CH 5.07

Chapter 5.07 – Utter Regret

The next day, Xiang Han woke up and expanded all his energy to escape Yan Xiao Ze’s arms. Then, he crossed over the other person, intending to go for a bath. Unfortunately, a part of his robes was stuck under Xu Yan Ze and as a result, he had only gotten up halfway before he fell back.

Xu Yan Ze let out a soft grunt due to the sudden force. Deciding that it wasn’t appropriate to continue faking sleep, he slowly opened his eyes.

Xiang Han thought he had disturbed the other person awake and gave a hollow laugh before pulling out the part of his clothes which had been stuck underneath and hurriedly got off the bed.

His plans to pull Xiang Han back into his arms was foiled since he had not expected the other to be so quick. He couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Once they both were up, Jin Cui brought other servants in to help them get ready. Nanny Wang Shi also followed and reminded them, “Young master, this is the day you have to return to the wife’s paternal home. The old madam has just sent someone over saying that the gifts have been prepared. You don’t have to pay your respects later on, just go directly to the young mistress’s manor.”

“Return…home?” The two people became stunned.

Half an hour later, Xiang Han and Xu Yan Ze embarked a carriage heading for the Yan’s manor. Their expressions were strange.

Having not only narrowly avoided death but also enjoyed two days of leisure, Xu Yan Ze had nearly forgotten about Yan Xiao Ze’s matters. He carefully thought over this and finally remembered that Yan Xiao Ze had a bed-ridden father, a bunch of top-quality relatives, and a mutual… lover?

His face immediately darkened. It wasn’t a problem to provide for his sick father, and those relatives were also easy to be dealt with. But a lover…

He didn’t think much longer before making a decision. Although breaking up a pair of lovers wasn’t something honourable, he could be considered a family man. History was but a mist soon to dissipate.

Xiang Han swayed along with the carriage, his mind and heart had long wandered off. In the original storyline, Xu Yan Ze had ‘hit’ Jin Bao Han and as a result, was locked up to reflect on his actions and ran off not long after. The matter of returning home was never brought up.

After leaving the manor, Xu Yan Ze went to find father Yan and left some silvers before enlisting in the military. Two months later, the Turkic invaded Jin Wu and took over the country. A bitter war lasted for half a year before they managed to regain their reign.

It was in this war that Xu Yan Ze made a name for himself and attracted the emperor’s recognition enabling him to become Xue Qing Lin, the regional commander’s equal.

However, after Xiang Han took over, not only was Xu Yan Ze not acquitted, he even seemed quite satisfied by his current lifestyle. At the very least, it didn’t seem as if he had any intentions of leaving the Jin family.

Xiang Han felt at a loss. Logically speaking, he felt that Xu Yan Ze would be better off joining the military than staying cooped up inside the Jin Family’s home but emotionally… How would they develop their relationship if he enlisted?

Or, should he make use of this time to foster their feelings and wait till their feelings are developed to some extent before sending off Xu Yan Ze to the military?

Xiang Han spent the whole ride contemplating, not even realising they’d arrived at the Yan family’s village. The carriage came to a stop and Xu Yan Ze got off first before turning around to help Xiang Han off.

There were many people standing outside the door. After hearing that the young master of the Jin family had recovered and even accompanied ‘Yan Xiao Ze’ home, they couldn’t help wanting to take a look.

When they saw Xu Yan Ze get off, the crowd began to buzz.

“It’s been only two days but Xu Yan Ze’s complexion seems much better than before?”

“Isn’t it? Look at his clothes, that material… tsk.”

Even after Xu Yan Ze helped Xiang Han off the carriage, the crowd continued to gossip.

“Not using his servants. Was he really used as a blessing or…”

“Isn’t it? In the first place, he was bought to serve the young master Jin.”

“But, at least, that’s better than farming, right? I heard Young Master Jin eats plain white buns for every meal and gives the remainder to his servants. Look at Young Master Jin, he looks so white and delicate. How is he any different from a steamed bun?”

Xiang Han felt as if an arrow had struck his heart, and he silently pinched Xu Yan Ze’s palm. He was practically a ginseng chicken, how infuriating! He must definitely lose weight.

Xu Yan Ze also became speechless. He was just supporting his wife, why did he suddenly flare up?

After the two got off the carriage, a middle-aged woman came forward to welcome them with a smile, “Aiyo, son-in-law, you’re finally here. We’ve been waiting anxiously, come in quickly…”

A middle-aged man stood beside her, looking like an honest person. When she finished speaking, he finally stuttered out, “Y-Young Master Jin, come in. Please, come in.”

Xiang Han quickly recognised him. These two people were Yan Xiao Jiang’s parents, Xu Yan Ze’s cheap second uncle and aunt.

He instinctively took another glance at the crowd and saw Yan Xiao Jiang with his head lowered and fingers clasped. Then, he turned back and looked at Xu Yan Ze.

Xu Yan Ze had also seen Yan Xiao Jiang but he didn’t say a word. When it came to pitiful white lotuses like this one, before his transmigration, he would avoid them as far as he could. Now that he couldn’t… he’d simply play them to death. The reason was if he didn’t kill them off, the one to die would be himself. Therefore, even if Xu Yan Ze chose to ignore them, he would not overlook their ability.

The two were escorted by the crowd to a courtyard with Yan Xiao Jiang following at the back, his eyes flashing with uncertainty. Although his relationship with the third prince was progressing quite well, once he thought of the Jin Bao Han who wasn’t a fool, he felt resentful. Why did he have to serve a fool in his last world but ‘Yan Xiao Ze’ became so lucky?

The Yan’s house was very simple but clean. However, once they entered Father Yan’s courtyard, they smelt something strange.

When father Yan saw Xu Yan Ze, tears streamed down his face. He gripped Xu Yan Ze’s hands tightly and sobbed, “It’s all my fault, I’ve let you down…”

Xiang Han stood behind, feeling like his presence as the evil tyrant was extremely awkward. He turned around and ordered one of the servants who’d been following them to bring a physician over.

Xu Yan Ze wasn’t used to this sort of setting. He comforted his father with a few words and came out.

After lunch, the neighbours soon dispersed, leaving only his second uncle Yan’s family. His second aunt had noticed the numerous gifts the Jin family had brought over and had even summoned a physician for father Yan. Her mind couldn’t help but turn.

When Xiang Han went to the bathroom, she seized the opportunity to claim the credit, quickly turning the conversations around. “Ah, Little Ze, you’ve really gotten lucky and fallen into a gold mine. Back when aunt mentioned this matter to you, you still refused. Look, it’s all thanks to Aunt who advised you…”

After praising herself, her words took another turn. “Speaking of which, our family has also helped your father out with his illness for a long time. Unfortunately, now, our family is simply having a hard time getting by. I’m afraid… Ah, look at little Jiang. He’s almost 17 and there are also others who haven’t been able to get married and settle down. We still have some young ones, I don’t know how we’re going to get by…”

Xu Yan Ze couldn’t help nodding but didn’t show any other sign. Yan Xiao Jiang sat uneasily as if something was on his mind.

His second aunt gritted her teeth and hardened her scalp to continue, “Xiao Ze, aunt knows it isn’t easy for you in the Jin family. But our family is having such a hard time, so try to help… whenever you can.”

Xu Yan Ze nodded and replied, “I understand.”

Second aunt was overjoyed, “Then, you…”

Xu Yan Ze pretended not to have heard her, and turned to Yan Xiao Jiang, “Cousin, do you have something to say to me?”

“Huh?” Yan Xiao Jiang felt stunned when his name was abruptly called, and hesitated.

Earlier, when he had gone to deliver the third prince’s lunch, he had mentioned the incident today in order to let the other person completely give up. He never expected the third prince to be interested in meeting Xu Yan Ze. Now, knowing this had left him in a dilemma.

On one hand, he hoped for the two to meet so that the third prince would give up on him. On the other hand, he was afraid the two would rekindle their relationship.

At this time, Xiang Han returned and Yan Xiao Jiang’s eyes lit up, “Brother, it’s not easy for you to come back. Why don’t I bring you guys around?”

Xu Yan Ze was glad to be rid of his second aunt, so he nodded, “Okay.”

Yan Xiao Jiang sighed in relief and got up. He turned towards Xiang Han with a complicated expression, “…Brother-in-law, let’s go together.”

Brother-in-law? Xiang Han’s face cramped and he nearly punched the walls from holding back his laughter.

Second aunt watched them leave and became rooted on the spot, wanting to say something else. But when she remembered Xu Yan Ze’s ‘promise’ she simply exhaled.

The third prince, Wei Zhao, was taking refuge in the dilapidated temple at the edge of the village. The three of them left and Yan Xiao Jiang quickly brought them to that direction.

Xiang Han was curious and whispered to Xu Yan Ze, “Didn’t he say he was going to show us around, why is he walking so fast? I thought it would just be a stroll.”

Xu Yan Ze hummed, allowing him to blow air by his ears, revealing an expression of… satisfaction.

Wei Zhao was coincidentally passing by a window in the temple and saw this scene. His expression turned ugly.

Outside the temple, Yan Xiao Jiang suddenly came to a stop. Xiang Han asked in confusion, “Why did we stop?”

Xu Yan Ze glanced at the dilapidated temple and quickly understood his intentions. His expression morphed into amusement.

Perhaps it was from his guilty conscience, but Yan Xiao Jiang mumbled, “Brother, someone… wants to see you.”

Even if Xiang Han hadn’t known Wei Zhao was hiding here before, he could understand what was going on. However, he feigned ignorance and turned to look at Xu Yan Ze.

Xu Yan Ze thought this meeting wasn’t a big deal and it would also be a good chance for them to clear things up. However, with just a look from Xiang Han, he suddenly felt uncomfortable and instinctively wanted to hide the fact that he had had a previous lover.

He swept a glance over the area and finally came to a stop at the barley fields in the distance.

Xiang Han followed his line of sight and recalled what the steward following along earlier had introduced. He said, “That’s my family’s field.”

Xu Yan Ze smiled, “Mn, help me go and get an ear of wheat.”

Was he trying to get rid of him? Xiang Han was filled with disappointment. He had thought he’d be able to watch a good show of breaking up and carnage.

“Fine.” He glanced at Yan Xiao Jiang and then at the broken field and gave another reminder near Xu Yan Ze’s ears, “Be careful.”

Saying so, he left with long strides. Xu Yan Ze felt his heart grow warm as he watched the figure walk away before slowly turning back towards the temple.

Although Wei Zhao was currently in dire straits, the aura in his body hadn’t diminished in the slightest and adding on to that was the anger he’d held back since earlier. Once he saw Xu Yan Ze, his face turned cold as he mocked, “I’d thought you were forced into it but from how I see it, you seem to be enjoying it?”

Xu Yan Ze raised a brow, his tone calm, “Since you already know about it, I won’t waste your time. Let’s part on good terms.”

“Part on good terms?” Wei Zhao’s face became extremely dark. He gritted his teeth, “Do you think you’re fit to say these words?”

No matter if it were men or women, he was always the one throwing others away. When had there been a time that he hadn’t managed to obtain a person he wanted? Especially when it was a fool who’d snatched his person away! Wei Zhao choked from his anger.

Hearing his words, the last shred of guilt Xu Yan Ze felt towards him completely evaporated. Previously, he had been under the impression Yan Xiao Ze and he were a harmonious couple but it looked like this person was simply arrogant and overbearing. With such an attitude of looking down on others, these two people’s feelings were most likely different.

After Yan Xiao Ze was forced to marry into the Jin family, he’d not only not asked for a reason, but even ridiculed him on sight. More importantly, he’d only been married for three days, yet his relationship with his cousin was already so close. Was he supposed to not break up with this person and keep him until the new year?

Xu Yan Ze’s guilt towards the original host also diminished. He had no qualms about beating this pair of mandarin ducks up, “I don’t care what you think. I’m just informing you. Farewell.”

Throwing these words down, he calmly brushed off the dust on his shoulders and left without sparing either of them another glance.

Wei Zhao had never imagined that the ‘Yan Xiao Ze’ who’d always been kind, would treat him in this manner. He became momentarily stunned and was unable to come back to his senses.

Yan Xiao Jing on the other hand, breathed out a sigh of relief and went forward to console him, “Sir, my brother, he… is very good to the Young Master of the Jin family. He has, probably…” had a change of heart.

Wei Zhao’s feelings for Yan Xiao Ze weren’t deep, so the humiliation he felt preceded his sadness. He immediately hardened his expression. “An ignorant and short-sighted villager who only covets wealth and honour. There will be a day he regrets what he just did.”

Chapter 5.07 – Utter Regret

The next day, Xiang Han woke up and expanded all his energy to escape Yan Xiao Ze’s arms. Then, he crossed over the other person, intending to go for a bath. Unfortunately, a part of his robes was stuck under Xu Yan Ze and as a result, he had only gotten up halfway before he fell back.

Xu Yan Ze let out a soft grunt due to the sudden force. Deciding that it wasn’t appropriate to continue faking sleep, he slowly opened his eyes.

Xiang Han thought he had disturbed the other person awake and gave a hollow laugh before pulling out the part of his clothes which had been stuck underneath and hurriedly got off the bed.

His plans to pull Xiang Han back into his arms was foiled since he had not expected the other to be so quick. He couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Once they both were up, Jin Cui brought other servants in to help them get ready. Nanny Wang Shi also followed and reminded them, “Young master, this is the day you have to return to the wife’s paternal home. The old madam has just sent someone over saying that the gifts have been prepared. You don’t have to pay your respects later on, just go directly to the young mistress’s manor.”

“Return…home?” The two people became stunned.

Half an hour later, Xiang Han and Xu Yan Ze embarked a carriage heading for the Yan’s manor. Their expressions were strange.

Having not only narrowly avoided death but also enjoyed two days of leisure, Xu Yan Ze had nearly forgotten about Yan Xiao Ze’s matters. He carefully thought over this and finally remembered that Yan Xiao Ze had a bed-ridden father, a bunch of top-quality relatives, and a mutual… lover?

His face immediately darkened. It wasn’t a problem to provide for his sick father, and those relatives were also easy to be dealt with. But a lover…

He didn’t think much longer before making a decision. Although breaking up a pair of lovers wasn’t something honourable, he could be considered a family man. History was but a mist soon to dissipate.

Xiang Han swayed along with the carriage, his mind and heart had long wandered off. In the original storyline, Xu Yan Ze had ‘hit’ Jin Bao Han and as a result, was locked up to reflect on his actions and ran off not long after. The matter of returning home was never brought up.

After leaving the manor, Xu Yan Ze went to find father Yan and left some silvers before enlisting in the military. Two months later, the Turkic invaded Jin Wu and took over the country. A bitter war lasted for half a year before they managed to regain their reign.

It was in this war that Xu Yan Ze made a name for himself and attracted the emperor’s recognition enabling him to become Xue Qing Lin, the regional commander’s equal.

However, after Xiang Han took over, not only was Xu Yan Ze not acquitted, he even seemed quite satisfied by his current lifestyle. At the very least, it didn’t seem as if he had any intentions of leaving the Jin family.

Xiang Han felt at a loss. Logically speaking, he felt that Xu Yan Ze would be better off joining the military than staying cooped up inside the Jin Family’s home but emotionally… How would they develop their relationship if he enlisted?

Or, should he make use of this time to foster their feelings and wait till their feelings are developed to some extent before sending off Xu Yan Ze to the military?

Xiang Han spent the whole ride contemplating, not even realising they’d arrived at the Yan family’s village. The carriage came to a stop and Xu Yan Ze got off first before turning around to help Xiang Han off.

There were many people standing outside the door. After hearing that the young master of the Jin family had recovered and even accompanied ‘Yan Xiao Ze’ home, they couldn’t help wanting to take a look.

When they saw Xu Yan Ze get off, the crowd began to buzz.

“It’s been only two days but Xu Yan Ze’s complexion seems much better than before?”

“Isn’t it? Look at his clothes, that material… tsk.”

Even after Xu Yan Ze helped Xiang Han off the carriage, the crowd continued to gossip.

“Not using his servants. Was he really used as a blessing or…”

“Isn’t it? In the first place, he was bought to serve the young master Jin.”

“But, at least, that’s better than farming, right? I heard Young Master Jin eats plain white buns for every meal and gives the remainder to his servants. Look at Young Master Jin, he looks so white and delicate. How is he any different from a steamed bun?”

Xiang Han felt as if an arrow had struck his heart, and he silently pinched Xu Yan Ze’s palm. He was practically a ginseng chicken, how infuriating! He must definitely lose weight.

Xu Yan Ze also became speechless. He was just supporting his wife, why did he suddenly flare up?

After the two got off the carriage, a middle-aged woman came forward to welcome them with a smile, “Aiyo, son-in-law, you’re finally here. We’ve been waiting anxiously, come in quickly…”

A middle-aged man stood beside her, looking like an honest person. When she finished speaking, he finally stuttered out, “Y-Young Master Jin, come in. Please, come in.”

Xiang Han quickly recognised him. These two people were Yan Xiao Jiang’s parents, Xu Yan Ze’s cheap second uncle and aunt.

He instinctively took another glance at the crowd and saw Yan Xiao Jiang with his head lowered and fingers clasped. Then, he turned back and looked at Xu Yan Ze.

Xu Yan Ze had also seen Yan Xiao Jiang but he didn’t say a word. When it came to pitiful white lotuses like this one, before his transmigration, he would avoid them as far as he could. Now that he couldn’t… he’d simply play them to death. The reason was if he didn’t kill them off, the one to die would be himself. Therefore, even if Xu Yan Ze chose to ignore them, he would not overlook their ability.

The two were escorted by the crowd to a courtyard with Yan Xiao Jiang following at the back, his eyes flashing with uncertainty. Although his relationship with the third prince was progressing quite well, once he thought of the Jin Bao Han who wasn’t a fool, he felt resentful. Why did he have to serve a fool in his last world but ‘Yan Xiao Ze’ became so lucky?

The Yan’s house was very simple but clean. However, once they entered Father Yan’s courtyard, they smelt something strange.

When father Yan saw Xu Yan Ze, tears streamed down his face. He gripped Xu Yan Ze’s hands tightly and sobbed, “It’s all my fault, I’ve let you down…”

Xiang Han stood behind, feeling like his presence as the evil tyrant was extremely awkward. He turned around and ordered one of the servants who’d been following them to bring a physician over.

Xu Yan Ze wasn’t used to this sort of setting. He comforted his father with a few words and came out.

After lunch, the neighbours soon dispersed, leaving only his second uncle Yan’s family. His second aunt had noticed the numerous gifts the Jin family had brought over and had even summoned a physician for father Yan. Her mind couldn’t help but turn.

When Xiang Han went to the bathroom, she seized the opportunity to claim the credit, quickly turning the conversations around. “Ah, Little Ze, you’ve really gotten lucky and fallen into a gold mine. Back when aunt mentioned this matter to you, you still refused. Look, it’s all thanks to Aunt who advised you…”

After praising herself, her words took another turn. “Speaking of which, our family has also helped your father out with his illness for a long time. Unfortunately, now, our family is simply having a hard time getting by. I’m afraid… Ah, look at little Jiang. He’s almost 17 and there are also others who haven’t been able to get married and settle down. We still have some young ones, I don’t know how we’re going to get by…”

Xu Yan Ze couldn’t help nodding but didn’t show any other sign. Yan Xiao Jiang sat uneasily as if something was on his mind.

His second aunt gritted her teeth and hardened her scalp to continue, “Xiao Ze, aunt knows it isn’t easy for you in the Jin family. But our family is having such a hard time, so try to help… whenever you can.”

Xu Yan Ze nodded and replied, “I understand.”

Second aunt was overjoyed, “Then, you…”

Xu Yan Ze pretended not to have heard her, and turned to Yan Xiao Jiang, “Cousin, do you have something to say to me?”

“Huh?” Yan Xiao Jiang felt stunned when his name was abruptly called, and hesitated.

Earlier, when he had gone to deliver the third prince’s lunch, he had mentioned the incident today in order to let the other person completely give up. He never expected the third prince to be interested in meeting Xu Yan Ze. Now, knowing this had left him in a dilemma.

On one hand, he hoped for the two to meet so that the third prince would give up on him. On the other hand, he was afraid the two would rekindle their relationship.

At this time, Xiang Han returned and Yan Xiao Jiang’s eyes lit up, “Brother, it’s not easy for you to come back. Why don’t I bring you guys around?”

Xu Yan Ze was glad to be rid of his second aunt, so he nodded, “Okay.”

Yan Xiao Jiang sighed in relief and got up. He turned towards Xiang Han with a complicated expression, “…Brother-in-law, let’s go together.”

Brother-in-law? Xiang Han’s face cramped and he nearly punched the walls from holding back his laughter.

Second aunt watched them leave and became rooted on the spot, wanting to say something else. But when she remembered Xu Yan Ze’s ‘promise’ she simply exhaled.

The third prince, Wei Zhao, was taking refuge in the dilapidated temple at the edge of the village. The three of them left and Yan Xiao Jiang quickly brought them to that direction.

Xiang Han was curious and whispered to Xu Yan Ze, “Didn’t he say he was going to show us around, why is he walking so fast? I thought it would just be a stroll.”

Xu Yan Ze hummed, allowing him to blow air by his ears, revealing an expression of… satisfaction.

Wei Zhao was coincidentally passing by a window in the temple and saw this scene. His expression turned ugly.

Outside the temple, Yan Xiao Jiang suddenly came to a stop. Xiang Han asked in confusion, “Why did we stop?”

Xu Yan Ze glanced at the dilapidated temple and quickly understood his intentions. His expression morphed into amusement.

Perhaps it was from his guilty conscience, but Yan Xiao Jiang mumbled, “Brother, someone… wants to see you.”

Even if Xiang Han hadn’t known Wei Zhao was hiding here before, he could understand what was going on. However, he feigned ignorance and turned to look at Xu Yan Ze.

Xu Yan Ze thought this meeting wasn’t a big deal and it would also be a good chance for them to clear things up. However, with just a look from Xiang Han, he suddenly felt uncomfortable and instinctively wanted to hide the fact that he had had a previous lover.

He swept a glance over the area and finally came to a stop at the barley fields in the distance.

Xiang Han followed his line of sight and recalled what the steward following along earlier had introduced. He said, “That’s my family’s field.”

Xu Yan Ze smiled, “Mn, help me go and get an ear of wheat.”

Was he trying to get rid of him? Xiang Han was filled with disappointment. He had thought he’d be able to watch a good show of breaking up and carnage.

“Fine.” He glanced at Yan Xiao Jiang and then at the broken field and gave another reminder near Xu Yan Ze’s ears, “Be careful.”

Saying so, he left with long strides. Xu Yan Ze felt his heart grow warm as he watched the figure walk away before slowly turning back towards the temple.

Although Wei Zhao was currently in dire straits, the aura in his body hadn’t diminished in the slightest and adding on to that was the anger he’d held back since earlier. Once he saw Xu Yan Ze, his face turned cold as he mocked, “I’d thought you were forced into it but from how I see it, you seem to be enjoying it?”

Xu Yan Ze raised a brow, his tone calm, “Since you already know about it, I won’t waste your time. Let’s part on good terms.”

“Part on good terms?” Wei Zhao’s face became extremely dark. He gritted his teeth, “Do you think you’re fit to say these words?”

No matter if it were men or women, he was always the one throwing others away. When had there been a time that he hadn’t managed to obtain a person he wanted? Especially when it was a fool who’d snatched his person away! Wei Zhao choked from his anger.

Hearing his words, the last shred of guilt Xu Yan Ze felt towards him completely evaporated. Previously, he had been under the impression Yan Xiao Ze and he were a harmonious couple but it looked like this person was simply arrogant and overbearing. With such an attitude of looking down on others, these two people’s feelings were most likely different.

After Yan Xiao Ze was forced to marry into the Jin family, he’d not only not asked for a reason, but even ridiculed him on sight. More importantly, he’d only been married for three days, yet his relationship with his cousin was already so close. Was he supposed to not break up with this person and keep him until the new year?

Xu Yan Ze’s guilt towards the original host also diminished. He had no qualms about beating this pair of mandarin ducks up, “I don’t care what you think. I’m just informing you. Farewell.”

Throwing these words down, he calmly brushed off the dust on his shoulders and left without sparing either of them another glance.

Wei Zhao had never imagined that the ‘Yan Xiao Ze’ who’d always been kind, would treat him in this manner. He became momentarily stunned and was unable to come back to his senses.

Yan Xiao Jing on the other hand, breathed out a sigh of relief and went forward to console him, “Sir, my brother, he… is very good to the Young Master of the Jin family. He has, probably…” had a change of heart.

Wei Zhao’s feelings for Yan Xiao Ze weren’t deep, so the humiliation he felt preceded his sadness. He immediately hardened his expression. “An ignorant and short-sighted villager who only covets wealth and honour. There will be a day he regrets what he just did.”