Chapter 101 — IAVD (QT) Chapter 101

Ji Xiu still didn’t know about the conversation between Su Xiangyu and the nanny.

However, he also understood that just as three feet of ice does not form in a single day, similarly, resolving one’s predicament and changing the original self’s image was not a matter of a single day.

He said he wanted to change, but seeing the half-doubtful, half-skeptical gaze of Su Xiangyu, he knew that such a task required the right opportunity.

For now, the only plan was to let time prove his intentions, then study diligently, participate in the provincial exam in August, and use achievement and fame to erase the previous reckless reputation—this was the optimal strategy.

The original study had been abandoned for two years, but there were servants who cleaned it daily, so the interior was still neat and orderly.

Ji Xiu returned to Songtao Courtyard, entered the study, and, consulting the original self’s memories, tidied the books and ink on the desk. He selected a few books that the original self was not yet fully familiar with and began reading quietly.

He came from Shangxi Realm, where literary cultivation was difficult. His writing habits, compared to the modern plain language, leaned more toward the formal classical style of this era. Seeing the familiar characters, he felt no obscurity, only a sense of ease.

On top of that, having traversed multiple timelines, his divine awareness was strong. He could read ten lines at a glance, with perfect retention, easily immersing himself in the material.

By the morning’s end, Ji Xiu had read three books, then set them aside and closed his eyes to rest.

A servant came to knock and deliver lunch.

Opening his eyes, Ji Xiu thought of the morning’s events and asked, “Where does the young lady usually have her lunch?”

In this household, there was only one young lady, Su Xiangyu.

The servant replied, “The young lady goes out every day to inspect the shops, leaving early and returning late. She usually has lunch outside and comes back in the afternoon.”

Ji Xiu nodded and stood up. “Then I shall go have lunch with Ling’er.”

The servant’s expression was one of surprise. He wanted to speak but found it difficult to say anything.

Ji Xiu didn’t notice and walked toward the inner courtyard. At this moment, he realized the inconvenience of living in Songtao Courtyard. The inner courtyard servants were mostly maids and older female servants. To prevent improper conduct, the doors between inner and outer courtyards were usually locked. Every entry required someone to open the door.

At noon, the gatekeeper servant was away getting lunch, and the door became a copper-and-iron barrier.

Ji Xiu waited at the door for half a quarter of an hour until the older female servant, returning from the main kitchen, arrived.

She opened the door slowly, stepping aside and muttering, “At noon, who knows why he’s coming here? Having a lazy one like this in the household is such a hassle…”

Ji Xiu halted mid-step, his gaze sharp and cold toward her.

The woman didn’t know he could hear her. Seeing him stop in the middle of the path, her expression shifted between surprise and impatience. “Young Master, why aren’t you walking forward? Why stare at me?”

Ji Xiu curled his lips, his voice cold. “Hua Po, you are an elder of the Su family. Do you know the consequences for a servant who disrespects their superiors?”

Hua Po’s face went pale. “What do you mean?”

Ji Xiu didn’t answer, merely staring at her.

Her expression shifted rapidly: anger, humiliation, disdain—all eventually melting into reluctant submission. She bowed deeply. “Young Master, whatever I have done wrong, just scold me. There is no need to get angry over such a trivial matter. Don’t ruin your health over it.”

“No one disrespects their superiors. I wouldn’t be angry either.”

Ji Xiu sneered, his voice low and threatening. “Hua Po, if you wish to stay in the Su family for your old age, I’ll give you four words: speak cautiously, act carefully. Only then will you endure to the end.”

Though merely four words, Ji Xiu’s aura made them carry tremendous weight.

Hua Po felt an inexplicable familiarity, a chill running down her spine. Stammering, she said, “Thank you for your instruction, Young Master.”

Ji Xiu watched her for a moment, then waved his sleeve and left.

Seeing him go, Hua Po finally let out a breath and collapsed onto the ground.

Clearly, he was a useless drunkard who caused trouble, yet in that moment, facing that familiar figure, she suddenly felt immense pressure.

As if the person in front of her was not that worthless man, but the majestic, unstoppable young lady in a fit of righteous anger.

Recalling how the young lady disciplined servants, she shivered, laying low before eventually rising and quietly closing the door, guarding diligently and never daring to be lazy again.

Ji Xiu, having vented, strode toward Su Ling’er’s courtyard, his face still cool.

In that brief confrontation, he felt a deeper understanding of the original self.

At first, he had looked down on the original self, seeing him as self-indulgent and weak in character. But living in the Su household, he couldn’t help but feel some sympathy.

Only a sage could remain completely indifferent.

The original self was a son-in-law with no standing in the Su household, a scholar whose sole means to prove his worth was the imperial examination.

Yet some people, lacking luck or insight, no matter how hard they worked, could never reach the top.

Fail once, the family is disappointed; fail twice, they doubt you; fail thrice, they despise you; fail four times, they mock you, praising some and belittling others…

It seemed all his value rested in the exams. If he succeeded, no matter where he lived in the household, everyone would praise him. Fail, and no matter how hard he studied, the only evaluation would be: worthless.

Four failures and his once-promising life lost its meaning. From Master Su to the lowest servants, everyone despised him, mocked him, looked down on him. How could he muster the courage to try the provincial exam again?

Perhaps he was at fault: lacking talent, perseverance, and emotional strength.

But the Su family wasn’t entirely innocent either.

Ji Xiu recalled the morning scene, suspecting that in this house, only the innocent Su Ling’er cared nothing about exam results, simply wanting her father’s company.

As for Su Xiangyu…

Perhaps ten years ago, she had been the naive young lady, wanting only her husband’s companionship. But hearts change. He couldn’t tell what she thought now.

Ji Xiu suddenly felt no need to announce his August exam plans to the Su family.

He was still young and had at least forty to fifty years to live in this world. Some people and matters were better understood early.

At Su Ling’er’s courtyard, Ji Xiu calmed his remaining emotions and asked the waiting maid, “Is Ling’er inside?”

The maid quickly bowed. “Young Miss is having lunch inside.”

“Good. Send another meal from the main kitchen; I’ll have lunch with Ling’er.”

It was unheard of for elders to eat in the children’s courtyard. The maid hesitated, then called a runner to fetch the meal and personally led Ji Xiu inside.

“Young Master, why are you here?”

The nanny had overheard the conversation at the courtyard gate. A long-time servant in the Su household, she had great authority, second only to the masters and housekeeper. She did not fear Ji Xiu but adhered to etiquette. “Young Miss is having her meal; I’ll call her.”

But being partial to Su Ling’er, she did not wish the little girl to eat poorly for the sake of her father.

If Ji Xiu understood, he would stop her here.

Ji Xiu, unaware of the household customs, replied as expected: “No need. Let Ling’er eat in peace. I’ll go in myself.”

A faint smile of satisfaction appeared on the nanny’s face. “Young Master, please follow me.”

Inside, Su Ling’er, busy with her meal, looked up at the sound, her eyes lighting up. She leaped over. “Father, you’re here?”

The little girl was short, her eyes bright and lively, like an adorable rabbit, making one want to affectionately tousle her hair.

But at twelve, in this era, she was half a young adult; he could not.

Ji Xiu sighed inwardly, finger twitching in regret, but restrained himself.

He smiled gently. “Father was bored alone in Songtao Courtyard and wanted company for lunch. Since your mother isn’t home, I came to find you. Ling’er won’t mind, will she?”

Su Ling’er’s eyes widened. “So I’m not the only one bored?”

She was the only child of the Su family. Master and Madam Su wished Su Xiangyu would bear a son, but Su Xiangyu was busy managing the household and had no preference for another child. Ling’er had grown up alone, with only a few distant female cousins for occasional company.

Hearing Ji Xiu, she excitedly linked her arm with his. “Father, I’m bored too. Let’s have lunch together.”

Ji Xiu’s heart softened at her affection; the road’s earlier tension vanished in her bright eyes.

Had the original self realized his lack of talent in the exams and cared for those around him, having an angel like Su Ling’er, he would not have given in to despair.

Such was fate’s cruel play.

Following Su Ling’er’s invitation, Ji Xiu sat to eat. The main kitchen sent the food, and the father and daughter dined face-to-face.

Though meals demanded silence, Su Ling’er’s lively nature could not abide by such rules. She shooed the nanny away and chatted happily with Ji Xiu.

Ji Xiu smiled gently, not stopping her.

With at most three years of carefree life if married, or eight years if remaining unmarried, there was no need to restrict her nature.

Su Ling’er chattered away, her eyes sparkling. Ji Xiu responded occasionally, eliciting more excitement and a steady stream of “Father”s.

The nanny, bringing hot tea, paused in surprise. She had never seen such a harmonious father-daughter pair, nor such a joyful Su Ling’er.

After lunch, Su Ling’er reluctantly let Ji Xiu go, yawning and rubbing her eyes. The nanny quietly reminded her of nap time, and Ji Xiu departed, reassuring her that dinner would be a family meal.

Ling’er, satisfied, returned to her chambers under the nanny’s care.

Feeling her dependence, Ji Xiu’s mood was light as he returned to Songtao Courtyard to continue reading. Passing Hua Po, he remained indifferent.

Ji Xiu’s study was spacious.

Though a son-in-law of the Su family, the original self had no shortage of books. The Su family’s wealth allowed for hundreds of volumes, some with precious annotations, valued at nearly ten thousand taels of silver.

At Ji Xiu’s reading pace, even hundreds of books could be finished in less than two months.

Yet merely reading was insufficient; the original body had been weakened over two years, resisting exertion.

Ji Xiu read two more books, then walked twice around the courtyard to strengthen his body, starting with brisk walking.

In the afternoon, after bathing and changing, he went to the inner courtyard to see Su Xiangyu.

The servant at the gate was different, lax in attitude again. Ji Xiu, accustomed to the household, didn’t speak, entering the inner courtyard directly.

“Young Master is here,” announced a maid, and Su Ling’er bounced out from her room, dressed in a bright red, gold-embroidered butterfly robe with matching scarf and hairpin. Her smile was radiant. “Father, why are you so late? I’ve been waiting so long.”

Ji Xiu couldn’t help but smile and took her hand inside.

A father’s little warmth, a little overly lively.

Inside, Su Ling’er chattered on about waiting for him, missing him. Even Ji Xiu was helpless; she was the most straightforward child he had ever met.

“Next time, if Ling’er can’t wait, come to Songtao Courtyard. I’m there most of the time.”

Tilting her head: “And the rest of the time?”

He lowered his voice. “Father has social obligations and cannot always stay home.”

Unaware of why he spoke quietly, she whispered back: “Can we go out together for social visits?”

“Su Ling’er!” Su Xiangyu’s angry voice rang. “Behave like a proper young lady!”

Startled, the little girl’s face paled.

Ji Xiu patted her back, looking at Su Xiangyu with a complex expression. “Don’t worry. I said I’d behave and will keep my word. I won’t go to unsavory places, at most meet a few classmates. Ling’er won’t be led astray.”

Su Xiangyu paused, anger slightly softening but still rigid. She snorted and turned away.

Ling’er felt aggrieved, tears forming, silent.

Ji Xiu looked down, patiently comforting her.

Su Xiangyu glanced once, surprised, then stiffened again.

The nanny, seeing this, spoke. “Young Master, Young Miss, come to the table. Everyone’s probably hungry after waiting.”

Ling’er hummed and wiped her eyes, taking Ji Xiu to the table.

Out of pique, she sat far from Su Xiangyu.

Su Xiangyu frowned, knowing she had misjudged earlier, her tone harsh, but as head of the family, she could not admit fault in front of servants. She ate in silence.

Silence at meals, no conversation with Ling’er, she would not speak first.

Ji Xiu, seeing the tension, interjected, guiding the conversation.

Ling’er responded eagerly. Under his mediation, mother and daughter had their first real dialogue.

By dinner’s end, Ling’er had forgotten the earlier quarrel, flitting between them like a butterfly, attending to both, occasionally calling the nanny.

Su Xiangyu let go of rigid rules, watching her lively daughter, easing slightly.

Catching Ji Xiu’s teasing glance, she blushed and glared at him.

Ji Xiu chuckled, shaking his head.

After chatting, he escorted Ling’er back, returning to Songtao Courtyard.

Su Xiangyu remained seated, watching them leave, then the now quiet hall, sighing before heading to the study to reconcile accounts.

In the next two days, Ji Xiu’s routine continued.

Relations between him, Su Xiangyu, and Su Ling’er visibly softened. Even the nanny would smile unconsciously upon seeing him.

On the third day, while reading, the gatekeeper reported a visitor.

“Someone looking for me? Who is it?”

The gatekeeper glanced with a hint of ridicule. “Young Master, who else? Master Zhang and his companions are outside waiting for you.”

Ji Xiu paused, not arguing.

He was more concerned with Master Zhang, Zhang Ping, third young master of the Zhang family, though a concubine-born son.

With the matron in charge, a concubine son had little hope or wealth. He had lived poorly, trailing other young masters for scraps.

After meeting the original Su son-in-law, he felt superior, attaching himself to the naive man, inviting him out to drink and gamble every so often.

Though the original had no status, Su Xiangyu never restricted his funds.

These companions wasted his money but plotted against him in secret.

Ji Xiu, remembering the previous life, knew the woman the original was infatuated with was Zhang Ping’s former lover, both conning the original.

The Su family, learning of the obsession, even expelled him.

The original, penniless, returned to Zhang Ping and the woman, only to be cast out with a curse.

A long-term meal ticket, accidentally overused, became a worthless one.

The original’s misfortune: 60% his own doing, 30% Su family, 10% Zhang Ping.

Now, Ji Xiu cultivated himself to reform, but Zhang Ping clearly wasn’t one to give up easily.

Looking at the books, Ji Xiu rose. “I’ll go see him.”

The gatekeeper gestured casually. “Then, Young Master, shall we go?”

Ji Xiu furrowed his brow but said nothing, following the gatekeeper to the Su family side gate.

Outside, Zhang Ping and his companions waited, pacing irritably.

The others whispered in the corners, displeased but cautious.

“What’s wrong with Ji Xiu? He hasn’t been out three days in a row. Maybe locked inside?”

“Could be. He’s a son-in-law, spent so much money. Maybe Master Su was angered and locked him up?”

“Damn, if he’s locked up, what do we do?”

“Relax, Zhang’s got this. And if not, there’s his old lover, a former courtesan, worth a fortune, serving Zhang and us easily.”

“Heh, makes sense.”

They laughed, pleased with themselves.

Zhang Ping, annoyed by the chatter, scolded them.

Seeing Ji Xiu appear, someone shouted, “Ji Xiu’s here!”

Zhang Ping’s eyes lit up, quickly shifting to a flattering expression. “Brother Ji, why are you so late? I’ve waited so long.”

Ji Xiu, perceptive, had already heard their words. He said nothing, merely smiling faintly.