The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 65: The Prefecture City

In the first few days of the twenty-second year of Yuanhua, guests constantly visited Qiu Huanian’ home.

According to the customs of Liaozhou, the first day of the New Year was for relatives to pay respects to each other, the second day was for wives to return to their parents’ homes, and the third day was for friends and acquaintances to visit each other.

Qiu Huanian had no parents’ home to return to, so on the first day, he brought some fruits, white sugar, and popcorn he made himself to pay New Year’s greetings to some friendly elders in Du Family Village.

He stayed at home on the second and third days, waiting for others to visit him.

Somehow, word got out that Qiu Huanian was generous with giving New Year’s money, and many children from the village formed groups to come and pay their New Year’s greetings.

The childish voices trying to mimic each other in saying auspicious words were truly adorable.

After all, each red envelope only contained two copper coins. Qiu Huanian gave one to every child, considering it a way to bring some liveliness to the household during the New Year.

Jiujiu and Chunsheng naturally received red envelopes as well, but theirs were much larger; Qiu Huanian gave each of them two taels of silver.

Jiujiu didn’t trust Chunsheng with that much money and took it from him right away, causing the smile on Chunsheng’s face to vanish instantly.

Qiu Huanian couldn’t help but laugh, remembering the classic modern phrase, “I’ll save your New Year’s money for you, and give it to you when you grow up.”

Bao Yi was eager to return to his post at Jingshan Garrison and would leave just a few days after the New Year. To ensure he could witness Yun Cheng’s wedding, the Clan Elder’s family and the Meng family discussed and decided to hold the wedding a dozen or so days earlier.

A new auspicious day was chosen as the fifth day of the first lunar month. The wedding preparations had been ongoing throughout the winter, so everything was ready, and moving the date up didn’t cause any chaos.

On the fifth day of the first lunar month in the twenty-second year of Yuanhua, the weather was clear and bright, with not a single cloud in the sky—a rare, snow-free sunny day.

As dawn broke, Yun Cheng rode a borrowed tall horse, dressed in bright red silk clothes, followed by a procession of drummers and musicians heading to Qingfu Town to fetch the bride.

The young man’s posture was upright and sturdy like a pine tree on horseback.

As the matchmaker, Qiu Huanian was also part of the procession. Besides the flower-decorated sedan chair, the procession included two mule carts adorned with red silk flowers, intended to bring back the bride’s family members.

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse sat in one of the mule carts, following the procession, moving forward leisurely to the sound of drums and music.

When they arrived in town, the Meng family was already prepared. The Meng family’s main gate was wide open, the area in front swept clean and decorated with bright red celebratory characters.

Hearing the approaching procession from a distance, Meng Wudong lit firecrackers at the entrance. Eighty-eight firecrackers exploded in the morning air, startling everyone in the Meng family into a flurry of activity.

Meng Yuanling stayed in his room, already dressed in his wedding attire adorned with exquisite embroidery, holding the bridal veil in his hand. His mother and sister-in-law accompanied him.

“Are they here? Have they arrived?”

“Oh, don’t be so anxious! Today, you’ll definitely be married off smoothly,” Meng Yuanling’s mother glared at him.

“Mother, you tell me not to be anxious, but you’re squeezing my hand so hard it hurts.”

“…Zicao, go outside and see if the bridal procession has entered the gate.”

Meng Yuanling’s sister-in-law, Sun Zicao, responded and went outside, just in time to see the welcoming party from the Du family entering through the main gate.

The Meng family’s courtyard wasn’t very large, so the sedan chair and musicians stayed outside, while only Yun Cheng and some relatives came inside.

As the matchmaker and Meng Yuanling’s good friend, Qiu Huanian went to see Meng Yuanling in his room first.

He opened the door slightly and slipped through the gap, making sure no one outside could see the groom’s appearance.

Meng Yuanling’s eyes lit up when he saw Qiu Huanian. “Hua Ge’er! You’re finally here!”

Meng Yuanling’s mother coughed twice beside him, and Meng Yuanling quickly shut his mouth, making Qiu Huanian chuckle.

“Everyone else cries when they’re getting married. Why are you the only one so happy?”

“I’m only marrying into Du Family Village. I can come back whenever I want. Why should I cry?”

Meng Yuanling’s mother tapped her little son’s forehead, “You truly have a good life.”

Indeed, in ancient times, many women and Ge’er, once married, could only return to their parents’ homes a few times in their lifetime. Living alone in an unfamiliar place, the difficulties and loneliness were easy to imagine.

But Meng Yuanling was not only marrying close by, but also into the household of his own distant aunt. His husband was a childhood friend and cousin, so how could this not be considered good fortune?

Qiu Huanian could enter the room, but Yun Cheng had to put in some effort. Previously, he was considered a nephew of the Meng family, but today he was their son-in-law. Taking away the beloved Ge’er they had raised so dearly was no easy task.

The Meng family had set up several obstacles outside the room to prevent Yun Cheng from entering.

Yun Cheng, however, had brought his own group of people from Du Family Village, all of the same generation. Some were there to help drink, while others were there to block people, ensuring that the groom could successfully fetch his bride.

Meng Yuanling listened to the commotion outside, feeling the urge to rush out and help every few seconds, only to be forcibly restrained by his mother.

At the final checkpoint, Yun Cheng had already reached the door, and it was time for Qiu Huanian to step in.

“Hua Ge’er, don’t make things too difficult for him.” Before the door opened, Meng Yuanling spoke from behind.

Meng Yuanling’s mother took the bridal veil from his hands and placed it over his head, blocking any further words.

Qiu Huanian opened the door and stood at the entrance, blocking Yun Cheng’s view of the room.

Yun Cheng cupped his hands and bowed. “Huanian Ah-Sao.”

Qiu Huanian nodded. “Ling Ge’er just instructed me not to make things too difficult for you.”

Yun Cheng was stunned for a moment, then his fair face instantly turned red.

Qiu Huanianmiled and said, “Let’s do this. You’re a scholar, so let’s be more refined. You can compose a bridal urging poem. If it’s good, I’ll let you in. How about that?”

Unlike Du Yunse, Yun Cheng really had no talent for poetry. During exams, he could only piece together a couplet-compliant regulated verse without a hint of poetic flair.

Making Yun Cheng compose a poem on the spot was truly difficult for him.

But this was something he couldn’t ask others to do. After all, he couldn’t possibly recite a poem written by someone else to his own husband on his wedding day.

Qiu Huanian folded his arms, standing inside the door, smiling while waiting for Yun Cheng to compose his poem.

Yun Cheng was more nervous than when he went to the provincial capital for his exams. After thinking hard for a long while, he finally managed to come up with a seven-character quatrain that fit the occasion.

Perhaps because it came from the heart, it was a hundred times better than the poems he normally composed during practice.

Du Yunse cooperatively commented along with Qiu Huanian, “This poem is probably the best you’ve ever written.”

Yun Cheng’s face turned even redder, and Qiu Huanian laughed as he stepped aside. “Hurry up and go in to carry Ling Ge’er out, don’t miss the auspicious hour.”

Yun Cheng entered the room, standing nervously in front of the new husband sitting on the kang, dressed in wedding robes with a veil covering his head.

Although the veil covered his face completely, Yun Cheng could imagine how beautiful his Ling Ge’er looked today.

“Ling Ge’er, I’ve come to pick you up.”

“Mm.” Meng Yuanling made a restrained sound under the veil, his fingers hidden under his wide sleeves twisting nervously.

Meng Yuanling’s older sister-in-law and mother helped him up and placed him onto Yun Cheng’s back.

Although Yun Cheng was still a young man, he was born into a farming family and had never shied away from farm work. He was strong and easily carried Meng Yuanling steadily.

Outside, the band began to play drums and gongs, and Yun Cheng carried Meng Yuanling step by step toward the door.

At the gate, Meng Wudong blocked him. “I’m entrusting my brother to you. You have to treat him well for a lifetime. If I find out in the future that you’ve wronged him, I definitely won’t let you go.”

Yun Cheng couldn’t free his hands, so he could only nod seriously and say, “Second Brother, rest assured, I will cherish Ling Ge’er more than my own life.”

Under the veil, Meng Yuanling’s nose turned sour, wanting to say something to his second brother. But Meng Wudong just patted his shoulder, “Get on the sedan chair. Don’t miss the auspicious hour.”

The wedding procession, with drums and gongs blaring, made its way back to Du Family Village. Countless firecrackers were set off at the entrance of the clan leader’s house.

Tables were set up all over the courtyard and garden. Besides the villagers, many people from other villages, towns, and even the county came to witness the ceremony.

Old acquaintances of the clan leader, Bao Ren and his wife’s relatives, as well as Yun Cheng’s fellow students from the county school, all came to attend.

Meng Yuanling was helped out of the sedan chair, stepped over a saddle laid on the ground, crossed over a brazier, and was then carried by Yun Cheng into the newly decorated bridal chamber.

At the auspicious hour, the newlyweds came to the main hall, where the clan leader, Bao Ren, and Meng Fuyue sat at the top. The room was packed with a crowd of people, and even more squeezed in from outside.

During the wedding ceremony, the elders of both families were deeply moved, finally addressing each other as in-laws.

First bow to Heaven and Earth, second bow to the parents.

Husband and husband bow to each other, then are sent into the bridal chamber.

After the ceremony, the feast began outside. All the cash gifts, amounting to five taels of silver, were handed over to the newlywed couple.

As the guests gradually dispersed, only the closest family members remained in the clan leader’s courtyard, and the wedding drew to a close.

As the sky darkened, Yun Cheng’s expression grew increasingly uneasy, and he even walked awkwardly.

Ye Taohong teased him from the side, “Seeing Yun Cheng so nervous, maybe you should go sleep somewhere else tonight?”

Yun Cheng quickly shook his head, and when he realized what he had done, his face turned bright red. His usual mature demeanor was nowhere to be found.

The group chuckled good-naturedly.

Meng Yuanling had been waiting in the bridal chamber the whole time. Yun Cheng had snuck in earlier to bring him some food, telling him to lie down and rest if he was tired and not to feel aggrieved.

Meng Yuanling had eaten some snacks and taken a pleasant nap on the kang. Now that he was awake and feeling refreshed, he blushed listening to the sounds outside.

According to tradition, an elder blessed with children was supposed to make the bed for the newlyweds. Ye Taohong was naturally the most suitable person for this task.

She entered the bridal chamber, spread out the new bedding and blankets on the kang, and sprinkled peanuts and dates while chanting auspicious phrases like “May you have children soon.”

The young couple stood to the side, not knowing where to place their hands or feet.

After settling the newlyweds, the door to the warm, red-adorned bridal chamber was closed.

Du Yunse and Qiu Huanian walked out with the others. From this moment on, the night belonged solely to the newlyweds.

Qiu Huanian stretched his body with a deep yawn as they walked down the road.

“The first time I met Ling Ge’er and Yun Cheng was in the clan leader’s garden. Back then, Ling Ge’er was chatting with me while Yun Cheng was holding the mule and helping me grind corn and sorghum.”

“At that time, Yun Cheng was still calling Ling Ge’er ‘Cousin Ling,’ and Ling Ge’er was telling me about what the Du family had done wrong, while Yun Cheng was reminding him to lower his voice… Looking back now, those two had already developed feelings for each other without even realizing it.”

Back then, Qiu Huanian had just transmigrated into this world. Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling were among the first people he met who showed him kindness.

Seeing them finally become a couple filled Qiu Huanian’s heart with happiness and satisfaction.

…

The day after Yun Cheng’s wedding, Bao Yi’s family had to depart. The tension at the border was growing, and they had already delayed their departure as long as possible.

The laborers returning home for the New Year were also preparing to depart, and the atmosphere of farewell in Du Family Village once again diluted the rich festive spirit.

Bao Yi pleaded on behalf of Bao Zhen’s youngest son, Yun Kong, and this time, with his broken arm, he didn’t have to go. Bao Zhen specially came to thank Bao Yi, and Bao Yi helped him sit down.

“Elder brother, we’re all from the same village; there’s no need to be so formal. Yun Kong may have lost his left arm, but he can still work. My elder brother and I have discussed it; from now on, if there’s any work, we’ll think of hiring him first and make sure he has food to eat.”

Bao Yi was the oldest and most senior of the people who left Du Family Village to do labor. Yun Kong lost his left arm while with him, and Bao Yi couldn’t shake the guilt in his heart.

After this news spread, the voices in the village accusing Bao Yi of being heartless and forgetting his roots after becoming a military officer quickly faded away.

In private, the clan leader sighed to his eldest son, Bao Ren, “Second Brother has truly made something of himself, but Third Brother… sigh!”

After the family split, the clan leader began to delegate more responsibilities to Bao Ren, with a clear intention of enjoying his later years and leaving the village’s affairs to him.

Bao Li still frequently came with his three sons to complain, but the clan leader grew less willing to see them.

On the day Bao Yi and the others departed for labor, the entire village gathered at the entrance to bid them farewell. Jiujiu and Cun Lan both cried until their eyes were red, exchanging gifts and repeatedly urging each other to write often.

Du Yunse handed the letter meant for Wu Shen to Bao Yi, who carefully put it away and waved to them.

“Yunse, Hua Ge’er, I will never forget the kindness and care your family has shown me over these many days. I’ll be waiting at Jingshan Guard for news of Yunse’s success in the imperial exams!”

“Uncle Bao Yi, the battlefield’s swords and blades are merciless. Please be careful. We’ll be waiting for your triumphant news of promotion.”

Bao Yi laughed heartily, climbed onto the mule cart, and left the village where he had lived for more than thirty years with his family.

The group traveled off, gradually disappearing at the end of the desolate winter fields.

…

Time waits for no one, and there was little time to linger in sadness over farewells. Qiu Huanian’s family also had to prepare to leave Du Family Village for the prefectural city.

The admission exam for Qingfeng Academy was on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month. To make it on time, they had to leave quickly.

A few days after Meng Yuanling and Yun Cheng’s wedding, they visited Qiu Huanian’s house to discuss a plan.

“You’re also planning to go to the prefectural city to study at Qingfeng Academy?”

Meng Yuanling nodded. “Grandfather said that since Yun Cheng is pursuing the imperial examination path, he might as well go to the best academy possible, so as not to waste time.”

Originally, the clan leader couldn’t bear to let his eldest grandson, Yun Cheng, travel far, and the county school was already the limit.

But the recent matter of dividing the family and his new understanding of his three sons changed the old man’s stubborn thinking.

Rather than keeping the younger generation tied down by the large family, which could only end in chaos, it was better to let them go their own ways as early as possible.

Yun Cheng was already married and an adult. The young couple traveling together, with Du Yunse and Qiu Huanian accompanying them, put their family’s minds at ease.

Du Yunse nodded. “Qingfeng Academy is divided into three classes: A, B, and C. You’re currently a Tongsheng (Child Student). With your knowledge, you should be able to enter Class C. With effort, in one or two years, you could enter Class B, and passing the Xiucai (Licentiate) exam wouldn’t be difficult.”

Qiu Huanian added, “If you’ve made up your mind to go, you should start packing quickly. Once we reach the prefectural city, we’ll still have to settle down, so we need to leave within a day or two.”

Meng Yuanling nodded repeatedly. “We’ll go back and pack right away!”

…

When it came time to truly leave, they realized how much stuff had accumulated at home.

Considering the long journey and the fact that there was already a house waiting for them in the prefectural city, Qiu Huanian planned to only bring the essentials and leave everything else behind.

Things that could be sold were sold, those that could be preserved for a long time were locked away in cabinets, and anything that could be gifted was given away.

After Qiu Huanian’s family left, Yun Kang would go to the private school run by Scholar Sun in town. Now a year older, Yun Kang had built a solid foundation in his studies under Du Yunse’s guidance. Hu Qiuyan saw that her son had some talent and planned to support his education.

Hu Qiuyan and Qiu Huanian bought the sturdy blue-and-white mule at its original price, making it convenient to use the mule cart to take Yun Kang to and from school. Her family had made a good profit from growing cotton and selling fish, so taking out seven taels of silver wasn’t difficult.

As for their three mu of land, Qiu Huanian entrusted it to Yun Ting and Xia Xing, the married couple.

Yun Ting’s family had many sons but little land, and the harvest from the fields wasn’t enough to feed everyone. They had to find work wherever they could. Instead of relying on unstable labor, it was better to steadily lease Qiu Huanian’ land.

Qiu Huanian arranged for Yun Ting to plant one mu of cotton and two mu of rice, with Qiu Huanian providing the seeds and fertilizer money. After the autumn harvest, Qiu Huanian would take seventy percent of the yield, and Yun Ting would get thirty percent.

This split was much better than what ordinary tenant farmers got, who even had to pay for seeds and fertilizer themselves. The harvest from high-quality paddy fields was considerable, and thirty percent was enough for the young couple to live on for a year. Yun Ting and Xia Xing thanked him profusely, promising to take good care of the land and deliver the harvest to the prefectural city after the autumn harvest.

New bedding, pillows, teaware, and ornaments—Qiu Huanian packed them all to bring to the prefectural city, while the old ones were stored in a cabinet and locked from the inside and outside. Until their return, the main courtyard would remain sealed.

Qiu Huanian handed a key to the back courtyard to Wei Liuhua. The mule in the backyard had already been sold, and the vegetable garden would no longer be planted. The main concern was the big pear tree, which would need tending after bearing fruit. Such a large amount of fruit couldn’t be left to waste.

The peach trees newly planted in the front yard would take several years to bear fruit, so they were left to bloom and fade naturally.

As for the remaining four egg-laying hens in the chicken coop, they were worth about half a tael of silver altogether.

Jiujiu followed Qiu Huanian around as he sorted things out. Looking at the clucking hens, she pursed her lips and, after some hesitation, spoke up.

“Hua-gege, why don’t we give Aunt Zhuang two chickens?”

Qiu Huanian looked over, and Jiujiu steadied herself before continuing, “I know she did bad things, but she once took care of me and Chunsheng. Now that we’re leaving, we’ll probably never see her again. Her life is difficult. Let’s give her two chickens to make her days a bit easier.”

Qiu Huanian smiled. “Alright, then go catch two and bring them to her.”

Kindness that is not excessive is a precious quality, one Qiu Huanian hoped Jiujiu would maintain.

Jiujiu sighed in relief, grabbed two chickens, put them in a narrow wicker basket, and carried them to the door of Widow Zhuang’s house.

Widow Zhuang hadn’t interacted with the villagers for quite some time. Jiujiu knocked for a long time before she cautiously opened the door just a crack.

Seeing her hair now even more grayed and her face seemingly aged another ten years, her expression carrying both fear and a faint glimmer of hope, Jiujiu sighed inwardly.

“We’re leaving. You can keep these two hens, Auntie.”

Jiujiu set down the basket and walked away. There was nothing more to say.

Widow Zhuang stared blankly at her retreating figure. It wasn’t until the chickens in the basket fluttered that she snapped back to her senses.

She lowered her head, carried the basket inside, and on the dry, rugged land outside her door, a few drops of moisture fell, quickly dried by the wind.

The remaining two chickens were slaughtered by Qiu Huanian for meat and made into several dishes along with other foods that couldn’t be taken with them. He invited acquaintances over for a gathering, treating it as a farewell.

Everyone knew they were leaving and brought gifts, the most generous of which came from the Song scholar’s family—a horse-drawn carriage. The horse, considered top-quality among ordinary breeds, was estimated to be worth thirty taels of silver, and the carriage, made of fine wood, was sturdy and spacious.

“You and I are both scholars from the same county. Since I’m older and have more experience, I should offer some help. I know you have boundless potential. When you achieve great success one day, don’t forget me when I come seeking your aid.”

Du Yunse solemnly accepted. Over the past year, he and the Song scholar had developed a friendship that transcended age, built on mutual admiration.

The Song scholar hadn’t passed the imperial examination to become a jinshi, but instead took a governmental post directly. Although his scholarly knowledge wasn’t top-tier, his twenty-plus years as a county magistrate gave him extensive experience in local governance, which perfectly complemented the practical knowledge Du Yunse lacked due to his youth.

Chi Qinghe privately prepared a set of jewelry for Jiujiu, while Madam Song added one or two pieces as well, reminding her not to neglect her piano practice. Though Chi Qinghe was reluctant to part with Jiujiu, Jiujiu invited her to visit the prefectural city whenever she had free time, and Chi Qinghe hesitated briefly before agreeing.

The day of departure was blessed with rare good weather. Even at six or seven in the morning in the winter, there was already daylight, hinting at how bright and sunny the day would be.

Qiu Huanian and his family of four rode in the large carriage given by the Song scholar. They also hired another carriage from the county to carry their luggage. Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling, the young couple, hired a separate carriage as well.

Bao Ren and his wife only had one son, and Yun Cheng was bringing some of the family’s savings along with Meng Yuanling’s dowry, so they weren’t worried about surviving in the prefectural city.

With the help of friends and relatives, their carefully packed belongings were loaded onto the carriages one by one. Just as they were about to leave, the door of Widow Zhuang’s courtyard creaked open a little.

“…I made some egg pancakes. Take them with you for the road.” Widow Zhuang awkwardly handed the pancakes to Jiujiu, not knowing what else to say before retreating into her courtyard like she was fleeing.

Those helping looked at each other in surprise.

“Hua-gege?”

“Take them. We can eat them on the road if we get hungry.”

Meng Fuyue nodded silently, thinking that they should occasionally check on Widow Zhuang. After all, they were from the same village, and if something happened to her at her advanced age, it would be troubling.

Bao Ren was likely to become the next clan leader, and Meng Fuyue was already learning to help him manage village affairs.

Because of Qiu Huanian’ poor health and his need to take medicine daily, he paid the coachmen extra to travel more slowly and spend more time resting at inns each day.

And so, traveling at a leisurely pace, they arrived at the prefectural city on the twelfth day of the first lunar month, after four or five days of travel.

Since the coachmen had been paid extra, they took them directly to the residence given to them by Zhu Jingcheng.

Though not in the heart of Xiangping Prefecture, this area was near Mount Xiuyan, home to Qingfeng Academy. Many scholars and gentry resided here, the houses well-built and the streets bustling.

Qiu Huanian had written to Zhu Jingcheng, informing him of their estimated arrival time. As soon as the three carriages pulled up to the gate, servants from the Zhu residence came out to greet them. Leading them was Fang Cai, who had previously learned knitting techniques from the Du family village.

Fang Cai saw Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse step out of the carriage and greeted them with a smile. “Two young masters, you must be tired from the long journey. This residence has been thoroughly cleaned several times by my young master’s orders. A few days ago, hearing you would be arriving, he even had some new items added. Everything is ready for you to move in.”

He then looked at the others and continued, “And these two must be the young lady and young master? Such refined looks, truly a blessed family. One glance, and it’s clear they are the younger siblings of Scholar Du!”

Spring Sheng felt awkward from the praise and instinctively wanted to scratch his head, but Jiujiu discreetly held his hand down.

Fang Cai then turned to Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling, “And these must be the young master’s clan brother and his husband mentioned in the letter? Ah, so young and already coming to study at Qingfeng Academy. Such talent from the Du family, truly admirable.”

Meng Yuanling, feeling uncomfortable, glanced toward Qiu Huanian for help. Qiu Huanian smiled and interrupted Fang Cai’s flattery. “Where is your young master? We should thank him properly.”

Fang Cai apologized, “My young master wanted to come in person, but something urgent came up with business this morning, so he had to leave in a hurry. However, he repeatedly instructed me to treat you all well and sent my young mistress to welcome you in his stead.”

Young Mistress?

Qiu Huanian knew Zhu Jingcheng had been married for a few years but had almost never heard him mention his spouse, so he knew nothing about the person.

Just as he was about to inquire further, a young servant who had gone inside to report came running back out and pushed open the residence’s main gate. From within emerged a  ge’er in his twenties.

Despite the cold weather, he wore a crimson fox fur cloak over simple, elegant clothes woven with subtle patterns, appearing both luxurious and refined. His lips were thin, his eyes cool and distant, exuding a scholarly elegance like a lone crane standing by a serene lake.

Seeing him, Fang Cai quickly stepped forward and bowed, “Young Mistress.”

The young man merely lowered his eyelids briefly, then looked at Qiu Huanian and the others, raising his arm in greeting. “Everyone, I’ve heard much about you.”

“You may call me Su Xinbai. I’ve already inspected the entire residence. Please, follow me inside so I can show you around.”