Chapter 108: Reluctance

At night, with the whole household gathered together, Kang He took the opportunity to recount the news from this morning about Xu Yang’s visit to everyone.

“大fu is already over eight years old. Since the Xu family has brought it up, why not take this chance to send him to the private academy in the city? This is something we would have to ask for sooner or later, so it’s better to take advantage of this opening now.”

The whole family knew that Dafu loved studying. It was rare for a child to be so eager to learn, and in truth, he should have been sent to Xu family’s private academy in the city earlier to broaden his horizons.

They had just been worried about the child being too young and felt reluctant to let him go.

But now, it was no longer wise to delay. Childhood was the best time for learning—if such precious years were wasted, there would be nothing to do but regret it in the future.

“We should send him. He must go to Master Xu’s private academy.”

Master Fan never expected his descendants to pursue academic success. His vision wasn’t far-reaching; he thought that as long as the family didn’t lack food and drink and lived in a comfortable house, that was already the best life.

Yet, he also understood that if the descendants could achieve even a modest degree of fame through scholarly success, the family’s status and legacy could endure longer.

“But Dafu is still just a child. Someone has to look after him. If he goes to the city, where would he stay?”

Kang He said, “That’s exactly what we need to discuss at home. I know the family won’t object to sending the child to study in the city, but finding a place for him to stay is the problem.”

“Xu Yang is straightforward; he said Dafu could stay at the Xu family’s house.”

“Master Xu already has many children to teach during the day, plus looking after Dafu might be difficult. If Dafu has to stay as a guest at someone else’s house, then it’s better to have him stay at Zhen’er’s place.”

Chen Sanfang said, “Zhen’er loves Dafu the most. Her husband Luo Chuanyi is a scholar, and the Luo family has a good scholarly tradition. If Dafu stays there, with his eyes and ears open, he will learn a lot.”

Kang He nodded in agreement. If the child were to stay as a guest, Zhen’er’s home was definitely the better choice, after all, she was their own aunt.

“I was thinking, why not take advantage of this to look for a place in the city? We have saved some extra money, and it wouldn’t be a bad thing to buy property. Life is peaceful now, and the population will surely grow. Real estate prices in the city will rise eventually, so establishing some assets early on is wise.”

At this, Fan Jing spoke up, “Aren’t you still thinking of setting up a shop for business? Shouldn’t we handle both at once so the money can be managed better?”

Now that the family business was growing and the ventures expanding, life was looking up, but expenses were also increasing. It was no longer like when they were poor and could grit their teeth to spend almost all their savings on land and goods.

Back then, as long as there was a meal to eat, they could be bold, for they had hit rock bottom.

But now, with a big business and money circulating constantly, and two children to support, everything had to be done carefully and steadily.

Kang He understood Fan Jing’s concerns and said, “Then let’s put these plans on the table and slowly look around. It’s not like we are afraid of rain or wind—whether looking at shops or houses, everything depends on fate.”

Chen Sanfang nodded, “That’s right. But Dafu’s going to study in the city can’t be delayed any longer. The sooner he starts, the sooner he benefits. Tomorrow, I’ll first inquire about Zhen’er’s willingness. If it’s convenient, we’ll have Dafu stay there temporarily; if not, we’ll think of other arrangements.”

Seeing this, Fan Jing warned Chen Sanfang, “Don’t trouble Zhen’er too much.”

He feared the Luo family might not be pleased, and besides, Zhen’er had just given birth to a healthy baby boy last year, so the little one needed constant care. He worried Zhen’er might get overworked.

“I know what’s appropriate.”

The next day, Chen Sanfang and Erxi prepared four large baskets of seasonal vegetables and fruits, loaded them onto a cart, and went to the Luo family.

When Zhen’er saw her mother arriving, she happily nodded and called for the young maid to prepare Chen Sanfang’s favorite drinks and rice cakes.

“Mother, you’re here for a visit, but why bring so many things?” She looked at the fresh vegetables, still glistening with morning dew. They must have been picked early from the fields.

Chen Sanfang said, “They’re from our own land, more than we can eat. Your brother and brother-in-law have been buying land in various villages these past two years. The family’s hired farmers often send over fresh produce, so we hardly use anything from our own land. Your brother-in-law said he wanted to open a new shop to sell vegetables.”

“You all need to buy vegetables in the city. Though it’s not expensive, it’s not as fresh as our own. I’ll send a basket to your grandfather and grandmother, another to your eldest brother and sister-in-law, and what’s left will be for us.”

Zhen’er nodded happily and said, “Brother and brother-in-law are always so capable. Mother and I have thought of everything.”

Chen Sanfang looked at the rosy-cheeked Zhen’er and patted her hand, “The family is always thinking of you. Knowing you’re living well with the Luo family is a relief.”

“I’m doing well at the Luo family. Grandfather and grandmother don’t trouble me. Eldest brother and sister-in-law manage the household and treat me kindly. Chuanyi passed the scholar exam and hasn’t slackened off. He’s still aiming higher.”

Chen Sanfang nodded in satisfaction. Taking advantage of this, she said, “Speaking of studying, Master Xu has always encouraged his two children to study together. He wants Dafu to join them at the private academy.”

“Isn’t that wonderful news? Chuanyi, let me know when you’re free so I can visit. I can see he’s grown quite a lot these past two years.”

Zhen’er also felt pleased. “Dafu loves reading, so the family prospers. But nurturing a scholar is no easy task.”

“Your brother and brother-in-law plan to buy a house in the city to make studying convenient for Dafu. Though he’s always been sensible, unlike younger Fu who’s spoiled, the family still hesitates to let him go.”

Hearing this, Zhen’er said again, “City housing is complicated. Finding a good place isn’t easy. Now that Chuanyi passed the scholar exam, the family’s finances are a bit more flexible. We want to find a spacious home. Brother has connections and spent over a year before finding a satisfactory place. This can’t be rushed.”

She grabbed Chen Sanfang’s hand, “I was planning to return home in the next few days to discuss moving into the new house, but I haven’t found the time yet. Mother, let Dafu stay with me for now. The new house is spacious enough; he won’t have any trouble. He can study while Chuanyi watches over him. Isn’t that good?”

Chen Sanfang was glad that Zhen’er brought this up herself and happily agreed. “That’s good, but I worry Dafu might disturb your household. Your husband has his exams and is busy. How about your grandparents?”

“Grandfather likes scholars and won’t say much. You know Chuanyi’s temperament—he’s the gentlest person. There’s no way they won’t agree.”

Zhen’er said, “Mother, please go back and tell brother and brother-in-law first. I’ll come over in a day or two to discuss it with them personally.”

“Very well.”

The mother and daughter talked for a while before Chen Sanfang went to see her two grandchildren. After eating lunch at the Luo family, she returned home.

That afternoon, Zhen’er told her husband about having Dafu stay with them. Luo Chuanyi had no objections. Later that evening, the couple informed cousin Yun and Luo Tongsheng.

Although the child would live in their courtyard, since they shared the same roof, it was necessary to keep the parents informed.

“They understand the arrangements for the child and are willing to send him to the city for schooling. Your classmate named Fan is good at teaching children to read and write, but teaching more advanced knowledge might be difficult.”

Luo Tongsheng had no objection to his daughter-in-law bringing over her nephew and educating him.

Still, he couldn’t help but feel proud. As Tongsheng, his own son was already a scholar at a young age, which was a point of pride in the county. Over the past two years, he had received much praise, which made him more arrogant.

Luo Chuanyi, hearing his father criticize his cousin’s academic ability, couldn’t hold back, “Father.”

Luo Tongsheng saw the displeasure on his son’s face, sipped his tea, and chose not to say more.

Cousin Yun said, “It’s nothing else but I worry Zhen’er will have to take care of both An and Zhang. With Dafu coming, she might be overwhelmed.”

Zhen’er said, “That’s not a problem. Dafu is sensible and doesn’t require much care. Plus, Qiuxue helps with looking after the children, so my wife won’t feel too tired.”

Cousin Yun nodded. “Once the child is here, I’ll have Dongmei from our house come over to assist.”

The next day, Zhen’er rode the mule cart back to her parents’ home. The cart’s mule was the same one her eldest brother had led when Luo Chuanyi passed the scholar exam.

Her family treated her kindly, and she was happy to be able to repay them a little.

Yesterday, after hearing Chen Sanfang’s words, Kang He and Fan Jing did not go to the city but stayed home, spending the evening at Zhen’er’s house, enjoying a family reunion dinner.

“Brother and brother-in-law didn’t mention earlier that Dafu would go to the city to study. If they had, I would have brought him over sooner.”

Zhen’er spoke to the gathered family. Though Luo Tongsheng’s words the day before had been unpleasant, they were true—Fan Xin was good at teaching the basics, but teaching advanced knowledge was more difficult.

“Buying a house in the city is a good thing. We can take our time looking. Dafu can stay with me for now, and Chuanyi can teach him. When the house is ready, we’ll bring him back. He can even stay here until he achieves a scholarly degree.”

“I also thought about how hard it is for you to take care of two children, so I didn’t want to keep this from you.”

Kang He was touched by Zhen’er’s care for Dafu.

Zhen’er said, “These days are good. The hard, exhausting days of childhood are over. Taking care of two or three children is nothing, especially with help from family. I often think about the days when I took care of Dafu at home. I want to bring him over. I’m very happy about it.”

Seeing Zhen’er’s sincerity, Kang He agreed without objection. The whole house happily ate their meal.

With the matter settled, Kang He and Fan Jing prepared gifts: one to send to the elder Fan Xin, one to Master Xu’s household, and one to the Luo family.

Dafu had studied with Fan Xin for several years. Though he was his elder uncle, the debt of gratitude for education could not be forgotten.

Now that Dafu was good at studying and well-behaved, it was partly thanks to Fan Xin’s careful teaching. Since the child was to study elsewhere, it was proper to express thanks.

In the future, since Dafu would study under Master Xu, it was customary to formally present a token gift upon becoming a disciple.

As for the Luo family, since Dafu would be living there for an uncertain length of time, it was proper and courteous to visit and present gifts.

Kang He and Fan Jing took Dafu to visit the three households in turn.

By the time the affairs were done, more than half a month had passed.

In early July, the Luo family moved into their new residence, and Dafu could finally settle in.

Within two or three days, the family packed up his clothes, books, study tools, and some of his favorite toys.

The family still felt reluctant to part with him, and Fan Jing spoke even less than usual over these days.

Dafu was even more attached to Fan Jing than to younger Fu. Since birth, Fan Jing and Kang He hadn’t spent much time with him, but after business was done during the day, Fan Jing would spend some time with him at home.

Now that he was going to the city to study, they would hardly see each other.

On the night of the day Dafu moved into the Luo family’s house, he didn’t eat much dinner, saying he wanted to go to his room to do his homework. He washed up early and went to bed.

But once in his room, he didn’t grind ink to practice calligraphy nor open any books to read. Instead, he kicked off his little shoes and lay down.

Dafu was both happy to study with Chuanyi in the city and relieved to stay with the aunt who had cared for him since childhood. There was nothing unpleasant about that.

But truly parting from his uncle, father, younger brother, little aunt, and grandparents made his heart ache.

Especially after what his grandmother had told him earlier that day, he felt somewhat sorrowful.

When Fan Jing came into the room, he saw Dafu holding the clay toy he often played with as a child, staring blankly at the bed, dull and without light in his small face.

“小 Dad?!”

Seeing Fan Jing quietly enter, Dafu quickly sat up on the bed.

Fan Jing came over and sat beside him. “Going to bed so early tonight?”

Dafu pursed his lips and responded with a hum, “Tomorrow I’m going to Aunt’s house. Going to bed early means getting up early too.”

Fan Jing noticed how fast Dafu was growing. In the blink of an eye, he had sprouted quite a bit and was almost as tall as him around the waist. Compared to younger Fu, Dafu truly looked like the big brother.

Though he had grown tall and fast, he was still just an eight-year-old child with Kang He’s features, full of youthful innocence.

“You’re always so sensible.”

Uncle Kang had already told him many things about how to behave at his aunt’s, and Dafu had earnestly remembered them, feeling no sourness or tears.

But hearing his uncle speak now without saying much, he couldn’t help the sting in his nose and his eyes reddened.

He threw himself into Fan Jing’s arms, hugging his waist without a word, but inside, he was filled with reluctance, quietly sniffling.

Fan Jing felt uneasy seeing his son like this. He wrapped him in his arms and gently patted his back.

“If you don’t want to live at your second aunt’s, then you don’t have to go. I’ll tell your father. When we find a new house, you can live there too.”

Dafu knew that both father and uncle cared for him, but despite his sadness, he had no intention of refusing to go.

He hugged Fan Jing’s waist and said, “Aunt’s husband is a scholar. He always helps me practice calligraphy. His knowledge is profound. If I live with Aunt, I’m sure I can learn a lot.”

“I’m just… just a little reluctant to leave you, Uncle.”

Dafu felt a bit embarrassed to say this. He thought of himself as a big boy. It was normal for younger Fu to cling to their father and uncle, but for him to feel this way was not very manly.

Fan Jing sighed softly. Such a sensible child made one want to spoil him.

He wiped the tears hanging under Dafu’s reddened eyes.

“Uncle is reluctant too.”

Hearing this, Dafu pressed against Fan Jing’s chest and asked, “Will you come to see me often?”

“I and your father will be busy managing business in the city. We’ll come to see you during the day. Master Xu’s academy isn’t far from our shop.”

Dafu felt somewhat comforted. He rubbed against Fan Jing, feeling more at ease but still a bit sad.

He quietly asked, “If I live at Aunt’s, and don’t see Uncle and Father often, will they dislike me?”

Fan Jing frowned slightly. “How could that be?”

After a moment, he realized something was wrong and asked, “Who told you that?”

Dafu sniffled, “Grandmother said that if children don’t live with their parents, they won’t be close after a while.”

Fan Jing frowned even more. “Your grandmother talks nonsense. It’s not new. Don’t believe her words.

Whether you’re with us or not, you’re born of your uncle and father. No matter where you go, you’re the one the family cares about. How could they not like you? If anything, they’ll worry about you more.”

Dafu believed Fan Jing’s words. His worries settled deep inside, and he felt reassured.

He cuddled against Fan Jing, knowing how hard his uncle worked all day and that he should rest early, but he still wanted to cling to him.

He coquettishly said, “Can Uncle sleep with me tonight? When I go to the city, I probably won’t see Uncle for a long time.”

Fan Jing ruffled his hair and replied, “Go to sleep now. Uncle will wash up and come soon.”

Dafu happily hugged Fan Jing’s neck and rubbed against him, urging him to hurry so he could sleep after he left.

Seeing Dafu cheer up again, Fan Jing finally left the room. As he stepped outside, he saw Kang He arriving, seemingly also intending to check on Dafu.

Kang He looked at Fan Jing standing still outside the door and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Fan Jing didn’t answer but went inside. While taking off his coat to wash up, he said to Kang He, “We should find a proper house in the city as soon as possible.”

Kang He raised his eyebrows, guessing that father and son had just spoken.

He approached and asked, “You miss Dafu already?”

Fan Jing didn’t deny it and nodded.

Kang He sighed, “I miss him too. Actually, it’s not necessary for Dafu to live at the Luo family. But since he loves studying and has a scholar uncle, that’s an advantage many scholarly families don’t have. If someone is willing to teach him, why waste the opportunity?”

In this era, education was a rare and precious resource. Without a good teacher and good books, how could he compete with the children of the great families in exams and stand out among scholars?

At first, Kang He didn’t think to pin great ambitions on Dafu. He hadn’t even thought about rushing to send him to school. But since the boy loved learning, how could a father not consider it?

Seeing Fan Jing and the child about to be separated saddened him, and he felt worse himself. He held Fan Jing’s hand.

“Honestly, I was selfish in this matter when we first considered it. But I agree with you. Let’s find a house in the city quickly. For now, Dafu can stay with the Luo family. When the house is ready, we’ll bring him home.

In the city, he can learn from his uncle more easily than in the countryside.”

Fan Jing looked at Kang He. “I don’t blame you.”

Kang He chuckled, “Of course not. As fathers, we can’t help but worry and care for the children.

Go wash up. It’s late. Don’t keep the child up. Tomorrow he’ll leave home, so tonight is a rare chance to be close.”

Fan Jing agreed and washed up before going to the room to rest with Dafu.

Dafu was afraid Fan Jing would change his mind, so when he saw him really come, he was overjoyed.

He nestled in Fan Jing’s arms, smelling the fresh scent of his bath, feeling especially safe and comfortable.

His childish mood gone, he spoke at length about going to the Luo family, studying hard, helping Aunt with chores, getting along well with An and little Zhang, and about taking the scholar exam in the future to honor Uncle and Father.

Fan Jing smiled faintly at these words.

He decided to let Dafu enjoy himself; if he became unhappy, he would bring him home.

The two talked for quite a while before falling asleep.

Outside the room, those who had been standing nearby, seeing no more sounds from within, finally returned to their rooms to sleep.