Chapter 111: Unromantic

When Kang He arrived at the He family home, the place was buzzing with excitement and celebration, as if it were New Year’s.

Having twins—a rare occurrence of a dragon and phoenix born together—was so uncommon that no one within ten miles had seen the like. When news spread of such joyful news at the He household, how could anyone resist coming over to join in the fun and marvel at the miracle?

Kang He saw the two infants snugly wrapped in soft swaddling clothes, looking tender and delicate. Since they were twins, each wasn’t very heavy—lighter even than when Da Fu was born, and certainly not as hefty as Da Fu had been.

Their faces were still indistinct, neither strikingly similar nor different.

To Kang He, newborns mostly looked alike, except for some differences in weight.

“They’re truly adorable. Look at them—one’s perfect, and the other too. Such a lovable pair.”

He Qiu, who had already woken when Fan Jing arrived earlier, looked a bit weak, but the joyous flush on his face could not be concealed. He smiled at Kang He and said, “I just told Da Jing that we didn’t realize it was twins when we were pregnant, so we only prepared one set of everything. Now that there are two, we have to scramble to prepare another set.”

“For twins, such a big blessing, even if it means preparing four sets instead of two, it’s not something to complain about.”

Kang He gently held both babies—one in each hand was easy enough. His face was filled with tenderness; after raising two children himself, he had developed a deeper affection and love for babies. This was something he hadn’t known before becoming a father.

No matter how he looked at it, it was a good feeling. Fan Jing, standing nearby, also fixed his gaze on the two children. His eyes reflected a visible ease and joy as he picked up some candied fruit from the table and popped it into his mouth.

Kang He asked, “Have they been named yet?”

Zhang Shili cheerfully stepped forward to hold one of the babies and said, “Not yet. Dad said we’ll wait until they’re two or three years old before giving them official names. For now, we just call them Da Bao and Er Bao.”

Kang He had heard some folk wisdom that it wasn’t best to give a child their formal name too early, in case the child didn’t survive. Waiting until they were two or three, healthy and strong, before naming them avoided bad luck.

His own two kids were born healthy, so they hadn’t bothered with such precautions.

The He family’s twins were a rare blessing, so being cautious and particular was only natural.

“The formal names don’t need to be rushed. While the kids are still little and just wandering around the house, there’s no need to announce their official names.”

“Which one is older? Who’s the eldest?”

“The elder is the sister, and the younger is the brother.”

Kang He smiled and said, “The hundred-day banquet should be celebrated grandly.”

After spending quite some time at the He household, they were invited to share an early dinner. After eating, the couple took their carriage and returned home.

By the time they arrived, it was already dark. Even Da Fu was asleep. Chen Sanfang was still waiting for them, eager to hear about the babies.

Upon hearing about the dragon and phoenix twins, she was both surprised and happy, slapping her thigh excitedly. “How capable you all are! I need to prepare two big red envelopes. When I have time, I’ll come over to soak up some of that good fortune.”

She muttered to herself, “Tomorrow I’ll tell your eldest aunt about this joyous event. She’ll find it quite a rare thing.”

Kang He couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t get your eldest aunt worked up again. I ran into Xiang Xiu recently, and she said your eldest aunt has already had grandchildren. She keeps going on about grandsons until her mouth was all blistered by the time she got home.”

Chen Sanfang laughed heartily. “I just went to check if her mouth was better.”

Fan Jing listened to their idle chatter and, without joining in, was ready to go back inside.

Seeing this, Kang He also stopped talking and followed Chen Sanfang back into the house.

The two were frugal; they shared a bucket of hot water and washed up in the clean room. When they came out, they blew out the candles and lay down on the bed together.

“Brother He and Brother Zhang have finally made it through the tough times. Now that they have children, their lives hold new hopes and expectations. The two of them raising their kids together is truly a fulfilling thing. Life really is about having someone to depend on.”

Kang He was still thinking about the twins he’d seen earlier that day and how Zhang Shili had looked as happy as a fool. He felt amused and that life was indeed full of flavor.

Fan Jing was also happy for He Qiu and Zhang Shili. He had been in good spirits all day. Maybe that’s why, after returning home and taking a bath, he was particularly lively.

Once the lights were out and they were in bed, Fan Jing started chattering nonstop about the events of the day. Kang He simply listened, occasionally responding with a hum.

Seeing Fan Jing so quiet, Kang He couldn’t resist pinching his waist and teasing him, “You just know how to hum. After all these years, you and I are like an old married couple. Sleeping in the same bed, is there really nothing more to say?”

Fan Jing opened his eyes and glanced at the person beside him in the dim moonlight. Half-shrouded in shadow, his sharp nose and lean profile stood out. “You’re all talk and no action,” he muttered.

Kang He wanted to get up and pour him some water, but Fan Jing pulled him back.

“Are you sure you can’t…”

Before Kang He could finish, he was cut off.

Lying on the bed, enduring the other’s playful assault, the two had kissed a thousand times over the years, yet Fan Jing still seemed to struggle with it. There was always a slight awkwardness, but it was precisely this that touched Kang He deeply.

Fan Jing pressed down on Kang He and kissed him for a long while. When he finally released, his lips tingled. His hand still clutched Kang He’s collar.

“You feel even firmer now.”

Kang He chuckled but wasn’t in a flirtatious mood today. He pulled Fan Jing closer and said, “What is it? Envious of other people’s twins after seeing them today?”

He kissed Fan Jing again.

“Other people’s might be nice, but no matter how nice, it’s no match for your own.”

Fan Jing played along and asked, “Are you unhappy using birth control?”

Kang He knew Fan Jing was talking about the contraceptive lamb’s intestine sheath. After Da Fu was born, he had gone out and bought it.

He privately didn’t want Fan Jing to suffer the burdens of childbirth anymore. They were still young and strong, and it wasn’t like they couldn’t handle it. Even if they wanted to reduce frequency, it was tough. They didn’t want to risk Fan Jing’s health with medication, so this was the only option.

Such items weren’t cheap, and they had spent quite a bit on their private use.

Using birth control wasn’t as good as not using it at all.

It was a mutual thing—they both felt it, and Fan Jing couldn’t possibly not feel it.

Kang He had wondered if it was much worse than modern methods. After all, he’d tried modern ones before and could compare.

“There’s no unhappiness when doing this with you.”

Kang He kissed Fan Jing’s ear. Though teasing, he truly meant it.

Fan Jing smiled softly and resumed their play.

After some days, winter arrived and the weather grew cold.

Fan Jing and Kang He packed some thick clothes and sent them to the Luo family along with Da Fu.

The cold weather made Da Fu’s hands stiff and red from writing. Seeing this, Fan Jing made him two pairs of rabbit wool gloves.

Zhen’er also made him a hand warmer for school. Teacher Xu said that studying required strong willpower, so no coal stoves were allowed in the classroom during winter.

Kids sitting still for long periods inevitably got cold, unlike running around outside.

But Da Fu didn’t like using these things. He said carrying a hand warmer made him lazy, and wearing gloves meant an extra layer between him and the pen, making it harder to write well.

His family was happy to see him study hard all year round, though they felt both proud and worried.

After spending some time at the Luo household, they returned to the shop and had some hot soup.

Bao San Ge entered, wearing fluffy earmuffs and puffing out his breath.

“I heard your neighbors, the Zhang brothers and Brother He, had twins. Such a blessing!”

Kang He and Bao San Ge poured hot soup for each other.

“It’s true. When the hundred-day banquet is held, we’ll invite you for a drink.”

Bao San Ge rubbed his cold hands. “I’ll definitely come for a good drink to share in the joy.”

He then asked about Kang He’s new shop and when it would open.

The renovations were mostly done, but the cellar still needed work. The master stonemason they hired was busy, so the job was scheduled for later this month and was just beginning.

Bao San Ge said, “There’s no rush to open the shop. It’s better to take the extra ten or fifteen days to get everything done properly.”

Then he said, “My cousin-in-law has a birthday at the end of the month and invited me to celebrate. You should come too.”

Kang He asked, “Is it a big birthday celebration?”

“Not really. Just a regular birthday with some relatives and friends. It’s winter, so people don’t go out much. This city is pretty quiet around this time.”

“Will you be free? If so, you should come.”

Kang He agreed. When invited, it was only right to go. If busy, they’d at least send a gift.

On the day, Kang He wanted Fan Jing to go with him, but Fan Jing refused. City banquets were formal affairs, with men and women seated separately.

Fan Jing didn’t know many people from the Xu family and was naturally not sociable. Sitting on the sidelines, talking to others would be awkward, and people talking to him wouldn’t be comfortable either, making the hosts unhappy.

Kang He understood and didn’t insist. It was a waste to send a gift and then not enjoy the banquet together, but if it wasn’t comfortable, there was no point.

He still dressed properly, wearing decent clothes, looking tall and handsome as he went to the Xu family.

Xu Zhandian was probably fond of lively gatherings. His birthdays always drew many guests, and the house was full that day.

Bao San Ge was there too, greeted Kang He, and introduced him to a few people in secret, urging him to make friends and not waste the trip.

Kang He, encouraged by Bao San Ge, mingled and started conversations.

He found Xu Zhandian glowing with happiness and congratulated him a few times, making Xu laugh heartily.

Soon, the banquet began. Kang He invited several new acquaintances to join him at the table. They ate and drank together, enjoying many cups of wine.

By the end of the banquet, Kang He felt tipsy and decided to say goodbye to Xu Zhandian.

Xu was even more drunk, his face flushed red, but he was very happy to see Kang He.

“Brother Kang, you coming to support us today means we didn’t treat you well enough. We haven’t made you enjoy yourself fully.”

“Xu Zhandian, you flatter me. Your kindness and generosity are already more than enough. I had a great time and didn’t embarrass myself. It was all very enjoyable.”

After some more small talk, Xu suddenly remembered something. Taking Kang He’s hand, he wobbled slightly as he pulled him aside.

“I just thought of something. Brother Kang, I heard you’re looking for a house. I should have told you when I heard it, but I’ve been so busy with county affairs and this banquet that it slipped my mind. Luckily, I remembered now.”

“There’s a family named Luo in this city. The head of the household is a scholar I know well. He told me the other day he’s going to the capital at the start of the year and probably won’t return to Luan County unless necessary.”

“He has a house he planned to keep empty, but I honestly advised him that even a vacant house needs life. If left empty for two or three years, it’ll fall into ruin. It needs someone to manage and maintain it.”

“He loves his old house and agreed with me. He intends to sell it before leaving.”

Xu Zhandian said, “Since I know you need a place, I told him to wait a bit. I can tell you about the house first so you can go see it. If you like it, I won’t mention it to anyone else.”

Kang He perked up and asked, “Is it in that place? The house on Chaoxi Lane?”

“Exactly. The Luo family has had scholars for generations. That house is a Kui Xing residence. Your kids study too, so living there would only be good.”

“If it wasn’t a good house, I wouldn’t recommend it.”

Though Kang He hadn’t seen the house, he knew that among the county residences, those in West City were best, and among them, Chaoxi Lane was the most prestigious.

The residents there were notable figures, and few houses ever went on the market. Those that did were often traded quietly through connections.

The few that went through brokers were usually hyped up and priced sky-high, making agents a fortune.

Hearing this news, Kang He was especially careful. He politely thanked Xu Zhandian.

“If I can go see the house, it would be a great fortune for me.”

Xu, still drunk and wavering, said, “If you want, I can arrange for you to meet him. Unfortunately, he had something today and couldn’t come to the banquet. Otherwise, I’d introduce you right away.”

“Tomorrow, I’ll speak with him and have someone get back to you.”

Kang He thanked him repeatedly, feeling excited on the way home.

Though drunk, he planned to rest first. Finding a house was important. He told Fan Jing about the news from Xu’s home, washed his face to sober up, and together they went to the west side of town to inquire further.

They didn’t want to miss the opportunity by acting rashly, nor did they want to believe everything at face value.

Their inquiries confirmed that there indeed was a Luo family on Chaoxi Lane, just as Xu said. The family had scholarly ancestors, some more successful than others, though none were high-ranking officials, they belonged to a reputable lineage.

Kang He also carefully investigated whether any bad incidents had occurred in the house, like murders, which sellers might hide.

Ordinary births, deaths, and illnesses were fine, but a tragic event would make it unsuitable—especially with elderly and children in the household—because it could bring unease or stir trouble.

If there were such issues, officials would usually know, even if the southern and eastern parts of the county didn’t, the nearby districts would be aware of rumors.

Kang He settled his mind somewhat. His dealings with Xu Zhandian were not deep, so he couldn’t fully trust him. Asking sensitive questions directly was awkward, so he had to investigate privately.

Fan Jing took the matter seriously and accompanied Kang He for a long time.

The next afternoon, Bao San Ge came by with news that the Luo scholar had agreed they could visit the house anytime.

Upon hearing this, Kang He and Fan Jing quickly dropped their tasks and followed Bao San Ge to see the house.