Chapter 81 “Elementary Mathematics: Equations”

Chapter 81 "Elementary Mathematics: Equations"

After the Shangsi Festival, life continued peacefully and fulfilling day by day. Qiu Huanian, concerned about Qimin Bookstore's affairs, tried to arrange meetings with Su Xinbai several times but was unsuccessful.

About ten days later, the two finally met again at Kuzhou Tower.

As soon as Su Xinbai entered, Qiu Huanian rested his chin on his hand and scrutinized him.

Outwardly, Su Xinbai hadn't changed much, still with a calm and detached expression, a proud demeanor, and polite manners.

However, the furrow between his brows had completely disappeared, and his eyes occasionally showed a hint of tenderness.

Qiu Huanian smiled, "Finally, you've made it, you busy man. What have you been busy with these days?"

Su Xinbai remained silent, his face slightly flushed.

For the past ten days, Zhu Jingcheng had stayed close to Su Xinbai constantly. A man in his twenties, in the prime of his life, once he started, couldn't stop. Su Xinbai's waist was sore every day, and his thighs were so numb he could hardly walk.

Zhu Jingcheng had shown Su Xinbai through actions that the wild passion on their first night was definitely not because of the wine.

Su Xinbai, valuing his pride and fearing that Qiu Huanian might notice and make fun of him, had to stay home and avoid going out.

Yesterday, Zhu Jingcheng finally had to leave town to attend to business, so Su Xinbai could go out today.

Qiu Huanian, seeing his expression, knew their relationship must have advanced significantly, hiding a smile in his eyes.

Su Xinbai coughed lightly, "Your math book has been engraved. Here's the sample book the manager sent. See if there's anything to change?"

Qiu Huanian took the sample book. He had tried to keep the language concise when writing, making the text clear and to the point. The entire book was only two fingers thick, bound with hemp thread.

The dark blue cover displayed the title "Elementary Mathematics: Equations." Inside, there were neatly arranged texts and necessary illustrations.

The craftsmen at the Zhu family's bookstore were experienced and skilled, and the engraving of the book was well done, all according to Qiu Huanian's requirements.

Qiu Huanian nodded, "Print it as it is. I'll take this sample book; I promised to give it to someone."

Su Xinbai said, "Once the book is printed in bulk, I will send some to the education commissioner of Liaozhou and various academies. You should also submit a memorial to offer a few copies to the Emperor."

Qiu Huanian hadn't thought of this. As a Township Lord, he indeed had the qualification to submit memorials. However, whether the Emperor would personally read them, he couldn't guarantee.

"These matters, I'm afraid, weren't your own thoughts, were they?" Su Xinbai's nature didn't concern itself with such things.

Su Xinbai slightly avoided his gaze, "Jingcheng reminded me."

"Why not call him the eldest young master anymore?"

Su Xinbai directly changed the subject, "Writing books and establishing theories are all achievements. The Emperor honored you with an agricultural book. Presenting this mathematics book would be another merit."

"If we can gain a bit of the Emperor's praise, the book can be widely promoted."

At that time, people generally didn't value mathematics. To promote "Elementary Mathematics" extensively, some prestigious endorsements were needed.

Qiu Huanian understood this and planned to go back and think it over carefully.

The two sat and chatted over tea at Kuzhou Tower for a while when suddenly a servant from the Zhu family came in to report.

"What's the matter?" Su Xinbai asked him.

The servant glanced at Qiu Huanian and spoke clearly and quickly, "Reporting to the eldest young mistress, there's been some trouble at the family's small school. Since the mistress has gone out of the city to worship Buddha and can't be reached for a while, we had to come to you first."

The Zhu family's small school is where Zhu Xian, Jiu Jiu, and Su Xinyao attend classes.

Qiu Huanian frowned, "What happened?"

"I'm not too clear, but I know that a Zhu family relative had a quarrel with Xian'er, and a girl from the Du family also got angry. These matters are not good to be spread around, so we urgently need an elder to step in."

Upon hearing that Jiu Jiu was involved in this, Qiu Huanian immediately became restless.

Su Xinbai stood up, "Prepare the carriage; I'll go back with Huanian."

"From Bitter Boat Tower to the Zhu residence, the carriage can get there in just over fifteen minutes if we hurry, so don't worry."

Qiu Huanian nodded. He believed that with Jiu Jiu's intelligence, she wouldn't suffer too much, but as a parent, he couldn't bear to see her suffer even a bit.

The carriage raced back to the Zhu family residence. Someone had already run ahead to inform the family, and the servants at the gate removed the threshold of the side entrance, allowing the carriage to drive straight in and stop right in front of the small school.

Su Xinbai got off the carriage and saw a young woman standing by the school entrance, frowning slightly.

Dian Mo went up to ask for him, "Second Young Madam, what brings you here?"

The Zhu family had not yet divided their estate, so the grandchildren were ranked together in the family hierarchy. The second son was the eldest of the second branch and managed some of the Zhu family's affairs, but he was far behind Zhu Jingcheng in terms of influence.

Given Su Xinbai's status, no one in the Zhu family dared to disrespect him openly. The Second Young Madam tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled faintly, "It's good that the Eldest Young Madam has returned. I heard that my Xia'er had a dispute with Xian'er and the young lady from Qiu Huanian's family at the school, so I rushed over to make amends."

"..."

Su Xinbai frowned. He felt uneasy with her words.

Qiu Huanian looked at the Second Young Madam and understood her intentions.

Regardless of the cause of the conflict or who initiated it, the Second Young Madam had already positioned herself as the victim, subtly implying that the main branch was bullying her.

This Second Young Madam's surname was Zhu, and her given name was Lu. Her family ran a silver shop, and her father was good friends with the second master of the Zhu family. They had arranged the marriage of their children many years ago.

The Xia'er she mentioned was her younger sister, Zhu Xia, who was twelve years old. As a relative of the Zhu family, she also attended the small school.

The servants beside Su Xinbai quickly explained the relationships to Qiu Huanian in a few words.

Zhu Xia? Qiu Huanian felt that the name sounded familiar.

Su Xinbai didn't understand Zhu Lu's subtle words but felt uncomfortable, so he simply stopped listening.

He walked straight into the small school, and everyone else quickly followed.

Qiu Huanian entered the three-room hall built by the water and saw Jiu Jiu in the center of the room.

Jiu Jiu was frowning, rubbing her wrist, with Shanhu protecting her. Several servants dressed differently were standing around her, but none of them made any further moves.

Su Xinyao was feeling unwell today and didn't come to school. Zhu Xian stood beside Jiu Jiu, her face dark and filled with conflict.

A few steps away from them, a little girl was crying into a handkerchief, her sobs soft and pitiful.

Zhu Lu walked over and pulled the little girl into her arms.

"Xia'er, don't be afraid, your sister is here."

The little girl looked up, her delicate face resembling Zhu Lu's, with a red slap mark on her cheek.

Judging by the expressions and postures of everyone in the room, it seemed that Jiu Jiu had hit her.

Qiu Huanian frowned and walked over to Jiu Jiu's side.

Jiu Jiu turned her head and was startled to see Brother Hua had arrived. She quickly dropped her confrontational attitude and lowered her head.

Zhu Lu's sharp eyes glanced at Qiu Huanian before turning back to her sister. "Xia'er, tell your sister what happened."

"Don't worry, Sister-in-law is here to help. She comes from a prestigious family and is known for her fairness. If necessary, the old lady can also support us. Just speak your mind."

Zhu Xia sobbed a few times and said tearfully in a hoarse voice, "Du Yunse, Du Yunse suddenly slapped my face."

As soon as she spoke, everyone in the room turned to look at Jiu Jiu and Qiu Huanian.

Su Xinbai sensed trouble.

Even someone like him, who usually ignored household matters, knew how damaging it could be for an unmarried girl to be known for hitting others.

Min Leyi, the headmaster of Qingfeng Academy, had once fought over a kitten at a banquet and was still excluded from Xiangping Prefecture's elite social circles. He couldn't even find a good marriage prospect.

Su Xinbai instinctively said, "What happened today stays in this room. No one is to talk about it outside."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Lu began to cry and wail, "What do you mean by this, Sister-in-law? Should my Xia'er just take this beating quietly?"

Zhu Lu cried bitterly, not waiting for Su Xinbai to respond, and began to reflect on herself.

"I know the young lady from the Township Lord's family is highly valued. We, poor relatives from modest backgrounds, can't compare. My sister suffering like this, enduring such humiliation, is all because I, as her sister, am inadequate. Over the years, I've borne children for the Zhu family, arranged concubines for my husband, and never avoided any duty or hardship."

Su Xinbai felt even more uneasy, as if a thorn were piercing his heart.

Su Yi, as an official, was known for his integrity and never used his status to oppress the common people. Su Xinbai himself was reserved by nature. Although his maternal family held a high status, he had never truly acted unreasonably or shown arrogance toward anyone in the Zhu family.

But now, listening to Zhu Lu's tone, it seemed as though she had suffered some great injustice at Su Xinbai's hands.

Her mention of concubines and bearing children only added to Su Xinbai's inexplicable irritation.

The fact that she was blaming herself throughout the entire ordeal left Su Xinbai at a loss for words.

Su Xinbai, the bookish and aloof beauty, couldn't understand, but Qiu Huanian was different.

He chuckled, drawing everyone's attention. Even the Zhu sisters, who had been crying, paused for a moment.

Qiu Huanian took Jiu Jiu's hand, examined it carefully, and gently rubbed it. "Does it still hurt? Hitting such a thick-skinned person, what if you hurt yourself?"

"Brother Hua?" Jiu Jiu was stunned.

She knew she shouldn't have impulsively hit someone, but at that moment, she couldn't help herself. She had already prepared herself to be scolded by Brother Hua.

To her surprise, not only did Brother Hua not blame her, but he also spoke so harshly on her behalf.

He didn't give Zhu Lu, the second young mistress of the Zhu family, any face at all.

"You—you—" Zhu Lu was taken aback by Qiu Huanian's directness and didn't know how to respond.

She didn't dare to truly break ties with a Township Lord. She knew that if things escalated, the Zhu family would undoubtedly side with Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse, while her own Zhu family was insignificant.

Qiu Huanian looked at her. "Second Young Mistress, did you have something to say to me?"

Zhu Lu took a deep breath and forced herself to say, "The young lady from the Township Lord's family has too fiery a temper. The Township Lord should discipline her properly. Today, it's just my sister being hit, but if she causes a bigger problem in the future, it will be too late."

"There's no need for the Second Young Mistress to trouble herself. I have always taught my children to distinguish right from wrong and to take responsibility for their actions."

Qiu Huanian patted Jiu Jiu's head, "Jiu Jiu, tell Brother Hua what just happened."

Qiu Huanian believed that Jiu Jiu would never suddenly resort to violence.

Jiu Jiu glanced at Zhu Xian, then at Su Xinbai, and shook her head at Qiu Huanian.

Qiu Huanian understood, "Xinbai, have everyone except the children involved leave. This matter shouldn't be overheard by too many people."

Zhu Lu clenched her hands, "What's wrong with that? Everyone else can be a witness, what's the harm in them listening?"

Su Xinbai ignored her and directly followed Qiu Huanian's instructions.

With Su Xinbai present, no one paid attention to Zhu Lu, making her tears well up in frustration.

After Su Xinbai had everyone else leave, only he, the Zhu sisters, Zhu Xian, Qiu Huanian, Jiu Jiu, and their respective personal servants remained in the small classroom.

Zhu Xian finally let out a sigh of relief, her tense nerves slightly relaxed, but she still looked gloomy.

With Qiu Huanian backing her, Jiu Jiu boldly asked Zhu Xia, who was wiping her tears with a handkerchief, "Will you tell it yourself, or shall I help you?"

Once the irrelevant people had left, Zhu Xia and Zhu Lu's bravado diminished significantly.

Jiu Jiu cut to the chase, "Xian sister, Xin Yao, and I usually sit together. Today, Xin Yao didn't come, so Zhu Xia sat with us. At first, we didn't pay it much mind, but during the noon break, she suddenly started whispering gossip to us."

"Zhu Xia was subtly probing about Xian sister's two older brothers, mentioning that she had several cousins who were talented and good-looking, gentle and considerate."

"She thought she was being discreet, but it was obvious to everyone. Xian sister didn't want to respond and directly said that her younger brother wasn't ready for marriage and her older brother wouldn't take a concubine."

"Zhu Xia, caught and embarrassed, lashed out, sarcastically saying that Xian sister was just a concubine's daughter, acting like a jealous woman who forbids men from taking concubines."

Zhu Xian, her eyes red, tugged at Jiu Jiu, who bit her lip.

Su Xinbai's expression darkened as he finally understood.

"It's alright, Jiu Jiu, continue. There's no one else here, no need to save face for me."

Jiu Jiu continued, "Her words even insulted Brother Xinbai. Xian sister was angry but didn't dare to speak up, fearing that others would gossip about Brother Xinbai behind his back."

"I stood up for Xian sister and argued with Zhu Xia. I said that true love exists in this world, and just because she hasn't encountered it doesn't mean there aren't couples who stay loyal to each other."

"Zhu Xia didn't argue directly but instead went off on a tangent, saying that when my brother becomes a high official and takes on a dozen concubines, I wouldn't be able to spout such shameless nonsense."

"She insulted me, and I would have argued with her, but when she slandered my brother and tried to sow discord between my brothers, I just..."

Jiu Jiu remembered that just a year ago, she was living a poor life in Du Village, barely having meat a few times a year, until her brother returned and, together with Brother Hua, lovingly managed to build a better life for the family.

The relationship between Du Yunse and Qiu Huanian, which Jiu Jiu witnessed daily, became the best education, making her believe in true love and genuine feelings.

Zhu Xia's nonsense had undoubtedly touched Jiu Jiu's most sensitive nerve.

Thus, the slap that left a mark on Zhu Xia's face caught everyone off guard.

Earlier, they had been speaking in hushed tones at their seats, so no one around heard the specifics.

After Jiu Jiu acted, the commotion in the small classroom drew attention, but neither Jiu Jiu nor Zhu Xia wanted to back down. Zhu Xian, the hostess, was also overwhelmed with worry and couldn't handle the dispute.

The servants, not wanting to offend anyone, hurried out to fetch Su Xinbai.

Su Xinbai's cold gaze fell on Zhu Lu and Zhu Xia. Zhu Xia was already in a state of panic, while Zhu Lu was still trying to hold her ground.

"Sister-in-law, children speak their minds, please don't take it to heart. Besides, what Xia'er said is true and for the good of the Zhu family. Eldest brother, being the eldest son and grandson, has yet to produce an heir, and the family's blessings are at risk."

Zhu Lu knew that once her natal family's plans were exposed, she would inevitably cross Su Xinbai. But as long as they wanted to place someone in Zhu Jingcheng's household, they would eventually offend him, so doing it sooner rather than later didn't matter.

In this regard, she wasn't afraid of Su Xinbai.

Because the issue of Zhu Jingcheng being married for many years without producing an heir had always been a concern for the Zhu family elders. As long as they didn't break face and it really came to the matriarch, she wouldn't be at a disadvantage. The elders might even be pleased that she had lifted this veil of shame.

As for Eldest Brother Zhu Jingcheng, Zhu Lu believed that no man could endure being without someone to serve him. Her own husband, when he went out on business for a few days, would take a few maids and servants to satisfy his needs. Zhu Jingcheng must have been simmering with frustration for a long time.

When the time came, she would casually propose bringing in some young and beautiful relatives from her natal family. In a year or two, they would have a few children, and the heir of the main branch would be under her natal family's control. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

After all, she was the legitimate young mistress of the Zhu family, not a servant. What could Su Xinbai, this cold and aloof golden Buddha, do to her?

Thinking this, Zhu Lu squeezed out a few more tears and changed her tactic.

"If Sister-in-law is truly angry, we are willing to face punishment. Why don't we take this to the matriarch and explain everything to receive our punishment?"

Su Xinbai, with a cold expression, took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly, too furious to know what to say.

Qiu Huanian shook his head and patted Su Xinbai.

After Su Xinbai resolved his inner conflicts and began to live harmoniously with Zhu Jingcheng, the disputes of the inner household that he had previously disregarded started to confront him.

Su Xinbai had always been a bookish, aloof beauty who paid no heed to the outside world. In his maternal home, his mother and stepmother had managed the household affairs so efficiently that he never had to concern himself with them.

Facing someone like Zhu Lu for the first time left him at a loss.

Qiu Huanian thought to himself, this is the drawback of large families with many members and numerous wives and concubines. In the future, whether marrying out or bringing someone in, they must set rules against taking concubines.

To achieve this, he and Du Yunse must work hard to raise their status so they can safeguard their family.

"If I recall correctly, Xinbai is the Zongfu of the Zhu family, right?"

Zongfu or Zongfu refers to the spouse of the eldest son or grandson in a prominent family. No matter how the family divides, they are the main lineage and have the authority to oversee everyone in the family except the direct elders.

Su Xinbai was momentarily taken aback, then understood.

Qiu Huanian was reminding him that he had every right to directly discipline Zhu Lu without needing to heed her and go to the matriarch.

Zhu Lu opened her mouth, not anticipating Qiu Huanian to make such a move.

Su Xinbai was indeed the Zongfu of the Zhu family, but he had never overseen the Zhu family's inner household, so Zhu Lu had subconsciously forgotten. If not for Qiu Huanian's reminder, even Su Xinbai himself hadn't remembered.

Su Xinbai, with a cold face, exhaled, "Escort Miss Zhu Xia back to the Zhu family. She is no longer required to attend the small schoolroom."

"As for Second Sister-in-law, go to the ancestral hall and kneel while transcribing three volumes of scriptures. Only after finishing can you come out."

...

This was the first time Su Xinbai had punished someone, and the punishment wasn't severe. Qiu Huanian didn't say much; Su Xinbai wasn't Jiu Jiu, and he didn't need to be taught.

Moreover, Qiu Huanian believed that when Zhu Jingcheng returned and learned of these events, he would make sure that anyone who displeased Su Xinbai would regret it.

These two complemented each other: the shrewd and capable Zhu Jingcheng protected Su Xinbai in complex environments, while the pure and talented Su Xinbai fulfilled all of Zhu Jingcheng's aspirations for a scholarly life.

Dian Mo, following Su Xinbai's orders, took a few aunties and uncles to lead Zhu Lu and Zhu Xia away.

Su Xinbai asked Qiu Huanian to stay for dinner, but Qiu Huanian shook his head, "You should rest well. Classes won't be held today. I'll take Jiu Jiu and go back first."

Jin San was waiting with the carriage outside the Zhu family residence. Qiu Huanian, Jiu Jiu, and Shanhu boarded the carriage.

Jiu Jiu leaned listlessly against Qiu Huanian, her mind wandering.

Qiu Huanian instructed Jin San, "Let's not go home yet. Make a stop at the Shu family's house in Sweet Water Lane."

"Brother Hua, why are you going to the Shu family?"

"To deliver a book to your sister, Ru Tang. 'Elementary Mathematics: Equations' has a sample copy ready. I promised to send her a copy as soon as it was printed."

Jiu Jiu's interest was piqued, and she eagerly took the book to flip through it. "Brother Hua, I want one too."

"Once Qimin Bookstore publishes it, you'll definitely get a copy."

Seeing Jiu Jiu's mood improve, Qiu Huanian smiled and patted her head. "What were you thinking about just now, Jiu Jiu?"

"I just saw how even someone as respected and scholarly as Brother Xinbai could be upset by Zhu Xia's sister. It made me worry about what might happen to me later..."

Jiu Jiu hugged Qiu Huanian's waist, burying her head in his chest, seeking comfort.

Back then, people married young. Jiu Jiu knew that some had already inquired about her with her brothers. Although her brothers would never agree to an engagement so soon, Jiu Jiu still felt troubled.

Qiu Huanian gently patted her back. "Our Jiu Jiu is such a good girl. You're sure to find a good match. Your brothers will also help you choose carefully. If it doesn't work out, we can arrange for you to have a live-in husband. That way, you won't have to worry about being mistreated."

Jiu Jiu's face turned red. "Brother Hua, don't joke about that. I have brothers; how could we have a live-in husband? It would damage the family's reputation."

Qiu Huanian tapped her nose.

"Why worry about that? Your brothers just need to work hard. By then, countless people might be eager to become the Du family's live-in son-in-law. You might even run into suitors offering themselves when you go out."

"Brother Hua!" Jiu Jiu cried out in embarrassment.

They joked and laughed for a while until Jin San drove the carriage to Sweet Water Lane. Qiu Huanian lifted the carriage curtain, then dropped it again.

"Brother Hua, what's wrong?"

Jiu Jiu asked, peeking out from under the curtain to look in the direction Qiu Huanian had just glanced.

By chance, she saw Zhu Xia, who should have been taken home by the Zhu family's carriage.

Jiu Jiu knew Brother Hua wanted to avoid trouble, so she lowered the curtain and whispered to Qiu Huanian, "Does Zhu Xia live in Sweet Water Lane too?"

Qiu Huanian nodded. It finally clicked why Zhu Xia's name had sounded familiar.

Last year, during the academy exam, he and Du Yunse had stayed at the Shu residence. Ru Tang had once shared her parents' worries with him.

She mentioned a neighbor friend named Zhu Xia, whose father owned a silver shop. Even though he had children with his wife, he kept taking concubines. When Ru Tang tried to comfort Zhu Xia, Zhu Xia retorted that Ru Tang's father had no sons and that Ru Tang should persuade her mother to let her father take a concubine.

Ru Tang was so angry she never spoke to Zhu Xia again.

Now it seemed that the Zhu Xia from back then was the same Zhu Xia.

Qiu Huanian explained the backstory to Jiu Jiu, who gritted her teeth and said, "It seems Zhu Xia has always been like this. She hid it well before; I never noticed."

Qiu Huanian sighed, "Neither Zhu Jingcheng nor Zhu Jingwei will let the Zhu family have their way. Let them waste their efforts."

After Zhu Xia disappeared from sight, Qiu Huanian instructed Jin San to drive the carriage forward. He then got off with Jiu Jiu and Shanhu.