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]

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 8 Part 1

Chapter 8

“This year’s autumn harvest was neither good nor bad. If the production tax remains the same as last year’s, the villagers can still scrape by.”  

By the afternoon, when the sun had just dipped below the mountain ridge, the Ji family had already prepared dinner early.  

Once the sun cooled, the breeze became pleasant, and the whole family gathered under the tree in the courtyard to eat.  

Ji Yangzong and Huang Yinsheng clinked cups of clear wine and chatted, shifting from today’s herb collection to the autumn harvest.  

In recent years, taxes had been increasing, making life harder for the common folk.  

Now that the northern war had ceased this year, they wondered if there might be some tax relief.  

“Until the magistrate sends down the tax collectors, no one knows how this year’s production tax will be. It’s not just farmers facing higher taxes, merchants are also struggling. Shopkeepers in the city worry day and night.”  

Huang Yinsheng sighed. These days, both farmers and merchants had it hard, which was why more people were scrambling to become officials.  

Ji Yangzong poured Huang Yinsheng another cup of wine and said, “Fortunately, You Erlang passed the provincial exam, so he’ll now have tax exemption privileges. Once Xiao Taozi and the You family’s marriage is settled, our family will benefit too.”  

At this, Ji Yangzong couldn’t hide his joy. Currently, they had to pay 40% of their harvest as tax,.nearly half a year’s grain. Being exempt from that would be a dream come true.  

“Once he’s our son-in-law, your clinic will also be protected to some extent.”  

Huang Yinsheng, however, didn’t share Ji Yangzong’s excitement. Instead, he set down his chopsticks and glanced at Ji Taoyu, who was sitting beside Huang Manjing, quietly eating with his head down.  

He said to Ji Yangzong, “From what you’re saying, you want to rush Tao ger’s marriage before the tax collectors arrive?”  

“Though the intention is obvious, this marriage was agreed upon long ago, it’ll happen sooner or later.”  

“After autumn, when things are less tight, is the usual time for village weddings. No one will gossip much. Besides, 40% of the harvest is no small amount. If our family skips paying the tax this year, we’ll have over ten extra bushels of grain. Why not settle the marriage sooner?”  

Huang Yinsheng exhaled and looked at Ji Taoyu, who was still eating with his head down. “I know you’re listening. What do you think?”  

Ji Taoyu lifted his head, swallowed the meat in his mouth, and noticed all three pairs of eyes at the table fixed on him.  

His face flushed slightly. “Parents’ orders, matchmaker’s words, I’ll listen to Father.”  

“Since you don’t object, your grandfather won’t say more. Over the years, plenty of ill-intentioned families have had designs on Tao ger. Luckily, the marriage was arranged early, and You Erlang has now earned scholarly honors, scaring off those with ulterior motives. Once Tao ger is married into a good family, there’ll be one less worry.”  

With that, Huang Yinsheng turned to Ji Yangzong and Huang Manjing. “Just one thing, don’t rush to the You family to push for the wedding. We don’t want Tao ger to become the subject of gossip.”  

Ji Yangzong chuckled. “Before the provincial exam, You Erlang mentioned that if he passed, he’d come to propose. He’s probably already preparing, no need for us to say more.”  

Huang Yinsheng finally smiled. “Let’s eat.”  

After dinner, Huang Yinsheng drove his donkey cart back to the city. Ji Taoyu and Ji Yangzong saw him off to the village’s main road before turning back.  

Ji Yangzong looked at the young ger beside him, now reaching his ear in height, it felt like just yesterday he was only knee-high. Hands behind his back, he walked cheerfully in the sunset.  

“Training troops for a thousand days to use them in one battle, we’ve invested heavily in the You family over the years. Ever since You Erlang passed the county exam, we’ve regularly sent books and writing materials, even pulling strings to get him into the best academy in the city. You could say we’ve treated him like half a son.”  

[養兵千日用兵一時 (yǎng bīng qiān rì yòng bīng yī shí): lit. train troops for a thousand days to use them in one battle; fig. long preparation for a critical moment]  

“The You family will host a celebration banquet in a couple of days. Then we’ll know when your wedding will be.”  

Ji Taoyu stepped on sun-dried clods of earth as he listened to his father’s chatter. The thought of leaving for another family stirred an indescribable feeling in his heart.  

Though You Erlang was well-mannered and educated, and they had met more than once or twice, propriety had kept them from growing truly familiar. The idea of living together didn’t fill him with calm assurance, just a vague unease.  

Strangely, he felt little joy about the impending marriage, his mind instead wandering restlessly. He only gave his father a muted response.  

Ji Yangzong noticed his lack of enthusiasm and was about to ask why when a sudden, pitiful cry interrupted them as they entered the yard.  

“Village Head, Huang niangzi! I’ve brought our worthless Xia ger to apologize to Tao ger!” 

[Niangzǐ (娘子): A common address for married women in ancient Chinese villages, akin to "Mrs." but used more informally among neighbors]

“What’s going on?”  

Ji Yangzong stared at the red-eyed mother and son from the Yu family, confused, then glanced at Huang Manjing beside him.  

“I don’t know either.”  

Ji Taoyu, however, tensed slightly at the sight of the pair. He hadn’t expected Yu Sunshi to bring Yu Xia directly to apologize to his parents.  

Before he could speak, Yu Sunshi sharply scolded, “Kneel!”  

The Yu family’s ger wiped his eyes and knelt before Ji Taoyu. Yu Sunshi said, “Apologize properly to Tao ger.”  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 7 Part 2

Yu Sunshi, seeing his reaction, knew something had indeed happened: "Out with it!"  

"It was during the exam results announcement. Ji Taoyu and I went to the city together. The crowd at the bulletin board was huge, he wasn’t careful and fell into the river."  

Yu Sunshi’s eyes widened in shock.  

She grabbed her ger's arm: "Did he fall, or did you push him? Don’t lie to me!"  

Though he wanted to insist it was an accident—after all, no one could prove he’d pushed him, his mother’s severity made him waver. His voice weakened: "W-well, he just fell in..."  

"Still lying!"  

Yu Sunshi shouted.  

Yu Xia flinched, his eyes reddening: "I-I didn’t mean to hurt him! I just wanted him to embarrass himself a little..."  

Hearing the admission, Yu Sunshi was both furious and horrified: "Everyone knows Ji Taoyu is frail. The village head and his wife have coddled him like a fragile treasure. And you dared to push him into the water? I’ve taught you since childhood to have a conscience - don’t let others bully you, but don’t become a bully yourself. Clearly, you’ve ignored every word!"  

Furious, she slapped her ger across the face.  

Yu Xia staggered, clutching his cheek in disbelief. His mother, always so reasonable, had never struck him before.  

"What kind of ‘embarrassment’ justifies risking a life?"  

"Cousin is a dragon among men! With Ji Taoyu’s weak health, how can he possibly deserve him? The village head took advantage of Aunt being a widow with two children and no support from the You clan, that’s why Cousin couldn’t even marry a healthy girl or ger!"  

Yu Xia, equally enraged, felt betrayed by his mother. Tearfully, he shouted: "Even if the Ji family is influential in the village, Cousin is now a juren, what an honor! Though he lost his father early, the You family is a major lineage here! They ignored Cousin’s family before, but now that he’s brought them glory, the whole clan will rally behind him. How could Ji Taoyu possibly measure up?"  

"Fool! Absolute fool!"  

Yu Sunshi’s chest heaved with anger. Though furious at Yu Xia’s ignorance, she quickly realized someone must have planted these ideas, otherwise, how would a young ger know about clan politics?  

And she didn’t even need to ask who that someone was, it must be her own sister.  

The realization chilled her to the bone.  

Instead of debating clan matters, Yu Sunshi snapped: "So you humiliated Ji Taoyu to ruin his reputation. Then what?"  

Before Yu Xia could answer, she continued: "Did your aunt tell you this would give them grounds to break the engagement? That then your cousin could marry you instead, is that it?"  

Struck to the core, Yu Xia flushed.  

"Fool!"  

Yu Sunshi scolded: "Your aunt is no good. She probably started regretting the engagement as soon as your cousin became a xiucai, seeing his bright future. But the Ji family has treated them too well over the years, she couldn’t just call it off. So she needed someone else to do the dirty work, and that’s where you came in!"  

"Child, your aunt used you as a pawn!"  

"H-how could that be? She’s my own aunt!"  

Yu Xia stammered: "Aunt said she likes me, wants someone like me as her daughter-in-law."  

"If she looks down on the Ji family, why would she favor ours? The Ji family is a major family here, what are we compared to them?"  

"Aunt said she doesn’t need someone from a great family, just a healthy daughter-in-law."  

Yu Sunshi scoffed: "Can’t Ji Taoyu run or jump? He’s just a little weaker than most. Besides, now that your cousin is a juren, does he need a strong ger or girl to till the fields? Was Ji Taoyu’s health fine before today? If your aunt didn’t care about status, why didn’t she say so from the start?"  

Yu Xia was stunned into silence, unable to refute her.  

"Your aunt has always been ambitious. Back then, our family originally wanted her to marry your father, but she refused, saying the Yu family was too poor. Instead, she married into the You family for their wealth, even knowing your uncle was sickly. A few years later, he passed, leaving her to raise two children alone. If she looked down on the Yu family back then, how could she possibly approve of you now that your cousin has succeeded?"  

"It’s also my fault. These past two years, I’ve been busy with your elder siblings’ marriages and didn’t pay attention to you always running to your aunt’s place. I know you like your cousin, but your aunt will never agree."  

Yu Sunshi sighed, pulling Yu Xia closer: "From now on, stay away from your aunt. She’s using you to do what she can’t, and when the time comes, she’ll wash her hands of it while you take the blame."  

"Our Yu family is just a minor family in the village, barely scraping by. Now that your siblings are starting their own families, things are finally improving. Don’t throw it all away. Think, if the village head holds a grudge against us, how will the Yu family survive here?"  

The harsh lecture left Yu Xia sobbing - for his own foolishness, for his dashed hopes with his cousin, and for the fear that the Ji family might not let this go.  

"Your aunt has no conscience. She’ll reap what she sows. But we mustn’t get tangled in their affairs anymore."  

Regaining her composure, Yu Sunshi took Yu Xia’s hand: "The village head has always treated our family well, never oppressing us. Come with me to the Ji family, we’ll apologize properly to Ji Taoyu and the village head."  

"B-but isn’t that admitting guilt?"  

Yu Sunshi tightened her grip: "It’s better to face their anger now than live in fear of exposure."  

Yu Xia shrank back but nodded: "O-okay."

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 of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Sophistry  

Bai Ping and her son had been under surveillance all along. Suddenly summoned to the living room, with the patriarch and others present, both of them felt a sense of foreboding.  

"Dad, what’s going on? I was in the middle of a company meeting, and you ordered me back immediately?" Mu Changnian had been publicly humiliated and was in no mood for pleasantries.  

Ever since his father retired, he had rarely involved himself in worldly affairs. Yet now, using his authority as the former chairman, he had forced Mu Changnian to rush home, making him lose face entirely.  

Mu Xiwang gave his son a deep look. "Fool!" He had always been such a shrewd man, how could he let himself be played for a fool by two ordinary people? No, one of them wasn’t even ordinary.  

Mu Changnian was baffled by his father’s words. "Dad, what exactly is happening?"  

"You and Mu Xiaolin will retake the paternity test. This time, I will oversee it personally!" Mu Xiwang couldn’t reveal the surveillance footage just yet. If he did, the mother and son might prepare excuses, claiming they were being framed. Besides, Mu Lichuan had indeed violated the Mu family’s rules, if this came to light, the punishment would be severe.  

The moment these words were spoken, Bai Ping stiffened. She never expected the old man to bring this up again. "Dad, Xiaolin and the master already underwent DNA verification. Why do it again?" She was seething inside. The opportunity had come only once, if they tested again, she had no way to manipulate the results.  

"What? Are you afraid?" Mu Xiwang’s face was full of mockery. After watching the surveillance footage of the mother and son, he was certain - Mu Xiaolin was definitely not a descendant of the Mu family.  

His son was mediocre, and Bai Ping was no better. How could they possibly produce a mutated single-spiritual-root child? It made no sense. Besides, the dark aura around Mu Xiaolin was unusually sinister.  

Bai Ping protested with feigned grievance. "Dad, I’m not afraid. I just think another test would be troublesome and could damage the Mu family’s reputation."  

"Oh? Since when do you care about the Mu family’s reputation?" Mu Xiwang’s sharp gaze shifted to his son as he spoke.  

Mu Changnian found his father’s behavior inexplicable. Then he thought of his eldest son, Mu Lichuan. "Did Lichuan say something to stir up trouble?"  

As the eldest son of the Mu family, his absence now made Mu Changnian suspect he was behind this.  

"Mu Changnian!" Mu Xiwang’s expression darkened. "Can’t you be more competent? I’m talking about verifying your blood relation to Mu Xiaolin. Why drag Lichuan into this?"  

Seeing his father’s stern demeanor, Mu Changnian softened his tone. "Dad, it’s not that I refuse the test. But the results already proved Xiaolin is my child. Why must you insist? What will people think of the Mu family?"  

If he didn’t trust the results, why bother testing in the first place?  

"That was your test, not mine!" Mu Xiwang never imagined his son could be so foolish, playing the role of another man’s father without even realizing it.  

"Dad, what do you mean? Are you saying Xiaolin isn’t my child either?" Mu Changnian’s face twisted with humiliation. Never did he think his own father would imply he’d been cuckolded. For a man, there was no greater insult. 

Mu Xiwang gave Bai Ping a meaningful look. "You should ask your beloved wife about that..."  

Bai Ping gritted her teeth. "Dad, I know you despise me as the other woman, but must you humiliate Xiaolin and Changnian like this? Aren’t they still your grandson and your son?"  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 7 Part 1

Chapter 7  

Grass had already grown on the earthen grave mound, but this could make the grave soil less prone to collapse under rainwater.  

Huo Shu lit a stick of incense and inserted it into the grave mound, then bowed with clasped hands.  

After all, a stable and peaceful land was the best life one could have. Though the departed were gone, at least there was still a patch of earth where one could mourn and pay respects.  

Unlike the northern frontier, where the iron horses never rested, trampling even the graves of loved ones, forcing the locals to constantly migrate.  

[铁马 (tiě mǎ): lit. iron horses; fig. armored cavalry/relentless military forces]

Lost in thought, he withdrew his hands and watched the elderly woman beside him tearing paper money while murmuring to Zhao’s father. Suddenly, the sound of firecrackers erupted in the distance.  

The explosions were loud and continuous, lasting for quite a while.  

Both of them turned their heads toward the source of the noise until the firecrackers finally ceased.  

"Looks like it’s from the You family’s direction. Must be their second son returning from the city."  

Zhao’s mother spoke with vicarious pride: "Our village has no shortage of educated young men, but when it comes to true talent, it’s still the You family’s second son. He passed the child scholar exam, then the county-level exam to become a xiucai, and now, after the recent release of the provincial exam results, he’s become a juren." 

[Tóng shēng - preliminary student/candidate; Xiù cai - Prefectural Level; Jǔ rén - Provincial Level ; Jìn shì - The highest level, could serve in high-ranking government positions]

As she spoke, an unmistakable envy surfaced on her face: "His mother has finally made it through the hard times. Widowed early, she never remarried, raising her two children alone. Now that her second son has achieved success, she can finally enjoy her later years."  

Both were widows, but while her son had been promising, she had instead suffered the grief of burying her own child.  

Huo Shu detected the sorrow in her words and said, "Aunt, don’t grieve too much."  

"It’s nothing, I’m just happy for them."  

Zhao’s mother continued: "Our village now has a juren. The You family’s second son achieved such honors at a young age, who knows, he might even become a high-ranking official someday. As fellow villagers, we can take pride in that too."  

Village women had few pastimes, so they often busied themselves with village gossip.  

She added: "Judging by the excitement, the You family will surely host a feast. You should come with me to celebrate. Such joyous occasions thrive on a lively crowd."  

Huo Shu neither agreed nor refused. He had no interest in unrelated village affairs, but then Zhao’s mother cheerfully added:  

"Tao ger is also a fortunate one."  

Huo Shu, who had been mostly silent, suddenly asked: "The one from the field earlier?"  

Zhao’s mother laughed: "You saw him?"  

"Mn."  

"Tao ger is the prettiest little ger in our area. It’s just a shame about his weak health. But the village head had sharp eyes, he arranged Tao ger’s betrothal to the You family’s second son early on. Now that the second son has passed the provincial exam, even if the village head is reluctant to part with his ger, the wedding must go ahead."  

"The You family’s second son is refined and scholarly, while Tao ger is kind-hearted, always looking after the villagers. They’re well-matched in status too, it’s the best possible marriage. The feast will surely be grand and lively."  

As Zhao’s mother rambled on about the village’s happy news, Huo Shu’s eyelid twitched slightly, his expression far from calm.  

That jade-like face and those clear, slightly vacant eyes flashed through his mind. Huo Shu pressed his lips together.  

What Zhao Changsui had said wasn’t wrong, their Jiangnan had no shortage of beautiful girls and handsome gers. The only problem was that others moved too fast, with a hundred suitors for every eligible unmarried ones.  

So while other boys his age were still climbing trees to rob bird nests or wading into rivers to catch fish, Zhao Changsui had already learned to pick wildflowers to charm girls and gers.  

Back then, Huo Shu had scoffed at Zhao Changsui’s smugness. Now, without a word, he strode away: "I’ll take a look around."  

Zhao’s mother stood up, holding the paper money, watching the towering figure suddenly walk off. She called after him: "Come back early. I’ll cook meat for you tonight."  

____

"Mother, you’re back! Did you hear? Cousin’s family set off firecrackers for so long, he must have returned from the academy!"  

As soon as Yu Sunshi stepped into the house, she saw her ger dressed up brightly, about to head out.  

[餘孙氏 = Yú (husband's surname) + Sūn (maiden name) + shì (clan marker, Sūn of the Yu family]  

She grabbed him: "Where are you going?"  

"To Aunt’s house to congratulate Cousin, of course! The provincial exams are held only once every three years, with fewer than a hundred passing each time. Aunt has always been kind to me, how could I not celebrate such joyous news?"  

Yu Sunshi tightened her grip and pulled her ger back inside.  

"There’ll be plenty of time for congratulations later. I need to talk to you first."  

Yu Xia noticed his mother’s unusually grave expression. Though his heart had already flown to the You family, he still followed her inside.  

"Mother, what’s so urgent?"  

Once inside, Yu Sunshi glanced around to ensure no one was nearby, then shut the door.  

Yu Xia, puzzled by her behavior, asked: "What’s going on?"  

"Tell me the truth, don’t hide a single detail."  

Yu Sunshi’s face was stern: "What exactly happened between you and Ji Taoyu? Explain everything clearly."  

Yu Xia’s heart sank. The joy on his face vanished as he lowered his head

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 160 Part 1

Chapter 160  

    Guaizi ran to the front yard, and Lu Gu also walked out. There were too many dogs at home, so he instinctively shouted to stop them, afraid they might scare people. He himself had been afraid of dogs in the past, and although the dogs at home were well-behaved, they weren’t so gentle with strangers.  

    In the backyard, Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing heard the commotion and looked up toward the front. Because it was too far away and blocked by the house, they couldn’t see who had come for a while.  

    "I’ll go take a look," Shen Xuanqing said while brushing the yellow mud off his hands.  

    Before Lu Gu could step out from under the eaves of the main room, he saw Lu Daxiang peeking into the yard from the gate. He froze, never expecting the visitor to be Lu Daxiang, and his mind went blank.  

    Guaizi and Dahei barked fiercely at the outsider, while Dahui, heeding Lu Gu’s earlier command, only stood guard warily. The two puppies’ barks sounded much more high-pitched, but with the big dogs by their side, they had plenty of courage.  

    Faced with so many fierce-looking dogs, Lu Daxiang didn’t dare take a single step inside. Only when he saw Lu Gu emerge from the main room did his eyes widen in surprise - it turned out the rumors were true. The Shen family had money now, lived well, and even spared food and clothes for Lu Gu, whom they had bought.  

    He craned his neck forward and called out with a shameless grin, "Guzi, it’s me, your dad."  

    Lu Gu’s lips parted slightly, the word "dad" forming on his lips out of habit from years of calling him that. But then he remembered how Lu Daxiang had ignored him, even teamed up with Du Hehua to drag him back, lock him in the woodshed, beat him, and force him into a substitute marriage. That word "dad" never left his mouth. He closed his lips again, his face visibly pale.  

    The two stood in silence for a while. Seeing that Lu Gu wouldn’t even call him "dad," Lu Daxiang rubbed his hands awkwardly, feeling embarrassed. But knowing he was in the wrong, he didn’t dare lose his temper or act authoritative. Since the day Lu Gu had been sold to the Shen family, he hadn’t seen this son even once. Now that he was here to test the waters, how could he afford to offend Lu Gu?  

    Shen Xuanqing, who had just walked in from behind the main room, only saw Lu Gu’s back. Standing motionless, Lu Gu blocked his view of the person at the gate, and no words were exchanged, only the dogs barking. Puzzled, Shen Xuanqing asked, "Who’s here?"  

    Hearing his voice, Lu Daxiang’s heart trembled in fear. He immediately pulled his head back and took two steps backward but forced himself to stay put despite his terror.  

    Back then, Shen Xuanqing had broken one of his legs, and it had taken over half a year to heal. If it weren’t for his envy of such a large estate and the rumors that the Shen family had raised hundreds of rabbits - all of which meant money, he would’ve fled at the sound of that demon’s voice.  

    Hearing Shen Xuanqing’s voice, Lu Gu seemed to find his anchor. Pressing his lips together, he turned around without a word and walked toward Shen Xuanqing.  

    Lu Daxiang had never beaten him, but when Lu Gu had refused to be a substitute bride and tried to run away, it was Lu Daxiang and Du Hehua who had dragged him back. Seeing Lu Daxiang now brought back all those memories - the suffocating darkness that had nearly drowned him, the resentment clogging his chest, stuck in his throat like a lump of cotton, making it impossible to speak.  

    Only after coming to the Shen family, where he had never suffered abuse or scolding again, did he realize just how unbearable his past life had been. Comparing the two, he knew exactly who had treated him well.  

    Shen Xuanqing strode forward, and when he saw who was at the gate, his brow furrowed, his expression turning cold.  

    Seeing Lu Gu’s pale face, he gripped Lu Gu’s wrist firmly and said in a low voice, "Don’t be afraid. I’ll send him away."  

    Lu Gu couldn’t speak, only nodding. Since they had sold him off, he naturally didn’t want to see Lu Daxiang. Now that Shen Xuanqing was beside him, his hand warm and strong around his wrist, it was like a dose of reassurance, helping him regain his thoughts. Without a doubt, Lu Daxiang’s visit today meant trouble. It was best to send him away quickly before things escalated.  

    Shen Xuanqing took a few steps into the yard, not stopping Guaizi and Dahei from barking. With a cold expression, he said, "You here to get beaten again?"  

    He showed no mercy, immediately delivering a harsh rebuff that made Lu Daxiang’s hands tremble. The leg that had finally healed began to ache faintly.  

    "We agreed back then, Lu Gu was sold to me, and from that day on, he has no ties to your Lu family. The deal was settled, money and goods exchanged. Now get lost." Shen Xuanqing stopped in the yard, not stepping closer. His disgust for the Lu family was boundless - the sooner he left, the better.  

    His bluntness made even the thick-skinned Lu Daxiang flush with humiliation, nearly being told to his face to "get lost." He wanted to curse back, but fear of Shen Xuanqing actually beating him made him swallow his words.  

    Lu Daxiang’s face twisted through several expressions before he finally forced an ingratiating smile. His posture, never upright to begin with, hunched even further in fear, making him look even more pitiful as he tried to appease Shen Xuanqing: "Ah, my good son-in-law, it’s been so long. Why not invite me in?"  

    He had meant to say "your father-in-law," but seeing Shen Xuanqing’s expression, he didn’t dare.  

    Shen Xuanqing sneered. This old fool really had no shame.  

    Even Lu Gu, standing motionless in the main room, felt his face burn with secondhand embarrassment, a sense of absurdity rising in his chest. This was his father? Back then, the Lu family had fought fiercely with the Shen family, greedily keeping the betrothal gift of twenty taels of silver and refusing to return it, relying on Lu Wen’s connection to the Li family’s influence. And now he had the nerve to call Shen Xuanqing "son-in-law"?  

    His face burned, and tears of anger welled up in his eyes at Lu Daxiang’s shamelessness.  

    "Your son-in-law is at the Li family in town. There’s no son-in-law here," Shen Xuanqing mocked, losing patience. "If you don’t leave now, don’t blame me for what happens next."  

    Having suffered greatly at Shen Xuanqing’s hands before, Lu Daxiang trembled at his words, scratching his cheek awkwardly. But his eyes kept darting to the long backyard behind the main room. Though he couldn’t see all of it, the mud walls stretched far enough that one could easily farm or plant crops inside - it must be huge.  

    Even in town, let alone the countryside, no one had such a large estate. The sight made his eyes burn with envy.  

    Getting nowhere with Shen Xuanqing, he glanced at him nervously before calling out to Lu Gu: "Guzi, are you just going to ignore your dad? It’s the middle of winter, and I haven’t eaten in days! And Xiao Wu, yes, Xiao Wu! He’s just a kid, and he’s starving too!"  

    "Xiao Wu grew up with you watching over him. How can you abandon your own little brother?"

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.  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 6 Part 2

Though Yu Sunshi didn’t understand what had angered Ji Taoyu, it clearly involved her son. She wondered if the two gers had quarreled, but Ji Taoyu’s icy tone sent a chill down her spine.  

Ji Taoyu had always been gentle and accommodating, this was the first time she’d seen him so cold. She sensed her son had crossed a line.  

"I’ll go ask Xia ger right away. Whatever happened, please don’t upset yourself, it’s bad for your health."  

Aunt Sun abandoned her errand and hurried home.  

Once she was gone, Ji Taoyu exhaled deeply, then crouched back down to harvest scallions.  

Xia ger had pushed him into the water, nearly killing him. Whether it was a moment’s spite or malice, Ji Taoyu wouldn’t rest until he saw some retribution.  

"Quite the sharp tongue."  

Ji Taoyu had been thinking that even if he hadn’t run into Aunt Sun today, he’d have sought her out later to settle the matter.  

But a voice from behind startled him so badly he nearly knelt in the dirt.  

If villagers overheard his earlier words, rumors would spread like wildfire.  

He turned slowly and saw a stern face looking down at him from higher ground, arms crossed. "But the one who pushed you was her son. Can you trust a mother to side against her own child?"  

"I can’t guarantee it, but their reaction will show their character. If they apologize, I’ll let it go. If not, I’ll involve my parents. In a small village, opportunities for payback will come."  

Huo Shu studied Ji Taoyu. The ger seemed soft and slow, but he wasn’t foolish.  

"That’s one way, but too roundabout. If you want revenge, I can help. Where do they live?"  

Huo Shu added, "My blade hasn’t seen use in a while."  

Ji Taoyu paled. "Murder lands you in prison!"  

"Who said anything about killing?"  

Ji Taoyu hesitated, but then Huo Shu continued flatly, "Chopping off a hand would suffice."  

"What’s the difference?!"  

Seeing Huo Shu’s indifference, Ji Taoyu grew genuinely alarmed. "The village is peaceful, no unsheathing weapons!"  

Huo Shu watched the ger’s face pale further, half-hoping he might cry again. But no such luck.  

"If you do this, I’ll report you to the magistrate."  

Huo Shu's eyebrow arched in surprise. A hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, this little cabbage dared threaten me?

[小白菜 (xiǎo bái cài): lit. Little cabbage; fig. Term for innocent/vulnerable person]

"Fine. If you don’t want it, forget it."  

Ji Taoyu exhaled in relief, then muttered under his breath, "Who knew warriors also eavesdropped?"  

"Broad daylight. I don’t cover my ears."  

Knowing he was at fault, Ji Taoyu softened his tone. "You… won’t tell anyone about this, right?"  

Huo Shu said, "Depends."  

Ji Taoyu wasn’t sure what to make of that, but he doubted Huo Shu was the gossipy type. That eased his mind slightly.  

"Why are you here, warrior?"  

"To burn incense."  

"At Uncle Zhao’s grave?"  

Ji Taoyu remembered Aunt Yuan's bedridden husband had passed two years ago and was buried in this area. He had even attended the funeral feast at the Zhao family's home.  

"Mn."  

"Did you come alone?"  

"Auntie brought me."  

Hearing this, Ji Taoyu's heart gave a thud. He turned his head to glance around but didn't see another person nearby.    

"Where’s Aunt Yuan?"  

"Forgot the firestarter. Went back for it."  

"…"  

Ji Taoyu exhaled, lips pressed thin. This man answered only what was asked - no more.  

If not for him being his savior, Ji Taoyu wouldn’t bother speaking to him.  

"Did you… finish your business?"  

"No."  

Ji Taoyu gave up. Not asking seemed ungrateful, but probing felt intrusive.  

"Then… take your time settling in the village."  

With that, he resumed harvesting scallions.  

Huo Shu watched the crouching figure, soft as a bundled cabbage.  

He remarked, "So eloquent with villagers, yet stammers with me. Am I some beast?"  

Ji Taoyu bit his lip. Wasn’t it obvious? One moment talking of murder, the next of maiming, who wouldn’t be scared?  

He silently plucked scallions, refusing to engage.  

Huo Shu, seeing his teasing ignored, switched topics. "I’m looking for someone but don’t know their name or where they live."  

Ji Taoyu paused and looked up. "How can you find them, then? Why look?"  

"To deliver something."  

"So you have a token?"  

At Huo Shu’s nod, Ji Taoyu realized he wouldn’t bring this up casually. "Do you… want my help finding them?"  

Huo Shu neither confirmed nor denied.  

"If possible."  

Ji Taoyu's eyes widened slightly.  

He said in low voice, "Then don’t tell anyone about today, and I’ll help."  

Huo Shu watched the ger’s tentative bargaining and raised a brow. "I saved you. You help me. We’re even."  

"Keeping your secret is separate."  

Ji Taoyu frowned. Earlier, this man had acted above repayment, now he was keeping score?  

"What do you want?"  

Huo Shu drawled, "Silence has a price."  

Taoyu hesitated. "You’re… short on money?"  

Huo Shu’s brow arched higher.  

Ji Taoyu, though knowing it was rude, couldn’t help thinking: At his age, still broke? What will he live on after the war?  

He pursed his lips. "I… don’t have much saved either."  

Huo Shu considered. "Then treat me to a meal."  

Ji Taoyu flushed. "Fine, whenever you’re free, let me know. My parents will prepare a feast to thank you."  

Huo Shu said, "Your parents’ feast is for saving you. For my silence, you treat me alone."  

"That’s improper! A man and ger can’t dine alone!"  

Ji Taoyu refused outright, but Huo Shu’s gaze turned sharp. He quickly averted his eyes.  

"Then… my lips might loosen."  

Huo Shu turned to leave.  

Taoyu panicked. "I-I can’t host you alone, but I’ll cook and pack the meal for you. Would that work?"  

Huo Shu stopped but didn’t turn. "Can you cook?"  

"Decently."  

"Then fine."  

Ji Taoyu exhaled, about to ask for details on the person Huo Shu sought, when Zhao’s mother returned with the firestarter. He fell silent.  

"Tao ger, picking vegetables?"  

Taoyu smiled. "Grandfather’s here for herbs. I want him to eat before heading back."  

"Such filial piety."  

After exchanging pleasantries, Ji Taoyu turned back—only to find Huo Shu gone, as if he’d never been there.

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.”