The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 76: Servants

The Imperial Commissioner Zhao Tianyu was suddenly investigated and exiled a thousand miles away. As soon as the news broke, it immediately stirred unrest throughout the court and the public.

Zhao Tianyu wasn’t the only one who fell in Liaozhou; most of the arrangements made by the Second Prince and his maternal grandfather along the border were ruined and exposed to the light of day, faintly implicating even Prince Pingxian.

This incident, like the corruption and collusion case involving the Crown Prince in Jiangnan last year, was bound to deal a serious blow to the Second Prince.

The Third Prince, who had already been conferred his title earlier, became even more prominent and was in the limelight.

Because the person responsible for investigating Zhao Tianyu was Du Yunse, a disciple of Wen Huiyang who had taught the Crown Prince, the Emperor’s attitude toward the Crown Prince’s house arrest was reevaluated by those with vested interests.

Those who had previously backed the wrong person or were harboring ambitions now reconsidered their plans.

Regardless of how turbulent the times were, Du Yunse, as promised earlier, accompanied Qiu Huanian for a follow-up consultation on his day off.

The two rode in a carriage through the bustling city of the capital. The news of the Imperial Commissioner’s investigation was still the most talked-about topic in the streets and alleys.

Inside the carriage, Qiu Huanian overheard many people discussing the handsome young scholar who had led the raid the day before.

Some said the scholar was another Imperial Commissioner, others claimed he was a noble from the capital’s royal family, and some even made up romantic tales involving several beautiful women, fabricating an elaborate love drama out of thin air.

Qiu Huanian listened with great amusement and shot a playful look at Du Yunse, smiling.

Du Yunse sighed helplessly. Oh well, as long as Hua ge’er is happy, nothing else matters.

“What will happen to Zhao Tianyu’s family?”

“Zhao Tianyu’s first wife and children weren’t brought to Liaozhou. His wife comes from a prominent family and should be able to arrange for a separation, avoiding exile. Those in Xiangping Prefecture were concubines he took in over the past six months, none of whom had official documents of concubinage. They’ll be treated as maidservants and footboys, confiscated and nationalized.”

“Confiscated?”

“The court has official agencies for this. The confiscated servants will be transported elsewhere and sold, with the proceeds going to the state treasury.”

“Sigh.” Qiu Huanian sighed, feeling a bit of a warning. He reminded himself to be cautious—falling into an irreversible situation in ancient times was far too easy.

For no reason at all, he thought of Sixteen. It seemed Sixteen had also been sent to the palace’s hidden court after his family was raided and had been trained as a shadow guard. He had suffered greatly from a young age, and even his original name was lost to time.

Du Yunse gently brushed aside the loose hair by his temple. “Once your title is officially granted, Hua ge’er, you’ll be able to employ servants. Things will become easier for you then.”

Qiu Huanian nodded. Having crossed over to this era, and with Du Yunse destined to pursue the imperial exams and enter officialdom, Qiu Huanian didn’t particularly resist the idea of employing servants. However, he would certainly not treat them as less than human like many people in ancient times did.

“I’ll ask Xinbai. Just a few will be enough. We can’t be extravagant just yet.”

Old Zhou steered the carriage to the clinic run by the son of Doctor Gu, as directed. Though the son wasn’t as skilled as his father, he was still considered a reputable physician, and many people were coming and going at the clinic’s entrance.

Du Yunse had sent in a visiting card ahead of time, and the Gu family led them into the house behind the clinic.

A divine physician was always in high demand. Though Doctor Gu had been forced to leave the capital, he was living quite well. His residence was elegantly designed, his household harmonious—a perfect place to spend his twilight years in peace.

Qiu Huanian sat across from the elderly doctor, who twisted his beard as he examined him by sight, smell, and touch, then nodded slowly.

“Your health is better than I predicted last year. Clearly, you’ve taken good care of yourself and never ceased using valuable medicinal herbs.”

Du Yunse’s expression eased immediately. He respectfully bowed and said, “Please, sir, prescribe a new formula tailored to his current condition.”

Doctor Gu shook his head. “I am but a retired old man in seclusion. I cannot accept such formality from someone as prominent as you.”

“Still, as a physician with a benevolent heart, I will naturally provide a prescription. But do not forget your original promise—do not let all this go to waste.”

Doctor Gu wrote out the prescription and had someone from the household fetch the medicine from the front of the clinic. Except for a few rare herbs, the rest were readily prepared.

This time, the two of them had the means to pay. Doctor Gu no longer held back and charged ten taels of silver, including the consultation fee.

It was an expensive price, but well worth it. After all, many high-ranking officials in Xiangping Prefecture couldn’t even get an appointment with Doctor Gu.

“This formula is mild in nature and meant to take effect slowly over time. Continue taking it until winter, and then come back for another check-up.”

Doctor Gu took Qiu Huanian’ pulse again to reconfirm.

“If you maintain this regimen, you may still have the possibility of bearing children in a few years.”

“But that depends on your health at the time.”

As a physician, Doctor Gu spoke with natural detachment, but Qiu Huanian couldn’t help blushing.

He had just been teasing Su Xinbai earlier, and now it was his turn.

Qiu Huanian focused his gaze inward, pretending nothing had happened and avoiding Du Yunse’s eyes.

Anyway, compared to Su Xinbai, he still had time—at least until the imperial examination results.

After the consultation, Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse took their leave. Du Yunse helped Qiu Huanian into the carriage.

Qiu Huanian set the medicine aside and noticed that Du Yunse was in a particularly good mood.

“Are you that happy just because there’s still a chance I can have children?”

“I’m happy because your health has greatly improved,” Du Yunse said. “As for children, as long as there’s even a hint of risk, I won’t let you bear any.”

Did ancient times even have reliable birth control? Qiu Huanian suddenly wondered.

“I’ll be the one to take the contraception decoctions,” Du Yunse said calmly and seriously.

Qiu Huanian turned his head to look out the window. The tips of his ears beneath his hair turned red, and the corners of his lips involuntarily curled up.

…

Ten days later, an express horse from the official courier station brought the imperial edict conferring upon Qiu Huanian the title of Xiangjun (Village Lord). Along with it came the news that the Emperor had finally lifted the Crown Prince’s house arrest.

Reportedly, the matter concerning the Second Prince made the Emperor realize that the Crown Prince’s past mistakes were not beyond redemption.

The Crown Prince took the opportunity to present a draft of Qiu Huanian’ agricultural treatise, along with many agricultural books from the Imperial Library, claiming that he had devoted the past year in confinement to studying agriculture in repentance and now wished only to promote farming, asking to be allowed to manage imperial farmland as a role model for the common farmers.

Compared to the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, who had harbored and enabled corrupt officials who preyed on the people, appeared especially vile.

Though the Emperor lifted the Crown Prince’s house arrest, he did not restore his right to attend court or reopen the Wenhua Pavilion for the ministers to tutor him. The Crown Prince still held the title in name only.

Qiu Huanian’ agricultural book had not yet been completed or proven effective, but he was already granted the title of Xiangjun. Besides Du Yunse’s request, the Crown Prince had also played a part in the matter.

On the day the edict was received, Du Yunse took leave from the academy and returned home. The two bathed and dressed together to receive the imperial decree.

After the decree was read, only then did the others in the household learn of the astonishing news.

Qiu Huanian carefully stored the bright yellow imperial edict in a carved wooden box and placed it on the main hall altar.

This item, even if merely displayed, was a protective charm in itself.

Qiu Huanian’ title was granted by direct imperial decree. The Ministry of Rites dared not be negligent; his ceremonial robes and rewards were promptly prepared and delivered.

In the Yu Dynasty, ceremonial robes for a Xiangjun were standardized: vermilion-silver court silk with patterns of Taiping flowers, embroidered auspicious clouds and celestial cranes. The headgear was adorned with tortoiseshell and pearls. Styles varied between women and ge’er, but all were dignified and elegant.

Since they didn’t know Qiu Huanian’ measurements, the robes were made with extra allowances and would only need slight adjustments by skilled seamstresses once delivered.

The luxurious vermilion-silver court silk shimmered even indoors. The embroidery was vivid and lifelike, the craftsmanship of the palace’s weaving bureau representing the finest standards of the Yu Dynasty.

When the robe was unveiled, everyone urged Qiu Huanian to try it on. He too felt a surge of excitement and went behind the screen to change into the full ceremonial attire.

The shimmering fabric slid across his body, the subtle patterns appearing and disappearing in the light. The glow of the silk reflected off his tender, fair skin, making the young beauty seem to emit a hazy radiance, like the moon emerging from the clouds.

Du Yunse unconsciously held his breath.

Qiu Huanian smiled brightly at him, like a little celestial being stepping out of an ancient painting.

“Do I look good?”

“You’re always beautiful,” Du Yunse replied, his eyes shining.

With others still present, Qiu Huanian felt a little shy and turned to look at the other rewards.

As a Xiangjun, he would receive a monthly salary of fifteen taels and thirty dan of grain annually—enough for an ordinary family to live in great comfort.

He also received an identity token signifying his title, which would allow him to collect his stipend at the local government office. The monthly salary was distributed every month, while the grain was collected in one go after the autumn harvest.

The token and ceremonial robe were standard rewards, but beyond that, the Emperor also granted him two skilled craftsmen, instructing him to study agriculture diligently and not betray the imperial favor. The craftsmen couldn’t be transported on fast horses and would arrive in a few days.

The Crown Prince also gifted a few boxes of high-quality tribute medicine, citing his appreciation of Qiu Huanian’ agricultural writings.

What Qiu Huanian hadn’t expected was a reward from the palace’s Consort Kang: twelve bolts of palace-grade silk and two boxes of palace-made jewelry—extremely generous.

Though Consort Kang claimed it was to congratulate a talented fellow townsman, Qiu Huanian was still puzzled.

After Du Yunse’s explanation, Qiu Huanian recalled that the kidnapping case Du Yunse and Wu Shen had inadvertently uncovered a year ago was related to Consort Kang’s younger brother, who had been abducted as a child.

At the time, Consort Kang had wanted to give a reward but, for various reasons, never did. This time she used the occasion of Qiu Huanian’ ennoblement to give the reward retroactively.

Speaking of the kidnapping case, one of the victims, Wei Li, was still living in their household.

After Zhao Tianyu’s downfall, Wei Li was no longer in danger, but his body had suffered during his time wandering, and the trauma had left him ill. Out of compassion, Qiu Huanian had Old Zhou fetch Wei Li’s “aunt,” Granny Wei, from their country estate to accompany him while he recovered.

This “aunt” wasn’t actually his biological aunt, but both were surnamed Wei and had met while fleeing famine, relying on each other for survival.

The guest rooms in the house were unoccupied anyway, so Qiu Huanian told Wei Li that Zhao Tianyu had paid for his crimes and that he should focus on recovering, while also thinking about his future.

Wei Li stared blankly, tears falling silently, and suddenly knelt, saying he wanted to repay Qiu Huanian for the rest of his life.

Qiu Huanian quickly helped him back onto the heated bed, insisting he not overthink it. He had saved Wei Li from the goodness of his heart, not in expectation of repayment.

News of Qiu Huanian’ ennoblement as a Xiangjun quickly spread, and acquaintances came one after another to offer congratulations.

Even though it was the lowest noble rank, it was still a legitimate title and marked his entry into the aristocracy.

From then on, Qiu Huanian would no longer need to bow to officials, could join noble social circles, command servants, and be respectfully addressed.

The first to respond, naturally, was Su Xinbai, who lived nearby.

The imperial decree had arrived in the morning, and he came to visit in the afternoon.

“Well, this is great. Although you never cared about fame or titles, having the rank of Xiangjun will make everything easier.”

“And this kind of joyous occasion—you’d better not refuse my gift.”

Su Xinbai issued this warning in advance, and of course, he was very generous. He directly gave Qiu Huanian the small estate where cotton was being grown.

Qiu Huanian held the deed and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “This…”

The estate covered forty mu of land, with five mu dedicated to a plum grove. It also had a well-built residence and a hot spring. Its value was definitely upwards of two to three hundred taels of silver, and yet Su Xinbai gave it away with a mere wave of his hand.

“You were conferred the title of Village Lord because of the cotton. This estate is a hundred times more valuable in your hands than in mine.”

“Besides, the help and friendship you’ve given me—how could a small estate compare?”

Qiu Huanian had no choice but to accept it. “When your child is born, I’ll be sure to prepare a generous gift in return.”

Su Xinbai’s cool expression immediately turned awkward.

The two were talking in the flower hall, and with no one else nearby, Qiu Huanian asked with great interest, “So, how’s it going? Any progress?”

Su Xinbai pretended not to understand. “Progress with what?”

Qiu Huanian grinned. “Naturally I mean mutual affection, lovebirds frolicking in the water…”

Su Xinbai panicked and rushed to cover Qiu Huanian’s mouth. “How can you say such things!”

Qiu Huanian mumbled as he pleaded, “I’m just concerned about you! Weren’t you just talking about our friendship? If you’re facing difficulties, I’ll help you come up with a plan.”

Su Xinbai sat up straight, visibly struggling to speak.

“Could it be… you’re not capable? Or is it him?”

Su Xinbai took a breath, knowing he had to speak immediately lest Qiu Huanian say something even more outrageous.

“My relationship with the Eldest Young Master has indeed eased a lot, but we still remain strictly within the bounds of propriety. It’s been years like this. I don’t know how to… how to…”

Su Xinbai pursed his lips and turned his head away, his long fingers clutching and wrinkling his sleeve.

Qiu Huanian thought for a moment. He didn’t have any practical experience either, truly one who dared to ask meeting one who dared to teach.

“How about you take a look at those romance novels?”

“Hmm?”

“Those operatic storybooks—they often have this kind of plot. You’re so good-looking, if you just put in a bit of effort, are you afraid he won’t fall for you?”

Su Xinbai was well-read and had also curiously looked at some of the more suggestive texts. “That’s far too frivolous.”

He suddenly thought of something, and his cool expression blushed bright pink, like cold jade imbued with warmth. His long lashes trembled up and down.

“Between a married couple, the pleasures of the bedchamber—how can that be called frivolous?”

Qiu Huanian laughed. “If it really doesn’t work, just buy a pot of spring wine and trick him into drinking it!”

“…I shouldn’t have asked you,” Su Xinbai said after a moment of silence.

Qiu Huanian was thoroughly amused and resolved to tease Su Xinbai about it every few days going forward.

After becoming a Village Lord, Qiu Huanian wanted to host a banquet—not only to celebrate but also to get to know people and ease into social circles.

He reorganized the assets he had at home and pulled out a box of old jewelry.

“I don’t know much about the craftsmanship or value of jewelry. Xinbai, could you take a look and tell me about how much these are worth?”

This jewelry had been extorted from Bai Yanwen at the banquet in Xiefang Garden in Zhang County the previous year.

Back then, the situation behind the scenes hadn’t been clear, so Qiu Huanian hadn’t dared to sell it.

Now that Imperial Inspector Zhao Tianyu had been arrested and had his property confiscated, Qiu Huanian could finally use the jewelry to get some money.

Su Xinbai gave it a quick look. He didn’t know much more than Qiu Huanian did.

“Most of it is silver and gilt. A few of the pearls are of decent quality. The most expensive should be this filigree peony hairpin inlaid with gemstones. I’ll take it home and ask someone knowledgeable.”

Qiu Huanian said, “If there’s no issue, go ahead and sell it. I’ll use the money to host a small banquet.”

Su Xinbai reminded him, “This is your first banquet as a Village Lord. Think carefully about who to invite and how to arrange it. It’s too bad I’m not very skilled at this sort of thing.”

With the new status came new skills to learn. Qiu Huanian nodded. “There’s still time, no rush. I’ll figure it out slowly.”

Speaking of hosting banquets, he naturally had to buy some servants.

Su Xinbai told him that although there were some decent servants available from private dealers, they often had unclear backgrounds and lacked experience.

Now that Qiu Huanian had the right to purchase from the official government agency, he should go there instead. It would be best to buy those confiscated from criminal officials’ households—experienced servants, and buy them in family groups, not solitary ones, so they would be easier to manage.

Qiu Huanian took the advice to heart and chose a day with good weather. First, he collected his monthly stipend, then went to the official agency to state his needs.

The manager at the agency greeted him with a respectful bow.

“Village Lord, you came at just the right time. Several batches of people arrived this month from the south and west and haven’t been picked over yet. I’ll recommend a few to you.”

Servants confiscated during asset seizures or those stripped of their status were usually not sold locally. The agency would break them into small family groups and send them far away to be sold off—never to make waves again.

Qiu Huanian’s needs were simple: one good cook, one person who could drive a cart and preferably also do some sewing. That was all.

The manager quickly thought of a suitable match. “We have an elderly couple just past fifty, with a young granddaughter around ten years old. They used to work at a vice-prefect’s residence in the south. When the vice-prefect was arrested and had his property seized, they were also taken in by the government.”

“The woman used to work in the kitchen and can do some needlework. The man tended the horses and can drive. The little granddaughter can also do chores. If your household has any younger masters, she could be useful.”

The manager knew the details of these servants like the back of his hand.

“Why only the old couple and the granddaughter? What about the rest of their family?”

“Their son died before the confiscation. The daughter-in-law was fairly attractive and was sent to a separate location—probably thousands of miles away by now.”

The manager, seeing that Qiu Huanian remained silent, explained, “The little girl is twelve this year. She doesn’t take after her mother in looks—very plain, and obedient. Village Lord needn’t worry.”

Some people picked servants for their looks; others only wanted those with plain appearances. The manager had seen it all.

Qiu Huanian wasn’t concerned about that. He sighed inwardly. “Take me to see them.”

The manager smiled and bowed, leading the way.

These three—old and young with no particular skills—weren’t easy to sell. And yet, the best wasn’t always the most suitable. For Qiu Huanian, they were enough.

In the backyard of the agency were rows of low, narrow dormitories with large shared sleeping areas. The servants waiting to be sold lived with their families.

Since they were meant to be sold for profit, the agency didn’t deliberately mistreat them. They were decently clothed, looked healthy, though clearly anxious.

As the manager led Qiu Huanian into the courtyard, everyone respectfully lowered their heads, sneaking glances at him.

Seeing that Qiu Huanian was young and amiable, not the type to abuse his servants, many secretly hoped he would buy their family so they could leave this place and stop living in fear.

If they remained unsold, the agency wouldn’t keep idle mouths to feed. Who knew what their ultimate fate would be?

In a corner, a solitary young girl bit her lip, her beautiful eyes narrowing with a hint of desire.

This ge’er is so young—if he’s buying servants on his own, he must already be married. His husband likely isn’t old either. If she could just get into their household, she might find a way to rise… but this ge’er seems clever, probably unwilling to buy a pretty maid…

She clenched her long, delicately maintained red nails, hesitating on whether to take a gamble.

She lingered too long and was suddenly tapped from behind.

“Zao’er, the manager said we should all get to work—what are you standing around for?”

The manager had already noticed her. Zao’er clenched her teeth and had no choice but to turn away.

What a pity. If the ge’er’s husband had come with him today, she could have faked a fall, twisted an ankle, and thrown herself into his arms to seduce him into taking her away.

Who knew when the next master would come to pick servants?

She had once lived like a young lady’s companion, pampered alongside her former mistress—never had she lived in such a squalid place!

All thanks to that beast in human skin, Madame Song—pretending to be kind and letting her go, but secretly sending a report to the county office accusing her of stealing. When she went to remove her slave status, she was caught red-handed.

After being taken in by the agency, she was sent west to be sold. She finally climbed to the position of a concubine, only to offend the official wife and be sent back again, winding up back in Xiangping.

Zao’er’s long fingernails nearly dug into her palms.

To return to Xiangping—wasn’t this once-in-a-million chance destiny? If she ever rose again, she would never let Madame Song and Chi Qinghe off the hook for dragging her into this hell!

…

Qiu Huanian had never seen Zao’er before, and naturally didn’t recognize the maid who had once, in order to go home herself, encouraged her mistress Chi Qinghe to commit suicide by drowning.

His gaze rested on the elderly couple and their granddaughter brought over by the manager.

The three of them, knowing they were hard to sell, looked uneasy, wearing cautious smiles and silently praying to be chosen.

Qiu Huanian gently asked what they could do, and their answers matched what the manager had said.

They all had gentle temperaments. Judging by their hands and posture, they were used to doing regular labor.

Qiu Huanian asked the price. The three visibly breathed a sigh of relief. The little girl reached for her grandmother’s hand, but the older woman quickly signaled her to stay still.

“These two elders are two taels each, and the little one is three. If you take the whole family, I’ll give you a discount of five qian—six taels and five qian in total.”

Not being young, not being beautiful, and having no special skills—one of them wasn’t even worth a single good mu of land.

Qiu Huanian said nothing, but pulled out six taels and five qian from his freshly collected stipend, signed the papers, took their indentures, and brought the three of them back to his estate.

Now that he had bought servants, he no longer needed the matchmaker woman and Old Zhou. Qiu Huanian paid them their full month’s wage—even Old Zhou, who had only worked for less than a month.

The three new servants saw how Qiu Huanian handled things and felt all the more reassured. After the hardships and fear of being transported north following the confiscation, they could finally let go of their worries.