too much, Young Master."

"I only have six hundred thousand taels of liquid silver in my estate; for the rest, I intend to offer my shops and land as compensation. I hope you might show leniency, Young Master, as this is my entire fortune!" The once spirited Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue seemed to shrink several inches after uttering these words. They say children are the debts of their parents, and this had certainly proven true for Wang Pingzhi.

"Vice Minister, what are you saying? As of today, the debts between our two houses are wiped clean." Wang Pingzhi was far more honorable than his children, and Zhao Ang had no desire to push him to ruin.

"In that case, thank you, Young Master." Wang Pingzhi bowed deeply once more, and Zhao Ang returned the gesture.

"Let’s go." Calling out to Wang Xiuyun, Wang Pingzhi led her out of the Prince of Zhennan’s estate.

Their retreating figures brought a mist to the old Prince’s eyes, and he couldn't help but lament, "Wang Pingzhi is truly a good man; it is a pity his family has been cursed with such misfortune."

"Grandfather, the misfortune of his family is what caused the suffering for me, your grandson. That whole affair with Princess Zhaohua was the work of Wang Xiuyun. If your grandson hadn't had such a resilient constitution, I would have been dead by now!"

To be precise, the original grandson had long since perished. If everyone were to pity Wang Pingzhi, who would pity the Zhao Ang who had already died?

Hearing this, the old Prince stopped his lamentations and offered a sheepish smile. "But you are fine, aren't you? Your grandfather is just getting old and sentimental!" He paused, then added, "But why didn't you tell me about the Princess Zhaohua matter sooner?!"

The old Prince did not doubt Zhao Ang’s words in the slightest; he was only angry that he hadn't been informed. Otherwise, no matter how honorable Wang Pingzhi was, he would have stripped a layer of skin off him. If parents didn't pay for the debts of their children, who would? Ultimately, it was his failure to teach them better!

"There was no evidence; no one would have believed it." Zhao Ang said, "Anyway, Grandfather, I have things to attend to in the study."

He gave Fu Gui a look. The attendant, sharp as ever, hugged the casket Wang Pingzhi had brought, offered an excuse, and followed behind Zhao Ang.

"That brat... a lover of wealth!" Watching his back, the old Prince scolded, though he reached up to wipe a tear from the corner of his eye. He let out a long sigh; it seemed he really was growing old, losing the ability to distinguish right from wrong. He only hoped he could live a little longer to shield Zhao Ang from the storms.