The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 111: Xiao Huanxiong

Chapter 111: Xiao Huanxiong

Is it time?

Qiu Huanian felt a surge of anxiety. He handed the hand warmer to Xing Mi and sped up, nearly jogging.

When they arrived at the courtyard where Su Xinbai and Zhu Jingcheng resided, a crowd had already gathered. Zhu Jingcheng’s mother, Lady Sheng, and his concubine, Lady Feng, were both in the courtyard. Representatives from both the Zhu and Su families were also there.

Zhu Jingcheng anxiously paced outside the delivery room. He kept wanting to go in, losing his usual composure.

Qiu Huanian quietly called a servant over to ask for updates.

“The young mistress had just sent for her family and the Township Lord when labor began. Luckily, everything had been prepared since last month. With the wet nurse and uncle in charge, everything was quickly set up. It’s been nearly half an hour, and the baby still hasn’t arrived.”

Qiu Huanian was close to Su Xinbai, so no one stopped him. He neared the delivery room, faintly hearing Su Xinbai’s muffled cries.

Qiu Huanian had never experienced or witnessed childbirth in either life, so he was completely in the dark and could only worry along with everyone else.

Su Xinbai’s labor began a bit early. Without knowing the exact conception date, it was unclear if the baby was full-term.

The matron sent by the Zhu family matriarch whispered, “Seven months is safe, eight is not. Let’s hope it’s not the eighth month…”

Zhu Jingcheng was frantic. He wanted to speak but feared disturbing Su Xinbai. He wanted to enter but was halted, fidgeting nervously.

Just then, the door to the delivery room opened a crack, and Dian Mo peeked out.

“How is it?!” Zhu Jingcheng blurted out.

“The young master wants the eldest young master by his side.”

“This is not—” Lady Sheng began, but Lady Feng stopped her.

Hearing this, Zhu Jingcheng rushed into the delivery room, unstoppable.

The servants exchanged glances and stayed silent, not uttering any words about inauspiciousness or impropriety.

After Zhu Jingcheng entered, a while later, Qiu Huanian heard Su Xinbai’s cries of pain grow louder, as if she could no longer suppress them.

His heart was pounding. As he was about to ask for advice, he heard a baby’s cry.

Everyone in the courtyard gathered around. A wet nurse ran out of the delivery room with a beaming smile, immediately closing the door behind her before speaking.

“Congratulations, madam. The young mistress has delivered a healthy baby boy.”

“This child knows how to care for others. It only took half an hour to be born. In the future, he will surely be a filial, intelligent, and handsome young master!”

Lady Sheng and Lady Feng exchanged glances and smiled sincerely.

Lady Feng said happily, “It’s harder for a young lad to give birth than a woman. It’s rare for the first birth to go so smoothly. Everything will surely go smoothly in the future. The young lady can—”

She blurted out a long-unused title and then fell silent upon realizing it.

Lady Sheng patted her and said, “We’re both grandmothers now. Call it whatever you want. No need to be so particular.”

The wet nurse directed someone to bring in the water prepared with alum, stonecrop, and pomegranate peel to wash Su Xinbai’s body.

Qiu Huanian went up to inquire about Su Xinbai’s condition, just as Dian Mo came out to ask for smoked fish for Su Xinbai.

“The young master is still awake, just a bit tired now. If the Township Lord has nothing else to do, please stay a while longer. The young master will surely want to see you once he recovers.”

The delivery room had to be kept warm, and there were still many things left to do. Qiu Huanian didn’t enter but was taken to the main room to sit and rest.

One by one, those bearing good news went out from the courtyard, and one by one, those bringing gifts and congratulations came in. Everyone carefully kept their voices down so as not to disturb Su Xinbai’s rest.

It wasn’t until the afternoon, after Qiu Huanian had a meal at the Zhu family’s home, that he finally got to see Su Xinbai.

The delivery room was much warmer than the other rooms. Su Xinbai was propped up on a soft cotton pillow on the kang, his face pale from blood loss, but his spirits were quite good.

Zhu Jingcheng was sitting by his side, and on the other side was a finely crafted and comfortable wooden cradle.

When Su Xinbai saw Qiu Huanian, he slightly lifted his eyelids and reached out with his slender hand. Qiu Huanian went over and grasped it.

“This child has a connection with you. You’re leaving tomorrow, and he arrived today.” 

Qiu Huanian smiled and said, “If you say so, then I’m definitely going to be his godfather.”

Su Xinbai let out a soft hum, “If you’re his godfather, I’ll have to coax more goodies out of you in the future.”

“What are you talking about? Would the Zhu family ever lack anything for this child?”

“It’s different. Those strange and novel things of yours can’t be bought even with money. With you as his godfather, Little Raccoon will have the upper hand.”

“Has the child’s name been decided?”

Su Xinbai nodded, “Mother said the first child’s nickname should be modest to ensure they thrive. I had already decided on it before, whether it was a boy, girl, or a child like me, it would be this name.”

Qiu Huanian was suspicious, “It wasn’t inspired by Nai Shuang, was it?”

Su Xinbai didn’t respond.

Qiu Huanian smiled and went to look at the child in the cradle. He didn’t dare to touch him, only observing from a distance.

Little Raccoon had been born just a few hours ago, his skin still slightly red, his nose small and delicate, his features clear and handsome, with a prominent red mole between his eyebrows. With such good genes from Su Xinbai and Zhu Jingcheng, he was sure to grow up to be a beauty.

“What about the formal name? Has it been decided?” Qiu Huanian asked Zhu Jingcheng.

However, Zhu Jingcheng seemed dazed, not hearing Qiu Huanian’s words at all. In fact, since Qiu Huanian had entered, he hadn’t said a word, his eyes fixed on Su Xinbai, a smile on his face.

Su Xinbai frowned slightly, finding him foolish, and Zhu Jingcheng immediately snapped back to attention.

“Are you uncomfortable? Should I call Uncle to check on you?”

Su Xinbai shook his head slightly, “He’s asking about Little Raccoon’s formal name.”

Zhu Jingcheng slapped his forehead, and in that moment, it was clear he and Zhu Jingwei were indeed brothers.

“We had thought of several names together before, but since we didn’t know the gender, we hadn’t decided. Just now, we discussed it and decided to name him Zhu Yijun.”

Su Xinbai spoke up, “Yiyi like a gentleman, fitting in any place.”

With everyone in the family being well-read, Qiu Huanian had also read many ancient and modern poetry collections, and he immediately recognized it, “It’s from a poem about bamboo.”

“We hope he will have the character of a gentleman like bamboo, and more importantly—” Su Xinbai paused, “fitting in any place.”

No matter where he is or what situation he faces, he should maintain his integrity and live well.

This was Su Xinbai’s deepest realization after experiencing many ups and downs. He poured all his emotions into this name, placing his hopes on Little Raccoon, wishing that no matter what the child encounters in the future, he will always “fit in.”

Qiu Huanian smiled and nodded, “A good name. When I return from the capital, I’ll bring Little Raccoon something special. It’s a shame I’ll miss the full moon celebration.”

Zhu Jingcheng said, “When you return from plucking the laurel from the moon, Little Raccoon will also be able to face the world. We will hold a grand ceremony to officially recognize the godfather.”

It is a great honor for the newly born Zhu Yijun and the entire Zhu family to have the formidable and promising Lady Qishu as their godfather.

Qiu Huanian smiled as he looked at Little Raccoon, whose eyes were still closed, and casually agreed.

…

The entire Zhu family was busy welcoming the new life. The patriarch of the Zhu family had already sent out numerous invitations, preparing for a grand full-month celebration.

Upon hearing the news, Su Yi left the yamen early and came to visit with Su Xinbai’s stepmother, Lady Kou.

Su Xinbai had just given birth and needed rest, so Qiu Huanian did not disturb them too much. After seeing both the mother and the child, he bid farewell.

After resting at home for half a day, he would set off for the capital the next day.

The metropolitan examination begins on the ninth day of the second lunar month, with three sessions, each lasting three days, and would not conclude until the 18th. If one passed the metropolitan examination and became a tribute scholar, they would have to stay in the capital to participate in the Palace Examination a month later.

After the Palace Examination rankings were announced, a series of ceremonies—the grand proclamation, the horse parade, the ancestral worship at the Confucian temple, the erection of the stele at the Imperial Academy, and the Qionglin banquet—would take place, extending the time until the end of March.

After waiting in the capital for some time, until the official position was confirmed and the home leave was granted, Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse would return to Xiangping Prefecture. All in all, if everything went smoothly, they would be away for at least two months.

Qiu Huanian had already made careful arrangements beforehand. The day before departure, he gathered the family together, reminding them of what needed to be reminded and reprimanding them where necessary.

Qiu Huanian entrusted the external business to Meng Yuanling, while the household affairs were handed over to Jiu Jiu. Jiu Jiu was already quite adept at managing purchases, accounts, and social interactions.

As for the estates outside the city, with Wei Li, Bing Qi, and Bing Ba around, the estate manager Old Deng dared not be negligent. With last year’s experience, the spring plowing could proceed smoothly even without Qiu Huanian.

Considering that Du Yunse might take up an official position in the capital, Qiu Huanian converted the family’s existing 2,500 taels of silver into banknotes, carrying 2,000 taels with him, planning to buy a house near the imperial city depending on the situation.

He also took the deeds of the two shops and one estate previously gifted by the Zhu family, planning to organize and manage them once he had some free time in the capital.

On the 18th day of the first lunar month, at the break of dawn, Du Yunse gently woke Qiu Huanian.

“Brother Hua, get up and wash up. You can sleep again in the carriage.”

Qiu Huanian grumbled as Du Yunse pulled him up, yawning while changing clothes and washing up. After a simple breakfast, they boarded a spacious and comfortable carriage, accompanied by the family’s farewells.

Jiu Jiu, Chun Sheng, Meng Yuanling, and Yun Cheng, who had taken leave from the academy, came to the door to see them off. Qiu Huanian waved out of the window several times until the carriage turned the corner of the street, then leaned back against the carriage wall to relax.

The ten-day journey was no joke. Qiu Huanian had added many soft cushions to the carriage and treated the walls specially, nailing a thin layer of cotton padding to prevent bumps and bruises.

Bai Quan was driving outside, while Xing Mi was in the luggage cart behind. They would first meet the Wanshi Escort Bureau’s convoy outside the city gate, then head to the capital together.

Qiu Huanian was still sleepy. Du Yunse took a pillow and blanket, letting him sleep a little longer.

In the spacious carriage with no one else around, Qiu Huanian didn’t pretend anymore. After stretching, he decisively lay down, resting his head on the pillow and reaching out to grab Du Yunse’s thigh.

“I remember the year before last, when we left Du Village for Xiangping Prefecture to take the academy exam, the carriage was particularly cramped. We only brought bedding and cushions, and I slept with my head on your lap the whole way.”

“Does Brother Hua want to rest on my lap?” Du Yunse moved his hand and smoothed the hem of his robe.

Qiu Huanian naturally moved his head over and said contentedly, “You catch on quick.”

…

The Yu Dynasty was prosperous, and the official road from Xiangping Prefecture in Liaozhou to the capital was mostly very smooth. After closing his eyes, Qiu Huanian quickly adapted to the slightly bumpy carriage and fell asleep.

He was only woken up by Du Yunse at lunchtime.

The Wanshi Escort Bureau’s convoy knew this road well, and they had traveled a good distance in just half a day.

Qiu Huanian looked at the unfamiliar town where they were taking a break, but he wasn’t interested in exploring. He got off the carriage to rest, ate the food Xing Mi had bought, and then got back on.

Wang Yinzhi and Deng Die were also in the convoy. To make the trip easier, they purchased a servant from the official market, along with a carriage and a horse. Deng Die spent half a day haggling and ended up spending about twenty taels of silver.

If Qiu Huanian hadn’t bought Deng Die’s smoked fish recipe, they’d have had to sell the fifteen acres of land that Wang Yinzhi received from the court after passing the provincial exam to raise the money.

There were also some other families in the convoy heading to the capital. Knowing that there were two provincial graduates in the group heading to the metropolitan examination, they all wanted to chat and network.

Du Yunse didn’t want to bother Qiu Huanian, so he turned them all down, and after that, no one dared to disturb them.

After ten days of travel, experiencing several heavy snowfalls and passing through some difficult mountain roads, they’d stopped in over ten towns along the way, and the capital was now close.

After getting some information, Bai Quan returned and said, “A canal’s being built ahead, blocking the road. It’s getting late, so the convoy leader suggests we stay nearby for the night and take a detour tomorrow. We’ll likely reach the capital by tomorrow afternoon.”

Since Qiu Huanian’s group had left early and it wasn’t yet February, they weren’t in a hurry and didn’t object.

Qiu Huanian had been cooped up in the carriage for a while, so he stepped out to stretch his legs.

They were now in a small town near the capital, and the townspeople’s standard of living was noticeably higher than that of Qingfu Town in Zhang County.

“Why are they building a canal in winter?”

The convoy leader, who had learned the details, replied, “The townsfolk say the imperial estate is expanding and needs a canal to bring water. This is a royal project, and since farming starts in spring, they have to start building the canal in winter.”

When Qiu Huanian heard about the imperial estate’s expansion, he couldn’t help but think it might be related to the agricultural book, seeds, and farming tools he had sent. Rumor had it that the Crown Prince had been deeply involved in agricultural affairs at the imperial estate.

He wondered if he’d get to see sixteen again during this trip to the capital…

Qiu Huanian asked, “Are the laborers building the canal conscripted from nearby villages?”

The convoy leader shook his head, “No, the workers are all convicts from the capital and nearby regions. They were supposed to be exiled to the frontier, but the officials decided to make the most of their labor and have them build the canal first.”

Qiu Huanian chuckled and shook his head at the idea of “making the most of their labor.”

As they neared the capital, Qiu Huanian wanted to take a walk in the town to experience the local customs and culture.

Xing Mi draped a plain fox fur cloak over Qiu Huanian, put on a matching hood, and handed him a hand warmer. All bundled up, they walked into the town accompanied by a guard sent by the convoy leader.

It was nearly evening, and besides the townspeople, Qiu Huanian also saw many laborers who were building the canal and were temporarily housed in makeshift shelters.

The two groups were easy to distinguish. The convict laborers all wore uniform coarse clothes, patched and tattered, with sallow faces, disheveled hair, and frostbitten hands and feet. There were also officials keeping watch nearby.

The townsfolk, knowing these were convicts meant for exile, kept their distance.

Qiu Huanian’s eyes swept over a street corner, and his gaze suddenly paused.

“Township Lord, what is it?” Xing Mi looked over and saw only an elderly male and female laborer.

The man seemed to be cursing, and the woman was giving him a hard time. They were fighting and arguing until an official came over and lashed them with a whip, after which they immediately quieted down.

Qiu Huanian shook his head and turned away. “Nothing to see here. Let’s head back. We’ll be in the capital tomorrow.”

Behind them, the male convict who had been whipped opened his cloudy eyes and hesitantly tugged at the female convict beside him.

“I… I think I saw Qiu Huanian?”

“Who? That heartless scoundrel who brought us to this state?” the female convict spat. “We’re near the capital. You’re seeing things, dreaming of impossible things!”

The male convict hesitated, “I really think I saw him… If it really is him…”

The female convict cried and cursed, “So what if it is? Can he bring my poor Gui’er back to life? My poor Gui’er, who was reported to the authorities by that jinx, was beheaded in his teens, and no one even burned a single piece of joss paper for him on his journey to the afterlife…”

The official raised his whip again, and the two of them trembled, not daring to delay any longer, and hurried back to their straw hut, pleading for mercy.