Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Han Zhang was not at all surprised by Grandpa Han's reaction right then.

As the saying goes: "Dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes; a mouse's son knows how to dig holes." Although this proverb isn't absolute, it captures the common human tendency, and judging by the shrewd and calculating nature of his original self's siblings, it was clear that Han's parents and even grandparents weren't entirely straightforward.

While Grandpa Han valued the clan, in the old man's heart, his own grandson was undoubtedly the most important.

Seeing his grandfather's anxious expression, Han Zhang couldn't help but smile.

He pulled two more banknotes from his sleeve and handed them over, lowering his voice to reassure him.

"Grandpa, don't worry. I'm your eldest grandson. Since our family hasn't yet prospered, would I be foolish enough to put on a show of wealth?"

"A few days ago, I went to the flower shop to learn flower appreciation and cultivation. Who would have thought I'd have a talent for it? I cultivated a rare orchid, which a friend helped me sell for a good sum."

"Keep these two hundred taels safe. Later, have Grandma quietly buy some good rice and meat to nourish the family."

"Once I pass the imperial exams next year and elevate our household's status—then I'll make sure Grandpa, Grandma, Father, Mother, uncles, aunts, and siblings all shed their coarse clothes for silk and live a life of comfort..."

Two hundred taels?!

Grandpa Han clutched the banknotes, nearly unable to believe his ears, and asked in a trembling voice.

"Big Brother, is this true? Did you really cultivate a rare orchid and sell it?"

He had seen the world in his youth and knew well that rare flowers and plants fetched high prices.

Han Zhang nodded. "Absolutely true. These rare plants are indeed very valuable. Grandpa, you've traveled far and wide before, and you know many old friends. Are any of them still in the escort trade?"

"If so, could you ask them to bring back seeds that are hard to find in the capital? Whether they're rare flowers, vegetables, or grains—anything unusual would do."

"If I can cultivate a few more valuable plants to sell, our family will be much better off..."

Han Zhang made his request.

This would both dispel Grandpa Han's doubts and satisfy his own need to collect seeds.

With his plant power, making money from flowers was trivial; cultivating high-yield grain seeds was the real key to promotion and wealth.

Sure enough, hearing this, Grandpa Han's doubts vanished, replaced by sheer excitement.

"Alright, I understand. I'll go and inquire right away."

Grandpa Han nodded repeatedly, his face glowing with pride, happy to still be able to help his grandson at his age.

As for exactly how much Han Zhang's orchid had sold for, he didn't press further.

His grandson had grown up and had his own plans. There was no need to oversee every detail.

Han Zhang was satisfied and added another reminder.

"Grandpa, for the ring-toss game at the temple fair, we should prepare more items that appeal to young ladies and lads, as well as children. The temple fair is one of the rare outings for them, so they'll be willing to spend."

"Yes, I know..."

Grandpa Han nodded with pride—his eldest grandson was truly clever.

The grandfather and grandson walked home cheerfully.

For the next two days, Han Zhang was treated like the family treasure. During his break at home, he secretly used his power to improve everyone's health before returning to the academy.

...

Several days passed in a flash.

Soon it was the day of the temple fair at the south of the city.

As usual, Han Zhang meticulously groomed himself, his dark hair perfectly arranged, a distinctive incense wafting from his robes. He had also been practicing his posture and movements daily.

Since he had decided to rely on a good marriage, he had to have the right attitude.

Talent was important, but looks mattered too. A handsome appearance was his greatest asset to approach a beautiful young husband. He had to make the most of it.

Ensuring his attire was flawless, Han Zhang arrived at Lingyun Book Studio half an hour early as agreed.

To his surprise, Shen Qinglan, the young lad, was even more eager than he was.

When Han Zhang reached the studio, the boy had already been waiting there for some time.

The moment he saw Han Zhang, the lad's eyes lit up brightly, and he ran over with a joyful smile.

"Brother Han, you're finally here! Why so slow? Do you know how long I've waited? We haven't seen each other for days... Don't you miss me? Yet you come so late!"

Words poured out like a string of firecrackers, making Han Zhang chuckle.

He lightly tapped the young lad's forehead and said, "How am I late? There's still a full half hour before the agreed time. It's you who came too early—I'd guess you were up before dawn, fussing over yourself?"

"Of course! Thinking of seeing Brother Han today kept me awake with joy last night, so I got up early to dress up. Unlike you, Brother Han, who takes it so casually... It's clear you don't miss me at all."

Shen Qinglan was disheartened.

He had missed Brother Han so much, but Brother Han didn't seem to think of him at all!

Seeing this, Han Zhang smiled.

"Worthy Brother, how do you know I haven't missed you? Look, I had new clothes made just to see you today. Tell me, your humble brother—do I look handsome enough?"

With that, he spread his arms in a relaxed gesture.

His figure was tall and straight, broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, radiating an elegant charm.

"My Brother Han is truly handsome!"

Shen Qinglan couldn't take his eyes off him. Hearing that Han Zhang also missed him, his gloom vanished, and his face lit up with a brilliant smile.

"What a coincidence, Brother Han! I also wore new clothes today. Look at me—am I handsome?"

With that,

He spread his arms and gave a light spin.

The young lad was dressed in a moon-white satin robe, silver threads embroidered with cloud patterns shimmering faintly, making his fair skin look even more delicate like creamy jade.

A vermilion sash around his waist, and a ribbon of the same color in his hair, made him resemble a red plum in the snow—pure and vivid, beautiful and striking.

Cool yet lively, utterly captivating.

Han Zhang sincerely praised him: "Worthy brother, today you truly look like an immortal descending to earth."

These words made Shen Qinglan's heart blossom with joy, his cheeks and ears flushing crimson.

He struggled to suppress the grin tugging at his lips, but still pretended to be reserved: "Brother Han, you've got good taste."

Then he urged eagerly, "Alright, it's getting late, Brother Han. Let's hurry to the temple fair! I heard this year's street performance troupe is especially amazing—they can do nine backflips through a ring of fire!"

"And this year's lantern riddle prizes are also quite extraordinary—there's a glazed revolving lantern that glimmers, cloud brocade that shimmers silver under the moon, and a Hetian jade pendant carved with a green luan..."

"In short, there's so much good stuff, and I want it all. Brother Han, you're so smart, you gotta solve lots of riddles, and then..."

"And then take the prizes and give them all to worthy brother, right?"

Han Zhang teased mischievously.

To his surprise, Shen Qinglan didn't refuse at all, instead lifting his chin proudly: "Yes! Give them to me, give them to me, give them all to me! Is Brother Han willing?"

"Then call me Wise brother."

"Alright, Wise brother! Your most obedient little brother wants the lantern riddle prizes. Wise brother, win them and give them to me, okay?"

Shen Qinglan tugged his sleeve, swaying side to side, his voice sweet as honeyed syrup.

What a playful young lad.

Han Zhang's heart melted at the swaying, and he nodded with a smile: "Yeah, I'll give 'em to you, I'll give 'em all to you."

"Brother Han, you're awesome! Let's go, let's go, first we watch the street performance, then solve the lantern riddles..."

Shen Qinglan hopped with joy, then grabbed Han Zhang's sleeve and quickly ran toward the temple fair street.

The imperial capital was the most prosperous place under heaven.

The crowds surged like a tide, and the sound of gongs and drums filled the air.

Even a small temple fair was more lively than those in other counties.

On the long street, the dragon dance writhed with dazzling golden scales, and the lion dance bounded with vigor and grace;

On the stage, Peking Opera performers waved their water sleeves gracefully, and the face-changing artist won thunderous applause from the audience;

There were also shadow plays with light and shadow, puppet shows depicting a hundred forms, and the procession of deity statues...

Each act dazzled the eyes and kept them fully engaged; even Han Zhang, a man from the future, was amazed, watching with great interest.

Ancient times were indeed backward, but these folk arts, passed down through millennia, were something later generations couldn't top.

Shen Qinglan, who rarely went out, was especially excited by the spectacle, standing on tiptoe and craning his neck behind the crowd.

When he couldn't see because taller people blocked his view, this young lad completely forgot his status as a young gentleman, scratching his head impatiently, pulling at Han Zhang's sleeve and pleading:

"Brother Han, hurry, squat down and lift me up higher. I can't see the acrobatics inside!"

Han Zhang: ...

It wasn't him taking advantage; the young lad offered himself up.

"Alright, worthy brother, climb on!"

After only a moment's hesitation, Han Zhang decisively went with it.

He obediently crouched down, letting the young lad scramble onto his back, then steadily supported the young lad's plump rear, a slight smile curling at the corners of his mouth as he lifted him high.

Shen Qinglan didn't notice how improper this pose was, his whole mind captivated by the acrobatic performers, and he clapped and cheered excitedly:

"So amazing! Brother Han, look, he actually swallowed that knife into his stomach..."

"Brother Han, hold still, don't wobble, I'm going to fall..."

"Brother Han, look, the statue procession is coming. That deity statue looks so majestic!"

"Brother Han, Brother Han..."

The young lad's voice was clear and crisp, like jade shattering against ice, his laughter innocent and carefree.

Han Zhang ran around following his orders, but he didn't mind one bit; his eyes and brows were all smiles.

Only when the booming gongs and drums faded away and the crowds watching the parade on the street gradually dispersed did Shen Qinglan suddenly come to his senses, realizing what he had done—

He had been sitting on Brother Han's shoulders the whole time, his legs held in Brother Han's hands, and his bottom pressed against the warm side of Brother Han's neck...

A boom rang in his ears, and his ears burned crimson.

Shen Qinglan wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.

Men and unmarried lads shouldn't be so physically close—now... he and Brother Han would never live this down!

His face reddened from his cheeks to his neck, and he frantically scrambled to get down: "B-Brother Han, it's not crowded now. I've finished watching. Put me down..."

His voice trailed off, full of embarrassment and regret.

"Alright."

Han Zhang complied, bending down to gently set him on the ground.

Though he was a bit reluctant to let go.