The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 99: Wei Mai

Chapter 99: Wei Mai

The freshly sacrificed offerings—pork, mutton, and beef—were solemnly laid upon the altar. Following the ceremonial first cut made jointly by Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse, an experienced butcher stepped forward to skillfully portion the meats, distributing them among the village families who had gathered for the ancestral rites.

Mutton, being scarce, was rationed to less than a pound per household. In contrast, pork and beef were more plentiful, each family receiving a generous share. The combined weight filled an entire basket—an extravagant bounty by village standards, rivaling even New Year festivities. Particularly remarkable was the beef, a rare luxury in ordinary times, restricted by regulation and seldom tasted by most.

Outside the Du clan’s ancestral hall, joy filled the air. Adults, though trying to appear composed, could barely conceal their excitement; children clamored openly, their eyes fixed on the meat.

As was customary, a portion of the meat was reserved for the host family, carefully set aside by the butcher. Given the mild autumn weather, which made preserving meat difficult, Qiu Huanian limited the amount retained.

After the exhausting ceremony, Qiu Huanian returned home, removed his ceremonial robes, and instructed old lady Jin to prepare a meal using the beef brisket. It had been a long time since he had tasted beef—usually reserved for formal banquets.

“Divide the beef brisket in two,” he instructed. “Slice one half thinly, stir-fry it with scallions over high heat to release their fragrance and keep the meat tender. Dice the rest, simmer it slowly to make a clear broth with white radish.”

Old lady Jin, having honed her culinary skills under Qiu Huanian’s discerning guidance, understood immediately.

After a short rest, Qiu Huanian rose. Du Yunse, having anticipated his intentions, picked up the prepared basket.

“We’re heading out,” Qiu Huanian called over his shoulder. “Jin San, keep watch over the courtyard. Jiu Jiu, Chun Sheng—don’t wander off.”

Together, they slipped away from the crowd and made their way to the nearby graveyard at the edge of Du Village.

There lay Mei Zhengchun’s grave.

The ancestral rites earlier had honored the entire Du lineage, but this visit was personal—an offering of devotion to Qiu Huanian’s mother.

After arranging the offerings and burning paper money, they knelt and bowed. Then Qiu Huanian turned to Du Yunse.

“Yunse, go wait nearby. Keep an eye out. I’d like a private moment with my mother.”

Without asking further, Du Yunse squeezed his hand in silent support and walked off, disappearing into the woods.

Qiu Huanian stood still for a while, watching his retreating figure, then turned back and sighed.

“Mother, I’ve come to see you.”

He paused, a soft smile curving his lips.

“Though I’ve always known who I am, in this world, I carry Qiu Huanian’s name and memories. I am, in all ways that matter, him.”

“I shape this world, but it shapes me in return. Yet I accept this transformation willingly—every choice has been my own.”

“I will uncover the truth of your life—your name, your origins, the words you could not utter. One day, I’ll bring honor to your memory, reclaim your family, and restore your legacy.”

“It won’t be long now.”

…

After tidying the grave, Qiu Huanian entered the woods to find Du Yunse, who, tall as he was, had gathered an armful of red and yellow wild fruits. The sight made Qiu Huanian laugh.

“Why are you suddenly picking fruit? You look like a monkey.”

It was an unfair comparison. Despite his lap full of fruit, Du Yunse retained an elegance that no monkey could match—if anything, he was an immortal monkey, graceful even in mischief.

“I remembered you liked these,” Du Yunse said simply. “There were still some left on the trees, so I gathered a few.”

Qiu Huanian took one, wiped it on his sleeve, and bit into it.

The fruit was at peak ripeness—juicy and tender, its mellow sweetness melting in the mouth. He turned it in his hand and held it to Du Yunse, who took a bite as well.

They shared several more fruits, exchanging bites, and saved the rest to bring home.

Despite their titles—Township Lord and scholar—they had never adopted the affectations of the upper class. They wasted nothing, nor did they indulge in extravagance. To them, food born of the soil was a gift to be cherished.

Upon returning home, they found Wei Liuhua had come to visit.

She had long taught Jiu Jiu needlework and remained close to her. During their time in the city, Jiu Jiu had sent her several gifts in gratitude.

“Sister-in-law, where’s Youge?” Qiu Huanian asked.

“He played all day and fell asleep on the kang. Yunhu is watching him.”

Qiu Huanian sat down and had old lady Jin wash the fruits.

“Stay for dinner? The food’s nearly ready.”

Wei Liuhua smiled and declined. “We received a fair share of meat today too. I’ll cook at home after this.”

Her family had risen to prominence in the village after the expulsion of the Zhao family. With much of the vacated land and homes now theirs, and thanks to her excellent embroidery, Wei Liuhua had saved several taels of silver over the past year.

“I came to ask—will both boys and girls be allowed to attend the clan school?”

“I said all children. Of course that includes girls and young lads,” Qiu Huanian replied.

Wei Liuhua looked relieved. “Some villagers claim you misspoke—that only boys will be admitted. I wanted to hear it directly from you.”

Qiu Huanian’s smile remained firm. “Reading and understanding are valuable for all. I’m literate, and so is Jiu Jiu. Since I’m funding the school, it will follow my beliefs.”

“Are you planning to send Youge?”

“He’s over four now. I’ve asked around—he should be ready next year.”

Access to education had been limited for young lads like Youge. The clan school would allow him to study close to home.

“I used to think reading was unnecessary for young lads—learning a trade seemed enough. But after meeting you, I’ve seen how much it matters.”

“I’ve already selected land near the river,” Qiu Huanian said. “Once the school is built and a teacher hired, Youge can begin.”

“It’s the slack farming season. Many villagers will help with construction—it’ll save time and effort.”

They soon turned to another topic.

“Brother Hua, now that the ceremony is over, do you have time to meet my brother Wei Mai? The sugar beets he planted this year show promise.”

Wei Liuhua’s hometown was known for beet farming. It was from there that Qiu Huanian had first sourced sugar beets.

Last year, he noticed that some had mutated—sweeter than average. He bought land and hired Wei Mai to cultivate them, hoping to develop a strain suitable for sugar production, akin to future methods.

“I’m free in the next few days,” he said. “Have him come by when he’s ready.”

Wei Liuhua laughed. “He’s been asking when you’d be available. He’s sure he’s grown something extraordinary.”

In the frigid northern regions where sugarcane couldn’t survive, sugar beets offered real promise. A successful cultivar could transform the sugar supply of the entire Yu Dynasty.

Qiu Huanian reminded himself it would take years—but a good beginning was everything.

That evening, the household enjoyed a hearty beef dinner, with even Jin San and the children eating their fill.

Jiu Jiu, who planned to visit Chi Qinghe the next day, spent the evening packing books and little gifts like hairpins.

When Qiu Huanian entered her room, she rose to greet him.

“Keep packing, I’m just browsing,” he said, watching her fill a small trunk. “You’ve collected quite a few things.”

“I used my pocket money. Over time, it added up. When we lived in the village, Sister Qinghe always gave me things. Now it’s my turn.”

Qiu Huanian patted her head.

“Our Jiu Jiu is now the daughter of a Jieyuan.”

She smiled shyly. “It’s all because of my brothers. I haven’t done anything—just enjoying the blessings.”

“You’re still a child. What else should you do but study and grow up well?”

Yet, with Du Yunse’s recent academic success, marriage inquiries for Jiu Jiu had surged. She was young, but with no children of their own, suitors targeted her as the most eligible in the household.

Messages came not just discreetly, but outright proposals—even from families of local officials.

Despite firm rejections, interest didn’t wane.

Qiu Huanian sighed privately to Du Yunse, “Now I understand what it means when they say a daughter is courted by a hundred families. She’s still so young, and you’ve only just become a Jieyuan. What will it be like when you rise higher?”

Du Yunse mused, “Most of these are mediocre suitors, chosen simply for appearance’s sake. None are their family’s best. Not suitable for Jiu Jiu. We’re in no rush.”

Qiu Huanian agreed, though concern lingered.

“When we reach the capital, the pressure may be far worse…”

Du Yunse kissed his brow.

“Brother Hua, I’ve worked hard to reach this point—not to let you suffer.”

A flash of cold glinted in his eyes, but when he looked at Qiu Huanian again, his expression was gentle.

…

At Hu Qiuyan’s residence, Baoshan laid out gifts he had received.

“Madam, these cost three taels in total…”

Hu Qiuyan unlocked a cabinet and counted out silver.

“Return them all tomorrow. And don’t act so foolish again.”

Baoshan nodded, ashamed. “I see it clearly now. I won’t mess this up. I’m waiting for Yun Kang to succeed, become someone important. That’s far better than taking petty gifts.”

“Who sent them?”

Baoshan pointed out each item. “These came from two city shopkeepers—just for friendship, they said.”

“They’ll want something later,” she replied. “No one gives gifts without reason.”

“The others, including the silver, came from an acquaintance.”

“An acquaintance?”

“Remember Chengxiang Jewelry? We once bought you a bracelet there. The owner approached me personally—not Qiaoxing’s husband.”

Hu Qiuyan’s expression darkened. “Qiaoxing? Zhao’s daughter? You know what her family did to Brother Hua. Don’t be foolish.”

“I’ll return everything. I’ll say clan rules forbid it—that writing the plaque isn’t possible. I’ll cut off all contact.”

Satisfied, Hu Qiuyan nodded. “The beef should be tender now. Let’s eat.”

…

Wei Mai arrived early the next day, carrying a large bundle. He clumsily bowed to Qiu Huanian before eagerly opening his sack to reveal the beets.

Wei Liuhua scolded him affectionately. “So impatient, silly boy.”

Qiu Huanian, equally eager, had old lady Jin bring a chopping board and knife. After washing a beet, he sliced it open.

Its bright crimson flesh gleamed, sticky juice oozing with promising viscosity.

He tasted it—his eyes sparkled. The sweetness had improved significantly from the previous year. With time, these beets could indeed become viable for sugar production.

Wei Mai was elated. “I followed your instructions exactly—planting, recording, comparing. I’ve figured out how to grow them best. Give me another year or two, and I’ll produce the kind you described!”

Wei Liuhua smacked his head. “Stop boasting.”

“I’m not lying!” he grinned.

Qiu Huanian laughed with them. After reviewing the beets and Wei Mai’s illustrated planting records, he accepted the seed samples and asked detailed questions.

“I planted some at the manor outside the prefecture last year, but they weren’t as sweet. It seems your valley is still the ideal location.”

As reward, Qiu Huanian gave him ten taels of silver and two silver lock charms for his infant twins.

“Keep up the good work. If you succeed, your family’s fortunes will surely rise.”

Wei Mai’s grin was unstoppable even after leaving. Wei Liuhua teased him.

“You’re not rich yet. Remember Brother Hua’s words—do the job right.”

“I know. It’s just… our family has always dug for food in that poor valley. Who would’ve thought farming held such potential?”

“When you succeed, your wife and children will thrive. Our parents too.”

“I want you to live well, too,” Wei Mai added. “When I make it, I’ll support you.”

Wei Liuhua laughed. “I’m doing fine.”

“I know brother-in-law is good to you—honest and hardworking—but too softhearted. Didn’t he sneak grain to his father and siblings this harvest? You were upset. I noticed.”