My Husband is a Drama King [Book Transmigration] 86

Chapter 86: Fun in the Capital

Xu Zhizhou couldn’t speak. This matter was originally fake. Now that it had been exposed, he was a little at a loss.

Xu Zhici smoothed things over. “Maybe he wasn’t sure at that time, so he didn’t tell me. If Zhizhou is really pregnant, he has to be careful.”

Cao Qin nodded. “That’s right. When I gave birth to you two, it was relatively smooth. Your father also didn’t let me do any work at home. Some women still have to work when they’re pregnant. Huaichuan and Changxu are capable. You won’t have to work when you’re pregnant in the future. The most important thing is to take good care of your body. Otherwise, you’ll be the one who regrets it in the future.”

Xu Zhici: “You’re right, Mother.”

Cao Qin’s attention was diverted. She looked at the noodle shop, which was doing well. She knew that her eldest ge’er had also grown up and had become a boss.

“Seeing you two living a good life in the capital, I’m much more at ease. The capital is prosperous. I was afraid that the two sons-in-law would get used to you and would abandon their wives from their humble days. You two are ge’ers. How could you bear it? Now it seems that both of them are good. I can tell from your spirit and your clothes.”

Xu Zhici rarely showed a shy expression outside. He buried his head in Cao Qin’s lap, his voice soft. “Mother, my husband is very good to me. You’ve worried for nothing. Now that you’re in the capital, don’t go back. My noodle shop here also needs help. You won’t be idle here.”

Xu Zhici understood Cao Qin. Their generation couldn’t stay idle and didn’t want to live off their juniors. Only if their juniors needed them would they stay and help.

Cao Qin was a little swayed. “If I stay here, what about the chickens, ducks, and livestock at home, and the fields?”

Xu Zhici pressed on. “You can rent the fields out to others to farm and just collect the rent every year. In the future, when you and Father come to the capital, Zhizhou and I can also take care of you. You’ve worked hard for half your lives. You should also learn to be a little happier. You can’t just work hard until you’re old. Zhizhou and I have both opened shops. It’s enough to support you.”

In the past, the two ge’ers had written to persuade her. Now that they were in front of her, Cao Qin didn’t know how to refuse. She missed her two children in her heart. This year, many relatives had come for the New Year, but in the end, her two biological children were not by her side, and the house felt cold.

Xu Zhizhou also joined in to persuade her. “That’s right, that’s right. Elder Brother is right.”

Cao Qin said she would think about it again.

When they left the noodle shop and returned to the Song residence, Cao Qin looked at Xu Zhizhou’s stomach again. “Are you really pregnant?”

Her elder brother’s reaction had made her suspicious.

Xu Zhizhou casually passed the buck. “I don’t know. I’m also puzzled. How did I get pregnant? It was my husband who told me. He said that my parents would be coming soon. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m happy. Could it be that he’s lying that I’m pregnant?”

Xu Zhizhou looked incredulous, as if he really didn’t know.

Cao Qin thought to herself that her son-in-law must have said this because he wanted them to come to the capital and was afraid they wouldn’t. In that case, it had nothing to do with Zhizhou.

“I know. Then I have to tell my in-laws about this. Otherwise, it won’t be good if they ask.”

When Cao Qin reached the courtyard, she told Liang Su about the matter. A trace of disappointment flashed in Liang Su’s eyes. Hearing that it was Song Changxu’s idea, she was a little angry.

“How can this child lie to his elders about such a thing? He’s so thoughtless!”

Xu Zhizhou felt guilty and then echoed on the side, “That’s right. How can my husband tell such a lie? If I had known, I would definitely not have let him write it.”

Liang Su calmed down, her expression softening. “You’re a good child. I think Changxu has some problems. No matter what his original intention was, he shouldn’t lie. This child…”

Xu Zhizhou: “He should be beaten!”

Liang Su: “?”

Liang Su said thoughtfully, “That’s not necessary.”

Cao Qin glared at Xu Zhizhou, not allowing him to add fuel to the fire.

Xu Zhizhou gave a fake smile. “Mother, what kind of dishes do you want to eat, and what’s your taste? I’ll have the cook make them.”

Cao Qin: “Make less spicy dishes, but I remember that Changxu likes spicy food. Make some separately.”

Xu Zhizhou nodded.

Liang Su had no taboos. She said, “Don’t make too many dishes. It’ll be a waste if we can’t finish them.”

Xu Zhizhou agreed. Thirteen dishes were about right for five people. With more dishes, the portion of each dish would be smaller. Also, they should make some more pastries that children liked.

He gave the order, and someone would do it.

Xu Cheng was feeding the fish. Song Mingyan was worried about him and followed him. Now that he had finished, Ran Xingwen also took them for a walk around the residence. Now they were back in the main hall.

“Uncle-in-law, this courtyard is so big,” Xu Cheng said excitedly.

Xu Zhizhou: “In the summer, we can also spread a cloth on the lawn and have a barbecue. We can brush it with honey and sprinkle some chili powder. The taste is very good.”

Hearing this, Xu Cheng swallowed. He wanted to have a barbecue. He had never had one before.

Xu Zhizhou patted Xu Cheng’s head. He said with surprise, “Cheng Ge’er has grown so tall. If you want to have a barbecue, there’s a shop that sells it tonight. I’ll take you to have some. You can have whatever you want. Your uncle-in-law has money.”

Xu Cheng nodded heavily.

Song Mingyan looked at the large courtyard. He still couldn’t help but ask, “Zhizhou, how much did this residence cost?”

“About a thousand and five hundred taels.”

Hearing this number, Song Mingyan couldn’t believe it. Even if he worked his whole life, he wouldn’t be able to earn so much money.

“I also opened a Bobo Chicken shop and a sugar workshop. The money I earn a month is still enough.”

Song Mingyan’s face was wreathed in smiles. “That’s really good.”

Xu Zhizhou: “Elder Brother can stay. Then Cheng Ge’er can grow up in the capital, and his future will be better. My husband leaves early and comes back late. I’m always at home by myself. If you’re here in the future, it will be good. Mother should also stay.”

Liang Su changed the subject and asked, “What kind of official position is the Director of the Ministry of Personnel? I’ve never heard of it.”

Xu Zhizhou had also been explained by Song Changxu. Now he couldn’t remember clearly, only a few words. “He selects officials. He chooses the good ones and not the bad ones.”

Liang Su understood.

“It sounds not bad,” Liang Su said with a smile. “Actually, as long as the two of you can live a good life, nothing else is important.”

When they had a table of dishes at noon, they had their fill. Xu Cheng especially loved the food here. It was delicious and had a lot of variety.

Although his father and grandmother’s cooking was not bad, he was a little tired of it after so many years. The dishes the cook made, with all the seasonings and cooking methods, tasted really different.

After the meal, there were also fruits to eat. Xu Cheng felt as if he were living in a dream.

Xu Zhizhou held his teacup and took a sip. “Let’s rest for a while and then go out.”

Song Mingyan took a sip of his tea. It was very fragrant. No matter how good the tea-making skills were, if the tea leaves were not good, it would be a waste. This was the best tea he had ever had. With a little tea and snacks, the aftertaste was endless.

He thought and blushed. He had eaten too much. He was already an adult, but he had eaten more than Cheng Ge’er.

Then he saw Xu Zhizhou secretly stuff a pastry into his mouth, and his mood relaxed a lot.

.

The table Song Changxu had made was used by the people of the Ministry of Personnel. His colleagues all felt that it was very convenient. He had personally looked at the files of the many overlooked officials and had written their evaluations.

This time, he had learned to be smart. He would always leave his own unique language style. He was afraid. Both of his superiors were suspected of stealing credit. He had to be extra careful in his work.

The officials who had passed through his hands after he had taken office were mostly upright and diligent. Jian Xi was very satisfied with him.

“Sir Jian, it seems that Sir Song is already adept at the documents of the Ministry of Personnel. It’s a pity that his seniority is too shallow. He’ll have to wait a little longer to be promoted,” the clerk said, and brought a cup of hot tea to Jian Xi, replacing the cold one.

“We’ll have to wait. Sir Su’s position also has to be moved to make way,” Jian Xi said.

The clerk asked nonchalantly, “Are you dissatisfied with Sir Su, Sir Jian?”

The clerk had been by his side for several years and was a trusted aide. Jian Xi rarely said, “It’s not that I’m dissatisfied. Sir Su’s work is neither meritorious nor demeritorious. In other departments, it’s fine to be so. At most, he’s considered honest and mediocre. But it’s not okay in the Ministry of Personnel. Besides, there’s also a young and ambitious subordinate. The comparison is even worse.”

“To row a boat upstream, if you don’t advance, you retreat.”

The people above were clear. Unless you had a background, a transfer was certain.

As a director of the Ministry of Personnel, Song Changxu had a lot of contact with the Ministry of Revenue, as well as the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Works.

He had a good reputation in the five ministries, and everyone praised him. When there was no conflict of interest, Song Changxu was a smooth operator and had a harmonious relationship with the directors of the other departments.

Director He was dealing with the matter of Marquis Liu’s second son. The legitimate eldest son could inherit the title and had connections, so he didn’t have to worry about an official position. The second son was different. He was also an illegitimate son, so it was difficult for him to find a position with real power. He could only go to Director He.

The official position in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices was not one with real power, but at least it had a status. Director He could just squeeze out a few people and arrange for Marquis Liu’s second son to be appointed. That way, it wouldn’t be too conspicuous.

He was still careful and did not extend his hand into the six ministries. If he dared to, he would not be a minor director, but a vice minister, a minister, or even the prime minister.

“Why is my left eyelid twitching?” Director He muttered, but he still went his own way.

At first, his courage was not so great. He only dared to do small things. Then, when he was not discovered, his courage grew, and he gradually extended his hand to the local officials.

He had not been discovered for so many years, which had further fueled his greed. An official position in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices was nothing special. Marquis Liu could have arranged it himself, but it was easier to find him, although he charged a high price.

This time, the official position was sold for eighty thousand taels of silver. For some lucrative positions like a local river official, it could be sold for more than a hundred thousand. After all, with such an official position, you could earn more than a hundred thousand a year. You could earn back the silver in two years.

As for those who had been replaced.

“There’s nothing I can do. Who told them to have no background and no money? It’s their own fault for being replaced. They don’t even know that I’m the one behind it. They can only die a wrongful death. A person like this has no luck in the first place. It’s their own fault for not having a good background, not having a good father and mother.”

Thinking of this, Director He suddenly became very proud. He had a good family background, so he didn’t have to be a local official like the others. He could just stay in the capital.

“Some people are born as ants. No matter how hard they work, they are still ants,” Director He said, and wrote down the name of Marquis Liu’s second son. He left the Ministry of Personnel himself.

He had gotten Marquis Liu’s money tonight. He wanted to go to the gambling den to try his luck again.

Song Changxu sorted out the documents, locked them in a cabinet, and left. On the way, he thought that the tea at home was finished.

Xu Zhizhou liked to drink fruit tea, but Song Changxu was not used to it. He still liked to drink green tea and Da Hong Pao.

Song Changxu went to a shop and bought a can of green tea and a can of Da Hong Pao.

“Take care, Sir Song!”

He often came to this shop to buy tea, and the owner was already familiar with him.

Song Changxu held the two cans of tea. One was for home, and the other was for the Ministry of Personnel.

He was walking on the street when he suddenly saw a familiar face.

Song Changxu rubbed his eyes. He saw Xu Cheng holding a bamboo basket full of candy.

He quickened his pace. Xu Cheng went into a shop. It looked like a ready-made clothing shop.

“Cheng Ge’er, try this on.”

Xu Cheng answered and handed the basket to Song Mingyan. He took the clothes and went to change.

“Elder Brother?” Song Changxu said with doubt.

Song Mingyan turned around and saw a young man in a crimson official robe. He recognized Song Changxu’s appearance.

“Changxu…” Song Mingyan looked at him carefully. Song Changxu answered.

He not only saw his elder brother and Cheng Ge’er, but also his mother and mother-in-law. Song Changxu quickly went to greet them.

“Changxu, you’re off duty. Zhizhou has taken us to buy clothes,” Liang Su said.

His mother and mother-in-law’s attitude towards him was a little cold. Song Changxu couldn’t figure it out.

Xu Zhizhou was a little guilty when he saw Song Changxu, but he still covered it up. After buying the clothes, they could almost go back.

Xu Zhizhou deliberately fell a step behind and poked Song Changxu with his finger. “Did Mother ask me about the pregnancy? I said you were lying. You should be prepared.”

Song Changxu: “…”

No wonder his mother and mother-in-law’s attitude towards him was so cold. He had to take the blame for this.

He gritted his teeth. “Did you add fuel to the fire?”

Xu Zhizhou waved his hand. “What are you talking about? Am I that kind of person? Of course, I defended you. Don’t worry. When you’re being beaten and scolded, I’ll persuade Mother to calm down.”

Song Mingyan was walking in front, holding Xu Cheng. Xu Cheng had been wandering around the capital for a long time in the afternoon. His fear of strange places had gradually dissipated. Now he looked at the capital with more composure.

He blinked his eyes and looked at the capital with anticipation. He had never been to the capital. His uncle-in-law had also taken them to the entrance of the imperial palace. Thinking that his uncle was on duty inside, Xu Cheng was filled with an indescribable pride.

The uncle Xu Cheng admired was crying out in his heart.

“I’ll take the blame. I might as well have worked harder during the New Year. It’s too late to regret it now.”

Xu Zhizhou’s face turned red. He reached out and hit Song Changxu. “What are you talking about? It’s not something you can achieve just by working hard. You’re not proper.”

The elders were walking in front. The two juniors, taking advantage of the fact that no one was watching, were fooling around behind.

When they reached the residence, Xu Zhizhou snorted coldly. He took a step forward and said obediently, “I’ll go and order the kitchen to make some delicious food first. If Mother has any questions, you can just ask my husband.”

Xu Zhizhou immediately slipped away.

He had promised to speak up for him later, but that was also a lie. Song Changxu was speechless.

This time, when Liang Su saw Song Changxu, she first sized him up. Song Changxu said, “Mother, I’ll go and change my official robe first.”

After Song Changxu had changed his official robe, he took the initiative and said, “The letter I wrote saying that Zhizhou was pregnant was a lie. We were alone in the capital for the New Year, and it was cold and lonely. We missed you. I had written a few letters before asking you to come, but you didn’t. So I came up with a trick. If you and my mother-in-law want to beat or punish me, I’ll take it.”

Hearing such words, Liang Su and Cao Qin couldn’t bear to punish him. The two of them said a few words and let it go.

When Xu Zhizhou came back from the kitchen, he found that Song Changxu was already getting along well with them, and there was no conflict.

Song Changxu saw him standing on the side with a guilty look and said with a half-smile, “Have you told the cook what to make?”

Xu Zhizhou said righteously, “Of course I have.”

Xu Zhizhou had bought them two sets of clothes today, which looked very nice. After they had put them away, they went to look around the courtyard.

Song Changxu also accompanied them.

Xu Zhizhou: “When we first came, the courtyard was full of weeds. I was hesitating whether to plant some flowers and plants, or some other garlic sprouts. My husband and I have planted some scallion sprouts in our courtyard. The main courtyard is planted with flowers and plants, mostly roses, orchids, and a plum tree.”

“The plum tree was planted this year. During the New Year, we were at my brother-in-law’s house. My elder brother said that the plum wine was delicious. I thought that the plum blossoms were also beautiful. In the winter, they can be used to decorate vases, and also to make wine, so I bought one.”

“There are lotus flowers in the pond, and also edible fish. We had fish for lunch, so we won’t have it at night. When the fish in the pond are fatter, we’ll have a barbecue on the lawn,” Xu Zhizhou said with great relish.

He could do whatever he wanted in his own courtyard. It was both ornamental and edible, killing two birds with one stone.

Liang Su looked at the courtyard and really liked it. In Qishan Village, they also had a courtyard, but it was mostly for raising chickens and ducks. They didn’t care about whether it was beautiful or not.

Only after they had come to the courtyard house did they realize that a courtyard could be so big, with so many side rooms, and even servants to serve them.

She was happy for Song Changxu and Xu Zhizhou. The two of them were living a good life. In the future, when they had children, they could also live a good life and not have to suffer like before.

In the evening, the cook had made another full table of dishes. Song Changxu himself had had several bowls of rice. In the evening, he also took them to have a barbecue.

Song Changxu had two skewers and then stopped. He really couldn’t eat anymore. Xu Cheng was very happy. He also wanted to drink, but Song Changxu had bought him some white fungus soup.

“Thank you, uncle,” Xu Cheng said, his eyes curving.

Song Changxu smiled and patted his head. “I’m glad you like it. You can have whatever you want to eat, but you have to be mindful of your stomach. Don’t waste it, okay?”

Xu Cheng nodded obediently.

After two months of traveling by carriage to the capital, Xu Cheng felt that today was the happiest.

Xu Zhizhou had also eaten some and then stopped. When Song Changxu came over, Xu Zhizhou’s sharp eyes stepped on his shadow.

Song Changxu: “…”

“You’re even bullying my shadow?”

Xu Zhizhou rolled his eyes and gave up his own shadow. “I’ll let you step on mine too. I’m not a stingy person.”

Song Changxu did not step on his shadow. He reached out and patted Xu Zhizhou’s head. “You’ve worked hard today.”

Xu Zhizhou’s fur stood on end. “They’re my own mother and elder brother. What’s there to be tired of? If they see that we’re living a good life, they’ll also be at ease. In the village, there are many inconveniences. It’s better to live in the capital.”

Song Changxu said thoughtfully, “You’re right. It takes four months for a round trip. They’ll have to stay for a while, and they’ll also have to rely on you. I’ve been busy with the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel recently and can’t spare a hand.”

Hearing this, Xu Zhizhou nudged Song Changxu with his shoulder. “Why are you so busy? I feel that you have bad intentions.”

Song Changxu’s nose was almost crooked with anger. “You’re maliciously speculating about me. You don’t understand the affairs of an official.”

Xu Zhizhou glared at Song Changxu with dissatisfaction, as if to see if he would dare to say any more.

Song Changxu cleared his throat. “I’m just giving him a taste of his own medicine.”

“You’re still saying you don’t have bad intentions.”

Song Changxu was anxious. “How is it bad intentions? He did the first, and I’ll do the fifteenth.”

Xu Zhizhou said in a low voice, “Be careful. Don’t capsize the boat. Otherwise, I’m still so young. I don’t want to be implicated and beheaded. If you’re beheaded, I’ll have to sell the shop, pack up my gold and silver, and run away. Without you, without a backer, and I’m so good-looking, a young and beautiful rich widower, how can I live?”

The corner of Song Changxu’s mouth twitched.

“I will definitely not let you, this poisonous husband, go and harm others.”

Xu Zhizhou beat Song Changxu. “You’re still a top scorer. You’ve studied for so many years, but your mouth is not sweet at all. It’s like it’s been dipped in poison.”

Song Changxu gave up. “You’re still talking about me. How much harm have you done to me?”

Xu Zhizhou let go. Seeing that the two mothers were looking, he smoothed out the wrinkles on Song Changxu’s clothes. “What have I done to you? I’ve always put you first when we’re outside, given you face, and my words are as sweet as honey.”

Song Changxu was speechless.

They walked back. Xu Zhizhou yawned, held Song Changxu’s shoulder, and leaned most of his body on him.

Song Changxu honestly supported him.

“Husband, can you carry me?” Xu Zhizhou’s voice was as sweet as honey.

Song Changxu squatted down. “Get on.”

It was not a long distance to the residence. Liang Su looked back and saw Song Changxu carrying Xu Zhizhou. She smiled and pulled on Cao Qin to have a look.

They gradually walked away and went back to their rooms first. Song Changxu walked slowly, carrying Xu Zhizhou.

This road was too short. In a moment, they had reached the residence. Song Changxu sensed that Xu Zhizhou had fallen asleep. He carried him across the threshold and back to the bedroom, and put him down.

“He’s so cute when he’s asleep,” Song Changxu said, and leaned over to see the fine hairs on Xu Zhizhou’s face.

When he was about to go to sleep, he still gently called out to him to wash up first.

Xu Zhizhou quickly finished washing up, blew out the candle, and pulled the quilt to nestle in Song Changxu’s arms.

“Husband…” Xu Zhizhou called out vaguely.

Song Changxu asked patiently, “What is it?”

“Your back is so broad.”

There was no sound in the darkness for a long time. Song Changxu suddenly kissed Xu Zhizhou’s lips.

“Your mouth is very sweet.”

***

Author’s Note:

Little Song: So sweet. [Rainbow fart]

Little Xu: My husband is also very strong. [Pats head]