Chapter 55 Household Registration

Chapter 55: Household Registration

Meng Wan and Song Tingzhou first arranged for a cart to take them from the town to the county seat, planning to hire a reliable carriage company there to transport them onward to the prefectural city.

The entire family walked to the town, with Zhu Zi’s ox cart piled high—rice, flour, oil, grain, bedding, clothing, and even the family’s two iron pots, one large and one small.

This was a true household relocation; everything movable had been taken, filling a single cart to capacity.

Chang Jinhua walked at the front and was the first to spot Huang Zheng waiting by the roadside. “Huang Zheng? What’s this?”

Huang Zheng stood alone, carrying two large cloth bundles, his gaze resolute. “Auntie, I’d like to accompany you all to the prefectural city again this time.”

“You’re still going back to that bookstore?” Chang Jinhua vaguely recalled he hadn’t fared well there and assumed he’d stay in town this round.

“No, I won’t be returning. The prefectural city is vast—I have sound limbs and capable hands, so surely other work awaits me there.”

Meng Wan hadn’t expected such ambition from him. “Not bad. Staying confined to one corner only wastes your potential. Since we’re renting two carts anyway, if you don’t mind the crowding, you’re welcome to join us.”

Together, they transferred the luggage from the ox cart to the hired horse-drawn carriage, leaving just enough space for Huang Zheng to sit, while the three-family members rode in the front cart.

The driver cracked his whip and shouted; the carriage slowly rolled forward. Meng Wan pushed open the window. As they passed a breakfast stall, Man Geer was busy at work—head down, vigorously frying youtiao in the back, occasionally stepping out to help or wiping sweat from his brow with a handkerchief.

Further west stood the bookstore. Shopkeeper Huang held his granddaughter Yueniang in his arms, his eldest son and daughter-in-law standing behind him. Huang Zheng’s mother covered her mouth with a handkerchief, afraid she might burst into tears. She seemed to sense, instinctively, that this time her youngest son was truly leaving—and might not return for a long while.

The season was perfect—spring warmth blooming with flowers. Along the roadside, lush greenery flourished, wildflowers vying for attention. Meng Wan’s mood, too, began to lighten.

The carriage traveled two days and two nights, arriving in the county seat at noon. Guyang County had only two city gates—north and south—and inspections were far less stringent than in the prefectural city. After entering smoothly, Song Tingzhou located an inn near the carriage company. Its price was fair, and its location convenient for moving their belongings.

Given the volume of luggage, Song Tingzhou reserved two low-tier rooms this time—to store items separately. After all, silver was scarce, and every coin saved mattered; otherwise, Song Tingzhou would have preferred sharing a room with his new husband.

They had come on official business and planned to stay only one night, departing early the next morning.

After only a brief rest at the inn—fearing they might miss the optimal timing—Song Tingzhou and Meng Wan hurriedly carried their essential documents to the county government office.

Upon arrival, they first informed the gatekeeping yamen runner of their identities and purpose. Only after a clear, thorough explanation were they granted entry.

Ordinary folk would have needed to slip a small bribe to these minor officials to gain access—but Song Tingzhou’s status as a *xiucai* carried considerable weight in a small yamen like this. The runner readily let them in and even courteously directed Song Tingzhou to the Registrar’s Office to collect his *linsheng* stipend and grain allotment.

The county office was quiet; runners and minor clerks alike were idle. When Song Tingzhou and Meng Wan were ushered into the Registrar’s Office, those inside were gathered in a cluster, chatting.

“Our county magistrate is ruthless enough—sending his own son to live apart like that.”

“He’s only a concubine’s son; didn’t he already receive land and silver?”

“The life he led under the magistrate’s roof is one thing—the life he’ll lead outside is another. Who could possibly adjust?”

“Adjust or not, he must. Who told him to stir up trouble in that town? The magistrate is eyeing promotion now—can he let a concubine’s son drag him down?”

“That’s reasonable.”

The fact that the county’s *Anshou*—its top scholar—had hailed from Guyang had brought prestige to the magistrate and would be duly noted in his service record. He’d been stuck in this post for over a decade and had long abandoned hopes of advancement, intending instead to retire here. But this unexpected achievement rekindled his ambitions.

“Registrar Wang, it’s the *Xiucai Master* from Sanquan Village—he’s here to collect his government-allocated silver and grain,” announced the runner, interrupting the conversation.

A middle-aged man with a long beard looked up in surprise. “Sanquan Village? The one who became *Anshou*?”

Song Tingzhou bowed formally. “It is this student.”

Registrar Wang hastily returned the bow. “Master, you’re far too polite. The county magistrate has already instructed: the *linsheng* stipend is four taels, plus an additional tael for the *Anshou*, along with six *dou* of fine rice and white flour—all imperial rewards. Beyond that, the magistrate has also granted an extra ten taels of silver.”

Meng Wan thought to himself: *Excellent! Magistrate Zhao is truly a good man.*

Thoughtfully, Registrar Wang added, “If transporting the rice and flour proves inconvenient, you may exchange them for silver here—though not at market rate, but at the official grain rate.”

That worked too. One *dou* equals twelve *jin*; six *dou* totals seventy-two *jin*. Back in Quanshui Town, it wouldn’t matter—but now, heading to the prefectural city, they already had ample rice and flour at home. Adding another seventy-two *jin* would overburden the horses; exchanging for silver was wiser.

Song Tingzhou agreed. Politely, he said, “In that case, we’ll exchange them for silver. Many thanks for the magistrate’s generosity.”

Registrar Wang smiled. “Then I’ll open the treasury to fetch the silver for you. Please wait a moment.”

“Registrar Wang—please wait!”

Song Tingzhou called him back.

“There’s another matter requiring your assistance. The silver can wait.” Song Tingzhou stepped beside Registrar Wang and, when no one was looking, slipped a small piece of silver into his palm.

Registrar Wang’s eyes crinkled slightly. “Master, please follow me—with your husband.”

He led Song Tingzhou and Meng Wan past several runners to a desk at the rear of the Registrar’s Office.

Song Tingzhou withdrew several sheets of paper from his robe and placed one before Registrar Wang. “First, as head of the household, I wish to formally release my husband from his servile status.”

Registrar Wang was visibly startled. “Your husband was a bondsman?”

Song Tingzhou’s voice lowered slightly. “Registrar Wang, I have now restored his freedom. And as a *linsheng*, I will personally vouch for him to obtain commoner status.”

Realizing he’d misjudged the situation—and risked offending Song Tingzhou—Registrar Wang quickly acquiesced. “Certainly, certainly. I’ll process his change to commoner status immediately. I’ll need you to sign and seal a document affirming Meng Wan’s good character—confirming he is neither a major villain nor a criminal.”

Having handled such matters countless times, he swiftly produced a sheet of paper, penned a few lines, and handed it to Song Tingzhou. Then he went to retrieve the household registry for Sanquan Village.

The errand took about as long as drinking a cup of tea. Meng Wan grew restless, fearing something might go awry. Song Tingzhou gently patted his hand in reassurance. “Don’t worry. A county’s household registries are countless—it’s difficult to locate the right one instantly. If it doesn’t happen today, we can return tomorrow.”

For an ordinary person, handling household registration would demand great effort—and bribes. But Song Tingzhou’s status as *Anshou* conferred distinct advantage. Had he been merely an ordinary *xiucai*, these petty officials might not have been nearly so accommodating.

Meng Wan glanced up at him. “I’m only worried—if we delay too long, you’ll miss the start of school.”

Song Tingzhou smiled. “It’s fine. I can simply request a few more days’ leave.”

“I’ve found the household registry for Sanquan Village, Quanshui Town. Apologies for the wait, Master.”

Registrar Wang returned, holding a thick registry book. He placed it on the desk and searched briefly. “Here it is: Sanquan Village, Song family. Since your father’s passing and the subsequent cancellation of the household register, you are now head of the household, Master. Your mother is from the Chang family of Quanshui Town.”

Song Tingzhou verified carefully. “Correct. Here is our marriage certificate, officiated by the Song clan head. I request that, now that my husband has attained commoner status, he be officially entered into my household registry.”

“Certainly, certainly.” Registrar Wang meticulously examined Song Tingzhou’s signed guarantee, the marriage certificate, and the Song family registry.

Only after verifying every detail did he dare inscribe Meng Wan’s name into the registry. Next to it, he marked a red character *liang* (meaning “commoner”), stamped it with an official seal—thereby formally recognizing Meng Wan’s commoner status and his inclusion in the Song household.

On Song Tingzhou’s household registry, beneath his mother Chang’s name, the entry *Meng-shi* was added.

Once complete, Registrar Wang carefully tore up Meng Wan’s deed of sale. “Thus, your husband is now a registered commoner of Sanquan Village, Guyang County—and his household registration has been officially added to yours.”

The couple exchanged a glance—deeply relieved. Both bowed deeply to Registrar Wang. “Thank you, Registrar Wang.”

With light steps, they left the county office. Meng Wan felt an indescribable joy welling within him.

Ah! He had finally regained his freedom—at last! After more than a year! This had been so damn hard!!!

Meng Wan had never cherished freedom as fiercely as he did in this very moment. He felt he could float all the way to the prefectural city.

Song Tingzhou followed behind him, watching blankly as Meng Wan walked further and further away without looking back. For a moment, heaven and hell flashed through his mind, and he stood frozen in place, as if under a spell.

He looked down at his right hand, that had been shaken off, and for an instant felt the urge to chop it off. If he had never had him, it would be one thing, but now that he truly possessed Meng Wan and knew how wonderful he was, if he really couldn't keep him, he would want... he would truly want...

"Cousin."

"...What's wrong?"

"Husband? Zhou Lang?"

The empty hand was taken by another slender, fair hand. Song Tingzhou slowly snapped out of his daze. "Wan'er..."

Meng Wan shook their joined hands. "Mm, what are you daydreaming for? We should go back to the inn."

Song Tingzhou repeated, "Wan'er."

Meng Wan seemed to pick up on his mood and gently replied, "Mm, I'm here."

Song Tingzhou suddenly pulled on their joined hands and used the momentum to pull Meng Wan into his embrace. Even for a married couple, acting that way in the middle of the street was outrageous. Passersby either covered their faces and hurried past or pointed and gossiped.

But Song Tingzhou couldn't have cared less. At that moment, his eyes and heart belonged only to Meng Wan.

Meng Wan gently patted his back and soothed him softly: "There, there, I'm here. Let's go back to the inn first, okay?"

After a while, Song Tingzhou calmed down and replied softly, "Mm."

The two walked down the street holding hands. Meng Wan thought: *Look all you want—we're married anyway, and now I'm a model citizen!*

After only a few steps, Meng Wan suddenly stopped. Song Tingzhou's heart, which had just calmed down, tightened again. He tightened his grip on the hand he held and asked hoarsely, "What's wrong?"

Meng Wan looked back and said doubtfully, "It feels like someone is watching us."

Song Tingzhou let out a breath and spoke more calmly: "People have been watching us all along." Now that they were married, being a bit close and holding hands wasn't unheard of. As long as it didn't harm Wan'er's reputation, why should he still hold back like before the wedding?

Meng Wan still felt something was off. "This feeling is different. Do you know that person?"

Song Tingzhou turned to look. At the mouth of the alley across from the inn, a young man was staring straight at him and Meng Wan, his gaze different from the curious and shy looks of others on the street.

Song Tingzhou didn't like the way that man stared at Meng Wan. "I don't know him. Let's not bother with him. Let's go to the carriage rental place first."

"Alright then."

Meng Wan was pulled away. As he left, he glanced back and saw that the young man had already turned and left. Judging by his clothes, he seemed well-off, and a young attendant followed behind him.

Something wasn't right.

Meng Wan thought for a moment, then called out: "Song Tingzhou, stop right there!"

Song Tingzhou squeezed Meng Wan's hand. "I'm right here, aren't I? You called me husband earlier, called me Zhou Lang." The last sentence was said in a lower voice, as if with some grievance.

Meng Wan put on a stern face. "Don't you get fresh with me! I have something to ask you."

Song Tingzhou couldn't help but laugh. *Cheeky?*

He collected himself. "Please speak, husband. I'll tell you everything, no secrets."

"Did you have any messy romantic history? Or any old flames..." Meng Wan trailed off, then reconsidered. Song Tingzhou was this rigid, bookish guy who spent all his free time copying books to support his family. He wouldn't have gone to any pleasure quarters. Meng Wan trusted him that much.

Song Tingzhou was reminded by this. First, he swore before his husband: "In this life, I've only ever loved you and no one else. But years ago, I was indeed betrothed for a time. It was with the Yang family, of the same clan as Dali's husband. There was a reason for that. After my father died, my mother was really depressed. I was young and didn't really understand what marriage meant. But when my mother said it was time to talk about marriage, I just went along with it."

Meng Wan raised an eyebrow. *That was a mouthful.*

No wonder he vaguely remembered someone telling him that Song Tingzhou had been betrothed before—he had just forgotten over time.

"Then why didn't it happen?"

"I kept failing the exams and made the Yang guy wait until he was too old. I was afraid of wasting his time. After he moved in with his mother's side of the family, the engagement was called off." Song Tingzhou was incredibly grateful that the Yang young man had abandoned him back then, so he spoke of it without any resentment.

Meng Wan guessed: "If that's your only past entanglement, then that young man just now—could he be him?"

Song Tingzhou answered honestly: "I don't know. I only saw the Yang young man once when we were betrothed. I've long forgotten what he looks like."

Meng Wan was satisfied. "Good answer."

"Whether it's him or not, it has nothing to do with us. Let him stare if he wants. Let's go to the carriage rental and book the carriage for tomorrow."

The county's carriage rental was near the inn. It was more professional there. Though smaller than the prefectural carriage rental, it had its own fleet. Song Tingzhou rented two carriages for the next morning to go to the prefectural city. After settling the price, they returned to the inn.

They made do for the night. The next morning, they filled their water skins at the inn, bought some flatbread for the road, and set off again for the prefectural city.

The journey was smooth. After traveling with stops and bumps along the way, they finally returned to Changping Prefecture at the end of the fifth month.

This time, they entered directly through the North Gate. Song Tingzhou showed the household registration book, and the identities of Meng Wan and Chang Jinhua matched up. They passed without issue.