The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 45: Learning the Qin

Meng Fuyue stood up upon hearing this and said, “Hua ge’er, I’ll leave you to your work. I’m heading back.”

Qiu Huanian got up to see her off. The courtyard at home had been completely built. The new brick walls were neat and sturdy, nearly three meters high, completely blocking any outside view. The main gate was designed in the style of a Ruyi door. Aside from the door panels, the rest of the entrance was constructed with neatly stacked bricks and stones. Beneath the eaves, a row of brick-carved balustrades adorned with beautiful patterns gave the house a distinctive and elegant look.

Meng Fuyue stepped outside the courtyard, turned back to glance at this bright and spacious gate—something never seen before in the village—and then at the waiting carriage from the Song Scholar’s residence. Her heart was filled with both admiration and wistfulness.

In just half a year, Hua ge’er’s family had become the most accomplished household in Du Family Village. In a few more years, who knew how far they would go? A small place like Du Family Village would never be able to keep them.

After Meng Fuyue left, Qiu Huanian instructed Chunsheng to take the carriage driver and send the horse-drawn carriage to the rear garden, while he himself invited Miss Chunshui from Madam Song’s household into the house.

Chunshui had visited Qiu Huanian’s home several times before. As she stepped inside with familiarity, she discreetly took in the sight of the newly built residence.

The last few times she had come, the house was still under construction, and she hadn’t been able to see its full form. This was her first visit after its completion.

Upon entering through the main door, the first thing that met the eye was a brick-and-stone shadow wall. The top of the wall had eaves to shield it from the rain, and its edges were lined with patterned bricks and stones. In the middle, a whitewashed panel displayed a painted scene of a bountiful harvest of melons and fruits, accompanied by a boldly inscribed poem.

Walking past the shadow wall, the courtyard featured two intersecting stone-paved paths, each over a meter wide, forming a cross. These paths connected the main gate to the entrances of the main house and the side wings, ensuring that shoes and socks would not get dirty on rainy or snowy days.

The courtyard was divided into four sections by these paths. In the northeast corner stood a newly transplanted peach tree, not yet taller than a person. The southwest corner had a stone table and stone stools, providing a place to relax outdoors on pleasant days.

Covered walkways symmetrically connected the main house and the side wings, making the residence look well-ordered and seamlessly unified. Behind the two side rooms, the faint outline of a covered chamber was partially visible.

Although this residence could not compare to the Song Scholar’s estate in Taohua Town, it was considered quite grand in Zhang County. Even the wealthy households in Zhang County’s city might not be able to build something like this.

Chunshui was a lifelong servant of the Song family and had seen a great deal of the world. In her eyes, more than the number of rooms or the height of the walls, what made this residence remarkable was the owner’s refined aesthetic sense and meticulous attention to detail.

No wonder both the master and mistress of the Song family held the Du Scholar’s family in such high regard.

After taking her seat, Chunshui retrieved a visiting card from her sleeve and handed it to Qiu Huanian. “My mistress has long wished to visit your home, but knowing how busy you’ve been, she did not wish to disturb you. Now that the residence is complete, she has asked me to deliver this invitation.”

Qiu Huanian accepted the soft silk-covered card and opened it. Inside, it stated that Madam Song planned to visit in three days, accompanied by her niece, Miss Chi.

Ever since Du Yunse had achieved the top rank in the county-level exams, the Song Scholar had begun treating him as an equal. Though Song Scholar had not truly passed the imperial examination as a Jinshi, he was fortunate enough to have been appointed as a county magistrate through his status as a Scholar. Having served as an official for many years, his experience and perspective were naturally extraordinary.

He understood well that, given Du Yunse’s youth and talent, it would not be long before he attained the rank of Scholar or even Jinshi. His future achievements would undoubtedly surpass his own. Since that was the case, why should he cling to temporary differences in status?

Qiu Huanian carefully put away the invitation, then went to his study to prepare a reply. Spreading out paper and ink, he penned a letter in return, formally inviting Madam Song and her niece to visit in three days. He carefully mimicked Madam Song’s writing style, ensuring his response was equally refined and elegant.

As Du Yunse’s scholarly achievements grew, such social engagements among family members would only become more frequent. Qiu Huanian knew he would have to learn and adapt accordingly.

…

The next morning, Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse rose early to bid farewell to Shiliu.

The sun had not yet risen. The sky glowed with the faint white of dawn, casting a light distinct from the darkness of night. Leading his horse by the reins, Shiliu walked to the village entrance and stopped.

“Go back,” he said coolly, turning his head slightly.

Qiu Huanian opened his mouth to speak but hesitated. For some reason, a dull ache and a feeling of melancholy welled up inside him.

He had not known Shiliu for long, and the man was not the easiest to get along with. Yet, in these few days, Shiliu had left a deep impression on him.

Shiliu was strong and mysterious, but Qiu Huanian also felt that he was lonely—perhaps even fragile.

The steed let out a sharp neigh. Shiliu mounted in one swift motion and galloped away into the distance. The ever-brightening morning light cast an ethereal glow upon him until he became nothing more than a speck at the edge of sight.

Qiu Huanian sighed, momentarily lost in thought.

Shiliu had departed with his secrets. His sudden change in attitude, his contradictory words and actions—all of it had become shadows, sealed within the darkness.

Would they ever meet again?

Recalling Shiliu’s words from the previous day—“The road ahead is vast, and we may never have the chance to meet again in this lifetime”—Qiu Huanian felt a sinking heaviness in his chest.

Back home, he retrieved the sword Shiliu had given him—the “Fushu Sword.” Drawing it from its scabbard, he examined it carefully.

A glimmer like flowing water flickered across the blade. The sword lay quietly in its new master’s hands. Qiu Huanian scrutinized it once more but found nothing unusual. It seemed that Shiliu had truly given him a sword with no hidden message, no deeper significance.

…

Two days later, the day mentioned in Madam Song’s invitation arrived. Qiu Huanian went to town early in the morning to purchase refreshments and fruit. After tidying up the courtyard, he waited.

By noon, Madam Song arrived right on time, accompanied by her niece, Chi Qinghe.

After two months apart, Chi Qinghe looked much better than when they first met. The deep sorrow that had been etched between her brows had eased significantly, and she now appeared to be a normal, slightly quiet and introverted young girl.

Qiu Huanian had heard from Chun Shui that during this time, Madam Song had often taken Chi Qinghe out for social engagements in hopes of changing her temperament. Now, it seemed the effort had paid off.

Inside the main house, Madam Song elegantly took a sip of tea. “Today, I’ve managed to get some good tea from your house.”

“It was won by Yunse at the Qingfeng Academy tea gathering when he went to the provincial capital for the examination. If you like it, Madam, that’s all that matters.”

“My husband has always spoken fondly of Qingfeng Academy. Unfortunately, he never had the chance to study there in his youth. When I return, I must make him jealous.”

Madam Song’s demeanor was even more approachable and pleasant than when they last met at Song Juren’s residence. She exchanged a few pleasantries with Qiu Huanian, admired the new embroidery Jiujiu had stitched, and took a walk around the new courtyard with her. Finally, without drawing attention, she had Chun Shui take Jiujiu and Chi Qinghe to the back garden to admire the scenery.

Qiu Huanian’s garden had not yet been landscaped, with only an old pear tree, a small vegetable patch, and a large blue-patterned mule. No matter how one looked at it, it was hardly a picturesque spot for young ladies. However, Madam Song’s true intentions lay elsewhere.

Once the young girls were gone, Madam Song finally revealed the real purpose of her visit.

“Hua ge’er, we are both from Zhang County, our families live close to each other, and we share a connection. I have a request that may be presumptuous, but I wonder if you might help for the sake of our acquaintance?”

Qiu Huanian had expected that Madam Song would not make a trip here without reason. Without revealing any emotion, she said, “Please, speak your mind.”

Madam Song sighed. “You have met Qinghe twice now. She is my younger brother’s daughter. From childhood, she was raised like a precious jewel, intelligent and talented in every way, mastering the four arts—qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting.”

“Due to some unfortunate family matters, my brother sent her north to seek refuge with me. She has been here for several months now. I don’t think it’s right for her to remain at home indefinitely. I considered hiring a teacher for her, but it is difficult to find a suitable one in Zhang County, and there are no young girls of similar age to study with her.”

“After much thought, I remembered your Jiujiu. Though she is five years younger than Qinghe, she is intelligent and sensible, and even saved Qinghe’s life. Qinghe is shy and struggles to interact with strangers, but she seems able to open up only in Jiujiu’s presence.”

Qiu Huanian understood the general idea. “Madam wishes for Jiujiu to be Miss Qinghe’s study companion?”

Madam Song smiled. “It’s just two young girls learning, playing, and confiding in each other—there’s no such thing as study companions or not. Besides, think about it, Hua ge’er. With Yunse’s abilities, Jiujiu will one day be a young lady of an official’s household. She is still young, and learning additional skills will only benefit her in the future, preventing her from suffering setbacks when the time comes.”

“If you are willing, I will have my servants come every three days to escort Jiujiu to my home, where I will personally teach them both to play the qin. I recently found a small qin in my storage that my daughter used when she was young—perfect for Jiujiu.”

“Additionally, if it is convenient for you, I would like to send Qinghe here to study with Jiujiu. To receive guidance from a ‘Little Third Yuan’ like Yunse is a blessing that many could only dream of.”

Madam Song had already spoken this far, leaving Qiu Huanian with no reason or excuse to refuse.

Compared to the still-young Chunsheng, the more mature and understanding Jiujiu indeed needed more learning opportunities. Madam Song had been a proper young lady from an official’s family in her youth, and after marrying Song Juren, she had spent decades as a magistrate’s wife. By following her, Jiujiu could learn much that Qiu Huanian could not teach—whether it was playing the qin or other essential skills.

Seeing Qiu Huanian agree, Madam Song’s smile deepened. She repeatedly expressed her gratitude. “I will send over some calligraphy supplies, books, and desks later. I must trouble Hua ge’er to look after Qinghe.”

Madam Song had already inspected the spacious study in the new residence and was very pleased with its setup. Only a few additions were needed.

Qiu Huanian’s household was simple, with the only outsiders in the study being a young boy, Yun Kang, who was about Chunsheng’s age. With Jiujiu as Qinghe’s companion and a maid accompanying them, Madam Song felt at ease.

The northern regions did not impose as strict constraints on girls and young men as the south did. This was one of the main reasons Qinghe’s parents had gritted their teeth and sent her thousands of miles north to her aunt.

After Madam Song left, Qiu Huanian informed Jiujiu of her proposal. Jiujiu’s eyes immediately lit up. She loved learning new things and visiting different places. Seeing this, Qiu Huanian chuckled and ruffled her hair.

“Go and find the silks and jewelry that Madam Song gifted us before. Our Jiujiu is going to be a proper young lady now.”

Since she would be studying music and literature alongside Miss Chi, and since their family had the means, Qiu Huanian naturally wanted to dress Jiujiu properly—ensuring that the servants at the Song residence would not look down on her and make her feel uncomfortable.

Jiujiu, being a young girl who loved beauty, nearly jumped with excitement at the words. She took a deep breath, trying to contain her emotions and act mature. “Those fabrics are quite valuable. Wouldn’t it be wasteful?”

Qiu Huanian tapped her nose. “Silly girl, how is using them on yourself a waste? Before, there was no suitable occasion, and since you’re still growing, making clothes too early might mean they wouldn’t fit later. But now, it’s the perfect time to turn them into dresses for your visits to the Song residence.”

“It’s not as if our family is so poor that we need to sell them for money. Don’t you like wearing new clothes, hmm?”

Jiujiu lowered her head and whispered, “I do!”

How could she not? Ever since those fabrics arrived at their home, she had been secretly admiring and touching them every day, imagining what they would look like as dresses on her. But she had never truly thought she would get to wear them one day.

“Go on then, call Master Liuhua over and discuss what styles to make.”

Jiujiu nodded, trying to maintain her composure, but her footsteps quickened, and she dashed out of the courtyard. Watching her cheerful departure, Qiu Huanian shook her head with a smile.

Jiujiu left quickly and returned just as fast. Before long, Wei Liuhua arrived, carrying little You ge’er. Now that Zhao Shi and her associates were permanently removed from the village, Wei Liuhua could finally hold her head high. Apart from occasional worries about her husband, her days were quite content.

Wei Liuhua placed You Ge’er on the ground. You Ge’er staggered slightly but managed to steady himself. He walked along the stone-paved path toward the main house. His short little legs carried him to Qiu Huanian’s side, where he lifted his chubby arms like lotus root segments and called out in a soft, childish voice, “Candy! Candy!”

Wei Liuhua smiled helplessly. “This child, I don’t know when he learned that word.”

Qiu Huanian crouched down and patted You Ge’er’s head. “Want candy? Call me ‘Uncle,’ and I’ll give you some.”

“…” You Ge’er widened his eyes, his mouth making helpless breathy sounds, which made Qiu Huanian burst into laughter.

“I must have tempted him with candy too often. He’s heard it so much that he gradually learned to say it. Now, every time he sees me, he calls out for candy.”

Qiu Huanian took You Ge’er’s hand and led him into the main house. From an untouched tray of snacks, he picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and handed it to You Ge’er. “No candy today, try something fresh instead.”

You Ge’er’s hands had been wiped very clean by Wei Liuhua. His chubby little hands held the cake, which was almost as big as his hand. Curiously, he brought it to his mouth and took a small bite, then broke into a wide grin.

“Mother, mother!” You Ge’er turned around and stretched out the cake toward Wei Liuhua.

Wei Liuhua smiled and shook her head. “Mother has already eaten. You Ge’er, eat it yourself. Be careful not to choke.”

Watching the lively and healthy You Ge’er, Qiu Huanian suddenly thought of something. He gestured for Jiujiu to take You Ge’er outside to play for a while.

“What’s wrong, Hua Ge’er?” Wei Liuhua’s smile had not yet faded.

“Liuhua, if you have time, why don’t you take the whole family to the county medical clinic to see a doctor?”

“Why see a doctor?” Wei Liuhua didn’t react immediately.

“That night when Zhao Shi’s plot was exposed, Shiliu found a few packets of medicinal powder in your house. Even though the three of you seem fine, it would be best to consult a skilled doctor just to be safe.”

Wei Liuhua’s smile froze and instantly vanished like a receding tide. “What medicine? Whose was it?!”

She was horrified. Her chest felt like a thousand-pound stone was pressing on it, making it hard to breathe. She and Yunhu were adults and could manage, but You Ge’er had always been frail and was still too young to speak properly. Even if something was wrong, it wouldn’t be easy to notice. If anything happened to You Ge’er, she truly didn’t know how she would go on.

“There were two types of medicinal powder—one that made people drowsy and another that heightened desire. I suspect Du Yunjing’s disgraceful scandal in the prefectural city was caused by this drug. Most likely, the medicine belonged to Li Gu’er.”

“Li Gu’er…” Wei Liuhua gritted her teeth as she uttered the name.

Zhao Shi had also suspected that what happened in the prefectural city was Li Gu’er’s doing, but she had never been able to find any evidence. Who would have thought that the evidence would ultimately be uncovered by Shiliu, the esteemed guest staying at Qiu Huanian’s house?

Zhao Shi did not trust Wei Liuhua and Yunhu, so she had deliberately kept them out of her scheming. That night, Wei Liuhua had been sleeping in the side room when she suddenly heard a commotion in the main house. She and Yunhu hurriedly dressed and rushed over, only to find Zhao Shi, Du Yunjing, and Du Baoquan all subdued and lying on the ground.

Inside the room, a thin yet ghostly and terrifying figure stood silently.

Wei Liuhua wanted to shout for help, but the figure suddenly turned and gave them a cold, indifferent glance. Wei Liuhua recognized the person as the mysterious guest from Qiu Huanian’s household who had come from the capital. Hesitating, she remained where she was.

In that brief moment of distraction, the person had already dragged Zhao Shi out the door with one hand, disappearing behind the firewood stack in the dark shadows of the night. A moment later, Zhao Shi let out a bloodcurdling scream, the sound chilling and piercing through the darkness.

A dozen seconds later, the figure emerged, dragging Zhao Shi, whose mouth was now stuffed with a wad of cloth. At last, they spoke a single word: “Rope.”

Wei Liuhua quickly understood their meaning and went to fetch a rope from its usual place. Yunhu wanted to stop her, but Wei Liuhua gestured toward their west side room where You Ge’er was still sleeping. Yunhu hesitated, then withdrew his hand, allowing her to retrieve the rope. They tied up Zhao Shi and the others and followed the figure to the clan elder’s house.

Several days had passed since that night, but when Wei Liuhua recalled the scene, she still felt a chill down her spine. Though the person called Shiliu had not harmed them, anyone who woke up in the middle of the night to find such a ruthless and formidable figure in their home would undoubtedly be terrified.

The next day, after Zhao Shi and the others were sent away, Wei Liuhua had mustered the courage to take a look behind the firewood stack.

In the corner where the stack met the courtyard wall, a few dark red bloodstains had been left behind. A piece of soft, severed flesh lay carelessly on the ground, the cut sharp and clean, displaying the efficiency and ruthlessness of the one who had struck.

Wei Liuhua realized that it was Zhao Shi’s tongue. She took a deep breath, the intertwining feelings of fear and the satisfaction of revenge surging within her, turning into hot tears that streamed down her face.

After crying, she told no one. She personally cleaned up all traces, acting as if nothing had happened. But from that day on, living in the courtyard where only her small family of three remained, she never again hallucinated Zhao Shi’s endless ridicule and scolding.

Qiu Huanian said that the person who discovered the medicinal powder was Shiliu, and Wei Liuhua had no doubt about it. Her heart was filled only with anger and worry.

Those people had already been driven out of the village, yet they still managed to leave behind so much harm!

Qiu Huanian comforted Wei Liuhua, “Shiliu said that these medicinal powders were crudely made and required long-term consumption to be effective. If my guess is correct, Li Gu’er had not had these drugs for long before following Zhao Shi and the others to the prefectural city. Even if she had used them before, you all didn’t consume much, so there shouldn’t be any major issues. The check-up is just a precaution.”

Wei Liuhua felt slightly reassured, but she still decided to take You Ge’er to the county with Yunhu as soon as possible.

She had to have a serious conversation with Yunhu about this. Yunhu still held onto feelings for those so-called “family members,” but when those “family members” hurt him, they never showed any mercy!

…

Madam Song was highly efficient. The very next morning after their agreement, the Song family’s servants arrived to deliver the writing desks and other items.

Qiu Huanian watched as they unloaded the goods. This time, aside from the familiar Chunshui, there was also Qiao Yin, a newly promoted senior maid serving Chi Qinghe. The senior maid Zao’er, whom Jiujiu had glimpsed from afar once before, was nowhere to be seen.

Chunshui and Qiao Yin didn’t let Qiu Huanian lift a hand, instead directing the coachmen to carefully carry all the items into the courtyard and place them properly.

Madam Song had sent a total of four small writing desks and one full-sized desk, all made of the same huanghuali wood. The surfaces were intricately carved with entwining floral patterns and paired with matching stools, making the study look neat and elegant.

“My lady sent people to the carpenter’s shop to purchase them. It just so happened that the carpenter had completed a full set of desks. Thinking that a single one might look out of place, she decided to buy the whole set.”

This was Madam Song subtly offering a gift as a gesture of goodwill, and at the same time, it was for Chi Qinghe’s benefit. Just as Qiu Huanian knew to dress Jiujiu properly before she went to the Song residence for music lessons, Madam Song worried that if Chi Qinghe’s desk stood out from the others, she might feel uncomfortable in Qiu Huanian’s home.

In addition to the desks, Madam Song also sent multiple sets of writing supplies, including brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones—not just for Jiujiu and Chunsheng, but also taking Yun Kang’s needs into account.

Since Qiu Huanian and Du Yunshe had returned from the prefectural city, Yun Kang had continued his studies with Du Yunshe. His aptitude for learning was slightly better than Chunsheng’s. Though he could hardly compare to a prodigy like Du Yunshe, and he was still somewhat inferior to Yun Cheng, he would likely have no trouble passing the scholar examination in the future. For Hu Qiuyan and her husband, that was already more than enough.

The coachmen made several trips carrying the desks and stools into the study, while Chunshui and Qiao Yin took care of arranging the writing materials and books. Ancient books were extremely expensive, and Madam Song had sent over more than a dozen that Qiu Huanian’s household previously lacked—a collection worth a considerable sum.

Madam Song had said these books were for Chi Qinghe’s studies, but they were, in reality, another form of gift. Qiu Huanian personally took charge of categorizing and shelving them, already eyeing several that piqued his interest for later reading. Since coming to ancient times, with fewer entertainment options, he had found himself increasingly drawn to the refined charm of classical literature.

After tidying up the study, Chunshui and Qiao Yin retrieved a large bundle of bedding, pillows, and spare clothing from the carriage, temporarily storing them in Jiujiu’s western wing. These were prepared in case Chi Qinghe needed to rest or stay overnight in the future.

Two days later, Jiujiu’s new clothes were finished. The Song family’s carriage arrived at Du Village specifically to take Jiujiu to the Song residence for her music lessons. Qiu Huanian personally escorted her to the entrance, making sure she was well-dressed.

Jiujiu wore a Yangfei-colored brocade dress, the soft pink hues complementing her delicate complexion like a blooming peach blossom. Her neatly arranged hair was adorned with a velvet flower on one side and several pearl-inlaid golden hairpins on the other. She also wore the jade bracelet gifted by Madam Song, which had a fine luster.

After being carefully dressed up, Jiujiu suddenly looked much more mature, revealing the early signs of a budding beauty. As Du Yunshe’s biological sister, Jiujiu already had exquisite features, and with a bit of refinement, her charm became even more apparent.

“Our little beauty looks absolutely stunning,” Qiu Huanian teased with a smile.

“Hua Gege!” Jiujiu called out in a small, bashful voice, her cheeks flushed red, though the corners of her lips couldn’t help but lift in a smile.

Just as Qiu Huanian was about to continue teasing her and offering a few words of advice, he suddenly noticed Jiujiu’s smile stiffen slightly.

Sensing something amiss, he turned his head and saw a small figure quickly disappearing down the path. Judging by the back, it seemed to be Cunlan, the kid of the clan elder’s second son.

“Jiujiu?”

Jiujiu lowered her gaze and shook her head. “I’m fine, Hua Gege.”

Seeing that Qiu Huanian still wanted to ask, she smiled again and reassured him, “Really, I’m fine, Hua Gege. I’ve grown up now and understand a lot more. I’ll handle it well.”