On the first day of the twelfth lunar month, Fan Jing slaughtered a sheep and took out half a portion of the mutton. Kang He tied on her apron and headed into the kitchen, preparing a whole table of mutton dishes.
Kang He then taught Zhang Shili to call over the hunters who had been helping watch over the mountain before, inviting them all to share a thank-you meal together.
After the lively gathering, Kang He and Fan Jing got busy again. The three of them ran between villages in the county countryside, slaughtering pigs to earn some money. Besides the income, this was also to strengthen relationships so that when there was work to be done, people would think of their family first.
Fortunately, this year they had Zhang Shili along, which made things somewhat easier.
Zhang Shili had learned to slaughter pigs under Fan Jing’s guidance three times by now and was getting the hang of it.
He was someone who had dealt with wild animals for many years, hunting wild boars in the mountains, and sometimes needing to process the meat himself. Naturally, he had some skills. After practicing a bit with the sheep, he became quite proficient.
Learning the craft under Kang He and Fan Jing was one thing, but the main purpose was to become familiar faces so that the old customers would know Zhang Shili belonged with their family, and in the future, they could call on him just as easily as they called on others.
On the fifteenth day, a light snow began to fall, but the wind was strong, making it bitterly cold.
After slaughtering the pig, Kang He, Fan Jing, and Zhang Shili parted ways on the main road. Fan Jing was heading into town to pick up He Qiu to bring her home.
When they set out, the three of them were riding in a cart. Zhang Shili happened to catch a ride on a bullock cart along the official road, and so Kang He and Fan Jing kindly accompanied him to the county seat.
When Kang He and Fan Jing returned to the village, the snow had piled high, and the cabbage in the fields had all turned yellow.
“What do you want for dinner? It’s still early this morning. I’ll go into the kitchen and make something to eat.”
Fan Jing, having slaughtered four pigs, felt a little tired. Leaning against the cart frame, he said, “Anything is fine.”
“Yesterday, the Pei brothers from Tangjia Village sent over a basket of pig hearts and lungs. I saw it wasn’t eaten yet. How about I stew some radish soup with it to make something warm?”
Fan Jing agreed, and Kang He jumped down by their field, pulled a few round radishes, tossed them onto the cart, and took them back.
As the cart entered the yard, they saw two short, chubby figures running back and forth—the fifteenth day boy had come into the village and was now looking for Da Fu to play with.
The two little kids were bundled up thickly, wearing fuzzy hats, playing with the snow in the courtyard.
Seeing the returnees, the fifteenth day boy ran over, calling out “Uncle Fan, Uncle Kang!”
Fan Jing reached out and hugged the fifteenth day boy, saying, “You look a bit taller.”
Da Fu looked at Fan Jing and said, “Fifteen day boy is taller now, but still not as tall as me.”
Kang He, whose hands were covered in mud from pulling out the radishes, quickly wiped them clean and said, “You’re a year older than the fifteenth day boy, so of course you’re taller. But if you don’t eat well, be careful—fifteen day boy might overtake you yet.”
Da Fu said, “At noon today I ate a big bowl of rice, a whole chicken leg, two meat buns, lots of winter purslane, and drank two cups of warm sheep’s milk. In the afternoon, uncle also gave me chestnut cake.”
Kang He dried his hands and lifted Da Fu, weighing him in his arms. “You’re really heavy. Looks like you ate well this noon.”
The two men carried the children inside to warm by the fire. The room was cozy, and the heating made it easy for smells to linger. Fifteen wrinkled his nose, saying Kang He and Fan Jing were hiding pig meat on them—it still smelled of fresh pork.
The child’s comment made Kang He laugh out loud. He instructed Xiao Xiang and Xiao Mei, who had brought the children, to take the two little ones out to play in the snow again. Their small hands were already red from the cold and showed signs of chilblains.
They had Lian Fourth Brother bring some hot water inside for them to wash and change clothes.
The pig from the family they had slaughtered today was large and fat, nearly slipping from their hold during the process. Pig’s blood had splattered quite a bit on Fan Jing’s clothes.
When Fan Jing took off his clothes, he also smelled the metallic stench and felt a bit nauseous, quickly burying his face in Kang He’s arms.
Kang He laughed and said he had become more fastidious about cleanliness these days. He soon brought water to help wash Fan Jing’s hair.
After washing, Fan Jing put on a warm undergarment and let his hair down. He lay idly on the soft daybed, feeling too restless to do anything else.
Before long, Fifteen brought Xiao Mei back from the Xu family, and Da Fu ran into the room. Seeing Fan Jing lying there, Da Fu took off his shoes, socks, and thick cotton jacket, then climbed up on the daybed to rest beside Fan Jing.
Kang He saw how well the two got along. He brought in a charcoal brazier, went to the kitchen, and began stewing the pig lung soup.
Fan Jing held the chubby Da Fu in his arms, feeling the soft warmth of the child’s skin. After bathing him last night, the scent of fragrant ointment still lingered this morning.
He felt comfortable and relaxed. Before long, he had fallen asleep. Da Fu nestled in his arms, but did not wake him.
By evening, the aroma of Kang He’s pig lung soup filled the house. Chen Sanfang and Qiao’er had just returned, driving the cart home. They said the snow was heavy outside, and the wheels nearly got stuck in mud; the roads were particularly difficult.
“Snowy weather makes nights come early. From now on, we’ll close the shops an hour or so earlier. Driving back takes longer too. Look at Dad today, he’s been pacing the yard and muttering several times.”
Chen Sanfang crawled under the stove to warm herself and sighed, “It makes me reluctant to close the doors.”
Qiao’er came inside to change clothes, then returned, but had made three accounting mistakes in a row—fortunately, she corrected them after double-checking.
“These past few years working outside, it hasn’t been like this before,” she said.
With no wars, people were peacefully earning a living. Compared to before, their hands were relatively more prosperous. Toward year-end, many came to buy livestock.
The three of them talked for a while about the happy news in business. Chen Sanfang hadn’t noticed Fan Jing and Da Fu and casually asked, “Are they tired today?”
“They’re resting inside, one big, one small,” one replied.
Chen Sanfang smiled. “I saw Brother Zhang was early this morning in town to pick up Xiao Qiu. He looks rough and careless, but he really cares about her. He’s been busy most of the day, running around the shop helping Xiao Qiu with this and that.”
“If they get along well, Xiao Qiu’s smiles have become more frequent these past days. When will they hold their wedding? I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to ask.”
“They’ve set the engagement, said next April or May when things slow down, they’ll have the banquet.”
Chen Sanfang nodded, “When that time comes, I’ll come over for a glass of wedding wine. Xiao Qiu never had a connection with our family, but now that she has a good marriage, I’m happy for her.”
Talking about marriage, she glanced at Qiao’er standing nearby. The yellow-haired girl was already sixteen or seventeen, slowly starting to look for a husband.
“Your older sister has married off and is living well. Now I’m worried about you.”
Qiao’er replied, “I’m not in a hurry. I’m busy at the shop accounting, and that’s much more interesting than marrying off and serving in-laws or husband. My temperament is nothing like my second sister—she’s gentle and quiet.”
Chen Sanfang scolded, “Talking nonsense. If anyone heard that, who’d want to arrange a marriage for you?”
Kang He laughed, “Qiao’er is not wrong, and she’s not in a rush. We’ll see slowly. If the right person comes along, then it’s good.”
That evening, two tables of dishes were prepared. The entire Fan family ate together in the main hall. Yihuan, Erxi, and Lian Fourth Brother with Xiao Xiang, several others ate in the side rooms.
Mou Dalang was fond of getting a meal at Fan’s house. After eating at home, he would sometimes have lunch at Fan’s. When he did, his wife and children came along.
“Today’s pig lung soup is well cooked—light and flavorful,” Fan elder said, eating a bowl of radish and pig lung soup, feeling warm inside.
Kang He had cooked without adding extra oil, as tastes at home had changed. They no longer loved greasy meat dishes. Occasionally, sesame oil tossed with tofu was a popular flavorful dish.
He picked some meat and radish for Da Fu’s bowl and then served some to Fan Jing.
Fan Jing, who seemed unable to sleep well, was either woken or called by Kang He. His appetite was low; he barely moved his chopsticks.
Seeing Kang He add some pig lung meat to his bowl, he had initially intended to eat, but then thought the child would surely cause a fuss soon. So, he just lowered his head and swallowed the bite.
That one bite was too much. He suddenly felt nauseous.
Usually, he would have dropped his chopsticks and started vomiting. But Fan Jing furrowed his brows, swallowed the meat, and didn’t show the usual reaction.
After dinner, Kang He tidied up and went into the room to find Fan Jing sitting on the luohan bed, seemingly lost in thought.
“You shouldn’t go to bed yet; it’s really cold outside. I saw the snow getting heavier, covering the courtyard.”
Fan Jing looked up at Kang He and said, “Come here.”
Kang He heard this, hung his coat on the rack, and walked over. “What is it?”
Fan Jing reached out an arm toward him. Kang He smiled and bent down, scooping Fan Jing up. “It’s cold, and now you’re acting spoiled. Learned that from Da Fu?”
Fan Jing’s brow twitched, looking at Kang He. “Who told you to pick me up?”
“You stretched out your arm; you still want me to carry you.”
Fan Jing said, “I want you to take my pulse.”
“Huh?”
Kang He was taken aback and immediately put Fan Jing down. “Where does it hurt?”
Fan Jing didn’t say much, only replying, “Just take my pulse.”
Kang He, seeing that this was serious, became tense and began feeling his pulse carefully.
His expression shifted from stern to gradually relaxed, then excited. “Da Jing, this looks like a pregnancy pulse?!”
Fan Jing’s brow twitched again. Hearing this, he felt almost certain.
Before, sensing something was off, he had some vague suspicions but had not confirmed them.
Kang He, overwhelmed by this sudden joy, began to place more faith in his modest medical skills. He felt Fan Jing’s pulse again and said,
“This might be a mistake. When Da Fu was born, I remember it was the same pulse.”
Still worried about false hopes, he said, “It’s been a long time since I took a pulse. I can’t be completely sure. It’s best to have Doctor Zhu check, just to be certain.”
Fan Jing’s face showed some happiness. He withdrew his arm, feeling a bit weary and uncertain if he would have to go out again tonight.
“We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Kang He stood around Fan Jing, saying, “Brother, how do you have such patience? I’m almost anxious to pieces!”
Fan Jing said, “Cold. Not used to it.”
Kang He saw he was sensitive to cold and had barely eaten dinner, and these symptoms matched the pulse, making him even happier.
His tone softened. “Okay, okay, whatever you say. If you really have a child, if you really are pregnant, at least you won’t be running around all night.”
Then Kang He began coaxing him, “Why are you so dry? I didn’t dare to secretly hope for this, and you gave me such a big surprise cold and alone—it’s making me unable to sleep tonight.”
“I’ll tell your parents now so they can be happy too.”
Fan Jing grabbed Kang He’s hand. “Wait until Doctor Zhu confirms the pulse.”
Kang He paused, then held his hand back. “Alright. Though I feel it’s a sure thing, I’ll follow your lead. I’ll stay right by your side tonight and take good care of you.”
Fan Jing saw Kang He babbling on nonstop, like a hen freshly laid an egg, shouting as if he wanted to announce it to the whole world.
Yet he was infected by the joy and his spirits lifted greatly.
The two of them celebrated this news for a good while. Their feet, warmed from the foot bath before coming inside, were already starting to feel cold as they finally lay down on the bed.
“Hey, when do you think it happened?”
Kang He wrapped around Fan Jing, gently rubbing his flat belly, trying to calculate the months.
“I don’t know.”
Fan Jing closed his eyes, feeling Kang He’s body stiffened against him, unlike Da Fu’s soft warmth.
“Since coming back from Fang County, we had only been together twice—both in recent days. Normally, morning sickness begins when the child is about one month old, so that means at least a month now.”
Kang He said, “By that reckoning, it happened back in Fang County, but it’s hard to say for sure. When Da Fu was found, I think he was two months along.”
He felt relieved, thinking it was good they hadn’t been too vigorous those past few nights.
Speaking of Da Fu, Fan Jing couldn’t help but recall how obedient the little guy was when he was in his belly. He had felt little discomfort.
He thought he was strong, but now with this little one, it seemed different.
He told Kang He, “Maybe this child will be more lively.”
Kang He gently soothed him, “Things at home now are much better than when Da Fu was little. If the child causes trouble, I’ll accompany you more. And with Brother Zhang helping with the pig slaughtering, you can relax.”
Fan Jing nodded, leaning into Kang He’s embrace, and soon fell fast asleep.
Kang He still thought Fan Jing’s words were baseless. Holding him gently, he too tried to sleep but found himself too excited to rest.
All night long, only the howling wind and snow could be heard outside.
The next morning, Kang He got up early. The two of them ate breakfast quickly and went straight to Doctor Zhu’s place.
After the diagnosis, it was confirmed—Fan Jing was indeed pregnant, over a month along.
Although they had accepted the possibility the night before, hearing Doctor Zhu’s definite answer finally lifted the weight from their hearts.
“We should tell Mom and Qiao’er as soon as we get back,” Kang He said, holding Fan Jing’s hand, his face as bright as New Year’s.
Unexpectedly, as they left Doctor Zhu’s, Fan Shoushan hurried to the same place. They just missed each other.
The two happily returned home to find Chen Sanfang still there. They wanted to share their news but found Chen Sanfang in a panic, saying:
“Where have you two been? I was just about to go to town when Da Xin Ge came to say your grandmother’s unwell. He urged us to come quickly.”
Kang He asked anxiously, “What’s wrong?”
“This morning, she wasn’t responding well. She should have woken up earlier, but we called her for a long time before she woke. Her complexion was ashen, breathing was shallow.”
Chen Sanfang said, “The old lady’s condition is serious; we need to go right away.”
Hearing this, Kang He and Fan Jing didn’t get to mention the pregnancy. They told Yihuan to close the shop and quickly went to the main house.
By then, Doctor Zhu had also arrived.
Everyone, young and old, crowded into the room, watching over Fan Nai who lay on the bed.
Fan Elder sat beside her, his head bowed, likely wiping away tears.
Kang He and Fan Jing stood behind, looking at the bed and feeling the situation was grave.
Since the raid by the bandits some time ago, Fan Nai had fainted from shock. Since awakening, her health had never fully recovered. She often murmured in her sleep, shouting that the bandits were invading the house.
Though not as mentally deranged as Deng Dalang, her condition was still far from good.
Doctor Zhu finished taking her pulse but said nothing inside the room and stepped outside.
Everyone tacitly followed. Doctor Zhu called Fan Shoushan and Fan Shoulin aside, with their wives listening in.
“The old are old; there’s always a day like this. Stop the medicines you’ve been giving. If she can still speak, give her whatever she wants and satisfy her.”
Everyone understood the meaning behind Doctor Zhu’s words. The two brothers couldn’t help but tear up.
Chen Sanfang and Zhang Jinguai were heartbroken but comforted their husbands.
Doctor Zhu offered a few consoling words. He had seen many scenes like this before.
“You are all very filial. She lived a worthy life.”
Fan Shoushan wiped his eyes and said, “If she had obeyed and gone to the mountains to avoid trouble back then, maybe she wouldn’t have fallen ill. But it’s fate.”
“No one expected the bandits to reach our village. Don’t blame yourself.”
Seeing the older generation crying together, Kang He went ahead to see Doctor Zhu out.
At the gate, Doctor Zhu told Kang He to stay a while longer with the family. He shook his head in sorrow. “Life is always a mix of joy and sorrow.”
Kang He’s mood was heavy. “Better that she didn’t die in pain.”
“That’s true. You have to think more openly.”
That afternoon, Zhen’er and Xiangxiu received the news and came together to visit Fan Nai.
Although the siblings had little affection from Fan Nai, they were all filial and willing to return to serve and say goodbye.
Everyone took turns watching over Fan Nai. Around the evening hour, her spirit departed.
Outside in the snow, firecrackers burst. Low sobs echoed from the house.
Xiangxiu, Zhen’er, and Qiao’er cried as well.
While Fan Nai was alive, the two girls had suffered many slights and grievances, but now that she was gone, dust returned to dust, and all quarrels and resentments passed with her.