Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Han Zhang kept his cool, but Lady Shen, on the other hand, was anything but calm.

Just as he had anticipated, the Shen family made their move soon enough.

That day.

It was the academy’s rest day again.

Han Zhang, as usual, was returning to the village to visit his parents and family. Halfway there, he saw a carriage that had broken down on the road. Several servants and the coachman were bustling around the vehicle, all looking anxious, with fine beads of sweat on their foreheads.

Seeing him appear, a young nobleman wearing a veiled gauze hat and a slender figure turned to a young attendant beside him and whispered some orders.

Immediately, the young attendant hurried forward, bowed with cupped hands, and asked for help:

“Esteemed sir, we’re truly sorry to trouble you. May I ask if you have a moment? Our master’s carriage broke down here, unfortunately. Although we’ve sent a guard back to the city for help, for some reason, he hasn’t returned yet.”

“Look, it’s getting late. We’re in the middle of nowhere, and since our master is a young nobleman, it’s not appropriate for him to stay.”

“Sir, are you familiar with this area? Could you help us find a village to borrow an oxcart so we can get our master home early? For this kindness, our master will surely reward you generously.”

The young attendant spoke earnestly, gesturing as he talked, his expression full of urgency.

After all, although the customs of Zhao State were not particularly strict, it was still unacceptable for unmarried women or young noblemen to be out all night. If they returned too late, even a small misstep could ruin their reputation forever.

So their anxiety was understandable.

However, Han Zhang was naturally cautious and did not agree immediately.

He discreetly studied the group a few times and quietly released his Power to sense whether anyone was hiding in the grass or behind the nearby trees.

Only after confirming it wasn’t a setup did he remain standing where he was, his expression unchanged, and said:

“No need for generous thanks. I am familiar with this area, but I also have urgent matters to attend to, so I’m afraid it’s inconvenient for me to go borrow an oxcart for you.”

“However, if you follow this small path for about fifteen minutes, you’ll reach Wang Family Village. The villagers there are kind-hearted. If you ask them, you’ll surely be able to borrow an oxcart.”

Having pointed out the way, Han Zhang turned and prepared to leave without any intention of lingering.

Anyone who had lived through the post-apocalyptic world knew that in this world, one should never underestimate the elderly, children, or women. Now that he had transmigrated here, there was also the young noblemen to consider.

No matter whether this chance encounter was good or bad, staying away from strangers in the wilderness was always the right choice.

Perhaps not expecting Han Zhang to be so indifferent to charm and leave without hesitation, the young man in the veiled hat froze slightly.

But then, he quickly regained his composure and whispered another order to another young attendant.

That other attendant also hurried over and called out again: “Esteemed sir, please wait…”

“What is it now?”

Han Zhang stopped, his face still showing a calm expression.

But inwardly, he became wary. It wasn’t that he suspected anything specific; it was just his survival instinct from the post-apocalyptic world. His instinct was to be wary of any stranger.

The young attendant said apologetically, “Please don’t be offended, sir. It will only take a moment. Among our group, only the coachman is a man; the rest are young noblemen. If the coachman were to leave, it would be too frightening out here in the wilderness.”

“We beg you to help us. Our master is a young nobleman from the Qi Bo Manor. He will certainly not let your important matters be delayed in vain…”

The other attendant even knelt anxiously: “We beg you to show mercy. Our master is an unmarried young nobleman. If he returns to the mansion late today, it would damage his reputation, and his life might be at stake… Your servant kowtows to you!”

“If you still have doubts, this is the token of Qi Bo Manor, which can vouch for us.”

At some point, the young man in the veiled hat also walked up and, from under the gauze curtain, extended a slender, jade-white hand, offering a token.

His voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of timidity yet as pleasant as a spring breeze.

Through the thin gauze, one could vaguely see his delicate features and gentle demeanor.

Since the master and servants had pleaded with him so earnestly, refusing any further would appear too cold-hearted and not match the upright image Han Zhang usually projected.

He looked at them for a moment, then said, “All right, I know a bit of carpentry. Let me take a look at the damage to the carriage.”

As for leaving to borrow an oxcart, that was out of the question.

What if these people were not good? If he left for a while, who knew what trouble might await him?

Fortunately, having survived the post-apocalyptic world, he had a wide range of skills—even if not all, he was fairly versatile.

Han Zhang walked over to inspect the carriage and found that the damage was merely the wheel’s mortise and tenon joint had come loose. With the proper tools, anyone with a bit of carpentry skill could fix it.

But here in the wilderness, with no tools or materials, it seemed difficult.

“It’s not a big problem. Although I have no tools, I have enough strength, so I should be able to fix it…”

After a brief explanation, he bent down to adjust it.

Soon enough,

The carriage was repaired, and the carriage would hold together until they reached the city.

Seeing this, the master and servants looked relieved.

The young man in the veiled hat stepped forward, bowed gracefully, and said gratefully:

“Thank you for your help, sir. May I ask your honored name and where your residence is? Another day, my family will send gifts and call on you to express our gratitude.”

“It was a chance encounter, it was nothing. Please don’t worry about it, sir. I have important matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.”

Han Zhang did not reveal his name. He merely cupped his hands in a bow and turned away.

If it weren’t for maintaining his image, he wouldn’t have gotten involved in other people’s business. Since he had already shown kindness, he didn’t need thanks afterward.

This was ancient times, not modern times. A man getting too close to a strange young nobleman was hardly a good thing.

He left promptly and decisively.

The young man in the veiled hat could not stop him again, so he stood there, bowed once more, and called out to Han Zhang’s retreating figure:

“You are kind without seeking reward, noble and righteous. Qi Bo Manor will surely remember this. If you ever need anything, please come to the manor. We will do our utmost to repay you!”

Han Zhang waved his hand and ran even faster.

The young man in the veiled hat stood still: …

Was he a monster? Why run so fast?

What a man without a clue about romance!

Han Zhang didn't mention this little incident to anyone after returning, after all, it wasn't a big deal.

But a few days later.

Han's father rushed to the academy to find him.

Unlike last time when he was troubled by Master Sun's targeting, this time, Han's father's face was full of smiles.

"DaLang, good news! Yesterday a matchmaker came, saying that the wife of the Qibei Earl's Mansion has taken a fancy to you. She wants to arrange a marriage for her maternal cousin's son, and discuss a betrothal with your family!"

"Your grandpa already looked into it. The Qibei Earl's Mansion has an excellent reputation, with honest and kind people, and a respectable family tradition. Your grandpa thinks this match is perfect and specifically asked me to come and ask your opinion..."

At first, the Han family was uneasy about this good match from the earl's mansion, fearing there might be a trick.

After all, it was a prestigious earl's mansion; why would they be interested in a small family like theirs?

But later, Han's grandfather inquired carefully and learned that the reason the earl's mansion was interested in Han Zhang was... because the wife's maternal cousin was divorced and could only marry below his status.

Moreover, he'd met Han Zhang once recently and was impressed by his character and looks, so he had someone propose the match.

Even though he was divorced, his family background was still way above the Han family's.

Han Zhang needed a capable partner, not romance, so the Han family all thought this was a great match.

After all, since it was "marrying up," they couldn't be too picky about the bride.

The Han family had always known their place!

But their approval didn't count; since it involved Han Zhang, they didn't dare decide on their own, so they had to ask for his opinion.

"Qibei Earl's Mansion? Met once?"

Han Zhang had a sharp memory and instantly recalled the encounter a few days ago when he was off and met that group of masters and servants asking for help.

Love at first sight? Impressed by his character and looks?

Things like that don't happen in the real world.

Young ladies and sons from noble families, raised on poetry, etiquette, and worldly matters, are rarely as naive as Shen Qinglan.

And even with Shen Qinglan, he had to work hard to make him want to marry only him.

Han Zhang didn't think he had that kind of charm—a good-looking, high-status son from a noble family falling for him after one meeting. That was way too unrealistic.

No good deed comes without a catch, especially after his relationship with Lan Ge'er was exposed...

Han Zhang almost instantly figured there was something fishy about this marriage.

Since he never really planned to latch onto a high-status family, his head was clear now. This sudden windfall wasn't going to fool him.

With that in mind, Han Zhang said straight to his father:

"Dad, tell Grandpa to turn down this marriage. The earl's mansion's status is too high. Marrying their son might bring short-term benefits, but for my long-term official career, it would likely do more harm than good."

"Moreover, I already have someone in my heart. Though his family background is not as prominent as the earl's son's, I only wish to marry him in this life. If any more matchmakers come in the future, please decline them on my behalf."

Han's father, though regretful, did not scold him and only asked:

"Have you thought it through clearly? When you enter officialdom in the future, the family can offer limited support. Your wife's family will be your most reliable backing. Are you sure you won't regret giving up such an opportunity from the earl's mansion?"

"Absolutely no regrets. Dad, rest assured. I have a scale in my heart and will not disappoint the family's expectations. While my future is important, a gentleman has principles he upholds and things he refrains from doing. I will not go against my own conscience."

Han Zhang nodded solemnly, not revealing the truth about how he had coaxed Shen Qinglan.

Although the Han family treated him kindly and were all sensible and intelligent, some words, once spoken, could become leverage.

Moreover, a person who, though ambitious, still held to principles and valued loyalty, was more likely to gain the clan's trust and willingness to follow, wasn't he?

He, Han Zhang, no matter when or where, or before whom, was always a gentleman of integrity!

And Han's father, looking at such a son, felt truly gratified.

"Well said: 'A gentleman has principles he upholds and things he refrains from doing.' My son has truly grown up..."

Han's father patted Han Zhang's shoulder with a smile, then, carrying his son's decision, hurried back to the village.