Only then did Tang Xianling realize that litigation today differed from the TVB courtroom dramas he’d watched as a child. There was no need for a lawyer to engage in clever verbal sparring in court—most cases now involved minor civil disputes. Matters concerning life and limb didn’t require a private lawyer at all; with the advisor presenting the case, the prefect would render a verdict based on comprehensive evidence.

Hiring a solicitor now was mainly about drafting a petition.

It detailed the entire sequence of events—the cause, the effect, and the grievance at the heart of the matter.

This allows the Prefect, upon opening court, to grasp the case’s full context at a glance and make swift determinations. Both parties are then summoned before the bench, where the Prefect presides high above, flanked by bailiffs wielding batons. In this atmosphere, ordinary folk lack the nerve to lie.

Most would confess truthfully and completely.

Naturally, some cases involved significant financial stakes—economic crimes—which were more complex. Both parties might hire lawyers and engage in several rounds of debate. Wealthy merchants could afford skilled advocates.

“I serve as advisor to Magistrate Fang. This isn’t favoritism; I don’t wield that much authority.” Song Jie handed over the prepared petition. ”Your case is quite straightforward, but allow me to say this: if the Hu family hadn’t come looking for trouble, it really… should have ended here. You should live a quiet, peaceful life from now on.”

Fang Zhubo held the ninth rank, overseeing common work, while Song Jie was merely an advisor working under him.

It wasn’t that Song Jie was pouring cold water on Tang Xianling’s hopes, nor was he slandering Prefect Lord Li behind his back for failing to serve the people. It was more that…

As Yuan Heqing had said, Tang Xianling’s case was a minor matter. With all the evidence in hand, there was no need for a litigation lawyer. A single petition would suffice.

Such a minor matter—if the Hu family didn’t pursue it, the Tang family would simply move on. Hu Kang was dead, and the divorce papers were issued. To outsiders, the matter was settled. Dust returns to dust, the road to the road. Yet Tang Xianling insisted on dragging it before the magistrate. Truly, there was little to gain.

How could Lord Li possibly rule?

He couldn’t very well order Hu Kang’s grave exhumed.

Hu Kang had passed the Juren examination. To revoke his scholarly title, Lord Li’s authority alone wouldn’t suffice. The matter must be escalated to the Provincial Administration Office, where the Provincial Administrator would review and seal the documents. Had Hu Kang been alive, this might have been manageable. The Provincial Administrator could have settled the matter, earning a reputation for integrity and incorruptibility among scholars nationwide. Reporting it to the imperial court might even have earned him praise.

In short, it offered opportunities for political maneuvering and potential gain.

But Hu Kang is dead, meaning all this effort would be wasted.

That’s why Song Jie advised Tang Xianling to let it go. Yuan Heqing understood the reasoning immediately. The bureaucracy operated differently from their world. Though he held office, he was merely a lowly official with no prospects for advancement—his perspective differed from that of a proper bureaucrat.

Lord Li was a good official. If the matter were truly reported up the chain, the Provincial Governor might well say that Lord Li was making a mountain out of a molehill over a trifling matter. The man was already dead; the deceased should be honored, and so on.

Throughout the entire Xidu Province, the magistrates of the subordinate counties all had their eyes on Lord Li’s position.

“Thank you, Master Yuan and Advisor Song. I understand.” Only after the ink had dried did Tang Xianling solemnly fold and store the petition. His gaze sincere, he added, “Thank you.”

Huangfu Tieniu remained silent, merely observing Tang Xianling.

“Master Yuan, Advisor Song, we shall take our leave.”

“Mhm.”

Huangfu Tieniu and Tang Xianling exited the household registry courtyard. Tang Xianling’s expression showed little change, but Huangfu Tieniu knew Tang Xianling was displeased.

“Do you also think I’m annoying for stirring up trouble?”

Huangfu Tieniu shook his head, fixing his gaze on Tang Xianling. “No, you’re not annoying. Hu Kang clearly wronged you, yet you survived with such strength and courage. You’ve shouldered the entire Tang family alone, caring for your parents. Just because you’re capable doesn’t mean we should overlook the injustice you’ve endured.”

“In villages and counties, I’ve heard of brides and grooms drowning themselves in rivers.”

“Always driven by pressure from the husband’s family or the bride’s family.”

“Tang Xianling, you’re too good. Truly, too good.”

Every word from Huangfu Tieniu came straight from his heart. From his initial confusion—just a fleeting glimpse in the bustling West Market, a single glance that left him unable to tear his eyes away—he now felt admiration mixed with pity and affection for Tang Xianling. All these emotions, he feared, might only add to Tang Xianling’s sorrow.

“Don’t be sad.” He even chided himself for being so taciturn and bad at comforting people.

Tang Xianling composed himself, looked up, and saw Tieniu’s eyes filled with concern for him. He smiled and said, “Huangfu Tieniu, I’ll treat you to a bath. Let’s wash up and relax.”

“Alright.” As long as Tang Xianling was smiling, Huangfu Tieniu would agree to anything.

Tang Xianling flagged down a cab to head home first and stash his things. This evidence needed to be safeguarded properly—he couldn’t risk it getting stolen at the bathhouse. He sighed, “Life never goes smoothly.” Then his tone shifted. “I don’t believe the Hu family won’t come looking for me now that they see my situation.” He spoke with absolute certainty.

They raised someone like Hu Kang, who even came begging for money before. The Hu family is a nest of heartless, shameless leeches and bloodsuckers.

As he spoke, a sharp, vicious glint flashed in his eyes.

Huangfu Tieniu watched him, his own eyes burning with an intense, adoring heat he didn’t even realize.

“Tieniu, rein in your gaze. We’re out in broad daylight. Don’t get too smitten with your big brother,” Tang Xianling teased with a playful smile.

Huangfu Tieniu: …

His ears burned, but he felt pleased.

The two got into the car and headed back to the Tang residence. Tang Xianling stashed his things away, grabbed clean clothes, and prepared for a shower. Then he looked at Tieniu’s height—

Not a single piece of clothing in the entire household could fit someone over 186 centimeters.

“Just make do with whatever fits. I was planning to make grilled meat rice for dinner today. I wanted to shower yesterday, but with all this back-and-forth—” Tang Xianling hesitated, torn between options. He wanted to keep Tieniu for the grilled venison dinner, yet also craved a proper, satisfying bath.

Daily scrubbing at home simply couldn’t compare to a real bath.

Huangfu Tieniu had never seen Tang Xianling like this before—indecisive over such trivial matters as bathing and eating. His two eyebrows furrowed slightly, revealing the faint red glow of the mole hidden at their tails. He looked a bit dazed, utterly adorable.

“No.” Though charmed by Tang Xianling’s cuteness, Huangfu Tieniu still refused.

“No, no.” This was Jiang Yun.

Tang Xianling glanced over, narrowing his eyes slightly. Jiang Yun, no longer concerned with ‘bathing,’ coaxed the Wu-ger: “You two aren’t married yet. Even if people know Tieniu is a distant relative, it’s still inappropriate for him to stay at the shop.”

“I’ll stay at the inn tonight.” Huangfu Tieniu lowered his head to tell Tang Xianling, then added, “I’ll bathe first, then come back for supper. Even if it’s late, it won’t matter. I’ll head to the West Market Inn before the curfew on the main street.”

Jiang Yun was a bit reluctant to spend the money, but Tieniu truly couldn’t stay here—the house was too small.

“Alright!” Tang Xianling decided, then turned cheerfully to Jiang Yun. “Mother, Tieniu, and I are going to bathe. Don’t worry—we’ll bathe separately. We’re not married yet, and I’ll certainly guard my chastity.”

“Don’t prepare supper. I’ll cook after I return.”

Jiang Yun let out a startled “Ah!” 

Faced with her Wu-ger’s astonishing declaration, she didn’t know how to respond. Was it wrong for him to say such things? Every word he uttered was about chastity and avoiding suspicion. But how could a husband-to-be constantly bring up chastity and bathing together? What if Tieniu took offense—? She glanced over and saw Tieniu’s face flush crimson, yet he obediently nodded and hummed in agreement.

Taking advantage of Jiang Yun’s stunned state, Tang Xianling quickly pulled Huangfu Tieniu’s hand and slipped away. But once they reached the shopfront ahead, he let go. Huangfu Tieniu kept his eyes downcast, staring at his own hand for a moment. It seemed almost foreign to him. His fingers curled and twitched, unsure how to position them.

They continued by carriage to the East Market.

“Today has been a whirlwind of running around, but most matters are settled,” Tang Xianling remarked cheerfully from inside the carriage.

At least he now held the upper hand. He wasn’t afraid the Hu family would come causing trouble—he only feared they wouldn’t come at all.

In his good mood, Tang Xianling finished his monologue and looked up, suddenly noticing something. “Why are you staring at your hand? What’s wrong with it?”

“N-nothing.” Huangfu Tieniu panicked, not knowing where to hide his hand.

Tang Xianling:?

Something was off.

He paused, then instantly grasped something—his eyes widened in astonishment. His almond-shaped eyes, framed by double eyelids, had a slightly upturned outer corner when opened wide, lending his gaze an indescribable liveliness and charm.

With only the two of them in the car, Tang Xianling’s mischievous thoughts stirred. He deliberately stretched out the “You—”

“I, I didn’t mean to,” Huangfu Tieniu protested.

Tang Xianling grinned. “I pulled your hand. What didn’t mean to’? You can’t even pass the buck—this isn’t even a buck, it’s my doing.”

Was Huangfu Tieniu this innocent? It was just a hand tug.

“It’s not your fault, it’s mine.” Huangfu Tieniu wanted to say it was his wandering mind and insufficient resolve.

Fortunately, the cart stopped. Someone was haggling over the fare with the driver outside.

Seeing Tieniu’s flustered expression, Tang Xianling stopped teasing the honest fellow. He thought to himself: Tieniu is so innocent, making me look like some lecherous beast—which I absolutely am not!

They arrived at the East Market and went to Xiang Tangzi. Tang Xianling insisted on treatment, and Huangfu Tieniu didn’t argue over paying. The shop assistant gave Tieniu a lingering look before glancing at the slightly older man beside him, wondering what their relationship was. Naturally, he wouldn’t ask such a thing openly.

Tang Xianling: “I’ll take another box of the cheapest fragrant beans. How much?”

He and Tieniu would bathe separately; naturally, Tieniu wouldn’t need the portion he’d brought.

This stuff wasn’t expensive—a consumable everyone needed. Made from soapberry mixed with flower petals, it came in small round bamboo boxes filled with irregularly shaped pieces—the scraps from the more expensive fragrant beans.

“Eight wen per box, customer, and we’ll throw in a loofah sponge.”

Tang Xianling paid, then asked for a dry towel. Grabbing the items, he turned and shoved them into Tieniu’s arms. “Alright, go wash up! Meet me in half an hour.” He needed a good scrub.

Huangfu Tieniu stood holding the items, watching Tang Xianling’s retreating figure. His eyes sparkled with amusement. Only after Tang Xianling had disappeared from sight did he snap back to reality. “Alright, see you later.”

The shop attendant nearly laughed out loud. He’d figured it out—this young master was smitten with that husband, but that husband looked old enough to marry. This young master was so fresh-faced… Could they be sneaking out together behind everyone’s back?

None of his business!

This bathhouse was enormous—two stories up front, with a private courtyard bath in the rear. Only after paying today did he learn it was built around a natural hot spring. Tang Xianling had gone to the communal ger bath; those with money used the private courtyard baths or the second-floor private rooms.

The large stone-lined pool was shrouded in steamy heat, obscuring who was with whom.

The attendant said, “Please wait a moment, sir. Your hot water will be brought shortly.”

Alongside the communal bath, there was a tub of water and a gourd scoop for showering. Rough-hewn stone tiles underfoot provided traction, with a drainage channel leading straight outside. Bathing here was far more convenient and hassle-free than at home.

Tang Xianling quickly stripped off his clothes and tossed them onto the rack, then began scrubbing away!

He first doused himself with water, then soaked in the bath—it felt just like a hot spring. After soaking, he would wash separately. Once he emerged, he used a loofah to scrub his body with fragrant beans, rinsing repeatedly.

The water was even refilled.

Finally, Tang Xianling soaked in the tub once more, washed his hair thoroughly, and wrapped it in a dry towel to air-dry by the stove—utterly blissful.

He was determined to earn enough money to terminate the contract with Madam Li’s family, tear down the courtyard wall, and build his own shower stall. Fengyuan City had a sewer system; he could access it through the back alley. Then, during the hot summer, he could shower at home, and in the cold winter, he could come to the bathhouse.

Just thinking about it filled him with energy.

Taking time off truly benefited both body and mind, even spurring his ambition.

Tang Xianling dressed in clean clothes, dried his hair by the stove, gathered it up, and wrapped it into a bun with a hairband. Unmarried young gers typically wore high ponytails tied with colorful ribbons, some adorned with beads, or wore small hairpins, hairpins, or hairpins. Some even pierced their ears and wore studs or earrings.

Married men, like him, often wore their hair tied back in a bun or wore headscarves.

Tang Xianling knew nothing of styling hair, always opting for a simple wrap—convenient and hassle-free. As he stepped out and headed toward the main hall, he spotted Huangfu Tieniu waiting seated. Huangfu Tieniu, who had been sitting, seemed to sense his gaze and lifted his head to look over.

Their gazes met in the air.

What a handsome ox!

Huangfu Tieniu was far more reserved. He glanced once before averting his eyes, his heart beating wildly in a flutter only he could feel.

Perhaps from spending too long under the hair dryer, Tang Xianling’s face was flushed with warmth. Now, his skin glowed with a rosy hue, radiant and vibrant. Wu-ger had always possessed a delicate beauty, but previously, he had been inconspicuous at home, often suppressed. His timid demeanor and soft voice had obscured this beauty.

Without self-confidence, one’s radiance inevitably dims.

“Have you been waiting long?” Tang Xianling approached with a warm smile.

Huangfu Tieniu dared not look at her for too long, afraid of losing his composure. “I just stepped out myself,” he replied.

“Let’s go. I’ll cook when we get back. Just remembered I haven’t made the pork floss yet.” Tang Xianling didn’t press further, grinning as he headed out. “After my bath, my ambition is sky-high. I need to earn more money.”

Huangfu Tieniu walked slightly behind Tang Xianling, shielding him. “Let me carry the things.”

“Here you go.” Tang Xianling handed the large basket to Tieniu.

They hailed a cab back to the neighborhood. Evening had fallen, and the sun already set. Vegetables and meat were waiting at home. Jiang Yun had waited a long time. As darkness approached, the two finally returned. Jiang Yun breathed a sigh of relief.

“Glad you’re back.”

 ━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

“Mom, the fragrant baths in the East Market are truly wonderful. If you want to go bathe, I’ll watch the shop here.” After saying this, Tang Xianling, fearing Jiang Yun might refuse, added, “I’ll take good care of Dad too. You can go without worry.”

But that last remark sent an inexplicable chill through Jiang Yun. A sudden dread gripped her—a fear that if she went bathing, Old Tang might vanish when she returned. Then she reminded herself: Wu-ger was more independent now, but his kindness and filial piety remained unchanged.

She must be imagining things.

Indeed, Jiang Yun was overthinking it.

Tang Xianling set about preparing the meal. After steaming rice on the stove, he took up a knife to cut meat.

The venison was a prime cut he’d trimmed that morning. Its texture was exceptional. He sliced it into even pieces, lightly seasoned with pepper and salt. The marbling was beautiful—perfect for grilling pork belly.

In the narrow vegetable patch by the courtyard, he pulled some Chinese cabbage. Blanched briefly, it emerged crisp and tender.

Huangfu Tieniu went to fetch water again.

Grilled meat rice was simple to prepare: grilled meat, vegetables, and a fried egg layered over steamed rice. But for it to be truly delicious, the meat quality was crucial. Most grilled meat rice Tang Xianling ate in modern times was smothered in thick sauces that masked the meat’s natural flavor.

Now, thick sauces were completely unnecessary.

Sizzling sounds filled the air as slices of meat cooked on the cast-iron pan. Tang Xianling first pan-fried the ‘five-flower’ cut, using its own fat to coat the pan until both sides turned golden and glistened with oil. Next came the lean venison, lightly seasoned with pepper and salt.

“If I ever have the chance, I’ll make teppanyaki again.”

“Actually, we could also do skewers on metal rods or bamboo sticks.”

Each grilled meat has its own distinct aroma. Street-style skewers over charcoal have that smoky, roasted meat flavor. Some might find it unsanitary, but Tang Xianling loved those smoked skewers. The teppanyaki in the mall restaurant was similar to pan-seared meat, but the dipping sauces were exceptional.

After fetching water, Huangfu Tieniu sat beside the stove, adding fuel. A faint orange flame flickered within the hearth, casting a soft glow on Tang Xianling’s face. Shrouded in shadow behind him, only his features were illuminated. When Tang spoke of food, his entire demeanor softened, his features seeming to glow.

It was beautiful.

Huangfu Tieniu knew nothing of teppanyaki or skewered grilled meat, only staring intently at Tang Xianling now.

“Those two things you mentioned must be delicious,” he replied.

Tang Xianling glanced over. “Good taste!”

As the aroma of meat grew increasingly rich from the iron pan, it was a uniquely pungent, nose-tickling scent.

Tang Xianling changed his tune. “This venison is truly exceptional. It’s my first time trying it. The jerky I grilled this morning seemed fragrant, but I never imagined fresh meat could be even more delicious.”

He swallowed hard, his hunger pangs kicking in.

Seeing Tang Xianling’s throat move, Huangfu Tieniu found himself doing the same involuntarily.

Tang Xianling’s hungry expression was utterly adorable.

“Tieniu, serve the rice.” Tang Xianling ordered him with effortless ease.

Jiang Yun, standing by the kitchen door, immediately protested. How could she let Tieniu do this? “I’ll do it,” she said.

“I’ll fill the bowls,” Tang Xianling interjected.

Huangfu Tieniu stood up, took the large bowl of rice from Jiang Yun’s hands, and approached Tang Xianling, asking, “Is this how you want it?”

“Yes. Serving the rice separately saves on washing dishes.” Tang Xianling picked up the spatula and began arranging the bowls, trying to make them look presentable.

Jiang Yun watched Huangfu Tieniu standing beside Wu-ger. Though they weren’t touching, a slight distance remained, yet they looked remarkably close. She couldn’t help thinking: The house really isn’t big enough anymore—

Now that Wu-ger is married, he won’t be staying at Tieniu’s place, right? If he stays here, this courtyard won’t be big enough. The west room he’s currently in is too small. If only theyhadn’t rented it out to Auntie Li back then.

“Alright, let’s eat.” Tang Xianling finished arranging the bowls.

Jiang Yun snapped out of her reverie and carried the candle to the shop. Huangfu Tieniu brought a wooden tray laden with three heavy bowls. Tang Xianling washed his hands but took nothing else. Dinner was served.

Next door at the Lu residence.

Lu Dalang, having just finished washing up, caught the aroma and felt pangs of hunger despite having eaten only moments ago.

“Wonder what they’re cooking next door—”

“Big brother, you know exactly what it is!” Lu Sanniang huffed. “I can smell meat—how could you not?”

Lu Dalang gazed enviously toward the neighbors’ house. “That aroma really is extraordinary.”

“You bet. Whatever Wu-ger cooks turns out delicious,” Lu Sanniang murmured, propping her cheek with her small hand. “If only Wu-ger were my brother.”

Chen Qiaolian, who had come out to empty the water, overheard Sanniang’s words. Her tone turned sharp without thinking. “Sanniang, what nonsense are you talking?”

“Mother…” Lu Sanniang shuddered in fright.

Lu Dalang also looked over, puzzled as to why his mother was suddenly angry.

Chen Qiaolian realized she’d misinterpreted the situation. Feeling embarrassed for startling her daughter, she dared not voice her true thoughts. Instead, she made up an excuse: “Wu-ger can’t be your ger. He’s a widower staying at home. We mustn’t speak carelessly. The Zhao family matriarch is considering finding a good match for him.”

“Oh, I see. Mother, I wasn’t talking nonsense.” Lu Sanniang assured her first, then added, “I just wish Wu-ger could be my real brother—nothing else…”

Chen Qiaolian’s face remained stern. “You shouldn’t even entertain such thoughts. Now stop pestering your eldest brother and go back to bed.”

“Yes, Mother.” Seeing her mother’s stern expression, Lu Sanniang felt a twinge of fear and obediently returned to her room.

Lu Dalang had been merely a glutton, drawn by the delicious smells from next door, without any ulterior motives. But today, seeing his mother’s strict guard, her evasive answers, and her scolding of Sanniang, he began to vaguely understand what his mother feared.

Lu Dalang and Wu-ger?

If Wu-ger became his husband, would he get to be the first to taste those delicious, fragrant treats?!

Chen Qiaolian saw Dalang sitting silently, deep in thought. As his mother, she knew him best. Immediately, regret washed over her. She shouldn’t have mentioned it. Despite all her precautions, Dalang had overheard. This wouldn’t do. She had to find a matchmaker quickly to seek a bride for Dalang.

And if the Zhao family matriarch was arranging a match for Wu-ger, why hadn’t there been any movement?

Such a slow process.

Because of Tang Xianling from the Tang family, several households on the main street lay awake, filled with worry.

After drawing water, Huangfu Tieniu finally led his mule out of the Tang family shop as night deepened. Tang Xianling escorted him to the door and urged, “Go rest now.”

“Shall I visit you tomorrow?”

Tang Xianling curved his lips, teasing the simple-minded Tieniu. “You’ll just be watching me. Won’t you go hunting?”

“No—it’s spring now. My foster father said hunting in the mountains is more lenient. We shouldn’t be ruthless and exterminate everything.” Huangfu Tieniu made an excuse, though it wasn’t really an excuse. It was true, but he also wanted to stay in town to see Tang Xianling more.

He could fetch water.

Tang Xianling had complained that the water-carrying poles hurt him, but not him—he had plenty of strength.

“I’m not stopping you,” Tang Xianling replied cheerfully.

Sweet romance—he was finally experiencing it!

Huangfu Tieniu agreed, then reluctantly led his mule away.

Out on the street, Old Zhao’s sugar-oil pancake shop, usually shuttered, had a slit opened furtively. The Zhao family matriarch, her eyes dim, asked her eldest daughter-in-law, “Did you see him? Was that the young gentleman?”

“Yes,” the daughter-in-law replied. “He left, leading his mule away.”

Only then was the old matriarch satisfied. “Seems they’re not close acquaintances. A distant relative is coming to work. Jiang Yun still knows some propriety—how could she dare let a young lad stay overnight in the house? No, no. I’ll head out of town tomorrow…”

The rear courtyard of the Tang residence.

The Li family members had just finished eavesdropping. One remarked, “It’s quiet now, no movement.” “He’s gone.” “What’s the background of that young man?”

“The dumpling shop owner’s wife said he’s a relative married into the Tang family’s eldest sister’s household, here to help with the work.”

“No good. That fellow is sturdy and tall. If he settles in to work for the Tang family, not only will their bond deepen over time, but if the Tangs pay him well, he’ll eventually become loyal to them. How then…” How then to force Jiang Yun’s Wu-ger to sell the shop?