Right now, the priority is to figure out how to raise the money and ransom Cheng Huan, to get that jade pendant back.
That jade pendant is the Su Family's heirloom.
Back then, Su Ye's old man saw her hot temper and worried she'd get the short end of the stick if she got into fights, so he gave her the jade pendant and told her to always carry it as protection.
It's a defensive magic artifact.
With it, if she ever faced a deadly attack in the future, it could fully protect her heart and save her life.
Too bad, this wasteful woman Su Ye gave it away to her latest flame without blinking, didn't feel the pain at all.
See, if you don't ask for trouble, trouble doesn't come looking for you.
In the original story, Cheng Huan was super fond of Su Ruoruo. When he heard about the Su Family getting wiped out, he gave her the jade pendant as a keepsake.
It was thanks to that jade pendant that Su Ruoruo got saved during a major crisis later on.
Now, Su Ye needs to get it back.
If that black-hearted little bastard tries to kill her someday, at least she'd have a little lifeline.
Never mind Cheng Huan demanding a thousand gold coins for ransom—even two thousand, she'd pay.
Early the next morning, Su Ye had Xing lead the house guards and servants to move most of her stuff out of her courtyard and pawned them for a total of one thousand gold coins.
Once she'd exchanged it for silver coin, seeing it was nearly dusk, she took the money pouch and headed for the Spring-Welcoming House.
For convenience, she went there all by herself.
As soon as she stepped over the threshold of Spring-Welcoming House, Madam, who'd been waiting for her, enthusiastically grabbed her arm.
Madam already knew about Su Ye bringing money to redeem Cheng Huan, so she clung to Su Ye, all complimentary and polite, beaming with joy.
"Young City Lord, you—..."
Before Madam could finish, Su Ye pinched the spatial bag full of silver coin and handed it over.
"I'm here to ransom Cheng Huan and set him free. Here are one thousand gold coins—count them."
As Su Ye spoke to Madam, Cheng Huan walked over in a jade green robe, collar wide open, exuding a hint of that brothel vibe.
Madam was a straightforward type—she kept her word. She fished the indenture out of her bosom and handed it to Cheng Huan.
"Cheng Huan, it's all thanks to Young City Lord that you can regain your freedom. Don't you forget her kindness."
Cheng Huan held his indenture, reluctantly pulled out the jade pendant, and handed it to Su Ye.
Whether he was moved by Madam's words or from the bottom of his heart, he spoke in a soft voice,
"Young City Lord~, Cheng Huan truly admires you."
Su Ye took the jade pendant from his hand without hesitation.
Then she hung it on her own belt.
For once, there was a real smile on her face.
"Yeah, I know."
Her answer was perfunctory.
Cheng Huan's been ransomed, the jade pendant's back in her hands.
As for whatever nonsense Cheng Huan was spouting—that wasn't her business anymore.
On the side, Madam was carefully counting out the gold coins.
She laughed so hard the peonies on her hairpin shook with her.
"Young City Lord really does like our Cheng Huan, huh?"
As she spoke, Madam suddenly lowered her voice and sidled up to Su Ye.
"Since you're so generous, I won't keep things from you.
Today, several new handsome men arrived at Spring-Welcoming House. Lots of premium goods will be auctioning off their first night. Care to stay and have a look?"
Su Ye was fiddling with her jade pendant at first.
Hearing Madam's words, she looked up, one eyebrow rising slightly,
"Auction?"
Madam's fingers, stained red with balsam dye, rested on Su Ye's arm as she leaned over.