The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 73: Imperial Commissioner

Zhu Jingcheng was the eldest son and grandson of the Zhu family, in whom great hopes were placed. He began playing with the abacus and reading ledgers before he could even walk steadily. Over the years, he had been managing the family’s various businesses—not relying solely on accountants and stewards, but possessing arithmetic skills that were far ahead of his peers in the Yu Dynasty.

In the first chapter, Qiu Huanián introduced the concept of “numbers” in a simple and understandable way, then proceeded to clearly and logically explain the most basic rules of the four operations.

Next, aiming for practicality, he introduced equations disguised in ancient forms, using many specific examples to mask the thought process behind setting up equations. So far, he had only written about linear equations in one variable and systems of two equations in two variables that are commonly used in daily life.

When it came to equations, one naturally could not avoid the classic ancient math problem of “chickens and rabbits in the same cage.” Qiu Huanián placed this example at the very beginning.

Zhu Jingcheng had read the chicken-rabbit problem before and had even worked it out himself, so he found it much easier to understand than someone seeing it for the first time. He read through this problem-solving method called “equations” several times, subconsciously nodding as he reread the summary that Qiu Huanián had written before the concept of equations.

“Using equations to solve problems is a forward-thinking method. It allows one to organize thoughts clearly and from a high vantage point, making the problem transparent. At the same time, it’s easier to spot loopholes and adjust the structure.”

Zhu Jingcheng stroked the book in amazement and said, “When I read this the first time, I didn’t quite understand what ‘forward-thinking’ meant, and wondered if it was an exaggeration. But after reading the later parts and coming back to this, I now see that it really is the most fitting description.”

“Hua ge’er, did you come up with all this yourself? How did you think of it?”

Qiu Huanián had long thought of what to say. He didn’t want to—and didn’t dare to—take all the credit, so he found some excuses.

“When I was young and living in the countryside, I once got lost in the mountains and met a man who looked like a foreigner but spoke Chinese. He told me many theories of mathematical arts. But I was too young then and didn’t have any use for them, so I gradually forgot. Recently, inspired by Xinbai’s idea to open a bookstore, I decided to pick them up again and organize them into a book for more people to see.”

“What was that foreigner’s name? Where is he now?”

“His name was Weida. When I met him, he was already over eighty. I haven’t heard of him since. I imagine he’s no longer alive.”

Zhu Jingcheng sighed, “I’ve long heard southern merchants say that there are foreigners overseas who are quite skilled in arithmetic. I suppose this Weida was one of them. It’s a pity I never had the chance to meet him.”

Su Xinbai had no interest in mathematics and hadn’t studied it before, unlike Zhu Jingcheng, who could grasp it right away. However, he still understood the basic logic and principles behind the equations.

“Though the knowledge was passed on by a foreigner, you were able to learn it at such a young age and now can organize it into a book using our dynasty’s language and examples. Your intelligence and dedication are both exceptional.”

Zhu Jingcheng agreed with Su Xinbai, “If Hua ge’er had been born into a wealthy family and hadn’t been held back, he would surely have been called a prodigy.”

Qiu Huanián smiled and accepted the compliments. Though calling him a prodigy might be an exaggeration, compared to the average mathematical ability in the Yu Dynasty, he wasn’t unworthy of the title based on what he’d known in elementary school.

Su Xinbai flipped to the exercises in the latter part of the book and read one of the questions aloud. “Why would a granary of twenty dan be simultaneously storing and releasing grain? It stores five dan every quarter hour, releases one dan. How long will it take to fill the granary…”

This was a slight variation of the classic problem of a pool being filled and drained at the same time. Qiu Huanián replied with full confidence, “This is just a model to practice setting up equations. Real-life situations are more complicated, but similar problems do exist.”

Zhu Jingcheng was thoughtful, already associating this with several real-world problems, though they couldn’t be solved directly with the simple equations currently in the manuscript.

He couldn’t help urging, “Hua ge’er, how many chapters do you plan to write? When will the rest be ready?”

“I’m planning to focus solely on equations for the first volume, with two or three more chapters. My abilities alone are limited, so I want to put forth a framework first, and wait for others who are good at math to improve its practical applications.”

The history of mathematics in ancient Huaxia(CHina) had produced many brilliant minds. Qiu Huanián believed that the Yu Dynasty must have such talents too—they just lacked inspiration and the chance to show their abilities.

Su Xinbai nodded, “The regulations for the bookstore are almost finalized. In a few days, I’ll start collecting submissions.”

He showed Qiu Huanián his plans. The new bookstore would be called “Qimin Bookstore,” borrowing the name of the long-lost ancient text Qimin Yaoshu, to express the bookstore’s mission of “meeting the needs of all the people under heaven.”

The announcement for submission collection had also been written. It would be posted near the examination hall and on the walls of Zhu family businesses.

Any manuscript that passed the initial selection would receive feedback and a five-tael silver editing fee. Revisions could be resubmitted, and if finally chosen for printing, another twenty taels would be awarded.

Previously, the Zhu family’s bookstore gave a flat rate of five taels for popular novels and storybooks, with famous authors receiving up to eight taels. Other books were paid ten to fifteen taels depending on quality.

Qimin Bookstore’s offer was unique among the bookstores in Xiangping Prefecture, but so were its standards. According to the criteria written in Su Xinbai’s call for submissions, anyone without real talent wouldn’t stand a chance.

Looking at the complete set of regulations, Su Xinbai felt his heart warm. His once spiritless heart revived like snow melting in spring.

Once this bookstore was truly established, throughout the lands and generations, his name would be tied to books—no longer just a single stroke under the Su family name in the Zhu family genealogy.

He stood dazed before the desk, from his cool eyebrows to his slender shoulders, all reflected in Zhu Jingcheng’s gaze filled with gentle affection.

…

Aside from going to the manor every few days to check on cotton seedling cultivation, Qiu Huanián devoted all his energy to the mathematics book.

After Su Xinbai’s submission announcement was posted, it stirred up no small discussion among the literati of Xiangping Prefecture.

Those impoverished scholars who made a living by writing books—some were envious of the high editing fee but unable to write the types of books Qimin Bookstore sought; others were quietly inspired and decided to give it a try.

The more well-off scholars who didn’t rely on writing for income also had their own opinions upon seeing the bookstore’s mission of “meeting the needs of all the people under heaven” and the requirements listed in the call for submissions.

“This is how it should be. Right now, aside from the words of the sages, bookstores are filled with stories of thieves and prostitutes, fox spirits and ghosts—it’s disgusting.”

“Engineering, agriculture, geography… While still considered minor compared to the classics, at least they’re practical.”

“What’s the background of this Qimin Bookstore? The patron is making such a bold move and seems unlike an ordinary merchant.”

“I heard it’s run by a ge’er who married out from the family of the Left Minister of Provincial Administration.”

“I remember that young gentleman. He was known for his literary talent. Many people felt it was a shame when he married into the Zhu family.”

“The Zhu family is a scholarly merchant family who loves reading as well. Young Master Su’s ability to open the Qimin Book House could not have been possible without her husband’s support. Back then, everyone was not optimistic about this marriage, but as the saying goes, only the one drinking the water knows if it’s warm or cold. Who can truly judge the affairs of others?”

A few men dressed like scholars were discussing the content of a call for submissions as they passed through a somewhat congested street.

The carriage blocking the front moved aside, and the pedestrians and carriages began to flow once more. Qiu Huanian, sitting inside with the curtain drawn, listened to the gradually fading conversation outside and gently curved his lips into a smile.

He had gotten up early today. After sending Chunsheng and Jiujiu to school, he planned to visit the estate outside the city.

The cotton seedlings had been growing for over ten days. Under the guidance of the agricultural manual, everyone working on the estate had learned the seedling cultivation method. Since the temperature in Xiangping Prefecture was somewhat warmer than in Zhang County, the cotton seedlings were growing faster than last year, and it was estimated that they would soon need to be transplanted.

Considering the climate differences in various regions, Qiu Huanian had revised the agricultural manual to determine the end of the seedling cultivation period based on the appearance of the cotton seedlings rather than a specific number of days, which required observing a large number of seedlings and summarizing their characteristics.

By the time Qiu Huanian arrived at the estate, the sun was already halfway up the sky. The spring weather was warm with a gentle breeze. The tenant farmers were all out turning over the soil in preparation for transplanting in a few days.

Although the estate had an ox, one ox was not enough to plow forty mu of land, so most of the fields were still being laboriously tilled by the tenants using farming tools.

As Qiu Huanian watched the tilling scene, he thought of the single-person push plow he had tried but failed to create last year. If he could make that tool work, the farmers would save a lot of effort and gain more time to plow the land multiple times, indirectly increasing food production.

Back in Du family village, he had to work on inventions alone, but now in Xiangping Prefecture, there were many skilled craftsmen in the city. He could find a reliable one and have them study the device deeply based on his sketches and descriptions.

While Qiu Huanian was lost in thought, the estate steward, Old Deng, had already heard of his arrival and came quickly.

“Young Master Qiu, you’re here? Will you check the cotton seedlings first today, or take a walk around the fields?”

“Have Old Zhou park the carriage and feed the horse some grass. I’ll walk around by myself.”

Qiu Huanian walked along a small path toward the center of the fields. The tenants all knew that this young, extraordinarily beautiful ge’er was now the estate’s administrator. Upon seeing him, they all smiled and greeted him respectfully.

Qiu Huanian occasionally stopped to observe the condition of the land and gently asked them some questions about the estate, which excited the tenants greatly.

For tenant farmers who did not own their land, their greatest fear was being driven off the estate and becoming homeless vagrants. So this administrator, Qiu Huanian, was more revered in their eyes than even a high-ranking magistrate.

As he walked to the plum grove where green leaves had started to sprout, Qiu Huanian saw a few little children with double buns in their hair—the oldest looked no more than five or six—chasing a paper kite along the ridges of the field. Their crisp laughter echoed across the open land.

Qiu Huanian paused to watch for a while. When the children saw him, they immediately stood properly, and the kite fell to the ground.

Qiu Huanian picked up the kite that had landed at his feet and smiled at them. “Go on and keep playing. Don’t let me disturb your kite flying.”

The children looked at each other, and the oldest one mustered courage to speak. “Young Master, we came to fly the kite after delivering clean water for our family. We still have to deliver lunch later. We’re not being lazy or slacking off.”

The tenants were under the steward’s jurisdiction and had to labor diligently every day to ensure the owner’s profits. These children, though young, vaguely understood the seriousness of the situation and feared Qiu Huanian might punish their families if he got angry.

Qiu Huanian shook his head, walked over, and handed them the kite. “Let’s do this. Let’s say I wanted to watch a kite. You fly it for me, and it’ll count as doing work.”

The children were still young, and upon hearing this, they instantly became cheerful again. As the kite soared back into the air, Qiu Huanian asked the child beside him, “Did you make this kite yourself or buy it?”

A girl with light yellow wintersweet flowers in her hair answered, “It was made by Brother Yue. He’s really skillful. He can even embroider and braid tassels!”

“Brother Yue?” Qiu Huanian hadn’t memorized all the tenants yet.

“Brother Yue came to the estate recently with Granny Wei. He’s not in good health and rarely works in the fields. He stays inside, collecting money to mend clothes and cook for others.”

Qiu Huanian remembered then. There was a new household on the list Old Deng had given him—a widowed aunt who brought her young nephew to this area. That little ge’er was named Wei Yue. His name sounded the same as Wei Li, an old acquaintance Qiu Huanian had helped in Zhang County. The first time he saw the name, it reminded him of Wei Li.

He wondered how Wei Li was doing now. A young and beautiful ge’er who had never traveled far alone before—had he found a place where he could live safely? Though he had escaped the clutches of his cruel father Wei Dexing, he was now utterly homeless. For him, was that a blessing or a misfortune?

Regardless, back then Qiu Huanian had only been able to offer him one choice. Wei Li had chosen to flee, and the only thing Qiu Huanian could do was to wish him peace and good fortune.

Qiu Huanian spent over an hour inspecting the already-tilled fields on the estate, ensuring the depth of the tilling and the spacing between furrows matched the agricultural manual exactly.

At lunchtime, Old Deng selected the best cook on the estate to prepare a full meal and invited Qiu Huanian to eat.

As they walked toward the main house, Old Deng’s eldest son suddenly came running in a flurry.

Old Deng scolded him, “Why are you so flustered? How have I taught you? What if you bump into Young Master Qiu?”

Panting, the young man’s face still full of anxiety, he said, “Young Master Qiu, Father, outside—outside, an imperial envoy has arrived.”

“What—what did you say?” Old Deng also panicked.

“An imperial envoy! Like in the opera, a great official with the imperial sword!”

Qiu Huanian frowned and soothed him, “Tell me exactly what they said. Don’t be scared. Just repeat their words.”

The young man stammered for a few moments, then finally managed to organize his thoughts.

“Just now, several people in official attire on horseback came and said that the imperial envoy’s carriage had gotten stuck in a pit and they wanted to find a nearby estate for food and rest. They found us. They sent someone ahead on horseback to tell us to prepare. The whole group will be here in about a quarter of an hour.”

The Imperial Censor Zhao Tianyu was indeed currently in Xiangping Prefecture. In broad daylight, impersonating an imperial envoy was a crime punishable by the extermination of one’s entire clan, so Qiu Huanian didn’t doubt the report’s authenticity. He immediately ordered, “Open the main gate of the owner’s house, bring out all the estate’s best food, call more assistant cooks to quickly prepare extra dishes. Get ready to welcome the imperial envoy.”

He retrieved a gauze veil from his carriage, which reached down to his knees, and put it on.

Normally, Qiu Huanian disliked wearing veils or hats that obstructed his vision when going out, but he kept one in the carriage just in case. Now it was finally useful.

This Imperial Censor Zhao Tianyu was a favored disciple of the Second Prince’s maternal grandfather. He had become a top-ranked scholar only six years ago and already held a high position, known for his efficiency in handling affairs.

Last year, the frontier troops discovered strange supplies and equipment among the Tartars and reported it to the court, causing a huge stir. After much deliberation, Zhao Tianyu was selected to investigate in Liaozhou.

Upon arrival, Zhao Tianyu swiftly punished many individuals, temporarily cutting off the Tartars’ supply chain. But the true mastermind had yet to be caught, so the Emperor had not allowed him to leave.

Qiu Huanian had never met this imperial envoy and had only heard of him indirectly through Yu Chuan’s biological father, Bai Yanwen. At the time, Bai Yanwen had prepared a banquet in Zhang County under Zhao Tianyu’s orders to host local scholars and welcome him. Bai had even accepted Wei Dexing’s gift of Wei Li, intending to offer him to Zhao Tianyu for pleasure.

Due to Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse’s involvement, the banquet at Xiefang Garden ended badly. Bai Yanwen was utterly disgraced. Zhao Tianyu never appeared from beginning to end and later sent Bai back to the capital, which only enhanced his own reputation. According to County Magistrate Wang, who had seen Zhao Tianyu, this imperial envoy gave off an inscrutable aura.

Qiu Huanian didn’t want to get entangled with someone so deeply enmeshed in political power and full of hidden schemes. He covered himself fully with the veil and planned to pay his respects briefly before leaving.

If Deng’s son hadn’t already told the scouts that the estate’s administrator was present, Qiu Huanian would’ve avoided showing his face altogether.

Before long, another rider came to report that the imperial envoy was about to arrive. Everyone on the estate was gathered to welcome the noble official. The children’s kites were hidden away, and the tenants lowered their heads, silent as mice, fearing that any misstep might cost them their lives.

Qiu Huanian stood at the front, sighing inwardly. So this was the privileged class of ancient times—one word from him, and everyone had to drop what they were doing to await his arrival.

In the eyes of this envoy, the farmers and land of a single estate were as insignificant as feathers—utterly worthless.

Zhao Tianyu arrived on horseback, surrounded by clerks and assistants. He did not dismount but called for the estate’s steward to step forward.

He was in his early thirties, thin-faced with a small mustache, and had extremely sharp eyes. Just a glance from him could make the weak-hearted tremble.

Qiu Huanian deliberately lowered his voice and replied with a few simple sentences, saying only that he was managing the estate at the request of the Zhu family’s eldest young mistress, without detailing the relationship. Since the land hadn’t yet been planted, Zhao Tianyu wouldn’t notice anything unusual.

Zhao Tianyu’s steward tossed a few pieces of silver to Qiu Huanian and told him to arrange food and lodging. Old Deng, perceptive as ever, caught the silver and eagerly led them to the house to rest. Qiu Huanian, citing his married status and the inconvenience, stepped aside.

As Zhao Tianyu rode past the bowed tenants, his gaze suddenly paused at one spot, and he reined in his horse.

Everyone’s eyes followed his line of sight. There, a frail figure in coarse clothing was trembling uncontrollably, as if they might shatter at any moment.

Zhao Tianyu stroked his riding crop and said inscrutably, “A tenant on an estate should be a good citizen of the Yu Dynasty. Why is he so frightened at the sight of me? Is there something hidden here?”

Old Deng’s heart thumped wildly. Forcing down his fear, he smiled nervously. “Just a young and ignorant ge’er, my lord. He’s heard of your awe-inspiring reputation and got scared. Please forgive his rudeness.”

Zhao Tianyu said nothing. His steward scolded, “My lord asked for his identity. Report it quickly and don’t ramble!”

Standing to the side, Qiu Huanians’s delicate brows furrowed deeply. Zhao Tianyu’s sudden outburst—was he deliberately picking a fight?

Qiu Huanian remembered hearing Su Xinbai mention before that Zhao Tianyu had always been unfriendly toward merchants, and had made things difficult more than once for Zhu Jia’s representative, Zhu Jingcheng. Could it be that after hearing just now that this manor belonged to the Zhu family’s young madam, he wanted to seize this opportunity and make a move?

Old Deng wiped the sweat off his forehead and replied honestly, “This ge’er is called Wei Yue. He came to the manor with his aunt. All his identity documents are in order. They are honest farmers, without the slightest issue.”

“Wei…Yue?” Zhao Tianyu rolled the two syllables on his tongue, finding them somewhat familiar. “Which character for ‘Yue’?”

Old Deng hadn’t paid attention to that, “I suppose it’s the ‘Yue’ as in the moon in the sky.”

Zhao Tianyu gave a low grunt in response and suddenly released his riding whip. With a sharp crack in the air, the frail figure—already trembling violently—finally couldn’t hold up any longer. Hugging his arms to his chest, he collapsed to his knees, still keeping his head tightly buried.

The steward glanced at Zhao Tianyu’s expression and ordered the underlings, “Make him raise his head!”

Two officers dismounted and approached to seize him. Qiu Huanian drew in a breath, caught in a dilemma. He could guess that Zhao Tianyu intended to stir up trouble in the manor, forcing Su Xinbai or even Zhu Jingcheng to step in. The best strategy would be to play deaf and blind, and ignore everything. But looking at the scene in front of him, how could he possibly stay out of it?

The officers reached the fallen young ge’er, grabbed his arm to haul him up, and crudely pinched his chin, lifting it. A few locks of dark hair slipped down the sides of his face, revealing a face filled with terror and streaked with tears.

Zhao Tianyu let out a smile with an unreadable expression. “Quite the beauty. This manor truly produces extraordinary people.”

Qiu Huanian paused mid-step. He saw a face he had only seen a few times but would never forget.

This so-called “Wei Yue” who had come with his aunt to the manor, who was deft with his hands and could make paper kites for the children, turned out to be none other than the young ge’er Wei Li from Wei Ji Spice Shop—whom Qiu Huanian had rescued after he was cruelly given away by his own father!

Despair covered Wei Li’s face, and Qiu Huanian understood that despair well.

He had been offered by his own father as a gift to an imperial commissioner. He had narrowly escaped and started a new life, only for that same commissioner to suddenly reappear in front of him, grabbing him when he had no strength to resist—how could anyone not feel hopeless in such a situation?

Qiu Huanian took a breath and quickly walked to Wei Li’s side, reaching out to take him back. The officers, recognizing Qiu Huanian as the manor’s steward and knowing he was closely tied to the Zhu family’s young madam—who had married from the household of Vice Minister Su—treated him with some respect, but still did not release the boy.

Qiu Huanian adjusted the veil of his hat and spoke to Zhao Tianyu, “My lord’s visit to this humble manor brings us great honor. It is my failure in management that caused this timid young ge’er to spoil your mood.”

“Though my lord is a diligent and benevolent official, much favored by the emperor and surely would not place blame on a rural youth, my heart is nonetheless uneasy. I beg you to leave Yue ge’er to me, so that I may discipline and restrain him properly. The meal is already prepared—please, my lord, rest at the residence first. If your dining is further delayed, we would be doubly guilty.”

Zhao Tianyu shifted his gaze to Qiu Huanian. The veil completely obscured his figure, making it impossible to get a clear look. He could only roughly sense that the person in front of him, whose words were flawlessly courteous yet veiled with thorns, was quite young.

There was someone clever in this manor. That little scheme he had just devised was now meaningless.

Zhao Tianyu chuckled with a half-smile. “Then discipline him well. I’ll send someone later to check how your discipline has turned out.”