Chapter 139

Chapter 139

During the triumphant horse parade, Han Zhang's open and affectionate interaction with Shen Qinglan truly made the married young ladies and lads around them filled with envy.

In those times, affection was meant to be expressed subtly—a couple holding hands in public was already seen as a very loving display.

No one else behaved like Han Zhang, openly showing everyone that he and his husband were perfectly in tune, that he adored his husband so much!

Though it was quite embarrassing, it was also truly enviable.

Jiayou, the Eldest Lord, who had also come to watch the parade today, watched the couple's interaction from another teahouse, feeling not just envy but an indescribable jealousy.

After spending these days in close contact with Shen Qinglan, no matter how he observed him, he couldn't find any virtue beyond his good looks.

As for Shen Qinglan's other skills—household management, managing his dowry properties—these were just basic abilities that any young lady or lad from a prominent family possessed. Jiayou didn't see anything special about them.

He simply couldn't understand it, so he turned to the maidservant and page boy beside him and asked, "Tell me, why does Master Han like Shen Qinglan so much? Besides being somewhat good-looking, what other outstanding qualities does he have?"

The two attendants had been newly assigned by the Crown Prince. Though they hadn't served long, they had already experienced their master's difficult nature.

Both came from the shadow guard corps and knew nothing about romance, so they couldn't possibly guess Han Zhang's thoughts, but mindful of their master's temper, they chose their words carefully:

"Lord Han is not one to be swayed by appearances alone. Though Master Shen's looks are pleasing, they're hardly stunning. Perhaps... it's just the newness of their marriage."

"After all, Master Han and Master Shen weren't introduced by a matchmaker—they met when they were both at low points. Their bond is naturally deeper than that of most couples."

"True enough. He just got the advantage of being first..."

Jiayou nodded in satisfaction at this reasoning, then turned his gaze back to Han Zhang riding on the fine horse, his eyes burning with ever-growing possessiveness.

He had never met anyone as gentle and devoted as Master Han. Such tenderness was truly captivating—he wanted it for himself as well.

But Shen Qinglan still hadn't let his guard down. What should he do?

He was getting impatient.

Jiayou took a deep breath, his eyes darkening with thought.

Meanwhile,

after the horse parade came the Qionglin Banquet. As this year's top scholar, Han Zhang—talented and handsome—was naturally the center of attention.

Emperor Taixuan and the Crown Prince were thoroughly pleased with his land tax reform policy and his remarkably sensible attitude. Throughout the banquet, they heaped praise on him, showering him with favor, making Han Zhang the undisputed star of the evening.

According to protocol, the top three scholars were immediately appointed to official posts:

Zhuangyuan (Top Scholar): Appointed Editor of the Hanlin Academy (rank 6b), responsible for compiling national history and drafting imperial edicts.

Bangyan (Second Scholar): Appointed Compiler of the Hanlin Academy (rank 7a).

Tanhua (Third Scholar): Appointed Compiler of the Hanlin Academy (rank 7a).

With their appointments conferred, the new officials were to return home to settle their personal affairs and assume their posts one month later.

Han Zhang was registered as a native of the capital's outskirts, so he didn't need to rush back to his ancestral home for ancestral rites like the others did.

He had plenty of time, and the Han family had already prepared all the necessary ceremonies and banquets. He didn't need to worry about a thing—just show up on the day.

So Han Zhang devoted all his attention to preparing for Shen Qinglan's birthday celebration.

This was the first birthday he would celebrate with his husband since they met—it absolutely had to be done right.

After the clan's celebratory banquet and ancestral rites for Han Zhang's achievement were completed,

Shen Qinglan's birthday at last arrived.

Since he was of the younger generation, had no noble title, and had elders like Han Zhang's parents still living, the birthday banquet couldn't be too lavish or exceed the scale of his elders' celebrations.

So, not many guests were invited to Shen Qinglan's birthday—only close relatives from both the Han and Shen families, along with the husbands and wives he was friendly with.

Jiayou, the Eldest Lord, also arrived under the pretense of being a "good friend."

The banquet wasn't grand, but Shen Qinglan wasn't disappointed. He was simply eagerly looking forward to the gift Han Zhang had been mysteriously preparing all this time.

An Yongyan had heard about it endlessly and started urging as soon as they sat down: "Lan Ge'er, stop being so secretive! Haven't you been talking nonstop about how Big Brother Han prepared something special for your birthday? Bring it out and let us see!"

"Indeed, what kind of treasure takes this much effort to prepare? We're dying of curiosity!"

The others also pulled at Shen Qinglan, smiling and urging him on, utterly intrigued.

Lan Ge'er loved showing off—they'd already heard him boast about it more times than they could count.

Who in the capital didn't know about the bond between Master Han and Lan Ge'er by now? Something he'd spent so long preparing was sure to be spectacular!

Shen Qinglan was just as anxious to see it himself, but Han Zhang insisted on waiting until evening. He could only blush slightly and say:

"You can't see it now. My husband said the birthday gift he prepared for me is best seen at night."

The crowd was a bit disappointed, but then something occurred to them, and they couldn't help covering their mouths and grinning knowingly: "Best seen at night? Oh my... Lan Ge'er, it's already getting dark—what could possibly need to be seen only then?"

Between a married couple, nighttime could only mean one thing!

Having been married for over half a year, Shen Qinglan immediately understood their insinuations and became flustered:

"You—what are you all laughing at! Your minds are in the gutter! It's my birthday today—how can you all gang up to tease the birthday boy? An Ge'er, you should be defending me, not joining in on the teasing!"

"Hahaha..."

Seeing him blush and pout, everyone broke into good-natured laughter.

Among their circle, Lan Ge'er had the most turbulent path to marriage. They'd all thought his future was doomed back then.

But it turned out good things come to those who wait—look at him now, even more pampered than when he was unmarried. Clearly, his husband spoiled him rotten at home.

The group of husbands and wives laughed merrily.

Over on the men's side, Shen Huaizhi was equally curious: "Brother Han, what exactly did you prepare for Lan Ge'er's birthday? Why haven't you brought it out yet? Lan Ge'er has been talking about it at home for days—we're all waiting to see!"

"Exactly, exactly! Brother Han, you've been keeping this secret too long. If it doesn't meet Lan Ge'er's expectations, you might end up sleeping in the study!"

Pan Taining and the others joined in the laughter, thoroughly enjoying the prospect of seeing Han Zhang embarrassed.

After all, Han Zhang had been absolutely merciless during those tutoring sessions—he'd put them through the wringer.

Facing their teasing, Han Zhang remained completely unruffled, repeating the same line: "You'll find out tonight."

Kang Zhanxun also added with a mysterious smile: "I guarantee you'll be amazed!"

Which only made everyone even more curious.

After barely making it through the banquet, the sky had turned completely dark.

Han Zhang finally brought out what he'd prepared.

"Whoosh—bang—bang—"

To everyone's astonishment, a few streaks of light shot up into the night sky, and brilliant blue-and-purple fireworks exploded in the dark.

Not the usual reds, oranges, yellows, or greens—these were rare blues and purples.

The light shimmered and dazzled across the night sky, instantly lighting up every face turned upward.

"Blue and purple fireworks? No way, they're actually blue and purple!"

"Even at the palace's New Year banquets, you rarely see colors like these!"

"So pretty... hey, look—there are letters forming in the fireworks!"

Fireworks existed back then, but the craftsmanship was limited—there was no way to arrange them into characters yet.

Plus, blue and purple fireworks were super rare because of the tech limits back then—usually only the palace and top nobles could afford them.

Even Han Zhang had to go through a lot of trouble to pull this off.

So this blue-and-purple firework show was genuinely a big deal for the time.

Young ladies and lads are the most sentimental—faced with a scene this romantic, even a well-traveled modern person would be moved, let alone Shen Qinglan.

"I wish to hold your hand, my husband, and grow old together in love."

Shen Qinglan looked up at the vow shining like stars in the night sky, murmuring it out loud, tears of joy streaming down his face before he could stop them.

He didn't care who was watching anymore. He spun around and threw himself into Han Zhang's arms, crying happy tears: "Husband... I love this birthday gift so much. I want to hold your hand too, grow old with you in love, and be your husband in every single life—never apart."

"As long as you're happy..."

Han Zhang caught him easily, smiling with satisfaction.

As long as his husband was happy, every bit of effort was worth it.

The couple's lovey-dovey display had everyone hiding smiles behind their hands, offering blessings mixed with envy.

Even Shen's father couldn't help shaking his head with a sigh: "This kid really knows how to sweet-talk..."

Now he finally believed what Han Zhang had said before—that he genuinely adored this silly, easygoing son of his.

But after this, his Lan Geer's heart was bound to be even more wrapped up in Han Zhang!

The whole room was full of good-natured teasing and well-wishes.

Only Chang Gongjun Jiayou stood off to the side, watching the brilliant fireworks still fading in the night sky, and Han Zhang's tender look as he gazed down at the person in his arms.

His hand clenched tight inside his sleeve, and the quiet longing and jealousy in his heart spread like vines catching fire—impossible to hold back.

How could Master Han be this perfect?

How could a man this fine belong to just that idiot Shen Qinglan?

No, he couldn't wait anymore. If he did, there would never be room in Master Han's heart for anyone else.

Jiayou dropped his gaze and pressed his lips tight.

After the banquet broke up and he got back to his place, when it was time to turn in, he sent the page boy on night duty away: "I want to sleep alone tonight. All of you, leave—no need to keep watch."

Then he went the whole night without pulling up a blanket, and by the next day, he'd successfully made himself sick.

He had the physician treat him off and on for days, but he didn't get any better—which sent the Empress in the palace into a panic.