Chapter 73

Chapter 73

After listening to the shop assistant's tactful explanation.

Shen Qinglan stood frozen on the spot, his face involuntarily flushing bright red.

He couldn't really be blamed for asking such an embarrassing question—people often become accustomed to their own lives, unconsciously taking for granted the privileges they enjoy, assuming them to be common knowledge for everyone.

It was like the anecdote of "Why not eat meat porridge?"

The protagonist in that story wasn't necessarily foolish; he simply had never seen the world beyond his own.

Although Shen Qinglan knew there was a difference between commoners and nobles, he had never personally experienced it, which was why he ended up making such a fool of himself now.

Even Han Zhang, who usually had a strong heart, felt a crack in his composure at this moment.

A burning shame crept onto his face.

Because a man's pride would never allow him to lose face in front of the one he loved.

Compared to the earlier veiled sarcasm from his brothers-in-law, this stark, bloody reality slapping him in the face was far more painful and unbearable for his self-esteem.

Just as the couple stood there awkwardly, unsure whether to advance or retreat.

A joyful call suddenly came from behind them: "Lan Geer!"

"An Ge'er!"

Shen Qinglan turned around and, upon seeing the person, immediately broke into a delighted smile.

Indeed, it was none other than his best close friend, An Yongyan.

An Yongyan happily trotted over, grasping his friend's hand, his eyes sparkling with mirth, and his voice laced with familiar teasing:

"Lan Geer, you've only been married a few days? Why aren't you at home sorting through your dowry, and instead out and about?"

"I heard your mother prepared a full sixty-four dowry chests for you, extra wide and long—it'll take at least half a month to sort through. I'm so envious!"

Having been busy these past months courting Han Zhang and preparing for the wedding, it was rare to see his close friend.

Shen Qinglan immediately cast aside the low spirits from a moment ago, happily gripping his friend's hand in return, warmly and cheerfully complaining:

"Don't even mention it. Today was my return visit, and you know how things are at my house. My third sister and fourth brother came back too, and they made such a fuss I barely ate. So I hurried here to the restaurant to fill my belly."

"An Ge'er, you're just in time! I want to eat the drunken goose, but unfortunately there are no private rooms left. I remember you have a reserved private room here, right? Will you treat me to it?"

This kind of coaxing request might seem a bit improper to others—who asks to be treated so blatantly? It's quite thick-skinned.

But An Yongyan was different.

They had grown up together, always sharing everything, bound by a bond where your things were mine and mine were yours. They never stood on ceremony with each other; if either of them acted polite, that would be strange.

An Yongyan didn't even hesitate, and with a gentle smile, nodded: "Sure!"

"Later I'll also order you a roasted lamb, eggplant, wild chicken soup, lotus leaf broth, and heat up a pot of peach blossom wine—all your favorites."

Shen Qinglan's eyes lit up, his mouth watering as he hugged his friend's arm and wheedled: "An Ge'er, you're so good to me! You remember everything I love to eat!"

"Of course, how could I forget your tastes? Come on, come on, I've even made myself hungry talking about it..."

An Ge'er was thoroughly pleased by his friend's coaxing, puffing out his chest after being praised, feeling immensely proud and tall.

Then, with a swagger, he used his small frame to guide Shen Qinglan, who was a head taller, toward the private room.

The two huddled together, warm and affectionate, momentarily forgetting all about their husbands.

The two men left standing behind, buffeted by the wind.

Han Zhang: "..."

Jiang Wencheng: "..."

Why don't you two just live together?

Jiang Wencheng helplessly cupped his hands in a bow toward Han Zhang. "Brother Han, let's go in as well."

"Brother Jiang, please."

Han Zhang showed a similarly helpless smile, gesturing for him to go first.

The four of them settled into the private room.

The restaurant waiter hurried over to attend to them, not only bringing a new gilded menu but also having the tablecloth and cushions replaced, along with the incense in the burner.

Every detail of service was completely different from that for the guests in the main hall.

Even more, An Ge'er was able to make requests: "Make the wild chicken soup lighter. For the tea, use last year's plum blossom snow water... Today's incense is too strong; change it to a light fruity scent."

Jiang Wencheng also added, "And change the tableware to the set of lotus-patterned celadon, to match the occasion."

The two spoke naturally, without any hint of showing off, just routine orders.

But it was precisely this casualness that vividly displayed the gap between social classes.

For Han Zhang, who had just endured a silent humiliation, it once again weighed heavily on his heart.

In fact, he had felt this kind of class divide even in modern times, but back then it didn't bother him much—people were inherently different.

A youth's path ahead was long; there was no need to belittle oneself.

But at this moment...

Han Zhang looked at his young husband, who was beaming with delight at the prospect of a good meal, his eyes curved like crescent moons, and his chest felt as if something heavy was pressing down on it, both sour and painful.

Today they had met An Ge'er, so his husband would not dwell on the disparity.

But in the future, if they encountered former acquaintances, especially those young masters and ladies with whom he had poor relations, seeing their elegance and privilege while he himself lacked everything—such a stark contrast in circumstances—how could his husband not feel disappointed and sad?

He himself could ignore the gazes of others, but his husband could not.

Qinglan was originally a moon among the clouds; how could he be tainted by the dust of the earth?

At that moment, a desperate urge to rise up surged within Han Zhang's heart, stronger than ever before...

At that moment, the ambition in his heart began to swell...

However.

No matter how turbulent his emotions inside, Han Zhang had always managed his feelings well in public.

An Ge'er and Jiang Wencheng, the couple, did not notice his emotional shift.

Throughout, he appeared completely composed, his manner neither humble nor arrogant, showing none of the unease common among humble scholars when meeting the powerful. They could not help but feel great admiration for him.

An Ge'er now finally understood why his usually naive yet perceptive close friend would insist on marrying this humble scholar, refusing to take anyone else as his husband.

This Master Han before them was indeed outstanding in his bearing and demeanor.

Wanting to help his close friend, An Ge'er warmly served as a go-between for his husband and Han Zhang during the meal:

"Husband, this is Master Han, whom I often mention. Master Han is truly remarkable—though born into a humble family, he is exceptionally talented. He studies at Xiangnan Academy, and is even in the top-ranked class."

"Master Han, this is my husband, Jiang Wencheng. He is from the Junior Tutor's mansion, the second son by a concubine. Though he is currently studying at the Imperial Academy, his scholarship is far inferior to yours..."

"Lan Geer and I have been childhood best friends—the kind who would risk their lives for each other. Master Han, I hope you can guide my husband in his studies. My husband will also certainly introduce you to literary gatherings. There's no need to stand on ceremony between us."

An Ge'er spoke warmly and straightforwardly, and in just a few words, he dissolved the gap in their social status, drawing them closer.

Jiang Wencheng cherished his husband and had a good impression of Han Zhang, so he was naturally inclined to make his acquaintance.

He rose and saluted with cupped hands, his smile warm and sincere: "I've long heard of you, Brother Han. I hope you will not hesitate to offer your guidance in the future."

"Brother Jiang, you flatter me. Everyone has strengths. I will also need your guidance. Let's learn from each other."

Han Zhang also rose to return the salute, his manner modest.

But in his mind, he was calculating.

Junior Tutor's mansion? The only household that could be called the Junior Tutor's mansion would be that of the Crown Prince's Junior Tutor.

What a coincidence. He had previously chanced upon the Emperor and the Crown Prince, and the Emperor seemed inclined to place him under the Crown Prince's banner. He hadn't expected his husband's close friend's husband to also be a member of the Crown Prince's faction.

Qinglan and An Ge'er shared such deep friendship—how could he bear to let his husband drift apart from his best friend and go separate ways?

And if their two families grew close, even if he didn't want to serve the Crown Prince, he would still be labeled as one of his supporters.

It seemed he would have to join the Crown Prince's faction whether he wanted to or not...

But following the Crown Prince carried too great a risk. Not only did he need to secure his fair share of the rewards, but he also had to have a fallback plan.

Thinking of this,

Han Zhang's mind began to race.

When the banquet ended and they left the restaurant,

Looking at his husband, who was chattering about when they could meet An Ge'er again to bum a private room from An Ge'er, Han Zhang's heart was no longer heavy; it was filled only with confidence and ambition.

He promised gently: "Husband, when the imperial exams come next year, I will surely obtain an official position. Then you can come here anytime you want to taste wine and dishes, and sit in whichever private room you like."

"Mm! I believe you, my husband!"

Shen Qinglan nodded emphatically, his beautiful eyes sparkling.