The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 74: The Side Consort

The two minor officials released Wei Li. Qiu Huanián suppressed his emotions and asked Old Deng to host Zhao Tianyu and his party with a meal and rest in the residence. Once they disappeared from sight, he immediately told Old Zhou to prepare the carriage for a return to the city.

“I’ve suddenly fallen ill and need to return to the city for medicine. I dare not trouble the Imperial Commissioner over such a trivial matter, so I will not bid farewell in person. If the Commissioner asks later, please convey my apology exactly as I’ve said.”

Wei Li leaned against Qiu Huanián’s shoulder, his body still trembling uncontrollably. He was as light as a withered leaf in the cold wind; Qiu Huanián could barely feel his weight.

An elderly white-haired woman emerged from the crowd and dropped to her knees with a thud. “Young Master Qiu, I beg you, please save Li ge’er. He’s a good child who’s suffered too much. Please save him. In our next life, we’ll repay you even as beasts of burden.”

Qiu Huanián quickly asked someone to help her up.

As far as Qiu Huanián knew, Wei Dexing didn’t have any biological sisters. Whether this Granny Wei was really Wei Li’s aunt remained to be investigated. But now was clearly not the time to ask.

“Don’t worry, Granny. I’ll take Li ge’er back and ‘discipline’ him as the Imperial Commissioner said. I won’t let anything happen to him.”

Old Zhou brought out the carriage. Wei Li was at a loss, but when Qiu Huanián took his hand, he obediently followed onto the carriage. Granny Wei anxiously ran a few steps after them, watching helplessly as the speeding carriage disappeared into the fields.

The carriage returned home as fast as it could. Qiu Huanián immediately told Qiao Pozi to go to the Zhu residence and request Su Xinbai’s presence.

Meng Yuanling didn’t understand what was going on. Seeing Qiu Huanián’s solemn expression, he grew nervous as well. Qiu Huanián gave him a brief explanation and asked him to take care of Wei Li.

Soft-hearted Meng Yuanling teared up upon hearing of Wei Li’s plight. He led him to his room, heated water for him to wash, found clean inner garments for him to change into, and told him to rest on the kang bed for a while.

After coaxing Wei Li to sleep, Meng Yuanling found Qiu Huanián in the study.

“How is Li ge’er?”

“He’s very frightened. But once his head hit the pillow, he couldn’t hold on and fell asleep quickly. When I helped him change clothes, I saw several scars on his body—it was truly…”

Meng Yuanling couldn’t continue, letting out deep sighs and asking Qiu Huanián nervously, “Hua ge’er, are we caught up in something serious?”

Qiu Huanián nodded, then shook his head. “This matter isn’t directed at us. Let’s wait for Xinbai to come and ask him.”

Zhao Tianyu made his move after learning the estate belonged to Su Xinbai. Qiu Huanián had simply been there at the right (or wrong) time. If he hadn’t been there, the incident on the estate would have still happened, possibly even more severely.

As the two spoke, Su Xinbai had already arrived. He hadn’t even changed into formal attire, merely throwing a lined satin cloak over his casual clothes before coming out.

“Dianmo reported that Qiao Pozi said you didn’t look well after returning from the estate. What happened?”

Qiu Huanián recounted Zhao Tianyu’s words and actions on the estate. Su Xinbai’s brows furrowed, clearly displeased.

“No matter what, there should still be reason. If not for the name of the Imperial Commissioner, he’s just a minor Assistant Minister of Revenue, ranked fifth. To stir up trouble repeatedly—does he really think there’s no one in Liaozhou who can handle him?”

Though already married, Su Xinbai was still the legitimate son of a second-rank official. A fifth-rank bureaucrat wasn’t someone he took seriously.

Qiu Huanián wasn’t as familiar with the ranks of the Yu court and reminded him, “He was appointed as an Imperial Commissioner, so he must have someone backing him at court. We still shouldn’t be careless.”

Su Xinbai calmed down and nodded. “Of all times, today the Eldest Young Master happens to be away from the provincial capital.”

Su Xinbai stood up decisively. “Come with me to the Su residence. For matters of officialdom, it’s better to ask my father directly.”

“Wouldn’t it be too much trouble for Lord Su?”

“Zhao Tianyu targeting the Eldest Young Master and me ultimately stems from my father being the Left Governor of Liaozhou. If he weren’t, why would a mere merchant be worth Zhao Tianyu’s scheming?”

Qiu Huanián found the reasoning sound. After instructing Meng Yuanling to stay home and take good care of Wei Li, he went with Su Xinbai and boarded the Zhu residence’s carriage.

Sitting in the spacious and comfortable carriage, Qiu Huanián no longer felt as flustered. He glanced at Su Xinbai, half concerned and half teasing. “I thought your relationship with Lord Su was a bit strained.”

Su Xinbai paused. He had indeed had a long-standing conflict with his father over the marriage. When had he stopped resisting the Su family and his father?

Was it because his relationship with Zhu Jingcheng had recently eased?

“The yamen is on break today. My father should be home. When we arrive, we’ll first pay respects to my stepmother in the rear hall, then go straight to the study,” Su Xinbai said, changing the subject.

“Are you on good terms with your stepmother?”

“She’s managed the household for years, is fair and just, and has never treated me unfairly. I owe her my respect.”

Qiu Huanián nodded. “No wonder your attitude toward Su Xinyue and Xinyao is so different.”

“Just speaking objectively. Xinyao is much more lovable than Xinyue. Xinyue is only two or three years younger than me and has always enjoyed competing with me since childhood. I don’t care to deal with her.”

Once the topic opened, Su Xinbai briefly explained the situation in the Su residence. Before long, the carriage reached its destination.

They were received by the servants and led to the rear hall, where they met Su Xinbai’s stepmother, Madam Kou.

Madam Kou was Lord Su’s second wife, married several years after the death of his first wife. Her maternal grandfather was a fourth-rank Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices—a proper lady from a capital official’s family. She was over ten years younger than Lord Su, and only in her early thirties. Thanks to excellent maintenance, she looked very youthful, though her hairstyle and attire were a bit conservative and mature.

Madam Kou had tea served to Su Xinbai and Qiu Huanián. Sitting at the head of the room, she remained calm and composed, exuding grace and poise.

“I’ve already sent word to the study. Once your father finishes his current matters, he’ll summon you.”

“No need to rush. Since you’re home, sit a while and relax. What matter could be so urgent?”

After some casual conversation, Madam Kou turned to talk about Su Xinyao. “Xinyao has been more diligent in attending the academy lately. She gets along well with Xian’er and Quehan. Thank you for your efforts.”

The “Quehan” she referred to was Jiujiu’s formal name.

Qiu Huanián heard Jiujiu talk about the academy’s daily happenings every day. The private academy within the Zhu residence’s inner quarters had eight students: Zhu Xian, Jiujiu, Su Xinyao, and five other children from the Zhu family’s relatives.

As the host’s child, Zhu Xian was thoughtful and generous. Su Xinyao, who had the highest status, was a smart little slacker. With Su Xinbai occasionally checking in, the academy had a good atmosphere, without the schoolyard drama Qiu Huanián had worried about.

However, Su Xinyao’s performance at the academy could only be praised as “a bit more diligent.” In truth, she did nothing beyond sitting through lessons, not even bothering to do her assignments.

Su Xinbai was well aware. “Xinyao is still young. She’ll learn in time.”

At the mention of her daughter, Madam Kou’s smile deepened. “I don’t expect her to be particularly accomplished—just for her to grow up safe and prosperous, and eventually marry a thoughtful, kind husband from a small household. That would be a life without worries.”

A life without worries—wasn’t that the most extravagant hope of all? Su Xinbai smiled.

After chatting for a while, someone from the study came to inform them that Lord Su was now available.

“Go ahead and discuss your official matters. I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare a meal. You can eat after your conversation.”

The two proceeded to the study, where they met Su Yi, the Left Governor of Liaozhou.

Su Xinbai and his siblings were all beautiful people, and their father was no exception. Su Yi had been the third-place winner in the imperial examination during the Yuanhua reign. In his youth, he had been famed for his handsome looks; now, with a neatly kept beard and the grace of age, he still appeared dignified and handsome.

Since it was his day off, he wore casual attire, and his official air was subdued, which made Qiu Huanián feel at ease.

Upon hearing that Qiu Huanián’s husband was Du Yunse, Su Yi gave him an extra glance, leaving Qiu Huanián puzzled.

Su Xinbai recounted the incident with Zhao Tianyu. Su Yi nodded thoughtfully. “I understand. Zhao Tianyu will soon have no time to concern himself with a small estate. You can rest easy and don’t need to worry.”

Su Xinbai then asked, “Father, why is Zhao Tianyu targeting the Su family?”

Su Yi stroked his beard. “You never used to care about these things. Now you want to know?”

Su Xinbai remained silent. Su Yi said, “As the Governor of a border province, I serve loyally and patriotically, but I can’t avoid the factions and political struggles. People like Zhao Tianyu—I’ve seen many.”

“There are some old matters I can’t speak of directly. Let your mother tell you later.”

Su Xinbai seemed to realize something. His eyelashes trembled slightly, his mood unclear.

With official duties pressing, Su Yi didn’t keep them long. The two soon left the study, and Madam Kou had already arranged for someone to guide them to the flower hall for a meal.

Su Xinbai had been home for a while but still hadn’t seen Su Xinyue, who always greeted him with sarcastic remarks. He asked the servant, “Why haven’t I seen the eldest young lady?”

“After the Flower Festival outing, the eldest young lady and Concubine Fang were both put under house arrest by Madam and haven’t been released yet.”

It had been several days. Su Xinbai nodded and didn’t ask further.

Madam Kou had always been indifferent toward Su Xinyue and her mother. But when she did decide to act, there was no one in the Su household who could stop her.

Qiu Huanian hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast and was already famished. He focused entirely on eating. The Su family’s cook was excellent—every dish was exceptionally flavorful.

After the meal, they received word from Madam Kou, via Su Yi, that she wished to speak with Su Xinbai. Qiu Huanian intended to excuse himself, but Su Xinbai held him back.

“What happened today was because of me. Listen in too—if anything else happens in the future, we can discuss it together.”

Seeing that Su Xinbai didn’t mind Qiu Huanian being present, Madam Kou made no comment, likely because Su Yi had mentioned it already.

Madam Kou had the servants bring in sweet tea brewed with rose dew and some post-meal desserts, then dismissed everyone, shutting the doors and windows.

“The master asked me to tell you the whole story behind your marriage. It’s been a few years now—just listen and don’t take it to heart.”

As expected, it was about this. Su Xinbai tensed, but he no longer felt the helpless urge to avoid it like he once had.

“You were young back then, and temperamental. The master didn’t tell you because it was for your own good—these matters were too weighty.”

Madam Kou took a sip of tea and began to recount slowly, “Your father didn’t have the backing of any major clan. He rose to the position of a deputy second-rank official purely on his own merits, and caught the eye of the Second Prince. At the time, the court was arranging a marriage for the Second Prince, and those behind him saw that you were of suitable age and well-known for your talents—they wanted to maneuver to have you chosen as a side consort.”

“My grandfather was a Vice Minister at the Ministry of Rites, which oversees rituals and ceremonies. By chance, he learned of this in advance and secretly sent word to us. Your father didn’t want to get involved in the fight for the throne, but he also didn’t dare openly defy a prince. So before the matter was finalized, he quickly arranged a marriage for you.”

“As it happened, your father was facing obstacles everywhere in Liaozhou and was planning to forge a marital alliance with the Zhu family, who had long been established there but lacked official protection. He hoped this would help him break through and establish a firm foothold.”

“At the time, both you and Xinyue were of suitable age. I had suggested marrying Xinyue to the Zhu family. Even though she’s a concubine-born daughter, the Zhu family would still be considered to have married up. For you, I thought we could pick a respectable minor official in Xiangping Prefecture—someone your father could easily support.”

“However, after your father personally met Zhu Jingcheng, the eldest grandson of the Zhu family, he changed his mind. He said Xinyue wasn’t suitable, that marrying her to the Zhu family would likely turn an alliance into a grudge. So he decided to match your birthdate instead.”

“I know you were wronged by this, but life is mostly full of dissatisfaction. All we could do was choose the option that was the least harmful.”

“…”

Su Xinbai was momentarily speechless. He hadn’t expected that the sudden, sensational marriage from back then had such hidden depths behind it.

He didn’t dare to imagine what his life would be like now if his maternal grandfather hadn’t learned of it ahead of time and he had been bestowed as a side consort to the Second Prince, sent far away to the capital. Nor could he imagine if Su Xinyue had been the one to marry Zhu Jingcheng…

His heart surged and sank, turned over and over. Finally, he lowered his gaze and said, “Zhu Jingcheng… truly is a good man.”

Madam Kou was a bit surprised. She smiled and said, “Now that you can think this way, your father and I can truly be at ease.”

“Zhao Tianyu is a disciple of the Second Prince’s maternal grandfather. The Second Prince holds a grudge against your father, and ever since Zhao Tianyu arrived in Liaozhou, he’s been alternating between suppressing and trying to win him over. Because of the past incident about choosing a side consort, you and Jingcheng have also been somewhat affected.”

Su Xinbai thought of the look in Zhu Jingcheng’s eyes every time he returned from outside—so exhausted yet always filled with tenderness toward him—and his heart ached.

“It’s me who dragged him into this.”

Madam Kou shook her head and instructed him, “Because they married you, the Zhu family now faintly has the air of being the premier merchant family in Liaozhou. Zhu Jingcheng’s position has risen accordingly. You and your husband are already one entity—there’s no such thing as dragging him down.”

“What if Zhao Tianyu becomes even more aggressive?”

“There’s not only the Second Prince’s faction in the court. Your father has cultivated his position in officialdom for years—he’s not entirely without means to counter. Zhao Tianyu has been in Liaozhou for nearly half a year already. Do you see him acting with total impunity?” Madam Kou reassured him. “Your father surely has plans. Your husband also won’t be unprepared. All you need to do is stay cautious and focus on doing your part well.”

Madam Kou said earnestly, “A family must stand together, each fulfilling their own role, if life is to go well.”

Until now, Su Xinbai’s thoughts had never been on these matters, and Madam Kou hadn’t wanted to instruct him. But today, with the door closed, she shared her heartfelt thoughts, and Su Xinbai seemed to understand a little more.

He let out a breath. “I heard Mother put Concubine Fang and Xinyue under house arrest. What happened with them?”

Madam Kou shook her head. “Their ambitions are sky-high, but their heads aren’t clear. They need to cool off.”

“Back then, when the Second Prince was considering you for a side consort, Concubine Fang caught some vague rumors. For some reason, she got the idea of offering her own daughter for that position.”

“She didn’t even think—when a prince takes a wife, even a side consort is chosen through the strictest standards. Who you are, and who her daughter is—your father couldn’t even bear to let her go to the Zhu family, afraid she’d cause harm. Let’s not even talk about the difference between legitimate and concubine-born—the gap is too great.”

“Now that Zhao Tianyu is watching the household closely, I’m afraid of complications. That’s why I put them under house arrest for the time being.”

Su Xinbai was thinking of Zhu Jingcheng, and Qiu Huanian had other matters on his mind as well. Now that they understood the full story, they felt more at ease and decided to take their leave after sitting for a while.

Before they left, Madam Kou reminded Su Xinbai:

“When you came back last time, I thought you truly didn’t want to continue your life with Zhu Jingcheng. So I said you could choose a few concubines—don’t let the Zhu family be troubled about heirs or become the subject of gossip. Choosing yourself would be better than having others force someone on you later. But since you didn’t seem willing, I didn’t push the matter.”

“Now that I see your feelings have changed, I won’t bring it up again. While you and the Zhu family’s young master are still young, it’s best to have a few children and live a peaceful, happy life.”

Su Xinbai’s face instantly flushed red, his eyes full of shy helplessness.

Seeing how he looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole, Madam Kou asked, puzzled, “Didn’t I have a matron teach you bedroom matters before the wedding? Do you need her to teach you again?”

Su Xinbai looked like steam was rising from his head. He squeezed out a few almost inaudible words, “No need… I know.”

Knowing how thin-skinned he was, Madam Kou didn’t press further. “Then your father and I will just wait to hold our grandchild.”

“…”

The two of them left the Su residence amidst the bows of the servants. In the carriage, Su Xinbai’s face was still burning.

He glanced at Qiu Huanian, whose expression was full of teasing, and muttered, “Don’t say a word.”

There could be nothing good coming!

Qiu Huanian laughed. “Young Master Su is so domineering, not even allowing others to speak. No wonder you were almost the Second Prince’s side consort.”

Su Xinbai pursed his lips. “Side consort? I don’t even care for being the main consort. I’m living far more comfortably now than I would’ve been in the prince’s manor.”

“I know. I only joke about it when it’s just the two of us. This isn’t something to speak of lightly.”

In ancient times, the royal family wielded tremendous authority, holding the power of life and death over all. It was best not to get involved at all.

“I’m going to the Zhu residence to wait for the young master to return. What about you?”

Qiu Huanian thought for a moment. “Just drop me off at home. I want to check on Wei Li, then head over to Qingfeng Academy.”

He had noticed Su Yi’s reaction when he heard the name Du Yunse today.

After a year of peaceful life, Du Yunse had always stood by him through thick and thin. Qiu Huanian sometimes even forgot that his boyfriend carried the mark of being “imperially selected.”

Some things Du Yunse had confided about his past in the capital, but others he kept hidden due to their secrecy. Since coming to the provincial city, Du Yunse spent most of his time studying at Qingfeng Academy. They didn’t spend every day together, so Qiu Huanian wasn’t quite sure what else he might be involved in.

Thinking back, the fatigue on Du Yunse’s face during his rest days probably wasn’t just from heavy studies.

Qiu Huanian knew that Du Yunse kept things from him because he worried about his health and didn’t want him to be anxious. He didn’t mean to blame him or pry now—he just really wanted to see him right away.

…

After sending off Su Xinbai and Qiu Huanian, Madam Kou changed out of her guest attire and into lighter everyday clothes. She had the household accounts brought over and continued reviewing them.

A young servant from the study came to invite her over. She set aside the accounts and went out.

Passing by a delicate courtyard residence, Madam Kou noticed the doorway was in disarray and called someone over to ask.

The servant didn’t dare hide anything. “The young miss smashed another batch of things. The steward is calling people to clean it up. We were going to report to Madam after tallying everything.”

Madam Kou frowned. “All she knows is how to ruin things. Only replace the essential items with cheap ones in their rooms—no more decorative furnishings or playthings.”

She walked on, leaving behind the pointed curses coming from within the courtyard.

In the study, Su Yi was organizing correspondence. When he saw Madam Kou enter, he temporarily set them aside.

Madam Kou noticed a letter with an imperial yellow seal partly covered—on the visible part, she could make out the character “Du.”

She looked away without probing. “I’ve explained everything to Xinbai. He’s also come around regarding the Zhu family’s young master. You can rest easy now.”

Su Yi pressed his fingers to his temples. “Zhu Jingcheng is indeed a good match for Xinbai. But the Zhu family is, after all, just merchants. Sigh, if not for the tense situation back then, and Xinyue…”

Madam Kou said calmly, “When I first married into the family and saw what a mess Xinyue was, I had the intention to guide her. But Concubine Fang guarded against me like a thief, and Xinyue herself believed I meant her harm. She caused a scene before you, and you told me to stop meddling. Things are how they are now—there’s not much we can do.”

Su Yi sighed. “I don’t mean to blame you. Let’s keep Xinyue confined to the residence for now. Once things settle down, we’ll find her a suitable match.”