Chapter 45: Instigation from Bad Company

Chapter 45: The Instigation of Bad Company

On the fifth day of the first lunar month, Shen Liang dropped off a visiting card at Manager Wang's home.

After receiving the card, Manager Wang felt a bit puzzled. Although he and Shen Liang were acquainted, their relationship was not particularly deep. Why would Shen Liang suddenly send a visiting card during the New Year? What could he want?

As the old saying goes, "No one comes knocking without a reason." Could it be that he needed a favor?

Manager Wang pondered for a moment but still instructed his servants to invite Shen Liang in.

Stewards of wealthy households were sharp cookies. Though Manager Wang was curious, he remained warm and hospitable on the surface. After inviting him in, he had his servants brew the tea he had picked up just yesterday.

Shen Liang clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Happy New Year, Uncle Wang. I hope you don't mind me dropping by unannounced."

Manager Wang waved his hand with a smile: "No need for apologies. During the New Year, I'd be thrilled to have more folks stop by to bring good fortune to my home. Come, have some tea."

Manager Wang personally poured tea for Shen Liang and set out some snacks. After taking a sip, Shen Liang tossed off a compliment about the tea, then picked up the scroll beside him and handed it over with both hands: "I heard that your esteemed mother's sixtieth birthday is at the end of the month, so I prepared a little something. Just a small token of my respect."

"Oh, you shouldn't have!" Manager Wang said as he took the scroll and unrolled it. It was a hanging scroll written on gold-speckled red calligraphy paper, bearing auspicious birthday greetings. The calligraphy was neat and graceful, looking somewhat familiar. As Manager Wang wondered who had written it, he spotted the signature at the end: Yan Fengan.

Manager Wang's eyes lit up immediately. He held the scroll and examined it from front to back, clucking his tongue in awe: "I knew this writing was something special. It's indeed Xiucai Yan's work. This is a real gem! Your gift is way too much. I don't know how I can accept this."

His elderly mother had a real soft spot for talented scholars. A few days ago, when he had picked up some couplets from Squire Qian, he had also bought a cheaper set for his own home, and his mother couldn't stop praising them.

He had been thinking of visiting Xiucai Yan's home to ask him to write a birthday calligraphy, but Shen Liang had already brought him this hanging scroll.

Many visitors had come bearing gifts during the New Year, but only this hanging scroll hit the spot for Manager Wang.

Shen Liang smiled and said, "You're too kind, Uncle Wang. Xiucai Yan said this is the first hanging scroll he's ever written for anyone. If there's anything off, hope you'll overlook any imperfections."

Manager Wang looked at the couplets and poetry on the scroll and sighed: "Xiucai Yan is great at everything, just too modest. Such skilled brushwork, such a clean and tidy layout—even if I was being super picky, I couldn't find a single flaw."

He hadn't expected to be the first person to receive a hanging scroll from Xiucai Yan. It was a surprise he couldn't quite put into words. On the day of the birthday celebration, he would have to show it off big time to his friends and relatives.

Manager Wang couldn't put it down, admiring it for a while, before carefully having a servant put it away. He turned back to Shen Liang, his smile still on his face, but with a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.

"Let's not play games. You came to pay New Year's respects and brought me such a generous gift. So, what do you need from me?"

Shen Liang took a sip of tea and didn't beat around the bush: "There's a scoundrel in our village named Zhao Shoutian. When he has nothing to do, he occasionally goes to the gambling house in town with his pack of lowlife friends. I'd like to ask you to 'take care of' him."

The gambling house and the loan shark shop in town were both properties of Boss Qian, and Manager Wang happened to be in charge of the gambling house. He was the perfect person to set Zhao Shoutian up.

Upon hearing Shen Liang's words, Manager Wang's smile faded somewhat, and his tone grew heavier: "To be honest, in all my years managing the gambling house for Squire Qian, many people have come to me for favors. I won't claim we're saints in this line of work, but we don't set people up for no reason. Before I help you, you need to tell me clearly—what has this Zhao Shoutian done to offend you, that you'd go to such lengths?"

"It's a long story, really." Yan Fengan was a scholar, and he couldn't afford to leave any handles for others to grab. Shen Liang spoke half-truthfully: "My little brother has a good friend, a quiet, well-behaved young man. He had a rough time at home growing up, and this Zhao guy was always picking on him. Even after the guy got married, Zhao wouldn't let it go. He up and hit the guy for no reason out in public, and just recently, this Zhao fellow conspired with the young man's wicked brother to ruin his virtue. My brother's been upset and worried sick about it. How could I stand by and do nothing about such a thing?"

"That's just wrong! Such things actually happen." Manager Wang slammed his teacup down on the table. Now that he knew what kind of person Zhao Shoutian was, he didn't feel bad about helping anymore: "In that case, I'll help you with this."

Shen Liang followed the plan he had discussed with Yan Fengan: "He wants to marry that wicked-hearted young man, but he can't come up with such a large bride price. At first, we should give him a little taste of honey and let him have his way first."

First you give these gamblers a little taste to hook them in, then make them cough it all up with interest once they're in too deep—this was the gambling house's usual method of dealing with people.

Manager Wang said, "Alright, I've got you covered. I'll take care of it for you, no problem."

"Then I'll be waiting for your good news."

Having received Manager Wang's assurance, Shen Liang didn't stay long. After a few more words, he took his leave.

Once you take a gift, you've got to do the job. After lunch, Manager Wang went to the gambling house.

During the New Year, the gambling house was even busier than usual, with everyone dreaming of getting rich and hoping to win it big.

Manager Wang had one of the gambling house's bouncers find a gambler who frequently associated with Zhao Shoutian and owed the gambling house a few taels of silver. The gambler, thinking Manager Wang had come to collect the debt, fell to his knees, scared out of his wits, begging for mercy and asking for a few more days.

"Giving you more time is possible, but you'll have to do something for me."

A gambler who didn't even care if his family ate wouldn't care about his drinking buddies. Of course, he'd do whatever Manager Wang told him to.

...

Zhao Shoutian's New Year hadn't been all that great. Ever since Wen Liu had proposed those two conditions last time, he'd been mulling it over in his head all day.

Liu Geer's standards were too high. Zhao Shoutian had never seen a country boy ask for such a steep bride price.

He'd thought about just letting it go, but he was just too into Wen Liu. The more Wen Liu ignored him, the more he couldn't get him out of his head, the more he wanted him.

Thirty taels of silver wasn't easy to get, so he thought of the other condition Wen Liu had mentioned—to deal with Wen Xi and get back at him.

Wasn't Wen Liu basically telling him to find a chance to sleep with that little bastard Wen Xi?

Wen Liu must think he's an idiot. That little wench Wen Xi had gotten prettier than before, and if he could get him into bed, it wouldn't be a bad deal.

But he was now a scholar's husband, with the Yan family looking out for him. It wasn't like he could just have him.

Even if he did manage it, the Yan family could take him to court for adultery, and wouldn't he be as good as dead?

The more Zhao Shoutian thought about it, the more pissed off he got. Wen Liu seemed to give him hope, but really he was just messing with him.

Wen Xi was hard to get at, and thirty taels for the bride price was even more impossible. So even winning two taels at the gambling house didn't cheer him up.

Wu Ergou, who was gambling with him, asked, knowing full well: "You won money and you're still not happy. What's up with you?"

"What else? Still stressing over that Liu Geer."

Wu Ergou had known for a while that Zhao Shoutian had a thing for a good-looking young man. He deliberately egged him on: "It's been this long and you still haven't landed him? Man, I really don't know what's wrong with you."

Zhao Shoutian got even more annoyed: "He wants thirty taels for the bride price. What am I supposed to do?"

"Whoa, that's really asking for a lot." Wu Ergou slapped Zhao Shoutian on the shoulder and said with a grin: "Actually, there's a way. If you really want to marry him, I can show you a way."

Zhao Shoutian kind of looked down on him: "Your family's even poorer than mine. What kind of way could you show me?"

Wu Ergou didn't get mad and said straight up: "My family's broke, but the money shop's got money. I know the guy who runs the money shop. If you need it, I can get him to lend you thirty taels. Once you marry the guy, you can pay it back little by little."

Zhao Shoutian was tempted but a little hesitant: "The interest on that kind of loan must be steep. If I borrow it, where am I gonna get the money to pay it back?"

Wu Ergou's eyes rolled around: "You idiot, just come back to the gambling house and gamble. Gamble a few more times, and you'll win that thirty taels back in no time."

Zhao Shoutian couldn't make up his mind for a while.

Worried he wouldn't take the bait, Wu Ergou added: "That guy you like is the only kid left in his family. Once you marry him, wouldn't that money be yours anyway?"

"The money's for his parents. How would it be mine?"

"I'm telling you, you're dumber than a rock. Once you're their son-in-law, if you 'borrow' the money and use it, are they really gonna call the cops on you?"

Wu Ergou made sure to stress the word "borrow," and Zhao Shoutian got it right away. He gave Wu Ergou a big slap on the back: "Nice one, Ergou! You've really done me a solid this time. Let's go, let's go, take me to the money shop now. Once it's done, I'll treat you to the wedding feast."

Borrowing from the money shop meant you had to put up collateral. Feeling confident he could pay it back, Zhao Shoutian put down his old house and fields as collateral.

After pressing his fingerprint, the money shop lent him thirty taels of silver.

Zhao Shoutian held the heavy silver, his hands trembling. Now, at last, he could afford the betrothal gift to marry Wen Liu and bring him home.

The money shop in town was a legitimate business. The first month carried no interest, but from the second month onward, an additional two taels would be added each month.

The betrothal couldn't wait. After getting the money, he wanted to rush back to the village and share the good news with Wen Liu.

But before he even left the town, Zhao Shoutian calmed down. Wen Liu had never intended to marry him. This might not even be good news for him.

If he wanted to marry the man, he'd have to think of another plan.

Wen Shishan and Li Qiaozhen were both money-grubbers. He didn't believe they wouldn't be tempted by these thirty taels of silver. He'd keep it from Wen Liu and sound out Wen Shishan privately first.

Once he talked him around, he'd find a way to seal the deal with Wen Liu, making it impossible for him to deny it afterward.

With that thought, Zhao Shoutian turned and headed to the town's medicine shop.

...

No matter what schemes others were cooking up behind the scenes, Wen Xi had a pretty good New Year.

Starting from New Year's Eve, there was all sorts of delicious food at home every day—braised pork, stewed ribs, marinated pig ears, fresh raw fish slices, and fried spring rolls.

These were all foods Wen Xi had never tasted before, and during the holiday he tried them all. He indulged his taste buds, and his body quietly began to change.

In the dead of night, when the whole household was silent, Wen Xi lay sprawled on Yan Fengan, catching his breath as the lingering afterglow faded.

Yan Fengan wrapped one arm around him, gently stroking his smooth skin with the other, his warm palm roaming over him, making Wen Xi's breathing quicken again.

Yan Fengan was breathing heavier than usual too. He touched Wen Xi and said in a low, hoarse voice, "You've put on a bit of weight."

Gained weight? He hadn't noticed. Wen Xi pursed his lips, reluctant to admit it was from eating too much during the New Year. He clutched his belly and said, "Maybe you put too much in me..."

The moment he said it, he felt it was too bold, and shyly buried his face in the crook of Yan Fengan's neck.

Yan Fengan was still in the mood for more. Teased like that, he used the wetness on Wen Xi's body and slid back inside without a second thought.

Wen Xi let out a little gasp, then quickly covered his mouth, not daring to make another sound.

After a moment, he said slowly, "Why are you back in..."

Yan Fengan nibbled his cheek and said innocently, "I thought you were inviting me."

I wasn't doing any such thing. Wen Xi nibbled Yan Fengan's cheek back and whined, "It's obviously your lack of self-control."

Yan Fengan deliberately thrust deeper, and when Wen Xi's expression changed, he said, "Why would I need self-control in front of my own husband?"

Wen Xi thought his husband was a little wicked, but that wickedness made him blush and his heart swell with joy.

In public, Yan Fengan was always gentle and polite, the picture of a refined scholar—approachable, yet clearly keeping people at arm's length.

Thinking that only he got to see this indulgent, mischievous side of him made Wen Xi's heart flutter again.

He heard a barely suppressed laugh as Yan Fengan nibbled his earlobe and whispered something.

Though it was murmured, Wen Xi heard it clearly. He was so embarrassed he didn't know where to put himself, so all he could do was tighten his arms around Yan Fengan's neck.

After who knew how long, Wen Xi lay sprawled on the bed, weakly patting his belly, and said with some reluctance, "Did it get even fatter?"

"Silly, I wasn't talking about your stomach."

Yan Fengan's fingers pointed to other places on Wen Xi: "Here, and here—both have a bit more meat on them than before."

Afraid Wen Xi would think being fat was bad, he added, "You used to look so skinny it was pitiful to see. Now that you've finally put on some weight, that's a good thing."

Hearing the tenderness in Yan Fengan's words, a sweet smile spread over Wen Xi's face. He pouted, and thinking Yan Fengan probably couldn't see it, he said shyly, "Husband, give me a kiss."

The moment he spoke, a series of gentle kisses rained down—from his cheeks to his lips, then to his neck. Yan Fengan kissed him for a while, then pulled him into his arms.

"It's late and you're tired. Go to sleep."

Exhausted, Wen Xi lay in the place that made him feel safest, and before long, his eyelids drooped and he fell asleep.

When he woke the next morning, Yan Fengan was already gone from the room. Wen Xi lay in the warm quilt for a while before slowly getting dressed.

After getting up, he opened the window to let in some air, then sat down at the bronze mirror to comb his hair.

Last night, Yan Fengan said he'd put on some weight, and Wen Xi hadn't believed it. But now, looking in the mirror, he realized he really had gained a bit of flesh over the holiday.

His features hadn't changed much, but his cheeks were no longer hollow, and his skin was fairer and smoother than before.

Wen Xi had a special constitution—any red marks or blemishes faded quickly. Even when Wen Shishan and Li Qiaozhen used to beat him, they never left scars.

The only rough part of his body was his hands, calloused from years of work. But since coming to the Yan family, the chores were shared, and even his hands had become softer than before.

These were things Wen Xi had never expected. He reached up and touched his face, feeling both unfamiliar and inexplicably happy.

He'd never had much sense of his own appearance. In the past, Wen Liu always called him ugly, mocked that he'd end up an old bachelor no one would marry, and said he could only wed some bald, leprous man.

Those words had pierced Wen Xi's heart for years, making him believe he was hideous and frightening, never daring to look people in the eye.

Now, facing the bronze mirror and looking at the face that had relaxed and opened up, Wen Xi suddenly realized he wasn't ugly at all.

He could even be called handsome.

Thinking that felt a bit self-praising, but Yan Fengan often said it too.

Whether in daily life or moments like last night, his husband never stinted on compliments, sometimes even praising him with various poems.

Wen Xi didn't understand the meaning of those poems, only knowing they were all about praising someone's beauty.

Every time he heard Yan Fengan say such things, Wen Xi would blush and want to hide himself, but he had to admit he loved hearing them—he even wished Yan Fengan would say sweet things to him every day.

A faint smile appeared on the face in the mirror, but it didn't last long before slowly fading.

Because Wen Xi remembered something unpleasant: in a little while, Yan Fengan would be returning to the academy.