Chapter 61: An Eye for an Eye

Although Shen Qingyun did not know exactly what had happened, she noticed that Shen Sisi had suddenly become anxious. Upon investigation, it seemed that something had gone wrong on the Third Prince’s side; he had stopped meeting her lately.

Shen Qingyun was quite happy about this—at least for now, she didn’t need to intervene herself. She could simply wait and watch as Shen Sisi and Jiang Lin proceeded smoothly to marriage, and see what kind of loving couple they would become.

Simoli did not ask Shen Qingyun why she needed so much money; he simply sent a large sum of banknotes to her through Han Feng.

With silver in hand, things became much easier.

Ma Jin, ever since he had sworn brotherhood with Chen Yan, spent all his days with him. If they weren’t visiting brothels and drinking, they were at the gambling house throwing away fortunes.

Ma Jin acted as if meeting his brother had been a stroke of fate, generous to a fault—nine times out of ten, he paid the bill. “Don’t mention the cost of drinks! For my brother, I’d risk my life without hesitation!”

Chen Yan was truly moved, feeling that no woman he’d ever met could compare to the bond between brothers. “Alright, you’re the brother I’ve chosen. From now on, we’ll share fortune and hardship together!”

Ma Jin grinned, laughing as he dragged Chen Yan off to the gambling den. As long as he brought money, there would always be someone eager to hook him into the game.

After all, it wasn’t his own money he was spending—what better job could there be?

But he wasn’t foolish. Once the plan was finished and the reward was collected, he could marry a wife, start a small business, and enjoy a warm family life. As for Chen Yan, he’d be left to lick his own wounds.

In the gambling house, the two had wins and losses. With Ma Jin’s deliberate flattery and encouragement, Chen Yan quickly lost his head, staying inside for a whole day and night, growing reckless in his losses.

“Brother, do you have any silver left?”

“Ah, Chen Yan, I really don’t. We’ve spent nearly everything on food and drink these past days. That last round was such a pity—just a bit more, and we would have won it all back! Ah, well, nothing to be done. Let’s go.”

Chen Yan entered with silver, left penniless, and felt nothing but frustration.

Ma Jin gazed at the night sky, muttering, “Chen Yan, even just a few more taels would do. With luck like yours, it’s such a waste.”

Chen Yan sighed as well. “Where could I get more silver?”

Ma Jin’s eyes darted, and he lowered his voice suddenly. “Hey, Chen Yan, that woman on Pipa Street is loaded. No one nearby doesn’t know it—just the hairpin she wears is worth dozens of taels. Why don’t you ask her for some? Once you win, you can buy her something even better.”

Chen Yan hadn’t considered this before. “Is she really that rich?”

“You don’t know, do you?” Ma Jin laughed, pulling him aside. “That woman used to be Steward Sun’s mistress—the steward of that profitable jewelry shop at the end of Pipa Street. Imagine how much he’s embezzled, all spent on her.”

Chen Yan nodded thoughtfully. “That jewelry shop is certainly lucrative. So, Moon Lady must have quite a bit of silver on hand.”

He paced back and forth, then clapped his hands decisively. “Brother, you’re right. If I win, I’ll just pay her back. She’s a woman—what does she need so much money for? Besides, doesn’t she enjoy herself too? She ought to give me some benefits. Brother, you’re clever.”

Ma Jin chuckled. “Not at all. If you strike it rich, just don’t forget your little brother.”

Chen Yan patted his shoulder. “How could I? Brothers are like arms and legs, women are like clothes. When I win, I’ll treat you to a feast at the biggest restaurant!”

With a quick way to get cash, that night Chen Yan saw that Moon Lady’s door was lit with lanterns—a sign, he thought, perfectly timed.

He felt as if fate itself was assisting him.

It was their secret signal: whenever a lantern hung at the door, it meant Shen Zhifeng wouldn’t be coming tonight.

Chen Yan immediately approached and slipped quietly inside.

Moon Lady saw him arrive, feeling complex emotions inside.

She had been forced into this, yet the deeper she got, the more she found herself unable to stop, tasting the forbidden fruit.

Chen Yan was clever; he didn’t bring up money right away, but instead embraced Moon Lady, indulging in intimacy.

Moon Lady couldn’t help but sigh. Youth truly was different—the energy was so much greater, leaving her drenched in sweat, exhausted yet sated as she nestled in Chen Yan’s arms.

“Ah, I haven’t seen you for two days—I missed you terribly. You don’t know how, whenever I see anyone now, I always think of you. I want to be with you every day. It’s the first time I’ve ever loved a woman so much. In this lifetime, I want only you, but I can’t see you every day. Moon Lady, what am I to do with you?”

Chen Yan held her close, his sweet words flowing like water. He was a master at coaxing women, making Moon Lady feel as if she was the most special person in his heart.

Looking at the handsome man who claimed she was his only one, Moon Lady couldn’t help but feel sweetness in her heart.

After their passionate entanglement, Chen Yan suddenly began to sigh.

Moon Lady couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong? Did something trouble you?”

Chen Yan gazed at her with heartfelt affection. “My brother and I are starting a business, but we’re just short a bit of silver. Without some insider connections, we’d have no chance. I really want to earn money so I can buy you more jewelry and clothes. It’s such a pity—we’re so close.”

Moon Lady hesitated, offering a few comforting words without really responding.

Chen Yan, patient as ever, explained how profitable the business would be, how much he hoped to save up for Moon Lady, finally stirring her interest.

Ever since Shen Qingyun investigated the jewelry shop and cut off Shen Zhifeng’s support, Moon Lady had been living off her savings, slowly draining her resources.

Though she still had a sizable sum, enough for years of extravagance, the lack of steady income left her uneasy.

Now, hearing of such a good opportunity—and knowing the money would come back to her—she was truly tempted.

So, after another round of Chen Yan’s tender coaxing and persuasive arguments, Moon Lady took out her first sum of silver.

“Good Moon Lady, you’re my darling. Don’t worry—when I make money, I’ll buy you any jewelry you want.”

Chen Yan was so delighted he embraced and kissed Moon Lady, and the next day bought her a bracelet as a gift.

Moon Lady had barely enjoyed her happiness for two days before Chen Yan came again asking for money.

Once there is a first time, there is a second. But Moon Lady had no choice—she’d already invested once, and couldn’t bear to let it go to waste. With Chen Yan’s repeated assurances, she invested a second and then a third sum.

When Moon Lady ran out of money, she naturally had to act sweet and coy with Shen Zhifeng when he visited, begging for more.

Han Feng returned from the gambling house, handing the banknotes to Shen Qingyun.

This was all part of their scheme; they had long since secretly agreed with the gambling house that the winnings from Chen Yan would be split fifty-fifty.

Shen Qingyun counted the silver in her hands, smiling. She looked forward to the day Shen Zhifeng discovered his money had been taken by Moon Lady and given to another man—she wondered what his face would look like then.