Ch 92: Reborn to Raise My Husband

That day, Qi Beinan was on leave from court.

Outside, it was neither sunny nor rainy—just a gray, overcast day.

The two went out together for a stroll and took the opportunity to inquire about house prices in the city.

Since they meant to buy a home, it wouldn’t do to choose one worse than the place they were renting now. For Qi Beinan, convenience was important—he needed to reach the court easily, so the best choice would be somewhere inside the inner city.

From their current place on the edge of the inner city, it already took the time of one incense stick to walk into town; any farther out, and his commute would grow even longer.

In the warmer months, that was bearable—but once winter came, having to leave a warm bed before dawn to prepare for morning court would be miserable.

After some asking around, they learned that even a one-courtyard house within the inner city cost more than five hundred strings of cash, while a two-courtyard one started at eight hundred and went upward.

The closer to the palace, the grander the houses—and the higher the price.

Not just expensive, either: without the right connections, even ten thousand strings couldn’t buy one.

Qi Beinan and Xiao Yuanbao thought that with their current standing, finding something modest but well-situated within the central part of the inner city would already be very good.

If they could manage it, they hoped to buy a small two-courtyard house—spacious enough for guests or family to visit comfortably.

Once they started asking, the real estate agents grew very eager, insisting on showing them properties right away. Even after being told they weren’t set on buying yet, the agents kept saying, “Just come take a look, no pressure, no forcing.”

Xiao Yuanbao hadn’t planned to start house-hunting so soon, but with such enthusiastic persuasion—and his own curiosity—he let himself be convinced, tugging Qi Beinan along.

It turned out not to be a wasted trip: the very first house they saw, Xiao Yuanbao liked immediately.

It was a small two-courtyard residence, elegant in design. Beyond a carved flower gate lay a garden complete with pavilion and covered walkway.

The walls were soft gray-white, time-worn but dignified, and through a crabapple-shaped doorway one could glimpse a miniature garden with a white stone rockery that invited a closer look.

To one side stood a gourd-shaped gate symbolizing fortune and prosperity, shaded by drooping bamboo—simple and refined.

An octagonal door faced a vase-shaped one, dividing the larger courtyard into several smaller gardens, each with its own charm. The winding layout, full of walls and archways, made the grounds feel much larger than they truly were.

Seeing Xiao Yuanbao so pleased, Qi Beinan asked the agent more about the property. The man said it had once belonged to a retired scholar-official who was now returning to his hometown, so the house was being sold to raise some travel money.

That, Qi Beinan thought, was a good sign—an official’s residence, complete with decorative tribute-style gates symbolizing scholarly success.

“What’s the price?” he asked. “Tell me honestly. We’re in no hurry to buy, but if we like it, we might settle quickly.”

Xiao Yuanbao, still absorbed by the beauty of the place, came over to listen. Even if they couldn’t afford it, he wanted to know how much such a house was worth.

The agent smiled obsequiously. “Wouldn’t dare overcharge and scare off the gentlemen. The asking price outside is twelve hundred strings, but for you, I’ll say eleven hundred.”

At that, Xiao Yuanbao’s fondness for the house dimmed a little. Such a price—it would take selling pots and pans to afford it. He kept signaling at Qi Beinan with his eyes.

Qi Beinan neither said it was high nor low, only gave a neutral nod, leaving the agent uncertain what to do.

They left that house and viewed two more. Each had its merits, but none pleased Xiao Yuanbao as much as the first.

The homes they saw ranged from eight hundred to fifteen hundred strings in price.

Back home, he drank a cup of tea, then collapsed on the couch. “Why are houses in the capital so outrageously expensive?” he groaned.

Qi Beinan laughed. “Because they’re at the foot of the Son of Heaven. If you really like that one, I can call the agent again. If we grit our teeth, we could manage it.”

Xiao Yuanbao replied, “We’d grind our teeth to dust! We only have a thousand strings saved. If we spend it all on the house, we’ll be sitting inside starving.”

“You still have your husband’s meager official salary,” Qi Beinan teased. “We won’t starve.”

Xiao Yuanbao sat up straight. “With that official salary, once you pay the servants and the household expenses, how much is left for us?”

Qi Beinan rubbed his nose, conceding the point. Translated on Hololo novels. They decided to set the matter aside until their shop in Linzhou was leased out and more money came in.

Still, in the meantime, Qi Beinan had more leisure after court and often went out with Xiao Yuanbao.

Their wedding was set for next year. Though the house purchase could wait, they still needed to start preparing the wedding items one by one.

They had long been like family already, but they still couldn’t hold a bare ceremony with nothing prepared.

The wedding robes needed to be ordered early—choosing fine red silk to have them sewn; furniture would have to be newly made; decorations couldn’t be lacking; jewelry, fabrics for the four seasons, and household goods all had to be readied.

With the weather cool and pleasant, and Qi Beinan’s duties at the Hanlin Academy still light, they spent the next few weeks choosing, buying, and packing everything neatly into red wedding chests—ready for the day they would be wed.

Doing all of this together, choosing every piece by hand, brought a quiet and tender joy to both their hearts.

Near noon that day, Xiao Yuanbao was reading a letter from Sister Gui.

She wrote that she and Luo Tingfeng had already set their wedding date for late September. After the ceremony in Ling County, they would depart together for Luo Tingfeng’s new post.

Hearing this, Xiao Yuanbao was delighted—but it was already September. If he prepared a wedding gift now and sent it to Ling County, the banquet would likely be over by the time it arrived.

If the roads delayed things any further, Sister Gui and Luo Tingfeng would have already left for his assignment, making it even harder to deliver the gift.

After thinking it over, he decided to prepare the gift anyway and send it directly to Luo Tingfeng’s post.

Just then, Tie’nan came to report, “Master, Jia Fulang sent someone over. He wishes to invite you to attend a banquet with him the day after tomorrow. He says you’re good friends, and he wants to introduce you to other officials’ spouses.”

Xiao Yuanbao raised his brows in mild surprise. Was Jia Fulang really being that generous?

To personally bring him along to meet other officials’ families—such kindness seemed almost too good to be true.

He hesitated and didn’t give an answer right away.

That afternoon, Jia Fulang himself arrived with a basket of fruit.

“The two bolts of Wanyue gauze you gave me—I love them! You can buy the same fabric outside, but not in those beautiful colors. I had them made into a robe at once, and I plan to wear it to a gathering.”

Jia Fulang said warmly, almost effusively, “Just in time, Lady Lü sent me an invitation for a flower-viewing banquet. I immediately thought of you—so generous, gifting me such fine cloth! How could I go out to enjoy myself without inviting you along?”

Xiao Yuanbao said, “But I don’t know this Lady Lü. Wouldn’t it be rude for me to appear uninvited?”

“Oh, you don’t know her yet,” Jia Fulang said with a laugh. “She’s the most gracious woman in the capital. Her family works in the Court of Imperial Banquets, and she’s loved hosting gatherings since she was little.”

He leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Her father is a Vice Minister at the Court of Imperial Banquets, a fifth-rank official. Her brother is a jinshi, and her husband is a military officer—a Commandant in the Capital Garrison. A fine family indeed.”

“Her banquets are always attended by high-ranking spouses, but she welcomes those of lower rank too—never looks down on anyone. Once she knows you’re the household of a Hanlin scholar, she’ll be all the more pleased. Families like hers admire clean-stream officials like your husband.”

Jia Fulang went on praising Lady Lü endlessly.

“You’ve just arrived in the capital—you should attend more of these gatherings. Even if you don’t get close to someone like Lady Lü, meeting other officials’ spouses is worthwhile. You’ll sip tea, admire flowers, chat a bit—no different from visiting my home, only livelier.”

Xiao Yuanbao, hearing all this, thought that attending a flower-viewing banquet couldn’t hurt. He could go, observe quietly, and say little.

He supposed that someone like him would only be greeted at the door anyway; the hosts likely wouldn’t pay him much mind once the banquet began. That suited him fine.

“I appreciate you thinking of me,” he said politely. “I’ll go with you, then. I’ve never attended a formal gathering like this—please guide me when the time comes.”

Jia Fulang’s smile widened, pleased that Xiao Yuanbao agreed. He took his hand warmly. “It’s nothing like you imagine. I’m older and know the way—just follow my lead.”

Two days later, Xiao Yuanbao dressed in a jade-colored robe of silk embroidered with auspicious patterns and pinned his hair with a polished white-jade clasp.

The fabric had been a gift from the palace back when Qi Beinan had first passed his exams—neither flashy nor gaudy, but refined and elegant. No one could have called it shabby.

When his carriage arrived at Jia Fulang’s house, Jia Fulang was already waiting outside.

They soon set off together down the alley, Xiao Yuanbao’s carriage following behind. After about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, the carriages stopped.

Lifting the curtain, Xiao Yuanbao saw several carriages and sedan chairs lined up ahead—the courtyard before the gate was already full, forcing their coach to stop further out.

“Bao Ge’er, we’ll have to walk the rest of the way,” Jia Fulang called.

When Xiao Yuanbao stepped down from the carriage, he saw Jia Fulang waiting. Today, Jia Fulang wore the robe made from the Wanyue gauze Xiao Yuanbao had given him; under the light, the fabric shimmered faintly with delicate luster.

Xiao Yuanbao answered softly, “Alright.”

Jia Fulang turned, caught sight of Xiao Yuanbao in his jade-colored silk, and paused.

He was used to seeing him dressed simply, yet today, in fine attire, Xiao Yuanbao looked striking—his features clear and gentle, the pale silk brightening his whole face.

Unconsciously, Jia Fulang touched his own cheek. Though not yet past his prime, he could not help but feel the difference between himself and this youthful ger.

“The better he looks, the more entertaining it’ll be when he makes a fool of himself,” he thought darkly.

The servant standing beside him, noticing his sour expression, whispered a few words in his ear.

Hearing this, Jia Fulang’s mood lifted again.

“Ge’er, you look radiant today—so handsome!” he praised with false warmth, then took Xiao Yuanbao’s arm and led him toward the banquet.

Their hostess was Lady Lü, whose husband’s family name was Qiao. The plaque above the red gate guarded by stone lions read “Qiao Residence.”

After presenting their gifts at the door, Xiao Yuanbao followed the others inside.

He couldn’t tell how many courtyards deep the estate ran, but passing beyond the screen wall, he immediately saw a vast garden—proof enough that this was no small household.

After going through two square gateways, he could already hear the lively chatter and laughter from within.

In Lady Lü’s garden, there was already quite a lively crowd.

Xiao Yuanbao saw a circle of people gathered around something, laughing and cheering, though he couldn’t tell what the entertainment was. Just as he was about to take a look, Jia Fulang caught his sleeve.

“Ge’er, do you see that lady reclining under the pavilion over there?”

Xiao Yuanbao followed his gaze. A woman was half-lying on a couch, positioned perfectly to take in the view of the garden. She was plump, fair, and carried the air of wealth and comfort.

“That’s Lady Lü,” Jia Fulang said.

“Then we should go and pay our respects,” Xiao Yuanbao replied.

At that, Jia Fulang chuckled. “Lady Lü has many guests, including those of rank. She can’t possibly greet everyone herself. We’ve already presented our gift at the gate—she’ll know we came, that’s enough.”

“Wouldn’t that seem impolite?”

“How could it?” Jia Fulang smiled faintly.

Hearing him speak that way, Xiao Yuanbao couldn’t help feeling that Jia Fulang was looking down on him—as if he truly were a small-town bumpkin unused to the ways of high society.

To families like theirs, merely attending such a banquet was already a stroke of luck. People of modest means had no right to expect a personal greeting from the hostess. Better to use the opportunity to make acquaintances quietly.

Still, something about it unsettled Xiao Yuanbao, though as this was his first time at such an affair, he said nothing more.

At that moment, Lady Lü, still lounging on her couch, leaned toward a maid who whispered something into her ear. Then she turned her gaze toward Jia Fulang’s direction.

Catching her eye, Jia Fulang immediately bowed and smiled obsequiously, nodding like a sycophant from afar.

“She says he’s brought someone amusing today,” murmured the maid at Lady Lü’s side.

“That one beside him?” Lady Lü’s tone was lazy but curious. “Hmm, he’s rather good-looking—not as provincial as I expected.”

“The servant said he’s from the household of a newly appointed Tanhua,” the maid continued. “A village ger, his husband just took office in the Hanlin Academy. It’s his first time accompanying him to the capital.”

“Oh?” Lady Lü raised a brow, her interest piqued.

Another lady nearby gave a teasing laugh. “You’d dare toy with the household of a Hanlin official?”

Lady Lü smirked. “There are plenty of Hanlin scholars—some rise high, others sit idle in their posts. Not all are worth fearing.”

She took up her fan, tapping it lightly against her chin. “A peasant today, a court official tomorrow. These country gers—without the examination route, they’d never make it to the capital. And once they arrive, they scramble to fit in with official families, desperate to prove their refinement.”

“Indeed,” another lady added. “But this one’s connection to a Tanhua makes it much more entertaining. Far better sport than teasing the usual minor officials and merchants who try to mingle above their station.”

Lady Lü’s lips curved. “Then let’s see how this one manages. Perhaps he’ll end up disgracing his Hanlin husband in front of everyone.”

She glanced toward the matron standing nearby. “What are you waiting for?”

The woman took the hint and went to whisper to Jia Fulang.

Jia Fulang’s heart leapt with excitement, though he hid it behind a composed smile. He turned to Xiao Yuanbao and said pleasantly, “Standing here won’t help us meet anyone. Let’s join the others playing touhu—the throwing game. It’s a good way to mingle.”

Before Xiao Yuanbao could answer, Jia Fulang was already leading him forward. “Even if you don’t play, you can cheer others on. Better than standing around, isn’t it?”

Leaning close, he added with false warmth, “We gave a generous gift. If we don’t at least join in and meet a few people, wouldn’t that be a waste?”

Xiao Yuanbao didn’t refuse. Hearing him speak so earnestly, he thought Jia Fulang seemed a little more amiable than before.

They walked farther in, and in the center of the garden stood a slender bronze pot with two small handles—a touhu vessel.

Two servants attended it, one holding a bundle of slender arrows, the other carrying a box for drawing lots.

Just as Xiao Yuanbao was about to ask how the game worked, Jia Fulang suddenly clutched his stomach and groaned softly.

“Oh dear, my stomach… I must have eaten something bad this morning.”

He looked apologetic. “Ge’er, you play first—I’ll be back shortly.”

Xiao Yuanbao frowned slightly. “I’ll go with you.”

“No need, I couldn’t bear to trouble you. Stay and enjoy yourself. I’ll be right back.”

He pressed a hand to his stomach and let a servant help him away.

Before Xiao Yuanbao could excuse himself from the game, one of the attendants approached and said, “Please draw a lot, sir.”

Unsure what to do, Xiao Yuanbao replied politely, “It’s my first time—please tell me the rules.”

“You follow whatever the lot says, sir.”

Not wanting to appear rude before the watching crowd, Xiao Yuanbao reached into the box and drew a slip.

It bore red characters: Poetry lot – Autumn Chrysanthemum. Below were smaller words specifying the theme.

“The young master has drawn a poetry lot,” the servant announced. “You must recite two lines of verse on chrysanthemums.”

Xiao Yuanbao paused for a moment. He had never played a game like this and hadn’t expected touhu to involve poetry.

The crowd murmured in low voices.

“Who’s that? Looks like a refined sort. Didn’t expect someone like that to join a game like this.”

“That one from the Bao family’s household—clever man. Pretends to have a stomachache, leaves this poor ger to face the crowd alone. How awkward.”

From her seat, Lady Lü hid a smile behind her fan, eyes gleaming with amusement.

Xiao Yuanbao thought a moment, recalling a few poems about chrysanthemums. At last, he chose two lines and recited calmly:

“Golden chrysanthemums fill the garden bright, Amid them one stands pale as frost in light.”【from a Tang poem】

The poem described a courtyard full of golden chrysanthemums, with one cluster standing apart—its petals pale as frost.

It carried a subtle double meaning. In the autumn garden, golden chrysanthemums were everywhere, yet Xiao Yuanbao happened to be dressed in white silk—his very presence an echo of the poem’s imagery.

Outside the pavilion, Jia Fulang was peeking in from a distance. His eyes widened in disbelief. “He—he can write poetry?”

“Maybe he just memorized a couple of lines,” one of his servants muttered. “Got lucky today, like a blind cat catching a dead mouse.”

That reassurance steadied Jia Fulang’s nerves a little.

He couldn’t read a single character, so he didn’t understand the poetic reference at all. But Lady Lü did. With that single verse, she saw clearly that Xiao Yuanbao was not only literate, but genuinely educated in poetry.

Turning her head slightly toward a lady beside her, Lady Lü said coolly, “So, it seems I’ve been made the fool today.”

“Don’t be upset,” the woman murmured. “Since he’s here, why not test him a bit? If he’s truly capable, he might even be worth befriending.”

Lady Lü didn’t answer. Her earlier arrogance had left her feeling somewhat embarrassed, but she was never one to cling to pride when circumstance shifted. She made a small signal toward one of the attendants near the game area.

The servant stepped forward. “Young master, your poem was elegant and fitting—such fine talent. Please draw another lot.”

“Another?” Xiao Yuanbao blinked.

A kindly lady nearby explained, “The first time you play, you must draw three lots. If you complete them all, you win a prize. If you fail… well, you drink as punishment.”

Xiao Yuanbao understood at once—and also realized something else.

His eyes swept the crowd, but Jia Fulang was nowhere to be seen. A flicker of irritation rose in him. Clearly, this had been arranged. But now that he was already in the game, to back down would only invite laughter.

“Thank you,” he said evenly, drawing again.

This time, the slip bore characters for Calligraphy: he was to write a line of blessing.

The attendants promptly brought out a small table, complete with brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—well-prepared indeed.

Xiao Yuanbao felt no fear. His calligraphy had been trained under Qi Beinan’s patient instruction since childhood, honed until even Master Qi himself had once nodded in praise.

To write a short blessing here, before an audience, was nothing at all.

His brush flowed smoothly across the paper—elegant as orchid leaves, confident and unhurried. Before he was even halfway done, onlookers were murmuring their approval.

“What beautiful handwriting!” someone exclaimed.

Finishing the last stroke, Xiao Yuanbao set down the brush and thanked those who complimented him. The paper was passed from hand to hand; not a soul dared speak a word against it.

His skill was plain to see—there was no cause for a drinking penalty.

When the sheet reached Lady Lü, her gaze shifted through several shades of expression. Finally, she smiled and rose from her seat.

“Master Xiao,” she said, her voice clear but not loud, “no wonder you belong to the household of His Majesty’s chosen Tanhua. Your calligraphy truly leaves us all in awe.”

The guests murmured in admiration.

Xiao Yuanbao, understanding the delicate tone, offered a respectful bow from afar. “I fear I’ve shown off clumsily before my betters. It’s an honor to attend your splendid banquet today—I only hoped my humble writing could add a touch of celebration.”

Lady Lü stepped forward from her couch, her smile gracious. “You’re too modest. You’ve put the hostess to shame.”

They exchanged a few polite words.

Then she leaned in with easy warmth. “Do you enjoy playing touhu? You’ve already written and recited—perhaps you’re tired. But if you still wish to play, I’ll join you for a few rounds.”

Xiao Yuanbao smiled. “I’ve heard Lady Lü is an expert. To learn even a little from you would be an honor.”

Laughing, she picked up the throwing arrows herself. Her aim was indeed skilled—each shot struck the pot, graceful and precise.

Xiao Yuanbao, too, knew the game well. The year he and Qi Beinan had lived in the county, a merchant caravan had gifted them a set. On idle winter days, they’d played at home, to loosen their hands after long hours of writing.

Both of them hit the mark several times. Xiao Yuanbao took care to let his arrows fall just short of Lady Lü’s score—enough to show respect without appearing competitive.

Lady Lü noticed and smiled faintly. She was an experienced hostess, quick to read the room.

Once everything proper had been displayed—his wit, his manners, his skill—there was no need to linger. Xiao Yuanbao excused himself, saying he was a bit tired, and stepped away from the crowd.

Lady Lü had someone bring him a chair to rest.

Just as he turned, a flash of pale yellow caught his eye through another archway—someone familiar.

He stood and offered a polite bow. The newcomer smiled and approached. “Master Xiao, you’re here too?”

Xiao Yuanbao nodded. “Indeed. I didn’t expect to meet Master Jiang here.”

Lady Lü, who had been about to leave, paused in mild surprise. She hadn’t realized the two knew each other.

“You gentlemen are acquainted?”

Jiang Tangyuan said, “Master Qi and my elder brother were fellow scholars and close friends. Naturally, I’ve met him.”

“Oh, so you’re friends with Master Jiang as well,” Lady Lü said brightly. “How could I let you stand out here chatting? Come to the pavilion—there are fresh grapes just brought in. They’re wonderfully sweet.”

Growing more cordial, she invited them both over.

Jiang Tangyuan had found the banquet dull, but seeing Xiao Yuanbao—someone his age and familiar—brightened his mood. The two followed Lady Lü to the pavilion together.

Hidden in the shadows, Jia Fulang watched the entire scene unfold.

Xiao Yuanbao had drawn every lot without once losing face. Not only had Lady Lü played touhu with him, she’d even invited him to sit with an esteemed young master under the pavilion.

Jia Fulang’s stomach twisted in panic. His plan had completely backfired, and he didn’t know what to do.

Seeing the change in the room’s atmosphere, his attendant whispered, “Fulang, perhaps we should leave.”

“L-leave? Now?”

“If Lady Lü realizes what happened and calls you out later, it’ll be far worse.”

Jia Fulang thought that made sense and hurried toward the garden gate, trying to slip away unnoticed.

But just as he reached the exit, a stern-faced matron blocked his path. “Where is Fulang Jia off to? The feast hasn’t even begun. Our mistress wishes to speak with you inside.”

At that, Jia Fulang’s knees went weak. The matron led him away to a side room and made him sit down.

Meanwhile, Lady Lü had been chatting amiably with Xiao Yuanbao and Jiang Tangyuan. After eating a few grapes together, she excused herself to greet new guests.

The touhu game resumed. Xiao Yuanbao saw a young Fulang draw a lot, miss the pot, and be punished with a drink.

Then the same man drew a poetry lot, stammered, and couldn’t come up with a line—so he was forced to drink again.

Xiao Yuanbao hadn’t realized that “drinking punishment” meant downing wine from a bowl the size of a rice dish. After two bowls, the poor man’s face was red and his movements clumsy.

When he was handed another bowl, he waved both hands in protest, saying he couldn’t take another drop—but no one showed mercy.

“Fulang, you seldom attend gatherings. How can you not drink to your heart’s content?”

“If you refuse, you’ll spoil the fun. Come, drink up and draw again!”

From the pavilion above, the elegantly dressed guests laughed behind their sleeves.

Watching the scene, Xiao Yuanbao felt a sharp discomfort in his chest. Yet he was just a newcomer here—his words carried no weight, and he couldn’t help the man at all.

“You dislike this kind of amusement too?” Jiang Tangyuan asked quietly, noting his expression.

Xiao Yuanbao turned his gaze away. He thought that if he had been truly uneducated, if he hadn’t known poetry or calligraphy, it would have been him humiliated today—mocked before everyone, tarnishing Qi Beinan’s name along with his own.

How could anyone take pleasure in such cruelty?

The realization filled him with a cold unease, and an even deeper resentment toward Jia Fulang.

He’d believed Jia Fulang’s false modesty—that talk about being unlearned, about not knowing much—and had trusted him. Only now did he understand the truth: Jia Fulang had brought him here to make a fool of him, just to settle some petty grudge.

No wonder he’d asked so many questions about Xiao Yuanbao’s background. He must have planned to use him for his own amusement.

Such vile intentions.

Xiao Yuanbao finally saw his character for what it was. From this day forward, he would cut ties with him completely.

Jiang Tangyuan’s tone made it clear he, too, disapproved of such mockery.

Xiao Yuanbao said softly, “It was he who brought me here. I didn’t know what kind of gathering this was. They tricked me into joining the game, and then he pretended to have a stomachache and ran off.”

Jiang Tangyuan’s brow furrowed. “Did they try to humiliate you?”

Xiao Yuanbao shook his head. “Fortunately, I knew how to handle each round. I didn’t embarrass myself.”

Jiang Tangyuan sighed. “There are plenty of people like that—pretending to be kind but always looking for someone to bully. They saw you’re from the countryside and thought you’d make easy sport. I despise such feasts. I’ll never come to another.”

“I’d never experienced anything like this before,” Xiao Yuanbao admitted. “I wasn’t on guard.”

Jiang Tangyuan peeled a tangerine and handed it to him. “Then take it as a lesson learned. Next time, you’ll know better. Still, from what I saw, Lady Lü seems to have taken a liking to you. With her favor, no one will dare mock you again.”

Xiao Yuanbao smiled faintly, though he felt no relief. If someone like Lady Lü found him amusing, that was all the more reason to stay away.

The two talked quietly for some time and shared the meal together before Xiao Yuanbao finally took his leave.

Jia Fulang never reappeared, and Xiao Yuanbao didn’t bother looking for him. After the banquet ended, he approached Lady Lü to thank her and say goodbye.

She even sent him off with a parting gift.

As he left, Xiao Yuanbao noticed Jia Fulang’s carriage still waiting at the gate.

He didn’t know that the man was still confined in Lady Lü’s side room.

Jia Fulang hadn’t eaten a bite of the luncheon, nor even been offered a cup of tea. He sat trembling from hunger and thirst, too frightened to make a sound.

Only when the laughter and music outside had faded did Lady Lü finally appear, taking her time as she entered.

“Fulang Jia,” she said coldly. “Are you comfortable here?”

He jumped up, bowing low. “Lady Lü—I was deceived by that ger. He’s cunning, deceitful—he tricked me!”

Lady Lü dropped herself onto the seat of honor. “I wonder if you were merely careless—or if you meant to insult me on purpose.”

“Whether or not you were fooled by him, I was certainly fooled by you.”

Jia Fulang trembled all over. “I—I would never dare deceive Lady Lü. I only brought him for your amusement, to please you!”

“So it’s my fault now, is it?” she sneered.

“No, no!” he stammered. “It’s all my fault. Please don’t be angry.”

“I won’t waste anger on someone like you,” Lady Lü said icily. “But looking at your face still makes me furious.”

She waved a hand. “You are never to attend my gatherings again. If there’s a banquet where I’m present, I don’t want to see you there.”

“Yes, yes,” Jia Fulang said weakly.

He left the Qiao residence leaning on his servant for support, drenched in cold sweat as if he’d bathed in it.

When he returned home, he fell ill at once. His husband, Official Bao, unaware of the cause, thought it was merely autumn chills and called physicians several times in concern.

Only after being slighted at the office a few days later did Bao learn what had happened at the banquet. Furious, he went home and berated Jia Fulang harshly—then confined him indoors for two months, forbidding him from setting foot outside again.

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