Even though he no longer had any expectations for the upcoming banquet, when the day arrived, Liu Ji had no choice but to go out.

Early in the morning, Qin Yao sent Mrs. Li to deliver a brand new set of clothes to him: a scholar’s robe made of silk, a silver hair crown, and brand new thick cotton boots with thousand-layered soles.

Over the past few days, the weather had become increasingly chilly. By the end of September, one could already feel the approaching coldness of early winter in the mornings and evenings.

This outfit was perfect for the season.

Liu Ji changed into the clothes and, it had to be said, just as a Buddha relies on gold decoration, a person needs fine clothing. After getting ready, Liu Ji was somewhat astonished at his reflection in the mirror.

Was this dignified and handsome man in the mirror really himself?

His eyes shifted, and before he knew it, the shrew had arrived at the door, scanning him up and down with slightly upturned lips, occasionally nodding in approval, seemingly quite pleased with his attire.

Liu Ji quickly put away the small mirror and asked in surprise, "When did you come, dear?"

"Just now," Qin Yao answered, stepping in with a hint of admiration, circling Liu Ji three times, and said with satisfaction, "Not bad... the clothes are really nice."

Just as a smile was about to form on Liu Ji’s lips, it disappeared at once, disgruntled—so it was only the clothes that looked nice, shouldn’t it be him who looked nice?

"Ah Wang is already waiting at the door, you go, come back early," Qin Yao reminded with a gentle smile.

Such a kind reminder from her made Liu Ji uneasy; it felt like some sort of trick was involved, so he tentatively asked:

"Will you accompany me, dear?"

Qin Yao waved her hand, "I’m a woman, I won’t go out to show my face."

Liu Ji widened his eyes, "What did you say, dear?" He wondered if he was hearing things.

Seeing him still babbling, Qin Yao’s patience vanished instantly, and she shouted, "I said I’m not going!"

Liu Ji, startled, quickly bypassed her and headed out the door, muttering as he patted his chest, "Not going means not going, what did you mean by ’showing your face,’ that scared me."

Speechless, Qin Yao followed him outside, instructing Ah Wang to drive carefully, and waved her hand, "Go on."

Liu Ji had no interest in today’s banquet to begin with, and Qin Yao’s reaction made him even less enthusiastic, so as soon as the carriage started moving, he lay flat inside the carriage.

After lying for a while, he felt bored and sat up, leaning against the carriage door, asking Ah Wang questions on and off.

It was only after reaching the bustling county town that he perked up a bit.

When they stopped in front of the grand red doors of the Shen Mansion, Liu Ji’s eyes slowly brightened.

He thought, after all, they are exceedingly wealthy; perhaps he should have a little more anticipation for them.

However, when the banquet began, Liu Ji’s hopeful heart finally died.

He suddenly understood why Qin Yao did not come along to the banquet.

Look at the Shen Family’s head, speaking and acting stiffly, with a stern face that left no desire to converse.

The banquet Liu Ji had imagined was lively with clinking glasses, bustling activity, singers and dancers all around.

At the very least, there would be one or two storytellers, the host warmly welcoming guests with round after round of fine food and drink.

But in reality, although the host had good food, it was nothing more than what Liu Ji had seen and eaten before, and to put it bluntly, it was not as good as what he had experienced at the Qi Family’s place.

As for other entertainment, there was nothing, not even wine was served, only rare Da Hong Pao tea that he couldn’t appreciate.

Halfway through the banquet, perhaps because the atmosphere was too strange, the host finally realized and asked the servants to bring out pen and ink, asking him to write poems to relieve boredom.

Liu Ji could only show one expression—life had lost its joy.

It was also his own fault for leaving an impoverished, self-disciplined impression, leading the Shen Family’s head to take it seriously, not playing by the usual rules at all.

Fortunately, in the end, the properties and shops that were given were quite good.

Otherwise, Liu Ji might not have been able to resist throwing this bowl of clear water tea at the Shen Family’s head.

Tea, tea, tea, your whole family drinks tea!

He wondered which bastard spread the lie that he disliked extravagant entertainment to the Deng and Qian Families that he was set to visit next, causing him to endure three whole pots of tea and review five sour poems during the subsequent banquets.

And he also drew ten paintings of "Chicks Pecking Rice."

"Chicks Pecking Rice?"

Hearing Ah Wang’s report, Qin Yao raised her eyebrows suspiciously. Drinking tea and reviewing poems were still within Liu Ji’s capability.

But him personally drawing, what kind of ridiculous move was that?

How could he have the nerve to flaunt his limited artistic ability? 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Ah Wang’s lips twitched slightly, choosing not to answer, only pointing towards the study, indicating she would understand if she went there to see for herself.

Qin Yao immediately stood up and headed towards Liu Ji’s study, where the door was wide open. Liu Ji sat at the eight-immortals table with his back to the door, busy counting something on the table.

Qin Yao’s sharp ears picked up on the dull sound of silver ingots clashing.

She took two steps forward, glanced down at the table, and was nearly blinded by the dazzling display of silver!

Liu Ji was not surprised by her arrival and, with a proud smile, pushed all the silver blocks on the table in front of her, saying:

"Dear, from now on you only need to enjoy your life at home. Earning silver is a minor matter that I will handle, just make sure you take good care of me, and I’ll ensure you live a life of luxury."

With that, he raised an eyebrow at her nothing short of triumphantly, "Don’t be too surprised by your husband’s talent. Take it, spend freely, spend however you like! There’s more if you run out!"

"There’s more if I run out?" Qin Yao frowned tightly, looking at the stack of at least a hundred taels of small silver blocks on the table, then at Liu Ji’s smug expression, and questioned dangerously, "What trick did you use to scam this?"

"Scam what?" Liu Ji sprang up, speaking boldly, "I earned this silver with my own talent, completely honestly and cleanly."

"Your talent?" Qin Yao couldn’t help but scoff, "You mean that ’Chicks Pecking Rice’ painting?"

She now understood why Ah Wang hesitated to speak.

"How much silver did you sell your paintings for?" Qin Yao sat down, picking up and tossing some of the silver ingots, feeling the heavy, genuine weight in her hand.

Liu Ji couldn’t grasp her intention, so he leaned on the table, lowering himself, tentatively asking, "Dear, aren’t you happy that I can earn money?"

Qin Yao raised her gaze to meet his flickering eyes, her aura suddenly turning sharp, her icy gaze stabbing like daggers. Liu Ji’s fawning smile vanished instantly, and he hurried to explain:

"Someone wanted me to help them with a small task, so I created these ten ’Chicks Pecking Rice’ paintings. Each grain of rice represents one tael of silver. They each spent between twenty and thirty taels to purchase them, so the silver could naturally come into my possession. Even if someone notices in the future, there’s nothing wrong they can point out."

"Dear, this was a consensual transaction, and now the silver is completely clean. I assure you, there won’t be any issues with you spending it."

The more Liu Ji spoke, the more confident he became, convincing himself he had done nothing wrong, so why worry?