Ch 64: Reborn to Raise My Husband

Early in the morning, Xiao Yuanbao finished washing and laid out a set of primrose-colored silk clothes to change into later. For now, he wore a crow-black short-sleeved working robe so he could move easily in the kitchen. Once the dishes were done, he would return to his room and put on the bright silk outfit.

After breakfast, Qi Beinan sent Tienan to the marketplace to buy fresh fruit: two jin of red grapes, three jin of mandarins, six large pomegranates, and some peaches and plums. He also bought lotus pods so guests could peel and snack on them.

From the tavern, they had prepared autumn wine and mild fruit wine, while the tea was fresh Maojian harvested this year.

Beinan busied himself arranging the garden and dining room for receiving guests, while Yuanbao was already working hard in the kitchen.

Because there would be a full table of guests for lunch, and fearing the kitchen would be too hectic, Madam Xiao brought her younger daughter to help with stoking the fire and other chores.

Yuanbao counted: altogether seven guests. It wouldn’t make sense to split the men, women, and Ge’er into separate tables, so he chose to imitate the long-table banquets of wealthy city households. Everyone would sit at one long table, separated down the middle with a screen. Since their home didn’t have such a table, he had rented one for sixty coins.

For today’s menu, Yuanbao planned three mushroom dishes: steamed vermicelli with garlic and aromatic mushrooms, stir-fried mushroom slices, and dumplings stuffed with diced mushroom, lotus root, and fresh lamb.

Only these three—too many mushroom dishes would make it seem like nothing but a mushroom feast.

As for the chicken brought from the countryside, he wouldn’t stew or roast it. Wealthier households were already tired of those two preparations. He had noticed that city folk often stewed pigeon for soup—it was delicate and flavorful, even finer than chicken. But since he didn’t know how to prepare pigeon properly, he dared not experiment while hosting.

Instead, he planned to boil the chicken, then shred the meat to mix with scallions, minced garlic and ginger, peppers, and litsea for seasoning, serving it as cold chicken salad. The chicken broth would be used to blanch tender greens for two small dishes.

For cucumbers, he would make the new city-style dish called jiaobai zha; then one of his specialties, crisp-fried pork tripe; and finally a steamed dish of wind-dried fish.

Other lighter fare—like tofu soup and stir-fried vegetables—he left for Madam Xiao to prepare.

Bai Qiaogui and Zhao Guangzong were the first to arrive, one after the other. They had come expressly to help.

“So many dishes today!”

Qiaogui’s eyes widened at the kitchen counter lined with basins and plates of prepared ingredients. Yuanbao already had a sheen of sweat across his forehead.

She pulled out her handkerchief and dabbed his brow.

“Brother has several classmates coming. Without plenty of dishes, no one would know where to set their chopsticks.”

At the word “classmates,” Qiaogui’s heart leapt. “Thank you for inviting him—and for inviting me.”

By then Yuanbao had washed his hands. With most ingredients prepared, it was only a matter of waiting for the right time to cook. He pulled Qiaogui over to peel garlic together.

“Last time I gave you the letter, you didn’t come by for several days. I also went back to the estate for a bit. I still haven’t asked—what did he write to you?”

Qiaogui blushed and pouted. “What could a bookworm write? Nothing but a few flowery verses.”

Yuanbao leaned closer. “How flowery? Tell me, let me hear a little.”

“Oh, you!” Qiaogui bit her lip, laughing, her cheeks flushed pink. “You really are wicked!”

Yuanbao looked at her sweet, lively face and teased, “Just because I listened to one line, that makes me wicked? I went out of my way to beg Brother to deliver your gift, and now I’m hosting this banquet because he demanded payment.”

“Fine, fine! I’ll tell you.”

Qiaogui said softly: “In his letter he thanked me for liking him, saying it made him happier than passing the prefectural exam. He admitted he had long noticed me too, knew my name was Bai Qiaogui, and that others called me ‘Little White Doctor.’

“Every time he passed Baoshuntang, he would put down his book for a moment.

“He remembered how, when I was a child making mischief in the pharmacy, my grandfather would buy me a skewer of candied hawthorns. That alone would calm me, and I’d sit on a little stool at the door eating for half the day.

“Later, as I grew older and more articulate, I began learning the names of all the herbs in the drawers. After I learned to read, I could read prescriptions and fetch medicine. And later still, I began sitting at the consultation table.

“He said when he saw me treating patients, patient and gentle, soothing them, he thought I was a very good doctor. He praised me for being diligent and ambitious, and said he liked people who worked diligently…”

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, unable to hide her joy. Her voice dropped lower: “I feel the same. I like people who take things seriously. Even a rascal—if he applies himself—won’t seem such a rascal anymore.”

Yuanbao was surprised. “So the two of you already knew each other?”

“Not really. Perhaps he never realized I noticed him, and I never realized he noticed me. When I was at Baoshuntang, I often saw a student who passed by three times a day. He started his schooling early, while I was just learning medicine.

“When he was little, he was always a snot-nosed boy—especially in winter, with long trails, sniffing with every step. Once my grandfather pulled him inside the pharmacy and gave him medicine; only then did he get better.

“At that time he seemed so dull, always slow in everything. The alley children laughed at him, saying even a fool was going to study. We only spoke a few words that one time.”

Yuanbao listened quietly, feeling warm inside at hearing these childhood stories.

Hearing Qiaogui’s words, Yuanbao felt especially warm inside. Still, he had doubts.

“So how did you realize you liked him?”

Qiaogui blinked. “Because I grew up. The way I look at people isn’t the same as when I was little. When I see tall, imposing soldiers, handsome and spirited scholars, or witty young merchants, I can praise their good points like anyone else does. But in my heart, there’s no special feeling.

“With him, though—his build isn’t striking, his looks not especially handsome—and yet whenever I see him, I can’t help but feel happy. When he’s so absorbed in reading that he bumps into a tree or steps into a puddle, my heart jumps, but I don’t find it laughable.”

Yuanbao listened intently. No one had ever spoken to him so deeply about such things.

His father, in earlier years, had been taciturn and heavy with grief. Only recently, seeing the household prosper and Yuanbao grow well, had he begun to recover from the loss of Yuanbao’s mother, becoming brighter. But even then, the only time he’d spoken openly was about the marriage contract—never about what feelings truly meant.

As for Brother Beinan, he had taught Yuanbao everything, except this. Perhaps because of the betrothal, he didn’t know how to approach the subject. It was like an official avoiding conflict of interest in a case involving family.

Qiaogui continued: “I’ve told you all this, but there is a ‘but.’ He said we’re still young—it’s the prime time for studying and learning skills. We can’t drown entirely in feelings. He wants one day to pass the exams, to honor his parents, and make his years of hard study worthwhile. He also wants me to keep improving my medical skills and become a better physician.”

Yuanbao’s eyes widened. “So… you’re not going to keep seeing each other?”

Qiaogui laughed, tapping his head. “Of course we are! Just not openly, not yet. For now, we won’t alarm our families.”

“To ease my mind, he gave me a matching pendant as a token of our bond, along with a written oath. If he ever passes the exams and then breaks his word, refusing to marry me and wasting my youth, I can take it to the Commissioner and accuse him of breach of promise and poor conduct.”

Yuanbao’s eyes curved in a smile. “No wonder Brother says he’s clear-minded. Hearing this, I think so too.”

“If someone truly loves you, they will think of you in everything, planning for your future together. Maybe he won’t get everything right, maybe he’ll fall short—but what matters is that he tries, that he acts.”

Qiaogui squeezed Yuanbao’s hand. “So, my dear brother—you’re lovely, bright, and growing more charming by the day. Many men will come to admire you. But you must learn to discern. Don’t just listen to their words. Look at what they do.”

Yuanbao’s eyes flickered. “Do you really think someone will like me?”

“Of course!”

Qiaogui said firmly: “You’re so good—plenty of people will. So cheer up.”

Yuanbao smiled faintly. He didn’t care if many liked him—he only wanted one person to.

“What are you two whispering about, so engrossed?”

Zhao Guangzong came into the kitchen carrying two strings of fresh fruit to wash and lay out in the garden.

Joking, he broke their moment.

Yuanbao covered smoothly: “We were wondering if you’d been slacking.”

“By Heaven’s witness, I’ve worked up a sweat! You can see for yourself.”

Before long, more people arrived.

When Yuanbao heard Luo Tingfeng had come, he nudged Qiaogui out into the garden to play host, while he finished two dishes before joining the guests.

Luo Tingfeng brought flower teas: one packet of dried golden chrysanthemum, one packet of roses.

Two other scholars arrived as well. One was Gao Rui, Beinan’s desk-mate in front, who brought a jar of aromatic vinegar. The other, Cai Sui, Beinan’s desk-mate behind, brought a jar of fermented bean paste.

Ma Junyi came carrying eight crabs—and to everyone’s surprise, Ming Guanxin arrived with the same gift.

Their carriages arrived almost at the same time. As they stepped down, Ma Junyi’s eyes widened.

“Brother Xin? You’ve come too? Weren’t you in Linzhou, attending your uncle’s birthday?”

“My cousin—birthdays end eventually. Of course I returned home.”

Ma Junyi laughed. “And how are Uncle and Aunt’s health?”

“All well. The birthday celebration was lively.”

“What a pity I couldn’t attend. If I had known the autumn exam would be delayed, I’d have gone without question.”

Ming Guanxin said: “Uncle was very pleased with the gifts you prepared. He praised your filial heart. There’ll be time to gather again later.”

Ma Junyi brightened at that.

Qi Beinan came out to greet them, equally surprised they knew each other.

“Well, that saves me the introductions. Brother Ma, you may not know—Brother Ming is close with my younger brother.”

Ma Junyi shook his head. “Truly, I had no idea. Brother Xin is my cousin—we’re related through my mother’s side, the Ming family.”

Beinan only nodded. Among great households, such family ties were common, especially in the capital.

Ming Guanxin said warmly: “Scholar Qi, where is Brother Bao? I haven’t seen him for some time.”

“He’s in the kitchen finishing the dishes; he’ll be out soon.”

While speaking, Qi Beinan led the guests into the garden.

The garden had already been arranged: tea and fruit set out, several pots of chrysanthemums placed for display. Those who arrived first—Ma Junyi and Ming Guanxin—greeted each other and the others. All were familiar scholars, so the atmosphere was relaxed.

Some sat, some stood, sipping tea and nibbling fruit. The autumn air was clear and refreshing. They strolled about the garden, chatting of academy anecdotes. There was no opera troupe, no pitch-pot or ball games, but with such company, just talking and laughing together was pleasure enough.

Xiao Yuanbao finished changing into his primrose silk clothes and stepped out. The garden was already lively with young people laughing and talking.

“Xiao Bao.”

Beinan spotted him and rose, beckoning him over.

He introduced Yuanbao to the guests, and in turn introduced each guest to Yuanbao.

“I’ve often heard my brother speak of you all. At last, I can meet you myself. No wonder Brother says studying at the county school is such a joy—with so many upright young men as classmates, how could it not be?”

“Scholar Qi, your younger brother is eloquent indeed. Why didn’t you introduce us sooner?”

Ma Junyi studied Yuanbao, whose smile was warm and gentle. His brows were soft, his eyes large, and when he smiled, a small dimple appeared at the corner of his mouth. At first glance, his looks were unremarkable. But the longer one looked, the more pleasing he became—his words and smile were like a warm quilt laid over a chilly autumn night. Ma Junyi found his eyes lingering longer than he intended.

Beinan said, “There wasn’t the chance before. Now that we’ve moved to the county seat, it’s only right to bring everyone together.”

Yuanbao stayed to chat for a while, but when the scholars began a game of Flying Flower Verse, he withdrew. He knew some poetry, but this was no occasion for him to show off in front of candidates preparing for the examinations.

Instead, he went to sit with Ming Guanxin and Bai Qiaogui at the pavilion railing, where they fed the red carp in the pond.

Qiaogui’s mind was not fully on the fish. Again and again, she stole glances at Luo Tingfeng.

The “bookworm” was uncharacteristically lively today—he had even joined in the verse game, and won two rounds before bowing out, retreating to one side to peel lotus seeds.

After some time, Tienan came to summon them to the meal.

The group moved to the hall, where the table was set. Guests took seats on either side of the long table, separated by a screen.

“These mushrooms were cultivated at our estate. Brother Xin, you must try them—Sister Gui had them last time she came, but you missed them while away in Linzhou.”

Yuanbao placed a serving of vermicelli mushrooms in Ming Guanxin’s bowl, then served one to Qiaogui as well. “This time I made a new flavor. See which you prefer.”

As they chatted and ate, the other scholars behind the screen also tasted the mushrooms. After all, when Beinan had invited them, he had said they must come taste the new mushrooms.

“I’ve long heard they are as savory as meat. Tasting them today, it’s true. Laugh if you will, but this is my first time eating them,” said Gao Rui. “Black fungus was already a delight, but these mushrooms are even finer.”

“I think this vermicelli mushroom dish tastes almost like abalone,” Ma Junyi added. “Truly rare.”

He praised the dish sincerely, but after tasting one, his chopsticks returned three times to the lamb dumplings. For one, he loved dumplings; for another, the filling of mushroom, lotus root, and lamb suited him perfectly.

Beinan said, “Friends, we’re all classmates and close companions. Please, eat whatever suits your taste. Treat this as you would a meal at the academy canteen.

“If there’s any dish you find lacking, forgive us. My younger brother is still young—his skills not as polished as professional chefs.”

“So this whole feast was prepared by Yuanbao? Then we are truly fortunate today.”

Several pairs of eyes glanced past the screen at Yuanbao.

Yuanbao smiled. “You flatter me. I had thought of ordering dishes from a tavern, but since the guests are all Brother’s dear friends, how could I not cook a few myself? My skills are shallow, I hope you will not mind.”

Cai Sui said, “I’m a gourmand, always hunting new flavors. To my taste, your cooking is good enough to be a master chef at Lingxiang Pavilion.”

“I’m nowhere near that skilled. I only hope the dishes are palatable for family and friends. But hearing such praise stirs a bit of ambition in me,” Yuanbao laughed.

The men’s table chuckled together.

“No wonder Scholar Qi stands so tall and well-fed—he has such cooking at home!”

“That leaves us no chance to match him.”

Zhao Guangzong poured wine for the man beside him. “By that logic, I too have gained from this. Spending so much time with Beinan, I’ve come out looking like a proper scholar myself.”

Learning that the banquet had been prepared by Yuanbao, Ma Junyi found himself unable to look away. He kept glancing past the screen at him.

But as the others grew lively with talk and laughter, leaving him momentarily aside, he quickly joined back in.

With good dishes and fine wine, the feast was a success. By the end, Gao Rui’s face was flushed from drink.

Beinan and Yuanbao personally saw the guests off.

Gao Rui and Cai Sui left together, while Ming Guanxin and Ma Junyi departed side by side.

Bai Qiaogui and Luo Tingfeng each went off separately, but Beinan and Yuanbao exchanged a knowing glance—they both understood the two would leave the lane together.

Zhao Guangzong, drunk from too much wine, lay down in a side room to sleep it off and stayed for supper.

Once the guests were all sent off, Yuanbao stretched his back. “At last the banquet’s over. I’ll have Madam Liu cook a sobering soup for Brother Zhao, and give her daughter eighteen coins—she worked hard today.”

Qi Beinan suddenly caught Yuanbao’s arm.

“What is it?”

Beinan’s hand slid downward until it clasped Yuanbao’s soft palm.

“My head feels dizzy too—must be the wine.”

Yuanbao wrinkled his nose slightly; indeed, Beinan smelled strongly of drink. Yet his eyes, cheeks, and ears showed no flush at all. “Father said Brother holds his wine well.”

“I drank a few cups of autumn wine and some fruit wine. Mixing them makes one tipsy.”

He pressed his temples. “I’m lucky I don’t flush from drink. Otherwise I’d never have managed the guests today.”

“Then Brother should rest. I’ll cook sobering soup for you—it won’t take long.”

Beinan gripped his hand tighter. “You’ve been working since morning. Don’t wear yourself out. Let Tienan tell Madam Liu instead.”

Yuanbao pursed his lips. “Alright. Then I’ll help Brother inside first.”

Beinan nodded, leaning lightly on him as they went into the house.

—

On the main road, Ma Junyi complained he had eaten too much and asked Guanxin to walk with him to digest.

Guanxin refused. “If you’re too full, practice some boxing when you get home.”

“Come down, cousin. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. You’re fourteen, fifteen already. If you grow any rounder, what will suitors say?”

Guanxin’s mouth turned down, his chest heaving. “Cousin, must you always spout nonsense?”

“Don’t be angry. Remember you said your brush was poor? Walk with me, and I’ll give you a purple-tipped brush. Only to you—not to your sister, not even to my own brother.”

Guanxin snorted but stopped the carriage and stepped down.

Junyi hurried to support him.

“Cousin, are you only asking me this because you want to know about Brother Bao?” Guanxin said sharply.

Junyi chuckled, recalling. “The dumplings he made were truly delicious.”

“Is that all you want—dumplings?”

Junyi smiled ruefully. “Of course not. But if I can learn more of him, all the better.”

“You think I can’t see what you’re up to?” Guanxin shot him a look. “Cousin, you love showing off. But today, you lost your composure—your eyes kept straying to Brother Bao. I’m not blind.”

“Weren’t you courting the School Commissioner’s son before? Always currying favor with him. Now after one banquet you’ve forgotten him already?”

Junyi sighed. “I did admire Yang Xu. But the Commissioner wants a son-in-law among county scholars. I’ve no degree, so he dismissed me. Yang Xu toyed with me—tightening the string when I was far, loosening it when I was near. We’re not fated.”

Guanxin cursed. “Uncle is a fourth-rank governor, while the Commissioner is only sixth-rank. What right has Yang Xu to look down on you?”

Junyi smiled bitterly. “My father never favored me. I’m the neglected eldest son. That Yang Xu would scorn me is no surprise.”

“Bah. Uncle is blind and cold-hearted. Cousin, why torment yourself over him?”

Junyi’s expression softened. “But when I met Qi Beinan’s younger brother today, I felt warmth I’ve never known. If I could win such a person as my companion, that would be a blessing.”

Guanxin nodded. “Brother Bao is indeed a good, thoughtful soul. This time, cousin, your eye is sound.”

“But tell me this—Yang Xu dismissed you for lacking rank. Why should Brother Bao take you?”

Junyi fell silent. After a long pause, he muttered, “Cousin, your tongue is as sharp as ever.”

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