CH 58

Xing Wu drove Yu Dameng and Qiao Yuan home. As they were about to enter the house, Qiao Yuan stopped them and brought over a brazier to light before allowing Yu Dameng inside.

“Step over the fire pit and get rid of bad luck1The act of stepping over a fire pit is believed to symbolically leave behind any negative energy or bad luck that may be following someone. .”

Yu Dameng felt a bit amused and a bit heartbroken. The husband who was not afraid of tigers or wolves had become so cautious.

Seeing Yu Dameng still smiling, Qiao Yuan scolded, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

After Yu Dameng stepped over, Qiao Yuan instructed Xing Wu to inform Lin Cuifen at the old house that they had returned. Qiao Yuan then went to the bedroom to find clean clothes for Yu Dameng.

As for the clothes Yu Dameng had taken off, Qiao Yuan simply tossed them away.

Qiao Yuan touched the red mark on Yu Dameng’s neck and said fiercely, “I must give that useless scholar a good beating!”

This would quell the resentment in his heart.

Yu Dameng held him in his arms, full of heartache.

After a whole day and night of worry and anxiety, nestled in Yu Dameng’s arms, Qiao Yuan finally felt at peace, and couldn’t help but shed a few tears.

Yu Dameng gently kissed the corner of his eyes.

Qiao Yuan affectionately nuzzled against him. Hearing Lin Cuifen’s arrival, he pushed Yu Dameng away and scolded with feigned annoyance: “Go take a bath!”

He then went out to inform Lin Cuifen of the situation and to prepare a meal for Yu Dameng.

Lin Cuifen was surprised to hear that they had actually been to court. “Is everything okay now?”

“It’s fine now. All the troublemakers have been arrested.”

Lin Cuifen looked at Qiao Wangshi who was playing with Meiqiu in the living room porch and asked, “Did Qiao Guangzhi really plot… to harm your parents?”

Qiao Yuan replied: “I don’t know for sure, it was just my guess. The yamen runners have taken Xu Xiuhua in for questioning. We’ll have to wait until the new county magistrate takes office before we get any results.”

Qiao Yuan sighed and was a little worried about how Qiao Wangshi would react if she found out that Qiao Guangzhi had been sentenced to death. “Let’s not tell my grandmother about this for now. I’m afraid she won’t be able to handle it.”

Lin Cuifen nodded. When Yu Dameng finished bathing and came out, she rushed to check on her son, which led to another bout of tears.

While Yu Dameng ate, Qiao Yuan helped dry his hair.

After a while, Old Man Yu and Yu Xiangxue also came back. They had already heard about the trial in the county court. Even so, they were relieved to see the person sitting here safe and sound with their own eyes.

Yu Xiangxue apologized to Qiao Yuan, “Brother-in-law, this trouble was all because of me.”

Qiao Yuan quickly responded, “How could I blame you, big brother? It’s all because the three of them have improper conduct and are colluding together!”

Although Qiao Yuan said so, Yu Xiangxue still felt guilty and secretly resolved that he must excel in the imperial examination in the autumn to be able to protect his family in the future.

“Your friend was relieved to know you’re safe. He said today was not convenient but will come see you together with the General another day.”

Yu Dameng nodded. Old Man Yu, Lin Cuifen, and Yu Xiangxue knew that the two husbands must have a lot to say and were tired from worrying all night, so they didn’t disturb them too much.

Once everything had calmed down, Qiao Yuan went to see Qiao Wangshi, uncertain how to start the conversation.

Qiao Wangshi acted as if nothing had happened, playing with Meiqiu to amuse Qiao Yuan.

Qiao Yuan forced a smile and smoothed Meiqiu’s fur before saying, “Grandma.”

Qiao Wangshi’s figure tensed for a moment as she said lightly, “I’m fine.”

Qiao Yuan fell silent.

The bustle of the day had passed. That night, neither Qiao Yuan nor Yu Dameng felt very sleepy. Qiao Yuan nestled against Yu Dameng’s embrace as they whispered to each other. “Yesterday when you were taken away, I was so worried you might be tortured in prison that my heart nearly shattered.”

Yu Dameng’s arms around Qiao Yuan tightened as he said hoarsely, “I made you worry.”

“I originally wanted us to live a simple life, earning some small money to live comfortably. But after this incident, I realized that having just a little money is not enough here, and we also need to consider our children’s future.”

Qiao Yuan went on. “What’s more, Chu Li has saved our lives. I can guess what he probably wants to give me, so I should repay him in some way.”

Yu Dameng kissed Qiao Yuan’s forehead. “Do whatever you think is right.”

The indoor atmosphere was gentle and intimate, with the two people deeply engrossed in each other.

Suddenly, there was an urgent knocking on the door by Aunt Wang, “Qiao Ge’er, come quickly. Your grandmother has a high fever!”

Yu Dameng and Qiao Yuan quickly put on their clothes and got up. Qiao Yuan went to the main room to check on Qiao Wangshi, while Yu Dameng went to call the village doctor Wang.

“I can’t treat this. It’s an emergency. We need to go to the medical clinic in the county town!” Dr. Wang temporarily gave Qiao Wangshi fever-reducing pills to relieve the heat, but he didn’t have good medicinal materials on hand. If they wanted to treat the root cause, they still needed to go to the medical clinic in the county town.

Upon hearing this, Yu Dameng quickly brought out a bullock cart, and they took Qiao Wangshi and Aunt Wang to the county town.

There was a curfew in the city at night, but if there was an emergency, you could still pass through by paying some money.

The gatekeeper, who was a yamen runner, saw that it was the Yu couple who had caused a stir in the court trial and managed to bring down the county magistrate, so he didn’t dare to ask for money and let them pass directly.

“Liver qi stagnation and phlegm-fire disturbance.” Dr. Zhou finished taking the pulse of Qiao Wangshi and sighed.

Qiao Yuan anxiously asked, “Is it dangerous?”

“At best, it can lead to spiritual malnutrition. At its most severe, the mind becomes confused. But there is no danger to life.” Dr. Zhou finished speaking and went to the side to write a prescription.

Qiao Yuan thanked him before turning to look worriedly at Qiao Wangshi lying on the bed, unable to stop his tears from falling.

Yu Dameng’s heart ached. He held Qiao Yuan on his lap and gently patted his back.

“It hurts, to think how much she has suffered.”

She lost her husband at a young age and later lost both of her sons in her old age, leaving her with nothing.

Qiao Yuan leaned quietly against Yu Dameng as the two of them kept watch over Qiao Wangshi for the entire night.

The following day, Qiao Wangshi regained consciousness, lying on the bed, dazed.

Qiao Yuan called her for a long time before she responded dazedly, “Who are you?”

Qiao Yuan was shocked and quickly called for Dr. Zhou.

Dr. Zhou took the pulse and observed Qiao Wangshi for a while before saying, “Her mind is confused, and she probably doesn’t remember who you are.”

Qiao Yuan’s heart ached. He knelt by the bedside and gently called to her, “Grandma, it’s me, your Yuan Ge’er.”

“Who is Yuan Ge’er?” Qiao Wangshi asked in confusion, and then she suddenly seemed to remember something and hurriedly got out of bed, “Where are my Zhi’er and Cheng’er?”

“It’s raining! Why haven’t they come home yet?”

Qiao Yuan struggled to smile as he coaxed, “Father and eldest uncle have gone away to do business. They won’t be back for a very, very long time, but they asked me to take care of you.”

“Huh?” Qiao Wangshi became even more confused. “Didn’t Zhi’er just have a fight with Cheng’er yesterday?”

She thought for a moment and said happily, “This is how real brothers are, there is no grudge that lasts overnight.”

Qiao Yuan gently stroked Qiao Wangshi’s hand and nodded, “That’s right. Before they left, they asked me to remind you to eat well and take care of your health.”

Qiao Wangshi gazed blankly at the rain outside the door, still mumbling to herself: “I wonder if they brought umbrellas…”

Her illness came and went quickly, but she didn’t recognize people very well. Sometimes she would mutter the names of Qiao Guangzhi and Qiao Guangcheng, and other times she even forgot them.

She spent her days playing with Meiqiu or feeding the chickens, ducks, and rabbits Qiao Yuan bought especially for her.

Seeing her who was happy and crazy every day, Qiao Yuan did not know whether to consider it a blessing or misfortune.

“Dameng! You’re living a good life! Look at this magnificent house, it’s much better than the small shabby courtyard I lived in the prefectural city!”

The one who said this was Lei Ji, who was the good friend of Yu Dameng from the military, who was invited from the prefectural city by Yu Xiangxue with his military token. The two of them had served in the northwest before being selected by Pei You to join his personal guard. Lei Ji had an elderly mother to take care of at home, so he returned to his hometown after the ceasefire.

Qiao Yuan said, “We should have hosted a banquet for Brother Lei the next day, but there have been family matters…”

“Ah!” Lei Ji was an extremely generous person. He put his arm around Yu Dameng and said, “Brother-in-law, you’re being too formal. Dameng and I are like brothers who are so close we could wear the same pants!”

Qiao Yuan wanted to laugh a little, but he tried to hold it in,”You guys go ahead and chat, I’ll go prepare some food and drinks.”

Chu Li followed Qiao Yuan out and angrily said, “A bunch of stinky men want to drink again. I’m not going to eat with them later!”

Qiao Yuan laughed, teasing him on purpose, “Ah, is it that you just don’t want to dine with that general?”

Chu Li’s face turned red, he declared he wouldn’t talk to Qiao Yuan and ran off to find Liu Ge’er to play.

Lei Ji was still marveling at Yu Dameng’s new house. “With nice decorations and furnishings, this place will be amazing!”

The house itself had long been built, and some furnishings already moved in. But with everything that had happened recently, Qiao Yuan had not yet found the time to properly decorate it, making it feel a bit empty.

“After I retire, I will also buy a house in the countryside. It will be so comfortable to live there!”

Yu Dameng chuckled and scratched his head, “It’s all my husband’s design.”

“It’s that good to take a wife?” Lei Ji didn’t understand. Although he could see that little brother Qiao Yuan was quite capable, he knew his simple-minded brother would surely make Qiao Yuan shoulder everything and manage all affairs.

Pei You snorted, “You only have yourself to feed2The phrase “一人吃饱全家不饿” literally means “one person eats full, the whole family is not hungry”. It is a sarcastic way of saying that someone is single and does not have to worry about supporting a family. It implies that the person is selfish, lonely, or pitiful. . What would you know?”

Lei Ji couldn’t let that slide, “General, you’re still talking about me. Aren’t you also a lonely person?”

This remark hit Pei You’s sore spot, and he kicked him in anger. Lei Ji dodged and the two of them started fighting in the room.

Yu Dameng laughed as he watched them play, as if he had returned to the camp.

However, after tasting the dishes prepared by Qiao Yuan, Lei Ji changed his tune, remarking, “Having a spouse is indeed good.”

Qiao Yuan poured a jar of wine and said to Pei You and Lei Ji, “Both of you appreciate good wine. Can you help me taste this wine and tell me what you think?”

Lei Ji, who cherished wine as if it were his life, immediately took the jar from Qiao Yuan, poured himself a cup, and filled cups for Pei You and Yu Dameng as well. Without waiting, he took a sip and smacked his lips as his eyes lit up, “Excellent wine! Full of flavor!”

Pei You was a bit more reserved. He tasted it once, then again, before commenting in surprise, “This wine is much stronger than ordinary wine.”

“Indeed.” Qiao Yuan had already noticed that the alcohol in this era was all traditional fermented wine. He had once thought about making distilled liquor, but later considered that the profit from alcohol was too great and he had no background or support, which could bring trouble, so he gave up the idea.

Pei You quickly caught on. “Did you brew this yourself?”

Qiao Yuan nodded. “I heard from Ah Li we trade with the northern tribes now. As that is a bitterly cold land, strong liquor like this should sell very well there.”

Lei Ji said, “Why waste such good wine by selling it to that desolate place? I’ll buy it myself.”

Pei You kicked him hard under the table, then raised his glass to toast Qiao Yuan with a smile, everything left unsaid.

Of course, it was Dameng who ended up drinking Qiao Yuan’s wine on his behalf. Before leaving, Qiao Yuan specifically reminded Dameng, “Drink less.”

Seeing this, Lei Ji reconsidered – maybe getting a wife isn’t so great after all.

Chu Li was still in the courtyard playing with Meiqiu and Liu Ge’er. Upon seeing Qiao Yuan finally free, he said, “Remember to invite me when you move into your new home in a few days. I’ll bring a grand gift.”

“You’re not mad at me anymore?” Qiao Yuan teased him.

Chu Li pursed his lips, grumbling, “You only know how to make fun of me.”

The two of them talked about Pei Yin’s situation, and Qiao Yuan only then learned that after Pei Yin returned to the capital with Wen Jingnian, Wen Jingnian separated from the Wen family and set up another residence. Pei Yin’s life now had become much more relaxed, but he still didn’t pay much attention to Wen Jingnian.

“If Ah Yin knew about your new methods, he would certainly be eager to come.”

Not only did Qiao Yuan have methods for making wine, but also for making incense and refining brown sugar into pure white sugar. He wrote down everything he could think of and gave it to Chu Li. Even though Chu Li was not very knowledgeable in practical matters, he was truly amazed by these things. If these methods were feasible, the profits they would bring would be immeasurable. Only then did he realize that the shop he had previously collaborated with Qiao Yuan was just child’s play.

“My conditions here are simple, and I have never tried making incense or sugar before, but it should be feasible. You should find someone who is proficient in this area, study it carefully, and you will be able to understand and improve the method.”

Chu Li naturally understood this truth, and for a moment, he caressed the book in his hand as if it were worth a fortune.

Qiao Yuan added, “I can guess what you want to give me, but I am content with what I have. I have no great ambitions and all I want is to live a simple and peaceful life with my husband in this small courtyard. I do not wish to achieve any grand goals or get involved in any political turmoil. So…”

Before Qiao Yuan could finish, Chu Li interrupted, “I understand. I will say that these methods were devised by the craftsmen under Ah Yin’s leadership.”

He deeply sighed, resting his cheek in his hand. “Looks like I’ll have to rethink what housewarming gift to get you.”

The “Emperor’s Joint Consultation3“天子共商” (tiān zǐ gòng shāng) is a phrase that refers to the emperor consulting with his officials or advisors. It is often used as a symbol of wise and just governance. I had trouble translating that, I hope the same message is retained with my choice of words.” plaque that he specially requested from his father cannot be given away anymore.

Lei Ji claimed that he could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, but he ended up getting drunk on the liquor brewed by Qiao Yuan. He reminisced about the past with tears and snot, saying that Dameng treated him well and even gave him the last piece of bread during wartime. When he was injured, Dameng helped him with cooking, bathing, and laundry. He had never been treated so well even by his own brothers.

As he continued, Lei Ji declared that he would fight anyone who dared to bully his brother Dameng and boasted about how he had already broken the legs and arms of the corrupt county magistrate and the useless scholar, and so on.

Pei You eventually couldn’t bear it and ordered his guards to gag Lei Ji and escort him onto a carriage, taking him and Chu Li back to their accommodations in the county town.

After they left, Qiao Yuan finally asked Yu Dameng, “Happy?”

Yu Dameng nodded, his eyes shining with joy.

Qiao Yuan huffed. “So, I’m not the first person who’s washed clothes for you.”

Despite having had only a few drinks, Yu Dameng was already a bit tipsy and found such an indirect statement hard to grasp. He looked at Qiao Yuan bewildered, trying to figure out what he meant.

“You’re so silly!” Qiao Yuan couldn’t help but laugh, pinching his earlobes and kissing him on the chin. He took him back to the house.

But Yu Dameng clung to this thought, pulling Qiao Yuan into the house as soon as they were back in the courtyard.

“What are you doing?” Qiao Yuan wanted to tidy up first.

But he couldn’t resist Yu Dameng’s brute force, and followed him into the room, grumbling. He was about to scold him when he was kissed by him.

After kissing for a while, Qiao Yuan was left red-eyed, breathless, and leaning against the door, trying to catch his breath, while Yu Dameng seemed unaffected, as if nothing had happened.

Unsatisfied, Qiao Yuan moved closer and bit Yu Dameng’s lower lip.

Yu Dameng chuckled and kissed him again.

Chasing, attacking.

Two more chapters to go. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. If you want to show your support, you can buy me a coffee. It would make my day! You can also follow me on Ko-fi to get the latest updates on my translation progress and new projects. I appreciate your love and feedback.