Ch 67: Reborn to Raise My Husband

The next day, Qi Beinan called over the waiter, leaned close to whisper a few words, then slipped him two copper coins as a tip. The waiter, delighted by the money, bustled off at once.

Xiao Yuanbao lifted his eyes and caught sight of Qi Beinan speaking with the waiter.

“What are you giving him money for?”

“To make inquiries, just to hear a bit of idle talk.”

Qi Beinan set a cup of cold tea in front of Xiao Yuanbao. “Drink this, quickly. Look, your forehead’s already beaded with sweat.”

Xiao Yuanbao gave a sheepish smile, accepted the cup, and drained it in one gulp.

After tea, the two of them quietly watched the commotion inside the shop.

“Waiter, why have you brought out another dish of pickled cucumber? We didn’t order this.”

At the next table, the group of diners also looked up as the waiter set down the plate.

“Gentlemen, this dish was sent to you from another table outside,” the waiter explained. “That gentleman heard you mention the old lady on Hibiscus Lane and was quite taken by it. He wanted to join in the conversation but felt too shy to speak up, so he’s sending this along instead.”

The diners at the table turned to look outside. Qi Beinan smiled faintly and nodded in acknowledgment.

“What a fine-looking gentleman,” someone at the table remarked.

The man, warm and lively in conversation with his companions, urged the waiter, “Go quickly, invite him in to share a drink with us.”

Xiao Yuanbao watched Qi Beinan step into the inner room, where a stool had already been added for him. He sat down, exchanged words with the men, and soon had them all smiling broadly.

Left alone, Xiao Yuanbao turned back to the bowl of crab roe noodles Qi Beinan had left for him, picked up his chopsticks, and ate a few more bites. The noodles were cold by now, but he didn’t mind. After only two mouthfuls, a waiter came to escort Qi Beinan away.

About a quarter of an hour later, Qi Beinan returned from the inner room.

“Are you full?”

Xiao Yuanbao nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with curiosity about what had transpired.

“Then let’s walk home and digest a little on the way,” Qi Beinan said.

He settled the bill, and the two stepped out into the street. Night had fallen deeper now, lanterns glowing at both ends of the marketplace. The tallest buildings in the city shone with brilliant light.

“According to that Huo Third Brother,” Qi Beinan said as they walked, “the old lady only came to the county two months ago. She once served as a palace maid in the Imperial Kitchen for ten years. When the court cut back expenses, she was dismissed.”

“She left the palace at twenty-five, married a merchant in the capital, but the match lacked affection. They never had children. Later, that merchant took several more wives and concubines, and she was left neglected.”

Qi Beinan continued, “Somehow she’s ended up here in the county again, most likely to spend her later years in peace.”

“Is this county her hometown?” Xiao Yuanbao asked.

Qi Beinan nodded. “So they say.”

Xiao Yuanbao blinked. “Brother, are you thinking I should ask this old lady to take me as her apprentice?”

“Although she was only a palace maid in the Imperial Kitchen, no one could enter there without real skill. Ten years in the palace, then decades in the capital — she must have seen and learned far more than any ordinary cook.”

Xiao Yuanbao quickly agreed. “But someone like her must be hard even to meet, let alone persuade to teach.”

“I heard there’s a gentleman in the county who once served in the palace,” Qi Beinan said. “He carries himself with such lofty airs that he won’t even look at invitations from merchant households, only from landed gentry. Puts on the pomp of an official.”

“Those with some real ability often carry arrogance,” Qi Beinan explained. “In the capital, former palace servants are not unusual. Only a rare few make a fine life there. Most of them spend their best years in service, and when released, they are already past their prime. Without good prospects, they often choose to return home.”

“And once back, word spreads. Local gentry treat them with reverence, invite them with heavy gifts to instruct their children and pass on knowledge, while providing them with support in their later years. That’s quite common.”

“Whatever the case, it’s worth trying. If it doesn’t work out, nothing’s lost. If it does, the benefits are beyond measure.”

“You’re right,” Xiao Yuanbao said. “It’s a rare chance, I’ll certainly go and try. Brother, you needn’t trouble yourself further for me. When I went to apprentice under Master Jiang, you already did so much. Now the year is nearly over, and you must focus on preparing for the autumn examinations.”

Qi Beinan, though always willing to shoulder every trouble for Xiao Yuanbao, understood that he was growing up and wanted to stand on his own.

“Very well, as you say.”

They walked on. Evening breeze lifted Qi Beinan’s wide sleeves, carrying cool air across their faces. He turned his head to look at Xiao Yuanbao, his bright eyes sparkling with renewed resolve — like a star shining in the night.

“Xiao Bao. After the autumn examinations, Brother will tell you an important matter.”

Xiao Yuanbao had been lost in thought about how to get connected with the old palace lady when Qi Beinan suddenly spoke. He froze. For some reason, a premonition stirred in his heart — Qi Beinan might be referring to the marriage contract.

Xiao Yuanbao did not press further. He only answered softly, “Alright.”

The corners of Qi Beinan’s mouth lifted, a smile glimmering in his eyes.

Two days later, Xiao Yuanbao went to the Ming household. He had confirmed with the Hundred-Things Broker that there truly was such an old lady from the palace living on Hibiscus Lane, and so he brought the news directly to Ming Guanxin.

The two were on good terms, and Xiao Yuanbao did not hide his intentions: he wished to seek the old lady’s guidance in cookery.

Ming Guanxin, who was fond of fine food, was delighted by the news. “Let me have a formal invitation written, along with a chest of rich gifts, to invite her to prepare a few palace dishes. Then I’ll call in my cousin and a few friends. You and Qi Langjun must also come. How about it?”

Xiao Yuanbao was overjoyed. “That would be the best outcome.”

Ming Guanxin smiled with squinting eyes, though his thoughts were already turning toward how he might use the occasion to fleece his cousin.

But when Xiao Yuanbao returned home and waited, two days later Ming Guanxin came in a fury.

“That old lady is truly haughty. She refused my invitation outright, saying her bones are weary, she dislikes noise, and she cherishes her peace. With no husband or children, she has enough for her old age and has no desire to earn more silver.”

It was the first time Ming Guanxin had encountered such a person. He had shown full sincerity, filling the chest with two golden cicadas and other fine gifts — and that was only for inviting her; after the banquet he would have given her further thanks. Yet the old lady, unmoved by wealth, had refused.

Xiao Yuanbao, however, was not too disappointed. From the beginning he had been told she was not swayed by money. Now it proved true. It was only natural — she had once been married to a merchant, had seen riches aplenty, and so would not be enticed.

Still, this meant his plan was broken, and if he wanted to meet her, he would need another path.

That day, Qi Beinan left the county school and found that rain had started falling. It pattered on the parasol trees, the wind carrying a chill.

There had been no rain in the morning, so he had not brought a parasol. Looking at the drizzle — not heavy, yet not light — Qi Beinan wondered whether Xiao Yuanbao might come to fetch him.

“Qi Xiong, did you not bring an umbrella?”

Qi Beinan turned and saw Ma Junyi, who greeted him.

“If you like, take my family’s carriage. I’ll see you home, it’s no trouble.”

“Thank you,” Qi Beinan replied, “but I’m waiting for Guangzong. Besides, my family will surely send an umbrella when they see the rain. If I miss them, it will be troublesome.”

Ma Junyi thought this reasonable and did not press further. Still, he did not leave at once but chatted idly with Qi Beinan.

“I hear from my cousin that Bao Ge’er sought out a palace lady for instruction, but when my cousin went to invite her, she refused.”

Qi Beinan was silent for a moment. So Ma Junyi and Ming Guanxin were indeed close cousins, sharing such matters between them.

“It is true,” Qi Beinan admitted. “My younger brother is fond of cooking. Hearing of such a skilled lady, he wished to broaden his knowledge.”

“Bao Ge’er is certainly an ambitious youth,” Ma Junyi said. “But palace folk can be proud, disdaining merchants. What if I used my father’s name and post to send an invitation? At the same time, I could host some classmates at my home, and let Bao Ge’er meet the old lady there. What do you think?”

Qi Beinan paused. Though Ma Junyi seemed well-intentioned, Qi Beinan sensed something amiss. They had studied together for over two years, and though familiar, Ma Junyi had never been so eager before. Now, because of Xiao Yuanbao, he was showing unusual zeal.

Even if Ma Junyi could succeed, Qi Beinan would not agree. If it were a simple favor among friends, the debt could be repaid. But when another’s intentions were not so pure, the debt became impossible to balance.

“Your kindness I understand,” Qi Beinan said calmly. “But how could I trouble you with my brother’s affairs? The autumn examination is near; even my brother does not wish me to be distracted for his sake. If he learned I let you go to such trouble, he would blame me.”

Ma Junyi wanted to press further, but with Qi Beinan’s refusal so firm, he could not persist.

Before the imperial examination, no student wished to be thought frivolous or unstudious. To be seen feasting and entertaining too much would leave a poor impression. Ma Junyi did not want Qi Beinan to think ill of him — nor Xiao Yuanbao. Though disappointed he could not use this opportunity to see Xiao Yuanbao again, he had no choice but to give up.

After a few more words, Ma Junyi’s carriage arrived, and he left first.

Qi Beinan watched him go, murmuring to himself, “Hmm… mere classmates was not enough for Ma Xiong (Brother Ma). He’s looking to add another layer of kinship, it seems.”

Zhao Guangzong strolled out slowly, rubbing his chin.

Seeing no one nearby, he leaned close to Qi Beinan, smiling slyly. “Anan, looks like you’re about to be someone’s elder brother-in-law.”

“Get lost.”

Qi Beinan tugged him hard by the sleeve.

Zhao Guangzong burst out laughing. “Our ever-composed top student Qi — finally tasting a bit of panic, eh?”

Qi Beinan turned to him seriously. “What do you think of Ma Junyi as a person?”

Zhao Guangzong, noting Qi Beinan’s solemn face, dropped his teasing. “From the years we’ve studied together, I’d say Ma Tongxue is a decent fellow. His father is the Military Commissioner of Jiangzhou, his mother’s family is wealthy in trade, so his background is strong. He’s friendly and warm, and I’ve never heard of any major flaws in his conduct. His learning is top of the county school, and though his looks may not be striking, he stands upright and proper. All in all, quite an admirable young man.”

Qi Beinan listened quietly. Zhao Guangzong’s words were balanced — not biased, and true enough.

“And what about me?” Qi Beinan asked.

Zhao Guangzong raised his brows. “You want me to flatter you to your face?”

“Then tell me my shortcomings.”

Zhao Guangzong thought for a while, then hissed through his teeth. “If you ask me to list your strengths, I could talk for three pages without pausing. But your faults… hard to find even one.”

Qi Beinan said, “If you were a woman, who would you choose?”

“What?”

“What, what. Someday, when you have daughters or ge’ers, won’t you have to choose sons-in-law for them?”

Zhao Guangzong considered. True enough. Then he said, “If I were a ge’er, I’d choose you. Look, though your family background is weaker than Ma Tongxue’s, in everything else — looks, talent, character — you’re unmatched. Your future is limitless. If I were from an ordinary family, I wouldn’t choose Ma Tongxue. His background may be high, but for a harmonious marriage, it’s still about matching households.”

Qi Beinan gave him a look. “You really do know how to flatter.”

“Heaven’s truth, I mean every word.”

Qi Beinan asked again, “Do you think Xiao Bao is foolish?”

“Foolish? He’s cleverer than anyone.”

Qi Beinan said no more.

Zhao Guangzong then realized, and laughed. “You, of all people, usually so clear-headed — for you to be unsettled, that’s rare indeed.”

Qi Beinan looked at the rain dripping off the eaves. “I don’t fear that others admire him. It’s natural for people to admire him. He’s thoughtful and kind; he deserves to be cherished. What I fear is that he might admire someone else.”

His voice lowered, tinged with melancholy and unease.

Zhao Guangzong was stunned. In all their years of friendship, it was the first time he had seen Qi Beinan uncertain, anxious. In his mind, Qi Beinan was always unshakable, capable of everything. That he could be afraid of something…

“Bao Ge’er has been by your side since childhood. You grew up together. Things will follow naturally; how could they change?”

Zhao Guangzong tried to reassure him. “I’ve never seen you lack confidence before. Why falter now? With you beside him, how could he ever look elsewhere? Bao Ge’er isn’t a fool. He knows what’s good for him.”

Qi Beinan gave a bitter smile. “Feelings are the hardest thing in this world to predict, to understand, to control. Whether a commoner or a prince, once true feelings are involved, there’s fear, insecurity, and the pain of gain and loss. Love doesn’t always arise because someone is the best or most admirable. Sometimes it’s a moment’s compassion, or something else entirely, that makes affection grow. I understand these truths, yet I still can’t escape the emotions. Because I know feelings cannot be controlled, I feel anxious.”

Zhao Guangzong, though he had no beloved himself, was of marrying age. His family had entertained several proposals over the past two years, but wanted him to study a few more years before deciding. He had thought of marriage, of a good wife or husband, but had never reflected so deeply on love. Hearing Qi Beinan, so usually clear and wise, confess to being troubled, made him take the matter far more seriously.

He shivered. “So love is a curse.”

Qi Beinan exhaled a long breath. “One day, you too will ‘suffer its harm.’”

They fell silent, each lost in thought.

Some time later, a servant arrived with umbrellas. The autumn rain had grown heavier, the wind chilling their backs.

When Qi Beinan returned home, his robe hems damp, he wondered why Xiao Yuanbao had not come to fetch him. Iron Niu explained that Xiao Yuanbao had gone to see Bai Qiaogui, and was not at home.

Qi Beinan paused in silence. In the end, he did not go to fetch him. The two were no longer children, inseparable. They had their own social ties, and he could not control everything too tightly.

That day’s lessons were heavy, and Qi Beinan did not even change his clothes before going straight into the study.

Later, after Qi Beinan finished his assignments and packed away his book chest, he realized his body felt a bit chilled, perhaps from sitting still too long. Looking out the window, he saw the sky already dim, yet Xiao Yuanbao had not returned home.

Anxious, Qi Beinan took an umbrella and went to the main gate, just as a carriage rolled to a stop directly in front of the residence.

The curtain lifted, and to his surprise, Xiao Yuanbao stepped down from the carriage.

“Many thanks for the ride. Please convey my gratitude to Young Master Ma.”

After speaking to the driver, Xiao Yuanbao spotted Qi Beinan waiting at the gate. His eyes lit up, and he ran quickly up the steps toward him.

Qi Beinan’s brows tightened. “A Ma family carriage?”

Xiao Yuanbao nodded. “On my way home I happened to meet the Ma Tongxue whom brother invited to the house before. He was very kind, saying he feared I might catch cold in the autumn rain, so he wanted to send me home.

“I thought it would be troubling him, and not quite proper, so I declined. But that young master insisted — he got down himself and let the driver bring me back, while he waited at the teahouse for the carriage to return. I couldn’t refuse any further, so I accepted the ride.”

Qi Beinan listened quietly, then reached out to smooth Xiao Yuanbao’s hair. “So long as you didn’t catch cold, that’s good.”

He took Xiao Yuanbao by the hand and led him into the house. After a moment he added softly, “Ma Junyi is indeed polite and courteous. But he is not the sort to go so far out of mere kindness.”

Xiao Yuanbao blinked. “Hm?”

“He must like you.”

Qi Beinan did not circle around. He did not want Xiao Yuanbao to stumble into realizing it slowly; better to tell him now so he would have it in mind. “When one likes someone, they always show extra care.”

Xiao Yuanbao froze, then protested, “How could that be! I only met Young Master Ma once — the last time he came to our house for the banquet.”

“Once is enough.”

Xiao Yuanbao opened his mouth, but no words came. This was the first time he had encountered such a situation, and he truly did not know how to respond.

Qi Beinan did not press further. “Come inside and eat. I’m hungry as well.”

Distracted, Xiao Yuanbao murmured an “all right.”

That night, Qi Beinan sneezed twice. He felt a chill, but preoccupied with his thoughts, he paid it little attention.

By dawn his body was burning hot, and he finally realized illness had entered him — he had caught a chill in the autumn rain.

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