Ch 82: Reborn to Raise My Husband

When Zhao Guangzong left Qi Beinan’s residence, the hour was already late.

He walked slowly through the alley, where a thin layer of new snow had just fallen, reflecting the faint glow of lanterns ahead. His thoughts drifted as he went. Life, he mused, was never smooth for anyone.

Even someone as steady and prudent as Qi Beinan could still find himself caught in sudden troubles. Yet if one possessed Qi Beinan’s composure and ability, even misfortune held little to fear.

In dealing with people and the world, Zhao felt he was still like a child—he would do well to observe more and learn from Qi Beinan’s example.

Seeing the lighted lanterns down the street, he decided the night was not too far gone. He would stop by home, then read a while in his study before bed.

“Out so late in this cold? Where’ve you been?”

When Zhao reached his home, he was surprised to find his father and mother had come into town. Joy warmed his face at the sight of them.

“There was a lawsuit at A’nan’s house,” he said, meaning Qi Beinan. “I went to see how things turned out.”

Village Head Zhao nodded knowingly. The two boys had been close since childhood, and their friendship had only deepened through years of study together. Both families were pleased with the bond.

Their visits between town and village had grown frequent, and Zhao’s father often dealt with Steward Xiao as well.

He asked about the case and, hearing that all had ended well, sighed with relief. “That boy’s a capable one—he’s always made people feel at ease.”

Zhao Guangzong agreed, then asked, “But what brings you both here in this weather, so late?”

At that, his father smiled broadly. “Your mother and I brought some things. Come see if they please you.”

Curious, Zhao looked out and saw that they had come by ox cart, with a large hemp sack loaded in the back.

Inside were winter-cured delicacies—ducks and hens stretched open with bamboo sticks, long strips of dried fish, and thick cuts of glossy pork belly.

When he opened the sack, a rich fragrance rose—pinewood smoke and fruit peel mingled with the savory scent of cured meat.

“These are wonderful,” Zhao said, delighted. “I’ll take some to A’nan—they’ll think it’s delicious too.”

His mother, Madam Zhang, laughed. “Fragrant, isn’t it? We smoked them with pine branches and orange peel—freshly made this winter month. The chickens and ducks were just right—not too fat, not too lean. You can steam them and eat them right away.”

Village Head Zhao said, “Before you bring any to the Qi household, pack some neatly in a box. Line the bottom with a clean cloth and send them to Master Yang’s family—let your future father-in-law taste our country cooking.”

Madam Zhang quickly added, “I also got some dried mushrooms from the Xiao family. Seal them in the box too and send it as a New Year gift to Master Yang. Those mushrooms are rare in town—he’s sure to appreciate them.”

At that, Zhao Guangzong felt a pang of unease.

“Just last month we sent a whole cart of smokeless coal,” he said quietly. “Then two bolts of silk, and this month three more deliveries. Now this again—it’s starting to feel excessive.”

His father’s neck stiffened. “You foolish boy. The Yangs may have shown interest, but there’s been no formal proposal or betrothal. Nothing’s settled yet.”

“This is still a test—for you, and for our family. Courtesy never offends. The Yangs stand above us in rank; all the more reason for us to show diligence and respect. It’ll help put the Education Commissioner’s mind at ease.”

His mother nodded. “He’s right. Who goes through the New Year without exchanging gifts?”

Zhao Guangzong said nothing, his chest heavy with mixed feelings.

…

At the Yang residence.

“More gifts from them again?”

Late in the morning, Yang Xu was sitting at his dressing table when a cheerful servant came running in. “Young Master Zhao has brought another box.”

“He’s in the main hall speaking with the master now,” the servant added.

“Should I go greet him, young master?” the boy asked.

Yang Xu replied coolly, “The engagement hasn’t been settled—what would I be doing chasing after him?”

He still remembered the embarrassment of his bold visit to Qi Beinan before; it had been quite the scene. Translated on Hololo novels. Thankfully, Qi Beinan was a discreet man and hadn’t spread the story.

Who knew what kind of temperament Zhao Guangzong had? Best not to make him think the marriage was already certain.

By the time Yang Xu finished tidying himself, Zhao had already left.

He went to his father’s study. “What did they bring this time?”

Yang Xuezheng said, “Some home-cured meats—chicken, fish, duck, that sort of thing.”

Yang Xu sniffed lightly. “Smells rather nice.”

Though the Yang family held office, they weren’t particularly wealthy or business-minded. Much of their funds had gone toward securing official connections for Yang Dalang, leaving the household a bit strained.

Such gifts—simple cured meats—were hardly beneath them.

“These dried mushrooms are rare,” Yang Xuezheng said. “Pack them up neatly; they’ll make a good gift when we pay our respects elsewhere.”

Yang Xu lifted a handful, inhaled their earthy scent, and said, “For a farming family, the Zhaos seem quite well-off. They’ve sent so many things these past two months.”

A whole cart of smokeless coal at the start of winter—worth a good sum. Then two bolts of fine crescent-moon silk. And now, though these were ordinary goods, the sheer number of deliveries added up to something significant.

Yang Xuezheng showed no sign of pleasure at receiving the gifts. He said to Yang Xu, “Their home isn’t very large. If you do marry him, he’ll need to buy a new house—something fit for a couple.”

Yang Xu replied, “If he becomes an official, he surely won’t be stationed in Ling County. If I marry him, I’ll have to go wherever he’s assigned. A house here would just sit empty. As long as there’s a place to stay when we visit, that’s enough.”

“You’re already speaking in his favor,” said his father with mild irritation. “A few gifts and you’re swayed so easily.”

Yang Xuezheng shook his head. “All the gifts in the world can’t compare to a good examination rank. Instead of currying favor with trinkets, he’d do better to spend his energy writing a few more essays.”

He was still dissatisfied that Zhao Guangzong had barely scraped onto the provincial examination list. Such a ranking smacked of luck; there was little chance he’d achieve anything notable in the upcoming metropolitan exam.

Though Yang Xuezheng didn’t expect him to win the title of jinshi, he still hoped Zhao could at least earn a respectable score—it would make it easier to secure a post through patronage later.

Yang Xu didn’t argue further. If he did, his father would only go on criticizing Zhao’s every flaw, which always left him feeling bitter and trapped.

Inwardly, he wondered, If Zhao Guangzong is truly so unimpressive, why must I be the one to marry him at all? The thought stirred quiet resentment. Better not to marry than to marry unwillingly.

---

By the first lunar month, banquets filled every household.

Xiao Yuanbao hadn’t even managed a trip back to his village yet—the city feasts alone kept him eating day after day.

One morning, while dressing, he pinched his own stomach and frowned. “I swear it’s getting rounder again.”

All winter he had been wrapped in thick clothes; any extra softness hid easily beneath the layers. But at night, when he changed into lighter garments, the truth was clear—his figure had grown noticeably fuller.

He fretted quietly. I’m not even married yet. If I get too round, won’t I look terrible in my wedding robes?

“You’re still growing,” Qi Beinan said from across the table, watching him cover his bowl to block another serving. “You’re not fat. A bit of flesh in winter keeps the cold away.”

Xiao Yuanbao refused the braised pork—one of Madam Liu’s best dishes.

“Spring will come soon,” he said. “When I shed these winter clothes, I’ll still have the weight. What then?”

Seeing his gentle coaxing fail, Qi Beinan sighed and popped the piece of pork into his own mouth. “Then let me get fat instead. I don’t mind. Either way, fat or not, I’m still yours. Why starve yourself over appearances?”

Xiao Yuanbao’s face flushed. “If you eat it, I won’t either.”

“What a heartless boy,” Qi Beinan said with mock injury.

Just then, Tie Nan came hurrying in. “Zhao Guangzong is here.”

“Perfect timing,” Qi Beinan said. “Has he eaten? Tell him to join us.”

“I asked,” Tie Nan replied. “He says he’ll wait in the side hall—looks like he has something urgent.”

Qi Beinan’s brows drew together slightly. He set down his chopsticks. “Keep eating,” he told Xiao Yuanbao. “I’ll go see what’s wrong.”

But Xiao Yuanbao also put down his bowl. “I’ll come too.”

Qi Beinan didn’t object. They went together.

---

“I’m disturbing your meal,” Zhao said the moment they entered the side hall. He looked pale and restless, like a man clutching at his last bit of composure. Seeing Qi Beinan felt like finding an anchor in a storm.

“It’s all right,” Qi Beinan said. “Calm yourself. What happened?”

Zhao took a breath. “Since passing the provincial exam, merchants and farmers have been calling at my home one after another, hoping to be taken under my name. Last month, I accepted a merchant surnamed Dou as a retainer. The smokeless coal I sent you—it came from his trade.”

Qi Beinan nodded. He remembered the gift; Xiao Yuanbao had even joked that Zhao must have struck gold to afford such fine coal. At the time, Qi Beinan had simply assumed the Zhao family had found new business connections and hadn’t asked further.

“Has something happened with this merchant?” he asked.

Zhao’s tone grew anxious. “The county office just received a lawsuit. Someone’s accused Dou of monopolizing trade and using violence to settle a dispute—he even broke another man’s leg.”

“Worse,” Zhao continued, “Dou hasn’t apologized or paid compensation. He’s been boasting that he has powerful backing and fears no court.”

Qi Beinan immediately understood. “So he’s been using your name to act with impunity. And now the victims have filed charges against both him and you?”

Zhao nodded quickly. “Exactly. The county notified me this morning, asking if I personally know the man.”

Qi Beinan frowned. “When you accepted him, was there a written contract?”

“There was,” Zhao said grimly. “That’s what makes it worse. If it had only been a verbal promise, I could deny it—but with a signed contract, there’s no escaping the connection.”

Qi Beinan’s face darkened. That meant the merchant truly belonged to Zhao’s household in legal standing.

Zhao’s voice shook with frustration. “No one in our family has ever been dragged into a lawsuit before, and now it’s over an outsider! I don’t even know what to do!”

“It’s my own fault,” Zhao Guangzong said bitterly. “When I first passed the provincial exam, you warned me not to be swayed by merchants offering gifts. You said that while it might seem profitable at first, there’s no such thing as a free meal—whatever benefits I take today, I’ll pay back double tomorrow. I was truly foolish.”

The matter was already done, and Qi Beinan knew there was no use in blame. He asked instead, “It isn’t uncommon for scholars to take merchants or farmers under protection—many see it as one of the privileges of passing the exams. If there were no advantages, why else would so many crave the title of juren? When I warned you, it wasn’t to demand total refusal—it was to tell you to investigate carefully before accepting anyone. How did such a man slip through your gate?”

“This one was recommended by my father,” Zhao Guangzong said, his voice thick with regret. “He said the Dou family were honest and hardworking merchants who had long been bullied by those under powerful protection—shops they wanted were taken, and deals they’d negotiated were stolen away. They only wanted an official’s backing so they could do fair business in peace. My father knew them a little and, after hearing I’d passed the exam, agreed to bring them to me.”

“I had no intention of sheltering merchants,” Zhao Guangzong went on miserably. “The Zhao family isn’t rich, but we manage well enough.”

His face went pale, and his voice turned bitter. “But my father thought that since the Education Commissioner favors me and might want me as a son-in-law, our family can’t look too poor. To stay in the Yangs’ good graces, we had to keep sending valuable gifts…”

Pressed by his father and mother’s persuasion, Zhao Guangzong had finally agreed to accept the Dou merchant’s request for protection. Still, he knew it was a serious matter, so before signing the contract, he’d asked around.

The Dou family had been in the charcoal trade for years, with no record of wrongdoing—if anything, they were often bullied by others. Everyone called them honest people. Hearing nothing bad, Zhao Guangzong had believed it safe.

Qi Beinan sighed. “He was probably honest once. But once he gained protection, pride turned to arrogance. Having tasted power, he sought to make up for old humiliations—and that’s what brought this trouble on you. Unlucky timing for you indeed.”

Zhao Guangzong’s face twisted with anxiety. “What should I do now?”

“First,” Qi Beinan said firmly, “you must cut all ties with him at once. Today he’s only beaten someone; tomorrow it could be worse—perhaps even murder.”

Zhao Guangzong nodded quickly. “Of course. I’ll sever all connection with him, whether or not you say so.”

“Second,” Qi Beinan continued, “what’s done is done, so you must make amends. Bring generous gifts and visit the injured family in person. Whether they forgive you or not, you must show sincerity.”

“After that, submit a written appeal to the magistrate explaining your position. If all goes well, you’ll be cleared; if not, at worst you’ll be blamed for failing to supervise those under your protection.”

Hearing this, Zhao Guangzong’s mind began to settle. The panic drained from his face, replaced by focus. He rose and bowed deeply. “I don’t know what I’d have done without you. Truly.”

Qi Beinan patted his shoulder. “No need for formality between us. It’s normal to lose your composure when something sudden happens. What matters is that you stay calm enough to think through the solution. Go handle it—and if anything proves difficult, come to me.”

Zhao Guangzong nodded. “I will.” And with that, he hurried out.

After he left, Xiao Yuanbao still frowned, unable to shake the unease.

He remembered the offers that had come from merchants earlier—so many tempting deals. At the time, he’d thought it a pity that his brother had refused every one, being so strict and cautious.

But now, seeing what had happened to Zhao Guangzong, he understood Qi Beinan’s wisdom.

Even if one chose to accept a merchant’s favor, the effort it took to vet their background, investigate their conduct, and then watch them constantly for change of heart was exhausting. Better not to open that door at all. With that energy, one could build honest success instead.

“I just hope it ends without trouble,” Xiao Yuanbao murmured.

Qi Beinan, hearing the soft worry in his voice, took his hand. “It wasn’t Zhao Guangzong who ordered that merchant to bully others. He’s guilty only by association. There won’t be serious punishment.”

“But still…”

Xiao Yuanbao blinked. “Still what?”

Qi Beinan said quietly, “Let’s wait and see.”

---

Zhao Guangzong spent the next two days rushing about. First, he formally dissolved his contract with the Dou family. Then, following Qi Beinan’s advice, he brought ample gifts to visit the injured household.

They were far kinder than he’d expected—welcoming him with courtesy and even expressing gratitude for his apology.

Next, Zhao Guangzong submitted his statement to the county magistrate.

When the hearing opened, the plaintiff withdrew the charges against Zhao Guangzong and instead added a new accusation against Dou for “using the name of a gentry household to oppress others.”

The verdict came quickly: Dou was ordered to pay compensation for medical expenses, received ten lashes, and had one of his shops confiscated.

Zhao Guangzong was cleared of wrongdoing but still received a verbal reprimand—a warning to all scholars to keep their followers in check.

Xiao Yuanbao had gone secretly to watch the hearing from the crowd.

When the Dou merchant was brought forward for punishment, he saw the man’s face clearly and gasped on the carriage ride home.

“Brother,” he said to Qi Beinan, eyes wide, “do you know who that Dou merchant is?”

Qi Beinan didn’t go to the county office himself to watch the trial. He stayed in the carriage, waiting while Xiao Yuanbao went to see the commotion.

Closing the book in his hand, Qi Beinan asked, “You recognize him?”

“Not exactly,” Xiao Yuanbao replied, “but we’ve both seen him before.”

Qi Beinan lifted an eyebrow. “Where?”

“When our shop finished renovations and we went to inspect it—do you remember the two merchants arguing on the street that day?”

Qi Beinan thought for a moment and nodded. He remembered even sending Tie Nan to fetch Fang Youliang to break up the quarrel. The merchant causing the ruckus had looked simple and honest enough, but his manner had been domineering. He’d kept boasting that he was under someone’s protection.

Before Xiao Yuanbao even finished speaking, Qi Beinan already guessed the rest.

“If I’d known that man was one of Zhao Guangzong’s merchants back then,” Qi Beinan said quietly, “I would have scolded him on the spot. That might have spared us all this trouble now.”

He sighed. “Still, with that guileless face, it’s no wonder Zhao Guangzong was deceived.”

Xiao Yuanbao nodded in agreement.

The matter was resolved without further chaos, and Zhao Guangzong finally let out a breath of relief. If things had truly spiraled out of control, he might not even have been able to travel peacefully for the upcoming examinations.

But before his relief could settle, two days later, Yang Xuezheng summoned him.

Zhao Guangzong’s heart sank. He knew there was no hiding this affair from Yang Xuezheng and felt a bad premonition about the meeting.

Yang Xuezheng began mildly enough. “You handled this incident well. Visiting the injured family showed you have a kind heart.”

Zhao Guangzong felt a wave of shame. He stood with his head lowered, hands clasped in a formal salute. “It was my mistake, sir. By granting the Dou family protection, I gave them the confidence to act arrogantly and harm innocent people.”

Yang Xuezheng studied the young man before him. His attitude was sincere enough—but wrong was still wrong.

He raised his teacup, taking a slow sip. He neither stopped Zhao Guangzong’s bow nor said anything further right away.

Just thinking of the fine charcoal that had been sent to his household—charcoal that had come from that merchant’s hands—left him uneasy.

He finally spoke. “In a scholar’s household, the word integrity must always come first.”

“Do you know,” he continued, “what those great families in the capital and provincial cities despise most? It’s when scholars entangle themselves with merchants.”

“I myself came from a farming family and worked my way into office. I know how those old families look down on us newcomers. They sit on their old reputations and sneer at those who weren’t born into privilege.”

Yang Xuezheng set down his cup. “I don’t fault you for offering a merchant your protection. But your ability to manage and discipline those under you clearly needs refinement. That skill is vital—not only for running a household but also for serving in office.”

Zhao Guangzong had been listening all this time, unsure of where the lecture was leading. Now he began to understand.

“You weren’t formally punished,” Yang Xuezheng said, “but the verbal reprimand is noted. In the academic records, it will be marked down—and when it comes time for your appointment, that mark will make things difficult.”

He paused deliberately, letting the words sink in.

Zhao Guangzong bowed again. “Your guidance, sir, I will remember. I deserve the reprimand. It is just.”

Yang Xuezheng continued, “If that mark remains, it could hinder your future selection for office. On the other hand, I could overlook it—share a cup of tea with the county magistrate, and the matter would disappear.”

He looked at Zhao Guangzong steadily. “Would you prefer that?”

Zhao Guangzong lowered his head even further. “Of course I hope to enter official selection with a clean record, sir. But I wouldn’t dare make things difficult for you.”

Yang Xuezheng smiled faintly. “It’s not difficult. I only hope that, as I look after your future, you’ll also think of Xu Ge’er’s.”

At that, Zhao Guangzong lifted his head sharply. Their eyes met. His throat tightened; a flood of emotions churned through him.

---

When Zhao Guangzong was summoned from Qi Beinan’s home and returned hours later looking pale and hollow-eyed, Qi Beinan immediately knew something had gone wrong.

“Was your record marked?” Qi Beinan asked.

“No.” Zhao Guangzong shook his head.

He told Qi Beinan everything that had transpired.

“Am I such a shameless man,” Zhao Guangzong asked quietly, “that I’d sacrifice a marriage for my own career?”

Qi Beinan looked at him steadily. “Why belittle yourself so? It isn’t you who refused the marriage. Yang Xuezheng simply doesn’t wish it to continue.”

“He offered you two choices,” Qi Beinan said after a moment. “But they were never truly two. It was one disguised as two. He made sure you’d choose your career. After all, if you married his child, would he ever record his own son-in-law’s fault? He only wanted a reason to withdraw gracefully.”

Zhao Guangzong gave a bitter laugh. “I know you’re right. But knowing doesn’t make it any easier to accept.”

Qi Beinan understood. Zhao Guangzong had taken the merchant under his protection for the sake of this very marriage, and now it had all unraveled because of that same merchant. After all the effort, he was left with nothing but a tarnished name.

“Such is life,” Qi Beinan said softly. “Nothing stays certain. You’re still young, Guangzong. There will be other chances, and better matches ahead.”

Zhao Guangzong nodded faintly.

When he returned home, he shut himself in his room and slept for three days straight before finally regaining his strength.

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