Chapter 179 The纨绔世子 18 (1/2)

"Alright, get up."

Helian Yue looked at his sincere yet somewhat embarrassed expression as he admitted his mistake, especially his eyes, which seemed to be filled with deep affection when he looked at her.

The anger that had been building up against Pei Ziqing's misconduct earlier inexplicably dissipated somewhat.

Pei Ziqing then stood up and once again expressed his concern for the princess's health in a timely and appropriate manner.

He subtly mentioned the upcoming autumn imperial examination, revealing his ambition for the future and his loyalty to the court.

He adopted an extremely humble posture, yet subtly exuded a confidence that he might one day achieve his lofty ambitions.

Helian Yue had lived in the palace for a long time, and was surrounded by either obsequious palace servants or scheming members of the imperial family or noble families.

Pei Ziqing, a scholar with a touch of aloofness and refined manners, was somewhat of a novelty to her.

Given his repeated acts of saving her and his humble and respectful attitude, Helian Yue's feelings for him gradually grew.

“Your Highness, it is indeed an old debt I owe to Bazhenlou. The money I earned from copying books recently has just been able to pay it off. I didn’t expect to run into Your Highness here, so I’m explaining it to you.”

As they were about to part, Pei Ziqing seemed to remember something and took out a heavy brocade pouch from his bosom as proof.

The brocade pouch contained real silver, enough to pay off the money he had swindled from Liu Zixi.

Upon hearing this, Helian Yue felt all her worries vanish.

There have been rumors that Pei Xiucai wouldn't repay the money, but now he has actually done so!

Pei Ziqing smiled and said goodbye to Helian Yue.

Today is a golden opportunity, even God is on his side!

This money is indeed to be returned to that woman in order to salvage his reputation.

But he didn't get this by copying books.

Instead, he borrowed money at exorbitant interest rates from underground banks in the capital.

He used to avoid it like the plague, but now he sees it as a shortcut to success.

Not only did he need to repay his debts and salvage his reputation, but he also needed a large sum of money to purchase more respectable attire.

To be worthy of the future prince consort!

Pei Ziqing smiled smugly.

As long as I can firmly capture Princess Jingle's heart and become her husband, what does a mere usurious loan matter?

When the time comes, immense wealth will be within easy reach, so why worry about not being able to fill this hole?

So what if they don't pay me back then!

Do you think those local loan sharks would dare to ask him, the current emperor's son-in-law and future imperial relative, for money?

By then, they'll be too busy trying to curry favor with him!

He tucked the heavy silver notes into his pocket, and he could almost see himself wearing a python robe, entering and leaving the palace, a life that everyone envied.

With the money, Pei Ziqing immediately upgraded his equipment.

He also moved out of that musty little house and rented a quiet little courtyard.

The moon-white silk robe was replaced with a more precious brocade, and the jade hairpin was replaced with one inlaid with emerald.

He also began to frequently create chance encounters, either by chance visiting the Buddhist temple that Princess Jingle frequented, or by chance enjoying tea and discussing poetry at her favorite teahouse.

He charmed Princess Jingle, and the atmosphere between them became increasingly ambiguous.

However, Helian Yue still harbors some resentment towards the rumors circulating about the relationship between Pei Ziqing and her female employer.

As she had more and more contact with Pei Ziqing, she seemed to be paying more and more attention to him.

Pei Ziqing is very good, unlike any other man she has ever met.

He is gentle, considerate, talented, and knows how to make her happy.

But Helian Yue felt that something was wrong.