Ch 81: Guide to Feeding a Villainous Husband

On the official road, someone was galloping swiftly through the night.

Upon reaching the fork that led to Pingyuan City, the lead rider reined in their horse and turned back to say, “You two go ahead to the city and settle in for the night. By dawn tomorrow, I will meet you there.”

The two behind him were visibly startled, but given their positions, they were in no place to question their superior’s decision. Besides, with only three hours left until dawn, they figured it wouldn’t delay anything.

Both men bowed and responded in unison, “Yes!”

At the fork, the three horses parted ways. Two headed toward Pingyuan City, while the other neighed loudly and galloped toward Qinan County.

…

Since being assigned as Qin Xia’s personal guard, Ding Peng’s days had become much more leisurely compared to before.

By day, he helped out at the restaurant, and by night, he stayed in a side room at the Qin family residence, enjoying three hearty meals a day.

If not for his daily practice before dawn, he feared that by the time he was relieved of his duty, he would have gained quite a bit of weight.

With his duty to protect, he never slept too deeply at night. Any slight noise in the courtyard, he could detect immediately.

After hearing a faint, nearly imperceptible sound, Ding Peng’s eyes snapped open. Grabbing the long knife by his bedside, he moved swiftly to the courtyard wall. His blade was drawn and just as he was about to strike, it was blocked by a skillful counter.

Ding Peng’s pupils contracted.

The intruder was no amateur, and likely had malicious intent.

Just as he was about to press the attack and capture the intruder to bring him to Master Liang, the figure spoke softly, “It’s me.”

This voice—Ding Peng could never mistake it.

“You…?”

The figure stepped into the moonlight, revealing his face.

Ding Peng nearly lost his breath.

By the heavens, he had actually dared to draw a blade on this man—he must have a death wish.

Seeing Ding Peng about to bow in greeting, Yu Jiuque raised a hand to stop him.

“You performed your duty well; you deserve a reward.”

After saying this, Yu Jiuque glanced in the direction of the main house. Although he said nothing, Ding Peng understood and quickly added, “Master Qin is inside and has already retired for the night.”

He was dying to ask why Yu Jiuque had suddenly appeared in Qinan County. Given the current situation in Shengjing, Yu Jiuque should not have been able to leave.

However, from the moment he had entered the Eastern Palace, Ding Peng had learned one key lesson: mind your own business. Speak too much, and you’ll pay for it.

“Stand guard outside the courtyard.”

Yu Jiuque was concise with his words, and Ding Peng immediately followed the order.

In a swift movement, he had positioned himself on a tall tree outside the courtyard, hidden from view. As he wiped the cold sweat from the back of his neck, he also calmed his nerves.

Now, only one person remained in the courtyard.

Yu Jiuque swiftly surveyed the familiar small courtyard. Suddenly, a soft “meow” broke the silence beside him.

Following the sound, he looked up and saw two cats peeking down from the roof, as if recognizing him.

Yu Jiuque, unsure if the cats understood, pressed a finger to his lips, “Shh.”

Surprisingly, the cats quieted down, jumped off the roof, and one after the other slipped into the woodshed, where warm straw mats awaited them. Since the weather had turned cold, they had taken to sleeping there.

Yu Jiuque continued quietly towards the main house.

His heart pounded so loudly he feared it might drown out everything else.

He desperately wanted to see Qin Xia.

The longing was driving him mad.

The former emperor had passed away, and on his deathbed had passed the throne to the crown prince. King Kang had incited the third prince to fight a losing battle, hiding behind the scenes himself. When the third prince’s plans were exposed and he was imprisoned, King Kang still tried to play the role of a loyal brother.

To completely bring down King Kang, they needed enough justified evidence. Otherwise, even if he was exiled to a faraway fief, his wild ambitions would leave people uneasy.

The information Yu Jiuque had gathered earlier was still insufficient, so he resumed his old trade, following the trail uncovered by the palace’s secret agents and the Eastern Palace, which led him to Pingyuan Prefecture.

The Ling family of Pingyuan was a branch of the powerful Ling family from Hedong, wealthy beyond measure, thanks to their ancestors’ salt trade.

According to the clues, they had deep connections with King Kang’s residence.

Since he had to go to Pingyuan, Yu Jiuque couldn’t resist the urge to detour through Qinan.

Before setting out, he had reported this to the new emperor, who, after hearing it, gave him a long, thoughtful look.

Yu Jiuque had expected to slip away quietly, but instead, he had openly asked for permission—boldly and without pretense.

…

It seemed the new head of the Directorate of Ceremonial and the Eastern palace would be a man of deep affection.

In the end, the new emperor granted Yu Jiuque’s request, only adding a reminder not to let personal matters interfere with official duties.

“When everything is settled, choose a day to bring him to Shengjing.”

Yu Jiuque had smiled, dimples deepening, as he knelt to receive the decree with gratitude.

…

The door creaked open just wide enough for a person to slip through, and Yu Jiuque quietly stepped inside.

Over the past few months in Shengjing, he had sought the best imperial physicians to treat his hidden injuries, and had regained some of his martial abilities.

However, the internal strength he had lost was gone for good, and now his skills were just barely enough to protect himself.

Da Fu was in the main hall, half-asleep in the middle of the night. Its head was groggy with sleep.

When it heard footsteps, it looked up with its messy feathers and couldn’t immediately figure out who the shadowy figure was.

Just as it was about to honk loudly, it caught a familiar scent. Da Fu flapped its wings, preparing to leap forward, but a hand gently pressed it back into its nest, holding its beak shut.

“Da Fu, it’s me.”

Yu Jiuque quickly patted Da Fu’s head twice, pulling out a handful of dried earthworms from a pouch at his waist that he had prepared earlier.

The moment Da Fu saw food, it completely forgot all about its master, eagerly lowering its head and feasting.

With the little troublemaker distracted, only a door now separated Yu Jiuque from Qin Xia.

His hands and feet tingled, unsure if it was from excitement or nervousness.

Time was short, and Yu Jiuque had even prepared himself to just take a quick glance at Qin Xia and leave.

But now, standing at the threshold, he knew he couldn’t be satisfied with just that.

He wanted to get closer, to see more.

To ask for a hug, to steal a long, lingering kiss.

“Ah Jiu…”

From the bed, a soft murmur came.

Yu Jiuque decided to let the fire in his heart burn freely.

Qin Xia had dreamt of Yu Jiuque.

It wasn’t the first time he had dreamt of his little husband, but never had it felt as real as this.

When he opened his eyes, the person he had longed for day and night was sitting at the edge of the bed. Though the room was unlit, those familiar eyes gleamed like candlelight.

The scent of orchids filled the air, now carrying more warmth than the fragrance alone.

Qin Xia pulled the figure into a deep kiss, growing more convinced that this was just a dream.

Since it was a dream, he allowed himself to be “reckless” this once.

Clothes fell away, black hair spread out.

A pair of slender hands emerged from under the blanket, tugging the fabric into wrinkled folds.

Muffled sounds, mixed with quickened breaths, were swallowed by another’s lips.

“Husband…”

“Qin Xia…”

Tears glistened at the corners of the young man’s eyes, dampening the pillow, yet he pleaded for his partner not to hold back.

At one point, Yu Jiuque’s neck arched back.

Those once bright, starry eyes grew distant, lost for a long moment.

The winter night was warm with the heat from the stove, and after the madness, both were left sticky with sweat.

Qin Xia leaned down, using the tip of his tongue to gently lick away the faint taste of salt.

Real tears—so salty they tasted bitter.

At that realization, Qin Xia suddenly snapped out of his daze.

This… wasn’t a dream, was it?

“Ah Jiu, is it really you?”

Shaking off the haze in his mind, Qin Xia hurriedly pulled the blanket over Yu Jiuque, wrapping him up tightly.

Yu Jiuque, with only his head sticking out of the blanket, blinked at Qin Xia.

“If it’s not me, then who did you just do that with?” he teased, poking Qin Xia’s chest. “Could it be you’ve been thinking about some other young Ge’er while I’m away?”

Qin Xia wasn’t angry; he simply kept smiling, as if he couldn’t get enough of looking at him.

“I thought it was a dream.”

He ran his fingers through Yu Jiuque’s hair, making sure it wouldn’t get tangled and hurt him later.

“I figured you must be in Shengjing at a time like this. There’s no way you’d come back.”

He paused for a moment.

“Did something go wrong in Shengjing?”

Yu Jiuque snuggled into Qin Xia’s arms through the blanket, craving the warmth, and murmured with his eyes closed, “Nothing went wrong. I came out on an urgent mission, and when I return, I’ll likely be promoted.”

“Oh? What promotion?”

Yu Jiuque chuckled softly.

“Maybe… I’ll be appointed the Grand Eunuch?”

Only in front of Qin Xia would he dare to joke about something so rebellious.

To be named Grand Eunuch in Dayong was no small matter; such a figure could make all the officials tremble with a mere stomp.

Though this path seemed like the one written in the original story, Qin Xia knew that the fate of the characters had already changed the moment the crown prince ascended the throne.

They lay together for a while, but suddenly Qin Xia sprang up.

Startled, Yu Jiuque asked, “What’s wrong?”

Qin Xia’s Adam’s apple bobbed.

“I didn’t pay attention earlier.”

His gaze shifted down, stopping at Yu Jiuque’s abdomen.

Yu Jiuque caught on quickly, “… It can’t be that accurate, right?”

The two exchanged worried glances, both showing signs of nervousness.

Yu Jiuque, not as knowledgeable in this area, tried to reassure both himself and Qin Xia by reminding him that it’s difficult for a ge’er to conceive.

Given the situation, Qin Xia could only let it go for now, fetching some water to clean up.

After Yu Jiuque had washed up, Qin Xia was hit with another shock.

“You’re leaving again? Tonight?”

“By dawn, I need to reach the city.”

Qin Xia didn’t know what to say, his face filled with sadness. Worried that Qin Xia might be upset with him, Yu Jiuque gently tugged at his sleeve and softly explained, “Stopping by Qinan was already a special favor I asked for. Just wait for me a bit longer. The emperor has already given his word—once things are settled in Shengjing, I’ll come to take you with me.”

Qin Xia was surprised to hear the phrase “the emperor’s word.”

“The emperor… knows about us?”

“He’s known for a while.”

Seeing Qin Xia fall silent again, Yu Jiuque scooted closer.

Qin Xia glanced at him and couldn’t resist pinching his cheek.

It was a light touch, leaving only a faint tickle as he withdrew his hand.

“I know you’re afraid I’ll be upset with how quickly you come and go.”

The room was already lit.

Qin Xia took a wooden comb from the dressing table and began tying Yu Jiuque’s hair again.

“But I’m not upset that you’re leaving me behind again. What upsets me is that you don’t take care of yourself.”

Rushing to the prefectural city would take over half an hour on horseback. By the time he arrived, it would be dawn, and then he’d be busy again without pause.

“From the time you left the capital until you return, you probably won’t get a good night’s sleep.”

“But if I didn’t come to see you, I wouldn’t sleep well for the next few months.”

Qin Xia: …

“You knew I wouldn’t be able to stay mad at you.” There was a playful slyness in Yu Jiuque’s smile.

In Qin Xia’s eyes, the Yu Jiuque who had regained his memories felt more alive than ever.

“There’s still some time before you need to leave. How about I make you something to eat?”

Yu Jiuque rubbed his stomach and nodded eagerly.

He really was hungry.

Coming back to eat two meals—definitely worth it.

When Qin Xia asked what he wanted, Yu Jiuque said, “I’d like some clear broth noodles. Can you make that?”

“Of course I can.”

Yu Jiuque ended up eating five bowls of noodles, his belly slightly rounded.

Qin Xia patted his stomach and handed him a few hawthorn balls for digestion.

“Looking at this, someone might think I’m about to be a father.”

His fingers moved, folding the corner of the oil paper into the gap.

In the winter, daylight came late, but the drum signaling the fifth watch had already sounded.

Qin Xia stuffed several small paper packages into Yu Jiuque’s arms. Inside were sweets from the new candy shop he had opened with Shopkeeper Xing.

“I haven’t been home much lately, so I haven’t prepared much food. These are candies from the new shop. When you have a moment, you can suck on one.”

He had also filled Yu Jiuque’s pouch with more sweets.

“There are peppermint candies inside. They can help keep you alert.”

Qin Xia thought that might be the most useful for Yu Jiuque while he was on duty, so he placed them somewhere easy to reach.

“I’ll eat them sparingly and make them last until I come back.”

Yu Jiuque touched the now-bulging pouch, his face full of reluctance.

“Time to go?”

“Yes.”

With the emperor’s orders to follow, their time together had to take a backseat.

If he didn’t leave soon, he wouldn’t be able to avoid the neighbors waking up.

At the door, Yu Jiuque paused and brought up something else.

“Douzi’s wedding will likely be delayed.”

Qin Xia nodded.

“Postponed for three months. We’ll have the banquet after the New Year.”

He seemed to sense something.

“Will you…”

Yu Jiuque couldn’t make any promises.

“I’ll try my best, no later than the end of spring.”

That was enough. Qin Xia didn’t need a promise, just something to hope for.

“Good.”

Yu Jiuque’s hand rested on the door latch.

“I’ll send you letters.”

He added, “I can write more often now.”

“Good.”

Qin Xia’s gentle reply was exactly what Yu Jiuque wanted to hear.

It made him feel certain that no matter when he returned, Qin Xia would always be here.

Wherever Qin Xia was, that was his home.

The young man’s figure disappeared into the dark night.

Not long after, the faint morning light began to rise from the horizon.

Ding Peng, who had been stationed in the tree all night, silently returned to the courtyard.

In the alley, doors began to creak open one by one, with men yawning as they stepped outside with water buckets.

“Gaa gaa!”

Having eaten too many dried earthworms and overslept, Da Fu finally ran out into the courtyard, wandering around in a frenzy.

“Gaa gaa! Gaa gaa!”

It frantically searched but couldn’t find the familiar figure, causing a loud racket that woke up the hens in the backyard and the cats in the front yard.

“You lazy goose.”

Qin Xia, not feeling sleepy at all, stretched in the courtyard and said to Da Fu, “I told you to sleep after eating. Your little master came back and left again.”

Da Fu, frustrated, flapped its wings and gave Qin Xia a bite.

…

Before the twelfth lunar month, the three types of fruit wine from the distillery were finally ready for sale.

To appeal to the target audience for fruit wine, Qin Xia had specially ordered a batch of palm-sized small wine jars, each capable of holding two jin (around one liter).

He also hired an artist to paint floral labels, with designs of grapes, persimmons, and dates, and the words “Qin Ji” written on them, which were then pasted onto the wine jars.

When Tao Ke received the beautifully crafted wine jars, he didn’t quite know how to handle them.

“Boss Qin, selling these at five taels of silver for such a small jar—isn’t that a bit too expensive?”

After all, the baijiu sold at the Li family’s distillery only cost one tael per jar of this size.

“The cost of making fruit wine is far higher than grain-based alcohol, and it’s also seasonal. Good fruit produces good wine. If we want to maintain the quality, the costs will only increase, not decrease. If we set the price too low from the start, it will be difficult to raise it later.”

Qin Xia scanned the refined wine jars and picked up two other jars that looked much simpler.

“Besides, we have two types of grape wine. The cheaper one can sell for three taels per jar. Most families don’t drink wine every day, but on special occasions, they can afford it.”

When they had later sourced grapes from the village, the quantity wasn’t sufficient, so Tao Ke had taken the initiative to purchase another batch of local grapes from a different village. The resulting wine had a slightly inferior flavor, but it was still drinkable.

Qin Xia planned to sell this batch at a reduced price.

“I’m confident that the three-tael jars will sell, but these five-tael ones…”

Tao Ke was worried. His small wine shop was so modest that placing such expensive wine on the shelves seemed like it would take years before anyone even asked about it.

He looked at Qin Xia, pleading, “Boss Qin, selling this wine back in Qinan County would be no problem, but Spring Terrace is a large county. We need to find a way to build a reputation here too.”

Qin Xia only replied, “Be patient, Master Tao.”

He had spent nearly three months preparing this batch of wine, so he had anticipated this situation. All they needed was the right opportunity.

And soon, that opportunity arrived.

In Spring Terrace County, there was a wealthy merchant surnamed Han who specialized in selling threads. His shop carried a wide variety of linen, cotton, silk, and embroidery threads—over a hundred different types. Known for his charitable deeds, Han was highly regarded in Spring Terrace, with the locals respectfully calling him “Master Han.” Calling a wealthy merchant “Master” was akin to referring to a scholar as “Sir”—it was simply a flattering title.

Master Han had a beloved daughter who had just turned 16. Her birthday was approaching at the end of the month, and since it would likely be her last birthday before marriage, Han wanted to celebrate it grandly.

To host a proper birthday banquet, it was customary to invite an external chef. Master Han had grown tired of the food from the local restaurants and even the cooks hired from the provincial capital had become mundane after a while.

By chance, he heard from a friendly shopkeeper about a restaurant in Qinan County called Qin Ji, run by a man named Qin Xia, who was reputed for his exceptional culinary skills.

The dishes Qin Xia made were not only novel and delicious, but they were also never repetitive, unlike those so-called “famous chefs” who relied on a few signature dishes their entire careers.

However, Qin Ji was a thriving business, and Master Qin wasn’t the type who would easily accept any job for money.

“If you want to invite him to cook at your residence, it won’t be easy. First, you need someone to make the introduction—he wouldn’t refuse if there was a personal connection. Second, you have to catch him when he’s available. If you can manage that twice a month, consider it lucky. As for the payment, it won’t be cheap. You’re looking at no less than fifty taels of silver for him to step away from his business.”

Upon hearing this, Master Han was determined to invite such a talent.

Fifty taels? He could easily pay five hundred if needed.

He immediately asked the shopkeeper to make the arrangements with Qin Xia.

As it turned out, the timing was perfect, and Qin Xia gladly accepted the invitation. When the day arrived, he brought along three kinds of fruit wine—two jars of each—along with a selection of sweets from his candy shop. They were transported by carriage to the Han family residence.

Because Zheng Xinghua was unavailable, Qin Xia brought Zhuang Xing and Su Ge’er as his assistants.

Technically, as a hired chef, he didn’t need to send birthday gifts, but since the gifts were food and drink, it seemed appropriate. The Han family’s steward accepted them, noting the elegant presentation of the wine jars and candy boxes, which he believed the young miss would appreciate. He sent them to her chambers, asking if she wanted them served at the banquet.

The young Miss Han was celebrating her birthday and had already gathered a group of her close friends to play and laugh together. They were all waiting for the banquet to be prepared.

The menservants in the front yard weren’t allowed into the ladies’ quarters, so two maidservants came to collect the gifts, accompanied by a matron.

“Miss, these are birthday gifts from the chef your father invited today, Master Qin from Qinan County’s Qin Ji. He brought these as a token of congratulations. Please take a look.”

Miss Han wasn’t particularly interested. “What kind of decent gifts could a chef possibly bring? Why even bother sending them to the inner chambers?”

Most of her birthday gifts were things girls liked—cosmetics, hairpins, jewelry, or at the very least, dresses, handkerchiefs, and pouches.

Her friends echoed her thoughts, saying, “There’s no need to look, Matron. We’re in the middle of playing backgammon, don’t interrupt us.”

The matron smiled and said, “I thought the same, but after seeing the gifts, I changed my mind. If they weren’t truly exquisite, I wouldn’t have brought them to you, ladies.”

With that, she motioned for the maidservants to present the gifts.

Upon closer inspection, Miss Han became intrigued.

“What are these? Are these wine jars?”

Her eyes first landed on the small wine jars, which looked nothing like the ones she’d seen before. The craftsmanship was delicate and refined, with shiny surfaces and paper seals adorned with hand-drawn designs. When she brought one close to her nose, instead of the usual scent of alcohol, she detected a faint fruity aroma.

“Yes, it’s wine, but not the usual kind. This is the private brew from Qin Ji Restaurant, called ‘Qin Ji Fruit Wine.’ There are three flavors: grape, persimmon, and date. It’s sweet, so even young ladies can enjoy it.”

She added, “They haven’t started selling it on the market yet—our household is the first to receive it.”

“These fruits can be used to make wine?”

“I’m kind of curious to try it.”

“Let’s drink a few cups today—no leaving until we’re tipsy!”

The young ladies, all familiar with one another, quickly burst into laughter. One of them, after getting permission from Miss Han, opened the candy box in front of her.

“Wow, look at this! The candies are so beautifully made!”

A few excited exclamations drew all the wealthy young ladies over, their heads crowding together to look at the contents of the box.

The candy box held eight different kinds, each varying in color, with a sweet fragrance wafting from them.

There were hard candies that looked like glass, soft candies made from various molds, milk candies, nut milk sweets, and even lollipops on bamboo sticks…

Miss Han immediately recognized them.

“I remember now! These are sweets from Pinyifang!”

“Pinyifang?”

“I know about Pinyifang. Their sweets sell out as soon as they’re made. We’re so far from Qinan County that by the time we send someone to buy them, we can barely catch the leftovers!”

“What’s the connection between Pinyifang and Qin Ji Restaurant?”

“They’re probably run by the same person.”

These young ladies came from merchant families and were well-versed in business matters despite their youth.

One of them immediately praised, “Sister Lou, you really have prestige! These sweets that the rest of us can hardly get our hands on—they sent three whole boxes! And that private-brewed fruit wine, you’re the first to try it!”

The three boxes were quite large, more than enough for one person to enjoy for months, even past the New Year.

At this age, what young lady didn’t love to hear compliments?

The young Miss Han, named Lou, smiled gracefully and generously said, “You’re all welcome to enjoy the sweets. Nanny, store away the fruit wines for now. When the banquet starts, serve them all—we’ll all have a taste.”