Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 140 Part 3 (End)

    "So now that you’ve succeeded, congratulations on winning your beauty."  

    "If I’d accepted my aunt’s support, I wouldn’t have needed to copy texts for a living." Ji Zhexi met his gaze. "I could only disappoint my cousin’s affection."  

    Ruili pressed his lips together. Was this an explanation? He felt awkward, unable to muster a kind response. "Then I wish you success in the palace exams. My brother says the capital’s nobility adore young scholars, with your talents you might find an even better match."  

    Ji Zhexi exhaled faintly. Without arguing, he untied a red-threaded jade pendant from his waist and handed it over. "A small token of thanks for your kindness in Siyang."  

    Ruili didn’t take it, but Ji Zhexi pressed it into his palm. "Keep it if you like. If not, discard it. It’s nothing valuable."  

    With a nod, he turned and left.  

    The jade retained its previous owner’s warmth. Ruili stared at it, then at the retreating figure. Words lodged in his throat, unspoken.  

    Mid-month, Ruili returned to Siyang. Half a year away meant reunions with old friends, and discreet inquiries about the metropolitan exam results.  

    At night, he often examined the pendant, baffled that Ji Zhexi had gone out of his way to explain. Had he actually succeeded in winning him over?  

    Skeptical, he sent someone to verify Ji Zhexi’s story. Only after confirmation did he relax.  

    By June, exam results were still delayed, but Ruijin returned home on leave with Luo Yuxing.  

    During a family banquet, Ruijin pulled Ruili aside.  

    "Lecturing me again?"  

    Ruijin ignored the jab. "Remember what I said earlier this year?"  

    Ruili feigned ignorance.  

    Ruijin’s tone turned serious. "You’re our parents' favorite. Now that I’m settled, the only worry left is you. You can’t spend your life playing around."  

    Ruili tried to deflect. "I’m still young."  

    "Just hear me out. The decision is yours."  

    Ruili reluctantly listened.  

    "This year’s palace exam, the tanhua (third-ranked scholar) is from Siyang."  

    Ruili’s eyes widened. "Someone better than you?"  

    "A young, unmarried scholar from a humble background." Ruijin sipped tea, adding meaningfully, "With dignified looks."  

    Ruili scoffed. "A tanhua, unmarried, and from a poor family? The capital’s nobles must be fighting over him. Why would he settle for me? Don’t offend powerful families for my sake."  

    Ruijin chuckled. "I wouldn’t go that far without your consent. But I’ve met him before, we admired each other’s talents. Had it not been for his mourning period, we’d have taken the provincial exam together."  

    "Gold shines eventually. The special exam made up for lost time."  

    Ruili’s ears perked. "This tanhua, what’s his name?"  

    "Ji Zhexi."  

    Ruili nearly bit his tongue. Struggling to keep his expression neutral, he asked, "Does he know you’re playing matchmaker?"  

    "The truth is, years ago, I knew he fancied you. But circumstances separated us, and I lost touch. Before the exams, he detoured to Cangzhu to see you."  

    "Given his long-standing feelings, I thought I’d help. But he said he wouldn’t speak up without first achieving success."  

    Ruili coughed hard. That scheming Ji Zhexi! He knew my brother all along!  

    "Brother, you said he’s liked me for years? Since when? I don’t recall ever meeting him."  

    Ruijin mused, "Long ago." Noticing Ruili’s interest, he added, "If you’re curious, ask him yourself."  

    "Great! What a wonderful match! I’m thrilled!" Ruili grinned through clenched teeth. "Tell Ji Zhexi to come back to Siyang immediately. I’d love to meet him."  

    Ruijin blinked. "Weren’t you against this earlier?"  

    "I didn’t want to presume. But if his feelings are genuine, how can I refuse?"  

    Pleased, Ruijin nodded. "Excellent."  

    In July, Ji Zhexi returned to Siyang, drawing crowds. Ruijin, as his old friend, welcomed him at the city gate and whisked him home, disappointing many hopeful well-wishers.  

    Ruili tagged along. At the sight of that familiar face, he wordlessly turned and boarded the carriage.  

    Ruijin scolded, "Mind your manners!" Then turned to Ji Zhexi, he apologized, "Don’t mind him, he’s just shy."  

    Ji Zhexi glanced at Ruili’s retreating back, smiling slightly. Shy? More like plotting revenge.  

    At the Zhang residence, after formal greetings, Ji Zhexi finally cornered Ruili.  

    "Angry?"  

    Ruili rolled his eyes. "Who dares be angry at the tanhua?"  

    Ji Zhexi sighed. "Must we do this?"  

    "You made a fool of me! All that talk about coincidences, mocking me for seeking attention, accusing me of being shallow, who was the shallow one? I’ve never met someone so—"  

    Ji Zhexi cupped his face and kissed him silent.  

    Ruili froze, his cheeks burning. He turned away. "Brother said you’ve known about me for years. Really?"  

    "Yes."  

    "Since when?"  

    Ji Zhexi pulled him down to sit. "You probably don’t remember. You’ve always flirted carelessly, how would you know who I was?"  

    Ruili flushed. "Stop dodging. Explain."  

    "Years ago, your family bought the communal mountain near my village. I was gathering firewood when we crossed paths."  

    Ruili vaguely recalled wandering those hills but smirked. "So you were smitten at first sight."  

    "More like love at first sight."  

    "Admit it, you did stalk me down!"  

    Ji Zhexi shrugged. "Not entirely. I’d worked for your family long before. I frequented places you visited, but we never coincided - until fate intervened."  

    "Then why provoke me when we met?"  

    "With your temper, would sweet talk have worked?"  

    Ruili pouted. "You’re devious."  

    "For you, it’s worth the effort." Ji Zhexi stood suddenly, his expression serious. "I’ve laid myself bare. What about you?"  

    Ruili yanked a gold-threaded sachet from his waist and tossed it. "If others can do it, so can I."  

    Ji Zhexi caught it, tracing the embroidery. "The craftsmanship is lacking, but the thought counts."  

    Ruili beamed.  

    Mr. Ji, we have a lifetime ahead. Let’s see how you handle me.  

—End—  

Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 140 Part 2

    Instead of going home, he headed straight for Ji’an Martial Hall. After venting to his uncle, he secured a group of elite fighters and charged to the road, intercepting the slow-moving ox cart carrying Ji Zhexi and the girl.  

    The cart driver trembled as burly men surrounded them. The girl shrank behind Ji Zhexi.  

    “It’s fine.” Ji Zhexi noted the Ji’an insignia on their sleeves, they wouldn’t harm anyone.  

    Then the fighters parted, and Ruili strode forward with dark face.  

    The two stared at each other in silence. The fighters waited for the order to seize Ji Zhexi.  

    Finally, Ruili muttered, “Forget it. Let them go.”  

    He turned and slunk back to his carriage.  

    Baffled but obedient, the fighters dispersed.  

    “Young master…”  

    Ruili hugged his knees, shaking his head to silence Ban Yan.  

    Seeing the girl’s frightened face, he couldn’t bring himself to act. He was already annoying enough, might as well do one decent thing.  

    Back home, Ruili moped for days, listless and sallow. After half a month, he had visibly thinned.  

    Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He couldn’t get a word out of him. The doctor diagnosed melancholy and loss of appetite due to the heat. Pressed, Ban Yan claimed Ruili missed his elder brother.  

    “Your brother wrote that they’re settled now,” Xu He said. “If you miss him, you can visit. It’ll ease your Dad's mind.”  

    “Really?”  

    “If you want, we’ll write back so they can prepare for you.”  

    Ruili nodded. “I’ll think about it.”  

    Xu He sighed. “Alright. Ban Yan, take good care of him.”  

    “Yes.”  

    Ruili flopped onto his bed, flipping idly through a novel. He’d read countless romances and plays, he knew exactly what this inexplicable feeling was.  

    And that was why he was so angry. He’d fallen into the very trope he despised: the spoiled rich kid infatuated with a poor scholar.  

    Why couldn’t he just enjoy being adored as a wealthy young master? Why did he have to scheme and end up humiliated? Now, he'd lost both wife and soldiers - utter humiliation!

[陪了夫人又折兵 (péi le fūrén yòu zhé bīng): lit. To lose both wife and soldiers; fig. To suffer a double loss.]

    Now Ji Zhexi was probably laughing at him at home.  

    How pathetic.  

    After more restless days, Ruili packed his bags and slunk off to his brother’s place.  

    Cangzhu Prefecture was bustling and prosperous - even more so than Siyang.  

    Ruili threw himself into food, shopping, and dragging Luo Yuxing around. Zhang Ruijin often returned to an empty house.  

    After a month, the newlywed had had enough.  

    “When are you going back?”  

    “I just got here! Are you kicking me out?”  

    Zhang Ruijin frowned. “Stay as long as you want, but why are you always taking my fulang out?”  

    Ruili huffed. “You’ve always been serious, but Xiao Xing'er isn’t! What’s wrong with me showing him a good time?”  

    Zhang Ruijin shook his head. "This year's provincial exams are over. I think it's better to find you a suitable match among the young scholars in Siyang and arrange an early marriage."  

    Ruili brushed it off, and said jokingly, "Brother, you were a prodigy, shouldn't you at least find me a jinshi (metropolitan graduate)?"  

    "You certainly aim high." Ruijin replied seriously. "With the new emperor's enthronement, an additional imperial exam has been announced. Those who passed this year's provincial exams are lucky, they don’t have to wait three years but can take the metropolitan exam next year."  

    Ruili raised an eyebrow. "So you’ve really put thought into this. But if I marry someone from the prefectural city, wouldn’t I have to move far away?"  

    Ruijin smiled. "Of course, we’d look for someone nearby in Siyang."  

    "Please, Siyang is a small place, how many talents could there be? It’s nothing compared to the prefectural city." Ruili waved a hand. "I don’t want to get married anyway."  

    With that, he dashed off, leaving Ruijin sighing.  

    Ban Yan noticed his young master sitting by the window in a daze despite the pleasant weather.  

    "Young master, are you wondering if Ji Zhexi passed the exams?"  

    "Why would I care? His life has nothing to do with mine."  

    Ban Yan sighed at his stubbornness. "When do you plan to return home?"  

    "I haven’t had enough fun here yet. What’s the rush?"  

    Autumn passed in a whirlwind. Ruili, who was initially unfamiliar with Cangzhu, quickly befriended the local young masters with his skills in polo, chuiwan (ancient golf), fishing, and cockfighting. Before long, it was the end of the year.  

    Winter in Cangzhu was milder than in Siyang, and as Siyang's heavy rains set in, Zhang Fangyuan wrote a letter advising Ruili to stay until spring. Ruili happily complied.  

    By the time he prepared to leave, he had gained weight, his cheeks rounder. Yet, despite the fun, homesickness crept in.  

    One day, Ban Yan rushed in with a letter. "Young master, the gatekeeper gave me this. It’s not from Master or Fulang, I wonder who sent it."  

    Ruili frowned. "Strange, if it were someone from the prefectural city, why send a letter?"  

    He opened it, scanned the contents, then abruptly snapped it shut.  

    Ban Yan blinked. "Who’s it from?"  

    Without answering, Ruili bolted outside.  

    He sprinted to the neighboring alley, where a tall scholar stood beneath an overhanging crabapple blossom, as if he’d been waiting for hours.  

    "I’m heading to the capital for the exams. I came to see you."  

    Ruili narrowed his eyes. "The road to the capital doesn’t pass through Cangzhu. You’d have to detour two extra days." His heart fluttered, but he scoffed. "Shouldn’t you be harmoniously married to your dear cousin instead of toying with me?"  

    Ji Zhexi replied calmly, "After my parents died, my aunt took pity on me and planned to arrange a marriage with my cousin after I passed the exams."  

Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 140 Part 1

Chapter 140

    Ruili was in a good mood. Ever since going to the Qianyan Mountain temple fair with Ji Zhexi, even though the latter still didn’t pay him much attention when he visited, it was visibly better than before, no more sharp words or veiled hostility.  

    Encouraged, Ruili started visiting even more frequently.  

    “The exams are coming up. Just take it, what if it helps?”  

    Before, Ji Zhexi used to have plenty of time to review his books after handling matters at the bookstore during his breaks. Now, most of that time was monopolized by Zhang Ruili.  

    Holding a poetry book, Ji Zhexi kept his eyes on the page as he responded to Ruili’s gift: “Does your brother know you’re giving his things to another man?”  

    “Before he left, my brother said to give them to someone ‘fated.’” Ruili raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Aren’t you that ‘fated one’?”  

    Ji Zhexi had long grown immune to his smooth talk. “Fine, I’ll take a look today. After I finish, you can take it back, no need to waste your effort. Then you can give it to another ‘fated one.’”  

    Ruili nodded cheerfully. “Deal.”  

    Watching Ji Zhexi read and write seriously, Ruili found it rather pleasing. Propping his chin on his hand, he asked, “Since I’ve been keeping you company during your breaks, you must be happy, right?”  

    “I might be happier if you didn’t come.”  

    Ruili grinned shamelessly. “Your eyes don’t lie, you’re clearly happy.”  

    Ji Zhexi: “……”  

    “So, do you feel like you can’t live without me now?”  

    “……”  

    “Playing hard to get only works once. Can’t you just admit it openly?”  

    Ji Zhexi said, “Stop talking and let me read.”  

    Ruili pouted but felt inexplicably content.  

    Leaving the bookstore, he patted his chest and boasted to Ban Yan, “I think things are going according to plan. As expected, when this young master takes action, nothing fails.”  

    Ban Yan whispered, “When does the young master plan to wrap things up?”  

    Ruili froze. He’d been so focused on sticking to Ji Zhexi that he’d forgotten to consider an exit strategy.  

    “Hmm… I have a plan. You’ll know when the time comes.”  

    For some reason, the thought unsettled him. Unable to pinpoint why, he chalked it up to the earlier frustration of being outmaneuvered by Ji Zhexi.  

    Soon, summer faded into autumn, though the heat lingered. Every year, Zizhu Academy granted a farming break, allowing students from rural families to return home and help with planting or harvesting. Agriculture was the backbone of the kingdom, and the academy, following the imperial mandate, upheld the tradition.  

    Hearing that Ji Zhexi would also return to his village, Ruili decided to see him one last time before the break. Half a month apart would dull their rapport, which wouldn’t do for his plans.  

    In the afternoon, he packed some pastries, snacks, mosquito repellent, sunblock, and other little jars, ready to wait for Ji Zhexi at the academy gate. Even if Ji Zhexi went back to the countryside, using his things would surely make him think of Ruili.  

    Ruili hugged the box, giggling foolishly. He arrived early, no one had left the academy yet. He rolled up the carriage curtain to peer outside.  

    “Young master, don’t lean out so far. You might fall—”  

    Ban Yan tried to pull him back, but Ruili suddenly turned and said, “Look, there’s a young lady waiting up ahead.”  

    Ban Yan glanced over. A young woman stood quietly outside the gate, gazing eagerly into the academy. On break days, many people gathered outside.  

    Ruili rested his chin on his hand. “Kind of makes me envious. My brother always studied at Teacher Luo’s house, so I never got to wait outside an academy.”  

    Ban Yan chuckled. “Now you’ve fulfilled that wish.”  

    Before they could chat further, a commotion broke out as students began streaming out. Ruili quickly stuck his head out again, hoping to spot Ji Zhexi immediately.  

    But the crowd dispersed, and Ji Zhexi was nowhere to be seen. Worried he’d missed him, Ruili jumped out of the carriage - just in time to see Ji Zhexi emerge, chatting with a classmate.  

    Ruili sighed in relief. Of course he wouldn’t miss Ji Zhexi - even in a crowd, the man stood out.  

    Smiling, he motioned for Ban Yan to bring the box and raised his hand to call out—  

    Then he watched as Ji Zhexi exchanged a few words with his classmate before turning toward the young woman he’d noticed earlier. The two walked off together, their steps relaxed and cheerful.  

    Ruili stood frozen. Ban Yan, having seen it too, cautiously called, “Young master?”  

    “Is that his wife?!”  

    Ban Yan shrank back. “Probably not…”  

    Ruili’s eyes locked onto Ji Zhexi’s classmate. He rushed over and asked, “Excuse me, who was that young lady with Ji Zhexi just now?”  

    The scholar eyed Ruili warily, and Ruili glared. “Answer me!”  

    “Oh, that was Elder Brother Ji's cousin.”  

    “Cousin? What cousin?!”  

    The scholar, irritated by Ruili’s rudeness, snapped, “The kind you marry, obviously. That gentle, virtuous cousin of his has waited for him many times. They’re close, he even rejected the daughter of a high-ranking official for her.”  

    Ruili clenched his jaw, fury boiling in his heart. The scholar, sensing danger, fled.  

    “He has a sweetheart and still led me on?!” Ruili hurled the box to the ground. “Dad is right, penniless scholars are all scoundrels! And I thought he was different!”  

    Ban Yan, scrambling to pick up the scattered items, soothed, “Better to find out now than regret it later.”  

    “He dared deceive me? Thinks the Zhang family is easy to bully?!” Ruili stormed back to the carriage. “I’ll show him what it means to force a surrender and beat a pair of mandarin ducks with a stick! No one gets to be happy!”  

[棒打鸳鸯 (bàng dǎ yuān yāng): lit. To beat a pair of mandarin ducks with a stick; fig. To cruelly separate a loving couple]

Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 139 Part 2

    Finally, Ruili reverently presented a simply wrapped book and swept the previous offerings aside with a wave of his hand. "The provincial exams are coming up. I heard you’re sitting for them this time, so I dug out my elder brother’s annotated reference books and essays from when he took the exams."  

    Ji Zhexi looked at the young master, who now rested his chin on both hands, and sighed. "Young Master Zhang, what exactly do you want?"  

    "What do I want? Naturally, I want you to achieve your aspirations."  

    Ji Zhexi’s expression flickered before he averted his gaze. "Your kindness is appreciated, but one should not accept unearned rewards." He pushed the annotated books back.  

    "But Zhexi… you’ve already accepted my favors, haven’t you?"  

    

    Ji Zhexi watched as Ruili blinked at him. "What do you mean?"  

    "Haven’t you noticed how favorable your recent workplaces have been?"  

    Ji Zhexi’s brow furrowed. So that was why there had been so many job openings lately, why every place he went to hired him on the spot, why the eateries fed him, the fabric shops gave him cloth, even the salt shops handed out salt…  

    It was all this young master's doing.  

    "Well?"  

    Ji Zhexi wanted to return everything he’d received, but the meals he’d eaten made that difficult. He said, "Since I’ve taken your favors, Young Master Zhang, if there’s anything you need, I’ll do my best."  

    "The Qianyan Mountain temple fair is today, and it’s not far. Accompany me there."  

    Ji Zhexi set down his brush, pausing in thought before replying, "Very well."  

    Ruili stood up happily. His morning of persuasion hadn't been in vain.  

    At the turn of spring and summer, the weather was neither cold nor dry - perfect for an outing. Coinciding with the Qianyan Mountain Temple Fair, many people from the city had come to offer incense and worship, filling the official road with carriages and horses, making it quite lively.  

    "By the way, Zhexi, which village are you from?"  

    "Liuxi Village."  

    Ruili's eyes sparkled at this. "Ah! That village is quite close to our family’s mountain, isn’t it?" He was about to ask more, but Ji Zhexi had already closed his eyes to rest. Ruili gritted his teeth, swallowing the words on his tongue.  

    The carriage was spacious, but one person sat with a cold expression, eyes shut. If not for his good looks, his demeanor might have been considered life-shortening - even more vexing than his elder brother’s temper. Ruili lost interest in conversation and instead leaned against the window to watch the scenery. The trees were lush and green in early summer. 

    "Ah! There’s a rabbit over there!"

  

    "Quick, quick, tell the driver to stop!"  

    Ji Zhexi opened his eyes. "By the time you get down, it’ll be long gone." 

 

    Ban Yan still called for the carriage to halt. Ignoring Ji Zhexi’s remark, Ruili scrambled out. The rabbit had been grazing by the roadside but bolted at the disturbance. Wild rabbits were agile and fast, normally it would have disappeared in a flash, but this one moved slowly, never straying too far.  

    When Ruili caught up, he noticed its hind leg was injured. He immediately gave chase. 

 

    "Young Master! Young Master!"  

    After quite some time with no sign of Ruili’s return, Ban Yan and Ji Zhexi stepped out to wait by the roadside.

   "I’ll go look for him," Ban Yan offered. 

 

    Just as Ji Zhexi was about to head into the woods, Ruili reappeared from the hillside, disheveled and clutching a gray rabbit.  

    "Young Master, what happened to you?"  

    Ruili hugged the rabbit. "I took a little tumble. It’s nothing."  

    Ji Zhexi frowned. "Get back in the carriage."  

    "This rabbit’s eyes are so round, it looks quite docile," Ban Yan remarked, wiping the dust from Ruili’s face with a handkerchief while eyeing the soft-furred creature. 

 

    "It’s injured. Once we bandage it up, it’ll be perfect to keep in the garden." Delighted with his find, Ruili glanced at Ji Zhexi, who wasn’t feigning sleep this time, and loosened his protective grip on the skittish rabbit. "Tell me, which is cuter, this rabbit or me?"  

    Ji Zhexi gave him a sidelong glance, avoiding the question, then lowered his gaze slightly. "Your sleeve is torn."  

    Ruili raised his arm and only then noticed the rip in his left sleeve. The fabric was luxurious but not very durable, which was the reason why he seldom wore such fine clothes, given his restless nature. He adjusted the cuff. "Must’ve snagged on a branch while chasing this little one. Didn’t even realize."  

    "With tattered clothes, how do you plan to worship properly now?"

  

    Ruili furrowed his brows. True, not only would the crowds today make running into acquaintances embarrassing, but appearing disheveled before the Bodhisattva would be disrespectful. Just as he was at a loss, Ji Zhexi turned slightly, retrieving a needle and thread from a brocade pouch at his waist.  

    Both Ruili and Ban Yan stared wide-eyed.  

    Ruili’s heart sank. Sewing his clothes now would be humiliating. He regretted not learning needlework when his little dad had earnestly urged him to study under Xiao Xing'er. 

    A virtuous wife is a treasure - he’d surely fail on that front. Even if just for appearances, he ought to have mastered the basics.  

    "Come closer. I’ll stitch it for you."  

    "Huh?" Ruili froze, but seeing Ji Zhexi seriously matching thread to his sleeve’s color without a hint of jest, he numbly handed the rabbit to Ban Yan and sat beside him.  

    "These are just ordinary threads, they won’t perfectly match your fabric. Make do for now. Once home, remove the stitches and have a tailor redo them with proper embroidery."  

    Ji Zhexi pinched the torn sleeve, his slender fingers moving with a grace more akin to a scholar composing poetry than a man mending clothes.  

    Ruili watched the neat stitches, murmuring sheepishly, "I never imagined a man like you would excel at such delicate work. Quite eye-opening."  

    "And I never imagined a young master wouldn’t know the first thing about needlework."  

    Ruili raised his brows, pouting in protest. "You’ve never seen my needlework! How would you know?"  

    Ji Zhexi said, "Most women and gers vying for a man’s favor present a self-made sachet as a token of affection. You, Young Master Zhang, could gift anything, yet never that. Either your feelings are insincere, or your needlework is lacking."  

    Ruili was stung but tried to argue. Ji Zhexi tugged the excess thread taut and snapped it off. "Done." 

 

    Ruili’s attention shifted to his sleeve. Examining both cuffs, he found them nearly identical - only upon close inspection could one spot the difference. Even Ban Yan couldn’t help praising, "Master Ji’s skill is remarkable."  

    Ruili ran a finger over the mended seam. The ordinary thread lacked silk’s smoothness, and though it didn’t chafe his skin, it grated on his heart. He glanced at Ji Zhexi, who had already put away the needle and thread, resuming his silent repose.  

____

    "Young Master, Xiao Hui's (Little Gray) been bandaged up. The vet said it’s fine, just a few days’ rest and he’ll recover."  

    Ruili sprang from the couch, eagerly taking the rabbit from Banyan and dotingly kissing his ears.  

    "It’s a shame about that robe, though, it came all the way from Suzhou." Ban Yan eyed the embroidered garment hanging neatly on the stand, sighing. "Shall I take it to the tailor? Perhaps gold thread could salvage it without looking odd."  

    "No, no!" Ruili stopped him as he reached for it. "There are plenty more like it in the wardrobe. One less won’t matter. Just leave it there."  

    Ban Yan withdrew his hand. "As you wish, Young Master."  

Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 139 Part 1

Chapter 139

    Ruili had been leaning against the balcony railing for hours until he finally spotted that familiar figure - the very one that had been keeping him awake at night. He quickly straightened up, smoothed his clothes, and dashed downstairs with a food box in hand.  

    "Ahem." He stood behind Ji Zhexi, watching as the man organized the bookshelves. Clearing his throat with a fist to his mouth, Ji Zhexi turned at the sound and, recognizing him, raised a brow. "Young Master Zhang, here to enlighten me again?"  

    "No." Ruili knew the man was mocking him for his earlier presumptuousness. One always had to pay for the recklessness of youth, so he didn’t take offense.  

    "This is for you." Ruili adopted a humble stance, presenting the food box with both hands. "I’ve been reflecting on my behavior lately and felt remorseful. Consider this an apology."  

    Ji Zhexi glanced at the exquisite box before turning away indifferently. "You overthink it, Young Master Zhang. I’ve long forgotten the matter. Besides, you’re hardly the first to misunderstand me. Accepting gifts without merit would only make me seem hypocritical."  

    With no one else around, Ji Zhexi’s lips curled slightly, though his eyes remained cold. "Some people, captivated by appearances, resort to unconventional methods to grab attention - first causing a scene, then showering favors to build closeness. A rather novel tactic."  

    Ruili withdrew the box and yanked Ji Zhexi around by the shoulder, glaring sidelong at him. "Are you implying  I went out of my way to catch your attention?!"  

    Initially, he had misunderstood the man and made a fool of himself. The memory alone made him burn with shame, keeping him awake at night. It had taken all his courage to come and apologize, yet this man wouldn’t even accept it!  

    Worse, the man had insinuated he wasn’t the first to make such a mistake. As if he were the one in high demand, while Ruili was the scheming villain.  

    The words infuriated him. Who would’ve thought this seemingly refined scholar had a tongue sharper than his own?  

    Ji Zhexi replied flatly, "Just stating facts."  

    "Good, very good!" Ruili nodded repeatedly. "May I ask your esteemed name, sir?"  

    Ji Zhexi remained impassive. "I’ve no reason to hide it, Ji Zhexi."  

    Ruili smiled in response. 

     You poor, pretentious scholar - you’ve successfully caught this young master’s attention! With that, he turned and left.  

    "Aaaah!" Back in his carriage, Ruili let out a furious scream, venting his anger with a flurry of kicks and punches against the carriage walls before finally calming down.  

    "Young Master, scholars are prideful. You’ve already shown sincerity by apologizing, whether he accepts it or not doesn’t matter," Ban Yan consoled, patting his back soothingly. Having only ever seen his master anger others, this was the first time he’d witnessed him so thoroughly bested, and it pained him.  

    Ruili clenched his fists. "The reasonable ones always lose! If I don’t teach him a lesson, I’ll have wasted all my years in Siyang!"  

    Ban Yan knew his master’s pride was wounded, having brought pastries made by Fulang himself, only to have his goodwill trampled. But fearing further trouble, he cautiously asked, "You’re not planning to have someone teach that scholar a lesson, are you?"  

    "I’m not some spoiled city brat. Beating up a frail scholar would be beneath me." Ruili shot Ban Yan a glare before adding, "Scholars rely on wit, so I’ll fight him with brains."  

    His eyes narrowed dangerously. "He mocked me for supposedly humiliating him publicly first, then showering him with favors to leave a lasting impression - as if I had ulterior motives! Fine, I’ll give him exactly what he wants!"  

    "Huh?"  

    Ruili smoothed the stray hairs at his temples and gritted his teeth. "Starting tomorrow, I’ll shower him with concern and flattery. Once he’s hopelessly smitten, I’ll kick him aside and watch him toss and turn in agony, weeping in regret!"  

    "Hmph! Ji Zhexi, just wait for this young master to love you and leave you!" 

    After days of inquiries and preparations, Ruili finally completed a meticulous plan. Spreading it across his desk, he proudly presented it to Ban Yan.  

    "Ji Zhexi attends Zizhu Academy - six days of classes, one day of rest. On his day off, he works at our family’s Liufang Bookstore. On school days, if he’s arranged odd jobs during lunch, he’ll go work; if not, he’ll search for opportunities. After classes, he heads to prearranged shops to help with bookkeeping, calculations, and such..."  

    "The academy’s teachers are strict, and his schedule is already packed. Yet he fills every spare moment with work, how is he not exhausted? Lunch breaks are barely two hours; after eating, how much can he really accomplish?"  

    Ruili explained, "The shopkeepers say Ji Zhexi has a photographic memory and excels at calculations. He does in one hour what takes others two. That’s why shops still hire him despite his limited availability."  

    Ban Yan’s eyes sparkled. "So Scholar Ji is truly one of a kind."  

    Ruili flicked his servant’s forehead. "Don’t lose sight of the goal!"  

    Rubbing his head, Ban Yan asked, "Then how will you proceed, Young Master?"  

    Reclining lazily in his chair, Ruili smirked with confidence. "I’ve already instructed our family’s businesses to prioritize hiring him for odd jobs - accept him immediately, reject others under any pretext. If other shops hire him, we’ll poach him with better offers. Rewards await those who succeed."  

    "With this, he’ll be entirely at my mercy!"

    That afternoon, a report came from their family’s eatery: Ji Zhexi would be helping with accounts later. Ruili beckoned the clerk, whispered a few words, and handed him a tip. The clerk left cheerfully.  

    Ban Yan, unaware of his master’s plan, assumed Ruili would arrange a "chance encounter" at the shop. But despite the elaborate setup, Ruili didn’t leave home.  

    Days passed, with daily reports from shopkeepers detailing Ji Zhexi’s whereabouts, tasks, and earnings.  

    Even while comfortably at home, Ruili had kept himself thoroughly informed about Ji Zhexi’s affairs. Finally, the day of Zizhu Academy’s break arrived. Early in the morning, Ruili roused himself, rummaged through his wardrobe for the finest Suzhou silk robes, and spent an unprecedented half-hour meticulously selecting jewelry before floating out of his room in high spirits.  

    Zhang Fangyuan, returning with salt, saw his youngest son dressed up like a peacock in full bloom, beaming as he dashed outside, and for a moment wondered if his eyes were playing tricks on him.  

    "It’s rare to see Young Master so finely adorned. Truly dazzling," Ban Yan remarked.  

    Inside the carriage, Ruili admired himself in a small bronze mirror, lightly smoothing a stray lock of hair. With this, how could you possibly resist me?  

    Though he had risen early, Ruili set out late, arriving at the bookstore long after Ji Zhexi had begun his work. The scholar sat with spine straight as pine, quietly transcribing texts in a secluded room - courtesy of Ruili’s instructions to the manager, ensuring minimal disturbances.  

    "Ahem~"  

    At the sound, Ji Zhexi looked up to see a young ger as vivid as a peony in bloom. His brow twitched slightly, but before he could speak, Ruili greeted him with a radiant smile. "Good morning."  

    As the saying goes, one doesn't strike a smiling face. Ji Zhexi responded politely, "Good morning, Young Master Zhang."  

    "See? We’re practically old friends now. You used to call me Young Master Zhang, and today you also call me Young Master Zhang." Ruili propped his chin on his hand, watching Ji Zhexi’s expression tighten as if biting his own tongue. Undeterred, he pressed on, "Why not call me by my name? I’m Zhang Ruili, or ‘Xiao Li ger’ if you prefer."  

     "It would still be better to call you Young Master Zhang."  

    Ruili wasn’t discouraged. He pulled out a small box of pastries and slid it toward Ji Zhexi. "I made these myself. Care to try?"  

    "I’m afraid I have no such fortune. My teeth are weak, I don’t eat sweets."  

    Ruili feigned sudden realization. "My mistake, my mistake! How thoughtless of me." Then he pushed forward an embroidered box. "Scholars love bamboo. I heard you study at Zizhu (purple bamboo) Academy, this jade bamboo hairpin would suit you perfectly for tying up your hair."  

    Before Ji Zhexi could speak, Ruili already recognized the refusal forming on his lips. Undeterred, he said, "Not fond of jade? No problem."  

    One after another, he produced gold, silver, jewels, fine brushes, inkstones, and paper, until the desk groaned under the weight of untouched offerings.  

Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 138 Part 2

    

    Ji Zhexi continued, “As for the cloth shop, it’s newly opened and needed help with accounts and inventory. I’ve been working there for two months. As for Yinqiu Tower—”  

    Before he could finish, Ruili cut in, “Alright, alright! You’re very hardworking.”  

    The onlookers’ expressions shifted again, lips pressed together in barely concealed amusement. Rather than watching a scholar’s schemes exposed, they far preferred seeing the famously sharp-tongued Zhang Ruili humbled, which was a rare sight.  

    Though they longed to gossip, they dared not do so openly in the Zhang family’s bookstore and could only stifle their laughter.  

    Ruili scanned the crowd, feeling as if his dignity had been trampled all the way beyond Siyang’s gates. Gritting his teeth, he muttered to Ji Zhexi, “My apologies for the disturbance.”  

    With that, he turned and stormed upstairs. The scholars below burst into laughter, their earlier scorn replaced by amusement as they congratulated Ji Zhexi. “Brother Ji, you’ve really outdone yourself!”  

    From the upper floor, Ruili shot a glare at the scene before hastily retreating into a private room.  

    “Young Master…” Ban Yan, his attendant, had never expected such a principless scholar. Watching Ruili’s flushed cheeks, he timidly offered, “Shall I fetch you some tea?”  

    Before he could escape, the shopkeeper arrived with tea. “Young Master, don’t let anger harm your health. Scholars can be blunt, pay him no mind. If you dislike him, I’ll dismiss him tomorrow. No, I’ll do it now.”  

    Ruili burned with shame over his first-ever bout of misplaced suspicion. Still, he waved the shopkeeper off. “Didn’t you hear how tragic his circumstances are? For someone like him to persist in his studies is no small feat. If I cut off his livelihood over my own mistake, wouldn’t that make me a bully?”  

    He huffed. “My fathers are merchants, but they’ve always been upright, everyone in Siyang praises them. My brother is now an official serving the people. What kind of terrible suggestion is this? Are you trying to ruin me?”  

    The shopkeeper quickly apologized. “This lowly one spoke carelessly. Please don’t take offense.”  

    “Enough. Uncle Li, you’ve watched me and my brother grow up. I know you mean well. Just pretend this never happened. Let him continue working here as before.”  

    The shopkeeper agreed profusely.  

    Ruili sat in the bookstore for a long while, rubbing his temples and groaning to Ban Yan, “I’ve completely lost face this time.”  

    Ban Yan cautiously comforted him. “It’s fine. That scholar just doesn’t know what’s good for him, how could he bot like you?”  

    “Stop,” Ruili groaned, mortified. “Ugh, let’s just go home.”  

    As he stood to leave, he suddenly yanked Ban Yan back. “You, go check if that Ji fellow is still downstairs. If I run into him again, I’ll die of embarrassment.”  

    “Right away!”  

    After scouting, Ban Yan signaled the coast was clear. The master and servant, who had arrived in high spirits, now slunk out of the bookstore and hurried to their carriage.  

____

    “What’s gotten into you lately? You’ve been cooped up at home for days, I hardly see you go out anymore.”  

    Xu He, having found a rare moment of leisure, had just received a letter from Zhang Fangyuan announcing his imminent return with the salt shipment. Delighted, he’d gone to share the news with Ruili, only to find the usually outgoing young ger holed up in the study.  

    “I just feel the weather is cold and don’t feel like going out,” Ruili mumbled, head down. “I’ve had the shop ledgers brought home, I can review them here.”  

    Xu He felt the world had turned upside down. He sat beside Ruili and studied him intently.  

    “Why are you staring at me like that? It’s creeping me out.”  

    “Spring’s here, and the streets are lively. In past years, you’d be off to the horse pastures before the grass even grew. Yet now, with polo matches in full swing and invitations piling up, you refuse them all. Tell me, what’s going on?”  

    “Nothing.” Ruili set the ledger aside. “With Dad and Brother away, I didn’t want you to be lonely. I thought I’d keep you company and tend to the family business. I’m not a child anymore, I can’t just play all day.”  

    Xu He’s brows rose. “How mature. But you should still enjoy yourself. Your Dad will be back soon.”  

    “Good. Once he returns, I can relax.”  

    Xu He ruffled Ruili’s hair. “Don’t overwork yourself. How about I make you some hundred-flower cakes (百花糕, Bǎihuā gāo)? The estate sent fresh blooms, you used to love flower pastries.”  

    Ruili nodded. “Thank you, Little Dad.”  

    That afternoon, two large plates of vibrantly colored hundred-flower cakes arrived in his room. His Little Dad's craftsmanship was impeccable, each cake resembled a delicate blossom, fragrant and sweet. Yet Ruili picked at them absently, his gaze drifting to the window.  

    Suddenly, his eyes lit up. “Ban Yan, fetch a food box. Pack these up.”  

Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 138 Part 1

Chapter 138

    Ruili stepped forward casually and took a seat at the desk with ease. Seeing a finely dressed young man suddenly sit before him, Ji Zhexi slightly curled his fingers, set down his brush, and asked in confusion, “Does the young master have something to instruct me?”  

    From afar, Ruili had already noticed this man’s striking appearance, but now, up close and meeting his gaze face to face, he couldn’t help but inwardly sigh: Tsk, he’s even more handsome up close!

    “Is there something on my face?” Ruili coughed dryly, averting his eyes. Was he really so distracted by good looks? He refocused on the matter at hand: “Do you recognize me?”

    Ji Zhexi nodded lightly. “The young master of Liufang Bookshop.”  

    As expected, Ruili thought.  

    “You seem honest enough, so I won’t beat around the bush either. From now on, you needn’t go to such lengths. A scholar should focus on the imperial exams. Rather than resorting to underhanded methods, wouldn’t it be better to devote all your efforts to your studies? With some luck, you might earn an official rank sooner, surely that’s better than relying on others?”  

    Ji Zhexi agreed. “The young master speaks wisely. Indeed, self-reliance is far more dependable than depending on others.”  

    Good-looking people really are more reasonable, Ruili thought, thinking this was the easiest admirer he’d ever dealt with. Just as he was about to speak, the other man continued amiably, “However, I had no idea Young Master Zhang was so warm-hearted as to discuss such matters with me. When you say I needn’t go to such lengths… what exactly do you mean?”  

    Ruili frowned. Had all that praise just now been wasted? Was he really going to play dumb? “You know exactly what you’ve been doing, don’t pretend otherwise!”  

    Ji Zhexi replied, “Forgive my bluntness, but I truly don’t know.”  

    “Hey, what’s wrong with you?!” Ruili took a deep breath. “I’m giving you good advice, and instead of listening, you’re twisting my words?! Fine, don’t blame me for not sparing your dignity!”  

    “As you wish.”  

    Ruili shot to his feet, planting his hands on his hips. “You’ve been showing up wherever I go, do you think I’m too stupid to notice your schemes? First at Yinqiu Tower, then at the cloth shop this morning, and now here at the bookstore this afternoon! Yinqiu Tower might’ve been a coincidence, but today, both places are our Zhang family’s businesses! And you still act like some innocent little cabbage!”  

    With that, he glared and added, “Devious and cunning!”  

    Ji Zhexi tilted his chin slightly, watching the young master rant. “So, the young master believes I’ve been deliberately appearing to catch your attention and win your favor?”  

    “Aha! You said it! Finally admitting the truth, eh?”  

    A few scholars nearby, drawn by the commotion, cast odd looks at Ji Zhexi. “Scholar Ji, how could you? You always seemed so upright and principled, who’d have thought you were just aiming to curry favor with the wealthy?”  

    “Plenty of poor scholars have such ambitions. And with Ji Zhexi’s looks, no wonder. Even Teacher Bai’s daughter has shown him favor, but he refused, claiming he wanted to focus on the exams and not hold her back. Turns out he was setting his sights even higher!”  

    “Wishful thinking. If Zhang Ruili were so easy to win over, he wouldn’t still be unmarried.”  

    Ji Zhexi stood up unhurriedly, instantly towering over the fuming Ruili. Unfazed by the murmurs, he calmly explained, “The Zhang family is the wealthiest in Siyang, second to none. Young Master Zhang’s elder brother is a newly minted jinshi and an influential official. It’s no surprise admirers flock to Young Master Zhang like fish in a river, and it’s understandable to suspect ulterior motives. However…”  

    “Young Master Zhang has misunderstood. I had no intention of forcing myself into your sight, it’s simply that my family is impoverished.”  

    “My parents suffered chronic illnesses and were bedridden for years. Though they’ve since passed, their medical debts remain. As a scholar preparing for the exams, I’ve had to take odd jobs during breaks - partly to repay debts, partly to save travel funds for the exams.”  

    Hearing this tragic tale, Ruili’s face flushed with embarrassment, but he wasn’t so easily swayed. “It’s commendable that you’re working to support yourself, but why only at Zhang family businesses? What a coincidence!”  

    “The Zhang family owns numerous business, and their trade guild handles most hiring. I had little choice.” Ji Zhexi called for the shopkeeper. “I’ve been working at Liufang Bookshop since last year, copying texts and writing calligraphy.”  

    The shopkeeper, though reluctant to offend the young master, answered truthfully. “Scholar Ji has been with us for a long time. Initially, he submitted poems. When Young Master Ruijin was still here, he praised Scholar Ji’s calligraphy. Last year, after the young master passed the exams, business boomed, and we were short-handed, that’s when we hired Scholar Ji to copy books.”  

    Ruili’s frown deepened.  

Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 137

Chapter 137 Extra Ruili 2

    “Brother, take good care of sister-in-law on your journey. I’ll handle everything at home.” After the start of spring, Ruijin packed his belongings to take up his official post in another prefecture. He had to arrive before the spring season fully set in, so shortly after the Lantern Festival, his luggage was prepared for departure. This move meant settling down there for at least two or three years, or longer if no promotions or transfers came. Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He had prepared extensively for the newlywed couple, ensuring all necessities like clothing and quilts were packed.  

If not for the fact that they had learned of Ruijin’s assignment beforehand, prompting Zhang Fangyuan to purchase a house and hire servants to maintain it, Xu He’s meticulous nature would have resulted in an unmanageable amount of luggage - enough to fill eight or ten carriages.  

    “As long as you behave at home, I won’t have any worries.”  

    “I know.” Luo Yuxing stepped forward and grasped Ruili’s hand. Though he felt secure with Ruijin by his side, this was the first time since meeting Ruili that they would be separated indefinitely, making it hard to avoid a sense of reluctance.  

    “Once everything is settled there, I’ll send you a letter and arrange for someone to bring you over so we can reunite.”  

    Ruili hugged his sister-in-law tightly. “Alright, I’ll wait for good news from you and Brother.”  

    “Enough, it’s getting late.” No matter how reluctant Zhang Fangyuan was to see his son leave, parting was inevitable. Rather than prolonging the sorrow, it was better to make it quick. “Leave early while there’s still daylight. Winter days are short, and an early start means reaching the post station sooner.”  

    The young couple complied. As the carriage set off, Ruili waved vigorously at the departing convoy. Unconsciously, he followed the procession a few steps, watching as two of his closest companions left. The emotions swirling in his heart were indescribable.  

    As a child, he and Ruijin had been inseparable, too young to understand the sorrow of parting. Now grown, he found himself sentimental. He had always assumed he would be the one to marry into another family, while his brother remained at home. He had even teased his family about it, jokingly demanding more attention. Yet fate was unpredictable, his brother had started a family and career but could no longer stay home. Instead, Ruili was the one left behind to keep their father company.  

    He stood watching until the carriages disappeared from sight, then sighed deeply. 

    If all else fails, maybe our family should just take in a son-in-law instead.

    Two days later, Zhang Fangyuan led a merchant convoy to the salt fields to restock, leaving Xu He alone to manage the family. Aside from the salt business, the family owned several other shops, but with limited manpower, Ruili stopped his usual outings and began inspecting the accounts at their stores.  

    Since opening the salt business, the family’s income had soared. Even their smallest salt shop earned in a month what their other shops made in half a year or more. Yet, despite the salt trade’s profitability, Zhang Fangyuan hadn't shut down their other business.  

    First, those businesses were how Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He had first built their fortune, and they were reluctant to abandon them. Secondly, while the salt trade was lucrative, it was ultimately controlled by the imperial court. There was no guarantee the privilege would last forever, so keeping their original businesses served as a safeguard. 

    Moreover, profits from salt were being reinvested into other business like cosmetics, jewelry, silk, textiles, and tea - industries with high returns and entry barriers.  

    That morning, Ruili took his attendants to inspect the accounts at their newly opened cloth shop. Passing through the new market street, he collected the latest quarterly rent from their leased storefronts. By the time he arrived at the cloth shop, the manager had already prepared the account books and tea.  

    He went straight upstairs and flipped through the ledgers. Over the years, he, Luo Yuxing, and Ruijin had studied under the same teacher. Though the other two were exceptionally bright, Ruili was no slouch either. As Ruijin’s twin, while his brother had excelled in the imperial exams, earning the title of jinshi, Ruili had no such aspirations. Instead, he channeled his talents into the family business.  

    He was quick with numbers, sharp with his words, and had a biting wit. His sharp eye for discrepancies and blunt critiques made shop managers dread his inspections, preferring Zhang Fangyuan or Xu He instead. His visits always put them on edge. 

    “A new shop doesn’t need excessive scrutiny. As long as business is steady, that’s enough.”  

    The manager exhaled slightly in relief when Ruili made no further criticisms.  

    “It’s almost noon. Would the young master like to dine here?”  

    Ruili kept his eyes on the ledger. “If I stay, you’ll just order takeout from a restaurant. I’d rather go myself and eat something fresh and hot.”  

    He closed the book. “Alright, keep up the good work. Don’t think that just because I didn’t find issues today, you can slack off. My father will inspect everything again when he returns.”  

    The manager carefully took back the ledger. “Of course. We’ll ensure the business runs smoothly, ready for the master’s inspection at any time.”  

    Ruili said no more. The morning’s rent collection had taken time and energy, and he was genuinely hungry. With more shops to visit in the afternoon, he hurried downstairs to find a nearby restaurant.  

    “The copy of the order you requested is ready. Please review it at your convenience.”  

    “Sir, please wait a moment. Our manager has gone to fetch the owner. He’ll be back shortly.”  

    “Thank you.”  

    The refined voice sounded familiar. Ruili, already at the door, paused and glanced back. Even from behind, the man’s tall, elegant figure was unmistakable.  

    “What’s he doing here?” Ruili muttered to his attendant, Ban Yan.  

    “Perhaps just a coincidence. Should we greet him? You did send him pastries last time.”  

    Ruili waved a hand. “Passing through a hundred flowers without a single leaf sticking. This young master enjoys admiring beauty but avoids entanglement. With Brother and Dad away, I must focus on the family business. No time for distractions, there’s still much to do today. Let’s go.”  

 [百花丛中过，片叶不沾身 (bǎi huā cóng zhōng guò, piàn yè bù zhān shēn): lit. Passing through a hundred flowers without a single leaf sticking; fig. Engaging without attachment.]  

    Ban Yan stifled a laugh. “Only you could say such things with a straight face. If you truly wanted to avoid entanglement, why send him gifts?”  

    As they walked out, Ruili replied, “When you see a beautiful flower on the road, don’t you stop to admire it? Appreciating beauty is the same. Who doesn’t like a pretty face? Why else do men in this city flock to me? Let’s just say I have an eye for elegance. Even my teacher once praised my refinement.”  

    Ban Yan, older than Ruili, had been his study companion since childhood and had attended classes with him at the Luo family. “I think Master Luo mispronounced elegance as frivolity.”  

    After lunch Ruili rested briefly in the restaurant’s private room before hurrying to Liufang Bookshop in the afternoon. Such shops were typically run by scholarly families, so it was surprising that the Zhang family - a family of common origins owned one.  

    This shop had its own story. When Ruijin passed the provincial exams, the family was overjoyed. Zhang Fangyuan pondered how to reward his accomplished son, and after much deliberation, the couple settled on gifting him a bookshop.  

    While Ruijin was still in Siyang, he had frequented this shop, indifferent to its profits but valuing the sentiment behind it. As a young juren, many scholars sought him out, hoping for guidance. Despite his aloof demeanor, Ruijin patiently advised those bold enough to ask, inadvertently boosting the shop’s business.  

    After Ruijin became a jinshi and received an official post from the emperor, the bookshop’s popularity skyrocketed. Scholars flocked there, hoping to absorb some of his exam luck.  

    Before leaving for his post, Ruijin had entrusted Ruili with the shop’s care, instructing him to gift his old exam notes, annotations, and drafts to “fated individuals.” Ruili relished the idea.  

    Today, with the academy on break, the shop bustled with scholars. Ruili, in high spirits, approached—only to stumble at the entrance when he spotted a familiar figure inside. Ban Yan caught him just in time.  

    Wide-eyed, Ruili gestured frantically. “Is he stalking me?!”  

    Ban Yan studied the slender, upright figure at a desk, meticulously copying texts. “Young Master, perhaps this scholar has taken a liking to you?”  

    “He doesn’t even know me!” Ruili blinked. Though many suitors had proposed without knowing him well, he assumed someone so refined wouldn’t stoop to such tactics.  

    “Of course he knows! That day at Yinqiu Tower, when you sent him pastries, the waiter surely boasted it was from you. And let’s be honest, who in this city doesn’t know of you?” Ban Yan analyzed. “His face may be peerless, but his clothes are plain. Likely a poor scholar.”  

    He didn’t need to finish. Ruili understood, this was the classic tale of a destitute scholar targeting a wealthy, naive young master to climb the social ladder.  

    Ruili nodded solemnly. “You’re absolutely right. I’m not a sheltered fool. I won’t tolerate such schemes. I must disillusion him!”  

    After a pause, he added, “But he is very handsome. Maybe he’s in dire straits. I’ll be gentle when I confront him.”  

Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 136 Part 2

    Ruili stayed with Luo Yuxing for a long while, coaxing him to eat some pastries and fruits. Only when night fully fell and lanterns lit up the residence did he finally leave.  

    His attendant, Ban Yan, chuckled softly. "Now that Young Master Luo is your elder sister-in-law, shouldn’t he be the one looking after you?"  

    Ruili replied, "In title, yes, but Yuxing is younger than both me and my brother. He lost his parents early, and now he’s marrying into our family. Of course I’ll keep taking care of him."  

    "Our young master is truly kind-hearted."  

    Ruili exhaled and returned to his room to rest. In the days following the wedding, the newlyweds were inseparable. His brother, never one for social outings, had always spent most of his time in the study. Now, with a fulang well-versed in literature, the two could stay there all day unless called for meals.  

    Before marriage, propriety had restrained them. Now, as a young couple, their affection was so overwhelming that Ruili dared not get too close, lest it make singles like him feel wretched.  

    His parents were so delighted with their new daughter-in-law they couldn’t stop smiling, practically treating him like royalty. Yet, a family needed someone to scold occasionally to maintain authority. His elder brother was too accomplished to reprimand, and his gentle, thoughtful sister-in-law was too endearing to criticize. That left only one target - Ruili himself.  

    Feeling stifled, Ruili slipped out. He’d originally planned to stay home a few days to accompany his new sister-in-law, but who knew the couple needed no such company? Ah, youth was truly wasted on the young.  

    "Young Master, where shall we go today? The theater or a teahouse?"  

    Ruili gazed out the carriage window, distracted. The cold weather dampened his enthusiasm for cricket fights, and he wasn’t in the mood for arrow-throwing or ball games. Might as well enjoy some food, singing, and dancing at a tavern. Just as he was about to answer Ban Yan, a carriage blocked his view.  

    The curtain of the opposing carriage lifted, revealing a young man’s grinning face. "Ruili! Long time no see. Where are you headed? I’ll join you."  

    "Who wants you tagging along? Scram, you’re blocking my view."  

    The youth, detecting Ruili’s irritation, asked, "You in a bad mood?"  

    "How would you feel if you lost both the man you admired most and your favorite person at the same time?"  

    The boy’s brow furrowed in distress. "Ruili... y-you play so wildly?"  

    Ruili rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Is this your first day knowing me?"  

    Though rebuffed, the boy wasn’t offended. After a moment’s thought, he brightened. "No matter! I’ve always been magnanimous."  

    "Who cares about your magnanimity?" Ruili snapped. "Qu Song, how many times must I say it? There’s nothing between us."  

    "Fate decides these things. When we were kids, you scared me with a dog and made me fall, that severed our romantic destiny early on. So no matter how hard you try now, it’s useless."  

    "The teacher said... uh, nobody's perfect. I was just a foolish child back then. I’m definitely more devoted to you than any of those city fops."  

    Ruili raised an eyebrow. "You like me?"  

    Qu Song nodded eagerly. "Yes!"  

    "What do you even like about me? You’re just a kid. You only see my family’s wealth - my father is a salt merchant, my brother is a newly minted imperial scholar, my sister-in-law is from a prestigious family. You see my good looks, my talent, my wit, how popular I am among the young masters and misses of the city. Beyond that, I’m utterly ordinary. Your so-called ‘liking’ is shallow. Go home and study properly." Ruili spoke with grave seriousness. "Don’t you agree?"  

    Qu Song, dizzy from the verbal barrage, couldn’t immediately respond.  

    Seizing the moment, Ruili urged his coachman to speed up and shake off Qu Song’s carriage. "Go home and think it over."  

    Only when Qu Song’s carriage was out of sight did Ban Yan remark, "The Qu family is among Siyang’s top families. Though Young Master Qu was chubby as a child, he’s slimmed down decently now. He’s always trying to please you, are you truly uninterested?"  

    "Look at him, like the simpleton son of a landlord. Marrying him would dilute the Zhang family’s sharpness. And forget his dullness, his nose and eyes are so crooked I’d have to cover his face with a blanket just to sleep beside him."  

    Ban Yan stifled a laugh. "True, your admirers could line up from Siyang to Jijiu Village. No need to consider such a youth."  

    Ruili adjusted his bangs. "Being exceptional is its own burden, a pressure ordinary folk can’t understand."  

    After this exchange, the carriage halted. The driver announced, "Young Master, we’ve arrived at Yinqiu Tavern."  

    "This place just opened. I heard their dishes are quite novel, but with the wedding preparations, I hadn’t had time to visit."  

    Ruili stepped out, his mood lifting at the tavern’s decor. Lacking a jade-ribbed fan to flutter in winter, he instead toyed with the jade pendant at his waist - a matching set with Ruijin’s, and strode inside.  

    Though Yinqiu Tavern was new, its staff were locals, sharp-eyed enough to recognize the Zhang family’s young master instantly. They rushed to serve him with fawning enthusiasm.  

    "This is my first visit. Bring me all your best dishes and drinks."  

    "Of course! Please wait in the private lounge, Young Master Zhang. I’ll inteoduce our specialties in details."  

    Ruili breezed through the hall toward the stairs but suddenly paused. The waiter, fearing he’d misspoken, was about to speak when Ruili backtracked to the counter, eyeing the clerk tallying accounts on an abacus.  

    Though the clerk’s face was slightly lowered, Ruili could see his striking features - thick, naturally dark brows, a straight nose, and lips moving gently as he explained the bill. With over a decade of appreciating beauty, Ruili knew this was no ordinary face.  

    The clerk’s fingers, though not as pale as Ruijin’s, were long and well-proportioned, moving deftly over the abacus.  

    Ruili smirked. "Your accountant is quite... youthful."  

    "You flatter us, Young Master Zhang. He’s a scholar who helps out during busy hours at noon and night." The waiter relaxed, then ingratiatingly added, "Shall I call him over to greet you?"  

    "No need." Ruili stopped him. Why trouble such a fine man? "Just send him your best pastries. Calculating must be exhausting."  

    "Right away!"  

    The sight of something beautiful lifted Ruili’s spirits further. Flicking his sleeves, he ascended the stairs in even higher spirits than when he arrived.  

Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 136 Part 1

Chapter 136 Extra Ruili 1

    When Ruijin got married, the Zhang family hosted a grand and lively celebration. Many relatives from the Zhang clan came to congratulate them, along with numerous merchants and officials from the city. Luo Yan, who doted on his only grandson, also saw many of his former students and friends - those who had received his kindness, gather for the occasion. The festivities rivaled the excitement of when Ruijin passed the imperial exams and the family secured the salt monopoly.  

    The eaves of the house were adorned with ten-meter-long red silk, and the garden gates were lit with bright red lanterns. The neighboring Luo family did the same, so despite the wedding being held in the cold of winter, the Zhang and Luo residences were decorated so vibrantly that the sight warmed hearts from afar.  

    The union of these two families was not just matched doors and families, but also one of master-disciple bonds and mutual respect. Moreover, the newlyweds were green plums and bamboo horse, and every guest who came to toast the wedding praised it as a perfect match.  

[门当户对 (mén dāng hù duì): lit. matched doors and families; fig. a marriage between families of equal social status.]  

[青梅竹马 (qīng méi zhú mǎ): lit. green plums and bamboo horse; fig. childhood sweethearts.]  

    From early morning, the sound of firecrackers never ceased, with one round barely finishing before another started, sometimes even bursting simultaneously from both families.  

    Ruili, being part of the host family today, had always loved a lively scene. After dressing up early, he was pulled into the courtyard to assist his Little Dad in greeting guests. By the time the bridal procession arrived, he had already busied himself all morning - his mouth dry from talking, his feet sore from walking. Once the ceremony concluded and the newlyweds were escorted to the bridal chamber, he slipped in after them.  

    "Ruili, are you sure it’s alright for you to stay with me? Though I couldn’t see much under the veil earlier, the noise outside suggests many guests are here. Won’t you be scolded for not attending to them?" Luo Yuxing sat properly on the crimson wedding bed, having been coaxed by Ruili to remove his veil and set it aside. He glanced at Zhang Ruili, who was sprawled on the soft couch, legs stretched out as a maid massaged his feet and shoulders, and spoke gently.  

    Ruili sat up, handing the fruit plate in his arms to a servant. "My dear Yuxing, even the donkey at the village entrance deserves a break. I’ve been running around all morning, my back and legs are killing me."  

    Luo Yuxing’s eyes flickered, and he suddenly moved closer to Ruili. "When you get married in the future, I’ll help you like this too, alright?"  

    Ruili threw his head back and giggled. "Oh please, by then you’ll be my elder sister-in-law. If I marry, you’ll definitely have to fuss over me too." He then flopped into Luo Yuxing’s arms. "But now that you two are married, so many hearts in Siyang will be broken." Sniffing the faint fragrance, Ruili feigned sorrow.  

    Luo Yuxing pushed him upright. "You didn’t want me to marry your brother?"  

    "Nonsense." Ruili shook his head and sighed. "I’ve long known that my stubborn elder brother had you in his heart. They say once he sets his mind on someone or something, he never wavers. How could I stand in the way? Having you join our family makes me happy."  

    A smile touched Luo Yuxing’s lips. "When did he tell you that?"  

    "Ages ago." Ruili lay back on the couch, resting his head on his hands, then patted the space beside him, inviting Luo Yuxing to join him.  

    "My brother became quite amusing after his ‘iron tree bloomed.’ If he saw something nice at the City Temple, he’d buy it. When he went to the provincial capital for exams, he’d return with a cartload of goods. Every year, when our family’s trade caravan traveled south or north, if they went to Jiangnan, he’d insist Uncle and Second Uncle bring back rare Suzhou embroidery. If they went to Sichuan, it had to be famous tea or Shu brocade. If they went to Huizhou, ink treasures were a must."

[铁树开花 (tiě shù kāi huā): lit. iron tree blooms; fig. a rare or miraculous event.]    

    Luo Yuxing lay beside him, puzzled. "What’s wrong with that?"  

    "You must realize my brother never used to care about such things. When he came to propose, were you so dazed you didn’t even check the betrothal gifts?"  

    After returning from the capital, Ruijin had been busy hosting banquets before suddenly proposing. The matter was rushed, and Luo Yuxing, never one to crave wealth, had only briefly heard his grandfather mention incorporating the betrothal gifts into his dowry before focusing on his own affairs. He hadn’t paid much attention.  

    He and Ruijin weren’t particularly old, and by most standards, their marriage was early. Though both families had long known of their mutual affection and expected a wedding eventually, no one anticipated it would happen so soon - so soon that Luo Yuxing hadn’t even prepared his bridal attire.  

    Though his grandfather was reluctant to part with him, he reasoned that the marriage was inevitable. Moreover, Ruijin’s proposal came at the peak of his reputation, with both local and capital families eyeing him as a son-in-law. That he chose to propose at such a time was a blessing, so the grandfather agreed without hesitation.  

    The wedding was scheduled for winter to give Luo Yuxing time to prepare, but it couldn’t be delayed too long. If held near the New Year, many relatives and friends would be too busy to attend, and combining the celebrations would create chaos. Pushing it to the following spring was also impractical, as Ruijin would soon leave for his new post in another prefecture.  

    Though the assigned prefecture neighbored Siyang and wasn’t as far as north-to-south travel, the journey still required crossing several counties, taking over half a month. Add another month for settling in, and there’d be no time left for a wedding.  

    Thus, the best compromise was this month.  

    Ruili said, "All those things my brother hunted down became your betrothal gifts. Never mind their value, your family is well-off and lacks no luxuries. What’s truly rare is the thought, that he’s had you in mind for so long."  

    Luo Yuxing’s cheeks flushed. Exactly so, he didn’t care about wealth, only sincerity.  

    Ruili squeezed his hand. "Don’t worry. Though my brother usually appears reserved and distant, those who truly enter his heart are cherished deeply."  

    Luo Yuxing had grown up under Luo Yan’s protection. Though he lost his parents young, his grandfather’s doting love made up for it. His nature was somewhat tender, and now, marrying young - though to someone he admired, with the Zhang family having watched him grow and adoring him, Ruijin’s imminent departure for his post meant leaving his grandfather’s shelter. He couldn’t help but feel some unease.  

    But after hearing Ruili’s words, his heart felt lighter. 

[Many thanks to GisenyiDuverge, because she was the one who told me that the previous chapter wasn’t the last one. She was also the one who bought these chapters so we could read them together. 

Thank you...😊]

Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 135

Chapter 135 Extra Ruijin 3 

    Luo Yuxing took a step back at the sound, his heart tightening. Once he realized who was outside, his body instinctively leaned closer to the wall, but then he remembered the unpleasantness of the past few months and retreated again, standing silently.  

    "Young Master?"  

    "Shh!"  

    Seeing the maid rushing over in a fluster, Luo Yuxing quickly stopped her.  

    The maid covered her mouth and lowered her voice. "Young master, is it Young Master Ruijin?"  

    Luo Yuxing didn’t answer. Glancing at the high wall, he pinched his index finger, hesitated for a moment, then whispered to the maid, "Tell him I’ve already gone to bed."  

    "Oh, oh." The maid nodded foolishly, then raised her voice slightly. "Young Master Ruijin, our young master says he’s already asleep."  

    Luo Yuxing’s eyes widened in shock. Flustered, he wanted to cover the maid’s mouth, but Ruijin’s voice came from outside again: "Yuxing, can I see you?"  

    "It’s so late. You should go back."  

    "I won’t leave until I see you."  

    Luo Yuxing bit his lower lip. Why was this man being so stubborn? "And how do you plan to see me? By digging a hole in the wall?"  

    "There’s a ladder in the storeroom."  

    Luo Yuxing was stunned on the other side of the wall, unable to believe that Ruijin who had always been proper and disciplined would suggest something as reckless as climbing over a wall in the middle of the night, and with such calm assurance.  

    He pressed his lips together. He must have picked up bad habits in the capital.  

    "Come back tomorrow."  

    "I have something urgent to tell you."  

    "What could possibly be so urgent that it can’t wait until tomorrow?"  

    Silence lingered outside the wall for a while before Ruijin spoke again. "If you don’t want to see me, then I’ll just say it from out here."  

    Ruijin glanced at the empty, quiet alley. "Though the night watchman will be passing by soon. If you don’t mind—"  

    Luo Yuxing stiffened. "Y-You! Don’t say another word!"  

    The maid cautiously approached. "Young Master, should I fetch the ladder for Young Master Ruijin?"  

    Luo Yuxing didn’t answer, but he gave a slight tilt of his chin. Watching the maid hurry off, he called after her, "Be quiet about it."  

    Ruijin waited patiently outside. It took about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before a ladder was slowly extended over the wall, carefully lowered to avoid making noise. He reached out and caught it.  

    Before long, Luo Yuxing stood nervously in the garden with his hands tucked into his sleeves, and saw Ruijin climb over the wall, bathed in moonlight, then drop down with a thud. His heart skipped a beat in fright, and the maid quickly retrieved the ladder.  

    "You always act so proper and restrained, but deep down, you’re just as reckless as Ruili." Luo Yuxing looked at the crouching figure and chided him.  

    "If it weren’t for a certain someone, I wouldn’t have abandoned my principles like this."  

    Luo Yuxing frowned. "Are you blaming me?"  

    Ruijin watched as his face puffed up in anger, his gaze softening. "Aren’t you going to help me up?"  

    "Figure it out yourself."  

    "I’m injured."  

    Luo Yuxing’s expression immediately tensed with concern. He rushed over to support him. "Did you hurt your foot?"  

    "No, not that."  

    Luo Yuxing’s worried expression vanished, and he immediately let go.  

    "I was injured during the imperial exams."  

    Luo Yuxing frowned again. "Where?"  

    "It wasn’t too serious. My horse panicked and threw me off on the way there. I hit a rock, but it’s fine now."  

    "How is that ‘fine’?!" Luo Yuxing’s face paled. "Why didn’t you tell me sooner?"  

    "I’m perfectly capable of speaking and walking now, aren’t I?" Ruijin sighed as he saw Luo Yuxing’s eyes redden in an instant. "Your tears come as easily as if they cost nothing. That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you. It’s been over half a year, I’m truly fine now. If you don’t believe me, I’ll show you."  

    He reached out to take Luo Yuxing’s hand. When distressed, Luo Yuxing became gentle and pliant, no longer stubborn, allowing himself to be led.  

    Ruijin was familiar with the Luo family’s layout. Though he had never been to Luo Yuxing’s room, he knew its location. Guiding him there now felt as natural as if he were leading him into his own home.  

    "Who said you could come in?"  

    Ruijin looked at the ger who only protested once they were inside the room and pinched his cheek. "Would you rather I sleep outside?"  

    Luo Yuxing’s eyes widened. "Y-You’re staying the night?"  

    He quickly stepped back. The maid, tactfully, hadn't followed them in. Alone in the room, Luo Yuxing instinctively wrapped his arms around himself. "This isn’t proper."  

    Ruijin sat on the nearby daybed, watching him calmly. "You’re quick to pick up on details."  

    Luo Yuxing’s face flushed slightly. Ruijin beckoned him. "Come here."  

    "I know why you’ve been avoiding me these past months, claiming illness to stay secluded at home."  

    Luo Yuxing sat down beside him, his heart aching at the memory. "You were gone for so long. You knew I’d worry, yet you didn’t send a single letter. I suppose the capital was just too captivating, perhaps you were dazzled by its temptations."  

    "I injured my hand when I fell from the horse on the way to the exams. The letters sent home were written by someone else. I even paid extra to have them mimic my handwriting so my family wouldn’t worry." Ruijin looked at Luo Yuxing. "I wanted to send you letters too, but you’re so well-read and sharp, you’d have noticed immediately it wasn’t my handwriting."  

    "Besides… the things I wanted to say to you weren’t exactly appropriate for someone else to write down."  

    Luo Yuxing’s face burned even hotter. He lowered his gaze, not daring to meet Ruijin’s eyes. After a long silence, he finally asked, "Then how did you take the exams?"  

    "Luckily, it happened early in the journey, so I still had time to recover before reaching the capital. I rested for over half a month, using medicine daily until I could move well enough by exam time."  

    "Bone and muscle injuries don’t heal in just half a month."  

    Luo Yuxing thought of how cold the capital must have been then, and how harsh the examination halls were compared to inns or restaurants. The thought of Ruijin enduring the exams while injured made his heart ache. He couldn’t imagine how he had managed.  

    "Because of this, I disappointed our teacher, I only ranked in the second tier."  

    "Nonsense! Grandfather was very pleased with your results. Even in the Imperial College, where there are so many outstanding scholars, ranking high in the second tier is rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns."  

    Ruijin’s expression softened as Yuxing defended him. "As long as you’re not disappointed."  

    "How could I be?"  

    Ruijin moved closer. "After the exams, waiting for results, then the palace examination, time flew by. By the time I returned, my hand had already recovered. I thought, Finally, I can write you a proper letter. But when I picked up the brush, I couldn’t bring myself to write."  

    He looked at Luo Yuxing. "I realized, after not writing for so long, you must have worried constantly. And if you were worrying about me, it meant you weren’t distracted by other things. So, in a way, it was good that you kept thinking of me."  

    Luo Yuxing glared. "You’re too cunning."  

    Ruijin nodded unapologetically. "The Zhang family has always been this way."  

    Then, he pulled out a stack of envelopes from his chest. "Consider this making up for it."  

    Luo Yuxing’s heart fluttered. He carefully took the letters and gently opened one. His brows furrowed as he saw the contents, because page after page filled with nothing but a single name: Luo Yuxing.  

    The early letters showed shaky, strained handwriting, but gradually, the strokes became smooth again, then elegant and unrestrained… Dozens of letters, thousands of repetitions of his name.  

    "Ruijin…"  

    Luo Yuxing’s throat tightened. "I-"  

    Before he could finish, hurried footsteps approached. His personal maid burst in, panicked. "Young Master, the master is coming!"  

    Luo Yuxing froze, standing dumbly. He stared at the tall figure sitting on the daybed. Someone who had always made him feel safe, but now only made him flustered. He quickly pulled Ruijin up. "H-Hide! Quick!"  

    Ruijin wanted to say there was no need, sooner or later they’d share a home anyway. But considering he had climbed the wall, he obliged to avoid startling the old man. He moved behind the screen as instructed, only for Luo Yuxing to suddenly shove him onto the bed.  

    Soft blankets were thrown over his head, followed by a heavy cloak when that wasn’t enough. If not for the chilly autumn night, being buried like this would have been unbearable.  

    But he had to admit… Luo Yuxing’s bed was warm and smelled nice.  

    "Grandfather, why are you here so late?"  

    Luo Yan entered, noticing Luo Yuxing’s slightly red eyes and uneasy expression. "I sobered up after washing up and thought you seemed upset earlier, so I came to check on you."  

    "Were you crying again?"  

    Luo Yuxing quickly shook his head. "It’s just late, and my eyes are tired."  

    "Do you think I don’t know you?" Luo Yan sighed. "Tomorrow, I’ll talk to Ruijin."  

    Luo Yuxing shook his head vigorously. "It’s really nothing. I was just about to sleep, Grandfather."  

    "Are you sure?"  

    "Yes." Luo Yuxing stood. "You drank quite a bit tonight. You should rest early too."  

    Luo Yan felt something was off but couldn’t pinpoint what. "Alright. Sleep well."  

    Luo Yuxing nodded, watching until his grandfather left the courtyard before turning back. He hurried to the bed, yanked the curtains open, and dug Ruijin out from under the covers.  

    "Was hiding me that necessary?"  

    Ruijin lay on the bed, smirking up at him.  

    "If Grandfather knew you came here like this in the middle of the night, he’d think all those years teaching you propriety were wasted."  

    Ruijin didn’t answer, just stared at him intently. Suddenly, he grabbed Yuxing’s wrist and pulled him onto the bed.  

    "What are you—?! You should leave!"  

    "Leave? You stuffed me into your bed. Even if I were dense, I’d know how to respond to that."  

    "Th-That’s not what I meant!"  

    Before he could finish, Ruijin began loosening his clothes. Yuxing panicked, covering his eyes. "Affection has its limits! Don’t you dare misbehave!"  

    But nothing happened. After a moment, he peeked through his fingers, only to see Ruijin fully dressed, watching him with amusement.  

    He lowered his hands, embarrassed, and turned away, exhaling quietly. A tiny, traitorous part of him felt… just a little disappointed.  

    "Yuxing."  

    "Hmm?"  

    Ruijin leaned in and kissed the corner of his lips. "I’ve already prepared the betrothal gifts. Can I come propose tomorrow?"  

    Luo Yuxing was stunned. "When did you prepare them?"  

    "A long time ago."  

    The first time I taught you to ride a horse, I was already planning our future.  

-End-