Who Cares About Being the Matriarch? My Rebellious Husband Secured Me a Noble Rank! - Chapter 100

Back at the Marquis Mansion, Chi Jingyu only belatedly realized—30,000 taels was no small sum.

He had a salary of his own and had saved quite a bit over the years, but compared to that number, his savings barely scratched the surface.

Chi Jingyu found the steward and requested to withdraw over ten thousand taels from the treasury. The steward’s eyes widened in surprise. “Young Master, what do you need so much money for?”

Chi Jingyu’s face darkened slightly, his tone turning cold. “Since when do I need to report to you on what I do?”

“My apologies, sir!” The steward hurriedly bowed his head, a troubled look on his face. “But such a large sum requires Madam’s approval in advance. I can’t make that decision on my own.”

Emotions flickered in Chi Jingyu’s eyes. If he told his mother about this, with her nature, she’d never let it go.

He already felt a twinge of regret—but whenever he thought of Shen Tangning’s mocking, disdainful eyes, it made his stomach churn.

He had been so decisive at the time, and now going back on his word would be like slapping himself in the face. How would Shen Tangning see him then?

Clenching his thin lips, he said, “I’ll tell my mother myself.”

…

“So much silver?” Madam Hou was surprised when she heard, frowning deeply. “Why suddenly need so much money?”

After repeated questioning, Chi Jingyu grew impatient. Having never managed household affairs, he didn’t know the true value of silver. He just thought his mother was being too thrifty lately.

Before the family split, whenever he asked for money, the second madam never hesitated.

He didn’t tell his mother the truth, instead making up a lie: “It’s for official favors at court—besides, the Emperor’s birthday is coming soon.”

At the mention, Madam Hou’s eyes flickered with realization. “Well, preparations should be made. But we’re not like before. It’s impossible to come up with so much cash all at once.”

She frowned deeply, spitting out with resentment, “If it weren’t for that shameless Shen Tangning, who egged on the second family to be so stingy at the split, we wouldn’t be in such a dire state.”

Chi Jingyu didn’t reply, thinking silently: wasn’t mother involved in the split too?

But years of upbringing stopped him from openly blaming her.

“How much can you give? I’ll find a way to cover the rest.”

Madam Hou relaxed a little, but it was still far from 30,000 taels.

Chi Jingyu, rarely worried about money, still had some time before year-end. The recent embezzlement scandal was still fresh, and his salary hadn’t arrived yet.

When he visited Shen Xiwei, a hint of worry slipped out. Shen Xiwei, noticing, sat down gently, her tone soft, “Young Master, do you have troubles?”

Chi Jingyu’s brow involuntarily knit. “It’s nothing, just short on cash lately.”

So it was about money?

Shen Xiwei smiled. She’d gained a little weight recently, her cheeks filling out, losing some of her delicate grace but gaining a charming innocence. “Why don’t you ask me then?”

Chi Jingyu was taken aback, hesitating. “You…?”

Shen Xiwei called over Yuzhu. “Go fetch the box from under my trunk.”

Soon Yuzhu returned with a box. Shen Xiwei carefully removed the pin from her hair, deftly unlocking it and pulling out a stack of silver notes, handing them to him.

Chi Jingyu’s eyes moved. “Xiwei, this is…?”

A gentle smile curled her lips as she pulled his hand, pressing the silver notes into it. “This is the dowry my mother saved for me. I don’t need it now, and since you need it, take it for emergencies.”

As a concubine’s daughter, her dowry wasn’t as rich as Shen Tangning’s, but her mother and father had privately supported her, so her private fund was still quite comfortable.

Chi Jingyu’s gaze softened. Carefully pulling her into his arms, he whispered, “Xiwei, I won’t let you down.”

Out of sight in his embrace, a subtle smile played on Shen Xiwei’s lips.

…

Though Shen Xiwei gave him some money, it was limited. He was still 3,000 taels short of 30,000.

The amount was neither too big nor too small—but he truly couldn’t come up with it right away. Chi Jingyu rubbed his temple, considering pawning some belongings.

But he couldn’t swallow his pride. Everyone in Yanjing knew him; if he pawned things at a famous shop, word would spread quickly. What would people think of him then?

Lost in thought, a shadow fell before him, a faint fragrance drifting near. Chi Jingyu looked up and saw Yunque pouring tea for him.

He frowned, expression cold. “Who let you in?”

Yunque’s face paled, nervously biting her lip. “Young Master, please don’t be angry. I took the liberty—seeing your tea had gone cold, I thought—”

“Enough.” Chi Jingyu didn’t want to quarrel with a maid and waved her off. “You may leave.”

Yunque stood frozen, hesitation flickering on her delicate cheeks. Flushed from nervousness, she mustered courage to ask, “Young Master, are you troubled about something?”

Chi Jingyu appraised her sharply. Unable to hold the gaze, Yunque lowered her head, lashes fluttering. “I only want to help you with your troubles…”

Her manner sometimes reminded him of Shen Xiwei. Ultimately, he couldn’t harden his heart and replied indifferently, “How could you possibly help me?”

Yunque carefully raised her head, offering a sweet smile. “Young Master might as well tell me.”

She was very perceptive, always keeping a safe distance so as not to offend.

Chi Jingyu, curious, casually mentioned his problem. To his surprise, Yunque had an idea. Her eyes brightened, though she hesitated. “I have an idea, but I don’t know if you’d be willing to try.”

Chi Jingyu looked up slightly. “Tell me.”

Yunque bit her lip softly. “I heard that some people lend money for emergencies at short notice. They only charge small interest, called ‘loan money.’”

Chi Jingyu’s gaze darkened. “You want me to borrow money?”

Though he didn’t know household details, he understood common sense: nothing good comes easy. This was blatant lending, outside official moneylenders and unregulated by law.

Yunque panicked and knelt. “I meant no harm! I only heard that if you repay promptly, it’s no big deal. That’s why I dared suggest this…”

A shadow passed through Chi Jingyu’s eyes. His salary should be arriving soon—repaying on time wouldn’t be hard.

…

“It’s strange. Did he really manage to gather it all so quickly?” Shen Tangning raised an eyebrow as she examined the silver notes Chi Jingyu had sent.

Yuan Zhao, who knew the truth, looked awkward. “He borrowed loan money.”

Shen Tangning was stunned, then her eyes widened incredulously. “Is Chi Jingyu out of his mind?”

That loan money carried exorbitant interest, compounding fast. In a few months, he’d be drowning in debt!

Was he trying to gamble the entire Marquis Mansion away?