Chapter Seven: Aid from a Benefactor

"Mother, listen to what your son-in-law has to say. But others are misunderstanding—does Han Qing really spend all his days frequenting brothels?" Liu Tieniu, who was enjoying the show from the side, added fuel to the fire.

Had he not mentioned it, things might have been better. At the mention of brothels, Han’s mother’s face turned deathly pale.

"I've already promised that I would never do anything to betray Xiuxiu again," Han Qing pledged earnestly.

But the matter of Drunken Flower House was something he could not elaborate on.

"Mother, he knows he was wrong. He won't do it again," Jiang Xiuxiu offered a timid plea.

"Enough. I won't concern myself with this any longer," Han’s mother sighed, her face lined with exhaustion.

Her only son was hopeless, and her son-in-law stirred up trouble—it seemed the household was doomed to chaos.

Seeing Han’s mother's disappointed gaze, Liu Tieniu wisely excused himself.

Xiuxiu’s understanding and forbearance made Han Qing feel a pang of guilt. How foolish he had been, to once be enthralled by those gaudy, shallow women outside?

Han Qing berated himself inwardly. Yet, after this incident, he feared Xiuxiu would only distance herself further from him.

Just two days later, the girls from Drunken Flower House spread word of that martial arts fantasy novel. Soon, every young wastrel in the city who could read knew of the story.

The city was abuzz with excitement. Even the storytellers in the teahouses recounted the tale repeatedly.

"It is said that on Mount Dragon-Tiger, there lived a frail, sickly man, who one day suddenly awakened…"

Lady Zhi Lan wasted no time, sending a messenger to hasten the next installment, and delivered half of the earnings to him.

"Xiuxiu, I’ve made some money these past few days—all of it is yours!"

This…?

Jiang Xiuxiu hesitated, giving him a searching look before shaking her head quickly. Never mind how the money was earned—for a woman like her, daily expenses rarely exceeded ten taels of silver. This was simply too much.

"No, Mother would be displeased. You should return it," Xiuxiu said uneasily.

Did she think he had resorted to petty crime?

Han Qing, look at the trouble you’ve caused—no one believes you even when you mean well.

Silly wife!

"It’s not ill-gotten—I earned it selling manuscripts these past few days. The household has been without meat for a long time…" he explained, hurriedly stuffing the purse into Xiuxiu’s hands.

Having earned his first profits from writing, he used the money to supplement the household and purchase books.

But despite all his careful calculations, he’d overlooked one thing.

Somehow, word reached the Bai family.

Rumor had it that they’d recently come into some money.

So four or five of the Bai family’s servants burst into their humble courtyard.

"Well, well, Han Qing is still reading? When will you repay the thirty taels of silver you owe our Bai family?" A portly, greasy man in fine silk, wielding a paper fan, spoke arrogantly.

"We agreed on fifteen taels, didn’t we?"

"What a joke! It’s been seven or eight days—am I not allowed to double it?"

The Bai family’s young master sneered.

"You’re just bullying us!" Jiang Xiuxiu protested meekly.

Even as frail as she seemed, she couldn’t stand injustice.

Han Qing stepped in front of her protectively.

"Such a delicate wife—why not give her to the Bai family? Perhaps then I’ll give you a few more days," Second Young Master Bai leered, nearly drooling.

"I owe you fifteen taels, and that debt will be repaid. But if you want thirty—perhaps you won’t live to collect it," Han Qing replied coldly.

He had already set aside the money he owed. This was the perfect chance to clear his name among the neighbors, who could bear witness. The Bai family would have no further pretext to harass them.

"Big words for someone who may not be able to stand up in a moment!" Second Young Master Bai signaled his servants, who moved in threateningly.

But Han Qing stood his ground, unflinching.

"Don’t argue with them—we shouldn’t…" Jiang Xiuxiu began, but he cut her off.

"Don’t be afraid. I didn’t protect you before, but from now on, I’ll never let you be wronged again."

Xiuxiu’s eyes filled with tears.

Yet before a blow could fall, someone intervened.

"Stop! In broad daylight, do you intend to flout the law?"

Master Liu appeared, dusty from the road, and called out sharply.

Second Young Master Bai scowled, unsure who this newcomer was.

But the attendant beside Master Liu bellowed, "The magistrate is passing by—do you not know to show respect?"

At these words, Bai’s men quailed, hastily offering greetings and explanations.

"Sir, this is a private dispute between our families, not a matter for official inquiry."

Liu Yi tapped his paper fan, speaking calmly.

"You are mistaken. Young Master Han is an honored guest in my residence—how could I not be concerned with his affairs?"

Clearly, the situation had changed.

The Bai family’s servants dared not act rashly.

"Since the magistrate is concerned, then allow me to explain. It began with a debt—" Han Qing seized the moment, boldly recounting his family’s misfortunes, drawing the attention and sympathy of the neighbors.

"Sir, just now the Bai family tried to extort more money and even attempted to abduct a married woman!"

"Indeed, indeed!"

"Master Liu, please see that justice is done for the Han family!"

The neighbors’ voices rose in support, leaving Second Young Master Bai speechless.

And truth be told, the fault was theirs from the start.

"Since the debt has been repaid, why persist? Is this deliberate harassment? According to the laws of the land, oppressing the common people is a grave crime!"

Second Young Master Bai shook his head in panic. What luck—that someone had come to Han Qing’s defense. He could only swallow his anger and bide his time for another opportunity.

Once the troublemakers had left, Han Qing personally welcomed the man before him—truly a striking figure, though his acting left something to be desired.

"So? Lady Zhi Lan heard the news and specially arranged for me to play this part," the man said gleefully.

"You played the magistrate well enough, but if the Bai family discovers the truth, you’ll be in trouble. What’s your plan?"

"Brother Han, you once saved my life. From now on, I’m with you. If ever you need me, just say the word," he replied earnestly.

With those words, Han Qing felt reassured. For all his bold name, Er Zhuang looked far too gentle for the part.

"I’ll have use for you in a few days, but for now, lie low at Drunken Fragrance House," Han Qing instructed.

After seeing him off, Han Qing noticed Xiuxiu lingering behind, as if she had something on her mind but hesitated to speak.

"Wife, if you have any doubts, just ask me. There’s no need to worry about propriety," he said gently.

He understood the times: women were expected to be deferential, obeying their husbands without question. But he had no wish to rule his home with rigid customs.

If there’s something to say, it’s best to speak openly.

In time, he believed, she would let go of her reservations.

"I overheard your conversation just now. That magistrate was a fake—won't the Bai family…" Jiang Xiuxiu asked, her voice trembling.