Chapter 12: A Stage Play with Two Men and One Woman  

Xi Jinniang once said that in this life, whoever one ends up with, it all boils down to the daily grind of rice and firewood. Once the lamp is blown out and the brocade curtains fall, it’s all the same in the end.  

Men are more or less the same when it comes to their use.  

Xijin believed her mother’s words must hold some truth, so she took them to heart.  

Yet, after hearing them, she couldn’t help feeling a lingering dissatisfaction.  

Mother, I’ve never been with Huo Erlang, nor have I ever “used” him—how would I know if they’re all the same?  

This Huo Erlang came from a scholarly family, renowned from a young age, a prodigy of exceptional talent. She had once been betrothed to such a dashing figure, yet the marriage never came to pass. In the end, she could only resort to a Male Matrilineal Marriage with a mere shop assistant from her own family’s store. No matter how she thought about it, it felt like a raw deal.  

Of course, these were just passing thoughts. After all, she was already married to A Chou, they already had Mang Er, and though life had its bumps, it was still flavorful and full of promise.  

She just hadn’t expected to suddenly encounter Huo Erlang on this night of lanterns.  

In that fleeting moment amidst the dimming lights, she saw his elegant brows and bright eyes, his gaze lively and spirited. Most striking of all was the hibiscus flower tucked beside his raven-black hair, glowing under the radiance of the Lantern Festival’s candles, making him appear almost ethereal.  

Such grace and charm—this was the man she had once been promised to for life!  

Everything from the past now seemed like a dream. Just as she had spent three years as another man’s wife, just as she thought she had nearly forgotten, he suddenly reappeared.  

Caught off guard, he smiled and called out, “Ning Xiong,” then addressed her as “Wu Niang.”  

As if the past between them had never existed. As if he were merely an ordinary acquaintance.  

While Xijin stared blankly at Huo Erlang, Huo Erlang was also gazing at her.  

Amidst the flickering lantern light, their eyes met, and in that moment, Xijin felt her mind go hazy, unsure of what to say.  

The casual smile at Huo Erlang’s lips also faded.  

Beside them, A Chou held Mang Er in silence, watching.  

From the moment Huo Erlang appeared, his gaze had never left Xijin. He keenly observed every subtle shift in her expression.  

He saw clearly the melancholy in her eyes—a look entirely different from the usual annoyance or frustration she directed at him.  

He watched quietly for a long while before finally speaking. “Erlang, it’s been a while.”  

His voice was low and firm, like a sharp blade slicing through the lingering connection between Xijin and Huo Erlang’s gazes.  

Xijin snapped back to reality. She quickly glanced at her husband and son, her face flushing with heat, guilt rising in her heart.  

This shouldn’t have happened. Three years had already passed—how could she have lost her composure like this in front of Huo Erlang? It was truly inexcusable.  

Fortunately, Huo Erlang also regained his composure. With a smile, he turned to A Chou. “Ning Xiong, where are you all headed?”  

A Chou had no surname originally, but after entering the Ning family through the Male Matrilineal Marriage, he took Xijin’s surname.  

His tone was indifferent as he replied, “It’s the Lantern Festival. I thought we’d take the family to the riverside to see the lights. And you, Erlang—where are you off to?”  

Huo Erlang chuckled. “I got separated from my family earlier. I was just heading to the riverside to see the lantern boats and look for them. It seems we’re going the same way.”  

Xijin hadn’t expected Huo Erlang to suggest joining them. Wasn’t this just asking for awkwardness?  

The Lantern Festival was supposed to be a time for families to enjoy the lights together, laughing and chatting—why did he have to intrude?

However, she stood to the side without uttering a word.  

Nowadays, she was more docile and obedient than ever, deferring to A Chou in everything and letting him take charge.  

When A Chou heard Huo Erlang’s words, his expression remained unruffled as he said, “What a coincidence. Let’s head to the riverside together and enjoy the lanterns.”  

Huo Erlang glanced subtly at Xijin before replying, “Wouldn’t that be inconvenient?”  

A Chou raised a brow, his tone laced with implication. “Oh? We’re all old acquaintances—what could be inconvenient?”  

The two men exchanged words, the tension between them palpable.  

Xijin walked over without hesitation, lowering her eyes demurely as she took Mang Er from A Chou’s arms. “You two chat here. I’ll take Mang Er ahead to see the lanterns.”  

With that, she left.  

Seeing this, A Chou gestured. “Brother Huo, shall we?”  

Huo Erlang nodded. “Brother Ning, after you.”  

The two men strode forward, catching up to Xijin.  

A Chou reached out. “Mang Er, come here.”  

Mang Er ignored him. Though dazzled by the lanterns and brimming with excitement, he still preferred snuggling in Xijin’s arms—after all, Father wasn’t as soft and comfortable as Mother.  

But A Chou was unusually firm this time. “Come here.”  

Hearing his father’s unyielding tone, Mang Er pouted, looking aggrieved.  

Huo Erlang observed this with mild surprise, though it wasn’t entirely unexpected.  

A Chou might seem lowly in status, but he was sharper—and more considerate—than Huo Erlang had assumed.  

His gaze lingered on the child—a two-year-old toddler with big, bright eyes, his pouty expression faintly reminiscent of Xijin in her younger days.  

A strange feeling stirred in his heart.  

The once naive and innocent Xijin was now a mother.  

Just then, Xijin raised a hand to soothe the child. “Mother is tired.”  

The little one hesitated but eventually nodded, allowing Xijin to pass him back to A Chou.  

So Xijin walked alongside while A Chou carried Mang Er and conversed with Huo Erlang, the group advancing along the lantern-lit path.  

The street was packed with people and vendors selling all sorts of delicate trinkets. Mang Er wanted everything he saw, and A Chou naturally indulged him, soon accumulating quite a haul in his hands.  

Huo Erlang noticed and helped carry a few items, earning A Chou’s thanks.  

Xijin watched from the side, thinking how polite the two men were—at a glance, one might mistake them for close friends. Who knew what schemes they were harboring now?  

She studied A Chou curiously, just as he turned to look at her.  

Their eyes met, and A Chou remained utterly composed, as if everything were perfectly ordinary.  

Xijin exhaled in relief.  

She had been feeling somewhat guilty.  

Those idle thoughts about loafers and storybooks—she could entertain them at home a hundred times without remorse, knowing they were pure fantasy, utterly impossible.  

But with Huo Erlang, even a glance made her uneasy.  

Truthfully, she had no reason to fear A Chou. He was just her Male Matrilineal Marriage—if she were displeased, she could divorce him.  

Yet she still felt guilty!  

Xijin sighed inwardly. Such was the burden of a conscience—she was, after all, a good person with morals.  

Good people were often shackled by their own principles.  

Fortunately, it seemed A Chou wasn’t making a fuss, so she could let go of her guilt.  

No need to dwell on it—just relax and carry on.  

At that moment, Huo Erlang cast a slow glance at Xijin. “I’ll be heading to the capital for the imperial exams this spring. Brother Ning, Wu Niang, is there anything you’d like me to bring back for you?”

Hearing this, Xijin, who had just breathed a sigh of relief, said, “Second Brother, there’s no need for that. There’s nothing I need to buy.”

Second Brother…

The slightly intimate address slipped out, causing Huo Erlang’s expression to flicker slightly as he glanced at her again—a long, lingering look.

Amid the dazzling lanterns and the glow of moonlight and blossoms, the way he looked at her was peculiar.

Xijin’s heart skipped a beat.

She stole a glance at A Chou to gauge his reaction, but there was none.

If he cared, shouldn’t he at least give some reaction? Since he showed no expression, did that mean he didn’t mind?

Well, it made sense—there was nothing to it anyway. A good horse doesn’t turn back to graze on old grass; there was absolutely no chance between her and Huo Erlang!

It was just that seeing him suddenly brought back memories, stirring up some indescribable emotions.

As she was lost in thought, A Chou suddenly spoke up: “Brother Huo, you must have plenty of luggage to bring to Yanjing City. No need to trouble yourself with this.”

Huo Erlang smiled gently. “If there’s anything, just let me know. No need to stand on ceremony. We’ve known each other for years—this is nothing.”

A Chou: “The journey to Yanjing City is long. Brother Huo must be planning to set off soon?”

Huo Erlang: “Indeed. Once in Yanjing, I’ll need to rent lodgings, purchase supplies, and familiarize myself with the examination grounds. It’ll be quite busy.”

Xijin listened, curious.

She didn’t want to talk to Huo Erlang anymore, but she really wanted to know.

If she didn’t ask him now, who else could she ask?

She glanced at A Chou again, but seeing his indifferent demeanor, she couldn’t help herself and asked Huo Erlang, “In that case, if my Fourth Brother passes the Prefectural Examination, will he still have time to go to Yanjing for the Provincial Examination?”

Huo Erlang smiled warmly. “Actually, I saw Ning Silang just a few days ago. From what he mentioned, there should be enough time.”

Xijin: “Oh, that’s good.”

Huo Erlang: “From the sound of it, he’s already planning to bring some goods to the capital.”

Xijin: “Yes, then… what about you, Erlang? Are you bringing some too?”

Xijin forcibly swallowed back the words “Second Brother.”

Calling him “Brother Huo” felt too formal—after all, they’d known each other since childhood. “Erlang” should be fine, right?

Huo Erlang nodded. “Of course. Ru City has several renowned products. I’ve heard their prices skyrocket in the capital. I plan to bring some folding fans and silk, along with an old servant. Once settled, I’ll focus on studying while the servant helps sell the goods.”

Xijin couldn’t help feeling envious. “That saves a lot on taxes—scholars really have it good!”

A Chou gave her a faint look at her admiring tone.

Huo Erlang said, “These past few years, I’ve secluded myself at Ordination Platform Temple, burying myself in books by lamplight, not daring to slack for a single day. I only hope this journey to the capital will bring progress, that I may achieve fame on the golden list and honor my parents’ years of sacrifice.”

Xijin’s thoughts drifted back to the past.

Back then, when her engagement with Huo Erlang fell through and her family called off the marriage, he had rushed to see her in the middle of the night, waiting outside the Ning family home like a madman, desperate for one last meeting. She never saw him.

Her mother had said Huo Erlang’s mother was a difficult person—having such a mother-in-law would only bring suffering. Better to cut ties cleanly than drag it out.

Of course, she had listened to her mother.

Later, when A Chou was taken in as a male matrilineal marriage, and everything was settled, she occasionally thought of Huo Erlang. She wondered how he was doing and felt uneasy about whether he would be angry or resentful if they ever met again.

But who would have thought that in three years, living in the same Ru City, they had never once crossed paths.

Only now did she learn that he had been studying hard at home, busy with his future, with no time to wander around idly.

At the moment, she said, “Erlang, you needn’t worry. With your talent, you’re sure to pass the imperial exams with flying colors—perhaps even as the top scholar!”

Huo Erlang smiled, his gaze gentle yet resigned. “The world is full of brilliant scholars. I’m just an unknown among them—how could I compare? If I can barely earn a degree, that would already be a stroke of luck!”

Xijin genuinely wished him well and replied, “You’re bound to achieve great success.”

As they walked forward, exchanging polite but distant pleasantries, Xijin felt this was just fine.

Letting go of past melancholy, no longer feeling regret, they could reminisce openly and wish him a splendid future.

Meanwhile, Huo Erlang and A Chou chatted, their conversation meandering and insincere, touching on nothing substantial.

Somehow, Huo Erlang brought up the current state of affairs, saying, “Since His Majesty ascended the throne, the world has been peaceful and prosperous, with harmony prevailing. Even we scholars have much to strive for.”

Xijin listened but barely understood. It couldn’t be helped—he spoke in such refined phrases, unlike the ordinary folk of Ru City.

However, when she heard “much to strive for,” she thought of her own business and brought up the matter of the Emperor searching for the Imperial Grandson.

She bluntly shared her thoughts: “If he’s found, wouldn’t the whole empire celebrate? Maybe even us commoners would benefit.”

Huo Erlang sighed with a smile. “Wu Niang, you’re oversimplifying things. It’s not that easy.”

Xijin: “Why not?”

Huo Erlang: “It’s a long story. The case of the Crown Prince back then implicated many. The Crown Prince took his own life by the sword, and afterward, the Crown Prince’s residence was set ablaze. It was a tragic—”

Xijin’s eyes widened. “If he wanted to die, fine, but why burn down a perfectly good estate?!”

What a waste of money!

Huo Erlang: “The late Crown Prince had a fiery temperament.”

Xijin: “Still, it’s strange. If you’re going to die, don’t drag others into it, and definitely don’t waste money!”

Huo Erlang choked on his words.

He thought to himself that even as a mother now, Xijin’s temperament hadn’t changed at all.

Glancing around, he saw the bustling crowd, families milling about, no one paying close attention to their conversation.

So he finally said, “It’s not for us to judge. Matters of the court aren’t something we can easily comprehend.”

Xijin: “Fine…”

But she still felt regret. If she had known about this back then, she would’ve rushed to the estate to salvage whatever she could! Since they were just going to burn it all anyway, why not let her take some? Every bit would count!

At that moment, A Chou suddenly asked, “And then? What happened next?”

Huo Erlang smiled at A Chou before continuing, “I heard that after that incident, the eight-year-old Imperial Grandson disappeared without a trace. It’s said that back then, Lord Nie, the commander of the Imperial City Division, pursued the trail for thousands of miles, only to find Wang Chengen, the lieutenant of the Crown Prince’s residence, barely alive by the Ma Jin Creek upstream of the Qu River. When Wang Chengen saw the commander of the Imperial City Division, he laughed mockingly before taking his last breath.”

He sighed, “After that, Lord Nie searched for years but never found any trace of the Imperial Grandson. This all happened in the thirteenth year of Baofeng. Twelve years have passed since then—who knows if that child is even alive now!”

Beside him, Xijin exclaimed in surprise, “A living person just vanished, and the imperial court has been searching all these years without success. So, it’s likely they’ll never find him now?”

Huo Erlang nodded, “Yes, they’ve been investigating openly and secretly all this time.”

Xijin pondered for a moment before asking, “But the Crown Prince held such a noble status—how could something like this happen to him? I thought aside from the Emperor, he was the most powerful man in the land?”

Huo Erlang’s expression turned helpless, “That’s a long story. It’s said the Crown Prince’s case was connected to Manichaeism. As for the details, that’s beyond what you or I can explain.”

Xijin asked, “Manichaeism?”

Huo Erlang nodded, “Yes.”

Xijin looked surprised and turned to A Chou, “Last year, didn’t my uncle nearly get implicated because of Manichaeism? Is it the same Manichaeism?”

Huo Erlang was also taken aback, “What? Meng Yuanwai was involved with this sect?”

A Chou replied, “Last year, someone ordered a batch of black-glazed bowls from Uncle, specifying the design in detail. Thinking it was a big business opportunity, Uncle agreed to produce them without suspicion.”

Huo Erlang frowned, “That wouldn’t do—those bowls were likely custom-made for their Manichaean rituals!”

Xijin sighed, “How would ordinary folks know about such things? Fortunately, the deposit the buyer gave wasn’t enough. Uncle wanted them to pay more, but they never did. Then, when he argued with them, the authorities soon discovered those black-glazed bowls were meant for Manichaeism. It was terrifying—Uncle was scared out of his wits!”

Huo Erlang said, “Thank goodness he didn’t make them for them. What a close call!”

Xijin shook her head helplessly, “This Manichaeism is making our lives so unsettled. If the Crown Prince’s case is tied to them, and if the truth never comes out, who in their right mind would dare come forward? That’d be asking for death!”

As she spoke boldly, Huo Erlang quickly interjected, “This… we shouldn’t discuss—”

But Xijin couldn’t hold back, “Now that his grandfather is calling him back to be Emperor, wouldn’t he come out on his own? If he doesn’t, it’s as obvious as lice on a monk’s head—why keep searching?”

Huo Erlang was momentarily stunned before replying, “That… makes sense. Perhaps the Imperial Grandson is no longer alive!”

Xijin agreed, “A child that young—if he didn’t starve to death, wild dogs would’ve gotten him. He couldn’t have survived. Who knows, maybe he’s already been reborn and is out there looking for loafers on the streets!”

As she spoke, A Chou held Mang Er, his gaze calmly fixed on a nearby lamp. The lamp’s design was novel—a waterfall shape adorned with colorful ribbons and painted with scenes of celestial beings.

Huo Erlang took a deep breath, composed himself, and said word by word, “But this is not something we can discuss. Let’s just see how things unfold.”

Xijin replied, “I actually hope he lives well!”

Huo Erlang didn’t expect her to continue, “Why?”

Xijin smiled, “He’s our great god of wealth. If he can come back alive and kicking, it’ll be a cause for celebration everywhere, and our business will thrive.”

Huo Erlang looked at her, “You—”

Always thinking about business.

At that moment, A Chou suddenly spoke, “We’re here.”

With just those two simple words, Huo Erlang quickly suppressed his smile and looked ahead.

They had indeed arrived at the riverside. In the distance, thousands of lanterns were placed along the shore, their reflections shimmering on the water, creating a winding, undulating glow like a dazzling fiery dragon.

The riverside was even livelier than the streets. Some played sheng, huang, qin, and se instruments, others frolicked and played, and of course, vendors hawked all kinds of side dishes, their calls rising and falling amidst the festive atmosphere.

Huo Erlang then suggested they sit down and eat together.

He glanced at A Chou, “I hope we’re not intruding. If it’s inconvenient, we can leave.”

After chatting so much with Xijin along the way, he now directed these words at A Chou.

A Chou understood the underlying challenge in his words.

He was doing this deliberately. He knew what would pique Xijin’s interest and deliberately steered the conversation with her.

His gentle and humble demeanor was all an act to win her favor.

Now, he was outright provoking him.

A Chou’s gaze was emotionless as he stared at Huo Erlang, who returned the look with a smile.

The two men’s eyes met amidst the dazzling lights, a silent clash.

After a moment, A Chou’s thin lips curled into a cold smile.

His voice was cool and laden with meaning, “Why would it be inconvenient? Meeting by chance is fate.”