AD (QT) Chapter 105

In just a few days, it would be New Year’s. Han Ze thought it was about time to visit his wife’s family with some New Year’s gifts, so he told Wang Caiwei to go into town and buy a few things. This year, their household was a little better off, so he asked her to prepare more than usual.

But Wang Caiwei shook her head firmly. It was true—they had more silver this year. Jinxiu had been learning embroidery for over a year now, and for the past six months, she could make handkerchiefs and embroidered pouches to sell, using all the coins she earned to help with household expenses. Han Ze’s income from copying books hadn’t been touched at all; she had saved every bit of it for his imperial exams next year. “A poor family must still be generous when sending a scholar on his way,” she thought. When her husband went to Yang City for the provincial exam, he must have enough money with him. That silver couldn’t be spent lightly.

Han Ze raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

With her head lowered, Wang Caiwei whispered, “My family doesn’t lack for such gifts. More or less, it’s the thought that counts. They won’t care.”

In truth, she knew her parents only cared about her husband’s status. If he were to pass the provincial exam and become a juren, they would be pleased even if he brought nothing.

Han Ze chuckled. “What they have is theirs. What we send is our goodwill. This year I’ve finally passed as a xiucai. We should prepare a bit more.”

Wang Caiwei wanted to protest again, but Han Ze continued, “There are still months before the provincial exam. I can copy another set of books before then. We won’t run short of silver.”

After a pause, Wang Caiwei bit her lip and said, “Then… let’s add one more chicken. Is that all right?”

Han Ze: “……”

She didn’t notice his expression and went on, “Mother has been raising chickens for years, and every one she’s given away as gifts. Even the eggs are sold; she hasn’t eaten a single one herself. Now that we have some silver, we can buy two chickens in town and slaughter our own at home so everyone can have a bite.”

Han Ze was moved. She truly had no selfishness in her heart—such a woman was rare. “As you wish,” he said warmly.

When Old Madam Han heard her son and daughter-in-law were going to town to buy New Year’s gifts for the wife’s family, she immediately changed into the new clothes her eldest daughter-in-law had made for her. “I’ll come with you,” she announced. “Your second and third sisters-in-law haven’t prepared gifts for their families either. I’ll help them buy something too.”

Zheng Shi and Wu Shi didn’t have much of a reaction. Every year, their mother-in-law handled those things for them anyway, and she was always fair.

Old Madam Han proudly led the way, Han Ze and Wang Caiwei following behind. When they reached the village entrance, she stopped suddenly.

“Mother, why aren’t we going?” Han Ze asked.

She puffed out her chest. “We’ll take the ox cart! It’s on the way—it should be here soon.”

She was the mother of a xiucai now. Two copper coins were nothing. Even if she were stingy, she couldn’t let her scholar son walk all the way—what if he got tired and hurt his health?

Han Ze smiled. “All right, let’s take the ox cart.”

A short while later, Uncle Han came driving the cart. It wasn’t large, but since there weren’t many people going to market that day, the three of them fit nicely.

Old Madam Han carefully wiped the bench before sitting down. Inside the cart, Madam Li from the next village saw her bright new clothes and said with a laugh, “Auntie Han, wearing new clothes, are you?”

It was rare for country folk to have a new outfit—unless they were well-off, they wore patched clothes even during festivals.

Over the past few years, since Han Ze’s health had been poor, the family had fallen into debt. Everyone’s clothes were patched and re-patched, and it had been years since Old Madam Han had anything new. When Han Ze became a xiucai, they bought some cloth, and she had insisted that most of it go to him—he couldn’t very well attend the county school in rags. The rest went to the children. None of her daughters-in-law had complained.

She lifted her chin proudly. “My eldest daughter-in-law made it for me.”

Madam Li’s eyes lit up with envy. “It looks wonderful on you.”

And it truly did. Han Ze had chosen the fabric himself—a bit bright, but still tasteful. At first Wang Caiwei thought it was too flashy for an older woman, but after seeing the finished dress, she had to admit it looked quite good. “My husband’s an educated man,” she thought. “His taste really is different.”

Old Madam Han raised her brows, smiling. “The cloth was bought in the county. If you like, I can ask my eldest daughter-in-law to bring you a piece next time.”

Madam Li waved her hands quickly. “Oh no, I can’t afford that! I’m not like you—I don’t have a xiucai son. I can barely feed my family.”

Old Madam Han was about to boast further, but hearing that, she stopped herself. It wouldn’t be right to flaunt in front of someone who couldn’t even afford to eat. She sighed inwardly—next time she wanted to show off, she should pick someone of equal standing; otherwise, there was no satisfaction in it.

Han Ze and Wang Caiwei exchanged a glance—they could tell Mother hadn’t come to buy things so much as to show off her new clothes.

When they arrived in town, they went to buy chickens first, but Old Madam Han immediately stopped them. “Why buy chickens? We have plenty at home—save the silver.”

Wang Caiwei had expected this. “Mother has raised chickens for a whole year; she should at least taste one herself. How can you give them all away every time?”

The old lady’s heart melted. This daughter-in-law was more considerate than her own daughters. Thinking of her eldest daughter made her chest ache again, so she quickly changed the subject. “Chicken doesn’t have much meat anyway. Better to buy some pork—it’s richer.”

“But chicken and pork don’t taste the same,” Wang Caiwei argued gently. When her mother-in-law was about to protest again, she sighed and said, “Husband will take the provincial exam next year. We should use the chicken to nourish him. The chickens you raise are plump and the meat is tender—it’s good for his health.”

At that, Old Madam Han immediately nodded. “You’re right! No chicken in the whole village is as fat as mine. Reading taxes the mind—he needs proper nourishment. We’ll slaughter one when we get home.”

Wang Caiwei smiled. Indeed, whenever her husband was mentioned, Mother-in-law’s resistance melted instantly—it never failed.

After buying the chicken, she remembered that Jinxiu had finished several embroidered handkerchiefs and pouches recently, so she took them to the embroidery shop to sell. Since it wasn’t suitable to bring the chicken inside, she left it with a neighbor she knew.

When they entered the embroidery shop, they suddenly saw Wang Shi—the wife’s mother—speaking with the shop owner.

“Mother!” Wang Caiwei called out.

Wang Shi looked up, surprised to see her daughter and son-in-law. “What brings you to town today? Why didn’t you come by the house?” she asked, her tone faintly reproachful. The old master had been waiting for days, face dark with displeasure, blaming her for not lending money to her daughter and thus souring relations. Only when Caixia and her husband visited yesterday had his temper eased.

Caiwei ignored the tone and smiled. “We’re bringing the New Year’s gifts—were just on our way to your house.”

Wang Shi looked around. “Where are the children? Didn’t bring them along?”

“They’re at home practicing calligraphy,” Caiwei said with a laugh. “Their father gave them homework.”

Before her mother could ask more, Old Madam Han stepped forward, smiling broadly. “In-law! What a coincidence meeting you here.”

Only then did Wang Shi notice her, and she quickly smiled. “Ah, I was just chatting with Caiwei and didn’t see you. These clothes are lovely—the color suits you well.”

As a cloth merchant’s wife, she wasn’t short on fine fabrics, but seeing her in-law dressed up so brightly was still a pleasant surprise, and she offered the compliment casually.

“Caiwei made them for me,” Old Madam Han said proudly. “Of course they look good—she’s clever with her hands.”

Her heart swelled. Your daughter made me a new dress, but not you one—serves you right. Let them look down on her son all they wanted; their daughter was still filial to her. When her son passed the juren exam next year, they’d see who had the better life.

Wang Shi’s smile stiffened. She didn’t lack clothes—but she did lack the warmth of a daughter’s care. Her daughter could make something with her own hands for her mother-in-law, yet not for her? Clearly, Caiwei still resented her for not lending money that time.

Still, she couldn’t say that aloud. She forced a thin smile. “Caiwei has always been skillful since she was young.”

Old Madam Han continued proudly, “She’s not only skillful but also filial and thoughtful. She said I’ve given away every chicken I raised, not tasting a single one myself, so she insisted on keeping one so I could have a bite of my own chicken. Tell me, isn’t she more considerate than if I’d birthed her myself?”

Caiwei’s face burned with embarrassment.

Wang Shi’s smile faltered completely. Her daughter was considerate toward her in-laws, yet cold toward her own parents—never visiting, never sewing them anything. Truly, a married daughter was like water poured out.

Seeing her expression change, Old Madam Han wisely stopped talking before things got too tense.

…

The next day, Liu Xiucai and Wang Caixia came to deliver their own New Year’s gifts. Since Han Ze hadn’t yet visited, they decided to wait a couple more days—Liu Xiucai wanted to use the opportunity to get closer to him.

After hearing that Han Ze had taken first place in the county exam, he knew the man had true talent. Still, he wasn’t worried—he’d been studying in the county school for four years, far longer. He simply wanted them to be on good terms as brothers-in-law, perhaps travel together to Yang City for the exams.

But Han Ze had no such intention. Whether it was him or the original Han Ze, neither would ever be “like-minded” with Liu Xiucai. When they visited Wang Shi’s house, Han Ze behaved with perfect courtesy—no arrogance despite his new status, but neither excessive humility. He simply listened quietly and responded when spoken to.

Liu Xiucai sighed inwardly. Scholars were prideful creatures—he knew that well. Since Han Ze refused to take the bait, there was no point pressing.

Old Master Wang also sighed. Han Ze was polite enough, but distant. Still, what could he say? None of his own sons were scholar material. Only his youngest showed promise, but even he wasn’t as gifted as Han Ze—or even his eldest son-in-law.

If Han Ze truly had ability, all was well. But if he were merely arrogant, his prospects would be limited. Either way, there was no need to force closeness.

…

The Han family’s New Year was lively and warm.

Meanwhile, far away in the next county’s city, Han Daya sat alone by a small brazier, staring blankly at the stars. Suddenly, a loud banging shook her door. She jumped, terrified, and crawled into bed, trembling. Tears slid down her cheeks.

She knew they were only trying to scare her—but still, she was afraid. What if one day they really broke in? What could a woman like her do then?

Only now did she feel a flicker of regret—for having drugged Han Ze all those years ago, setting her life on this path. But regret was useless. There was no medicine for what was done. Still, though she lived miserably, she didn’t want to die. She hadn’t seen her children grown or married yet.

She clenched her fists. After New Year’s, she would return to Xiaohan Village. Even if the villagers shunned her, at least there, for the Han family’s sake, no one would dare truly harm her.

Han Ze had never asked where she went after the divorce. No one in the family mentioned her, afraid he’d be reminded of old pain. Even the villagers avoided the topic before him. To him, she simply didn’t exist.

…

During the New Year’s Eve dinner, three of Han Daya’s children suddenly appeared at the Han household—their first time back since their mother’s disgrace. The room fell silent.

Old Madam Han instinctively looked at Han Ze. But his expression was calm. He hadn’t forgiven his sister, who had harmed the original him, but the children were innocent.

No one spoke—the elders, brothers, and sisters-in-law all stayed quiet. The three children’s eyes reddened.

Han Ze sighed gently. “Come in.”

It was New Year’s—he couldn’t bear to see them cry outside.

Old Madam Han relaxed and called out, “You heard your uncle—come inside!”

The eldest boy, Wang Dahai, pulled his siblings in. Old Madam Han immediately took the youngest, Chunxue, into her arms. “Did you tell your grandparents or father you were coming here?” she asked softly.

Dahai shook his head.

Her brows furrowed. “Why not? What happened?”

Chunxue whispered, “That woman hit us.”

Old Madam Han froze. “You mean your stepmother?”

All three nodded.

“Why?” she pressed. “Did you do something wrong?”

Dahai’s voice trembled. “She said we stole food. But it wasn’t us—it was her own child. She just blamed us.”

Old Madam Han’s voice rose. “And your grandparents? Your father? They said nothing?”

“Father said she’s pregnant with a little brother,” Chunxue murmured. “He told us not to make her angry.”

Old Madam Han snorted coldly. “And your grandparents?”

Dahai hesitated, then said, “She said our mother was evil… that she poisoned her own brother. She said since we have her blood, we’re bad too, and need strict discipline so we don’t grow up to poison our siblings.”

“Rubbish!” Old Madam Han leapt to her feet. “Your mother is your uncle’s sister! Your uncle is a xiucai! Is he evil too?”

Dahai shook his head—he respected his uncle deeply, had since childhood. He couldn’t understand why his mother had done such a thing. If she hadn’t, their family wouldn’t have broken apart.

Just then, Doctor Wang and his son—formerly Daya’s husband—arrived in a hurry. Old Madam Han glared. “It’s New Year’s, and I don’t want to quarrel. But these children were wronged, and you stood by doing nothing!”

The young doctor frowned. “Mother—”

“Don’t call me that!” she snapped. “You divorced my daughter; I’m not your mother!”

He fell silent. “Aunt,” he corrected stiffly, “no one bullied the children. They were punished because they stole food. Children must be taught.”

Old Madam Han snorted. “Even if they did eat something, it’s their own family’s food—not stolen.”

Doctor Wang quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Yes, yes, you’re right. No need for harsh words over a few bites of food.”

His son glanced at him, startled—he hadn’t said that at home. But the elder ignored him. In truth, he had deliberately allowed the children to come here, wanting to see how the Han family would respond. Now he knew: they would protect them. That was enough. Maintaining a bond with Han Ze was worth more than pride.

He promised earnestly, “With me and their grandmother here, that woman won’t dare mistreat the children again.”

Old Madam Han still looked unhappy, but Han Youtian spoke up, “As long as that’s settled, we’re at ease. Children should be taught kindly, not beaten for every small thing.”

Doctor Wang agreed quickly.

After the Wangs left, the cheerful holiday mood was somewhat dampened.

Han Ze said calmly, “Since it’s resolved, there’s no need to worry. With Doctor Wang there, they won’t suffer. And if anything happens, we live close—they can come anytime.”

Old Madam Han nodded. That made sense. Soon, laughter returned to the house.

…

After the New Year, Han Ze’s family packed up and returned to the county. Life settled into the usual rhythm of study and work.

As the provincial exam drew near, the atmosphere at the county school grew tense. Even Wang Ziwen and Zhao Xiuzheng had their families come to help, freeing them from household chores so they could study undisturbed.

The provincial exam would begin on August 10th. The journey from the county to Yang City would take six days and nights, so the three of them decided to leave in early July and rent a small courtyard there in advance. Wang Ziwen’s mother would accompany him, and Zhao Xiuzheng’s wife would go with him as well.

Wang Caiwei had to stay in the county to look after the children, so she asked Han Erlang to go with his elder brother. Unexpectedly, Zheng Shi followed too—she missed her son dearly after half a year apart.

Seeing her boy, now taller, polite, and mature, brought tears to her eyes.

She turned to Caiwei and said, “Sister-in-law, you should go to Yang City with Eldest Brother. I’ll stay here and look after the children.”

Her sister-in-law had taken care of her son for more than a year—it was time she repaid the favor.

Erlang blinked. “What about me?”

“You’re going too,” Zheng Shi said firmly. “They’re all women—it wouldn’t be proper for them to run around alone. Your brother will be busy with the exams; he’ll need someone to help.”

Wang Caiwei frowned. “But in the county, you don’t know anyone. Even buying vegetables will be difficult…”

Old Madam Lü, who was staying with them, chuckled. “With me here, nothing will go wrong. You all go to Yang City without worry.”

Wang Caiwei felt deeply moved. With Old Madam Lü in the house, she could be at ease.

Han Ze could only shake his head, half helpless, half amused. He hadn’t even spoken yet, and they’d already arranged everything. “You’ve decided it all,” he said. “What about me?”

Wang Caiwei answered as if it were obvious. “You just focus on your exam.”

Zheng Shi nodded in agreement. “Yes, Elder Brother. With us here, you study in peace—don’t worry about anything else.”

Han Ze laughed softly and shook his head. “Very well,” he said. “I’ll listen to you all.”