Three thousand taels was by no means a small sum, but Madam Qian agreed without a second thought.
"Deal."
Li Man'er's first reaction was, "Damn it, I asked for too little."
But one should be content. Three thousand taels was already a considerable amount, enough to support Elder Sun's fellow disciples for several years.
Because Ziyan had delivered a message to Madam Qian earlier, Madam Qian had brought the silver notes with her.
"Miss Li, three thousand taels, not a single cent less," Madam Qian said, placing several silver notes on the table. "You can exchange these silver notes for silver at any reputable bank. Now, may I see my daughter?"
Li Man'er picked up the silver notes and examined them, smiling. "Madam, rest assured, the second daughter is fine. I'll have someone bring her over right away."
Li Man'er signaled for Ziyan to bring the person over. Ziyan nodded and immediately walked behind the curtain, bringing Qian Fangruo out.
She had already woken up and cursed Li Man'er until her throat was hoarse. Li Man'er ignored her and didn't untie her.
Now that Qian Fangruo saw her mother, she actually felt wronged. Her lips pouted, and tears streamed down her face as she cried, "Mother, you're finally here. Li Man'er is bullying me too much..."
*Pa* A crisp sound shocked everyone in the room.
Before the second daughter of the Qian family could finish speaking, Madam Qian slapped her fiercely. Qian Fangruo's face immediately swelled, bearing a clear handprint.
Li Man'er acted as if she hadn't seen anything, merely sitting aside as an observer.
Ziyan maintained a calm demeanor outwardly, but inwardly, she was cheering, "Good slap! It should have been done long ago."
"Mother, have you gone mad? Why did you hit me?" The second daughter of the Qian family's eyes were red, her face contorted.
Madam Qian trembled with anger, pointing at the second daughter. "It's because we've indulged you too much that you've become so arrogant and ignorant. You committed such a heinous act, and for Miss Li to spare your life is already an act of grace beyond the law. Not only do you fail to be grateful, but you also accuse the innocent first. It's simply unreasonable."
The second daughter of the Qian family was likely scared and remained silent this time.
Madam Qian saw the ropes on her daughter and felt a pang of sympathy, but she said, "You should have been tied up all along, to teach you a lesson."
Li Man'er had no time to watch their mother-daughter drama. She said, "Madam Qian, family shame should not be spread outside. If you want to discipline your daughter, do it at home! This is a place of Buddhist tranquility. The deeds your daughter has done cannot be erased so easily. Even if I don't trouble her, Buddha will hold her accountable. You should perform more good deeds and copy scriptures when you return."
The second daughter of the Qian family's face was so contorted with anger that it was almost unrecognizable, but she remained silent. She probably knew that if she couldn't control her tongue, Li Man'er would not let this matter go. Once it became public, her reputation would be completely ruined.
"Miss Li is right. I will make her reflect and copy scriptures to mend her ways when we return. I will absolutely not cause any trouble for Miss Li or the Medicine King Temple."
Madam Qian was a shrewd person and naturally understood Li Man'er's veiled threat.
"That would be for the best," Li Man'er said, ushering them out. "Ziyan, what are you waiting for? Escort Madam Qian out for me."
Ziyan suppressed her smile. "Madam Qian, Second Daughter, please."
Madam Qian's face was about to crack. While she still had a shred of sanity, she grabbed the second daughter of the Qian family and left, walking at a brisk pace.
After they descended the mountain, Ziyan couldn't help but excitedly say to Li Man'er, "Miss, today was so satisfying! You should have seen Madam Qian's expression, it was like a dye vat. And the second daughter of the Qian family, always so aloof, thinking she's a talented woman, yet so malicious. But I think Madam Qian's slap was well-deserved. The second daughter's face instantly swelled up, it was truly satisfying."
Li Man'er glanced at her. "Have you been infected by Green Robe? Why are you rambling on endlessly?"
Ziyan still couldn't help but laugh. "I just feel satisfied."
"Go and call Elder Sun in."
"Yes." Ziyan turned and left, returning shortly with Elder Sun.
"Made a killing, did we?"
Li Man'er snorted. "I extorted this for your sake. This three thousand taels was all from Madam Qian. Take it and give it to your fellow disciples for their upkeep. It will last them some time."
My heavens, three thousand taels.
Elder Sun's eyes widened. "This, this is all for us?"
"It's not for us, it's for them. You are supposed to go with me to Mobei."
Elder Sun had been reluctant to go to Mobei with Li Man'er because he was worried about his fellow disciples, fearing that the temple's incense offerings would be insufficient, and they would have no money for food, clothing, or offerings to Buddha. Now, with three thousand taels, even if he were to lose his life in Mobei, they could live well for a few years.
As for future matters, they would be dealt with as they arose. Who could tell?
"Alright, I'll leave with you now."
Li Man'er watched him excitedly tuck the silver notes away and said, "You should thank Madam Qian. Without her, when would you have earned so much money? Oh right, you should have someone exchange the silver notes quickly. Better safe than sorry."
Elder Sun also said seriously, "Then let's go down the mountain now and bring the silver back."
"Aren't you afraid of being targeted? That's three thousand taels. If it's stolen, you won't even find a place to cry."
"Then what do you suggest?" Elder Sun's eyes widened. This won't work, that won't work.
"Give the silver notes to Ziyan. She'll manage them for you. She'll come to the temple once a month and leave some cash for your fellow disciples. This way, it'll be a steady flow, and there won't be any accidents."
Elder Sun trusted Ziyan, but, "Isn't your maid going with you to Mobei?"
Ziyan also seemed a bit displeased, but she was helpless. None of them knew how to ride horses or fight. If they went to Mobei, they would only be a burden to Miss, unable to help at all.
"My maids are all delicate and tender. Which of them can endure hardships in such a place? Besides, they still have to guard the house for me!" Li Man'er extended her hand. "Hand over the silver notes."
The silver notes, barely in hand, were already flying away. However, what Li Man'er said made some sense: a steady flow.
Li Man'er said, "You say a few words to your fellow disciples and then come down the mountain with us directly. I'll arrange a place for you, and when we leave for Mobei, you can follow us."
"Okay!"
Just as Elder Sun was about to leave, Li Man'er called him back. She had Ziyan hand him several pre-prepared silver ingots. "This silver is enough for them to spend until after the first month."
Elder Sun smiled and took the silver, then turned to find his fellow disciples.