A divided house

Banxi Pavilion, Liqiu's room. 

Liqiu looked up from the book in her hand as Not Shaoqing walked into her room through the balcony. "Master," she attempted to stand but stopped as he raised a hand signalling her to stay back. 

He sat on the seat opposite her and took out a purse from within his robe, her brows drew together as she glanced at the purse. 

She glanced at him in question then at the purse and back. His lips curved up at her expression. "Don't be so surprised, this is for you," He said shifting the purse towards her.

She blinked and glanced down at the purse, "Why?"

"It is payment for your contribution so far, you will need money if you intend to leave this place. I thought you can live off those small trinkets you got from the Crown Prince," he replied leaning forward on the table.

"Oh," she glanced at the purse and smiled, "I haven't thought of that, thanks young master".