Ch 132 (Extra 14): Reborn to Raise My Husband

Zhao Guangzong & Jiang Tangtuan (II)

After returning to the inn, Zhao Guangzong barely touched his evening meal.

His thoughts were still fixed on what had happened during the day.

He had never expected to encounter Tangtuan so suddenly on the street, and had been completely unprepared—appearing just as he was, without even properly tidying himself.

Nor had he expected that after meeting, they would have the chance to sit together alone and share tea.

Thinking of it, his heart filled with an indescribable sense of fullness.

In the past, he had not understood how someone like Qi Beinan, who seemed to have everything under control, could lose himself over such matters of love.

Now, seeing himself lying on the couch, unable to eat, unable to do anything else, he suspected he was no better.

He could not help but wonder—Tangtuan had accepted the box, but would he understand his feelings?

If he did not, then it could simply be taken as a small trinket from an older brother to a younger one.

But if he did understand, what would he think?

In truth, whether he understood or not, it seemed it did not matter. Translated on Hololo novels. The difference between them was like clouds and mud. Even if he understood, what could come of it?

Though he knew this, Zhao Guangzong still selfishly hoped that he would know his heart.

Perhaps they were not fated to spend a lifetime together, but at least Tangtuan would know that he was someone worthy of being cherished—that there had once been someone who held feelings for him.

Zhao Guangzong tossed and turned, unable to sleep, just like that sleepless night years ago at the post station under a bright moon.

A restlessness rose in him. Suddenly, he got up, opened the door, intending to fetch some cold tea.

As the door opened, he nearly bumped into a young man with delicate features. The man was startled for a moment, then gave him a polite bow.

Zhao Guangzong returned the greeting. The man said nothing more and went toward his own room.

Watching his departing figure—dark green robe, tall and straight—

Zhao Guangzong suddenly realized this was the scholar he had seen earlier in the alley meeting his sweetheart.

He did not find it strange. Talented young men meeting their beloveds was something he had often seen during his time at the county school.

He was only a little surprised that this man was also among the Jiang family’s acquaintances and had come to attend the wedding.

He thought no further and went to fetch a cup of cold tea. After drinking it, his mind calmed somewhat.

Listening to the night watchman strike the hours outside, he finally fell asleep.

The next day, Zhao Guangzong rose early. After washing and dressing, he changed into a well-fitted set of clothes and set out by carriage to attend the Jiang family banquet.

Guests gathered in great numbers, their carriages and sedan chairs crowding the alleyways.

Zhao Guangzong dismounted at the entrance and walked the rest of the way with his gift.

The Jiang residence was elegant and spacious, filled with guests.

Though Zhao Guangzong did not recognize a single familiar face, the Jiang family’s hospitality was thorough. With stewards and servants attending to every detail, no guest was neglected.

He found a seat among the guests when a cheerful voice called out behind him, “Brother Zhao.”

Turning around, he saw the groom himself—Jiang Tangyuan—dressed in bright red wedding robes, full of youthful vigor.

“Since we parted in the capital, it’s been quite some time. When I heard you were appointed to Feng County, I was overjoyed. I had intended to congratulate you in person, but I’ve been occupied with the wedding and haven’t had the chance to invite you properly.”

“Marriage is a major matter. I’ll be in Feng County for the time being—we’ll have plenty of chances to meet.”

Zhao Guangzong said, “Today, it is your great joy.”

“What are you looking at? You seem so absorbed.”

A young nobleman walking beside Jiang Tangtuan joked with him. Seeing that Tangtuan did not respond and instead stared in one direction for a long while, he grew curious and followed his gaze.

“Who is that? I don’t think I’ve seen him before.”

Jiang Tangtuan came back to himself, but did not wish to say much. “He must be one of my brother’s acquaintances. Zhu ge’er, you go inside and enjoy yourself. I’ll go greet the newly arrived guest.”

“Alright.”

After sending his friend away, Jiang Tangtuan straightened his robes and was about to step forward when someone blocked his path.

“Little Master Jiang.”

The man greeted him with a bow. “It’s been some time since we last met. Your complexion looks much rosier—clearly, things have been going well for you.”

Jiang Tangtuan recognized him as Jiang Lingyun, a former student of his father. He returned the greeting politely.

He was not unfamiliar with this person. After Jiang Lingyun had passed the examinations, the family had hosted a gathering for scholars and guests, where his father had become acquainted with him and, finding his writing promising, had allowed him to visit their residence.

Jiang Lingyun visited frequently, coming every few days and often bringing food to his courtyard. Especially after Jiang Tangtuan returned from the capital, his attentiveness had only increased.

Tangtuan knew well what this meant.

After discussions in the capital about arranging a marriage, his father and elder brother had hoped to find him a suitable match—even if the family background was somewhat lower, it did not matter. What mattered was that, in times of trouble, the family would stand up for him.

With Jiang Lingyun behaving this way, he had clearly caught the attention of his father and brother.

Tangtuan could not say he liked him, nor could he say he disliked him. Because of that, he treated him with courtesy and propriety.

His family had always treated him well. When it came to marriage, he would naturally follow his parents’ wishes and the arrangements of matchmakers.

If his father decided to betroth him to Jiang Lingyun, he would have no objections and would simply prepare himself for marriage.

But after meeting Zhao Guangzong yesterday, and now seeing Jiang Lingyun again today, a trace of impatience unexpectedly rose in his heart, breaking his usual calm.

In truth, he knew clearly that during their journey to the capital, he had already felt something for Zhao Guangzong—something different from what he felt toward other men.

But after Zhao Guangzong failed the exam and returned home, separated by distance and circumstance, they had no further connection.

Though his heart had once stirred, he knew they likely had no such fate, and so he could only smooth over those springtime feelings.

Even so, whenever Bao ge’er mentioned Zhao Guangzong in passing, he could not help but ask a few more questions.

He had already resolved not to think of him again. Yet yesterday they met again—and he had even received such a gift…

He had not slept well at all last night.

He had once wondered whether Zhao Guangzong might hold even the slightest affection for him, but he had not dared to hope for much. Though both of them were not lacking in looks or talent, if neither had someone in their heart, finding each other pleasing was nothing unusual.

But later, he had heard nothing from Zhao Guangzong, nor received even the smallest sign of goodwill. Inevitably, he had felt it had all been one-sided on his part.

That he had meant nothing to him.

Who would have thought—there had been a place for him in Zhao Guangzong’s heart after all?

A sense of sudden clarity and joy rose within Jiang Tangtuan, like willows parting to reveal blooming flowers. Yet at the same time, he felt a little annoyed—why had Zhao Guangzong only made it known now? If he truly had feelings, why had he not let him know earlier?

He was not one to chat idly with others, and his nature tended toward overthinking.

He had imagined countless possibilities—good and bad… even wondered whether Zhao Guangzong’s actions now had ulterior motives. But today, he cast all those thoughts aside and simply wanted to see him.

“Tangtuan?”

Jiang Lingyun had been speaking to him for quite some time—about where he had gone recently and what he had been doing, explaining why he had not visited.

He also mentioned discovering some delicious food and said he would bring some the next day after the banquet.

Though he knew Tangtuan was quiet and not lively, after such a long time without a single response, he began to feel that Tangtuan had not been listening at all.

He had felt a little guilty earlier for visiting his cousin the day before, but now, seeing Tangtuan like this, he no longer felt he had done anything wrong.

Tangtuan’s thoughts were entirely on Zhao Guangzong; he had indeed not paid much attention to what Jiang Lingyun had been saying.

Coming back to himself, he said apologetically, “I slept late last night and am not very energetic today. I hope Jiang juren will not take offense.”

“No matter, no matter.”

Jiang Lingyun said, “Your health is not very strong. Today there are many guests for your brother’s wedding, and you’ll have to help receive them. Just don’t overexert yourself.”

“Alright.”

Tangtuan gave him a polite bow. “Please excuse yourself. I’ll go greet two old acquaintances who have just arrived.”

Zhao Guangzong had only spoken briefly with Jiang Tangyuan. Though both felt they had more to say, there were too many guests to speak at length. Soon, Jiang Tangyuan would have to go out to receive the bride and could not stay.

Turning his head, Zhao Guangzong spotted Jiang Tangtuan not far away and felt a surge of joy. But before he could approach, someone else stepped in front of him first.

The two spoke for quite some time, appearing quite familiar.

A faint discomfort rose in Zhao Guangzong’s heart, but when he saw clearly who it was, that feeling faded.

It was the very scholar he had seen yesterday in the alley.

Though he too was a young talent, Zhao Guangzong had seen him meeting a young woman intimately. Naturally, he would not now mistakenly connect him with Tangtuan.

“Since you saw me, why didn’t you come over? You acted as if you hadn’t seen me at all.”

After sending Jiang Lingyun away, Tangtuan quickly searched for Zhao Guangzong again and saw him standing quietly to one side.

He had clearly seen him—yet said nothing.

Tangtuan was usually gentle and reserved, but he had a certain pride. He simply did not show it to outsiders.

Seeing Zhao Guangzong so indifferent, he felt displeased. If that were the case, why had he given him that doll yesterday?

“I saw you speaking with someone familiar. I don’t know that person, so I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Seeing Tangtuan’s displeasure, Zhao Guangzong quickly explained.

Hearing this, Tangtuan pressed his lips together. “He is one of my father’s students, named Jiang Lingyun. He is also a juren.”

Zhao Guangzong nodded. “I could tell he was a scholar from the way he spoke.”

Seeing that Zhao Guangzong did not seem to care at all about Jiang Lingyun speaking with him, Tangtuan felt another surge of displeasure.

Looking around and seeing no one nearby, he asked in a low voice, “What did you mean by giving me that doll yesterday?”

Caught off guard by such a direct question, Zhao Guangzong felt his ears grow warm.

Meeting Tangtuan’s steady gaze, he paused, then said, “If you want me to say it plainly, I would be glad to. But there are too many people here—I fear someone might overhear and harm your reputation.”

At this, Tangtuan’s face flushed slightly.

He said, “You… when are you returning to Feng County?”

“After the banquet. I’ll set out early tomorrow morning.”

“So soon…”

Tangtuan knew that, having just taken up his post, Zhao Guangzong could not linger outside for long. He then said, “Then… when will you come to Jinling again?”

Zhao Guangzong did not understand the meaning behind his words and thought he simply did not want to hear any confessions. So he answered honestly, “If it’s not for official business, I’m afraid it will be difficult to come.”

Tangtuan’s brows tightened slightly. Though it was true, hearing it said so plainly still stung.

Lowering his voice, he said with a hint of annoyance, “Then it’s fine if you don’t come at all. Better yet, don’t write to me either.”

Fortunately, Zhao Guangzong was not so foolish as to miss the meaning entirely. “I… can write to you?”

“Didn’t I just say not to?”

“I’ll write! Even if you don’t read them and burn them, I’ll still write.”

Understanding a little more of Tangtuan’s meaning, Zhao Guangzong felt a dizzying, almost unreal joy.

Suppressing it, he added, “Even without official business, I’ll come to Jinling whenever I have time.”

Tangtuan felt that if they continued speaking, his face would grow so red that others would notice.

Though he wanted to say more, he restrained himself.

Softly, he said, “When you leave, I’ll have someone from my side see you off.”

“Who is that young man Tangtuan was speaking with? He looks unfamiliar. Why were they talking for so long?”

Madam Jiang, radiant with joy on her son’s wedding day, could not help but ask while attending to her guests.

“Tangtuan is gentle by nature. Don’t let him be deceived by those scholars who slip in among the guests.”

Seeing Zhao Guangzong—tall, upright, and handsome, yet unfamiliar—she could not help but be cautious.

“I heard from the young master that he is his friend from the capital, a fellow examinee during the metropolitan exams. Though he did not pass, he has since found success and is now serving as assistant magistrate in Feng County at a young age.”

A servant replied, “He must have come specifically to attend the banquet.”

Hearing this, Madam Jiang said, “In that case, it is a proper acquaintance. Tangtuan went to the capital with his brother—it is only natural they would know each other.”

“Now that he holds office in Feng County, there may be future dealings. Go inform the master and see if he would like to meet him and exchange a few words.”

“Yes.”

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