Nan Yujin and Nan Yuan'er walked in front, with servants carrying money boxes trailing behind.
Jia Huan watched Nan Yujin and Nan Yuan'er, his eyes narrowing slightly. The moment the four shopkeepers, bound hand and foot, saw Nan Yuan'er, they let out whimpers, unsure if they were crying for help or cursing.
The four shopkeepers, tied up and thrown on the ground, had faces and hands so cold they were bluish. Their whimpering and forward arching movements made them look like dogs, but indeed, they were the Nan Manor's dogs. Now, the dogs were beaten, and their master came to apologize.
Nan Yujin beckoned, and a servant carried the boxes to Jia Huan. With a clang, the lids were opened, and the dazzling silver blinded everyone's eyes.
"Hiss~"
A collective gasp from the crowd, some with envious eyes wishing they could rush forward and snatch the money.
Nan Yujin took out a ledger from his怀 and handed it to Jia Huan, "This is the detailed account of the goods bought and sold for these four shops over the past year. The two shops on Yunlan Street, one made a profit of one thousand two hundred and sixty-three taels and five qian, and the other one thousand and seventy-five taels and three qian. The two shops on Changling Street made one thousand and thirty, and one thousand six hundred and thirty-one taels and two qian, totaling five thousand taels of silver."
"These four boxes contain ten thousand taels of silver in total. Five thousand is the profit from the four shops, and five thousand is the compensation from the Nan Manor to the Prince's Manor."
"What happened today was truly the negligence of our Nan Manor. These four shops are not the manor's properties, but my younger sister's private businesses. At the time of the wedding, as my fourth sister was to marry into the Prince's Manor, these four shops were included in the dowry list. However, due to a twist of fate, it led to the happy union of the Empress and the Prince... This caused today's misunderstanding. Neither I, my younger sister, nor our father has the slightest intention of disrespecting the Empress. We hope the Empress and the Prince will not misunderstand."
Nan Yujin's words were masterful, giving both face and substance. He first clearly stated the compensation and then explained the reason. If the Prince's Manor were to press further, it would appear rather overbearing.
The Empress had once said that after Wang Shi's death, Nan Yujin would either be reborn or fall into degeneracy. Now it seemed Nan Yujin had truly been reborn.
Jia Huan took the ledger, didn't bother to flip through it, and tucked it into his怀. He cupped his hands towards Nan Yujin, "What Young Master Nan has said, I will report to His Highness and the Empress exactly as it is. As for the compensation and the shops' yearly profit, His Highness had instructed that if this matter is indeed a misunderstanding and the Nan Manor has the intention to resolve it, then taking back the ledger is sufficient."
He had arrived with imposing momentum, but now he was surprisingly easy to talk to. The commoners thought they would witness a grand spectacle, but unexpectedly, the most exciting part of the spectacle had already passed with the shouting of the Prince's Manor's guards at the beginning. Everyone felt a bit let down.
Even Nan Yujin and Nan Yuan'er hadn't expected such a response. Nan Yuan'er, with a belly full of words, found them stuck in her throat, with no opportunity to speak. Nan Yujin thought the other party wouldn't let go easily, but the turn of events was utterly unexpected.
Nan Yujin and Nan Yuan'er exchanged a look. Nan Yujin spoke again, "Although that is so, regarding this matter..."
"Young Master Nan need not say more. This is the will of His Highness and the Empress, and I dare not disobey... As for these four people, they are handed over to the Nan Manor. Afterwards, the Prince's Manor will send people to take over these four shops, as the deeds and contracts for these four shops are all with the Prince's Manor. Miss Nan..."
Jia Huan paused. Nan Yuan'er, with understanding, interjected, "Since these four shops are the Empress's dowry, they naturally belong to the Empress. It is truly my fault for momentarily forgetting this matter, which led to today's misunderstanding. Please convey my apologies to the Empress and the Prince on my behalf."
"Miss Nan is too kind."
"In that case, I shall take my leave."
Jia Huan did not linger, nor did he give Nan Yujin and Nan Yuan'er any further opportunity to speak. He cupped his hands towards Li Hao and turned away with a flourish. The crowd naturally parted, leaving a path. The commoners watched him leave, only slowly withdrawing their gazes after he had gone far away.
Li Hao was very satisfied with the outcome. He ordered the soldiers to disperse the crowd. Only after all the people gathered at the Nan Manor had been sent away did he cup his fists towards Nan Yujin and Nan Yuan'er and bid farewell.
Nan Yuan'er and Nan Yujin stood in place for a moment. Only when everyone had left did they beckon to the servants, turn back to the manor, and proceed to the study to report.
"Well done. You may all leave!" Nan Chaoyin dismissed the two without lifting his head. After Nan Yujin and Nan Yuan'er withdrew, Nan Chaoyin finally raised his head and looked at the empty corner, "I have been misjudging all along, haven't I?"
A aged voice came from the corner, "I am not sure. I never take suspicion as fact to initiate any discussion."
"But one thing is certain, whether it is true or not, you have given Ji Jinmo a great gift."
"A gift of immense value."
"Hahahahaha~"
A hoarse laugh echoed in the study, carrying a hint of eeriness and madness. Nan Chaoyin frowned slightly but paid no mind to the laughter.