Little Pink Starfish

We Have the Banknotes, Who Can Stop Us?

Chief Xiong (Bear Bear) held the banknotes in his hands and hesitated. “Young Master, what if the money house says they don’t have that much silver?”

“This is Huixin Bank,” Gu Xingnuo said with a calm smile. “They definitely have enough silver.”

“But… what if they still say they don’t?” Bear Bear persisted, anxiety rising.

Gu Xingnuo gave him a slow once-over.

Bear Bear’s heart started racing. Did I say something wrong again?

“You lot used to be pirates, right?” Gu Xingnuo asked. “I heard you were the kind who stole from the rich to help the poor.”

“Y-Yes,” Bear Bear nodded. Where is this going?

“Then if they refuse,” Gu Xingnuo said mildly, “rob them.”

…

The prince consort, the princess, and the former pirate exchanged looks.

Gu Xinglang blinked and asked carefully, “Brother, are you saying… have them rob the bank?”

“What’s the problem?” Gu Xingnuo asked. “We have the banknotes.”

“Exactly!” Yu Xiaoxiao slapped the table and stood up. “We’ve got banknotes—who are we afraid of? Bear Bear, if they don’t give you the money, just rob them!”

“Got it!” Bear Bear was instantly energized. Robbery? This was his specialty.

“Take your men and go,” Gu Xingnuo waved. “I’ll be watching from outside. No need to worry.”

You’re afraid we’ll pocket the silver, Bear Bear thought.

Yu Xiaoxiao turned to Gu Xingnuo eagerly. “Can I go with you?”

“You want to go eat a midnight snack at Dashi Bridge, don’t you?” Gu Xinglang said.

“I want to watch the action first,” Yu Xiaoxiao replied, “then get my midnight snack.”

This idiot princess, Bear Bear thought. It’s the middle of the night—what night market’s still open?

“Anything else?” Gu Xingnuo asked Bear Bear.

Bear Bear scurried away.

Behind him, Gu Xingnuo said to the princess, “I’ll have the kitchen make you some food. What would you like?”

“Anything’s fine!” Yu Xiaoxiao chirped.

“How about tangyuan stuffed with peanuts?” Gu Xingnuo offered.

“Yes, yes!” Yu Xiaoxiao clapped happily. “Big Brother, I lo— I mean, you’re so kind!”

Bear Bear left the room shaking his head. I’ll never understand how rich families work. What kind of big brother spoils his little brother and sister-in-law this much?

“I want to go too,” Gu Xinglang said.

“Aren’t you tired?” Gu Xingnuo asked.

“Not at all,” Gu Xinglang replied. He actually felt energized—ready to lead troops to battle, even.

Yu Xiaoxiao turned worriedly to Gu Xingnuo. “But you’re still injured.”

“I’ll take my medicine. This injury isn’t that bad,” Gu Xingnuo smiled. “No need to worry, Princess.”

“You’re my big brother!” Yu Xiaoxiao huffed. “How could I not worry?”

Gu Xinglang immediately turned icy. The jealous air around him made Gu Xingnuo want to grab a coat.

“You brat!” Gu Xingnuo lifted his hand to smack his younger brother.

“No!” Yu Xiaoxiao quickly shielded Gu Xinglang’s head. “Big Brother, not the head!”

Gu Xingnuo’s raised hand paused midair. “Then where can I hit him?”

“How about nowhere?” Yu Xiaoxiao asked. “What did my little Gu do wrong?”

Gu Xinglang, now resting his head against her chest, flushed red at the soft sensation.

“Young Master,” a servant called from outside. “Madam sent some medicine.”

“Bring it in,” Gu Xingnuo said.

The servant handed over a bitter-smelling decoction and a thick cloak. “Madam said to give these to you.”

Yu Xiaoxiao wrinkled her nose. That medicine smells awful.

Gu Xingnuo downed it in a few gulps like it was nothing, then said, “Tell your mistress I won’t be returning tonight.”

The servant bowed and left with the empty bowl.

Yu Xiaoxiao wondered, Would this injury of his improve with penicillin?

Gu Xinglang poured his brother a glass of water. “Brother, how about you let us go instead? You rest at home.”

Gu Xingnuo waved it off. He had to oversee this personally.

—

Meanwhile, Bear Bear was handing out black cloth masks to his men. “We go in peaceful. If they give us the money, we smile, say thank you, and leave.”

“What if they don’t?” asked Ergouzi.

Bear Bear gave a wicked grin. “Then we take it by force!”

Second-in-command asked nervously, “What if the city guards show up? Will the princess protect us?”

Bear Bear laughed bitterly. Trust Princess Linglong to save us? I’d sooner trust my own fists!

Second-in-command persisted, “So she won’t?”

“What are you scared of?” Bear Bear kicked him. “I’ve got the banknotes. Even if we end up in Dali Temple, I’m not afraid!” And from what I heard, the Dali Temple’s half burnt down anyway.

Ergouzi put on his mask.

Bear Bear smacked him. “We said go in peaceful! You wear that in and they’ll never let us through the door!”

Ergouzi ran off holding his head, confused why he got hit again.

—

Soon, Xiao Wei came to check on them. “Smudge your faces a bit.”

Bear Bear snapped, “You got a problem with my clean face?”

Xiao Wei stared him down.

Bear Bear instantly caved. “Fine, everyone rub some dirt on your faces.”

—

Back in the Gu residence, Yu Xiaoxiao was tying black scarves around her and Gu Xinglang’s faces.

“You don’t need one,” Gu Xinglang said. “We’re not going in.”

“Better safe than sorry,” Yu Xiaoxiao replied. “What if Bear Bear can’t handle it?”

Gu Xinglang winced. Please, just once, let this go smoothly. All this chaos is exhausting…

Yu Xiaoxiao took his hand. “You and Big Brother are hurt. I’ll protect you both.”