Dandy Escapes From Marriage - Chapter 61

On their wedding night, due to Shen Ke’s inability to hold his liquor, Liu Shu volunteered to entertain the guests with drinks.

 

Initially, some found it improper for the newlywed groom to leave the bridal chamber, but General Yan was the first to raise his glass, saying, “Come, brother, bottoms up!”

 

With him leading the way, and seeing how sociable Young Master Liu was with General Yan and Lord Zhao, the others had nothing to say and joined in the drinking. Soon they discovered that Young Master Liu could really hold his liquor, making rounds with the guests and remaining steady on his feet.

 

Zhang Moyang had originally wanted to celebrate in the bridal chamber, but ended up getting drunk early and was taken back to the inn by Zhang Moseng and Hui Shang.

 

The men of the Liu family were all good drinkers, and although Madam Lu also had a good tolerance for alcohol, she had to maintain decorum and only had a few sips with Mrs. Shen.

 

Not only could Liu Shu hold his liquor well, he also had a silver tongue. After a few rounds, the guests took a special liking to him. It wasn’t until midnight that everyone gradually dispersed. After seeing off General Yan, Liu Shu closed his eyes and collapsed directly onto Shen Ke.

 

Shen Ke took him back and soaked him in a tub, but even in his dazed state, Liu Shu kept talking about wanting to go to the bridal chamber.

 

“No… let’s not bathe first, let’s go to the bridal chamber… Ah Ke, why do you look like there are two of you? Oh no, maybe three?”

 

“We won’t go to the bridal chamber tonight. Rest well. You’ve had a tough day,” Shen Ke replied softly.

 

In the middle of the night, Liu Shu suddenly woke up with the urge to urinate. After dealing with his physiological needs, he staggered back to bed and grabbed Shen Ke’s hand, asking, “Did we toast each other? Did we drink?”

 

“We did.”

 

“Oh. Did we… go to the bridal chamber?”

 

“We did.”

 

“Hmm.” Liu Shu turned over a few times and, sensing nothing wrong with his body, pinched Shen Ke’s face in dissatisfaction. “You lied to me!”

 

Shen Ke chuckled, steadying his swaying body. “Aren’t you sleepy?”

 

“If we didn’t go to the bridal chamber, I can’t sleep!” Liu Shu sat on him, unwilling to sleep.

 

The red candles flickered again, casting overlapping shadows on the wall. After a while, Liu Shu lifted his neck, trembling and crying softly, before finally falling asleep in exhaustion.

 

The next day, Liu Shu suddenly woke up, pushed open the window, and saw the bright sky with snow piled up on the eaves. Shen Ke was in the courtyard building a snowman with Ning’er. Hearing the noise, he walked to the window and poked Liu Shu’s face, making him shiver.

 

“Awake? Hungry? There’s soup warming in the kitchen,” Shen Ke smiled.

 

“What time is it?” Liu Shu asked in surprise.

 

“Uncle Xiao Wu is so lazy! We’ve already had lunch. You’ve just woken up. Lazy people have to copy books!” Ning’er shouted.

 

“Oh no, did I miss the tea ceremony?” Liu Shu panicked, quickly adjusting his posture and rushing out.

 

“Don’t rush.” Shen Ke stopped him at the door, handed Ning’er over to the maidservant, and led him back to the room. “Your parents knew you were busy entertaining guests last night, so they canceled the morning tea ceremony to let you rest. Would you like to sleep a little longer?”

 

“Really? No need?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

Liu Shu finally relaxed after drinking two bowls of warm soup, then dressed neatly and went out to meet his new family members.

 

In the hall, the four elders and Shen Huai were deep in conversation. Wu Xu and Ning’er were playing in the courtyard, creating a harmonious scene.

 

“Mom, Dad, sorry for being late,” Liu Shu smiled apologetically.

 

“You’re just waking up now,” his father teased.

 

“It’s fine, come sit down quickly,” Mrs. Lu and Mrs. Shen both said at the same time, exchanging a glance and then smiling. Mrs. Lu continued, “Xiao Wu, serve the tea.”

 

Liu Shu obediently served tea to the two elders of the Shen family, addressing them with a full smile as “Dad” and “Mom”. Deep smiles spread across the elders’ faces. Compared to their reserved nature, when Mr. Liu and Mrs. Lu received the tea from Shen Ke, their joy was almost exuberant, their laughter uncontrollable.

 

“Isn’t this a bit unconventional?” Mrs. Lu asked as she sipped her tea.

 

“Why worry about rules among family?” Shen Yanqing chuckled. “Since Xiao Wu served us tea, it’s only right that Ah Ke does the same.”

 

The next day was New Year’s Eve, and the Shen family rarely celebrated such a lively New Year’s, with the participation of the Liu family and a few friends who had come from afar, continuing the festivities until late into the night.

 

Liu Shu sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed, hearing the sudden sound of fireworks outside, he quickly ran out to watch.

 

“Be careful not to catch a cold,” Shen Ke said, holding a large cloak from behind and draping it over him, then pulling him into his arms. “Happy New Year.”

 

“Happy New Year,” Liu Shu turned back, looking at him with a radiant smile, his eyes reflecting the firelight. “This is the happiest New Year I’ve ever had!”

 

In previous years, the entire Liu family would gather together, with several wives discussing business with weapons, and the brothers would not behave, but would leave early.

 

But now he was only with his parents, and the new family, the two elders of the Shen family were very good to him, and treated him as a son. Shen Huai may have a sharp tongue, but he was generally a good brother, his sister-in-law was an interesting person, and Ning’er was even more adorable!

 

The feeling of having family, friends, and a loved one by his side was truly wonderful!

 

“Not only this first time, but every time in the future will be happy,” Shen Ke smiled.

 

After the New Year, everyone had to pack their bags and go their separate ways.

 

The Liu family left first, a long journey back to take care of their business. Next was Zhang Moyang and his sister, along with Hui Shang, and then Shen Huai with his official duties.

 

After the Lantern Festival, Liu Shu, Shen Ke, Wu Xu, and Ning’er set off for Huai Prefecture together.

 

Before leaving, the two of them did one more thing, which was to paint another picture on the artificial mountain. Above the two boys who apologized to each other, there was a scene of two young men bowing to each other in marriage. After Shen Ke finished painting, Liu Shu took a knife and slowly carved until it would never disappear.

 

On the way back, Shen Ke continued to record the crops along the way, while Liu Shu played with Ning’er, teaching her to whistle one moment and shoot a slingshot the next. Ning’er’s words were also more carefree and unrestrained, she had not written or drawn for a long time.

 

Fortunately, Wu Xu was broad-minded, not only did she not get angry, but she also encouraged her to learn more things, saying, “Children should not suppress their nature. If they want to write, let them write; if they want to play, let them play.”

 

Liu Shu curiously asked, “Then why did she start learning to paint from Ah Ke at the age of two?”

 

“It’s because Shen Huai felt he was stupid and couldn’t match Ah Ke in calligraphy and painting, so he wanted Ning’er to become like Ah Ke and surpass Ah Ke,” Wu Xu said.

 

Liu Shu laughed heartily, “Big brother wouldn’t say that.”

 

“He won’t admit that he’s worse than Ah Ke, his tail is practically in the air.”

 

Liu Shu bent over laughing, leaning on Shen Ke’s back uncontrollably.

 

With laughter and joy all the way, they finally arrived in Huai Prefecture. After dropping off his sister-in-law and Ning’er to meet with Shen Huai, the two of them took a stroll through the rouge shop in Huai Prefecture before continuing on their journey. Passing through the town, Liu Shu carried a bag of candy and threw it into Chen Yinglian’s shop, handing her a bag of jewelry as well, saying, “Here, this is what I promised to make up for you back in the thieves’ den.”

 

Chen Yinglian widened her eyes, “What else can you do, kid? I can work for you for a lifetime!”

 

“We need someone to help us with farming, are you willing?”

 

“Of course!”

 

“Good, wait for my message.”

 

The festive atmosphere in the village had not yet dissipated, lanterns still hung under the eaves, and windows were adorned with paper-cut decorations. Children in clean jackets played outside.

 

Upon seeing the carriage, two rascals immediately ran over, “Xiao Wu ge is back!”

 

Hearing the commotion, nearby people came out to look. Liu Shu got off the carriage and went door to door to distribute candy to everyone, receiving many blessings and fruits in return.

 

Their new house was also nearing completion. As soon as they returned home, hot meals awaited them.

 

The steward recruited by Mrs. Lu not only supervised construction but also managed all the household affairs, including over twenty servants provided by Mrs. Lu.

 

Originally, Shen Ke wanted to refuse, but Liu Shu stopped him. They both had a lot on their plate, having someone to cook and do laundry was beneficial. Even if they had to farm, having more labor could lighten their load and allow him to focus more on studying for the imperial examination.

 

After the new house was completed, they invited the villagers to a meal. Everyone sat in the spacious mansion, both surprised and apprehensive. News of their backgrounds had long spread throughout the village, but they had never expected these young masters to be willing to return to the village. After a brief surprise, everyone behaved as if they were at their own homes, eating while visiting each other.

 

There were many rooms in the new house. Hui Shang, who had come to pray many times, said to Shen Ke, “Xiao Wu’s name will soon be carved on the merit monument. Would you like to donate incense to our temple so your name can be engraved next to his?”

 

Shen Ke readily agreed.

 

Spring arrived, and Shen Ke personally went to plant rice, accompanied by over twenty servants. Chen Yinglian also came; she was skilled at doing the work of two people.

 

Fortunately, they didn’t have much to plant, and within a few days, they finished planting two fields. Next was recording the conditions of their fields and those of the villagers.

 

Meanwhile, on Liu Shu’s side, the third shop was also opened. The specially made ointment and powder became very popular, exerting a significant influence around the three shops. They had to expand their team to continue producing the ointment, and Liu Qiaohui joined them, responsible for the drying process, receiving a monthly salary from him.

 

Everything proceeded in an orderly manner. In the blink of an eye, it was early summer, welcoming both Liu Shu’s and Shen Ke’s birthdays.

 

Mrs. Lu came specially, anxiously awaiting this day, fearing any mishaps with Liu Shu, not allowing him to go out and keeping him under her watchful eye, causing him to feel overwhelmed.

 

“Mom, I need to go to the restroom.”

 

“I’ll go with you.”

 

“I’m already so old!”

 

“Eighteen, after today, I won’t bother you anymore, okay?”

 

Liu Shu, helpless, looked to Shen Ke for help, hoping he would distract his mother.

 

But Shen Ke said, “I’ll go with you.”

 

Today, Shen Ke did not go out either, steadfastly standing guard beside him.

 

“Although Liu Shu really wanted to persuade him, he also found it amusing. He gladly took his hand and said, ‘Come on, let’s go.’

 

During dinner, Lu Yueju presented a gift: a written document transferring all the rouge shops of the Liu family to Liu Shu for management.

 

“Did Father agree?” Liu Shu asked in surprise as he looked at the document.

 

“Rouge business was originally the enterprise I established. The employees all listen to me. If he didn’t agree, would it matter?” Lu Yueju replied. “Take charge of these shops first. If you manage them well, I’ll slowly transfer other properties to you. Old Liu also intends to hand over the fabric business to you, but he might need to assess you for some time. Don’t worry though, with me here, you can have whatever you want.”

 

“I wish you a long and healthy life!” Liu Shu exclaimed.

 

“You too,” Lu Yueju smiled and shook hands with him. “We both wish each other a long life.”

 

In the afternoon, Shen Huai’s family of three also arrived to celebrate their birthdays. Shen Huai gave Liu Shu a bow, saying, “This bow and arrows were obtained from General Yan. Treasure them.”

 

Liu Shu exclaimed, “Wow!”

 

Shen Huai also gave Shen Ke a valuable set of brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone obtained from Mr. Zhao. 

 

Liu Shu exclaimed, “Wow! You really grabbed onto them hard!”

 

Shen Huai narrowed his eyes at him, and he quickly changed his words. “Big brother is mighty!”

 

After dinner, Ning’er got tired, so the family of three went back to rest in their room.

 

Liu Shu was still thinking about spending some private time with Shen Ke, so he said to Lu Yueju, “Mom, we’re also tired.”

 

“What time is it?” Lu Yueju had just finished speaking when she saw his expression and immediately understood. She cleared her throat and turned to Shen Ke, instructing him, “You two go rest. Maybe after a good night’s sleep, he’ll have crossed the threshold of eighteen.”

 

“Okay, Mom, you should rest early too,” Shen Ke said.

 

After returning to their room, Liu Shu finally had some freedom. He asked Shen Ke to turn around and then pulled out a gift from under the bed covers, letting Shen Ke open it himself.

 

“What’s this?” Shen Ke looked in astonishment at the stack of scrolls in front of him. Counting carefully, there were seventeen of them. He slowly unrolled one, his gaze pausing briefly before breaking into a heartfelt smile.

 

“You copied all the poems from the wall?” he asked.

 

“Yeah.” Liu Shu had this idea since the first time he saw the poems on the wall at Shen’s house. “This is your journey of growth. I really like it. Let’s hang it in our home. From now on, you can write one each year, and I’ll engrave it on the wall too!”

 

“Okay.” Shen Ke’s smile deepened as he nostalgically reviewed each script, vividly recalling his youth. After putting down the scrolls, he took Liu Shu’s hand and led him to the next room. “Your gift is inside. Pick whatever you like.”

 

“Really?” Liu Shu pushed open the door. This was originally Shen Ke’s study, but now it was filled with many familiar items.

 

Snacks from Jinling, folding fans from Jinling, Yunjin silk from Jinling, hairpins from Jinling, and even a Jade flute from Jinling—everything he was familiar with and used to seeing before. Even the Jin Ye teapot was brought.

 

“Zhang Moyang would be thrilled to see this,” Liu Shu laughed. “But I don’t need it. Father just put it in the guest room to show off to others.”

 

“Is that so?” Shen Ke laughed too. “Among all these things, is there anything you like?”

 

“Everything!” Liu Shu hugged him, knowing he brought so many Jinling items because he missed home. His eyes were slightly red as he smiled and said, “But I also really like our home now. As long as I have you, everything is good.”

 

“Me too.” Shen Ke hugged him tightly, and they stayed that way for a long time.

 

Until a loud cry separated them. They glanced at each other and hurried to the guest room, where they heard Ning’er crying about being afraid of dogs, only to find Liu Fugui had sneaked into their room.

 

“Liu Fugui, come out,” Liu Shu called.

 

When Liu Fugui came out, perhaps from eating too much, he didn’t return to his nest obediently. Instead, he started running around aimlessly and finally ran out the door.

 

“Liu Shu chased after him outside, scolding while catching Liu Fugui. As he turned around, he saw Shen Ke and his mother following behind, afraid that something might happen if they were out of sight. Unable to suppress his amusement, he carried Liu Fugui over and said, ‘What are you all doing? It’s almost midnight, and the threshold of eighteen has long—’

 

“Careful!” Shen Ke suddenly shouted.

 

“Ah—!”

 

In the darkness, Liu Shu was so caught up in talking with them that he didn’t notice the step in front of him. He stepped into thin air and fell flat on the ground.

 

“So this is the threshold of eighteen!” Liu Shu exclaimed in frustration, pounding the ground.

 

Lu Yueju and Shen Ke couldn’t help but laugh with relief.

 

During the autumn harvest season, as they harvested rice they had grown themselves, Liu Shu and Shen Ke were delighted. Eating rice they had cultivated themselves was especially satisfying.

 

Shen Ke began pondering if there was a way to achieve maximum yield with minimal labor, so he conducted surveys around the area, which required him to travel.

 

Coincidentally, Liu Shu needed to oversee and deeply understand the rouge business Lu Yueju had entrusted to him, so the two often traveled together.

 

It wasn’t until right before the imperial examination that Liu Shu suddenly became worried. “Oh no, you’ve been studying these things every day. What about the exam?”

 

“Just focus on doing well,” Shen Ke reassured him.

 

“But what if you don’t achieve top honors?”

 

“Then I might be ridiculed, demeaned, and it might affect you. Are you afraid?”

 

“I’m not afraid of anything except seeing you upset.”

 

“Don’t worry. I’ll do my best, but if I don’t achieve the expected results, I won’t have any regrets.”

 

“Okay, then you focus on the exam. Don’t worry. There won’t be any problem with supporting you,” Liu Shu said confidently.

 

After more than two years of hard work, Liu Shu merged his three shops into the Liu family and managed them together. He also launched his special rouge powder, which gained popularity nationwide and earned a considerable profit. Now he was gradually taking over other businesses, and his financial strength was not to be underestimated. Zhang’s siblings were assisting him in managing the shops, and they were becoming quite adept.

 

Although Liu Shu claimed not to fear Shen Ke’s exam results, he was still nervous. He didn’t show it to Shen Ke, but privately, he consulted Hui Shang many times, prayed earnestly before the Buddha, and donated incense.

 

For Shen Ke, the provincial examination wasn’t too difficult. When the results of the preliminary examination came out, Liu Shu spread the good news everywhere. Family and friends all knew that Shen Ke had achieved top honors twice in the provincial examinations, which was quite rare and attracted considerable attention. Many officials came early to Shen’s house to congratulate him. At least they were sure of the top three, but whether they could get the champion in the final examination remained to be seen.

 

On the day of the final examination, Liu Shu waited outside the palace gate for a long time. Shen’s wife was a little anxious. “Why hasn’t he come out yet? When Ah Huai participated in the final examination, it only took two hours. What time is it now?”

 

“Mom, drink some hot water,” Liu Shu was afraid she’d get upset.

 

At this moment, officials began to come out one after another, all discussing today’s final examination.

 

Liu Shu saw the figure in the distance and ran over immediately. Shen Ke caught him steadily and smiled, “Slow down. What if you fall?”

 

“How did it go?” Liu Shu asked eagerly.

 

“I’m a bit hungry,” Shen Ke said.

 

“There’s food in the carriage.”

 

“What kind of food?” General Yan suddenly appeared behind them. “Can I have some too? Standing here for so long has made me starving.”

 

Liu Shu took out several food boxes from the carriage, all kinds of delicate pastries. “Eat up, eat up.”

 

Clearly starving, even Shen Yanqing, who followed closely, didn’t care about face anymore and ate pastries on the street. Passersby shouted, “Master Shen, you are truly a model educator.”

 

“Cough, cough,” Shen Yanqing awkwardly swallowed the pastry and exchanged pleasantries with them.

 

“On pins and needles, Liu Shu asked anxiously, ‘How did it go?’

 

Shen Ke smiled and replied, ‘Mission accomplished.’

 

Liu Shu widened his eyes slowly. ‘First place?!’

 

“Yeah, in his final essay on agricultural and commercial development, he debated with scholars until no one in the hall dared to dispute him. The Emperor then officially appointed him as the top scholar,” Yan Mingting chuckled, picking out a few pastries from the food box, ready to leave. “I’ll go tell Mengting he didn’t bet on the wrong person. Goodbye.”

 

On the day the results were announced, Shen Ke soared to prominence in the capital. The Emperor unusually appointed him as a sixth-rank Hanlin attendant. Just when everyone thought he was going to make a big impact in the Hanlin Academy, they learned he had voluntarily applied to be a minor official in the remote Quzhou.

 

These remote areas had little resources and meager profits, usually attracting only those who had fallen out of favor or were demoted. His transfer surprised all those who had high hopes for him.

 

Unexpectedly, during his tenure, Shen Ke vigorously developed agriculture and commerce in Quzhou. He lived, ate, and worked alongside the common people, promoted governance, fostered harmony, and improved living standards. Officials and civilians alike grew close, and Shen Ke gained high esteem among the people.

 

Subsequently, he was reassigned to several other places, where he similarly improved the living standards of the local populace. He encouraged business among the people and gradually reduced the social hierarchy between scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. In the hearts of the common people, he earned great respect.

 

Upon becoming the Prime Minister, he introduced a series of policies benefiting the people, compiled his notes on agricultural practices from various regions into a book titled ‘Complete Agricultural Records,’ allowing people to learn planting methods from different places. This became important agricultural literature for future generations. He also developed cheaper agricultural tools, implemented nationwide, increasing agricultural output four to five times. The people became prosperous, and the country became stronger, ushering the Xuan Dynasty to new heights of prosperity.

 

At the same time, he excelled in calligraphy. The true copies and inscriptions from his home became models for future generations.

 

Meanwhile, Liu Shu, who had always accompanied him, gradually transformed from being viewed as a merchant’s son into a wealthy businessman. No one dared to look down on his background anymore; instead, everyone respected him and sought his friendship.

 

Most importantly, they had never been apart during these years.

 

He worked the fields and planted rice, he sewed clothes for him.

 

He wore gold and silver, and he spent generously for him.

 

According to historical records, Emperor Mingde once visited Minister Shen’s home at night and witnessed him sewing clothes by lamp light while his companion was copying books in distress. Inquiring about the reason, it turned out his companion had lost a bet in the gambling house and accidentally torn his new clothes.

 

Emperor Mingde burst into laughter.

 

The next day, Minister Shen personally arrested his companion again at the gambling house, along with Emperor Mingde.

 

Emperor Mingde: “I believed his slander and went with him to survey public opinion. He even made me disguise myself.”

 

Liu Shu: “Ah Ke, I was really forced. He used the Emperor’s identity to blackmail me! You have to believe me, Ah Ke, I love you so much!”

 

Emperor Mingde was persuaded by Minister Shen’s argument, but the punishment of Liu Shu remains unknown.

 

All that is known is that this young man did not leave the house for three or four days. On the fifth day, he confidently wore clothes personally sewn and mended by Minister Shen, took the eldest daughter of the Shen family, and gallivanted around town, buying pearls and attending theater performances. At dusk, he left alone, casually heading outside the palace to pick up Minister Shen, returning home together.

 

 End