The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 84: Reunion

Chapter 84: Reunion

“Madam Taohong, and Cun Lan?” Qiu Huanian’s eyes lit up with delight.

Ye Taohong smiled warmly. “It’s been nearly half a year since we last saw each other. When we heard Lieutenant Wu was headed to Xiangping Prefecture, we thought it the perfect opportunity to visit you, as well as Yun Cheng and Ling.”

“What about Yun Ying?”

“She’s still very young. Bao Yi was worried I wouldn’t be able to manage the long journey with her, so she remained at Jingshan Guard, under Auntie Qiao’s care.”

Qiu Huanian ushered them into the residence while the carriage and soldiers accompanying Wu Shen were led to the servants’ quarters.

Ye Taohong and Cun Lan were dressed quite differently from their usual attire, but upon seeing the elegant home of Qiu Huanian’s family, they showed not the slightest trace of surprise.

With them was a teenage girl named Bingcao, whom they’d acquired in Jingshan Guard. Her family, having lost several strong laborers to forced labor, had been left destitute and forced to sell their children to survive.

“Jiu Jiu’s at school right now. She’ll be overjoyed to see Cun Lan this evening.”

“Cun Lan has missed Jiu Jiu every single day for the past six months. Every time she gets a letter, she reads it over and over. But whenever I ask what it says, she just smiles and won’t tell.”

Qiu Huanian turned to Cun Lan. “Have you continued your studies while stationed at the border?”

Cun Lan nodded. “Teachers are scarce out there, but I do attend a tutoring session. I sit behind a curtain and don’t speak to the other students.”

“I have some rare books you might like. I’ll give them to you later.”

“Wonderful.” Cun Lan beamed.

Old Lady Jin had already prepared a sumptuous meal, and two more seats were easily added.

Jin San quickly tallied the number of soldiers and had Old Lady Jin prepare additional dishes for them.

During the feast, Wu Shen came alive, regaling everyone with stories from his year on the border—tales full of danger and strangeness that made hearts race.

“The Tatars have far superior horses. Whenever we fend off their attacks and clean up the battlefield, we take those prized horses—though no one rides them.”

“Sometimes the Tatars hide beneath the horses, waiting to ambush.”

“I ran into that once. I was unarmed—”

Wu Shen recounted the incident with great flair, enjoying the astonishment and admiration on every face. A year’s experience had shaped him, but his love for praise remained unchanged.

After the meal, Du Yunse asked, “How long will you be staying in Xiangping Prefecture?”

“The Commander of Liaozhou has shown me great favor. With the border currently quiet, I’ve returned to celebrate his birthday. But I can only stay five or six days, excluding travel time.”

“You’re welcome to stay here.”

“Of course! I don’t own property in Xiangping. If I didn’t stay with you, who else would take me in?”

Wu Shen elbowed Du Yunse playfully. “I keep saying you’re lucky. Without Huanian, would you be living so comfortably after just a year?”

Du Yunse nodded sincerely. “Meeting Huanian has been the greatest fortune of my life.”

Qiu Huanian looked slightly embarrassed and turned away to ask Old Lady Jin to prepare the guest rooms.

Wu Shen was given a separate room; Ye Taohong and Cun Lan shared with Jiu Jiu, and the soldiers squeezed into the back quarters.

Fortunately, the main residence, though compact and refined, had just enough rooms to accommodate everyone.

After school, Jin San picked up Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng. Upon seeing Cun Lan, Jiu Jiu was over the moon.

The two childhood friends clutched each other’s hands, laughing so hard they could barely speak.

“There’s a swing in our courtyard—it’s so fun! And entire trees full of roses! I’ll show you later.”

“There’s a pastry shop on Yuanzheng Street you have to try!”

“I’ve learned a few new songs—I’ll play them for you tomorrow!”

With Zhu Xian and Su Xinyao, Jiu Jiu was cheerful, but always reserved. Only with Cun Lan, her childhood companion from pigweed-picking and chicken-feeding days, could she truly be herself.

Qiu Huanian smiled. “I’ll arrange for you to take a few days off school to spend with Cun Lan.”

Jiu Jiu happily agreed—and to everyone’s surprise, Chun Sheng didn’t protest.

“I thought you’d want some time off too,” Qiu Huanian said.

Chun Sheng replied earnestly, “I’ve got to keep up with my studies, or I’ll fall behind.”

Jiu Jiu teased, “He’s just afraid he’ll lag further behind Yuan Ruo.”

Embarrassed, Chun Sheng fled to his room, and the room burst into laughter.

Wu Shen had brought fine furs from the Jingshan mountains, gifts for Qiu Huanian’s household. Ye Taohong had brought furs as well—two pieces each for Qiu Huanian’s family and Yun Cheng’s couple.

In the bitter northeastern climate, warm furs were like gold.

Qiu Huanian stored them carefully in a cabinet, adding sachets to prevent mold, planning to make winter garments from them.

He asked Ye Taohong if she planned to visit Zhang County, but she shook her head.

“Not enough time this trip.”

“Do you still keep in touch with your family?”

“Of course. We send money and letters every month—two pieces of fur as well. He is still my father, after all.”

“But everything goes to my eldest brother and sister-in-law. They’ll pass it to him. The third branch of the family won’t see a single copper.”

Though time had passed, Ye Taohong’s resentment toward the third branch of her family was palpable. The hatred was deep—irreconcilable.

The ancient saying, “Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?” once felt hollow to Qiu Huanian. In modern times, video calls bridged distances effortlessly. But here, in the Yu Dynasty, separation meant months or even years without seeing loved ones. Now he truly understood the sentiment.

Since Ye Taohong had come so far, Qiu Huanian was determined to treat her generously.

Money was no longer an issue. Qiu’s Six Staples once brought in a net monthly profit of a hundred taels; now, with floral waters and hydrosols, the monthly profit hovered near two hundred. Add in the emperor’s hundred-tael reward, quarterly dividends from fermented tofu, and snack-shop earnings from Zhang County, and the total savings were nearing three hundred taels.

There was no need to skimp. Qiu Huanian booked the finest restaurants in Xiangping, and along with Meng Yuanling and Jiu Jiu, took Ye Taohong and Cun Lan on a delightful tour of the city.

Wu Shen had other obligations but explored the city on his own. Qiu Huanian, drawing from Min Leyi’s insights, served as an eloquent and knowledgeable guide.

One day a play, the next a painting pavilion, the day after custom-tailored clothes. For the first time since arriving, Qiu Huanian truly relaxed—perhaps even forgetting, briefly, his original goals.

But he knew himself well. A few days of leisure was fine, but soon his restless ambition would return.

After leaving a major firm, he had rested briefly before launching his career as a lifestyle blogger. He was simply not built for idleness—he thrived on striving, and found fulfillment in his work.

One afternoon, while enjoying a performance on the second floor of a renowned music hall, they heard a commotion outside.

Ye Taohong made to rise but then changed her mind. “Bingcao, go see what’s happening—but be cautious.”

Bingcao nodded and left. Raised on the rugged border, she was hardy and unflinching.

Qiu Huanian walked to the window and glanced down. His brows rose. “Auntie, doesn’t that person look familiar?”

Ye Taohong joined him and frowned.

“Who? Who is it?” Meng Yuanling asked.

“She looks like… Li Guer, Zhao’s daughter-in-law.”

Meng Yuanling remembered her—Du Yunjing’s cousin, whom he had been forced to marry after a scandal during an academy exam.

She had followed him after the family’s exile from Du Village.

Downstairs, Li Guer, dressed in garish silk, was arguing with other similarly dressed women.

Bingcao returned quickly. “The manager said those women are from a nearby brothel, out buying cosmetics. They got into a quarrel, and he’s already called someone to remove them.”

The group exchanged glances.

Ye Taohong murmured, “Didn’t she marry Du Yunjing? He’s a scholar, after all. How could she… how could she be doing that kind of work?”

The fall of a once-proper woman into prostitution was deeply shocking.

Qiu Huanian recalled how Sixteen had mentioned Li Guer possessing aphrodisiacs and knockout drugs commonly used in brothels—tools she’d used in schemes against Du Yunjing’s family, even attempting to drug a three-year-old child.

She’d likely been mixed up with such circles all along. Whether she’d left Du Yunjing or had been cast out remained unknown.

He briefly recounted her possession of illicit drugs and warned the others to stay cautious of such dangerous individuals.

Ye Taohong sighed. “Truly a tale of karmic retribution.”

The group lost their enthusiasm for further entertainment and returned home. Upon arrival, they encountered a disheveled Wu Shen.

His clothes were dirty, the hem torn. Qiu Huanian asked Old Lady Jin to clean and mend them.

Wu Shen, visibly irritated, changed and washed before speaking.

“What happened, General Wu?”

“Don’t even ask. It was ridiculous—but I did end up doing a good deed.”

He sipped his tea, then continued. “Brother Hua, you mentioned that southwest along the Love River there’s a place where folk artists gather. I had time after a meeting and went to look.”

The area had been suggested by Min Leyi, though Qiu Huanian had never visited.

“You were just there to watch a show. How’d you end up in this state?”

“Years of martial arts have sharpened my senses. I noticed something suspicious about some performers and tried to question them. Suddenly, a young man—thinking I was bullying them—struck me from behind and knocked me down.”

Though caught off guard, Wu Shen wasn’t injured, but it had been humiliating.

Qiu Huanian tried not to laugh. “Then what?”

“Fortunately, I found an unconscious girl hidden among their props. That proved my point. The young man apologized, tossed some silver in embarrassment, and fled.”

“He even had the gall to say I didn’t look trustworthy! Next time I see him—” Wu Shen made a slicing motion, still indignant.

Qiu Huanian chuckled. “He meant well. He did apologize. Let it go, General Wu.”

“But you must admit, showing up for a birthday celebration and cracking a human trafficking ring—you’re quite the righteous hero.”

Wu Shen snorted. “I’ll let it go. But if I ever catch him, he’s reciting ‘General Wu Shen is brave and mighty’ a hundred times!”

Once he finished venting, he added, “The Judicial Commissioner’s Office says traffickers have been unusually active here lately, targeting refined young girls. Jiu Jiu must be careful.”

Qiu Huanian’s expression turned serious.

In the modern world, tracking trafficked children was difficult. In ancient times, it was near impossible.

Even someone of Consort Kang’s stature spent years searching for a kidnapped brother. If not for a miracle, she’d have never found him.

Whether commoner or noble, once taken by traffickers, one might never return.

Qiu Huanian issued firm instructions: from now on, Jiu Jiu was to be accompanied by both Coral and Jin San, travel by carriage when possible, and avoid remote areas. The same precautions applied to Chun Sheng.

The children nodded solemnly.

“Does the Judicial Commissioner’s Office have any leads?”

“It’s suspected that several brothels are involved. These places harbor much filth, but it will take time to investigate fully.”

The following day, Wu Shen attended the Commander of Liaozhou’s birthday celebration. Qiu Huanian included two bottles each of oyster sauce, floral water, and pure dew in the gift bundle.

The gift was a sensation, outshining treasures others had labored to find.

The Commander, pleased and drunk, praised Wu Shen, saying, “Like father, like son,” even calling Wu Dingshan—an exiled general—his brother, sending shivers down many spines.

Meanwhile, word spread that Qiu Huanian’s household was close to Wu Shen.

Since Du Yunse had received a decree from the Yuanhua Emperor and led the raid on the imperial envoy Zhao Tianyu, he was already viewed as aligned with the Crown Prince. Ties to the Crown Prince’s cousin didn’t raise any eyebrows.

Qiu Huanian heard from Su Xinbai that the Second Prince had grown increasingly frustrated over Elementary Mathematics: Equations, going so far as to call him, the author, a “Crown Prince’s lackey.”

But the Second Prince’s influence in Liaozhou had waned. Under the Emperor’s watchful eye, he studied his math lessons daily, too afraid to retaliate.

Qiu Huanian took note, knowing no trouble would come for now, and pushed the matter from his mind.

This was the emperor’s will. In the Yu Dynasty, imperial power reigned supreme. Whether storm or sunshine, it was all considered grace—and none dared oppose it.

Hiding was not an option; one could only tread carefully, assess each situation with precision, and seize every opportunity to advance the interests of oneself and one’s family—a strategy long favored in the intricacies of court politics.

Parting is always sorrowful, more so than the difficulty of meeting. After the birthday banquet, Wu Shen, along with Ye Taohong and her daughter, was set to return to Jingshan Guard.

Qiu Huanian had prepared an assortment of local delicacies for them, and the entire household accompanied the guests to the city gate. As Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling couldn’t fit in the carriage, they hired another for the journey.

“Though a thousand miles separate us, I await the day we reunite, Yun Se—when we have both fulfilled our aspirations,” Wu Shen called back from horseback, his posture erect and spirited.

Du Yunse returned the farewell with solemn grace. “Take care—until we meet again.”

Ye Taohong and Cun Lan leaned out of the carriage to wave, while Jiu Jiu’s eyes welled with unbidden tears.

As the travelers disappeared from view, Qiu Huanian and the others finally turned homeward.

Jiu Jiu sighed. “I wonder how Sister Qinghe is, and Auntie Qiuyan, Sister Liuhua, Youge, and Sister Xia Xing…”

Qiu Huanian patted her gently on the head. “After the provincial exams this autumn, we’ll return home and stay a while.”

“Really?” Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng’s eyes lit up.

“Of course. When your brother passes the provincial exam, it will be his duty to return home and honor our ancestors.”

Qiu Huanian paused and then added with a teasing smile, “That is, if he even manages to pass.”

Du Yunse sighed in mock exasperation. “I’ll do all I can to ensure Brother Hua returns home in triumph.”

“It’s already May—the Dragon Boat Festival draws near. By my count, there are just over three months to go. The time is nearly upon us.”

Ten years of diligent study—now it was time to reap the rewards of success in the imperial examinations.

…

In Xiangping Prefecture, the Yu clan’s villa stood resplendent with intricate carvings and flourishing greenery.

The leading lady of the younger Yu generation sat gracefully, handling an ever-growing stack of social invitations—a testament to the clan’s enduring influence in Liaozhou, despite her arrival being less than ten days ago.

She was in her early thirties, clad in sumptuous robes, her manner poised and commanding.

A servant woman entered quietly.

“Madam Yu, the birthday banquet of the Commander-in-Chief is over, and with the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, it is nearly time for our return. The old matron has sent word from the ancestral estate—along with a pair of jade bracelets—asking you to consider whether the Min family’s young master is suitable. If so, the engagement may proceed.”

Madam Yu nodded thoughtfully. Her purpose in Xiangping had never been singular.

“Keep the bracelets for now. There’s no need to rush.”

“Madam doesn’t approve?”

“I’ve inquired about the young master,” she said slowly. “His reputation is… less than sterling. When I met him in person, he struck me as frivolous and lacking restraint.”

“Shall we decline the match, then?”

“No. Headmaster Min is Yu Min’s mentor; we must show respect. And Yu Min, while of the direct line, is not the eldest son. The clan’s resources cannot all be reserved for him. His future must be earned through government service. A father-in-law of such standing would be a powerful asset.”

Madam Yu knew well that Yu Min’s future success would bring prestige to the entire clan. Every move had to be measured.

“If the Min boy’s character were even passable, I would’ve finalized the engagement already.”

She lifted an ornate invitation. “Deliver this later. I’ve requested a palace-trained governess for the Min family—to see if he can be shaped into someone respectable. If it works, excellent. If not—then it’s simply not meant to be.”

The servant bowed. “Understood. I only worry the young master may not take kindly to it.”

Madam Yu smiled faintly.

“Last year, when Yu Min returned, he was quietly looking for someone—a spirited, handsome youth he met during the Dragon Boat Festival.”

“Later, he turned his attention to Min Leyi, who somewhat resembled that boy. But it was merely infatuation—young people tire quickly of dull companions and chase novelty. This isn’t some romantic tale of love at first sight.”

“And I’m not ruling it out entirely—merely postponing it. Let the governess instruct him first.”

The servant nodded. “Then I shall carry out Madam’s instructions as you see fit.” She understood, of course, that words must be chosen with care. Too much bluntness would only invite offense.

…

Soon, the Dragon Boat Festival arrived, but Qiu Huanian had yet to see Min Leyi.

Rumor had it that Madam Yu had already returned home and that no engagement had been arranged. However, she had left behind a palace-trained governess for Min Leyi, who was now absorbed in daily etiquette lessons and had no time for visits.

Qiu Huanian knew little of the arrangement between the two families but could only hope all would unfold peacefully.

Last year’s festival had also found him in the prefectural city, then as a guest of the Shu family. But this year, with his own residence, Qiu Huanian began preparations early.

Zongzi of every kind, colorful festival threads, mugwort bundles, and realgar wine—all were readied.

Qiu Huanian defied the traditional sweet-versus-savory divide; he delighted in all zongzi—honey dates, red bean paste, salted meat, even the plain kind dipped in honey.

In modern times, his preferences would surely stir online debate. But in this era, his word was law at home. With one command, old lady Jin prepared them all.

There was no poetry competition this year, but there was a dragon boat race. Du Yunse had taken leave to return home, and the family gathered together at the Love River to watch the festivities.

The riverbanks were packed with celebrants. Only those with urgent business stayed away.

By contrast, Sweet Water Lane—normally lively near the examination grounds—was deserted.

Zhu Xia sat alone at the backdoor threshold, chin in hand, having dismissed her servants. She sought silence, away from the household’s turmoil.

Since she and her sister offended Su Xinbai at a Zhu family gathering, misfortune had beset them. Zhu Jingcheng had imposed harsh discipline on the second branch, and in mere days, their business collapsed.

Zhu Lu went to plead with the matriarch but was turned away. Her husband, heir to the second branch, scolded her bitterly before vanishing to dote on a concubine—though he had himself approved the very scheme they were now punished for.

With conflict erupting from within and pressure mounting from without, the Zhu family had no appetite for celebration. Zhu Xia, sick of the ceaseless arguments, sought refuge in solitude.

She stared listlessly at the corner beneath a large banyan tree—once the site of daily childhood games and laughter.

Suddenly, a familiar figure passed into view—Ru Tang, her former close friend.

Ru Tang’s parents were busy with business, so she stayed home during the festival, with no one to take her out. Zhu Xia found small solace in that thought.

Ru Tang carried a book and a string of zongzi, unaware that Zhu Xia watched her silently from the doorway. Zhu Xia looked away, lips tight.

But moments later, she turned again, frowning.

Two men followed behind Ru Tang, ten paces back. They looked like kin, but Zhu Xia had never seen them before—not even when she and Ru Tang had been close.

Her heart beat faster. Cautiously, she stood and followed.

Soon, the men closed in on Ru Tang. One of them reached out.

Without thinking, Zhu Xia cried out, “Ru Tang, be ca—”

A large hand clamped over her mouth, pressing a pungent cloth to her face.

In her final moment of consciousness, Zhu Xia saw Ru Tang’s terrified eyes looking back at her.

Author’s Note:

A brief explanation of several governmental offices in Liaozhou, and the current political arcs:

(The system is loosely adapted from the Ming Dynasty)

1. 1. Provincial Administration Commission (denoted by “政”)
      – Equivalent to a provincial government.
      – The heads are the Left and Right Administration Commissioners (left is subordinate; right superior in this setting).
      – Su Maomao’s father is the Left Commissioner.

 

1. 1. Provincial Military Command (denoted by “command”)
      – Responsible for military affairs, akin to a regional military commander.
      – The birthday banquet in this chapter was hosted by its chief, Wu Shen’s benefactor, who helped secure Wu Shen’s promotion by appealing directly to the Ministry of War.

 

1. 1. Provincial Judicial Commission (denoted by “judicial”)
      – Handles legal cases and security, like a city’s public security bureau.
      – Min Leyi, former owner of Cream Frost, is now investigating a series of trafficking cases in Xiangping Prefecture, after previously making headlines by stealing a cat during a family quarrel.