Chapter 73: Redeeming the Jade
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
After dinner, Su Bin requested Qin Zhenzhen to accompany him to the study.
Curiosity stirred within Qin Zhenzhen, wondering if the young man intended to express gratitude for her assistance in redeeming the contract.
If that were the case, perhaps she could bring up the topic of divorce as well.
However, to her surprise, Su Bin pointed to the money on the desk and stated,
“This money is for you—12 liang should be sufficient.”
His Second Brother had informed him about the deadline imposed by their uncle’s family.
Neither his Second Brother nor himself could borrow such a large sum of money.
Yet Su Bin was determined to prevent their uncles from selling their fields at a low price, as had happened before.
The only option was to pawn the jade pendant for 15 liang.
His plan was to use that amount to redeem the land contract and subsequently sell the fields to the buyer, thereby reclaiming the jade pendant.
He couldn’t bear to part with the last piece of jade left behind by their father.
Selling their family’s fields was also out of the question, but without money, he felt trapped.
He had managed to save some money for the living expenses of his Fifth Brother and Sixth Sister.
However, he needed funds for the upcoming examination, and the costs were not insignificant.
Firstly, they needed to secure a five-person insurance policy, with each individual contributing 2 liang to engage an agent. Then there were registration fees, examination paper fees, sealing fees, and other expenses. The total expenditure for a Cultivated Talent examination would amount to almost 10 liang.
Ordinary impoverished scholars wouldn’t dare to apply for the Cultivated Talent title without being certain of success—they couldn’t afford to lose money.
Su Bin found himself in a similar predicament.
Cultivated Talent examinations took place only once a year. Although he could have taken the exam at the age of 14, his father had advised him to study for an additional year to ensure success and avoid wasting 10 liang.
Su Bin’s attempts to dissuade his father had been in vain. However, tragedy struck their family soon after.
The previous year, when Su Bin had finally gathered enough funds to pursue the Cultivated Talent title, he had achieved first place in the county examination, gaining recognition throughout West Mountain College.
However, during the examination, he fell ill with gastroenteritis after consuming contaminated food. He suffered from severe diarrhea and was left too weak to even stand. It was a close call, and he nearly lost his life, causing him to miss the examination.
This year, Su Bin was determined not to miss any of the three examinations.
Qin Zhenzhen was taken aback. “Did you borrow the money?”
Su Bin responded coldly, “That’s none of your business!”
Qin Zhenzhen remained unperturbed. “Fine, it’s none of my business. But you should take the money back.”
Su Bin’s voice grew colder. “Don’t assume that I’ll accept you as part of my family just because you helped me redeem the contract!”
Qin Zhenzhen couldn’t help but retort, “I told you before that I don’t want to be part of your family anymore!”
“I’m assisting your family in redeeming the contract not because I want you to like me. I simply don’t want to see your brother and sister deprived of their basic needs without the fields!”
Su Bin’s pride took a hit, but he raised his head defiantly. “I couldn’t care less about your money!”
Qin Zhenzhen cursed inwardly—this young man was suffering due to his reputation!
According to the book, he once faced a predicament and pawned the jade. However, the Madam of the Marquis’ Mansion had schemed against him and acquired the jade, leaving him without even the last token.
This time, if her assumptions were correct, he must have pawned the jade again.
She needed to prevent the Madam of the Marquis’ Mansion from taking away the jade.
In an effort to persuade Su Bin, Qin Zhenzhen tried to maintain her composure.
“You may not need my money, but you must confront reality.”
“If the money came from pawning your jade, I strongly suggest you retrieve the jade..”