My Husband is a Drama King [Book Transmigration] 80

Chapter 80: The Xiao Family’s Disagreement

Jian Xi murmured the words to himself. “Some things are always contrary to one’s wishes, but one must still go on.”

Song Changxu said thoughtfully, “As long as you do what you want to do, and don’t regret it in your old age, that’s good.”

Jian Xi thought of his own preference for ornate essays. Hearing Song Changxu’s words now, he suddenly felt a sense of curiosity about him. Even if his essays were simple and unadorned, with a bit of an edge, if he got to know him, he would also be interested in exploring him a little.

From literature, one can observe a person. Conversely, from a person, one can observe their literature.

Jian Xi’s attitude towards Song Changxu improved a lot. The two of them went their separate ways at the fork in the road.

When Song Changxu returned home, he found that the flowers and plants in the house had already been trimmed, and they looked much neater.

Xu Zhizhou was watering them with a watering can.

“You’re back, husband. Xingwen and I trimmed the flower branches together, and we also built a wooden frame for planting grapes next year,” Xu Zhizhou said, putting down the watering can and pulling on him. “I went to the lumberyard this morning and also arranged the study. I’ll take you to have a look.”

Song Changxu smiled and agreed.

Xu Zhizhou pulled him to the study. He pushed open the door. There were two bookshelves, and also a bookshelf built against a wall. The desk and chairs were also made of good wood and had a faint fragrance. There were also two windows on the side, with a small tea table and a soft couch.

The arrangement was simple, just the style Song Changxu liked.

Xu Zhizhou handed him a lock and key. “I heard that the study is an important place. You have to lock it well when you leave.”

Song Changxu was even happier. “I like it very much, Zhizhou.”

Xu Zhizhou was proud. “I’m glad you like it. My efforts were not in vain.”

Song Changxu was satisfied with everything around him. Xu Zhizhou said, “Xingwen’s cooking is also good. We can hire a cook in a few months. We’re a bit tight on money right now.”

“Everything can be done slowly. We still have a long time,” Song Changxu said.

Xu Zhizhou sat on the side and poured himself a cup of water to drink. Song Changxu also sat down and drank. Looking at everything in the courtyard, the two of them felt a sense of peace and warmth.

“This month’s grain salary has been issued. It’s enough for our whole family to eat.”

Xu Zhizhou leaned against Song Changxu’s shoulder. “This is so good, husband. You’ll be a good official in the court, and I’ll manage the house well. This kind of life is already very comfortable.”

Song Changxu lowered his head and kissed his forehead. “You’re right. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be living such a good life.”

Xu Zhizhou still humbly gestured a fingernail’s size. “You’ve also contributed, husband. A husband and wife working together is not tiring.”

Song Changxu: “…”

Ran Xingwen usually made three dishes and one soup. Today, he had made a pumpkin soup, which was very sweet. Xu Zhizhou liked sweet things. He had three bowls in a row and didn’t eat much of the other dishes, feeling that his stomach was already full.

Song Changxu served him some food. “You should still eat more. You’ll be hungry again at night.”

Xu Zhizhou really couldn’t eat anymore. “I’ll have some pastries if I’m hungry. I can’t eat anymore now.”

Song Changxu had to let him go.

After the two of them had wandered around the night market, Song Changxu went to the bookstore and bought the Records of the Grand Historian, the Zuo Zhuan, and the Four Great Classical Novels.

Xu Zhizhou glanced at them and was not interested. Now Song Changxu wanted to fill his bookshelf, to buy his favorite books to read from time to time.

Xu Zhizhou bought two portions of snacks. Song Changxu only had a few bites, and the rest went into his stomach.

“Husband, isn’t that Young Master Cheng and Brother Yue?” Xu Zhizhou said, afraid that Song Changxu didn’t know who Brother Yue was. He specially emphasized, “That’s the ge’er of the richest family in Jiangzhou.”

There was no need to emphasize it so much.

Song Changxu nodded. They went up to greet them.

Cheng Maoxue smiled when he saw them and divided the meat skewers in his hand with them. “Have some. The roasted meat skewers from this shop are very delicious. Yue Bai and I both love them.”

Yue Bai lowered his eyes and greeted them. He was a very polite person.

When Cheng Maoxue saw Song Changxu, he wanted to have a drink with him. He had originally just wanted to buy some skewers with Yue Bai and then go back to rest. Now he was in the mood and pulled Song Changxu to sit down.

“Boss, a jar of Nu’er Hong, and also more roasted meat, pig trotters, and lamb.”

Hearing this, Xu Zhizhou was already craving it. It seemed that he had been right not to eat dinner tonight. Now he had the stomach for meat. Heaven was too good to him.

Song Changxu had obviously also thought of this. He smiled helplessly and said in a low voice, “You ate less at night.”

Xu Zhizhou: “You were just advising me to eat more, and now you’re advising me to eat less. I’ll eat until I’m happy.”

“Your Nu’er Hong, sir.”

Cheng Maoxue broke the clay seal. Hearing Xu Zhizhou’s words, he smiled. “Eat as much as you want. To be able to eat is a blessing.”

Xu Zhizhou gave Cheng Maoxue a point in his heart and fiercely deducted ten from Song Changxu!

Yue Bai said a few words to the attendant behind him. The attendant answered and went to buy a very small pot of light wine. The small, emerald-green bottle looked very expensive.

“Zhizhou, we can’t drink too strong a wine. You can try this plum wine.”

Xu Zhizhou nodded. “It looks very exquisite.”

He took a light sip, and his eyes lit up. Compared to the wine he had had before, the taste of this plum wine was simply amazing.

Cheng Maoxue was drinking and chatting with Song Changxu. Yue Bai was adapting well. The two of them were already engaged, and their wedding was set for the Winter Solstice.

Because his mother’s family was in Jiangzhou, which was too far from the capital, he would be getting married from his uncle’s house. He was living at his uncle’s now, which was fine.

Yue Bai liked Xu Zhizhou’s personality very much. Seeing that Cheng Maoxue and Song Changxu were on good terms, he naturally also wanted to be good friends with Xu Zhizhou.

His friends were all in Jiangzhou, or had married into other prefectures and counties. When he came to the capital, besides his uncle’s family, he was only familiar with the Cheng family.

He also had cold bank notes.

Xu Zhizhou: “Alright, let’s play and eat together.”

He took three skewers of lamb and handed them to Yue Bai, then he lowered his head and ate fiercely.

Song Changxu drank less wine. He advised, “You still have to go to the palace tomorrow. You should drink less.”

Cheng Maoxue waved his hand. “It’s fine. We’re studying at the Shuchang Hall. As long as we don’t doze off in the morning, that’s enough.”

Song Changxu sensed something from this sentence. He said, “Are you not happy in the Shuchang Hall, Brother Cheng?”

Cheng Maoxue: “I just feel that it’s a bit of a waste of time. Instead of being cooped up in the Shuchang Hall reading, I’d rather put it into practice.”

Song Changxu said thoughtfully, “Brother Cheng, you might be able to try going to the National History Academy to help organize the books or to read more. There are a few sirs who often go there. If you can gain their favor, your future path will be much smoother.”

Cheng Maoxue’s eyes lit up. He was indeed a good brother. He didn’t hide the way.

“Alright.”

Song Changxu was working in the Ministry of Personnel. He couldn’t help but tell the truth. “The imperial examination is held once every three years. Many of the Jinshi’s official positions have not yet been filled. They can only rely on opportunity or political achievements.”

Cheng Maoxue was a smart person. He understood Song Changxu’s words.

He was a director in the Ministry of Personnel, so he knew more than them.

After they had finished their wine and meat, they went their separate ways.

Cheng Maoxue’s alcohol tolerance was amazing. The wine he had had tonight was like water to him. He was not drunk at all. He had just deliberately revealed his dissatisfaction to Song Changxu.

Brother Song was right. He couldn’t just complain in the Shuchang Hall. He had to take action.

He sent Yue Bai to his uncle’s door. “You go in first. I’ll go back after I’ve seen you in.”

Yue Bai’s heart warmed. He nodded gently. “Then I’ll see you later, sir.”

He returned to his granduncle’s house. There was still a blush on his face when he returned to the courtyard. The attendant teased, “Why is your face so red, young master?”

“You’re asking the obvious. I see that Young Master Cheng also has a free and easy personality when he drinks. I like him. I heard that Sir Song and his husband have a good relationship. I’ve seen it this time. No one can get into their atmosphere. I’m so envious,” Yue Bai also wanted to find an ideal husband.

“I think the young master feels that there is no one else between Sir Song and his husband,” the attendant said, knowing his young master’s sensitive heart.

Yue Bai sighed. “Although my family dotes on me, after my father’s business grew, several beauties entered the courtyard. When the family became rich, they felt that since they were so rich, they should naturally enjoy the good things. Fortunately, my brother is the legitimate eldest son, and his status is unshakable. Otherwise, I don’t know what would have happened.”

He thought of some other things and was served to rest by his attendant.

.

When the holiday arrived, Song Changxu went back home to help arrange the tables and chairs. The main courtyard was larger and could fit three tables.

Each table had thirteen dishes.

Song Changxu did not have many friends. The people he had invited could be counted on ten fingers. Xie Huaichuan came with Xu Zhici and Wu Yi.

“Congratulations on your new home,” Xie Huaichuan said, handing over a gift.

“Thank you, Elder Brother and brother-in-law.”

Song Changxu saw the old man by Xie Huaichuan’s side and asked, “This is…”

“This is Master Wu. He has helped me a lot at the border.”

So it’s the protagonist gong’s dog-headed military strategist.

Song Changxu greeted him kindly. “Please, Master Wu.”

Wu Yi: “You’re too kind, Sir Song.”

Besides the Xie Huaichuan family, there were also Pei Shengrong, Shen Liang, Xie Feng, Xie Cang, Luo Shuang, and Cheng Maoxue.

“Come, sit,” Song Changxu received them.

Seeing the full table of food, everyone sat down happily.

Xie Feng: “The courtyard is so big. It’s really unexpected. You’ve bought a house so quickly.”

Xu Zhizhou smiled. “I always feel a bit uneasy if I don’t buy a house.”

Everyone raised their cups to toast Song Changxu and Xu Zhizhou. The group of them were all happy as they ate and drank. Looking closely, Xie Feng, Xie Cang, and Luo Shuang were the only three who were not yet married. Cheng Maoxue was already engaged.

This was the first time Xu Zhizhou had seen Fan Qiao. She was a lively and somewhat cute girl.

Cheng Maoxue: “Xie Feng and Luo Shuang are just not in a hurry. What’s the use? The family has been urging them so much. They haven’t even taken a liking to any of the portraits.”

Xie Cang half-complained, “The family is busy with my elder brother’s marriage. Mine has to be after his.”

Shen Liang raised his cup. “Start a family and establish a career. You have to start a family first before you establish a career. Brother Xie and Brother Luo are not young anymore. There are so many women and ge’ers in the capital. Can’t any of them catch your eye?”

The Liu family’s ge’er by his side laughed. “If you two don’t know many of the young ladies and ge’ers in the capital, I can introduce a few to you.”

“That’s right. Rong’er knows a lot of people,” Shen Liang agreed.

Xie Feng ate two meatballs and said in a muffled voice, “Thank you for your kind intentions, Brother Shen and your husband. But I really have no interest in getting married. After I’ve achieved a title, I’ve also fulfilled my family’s expectations for me. It’s good to be alone. If there’s one more person with me, I’ll feel uncomfortable. I don’t want to be tied down at the moment.”

Cheng Maoxue: “You’ve given your reason. What about Luo Shuang?”

Luo Shuang: “I just want to be alone.”

Song Changxu served some food. Hearing this, he smiled. “You’re still young. Maybe your thoughts will change in the future. It’s fine if you don’t want to get married. It’s not too late to get married when you meet someone you like.”

After teasing Xie Feng and Luo Shuang, they talked about the affairs of the court as they ate. Of course, they deliberately avoided the matter of the Xiao family.

The meal was good. After they had left, they had memorized the address, so it would be easy to visit in the future.

Wu Yi thought that Song Changxu was not bad after hearing his conversation. “Sir, Sir Song does not look like someone who will stay in a pond. I’m afraid he will be promoted again.”

Xie Huaichuan: “He is now a director in the Ministry of Personnel.”

The Ministry of Personnel, a boundless future.

After seeing the guests off, Ran Xingwen and Mo Pozi had to clean up. They boiled a pot of hot water in the kitchen to make tea.

Inviting people for a meal was also particular. This time, seeing that the plates were empty, it seemed that the food was to their liking.

The crayfish and the fish were extremely delicious. Although it was not as good as a restaurant’s, as a home-cooked meal, it had a different flavor.

If he couldn’t take some to the palace, he would have wanted to eat more crayfish.

“I’ll make some more crayfish tomorrow.”

Xu Zhizhou glanced at him, and his face lit up with a smile. “I also like to eat it. I’ll tell Xingwen tomorrow.”

He sat on the side, let down his hair, and combed it. Then he opened a fragrant balm and applied it to his face. Song Changxu was reading a book.

Xu Zhizhou blew out the candle and got into bed. Today was a holiday. He had to go to court tomorrow.

He reached out in the darkness and touched Song Changxu’s features. “Husband, should we have a child?”

Ever since he had started working at the Ministry of Personnel, he had found that Song Changxu was much colder to him. The frequency of them doing that was very low. How could this go on?

He even suspected that Song Changxu was not good in that aspect. Otherwise, with a beautiful beauty in front of him, how could he be so indifferent?

“The matter of children is up to fate,” Song Changxu said, but one of his hands had already landed on Xu Zhizhou’s waist.

He turned over.

Their dark hair was intertwined. Song Changxu first untied his own sash and then went to untie Xu Zhizhou’s.

Thinking of having a child, the two of them were very passionate tonight.

After Xu Zhizhou had fallen asleep, Song Changxu kissed his forehead. There were still blue marks on Xu Zhizhou’s shoulders, and his waist was even more exaggerated. There were also fingerprints on another place.

He had been a bit too forceful.

Speaking of children, he was always a bit unable to control himself.

“How can a man have a child?” Song Changxu whispered. He lay down and hugged Xu Zhizhou, his fingers wandering on his stomach.

Xu Zhizhou was about to fall asleep. He mumbled a few words and then was silent.

Song Changxu remembered that he had reached here at that time. It was very soft.

Thinking of this, his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. He suppressed the desire in his heart and fell asleep.

Song Changxu had a messy dream. He woke up, washed up, had breakfast, and then went to the Ministry of Personnel.

Three people who had written to retire did not meet the standards of the Ministry of Personnel. Song Changxu sent them back.

It was not so easy to retire. An ordinary retirement was to go back to one’s hometown and support oneself.

Officials with major political achievements would be received by the prefects and county magistrates when they returned to their hometowns. After all, as a high-ranking official, they had many connections and students, and their names were also known to His Majesty. No one dared to be negligent.

He had not yet been on duty for a year, and he was dealing with the review and retirement of officials all day, which made Song Changxu feel a little like retiring.

“I still have to be promoted more. It’ll be better for my retirement in the future.”

Song Changxu thought for a while and then immersed himself in his official duties.

When the Winter Solstice arrived, snow was falling over the imperial palace. The snowflakes fell one by one, making the road wet.

Song Changxu walked into the wind and snow with his cape. He was going to the tea room to get some hot water. When winter came, Xiao Ding had taken Prefect Zhang’s head and had come back to report. He had been praised by Emperor Pingjing and had been allowed to go home to rest.

Xiao Ding walked out of the Panlong Hall and down the steps. The snow fell on his shoulders. He suddenly remembered the days at the border. On snowy days, besides having the soldiers strengthen their guard, he also had to boil hot water for them and write memorials to urge the court to send grain and grass.

Now that he thought about it, it had been a long time.

Compared to being in the court, he missed the days at the border more. At least it was more carefree. Tomorrow, he would go to the outskirts to visit Empress Dowager Xiao and the Phoenix Lord.

Xiao Ding had a plan in his mind. When he saw Song Changxu carrying hot water, he called out to him.

“Sir Song.”

The two of them had not had much interaction. Song Changxu was a little taken aback when he was called.

“Sir Xiao,” his official position was below Xiao Ding’s. He quickly greeted him.

“I heard that you are working in the Ministry of Personnel, Sir Song. Congratulations,” Xiao Ding said. When he had returned home, someone had told him about the major affairs of the court.

Knowing that His Majesty had a certain regard for the new top scorer, and thinking that Xie Huaichuan also had a connection with their family, Xiao Ding wanted to leave a good impression on Song Changxu.

“Prefect Zhang has already been executed. The people who were involved with him have all been thrown into prison and will be executed after the autumn.”

Hearing this, the corners of Song Changxu’s lips turned up. “That’s good. Thank you, Sir Xiao.”

“I was just following His Majesty’s orders. It was you and Sir Shen who exposed his true colors. Otherwise, I don’t know how many common people would have been harmed. It was truly shocking. The account book you submitted was just the tip of the iceberg. He was even involved in the activities of the mountain fortress, human trafficking, and the skin and flesh trade. Many good women and ge’ers have been harmed.”

Thinking of this, Xiao Ding was also extremely hateful.

What kind of official was such a person? He was worse than a beast. For a few coins, and with a little power, he had completely lost his humanity. He had taken human lives lightly and had disregarded human ethics.

Hearing Xiao Ding’s words, Song Changxu felt even more satisfied with Prefect Zhang’s end.

This time, he sized up Xiao Ding properly. Seeing that he truly hated an official like Prefect Zhang, and thinking that he would be implicated and beheaded in the future, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pity.

“From what you’ve said, Sir Xiao, I think Prefect Zhang got what he deserved. It wouldn’t be too much to have him cut into a thousand pieces. As soon as he fell, the people below him also came out, causing trouble. They’re all the same. The things they do are often even dirtier. This time, Prefect Zhang was too bold to have robbed the grain and grass. He already considered himself the local emperor of Yongzhou.”

“You must have met such a border general, sir.”

After Song Changxu had finished, he left.

Xiao Ding was in a daze for a long time after hearing his words. A young eunuch saw that the flying snow had turned his eyebrows white and couldn’t help but remind him, “Sir Xiao…”

Xiao Ding came back to his senses and strode away.

The Xiao family’s dependents were like a river of crucian carp. They didn’t even know who was below them and just casually associated themselves with the Xiao family.

When he returned home and learned that his father had not resigned and returned home, he let out a breath. If his father did not, then he would, to show his determination.

Even if he couldn’t protect the entire Xiao family, he had to protect their only bloodline.

After Xiao Ding had made his decision, he had not yet taken off his armor when he went to the study to write a memorial. He finished it in one go and would present it to His Majesty tomorrow.

Tonight, he would go to the outskirts to find his aunt and Yurong.

Seeing his hurried appearance, Madam Xiao took a cape for him. “No matter where you go, husband, you must take care of your health.”

Xiao Ding held his wife’s hand. “I’ll be right back. No need to welcome me back with a feast.”

Xiao Ding left the city gate and went straight to the royal villa.

Empress Dowager Xiao was trimming the flower branches. Xiao Yurong was a bit bored in the villa and wanted to go back to the palace to find the emperor.

“Empress Dowager, Young General Xiao requests an audience.”

Xiao Yurong thought that his elder brother was back.

“Let him in,” Empress Dowager Xiao said, her expression unchanged. She glanced at Xiao Yurong, who obediently held her hand and helped her to sit down.

When Xiao Ding hurried in to greet her, Empress Dowager Xiao frowned. “Why are you like this? You don’t know any etiquette.”

Empress Dowager Xiao waved her hand to dismiss the others, leaving only the three of them.

Xiao Ding looked up. “Empress Dowager, I have just returned from Yongzhou. When I left the capital, I advised my father to hand over the military tally to His Majesty and also to resign. He did not, but instead paraded through the streets. I was very worried when I returned to the capital.”

Empress Dowager Xiao raised her hand and had him sit down.

“I also know about the matter of the military tally. The Xiao family is, after all, His Majesty’s mother’s family. If the Xiao family is strong, His Majesty will also have a support. Besides, your father is only forty. How can he be willing to resign?”

Xiao Ding had to be direct. “It is definitely not what His Majesty wants to see for the maternal relatives to be too powerful. Since my father will not resign, I will have to. In addition, I will write to my second brother and have him resign as soon as possible. As for my third brother, it depends on whether he wants to stay in the capital or go back to our hometown in Jiangzhou together.”

Xiao Yurong was shocked. “Elder Brother…”

Empress Dowager Xiao slammed the table and said with great anger, “Xiao Ding, what do you mean?!”

“Since the Empress Dowager and my father are so stubborn, as the eldest son of the direct line of the Xiao family, I cannot let the Xiao family be defeated in my hands. It is good to preserve a trace of our bloodline.”

Xiao Ding said with a focused expression, “Empress Dowager, His Majesty is the heaven of the Ningxing Dynasty. The Empress Dowager and the Phoenix Lord are just that. When the day of reckoning comes, His Majesty will definitely not be merciful.”

Empress Dowager Xiao pointed at Xiao Ding, unable to speak. She slapped him and left with a flick of her sleeve.

Xiao Yurong quickly went to look at Xiao Ding’s face. There was already a handprint on it. “Xiping, hurry and find a cloth and a hot egg.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Elder Brother, you should talk to Mother properly. She will understand. It’s so tense now,” Xiao Yurong said, and was about to apply a hot egg to Xiao Ding’s face.

Xiao Ding took the egg himself and did not let Xiao Yurong do it. It was not proper.

“Yurong, my aunt and my father are too stubborn. I will take my third and second brothers with me. The capital should only have you left. As long as you don’t make a mistake in the palace, His Majesty will not do anything to you, remembering your old feelings. If you have any thoughts, you can persuade my father and my aunt.”

Xiao Yurong: “Elder Brother, is it that serious? His Majesty is, after all, my cousin, and my aunt’s own son.”

Xiao Ding: “My aunt and you will be spared, but the others may not be. When we had military merits at the border, our Xiao family should have retreated bravely. We were still too greedy.”

“His Majesty is always the emperor. You should not look at him with the eyes of an ordinary person,” Xiao Ding said to Xiao Yurong in a long-winded manner.

Speaking of which, he was also too ruthless, to have taken his second and third brothers with him, and to have left the youngest, who was a ge’er, in the palace. Xiao Ding was filled with guilt.

He put down the hot egg and returned to his residence under the cover of night.

***

Author’s Note:

Xiao Ding: I’ll take my two younger brothers and leave my father alone.