Since the tavern’s opening had gone smoothly and business was strong—with the magistrate as a signboard and merchants constantly bringing guests—the tavern quickly became lively and prosperous.
Even regular customers from the old stall gathered their courage to come, carefully asking whether the rolled pancakes would still be affordable now that they were sold in the tavern.
Fortunately, everything remained unchanged. Even if one only bought rolled pancakes or egg pancakes without dining in, no one looked down on them. Customers were delighted and even spread the word outside.
The tavern’s business soon stabilized.
Yuan Zhao only occasionally visited, and even then he would sit in the private room. Just as Shi Wuxiang had said, as an owner, he no longer needed to handle everything personally.
At home, because the residence was too spacious, Yuan Zhao gritted his teeth and hired a few of the cheapest servants from a labor broker. They were only responsible for basic cleaning and simple work.
With more people in the house, it became lively. For the first time, Yuan Zhao felt like a proper household master.
“Madam, Gou steward has returned.”
“Let him in.”
Since settling in the county, the servants had changed their address for him. “Madam” was the term for a male spouse in that position. Yuan Zhao still found it slightly awkward.
Gou Yi quickly entered and reported respectfully, “Master, I checked around the area. There is a small school in a nearby village. I also asked—any child can study as long as tuition is paid. The teacher treats all students equally.”
Most teachers were now simply earning a living. As long as tuition was paid, they were willing to teach. Since families willing to educate sons and daughters were usually wealthy or noble, teachers would not dare to neglect them.
Yuan Zhao nodded. “I’ll go take a look later. If it’s suitable, I’ll let Yuan Yuan and the others study in the county.”
After that, there were no further urgent matters.
As the weather grew warmer, Yuan Zhao often went to the academy to visit Shi Wuxiang, though he only stayed briefly to chat before leaving.
Then he suddenly remembered—his birthday was approaching.
And A-Xiang had once said that on his birthday, they would consummate their marriage.
Yuan Zhao did not fully understand these matters yet. After thinking for a while, he rummaged through a cabinet and found a booklet that Madam Shi Zhang had once given him after things had settled between him and Shi Wuxiang.
She had called it a “kept-away treasure,” though he vaguely knew what it contained.
“I found it.”
He pulled the booklet out from the bottom of the chest and dusted it off. Just as he was about to open it, he hesitated, sent Xia Lian outside, and made sure no servants were present.
Xia Lian obediently left and closed the door.
Yuan Zhao took a deep breath and opened the booklet.
The first page already showed something shocking. He immediately snapped it shut, his face flushing red a moment later.
After calming down, he opened it again, this time peeking through a narrow gap with one hand covering his eyes while flipping the pages with the other.
The illustrations were not particularly obscene, but to someone inexperienced like him, they were overwhelming. The thought of doing such things with Shi Wuxiang made his breathing uneven.
How could someone be pressed against a wall like that… nowhere to escape at all!
And how could it happen on a window-side couch—what if someone passed by?!
He slammed the booklet shut, gulped down two cups of cold tea, and tried to cool his face. Finally, he stuffed the booklet back into the chest, deciding he already roughly understood what to do.
If A-Xiang did not know how later… then he would just take the initiative.
—
Shi Wuxiang was also planning Yuan Zhao’s birthday.
Gold and jewels were nothing special. Compared to those, sincerity mattered more.
The pair of jade bracelets last time had been enough; this time he needed something different.
And then there was the matter of consummation.
A young male spouse was not much different from a man in that regard, so one had to be careful. He had never personally experienced it, but he had seen enough to understand.
Ordinary medicinal lubricants would not suffice. If he wanted the best, he would need to get them from places like the pleasure quarters.
Given his current status, he could not go there openly, so he sent a beggar with instructions and waited at a teahouse.
The beggar returned quickly, carrying a large bundle. “The madam said these are for young male use. They contain medicinal effects, but are safe as long as they’re not overused.”
Shi Wuxiang understood. These things were enhanced for use in brothels because clients there showed little restraint.
He took the bundle home.
The next day was Yuan Zhao’s birthday, so he naturally had to return early.
“A-Xiang, why are you back today?” Yuan Zhao greeted him, smiling brightly. “The cook is preparing food—it’ll be ready soon.”
“Good,” Shi Wuxiang replied, taking his hand.
Seeing that Yuan Zhao seemed slightly subdued, he asked what he had been doing these days. Hearing that he had mostly stayed at home, Shi Wuxiang frowned slightly.
“If you have free time, you should go out. Staying at home all day will make you restless.”
“I’m not used to socializing with the ladies in the city,” Yuan Zhao said. “I’m afraid they’ll see me and come looking for me again…”
“Then go if you want to,” Shi Wuxiang said softly. “No one in Mingqu County would dare bully you now. Or you could keep company with Xu Ling. She likes talking to you.”
Xu Ling was indeed very enthusiastic—sometimes even overwhelming.
Yuan Zhao pouted. “When will Cheng Du and the others get married? I want to play with their wives.”
Shi Wuxiang could not help laughing. “I don’t know that, but I’ll ask around for you.”
Yuan Zhao then noticed the bundle. “What’s that?”
“A birthday gift for you. Open it tomorrow,” Shi Wuxiang said calmly.
Yuan Zhao immediately stopped asking.
Today was the nineteenth day of the fourth month—his “official” birthday.
Even though it was not his real one, Shi Wuxiang still offered him blessings. From this year onward, this date would no longer be a painful memory, but something they could jokingly celebrate every year.
The next day, April 20th.
It was Yuan Zhao’s true birthday.
On this day, everyone in the household except Yuan Zhao woke up early. Under Shi Wuxiang’s arrangements, they moved in and out busily. By the time Yuan Zhao opened his eyes, he could no longer see a trace of any preparations.
He yawned and sat up, looking at Shi Wuxiang sitting by the bedside reading a book. That booklet looked vaguely familiar.
“Why are you reading so early in the morning? Didn’t you finish things at the academy?”
Shi Wuxiang smiled and casually tucked the booklet behind him, then pulled him out of the blankets. “No, just some leisure reading. Something to pass the time. Get up and wash up, then we’ll eat.”
“Okay.” Yuan Zhao nodded obediently and got up to wash himself.
He still had no real sense that it was his birthday. After all, it was a day he had never celebrated before. Compared to that, what he was more concerned about was what would happen at night. He even wondered if he should prepare anything.
Half-awake, he brushed his teeth and washed his face, then sat at the table with Shi Wuxiang waiting for breakfast.
Soon, Xia Lian brought in a bowl of noodles and placed it in front of him.
A white porcelain bowl, filled with thin noodles that coiled like combed silk. Around the edges were neatly arranged greens, minced meat, diced vegetables, and fresh shrimp. In the center sat two fried eggs.
Yuan Zhao’s eyes widened. He looked at the bowl, then at Shi Wuxiang.
“Why is there only one bowl? Have you already eaten? And it’s so big—this is the same bowl we usually use for stewed meat!”
“I already ate. This is just for you,” Shi Wuxiang said softly, his tone entirely different from his usual reserved manner. “I made the dough myself, and I pulled the noodles too. See if it’s chewy and if it suits your taste.”
“Oh… okay.” Yuan Zhao suddenly felt a bit nervous. He rubbed his hands on his knees, then picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.
The bowl was too exquisite, too beautiful—he didn’t even know where to start. He found a strand and began to slurp it up, but the noodle seemed endless, refusing to break.
Seeing Shi Wuxiang watching him with a gentle smile, he also started to smile.
“This noodle is funny… it doesn’t break… so long… ah—this is… this is—”
He suddenly realized what it was.
“This is longevity noodles I made myself,” Shi Wuxiang said, feeding him a shrimp with a spoon. “Today is your birthday, so you should eat this. Breakfast is simple; tonight I’ll make something more lively.”
Yuan Zhao, mouth full of shrimp, could only nod while chewing.
No matter what he ate, he was easy to satisfy, but this bowl of noodles tasted especially different because it was made by Shi Wuxiang.
He finished the entire bowl, down to the last bits of chopped scallion.
Shi Wuxiang frowned slightly and touched his stomach. “Eating so much—aren’t you afraid of indigestion? Come walk with me in the courtyard.”
The two strolled hand in hand. Servants bustled around them, the once-empty courtyard now lively and full of life.
“This backyard hasn’t been planted yet. Other houses have flowers and plants. Why don’t we plant some?” Yuan Zhao asked softly.
That little garden really did look beautiful.
Shi Wuxiang put on a thoughtful expression. “I’m often at the academy and can’t tend to it. Since you’re the one at home, why don’t you plant whatever you like?”
Yuan Zhao’s eyes lit up. “I can really plant whatever I want?”
“Of course. Maybe cucumbers on a trellis? They’re refreshing, and you can even eat them raw to fill your stomach,” Shi Wuxiang said, effortlessly steering him toward what he wanted to hear.
“I understand!” Yuan Zhao happily looked over the empty patch of land, completely unaware it had already been carefully prepared for him.
He was happy, and Shi Wuxiang was happy as well.
They spent the entire day at home together. The newly purchased residence still had many places to explore, so they wandered around the courtyard. Even sitting in silence felt comfortable.
By noon, the sun grew warm, so they returned indoors to rest.
“I actually don’t feel very sleepy,” Yuan Zhao said after lying down.
“Still need to sleep. A short nap will give you energy,” Shi Wuxiang coaxed. “Afterward, we can go buy seeds and plant your vegetable patch.”
Yuan Zhao blinked and obediently closed his eyes. He wasn’t very tired, but perhaps because someone was beside him, or because the breeze through the window was comfortable, he fell asleep quickly.
Shi Wuxiang gently patted his back, and only after he was deeply asleep did he also drift off.
Yuan Zhao was awakened later. Dazed, he looked at the room and at Shi Wuxiang, feeling as if a lifetime had passed.
“A-Xiang…”
“I’m here,” Shi Wuxiang said, patting him. “Alright, alright, stop acting spoiled. The seeds are already bought. Want to go plant them?”
Yuan Zhao immediately perked up. He lifted his feet while Shi Wuxiang helped him put on his shoes, then they went to the backyard together.
The small garden had been cleaned even more thoroughly. A low fence had been built by Zhou Ren and Gou Yi, clearly measured to fit the plot perfectly.
“Master. Madam.”
Shi Wuxiang raised a hand slightly, then turned to Yuan Zhao. “There are many seeds—cucumber, amaranth, water spinach, and some white radish. You can plant whatever you like.”
Yuan Zhao was overjoyed. He was, at heart, a country-born person who loved planting vegetables.
“I should change clothes…” he said, smiling.
“No need. You’ll wash them later anyway. Whatever you wear is fine,” Shi Wuxiang said softly, leaning closer. “Besides, you look good in this.”
Yuan Zhao immediately flushed red and began digging into the soil with a small shovel.
He worked happily and refused Shi Wuxiang’s help.
In his words, Shi Wuxiang’s hands were meant for teaching and guiding others, not for farm work. He should just sit and drink tea.
Shi Wuxiang was content to act as a decorative figure, watching him work.
Yuan Zhao became fully immersed. Cucumbers were the main crop—they were easy to grow and would climb trellises. Water spinach grew quickly and was easy to maintain. White radishes only needed to be scattered.
Soon, they ran out of space.
“This really is too small,” Xia Lian said gently. “We don’t have enough room anymore.”
Yuan Zhao looked up and realized she was right. There was no more space without disturbing other areas.
“That’s fine. This is enough for now,” he said regretfully. “There are still plenty of fields in the village; they’ll send vegetables over anyway.”
Shi Wuxiang did not interrupt. Whatever Yuan Zhao wanted to do with the household was his right.
“Eggshells can be used as fertilizer,” Shi Wuxiang added. “We can also buy some manure later.”
“Alright.”
After more than an hour of work, Yuan Zhao was a little tired. His clothes and shoes were covered in dirt.
Evening was approaching, and it was time to bathe.
While hot water was being prepared, Shi Wuxiang went to cook dinner himself. The servants were used to it and showed no surprise.
Meanwhile, Yuan Zhao soaked in the bath, secretly instructing Xia Lian to bring extra scented powders and flower petals. He wanted to make himself smell nice.
Xia Lian smiled and left.
Yuan Zhao stirred the petals into the water, soaking comfortably. The scent became so strong that he sneezed several times.
On the other side, Shi Wuxiang prepared a variety of small dishes—each portion only a few bites, but beautifully arranged.
By the time night fully fell, dinner was ready.
“Bring it in,” he ordered.
The servants delivered the dishes to the main room and withdrew quickly.
Shi Wuxiang also bathed, carefully washing himself clean. He dressed in a striking red robe, looking every bit radiant as he walked toward the main room.
The room was lit with red candles, their flames flickering as he entered.
He arrived first and poured wine into a cup, waiting for Yuan Zhao with a faint sense of anticipation.
“Why… why is this outfit like this?”
Yuan Zhao looked at the bright red clothing in Xia Lian’s hands, clearly startled. It looked unmistakably like wedding attire.
Xia Lian’s eyes curved as she smiled. “This servant also doesn’t know. It was all the master’s arrangement. Please just go change and head over, alright?”
Yuan Zhao vaguely understood something, and his cheeks couldn’t help but flush red. He could probably guess that Ah Xiang was already wearing the same colored clothes, waiting for him in the room.
He lowered his gaze and carefully changed into the wedding robe, then, with Xia Lian’s support, cautiously walked toward the main room.
Outside the side room.
The entire inner courtyard of the Shi family was covered in red. Red was pasted on the pillars and doors, and a red “double happiness” character was posted, and above the main room door hung a red embroidered ball. Everywhere was filled with festivity, as if he was truly getting married today, and right now he was going to share the bridal chamber with his husband.
Thinking of this, Yuan Zhao’s breathing quickened.
“Xia Lian, I’m so nervous… do you understand…”
“This servant understands. Don’t be afraid. Just push the door open and go in. The master is already waiting inside. The food is ready too—just go in and eat. We will keep watch for the night.” Xia Lian softly comforted him as she led him forward, then pushed the door open.
Shi Wuxiang did not stand up. He sat at the table, only watching as the person outside walked step by step into the room, walking until he reached in front of him.
“Ah… husb—husband…” Yuan Zhao corrected himself as he spoke.
“Come here.” Shi Wuxiang’s brows curved slightly, his voice especially gentle, and his gaze toward Yuan Zhao was as soft as if it could drip water.
Yuan Zhao walked to his side. He thought it would begin immediately, but instead he was pulled to sit down.
Shi Wuxiang said, “Eat first. I’m already getting hungry waiting.”
Yuan Zhao nodded repeatedly, his gaze hurriedly shifting to the table, but in an unintentional moment he had already swept across the familiar main room.
Red candles, red canopy, red bedding.
He stubbornly picked up the wine cup, his voice very low. “We should drink the wedding wine first.”
Shi Wuxiang was startled for a moment, then smiled. “Alright.”
The wine cups were small; one sip could finish them.
To take care of Yuan Zhao’s alcohol tolerance, the wedding wine was peach wine brought back earlier—sweet and not intoxicating. After one sip, the fragrance of peaches filled the mouth.
“Then let’s eat first.”
“Okay.”
The two ate slowly, but if one looked closely, they would find they were chewing quite forcefully, with urgency and eagerness, as if rushing toward something more important.
The portions were not much to begin with, and they quickly finished everything.
Yuan Zhao suddenly didn’t know what to do, and he downed several more cups of wine. Only when he became slightly dizzy did he stop. During this, Shi Wuxiang did not stop him, only smiling as he watched him. Being a little drunk was fine—it would slightly ease discomfort.
“Are we going to bed now?” Shi Wuxiang softly asked. “You’re a bit drunk right now.”
Yuan Zhao nodded dazedly and was led onto the bed.
He thought it was finally going to happen, but unexpectedly the person beside him also lay down. Yuan Zhao looked at him in a daze. “We’re not… consummating the marriage? Shouldn’t we have a baby?”
“You’re still a bit drunk. We’ll do it when you’re a little better. No rush. I’ll wait for you.” Shi Wuxiang brushed the loose strands of hair behind his ear.
“I’m not actually drunk. I still know what you’re saying. I’m just a little dizzy, but it actually feels pretty good! Maybe when we consummate later I’ll still feel dizzy too—but that’s fine, right? Or are you unable to? If you can’t, it’s okay! We saw picture books a few days ago. I can do it too!”
Shi Wuxiang couldn’t help but laugh.
Saying he wasn’t drunk—yet he was saying so much at once, even daring to mention the picture books. Even if not completely unconscious, he wasn’t very clear-headed either.
But hearing this, Shi Wuxiang’s breathing also became slightly quicker. No one wouldn’t want to be close to the person they love.
He was also a mortal.
“Mm? Ah Xiang? Husband?”
Yuan Zhao crawled up and simply sat on top of him, calling him in a slurred voice, his actions unusually bold compared to usual.
Shi Wuxiang let out a helpless laugh. If he didn’t act, the other person would probably really take the initiative.
“I understand. I’ll do it.” he softly soothed.
“You’re not moving at all? You don’t even know how to take off clothes? Then I’ll serve you— I—”
Before Yuan Zhao could finish speaking, he was held by the back of his neck and his mouth was sealed. He was only surprised for a moment before sinking into it.