That day, Kang He and Fan Jing accompanied Da Fu to Fan Xin’s private school; it was Da Fu’s first time attending the opening lesson as a fifteen-year-old.
Early in the morning, after eating breakfast, Da Fu could hardly sit still. He put on a pair of new tiger-head shoes made by Fan Jing and ran to the village road outside their home to wait for Shi Wu.
He stepped on small stones along the road, craned his neck to look ahead. The morning fog in the village was still quite thick, limiting visibility.
The April weather was slightly cool but not hot. Springtime in the village was just right—pleasant and comfortable.
The Fan and Xu families lived in the same direction, but the Fan household was closer to Fan Xin’s place.
Da Fu waited for about a quarter of an hour before seeing Shi Wu coming through the fog, led by his young father and grandfather.
He quickly ran forward to greet him. Shi Wu saw Da Fu waiting by the road and happily ran toward him.
The two boys reunited with great joy, holding hands as they ran ahead, leaving their fathers behind and heading to the private school.
“I was worried he’d throw a tantrum or cause trouble again, so I spent a lot of effort comforting him this morning. I was also anxious about him making a fuss at school. But now that he looks so happy, I can finally relax,” Kang He said to Xu Yang as they walked out together.
“Back when Da Fu first started school, the whole house was filled with the same worries. It’s tough for these two kids, but at least they both have the heart to study,” Xu Yang replied.
The two fifteen-year-olds entered the private school together. Fan Xin had just finished breakfast and found the place unusually lively. Several children gathered in one spot, chatting happily.
The two little rascals promptly slipped into the classroom. Da Fu learned that Shi Wu was also studying at his eldest uncle’s place and asked Fan Xin to save a seat beside him for Shi Wu.
Now sitting together, the boys felt immensely happy and excited.
When the time came, Fan Xin went into the classroom to teach. Kang He and Fan Jing glanced over at Da Fu, who sat upright and read aloud loudly and clearly—they had grown accustomed to this sight long ago.
Xu Yang and his wife, however, were less at ease. Their minds were filled with worry as they left their children to study.
But they didn’t linger long, for spring plowing kept Xu Yang busy with farm work. Even though his old father worried about the children, there was no time to stay and accompany them.
He entrusted Zhang Jinkui to keep an eye on the children. If they got rowdy, she was to go to their home and call Yuan’er to come.
So, the two parents went home first.
Kang He and Fan Jing didn’t stay long either; they still had to go out to slaughter a pig.
Before leaving, Kang He wondered aloud, “Why haven’t I seen Grandpa?”
Zhang Jinkui replied, “He ate breakfast early, wiped his mouth, and went out. Lately, he’s been spending time playing with some old men—it suits him well.”
Kang He nodded, “It’s good that Grandpa is willing to go out for a walk. If he stayed at home, it wouldn’t be good for him.”
When Fan Nai was still alive, the two elders were always together, watching out for each other. Fan Nai’s health was frail, so she often sat curled up on the kang (heated brick bed). Fan Grandpa would sit alongside her, keeping her company. Their bond was quite strong.
Kang He told Fan Jing this, and Fan Jing said that Fan Nai was actually Fan Grandpa’s cousin, several years older. Their family went through changes when they were young, so Fan Grandpa’s family took her in as a child bride. They had a bond since childhood.
Zhang Jinkui nodded, “Exactly. We all worry he stays cooped up at home, thinking about his late wife and feeling sad.”
After talking a bit about Grandpa’s state, the couple went home and then drove out.
As for Fan Grandpa, that day he went out with the idle old man from the Kong family to have some fun. The two of them were careless and lazy, wandering aimlessly through the village.
When they reached the western outskirts, they happened upon a hired farmhand from the Fan household tending the fields.
The farmhand didn’t know Fan Grandpa well, but seeing two old men standing and watching, he spoke up, asking what they wanted.
Fan Grandpa said, “These fields belong to my old family. I came over to take a look. Are the lands easy to manage this year?”
Hearing that these fields were Fan family property, the farmhand immediately became polite, answering kindly that the land was fertile and easy to care for, and it yielded good grain—speaking all the usual compliments.
Fan Grandpa looked spirited and healthy, seeming like a man in his forties.
He even took some seasonal fruit to eat, making the farmhand beam with happiness.
The old man from the Kong family also got some fruit, and he said to Fan Grandpa, “You really are something, raising two capable sons. Nowadays in our village, aside from the township head’s family, no one is more impressive than your old family.”
Fan Grandpa had just put on a proud face in front of his old friend. Now hearing more praise, he felt light-hearted.
“It’s not as good as you say. It just looks good from the outside,” he modestly replied.
The Kong old man shook his head, “You’ve got to have something to be noticed. Your family owns so much land and such a large house—ten or more rooms, very spacious. You have plenty of livestock at home. Not only our village but neighboring ones also rely on renting animals from your family to do work.”
“Speaking of which, with your good land and big house, if I were you, I would’ve already moved into that mansion long ago.”
Fan Grandpa said, “When the family split, it was decided I’d stay with the eldest brother. The land and money were divided accordingly, so there’s no reason for me to move now.”
“That was then,” the Kong old man said, “No matter how it was divided, they’re still your sons. Now you’re the only old man left, living all alone—how could you feel happy? If your sons are filial, they’d listen to you. I bet your eldest brother wants to honor you but just doesn’t know your thoughts.”
Fan Grandpa didn’t really take those words to heart.
As noon approached, Fan Grandpa headed back, catching sight of the large family home with green tiles and gray stone walls.
“Dad, why are you still wandering outside at this hour?”
Fan Shoulin returned from the fields and saw his old father standing outside, staring blankly.
“I went out with the Kong old man for a stroll. On the way back, I passed by your place.”
“Why not come in and eat? You’re already at the doorstep,” Fan Shoulin called, inviting him inside. “We can have a drink together.”
“I won’t go back yet. Your eldest brother and sister-in-law might come looking for me,” Fan Grandpa said.
Hearing this, Fan Shoulin called out to Lian Sige, “Brother Lian Sige, go tell my brother that Dad’s eating lunch at my place.”
Lian Sige said, “Then I’ll bring Da Fu’s meal over too, so little Xiang won’t have to make an extra trip.”
Fan Shoulin agreed and shouted into the house, “Xiao Xiang, fetch some water so Dad can wash his hands. Bring a cup of wine and get everything ready for lunch.”
“Hey, will Sir be having lamb wine or just light wine today?”
“Just a bit of lamb wine.”
Fan Grandpa quietly looked on, noticing how imposing he seemed now, unlike the timid way he behaved in front of his parents before.
At noon, Fan Dad and Fan Grandpa ate together in the side room. The rest of the family was outside; setting a big table wasn’t convenient.
When Fan Dad was alone at home, he usually ate casually—sometimes in the side room, sometimes downstairs with the others.
Fan Grandpa saw dishes laid out on the table: a plate of pork with garlic paste, stir-fried yellow chives with eggs, braised meat, a basket of meat buns, and a bowl of bean sprout soup. It was quite a feast.
“I had Xiao Xiang add a bowl of braised meat for Dad to eat with wine. It came from the shop; Dad used to bring it home often. I don’t know if Dad has gotten tired of it,” Fan Shoulin said.
Fan Grandpa picked up his chopsticks and took a piece of meat, “How could meat get boring? I love it.”
Fan Shoulin smiled and said, “When Sanfang came by, I asked her to bring some more for you. It’s good to honor Dad.”
The father and son drank and ate at noon, filling themselves comfortably.
In the morning, Fan Shoulin had fertilized the newly planted pepper trees and tended the lotus roots in the fields. It had been hard work.
After lunch, feeling tired, he invited Fan Dad to rest inside for a while.
Fan Shoulin didn’t sleep long—only about the length of one incense stick—before getting up.
He took his rake and went back to the fields, seeing Fan Grandpa still asleep in the side room, so he didn’t disturb him.
Though Fan Grandpa said he wasn’t going to sleep, he actually rested until the afternoon.
When he finally got up, Xiao Xiang brought water to help him wash his face and hands. After freshening up, he went outside to the courtyard, where his loyal helpers greeted him with care.
Lian Sige, Mou Dalang, and Old Liu all expressed their concern warmly.
Back at home, Fan Grandpa began feeling off—his nose felt stuffy, his eyes blurry.
He saw everything in the house as unsatisfactory: old, shabby, dim. He missed the servants and farmhands who used to fawn over him, but now only the lazy daughter-in-law, who dodged work and was slick with words, and the sharp-witted granddaughter-in-law who managed the household remained.
Fan Grandpa lay on his bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
That day, Fan Jing ate some dishes but felt nauseous and uncomfortable. Kang He handed the pig-slaughtering duties over to Zhang Shili, and Chen Sanfang and Qiao’er took care of the shop.
He told Fan Jing to rest at home for the day and said he would go out to check on the farm work and keep company with the children.
Fan Jing had a spell of nausea, so Kang He picked some sour plums from a tree for him to eat. It helped somewhat.
He kicked off his shoes and lay down on the soft kang, only to notice his feet were swollen.
Kang He saw this, brought some warm water for him to soak his feet, then gently massaged them.
Fan Jing frowned, “I didn’t walk much yesterday.”
Kang He said, “Swelling during pregnancy is common; don’t worry too much.”
“Dr. Zhu said the nausea should only last one or two months, but it’s been so long. Why is it still like this?”
With swelling in his feet, Fan Jing’s worries deepened.
Seeing his concern, Kang He comforted him, “Every pregnancy is different. Not everyone experiences the same. I just asked Dr. Zhu again yesterday. He said your body is fine; maybe the baby is just being troublesome.”
Hearing this, Fan Jing felt somewhat relieved. He found a soft pillow, leaned back on the kang, letting Kang He massage his feet.
The massage felt good, and his body relaxed. He was just starting to doze off when Xiao Xiang entered.
Seeing Kang He massaging the barefoot Fan Jing on the soft bed, her face flushed slightly as she prepared to leave quietly.
Kang He called after her, “What’s wrong?”
Xiao Xiang lowered her head, embarrassed to look at the two of them. “Madam Zhang from the main house has come. She said Old Madam Fan isn’t well and wants us to go see her.”
Kang He understood and said he’d go soon.
“I just saw Grandpa a few days ago looking lively, playing outside with the children. How did he suddenly get so bad?”
Fan Jing sat up, preparing to go have a look. “Maybe he caught a chill with the change of seasons.”
Kang He helped Fan Jing put on his shoes, and the two went to the main house.
Upon arrival, they found Fan Grandpa lying in bed, moaning and complaining loudly, continuously expressing discomfort.
“Grandpa, where does it hurt?”
“Shi Lang and Da Jing are here,” Fan Grandpa opened his eyes and glanced at the two, “I feel dizzy, my whole body aches. Maybe your grandma is lonely down below, so I’m going to sit with her…”
Kang He frowned, “Don’t talk nonsense, Grandpa. You’ll live to a hundred.”
Fan Jing saw Fan Grandpa’s sickly state and asked Madam Lu, “Did you call Dr. Zhu to see him?”
“Checked him, but they can’t find anything wrong. They gave him some calming medicine, saying he probably misses Grandma.”
Kang He listened closely and asked, “No typhoid fever or anything else?”
“Dr. Zhu said there’s no such problem.”
Fan Grandpa on the bed groaned even louder, “Maybe your grandma is calling me. Last night I dreamed she was lying next to me. When I woke up, I was covered in cold sweat. I can’t live anymore, it’s so painful~”
The two looked at each other.
Kang He sensed something was off and gently asked Fan Grandpa, “If you’re feeling this bad and Dr. Zhu can’t help, how about I take you to the city for two big doctors to check you out?”
Fan Grandpa waved his hand, “It’s all because your grandma is causing trouble. No matter how many doctors I see, it’s the same. No need to trouble you.”
Kang He said, “But it’s not right for you to feel this uncomfortable.”
Fan Jing suddenly blurted out, “Then get a master to come.”
Fan Grandpa’s eyes widened in anger, “Even if there’s a ghost in the house, it’s your grandma. What kind of master would you call? Do you want to chase her out of the house?!”
Kang He subtly tugged Fan Jing’s sleeve. Though his words were a bit too harsh, he didn’t want to anger Fan Grandpa further, signaling him to stop.
“Seeing you two talk like this, I feel less gloomy inside,” Fan Grandpa said weakly. “Once your dad finishes his work, have him come chat with me too. Old people have more discomforts; I appreciate your concern.”
Kang He and Fan Jing stayed a while longer before heading home. On the way, Fan Jing said, “I don’t think he has any serious illness. He’s just looking for attention.”
“Grandpa never seemed like an attention-seeker before. It shouldn’t be this way,” Kang He replied. “I think he wants to talk but can’t express it clearly to us. Maybe he wants to talk to his sons.”
At noon, upon hearing of Grandpa’s poor condition, Fan Dad rushed over and didn’t return for a long time.
Later, Chen Sanfang and Qiao’er came back from the county and heard about Fan Grandpa’s situation. They also went to see him.
Kang He and Fan Jing didn’t go, as they saw the children that morning and felt no big problem. They stayed home to prepare dinner.
Shortly after, the three wives came back together, and from afar, they saw Chen Sanfang with a dark, angry face.
“This matter, you didn’t even think about it. When the family divided, those two went with the eldest brother, getting the most land and the best house. They were the capable ones who did the work and enjoyed the benefits. Now that they’re old, they expect us to serve them,” Chen Sanfang started cursing as soon as she entered the yard.
“I always knew he favored the eldest brother, but now it’s worse than ever. I didn’t get any of the good things from them. I’ve endured a lot, but I refuse to serve him.”
Fan Dad looked at Chen Sanfang’s furious face and spoke quietly, “Dad can’t live at eldest brother’s place, so he said he wants to change his residence.”
“Mom scared him, so he’s afraid. He can’t sleep at night or eat properly. There are reminders of Grandma everywhere at eldest brother’s place, so he keeps thinking about her. He never mentioned these things before; it’s not to trouble you,” Fan Dad explained.
“He hasn’t done anything wrong; why be afraid of Mom? He clearly wants to come live here and made up an excuse pretending to be sick to fool your silly brother. And you actually fell for it,” Chen Sanfang fumed, “If he wasn’t pretending, why does he only say these things to you? This morning when Shi Lang and Da Jing went to see him, he didn’t say a word, but when I came, he kept quiet. It’s just to control you.”
Kang He and Fan Jing heard the commotion and stepped out, asking, “What’s going on?”
Qiao’er snorted softly, “Grandpa wants to move here to live but can’t say it outright, so he’s pretending to be sick. Dad is a good-hearted and filial son trying to bring him here.”
Kang He’s brows twitched; he had suspected something that morning.
Since the elders were a generation apart, and Grandpa’s two sons were still in their prime, it wasn’t his place to meddle in their arrangements.
He asked, “What do the eldest uncle and the others think?”
“What else could they think? They’re probably eager for Grandpa to move here so they can have more freedom,” Chen Sanfang said angrily. “Grandpa said he can’t live at home anymore. Eldest uncle didn’t say anything and pretended not to know what to do. Your dad rushed to say Grandpa should come here. Who knows if Grandpa really wants to move or if they just coaxed him to say that.”
Kang He found it difficult to contradict Fan Dad. After all, Fan Dad was Fan Grandpa’s own son. How could he watch the old man unhappy?
Besides, Fan Dad was filial. After Fan Nai passed away last year, he secretly cried several times.
“Let’s just discuss the situation calmly for now. Maybe Grandpa’s health will improve in a few days. Old people are like children; sometimes when they’re unhappy, they stir up trouble.”
That night, Fan Dad and Chen Sanfang were still arguing about this matter in the house. Kang He and Fan Jing were inside and occasionally heard the noise.
While rubbing his swollen foot, Kang He said, “Our house has plenty of rooms. If Grandpa moves in, it won’t be crowded. We also rent out some rooms, so we don’t need to personally serve him much. Everything can continue as usual.”
“Now that the family is wealthy, the sons wanting to honor their father is only natural. Dad is much better than those ungrateful people who don’t care about their parents.”
Fan Jing knew Kang He was trying to comfort him. He was willing to talk more.
“Dad wanting to honor Grandpa is natural; sons should do that. Mom being unhappy is also understandable. Grandma and Grandpa didn’t like her, often giving her the worst food. Now that she has to live under the same roof, how could she be happy?”
He looked at Kang He again. “Besides, the good life at home isn’t because of Dad’s efforts.”
Kang He understood that Fan Jing meant the family’s prosperity was due to his planning. “That’s true, but the present wealth is from the whole family’s collective effort. Everyone contributed and supported each other. I don’t mind if Grandpa moves in or not. But if he comes and lives well without causing trouble, that’s good. If he keeps stirring up trouble, that’s not good.”
Fan Jing said, “Let them discuss it themselves. Family matters are tricky. If things go wrong later, don’t blame me.”
Previously, Fan Grandpa refused to go to the mountains, scared by bandits while staying at home. He often muttered that if he had gone earlier, maybe Grandma wouldn’t have developed heart palpitations and could have lived a few more years.
At this point, his eldest uncle came out, admitted his faults, and tearfully said he hadn’t taken good care of Grandma.
Fan Grandpa held his son’s hand, speaking kindly and without blame.
If he didn’t blame his own son, then who else?
Though he never said it openly, Kang He sensed that this was why Grandpa stayed low on the mountain. Hearing Fan Jing defend him warmed his heart.
He said, “Alright. I’ll listen to you.”