OL CH57

At this moment, Mother Bai was dressed in fine silk and satin of excellent quality, equipped with an exquisitely carved walking cane. She truly looked the part of a venerable madam from a wealthy and prominent family.

It was just that Mother Bai seemed to have been separated from a life of affluence for far too long. Not having been served like this in ages, the expression on her face still appeared somewhat unnatural.

Mother Bai had only learned of Chen Tian’s identity from the old manager yesterday. Of course, she only knew him as the daughter of a wealthy family whose parents had both passed away. While traveling, “she” had encountered villains, accidentally fallen into the water, and fortunately been rescued by Bai Su.

To be able to marry such a daughter-in-law—wealthy, beautiful, and virtuous—was, in Mother Bai’s eyes, absolutely the result of their ancestors accumulating merit.

So when Bai Su and Chen Tian came to serve her tea, Mother Bai’s expression was exceedingly kind and amiable.

For the following days, Chen Tian and Bai Su temporarily remained in Li Family Village instead of moving to town.

Firstly, with the provincial examination imminent, they didn’t want to cause too much disruption; everything could wait until after the exam. Secondly, Li Zixiu was still here and would presumably be taking the exam alongside Bai Su this time.

Chen Tian knew that given this reincarnated man’s temperament, he absolutely would not let things rest. If he caused any more trouble, it would be the perfect opportunity to settle things once and for all and eliminate future grief.

In Dongye, both the prefectural and provincial examinations were held in August. After passing the prefectural exam and becoming a Xiucai (scholar), one could only participate in the provincial exam the following year.

Once the provincial exam was passed, there were no strict time constraints for the remaining exams. One could continue studying and directly participate in the metropolitan examination the following February. If successful, they could proceed to the palace examination in March.

Therefore, Li Zixiu and Bai Su were scheduled to take the exam around the same time. Even the locations weren’t far apart, as everything was arranged uniformly by the county.

Naturally, the entire process for the provincial exam was handled by Chen Tian, who meticulously prepared everything Bai Su needed to bring.

Now that they had come out into the open with the old manager and his identity had been revealed, looking after Bai Su was much more convenient.

Although he had no intention of helping with the exam itself—knowing his partner wanted to rely on his own abilities—when it came to daily life, Chen Tian would absolutely not let his beloved suffer.

Three days later, the candidates finally emerged from the examination hall. Seeing that most people looked drained of energy, and even Bai Su appeared somewhat lethargic, Chen Tian went up to meet him and escorted him to a waiting carriage.

The carriage was lined with soft cushions, and tea and pastries were prepared in advance. Chen Tian reached out to massage Bai Su’s temples, letting him rest against his shoulder.

Feeling the soothing massage, a relaxed smile appeared on Bai Su’s face. He patted Chen Tian’s hand and said, “Don’t worry, securing the Juren (provincial graduate) degree this time shouldn’t be a problem.”

Chen Tian nodded. He naturally knew his lover’s capabilities, so he wasn’t worried.

In truth, Bai Su was being quite modest. He was inherently brilliant and well aware of his own level.

Previously, he had planned to bide his time and conceal his capabilities, intending to top the list in the next exam. But now that he knew his sweetheart’s identity, Bai Su only wanted to soar to the heavens at the fastest possible speed.

After returning from the exams, the Bai household remained incredibly peaceful. In contrast, Li Zixiu was brimming with anticipation. After all, in his past life, he had passed the prefectural exam to become a Xiucai this time around, while Bai Su had failed to become a Juren.

So Li Zixiu had already prepared himself. Once the results were posted, he would go to Li Xiaochan and flaunt his success. He would make this woman see that he too could become a Xiucai, certain she would regret rejecting him earlier.

Then, he would tactfully express his magnanimity and affection, and it would logically follow that he could marry Li Xiaochan.

Who could have known that the day the results were posted would be completely contrary to Li Zixiu’s expectations.

He stood below the notice board, scanning it countless times, yet still failed to find his own name.

Refusing to believe in such bad luck, Li Zixiu thought about how he had clearly passed at this exact time in his previous life. Why hadn’t he passed this time?

He failed to realize that in his past life, he had studied diligently for a long time just to barely pass the Xiucai exam. But in this life, he had lost all drive for progress. Before being reborn, he had lived in a muddle-headed daze for many years, and whatever little ink he had in his belly back then had long been forgotten.

After his rebirth, he had been constantly pestering Li Xiaochan and busy tripping up Bai Su. Where would he find the time to study the sages’ books, let alone pass the prefectural exam to become a Xiucai?

Therefore, Li Zixiu’s failure was entirely reasonable. No matter how frustrated he was, it changed nothing.

However, when he returned to the village crestfallen, he heard a burst of gongs and drums coming from the village entrance.

Hearing the musicians and the gong-beaters constantly shouting that Bai Su had secured the first place—Jieyuan—Li Zixiu found it unbelievable.

In his past life, Bai Su had clearly failed this provincial exam! Why had he not only become a Juren this time, but actually taken first place as the Jieyuan?!

His eyes bloodshot, Li Zixiu followed the crowd to Bai Su’s door. Seeing Bai Su emerge, smiling as he thanked people and accepting the official notice specially delivered to him, Li Zixiu had no choice but to believe the reality before his eyes.

Why? Why had he been reborn only to find such a massive difference between his two lives?!

Filled with jealousy and hatred, Li Zixiu felt that Bai Su was born to be his natural nemesis.

If things continued like this, who knew what kind of results Bai Su would achieve when he took the metropolitan exam? Could it be that he would become a prominent high official even earlier than in his past life?

It was rare for the village to produce an honorable Juren, let alone the first-place Jieyuan. The villagers were instantly highly spirited, continuously congratulating Bai Su, viewing him as the pride of the entire village.

Many villagers even ran home to fetch chickens, ducks, wine, and eggs to present to Bai Su as congratulations.

Ever since Li Xiaochan heard the news at the village entrance, she had run back home. She specially fetched a basket of eggs and a jar of their home-brewed wine, hurrying over with her brother to present them to Bai Su.

After offering her congratulations, Li Xiaochan nodded at the smiling Chen Tian beside him and gave a shy smile.

Seeing her demeanor, Chen Tian immediately knew the female lead clearly no longer harbored any other thoughts toward Bai Su.

Actually, on the day of Bai Su and Chen Tian’s wedding, Li Xiaochan had already let go of those thoughts.

Chen Tian had departed from the Li family’s courtyard for the wedding, and Li Xiaochan had seen him dressed in his wedding attire. Even without makeup, he was breathtakingly beautiful.

Li Xiaochan simply felt that the difference between herself and this person was like the difference between mud and clouds. Only a woman like this could possibly be worthy of a handsome and elegant man like Scholar Bai.

She inevitably felt some envy, but no jealousy.

Especially when Bai Su arrived at her courtyard on a tall horse and affectionately took the hand of his veiled bride.

The bride in the bright red skirt wasn’t delicate, even appearing somewhat overly tall. The fair, slender hand extended to hold the groom’s was in no way petite, managing to completely envelop the groom’s hand.

Yet even so, there was not a trace of strangeness in Bai Su’s eyes; rather, they were brimming with affection.

Just like a person drinking water knows whether it’s cold or warm, even if she didn’t resemble an ordinary woman, having earned her husband’s true heart gave her the capital for happiness.

Watching Chen Tian sit in the sedan chair and Bai Su smile as he mounted his horse again to leave, Li Xiaochan’s heart was filled only with blessings.

Who hasn’t kept someone hidden deep in their heart during their youth, dreaming a beautiful dream of bright moons and gentle breezes?

But one day, the dream ends. Looking from afar, the moon still hangs in the sky, and all one can touch is its reflection in the water. With a gentle touch, the ripples scatter, the moon’s reflection scatters, but the dream remains hidden in a corner.

Years later, when they have someone by their side worth cherishing and accompanying, looking back on the past brings mostly a sense of relief and letting go.

And now, seeing Bai Su and Chen Tian standing together, Li Xiaochan truly felt they were a match made in heaven.

However, when Li Zixiu saw Li Xiaochan run over to offer congratulations, he assumed that now that Bai Su had become a Juren, Li Xiaochan was even more hung up on him. Since he had failed the exam, he would undoubtedly be rejected again.

Although Li Zixiu had always viewed Bai Su as a thorn in his side, marrying Li Xiaochan and living a wealthy, glorious life was an even stronger obsession of his.

This was solely because Li Zixiu had ended up destitute in his later years in his past life, dying a miserable death and being casually rolled up in a broken straw mat.

Therefore, upon seeing Li Xiaochan now, he actually retracted his hatred for Bai Su, focusing entirely on how to make Li Xiaochan marry him.

He knew he had failed the prefectural exam this time, and passing it in the future was probably out of the question. More importantly, he heard that Li Xiaochan and her family would be moving to town for business soon. They likely wouldn’t return to Li Family Village for a long time, giving him even fewer opportunities.

Since the soft approach wasn’t working, it seemed he had to resort to extreme measures!

The calculation and malice in Li Zixiu’s eyes as he looked at Li Xiaochan were entirely captured by Chen Tian.

Knowing Li Zixiu would likely make a move soon, Chen Tian had 009 monitor him even more closely.

Sure enough, in the days that followed, Li Zixiu began secretly following Li Xiaochan, seemingly waiting for a chance to strike when she was alone.

Seeing this setup, Chen Tian guessed exactly what the man intended to do.

After the provincial exam ended, Bai Su had planned to leave Li Family Village immediately. However, Chen Tian stopped him, suggesting they handle some household matters first and enjoy this current period of leisure.

Bai Su thought Chen Tian made sense, so he accompanied him on casual strolls.

Their family’s fields were no longer being farmed; they had been sold at a low price to Auntie Chunying next door. Initially, Auntie Chunying refused to accept them, feeling she was taking advantage, and only agreed after hearing Bai Su was heading to the capital.

Thinking that the Bai family still remembered their old neighbors even after striking it rich, she happily bought the land.

As for Mother Bai, she was getting old and unsuited for long, arduous journeys, and she genuinely loved the local customs of Li Family Village.

After trying to persuade her multiple times, Bai Su and Chen Tian had no choice but to agree to let Mother Bai temporarily stay in Li Family Village. They left her with ample silver and servants to attend to her.

They also instructed the old manager to renovate the house after they left, striving to make Mother Bai’s stay as comfortable as possible.

The days seemed to pass peacefully. However, one evening, Chen Tian heard 009 report that Li Zixiu seemed ready to make a move. He deliberately dragged Bai Su to take a walk in the woods near the village.

Recently, the mushrooms in the woods were growing very well. After finishing her farm work during the day, Li Xiaochan often came here alone to pick some mushrooms to add to her meals, and today was no exception.

While Chen Tian and Bai Su were affectionately admiring the scenery in the woods, it wasn’t long before they heard an argument breaking out not far away.

Bai Su didn’t pay it much mind and was about to leave, but Chen Tian grabbed his wrist.

Chen Tian made a “shh” gesture and pointed in the direction of the voices.

Bai Su smiled helplessly. He hadn’t expected his beauty to have such a gossipy side. But he was more than happy to indulge such a small hobby.

So Bai Su obediently let Chen Tian pull him along, and they quietly approached the area. They heard Li Xiaochan saying unhappily, “Li Zixiu, stop pestering me!

I’ve already told you, I have no plans to marry right now. Furthermore, I’ll be busy in town soon. I hope you won’t come looking for me to talk about these things again.”

Hearing Li Xiaochan’s words and seeing her evasive attitude, Li Zixiu’s eyes turned somewhat red as he said, “Why do you always reject me? Is it because of Bai Su?!”

Hearing Bai Su being dragged into this, Li Xiaochan grew angry. “What does this have to do with Juren Bai? Li Zixiu, you are truly unreasonable and pestering!”

But Li Zixiu let out a scoffing ‘heh’ and mocked Li Xiaochan, “You’re already calling him Juren Bai, yet you claim you don’t have feelings for him!

You slut, you’re always trying to cozy up to that bastard Bai Su for no reason. Do you really think I can’t see your intentions?

You simply think Bai Su will become an official in the future and want to climb a high branch!”

Hearing this, Chen Tian raised an eyebrow at Bai Su.

Seeing that his partner seemed a bit jealous, Bai Su hurriedly squeezed his hand, leaned over to kiss his cheek, and offered a placating smile.

Chen Tian gave a soft hmph, turned his head, and continued listening to their conversation.

Feeling Li Zixiu was being unreasonable, Li Xiaochan wanted to leave, but Li Zixiu refused to let her. He closed in on her step by step and said viciously, “You may have your eyes on Bai Su, but he certainly doesn’t have his eyes on you!

You’re just a country girl; you’re better off marrying me. Tell me, if I solidify our status as husband and wife, will anyone else dare to want you?”

Seeing the lecherous gleam in Li Zixiu’s eyes, panic seized Li Xiaochan’s heart.

She hurriedly took a step back and shouted angrily, “Li Zixiu, we’re not far from the village road, and a lot of people have been passing by lately! I already told my family I’d be back soon; they might have already come out looking for me! You’d better get out of my way!”

As she spoke, Li Xiaochan backed away step by step. Finding an opening, she suddenly hurled the basket in her hands at Li Zixiu, turned around, and ran.

But how could Li Zixiu let her go? In just a few strides, he caught up to Li Xiaochan and violently shoved the girl to the ground.

Just as he looked at Li Xiaochan with lecherous intent, preparing to commit an unspeakable act, a sharp, sudden pain erupted in his ankle, and he collapsed onto his knees.

This time, Chen Tian didn’t hide it from Bai Su. He simply picked up a rock and hurled it with full force, directly shattering the bones in Li Zixiu’s foot.

Afterward, they no longer stayed hidden; the two walked out from behind the trees together.

Chen Tian walked over. Without a single unnecessary word, he delivered a brutal kick squarely to Li Zixiu’s lower half, destroying his “root of descendants.”

Tears and snot instantly streamed down Li Zixiu’s face from the excruciating agony. After whimpering twice, he passed out cold.

Meanwhile, Bai Su helped pick up the basket and helped Li Xiaochan up.

“Are you alright?” Bai Su asked gently.

Li Xiaochan nodded frantically. Still reeling from the lingering fear, she used her sleeve to wipe away the tears that had spilled out from terror.

When it came down to it, she was still just a young girl. Having never encountered such a disgusting situation before, she had truly been terrified out of her wits just now.

Now that she had recovered, she immediately looked at Bai Su and Chen Tian with immense gratitude.

Especially seeing Chen Tian dressed in men’s clothing with Li Zixiu pinned under his foot, Li Xiaochan felt even more strongly that Juren Bai’s wife was indeed extraordinary—a true heroine among women!

__

Author’s Note:

Li Xiaochan: Worship!

Chen Tian: I don’t feel happy about this at all…