Chapter 54: Remember, This Grudge Is on Li Ye

Chapter 54: Mark my words—this grudge falls on Li Ye

Everyone turned toward the sound and saw an ox cart approaching from behind, carrying several young men dressed as scholars.

On the outer edge of the cart sat an older woman and a younger one. The younger woman appeared to be a newlywed, her face hidden under a veil, making her features invisible. The older woman had a pinched, mean face, her cloudy old eyes sharp with scheming. Her gaze made those who met it feel skin-crawling.

This older woman was none other than Zhou Nan Shi. Judging by the closeness between her and the younger woman, the latter was likely Zhou Nan Shi’s eldest granddaughter (the recently married Mrs. Zhou).

When Bing Wengu saw Zhou Nan Shi, his pupils narrowed to slits.

Noticing Nan Jinping’s emotional shift, Bing Wengu’s eyes darkened. He wasn’t the forgiving type, especially when it came to his husband. He hadn’t forgotten how this woman had once tried to persuade his husband to become a concubine for her son-in-law.

Originally, burning down one of Zhou Nan Shi’s houses and crippling one of her legs had been enough for Bing Wengu to consider the matter settled. But now, Zhou Nan Shi dared to poke the bear again—so he’d make her regret it.

"What’s this crap you’re spewing?" Both Liang Shi and Miao Shi snapped at her.

Liang Shi angrily retorted, "Zhou Nan Shi, you miserable old hag! Let me tell you—while the Nan family might tolerate you out of some distant kinship, our Bing family has no ties to you whatsoever. If you dare spout such rubbish again, I’ll rip your mouth shut, and who’d stop me?"

At this, Bing Erlang and Bing Silang closed ranks behind her, glaring daggers at Zhou Nan Shi. It was clear that if Liang Shi gave the order, the brothers wouldn’t hesitate to beat her.

Three brawny guys were scary enough, but after half a year of good meals, both Bing Wengu and Bing Silang had bulked up, making them even more fearsome.

"Y-you—what are you doing? I’ll have you know that assault is against the law!" Zhou Nan Shi squeaked weakly.

Bing Silang, never one to back down, sneered. "So what if we hit you? At most, we’ll pay you a few coins. My family has plenty to spare now."

For a brief moment, Zhou Nan Shi was tempted, damn her. Her grandson-in-law’s examination travel expenses had been scraped together by both families, leaving them nearly penniless.

But seeing Bing Silang’s unyielding demeanor, she didn’t dare provoke him further. This fourth son of the Bing family played for keeps—what if he accidentally killed her in the heat of the moment?

Zhou Nan Shi wasn’t willing to trade her life for her grandson-in-law’s travel funds.

Mrs. Zhou, afraid her grandmother might actually get beaten, gave her husband’s sleeve a frantic yank, signaling him to mediate.

Li Ye frowned. He truly disliked his elderly grandmother-in-law, but his wife was so beautiful that he couldn’t help but endure the unpleasant woman.

This time, however, he felt his grandmother-in-law wasn’t entirely wrong.

Sitting on the cart, Li Ye adopted the stern tone of a schoolmaster rather than a fellow scholar, lecturing with an air of authority.

"Bing Yuanting, though my grandmother’s words may have been harsh, she had good intentions. Who drags their husband to exams?"

"Yuanting" was Bing Dalang’s courtesy name, given by his academy teacher, symbolizing profound knowledge and quick wit. Unfortunately, Bing Dalang seemed to have failed to live up to it.

Bing Wengu’s icy gaze fell on Li Ye, like Li Ye was just a thing.

Li Ye felt a chill under that stare, sweating bullets.

"Bing Yuanting, wh-what’s with that look? I was only trying to help," Li Ye stammered nervously.

"Then kindly save the fake concern. We have no personal ties, nor even the bond of former classmates. Your false concern is unnecessary," Bing Wengu retorted bluntly, sparing no courtesy.

Li Ye flushed with humiliation. Zhang Ming, sitting beside him, couldn’t stand it and interjected with what he thought was fairness.

"Brother Bing, how can you speak like that? Regardless of anything else, we’ve studied together for over a decade—surely there’s some camaraderie between us?"

Zheng Ning, also on the cart, was mortified. He kept tugging at Zhang Ming’s sleeve to stop him, but Zhang Ming shook him off.

"Brother Li and this elder lady meant well, merely advising Brother Bing not to indulge in carnal pleasures—especially at such a critical juncture for the imperial examinations." (In Dayong, it was common to refer to grandmothers or elderly women as "niangniang," though the term also applied to imperial consorts, leading to some confusion.) Li Ye and Zhou Nan Shi preened, as if Zhang Ming’s support had vindicated them as bearers of truth.

"Self-righteous fools who are oblivious to their own stupidity are even more nauseating than genuine idiots." Apart from Nan Jinping, Bing Wengu wouldn't indulge anyone—he attacked head-on.

"You... you..." Zhang Ming never expected Bing Wengu to not only disregard his face but also insult him outright.

"Zhang Ming, were you born in the Year of the Dog?" Bing Wengu lashed out again.

Like a dog worrying mice—nosy as hell.

Zhang Ming was furious. "You're utterly hopeless!"

"An ungrateful trash like you dreaming of passing the imperial exams? Keep dreaming!" Zhou Nan Shi spat viciously in Bing Wengu's direction.

"Nan Sanlang, your Nan family is full of fools who can't tell right from wrong. Back then, I wanted that worthless trash from your family to accompany my granddaughter as a secondary wife for my grandson-in-law. Instead of being grateful, you married your Xiao Geer to such a money-grubbing lecher. You'll regret it someday!"

"My grandson-in-law is destined to become a high-ranking official. Being his concubine would make you an official's family—a blessing your Nan ancestors would be dancing in their graves for! Yet your family doesn’t know how to cherish such fortune..."

A Xiao Geer's virtue was everything. If a marriage negotiation fell through, it would be the talk of the town. But Zhou Nan Shi brazenly blurted out her desire to make Nan Jinping a secondary wife, outright ruining his honor.

Bing Wengu's gaze turned icy. He said to Bing Silang, "Bing Silang, go and slap her till her lips swell. I don’t want to hear another word from her."

"Gladly!" Bing Silang, boiling with rage, had long been itching to act. He lunged at Zhou Nan Shi.

Terrified, Zhou Nan Shi collapsed onto the ground. Her grandson-in-law, Li Ye, intervened, and Bing Silang held back from actually striking her.

Li Ye said, "Bing Dalang, what kind of man bullies an old madam?"

Bing Silang snapped, "Who’s bullying whom? Didn’t you hear her slandering my brother-in-law?"

As if the grandson-in-law Zhou Nan Shi mentioned was him, Li Ye awkwardly replied, "Granny is just rambling in her old age. How dare a man of learning argue with an illiterate old woman?"

Bing Wengu narrowed his eyes and, instead of anger, smiled coldly. "Fine. I’ll remember this vendetta. I’ll settle it with you—and only you—later."

At that moment, Li Ye had no idea what Bing Wengu’s grudge truly meant or what crucial things he would lose because of it.

Otherwise, he would’ve personally slapped Zhou Nan Shi twice to shut her up right then.

Noticing Nan Jinping’s face had gone white as a sheet, Bing Wengu grasped his trembling hands.

"Listen well, all of you. My husband is not someone you can casually covet. He is the incarnation of fortune, capable of bestowing blessings on all who treat him well."

The stigma of being a Shuang Er weighed too heavily on Nan Jinping. If not dispelled, it could be a nightmare haunting him for life.

So, Bing Wengu crafted a new identity for him.

"I’m the best proof. My family was once so poor we couldn’t afford food. But after our betrothal, we built a proper tiled-roof house and started the bean-curd trade." Bing Wengu declared firmly, seizing this chance to cement Nan Jinping’s reputation as an incarnation of fortune.

"Before, I repeatedly failed the prefectural exams. But now, with the lucky star by my side, I’m certain I’ll have my name on the golden list."

This wasn’t the first time Bing Wengu had said this publicly—he’d mentioned it during their wedding.

But no one took it seriously. If Nan Jinping were truly an incarnation of fortune, why would he be born a Shuang Er? Why would the Nan family still suffer so much? The villagers dismissed it as nonsense.

Li Ye snorted in derision, "Bing Yuanting, now that your own knowledge falls short, you’re resorting to prayers and superstition?"

Bing Wengu smiled. "Just you wait."

Turning to the Nan and Bing families, he said, "You can stop here. Don’t worry—with my lucky-star husband by my side, I’ll pass in one go. Just wait at home for my good news. Silang, let’s go."

Madam Liang hurriedly yanked him off the ox-cart and dragged him aside to urge him in hushed tones away from the crowd.

"Eldest Son, I know you were behind the injuries of Zhou Nan Shi, Li Shi, and Wang Shi before." Liang Shi spoke while staring intently into Bing Wengu's eyes, trying to discern something. Unfortunately, Bing Wengu's gaze was impassive and unreadable, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

Liang Shi couldn't help but feel disheartened, yet she continued, "You're going for the County Exam now. The exam is what matters—don’t think about revenge or anything that might affect your performance, understand?"

Bing Wengu neither agreed nor disagreed, leaving Liang Shi even more uncertain. She urged, "Eldest Son, focus on your exam. Passing would be the best revenge against Zhou Nan Shi, far more painful for her than breaking her leg."

"Mother, I’m grown now. I know what I’m doing—you can rest easy." Bing Wengu never saw revenge and exams as mutually exclusive. He wouldn’t make promises to Liang Shi, just as he wouldn’t lie to her.

Though uneasy, Liang Shi knew she couldn’t persuade him and had to let it go.

Bing Wengu returned to the oxcart, where Bing Silang took the reins, slowly driving away from the village without another glance at those left behind.

Inside the cart, Bing Wengu pulled Nan Jinping into his arms. "Don’t be afraid, my love. With me here, even if the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you."

Nan Jinping nestled obediently in his embrace, for the first time not resisting affection in public.

Her eyes reddened as she whispered "husband"—the first time she had addressed him so willingly, melting Bing Wengu’s heart while stirring another part of him.

Unaware, Nan Jinping asked innocently, "Do you care about what Zhou Nan Shi said? I never once considered being anyone’s concubine, not even for an official. I’d rather marry a monk than lower myself like that."

"Of course I believe you. Besides, with a man like me by your side—handsome and outstanding—why would my beautiful spouse ever settle for someone like that mediocre hack?"

Bing Wengu’s teasing quickly lifted Nan Jinping’s spirits, making her laugh. "How can you be so full of yourself?"

"Wrong—it’s not arrogance, but confidence."

Nan Jinping couldn’t hold back a giggle.

Bing Wengu smiled along. "You look most beautiful when you laugh, darling."

Blushing, Nan Jinping said, "You’re always such a smooth-talker."

"Every word I say to you comes from the heart—not a single lie." Bing Wengu spoke gently. "My love, don’t be afraid of anything. If someone hurts you, strike back boldly. I’ll handle the fallout. As for Zhou Nan Shi’s words, I don’t care at all. Even if you had considered marrying someone else before, it wouldn’t matter. It only proves how exceptional you are, with so many admirers. That I emerged victorious among them shows I’m just as outstanding. Our love is perfectly matched, a union meant to be."

"Hahaha…" Nan Jinping burst into laughter, so easily turning sorrow into laughter.

Holding her close, Bing Wengu’s eyes flashed coldly.

Zhou Nan Shi, Li Ye—he, Bing Wengu, would remember them.

Hearing Nan Jinping’s laughter from the cart, Bing Silang smirked.

His elder brother had truly mastered the art of cheering up his spouse—so effortlessly turning tears into laughter. He wanted to learn that skill.

Maybe then, he’d have better luck wooing a girl. Speaking of which, it was infuriating—his brother, as domineering as ever, insisted on waiting until after the exams to arrange a marriage for him.

He wasn’t going to pass anyway, so why make him suffer another year as a single man? His brother had endured over two hundred fifty years of bachelorhood—surely he knew the misery. Yet here he was, dragging Bing Silang along.

Little did Bing Silang know, his brother hadn’t just been a bachelor for twenty years—but two hundred fifty. He understood the pain far better than Bing Silang ever could.

It was the season for scholars to take the exams, and the county was packed. The reputable, reasonably priced inns and taverns were completely full.

Some smaller inns still had vacancies, but they were rowdy and cramped—far from ideal for studying, let alone resting.

In the end, Bing Wengu and his companions opted for the priciest inn in the county, where the environment was far better.

"Honored guests, we currently have a special offer—a stay through the county exam costs just one tael of silver, which includes three meals a day and hot water for bathing," the waiter explained. "And rest assured, though we provide meals, the quality is excellent—all freshly prepared by the high-end restaurant across the street."

"One tael of silver!" Bing Silang was completely fixated on the price. "A few days for a whole tael? What, are we sleeping on a golden bed or eating gold?"

In a small county town, this price was indeed exorbitant. Though this inn was usually a high-end establishment, its rates had never been this steep—clearly inflated due to the county exam.

Bing Wengu cast a cool glance at Bing Silang. "Stop making a scene over nothing."

Nan Jinping quietly stuck out his tongue. He also thought it was expensive but was glad he hadn’t spoken up—otherwise, he’d be the one scolded. He had no idea that if he had voiced his thoughts, Bing Wengu’s reaction would have been entirely different.

Bing Wengu took out a tael of silver from his pocket and handed it to the waiter. "Give us a premium room. The two of us will stay."

"Right away!" the waiter replied cheerfully, beaming. "Lucky you—this is our last premium room! With such good fortune, you’re bound to pass the exam with flying colors!"

Definitely a high-class inn—the waiter knew exactly what to say. Whether he recognized them or not, a little flattery never hurts.

"Thank you," Bing Wengu nodded slightly. "Lead us to the room."

"This way, sirs!" The waiter guided them upstairs, with Bing Wengu protectively ushering Nan Jinping behind him. Trailing behind, Bing Silang carried their luggage alone like a laborer.

Upon entering the room, they saw it was worth every penny—spacious and well-appointed. Despite its modest size, a folding screen partitioned off a sitting area. A wide platform bed with a low table was perfect for drinking with classmates, discussing studies, or reviewing lessons.

It was spotless—the floor clean, the space tidy, and all furnishings freshly laundered, carrying a faint scent of soap pods.

The waiter asked, "You’ve had a long journey. Would you like to bathe first or dine?"

This wasn’t an unusual question—many scholars had particular habits, insisting on bathing before socializing.

Before Bing Wengu could answer, Bing Silang blurted, "Food first, food first!"

He then grinned ingratiatingly at Bing Wengu. "Big Brother, I’ve never had food this expensive before. Let me try it—I need to hurry home after eating. As for bathing, since you’re not in a rush to socialize today, you can wash up tonight."

Bing Silang knew Bing Wengu had developed a new habit—bathing every night, even in freezing weather. He remembered Bing Dalang used to hate bathing.

Bing Wengu said nothing and simply instructed the waiter to serve the meal.

"Would you prefer dining in your room or downstairs in the main hall?" Since it was a fixed-price meal, the waiter didn’t care where they ate.

"How about downstairs?" Nan Jinping spoke up.

Having rarely even visited the town, this was Nan Jinping’s first time in the county, and everything fascinated him. He wanted to observe the lively hall below.

Bing Silang chimed in eagerly, "Yes, Big Brother, how about downstairs? We’ll get to see more."

Since Nan Jinping had asked, Bing Wengu immediately agreed.

The three went downstairs. The hall was packed—mostly scholars and their servants.

Their table, with a married young husband like Nan Jinping, stuck out like a sore thumb. Soon, whispers arose:

"Why did that table bring their husband along?"

"No idea," someone replied. "Cheaper taverns often have families tagging along—those who can’t afford servants but still need care. But here, where a few days cost a tael, surely they can hire help. Why bring their husband into a room full of men? So inappropriate."

"Who knows? Maybe they’re newlyweds, or perhaps that young master is just a concubine—used to serving, so public exposure doesn’t matter..."

Nan Jinping’s excitement drained away. He shrank back, discomfort plain on his face.

Such remarks weren’t isolated. Even silent stares spoke volumes.

Even Bing Silang lost his appetite and quickly finished his food, urging them to return to their room.

Bing Wengu, however, took Nan Jinping to a tailor shop instead. Nan Jinping asked curiously, "Wen Gu, we brought enough clothes. We don’t need to buy more, do we? Things in the county must be more expensive than in town."

Bing Wengu shook his head and said to the shopkeeper, "Find some men’s clothing for my husband—male styles, not dual-gender styles."

The shopkeeper glanced at Nan Jinping, puzzled as to why a married young intersex spouse would want men’s clothing, but he didn’t ask further. Instead, he inquired, "We have clothes at all price points. What range are you looking for?"

"One tael per ensemble," Bing Wengu replied.

Nan Jinping tugged at Bing Wengu’s sleeve discreetly. "That’s too expensive. It’s fine for you to wear when socializing, but I don’t need it."

Bing Wengu shook his head. "Darling, you’re wrong. I can wear anything, but you need to dress well."

If he passed the exams and secured an official position, even coarse clothing wouldn’t invite disrespect. But Nan Jinping was different—he couldn’t enter officialdom, so all his prestige came from his husband. His attire and accessories reflected his husband’s regard. If they were lacking, people would assume he wasn’t valued and treat him accordingly.

The shopkeeper quickly understood Bing Wengu’s intent and smiled. "This husband, your man clearly treasures you. Please, come this way."

The shopkeeper soon picked out several suitable sizes. Nan Jinping tried them on one by one, and Bing Wengu easily selected three different styles.

The county’s fashions were far more stylish than back home. Once dressed, Nan Jinping looked every bit like a young master of a wealthy family—especially since his faint fertility mark was barely visible, making it impossible to tell he was a young intersex spouse. He simply appeared to be a refined and handsome young lord.

The shopkeeper’s eyes lit up. "This husband, no one would ever guess you’re a dual-gender individual or a man in this outfit."

Bing Wengu nodded and paid over three taels of silver for the three outfits.

As they left the shop, Bing Silang still seemed dazed. He caught up to Bing Wengu and said, "Elder Brother, you’ve really become extravagant now. Buying clothes like this—it’s a year’s income for our whole household."

Bing Wengu ignored him, but Nan Jinping grew uneasy, like a child who had done something wrong. He worried silently—if Bing Silang told Liang Shi about the expensive clothes, would she be angry and scold him when they returned?

Bing Wengu glanced at Nan Jinping and gently patted his back. "Remember what I told you? Outside, you must never show timidity, or those sharks will tear you apart. Keep in mind—now, you’re like the young master of a wealthy family. Your clothes and I are your confidence. Face everything with confidence."

"Mm," Nan Jinping nodded, straightening his back.

Bing Silang escorted them back to the inn before leaving with the cart.

After this, no one paid attention to Nan Jinping anymore. Some didn’t even recognize that this well-dressed young lord was the same person who had been whispered about before.

In the following days, Bing Wengu didn’t go out to socialize with his peers, choosing instead to study in his room. Other scholars were busy visiting friends and networking, but Bing Wengu felt no need. His past self had no real friends, and he didn’t care for such empty cliques—they were useless. Only weak animals huddled together; a lone wolf fears no solitude.

As for his needs, Bing Wengu had Nan Jinping relay them to the hotel waiter.

This wasn’t because he treated Nan Jinping as a servant, but to train his young husband.

Soon, the day of the county exam arrived. Nan Jinping was even more nervous than Bing Wengu, tossing and turning anxiously all night without sleep.

At the exam gates, he paced anxiously in circles.

"Husband… Elder Brother Jin, don’t be nervous. Believe that your elder brother will succeed, thanks to your lucky influence."

It should have been Nan Jinping comforting Bing Wengu, but now the roles were reversed. Even so, Bing Wengu didn’t mind.

After all, composure was something cultivated over time—no one was born with it. Nan Jinping was still practically a kid by interstellar standards. How could he be expected to stay calm?

Nan Jinping was young; he had time to grow. Bing Wengu was patient.

Nan Jinping glared. "This isn’t funny right now."

"It’s no joke. Once I pass, you’ll see just how lucky you are."

Just then, an exam proctor called Bing Wengu’s name. Before entering, Bing Wengu gave final instructions: "Be extra careful alone. Don’t engage with strangers while I’m gone. Scoundrels are sly—be wary of anyone who approaches you."

Nan Jinping nodded repeatedly. "Go in. Don’t worry about me. I’ll stay right here. If anything happens, I’ll yell for help."

"Good. Wait for me—I’ll be back soon." With that, Bing Wengu headed into the exam hall. Just before stepping inside, he turned back and smiled at Nan Jinping.