Chapter 118: Just Pay It

Watching Yiyi bustle about, Si Nuosang felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of emptiness despite the vastness of the capital.

Yiyi, observing Si Nuosang’s demeanor, felt a deep resentment toward Ye Xuan. She was convinced that Si Nuosang’s current state was entirely due to Ye Xuan’s departure, and that Si Nuosang had become increasingly dependent on him. The mere thought of this stung Yiyi’s heart.

Since Si Nuosang had left, everything had shifted. Many others had entered Si Nuosang’s life, yet in Yiyi’s own heart, there was only room for one person: Si Nuosang. This insecurity fueled a growing jealousy. To someone like Yiyi, Si Nuosang was meant to belong to her alone.

Recalling the advice given by Qin Shuang, and having overheard their conversations, Yiyi knew exactly what kind of person Qin Shuang was—a woman whose words were never hollow. Yiyi was well aware of the existence of the gemstone. Si Nuosang kept it close, usually tucked inside her personal garments, ensuring it was always within reach. Stealing it and framing Ye Xuan for the theft seemed nearly impossible.

Yet, consumed by jealousy, Yiyi had lost her sense of reason. She had become desperate and dangerous. Because Si Nuosang trusted her implicitly, she never imagined that Yiyi might turn against her. It is often those closest to us who wield the sharpest blades, cloaking their selfishness in the guise of love. Many people magnify their own affections and grievances, but in the end, it is nothing more than the pursuit of their own desires—a persistent, consuming fixation. And desire is the root of all evil.

From a distance, Qin Shuang watched everything, observing every movement. Si Nuosang was sharp and observant toward others, yet her blind spot regarding those closest to her provided the perfect opportunity. With Yiyi as an instrument, everything would be easily within reach. The thought brought a smile to Qin Shuang’s lips.

A sudden chill ran down Si Nuosang’s spine. She turned quickly, but saw nothing. Feeling as though something were amiss, she shook her head, wondering if she was merely overthinking. Suddenly, Yiyi called out, "Nuosang, why is there a light coming from your chest?"

Si Nuosang quickly checked, retrieved the object, and retreated into a small inner room, signaling Yiyi to keep quiet. Yiyi nodded. Once inside, Si Nuosang bolted the door, leaving Yiyi outside to tend to the customers. Si Nuosang had begun to guard this object even from her; previously, she would have let Yiyi look at it without a second thought, but things were truly different now.

Yiyi’s heart ached, which only strengthened her resolve. She did not consider the consequences—it is impossible to expect someone driven by impulse to do so, for they no longer care for the aftermath. Peering through the paper window, Yiyi watched Si Nuosang interacting with the stone. Suddenly, the light vanished. It was bizarre; what kind of object was this, so magical that so many desired it?

She decided that she had to help Si Nuosang get rid of it; leaving it in her hands was far too dangerous.

"Miss Yiyi, we’re out of soap," an assistant interrupted, nearly startling her out of her skin. Si Nuosang heard this from inside but remained unsuspicious. It was a normal, routine exchange. She trusted Yiyi completely, having been through so much together. She felt she knew her well.

Yiyi gestured for the assistant to be quiet and led him outside. "Don't go scaring people like that again," she chided. She was no longer the shrinking, timid maid she once was; Si Nuosang had turned her into a strong, independent person—though "independent" was perhaps a stretch, as she remained profoundly reliant on Si Nuosang.

"I apologize, Miss Yiyi."

"Never mind. I’ll have someone fetch more from the warehouse. If customers ask, tell them to wait."

In recent months, business at Sang House had been flourishing. Repeat customers and newcomers alike flocked to the shop, as it was the only one of its kind. Even the imperial concubines were using their products. Yiyi, clever and resourceful, had developed various scented soaps. When she presented the ledger to Si Nuosang the following day, Si Nuosang was stunned.

"This much money?" She stared at the total, which exceeded one hundred thousand taels. It was inconceivable.

"It’s not that much, though I have been working very hard to earn it," Yiyi said, happy to see Si Nuosang’s approval.

"Wow, you’re incredible! How long has it even been? You’ve developed this to such a scale. And I see so many new varieties of soap on display. Did you make all of these?"

"Yes, I made them all myself. I didn't want the formula to leak, so I separated each step of the process and supervised the workers in groups, ensuring they couldn't interact with one another. There are several different stages," Yiyi explained with pride.

"Yiyi, I really didn't misjudge you. Take ten thousand taels for yourself."

"No," Yiyi said, shaking her head as Si Nuosang tried to press the banknotes into her hand.

"Why not? You earned this."

"It’s too much. I haven't earned this. I only contributed a little."

"What do you mean 'a little'? This is profit, isn't it? Take it." Si Nuosang handed her the notes. Looking at the ledger, she saw how meticulously Yiyi had worked. Such diligent girls were rare, and every entry was clear, with no signs of corruption. Where else could she find someone like this? Giving her ten thousand taels was perfectly justified.

It was a sum Yiyi could never earn in a lifetime—or even two or three. Having lived on only a few taels a year, her hands trembled as she held the ten thousand.

"Nuosang, this is really too much. I can't take it."

"Yiyi, you deserve it. You’ve been with me for so long; surely you understand that."

"It’s not that I don't understand, but it’s so much that I’m scared. Where should I put it? What if I lose it?" Yiyi asked, looking foolishly earnest.

"Put it in a bank, or buy a house. You must have some dreams, don't you?" Seeing Yiyi’s innocent, dazed expression, Si Nuosang couldn't bear to say anything that might hurt her.

Yiyi nodded. "Thank you, Nuosang."

"Don't mention it. You’ve earned me a great deal."

"But I still owe some money—costs for materials and wages for the workers, about ten thousand taels. Perhaps I should use the money you gave me to pay them off?"