Chapter 262: Pocket Money
Editor: Atlas Studios
When Qi Haoran heard Mu Yangling call him that, he moved closer to her. “This is the first time I’ve heard you call me ‘Brother’. Call me that again.”
Fan Zijin snorted disdainfully.
Mu Yangling pushed Qi Haoran’s head away and entered the residence.
The Qi Residence was majestic and imposing. Mu Yangling couldn’t help but click her tongue when she saw the furnishings in the house. She took down a bronze Buddha statue from the treasury and sized it up as she asked, “These are all antiques, right? You’re really rich.”
“These are all left behind by the previous occupants.” Qi Haoran said nonchalantly, “It’s not like it’s a golden Buddha statue. What’s the use if it can’t be exchanged for money? If you like it, take it away. There’s a lot more in the storeroom.”
“You should keep it for yourself. When the world is at peace in the future, there will be many good things here that can’t be bought with money. You should leave it for your descendants to give them a good foundation.” Mu Yangling put the things back and looked around. “Last time, you only stayed here for two nights. Since you came and went in a hurry and didn’t have time to tour your house, you’ve got to take a good look this time.”
Fan Zijin said, “You should go pack your things first. I’ll bring you around for a tour after dinner.”
“Alright, you guys chat first.”
Seeing that Mu Yangling had left, Fan Zijin turned around and asked Qi Haoran, “Are you planning something by inviting her here?”
“I did, but she didn’t agree.” Qi Haoran said regretfully, “This time, we can only go to the temple fair.”
“Fortunately, she didn’t agree. Let me tell you, Haoran, the situation between the Jin Kingdom and West Xia is tense now. The war might expand. It’s best for us to be calm and conserve our strength.”
“Why didn’t I know about this?” Qi Haoran glared at him.
“I only received the news in the afternoon. I received the news from the businessmen of the Jin Kingdom. I haven’t had the time to tell you and Cousin yet.” Fan Zijin had already started smuggling between the three countries with the support of Qi Xiuyuan and Qi Haoran.
Qi Haoran went to Fan Zijin’s side and said with a smile, “Zijin, lend me some money. If I see any precious daggers for sale at the temple fair, I’ll buy one later.”
Fan Zijin knew that Qi Haoran was out of money again. He looked at Qi Haoran strangely and said, “Where did you spend your money? Not to mention what Eldest Cousin gave you, I’ve already given you 100 taels a month. Back in Lin’an Prefecture, it wasn’t enough because you had to treat those people. Why is it still not enough now that you’re in the military camp all day?”
Qi Haoran scratched his head. “Actually, I don’t know where I spent all my money either. I’ll get Fei Bai to bring you the accounts later for you to take a look. Give me some money first.”
Fan Zijin returned to the house and took out 100 taels of silver for him. At the thought that the temple fair was very big and that Qi Haoran was going to have fun with Mu Yangling and the others, he worried that he wouldn’t have enough if he eyed something expensive. Not wanting Qi Haoran to embarrass himself in front of Mu Yangling, he added another 100 taels of silver. “If it’s not enough, get Fei Bai to look for me in the restaurant or get someone to record it down. I’ll settle it at the end of the month.”
Overjoyed, Qi Haoran threw the silver ingot to Fei Bai. He patted his chest and said, “I’ll return it to you when I earn money.”
Fan Zijin waved his hand. He had heard this since he was young. Ever since Qi Haoran knew how to spend money, he had always said this. The only time he had received back money from him was when he wanted Fan Zijin to take out more money so that he could buy a precious dagger that had flowed out of the Western Region.
Fei Bai happily carried the silver and went out. When he returned to the house, he sent Qi Haoran’s account book over to Fan Zijin.
Fei Bai recorded all the expenses. Qi Haoran brought Fei Bai along wherever he went. When he spent money, Fei Bai was the one who paid. Hence, he recorded everything, no matter how big or small the sum, even including the money for the food he ate at Red Taste Restaurant.
Fan Zijin originally did not intend to check the accounts, but when he saw that the accounts book was already there, he casually flipped through the pages. He could not help but frown. He pointed at the accounts and asked Fei Bai, “Why is your master’s allowance still linked to the military supplies?”
“When Master was in the military camp, he ate and lived with the soldiers. Seeing that everyone was training hard, he gave everyone extra food. Since the military budget is limited, Master can only pay for it himself.”
Fan Zijin closed the account book and handed it to Fei Bai. He said to Qi Haoran, “You’ll spoil them like this. What if they grow complacent and don’t listen to orders in the future?”
“Don’t listen to Fei Bai’s nonsense. Do you think I’m so stupid? It’s not like I’m just giving them extra food randomly. I’ll only reward them with my private savings if their training or missions exceed my expectations or if they make a great contribution.”
Only then did Fan Zijin feel relieved. However, he was still worried about Qi Haoran’s wallet. “In that case, no matter how much pocket money you have, it won’t be enough.”
Fan Zijin was about to suggest Qi Haoran buy some properties in Mingshui County so that he could live off the rent in the future. That way, when he needed money, he would not have to ask him and Eldest Cousin for it. When he looked up and saw Fei Bai looking at him in fear, he swallowed the words that were about to come out of his mouth. After Qi Haoran went to wash up, he called Fei Bai over for questioning.
“Why did you break out in cold sweat just now? Why were you looking at me like that?”
Fei Bai bowed and said, “Young Master Zijin, I know that your heart aches for my master. I was afraid that you would offer to give my master more money or assets…”
“Why are you afraid of this?” Seeing that Fei Bai was peeking at him, he threw the teacup in his hand on the table and shouted, “I’m asking you a question.”
Fei Bai immediately knelt on the ground and said, “Young Master Zijin, you know Master’s character. He spends frivolously and is loyal. Even with only 50 taels of silver on hand, he can spend 100 taels of silver. Now, Master receives 50 taels of silver a month, plus 20 taels of silver given by Eldest Young Master and 100 taels of silver given by you. However, when we settle the accounts at the end of each month, there will always be a debt of 40 to 50 taels of silver which we have to pay for the next month. If you give him more money, he will only owe more. If you give him assets, then…” Fei Bai looked at Fan Zijin eagerly, his meaning clear. When the time came, Qi Haoran would only owe more money.
His master was still a child when it came to spending money and would not save at all. As Qi Haoran’s personal servant, not only did he have to take care of him, but he also had to be responsible for guiding him. Otherwise, he would still have to shoulder his master’s mistakes in the end. For starters, the eldest young master would not let him off.
Although his master did not spend a lot of money, the debts he owed outside were all based on his monthly allowance. For example, when he had little money in the past, he would at most owe about 20 taels of silver outside. It would definitely not exceed one-third of his monthly allowance.
Sometimes, Fei Bai would wonder if his master had done his calculations.
Fan Zijin grew up with him and had cleaned up after him. Naturally, he knew about his “talent”. Feeling a headache, he held his forehead and waved his hand. “Alright, I understand.” After a pause, he said, “I won’t increase his allowance.”
Fei Bai heaved a huge sigh of relief, bowed, and left.
Qi Haoran did not know that while he was showering, he had lost a source that could continuously provide him with additional pocket money.