Ch 80: Reborn to Raise My Husband

But in the city, keeping a draft animal was far less practical than in the countryside—aside from pulling a carriage, there was little use for it. Feeding it required buying hay and fodder, which made the cost hardly worthwhile.

So at first, they hadn’t been willing to commit to it.

Now that the shops would soon bring in income, Xiao Yuanbao felt more secure and was finally ready to make the expense.

“To buy a horse?” Qi Beinan asked. “Didn’t you say the price was too high? A donkey can pull a cart just fine, and fifteen taels can buy a very good one. But for a horse, you won’t find a strong, healthy adult under twenty.”

Xiao Yuanbao said, “A donkey may be cheaper, but it only does one thing. I’ve thought about it—better to get a horse. Not only can it pull the cart, but when Brother’s free, he can practice riding. I’ve heard that many young gentlemen from established families can ride.”

Qi Beinan considered and nodded. “That makes sense too.”

As they were talking, the sound of a quarrel suddenly reached their ears.

“I reserved this shop first! I even paid a deposit! You’ve no shame—trying to snatch it afterward—what reason is that?”

“You paid a deposit but haven’t signed a contract. I like this shop now, and I’m taking it!”

Xiao Yuanbao turned his head and saw two merchants arguing across the street from their own shop.

One was fat and the other thin. The thin one had an honest-looking face, but his words were fierce and cutting—so sharp that the heavyset man was left sputtering in anger.

Qi Beinan and Xiao Yuanbao couldn’t tell who was in the right, so they stood aside and sent Tienan to fetch the patrol officer who managed order in the market.

Within half a cup of tea, the constable arrived.

By coincidence, it was Fang Youliang on patrol that day. They had no time for greetings, only a quick nod of recognition.

Qi Beinan and Xiao Yuanbao followed behind as Fang Youliang, sword at his waist, stepped forward.

“What’s all this shouting in the marketplace? You’re drawing a crowd and disturbing the peace—stop it at once!”

With practiced authority, Fang Youliang pulled the two men apart just as they were about to come to blows.

The fat merchant seized the chance to speak. “Officer, you came just in time! Judge this fairly for me. I reserved this shop first, paid a deposit to the broker, and this man came later, trying to steal it from under me—and even raised his hands against me!”

Fang Youliang turned to the thin merchant. “Is that true?”

The thin merchant looked smug and unbothered. “Officer, our young master took a liking to this shop and wants to buy it outright for business. We’re buying; he’s only renting. Why shouldn’t buyers take priority?”

The fat merchant flared up. “Buying or renting, it’s still first come, first served! Does being a ‘young master’ give him the right to bully others?”

Fang Youliang frowned and asked the thin merchant, “He’s got a point. Who exactly is this ‘young master’ of yours?”

The merchant’s tone turned insolent. “So, Officer Fang, you’re siding with him? I know your surname. When I go back, I’ll be sure to tell our young master how you handle things. You needn’t concern yourself with who he is.”

With that, the thin merchant tossed his head and strode off.

Fang Youliang was furious. He stepped forward, ready to drag the man back for questioning, but the fat merchant quickly grabbed his arm.

“Let it go, Officer. Please, let it go.”

“You just let him insult you like that?” Fang Youliang barked.

The fat merchant sighed. “A man that arrogant—if you arrest him, he’ll just accuse you of assaulting him. No sense in bringing trouble on yourself.”

“There are plenty of witnesses here,” Fang Youliang retorted. “Would they really believe his nonsense?”

The fat merchant lowered his voice. “You heard him mention his ‘young master.’ I’m afraid that wasn’t just talk. Best not to cross someone like that, Officer Fang.”

With a heavy sigh, the fat merchant left, unwilling to stir more conflict.

“Broad daylight, and merchants dare act this brazenly,” Qi Beinan said quietly.

He turned to Fang Youliang. “Do you recognize that man?”

Fang Youliang shook his head. “He looked familiar—said he knew my surname. Probably one of the regular shopkeepers around here. I’ve memorized his face. When I get back to the yamen, I’ll ask if any of the others recognize him.”

Qi Beinan nodded. “If he causes trouble or tries to interfere with you at the county office, report it under my name. Everyone here saw clearly what happened.”

Fang Youliang grinned. “Don’t worry. I’ve patrolled these streets long enough. This isn’t the first sort I’ve met. Most of them are just blowing smoke.”

After Fang Youliang left to continue his patrol, Xiao Yuanbao frowned and said to Qi Beinan, “We must never rent our shop to people like that. Look at his attitude.”

Qi Beinan also shook his head. “If his so-called young master is as overbearing as he is, then the two of them are birds of a feather—nothing good will come of it. And if that merchant is only throwing his master’s name around to bully others, that’s just as troublesome.”

During the twelfth lunar month, snow fell for four or five days straight.

The county town was blanketed in endless white. Each morning, the alleys echoed with the rustle and scrape of bamboo brooms sweeping snow.

Icicles hung in clear, glittering rows beneath the eaves, and every few steps one could see a snowman someone had built.

On the streets, the horses and donkeys pulling carts had cloth wrapped around their hooves—the roads were slick with ice and treacherous to walk on.

As the New Year approached, lanterns and festive decorations went up all around the county.

Red lanterns and paper window flowers shone brightly against the white snow, giving the town a scene of vivid warmth in the cold.

“Master, someone’s here.”

That morning, Qi Beinan and Xiao Yuanbao were having breakfast when Tienan came in to report.

Xiao Yuanbao still had a dumpling of fragrant pork and chive in his mouth.

“So early?”

“It’s already near the end of the chen hour. Not that early,” Qi Beinan said fondly. He picked up another steamed dumpling, dipped it lightly in vinegar, and set it in Xiao Yuanbao’s dish before turning to Tienan. “Go take our guest to the side hall to wait. Bring him some pastries and tea.”

“Yes, sir.”

Xiao Yuanbao scratched his cheek. The cold had been biting lately—the snow unrelenting for days.

He’d switched to a thicker, softer quilt, and even laid a cotton pad over the old straw mattress.

In the mornings, the bed was so warm it made him sweat, while outside the snow fell ceaselessly. Lying there, he could never bring himself to get up right away.

Though he always woke early, he would linger under the covers, wasting time.

Qi Beinan never called him from the study, simply letting him rest until he got up on his own. Only then would they eat together.

Because of this, their “morning” meals had lately become rather late.

“I’ll eat quickly and go see him,” Xiao Yuanbao said, stuffing another dumpling into his mouth.

“No rush,” Qi Beinan said. “You’ll choke. He’s already here in the house; he won’t freeze waiting a little.”

In recent days, Qi Beinan had called for Baishitong again to ask about the Qin family’s affairs. Hearing that all was well, he sent word through Tienan.

With the end of the year approaching, Qi Beinan was due to leave for the capital no later than the third month to take the metropolitan exam.

If Qin Jiang was coming to serve under him, he’d need to go along to the capital as well. It wouldn’t do to hire him at the last minute and set off right away—better to summon him early and get accustomed to one another.

He hadn’t expected the boy to arrive so early this morning.

After breakfast, they tidied up a little and went together to the side hall.

“Qin Jiang greets Master Qi, greets the young sir.”

The youth waiting inside sprang up the moment he saw the two enter, bowing quickly.

Xiao Yuanbao had heard Qi Beinan mention him before, but this was their first meeting.

When Qin Jiang’s father, the escort chief, had visited last time, Xiao Yuanbao hadn’t gone to the reception hall—he’d only caught a glimpse of the man as he left, never seeing the son.

The boy before them was tall, with thick brows and a straight nose, bearing a striking resemblance to the elder Qin.

Yet he still had the unrestrained air of youth—his eyes were bright and full of spirit.

He wore a close-fitting padded jacket despite the cold, a bundle slung over his back, and the energy about him made him seem as if he could never tire.

Just as Qi Beinan had said before—lively, quick, full of fire.

“Sit,” Qi Beinan said, gesturing toward the tea. Seeing how lightly dressed he was, he asked, “It’s still snowing outside—weren’t you cold on the way here?”

“Thank you for your concern, Master. I didn’t feel cold at all. This kind of weather’s nothing in town—when escorting goods on the road, that’s when it truly freezes,” Qin Jiang said cheerfully.

They’d waited at home for word from Qi Beinan for many days, and when none came, they’d nearly given up hope. Now, right before the New Year, they’d finally received the summons.

His uncle had helped him pack his bundle the night before and sent him off early to pay his respects.

Qi Beinan smiled. “You’re young and full of fire—that’s why the cold doesn’t reach you.”

“Is Escort Chief Qin spending the New Year here in the county?” he asked.

“My father took a job escorting goods outside the county. If all goes well and the roads are clear, he might make it home before the New Year. If the snow’s heavy and he’s delayed, it’ll have to be afterward.”

Qi Beinan said, “It’s a pity, at such a time for families to gather, that he’s still working away from home.”

Qin Jiang grinned. “The New Year’s always the busiest time, sir. That’s just how the escort trade is. My family’s long used to it.”

Xiao Yuanbao, charmed by his lively manner, asked, “How old are you?”

“Almost fourteen now, young sir.”

“Then you’re a year younger than our Tienan,” Xiao Yuanbao said, “but you look older.”

“I’ve been on the road with the escort company since I was small. Everyone says I look older than I am.”

Xiao Yuanbao laughed. “I heard from my brother you started traveling with the escorts when you were little. You must know a thing or two about horses?”

“There are plenty of horses in the escort yard. I help tend them—choose feed, brush and wash them. I know how to handle them all,” Qin Jiang said proudly. “I may not tell a fine horse from a poor one at a glance, but if I watch for a bit, I can tell them apart.”

Xiao Yuanbao brightened. “Excellent! In a few days, you’ll come with me to the livestock market and help pick out a good horse.”

Just then, they were interrupted—word came that several merchants had shown interest in renting the Liuyue Street shop, and the broker wanted to know which one they wished to lease it to.

The merchants who came to look at the shops included one who sold general goods, one in the food business, and two others dealing in grain and lanterns.

After comparing the rent offers and lease durations, Xiao Yuanbao chose the merchants selling general goods and lanterns.

The two shop spaces they owned were in good locations, and freshly renovated—bright and new-looking.

Anyone seriously seeking a storefront on Liuyue Street would likely be impressed, so the rent fetched a good price.

At two taels per month per shop, leased for two years upfront, the two spaces together brought in ninety-six taels of silver.

Yesterday, the broker delivered both the lease contracts and the payment, leaving Xiao Yuanbao suddenly quite flush with cash. Nearing year’s end and feeling generous, he found the money burning a hole in his pocket.

That very afternoon, he went to the carriage shop and placed an order for a fine carriage, spending ten taels. Now all that remained was to find a horse.

Hearing that Qin Jiang knew how to select and care for horses made him even more pleased.

After a long talk in the side hall, Qi Beinan had Tienan bring out the contract for Qin Jiang to sign and seal.

Since Qin Jiang was to accompany him, it wouldn’t do to rely on a mere verbal agreement. A written contract was required.

But the Qin family wasn’t in such hardship as to sell a son into servitude, so the document was a ten-year service lease.

When the term ended, they would decide what to do next.

Once the paperwork was done, Qi Beinan told Tienan to show Qin Jiang to his quarters and help him get familiar with the household.

The next morning, Xiao Yuanbao bundled himself in a thick jacket and set out with Qin Jiang to the northern livestock market to buy a horse.

Qi Beinan had intended to join them, already changed into his outer robe, when a messenger arrived from the Du Trading Company.

That year, the family had cultivated a large crop of mushrooms. Besides the fresh ones sold in season, they’d dried several dozen catties in the autumn.

Dried mushrooms could sell in the county, but Qi Beinan felt the local price too low. Such fine goods would fetch much better value elsewhere, so he brought them to show to the Du merchants.

He had worked with the Du Trading Company once before, and the deal had gone well—they were eager to continue business with him.

Though Qi Beinan hadn’t joined their latest trade expedition, they’d still sent him a crate of imported goods upon their return, a gesture he appreciated.

He considered the Du Company reliable and capable, and was willing to work with them again.

The company specialized in provisions and general goods. Dried mushrooms were lightweight, durable, and valuable—a rare, high-profit product. Naturally, the Du merchants were willing to buy them and resell them in the larger prefectural markets.

Thus, both sides arranged to discuss terms that morning. If the talks went well, a long-term partnership could follow.

Since business came first, Xiao Yuanbao didn’t press Qi Beinan to come along and instead went with Qin Jiang himself.

By the year’s end, the street markets were lively and crowded—everyone out buying New Year goods. Prices had risen across the board, yet people still spent freely.

Only the livestock market was quiet that winter.

In this cold season, grazing was scarce and horses and cattle were prone to sickness. It wasn’t yet spring plowing or autumn harvest, when such animals were in demand, so few common folk came to buy.

In front of the livestock stalls, a large brazier burned brightly, and the traders huddled around it for warmth.

Someone had pulled out dice and was gambling with coppers, laughter rising above the crackle of fire.

When Xiao Yuanbao and Qin Jiang entered, no one greeted them.

Qin Jiang called out in his lively tone, “Got customers here!”

A few traders lifted their chins lazily. “What’ll it be, little brothers?” one of them asked.

“Looking at horses,” Qin Jiang said. “Someone come show us around.”

The men went quiet, clearly unimpressed—two young faces in plain clothes didn’t look like serious buyers.

None of them wanted to leave their stools by the fire until finally a burly man with a thick beard barked, “Old Eight, go show them.”

A skinny man reluctantly stood up.

Leaving the warmth of the brazier, he hunched his shoulders and rubbed his hands together. “This way, gentlemen.”

Xiao Yuanbao looked around the livestock market curiously—it was his first time here.

Back home, the family’s old ox and donkey had been chosen by his father and Tian Ken; he’d never gone along.

Now, stepping inside, he was struck first by the stench.

Though the cold kept it from being as overpowering as in summer, the air was still thick with the smell of dung and straw. The traders, too lazy to clean, had let manure pile up until the animals trampled it flat. They only cleared it out when the dung collectors came to buy it, haggling to pay less by letting them shovel it themselves.

Xiao Yuanbao wrinkled his nose, grateful he’d thought to wear an old set of clothes—if the stench clung to good garments, it would have been a pity.

He asked casually, “Do you sell dung here too?”

“Sure do. A cart’s a hundred coppers.”

“That’s expensive!” Xiao Yuanbao said.

The trader chuckled. “Young sir, this is solid stuff—cow and horse dung, best for fertilizer. Come spring, the farmers scramble to buy it even at this price. It’s only in winter that folks around town get lazy, so the price drops a bit.”

Not long ago, Xiao Yuanbao had heard Tian Ken, who delivered vegetables and meat to town, mention that their estate now had more woodland and fields.

The soil at the foot of the hills needed heavy fertilizing to make it fertile, and the manure from their livestock and poultry wasn’t nearly enough.

He mused aloud, “If the price were a bit lower, I’d take a few cartloads.”

The horse trader laughed. “Young sir, are you here to buy manure or to buy a horse?”

Qin Jiang instantly took offense at the trader’s words. “Since we’re doing business here, my young master and I can buy whatever we please—whether it’s a horse or manure.”

“All right, all right!” the trader said quickly, seeing their mood shift. “If you buy one of our horses, I’ll throw in two cartloads of dung for free, fair enough?”

Xiao Yuanbao’s heart leapt with satisfaction, though he kept a calm face. “That depends,” he said mildly, “on how good your horses are.”

The horse trader casually asked what they planned to use the horse for.

Xiao Yuanbao told him—for carriage driving and occasional riding.

At that, the trader’s laziness vanished, replaced by sudden enthusiasm.

He cast a quick, assessing glance at the two youths. Both looked young, curious, inexperienced—his eyes flickered with calculation. Turning away, he brought out four horses—two chestnut, two black.

Xiao Yuanbao saw that they were strong-looking beasts, tall and well-built. He couldn’t tell much else, but size seemed a good sign. He looked at Qin Jiang. “What do you think?”

Qin Jiang circled the horses once, patted their sides, then leaned close to listen at their muzzles.

After a moment, he straightened, pursed his lips, and shook his head slightly before asking the trader, “How much for these?”

The trader rubbed his hands together, putting on an air of false generosity. “Business is slow in winter. I won’t overcharge you—thirty taels apiece, take them right now.”

He spoke with the expression of a man doing them a great favor. “Ordinary buyers wouldn’t even get to see such fine stock.”

“At such a price,” Qin Jiang barked, “you’d rob a man blind! These horses may look sturdy, but their eyes are dull, their breathing short—they’re sick!”

The trader’s smile stiffened. “You ignorant brat! What do you know about horses to talk nonsense like that? These are sound animals!”

Qin Jiang shot back, “Healthy horses go for just over twenty taels. You’re trying to cheat my young master with sick beasts for thirty! We won’t buy from swindlers like you. This stable cheats customers!”

Hearing this, Xiao Yuanbao’s face darkened. No wonder people said the livestock trade was the dirtiest business around. He’d been wary of it from the start—and thank goodness Qin Jiang knew his horses.

“What sort of place does business like this, without a shred of honesty? We’re leaving!”

The trader hadn’t expected the boy to be so sharp-eyed. His heart jolted, and when he heard Qin Jiang call them cheats, his face turned stormy.

He gave a discreet signal toward the yard.

The men by the fire stopped gambling, rose, and began moving toward them.

“Now, now,” the bearded man leading them said, striding over with four others behind him. “Little brothers, perhaps there’s been some misunderstanding. No need to get angry—my man just doesn’t talk well.”

But his eyes were hard, and his men fanned out beside him, arms crossed, blocking the way.

The air grew heavy. This was no apology—it was intimidation.

“Business deals don’t always work out,” Xiao Yuanbao said carefully. “We’re not unreasonable people.”

He glanced at Qin Jiang and murmured, “Let’s go.”

But the thin trader suddenly stepped sideways, blocking the door. “Go? You insulted our horses and think you can just walk away?”

“What—your stable doesn’t even let people leave now?” Qin Jiang said coldly, moving protectively in front of Xiao Yuanbao. “Do you even know who my young master is?”

“You’ve called our horses sick and damaged our name,” the bearded man said. “If word gets out, how will we do business? No matter who you are, reason must be served.”

“Reason?” Qin Jiang scoffed. “You call this reason? Trying to force a sale by threat?”

The bearded trader sneered. “If you came to buy, then buy. Take the horses and be done.”

“What fine manners!” Qin Jiang snapped. “So now you strong-arm buyers into paying? Shameless!”

He wasn’t one to back down. “Anyone who knows horses would call these beasts sick. We’re no fools to be cheated by you!”

As he spoke, he pushed aside the thin man who was blocking their way. He hadn’t even used much force, but the trader staggered and fell heavily to the ground with an exaggerated cry.

“Ah! Such violent customers!” he howled.

The bearded man’s face darkened. “You dare cause trouble in my place?” he roared. “Boys—teach him a lesson!”

His men rolled up their sleeves and advanced.

Xiao Yuanbao had never seen such a scene. Frightened, he stumbled back two steps but managed to steady himself. “If you dare lay a hand on us,” he shouted, voice trembling, “my brother is a juren—you’ll face a lawsuit you can’t afford!”

The traders glanced at his pale face and laughed harshly. “Ha! I doubt your brother’s a juren. My godfather’s the county registrar—let’s see whose title weighs more!”

Before Xiao Yuanbao could respond, one of the traders swung at Qin Jiang.

“You bastards!” Qin Jiang growled. “My father taught me not to fight recklessly—but today you’ve threatened my young master and insulted him. I’ll knock your teeth out for it!”

The horse traders lunged, fists flying.

The sounds of struggle and shouting filled the yard.

Xiao Yuanbao gasped in horror and turned to run for help—but the thugs had already slammed the gate shut, trapping them inside with clear intent to do harm.

Xiao Yuanbao was both terrified and shaken—never in his life had he encountered such brazen, violent men.

“Why’s this livestock market closed today?” someone outside grumbled. “Business so bad they shut up shop early for the New Year?”

It was Fang Youliang on patrol, a broadsword slung over his back, muttering complaints under his breath. Of all days, he’d drawn duty on the thirtieth of the twelfth month—bad luck indeed. No reunion dinner at home; he’d have to make do another day.

As he walked, one of the constables beside him spoke up. “Strange, isn’t it? This never happens any other year.”

“Yeah,” Fang said, frowning. “Looks like the door’s just pulled shut, not locked.”

He stepped forward, pressed his ear to the wood—and heard a thumping and crashing from inside.

Something wasn’t right. He straightened, raising his hand to knock, when suddenly a shout burst through the door.

“Where do you think you’re running, bastard—eat my boot!”

A dull thud! followed. The door burst open, and a man flew out, landing hard at Fang’s feet. Had Fang not leapt back, the fellow would have crashed straight into him.

Before he and the constable could react, another figure shot through the doorway, landing squarely on the first man’s back.

The poor wretch, already dazed from the kick, gave a strangled groan as the weight struck him again—he nearly spat blood.

Blinking through tears, he raised his head—and saw two uniformed officers standing before him. At once he burst into wailing.

“Officers! Save me! They’re killing me!”

He trembled so hard his hand could only clutch weakly at Fang’s pant leg, looking utterly pitiful.

Fang, stunned for a heartbeat, finally noticed the figure crouched atop the man’s back—it was a young boy.

The youth’s hair was tousled, his lip split and bleeding slightly, but his eyes burned sharp and fierce.

“Young man!” Fang barked. “Such insolence—get off him at once, before I—”

He broke off mid-sentence, for another figure suddenly darted out from inside. Thinking it a partner in crime, Fang moved to seize him—

“Brother Fang!”

The runner stopped short, calling in relief.

Fang froze in astonishment. “Yuanbao? What in heaven’s name are you doing here?”

Xiao Yuanbao’s eyes were red from fright. Seeing a familiar face, his pounding heart finally began to calm.

He hurried forward, voice trembling. “I came to buy a horse. The traders tried to sell me a sick one. When I refused, they attacked us!”

“What!” Fang’s expression hardened instantly. The scolding meant for the youth turned into praise. “Boy, well done! Good thing you handled these thugs before worse came of it!”

Xiao Yuanbao nodded vigorously, his head bobbing like a pecking chicken.

The horse dealers, afraid he’d escaped to fetch help, had barred the door earlier—and now it had backfired.

Fang could see what had happened: the boy had fought like a whirlwind.

Surrounded by five or six burly men, Qin Jiang had struck out with fists and kicks, dropping them one after another until the bullies were groaning on the floor.

One who’d tried to open the door and flee had taken a flying kick to the back and gone down hard.

…

By the time Qi Beinan arrived at the yamen with Fang Youliang, summoned by his urgent report, six bruised and battered men were squatting outside the guardhouse clutching their heads.

Each bore scrapes or bruises; some wept openly, painting a pitiful scene.

“Look at them,” barked a middle-aged man in a dark blue padded robe, pacing furiously. “Knocked out two front teeth! A fine young worker—who’ll marry him now, eh? Guards! Jail that little brute who caused this! Leaving such violent people loose, how can the county stay at peace?”

“Godfather,” one of the beaten traders whimpered, one eye swollen shut, “look what they’ve done! I only offered them a fair price. They wouldn’t pay, said the horse was sick—then that boy struck me! My bones are broken, my eye’s near blind! You must get justice for your son!”

“Rubbish!” Qin Jiang snapped, glaring. “You tried to force a sale and blocked our way. I only defended myself!”

“You’re shameless!” Xiao Yuanbao shouted, voice tight with anger. “If we hadn’t been able to fight back, who knows how much worse you’d have beaten us!”

The guardhouse clerks and constables exchanged uneasy looks. The livestock market’s bearded boss was the adopted son of the registrar, Qian the Sub-prefect, and none of them dared take sides.

The other pair—just a young master and his attendant—claimed they’d been attacked first.

Still, six grown men beaten by one boy? Few found that easy to believe.

So the case hung in stalemate, waiting for the sub-prefect to return and decide.

“Master Qian,” one clerk murmured, “why not hold them all in the cells until the sub-prefect comes back to judge?”

“What, you think I can’t handle a little matter like this myself?” Qian snarled. “Are you lot trying to make trouble for your own superiors?”

“N-no, sir, we only—”

“What’s all this commotion? Why’s Master Qian so angry?”

The calm, cold voice cut through the noise. At once the room fell silent, all eyes turning toward the doorway—where Qi Beinan stood, having just entered.

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