The lanterns were beautiful—and expensive.
Since they were sold during festivals, the prices were naturally higher. But for Yuan Zhao now, buying a few lanterns was nothing. Even buying a house for Yuan Yuan would not be difficult.
After waiting an hour at the craftsman’s shop, two exquisite lanterns were finished. Yuan Yuan was overjoyed and no longer mentioned the dog egg.
Yuan Zhao was still angry. He had raised Yuan Yuan like a son—like a brother and father both. In the past, even when life was hard, he would save his own bite of food and go into the mountains to dig wild vegetables just to make sure Yuan Yuan was full.
And now someone, seeing Shi Wuxiang become a successful scholar, tried to use a single old lantern to trick his little brother away.
Unforgivable.
Luckily Yuan Yuan was sensitive. He dared not show his emotions in front of him, or he would have already gone to put a sack over that boy’s head.
“Actually, new or old lanterns are the same—but only the ones that belong to you are the best,” Yuan Zhao said carefully.
“I remember that,” Yuan Yuan said.
Yuan Zhao did not say more. Only now did he understand Shi Wuxiang’s earlier feelings—children around fourteen or fifteen already being pushed into matchmaking felt far too early.
Just like how Shi Wuxiang thought it was too early for Yuan Yue to marry at sixteen or seventeen.
When they returned to the shop, the workers were already closing up, but one table still sat steadily in place. They had not ordered anything, only stood up as soon as Yuan Zhao returned, bringing a child with them to apologize.
“Shopkeeper Yuan, the child spoke carelessly. Please do not take it to heart. He always talks nonsense. We will educate him properly in the future,” the man said awkwardly.
Yuan Zhao immediately understood what was going on—this was the apology from Dog Egg’s parents. It was clear they also realized how offensive those words had been. Even if it came from a child, it still required proper teaching.
Dog Egg also apologized to Yuan Yuan. “Sorry. I can still give you my lantern to play with, but you don’t need to marry me anymore.”
Yuan Yuan looked at him calmly, then raised the two newly made lanterns in his hands. He smiled brightly. “I don’t want yours. Mine are the best.”
Just a lantern. Nothing more.
Dog Egg’s father felt even more embarrassed and started scolding Dog Egg’s mother. “I told you to watch the child properly, and this is how you teach him? No sense at all! What if the Yuan shopkeeper misunderstands us? You’ve ruined a perfectly good relationship!”
Madam Shi Zhang, who had been tidying tables and chairs, also got angry when she heard the talk of marrying and not marrying. “Yes, this really should be properly taught. Today it’s marrying a little husband, tomorrow it’s marrying a girl—if someone didn’t know better, they’d think your family already planned for him to have multiple wives and concubines. That doesn’t sound good at all.”
“We’re truly sorry about this. We will properly discipline the child in the future!” Dog Egg’s mother said awkwardly.
Originally they had thought the boy could first “secure” the little husband, but who would have expected it to be exposed so quickly.
Yuan Zhao let out a cold laugh. “Whether you teach him or not is your business. But if you keep saying such disgusting things to us, we won’t let it go so easily.”
“Yes, yes, of course.”
“Leave. We’re closing.”
Yuan Zhao directly issued the order to leave. The warning had been given. He did not want things to become too ugly, lest others accuse them of becoming arrogant after gaining status. More importantly, he did not want Yuan Yuan’s reputation to be affected.
Dog Egg’s parents quickly left with the child, and the shop door was shut.
After closing, they settled accounts and went their separate ways.
Gou Yi—known as Da Gou—after gaining stable work had been helped by Yuan Zhao to register household status together with his younger siblings. They were no longer beggars.
Because of this, he was even more grateful to Yuan Zhao. Every day after finishing work and collecting wages, he would take his siblings through the small streets and alleys of the town, trying to gather every bit of news and gossip to report back to Yuan Zhao.
If they could, they would even love to hear about things happening in the county.
“Big Brother Yi, do we still need to keep investigating? The shop owner’s husband is already a scholar. No one dares to bully them anymore,” Gou Er Er asked, frowning.
Gou Yi shook his head. His face, now a bit more hardened, was serious. “Men change once they have money and status. They’ll take concubines and mess around. The shop owner is our benefactor—we must keep an eye on Teacher Shi. If he finds someone outside, we must tell the shop owner!”
“Tell her? But aren’t men supposed to take concubines?” Gou Er Er did not understand. She had seen enough rich men in town with multiple wives.
“If he truly loved her, why would he take concubines?” Gou Yi said, surprised at her. “If Teacher Shi really has someone else, then he doesn’t love the shop owner anymore. That makes him a bad man—we must report it.”
Gou Er Er hesitated, confused by this new idea, unsure what to believe.
“Don’t think too much. Just remember—if Teacher Shi has someone outside, and it will hurt the shop owner, then we report it. Understand?”
“Yes!” Gou Er Er immediately became serious. “Bad men… should be punished!”
Shi Wuxiang had originally left Dog Egg’s house intending to return home, but he was spotted by merchants who had previously given gifts. They repeatedly invited him for a small gathering at a restaurant, explicitly saying there would be no drinking involved.
Since he still needed to maintain some social connections in the town, he agreed.
One merchant said awkwardly, “During the drought, my family was struggling and I missed the chance to befriend you, Scholar Shi. I truly regret it.”
Shi Wuxiang smiled lightly. “The relief work during the drought was done by my husband. It cannot be attributed to me.”
The merchant choked slightly. “You are husband and wife—same thing, same thing. Today I will host you. Please enjoy yourself fully. There will be some entertainment later as well.”
“Is that so?” Shi Wuxiang responded indifferently.
At first, he had intended to give a bit of face. But hearing the drought mentioned reminded him that this man had never appeared among those who offered relief. Even if he had no surplus grain, showing up would have been enough—but he had stayed hidden the entire time.
And now he had the nerve to bring it up again. Truly shameless.
“I think this conversation is pointless. I don’t share the same interests as you. I’ll take my leave,” Shi Wuxiang said, standing up.
The merchant hurriedly blocked him. “Please wait! I know you may still have prejudice against me, but I truly prepared other entertainment as an apology—please give me a chance!”
Before Shi Wuxiang could respond, the merchant clapped his hands.
A group of young women immediately entered, standing in front of the door.
Shi Wuxiang’s expression turned cold. “What is the meaning of this?”
“I heard your husband has not borne children in two years, and that little husbands are not as graceful as women. A man should enjoy himself—so I selected these especially as compensation for you!”
“Get out,” Shi Wuxiang said calmly.
The women froze, looking between him and the merchant, unsure what to do.
Shi Wuxiang’s gaze turned even colder. “You too. Get out.”
The merchant was startled, still forcing a smile. “Th-this is just for entertainment, you don’t have to bring them home—”
Shi Wuxiang’s expression grew darker. “Didn’t I say? Get out.”
The merchant finally shut up, sweating nervously.
Shi Wuxiang sneered. “You say we have nothing in common? You’re just a worthless fool who can’t tell right from wrong.”
Then he looked at the women blocking the door. “Move. Don’t dirty my path.”
The women hurriedly stepped aside in fear.
When Shi Wuxiang left, he carried a faint scent of powder on his clothes.
Outside, Gou Yi and the others immediately hid. After he left, they split up—one group followed him home, another went to investigate the restaurant.
Gou Yi went personally. He feared Gou Er Er might be in danger. In his mind, what they were doing was like becoming secret guards for their benefactor—very heroic, very righteous, very “jianghu.”
At the restaurant, he quickly found out what had happened. When he saw the merchant bringing out those women, he was furious.
That disgusting old man!
He actually arranged for Teacher Shi to meet those women—what if something happened? The shop owner would definitely be unhappy!
Gou Yi ran out immediately and rushed toward the direction Gou Er Er had gone—back toward the Shi household.
As expected, at the alley entrance, he saw them.
Gou Er Er looked upset. “Big Brother Yi, you were right. Teacher Shi is really a bad man.”
Gou Yi frowned. “What?”
“He smelled really strong—like those places we used to beg in. That sweet scent from the flower houses!” Gou Er Er said sadly. “He must have met those women…”
Gou Yi went silent for a moment. “Let’s go back. The shop owner will know anyway.”
Back at home, Yuan Zhao also smelled it.
He paused only for a moment, then went to prepare bathwater.
Shi Wuxiang took off his outer robe, intending to put it in the laundry basket, but after a moment of hesitation, he threw it into a corner instead—clearly intending to burn it later.
Yuan Zhao came and went, carrying hot water. His gaze inevitably fell on the clothes in the corner. Normally, Shi Wuxiang was very frugal. The only time he had thrown clothes away before was when Yuan Zhao had vomited on him. But this time was different.
No drink spill, no tear. Just a faint scent of powder—and he already wanted to discard it.
“I’ll wash it first,” Yuan Zhao asked carefully, hiding his thoughts.
“No need. Burn it,” Shi Wuxiang said flatly, clearly irritated.
Yuan Zhao quietly answered, “Alright.”
He took the robe to the kitchen, preparing to burn it in the stove.
Madam Jia Xiao Mei noticed it and asked with a smile, “Why is the master’s robe being burned? It looks fine.”
“Probably doesn’t want it anymore,” Yuan Zhao said with a faint smile.
As long as one old robe was gone, there would be countless new ones. Everyone knew what to choose.
By the time Shi Wuxiang finished bathing and came out, Yuan Zhao immediately draped a thick cloak over him.
“Dinner will be ready soon. Do you want more?”
“Yes.” Shi Wuxiang said.
“Were you at the wine house only drinking and didn’t eat enough?” Yuan Zhao had to admit his own inferiority; he always asked questions carrying his own suspicions. No matter what the other person said, he would not believe it.
Yet he still insisted on asking.
Shi Wuxiang let out a soft sigh. “Not only that, I barely had time to eat or drink at all. I was thinking of coming back to keep you company.”
That tone carrying apology made Yuan Zhao’s heart sink into the depths of a lake. He had read storybooks before; the books said that after men committed infidelity outside, they would suddenly become very affectionate toward their wives.
Normally, as long as Ah Xiang mentioned meeting someone outside, he would come back well-fed and satisfied—but today he hadn’t. Today was really strange. Everything was strange.
“Ah Xiang, when you came back you smelled very fragrant. Did you go to a rouge shop?” Yuan Zhao tested again.
Shi Wuxiang recalled that matter and felt nauseated, naturally unable to tell Yuan Zhao about it. It would only trouble him.
He smiled. “Maybe I picked up the scent on the road. Why bring up rouge all of a sudden? Don’t tell me you want to buy some to play with? I’ll accompany you tomorrow to buy it, how about that?”
Yuan Zhao lowered his eyes a little in disappointment. To Shi Wuxiang, it looked as if he wanted it today, and became unhappy upon hearing it would be tomorrow.
“Not even able to wait one night? Then I’ll go buy it right now before the shops close. What do you want? Powder rouge, lip color, eyebrow powder? I’ll buy them all, alright?” Shi Wuxiang cupped his face and made him look at him, coaxing softly.
“You’re so strange. Why are you suddenly being so nice?” Yuan Zhao stared at him unblinkingly. “Did you do something bad?”
Shi Wuxiang’s expression remained calm, and he even found it a little amusing. “Strange? When have I not treated you like this? When have I ever failed to give you what you wanted? Does saying that not hurt your conscience?”
Yuan Zhao froze. It did seem like that.
Even when Ah Xiang first kept saying he didn’t like him, he never mistreated him. Later on, he only became better and better to him. As he said, he had never broken promises or been perfunctory.
It seemed the one who was wrong was himself.
“I… I didn’t… I was just speaking casually. I’m sorry, don’t be angry.” Yuan Zhao quickly hugged his waist, resting his chin against his chest as he looked up. “But you’re not completely without fault. I just don’t want to say it.”
“What did I do wrong?” Shi Wuxiang asked.
Yuan Zhao immediately widened his eyes. “How can you ask me that? You should ask yourself!”
Shi Wuxiang thought carefully. “When I went out I was fine. I only came back after a while without seeing you and it became like this… I did tell you I was going to a meeting… then it must be what happened after I came back… it can’t be because of the scent on me, right?”
As soon as those words fell, he received an indignant punch from Yuan Zhao.
It struck his back directly.
“Absolutely no deception. It’s truly just something I picked up by accident on the road,” Shi Wuxiang said, holding his waist and gently swaying him. “When have I ever lied to you? In your heart there isn’t even a bit of trust?”
“How can you blame me?” Yuan Zhao lowered his gaze slightly, listing everything he found strange. His tone even carried a hint of accusation. “You said you went to meet someone, didn’t drink, and came back smelling like thick, suffocating rouge. You didn’t even wash your clothes and wanted to throw them away. Isn’t that strange?”
Shi Wuxiang paused for a moment, forgetting to respond. He only felt that the way Yuan Zhao muttered complaints was very cute.
Only after finishing did Yuan Zhao realize his behavior was somewhat unpleasant. Talking so much wasn’t just distrust—it also showed he did not properly recognize his position.
After all, Shi Wuxiang was now a successful provincial graduate. Let alone indulging in pleasures outside, even having multiple wives and concubines would be considered the romantic conduct of scholars. His words sounded like pressure, like a tantrum.
What household head would tolerate a partner being so unreasonable?
“Hm? What did you say?” Shi Wuxiang asked when he saw him suddenly go silent. He hadn’t paid much attention to Yuan Zhao’s muttering. “If your clothes are dirty, of course they should be thrown away. Why should I let you trouble yourself washing them?”
He led Yuan Zhao to sit down. So this was youthful worry and overthinking? From his current perspective, it really felt somewhat amusing. Perhaps this was the biggest concern Yuan Zhao had today.
Yuan Zhao actually believed him.
His temperament wasn’t soft, but as long as it involved family matters, a few words from Shi Wuxiang were enough to soothe him. And since it was Shi Wuxiang speaking, he had even less resistance.
Knock knock knock.
“Master, Young Madam, the meal is ready,” Maid Jia Xiaomei said from outside without entering.
“Coming!”
After dinner, the family sat in the main hall chatting, warming sweet potatoes over a charcoal basin. The sweet fragrance mixed with the scent of fire filled the room, creating an unexpected feeling of peaceful years.
Shi Zhangshi used the candlelight to sew shoes, occasionally touching the needle to her head. “It feels like it’s going to be the New Year again. Time really passes quickly.”
“New Year is good,” Yuan Wan said, fiddling with his lantern. The little peach blossom and apricot flower were very pretty, already festive even without the New Year.
Shi Qingran said, “During the New Year, Second Brother should come back.”
Hearing him mention Shi Qingyue, Shi Wuxiang suddenly realized what he had forgotten. He had been away for two months for the exams and hadn’t seen Shi Qingyue after returning—he had almost forgotten he even had such a younger brother.
Yuan Zhao also became slightly guilty and said nothing.
Shi Zhangshi smiled without looking at them. “I took Ranran and Wan’er to see him. He still didn’t pass this year and felt embarrassed, wanted to come home. I lectured him a bit. There’s still next year anyway.”
The provincial exam was held twice every three years, so there were more chances than the prefectural exam.
“He’s still young. As long as he’s willing to study, he can pass eventually. If he really doesn’t want to stay at the academy, we can bring him home and I’ll supervise him myself,” Shi Wuxiang said.
“I almost forgot about that… you’re already a provincial graduate. You can even teach in the county or prefectural city. Teaching him would be more than enough. With you watching him, I’ll feel more at ease!” Shi Zhangshi became increasingly pleased.
Shi Qingran silently pitied his second brother. Going home meant no easy days—the eldest brother was stricter than anyone!
Shi Qingyue, however, thought nothing of it. His entire mind was filled with the joy of being able to return home and study. As long as he was home, who could control him!
“From today onward, you must strictly follow the academy schedule to study. I will supervise you,” Shi Wuxiang said coldly, extinguishing his fantasies.
Shi Qingyue silently screamed, flailing his arms as if punching the air. “Big Brother, aren’t you tired? You’re already a provincial graduate. So many people want to treat you to drinks—why bother supervising me?”
Shi Wuxiang said calmly, “Then go back to the academy. I believe, given my reputation, your teacher will be willing to focus more on you.”
Shi Qingyue: “……”
You’re terrifying!
Compared to studying desperately at the academy, studying desperately at home seemed more comfortable. After convincing himself, he agreed.
After finishing the explanation, Shi Wuxiang prepared to leave.
Early that morning, Cheng Du’s family had sent word that they were going to the academy today to share teaching experience, and the carriage should arrive soon.
As soon as he stepped out, the Cheng family carriage arrived.
Zhenlan Academy.
Because four provincial graduates had emerged at once, the academy was extremely prestigious. Recently, the number of students coming to inquire about studies had increased significantly. Even students from other academies wanted to transfer in, believing this place must be excellent.
When they arrived, it was break time. Seeing them, the students immediately gathered around. Upon learning they were there to share experience, they became even more excited.
The headmaster gathered all students and divided them into four large groups, assigning the four men to teach separately. Their experience and exam insights were practical and substantial. The students wrote furiously, wishing they could have them compiled into a book.
An hour later, the four arrived at the headmaster’s study.
“No need for formalities. With your current learning, you could even teach in county schools. I have been entrusted by others to invite you to teach at the county academy,” the headmaster said with emotion. “The county academy needs reform, and the four of you new provincial graduates are the most suitable.”
Regardless of how one looked at it, Shi Wuxiang and the others were young but already successful scholars. Even if they failed the higher exam later, they could still become minor officials in county or prefectural posts—already beyond ordinary reach.
Teaching in the county was naturally a good opportunity.
Even if they failed the provincial exam later, they could continue teaching in the county and still enjoy prosperity.
“I need to discuss this with my family,” Shi Wuxiang said.
“We also need a day to consider,” Fu Ying and the others said. This was indeed a good opportunity, but not something to accept impulsively.
The headmaster nodded. “Of course. Go back and discuss it. If you agree, send someone to inform me, and I will make arrangements.”
“Thank you, Headmaster.”
Shi Wuxiang returned to the eatery and brought Yuan Zhao and Shi Zhangshi upstairs, explaining the matter to them.