A Debt of Affection

By the day before Zhang Biao's contest, Qian Desheng had already handed over all his assets.

After two days of recovery, Shui Yibai's spirit and complexion had improved significantly, though her eyes still avoided Fang Zheng's gaze.

Fang Zheng also felt strangely awkward when he saw her.

It seems a sleepless night really affects one's emotions! Xiao Bai has become so reserved!

That day, Fang Zheng brought Xiao Tao to personally escort the two to outside the city gate.

There were also a dozen or so people from Taoyuan County to escort Shui Yibai and Qian Desheng back to Taoyuan County.

Before departure, the group dismounted from the carriage and gathered outside the city gate.

Shui Yibai's eyes showed reluctance as she looked at Fang Zheng.

Qian Desheng stepped forward, stammering, "Master... I..."

"No need to be so moved! This master has never been good with such things!"

"No... it's just that I haven't received the money yet... the twenty thousand taels..."

"........"

Fang Zheng awkwardly took out a piece of paper from his pocket, handing it to Shui Yibai, "This is a gift from Young Master, find Ao Chen when you get to the county!"

Qian Desheng had sharp eyes and glimpsed the words 【Large Mansion, with Garden】 written on the note!

He immediately snatched the note and anxiously said, "Master! This isn't money either!"

"And this paper... is it really useful?"

Fang Zheng rolled his eyes, "What are you rushing for! Isn't there a seal on it?"

"Take this note to the county office and you can exchange it for a mansion!"

Qian Desheng looked at the note again and saw that there was indeed Fang Zheng's seal on it!

But he still felt uneasy, as the note was too simple!

Couldn't you write a few more words? Would anyone believe this scrap of paper?

Then Fang Zheng took out a golden card from his pocket, decorated with intricate and beautiful patterns, and handed it to Shui Yibai.

"This is my secondary gold card. Take it and enjoy yourself! When you get to the county, have Ao Chen withdraw twenty thousand taels in bank notes for you. He'll collect the card back later."

Shui Yibai took the gold card and smiled sweetly at Fang Zheng, "Thank you, Young Master."

Fang Zheng looked at her innocent smile and couldn't help reaching out to ruffle her hair.

"No need for thanks, this is your money."

"Go back to the county and have fun, buy whatever you want. Some things, it's better to forget if you can."

"From today on... you're a Taoyuan County resident."

Hearing this, Shui Yibai's expression visibly saddened.

Although getting Taoyuan citizenship was a happy event.

What Fang Zheng really meant, they both understood clearly.

How could the grudge of a fallen country and destroyed family be so easily forgotten?

But Shui Yibai didn't want to spoil his mood, so she could only nod slightly.

Fang Zheng looked at her and suddenly felt melancholic.

Seeing her reaction... she'll inevitably still think about revenge in the future.

Thinking this, his eyes glanced toward Qian Desheng.

Qian Desheng had been observing Fang Zheng, and suddenly understood.

It seems he truly cares for the princess... this guy is only particularly vicious to his enemies, but very good to his own people!

After submitting, his attitude improved a lot, and he'll even speak like a human!

Seeing Fang Zheng's glance, Qian Desheng knowingly nodded.

Fang Zheng felt more at ease, it seems this old eunuch was rational.

With him watching over Yibai, problems shouldn't be too serious.

Maybe after a few more years, when she's in her twenties, she might not be so fixated anymore.

Shui Yibai carefully placed the gold card in her bosom.

Fang Zheng immediately noticed the ring on her finger and smiled, "Why are you still wearing that ring? It's a cheap one, not worth much."

Shui Yibai shook her head, saying softly, "I like it."

This girl... so silly!

I never expected that the ring I casually gave her as a prop, she would still willingly wear.

Fang Zheng couldn't help but feel touched.

"This one is too cheap, in the future, Young Master will have two large gold bracelets made for you! One for each wrist!"

"Alright, set off early, otherwise it will be dark by the time you reach the county."

"And remember! The money is in your hands. Twenty thousand taels seems like a lot, but if that old Qian takes it for eating, drinking, gambling, and prostitutes, it won't last many days!"

At my age, how could I visit prostitutes! And with what?!

Qian Desheng stood there, grinding his teeth.

Shui Yibai took two deep breaths, smiled at him, and turned toward the carriage.

Qian Desheng approached Fang Zheng, "Master, when will we return to the capital?"

He knew well that this cunning, treacherous, unfilial guy wouldn't feel comfortable with them staying long in Taoyuan County. Having both of them by his side would make him feel more secure.

Fang Zheng looked approvingly at Qian Desheng: "It doesn't matter, stay as long as you want, as long as she's happy."

"I don't need extra hands here right now, take good care of her."

"When I need you, I'll send someone to find you."

Qian Desheng bowed and retreated, walking toward the carriage.

Just as he was approaching, he saw a slender arm extend from the carriage, waving.

Fang Zheng faintly heard Shui Yibai calling him, so he quickly walked toward the carriage.

"Young Master, come here for a moment."

As he leaned half his body into the carriage, he felt his eyes darken, as if someone had covered them.

One cheek was touched by something soft.

Then a force gently pushed him out of the carriage.

Fang Zheng touched his right cheek, standing there foolishly.

What's going on?! A sneak attack?!

My first kiss was just stolen like this!?

Qian Desheng walked to the carriage and curiously asked, "What's wrong, Master?"

"Umm... nothing, go on, go!"

The carriage gradually moved away, but Fang Zheng's emotions were still surging.

It's over... I've incurred a debt!

A debt of affection! What to do now?

I thought Yibai was just touched, but...!

I'm so innocent... I don't understand these matters of the heart!

For ordinary people it wouldn't matter, marrying several wouldn't be restricted, but the problem is the heart's chosen one is a princess... what to do.

Bribe the Emperor? The Crown Prince wouldn't let me off either!

Hide her away... that would be too unfair to her.

Or...

Fang Zheng shook his head, throwing away those complicated thoughts.

Xiao Tao walked to his side and said, "Young Master, all of Qian Desheng's important stolen goods have been transported to our home."

"There are twenty-three powerful crossbows, and the Imperial Jade Seal... should we destroy them or send them back to the county?"

"Burn the crossbows, that rubbish is useless. The seal would be too wasteful to destroy... grind it down and find a jade carver to make me a new seal!" Fang Zheng replied absent-mindedly.

Xiao Tao noticed something was off and curiously asked, "Huh? What were you and Xiao Bai talking about in the carriage just now?"

Experiencing this for the first time, Fang Zheng suddenly felt self-conscious and could only vaguely say, "Nothing.."

"You gave your secondary gold card to Xiao Bai, what will I use in the future?!"

"What? Are you teaching me how to do things? Does it make any difference whether you have that card or not? Who in the county doesn't know you?"

Xiao Tao giggled and stretched out her hand, "Yes... and I don't usually spend much money!"

"Look, isn't this glass ring on my hand quite cheap looking?"

Didn't expect Xiao Tao to tease him like this. Fang Zheng was embarrassed and angrily said, "I'll have ten large gold rings made for you when we get back! Wear them around your neck and never take them off!!"

Seeing Xiao Tao about to speak again, he quickly changed the subject, "Enough! Stop talking nonsense, quickly go to the arena and see how Zhang Biao's training is going."

"The competition starts tomorrow... what if Zhang Biao gets killed? Let's go prepare!"