Chapter One, the Ning family has a son as beautiful as jade

This young master does possess some talent, yet he has always been at odds with Ning Yu. The proposal of such a condition is nothing more than an act of humiliation towards him. How could anyone endure the indignity of a distinguished young master of the Ning family being reduced to the status of a mere accountant

That night, Ning Yu was heavily intoxicated

Ning Yu, dressed in white, was mingling among the crowd. Having never encountered such a significant upheaval, she was torn between wanting to rush to assess the damage and worrying about her elderly parents, who might not withstand the shock. In that moment, she was overwhelmed and anxious, unable to find a moment to spare.

In the mocking gaze of the butler behind her, Ning Yu stepped out of the Wen family gate, her heart filled with endless despair

Ning Yu interrupted him: "No need."

Ning Yu set down the wine jar and said softly: "There is no need; if you would be willing to lend me five hundred silver coins, I will certainly repay both the principal and interest after one year."

The old man indeed came to a stop

Ning Yu was taken aback for a moment, slowly lowering her head

Ning Yu raised her hand and sat down: "Thank you for your kind intentions, but Ning Yu absolutely will not engage in such acts that disgrace our ancestors and tarnish our family reputation. I cannot accept your teachings, please leave!"

Jin Yue sat down beside him, saying: "Did you suffer any grievances at the Wen family?"

Ning Yu's face turned red, and she was at a loss for words

The old man said: "My name is Jin Yue, you may have heard of this name"

He witnessed that humiliating scene at that time? Ning Yu gritted her teeth and suddenly knelt down: "I beg you, senior, lend me one thousand silver coins, and in the future, I, Ning Yu, will surely repay you double."

Foolish boy, what is the use of drinking alcohol

Jin Yue glanced at him and said leisurely: "In my Thousand-Hand Sect, everyone relies on their own efforts, and borrowing is out of the question. Moreover, isn't Young Master Ning looking down on us thieves? How could he borrow this ill-gotten wealth?"

Ning Yu shook her head: "Although I am poor, I understand the principle of not accepting rewards without merit, and that the impoverished should not take food that is offered out of pity"

Ning Yu was taken aback

Very well, the word "money" has caused countless people to turn against each other since ancient times, let alone her, who has been pampered and spoiled. Such a gentle girl, with her beautiful and soft hair, her bashful face, can she endure hardship alongside him now?

He gulped from the wine jar, yet his mind remained astonishingly clear.

As he was about to step out of the courtyard, Ning Yu could no longer hold back and called out to him: "Elder, please stay!"

The Ning family has a son, who lives up to his name, gentle and warm as jade. By the age of fifteen, he had already gained a reputation for his talent, becoming a well-known scholar in the city. His character is pure, his demeanor is gracious, and his appearance is beyond reproach, making him the object of admiration for countless young ladies. Wherever he goes, he draws attention. By the age of eighteen, matchmakers have been coming to their door in droves.

Fate played a cruel trick, as the silver shop was situated too close to the source of the fire. By the time it was discovered, it was already too late. The floor soon collapsed, and the entire silver shop was engulfed in flames. Master Ning attempted several times to rush in himself, but was forcefully restrained by his wife and children. In that moment, he could no longer care about his dignity, kneeling and pleading with everyone. Unfortunately, the surrounding neighbors were preoccupied with their own homes and had no concern for the plight of another's silver shop. Although more than a dozen employees rushed back and forth to extinguish the fire, it ultimately proved to be a drop in the bucket, powerless to turn the tide.

I do not fail you, yet it is you who have failed me

Half a month later, Master Wen invited him over, stating that his daughter had reached the appropriate age and could not be delayed any longer, urging him to marry her as soon as possible

Jin Yuandao: "The Thousand-Hand Cultists are not ordinary thieves; in addition to stealing, they possess numerous skills such as poisoning, disguise, hidden weapons, and lightness of body. Each of these is a true skill of ours. How can money earned through genuine skills be considered unearned? Where is the baseness in that?"

No matter how well-mannered one is, there are times when one cannot help but feel a bit annoyed. Ning Yu said coldly, "What are you doing here again?"

Jin Yuandao: "Although my Qianshou Sect consists largely of thieves, we do have rules that prohibit harming the elderly, women, and children. The ones we steal from are often the wealthy who lack compassion. They have so much money that it just rots away in their vaults. Taking the excess wealth of the world for our own use, what is wrong with that?"

The old man said: "Foolish boy, the Wen family is so eager to have you withdraw your engagement for a reason. Young Master Yu will be coming to formally propose in three days."

"The bright moon serves as a witness, your heart and my heart, for eternity we shall not fail each other." Pointing at the half wall and the bright moon, he smiled and took a sip of wine, reciting the vows made back then word by word

Everyone was awakened from their dreams, the flames casting a red glow over half the city. Panic ensued among the people, and in an instant, cries and wails intertwined. The wind did not cease, and the fierce fire spread rapidly with the wind, affecting several neighboring households, while the largest Ning family silver shop was right next door

At this moment, someone spoke

Jin Yuexiao: "As long as you are willing to take me as your master, all the treasures of the world will be at your disposal. Why worry about having no money?"

Look at these hands, tsk tsk, it would be a pity not to join the Thousand-Hand Sect! Seeing him issue the eviction order, Jin Yue was not angry: "For Miss Wen, wouldn't you be unwilling?"

The old man raised his eyebrows: "If you have money to marry Miss Wen, would you still not want to?"

Ning Yu was shocked: "How did you know?"

Upon waking, he saw a pair of eyes that were cold and sinisterly smiling

One thousand taels of silver

The old man smiled and said, "Do you like Miss Wen?"

A night of strong winds, a night of great fire

Young man, do you want money

Finally, a well-meaning individual secretly observed and discovered that the young lady whom Ning Yu admired was actually Miss Wen Qin

"If you continue to be as wealthy as usual, she will be able to live well," the old man waved his hand as he saw him about to speak, "Do not worry, I will not give you any charity, I just want to teach you how to make money"

The old man said: "I cannot bear to hear such sour words."

Jin Yuandao: "As long as you join my Qianshou Sect, what is a mere one thousand taels?"

However, debts must always be repaid. As the situation became dire, it was truly impossible to produce a large sum of money to settle these debts. On the night of the third day after the incident, Master Ning paid his respects before the ancestral tablet and, taking advantage of the moment when no one was watching, hanged himself. By the time he was discovered, he had already passed away. The family mourned deeply, and Ning Yu naturally donned mourning clothes and managed the affairs while suppressing her grief.

The old man smiled and said, "I have a method that can help you acquire a fortune within three days. Do you want it?"

Ning Yu immediately fell silent and stood respectfully

Night, two jars of wine, the empty and desolate Ning family courtyard

Jin Yuandao: "Does he want one thousand taels of silver?"

Cut it out, how many people wish to take me as their master? If it weren't for your exceptional talent, would I be wasting my time here with you? Jin, puffing out his beard, angrily stormed off. Since ancient times, it has always been the disciples who seek out their masters, yet now one has to flatter to find a disciple!

Knowing that it is a deliberate difficulty, what can he do? She still cares for him, willing to accompany him through hardships, yet he is so useless that he lacks even the ability to rescue her. What use are skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, or accounts, no matter how good they are?

Jin Yue looked at him with great interest: "I am willing to lend you some silver, but I only have nine hundred taels on hand. Moreover, you are not a member of my Qianshou Sect, so I can only lend you nine hundred taels. If you want it, take it."

"The Immortal Couple of Wenqin and Jiepei", the third young lady of the Wen family, known as Wenqin, at the age of 18, is beautiful in appearance and gentle in character. The beginning of the romance between the two truly stems from Ningyu's exceptional skill in playing the guqin, which attracted the attention of the beautiful maiden during a spring outing, leading to an instant love at first sight.

A dark cloud silently flew in, resting atop the high city wall

The proud Ning Yu finally bowed her head and decided to plead with the Wen family.

If you truly become a beast of burden, what use would I have for you! Jin Yue impatiently waved his hand: "You may stop your worship, let me finish my words."

Ning Yu was taken aback: "I want."

Ning Yu said: "Gaining without effort, profiting through despicable means, is indeed ill-gotten wealth"

If you do not wish to listen, then so be it. The old man stood up and left

Master Wen was overjoyed: "Noble nephew, with your celestial demeanor, you are destined for great success in the future. You will have your pick of all the women in the world. My daughter, however, is rather plain in appearance and truly does not match your stature. I am willing to return the betrothal gifts and add an additional 200 taels to assist you..."

A total of nine hundred taels of silver in ingots

Ning Yu nodded: "The younger generation listens attentively."

The Ning family is not a martial arts family; however, the name "Jin Yue" has transcended the realm of martial arts. Quite simply, three years ago, Jin Yue, the leader of the Thousand Hands Sect, infiltrated the imperial palace and took a golden button from the emperor's dragon robe, leaving behind a note claiming to have made a bet with someone, borrowing it for three months. Indeed, three months later, when the emperor attended court, that button was found lying on the dragon throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. In such matters, the emperor was helpless. The leaders of the Thousand Hands Sect have a glorious record of visiting the imperial palace throughout history, and even the skilled experts within the palace find it difficult to detect them. Moreover, no one knows when they will come, making it impossible to guard against them. Fortunately, although these thieves are formidable, they harbor no ill intentions, and most of the time, their entries and exits from the palace are merely due to making bets with others, at most stealing a few treasures. Thus, the emperor turns a blind eye, saying, "If you can catch them, then catch them; if not, I can't be bothered with you." Consequently, most of the time, these incidents end without resolution, and a tacit understanding of peaceful coexistence gradually developed between the Thousand Hands Sect and the court.

The relatives sighed, the enemies were pleased, and fortunately, the Ning family bank had a good reputation on ordinary days. After swallowing their pride and saying many good words, they finally managed to send everyone away

Like those ordinary wealthy families in the city, the Ning family is affluent, having established a silver shop that is quite renowned locally. Upon learning of his son's feelings, Old Master Ning was overjoyed, considering that the Wen family was a suitable match. Seizing the opportunity for a good match, he hurriedly selected an auspicious date and sent someone to propose marriage, inquiring about the name of the family. Ning Yu, whose reputation was well-known, was also the sole heir to the Ning family's fortune, which naturally pleased the Wen family. Thus, this marriage proposal was quickly settled.

At that time, I was right above you.

Ning Yu proudly stated: "A woman who is only interested in money is not worth my treatment."

Ning Yu remained silent for half a day and said: "I, as a junior, wish to withdraw from the engagement."

The Yu family recently sent someone to propose marriage, and Master Wen was quite satisfied. The Yu family is wealthy and powerful, while the Ning family has already fallen into decline. How could Ning Yu afford to marry? It would not be appropriate to marry their daughter to him. Seeing that he was willing to withdraw from the engagement and did not ask for any financial compensation, Master Wen no longer insisted. He secretly laughed at his pretentiousness, casually offered a few words of comfort, and then established a written agreement to annul the engagement.

In just two short months, the Ning family has held two funerals, leaving only Ning Yu behind. All that should have been done has been done. Finally, the creditors have come to demand the property deed, and in a state of desperation, the usual rival has unexpectedly come to the door.

Ning Yu exclaimed in astonishment: "Could it be that you are the leader of the Thousand Hands Sect?"

Ning Yu remained silent for half a day, then responded calmly: "Alright"

Jin Yue turned his eyes and said: "The Thousand-Hand Sect does not lend money, but since I find you agreeable, I will make an exception this once."

Ning Yu's entire body stiffened

Ning Yu lost her color: "But ... ..."

Ning Yu smiled and picked up the wine jar again: "Now that she is married, what will happen in the future? Being with me, she will always suffer."

Master Wen was greatly displeased: "Noble nephew, there are always exceptions to every rule. Now that my daughter has turned sixteen, if you wait for three more years to observe mourning, won't that waste her youth?"

Young men and women in love inevitably find themselves in romantic settings, making vows of eternal love under the moonlight, exchanging sweet nothings, and entwining with each other. After their engagement is settled, the couple gradually sheds their initial shyness, appearing publicly as a pair. Soon, the entire city is aware of their union, a match of talent and beauty, a couple akin to celestial beings, leading to countless young girls having their dreams shattered and hearts broken.

Ning Yu retorted: "What you say is incorrect, elder. My Ning Yu family has a clean lineage, and I have received an education and understand principles. How could I engage in the activities of a thief, acting as a gentleman on the beams?"

As the mourning period has not yet concluded, Ning Yu currently lacks the financial means to marry, and can only politely decline.

Jade, is a beautiful gem

The old man said: "I can make you wealthy"

A wealthy young master would never engage in a particular profession, but when faced with a dead end, the situation may be different. At that moment, he happens to need a disciple, an heir

As he stepped across that threshold once more, he had never felt such embarrassment and shame, but for her, what did a little dignity matter

At an unknown time, a thin old man in black sat down beside me, his eyes shining brightly, his gaze exceptionally sharp, accompanied by a faintly sinister smile

For the young master of the Ning family in the past, one thousand taels of silver was not considered too much, but now Ning Yu has not even ten taels of silver left by her side

Looking at the distant blood-red flames, the old man laughed heartily: "Heaven's will! Heaven's will!"

He smiled and waved his folding fan: "Brother, I have an idea. My father has long thought of opening a silver shop, and now that we have gathered the people, we happen to be in need of an accountant. I have heard of your esteemed reputation, Brother Ning. If you are willing to bend a little for five years, I will ensure that this ancestral house is kept for you. What do you think?"

She admired his talent, enjoyed composing poetry with him, loved watching him paint, and cherished listening to him play the lute. However, overnight, he was left with nothing but these things, and she decided to call off the engagement

"The bright moon serves as a witness, your heart and my heart, eternally unbetrayed." Looking at the words on the handkerchief, Ning Yu trembled, realizing that after being confined by Master Wen, she felt a mix of wanting to cry and wanting to laugh.

Ning Yu was overjoyed and bowed down: "Thank you, senior. Ning Yu will forever remember your great kindness and virtue. Even if I were to be reborn as a cow or a horse in the next life..."

She did not betray him, yet it was he who first let her down

Ning Yu still had something to say, but there was no one in front of him. He stood up in a daze, lifted his foot to leave, but accidentally tripped over an object, scattering various items all over the ground.

The Yu Family Silver Shop soon opened, right at the old site of the Ning Family Silver Shop. The accountant at the counter was none other than Ning Yu. In an instant, some expressed regret while others felt sympathy, yet Ning Yu himself remained indifferent to these sentiments. As he watched his former acquaintances being drawn into the circle of Young Master Yu one by one, he continued to maintain his composure. The only thing that caused him a bit of unease was that Miss Wenqin had not been in touch for a long time

Jin Yue stood up and said decisively: "I can only lend this much. As for the other one hundred taels, you, a respectable scholar, should be able to come up with a solution, unlike us thieves, right?"

Ning Yu stood up and bowed: "May I ask your esteemed name? If you have any guidance, Ning Yu will certainly listen attentively..."

The old man said, "Miss Wen is afraid she cannot wait that long."

Ning Yu knelt there in a daze, shaking her head: "I cannot tarnish the family reputation"

Ning Yu did not hide her feelings: "Yes."

All the ledgers were reduced to ashes, and Master Ning fainted several times.

Ning Yu murmured, "What does it matter to suffer?" Yes, what does it matter to suffer, as long as he can rescue her, as long as he can be with her, as long as she still likes him

Tianming, the largest silver house in the city has already vanished, what meets the eye are broken stones and remnants, along with some black ash and soil washed away by water, as well as a few charred wooden beams emitting black smoke. A large crowd has gathered around the ruins, all of them clients of the Ning Family Silver House. With the silver house in trouble, panicked people are rushing to the scene to redeem their silver, creating a scene of chaos

In the dim light, two figures embrace tenderly.

Three days later, the Yu family will come to propose marriage. She secretly called her maid to seek help, as she would rather die than marry someone else

He took another sip of wine

At this point, Old Master Ning has not yet been buried, and the creditors have already come knocking at the door. Ning Yu, unable to afford to grieve, puts aside her status and offers kind words, taking out some cash to settle matters. However, misfortune does not come alone; Old Madam Ning, having suffered this blow, falls gravely ill. The servants and housekeeper have all dispersed, and the creditors come daily to demand payment. Ning Yu can only take out the little silver left in the house to send some away, while those who did not receive anything resort to taking away belongings to settle debts, leaving the Ning family in utter poverty. Fortunately, Miss Wenqin is knowledgeable and reasonable, not a heartless person; she often sneaks out to see him and even uses her private funds to hire a doctor for the old madam. However, Old Madam Ning, having reached an advanced age, could hardly withstand such hardships. Within two months, she passed away, and it was difficult to even gather enough money for a coffin, which is truly pitiful.

Master Wen's attitude has grown considerably cold. Upon hearing his request, he merely smiled and said: "I have only this one daughter, and naturally I hope she can have a better future. As for the betrothal gift, it amounts to a thousand gold pieces. If my esteemed nephew can procure a thousand silver coins within three days, I would have no objection to bestowing her upon you."

It is a pity that although this young master Ning Yu appears gentle on the outside, he harbors the lofty pride typical of an ordinary scholar within. He is unwilling to easily agree to marriage proposals. The Ning family has never been prosperous in terms of descendants, and by the time of the current Master Ning, there is only this one son left. Therefore, they are extremely anxious.

Only an old man stood at the street corner, letting out a sigh that no one could hear: "A fine physique for martial arts, yet he chooses to dabble in ink. What a pity!"