Chapter Nine, Invitation to Duel

Everyone turned to look at that person and discovered that it was actually Guo Youji, the Deputy Minister of Rites

Xue Meng turned to Su Wen and said with a cold smile: "Today, I lost due to carelessness. I thought the outcome would be decided in the third round, but I did not expect that Young Master Su had such skill. With a single Bi Hai Xing Xuan hairpin, you directly moved Miss Cui. However, I, Xue, am not convinced. Since Young Master Su has made such a grand gesture, my Xue family is not lacking in wealth either. Why not choose a day to compete in wealth? Do you dare, Young Master Su?"

No one expected that Su Wen would be so reckless as to give such a precious item to a courtesan

Hehe, how youthful and reckless indeed. If Your Majesty were to learn of this matter, it would likely provoke great anger

The madam, upon hearing Xue Meng's doubts, was not angry but simply smiled and said: "Young Master Xue, our Miss Cui is getting married today, and there was no fixed arrangement to begin with. To put it plainly, it is just about finding a suitable person for Miss Cui. Young Master Su threw in three hundred thousand taels in the first round and then presented a spiritual artifact in the second round, which is far more generous than your offering. Miss Cui was moved, and naturally, that concluded the matter. If there is anyone to blame, it can only be for the disparity between your gift and that of Young Master Su!"

"For the genuine heart of Young Master Su." Cui Yumian looked into Su Wen's eyes and said earnestly: "Since Young Master Su is willing to spend so much silver on me, it is only natural that he truly likes me. I also hope to be by Young Master Su's side often, hence this is the case"

It is important to note that the Xue family's gold mine is the capital upon which the Xue family built its fortune

The smile on the madam's face grew even more radiant

Is he really going to marry a courtesan as his wife

Su Wen then approached Cui Yumi and the madam

It is common for women to marry without having seen their husbands, yet I have already met Young Master Su, and that is sufficient.

She looked at Xue Meng and smiled, saying: "Xue Shao, you don't feel wronged by your loss, do you?"

In front of the two, the madam said: "Young Master Su, you may not know that Miss Yu Mian has given all the silver she earned over the past three years to our boss in order to cancel the third round, all for you"

Su Wen raised an eyebrow: "What if I win?"

Is this item bestowed by Your Majesty

Zhao Rui is also perceptive and has gone off to find his own amusement

Everyone is astonished

Isn't this just causing trouble for one's own father

To everyone's surprise, Xue Meng readily agreed!

Everyone was taken aback

Cui Yumian also sat down at the table, poured a glass of wine, drank it down, and her face appeared even more flushed and radiant.

Su Wen turned her head, walked in front of Cui Yumiann, and leaned down, their eyes meeting.

Su Wen rose and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, smiling as he said, "Uncle Guo need not worry; this item was originally bestowed upon me by His Majesty, and has nothing to do with my father"

Cui Yumian revealed a hint of faint sorrow, for she knew all too well that this was a gamble

The table was set with food and drinks, and as the two entered the room, Cui Yumian appeared somewhat uneasy

Guo Youji looked at Su Wen with a face full of heartache and murmured, "Prodigal son! A complete prodigal! Aren't you afraid your father will break your legs!"

Su Wen was led into the room that had long been prepared, where red candles illuminated the space, and red gauze draped over the bed, making the entire room arranged like a bridal chamber

Su Wen sneered, "I do not lack people to bow down!"

However, it was unexpected that Cui Yumian only chose Su Wen's gift in this round

Only Cui Yumian secretly rejoiced in her heart; in her view, Su Wen's gift of such a precious treasure indicated his affection for her, and her recent efforts were not in vain

Su Wen smiled and said, "But you do not understand me."

Xue Meng did not linger any longer and turned to leave

Everyone was astonished, for it is known that in this world there have been contests of literary skill and martial prowess, but a contest of wealth has never been heard of

Su Wen smiled and said, "I still love money more. The Xuejialing South Gold Mine seems quite good. If I win, how about giving me this gold mine?"

At that moment, a middle-aged man in his forties suddenly exclaimed: "Emerald Sea Starry Hairpin!"

Su Wen directly demanded the Xue family's gold mine, which is quite ruthless

As they spoke, the brothel keeper took the hairpin from Cui Yumian's head and said: "Xue Shao is indeed a connoisseur; this hairpin is worth more than ten of your South Sea gold pearl necklaces. How can you blame the girl for not choosing you? After all, the difference is too great, and it does not show sincerity at all"

Has Su Wen gone mad? How could such an item be given to Cui Yumi?

The girl looked at Su Wen with a hint of nervousness, yet she was not afraid at all.

Guo Youji glanced at Su Wen and said: "This item was bestowed by His Majesty when he attended Su Wen's full moon banquet at the Su family. At that time, His Majesty stated that this item should be kept for this young man to give to his future wife. This Bi Hai Xing Xuan hairpin, when worn, can draw the power of the Moon Star into the body, which is greatly beneficial for a woman's cultivation. It is indeed a rare treasure. Even a million taels of silver would not be excessive for it" This Bi Hai Xing Xuan hairpin, when worn, can draw the power of the Moon Star into the body, which is greatly beneficial for a woman's cultivation. It is indeed a rare treasure. Even a million taels of silver would not be excessive for it

The honesty in her words was also understood by Su Wen.

Su Wen knows that he will not stay behind

The brothel keeper curiously asked, "Lord Guo, what is this Azure Sea Starry Hairpin?"

The lobby is filled with whispers.

Su Wen, indeed carefree, sat down at the table, poured a glass of wine, and began to drink by himself

Cui Yumian lowered her head, her face flushed with embarrassment

At this point, the Second Prince also stood up to take his leave, saying: "Since the grand event has concluded, I shall return to the residence first"

He did not expect that Cui Yumian would pay such a great price

It produces more than 100,000 taels of gold each year, not to mention its significance to the Xue family

Su Wen walked to the window, opened it, and the cold wind blew in, causing Cui Yumian to shiver, making her appear even more fragile

Su Wen smiled and said, "Then I shall comply with your words"

The madam knew that Cui Yumian would certainly not discuss this matter with Su Wen, so she took the initiative to bring it up. After all, having known each other for many years, she also hoped that Cui Yumian could find a good place to settle down.

Everyone was astonished

Xue Meng's eyes narrowed slightly, and the hairpin shimmered with starlight, clearly indicating it was no ordinary object. If it truly is a spiritual artifact as the old madam mentioned, then indeed, buying him ten pearl necklaces would be no problem

Su Wenshuang squinted slightly, a smile appearing on his face as he said: "Xue Meng, if you wish to compete with me in wealth, I have no objection. However, in this contest of riches, what happens if one loses, and what if one wins?"

showing off wealth

Especially this object, it was a gift from Your Majesty

The madam hurriedly asked, "Lord Guo, what is the origin of this item? You must clarify it for us."

Then you say what to do, and we will do it! Xue Meng showed no signs of weakness

"Could you explain why the third round is being canceled?" Su Wen asked curiously

Su Wen was taken aback

Xue Meng looked at Cui Yumi and said: "Since Young Master Su has put me at a disadvantage today, if Young Master Su loses, there is no need for anything else; just kneel and bow three times, and that will suffice"

In the eyes of many, Su Wen's actions are excessively unpredictable

The madam laughed and said: "Come quickly, escort Miss Yu Mian and Young Master Su into the room!"

Xue Meng was unwilling to accept this. After all, he had prepared a considerable amount of banknotes specifically for the final round

Since you have chosen me, do not have any regrets

There is no intention to retain him, as for Zhao Rui, he shows no desire to leave

Su Wen casually took out a stack of banknotes and stuffed them into Zhao Rui's arms, laughing, "Brother Zhao, how you charm the ladies is none of my concern; I must get closer to Miss Cui."

Xue Meng said: "Just like this."

Su Shao, as you have said, ten days from now, you and I will compete in wealth in the East City. However, let us clarify this first: if we are to compare wealth, it must be only that.

Upon hearing these words, everyone was astonished

To compare gold and silver is rather mundane; therefore, in comparing you and me, if gold and silver do not manifest, whoever has a grander display shall prevail!

No matter what happens, I have no regrets.