Chapter 31: A Close Call
◎ A decent father-in-law; he can be promoted. ◎
Three days later, A Liu waited at the entrance for his master. He observed the exhausted examinees emerging, looking haggard and unsteady.
A Liu worried about his master’s condition.
Zhan Qiyu calmly emerged, appearing fine, suggesting a good performance.
A Liu took the examination basket, “Master, shall we stay another night before returning, or leave now?”
Leaving now meant arriving early the next morning. He preferred staying a night to avoid fatigue.
But Zhan Qiyu insisted on immediate departure.
He finally understood the phrase, “a day without seeing is like three autumns.” It was early autumn; the leaves were turning, and he couldn’t wait.
A Liu quickly packed, and they ate a simple meal before checking out. Most students intended to rest for a few days.
The innkeeper inquired about the exams, but Zhan Qiyu remained silent, leaving quickly.
He was worried about home.
However, nothing untoward had happened at home. Zhan’s mother had kept the girls busy with weaving, making velvet flowers, and designing and embroidering shoes.
Using her past life’s knowledge, Mu Jiaojiao designed simple yet elegant patterns. Zhan’s mother tested them and found them exquisite.
“Jiaojiao is skillful. These designs are simple, elegant, and beautiful. I’ll see if they can be sold.”
Some places bought finished shoe patterns, and many women used it for extra income.
“They can be sold?”
She had drawn them casually; she hadn’t expected them to be profitable.
In her previous life, she admired independent women who could earn their living.
Zhan’s mother showed her the patterns. “These designs are unique and will be popular.”
She excitedly drew several more and started embroidering.
Embroidering shoe patterns was more challenging than handkerchiefs, but with Zhan’s mother’s guidance, she quickly learned.
Shan Cha also learned quickly, and they worked diligently, preparing to sell the patterns.
Mu Jiaojiao realized she could introduce trends from her past life – makeup, fabrics, and popular designs. She could be a trendsetter.
Smiling, she said, “Shan Cha, we won’t worry about money anymore.”
Shan Cha agreed; women should be as capable as men and pursue their passions. She dreamed of owning a kite shop.
They worked tirelessly, awaiting Zhan Qiyu’s return.
Knowing he finished the exams, Mu Jiaojiao said, “Zhan Da Ge should be finished; we just don’t know when he’ll return.”
Zhan’s mother, knowing her son’s feelings, said, “I guess Qiyu will return early tomorrow.”
“That’s too tiring. He should rest a day before returning.”
She recalled her childhood trips to the provincial capital with her father and brothers; the journey was long and arduous.
Thinking of her father and brothers, Mu Jiaojiao felt a pang of sadness.
She had overheard her father drunk, muttering apologies last night, but she couldn’t hear clearly. Her brothers had supported him home. She wondered if she’d see them again.
She longed to see her father again.
Zhan Qiyu’s carriage arrived at the city gate before dawn. They waited with vendors.
“Master, sleep some more.”
A Liu leaned against the carriage, yawning.
Zhan Qiyu looked at the dark sky, saying calmly, “You sleep. I’m not tired.”
He’d only had a short rest and had nightmares.
He dreamed of Mu Jiaojiao’s misfortune, and his anxiety was unbearable. He needed to see her.
It was early autumn; winter was approaching. He planned to take her to the capital after the New Year for greater security. Guan Zeyang had arranged a house for them. He wanted to bring his entire family. Mu Jiaojiao had to be with him.
He watched the queue, the sky brightening. His heart pounded. He would see her soon.
The city gates opened; people entered. A Liu, roused, wiped his mouth and urged the horse forward. He knew his master was anxious.
They entered the city after twenty minutes.
A Liu hurried home, the sky brightening, urging the horse to alleviate his master’s longing.
But three men were at the Zhan family’s door.
Mu Yun and Mu Huan, bearing gifts, waited for their father to knock.
They came to thank Zhan Qiyu.
Mu Ming, from a servant, learned that Mu Jiaojiao had been rescued from drowning and found the Zhan family’s address to express gratitude.
He needed to repay her savior.
He straightened his clothes and knocked.
A sweet voice called from inside, “Zhan Da Ge, A Liu, are you back?”
The three men exchanged glances; the voice sounded like Mu Jiaojiao’s.
They moved closer but heard, “Wait, I’ll open the door.”
Mu Jiaojiao had just picked up eggs and was returning them to the kitchen to avoid breaking them.
After washing her hands, she opened the door.
The three men’s hearts pounded, despite knowing it was improbable, hoping it was their long-lost sister.
Mu Jiaojiao opened the door, but it was pulled from outside.
Zhan Qiyu’s voice said, “Who are you looking for?” His voice was cool and distant.
She realized the need for discretion, running back to have Zhan’s mother answer.
Zhan Li Shi opened the door. Mu Ming explained his purpose. Zhan Qiyu said, “No need. It was a trivial act.”
He didn’t want them inside.
If they hadn’t heard the voice, they would have left. But they wanted to see inside.
Mu Ming bowed, “I’m Mu Ming. I heard Zhan Gongzi saved my daughter, so I came to thank you.”
Zhan’s mother, unaware, invited them in.
Mu Jiaojiao saw her family and wept.
Shan Cha wept too, heartbroken that her mistress couldn’t reunite with her father.
The woman wept but smiled. Her father hadn’t gone gray overnight, and her brothers were different; everything was better.
She felt she’d changed her family.
Mu Ming asked, “Are you the only ones living here?”
Zhan Qiyu nodded, “My mother and I. We just returned from the provincial examinations.”
He avoided details.
Zhan’s mother served tea, brought by Mu Jiaojiao.
The Mus didn’t notice.
After confirming their mistake, they thanked him.
“A small token of our gratitude. I’m an inadequate father, neglecting my daughter for money.” His eyes welled, then quickly dried. “Thank you for saving her. If you need help, visit our clinic.”
They bowed formally and left.
Zhan Qiyu saw them off. His eyes were cold, but not as antagonistic towards Mu’s mother.
A Liu sighed, “That was close.”
Zhan Qiyu remained calm; he’d considered that the Mus might help keep the secret. Taking her away would be a risk; keeping her near him was best.
He instructed A Liu to take the gifts to Mu Jiaojiao’s room, assuming she was crying. He hoped the gifts would comfort her.
He started planning for his father-in-law’s future, wanting the Mus to move to the capital. While he didn’t want her frequently visiting her family, having them nearby would provide support.
Having such supportive parents and siblings would protect her from gossip.
He wanted to give her a perfect marriage and future, envied by all.
She had to be the happiest woman, as his wife.
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