Ch 133 (Extra 15): Reborn to Raise My Husband

Zhao Guangzong & Jiang Tangtuan (III)

Upon hearing of Zhao Guangzong, Old Master Jiang indeed summoned him for a meeting.

“I’ve long heard that this year’s selected officials have been decided, yet I’ve not had the chance to meet you.”

Seeing Zhao Guangzong—tall, upright, and well-composed—Old Master Jiang was somewhat surprised.

Ordinarily, those who chose to take the official appointment path were either in their forties or fifties, having failed the metropolitan examination multiple times before settling for such a position.

Yet Zhao Guangzong was only just of age and had only taken the examination once before choosing this path. It was rather unusual.

Judging from the fact that he had made it to the level of juren on his first attempt, his learning was clearly not lacking.

To give up further prospects early and enter official service—it was rare.

And he was also quite handsome.

Old Master Jiang, who had thoughts of selecting a son-in-law, could not help but ask a few more questions upon seeing such a young man of good character and appearance.

After exchanging a few formal words, he spoke to Zhao Guangzong in the manner of an elder, asking whether he had married.

Zhao Guangzong felt that Old Master Jiang was very approachable and became even more respectful.

“This junior is dull and unworthy. I can only handle one matter at a time. I have been occupied with study and examinations and have not had the ability to give attention to other matters. Now that I am no longer young, my marriage is still unsettled.”

Old Master Jiang laughed. “Though people say one should marry and then establish a career, I think it is steadier to establish oneself first and marry afterward.”

“With your talents and appearance, now that you are settled, you will surely find someone considerate to care for you.”

After a few more words, Old Master Jiang left to attend to other guests.

Zhao Guangzong let out a breath. He had not expected that simply attending a banquet would earn him such favor from Old Master Jiang, who had called him over for a lengthy conversation.

Before long, the bride arrived, the ceremony was observed, and the banquet began.

Zhao Guangzong sat according to his assigned place and ate. The dishes were excellent, but his mind was on Jiang Tangtuan. He barely ate a few bites, though he did drink several cups of wine.

Throughout the banquet, their gazes met quietly several times, yet he found no opportunity to speak with him again.

In such a setting, if they spoke repeatedly, it would inevitably draw attention and gossip.

Jiang Tangtuan was from a scholarly family. If his reputation were harmed, it would bring shame to the entire household.

Zhao Guangzong understood this well. Even though his heart was entirely drawn toward him, he restrained himself from approaching.

As the banquet began to wind down, a young attendant called out to him, saying he would escort him out.

Zhao Guangzong remembered that Tangtuan had said he would have someone see him off.

“Did the dishes at the banquet suit your taste, langjun?”

Holding a lantern, the attendant led Zhao Guangzong along a quieter path.

“The cuisine of Jinling is excellent—both abundant and refined.”

The attendant spoke modestly of the hospitality and expressed relief that Zhao Guangzong found it satisfactory.

After a few casual exchanges, the attendant glanced ahead at a figure and said, “Langjun, do you recognize the person ahead?”

Zhao Guangzong looked and saw it was the juren who had spoken with Tangtuan earlier that day. He was puzzled by the question.

“Jiang juren?”

“Indeed. He is one of the master’s students and often visits the residence.”

The attendant smiled. “Jiang juren treats our gongzi well—every few days he brings food and little trinkets.”

Zhao Guangzong’s brows tightened slightly.

Seeing this, the attendant continued, “Now that the young master’s marriage is settled, the master and madam have one less concern. But they dote on our gongzi and are still worried about his future.”

No matter how slow Zhao Guangzong might be, he understood the implication.

If that were the case, did it not mean Old Master Jiang favored Jiang Lingyun as a prospective son-in-law?

Earlier, seeing Jiang Lingyun’s attentiveness toward Tangtuan, Zhao Guangzong had felt a trace of discomfort. But upon realizing that Jiang Lingyun already had someone in his heart, he had not thought further.

Now, hearing this, Zhao Guangzong’s thoughts fell into chaos, his expression changing.

The attendant, having said enough, did not continue further. “Safe travels, Zhao langjun.”

When Zhao Guangzong reached the gate, he cupped his hands in thanks. “Thank you for seeing me off.”

After the attendant left, Zhao Guangzong boarded his carriage, his brows still tightly furrowed.

“Has he gone?”

Back in the courtyard, Jiang Tangtuan was sitting before the dressing table, loosening his hair. Seeing the attendant return, he asked.

“Zhao langjun has already returned.”

“Did you say what I asked you to tell him?”

The attendant replied, “I followed gongzi’s instructions exactly.”

Jiang Tangtuan set down the white jade hairpin in his hand and let out a light breath.

He did not know whether that fool would understand what he meant.

Now that he knew Zhao Guangzong’s feelings, he could more or less guess why he had not revealed them earlier.

He had long heard from Bao ge’er that Zhao Guangzong’s family background was not high. Translated on Hololo novels. After failing the metropolitan examination, bound by concerns over status, he must have buried those feelings deep in his heart.

He had not expected that Zhao Guangzong would later take up an official post and come to Jinling, allowing them to meet again. Fearing there would be no future chance, he had finally spoken his heart.

Yet from what Tangtuan could see, Zhao Guangzong had only expressed his feelings, without any intention of taking things further.

After all, the difference in status was there. His elder brother had become a jinshi, and the Jiang family’s prospects were only growing brighter.

But Zhao Guangzong did not know of the complications surrounding marriage arrangements in the capital—his family had already changed their thinking and now wished to find him a more ordinary match.

Tangtuan thought to himself that the student his father favored was not much higher in standing than Zhao Guangzong.

So he had deliberately passed this information along, hoping Zhao Guangzong would understand that, in his case, his family did not place importance on status.

The message had been delivered. Whether Zhao Guangzong would take the initiative or let things end here—that would be for him to decide.

In truth, if he spoke to his family himself, his father and mother might very well agree.

But he did not want to throw himself forward entirely. It could not be that Zhao Guangzong merely spoke his feelings once and did nothing more, while he went eagerly to seek marriage.

Though he reasoned this way, he could not help but ask the attendant, “What expression did he have when he heard it?”

The attendant said, “When Zhao langjun heard that Jiang juren was the one favored by the master, his expression changed immediately.”

“He furrowed his brows and looked full of thoughts when he left. I’m afraid he won’t sleep well tonight.”

Hearing this, Tangtuan pressed his lips together, thinking it served him right.

But then he remembered that Zhao Guangzong would return to Feng County the next day, and a faint sense of loss rose within him.

Indeed, just as the attendant had said, Zhao Guangzong did not sleep at all that night after returning to the inn.

It was not simply jealousy over Jiang Lingyun—he felt that the situation was more complicated than that.

For a scholar’s family to favor a student and wish to betroth their child to him was nothing unusual.

But to intend to marry Tangtuan to Jiang Lingyun, who already had someone in his heart, did not make sense.

Either Old Master Jiang valued Jiang Lingyun so highly that even knowing this, he still wanted him as a son-in-law.

Yet after meeting Old Master Jiang, Zhao Guangzong felt he was not such a rigid man who would force apart a pair of lovers.

Or else, the Jiang family did not know that Jiang Lingyun already had someone and that he was concealing it to climb higher.

At present, Zhao Guangzong could not make a judgment based on speculation alone.

But one thing was certain—no matter the reason, it was not good for Tangtuan.

Even if he could not marry Tangtuan, he could not stand by and watch him be entrusted to the wrong person.

Before returning to Feng County, Zhao Guangzong quickly made arrangements, finding someone reliable to investigate Jiang Lingyun’s background.

With enough silver spent, the information came back quickly.

Jiang Lingyun was indeed a juren. In a large city like Jinling, the number of young scholars with that status was still limited.

The information reported that Jiang Lingyun lived in a small residence on the outskirts of Jinling. His family was simple—his parents and younger siblings.

They had moved to Jinling only four years ago.

There was no visible business in the family; they seemed to rely on farmland back in the countryside.

Jiang Lingyun was of upright appearance and unmarried. He studied diligently and did not frequent entertainment houses.

Even teahouses and restaurants rarely saw him. It was said he was a student of Lord Jiang.

By the time Zhao Guangzong received this information, he had already returned to Feng County.

Looking over the report, he could not draw any clear conclusions. Instead, it only made Jiang Lingyun seem like a decent young man.

And that cousin of his did not appear openly in the picture.

To uncover the truth, he would likely need to investigate Jiang Lingyun’s original place of registration.

But that would not be easy.

If Zhao Guangzong had been serving in Jinling, it would have been simpler. Or if Jiang Lingyun were from Feng County, it would also have been easier.

Unfortunately, after checking all the records of scholars in the county, there was no one named Jiang Lingyun.

With no other option, Zhao Guangzong sent a letter to Jiang Tangtuan.

When the attendant delivered the letter, Tangtuan had been quite pleased at first.

He thought Zhao Guangzong had finally remembered to write to him.

But upon reading it, there were no gentle or affectionate words—only questions about Jiang Lingyun.

Annoyed, Tangtuan tossed the letter aside. Only the next day did he write a reply.

When Zhao Guangzong opened it, there was only a single line:

“Qutang County, Hanshan Village.”

He stared at it in disbelief, flipping the paper over twice. There was indeed only that one sheet, with only those few words.

“If someone writes you a letter with only a few words, asking nothing about your well-being and saying nothing of their own—what do you think that means?”

Zhao Guangzong asked one of his attendants.

“What else could it be? That person must be angry.”

Zhao Guangzong’s brows tightened. He realized how foolish he had been.

He immediately wrote another letter to apologize. This time, he also sent a box of food and a box of small amusements as a gesture of apology.

While trying to placate Tangtuan, Zhao Guangzong also wasted no time sending someone to investigate the address in the letter.

Qutang County was not far from Feng County, but it was even smaller—so small it did not even have an assistant magistrate.

Looking at the map, Hanshan Village was the most remote village in Qutang County.

In such a poor and remote place, the appearance of a juren was notable. With a little inquiry, Jiang Lingyun’s name quickly surfaced.

In a small place like that, when someone succeeded, the whole village took pride in it.

Those questioned all spoke of how diligently Jiang Lingyun studied and how modest and hardworking he was.

Zhao Guangzong himself had come from a village—how could he not understand how things worked there?

In a village, people would not easily speak ill of someone who had gone out from their own place—unless that person was truly wicked beyond redemption.

The man Zhao Guangzong had sent to investigate posed as a traveling peddler and stayed there for a time before finally uncovering what he needed to know.

Jiang Lingyun had originally come from a poor family. Translated on Hololo novels. His household had not been able to support his studies, and it was only through the support of his mother’s family that he was able to continue his education.

His cousin on his mother’s side, surnamed Liu, had grown up with him since childhood. The Liu family had funded his studies, and in gratitude, the Jiang family had promised that he would one day marry that cousin.

Later, Jiang Lingyun passed the county examination and became a xiucai. In order to continue studying, he moved to Jinling.

He was genuinely devoted to his cousin. Fearing that the Liu family would feel uneasy after his departure, he entrusted all the property he had been rewarded with to their care.

He was indeed capable. Studying diligently in Jinling, he went on to pass the provincial examination and became a juren, even gaining the favor of Old Master Jiang.

By that point, the Jiang and Liu families had already begun preparing to discuss the marriage.

But then Old Master Jiang hinted that he intended to take Jiang Lingyun as a son-in-law.

Jiang Lingyun informed his family, saying that he had no interest in marrying into a prominent household and that his heart belonged only to Cousin Liu. The marriage between the two families should proceed as planned.

Yet when the families discussed it, they decided to delay the marriage.

Their reasoning was that Jiang Lingyun came from a remote village. Without someone to support him, his future would not go far.

Knowing his character, they believed he would not betray his cousin. For the sake of his future, it would not matter if she suffered a little grievance.

Jiang Lingyun was deeply moved and promised that once matters with the Jiang family were settled, even if he could not give his cousin proper status, he would never give his heart to another.

He even placed his most important assets in her hands as proof of sincerity.

Reading this, Zhao Guangzong let out a cold laugh. What a pair of ill-fated lovers.

If others heard this, they might be moved by Jiang Lingyun’s supposed devotion and resent the Jiang family for using their power to separate them.

But Zhao Guangzong immediately saw that Jiang Lingyun was not an upright man.

He had written to Tangtuan before, asking whether Jiang Lingyun had any prior engagement or someone outside.

Tangtuan had been annoyed and said how could the Jiang family be the kind to seize someone else’s intended husband.

Yet Jiang Lingyun had already promised to marry Cousin Liu. Whether out of gratitude or genuine affection, when he received Old Master Jiang’s favor, he should have immediately stated that he was already engaged.

Instead, he did not refuse at once. He reported the matter to his family.

If his resolve had truly been firm, he could have handled it himself. Why involve his family at all?

It was nothing more than this—having come to Jinling and seen its splendor, and with Old Master Jiang’s favor, he developed ambitions to climb higher.

But he could not abandon the Liu family, nor was he willing to give up the opportunity of gaining such a powerful father-in-law. So he deliberately told his family, letting them scheme on his behalf.

In this way, concealing the connection with the Liu family became the decision of his elders. Translated on Hololo novels. He himself could claim reluctance, unable to defy them, yet still appear upright and honorable.

Even if the Jiang family heard that Jiang Lingyun had no engagement and felt uncertain enough to investigate, with both families concealing the truth, nothing would be uncovered.

And even if they discovered the existence of Cousin Liu, as long as the Liu family denied any formal engagement, there would be no proof.

What a meticulous scheme!

Zhao Guangzong was furious, already thinking of how to inform the Jiang family.

At that moment, however, the magistrate assigned him an official matter requiring him to go to Jinling.

Though the timing seemed almost too convenient, he still set off to carry out the task.

“You write letters to him like this—do you even know what kind of person he is? If he were not upright and used these letters against you, would you still care about your reputation?”

Madam Jiang looked coldly at the thick stack of letters on the table and could not help but scold the ge’er sitting there with lips pressed tight.

Yet seeing him sit there dejectedly, she could not bring herself to be too harsh.

“Since you’ve developed feelings, why didn’t you tell your mother earlier?”

Jiang Tangtuan looked away, thinking that there must truly be someone in his courtyard reporting to his mother. Once he found out who, he would certainly dock that person’s monthly allowance.

After being questioned for quite some time, he finally said, “He is not that kind of person. And there is nothing improper written in the letters.”

Before, he had been annoyed that Zhao Guangzong’s letters contained only proper matters, without a single gentle or affectionate word—nothing like how he spoke in person.

Now he suddenly understood—he had avoided writing such things so as not to leave any evidence behind.

Though Jiang Tangtuan looked miserable under his mother’s questioning, like a wilted plant, his heart felt sweet, thinking that Zhao Guangzong had been considering him.

“You’ve only met a few people—what do you know of such matters?”

After speaking for a long time and seeing that every word out of Tangtuan’s mouth was in Zhao Guangzong’s defense, Madam Jiang could not help but sigh, thinking her foolish child had already fallen too deeply.

“I’ve already asked your father.”

At this, Tangtuan’s eyes flickered, and he quickly asked, “What did Father say?”

Madam Jiang took a sip of tea before answering, “Now you’re anxious. Did you listen to a single word I said earlier?”

Tangtuan pressed his lips together, looking at her expectantly.

“Your father said he met him at your brother’s wedding. At first impression, he seemed a refined and gentle young man. He also looked into his official appointment and past writings—his learning is indeed quite good.”

Hearing this, Tangtuan’s lips curved slightly.

“But—”

Tangtuan immediately became alert again, looking straight at his mother.

“He is not young anymore—already past twenty. With his looks and talent, at his age, it is unusual that he has not yet married.”

Tangtuan said softly, “Perhaps he simply hadn’t met the right person before.”

“You even speak in his defense.”

Madam Jiang shook her head helplessly.

Then she added, “Your father already intended to find you a suitable match from below. If he has no faults, and you have such thoughts… it would not be a bad marriage.”

“However, let me say this first—he still needs to be investigated. Your father has already summoned him to Jinling under the pretext of official business, and a letter has also been sent to your brother in the capital. During this time, you are not to communicate with him.”

Hearing this, Jiang Tangtuan’s face flushed slightly. “I understand.”

A few days later, Zhao Guangzong arrived in Jinling.

He went to the government office to handle his duties and happened to run into Old Master Jiang. Translated on Hololo novels. After exchanging a few words, he was unexpectedly invited to visit the residence.

Zhao Guangzong felt both surprised and honored. He returned to tidy himself properly, then brought a gift and went to the Jiang residence.

“The first time I met you, I already felt an affinity. Last time, when you came to the wedding banquet, there were too many people, and I did not have the chance to speak with you properly.”

Old Master Jiang received guests in the main hall, saying he had invited him to drink tea and appreciate calligraphy and paintings.

He led Zhao Guangzong through the collection, examining books and paintings for quite some time.

Zhao Guangzong responded carefully. Appreciating such works with an elder like this was not something one could simply dismiss with a casual word of praise.

One had to explain what was good about them, what was subtle and refined—it was essentially an examination of one’s learning.

Jiang Tangtuan could not openly go to meet Zhao Guangzong, so he hid in a side room, secretly watching him being tested.

Seeing him rack his brains and answer cautiously, he could not help but smile.

After spending a long while viewing the works, Old Master Jiang let out a hearty laugh, clearly pleased.

When they had finished and sat down for tea, Zhao Guangzong finally let out a quiet breath of relief.

Old Master Jiang was evidently satisfied with Zhao Guangzong’s knowledge and manner. As they drank tea, he asked, “Last time I heard you were not yet married. Now that you are serving in Feng County, do you have any thoughts of settling down in Jinling?”

Since he was serving in Feng County, why ask about settling in Jinling?

The meaning beneath the words was clear to anyone attentive.

Zhao Guangzong’s expression tightened. It was not that he failed to understand—rather, he understood immediately, and that was why he was momentarily stunned.

He had planned to resolve Jiang Lingyun’s matter first before formally seeking a match through proper channels. Translated on Hololo novels. He had never expected Old Master Jiang to raise the question first.

How could he have imagined that one day he would catch Old Master Jiang’s eye? It was truly unexpected.

In the side room, Jiang Tangtuan pressed his lips together. Seeing Zhao Guangzong hesitate without answering for some time, his heart began to pound.

What was this fool thinking? Could it be that he was unwilling?

“If one finds the right person, it does not matter where one settles. What matters is finding someone who does not mind my age.”

Old Master Jiang stroked his beard and laughed. “Marrying a little later is no issue. As long as one is upright and devoted to family, a good match can always be found. Since you are now working in Jinling, you should come by more often.”

Hearing Zhao Guangzong’s reply, Tangtuan finally let out a quiet breath of relief and slipped away from the side room.

Zhao Guangzong did not stay for a meal. As noon approached, he politely took his leave.

His heart was already filled with joy, and as he walked out, his steps felt light, as though he might float.

Though he had not seen Jiang Tangtuan this time, he did not feel much disappointment—only a small regret that he could not share this good news with him immediately.

As he passed through the garden, he heard a soft cough.

Looking up, he caught sight of a figure standing within the small courtyard beyond a moon gate.

It was early winter. The midday sun fell thinly across the ground.

The person in the garden wore a goose-yellow cloak trimmed with white fur, looking warm and soft.

Zhao Guangzong stopped in his tracks. Their eyes met.

They gazed at each other silently, saying nothing, yet both found themselves smiling.

“Lord Zhao, this way.”

Zhao Guangzong cast one lingering glance before finally stepping away.

Jiang Tangtuan had deliberately waited along Zhao Guangzong’s path. Though they only exchanged a glance and did not speak, his heart was nonetheless filled with quiet happiness.

Two days later, Old Master Jiang received a reply from Jiang Tangyuan in the capital.

He and Madam Jiang read the letter together. After finishing, he could not help but laugh. “That boy—he’s come up with quite the scheme.”

Madam Jiang also smiled, full of approval. “Though it’s a bit of a trick, it’s still a good one. We’ll do as he suggests.”

Other promises were easy to make, but a vow like this—for a man—was not something one could agree to lightly.

˙✧˖°🎓 ༘⋆｡ ˚