Ch 63: Reborn to Raise My Husband

The next day, at midday.

After eating lunch, Qi Beinan put his food box away in the school dining hall and went back to the classroom.

As expected, Luo Tingfeng was there flipping through a book.

This man always bolted home for lunch the instant class was dismissed, not even eight horses could hold him back. But because he left early, he also returned early. At this hour, most of the other students were either still eating at the dining hall or at home, or taking a walk after the meal to digest. In the hot weather, some even napped for a quarter hour.

Only Luo Tingfeng was unchanging—back in the classroom, reading.

Beinan stood in the doorway for a moment. Luo Tingfeng’s eyes never left the page.

He had thought to wait until the man noticed him, but then shook his head. With someone whose mind was this shut away from the world, how could there be room for matters of romance? He feared the errand entrusted to him at home would be impossible to complete.

With that thought, he went forward on his own.

“Brother Qi?”

Luo Tingfeng noticed the tall figure suddenly blocking half the light and looked up.

“Is there something you wish to teach me?”

“How could I dare? I only saw Brother Luo reading so diligently and thought to come take a look. Forgive me if I disturbed you.”

Luo Tingfeng smiled and invited him to sit. He pointed to a line of verse on the page and said:

“This line, ‘Locust flowers fill the courtyard air, pine seeds fall along the steps,’ is truly marvelous. It makes one feel present in the scene, with the fragrance of locust blossoms lingering at the tip of the nose.”

He closed his eyes and drew in a long breath, already lost in the imagined courtyard.

“Hm? Why does the scent of locust blossoms smell like wormwood and mint?”

Luo Tingfeng suddenly opened his eyes again.

Beinan chuckled. “I rather liked the line on page twenty-three: ‘In the east the sun rises, in the west it rains. It seems not sunny, yet it is sunny.’”

Luo Tingfeng paused. “Brother Qi, do you have someone you admire?”

Beinan was a little surprised and gave him a deep look. He then took out two embroidered sachets.

“Let’s not speak of me. Today I come entrusted to tie a red string for another.”

The moment Luo Tingfeng held the sachets, he understood why he’d smelled wormwood and mint—the sachets gave off a cooling fragrance.

“For me?”

Beinan nodded.

Luo Tingfeng suddenly smiled. “I never thought someone like me would be so fortunate as to receive such a rare gift. With the heat and all the mosquitoes, the giver has a thoughtful heart.”

“Do you know which young lady or Ge’er sent it?”

Beinan spoke the name as he had been told at home.

“So it’s her.”

Luo Tingfeng murmured, gazing at the sachets with a softened expression.

“Brother Luo knows Miss Bai?”

He nodded. “Her grandfather is a physician at Baoshuntang, and her father is a registrar in the county’s Works Office. Our families have never interacted, but when we were children, the kids from the neighborhood often played together in the Four Directions Market. I have seen her.”

With that, Luo Tingfeng suddenly rose and gave Beinan a formal bow.

“My thanks to Brother Qi.”

Beinan smiled. “I was only carrying out a request. The task is now complete—no thanks are needed.”

That afternoon there was only one more class before dismissal.

Beinan glanced at Luo Tingfeng several times during lecture. The boy was as he always was: listening attentively, recording notes diligently.

The sachets seemed not to have influenced him at all. He hadn’t even asked Beinan to deliver a message back.

Beinan let out a quiet breath. He thought to himself: once the autumn provincial exams were over next year, he should ask his father-in-law for guidance and finally tell Xiaobao about the engagement.

After class, as Beinan packed his bookcase to go home, Luo Tingfeng approached and handed him a book.

“What is this?”

Luo Tingfeng raised his brows. Beinan accepted it and discovered a folded letter tucked between the pages.

He understood at once and carefully placed the book and letter into his case.

“Rest assured,” Beinan said, patting the case.

Luo Tingfeng bowed again and departed.

“I’m back, Xiaobao.”

Beinan’s voice was light, as if completing his assigned task had earned him a reward.

Yuanbao came out at the sound. “Brother, you came back at the perfect time. Hurry and tidy up—we need to go visit Second Sister’s place to see Big Brother Fang.”

“What happened?”

Beinan set down his case, walking into the house as he asked.

“He’s injured. He just saw a doctor and is now lying in Second Sister’s rented house.”

Yuanbao had only heard the news earlier that afternoon. “I was waiting for you to come back from school so we could go together.”

Beinan washed up and changed clothes. Yuanbao prepared a basket of seasonal fruits, two packs of brown sugar, a small ginseng root, and a pot of congee.

Back when Xiao Hu beat up Xiong Xiezi and was bedridden for months, the Fang family had visited often. Now that something had happened to them, even if they were in the countryside, they would still be obliged to return the courtesy—let alone now, with them living in town.

They called on Zhao Wuge to carry the gifts to Fang Second Sister’s rented house.

On the way, Beinan finally heard the details of Fang Youliang’s injury.

Lately, someone had been spreading malicious words, stirring the common folk to revolt. The county office had been unable to catch the culprit, so they had posted proclamations, warning the people of this treacherous schemer.

If anyone encountered this person and reported him to the authorities, there would be a reward.

The village head hadn’t yet had time to gather the villagers to read the county’s order. But in the meantime, the group of thieves had already slipped out of town and into the countryside.

The agitators had gone into the countryside, stirring up ignorant farmers.

Fang Youliang had been invited by villagers from outside to help harvest rice. On his way home, he happened upon one of those rogues inciting a married woman.

The man was saying: the emperor was unworthy, the heavenly omens were Heaven’s punishment upon him. The common folk ought to follow Heaven’s will, rise against the court, and seek another enlightened ruler.

Fang Youliang had already heard Second Sister Fang mention that such instigators were active in town, but he had not truly believed anyone could be so bold. He never expected to catch one in the act.

The empire was at peace, and the people were living well. If such villains were allowed to sow chaos and bring about war, it would be the common folk who suffered.

Fang Youliang stepped forward and struck down the man. His strength was great, and the rogue was no match—within a few moves, Fang had subdued him.

But the rogue had accomplices, one of whom carried a weapon. Fang, barehanded, grappled with them and was injured in the fight.

“Second Sister said Big Brother Fang personally tied up both rogues and hauled them to the yamen, only collapsing afterward, his whole body covered in blood. It was terrifying.”

When Yuanbao first heard this, a cold sweat broke out across his back. Only after asking Second Sister Fang and learning that the wounds were merely superficial and not life-threatening did he breathe easier.

Beinan said: “Big Brother Fang may be illiterate, but he understands the greater good. He is upright and full of righteousness. These rogues who trick the ignorant into rebellion ruin families, spread fear, and disturb the autumn harvest. Now that some have been caught, the county will finally be a little more secure.”

Yuanbao nodded. Once prisoners were taken, they would be interrogated. Through them, the authorities could trace out the rest of the accomplices, root them out, and restore peace within and outside the city.

When they arrived at Second Sister Fang’s rented home, the small courtyard was lively.

Old Madam Sun and Fang’s younger brother were there, and besides them, a new face—young, neat, and energetic—running about to help.

Yuanbao leaned close to Beinan and whispered: “That’s the one Second Sister mentioned. His surname is Feng; his family runs a rouge shop in town. They’ve spoken of this match for a couple of years now, but at the time they felt they were both still too young. Second Sister wanted to hone her trade a little longer, and Young Master Feng had only just taken over his shop. They got along, so they agreed to wait a few years before discussing marriage.”

“But it’s clear they like each other. They’ve kept up steady contact.”

Beinan replied quietly: “Now that he’s coming openly to her family’s place, it seems the marriage is about to be settled?”

Yuanbao thought the same. Second Sister rarely mentioned her own marriage prospects, so they had not known much. But seeing this, it was obvious the match was nearing completion.

“Scholar Qi, Brother Bao—you’re here!”

Second Sister Fang hurried forward to greet them. “Big Brother is all right now, but you’ve brought so many things.”

They entered the house. Fang Youliang had already been seen by a doctor. His legs were wrapped in bandages, and he lay on a freshly laid bamboo bed.

He had lost much blood, and his lips and face were pale, but his eyes were bright, full of vigor.

“Troubling you both to come here as well. Second Sister must have been frightened by all the blood and so called you over. Truly, much of it wasn’t mine—it was the rogues’.”

As Fang Youliang tried to sit up, Beinan quickly went over and pressed him back down.

“When something happens, great or small, we all should know. Don’t blame Second Sister—she did the right thing.”

Beinan sat by the bamboo bed. “Besides, having heard of your bravery, Big Brother Fang, how could we not come to pay respects to a hero?”

Fang Youliang laughed. “You’re a scholar, don’t go putting a tall hat on me. Hero, nothing of the sort. I just can’t stand seeing rogues take us mud-legged farmers for fools. Still, thinking of that sharp knife in his hand, my heart still jumps.”

Beinan smiled. “What matters is that you weren’t seriously hurt.”

“The doctor said it was just flesh wounds, no bones broken. A few stitches, and it will heal soon enough. Truth is, I can already walk, but Mother, Second Sister, and Third Brother won’t let me move an inch.”

“You’re the family’s pillar. Of course they’re worried.”

Beinan and Yuanbao spoke with him a while longer, then excused themselves. The injured needed rest, not chatter.

By the time they returned home, dusk had already fallen. Walking through the streets, they smelled cooking drifting from other people’s kitchens, and their stomachs growled.

That night, they ate bowls of wontons stuffed with shrimp and two scallion pork flatbreads, until their bellies were round and full.

The full moon of the fifteenth night shone bright and round. The two of them sat in the small pavilion of their courtyard, cooling off and digesting in the night breeze—nothing could have been more pleasant.

“I’ll bring the letter to Sister Gui first thing tomorrow morning. She’ll be overjoyed.”

Yuanbao turned the folded letter in his hands. He hadn’t peeked at the contents, but even the pale lavender stationery was lovely—no doubt it would delight her.

Beinan leaned back in a rattan chair, turned his gaze toward the boy at the stone table, clutching the letter and grinning from ear to ear. “Anyone who didn’t know better would think the letter was for you, the way you’re smiling.”

Yuanbao blinked. “Didn’t you say Scholar Luo might not accept the sachet? Not only did he accept it, he even sent a reply. I had lowered my expectations so much I was already worrying about how to console Sister Gui. Now that things have turned out so well, of course I’m happy.”

Beinan smiled too. “Truly, you can’t judge by appearances. I had thought Scholar Luo a stuffy bookworm, all study and no sentiment. But no—he’s quick, thoughtful, with a fine mind.”

“This one who seems dull-witted is, in truth, clear and perceptive. And some who appear clear and perceptive are, in truth, the dull ones.”

Qi Beinan shook his head.

Hearing this, Yuanbao’s heart gave a sudden jolt. He felt as though it was directed at him, and dared not reply.

Beinan let the autumn night breeze wash over him. Seeing that Yuanbao was unusually quiet tonight, he said: “Brother has accomplished something important for you. Do you not intend to give me a little reward?”

Yuanbao lifted his chin. “And what reward would Brother like?”

“If I were to ask for it myself,” Beinan replied, “wouldn’t it seem as if you were giving it without sincerity?”

Yuanbao thought a moment. “Then tomorrow we’ll go to the market and buy a free-range chicken, and I’ll stew it with fresh mushrooms for soup. How’s that?”

“Cooking can wait a few days.” Beinan smiled. “And it should be a full table of dishes, prepared by the Xiao family’s little cook.”

“You mean to host a feast?” Yuanbao asked quickly, hearing his words.

“My classmates at the academy have pressed me to invite them to my home. Truth is, they’ve often invited me, though I rarely attend. Now that we live in the city, it is only right to return the courtesy.”

Yuanbao’s eyes lit up. “Exactly! Now that we’ve moved into town, Brother should take the time to grow closer with his peers. Invite them, and leave the banquet entirely to me.”

Delighted, he leapt up—too quickly.

Bang! His knee struck hard against the edge of the stone table, and he tumbled to the flagstones.

Beinan was startled, springing up in an instant to lift him and settle him into the rattan chair.

Yuanbao sat there, pain coursing through him, unable to catch his breath.

Beinan crouched in front of him, anxious. “Does it hurt?”

Yuanbao’s eyes brimmed red; he could not speak.

Beinan quickly slipped off his shoe, carefully rolled up the trouser leg, and inspected. The skin was torn, and the knee was flushed red.

He pressed lightly to test the bone. Yuanbao gasped, baring his teeth and clutching Beinan’s arm tight.

“Good thing the bone isn’t broken—it’s only a flesh wound,” Beinan said, looking into the boy’s tear-filled eyes. “I’ll fetch some medicine wine to rub it with, to keep it from aching tonight and bruising tomorrow.”

“Mm,” Yuanbao nodded faintly.

When Beinan went inside, Yuanbao lowered his head to look at his pale leg. The impact had numbed him at first, but now the pain came flooding back, hot all down his thigh.

Soon Beinan returned with the medicine box. He set it beside the chair and, before anything else, placed a piece of osmanthus cake in Yuanbao’s mouth.

Then he dabbed wine on cotton and gently cleansed the wound. Yuanbao hissed at the sting, but the sweetness of the cake spread across his tongue.

As he chewed, Beinan smoothed salve into his palms, warmed it, and rubbed it softly into the swollen knee.

Yuanbao felt the broad, warm hand pressing comfort into his skin. Looking down at Beinan bent over him, lashes thick against his cheek, nose bridge straight and tall—it was rare to see him from this angle.

From above, his face seemed even more striking.

For some reason Yuanbao’s cheeks burned, and even the cool autumn air could not ease the heat.

“Still hurting? You’re staring like a fool, too dazed to speak?”

Beinan looked up, catching him in a trance.

“Mm.” Yuanbao startled back and answered softly, “It still hurts a little.”

“You’re already grown, yet still so reckless, bumping and bruising yourself. What will you do in the future?” Beinan said, packing away the medicine.

Yuanbao’s eyes flickered. In a low voice, he said: “In the future… my husband will look after me.”

Beinan’s hand paused. “And what kind of husband do you want to look after you?”

“One who loves me for who I am.” Yuanbao pursed his lips.

Beinan smiled faintly. “You’re clever and spirited—anyone would love you.”

With that, he scooped Yuanbao into his arms. “The wind is cool in the garden. Let’s go inside and rest.”

Yuanbao’s eyes widened. He opened his mouth but no words came. His gaze fell on the stubble along Beinan’s jaw, and something inexplicable welled up in his chest. His ears flushed red.

Quietly, he looped his arms around Beinan’s shoulders and turned his eyes away.

The moonlight was bright, the fragrance of autumn osmanthus heavy in the air—intoxicating.

…

After some days, the county school closed for the autumn recess. Beinan and Yuanbao returned to the estate for a short stay.

There, they heard good news: the county magistrate had commended Fang Youliang for capturing two rogues. Once healed, he would be given a post in the county yamen—assistant head of the prison office. The monthly stipend would be one string of cash, plus five dou of rice and two bolts of cloth.

Though not lavish, to serve directly in the yamen was a fortune ordinary folk could only dream of. And he would not have to start at the lowest rank of yamen runner—he would enter already as deputy head. How could it not be good fortune?

The Fang family rejoiced. Truly a blessing born of misfortune.

Second Sister Fang’s hairdressing skills were flourishing, and she had built a reputation in town. Business was steady, though supporting a large household still weighed heavily on her shoulders.

They were no longer living as they once had—months without meat—but though life was still modest, Fang Youliang’s new position promised a stable income and better days ahead.

The Fang family was finally seeing light. Beinan and Yuanbao shared their joy.

A few days later, it was time to return to the city for the banquet.

When they left the village, they brought with them fresh vegetables, a hen, a duck, a white rabbit, and four dried fish.

Beinan invited Ma Junyi, Luo Tingfeng, Zhao Guangzong, and two other classmates. Yuanbao, for his part, called his playmate Bai Qiaogui, as well as Ming Guanxin, who had returned to the county seat.

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