Chapter 60: This Man Is Tragically Handsome Beyond Belief

"Replying to the Princess, it comes to a total of one hundred taels."

"Hmm, one hundred taels. I'll give you a discount on the labor fee for the fight, let's call it fifty taels. And since I've been forced to drink so much water these past few days, you'll compensate me twenty taels for emotional distress. Add another forty taels for the days I needed to rest and recuperate, which delayed my official duties. Plus..."

She calculated shamelessly, her beaming and animated expression leaving Dieyi in a daze by her side. Had her mistress somehow been possessed by Young Master Xi?

Wait... why did that golden abacus look so familiar?

She covered her mouth in shock. Oh heavens, wasn't that Young Master Xi's abacus? When on earth had the Princess managed to swipe it right out from under his nose?

Yun Qiange was thoroughly enjoying her calculations, completely oblivious to Situ Lexuan's fists clenching tighter and tighter, producing an audible crunch. Once she finished calculating, she offered them a serene, lovely smile: "All done, the total is two hundred and eighty-one taels."

"Scoundrel, you're daylight robbing us!" Situ Lexuan's long-suppressed fist finally whizzed through the air. She was going to beat this scum to death; leaving such a creature alive was a hazard to society!

"Lexuan, don't hit her. It's fine, I'll pay the Princess." A pair of fair, soft hands quickly caught her fist, followed by Dongfang Mingxuan's gentle and soothing voice.

"Dongfang Mingxuan, you must be out of your mind. Let go of my hand, today I am going to rid the people of this scourge!"

"No, Lexuan, I can scrape together the money for my redemption again, it really doesn't matter."

Yun Qiange massaged her temples. Redemption money? Oh right, she remembered now. Xiangcao had mentioned earlier that this fellow seemed to be the top courtesan of some brothel, a rather pitiful soul indeed. She raised a hand—oh well, whatever. It was too noisy; she'd better end this farce quickly so she could go back to sleep. She hadn't sunk so low as to extort pocket change from a pitiful man.

Just at that moment, a furious roar echoed through the skies: "Princess, get out here right now!"

Immediately following, a figure in white rushed over in a fit of rage, grabbing her wrist. "The Princess must have plenty of free time lately. Care to explain to Rong Xi why my abacus is in your hands?"

Murong Xi was furious. When balancing his accounts today, he had suddenly discovered his abacus was missing! He knew she had to be behind it; somehow, she had pilfered his abacus right under his nose.

Oh no, Yun Qiange cursed inwardly, realizing she was caught far too quickly. She had only thought the golden abacus looked pretty, and being terribly bored these past few days, she had used it to tally up her landed properties and deeds, intending to sneak it back tonight. How did she manage to get caught red-handed so soon?

Forcing a dry, awkward smile, Yun Qiange blinked at the man and cooed in a sickeningly sweet voice, "Xi-xi, little Xi-xi, hubby Xi-xi, it hurts."

The approaching man wore a top-quality moon-white brocade robe, a gemstone-inlaid jade crown on his head, and flowing-moon brocade boots on his feet. His hair was dark as lacquer, radiating an aura of aristocracy. Judging solely by his silhouette, he cut the figure of an immensely wealthy and dashing young gentleman. It was a pity that while his facial features were regular, they were utterly horrific; massive burn scars covered his face, truly making one's stomach turn.

What?! Hubby?! The words shocked the three newcomers, a flock of imaginary crows cawing across their heads. This... this was actually the Princess's husband?!

He looked far too...

Interrupted by this spectacle, Situ Lexuan's anger completely evaporated. She cast a pitiful glance toward Yun Qiange, her face brimming with sympathy. Could this man possibly look any more earth-shattering and heaven-defying? This was utterly tragic beyond description!