Chapter 103

Chapter 103

The academy wasn't just for studying—it was also a prime spot for networking.

Especially an institution like the Imperial Academy, where the sons of nobles and big shots gathered, connections mattered way more than at your average school. The academy played along, always throwing events to give students a platform to socialize.

The mounted archery examination, for instance, was one such opportunity.

On this day, unless something came up, students would bring their spouses or unmarried siblings and close relatives out to be seen.

So yeah, people say ancient times kept women and young ladies locked up at home, but it wasn't as strict as modern folks think. Before the last feudal dynasty, young ladies and lads weren't actually hidden away at home, never allowed to show their faces.

Flower-viewing banquets, poetry meets, literary salons, spring outings, hunts—noble sons and daughters could join in and show off at all of them.

Otherwise, how would all those famous talented women of ancient times have ever made a name for themselves?

Shen Qinglan loved being in the middle of the action. Dead set on looking perfect for the big day, he spent days at home picking out accessories and having seamstresses come by to go over new outfit designs.

He was determined to be the best-looking spouse that day—or at least one of them!

Watching his husband get so hyped about it, Han Zhang was happy to play along and get in on the fun himself.

He sketched out the unforgettable male beauty looks from the period dramas and anime he'd seen in his past life, handing them over to Shen Qinglan for reference.

Sure, the cultures and aesthetics of the two eras were different, but real beauty never goes out of style.

Those period looks that could wow people even in the modern world would definitely turn heads here too.

Sure enough, Shen Qinglan was over the moon when he saw the sketches.

"Hubby, you can draw clothes and jewelry designs too? And they look this amazing? Is there anything you can't do?"

He gushed as he looked them over, eyes sparkling: "Hmm... a couple of spots are a little too casual, but that's an easy fix. The key thing is the style—it's so unique, I've never seen anything like it! If I wear this, I'll be one of a kind, no way anyone else will have the same thing."

Then he leaned in, planted a kiss on him, and cooed sweetly: "Hubby, I think today's me loves you even more than yesterday's me!"

His sweet talk melted Han Zhang's heart.

Han Zhang was grateful he'd never found the right partner in his past life and could only admire handsome guys on TV and in anime—that's the only reason he could remember these outfits and now use them to spoil his husband.

See, you never know when something you learn will come in handy.

With Han Zhang's design references and the seamstresses' and silversmiths' top-notch work, Shen Qinglan looked more radiant than ever on exam day, dazzling with every look.

The couple pulled up to the Imperial Academy in a carriage.

One with eyes bright as stars, handsome and full of spirit;

The other with eyes like autumn waters, breathtakingly beautiful;

The second they stepped out of the carriage, they had everyone at the academy completely captivated.

Han Zhang was a familiar sight—folks were used to his good looks by now. Seeing him today in military gear, radiating energy, was impressive but not a surprise.

Shen Qinglan, though, was a different story. As a lad, he rarely showed himself to outsiders. After getting married, with Han Zhang carefully nurturing him with his Power, his looks had transformed completely—like someone turned on a filter. His skin was glowing, his aura radiant, almost impossibly beautiful.

"Is... is this Brother Han's husband? The Second Young Master of the Shen family? Shen Huaizhi's little brother?"

"Has to be—who else would share a carriage with him?"

"Wasn't there a rumor that the Shen family's Second Young Master had a nasty temper, which is why he kept getting dumped in engagements? What kind of 'tiger' looks like that?"

"Damn it! If I'd known Shen Huaizhi's brother looked like this, I'd have gone to ask for his hand myself!"

"No wonder Brother Han barely shows up to events since getting married—he's been hiding a pearl like this at home. If my wife looked like that, I wouldn't give the common beauties outside a second glance either..."

The students whispered among themselves—some kicking themselves, some green with envy.

They say you should marry for virtue, but what man doesn't appreciate a pretty face?

Brother Han really lucked out, landing a beauty like that!

Too bad... the wives and spouses of those same students were thinking the exact same thing about Han Zhang.

"So that's the husband Shen Qinglan lowered himself to marry?"

"Wasn't he supposed to be from a poor family? What poor family could raise someone with that kind of presence?"

"A real gentleman with remarkable grace... no wonder Shen Qinglan was willing to marry down."

"I heard that on their wedding day, this Master Han made a public vow with a bronze writ, swearing to be faithful to Shen Qinglan alone and never take concubines."

"What? That actually happened... And for that good-for-nothing Shen Qinglan—what did he do to deserve that!"

The noble sons and daughters who'd once been at odds with Shen Qinglan looked at Han Zhang beside him, torn between envy and bitter jealousy.

It wasn't just men who appreciated beauty—young ladies and lads did too.

Seeing the barely hidden envy and bitterness in most eyes around him, Shen Qinglan quietly straightened his back, feeling a joy and pride he couldn't put into words.

Sure, his husband came from a modest family, but damn, he was handsome.

Gold and silver were easy to get, treasures easy to find—but a man as stunningly handsome as his husband, who loved him to bits, was truly one of a kind!

The lovestruck Shen Qinglan soaked up all the envious stares at the academy gates, totally satisfied, before walking in side by side with Han Zhang.

Jiang Wencheng, An Yongyan's husband, also studied at the Imperial Academy, and he'd shown up today—even earlier than Han Zhang and his crew.

The second An Yongyan spotted Shen Qinglan, he rushed over, beaming:

"Lan Ge'er, you're finally here! I've been waiting forever. A few days apart and you've gotten even better-looking? And today's outfit and accessories—so unique!"

He'd always known his friend was exceptionally good-looking, but he never expected Lan Ge'er to get even more stunning after getting married.

Could this be that legendary thing—the deeper the love, the more radiant the face?

But he and his husband were head over heels too, so why hadn't he changed much?

An Yongyan looked at his friend, amazed and envious at the same time.

Shen Qinglan didn't know why he'd gotten better-looking since getting married either, but when he had something good, he never forgot his best friend.

"An Ge'er, you think I look good today too, right? My husband drew all these clothing and jewelry designs for me—totally one of a kind. I picked out a few just for you that I think fit your vibe perfectly. Have your seamstress and silversmith make them and give them a try..."

With that, he handed over the sketches, then leaned in and lowered his voice:

"I still have a few boxes of rare dyes. I'll send them to your place in a couple of days. Use them quietly—don't let word get out."

Han Zhang had also given the craftsmen the methods to make those rare dyes.

In ancient times, because technology was so limited back then, many pigments were hard to produce and extremely rare and valuable. But Han Zhang was skilled in chemistry, and his old company had dealt with that kind of knowledge, so naturally, he could easily make them.

These were all potential money-makers down the road, and he'd been quietly working on them all along.

Rare dyes were hard to come by, so An Yongyan was thrilled at the news. He grabbed Shen Qinglan's hand and said happily, "Then once I've made the new clothes and jewelry, let's throw a banquet and have a good time."

"Alright, let's do it at your place then. I probably couldn't get anyone to come to mine right now..."

Shen Qinglan nodded eagerly.

The two young lads got so caught up chatting that they forgot all about their husbands again.

Han Zhang and Jiang Wencheng exchanged knowing looks and shook their heads with helpless smiles.

Just then, Shen Huaizhi and the others showed up with their husbands.

Wu Xuelin, the most eager of the bunch, stepped up first, all smiles as he made the introductions:

"Brother Han, Brother Jiang... this is my wife, Qiu Shaoshi. Just call him Shi Ge'er."

No wonder he was so eager and grinning ear to ear.

The truth was, back when he got kicked out of his house, Wu Xuelin had neglected his wives and concubines back then, so not a single one was willing to stick by him through the hard times. He'd left home all alone, miserable and dejected.

All those days without his husband and kids around, Wu Xuelin was eaten up with regret, and with Han Zhang as a shining example right in front of him.

After some self-reflection, he not only got serious about his studies but also made a point to rush home every few days to win his husband back over. Now that he'd finally coaxed his husband into talking to him again, how could he not be over the moon?

Qiu Shaoshi stepped up with a smile and greeted everyone: "Hello, everyone..."

Then Pan Taining and the others introduced their own spouses.

Shen Huaizhi said, "And this is my wife, Li Huilan."

Zhao Yongchang said, "This is my wife, Yang Wenwen."

Pan Taining said, "And this is my husband, Li Yuming."

Li Huilan and the other two spouses stepped forward to greet them too: "Hello, Master Han, Master Jiang."

Everyone either knew each other or had heard of each other, so after a quick round of pleasantries, they warmed up fast.

The husbands of Pan Taining and the other two were deeply grateful to Han Zhang, the benefactor who'd helped their men shape up.

Knowing how much Han Zhang doted on his own husband, they didn't dare thank him directly. Instead, they cozyed up to Shen Qinglan, showering him with compliments that had him beaming with joy.

Within moments, they'd already set up a tea date.

Of course, the one who hyped him up the most was An Ge'er.

An Ge'er immediately put on a hungry look and blurted out:

"That's awesome! When your teahouse opened a few days ago, I tried that ice cream and I've been dying for it ever since. It's just that I've been swamped lately. When we hit the teahouse, I'm gonna down several big bowls before I stop!"

Li Huilan chimed in with a smile: "The pastries at Lan Ge'er's teahouse really are unique and tasty."

"Are they really that good? Just talking about it's got me drooling..."

Qiu Shaoshi and the others nearby listened, their interest piqued.

They'd been so worried about their husbands' studies lately that they hadn't felt like going out at all. They didn't even know about the new treats and storytelling at Han Zhang's teahouse.

Even Jiang Wencheng was getting tempted. He snapped his fan shut and grinned, "Why wait? After today's archery exam, let's head to Brother Han's teahouse for some tea and snacks, yeah?"

As soon as he finished, before anyone could agree,

another hearty laugh came from the side: "Brother Han's teahouse has gotten quite the reputation lately. Mind if I join you gentlemen for a get-together after class?"

Everyone turned at the sound and saw Kang Zhanxun strolling over, all smiles.

Beside him was a graceful, elegant beauty, along with a very handsome little boy.

—Presumably, these were his favorite concubine and his young son.

But the moment everyone's eyes landed on the kid's face, they all froze, stunned.

Hold on—how could Kang Zhanxun's son look so much like Brother Han?

If it weren't for the age difference, they'd have sworn this was Han Zhang's son!