Family Matters

"Alright, but I can only offer suggestions—how you decide is up to you, Brother Tianyun," Li Xintian said.

"Very well, I will heed your advice, Brother Zhixian," Hong Tianyun nodded.

"The first step is to check whether the prescription contains any poison. The second is to investigate the origins of your concubine. Brother Tianyun, surely you know how to handle such matters as a county magistrate?" Li Xintian advised.

"I was so bothered by the quarrels that I forgot it was more than a household issue, and lost sight of my role as magistrate. Now that you mention it, Brother Zhixian, I agree with your two steps," Hong Tianyun patted his forehead.

"I believe Master Hong is simply anxious for an heir, which is why he forgot for a moment," Hu Qiuyan whispered, pinching Li Xintian’s elbow with a smile. "So many people here—give your old classmate some dignity."

"Right, right, Brother Tianyun is eager for a child and busy with official affairs. Why not bring up the medicine and let me check it for you?" Li Xintian recalled that this was ancient times, where reputation mattered greatly. Even with his close friendship with Hong Tianyun, he shouldn’t let him lose face; he looked at Hong Tianyun with some regret.

"Uncle Wen, bring up all the medicine for calming the spirit and supporting pregnancy for Brother Zhixian to examine," Hong Tianyun replied with a smile, unfazed.

"Yes, Master." Uncle Wen was about to leave when Yu Bao stopped him.

"Don’t go!" Yu Bao called out, turning to Li Xintian. "Who do you think you are? When did it become your place to meddle in our family affairs? What status do you have here to speak?"

Li Xintian ignored Yu Bao, but Hu Qiuyan looked at her with displeasure. If Li Xintian hadn’t held her hand, she would have given Yu Bao a beating.

"Enough!" Hong Tianyun slammed the table in anger.

It was the first time Hong Tianyun had erupted in fury at home, leaving the servants trembling with their heads down. Before Li Xintian’s arrival, he had never lost his temper—he was known for his integrity and love of tranquility.

"Brother Zhixian holds the title of Scholar and Provincial Graduate. He is my closest friend and classmate. I said just now, I only take his advice," Hong Tianyun clarified Li Xintian’s status, then looked at him apologetically. "Brother Zhixian, I hope you forgive me for this embarrassment."

The servants and maids stole frequent glances at Li Xintian.

"Madam, I’ve never heard you mention this Scholar Li before," a maid beside Yang Surong commented.

"Xiaodie, Scholar Li passed the provincial exam five years ago, ranked first. Many thought he would go on to become a top scholar, but for some reason he stopped participating in the imperial examinations. Most importantly, he and the master share a very close bond—so the master’s anger today makes sense," Yang Surong explained, knowing Li Xintian’s background and that his family was prominent.

"Why haven’t you ever told me about him, Madam?" Xiaodie whispered.

"You’ve only been with me for such a short time," Yang Surong replied with a hint of annoyance.

---

"I don’t mind, but why are you so eager to clarify my identity? Are you feeling guilty?" Li Xintian looked at Yu Bao.

"Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t know what relationship you have with our master, and this is just our family’s affair," Yu Bao replied, flustered.

"Uncle Wen, fetch the medicine," Hong Tianyun ordered, glancing at Yu Bao.

"Yes, Master." Uncle Wen turned and left.

Soon, Uncle Wen brought all the herbs for calming the spirit and supporting pregnancy, placing them on Li Xintian’s tea table.

"Scholar Li, please," Uncle Wen said as he set down the herbs.

"Thank you," Li Xintian nodded, and Uncle Wen withdrew.

Hu Qiuyan released Li Xintian’s arm—he had work to do.

Li Xintian picked up the herbs, sniffed them, broke off small pieces to taste, and carefully examined them. None were poisonous.

"Brother Tianyun, these are ordinary herbs for calming the spirit and supporting pregnancy. There’s nothing poisonous here," Li Xintian concluded.

"What do you know? You’re not a doctor—what qualifies you to say so? Maybe you’re covering for someone," Yu Bao immediately retorted.

"Second Madam, it seems Brother Tianyun never mentioned me to you?" Li Xintian spread his hands.

"Brother Zhixian is well-versed in medicinal herbs. What he says is true—you’re the one lying," Hong Tianyun laughed bitterly.

"The medicine has already been taken; of course what’s here now is normal," Yu Bao said cleverly, feeling pleased with herself.

"Well then," Li Xintian didn’t wish to argue further—Yu Bao’s words made sense, after all. He looked at Hong Tianyun. "Brother Tianyun, it seems you’ll have to handle this yourself. There’s nothing more I can do." From her words and demeanor, Li Xintian could see she was a shrewd woman.

"Brother Zhixian, I must have troubled you," Hong Tianyun acknowledged, then said to Uncle Wen, "Take Brother Zhixian’s beloved to the best room in the house to rest."

Li Xintian’s face turned awkward.

"Yes, Master." Uncle Wen nodded, then gestured to Li Xintian. "Scholar Li, please."

---

"Thank you, Uncle Wen," Li Xintian said, glad to leave the hall and its detective game.

Li Xintian and Hu Qiuyan followed Uncle Wen.

"Uncle Wen, when did your master take a concubine like that?" Li Xintian asked as they walked.

"Sigh, it started a year ago. The marriage was arranged by the first madam herself, who claimed the second madam was learned and reasonable. But once she became pregnant, her behavior worsened—she disregarded everyone except the master, who indulges her. This time, it was the second madam who asked the first madam to buy the medicine, which led to all this trouble," Uncle Wen sighed.

"According to you, Uncle Wen, didn’t the first madam bring back a woman with a malicious heart?" Hu Qiuyan commented.

"Uncle Wen, please forgive her words; she doesn’t mean to offend your second madam," Li Xintian quickly stopped Hu Qiuyan from saying more.

"It’s no matter. We servants secretly curse her behind her back anyway," Uncle Wen waved his hand with a smile.

Hu Qiuyan stuck out her tongue, surprised by their boldness.

"Uncle Wen, I didn’t expect you all to be so spirited," Li Xintian remarked, sighing at Hong Tianyun’s eagerness for an heir.

After some conversation, they arrived. Uncle Wen opened the door.

"Scholar Li, please rest well. I’ll leave you now and not disturb you," Uncle Wen said.

"Thank you," Li Xintian replied as Uncle Wen departed.

"You sleep on the floor, I take the bed!" Hu Qiuyan entered, claiming the bed and called out as Li Xintian entered.

"This is all because you spoke without thinking—otherwise, things wouldn’t have turned out this way. In the future, don’t say such things. You have your own future, and acting like this damages your reputation. Take this room for yourself; tonight, I’ll make do on the rooftop," Li Xintian said, about to leave, but Hu Qiuyan stopped him.