The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 71: The Bookstore

Du Yunse lowered his head to look at Qiu Huanian. “The teacher kept me for a discussion just now, so I was delayed a bit. Sorry.”

Qiu Huanian chuckled lightly. “We had nothing to do anyway. It was nice to admire the scenery in the front courtyard. Your studies are more important.”

Yuncheng also came out, and Meng Yuanling immediately clung to him, grabbing his sleeve to whisper. Yuncheng kept a stern face, but his gaze stayed on Meng Yuanling, nodding seriously from time to time.

Yu Min looked around, dumbfounded, feeling like something inside him shattered with a “crack.”

He took a breath and said, full of gloom, “You, me, Du Yunse… I was just a bit surprised, I didn’t mean to offend…”

Du Yunse said indifferently, “Young Master Yu should return to his studies early.”

“If not for my kite… Never mind, I’ll head back. Better to read a few more volumes.”

Yu Min straightened his robe, walked gloomily a few steps toward the inner courtyard, then couldn’t help but turn back. “At the latest, by next month, I’ll be in Class A as well.”

Qiu Huanian didn’t respond. Du Yunse nodded. “I’ll await Young Master Yu in Class A.”

Yu Min took a deep breath and walked away without looking back.

Qiu Huanian watched his displeased figure walking away when suddenly his vision was covered by Du Yunse’s hand.

“Hmm?” Qiu Huanian tilted his head and blinked.

Du Yunse’s thumb rubbed his fingertip, his voice low and unclear. “Hua-ge’er is a little too attention-catching.”

Qiu Huanian froze for a moment, his pink-tinged cheeks heating up. “Don’t say nonsense, how so?”

Du Yunse lowered his eyes, pressing all his emotions into them. Just like he’d said before—pearls choose their owner naturally, but only he could be the rightful one.

Yuncheng and the others were already looking over. Qiu Huanian inexplicably felt a little guilty and called out to them, “Let’s go find a place to picnic.”

The group informed the gatekeeper servants, left Qingfeng Academy, and climbed a nearby small hillside. There, beside a small waterfall trickling down a stone wall, they found a flat spot.

The waterfall was only as wide as one’s embrace. The dark stone wall was clearly visible beneath the shallow, clear stream. Water droplets splashed onto the ground, sending up a cool mist. Nourished by the mist, the greenery here was more vibrant than elsewhere. The apricot trees nearby had already bloomed, with pink-white petals covering half the ground.

Qiu Huanian pulled out a dark green cloth he had prepared, laid it out, and placed the food boxes on top.

The others had never seen such a “picnic” setup, but they were long used to Qiu Huanian’s quirky ideas. In early spring, sitting under apricot blossoms, bathed in falling petals while enjoying delicious food—what could be more fitting for relaxation?

For convenience, there were no hot or soupy dishes in the food boxes, but Qiu Huanian had put much thought into it, preparing many cold snacks, with sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

The pastries were mung bean cakes and chestnut cakes. The fillings were finely mashed soaked mung beans and chestnuts mixed with sugar and cooked oil, then a bit of roasted sesame added for aroma, resulting in an extremely delicate texture.

The filling was shaped into small balls, wrapped in a thin, crispy outer dough, faintly revealing the pale yellow filling inside—semi-translucent like jade, perfect for one bite each.

Since winter had just passed, ingredients were limited. When the flowers bloomed and fruits came in season, he could make green plum cakes, osmanthus cakes, snow pear and hawthorn cakes, rose yam cakes… An endless stream of seasonal treats awaited creation and tasting.

For preserved fruits, besides apricots and dried peaches, there were green plums preserved from last year, gifted from the estate. The small estate with a hot spring had already been entirely leased by Qiu Huanian; all its planting and production were under his management. At the end of the year, he would settle accounts with Su Xinbai.

Sorghum candy and popcorn were classic and widely loved snacks, and Qiu Huanian made plenty of them.

In addition, Qiu Huanian had created a new snack this time. Unlike the others, which were either sweet or sour, this one was sweet and spicy.

After making it at home, Meng Yuanling asked its name. Qiu Huanian instinctively said “Peking Duck.” Seeing Meng Yuanling’s confused face, he laughed and gave it a new name.

Qiu Huanian took out the box with the new snack. Before he even lifted the oiled cloth, a pungent and appetizing aroma had already spread.

He asked mysteriously, “This snack is called ‘Supreme Roast Duck.’ Guess what it’s made from?”

His question meant the main ingredient definitely wasn’t duck. Yuncheng looked at Meng Yuanling for help. Meng Yuanling stuck out his tongue playfully, deliberately not giving any hints.

Du Yunse thought for a moment and asked in coordination, “Temples often use tofu for vegetarian meat dishes—could it be made of tofu?”

“Half correct. It’s not tofu, but it’s made from beans—a kind of dried tofu.”

Qiu Huanian uncovered the cloth, revealing glistening, crispy, and spicy “Supreme Roast Duck” chili strips.

After agreeing on a spring outing, Qiu Huanian started craving chili strips. For the sake of elegance, many noble ladies in Xiangping Prefecture only brought light pastries on outings—but not Qiu Huanian.

What’s nobility compared to eating and drinking well? A snack box without chili strips has no soul!

He had gone specifically to the red fermented tofu workshop and asked the tofu makers to help prepare two batches of what was called “vegetarian chicken wings” in the modern world.

The method was almost the same as making tofu, but after curdling, the pressing process was done longer and thinner. After pressing, they were cut into chicken-wing shapes, then sun-dried—ready.

Making the vegetarian wings into the modern classic “Peking Duck” chili strips wasn’t hard. Qiu Huanian experimented several times and succeeded, later improving the flavor.

First, he deep-fried the vegetarian wings in spiced oil infused with scallions and ginger. Then, in the remaining oil, he added sugar, soy sauce, a bit of vinegar, and white sesame to make a sauce, and added thinly sliced dried chilies for heat.

He tossed the crispy wings in the thick sauce until evenly coated, then sprinkled roasted sesame on top. The ancient fantasy version of chili strips was complete.

Although he didn’t have MSG or oyster sauce, missing some flavors, Qiu Huanian’s taste buds had adapted to the additive-free ancient cuisine—he still found it delicious.

While cooking, the old housekeeper Qiao kept advising him not to use the stove, saying it wasn’t proper—especially with a hired cook already in the house.

Qiu Huanian reassured her, saying he wouldn’t deduct her wages or complain to Su Xinbai over it. Qiao repeatedly said, “I wouldn’t dare,” but sighed outside the kitchen.

Until an unprecedented aroma wafted from the kitchen, Qiao had to admit—she really couldn’t make what Qiu Huanian did.

That morning, when he went to deliver Chunsheng to the Zhu residence, Qiu Huanian brought a box of “Supreme Roast Duck” chili strips for Su Xinbai to try.

After sitting under the apricot tree for a while and eating their fill, Du Yunse and Yuncheng had to return to their studies. It wasn’t a rest day, and they couldn’t be away from the academy for long.

They packed up and walked down the hill. Du Yunse discussed with Qiu Huanian.

“I asked about Chunsheng’s studies at the academy. One of my strict classmates has a family that runs a private school. I want to send Chunsheng there. He’s too young and playful—I’m not comfortable sending him to a prestigious family school.”

That was Qiu Huanian’s concern too. Big family schools were a mixed bag, and without solid backgrounds, he feared Chunsheng would be bullied or led astray.

In the previous world he’d lived in, the classic novel Dream of the Red Chamber had just such a family school in the Jia household—full of idle mischief, cliques, fights, and flattery, with barely anyone seriously studying.

If they were to properly attend outside school, it was time to think of formal names for the two children.

“Jiujiu and Chunsheng have had their childhood names for a long time. Now that they’ll be schooling, they need proper names.”

Du Yunse nodded. “Chunsheng’s name is ready—by our Yun generation, we can take a character from his nickname. It can be ‘Sheng,’ sharing the same sound. But Jiujiu’s name needs some thought.”

Jiujiu perked up at hearing her brothers discuss her name, skipping a little, full of anticipation.

Qiu Huanian smiled and asked what she wanted to be called. Jiujiu shyly bit her lip and said she’d love whatever name her brothers gave her.

Qiu Huanian thought carefully. “A formal name should be connected to the nickname. Jiujiu was born as winter turned to spring—how about ‘Quehan’ (Chase Away the Cold)?”

“Cold retreats, and spring blossoms—though it sounds like the first, it evokes the meaning of the latter.”

Meng Yuanling stroked his chin. “Du Quehan? That name is elegant—but doesn’t sound like a girl’s.”

In the village, girls’ names often included flowers, plants, or bright colors.

But Jiujiu really liked this name—it carried a bit of poetic strength and Daoist charm and shared the same meaning as her nickname.

She was already planning how to write to Cunlan and Chi Qinghe to solemnly tell them her new name.

The group arrived at the gates of Qingfeng Academy and reluctantly bid farewell.

By then, many noblewomen were already entering and exiting the area near the academy gate. Many wore beaded veils or long ground-draping gauze curtains, hiding their faces—but their fragrance lingered in the air.

When they saw Du Yunse and Yuncheng—two young, handsome men—some younger women stepped aside, while the bolder ones peeked at them through the veils.

Meng Yuanling suddenly felt nervous and quickly grabbed Yuncheng’s hand. Yuncheng held back firmly. Some noticed and averted their gaze.

Qiu Huanian deliberately cleared his throat. Meng Yuanling blushed but didn’t let go. Du Yunse curled a finger and tapped Qiu Huanian’s forehead.

“Don’t forget to take your medicine. I’ll return earlier next rest day.”

Qiu Huanian straightened his collar for him and said, “I’m not worried about anything else, just don’t overwork yourself.”

Qiu Huanian watched as Du Yunse’s figure disappeared behind the mountain gate, feeling slightly melancholic. Although his days were fulfilling, without Du Yunse by his side, it always felt like something was missing.

Seeing that both Qiu Huanian and Meng Yuanling seemed a bit down, Jiujiu tried to lift the mood and said, “Let’s walk down the mountain, put the food box back on the carriage, and go play pitch-pot and on the swings.”

At the foot of Mount Xiuyan, there was a small lake. Beside the lake stood seven or eight pavilions and a large open space where colorful canopies had already been set up, specifically prepared for this spring outing.

Qiu Huanian said, “Xinbai should already be here, let’s go find him over there.”

The three of them went down the mountain to find the waiting coachman and asked him to return the food box and tablecloth to the carriage. Then they turned and headed toward the small lake.

By the time they arrived, there were already several dozen people there, including servants brought by the various noble families. Fortunately, the area was spacious and not crowded.

Jiujiu eyed the dozen or so swings, half of which were still unoccupied, feeling an itch to play. Meng Yuanling also seemed interested.

Zhu Xian saw Jiujiu from afar and came walking over, her personal maid following behind.

“Jiujiu, brothers, you’re here!”

“We just came down from the mountain. Where’s Xinbai?”

“Sister-in-law is in the pavilion over there. The little girl from the Su family doesn’t like to play, and sister-in-law is trying to persuade her.”

A child who doesn’t like to play? Qiu Huanian found it puzzling and followed Zhu Xian to meet Su Xinbai.

When Su Xinbai saw them, he set down his teacup. “Did you already visit the two Du gentlemen at the academy?”

“We just saw them and had a picnic. The mountain streams and waterfalls have thawed, and the flowers are blooming beautifully. Why didn’t you go for a walk on the mountain?”

Before Su Xinbai could answer, the seven- or eight-year-old girl sitting beside him propped her chin up with both hands and swayed her head as she said, “Brother Bai, I beg you, let me sleep here for a bit. I’m already at Mount Xiuyan—doesn’t that count as going on a spring outing?”

The little girl had a round, chubby face and looked adorably fair and lovely. Two little buns on her head bobbed with her movements, making one want to give them a gentle pinch.

Su Xinbai calmly took a sip of tea. “I brought you out today not to let you sleep. You have to play for at least half an hour before going back.”

The little girl yawned and said with a long face, “If I’d known, I would’ve…”

“Hmm?”

She pouted and muttered, “I would’ve pretended to be sick.”

“Then Mother would at least make you take medicine for half a month and stay at the temple for a few nights to pray for blessings.”

The little girl admitted defeat dejectedly, “I was wrong, I was just saying…”

Qiu Huanian was amused. “Xinbai, who is this?”

“She’s my younger half-sister from my father’s second marriage. Just call her Xinyao.”

Qiu Huanian asked Su Xinyao, “There are many children over there playing on the swings and with pitch-pot. You don’t like that?”

“I do, but I like sleeping more.”

“Did you not sleep well last night?”

The old maid who followed Su Xinyao said helplessly, “Miss slept for six hours last night and another half hour this morning in the carriage.”

Six hours—that’s twelve hours in total. While it’s normal for children to sleep more, Su Xinyao really could sleep.

If you asked her, she had her reasons.

“People spend the most time in their lives sleeping, which shows how important it is. Since that’s the case, why let unimportant things interfere with the most important one?”

Su Xinyao spoke earnestly, her big eyes like grapes gazing pitifully at Su Xinbai, hoping he’d change his mind.

Su Xinbai seemed used to her nonsense and remained unmoved.

“Xian’er, Jiujiu, please take this girl to the swings.”

Su Xinyao, her plea unsuccessful, was forcibly taken away, looking back at every step as the maid and old servant led her off. Meng Yuanling, eager to play, followed them to the swing area.

“There’s tea here, have some to soothe your throat.”

Qiu Huanian took a sip of tea and jokingly said to Su Xinbai, “So this is how you handle kids.”

Though he wasn’t careless and was quite patient, his entire demeanor screamed “noble and aloof.”

Su Xinbai sighed. “Xinyao has been lazy since birth. When she was little and couldn’t talk yet, the family worried something was wrong with her and called many doctors, but they all said she was fine.”

“As she grew older, her nonsense just multiplied. If someone can hold her, she won’t sit; if she can sit, she won’t stand. My stepmother has a hard time with her. In a few days, when the Zhu family’s private school opens, she’ll likely go too.”

“Doesn’t the Su family have hired tutors?”

“All the tutors, maids, and servants at home have been tamed by her and are no longer effective. Sending her out to be with kids her age is the only way to make her feel embarrassed enough to be a little more diligent.”

This was the first time Qiu Huanian had seen a child this lazy, but though Su Xinyao was lazy, she was clever and quick-witted, with a very likable personality.

Qiu Huanian told Su Xinbai the full names of Jiujiu and Chunsheng, and that Chunsheng planned to attend a private school.

Su Xinbai nodded. “The Su family’s school is overseen by my father, so the situation is slightly better. I’m not too familiar with the Zhu family’s. Chunsheng’s condition indeed doesn’t suit attending either family school—it’s good that the Du gentleman has plans for him.”

Then Su Xinbai brought up the private school Jiujiu would attend.

“The newly hired tutor has already moved into the Zhu residence. He’s a highly knowledgeable old xiucai, and an elderly lady from the palace will also arrive in a few days to teach them etiquette and household management.”

“Mother plans to officially start the school on the fourth day from now, that is, the twentieth of the second month. All of Jiujiu’s expenses will be the same as Xian’er’s and will be covered by the Zhu family, so you don’t need to worry. Just send her to the Zhu residence before the third quarter of the morning hour and pick her up at the third quarter of the evening hour.”

“That’s too generous of you.”

Su Xinbai ended the topic with a single sentence, “You know the Zhu family doesn’t lack money, and the bond between us doesn’t require such formalities.”

Qiu Huanian could only agree. Su Xinbai had never cared about money, and if Qiu Huanian kept refusing, it would only make him unhappy.

Su Xinbai looked at the distant spring mountains. The vegetation on the hills had sprouted, lush and vibrant, exuding a dewy freshness under the warm spring sun.

By the clean and fresh lakeside, silver bell-like laughter echoed all around. Over by the colorful canopy, Su Xinyao was forcibly placed on a swing. Jiujiu gave her a push from behind. She let out a scream, begged for mercy repeatedly, but soon broke into giggles.

Meng Yuanling had already made several new friends and was pulled along to play grass-fighting, winning round after round, unstoppable and triumphant.

Everything was so natural and beautiful. Tranquil and peaceful moments brewed in the brisk spring breeze.

Su Xinbai let out a gentle breath, “I have a matter I wish to entrust to you—would you be willing?”

“What is it?”

“You mentioned offering rewards to collect manuscripts last time. I’ve decided to give it a try, but I can’t manage everything alone. The stewards outside don’t understand what I want. Would you like to do this with me?”

Qiu Huanian grew interested. “What’s the plan?”

“I plan to take out some silver and open a separate bookstore, distinct from the Zhu family’s. Only the printing craftsmen and such would be shared.”

“That’s a good idea. This way, if there’s a loss, it won’t be hard to explain to the other branches of the Zhu family when settling accounts.”

Su Xinbai nodded, “I want to create something of my own.”

“Should we start by deciding what kind of manuscripts to collect?”

Su Xinbai already had an idea. “We want ones that are rare in the market, that don’t cater to vulgar tastes, and that leave the reader enlightened after reading.”

“Then let’s first divide the manuscripts into categories—travelogues and observations, practical experiences, social commentary…”

Once they started discussing, Qiu Huanian and Su Xinbai became enthusiastic and couldn’t stop. They went back and forth, discussing until dusk.

“I’ll go back and organize what we discussed today into writing, and we’ll talk more another day.”

Su Xinbai first sent the utterly exhausted Su Xinyao back to the Su residence, then escorted Zhu Xian back to the main house. Upon returning to his own small courtyard, he had the servants light the lamps on his desk and fetched brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

Zhu Jingcheng returned home from socializing. Seeing a faint shadow in the window of the main room where Su Xinbai lived, he paused.

“At this hour, how is Master still at the desk writing?”

“After Master returned from the spring outing at Xiuyan Mountain, he hasn’t moved. We servants don’t dare disturb him. Dianmo tried to persuade him but to no avail.”

Zhu Jingcheng frowned, hesitated for a moment, then headed to the main room.

The maid lifted the curtain for him. Zhu Jingcheng stepped inside.

Su Xinbai was seated at the desk, the tip of his brush unconsciously pressed against his slightly dry lips, his cool eyes fixed on the page before him, completely unaware of Zhu Jingcheng’s arrival.

Zhu Jingcheng signaled the servants to stay silent and quietly stepped closer.

He had intended to announce his presence, but upon catching a glimpse of the content on the paper, he gradually became absorbed and forgot his original intent.

It wasn’t until the candle flame flickered and his shadow danced across the page that Su Xinbai suddenly snapped back to awareness.

He instinctively looked up and was startled to see Zhu Jingcheng. “You?”

“…The servants said Madam hadn’t moved since returning. I was worried and came to remind you to rest.”

Su Xinbai nodded and shifted his gaze away from Zhu Jingcheng, falling silent.

Zhu Jingcheng clenched his fist by his side. “What is Madam writing?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Su Xinbai replied, “I plan to open a bookstore and collect a different kind of manuscript.”

Zhu Jingcheng’s eyes lit up immediately, his voice raised a little. “Truly?”

“Hmm?” Su Xinbai responded with a puzzled sound.

“I’m just happy. You’ve finally…” Zhu Jingcheng let out a breath.

He truly was overjoyed and inadvertently voiced what was in his heart.

“With your talent, staying idly in a merchant family’s inner residence always made me feel guilty. I—”

Zhu Jingcheng gradually calmed down, unsure if he should continue.

Su Xinbai pursed his lips, expression cold, never meeting his gaze.

Zhu Jingcheng sighed inwardly and apologized with disappointment, “I was out of line and said foolish things. If you’re upset, take it out on me. Just don’t bottle it up inside.”

The candle on the desk crackled, breaking the seemingly eternal silence.

Just when Zhu Jingcheng thought Su Xinbai wouldn’t reply, the aloof beauty who had been gazing off elsewhere slightly lifted his chin, outlining a smooth, elegant curve along his jaw.

The candlelight flickered in his misty eyes.

“…Who said I was angry with you?”

AGHHHHH I LOVE THESE TWO