Ch 81: Reborn to Raise My Husband

Qi Beinan, you—what brings you here?”

Clerk Qian’s expression shifted the instant he saw him. Something told him this visit would not go well.

Qi Beinan didn’t spare him a glance. He strode straight past and stopped in front of Xiao Yuanbao, pulling him closer to check him from head to toe.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

Although Fang Youliang had already given him a brief account on the way and said Xiao Yuanbao was unharmed, the thought of such a thing happening—of someone daring to trap and assault his people in the county—still filled him with urgency and fury.

Since driving that wicked Madam Qin out of the Xiao household, Xiao Yuanbao had never suffered such humiliation under his care.

Now, seeing him safe brought a measure of relief, but the anger only burned hotter.

“I’m fine,” Xiao Yuanbao said softly. He could see the furrow in Qi Beinan’s brow, the sheen of sweat on his forehead, as though the man had rushed the entire way.

Though the fright had left his heart pounding, he hadn’t suffered a single scratch. He didn’t want Qi Beinan worrying further, so he murmured gently, “Really, I’m all right. Poor Qin Jiang’s the one who took the blows.”

Qi Beinan’s gaze lingered on him, confirming that he was indeed unhurt. His worry began to ease—but his rage did not.

The sight of the six men crouched nearby only fanned it. Broad-shouldered, thick-bearded, rough-faced—they were clearly used to throwing their weight around. To think six grown men had locked their shop, trapped two young boys, and dared to strike them—despicable.

If not for Qin Jiang’s martial skill, it could have gone far worse.

Clerk Qian, realizing Qi Beinan had indeed come to demand justice, felt a chill settle in his chest. He cursed the constables inwardly for not warning him first that the boy and youth were Qi Beinan’s household members.

Now that he had walked straight into it, there was no graceful way out.

He bent slightly and forced a smile. “Fortunately the young master wasn’t hurt, or I truly wouldn’t know how to answer for this. When I heard such a commotion in town, I came at once to scold these hotheaded fools myself.”

“Not hurt?”

Qi Beinan’s tone cut cold. He saw through the man’s attempt to downplay the matter.

He turned, lifted Qin Jiang’s chin, showing the bruised jaw and purpling cheek to the clerk. “This,” he said icily, “is what you call ‘not hurt’?”

Clerk Qian opened his mouth to argue. “Between men—”

Qi Beinan didn’t let him finish. “The County Magistrate is known for diligence and strict governance. Yet in broad daylight, such thugs run loose?”

His voice rang sharp and commanding. “If today they dare assault the household of a provincial scholar, tomorrow they’ll dare lay hands on an official! When the gentry themselves are no longer respected, what of the common folk—are they to be beaten at will?”

He narrowed his eyes, fixing Clerk Qian with a cold stare. “Surely such audacity must come from their own arrogance—not from protection behind them. For if someone is backing them, using rank to shield bullies, I trust the County Magistrate will see their patron punished as well. Don’t you think so, Clerk Qian?”

The man’s heart dropped. He had met Qi Beinan before and always thought him a gentle, modest scholar—refined, polite, easy to talk to.

Only now did he realize how wrong he’d been.

Facing that steady, unyielding gaze, he dared not speak in defense. “Yes, Scholar Qi is quite right,” he said quickly.

The bearded horse dealer, seeing his “godfather” Qian yield so easily, grew desperate.

“It was that boy—he said our good horses were sick, then struck first! Look, he—”

Before he could finish, Clerk Qian slapped him hard across the face.

“Still not repentant, and now you slander Scholar Qi!” he roared. “A learned man, most courteous and measured—and his attendants never cause trouble. And that young lad—how could one youth possibly fight six grown men unless provoked?”

The horse dealer reeled from the blow, too stunned to answer.

He dared not call Qian “godfather” again. He just clutched his cheek and moaned, “I’ve been wronged, I’m wronged…”

Inside, he cursed his luck. Translated on Hololo novels. Had he known these boys were connected to a provincial scholar, he’d never have picked this fight. Now he’d been beaten, hauled before the magistrate, and even his backer was bowing low. There would be no compensation—only losses.

Clerk Qian tried again, carefully. “The young master and your people have suffered a fright. How about we let these men pay generous restitution for the medical expenses and offer a formal apology? Would that satisfy you, Scholar Qi?”

“A private settlement?”

Qi Beinan gave a sharp, humorless laugh.

“Even if it weren’t about pride—even for the county’s peace—this cannot be hushed up.”

Clerk Qian hadn’t expected him to be so unyielding, so fierce in temper.

“Scholar Qi,” he said, lowering his voice, “might we speak in private?”

“I’ve done nothing wrong,” said Qi Beinan calmly. “If Clerk Qian has something to say, he may as well speak plainly.”

Seeing Qi Beinan unmoved, Clerk Qian signaled subtly. The others in the hall caught on and backed away, leaving the two some space.

He lowered his voice. “This was truly a case of the Dragon King Temple flooding itself—kin fighting kin. Had we known, no one would’ve dared lay a hand on your people. It would do no one good for this matter to blow up. Let those foolish men pay one hundred taels of silver and a fine horse to the young master as medical compensation—would that satisfy you, Scholar Qi?”

Qi Beinan’s eyes grew cold. “Does Clerk Qian think I’m the sort of man to covet compensation money?”

“Of course not,” the clerk said hastily. “You are upright and refined. It was their fault, and they will sincerely apologize.”

He continued, speaking with the tone of one advising reason. “But think of it another way—I’m only doing this for your own good.”

“Oh?” Qi Beinan said evenly. “And in what way, exactly?”

“Your young master is at a delicate age,” Clerk Qian said, choosing his words. “I don’t know if he’s betrothed or not, but whether he is or isn’t—if word of this incident spreads, tongues will wag. People are cruel with gossip. Though those ruffians were at fault, for the sake of the young master’s reputation, it would be better to let this go quietly.”

Qi Beinan said nothing, only looked at him. His expression was calm, but his gaze—dark, steady—made the clerk’s heart lurch.

Qian felt a chill crawl up his spine. He swallowed, forcing himself to stay composed.

Then Qi Beinan laughed, a short, mirthless sound. Leaning close, his voice dropped to a whisper.

“I hadn’t even thought of that,” he said. “But since you mentioned it, you’ve reminded me—there’s one more charge I’d overlooked.”

Clerk Qian blinked, uncertain.

Qi Beinan’s tone turned to ice. “You should be grateful those men didn’t lay any improper hands on my betrothed. If they had, prison would have been far too merciful. I’d see them dismembered at the marketplace by noon.”

With that, he took Xiao Yuanbao by the hand, called for Qin Jiang, and said curtly over his shoulder, “Wait for my petition.”

Then he left.

“Godfather! Godfather, you must save me!”

The bearded horse dealer panicked the moment he realized Qi Beinan had left with anger unappeased. Seeing no settlement had been reached, he crawled to clutch at Clerk Qian’s leg.

But the clerk still heard Qi Beinan’s cold words echoing in his ears. Sweat trickled down his back as the young man’s figure disappeared from sight.

His heart pounded like a drum. He had thought Qi Beinan merely a polite scholar of twenty—yet now he understood the calm surface hid a blade’s edge.

He had well and truly offended him, and the thought made his gut twist with dread.

When the horse trader grabbed him again, pleading, Qian snapped. “Who told you to be arrogant! You’ll face your punishment in court!”

He kicked the man aside and stormed off, hands clasped behind his back, mind already racing over how to explain this to the County Magistrate before word reached him through another mouth.

---

“…When they bolted the door, my heart almost stopped,” Xiao Yuanbao said animatedly later that evening at home, recounting the ordeal. “I was wondering where I could even run—and just then, Qin Jiang flew forward and kicked that bearded man right in the jaw. I swear I heard a crack.”

Even retelling it made him shudder and grin at once. “I could feel it from across the room. The guard tried to rush in but was scared out of his wits, shaking his head like a rattle drum. Then he tried to flee and got kicked halfway across the yard for his trouble.”

“I heard Fang Da’s voice outside,” he went on, gripping Qi Beinan’s hand. “I ran out, and he looked like he’d just seen a ghost—Qin Jiang was still landing on one of the dealers he’d knocked over. Brother, can you believe it? Qin Jiang’s still so young, but he’s incredible!”

Qi Beinan didn’t respond. He only listened quietly, his gaze distant.

Xiao Yuanbao noticed the silence, turned to ask what was wrong—but before a word left his mouth, Qi Beinan suddenly pulled him into his arms.

Startled, Xiao Yuanbao froze.

Qi Beinan’s arms wrapped tight, firm enough that not even air could pass between them. His chin came to rest on Xiao Yuanbao’s shoulder.

The brazier glowed warmly in the room, and the faint scent of bath herbs on Qi Beinan’s skin rose with the heat—familiar, comforting.

Beneath that warmth, Xiao Yuanbao’s voice softened. “I told you, I’m really fine.”

“I can tell,” Qi Beinan murmured against his ear. “You wouldn’t be talking so much otherwise.”

Still, he held him tighter, fear and longing both twisting in his chest. “If something had happened to you,” he whispered, “I think I would have gone mad.”

Xiao Yuanbao knew how deeply he worried. He reached up to stroke Qi Beinan’s back gently. “We can’t foresee danger. Neither of us went looking for trouble—it just found us. No one’s to blame.”

He spoke softly, reasoning. “Next time I’ll be more careful. Nothing like today will happen again.”

“Good.”

Qi Beinan nodded, then said, “I used to think too many people around the house were troublesome. I see now we need a few strong guards here. When I’m away for the exams, I won’t be at ease otherwise.”

“All right,” Xiao Yuanbao agreed readily. “Whatever you say.”

He smiled faintly. “It does feel safer with someone capable nearby. After today, I truly understand the value of it.”

They spoke for a while longer. Seeing Qi Beinan’s mood settle, Xiao Yuanbao tried to slip from his embrace—after all, they’d been holding each other quite some time, and he was beginning to feel shy.

But Qi Beinan refused to let go. His arms only tightened again, his warmth pressing close, as if by holding him he could finally quiet the echo of fear in his chest.

Now that his temper had cooled, Qi Beinan simply wanted to hold Xiao Yuanbao.

Xiao Yuanbao looked slender and delicate, but his body was soft and well-rounded. Years of good care had given him gentle curves; his small frame made the fullness only add to his graceful build.

He was beautiful to look at and comfortable to hold—warm, soft, and faintly fragrant. Qi Beinan had no wish to let go; the fact that he resisted the urge to kiss or nibble was restraint enough.

“I–I can’t breathe,” Xiao Yuanbao whispered, his face flushed.

Qi Beinan loosened his arms a little, though not enough to let him go.

So Xiao Yuanbao stayed where he was, feigning composure and polite resistance, though inside he was quietly delighted.

“What does Brother plan to do with the people from the livestock market?” he asked.

“The imperial law forbids taking justice by force,” Qi Beinan replied. “Otherwise, I’d teach them a proper lesson myself. Pain teaches memory, and it’d do my anger good.”

He added, “Since I can’t touch them, I’ll make sure they don’t go unpunished. A taste of prison labor will remind them well enough.”

Xiao Yuanbao hesitated. “Those men are old acquaintances of Clerk Qian. He pleaded several times for leniency today. If we don’t let it go, won’t that offend him?”

“I’m not afraid of offending a petty clerk,” Qi Beinan said flatly. “People call him ‘Master Qian,’ but he’s just a lowly hire in the county yamen. Whether he’s shown respect or not depends entirely on the magistrate’s mood.”

In his heart, Qi Beinan thought—if Qian hadn’t tried to use Xiao Yuanbao’s reputation to force a private settlement, he might have overlooked it. But since the man dared such conduct, courtesy was no longer owed.

Xiao Yuanbao nodded. He trusted Qi Beinan completely with such matters and felt at ease.

After the long morning’s commotion, the shock had worn him out. The warmth of the room and the safety of Qi Beinan’s arms made him drowsy. Before he realized it, he’d drifted off to sleep.

Qi Beinan listened to his breathing even out, saw his peaceful face, and quietly exhaled.

He carefully carried him to bed, removed his shoes and socks, and tucked him in. The sheets were cool from disuse, so he lay beside him in his clothes until the bedding warmed, then covered him properly.

He didn’t leave the room, choosing instead to set out ink and paper at the small desk. Frowning slightly, he began to write the legal petition.

“Master, someone from the Qin household has arrived,” Tie Nan announced softly at the door.

Qi Beinan paused, set down the brush, and said, “Have them wait in the side hall.”

After a brief tidy-up, he went to the guest room.

“Master, is the young master all right?” Qin Jiang jumped up when he saw him enter.

“Sit,” said Qi Beinan. “He’s fine—just a little tired and resting.”

He turned to the physician who had come to check the boy’s injuries. “Are they serious?”

“Merely superficial wounds,” said the doctor. “Young people heal fast. Apply the ointment, and he’ll be well in a few days.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”

After sending the man off, Qi Beinan noticed the bruise at the corner of Qin Jiang’s mouth had darkened; hidden injuries were beginning to show. Fortunately, none were grave.

The boy’s spirit was still bright; he clearly hadn’t been beaten into despair.

“Master, it was my fault today,” Qin Jiang said guiltily. “I let the young master be frightened. I just joined the household and already failed—it must make me seem useless.”

Qi Beinan sat beside him, dipped his fingers into the medicine, rubbed it warm between his palms, and gently applied it to the bruises.

“You did very well,” he said. “Five or six grown men—an ordinary person would’ve been beaten senseless. It’s thanks to your skill they were the ones who suffered instead.”

Then his tone softened into instruction. “But you’re still young—bold and straightforward. It’s good to be brave, but not reckless.”

“You saw the dealer try to sell a sick horse—that was sharp of you. But when you confronted him and called it out so bluntly, of course it stirred conflict. Yes, the fault was theirs, but if your candor had led to greater harm, would it have been worth it?”

“Next time, temper yourself. Be tactful. Don’t clash with them directly. Come back and tell me—I’ll see to it myself. There’s no need for you and the young master to face danger head-on.”

“Those men today were no match for you, so you walked away with a few bruises. But one day, if you meet harder foes and lose an arm or an eye—how would I ever explain that to your father?”

Qin Jiang listened, deeply moved. Guilt and respect welled in his heart.

He wasn’t a troublemaker, but his quick fists often outran his judgment. Even Escort Chief Qin found him hard to discipline at home.

Usually, when he caused trouble, his father’s stick handled it, and his little uncle would hold him after, scolding his father for being too harsh.

Few had ever taken the time to tell Qin Jiang why something he did was wrong—what exactly the mistake was and how to correct it.

Hearing Qi Beinan speak now, not as a master scolding a servant but like an elder brother patiently guiding him, filled his heart with a strange, wordless warmth.

“Master,” he said quietly, “I remember everything you’ve said. I won’t act so recklessly again.”

Qi Beinan saw the sincerity in his eyes and was comforted. “I’m taking the trouble to talk this much for two reasons. First, because I admire your skill. I’d hate for your straight temper to make that skill your downfall. Second, because you’re still young—this is the age when mistakes are easiest to correct. Learn from this, and you’ll have a fine future ahead.”

He smiled faintly. “Boys your age respond better to praise than punishment. Truth be told, all men do. I’ve learned that a few right words often do more than a heavy stick.”

Then he rose. “Tie Nan said someone from your household is here—likely your father, hearing what happened. Come, let’s go to the side hall.”

When they entered, the visitor was indeed Escort Chief Qin.

“Father! You’ve come back?”

“You little rascal,” Qin Piaotou barked. “I’ve only just returned to the county, hadn’t even had a sip of water before hearing you’d caused trouble again!”

He had been waiting in the side hall for some time, restless and uneasy. He wasn’t worried his son had been beaten badly—he knew Qin Jiang’s strength well—but he feared the opposite: that his boy had gone too far and crippled someone.

He had just sent the lad to Qi’s household the day before, and now there was already an incident. If it led to a lawsuit, why would the Qi family bother defending a servant so newly taken in?

For ordinary folk like them, one lawsuit could ruin a lifetime.

Now seeing his son’s bruised, mottled face, Qin Piaotou nearly kicked him on the spot.

Qi Beinan, noticing the travel dust on the man’s clothes, saw he truly had just returned. “Escort Chief Qin, don’t be angry. The matter wasn’t his fault.”

At that, Qin Piaotou stayed his foot. Qin Jiang instinctively slipped behind Qi Beinan, looking every bit the obedient retainer.

“Master, I’m deeply ashamed,” said Escort Chief Qin. “He’s been here only two days and already stirred up trouble. I’ll take him back for a proper beating.”

Qi Beinan sat down, calm as ever. “I’ve already spoken with him. You’ve just come home, tired from the road—no need to add to your worries. In truth, his merit outweighs his fault. He did well.”

The escort chief relaxed a little. “Thank you for your generosity, Master. But… what will happen about the others?”

“I’ll submit the petition to the magistrate,” said Qi Beinan. “No one in the Qi household will ever be bullied without answer.”

Hearing this, Qin Piaotou finally let out a breath.

He had come in such haste because Qin Jiang had been involved in trouble so soon after entering service, and with little connection to his new master, he feared the boy might be made the scapegoat.

After all, the horse dealers had ties to Clerk Qian. For commoners like them, a case against officials or their friends was nearly impossible to win.

Now that Qi Beinan himself intended to press charges, the escort chief was reassured. He spoke privately with his son for a long while before heading home.

---

Later, in another corner of the county office, the Magistrate was sitting beneath a pavilion in his garden, painting a snow scene with a wolf-hair brush.

A kettle of tea simmered beside him, sending up thin white steam; on a wire rack above the brazier, a few chestnuts and tangerines roasted slowly.

“Sit and drink,” he said mildly. “Why are you standing there?”

Clerk Qian bent at the waist, hands respectfully folded. “I’ll just wait on you, my lord. I’m not thirsty.”

The magistrate looked at the man, thinking that after all these years of working together, the old clerk had been a dependable assistant. With his own promotion drawing near, he was inclined to grant a favor or two.

“All right,” the magistrate said. “You’ve served well. I won’t stand by and let you suffer for it. I’ll handle the matter as I see fit.”

“Thank you, my lord—thank you!”

Relief swept through Clerk Qian. “You honor me beyond measure. When the year ends, I’ll send two fine horses to serve you on your new posting. Even though the court provides transport, a few good mounts will make the journey easier.”

The magistrate smiled faintly. “Trust you to think of every detail.”

---

Two days later, Zhao Guangzong arrived in haste at the Qi residence.

Inside, he found Qi Beinan and Xiao Yuanbao calmly playing pitch-pot by the brazier. “The whole county’s in an uproar, and here you two sit playing games?”

“The yamen is interrogating those horse dealers today, and you’re not even going to take a look?”

Xiao Yuanbao hurried to call for tea for him, then said with mild reproach, “I wanted to go see too, but Brother wouldn’t let me.”

Qi Beinan, holding an arrow shaft between his fingers, said lazily, “A provincial scholar has no business loitering around the court. Going there myself would only make me look guilty—like a thief returning to the scene.”

“All the necessary documents have been submitted,” Qi Beinan said calmly. “The petition, the physician’s report for Qin Jiang’s injuries, the prescriptions, and the receipts for the calming medicine and tonics Xiao Bao used after the fright—all properly filed. The magistrate will deliver his verdict in due time. I’ve no need to trouble myself further.”

Zhao Guangzong leaned closer and lowered his voice. “I heard those horse dealers were under Clerk Qian’s protection. He’s served beside the magistrate for years—there’s likely some connection.”

“There is,” Qi Beinan replied evenly. “But no connection outweighs an official’s ambition when promotion is near.”

Zhao didn’t quite understand, but seeing Qi Beinan unperturbed, he kept quiet and waited.

By noon, news from the county office finally arrived.

Tie Nan came running in, beaming. “The horse dealers each received twenty strokes of the rod and three years of hard labor. The Honglong Livestock Market has been shut down. They’ll also pay compensation for the household’s medical expenses.”

Zhao shot to his feet, tea still in hand. “So harsh a sentence!” Then he grinned at Qi Beinan.

Tie Nan continued, “Seems Honglong Market’s been crooked for some time. When the verdict was read, the townsfolk outside the court cheered and clapped.”

Xiao Yuanbao, who’d been confined at home fretting over the case, finally relaxed when he heard. “What about Clerk Qian?” he asked. “Didn’t he beg for his godson?”

“They hired a legal advocate to defend them,” Tie Nan said, “so Clerk Qian had to recuse himself. He couldn’t very well plead for his own men in open court. Besides, every witness present that day was involved—they couldn’t testify. But Qin Jiang was injured on their property, and when the constables arrived, they found the livestock yard locked. Those facts were beyond dispute. Their lawyer had nothing to argue and couldn’t refute Master Qi’s petition.”

Xiao Yuanbao’s heart lifted. Those ruffians had long bullied others, hiding behind powerful backers. Now, at last, justice had caught up to them—and not lightly.

Zhao looked at Qi Beinan. “What exactly did you write in that petition to make the magistrate punish them so severely?”

“I merely wrote the truth,” said Qi Beinan. “In character—they were bullies who preyed on the weak. In trade—they coerced and cheated. In social order—they banded together to provoke unrest and showed no respect toward the gentry.”

He added, “The province has been tense ever since the attack on the exam candidates during the autumn trials. The culprits haven’t been caught, and local officials are on edge. I emphasized their ‘disrespect toward scholars and officials’—it was enough to make an example of them.”

Bullish horse dealers were exactly the sort of men who caused uprisings. With Clerk Qian backing them, the magistrate likely saw them as arrogant underlings emboldened by protection, not realizing deeper implications. Still, when Qi Beinan briefly referenced the recent exam attack, the magistrate would have understood the warning.

No county official nearing reassignment wanted even a whisper of negligence tied to his name. A mishandled disturbance could cost him not just promotion but his position.

And so, even with Clerk Qian pleading sentiment, the magistrate would not risk his career for it.

Zhao whistled softly. “No wonder he came down so hard.”

Qi Beinan said, “Had I only written of their forced trading and assault, Clerk Qian’s mediation might have softened the sentence. The magistrate, out of fairness, would’ve fined and reprimanded them, maybe issued a public warning—but the den would’ve stayed open.”

Zhao nodded. “True enough. Without the shutdown, they’d think they could keep getting away with it.”

Qi Beinan smiled faintly, squeezing Xiao Yuanbao’s hand. “Satisfied now?”

Xiao Yuanbao nodded, eyes bright with relief.

Those thugs had haunted his dreams for days; this news finally cleared the last of his fear.

Meanwhile, Clerk Qian’s situation took a sharp turn.

Just the day before, he had sent the magistrate two fine horses worth a hundred taels as a year-end gift. The very next day, Honglong Market received the harsh sentence—not only were the men condemned to hard labor, the business itself was sealed shut.

He wasn’t worried only for his godson; he’d profited handsomely through that same market. Now, seeing both his men punished and the property confiscated, panic rose in his chest. He tried to seek out the magistrate but couldn’t even gain an audience.

When he arrived at the office, the two horses he’d gifted were being led back out to him. His stomach dropped.

“Clerk Qian,” said Manager Huang mildly, “the roads are icy and you’re not young. The magistrate’s worried for your health. Go home for the New Year—no need to come by so often.”

“Manager Huang,” Qian said urgently, slipping a heavy purse into the man’s sleeve, “please, help me understand! The magistrate won’t see me, and my heart’s on fire. How can I go home and celebrate?”

Huang accepted the bribe with a practiced ease and sighed. “Since we’ve known each other long, I’ll tell you this much. Back in autumn, a provincial scholar was attacked on his way to the exams—the culprits still haven’t been caught. Every official’s on edge. Your godson’s a brute who offended Qi Juren himself—what nerve! Qi Juren is this year’s top provincial candidate. Having suffered trouble on the exam road and now insulted again in our county, of course he’ll take it personally.”

Clerk Qian blanched, a cold sweat breaking down his spine. “Those fools may be crude, but surely they didn’t commit a crime worth execution!”

“The magistrate knows you’re an honest man,” Huang said. “But given the political climate, he has to be cautious. You must understand.”

Clerk Qian left trembling—half terrified, half remorseful.

No wonder the punishment had been so severe, and no wonder the magistrate now refused to see him. Because of those idiotic horse dealers, suspicion had fallen on him as well.

He cursed himself bitterly. How had he ever thought to cross a man like Qi Beinan?

He should have known better. For one so young, from a humble farming family, to rise so far—he had to possess uncommon ability.

But regret came too late. The lesson had already cost him dearly.

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