Ch 131 (Extra 13): Reborn to Raise My Husband

Zhao Guangzong & Jiang Tangtuan (I)

In the seventh month, under a blazing sun, it was the height of summer.

Zhao Guangzong bid farewell to his family and set out for Feng County to take up his post.

After more than half a month of travel and jolting roads, he finally arrived at the county.

He had come lightly, bringing only a hired long-term worker with him.

Upon arrival, he first settled into an inn, washed and rested, and once his energy returned, he changed into proper attire, took gifts, and went to pay a visit to the county magistrate.

For many years, his early life had been smooth. Everything had been arranged by his parents and elders, and he had only needed to devote himself fully to studying.

Later, after passing the xiucai and then the juren examinations, his experiences broadened. His parents could no longer oversee everything nor account for every detail, and he began to learn to stand on his own, to shoulder the rise and fall of his family.

Unexpectedly, those became the years in which he grew the most.

In dealing with people, in conduct, in resolve…

He had suffered losses and endured cold looks, but just as Qi Beinan had once told him, only when one truly stumbles and is hurt does one grow deeply and remember well.

The magistrate of Feng County had already received news that the new county assistant magistrate would soon arrive. It was said he was a juren recommended by an examiner from Ling County.

Though he came from a scholarly background, his origins were actually higher than the magistrate’s own. The old magistrate had purchased his position through family donations and had spent nearly twenty years in mediocre service before reaching his current rank.

When he saw Zhao Guangzong—tall, upright, and well-composed—he took note.

Magistrate Wang observed that Zhao Guangzong was well-dressed, spoke properly, and had brought generous gifts. A very respectable young man, and he treated him with courtesy in return.

With the allowances he received from the county office, Zhao Guangzong rented a residence and settled down.

Once everything was arranged, he officially assumed his post in the eighth month.

One day, after returning home from the office, a courier delivered him a letter.

Opening it, he saw that it was from Qi Beinan.

He was delighted—he had been meaning to write to Qi Beinan about his situation in Feng County, yet unexpectedly, the letter had come first.

After reading its contents, he was momentarily stunned, then overjoyed.

Jiang Tangyuan was returning to Jinling to be married. Qi Beinan could not leave the capital and hoped Zhao Guangzong could attend the wedding banquet in his stead.

Though Zhao Guangzong had felt regret at failing the metropolitan examination, now that he had become an official through recommendation, he could no longer sit for the exams again.

That attempt had been his first—and his last.

The companionship formed during the examination journey had thus become especially precious.

Now, Feng County was only a day or two’s journey from Jinling, and his duties were not particularly heavy at present. He could easily make the trip.

Zhao Guangzong prepared generous wedding gifts and went to request leave from the magistrate.

Hearing that he was going to attend the Jiang family wedding in Jinling, the magistrate readily approved and even regarded him more favorably, asking him to bring along words of congratulations.

In early September, Zhao Guangzong arrived in Jinling.

He reached a day ahead of the banquet and first sent his visiting card to the Jiang residence. The Jiang family had not known he was coming, and since they had not known where to send an invitation before, they quickly sent him one upon hearing of his arrival.

They had intended to host him at their residence, but Zhao Guangzong, fearing the house would be too crowded with guests, declined to trouble them.

The Jiang family did not insist. Instead, they arranged for him to stay at an excellent inn in the city.

The inn was festively decorated with red lanterns, wedding couplets, and paper cuttings on the windows. Zhao Guangzong learned that the entire inn had been reserved by the Jiang family specifically to accommodate guests attending the wedding.

He had known that the Jiang family had served as officials for generations and possessed some wealth, but Jiang Tangyuan himself had never been ostentatious. He had not expected such grand arrangements in Jinling.

Sitting in a corner of the inn’s main hall, Zhao Guangzong drank tea and listened to other guests discuss the marriage alliance. The family Jiang Tangyuan was marrying into was another prominent household in Jinling—a match of talent and beauty, equal in status and standing…

Hearing these conversations, he felt both happy for Jiang Tangyuan’s fortunate marriage and, at the same time, could not help but think of someone else. A trace of melancholy rose in his heart.

After failing the metropolitan examination, he had already given up any such thoughts. Returning home, he had buried himself in study for another attempt, burying that person deep within his heart.

He did not think of them and believed he had truly forgotten.

Yet when he was later selected and assigned to Feng County near Jinling, he had stood there stunned for a long time.

At the mention of Jinling, the first person he thought of was still that person.

After being appointed, he had often wondered in quiet moments whether he might see Jiang Tangtuan again.

Even if not face to face—just one distant glance would be enough.

But he also knew it was unlikely. Jiang Tangyuan had remained in the capital as an official, and Jiang Tangtuan had likely been living there as well. Translated on Hololo novels. With so many outstanding young men in the capital, she would surely choose someone reliable from among them.

Yet he had not expected Jiang Tangyuan to return to Jinling for his wedding. And for such an occasion, Jiang Tangtuan would certainly return.

Just then, Qi Beinan’s letter arrived, asking him to attend.

From the moment he received the news, prepared gifts, and set out for Jinling, his heart had been filled with anticipation and joy.

But now, as the day drew closer and he came nearer to that person, alongside his happiness, there arose a quiet sorrow—perhaps this would truly be their last meeting.

Suddenly, the tea in his hands lost its taste. Zhao Guangzong rose and went outside for a walk.

In September, the fragrance of osmanthus filled the air, carried faintly on the breeze through the streets.

Standing at the mouth of an alley, Zhao Guangzong let out a long breath.

“Cousin, you don’t know how much I’ve missed you. While you were gone, my parents said I’ve visibly grown thinner. How could you be so heartless, not even writing to me? Have you forgotten me now that you’ve passed the exams and gained a bright future?”

“How could I forget you? I’ve hardly had enough time to think of you. If I were truly so heartless, how could I have sent you cloth and goods every so often? How did you come here? The journey from the village to Jinling is so far—did you suffer much on the way…?”

Hearing a young couple speaking tenderly, Zhao Guangzong could not help but turn and glance back. In the alley stood two young people.

He did not see their faces clearly, only that the man was tall and upright, dressed in a dark green robe.

After speaking a few words, the man carefully took the woman’s hand and led her toward a private room in a teahouse.

Zhao Guangzong paid them little mind and was about to continue walking when a carriage stopped not far away.

“Zhao langjun? Is that you?”

At the sound of a voice like flowing water—familiar, yet almost unbelievable—Zhao Guangzong looked up.

A corner of the carriage curtain had been lifted. A figure leaned slightly by the window, dressed in soft yellow, almond-shaped eyes smiling faintly.

It was Jiang Tangtuan.

Zhao Guangzong could not help but freeze. Quietly, he drew in a breath, his index finger subtly brushing his sleeve into place.

Zhao Guangzong then stepped forward unhurriedly and gave a bow. “Jiang gongzi.”

“I thought I had mistaken you for someone else. I didn’t expect it truly was Zhao langjun.”

“I just came out from the inn and was thinking that since I’ve never been to Jinling before, I might as well take a walk around.”

Autumn lay warm and gentle around them. Their eyes met, and after so long apart, one would have thought there would be many things to say.

Yet after gazing at one another for a moment, neither spoke.

Jiang Tangtuan seemed to have grown healthier.

Back then, he had been so thin, his complexion always pale, his lips lacking color.

He had never spoken much, like a quiet gardenia blooming in a corner, as if a breeze could easily bend him.

Now there was a little fullness in his cheeks, a hint of rosy color.

It seemed that life in the capital had treated him well, that he had been carefully nourished.

Zhao Guangzong thought this and felt an indescribable happiness.

When the Jiang residence received his visiting card earlier, Jiang Tangtuan had happened to be there and heard that Zhao Guangzong had come.

He had already known Zhao Guangzong would come to attend the wedding, so he was not surprised.

Since they parted in the capital, nearly two years had passed.

Zhao Guangzong was still the same—always meeting others with a gentle smile, making those who spoke with him unable to help but smile in return.

Yet he felt that compared to two years ago, Zhao Guangzong had grown much steadier.

What began as polite greetings—seeing that each of them was well—made further inquiries seem unnecessary.

Jiang Tangtuan stepped down from the carriage, and the two of them went together to a teahouse by the street to share a cup of tea.

Since they had mutual acquaintances, the conversation did not feel unfamiliar, and there was much to say.

Jiang Tangtuan spoke at length about Qi Beinan and Xiao Yuanbao’s life in the capital, and also handed over the items Xiao Yuanbao had asked him to bring.

“As long as they are living well in the capital, I can feel at ease. Before, I always worried that without family or friends there, life would be difficult for them.”

Zhao Guangzong smiled. “I heard that Brother Luo and Madam Bai have also gone to the capital. With them looking after one another, it must be even better.”

Jiang Tangtuan said, “Not only do they take care of each other—they even took care of me as well. Bao ge’er and Sister Gui pooled their resources to open a medicinal-diet shop. I benefited from it too; they’ve helped regulate my health a great deal.”

Zhao Guangzong said in surprise, “So that’s the case. No wonder you look much better than before.”

At this, Jiang Tangtuan raised a hand to lightly touch his cheek and lowered his voice. “Was I truly that unwell before?”

Zhao Guangzong grew flustered at once. “No, no—I didn’t mean you were bad before. It’s just that now that your health has improved, you’re even better.”

Jiang Tangtuan pressed his lips slightly.

He looked at Zhao Guangzong again. “How have things been for Zhao langjun in Feng County?”

“I’ve only just taken up the post. New position, new affairs—there are many duties I’m still unfamiliar with. It will take time to grow into them.”

Zhao Guangzong added, “But for now, things are alright. There’s nothing too troubling. The county magistrate is also easy to get along with and occasionally offers me guidance.”

Listening to him speak plainly of both good and bad, without boasting as many young men did, Jiang Tangtuan found him all the more reliable.

“The beginning of anything is always the hardest. Though my elder brother doesn’t speak much to me about official matters, when he first entered the Hanlin Academy, he left early and returned late—it was clearly not easy.”

Zhao Guangzong nodded. “Hearing you say that puts my mind more at ease.”

As the topic turned to matters of the capital, he paused, then could not help but say, “Now that Brother Jiang is married, when you return to the capital, you’ll have your sister-in-law for company. It will be even more lively.”

Jiang Tangtuan, perceptive as he was, caught the meaning behind his words.

Gently, he said, “This time, after returning to Jinling, I won’t be going back to the capital.”

Zhao Guangzong froze and asked quickly, “Then will you be staying in Jinling for a long time, or are there other arrangements?”

“My parents are getting older and hope that I remain by their side. Unless there are changes in official postings, I will stay in Jinling.”

After saying this, he added, “Though it’s hard to say how long that will be. Now that my brother is married, my parents inevitably begin to worry about my own matters.”

Zhao Guangzong felt as though a splash of cold water had been thrown over him. It did not chill him completely, but it was enough to sober him.

He said slowly, “Yes… being able to stay by one’s parents’ side is certainly a good thing.”

Jiang Tangtuan nodded lightly and said no more, instead lifting his tea and taking a quiet sip.

He glanced at Zhao Guangzong. Seeing that he had fallen silent, he turned to look out the window and said softly, “It’s getting late. I should head back.”

“Zhao langjun, come early to the residence tomorrow for the banquet.”

Seeing that he was about to leave, Zhao Guangzong quickly stood.

He opened his mouth, wanting to ask him to stay, but he knew it would be improper and had no suitable reason.

In haste, he took out a palm-sized wooden box from his sleeve. He had carried it with him for so long that it had grown warm.

He knew that if he did not give it today, he might never have another chance.

Even if it were refused, it would at least settle one wish.

He handed the box to Jiang Tangtuan. “I happened to see this little trinket while I was out. It’s not worth much—just something novel to look at. You’re still young; perhaps you might like such things.”

Jiang Tangtuan hesitated when he saw the box. The thought that Zhao Guangzong had been carrying a gift on him stirred something unfamiliar in his heart.

After a moment’s hesitation, he found a reason that seemed proper. “Zhao langjun is close with my elder brother. By age, I should call you elder brother as well.”

“I’ve often heard my brother say that Zhao langjun is considerate toward those younger than him. Now, remembering that I’m young and even preparing a gift for me, I’m very happy.”

Only after saying this did he accept the gift.

Seeing that he had not refused, Zhao Guangzong felt a quiet relief.

He accompanied him all the way to the carriage. Even after it departed, he remained standing where he was, watching.

Inside the carriage, Jiang Tangtuan looked at the small box in his hands, feeling both pleased and not entirely pleased.

He stared at it for a while.

The attendant beside him asked in confusion, “Gongzi, won’t you take a look?”

After a moment, Jiang Tangtuan finally opened the box.

“Ah, gongzi—this doll…”

The attendant exclaimed.

Inside, resting on silk, was a small ceramic doll. Its brows were gentle, its almond eyes soft, its lips thin, its nose small.

Aside from its slightly rounder cheeks, it bore an uncanny resemblance to Jiang Tangtuan.

Though its form was like the common dolls sold in the market, its features were clearly different.

It was unclear where Zhao Guangzong had found such a piece.

At first glance, one might think he had chosen it simply because it resembled him.

But hearing the attendant’s exclamation, Jiang Tangtuan realized he had not been mistaken.

Suddenly, he thought—if the gift was like this, then it was not something that could be casually given to just any ge’er or young lady.

Then… had he prepared it especially for him?

To have it on hand even during a chance encounter in the marketplace—he could not have foreseen this.

Which meant the doll had been carried with him all along… waiting for the chance to give it to him.

At this thought, Jiang Tangtuan’s face suddenly flushed.

He quickly placed the doll back into the box and closed the lid.

“The gift Zhao langjun gave—who knows what he meant by it.”

He said, “Keep this matter to yourself. Do not speak of it to anyone.”

“Yes.”

Holding the box, Jiang Tangtuan suddenly lifted the curtain and glanced back toward the street.

Crowds moved to and fro, carriages clattered past. They had already traveled far from the teahouse.

And yet, he could still see—at the place where he had boarded the carriage—that upright figure still standing there…

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