Ch 77: Reborn to Raise My Husband

“Father’s here! Tienan must have wings on his feet—the news spread so fast!”

Xiao Yuanbao hurried outside and ran right into Xiao Hu, who was just arriving.

“I finished up at home and had nothing else to do, so I came early,” Xiao Hu said, smiling. “On the way, I ran into Tienan coming back with the news.”

His face was still bright with joy; he had been beaming all the way, though now his mood had finally settled a bit.

Truthfully, he had already been quite satisfied when Qi Beinan passed the county exam as a xiucai.

But, after all, who would ever think a son-in-law could be too successful?

He spoke warmly, eager to see his good son-in-law. Not seeing him at once, he asked, “Where’s Beinan?”

At the mention of Qi Beinan, Xiao Yuanbao’s face turned red again. “He’s… he’s in the study.”

Xiao Hu found Xiao Yuanbao’s behavior strange—his face flushed, his voice faltering, and he had just come out of the study.

Glancing toward the study, then back at Xiao Yuanbao, Xiao Hu’s expression darkened. “That boy didn’t bully you, did he?”

Xiao Yuanbao’s eyes went wide. “N-no, he didn’t!”

Xiao Hu was silent for a moment, then said, “Good. But if he ever dares to bully you, you must tell your father.”

“There’s no such thing,” Xiao Yuanbao said quickly. “Brother Beinan’s always been good to me.”

“Then that’s fine.” Xiao Hu’s voice eased. “I’ll go speak with him about the exam results. It’s been a while since your father’s had your cooking—make some braised pork for me to have with wine at noon.”

Xiao Yuanbao smiled. “We still have some lamb wine that was gifted to us—it’s excellent, Father. You’ll have some later.”

Xiao Hu strode toward the study. Inside, Qi Beinan was just finishing up organizing the chest of documents from the prefecture. When he turned and saw Xiao Hu, he quickly stopped what he was doing and, a bit awkwardly, greeted, “Uncle Xiao.”

Xiao Hu nodded. “Tienan told me all about your success along the way. It’s a pity I didn’t come earlier to witness the excitement. I also heard Zhao Guangzong passed.”

Qi Beinan invited Xiao Hu to sit and poured him a cup of tea.

“Guangzong is a fine student—hardworking and diligent. It’s only natural he made the list,” Qi Beinan said.

“You two have studied together for years and are close friends,” Xiao Hu said. “Now that you’ve both passed, it’s a double blessing.”

Qi Beinan smiled. “Without Uncle Xiao’s support all these years, I couldn’t have studied in peace. With these results today, I can finally say I’ve lived up to the promise I made back then.”

Xiao Hu looked at Qi Beinan—upright as a pine, calm and self-possessed. Whether as a son or as a son-in-law, there could hardly be anyone more satisfactory.

“You’re a good boy—faithful and trustworthy. I can feel at ease entrusting Yuanbao to you.”

Then, testingly, he asked, “Have you talked to him about the engagement?”

Qi Beinan didn’t dare conceal it. After all, when it came time for marriage, Xiao Hu’s approval would still be necessary. “I’ve already spoken with him some days ago. He didn’t object.”

“You two grew up together, spent so many years side by side. Since there’s true affection, it’s only natural you’ll end up together.”

Being an experienced man, Xiao Hu smiled. “I’m glad you’ve settled things between you. Once you decide when to marry, just let me know. I’ve no objections.”

His tone was gentle, full of satisfaction and expectation for the match.

Hearing this, Qi Beinan felt especially at ease.

“Only one thing…” Xiao Hu’s voice suddenly hardened, his expression turning stern as he fixed Qi Beinan with a sharp gaze. “Before marriage, you must not touch him.”

They were both men—Xiao Hu certainly knew how such things went.

Whether frivolous or gentlemanly, refined or restrained, men were men at the core.

Qi Beinan’s brow twitched slightly. The spring exam would be in April next year; he would have to leave for the capital in March. Once there, it wouldn’t just be ten days or half a month—he’d be gone at least a month or more.

It was already early September now. He thought the time he could still spend with Xiao Yuanbao was too short as it was, and soon they’d be separated again.

And if his future father-in-law decided to bring Xiao Yuanbao back to the estate, wouldn’t that mean seeing each other even less?

That wouldn’t do at all.

After a pause, he said, “Yes, sir.”

Xiao Hu noted that Qi Beinan didn’t rush to answer and found that a good sign—it made his response more believable.

Having dealt with people often in recent years, Xiao Hu had grown more perceptive.

Seeing that Qi Beinan remained modest and respectful, without a trace of arrogance even after his success, Xiao Hu said, “The spring exam is soon, and time is tight. I only want to make sure you don’t get distracted by other matters.”

Qi Beinan smiled faintly to himself, thinking that his Uncle Xiao’s knack for scolding with one hand and rewarding with the other still wasn’t quite refined enough.

Still, it wasn’t a bad thing.

“I know Uncle Xiao means well,” Qi Beinan said sincerely. “You can rest assured—I’ll take good care of him.”

Xiao Hu stayed for lunch in the city.

At noon, Xiao Yuanbao cooked two of Qi Beinan and Xiao Hu’s favorite dishes.

Since things were busy, he hadn’t made much, so he asked Zhao Wuge to fetch a few good dishes from a restaurant.

Living in the city, Qi Beinan and Xiao Yuanbao were used to dining out on occasion, so the restaurant fare didn’t seem particularly special to them.

But Xiao Hu rarely ate outside; the taste felt new and refreshing to him, and he enjoyed it thoroughly.

There weren’t many people at home, and Qi Beinan disliked fireworks and noise, so a fine meal shared quietly as a family served as their celebration.

To outsiders, it might have seemed subdued, but for them, this peaceful gathering without social calls or commotion was just right. They stayed together until the afternoon before Xiao Hu finally returned home.

The estate was busy with autumn work and short of hands, but from this year on, the taxes had been reduced and exempted. The household no longer needed to pay land and property taxes, which not only saved much trouble but also meant pure profit—truly a pleasing turn of fortune.

By that measure, the estate could now bring in one to two hundred guan a year, and even after expenses, there would still be about a hundred guan left.

Such a life had once been beyond imagination.

Qi Beinan cautioned Xiao Hu that now that he had become a provincial graduate and earned tax exemption rights, people would surely try to curry favor.

If anyone came offering gifts or requesting protection, he was not to accept or entertain them lightly.

Xiao Hu understood. Merchants and farmers, seeing the benefit of associating with a tax-exempt scholar, might come with their families to attach themselves to him.

The taxes they owed to the court—thirty or forty percent—would instead be offered in half or nearly full measure to the scholar as “tribute.”

That way, they still saved half their taxes, while the scholar gained free income.

Such arrangements were not uncommon among the people.

Xiao Hu didn’t fully grasp the intricate dealings between scholars and merchants, but since Qi Beinan had said not to allow such dependents, he would not.

In such matters, his judgment was far inferior to Qi Beinan’s.

Besides, with the estate already enjoying full exemption from land taxes, the household was not lacking for silver. He agreed it was unnecessary to take favors from those merchants or farmers.

At the gate, Qi Beinan saw Xiao Hu off and noticed Xiao Yuanbao still standing there, watching the ox cart roll away.

He cleared his throat softly. When Xiao Yuanbao turned at the sound, Qi Beinan ignored him and turned back toward the house.

Seeing him walk off without a word, Xiao Yuanbao blinked in confusion and hurried after him. “Why didn’t you even call me?”

Qi Beinan said nothing.

Xiao Yuanbao took several quick steps forward. “I’m talking to you.”

Qi Beinan finally stopped, his hands clasped behind his back as he looked at Xiao Yuanbao. “Can’t you tell I’m angry?”

“Ah?”

Xiao Yuanbao was puzzled. “Why would you be angry on such a happy day?”

Qi Beinan looked straight at him. “What do you think?”

“Hm?”

Xiao Yuanbao still didn’t understand.

“You really went and tattled on me, didn’t you?”

“Huh? I didn’t!”

Xiao Yuanbao’s eyes widened, then realization dawned. “Wait—Father scolded you?”

Qi Beinan said nothing, remaining silent.

Xiao Yuanbao pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh.

“You’re laughing?” Qi Beinan said.

Xiao Yuanbao shrugged and mimicked Qi Beinan’s tone: “Even if my father-in-law comes, I won’t be afraid~”

At that, Qi Beinan lowered his gaze, as if feeling slightly embarrassed.

Xiao Yuanbao had rarely seen him like that. He wanted to laugh again, to tease him with a few more words—but before he could, Qi Beinan caught his hand. With a gentle tug, Xiao Yuanbao stumbled forward, nearly colliding with Qi Beinan’s chest, so close he could feel his breath. The laughter instantly vanished from his lips.

“So you really did tell on me,” Qi Beinan murmured.

Xiao Yuanbao shook his head quickly. “I really didn’t!”

Qi Beinan raised an eyebrow slightly. “I thought as much. You’re not that heartless.”

“Then Father really did scold you?”

“That was a warning, not a scolding,” Qi Beinan said. “He said if I don’t behave myself, he’ll take you back to the estate.”

He tightened his hold on Xiao Yuanbao’s hand. “But I can’t bear to let you go.”

Xiao Yuanbao blinked and turned his head aside, his ears burning.

The first ten days of September passed in constant busyness for Qi Beinan.

The day after the list was posted, he went to the county office.

In addition to the documents and rewards from the prefecture, the county itself had prepared further honors.

Provincial graduates were highly valued locally, and their treatment was no less generous than the prefecture’s.

Especially since Qi Beinan, the Jieyuan of this year’s provincial exam, came from Ling County—he had brought great prestige to the county.

For the educational and examination officials, this success was a mark of political achievement.

Thus, the county rewarded the scholars generously, both to honor them and to inspire others to study harder.

Qi Beinan received three vacant shopfronts on Liuyue Street, a busy market area in town.

In addition, he was granted a private woodland on the county outskirts.

Around the woodland lay twenty mu of wasteland that could be reclaimed for farming.

To most, such barren land was hardly a valuable prize, but to Qi Beinan—who already owned farmland—it was as good as treasure.

The other scholars were rewarded equally: each received a single shop outside the market and twenty mu of uncultivated land.

In recent years, farmland had become increasingly scarce; cultivated fertile fields were rarely given as rewards anymore.

And since the court often punished corrupt officials and noble families by confiscating their estates, even receiving barren land as a reward was not bad.

Within a few days, Qi Beinan and the other new scholars attended the banquet at the prefectural academy to thank their instructors.

After that, he went to the county school to lecture, sharing his experience from the autumn exam and encouraging the younger scholars.

Those few days passed quickly. Once he had a bit of free time, he returned to the estate and hosted a banquet for the village elders and notables.

Though Qi Beinan disliked socializing, he couldn’t avoid it entirely.

If he didn’t hold such gatherings, the villagers might think success had made him arrogant—respecting him to his face as “Master Scholar,” while gossiping behind his back.

Although Qi Beinan was not originally from Geshan Village, he had lived there for ten years. Studying and preparing for the examinations in this place, he could not help but maintain friendly relations with the local people.

When the time came for official appointments, government examiners would come to investigate the candidates’ backgrounds. They would question the local gentry and elders about each man’s conduct and reputation.

If one had poor relations with those respected elders, and they spoke a few unflattering words during the inquiry, it could leave a stain on the report and become a serious obstacle to official selection.

After finishing the village banquets, Qi Beinan returned to the county and finally had the chance to invite his own friends and relatives for a gathering.

He invited several households he was close to and also his fellow examinees who had taken the provincial exam together.

Everyone came with congratulatory gifts—everyone except Ma Junyi, who sent word that he had caught a chill and was too ill to go out.

Qi Beinan wasn’t sure whether Ma Junyi was truly sick or simply avoiding the gathering out of embarrassment. It was a pity that he had not passed the exam this time.

He had been one of the top students at the county school; it was already impressive enough that two of the very best, Qi Beinan and Luo Tingfeng, had passed, but when even someone of average standing like Zhao Guangzong made the list, Ma Junyi’s disappointment was understandable.

It was not jealousy—just the weight of family expectations and the sting of failure.

He didn’t attend, but he sent generous gifts to Qi Beinan, Zhao Guangzong, and Luo Tingfeng.

Qi Beinan decided that once the celebrations had settled, he would visit Ma Junyi to offer comfort. After all, he was a few years younger and not yet steady in temperament.

After hosting his own banquet, Qi Beinan attended Luo Tingfeng’s, and then Zhao Guangzong’s.

One feast after another, the days passed in a blur—more than ten in total.

After so much wine and meat, Qi Beinan felt his stomach was coated in oil; it took two days of plain vegetable soup and white rice to feel normal again.

Zhao Guangzong’s schedule was much the same. Pleased by his new status, he accepted every invitation proudly, unwilling to admit exhaustion. With such constant socializing, there was hardly time left for study.

The time between the provincial and metropolitan exams was short.

Qi Beinan reassured him: if these courtesies were neglected, endless troubles would follow later.

It wasn’t just them—every new scholar faced the same round of banquets.

Even someone as bookish as Luo Tingfeng attended; if a man couldn’t manage this stage, he would never survive in official circles.

While Qi Beinan was busy with formal visits, Xiao Yuanbao had his own hands full.

The storehouse, once spacious and half-empty, was now overflowing after banquet upon banquet. He had received all manner of gifts.

Writing supplies were the most abundant—eight brushes, four inksticks, and three inkstones.

Many gifts were finely crafted and of distinguished origin; others were from ordinary sources but given in complete sets, including brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones—four full sets in all.

There were also small but exquisite items like carved bamboo brush holders, lacquered ink boxes, and paperweights.

As for daily necessities—food, drink, and clothing—there was no shortage of those either. Safe, practical gifts were always in fashion.

Twelve bolts of silk in various colors, two sets of teacups—one blue-and-white, one plain white porcelain.

Furniture had also been given: two grand armchairs, a scholar’s bookshelf, and a pair of treasure chests.

Xiao Yuanbao carefully recorded everything, household by household. When those who had given gifts hosted events of their own, they would have to be repaid in kind.

By the latter part of September, the household finally grew quiet again.

Now that Qi Beinan had passed the provincial exam, he no longer needed to attend the county school and could study at home instead—saving the time spent traveling back and forth.

One morning, Tienan came into the study to report that two unfamiliar men had arrived. They were from an escort agency and wished to see Qi Beinan.

Qi Beinan paused and asked, “Did you ask their names? Are they surnamed Qin?”

Tienan nodded. “Yes.”

Lately, people often came seeking to meet Qi Beinan—merchants, farmers, and others.

Qi Beinan had instructed Tienan not to let visitors in easily.

Whenever anyone came, Tienan would first ask, “Master, shall I let them in?”

Qi Beinan had not expected these particular visitors. He set down what he was doing. “Invite them into the main hall and serve tea. I’ll come shortly.”

“Yes, sir.”

After Tienan left, Xiao Yuanbao asked curiously, “Brother, since when are you acquainted with escort masters?”

“It’s not really an acquaintance,” Qi Beinan said. “Do you remember when I told you I entered the prefecture with a group of escorts on my way to the exam? I traded clothes with one of the guards to travel on foot with them. We chatted along the road—the escort leader’s surname was Qin.”

“I wonder what brings them here now.”

Xiao Yuanbao nodded in realization. “You traveled safely because of them. Whatever their reason, it’s proper to receive them.”

Qi Beinan adjusted his robe and smiled. “Our household knows its manners.”

When Qi Beinan entered the hall, he found the visitors to be the capable Escort Leader Qin and his lively son, Qin Jiang.

Both men rose immediately to bow in greeting.

“Escort Leader Qin, how have you been? Has your escort work gone smoothly?” Qi Beinan asked courteously, returning the gesture and inviting them to sit.

“By your good fortune, Master Qi, all is well,” Qin said. “We came uninvited today to offer our congratulations and hope you won’t take offense.”

Qin Biaotou finished speaking and motioned for Qin Jiang to present the congratulatory gift.

Qi Beinan, however, would never accept gifts without cause. “Escort Master Qin, you are far too polite. Were it not for the fortune of traveling together during the provincial exam, I would not have arrived in Lin Prefecture so safely. If anything, I ought to be the one thanking you—how could I accept your gift instead?”

Seeing that Qi Beinan was not a man fond of ceremony, Qin Biaotou gave an awkward laugh.

“The first time I met Master Qi, I already knew you were no ordinary man—but I didn’t expect you to surpass my imagination.”

He grew more respectful still. “To win first place in the autumn examination—truly remarkable.”

Qi Beinan smiled faintly, exchanging a few polite phrases.

But as Qin Biaotou still hadn’t come to the point, Qi Beinan said directly, “On the road to the exam, we spoke at length. I know you to be straightforward and open-hearted, which made the journey most pleasant. If there’s something you wish to say, please speak plainly.”

Qi Beinan didn’t believe the father and son had come purely to congratulate him. If that were the case, they would have simply sent a gift during the banquets. Coming in person, and with gifts in hand, clearly meant they had business to discuss.

“Master Qi, you are frank indeed—my roundabout words truly shame me.”

After this, Qin Biaotou continued, “We came today for two reasons: first, to congratulate you on your success; and second, to ask a small favor for my foolish son.”

“Master Qi is a gracious man with a great future ahead. A person like you cannot be without reliable hands around you. My boy may be dull-witted, but he’s strong and nimble. If you don’t mind his clumsiness, would you take him in as a household guard—someone to handle errands and heavy work?”

Qi Beinan turned to glance at the honest young man standing beside Qin Biaotou, realizing at once that the purpose of the visit was to place the boy in service.

Qin Jiang met his gaze with burning, eager eyes—like a loyal hound waiting joyfully for its master’s command.

Qi Beinan said slowly, “Running an escort agency is a fine trade. Why not have your son inherit your work, Escort Master Qin? With you paving the way ahead, he could become a master escort himself in due time. Why seek another position for him?”

Qin Biaotou sighed. “It’s true that escort work pays better than carrying loads at the docks or waiting tables at teahouses. But people should always strive upward. I’m a rough man and can’t teach him much. He’s still young—I’d rather he learn from someone truly capable.”

Qi Beinan did not answer immediately. “A parent’s love for his child always runs deep. I’m touched by your devotion.”

“However,” he continued, “perhaps you don’t know—though I’ve earned a bit of reputation now, I’m just the son of humble farmers. My parents are long gone, and I’ve no powerful kin behind me. I fear serving under me may only waste your good intentions.”

“Prestigious families are common enough,” Qin Biaotou replied sincerely, “but men of true virtue and talent are rare. I’ve traveled all over and met countless people, yet even after only a few days’ acquaintance, I’ve never met a steadier, more principled young man than you, Master Qi.”

“I don’t care about your family’s standing,” he said earnestly. “I’m sending my son not for your rank, but for your character. If he can serve by your side, he’ll learn what it means to be an upright man.”

Qi Beinan’s lips curved slightly. Those words, undeniably, were pleasing to hear.

He thought for a moment. At present, his household had enough attendants for daily needs, but none with real martial skill. He had seen Qin Jiang’s ability before—the boy was young but already an impressive fighter.

With his talent, Qin Jiang could easily find employment with any wealthy family. That Qin Biaotou had chosen him, of all people, was unexpected.

Still, having such a capable person around would be no bad thing.

From what Qi Beinan had observed, the boy’s heart was simple and sincere. He’d seen enough people to trust that judgment.

Yet taking someone into service required caution—he would first need to learn more about the Qin family’s background. If there were any hint of unlawful dealings, it could bring trouble instead of help.

Best to proceed carefully.

“Escort Master Qin’s kind thought—I’ll accept the gift,” Qi Beinan said calmly. “If I ever find myself short of hands, I’ll call for Qin Jiang. How does that sound?”

Qin Biaotou’s face brightened at once. Acceptance of the gift meant agreement.

Since his visit had been sudden, he knew it was only proper to allow time for consideration.

He quickly stood and bowed deeply. “Many thanks, Master Qi.”

Qin Jiang beamed and added eagerly, “Master Qi, if I can serve under you, I’ll work hard and faithfully.”

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