chapter 1

September brought crisp autumn air. While the gardenias were fading, the osman thus was in full bloom, filling the breeze with a rich, sweet fragrance.

During this season, the roads were usually bustling with leisurely nobles out to enjoy the autumn scenery, their grand carriages traveling back and forth along the official highways—it was a lively sight.

However, today, far fewer travelers were on the road. It was the year of the horse, and this day marked the release of the triennial provincial examination results.

Any family with a scholar who had taken the exam had gone to await the results, leaving few in the mood for outings.

"Second Cousin is bound to pass this time. Auntie said his essays were often posted on the academy’s notice board for other scholars to read."

"Cousin studies diligently. With both talent and hard work, there’s no reason he wouldn’t succeed."

On the highway, two young gers were walking together toward the city.

"Once Cousin passes, he’ll surely propose to your family. Soon, I’ll have to call you cousin-in-law—you’ll have to look out for me then!"

Taehyung walked along the road, still feeling somewhat dazed.

He had stayed up late last night reading medical texts and was roused early this morning by the ger of the Yu family, who had stopped by his house to invite him into the city.

Taehyung wasn’t fond of going out, and the two of them weren’t particularly close—they merely exchanged greetings when they happened to meet in the village. He hadn’t planned to go at first.

But today was the announcement of the exam results, and since someone he knew had taken the test, plus his mother had subtly urged him to check, he ended up accompanying the Yu family’s ger into town.

Late autumn was approaching, and the morning wind carried a chill. Taehyung cupped his face in his hands, seeking a little warmth.

He had been walking in silence, listening to the Yu family’s ger chatter away, but as the talk grew bolder—mentioning marriage and calling him cousin-in-law—his cheeks flushed, and he couldn’t help but interrupt:

"The marriage is just something the elders joked about. It’s not settled yet. Xia ger, be careful with your words."

"But wasn’t it arranged since childhood? Everyone in the village knows about it. Now that you’re both of age, it’s only natural to discuss marriage. Why be shy?"

The Yu family’s ger nudged Taehyung with an elbow. "What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you regret it and don’t want to marry Second Cousin?"

Taehyung’s expression stiffened. As a famously frail ger in the area, how could he, of all people, afford to regret being matched with a scholar of marriageable age? Others envied him for it.

Taehyung had always grown slower than other gers his age.

When his peers were walking, he was still crawling. When they could speak in full sentences, he was just learning to call his parents clearly.

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