Chapter One: The Exceptional Brother Arrives

Banxia awoke to a cacophony of voices. The moment she opened her eyes, a plump face loomed before her, making her shrink back in fright. The woman, realizing she had startled her, took a step back and offered a nervous laugh. “You’re awake, Mrs. Su.”

“Who are you?”

“I’m Mrs. Gan, your neighbor. It was I who first found you and your husband poisoned by carbon monoxide last night.”

What? Husband? Is this some kind of joke? I’ve been single for twenty-two years, pure as jade, and now you’re telling me I have a husband?

“I think I’m still dreaming. I’ll go back to sleep,” Banxia muttered, closing her eyes again.

“I think Mrs. Su is acting a bit strange,” came another woman’s voice nearby.

“Keep your voice down,” someone whispered. “I heard the doctor say last night that carbon monoxide poisoning can damage the brain.”

Banxia rolled her eyes. Auntie, you’re not exactly whispering.

“Oh dear, that’s terrible. Mrs. Su is still all right, but Scholar Gan—he can’t carry a thing or do any hard work—if his mind is gone too… tsk, tsk, how pitiful.”

“What are you all gossiping about? Go home and make lunch before your men come back and beat you black and blue!” a brash male voice interrupted.

The women scattered at once, clearly intimidated by the man.

Banxia opened her eyes to see a slouching young man standing at her bedside. He wasn’t bad-looking, but his careless posture and attitude gave him a roguish air.

“Hey, little sister, you’re awake.”

Great, this must be her brother.

He made himself at home, pouring water from the table into a cup and drinking it down, only to notice Banxia watching him intently.

“You want a drink too?” He poured another cup and handed it to her.

After drinking, Banxia’s head felt much clearer. Judging by the situation—a sudden awakening, unfamiliar faces, her clothes and bedding—her years of reading novels led her to only one conclusion: she had transmigrated, and not into anyone important, just a nameless commoner.

“Sis, let me tell you, I’ve heard everything. That scholar’s probably got brain damage—hasn’t woken up yet, and likely never will.” Her so-called brother gestured to the scholar lying in bed. “Look at him—so frail, he’d blow away in the wind. Now that his mind’s broken, he’s as good as useless. Come home with me, and I’ll find you another match.”

“I think I just got married yesterday.”

“That’s right! But since you haven’t consummated the marriage yet, let’s hurry home. I’ve already spoken to Master Huang—if you go home today, he’ll send for you tomorrow. The betrothal gift is ten taels of silver. I’m not greedy—I’ll give you three for your dowry. Listen, Master Huang’s house has three big courtyards, and though his first wife gave him three daughters, if you bear him a son, you’ll be set for life…”

“Hey, listen…”

“I know Master Huang’s a bit older, but older men know how to cherish their wives—”

“Shut up.” Banxia could finally take no more.

“What’s wrong?”

“Get out!”

“What did you say?”

“I said get out. Now!”

Her brother’s face darkened at once. “Ding Banxia, don’t push your luck. This is a good match. If you weren’t my sister, you wouldn’t deserve it. If you get tired of taking care of that idiot and come crawling back, don’t expect me to take you in.”

“As if I’d ever ask for your charity. Even if I had to beg, I’d never rely on you. Now get out!”

“Hey, you—” He reached toward her, but Banxia slapped his hand away. Feeling some strength return, she stood up. “Are you leaving or not?”

“What are you going to do?”

She picked up her pillow and smacked him with it. “Out!”

He resisted at first, but as her blows grew harder, he finally left, grumbling all the way.

Only then did Banxia collapse against the bedside, exhaling a long, shaky breath.