Chapter 18: Night Conversations in the Old Mansion, a Beauty's Heart Revealed

“Young master, I have truly wronged you.” Old He was in tears, his withered hands reaching out desperately toward Cao Peng, who quickly dodged aside with obvious distaste.

“All right, just say what you have to say, but keep your distance!” Cao Peng snapped.

Unbothered by Cao Peng’s annoyance, Old He began his lament. “That second son of the Xiahou family, he’s gone too far! He came with a group of thugs, claiming you owed them a huge debt, and took everything from the house. When I tried to argue, they didn’t bother explaining and simply beat me up…”

As he spoke, a few more tears squeezed from his gaunt face.

Cao Peng fell silent. He couldn’t get a clear grasp on the situation and dared not make a hasty decision. Everything seemed tangled and confusing. Even if he wanted to get to the bottom of it, he wasn’t sure of the real cause. Since his soul had crossed into this body, his overlapping memories gave him only a vague understanding of the past, but not every detail was clear. For example, what grudge did the former Cao Peng have with the Xiahou family? He didn’t know.

Cao Peng, always one to tread carefully, decided to let it go.

“Never mind, never mind. I’ll just treat this as a new beginning.”

“Old He, bring the carriage in and tidy up a clean room.”

Having given his instructions, Cao Peng looked around the bare, empty courtyard and sighed. Then he began to pick up the broken bricks and tiles scattered through the house. Poverty was nothing to be ashamed of, but at least the place should be clean.

In truth, he had long prepared himself for this sight. His father had died young, leaving little behind. He himself had idled away his days without an official post or salary. The meager monthly stipend he received as a member of the Cao clan was far from enough.

In previous years, he lived for the moment, drinking away whatever coin he had. And if he ran out, young master Cao Ang would foot the bill.

Meanwhile, Old He led the carriage into the courtyard, tied the horse to a tree, and opened the compartment. Out stepped Lady Zou, draped in a white gauze dress, her bearing as elegant as a swan.

“Young master, this… this is…”

Never having seen such beauty, Old He was utterly stunned.

“I’ve brought home a wife. What’s so surprising about that? Hurry up and prepare some good food and wine. My lady has been weary from the journey,” Cao Peng said irritably.

Old He agreed at once and happily bustled inside.

Though Lady Zou came from humble beginnings, she knew not to stand idly by. “Husband, I’m quite skilled in the kitchen. Let me help Old He.”

Watching this beautiful woman disappear into his dilapidated kitchen, Cao Peng couldn’t help but smile. She was not only lovely, but also sensible.

But soon Lady Zou returned, looking a bit embarrassed. “Husband, there’s no rice left…”

No matter how skilled the cook, nothing could be made without rice. Facing an empty grain jar, Lady Zou could only worry.

Cao Peng silently cursed his own carelessness. He should have borrowed some money from Cao Ang when they parted. Now, with no rice at home, what was he to do?

Just then, there came the sound of a carriage stopping outside.

A soldier stepped down and strode in, bowing respectfully to Cao Peng. “Young master Cao, I come by order of the Minister of Works. All these supplies are gifts from the Minister himself.”

With that, he called out to the others, who began carrying box after box into the house. Food, daily essentials—everything was provided.

In Old He’s shocked gaze, the once-bare courtyard was transformed, its new furnishings lending the place a touch of officialdom and dignity.

“Young master, you’ve finally made something of yourself! To catch the Minister’s eye—your late father can rest easy, wherever he is.”

Cao Peng grinned at the old man’s prattling. “Don’t make a fuss. In the future, your young master will rise to fame and glory. These little rewards are nothing!”

Watching him boast, Lady Zou smiled gently, her lips pressed softly together.

Night had deepened. Two silhouettes nestled together in the courtyard, gazing at the stars.

“It must be hard for you, living in a place like this. But don’t worry—it’s only temporary.” Cao Peng’s eyes shone with determination, his words sincere. After all, he was a man from another world; if he couldn’t make something of himself here, he might as well be dead.

Lady Zou understood his seriousness, but she offered comfort. “To be with you is more than enough for me. I ask for nothing else.”

Cao Peng was deeply moved. Bathed in moonlight, the woman before him looked pure and serene. Without another word, he gently drew her into his arms.

“You followed me here without hesitation. I promise, I will not let you down,” he murmured, stroking her hair with tender affection.