TPMCS(rebirth) 5 - Award

 HI, I'll be off on a little adventure next week, so no updates—try not to miss me too much! 😉

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A beautiful girl in a goose-yellow cross-collared skirt approached gracefully, stopping a few steps from him before bowing gently.

Huo Jue released the purse in his hand, and the fleeting trace of tenderness on his face vanished as if it had never been there. His gaze turned cold as he quickly recalled the identity of the girl before him: Xue Zhen, the only daughter of Xue Mao.

"Miss Xue."

"Congratulations to Mr. Huo for topping the county exam," Xue Zhen said softly, her smile gentle. "My father is very pleased today."

Huo Jue lowered his eyes slightly and replied in an indifferent tone, "Thank you, Miss Xue."

Xue Zhen hesitated, wanting to prolong the conversation, but seeing Huo Jue’s obvious disinterest, she tactfully said her goodbyes.

As she watched Huo Jue walk away, his figure growing smaller in the distance, her thoughts wavered.

Did I imagine it? That hint of tenderness on his face earlier—was it just my eyes playing tricks on me?

Just as she was lost in thought, a voice called out from behind her.

"Zhen'er."

Startled, Xue Zhen turned around and bent slightly, addressing softly, "Daddy."

"Were you waiting for Huo Jue here again?" Xue Mao asked, his gaze sweeping over her knowingly. "Huo Jue needs to prepare for the autumn examination. We’ll discuss the marriage after that. Don’t be too anxious."

Lowering her eyelashes in shyness, Xue Zhen murmured, "I will listen to Daddy."

Yet, despite her words, she always managed to "coincidentally" appear in the bamboo house whenever Huo Jue came by.

Xue Mao chuckled and shook his head with a sigh. "Ah, it’s true—once girls grow up, they can’t be kept at home."

Qingtong Mountain

Jiang Li stood under a mulberry tree, her bamboo basket dangling from her arm, reaching up on tiptoe to pick the ripe fruit. With spring in full bloom, the fruit trees across the mountain were heavy with their first offerings.

Usually, Jiang Li would wear simple, practical clothes for trips to the mountains, ensuring she could climb trees without worry.

But today was different. Today, she had dressed in her finest—a bean-green pleated skirt that she had saved for special occasions. This was her most beautiful outfit, and she couldn’t bear the thought of ruining it by climbing trees.

Her reluctance, however, came at a cost: her basket was barely half-full even after an hour.

Spotting a cluster of plump, juicy mulberries just out of reach, she stretched on tiptoe, her fingers sticky with juice, but the fruit still eluded her grasp.

As she waved her hand in frustration, about to give up, a slender, bony hand reached over her and plucked the bunch effortlessly.

Jiang Li steadied herself and turned, her eyes lighting up when she saw who it was.

"Huo Jue! Weren’t you supposed to be at the academy?"

"I asked for leave from the dean to come to the back mountain and gather medicinal herbs for Su Bo," Huo Jue explained, his voice low and magnetic. For some reason, it carried a tenderness that sent Jiang Li’s heart racing again.

Gathering her courage, she asked hesitantly, "Could you... help me pick mulberries?"

Lowering his gaze, Huo Jue smiled faintly. "Of course."

With his tall stature and long limbs, Huo Jue made picking mulberries look effortless, as though he were simply retrieving something from his sleeve.

When others picked mulberries, it was a practical task.

But when Huo Jue did it, it was artful. His graceful movements, the elegance imbued in every action, made it seem as though he were brewing tea or crafting wine, not gathering fruit. Jiang Li had long known that Huo Jue was unlike anyone else.

Even dressed in tattered clothes, he exuded a charm that commanded attention, making it impossible to ignore him.

It was a feeling she couldn't quite put into words. It was as if someone like Huo Jue didn’t belong on Zhufu Street—like a wisp of cloud drifting where it shouldn’t, far from the open skies.

She stood quietly beside him, watching sunlight filter through the dense branches above, casting dappled shadows on his face. The interplay of light outlined his sharp features, creating a visage so captivating that her gaze lingered, unwilling to leave.

Unbeknownst to her, Huo Jue slowed his movements ever so slightly under her watchful eyes. He was fully aware that Jiang Li liked to look at his face, and so he simply stood there, letting her.

It wasn’t until a loud clang broke the silence that he turned his head.

Blushing, Jiang Li stammered, "Oh no, the bamboo basket... I accidentally dropped it."

The nearly full basket of mulberries had tumbled to the ground, scattering its contents. A few berries had even landed on her pleated skirt, staining it with dark red juice.

"It’s fine," Huo Jue said calmly. "We can pick more."

As he spoke, he retrieved a piece of coarse cloth from his sleeve, crouched down, and carefully dabbed at the juice staining her skirt.

Jiang Li froze, watching his dark hair glint under the sunlight. Her heart raced uncontrollably, and her face grew hotter with each passing moment.

Jiang Li was still blushing when they returned to Zhufu Street.

As they approached Yang's Tavern, Huo Jue suddenly stopped.

"Ah Li," he called softly.

Startled, Jiang Li halted, her wide, bright eyes blinking up at him. Her hands instinctively tightened around the bamboo basket. "Yes?"

Huo Jue’s long lashes drooped slightly, and his hand at his side absently rubbed his thumb against his forefinger.

"I ranked first in the county exam."

First place?

Jiang Li stared at him in stunned silence until the realization sank in.

First place!

Her joy bubbled over, and though she wanted to leap in celebration, the presence of her beloved restrained her. She settled for pressing her heels into the ground and beaming up at him instead.

"Huo Jue, you’re amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice bright and sweet, like a magpie’s song.

She was genuinely happy for him. After all, wasn’t this the culmination of years of relentless effort?

Securing first place in the county exam meant that the title of a scholar was now well within his grasp.

At her words, Huo Jue tilted his head slightly. His usually sharp features softened, and a rare smile spread across his face, his cold gaze warmed by her unrestrained delight.

Since her happiness seemed tied to his achievements, he silently resolved to secure more first-place rankings in the future.

Anything for her smile.

Unaware of the determination brewing within him, Jiang Li, filled with pride, asked eagerly, "Huo Jue, what reward would you like?"

-

When Jiang Li returned to the tavern, Yang Huiniang was busy tallying the wine cellar inventory. Upon seeing the basket of mulberries in her daughter’s hands, she frowned.

"Are you making fruit wine again?" Yang Huiniang asked. "The bestsellers in the shop are the sorghum wine and mixed grain liquor. Fruit wine isn’t strong enough to appeal to customers. Last year, you brewed about twenty jars of it, and none of them have sold yet."

Yang’s Wine Shop, located at the end of Zhufu Street, didn’t have a prime location.

But as the saying goes, good wine needs no bush.

Thanks to her mother’s exceptional winemaking skills, their sorghum wine and mixed grain liquor were highly regarded, consistently selling out.

For this reason, Yang Huiniang rarely allowed Jiang Li to experiment with fruit wines.

Jiang Li, undeterred, fetched a bucket of well water, rinsed the mulberries, and spoke while washing them.

"Mother, most of the customers who buy wine are men. Have you ever thought about catering to women?"

Yang Huiniang paused, momentarily forgetting which jar she was counting.

"Women?" she repeated, turning to look at Jiang Li.

"Yes," Jiang Li replied with a smile. "I used to brew green plum wine, peach wine, and other fruit wines. You’ve enjoyed them plenty yourself, Mother! I think there are many women who would love fruit wine just as much as you do."

Yang Huiniang’s brows furrowed as she considered the idea. At first, her expression softened in agreement, but it soon grew doubtful.

"But most of the patrons who visit the shop are men. Where would you find enough women who want to drink fruit wine?"

Jiang Li had already anticipated Yang Huiniang’s concerns and had given them careful thought.

"Mother," she began earnestly, "I know it’s not easy for women to go out, so why don’t we flip the script? Let’s deliver the wine directly to their doors. If the mistresses of wealthy families and the daughters of noble households take a liking to Yangji’s fruit wine, we won’t just make money—we’ll also make Yangji famous."

She had been considering this idea since last year. If she could get the upper-class families of Tong’an City to favor Yangji’s fruit wines, she was sure their market would grow rapidly. After all, these households frequently hosted banquets, and their patronage could turn the wine into a sought-after luxury.

Her reasoning was sound. Yang Huiniang, with more than a decade of experience managing the wine shop, could sense that her daughter’s idea might be a promising way to expand their income.

Seeing her mother’s hesitation, Jiang Li moved the washed mulberries aside, hugged Yang Huiniang’s arm, and pleaded playfully, "Mom, please let me try! Mrs. Chen’s 60th birthday is in two months. It’s a golden opportunity! If the fruit wine sells well, how about we split the profits fifty-fifty?"

Mrs. Chen, the mother of Mr. Zhang in the east of the city, was a well-known figure in Tong’an. Her birthday celebrations always involved hosting grand banquets with hundreds of guests, including the city’s most influential figures.

Could there be a better occasion to showcase their wine?

Yang Huiniang glanced at her daughter and quipped, "Child, do you think your mother is greedy for money? Keep whatever you earn from the fruit wine and save it as part of your dowry."

Jiang Li grinned from ear to ear.

She wasn’t thinking about saving for a dowry—she planned to use the money to support her beloved Huo Jue. If she made enough, she would happily build him a white jade house. Forget a golden house; she’d give him a whole palace if she could.

Su Family Pharmacy

Su Shiqing took the bowl of medicine Huo Jue handed him, sighing softly. "Don’t take leave because of me tomorrow. Mrs. Cao can handle the medicine just as well. You should focus on preparing for the exam."

Huo Jue remained silent, simply instructing, "Drink it while it’s hot."

Su Shiqing took a sip, smacked his lips, and asked curiously, "Did you change the prescription today? I can taste more apricot leaves and radix adenophorae in this batch."

Huo Jue nodded. "I recently read an ancient medical text in the apricot grove on the mountain. It included a prescription particularly suited to your condition, so I thought it worth a try."

Su Shiqing trusted Huo Jue and drank the rest of the medicine without hesitation. Though he wasn’t overly optimistic about the ancient remedy, he appreciated the effort.

Huo Jue observed his reaction quietly. He didn’t explain further. The effectiveness of the medicine would become evident soon enough.

He knew the root cause of Su Shiqing’s lingering illness—a chronic poisoning from tiger wolf grass.

In his past life, Su Shiqing had lived long enough to wait for Doctor Fang’s arrival, but by then, the poison had already reached his heart and lungs. The best Doctor Fang could do was extend his life by half a month.

This time, however, the situation was different. There was still time. No matter what, Huo Jue was determined to save him.

After Su Shiqing fell asleep, Huo Jue returned to his small room, retrieved two letters he had written the previous night from under his pillow, and left the pharmacy.

-

At the city gate of Tong’an, several well-known escort agencies operated. Among them, the largest was the Longsheng Escort Agency.

Its owner, Sun Ping, was a seasoned man in his forties who had just sent off an old client when a young man in plain blue robes entered the agency.

The boy’s attire was simple and worn, the cuffs visibly frayed, yet his presence was striking. His noble bearing was unmistakable, radiating a calm confidence that defied his humble appearance.

Years of experience had made Sun Ping adept at judging people. He’d met countless nobles during his travels, including two of Shengjing’s famed young masters: Ling Ruofan, the prime minister’s eldest son, and Zhao Yun, the sixth son of the state general.

Both were extraordinary in their own right, yet in comparison to the youth before him, they seemed slightly lacking.

Who was this young man?

Sun Ping’s mind churned with speculation, even wondering if this boy could rival Xue Wuwen, the eldest son of the Duke of Dingguo.

Despite his thoughts, Sun Ping maintained a neutral expression and greeted him warmly. "You seem unfamiliar. My name is Sun Ping. May I know yours?"

The boy’s gaze settled on him, calm and composed. His lips curved into an indifferent smile as he replied, "My name is Huo Jue."

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TPMCS(rebirth) 4 - Keep male virtues

Jiang Li walked back to the tavern unsteadily, her ears buzzing.  

Huo Jue had just asked her if what she said that day still counted. She hesitated before replying, "It counts, it counts," to which he simply smiled and said, "OK."  

"OK."  

Jiang Li blinked in disbelief, trying to convince herself guiltily, "So, he agreed? He didn’t accept anyone else’s gifts, only my purse. That must mean... he has feelings for me too."  

"Who? Who has feelings for you?" Jiang Ling, her twin brother, emerged from the house, his sharp gaze freezing on her flushed face. "What’s wrong with your face? Why is it so red it looks like it’s bleeding?"  

Startled, Jiang Li quickly touched her cheek with the back of her hand—it was indeed burning hot. She fanned herself awkwardly and stammered, "I’m... hot. Don’t you feel hot?"  

Hot?  

The cold snap had persisted for days—how could it be hot?  

Jiang Ling narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Did you go to see Brother Huo Jue again?"  

"..."  

Jiang Li shot him a glare and hissed, "Keep your voice down! Don’t let Mother hear."  

The downside of having a twin brother was that Jiang Ling could always guess what she was thinking.  

Jiang Ling sighed wearily. "Sister—"  

Jiang Li, sensing a lecture incoming, interrupted hastily, "No, listen to me first."  

She glanced toward the back kitchen of the tavern, then dragged Jiang Ling into the flower hall and spilled the story of what had just transpired.  

Jiang Ling listened intently, and when she finished, he cleared his throat. "So, you gave Brother Huo Jue a purse full of money, and he not only accepted it but also agreed to be your... child husband?"  

Jiang Li nodded vigorously.  

Silence fell over the flower hall.  

Jiang Ling stared at her for a long moment, then sighed and spoke earnestly. "Ali, it’s nighttime, but you’ve started dreaming too early. I know Brother Huo Jue well. There’s no way he would accept your purse and say such things. You need to keep your feet on the ground."  

Jiang Li pouted in frustration.  

---

 At the Su family pharmacy...  

Huo Jue stood alone in the dim room, clutching the lake-green purse tightly.  

Lifting it to his nose, he inhaled deeply, the faint fragrance lingering in his senses.  

The boy closed his eyes, his pale lids concealing the storm of emotions swirling within.  

Nearly two decades of surviving the treacherous palace had extinguished the gentle boy Ali once liked. What remained was a man of steel, a cold and ruthless jianjun (Seal Supervisor).  

But what did it matter?  

Huo Jue opened his eyes abruptly, his gaze resolute. His lips curved into a faint smile.  

If Ali likes it, then I’ll simply become the Huo Jue she wants.  

It was just a mask—he could wear it again.  

Huo Jue strode back to his room. After a moment’s contemplation, he wrote two letters, sealed them with wax, and placed them in a bamboo mailbox.  

---

 At dawn...  

Jiang Li woke early, stretching lazily before heading to the kitchen. She expertly prepared pickled cabbage and minced meat noodles, filling the small space with a tantalizing aroma.  

Jiang Ling shuffled in, yawning. The scent of breakfast made his stomach growl, and he eagerly reached for a bowl—only to have his hand slapped away by Jiang Li.  

"These two bowls are for Mother and me. Yours is over there."  

Jiang Ling looked at the plain vegetarian soup noodles in front of him, shocked. "Why don’t I get any pickled cabbage or minced meat?"  

Jiang Li merely gave him a pointed look.  

Realization dawned on Jiang Ling.  

She’s still upset about what I said yesterday...  

With a sigh, Jiang Ling decided to make amends. "Ali, you’re not dreaming. Brother Huo Jue must truly care for you, or he wouldn’t have accepted your purse or spoken to you like that."  

Jiang Li beamed, immediately ladling a generous scoop of pickled cabbage and minced meat into his bowl.  

Jiang Ling: "...So it really was because of what I said yesterday."  

---

 On Academy Street...  

The twins walked toward Qingtong Mountain under the pretense of gathering mulberries. As they neared the academy, a commotion caught their attention.  

In the distance, Huo Jue stood surrounded by a group of young ladies, each vying for his attention. Jiang Li immediately recognized the familiar faces—Miss He from Xiliu Street with her sachet and Miss Mo from Nanyuan Street with her string bracelet.  

Jiang Li bit her lip, torn between stepping forward and retreating.  

Before she could decide, Huo Jue’s cold voice rang out: "You’re blocking my way."  

The commanding tone, coupled with his frosty demeanor, silenced the crowd. His sharp gaze, like hidden swords, sent a chill through the air.  

The young ladies faltered, retreating under the weight of his presence. Only Miss He attempted to salvage the moment. "Mr. Huo, we’re not trying to trouble you. We just want to give you some small gifts—"  

But Huo Jue brushed past her without hesitation, his words cutting: "Miss, please respect yourself."  

His voice was steady—neither too soft nor too loud—and his measured tone carried an unmistakable edge, each word laced with an undercurrent of hostility and a faint trace of menace.

Huo Jue had rejected people before, often with impatience, but never with the kind of intimidation that left others visibly unsettled as it did now.

He Si Niang's eyes brimmed with tears, and with a choked sound of embarrassment, she turned and fled.

The other young ladies, shaken by his imposing demeanor, quickly followed suit, dispersing without another word.

Jiang Ling seized the moment to jolt Jiang Li from her daze. “Did you hear that? Brother Huo Jue doesn’t like it when young ladies are too clingy. Ah Li, stop hovering around him all the time—you’ll just annoy him.”

Ordinarily, Jiang Li would have argued back, pressing him to explain what exactly he meant by "annoying."

But this time, she didn’t even register Jiang Ling’s words. Her mind was preoccupied, replaying the scene of Huo Jue’s icy, unwavering rejection of the others.

That strange, inexplicable feeling stirred in her again.

Huo Jue... he seemed different somehow.

Perhaps sensing her gaze—or hearing Jiang Ling’s voice—Huo Jue suddenly turned around. His eyes skimmed over Jiang Ling but stopped squarely on Jiang Li.

In an instant, the cold sharpness of his features softened. His aloof gaze warmed, and his eyes, like deep pools, reflected her charming face, radiant and soft as crabapple blossoms.

Jiang Li’s heart, which had been tangled with uncertainty, eased as she met his gaze.

There it was again: the familiar indifference in his expression, the cool, jade-like aura surrounding him. Nothing had changed.

It had to be her imagination—an illusion brought on by a restless night’s sleep.

Huo Jue was still the Huo Jue she adored. Could it really be that he had turned into some sort of painted skin demon? One who wore Huo Jue’s face but harbored something unfamiliar beneath?

Ridiculous!  

She chuckled at her own wild imagination.  

The spring sun was bright, and catkins floated lazily in the breeze.  

The beautiful, innocent girl smiled at the elegant boy.  

"Ah—CHOO!"  

Unfortunately, the serene moment was shattered by Jiang Ling’s loud sneeze.  

Rubbing his nose, Jiang Ling glanced at Huo Jue and then at Jiang Li. Thinking about how Huo Jue had just been surrounded by a gaggle of eager young ladies, he decided it was better for his sister not to linger and potentially cause trouble.  

"Ali, Huo Jue and I are heading into the academy. You should go pick mulberries quickly. If you wait any longer, the sun will be too harsh," Jiang Ling urged.  

Jiang Li nodded absentmindedly, but her eyes remained fixed on Huo Jue.  

She let go of her random thoughts and felt a wave of satisfaction. Huo Jue’s firm rejection of He Si Niang earlier was exactly what she had hoped for.  

Since he had agreed to be her child husband, it was only right that he uphold the virtues of a gentleman.  

"Then I’ll head to the mountains," she said cheerfully, her lips curving into a smile. "When you finish school, I’ll make something delicious for you."  

Her virtuous child husband deserved a reward, after all.  

---

Jiang Ling watched her skip away, humming to herself. For a moment, he wondered aloud, "What’s she so happy about?"  

Unable to make sense of it, he shook his head and turned to another matter. "By the way, Brother Huo Jue, the exam results should be announced today, right?"  

Tong’an City was under Changzhou Prefecture's jurisdiction. The county exam and prefectural exam were held annually, and only by passing the prefectural exam could one qualify for the academy exam, held twice every three years.  

Jiang Ling hadn’t taken the exam this year, but Huo Jue had sat for the county exam.  

"Yes, it’s today," Huo Jue replied calmly.  

In the fifth year of Chengtai, he had swept the top ranks in the county, prefectural, and imperial exams, earning the title of "Little Triple First". That August, he achieved first place in the provincial examination in Changzhou Prefecture.  

At that time, the people of Tong’an City had eagerly anticipated Huo Jue winning yet another accolade when he reached Shengjing, bringing fame to the students of Tong’an.  

But fate had intervened cruelly.  

Because of Xu Shuyao, he missed the joint examination and lost his chance to stay in Shengjing.  

Huo Jue’s eyes narrowed slightly as he thought about it. If he wanted to successfully participate in the joint examination this time, Xu Shuyao would have to be dealt with.  

As soon as the two entered the academy, Huo Jue was summoned to the headmaster’s residence, Qionglu Mountain House.  

---

The Mountain House, nestled in a bamboo grove, served as the retreat for generations of headmasters. With its tall, lush greenery, it was also known as the Bamboo House.  

Xue Mao, the current headmaster, was seated in the shade of the bamboo, leisurely brewing tea. Tall and elegant, he had a distinguished air, further accentuated by his glossy black beard.  

Huo Jue stepped through the bamboo forest and bowed deeply, despite Xue Mao’s good-natured wave.  

"No need for formalities," Xue Mao said with a hearty laugh.  

Huo Jue ignored the gesture, bowing respectfully.  

In his past life, Xue Mao had severed ties with him after Huo Jue’s betrayal of the court, condemning him as a traitor. Yet, Huo Jue had never forgotten Xue Mao’s early guidance and kindness.  

"This student greets the headmaster."  

"Sit, sit," Xue Mao said, pouring two cups of tea. "Today is the day of the county exam results. Do you know your ranking?"  

"First," Huo Jue answered with quiet confidence.  

Xue Mao raised an eyebrow, studying the young man. His face was calm, devoid of arrogance or joy, as though the result were already expected.  

"You judge yourself accurately. Yes, you’ve secured first place." Xue Mao finished his tea in one swift motion. "The county magistrate intends to hold a banquet in your honor. He asked me to deliver the invitation. Will you attend?"  

Huo Jue pondered briefly before shaking his head. "It’s only the county exam. Besides, my uncle is gravely ill, and I have no intention of celebrating."  

Xue Mao stroked his beard approvingly. "Wise choice. No matter how talented you are, the road to success requires passing through many trials. You’ve only crossed the first threshold. Don’t become complacent or overly ambitious."  

"This student will remember the headmaster’s teachings."  

Satisfied, Xue Mao tested Huo Jue’s knowledge for another half hour before dismissing him.  

---

As Huo Jue left the bamboo forest, he unconsciously stroked the purse in his sleeve. A rare softness crept into his cold features.  

Just as he was about to leave, a gentle voice called out from behind him.  

"Mr. Huo, please wait."  

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TPMCS(rebirth) 3 - Does what Ali said that day still count?

Jiang Li returned to the tavern, her face clouded with worry. 

 

Zhufu Street was filled with young women enamored with Huo Jue. Since Su Yao's departure, everyone seemed eager to pluck this unattainable flower from its lofty peak. 

 

Alas, the competition was fierce, with rivals at every corner. 

 

Take Jiang Li’s close friends, for instance. Liu Yan, with her delicate beauty and scholarly lineage, was both cultured and poised. Zhang Yingying, lively and charming, hailed from a wealthy family where she was the sole heir. In comparison, all Jiang Li could offer was her appearance. 

 

After much hesitation, Jiang Li resolved to send the silver to Huo Jue. Though it lacked the elegance of jade pendants or inksticks, Huo Jue was in dire need of funds. She could frame it as a loan—surely he’d accept it under those circumstances. 

 

---

 

At  Zhengde Academy, rows of twenty desks filled the spacious classroom. Several young men lounged at the back, talking in low voices. 

 

A boy in blue spoke animatedly, "Just now, when Huo Jue was surrounded by those girls, he nearly couldn't escape! He looked so furious he could barely speak." 

 

"Seriously? Why were they flocking to him?" asked a burly boy with thick brows. 

 

"What else? Showering him with gifts and confessions of love," replied the boy in blue. "Is there a single young lady in Tong’an City who doesn’t adore Huo Jue?" 

 

"Tch, it’s just his looks. These girls are so shallow." 

 

The group bantered, their tone a mix of humor and envy. Jiang Ling, seated nearby, grew more agitated with every word. 

 

Had Ali also gone to see Huo Jue? 

 

“What’s wrong, jealous?” someone teased. 

 

Jiang Ling slammed his book down. “Why bother envying him? Study harder than Brother Huo Jue, and maybe girls will like you even if you’re ugly. The real question is: can you?” 

 

Their faces reddened, ready to retort—until a tall, commanding figure entered the room. 

 

Silence fell. 

 

Huo Jue strode in with a cold expression. Taller than his peers, he carried himself with a refined yet imposing air, like a pine tree standing unyielding against the wind. Though he was their age, his presence outmatched them all. 

 

The chatter ceased immediately. No one dared cross Huo Jue. They’d only dared gossip earlier because the headmaster had called him away. 

 

Without sparing them a glance, Huo Jue sat at his desk, pulled out a copy of Spring and Autumn Annals, and began flipping through it, his demeanor indifferent. 

 

The tension in the room eased. 

 

Jiang Ling smirked, then leaned closer to ask, “Brother Huo Jue, did you see Ali on your way here?” 

 

Huo Jue didn’t lift his eyes. “No.” 

 

Jiang Ling exhaled in relief. 

 

Good—his warnings to his naive sister must have worked. She hadn’t foolishly gone chasing after Huo Jue’s charm. 

 

---

 

The afternoon drum sounded, signaling the start of class. The elderly instructor, holding a ruler and book, entered the room. 

 

Today’s lesson was on Spring and Autumn Annals. Huo Jue turned the pages in his hands without interest. He’d memorized the text at six. By now, he’d read every book in his family’s library. 

 

But what use was knowledge? 

 

The brilliant second son of the Wei family was long dead. 

 

Huo Jue was but a ghost, driven solely by revenge. 

 

Lowering his gaze, his slender fingers traced a line in the book: 

 

*If you do not seek revenge, you are not a man.*

 

---

 

Class ended in the late afternoon. Concerned for Su Shiqing, Huo Jue left the academy after asking the headmaster for leave. 

 

When he returned to Zhufu Street, Granny Cao, the elderly caretaker he’d hired for Su Shiqing, emerged from the room carrying a tray with an empty bowl. 

 

“Lunch is still warm in the kitchen, Jue. Go eat,” she said. “Doctor Su’s asleep.” 

 

Huo Jue nodded and went to the kitchen. After eating, he glanced at Su Shiqing’s closed door before retreating to his own room. 

 

Sitting by the warm kang, he pressed a hand to his aching temple. The headaches had grown worse, each bout sharper than the last. 

 

This time, the pain was unbearable. It felt like countless blades slicing through his skull. 

 

Huo Jue tried to stand, but darkness consumed his vision. He collapsed onto the kang. 

 

---

 

Time slipped by. 

 

The sun shifted across the room, its light moving from the worn desk to the kang by the wall. 

 

Suddenly, the still figure stirred. 

 

Huo Jue’s eyes snapped open. A fierce, cold gleam flashed in his phoenix-like eyes, his aura now sharp and menacing—utterly transformed. 

 

He rose, scanning the room with a sneer. 

 

“Come out!” he commanded. 

 

The room fell silent. 

 

The warm breeze brushed the window, but no other sound broke the quiet. 

 

Huo Jue’s gaze sharpened. Moments ago, he’d been in the Golden Palace, surrounded by assassins. 

 

How had he ended up here? 

 

What sorcery was this? 

 

After a moment, he noticed a familiar book on the desk—Spring and Autumn Annals. Picking it up, he froze. 

 

The handwriting was his. 

 

This was the very book he’d used in his youth at the academy—one he’d burned before joining the court. 

 

He set the book down, his attention shifting to the worn blue cuffs of his robe. 

 

The governor’s seal he once held, the power he wielded—none of it matched this coarse attire. 

 

A chilling realization began to dawn. 

 

Throwing open the door, he strode outside. The courtyard was filled with medicinal herbs drying on bamboo trays. The air carried the faint scent of medicine. 

Huo Jue bent down, gently brushing his fingers over the half-dried herbs. His gaze deepened as memories surfaced. These were herbs for Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang and Xiao Qing Long Tang—decoctions he had often brewed for Su Bozhibo years ago, back when he lived on Zhufu Street.

 

Straightening, Huo Jue's eyes roamed the familiar courtyard, lingering on every plant and tree. His hands, hanging by his sides, trembled faintly. He clenched them into fists, his breathing steadying as he forced himself to calm down. 

 

After years spent amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood, Huo Jue had long trained his emotions to remain as placid as still water, even in the face of calamity. Yet now, a torrent of feelings overwhelmed him—surprise, disbelief, and a flicker of hope he dared not name. 

 

For a moment, he couldn't tell if this was another dream or if he had truly... come back. 

 

A soft knock at the door broke his reverie. 

 

Then came a voice, faint and timid, one that had haunted him in his dreams for countless nights. 

 

“Huo... Huo Jue, are you there?” 

 

Huo Jue froze. 

 

That soft voice—it was  her voice. It was Ah Li. 

 

When no response came, Jiang Li called again, her tone a little more anxious. “Huo Jue, are you there?” 

 

As if waking from a dream, Huo Jue quickly strode to the door. 

 

The wooden door creaked open, the motion stirring the air and brushing softly against his clothes. 

 

Standing outside was a girl with delicate crabapple-like features, her round deer-like eyes glistening as though coated with a layer of mist. Timid yet hopeful, she peered up at him. 

 

Huo Jue's breath caught, and a scorching ache seared through his chest as if his heart had been scalded. 

 

He gazed at her in silence, his deep, heavy eyes fixed on her lively face—so familiar, yet distant, as if separated by an eternity. 

 

His lips moved, a single word escaping like a prayer. 

 

“Ah Li...” 

 

--- 

 

Jiang Li felt something strange about Huo Jue today, but she couldn’t pinpoint what it was. 

 

His face was the same, his eyes were the same. 

 

Yet those usually cold, indifferent eyes held an unfamiliar depth today, like the calm surface of the sea concealing turbulent undercurrents. 

 

Before she could dwell on it, Huo Jue’s intense gaze left her flustered. She blushed, quickly averting her eyes as the wind teased at her hair, revealing her smooth forehead. 

 

“I… I brought you something.” Jiang Li bit her lip and pulled out a small silk purse embroidered with bamboo. 

 

The purse, a delicate lake-green, was adorned with uneven embroidery. The bamboo stalks were slightly crooked, their leaves misshapen. She had spent hours stitching it, hoping to make it elegant, though her inexperience with needlework betrayed her efforts. 

 

Lowering her eyes, Jiang Li mumbled in embarrassment, “It’s not very good…” 

 

A slender, pale hand entered her view—not to take the purse, but to gently pinch one of her fingers. His rough fingertips grazed the needle marks on her skin, tracing them lightly. 

 

The intimacy of the gesture caught Jiang Li completely off guard. Though she had harbored feelings for Huo Jue for a long time, this closeness left her flustered and stunned. 

 

She instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but Huo Jue didn’t let go. His grip was firm yet gentle, and she found herself unable to move. 

 

“How did Ah Li hurt her hand?” 

 

Jiang Li glanced at him shyly and whispered, “I got pricked while embroidering this purse. You know I’m not good at sewing…” 

 

At her words, Huo Jue seemed to finally notice the purse. He took it gently from her, his fingers brushing over the awkwardly stitched bamboo. 

 

“How could it be bad?” he murmured. “I think these orchids are vivid and unique.” 

 

Jiang Li blinked. Orchids? 

 

Huo Jue chuckled softly, shaking the purse in his hand. “Is this the money Ah Li saved?” 

 

“Yes, it’s mine.” Jiang Li’s voice grew anxious, worried he might refuse. “Don’t worry—I can earn it back soon. Old Madam Chen from the East City loves the cakes I make and rewards me generously every time.” 

 

The purse held about ten taels of silver—a sum Jiang Li could only have saved over two or three years, no matter how generous Madam Chen’s rewards were. 

 

Huo Jue tightened his grip on the purse, his dark eyes softening as they settled on Jiang Li’s earnest expression. 

 

“Does Ah Li really want me to accept this money?” 

 

Jiang Li nodded resolutely. “You need it now, especially with Old Man Su sick and Su Yao gone. All the burdens are on you. You don’t need to be polite with me.” 

 

At the mention of Su Yao, Huo Jue’s brows furrowed. He hadn’t heard that name in years. 

 

Jiang Li noticed his reaction and quickly added, “Su Yao left for Shengjing yesterday. Her family arranged a marriage for her, so… you don’t need to think about her anymore.” 

 

Huo Jue froze, a long-forgotten memory flickering to life. He remembered Jiang Li coming to him once, after Su Yao’s departure, and boldly declaring: “Su Yao doesn’t want you, but I do.”

 

In his previous life, he had cruelly rejected her, consumed by bitterness and revenge. 

 

But this time… 

 

Huo Jue gazed at her for a long while before reaching out to lightly brush a strand of her hair from her shoulder. His voice softened, carrying a weight of unspoken emotion. 

 

“Ah Li, does what you said back then still count?” 

 

Jiang Li stared at him, bewildered. 

 

The Huo Jue standing before her seemed entirely unfamiliar—his gentle words and actions, so out of character. 

 

Could this really be the same Huo Jue she had always known?

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TPMCS(rebirth) 2 part 2 - Don't be sad, Su Yao doesn't want you, but I do.

Jiang Li walked out of the alley, head down, feeling puzzled. Why didn't Huo Jue look the least bit pleased when he learned how many people wanted him as a “child husband”? Could it be he still couldn't let go of Su Yao?

But Su Yao didn't want him anymore! Remembering Huo Jue's cold expression as he'd thrown her out just moments ago, Jiang Li silently grumbled: Huo Jue is so unromantic...

Lost in thought, she didn't notice the shadow trailing behind her.

“Jiang Li!”

Startled by the voice, Jiang Li's shoulders tensed. She turned to find her younger brother, Jiang Ling, and frowned. “You're so disrespectful! I'm your sister—how can you just call me by my name? Be careful, or the teacher will make you copy books at the academy!”

Jiang Ling pouted. “You're only a quarter of an hour older than me. Who's going to believe you're my 'older sister'?”

Jiang Ling and Jiang Li were twins, born just minutes apart.

“A quarter of an hour still makes me the elder sister,” Jiang Li huffed, puffing her cheeks. “Call me by my name again, and see if I respond to you.”

“Fine, fine, *sister*,” Jiang Ling muttered, rolling his eyes. He glanced at the alley she'd just exited, squinting at her suspiciously. “Where did you just come from? Brother Huo Jue didn't come to the academy today. Did you sneak off to see him?”

Jiang Li's face flushed. “No... No, I was just delivering yam cakes to Father Su.”

Jiang Ling, who had been with his sister since the womb, knew her better than anyone. Seeing her flustered face, he knew he'd guessed correctly.

“Sister, you know that Brother Huo Jue will be taking the provincial exam this autumn. Our teacher says he has the talent to be the top scholar, and he'll almost certainly head to the capital for the imperial exams next spring. Once he goes to Shengjing, he might never come back. You shouldn't get your hopes up.”

Jiang Li fell silent, momentarily stunned.

She knew Huo Jue was destined for greater things, knew he would eventually leave Tong'an City. But if she didn't at least try, she might regret it forever.

She had liked him for six years. How many times in life could someone like another person so simply, so persistently?

After all, there was only one Huo Jue in the world.

Jiang Li stayed quiet for the rest of the walk, and seeing this, Jiang Ling decided not to say anything more.

That night, lying in bed, Jiang Li thought over her brother's words.

If Huo Jue was going to the capital next year, he'd need travel expenses. Father Su had spent a great deal on medical treatments since his injury last year, and the household finances were strained. Huo Jue was already managing the pharmacy, studying for the provincial exam, and caring for an ailing Father Su—all of it an enormous burden.

Thinking of this, Jiang Li quickly got out of bed and pulled a small, square box from beneath it. Inside was the dowry she'd been quietly saving over the past two years. She gathered all the small coins, placing them in a purse.

Clutching the purse, she thought to herself, *I hope Huo Jue won't throw me out again tomorrow… it'd be too embarrassing.*

 

---

The next morning, Jiang Li hurried out after breakfast. When she arrived at the medicine shop, she found that Huo Jue had gone to the academy for the day.

With no choice but to turn back, Jiang Li made her way to the tavern. Just as she reached the door, a voice called out, “A Li!”

Jiang Li looked in the direction of the voice and saw two girls standing under a blossoming apricot tree, smiling at her. The girl in the green pleated skirt was Liu Yan, the eldest daughter of Dongyang Bookstore, who had called her. Beside her stood Zhang Yingying, the second daughter of the hairdressing shop, dressed in a lilac skirt.

“How did you two end up here?” Jiang Li asked. The bookstore and the hairdressing shop were at the other end of the street, several miles away.

Zhang Yingying glanced around before leaning closer to whisper, “We're here to deliver something to Huo Jue.”

Only then did Jiang Li notice they were each carrying something. Zhang Yingying held an elegant purse with a translucent white jade pendant inside, while Liu Yan carried a small box of agarwood, containing an ink stick with a subtle, woody fragrance resting on soft indigo velvet.

Jiang Li, clutching her own bag of silver coins, felt a bit self-conscious—her offering suddenly seemed so plain.

Noticing the gifts still in their hands, she asked, “Did Huo Jue refuse to take them?”

“Yes, he said he wouldn't accept gifts without reason. Yan'er and I both got turned down!” Zhang Yingying pouted, her lips forming a little cherry shape. “If you ask me, Huo Jue is too pedantic.”

“That's not pedantic,” Liu Yan corrected gently. “It's simply propriety. Huo Jue was being courteous—this is how a gentleman behaves.”

“Oh, why be so proper?” Zhang Yingying huffed. “It's not like our gifts are shameful. He's just being unromantic!”

The people of the Great Zhou Dynasty were open-minded, and it was normal for women to give gifts to men they liked. Huo Jue was poor and refused the fine jade pendants and ink sticks. Couldn't he at least appreciate the gesture?

Liu Yan just smiled, not bothering to argue with Zhang Yingying.

As the daughter of the richest merchant on Zhufu Street, Zhang Yingying had always been pampered. Hitting a "soft wall" with Huo Jue today had clearly upset her.

Liu Yan looked at Jiang Li, who'd been silent, and asked with a smile, “A Li, were you on your way to see Master Huo too?”

“Yes, but he'd already left when I got there.”

“No wonder,” Zhang Yingying teased, reaching out to playfully pinch Jiang Li's waist. “You got up too late! So, what are you bringing him?”

Jiang Li hesitated but pulled out her purse from her waistband.

Zhang Yingying took one look and laughed, “A Li, giving money as a gift? That's so plain! Huo Jue is a scholar—he'd never take your purse. It's a good thing you didn't bump into him, or you would've been mortified.”

 

 

Footnotes:

·       "Purse with a jade pendant" : Jade has long been valued in Chinese culture, symbolizing purity, beauty, and moral integrity. Presenting jade as a gift to someone admired, particularly by women, conveys a wish for the recipient to appreciate these values, indicating the giver's deep respect and affection.

·       "Ink stick in agarwood box" : The ink stick, one of the "Four Treasures of the Study" (along with the brush, paper, and ink stone), holds special significance in Chinese culture, representing scholarly aspirations and refinement. The agarwood box would add an aromatic, elegant touch, reflecting Liu Yan's thoughtfulness in selecting a gift meaningful to a scholar like Huo Jue.

·       "Pedantic" : Zhang Yingying's use of "pedantic" here conveys her frustration with Huo Jue's strict adherence to propriety, which she interprets as a lack of warmth or romantic interest. Her view reflects the openness of certain social circles, where expressing romantic interest through gifts was more accepted.

·       "Money as a gift" : Jiang Li's gift of silver coins, compared to the jade and ink stick, appears modest and practical. In traditional Chinese society, giving money was often seen as useful but lacking the refined sentiment associated with symbolic or handcrafted gifts, like jade or ink. Zhang Yingying's reaction underscores the social pressure to convey affection through culturally valued tokens rather than mere financial aid.

 

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