Chapter 1266: IOUs

Editor: Henyee Translations

“Yeah,” Qiao Xuan responded, seemingly unaware of any issues with her statement. She maintained a pleasant smile as she continued, “Your workshop is exceptionally spacious, and a minor price adjustment could potentially result in significant losses for you, correct? Are you dissatisfied with the prevailing market rates? Naturally, you can explore other suppliers, but finding an alternative source for such quantities might prove challenging. Moreover, resorting to coercive means to obtain silk would only drive up prices, costing you even more in the long run, which hardly seems worthwhile.”

Zhao Mu remained silent, unable to formulate a retort. He begrudgingly acknowledged the validity of Qiao Xuan’s argument, though he remained far from convinced.

“As for those IOUs…” Qiao Xuan shifted the conversation back to the matter at hand. “There are ten in total, correct? I now hold possession of these IOUs, and I propose a fair arrangement: I’ll offer you the market price for the silk plus half the value of those IOUs in exchange for Madame Zheng’s divorce papers. Old Master Zhao, do you find this to be an equitable proposition?”

Zhao Mu couldn’t help but rue his earlier decision to decline his father-in-law’s offer and sign those IOUs. Little had he known that Ms. Zheng had diligently collected them and handed them over to Zhao Shu, their ungrateful son. Zhao Shu’s betrayal stung him deeply; how could he allow outsiders to meddle in their family affairs?

Zhao Mu firmly believed that labeling his son as unfilial was entirely justified.

Recalling that each of those ten IOUs was worth 700,000 liang, the total sum amounted to a staggering 7 million liang. If Madame Shao were to demand repayment, it would undoubtedly spell disaster for the Zhao Family, a situation he couldn’t bear to contemplate. He was determined to reclaim those IOUs at any cost, lest Madame Shao and their disobedient son wreak havoc at any given moment – a scenario he found unacceptable.

Just as Zhao Mu was about to voice his concerns, Qiao Xuan swiftly interjected, “Old Master Zhao, I prefer straightforward dealings and dislike haggling. I’ve made what I consider to be a very sincere offer. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, I won’t press the matter further.”

Reluctantly, Zhao Mu held back the words he had been poised to speak.

Although they had only just met, Zhao Mu could already discern the young madame’s resolute temperament. If she made such a statement, she seemed entirely capable of following through with her intentions. What worried him most was that he couldn’t afford to take such a gamble.

With 7,000,000 liang in IOUs and the prospect of obtaining a divorce paper in exchange for half that amount—3,500,000 liang—it was undoubtedly an attractive deal. Madame Shao had displayed a remarkable level of sincerity.

However, Zhao Mu had never accepted the burden of this 7,000,000 liang debt. To him, it was a trifling sum, and even being required to pay 10,000 liang would have been a humiliating ordeal.

They should never have offered the money in the first place, but it was too late for regrets now.

Yet, what alternative did he have?

Zhao Mu wrestled with his inner turmoil. While Qiao Xuan calmly sipped her tea, Butler Zhao stood there in a state of bewilderment.

Eventually, Zhao Mu gave in, his voice resigned, “Alright, I will provide you with the 3.5 million liang, the divorce paper, and the IOUs.”

“Old Master Zhao, you are indeed a straightforward individual! It’s no wonder you’ve been able to amass such wealth. In that case, I’ll give you two days to prepare, and after that, we’ll settle the transaction,” Qiao Xuan agreed, her demeanor still composed.

Inwardly cursing his predicament, Zhao Mu forced a smile and replied, “Very well, but I may not have that much money readily available. Could I offer something else as collateral?”

Qiao Xuan nodded graciously, “Of course, as long as the collateral holds an equivalent value.”

“Agreed.”

With that, Qiao Xuan rose from her seat and offered a parting smile. “Alright, Old Master Zhao, you can make your preparations. I won’t take up any more of your time. Goodbye!”

Through gritted teeth, Zhao Mu replied, “Thank you, Madame Shao.”

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