Here is the edited article with irrelevant content removed:
Yu Yi, who had wanted to find a place to be alone, quickly adjusted her mood, instructed Fu Cheng to prepare the carriage, and sent a message to Meng Qing about Guan Yue’s departure.
Meng Qing arrived at the main courtyard and directed the servants to carry Guan Yue on a simple bamboo stretcher to the carriage. Guan Yue, already not talkative, was even more silent after last night’s events. Yu Yi was also unusually quiet, and didn’t even try to persuade Guan Yue when he insisted on refusing the gift money.
Guan Yue, leaning against the carriage wall, pointed at the silver package and firmly said, “Guan will absolutely not accept this silver. If Master Meng insists on leaving it in the carriage, Guan will treat it as lost property and send it to the yamen.”
Meng Qing was equally unyielding: “If Constable Guan sends this silver to the yamen, it would be better to help the poor.”
Guan Yue nodded, “Good, then Guan will do a good deed on Master Meng’s behalf. But Master Meng can be assured that Guan will make it clear this silver comes from Master Meng and will not take credit for your good deed.
Meng Qing raised an eyebrow. “Constable Guan is mistaken. This silver was not from me, but from my wife. Moreover, with such a small amount of silver, how much reputation could it possibly earn me?”
Guan Yue’s face turned red with anger, unable to match Meng Qing’s wit, and snorted in frustration. He cupped his hands and said, “Guan takes his leave.”
Guan Yue was speechless. Meng Qing saw the right moment to stop, smiled, and cupped his hands in return: “Captain Guan, take care. Aunt Liu, take Xiangzi with you to accompany Captain Guan and make sure to send him home safely.”
Arguing is one thing, but winning the momentum over Guan Yue is another. One must leave room for others. Xiangzi, Aunt Liu’s son, is a clever young man who helps in the main courtyard and does things efficiently, making him perfectly suitable to take care of the injured Guan Yue.
