Ch 68: Reborn to Raise My Husband

Early in the morning the autumn rain had stopped, though outside the ground had yet to dry. Raindrops dripped from the eaves into the water channel, filling the morning with a quiet stillness.

In the garden, the wind carried a biting chill. Tienan, busy sweeping, had added an extra layer beneath his clothes.

Last night’s storm had shaken many camphor leaves down into the garden, damp and messy, a scene of autumn’s decline. Finding it unsightly, Tienan rose early to clean everything away.

Xiao Yuanbao washed and then went to the kitchen to see what was being made for breakfast. Liu Mama had minced lamb for wontons and steamed an egg custard. Seeing both were warming foods, Xiao Yuanbao did not ask for more dishes.

The kitchen was warm, so the autumn chill wasn’t noticeable. But Xiao Yuanbao hadn’t slept well the night before, and faint dark circles showed beneath his eyes.

“Ge’er, is the young master resting today?”

Xiao Yuanbao looked up at the voice and saw Zhao Wuge, carrying water back into the kitchen.

“The young master always rises early, so I always bring water early. But when I went to fetch the used basin today, I found the water was still cold—he hasn’t used it.”

Xiao Yuanbao frowned. “Today isn’t a rest day. Could it be that he overslept? I’ll go check.”

Saying so, he started toward Qi Beinan’s quarters, not forgetting to call back to the kitchen to prepare hot water.

Qi Beinan had in fact been awake for some time. He was accustomed to waking at dawn, but this morning, once awake, his head felt heavy as if weighed down by a thousand pounds, and his body weak. He knew he was ill. So he simply lay there, mind preoccupied, unwilling to move.

“Why aren’t you up yet!”

Xiao Yuanbao entered the room and found it quiet. Pulling aside the inner curtain, he saw that the bed curtains hadn’t been drawn open. For the first time, he saw Qi Beinan still lying in bed, and it startled him. “You’ll be late for school!”

“Have Liu Wuge bring word to the academy—I’ll take a day’s leave.”

Qi Beinan’s voice came muffled through the curtain, hoarse and weak.

Xiao Yuanbao had wanted to ask why, but the sound of that voice was wrong—raspy and frail. Forgetting everything else, he hurried forward, pulled the curtain open, and saw Qi Beinan slowly pushing himself up from the bed.

He wore only a white undershirt, which already gave him a pale look. Now, unwell, his dark hair hung loose at his waist, his eyes dulled of their usual brightness, lips dry and pale, making him appear all the more fragile.

As Xiao Yuanbao stepped close, he felt the unnatural heat radiating from him. He laid one hand on Qi Beinan’s forehead and the other on his own for comparison.

The palm pressed to Qi Beinan’s brow burned with fever. His eyes widened. “Brother, you’re burning up!”

Without pause he cried, “I’ll have Tienan fetch the doctor right away!”

Qi Beinan gave a faint hum. “Don’t forget to send word to excuse my absence.”

Xiao Yuanbao rushed out, barking orders, then hurried back in carrying a basin of cold water.

He had drawn fresh well water, colder than what was stored in the vat. Wringing a cloth dry, he quickly laid it across Qi Beinan’s hot forehead. Then, with another damp cloth, he gently wiped his neck and palms.

The cool touch eased Qi Beinan somewhat. He watched Xiao Yuanbao’s brow creased in worry, and, raising a hand, tapped lightly between his brows. “It’s just a seasonal chill. A common illness—don’t be anxious.”

“Brother, you rarely fall sick. How could even a seasonal chill bring you down?”

Xiao Yuanbao’s heart ached. Since childhood, he himself had been the frail one, prone to illness, always tended by Qi Beinan. But in his memory, Qi Beinan had never once lain bedridden.

Even in the harsh winters, when he went early to the academy and caught a chill, it was only ever a cough or two, cured by a single dose of medicine within days. Yet now, for no reason, this healthy body had collapsed.

Xiao Yuanbao couldn’t help blaming himself—why had he lingered outside so long yesterday in the cold autumn rain? And when they returned home, why hadn’t he boiled ginger soup to ward off the chill? Qi Beinan had gone straight to the study, and he’d let him be.

“Everyone eats the grains of the earth—how could there be no illness at all?”

Qi Beinan looked at the faint circles beneath Xiao Yuanbao’s eyes. “Once the doctor prescribes medicine I’ll be fine. It’s you I worry for—did you not sleep well last night?”

“Even now, you’re worrying about me?”

Xiao Yuanbao held Qi Beinan’s burning hand in both of his, cooling his wrist, and reproached him. “If you only took better care of yourself, you wouldn’t have caught this chill.”

He paused, then said quietly, “I thought it over carefully last night. Brother, you were right.”

“From now on, I won’t speak to him anymore.”

Qi Beinan’s brow lifted slightly. He knew immediately who Xiao Yuanbao meant. His lips curved, barely perceptible, in relief. To hear that Xiao Yuanbao had lain awake, thought carefully, and come to this conclusion—it didn’t matter whether it was right or wrong. His heart eased at once.

Still, outwardly calm, he asked, “And why?”

“I thought Ma Langjun was warmhearted by nature, treating me kindly only because of his character and because of Brother. But I realize now that wasn’t so. Ordinary friendship is simple enough—today you help me, tomorrow I help you. But affection is different. Affection is a debt that can’t be repaid. Since I can’t return such feelings, I shouldn’t accept them.”

Qi Beinan was inwardly relieved—Xiao Yuanbao’s thoughts were the same as his own.

At first he dared not say too much, for fear of steering him. After all, it was not he whom Ma Junyi liked, and he could not decide things just because it pleased himself. Such matters still depended on Xiao Yuanbao’s own will.

Qi Beinan feigned ignorance. “What you said makes sense. Only… do you not like Ma Junyi? He is, after all, a rare talent.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yuanbao pressed his lips together. He released Qi Beinan’s hand and turned to the basin to wet a cloth.

His heart tightened with displeasure. What did Brother mean by this? Just because Ma Junyi was a talent, must he be obliged to like him? Was Brother disappointed in him for not liking Ma Junyi?

“I’m still young. I’ve never thought about such things. The age for marriage is still far off.”

A little sulkily, Xiao Yuanbao said, “Ma Langjun is of the same age as Brother, isn’t he? He is already at the age for marriage and must be eager to find someone to manage his household. How could I waste his years?”

“Speaking of which, Brother ought to hurry as well—you’ll soon be twenty.”

Qi Beinan was momentarily caught off guard. “It is said first establish a career, then a family. I think it is better to achieve success before marriage. I’m not in a hurry.”

“Once I pass the provincial exam, then I’ll think of such matters. As for when marriage comes, let it follow naturally.”

This vague response nevertheless set Xiao Yuanbao at ease. He wrung the cloth again and gently wiped Qi Beinan’s hands. “But if you wait too long, you may not find the right person.”

“If I don’t, then I’ll live alone.”

Qi Beinan looked at Xiao Yuanbao. “My mother passed away early. All these years, my father has lived alone as well. And yet he has done just fine.”

“That’s only because he had Brother by his side. That way, Uncle Qi didn’t feel lonely.”

Qi Beinan said, “And do I not also have you? And with Uncle Xiao, neither of us will be alone.”

Xiao Yuanbao glanced at Qi Beinan lying there, then quickly lowered his eyes and murmured a soft acknowledgment.

Qi Beinan added, “Even if you don’t return Ma Junyi’s feelings, you shouldn’t act so childish as to stop speaking to him. He is, after all, my classmate. That would not only sour relations but also make you seem unfair.”

“It is best to speak clearly and avoid leaving him feeling strung along. I don’t think he is the kind to pester without measure—he will know his limits.”

Xiao Yuanbao nodded. “I understand. But since Ma Langjun has never spoken plainly, I cannot reject what has not been said. If I misread it, I would only make a fool of myself.”

“He is close to Xin Ge’er, and they are often together. I’ll simply tell Xin Ge’er that I am still too young and not yet considering marriage. He will understand the meaning, and naturally it will reach Ma Langjun as well.”

Qi Beinan nodded. “That will do nicely.”

He thought that Ming Guanxin likely already knew Ma Junyi’s intentions—otherwise he would not have shared Xiao Yuanbao’s interest in the old lady with him.

After some time, the doctor came to examine Qi Beinan. He prescribed medicine and assured them it was nothing serious.

When the medicine was brought back, Xiao Yuanbao tended the pot until it was ready, then carried the bowl to Qi Beinan. By now his fever had eased a little.

Fearing he was too weak, Xiao Yuanbao sat at the bedside and spooned the medicine carefully into his mouth.

The decoction was thick and bitter, and sipped spoon by spoon it seemed even harsher. But for once being fed by Xiao Yuanbao, Qi Beinan leaned back against the buckwheat pillow without complaint, drinking it obediently.

“Brother, rest well. Sleep, and when you wake the fever will be gone.”

Xiao Yuanbao moved to settle him down, but Qi Beinan caught his wrist. “I have always slept little. I’ve had enough rest this morning—now I cannot sleep.”

“Once the medicine takes hold you’ll feel drowsy, and then you’ll sleep soundly.”

Qi Beinan said nothing.

Seeing him unwilling, Xiao Yuanbao tucked in the quilt corners and relented. “Then don’t sleep, but you mustn’t tire yourself reading either.”

Qi Beinan nodded. “But lying here idle, not reading and doing nothing, is rather dull.”

He looked at Xiao Yuanbao. “Do you still have things to do today?”

Xiao Yuanbao thought of how he had promised Sister Gui to help sort herbs delivered by gatherers. After a moment’s hesitation, he decided against it.

“What do I have to do but small chores at home? Just sewing two winter garments. If Brother finds it dull, I’ll bring my sewing basket here and keep you company.”

Qi Beinan’s lips curved as he shifted against the soft pillow, finding comfort. “Good.”

Xiao Yuanbao soon returned with his basket, having sent Tienan to tell Sister Gui he could not come today. Along with the needlework, he brought fruit—peeling pears and segmenting tangerines to offer, fussing over Qi Beinan like an old steward.

Qi Beinan asked, “Since the path through the Ming family failed, have you thought of another way to approach the old lady?”

Xiao Yuanbao sighed. “That is what troubles me.”

Qi Beinan said, “The art of war teaches: know yourself and know the other, and you need not fear a hundred battles. This applies to more than war. If you want to win her favor, you must first know her likes and worries. Only then, when you meet her, can you appeal to what she values.”

Qi Beinan said, “Since inviting her to prepare a banquet doesn’t work, then take another route. This old madam cannot stay at home forever. Surely, she enjoys going out to certain places. If you happen to be at those places too, and know her preferences, you will always find a chance to speak with her.”

“Brother, that makes sense.”

Xiao Yuanbao lifted his eyes and asked Qi Beinan, “But how can I know what she likes? I asked around and only learned that she once came out of the palace, and later married into a merchant family.”

“Though it’s strange,” Xiao Yuanbao continued, “things that should be private can still be found out outside, yet nothing about her preferences.”

Qi Beinan replied, “Because those other details were deliberately put out by her. Naturally, they’re easy to learn. She is a woman without children, living here in the county for her old age. Without some status or identity to stand on, she would easily be bullied. Also, she may simply want her background known, in case old relatives seek her out.”

Ling County is far from the capital, separated by mountains and rivers. Decades pass, letters hardly travel. If people do not live on the same soil, one day the ties might just be cut. Many who came out of the palace spent the rest of their lives searching for kin, yet never succeeded.

“Then how can I learn the old madam’s likes?”

Qi Beinan smiled. “Use a simple method. Spend half a string of coins to hire a runner who always lingers around Furong Lane. Have him keep watch ten days, half a month. Won’t that tell you?”

Xiao Yuanbao laughed. “That truly is a silly yet reliable method. Tomorrow I will find a dependable runner.”

That afternoon, Zhao Guangzong returned from the county school and headed straight to the residence.

When he arrived, Xiao Yuanbao was feeding Qi Beinan medicine.

“My good Brother Qi, you really did fall ill? Is your body better? What happened?”

In the morning at the school, Zhao Guangzong had not seen Qi Beinan. As class was about to begin, he heard that Qi Beinan had called in sick. He had never known Qi Beinan to ask for leave due to illness, so he thought perhaps it was an excuse. After class, he hurried over, only to find him truly lying in bed.

“It’s just a chill. I took medicine in the morning, the fever is already down. Tomorrow I will certainly return to the county school.”

Zhao Guangzong let out a breath. “You’re rare indeed — even you would get sick.”

After feeding the last spoonful of medicine, Xiao Yuanbao said to Zhao Guangzong, “Brother Zhao, sit here a while. I’ll fetch you tea and some fruit.”

Zhao Guangzong didn’t stand on courtesy. “Mm. Brother Bao, I want to drink that chrysanthemum tea you stored.”

Xiao Yuanbao smiled and said all right, then carried out the empty bowl.

Qi Beinan remarked, “Your mouth is really picky.”

Zhao Guangzong turned his head, saw Qi Beinan leaning against the bed, and teased, “Picky, yes. Not like some people whose tongues seem broken, unable to taste at all. Even medicine must be sipped spoon by spoon, and you still don’t mind the bitterness.”

Qi Beinan shot him a look. “You do talk too much.”

Zhao Guangzong laughed, then said, “But really, how did you fall sick? I don’t believe a little rain could do this. Was it because of yesterday, your heart unsettled, and that brought on the illness?”

“At the county school you were stuck, unable to come watch my jokes. You must have been fretting half the day.”

Qi Beinan wasn’t afraid of Zhao Guangzong’s teasing. In fact, he was already in a good mood today. “No one knows me better than Brother Qi!”

Qi Beinan lowered his voice. “You laugh if you like, but if you go blurting to Xiao Bao, watch yourself.”

Zhao Guangzong clicked his tongue. “Truly frightening. How dare I say more?”

The two talked in the room for a while, and Zhao Guangzong even stayed for dinner before leaving.

After resting a day, Qi Beinan rose the next morning vigorous as ever, as though the illness had been false. He took his book chest and set off to the county school refreshed.

Following Qi Beinan’s advice, Xiao Yuanbao went to hire a runner. He was introduced by the same go-between who had once linked Qi Beinan to merchants. The youth looked young and clear-faced. Xiao Yuanbao paid him thirty coins and explained clearly: if the task went well, there would be more reward.

By late autumn, the town streets were crowded with farmers and merchants trading grain. Donkeys and ox carts filled the roads, slowing the flow.

“Hold back there, hold back! Let the cart ahead pass first! Don’t all rush at once, or it’ll jam and waste more time!”

Xiao Yuanbao heard a familiar voice. Peering out, he saw Fang Youliang.

He wore the indigo uniform of a county yamen guard, a blade at his side, directing two other constables as they cleared the street.

Xiao Yuanbao waited until Fang Youliang finished before stepping forward to greet him. “Brother Fang!”

“Brother Bao.”

Fang Youliang spotted him and came over.

“Brother Fang, when did you take up your post in the county? You never told us.”

Xiao Yuanbao smiled. “Brother Fang looks truly impressive in that guard’s uniform.”

Fang Youliang scratched his head a little shyly. “It was supposed to be some days later, but now it’s harvest season. The county office is busy collecting taxes, the streets are clogged with farmers and traders. With manpower short, seeing I was fit, they called me early. These past days, from morning till night, there’s been no free moment.”

Xiao Yuanbao said, “It is busy indeed, but duty comes first. When you have time, you must come to our house for a meal.”

“You don’t need to say it — I will.”

After a few words, Fang Youliang had to return to work, and Xiao Yuanbao didn’t keep him. Seeing Fang Youliang now with a steady post, he truly felt happy for him.

So half a month passed.

That afternoon, the runner Xiao Yuanbao had hired returned with news.

“The old madam rarely goes out. In half a month, she left home five times. Three times to the medicine hall, once to the cloth shop, once for a leisurely stroll.”

Xiao Yuanbao thought it over. No real preferences had been discovered, but clearly her health wasn’t good. That was still a useful lead.

He asked carefully which medicine hall, and at what times she went. He wrote it all down, paid the runner as promised, and kept it in mind.

With calculations in his heart, Xiao Yuanbao then went to Baichun Hall to find Sister Gui.

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