Chapter 22: Causing Trouble Again

"I'm sorry, there are only nine spots left," Hua Qinci said as she tucked away another deposit note, deliberately biting the gleaming silver coin between her teeth to show its authenticity. "It's real," she nodded, muttering quietly, then, ignoring the crowd, placed the coin into the prepared bowl.

Madam Wei had been tallying numbers at the side, and Mrs. Liu, more worldly, boldly placed her silver before Hua Qinci. Glancing anxiously at Liu Bingbing sulking alone, she hurriedly urged Doctor Li to write the deposit note quickly.

"Mrs. Liu has deposited ten taels," Hua Qinci announced with a bright smile.

Mrs. Liu quickly hushed her, signaling Hua Qinci not to speak so loudly.

As expected, Liu Bingbing, hearing her mother had handed over ten taels, rushed over with reddened eyes.

Mrs. Liu, seeing Liu Bingbing charging up, grabbed her deposit note and fled.

Liu Bingbing glared at Hua Qinci and chased after her mother.

Hua Qinci couldn't be bothered with them; she never expected Mrs. Liu and Doctor Li could produce so much silver.

Seeing that the wealthier families had staked their fortunes, everyone’s confidence soared. Several bold souls stepped forward to hand over their silver, happily collecting their deposit notes, heads bowed as they calculated the profits if they exchanged them on the third day—wouldn’t that mean a windfall?

When Hua Qinci finally called out that only three spots remained, the crowd surged forward in a frenzy, each eager to hand over their silver.

The spectacle left Chief Zhao and his two constables starry-eyed with envy.

"Boss, what kind of magic does this girl have? Why are these people acting bewitched, handing over their silver without a second thought?"

"Exactly! It’s unbelievable. In all my years as a constable, I’ve never seen anything like this—it’s almost supernatural."

"Chief, if we report this to the county magistrate, wouldn’t that earn us great merit?"

Chief Zhao smacked the handsome constable on the head, scolding, "Don’t let me hear anything like that again, or you’ll regret it."

The tall, thin constable quickly flattered, "Boss, the kid’s still young—let it go."

"Hmph! Listen, our county magistrate is no decent man. If he learns how capable this girl is, he’ll certainly..." Chief Zhao suddenly frowned and cut himself off, his thoughts drifting to his own wife, prompting a sigh.

"What would he do?" the two constables asked, curious.

Chief Zhao waved his hand dismissively. "Never mind. In short, remember this: you can coast through life, but never get involved in harming others."

He pointed to the sky, "The net of heaven is vast and loose, but nothing escapes it. Law rises above sentiment; those who sow wickedness will reap their own ruin."

As he spoke, his gaze fell upon Hua Qinci, busy and radiant, a weary smile crossing his face. Once, his own wife had been just as dazzling.

"Alright, all spots are filled. Next time, come early," Hua Qinci counted the overflowing bowl of silver, then handed it to Qin Youtian, who still looked bewildered.

"Give twenty taels to Chief Zhao. The rest, let Mother keep safe for now."

As everyone lamented not acting sooner, Liu Bingbing dragged Mrs. Liu back.

She strode to Hua Qinci, tossed her hand with a flourish, and declared, "I want to say something fair, cousin. What if you don’t sell this ginseng? Wouldn’t our silver be wasted? Who will compensate us then?"