That morning, the heat was already stifling and oppressive. Kang He and Fan Jing took Da Fu to the Luo family’s place, checked on him in his room, and tidied it up again. They only returned to the shop after having lunch at the Luo household.
After all, Da Fu had been coaxed and comforted thoroughly the day before, so he seemed content enough living at Zhen’er’s place now.
The couple left just before the rain started.
During the first few days, Da Fu hadn’t yet started attending the county school. Staying idly at the Luo household felt somewhat uncomfortable. During the day, it was manageable as he played with his cousin An’er. His uncle and Master Luo questioned him with lessons from the school, which was better than nothing.
But at night, when everything grew silent, lying in bed tossing and turning without sleep, he felt homesick.
The Fan family was also unsettled. Having one less child at home, Chen Sanfang’s appetite worsened, and she often went to the city to check on the shop, visiting the child frequently.
Even little Fu suddenly poked his head in one day and asked, “Brother? Where did Brother go?”
After four or five days, once the county school had a break, Da Fu went to study at Xu’s county school, where he met the familiar Shiwu, which lifted his spirits considerably.
But after just two or three days in the new school, Da Fu realized that his classmates in the classroom knew more characters, read more books, and understood more classical allusions than he did. Everyone spoke confidently and openly.
He had been a top student under Uncle Da Xin, but coming to the city, he found himself falling behind his classmates.
Da Fu felt a little ashamed. He thought to himself that he had fallen far behind his peers, and that lying awake at night, staring at the moon and the fireflies, was a sign of weakness and lack of ambition.
His father was constantly away working, understanding well how formidable city education could be. That was why he had gone to great lengths to send Da Fu from the countryside to the county school—to broaden his horizons and increase his knowledge.
Da Fu couldn’t behave like a homesick, ignorant child, wasting this good chance to study. That would be to betray his father’s intentions.
One night, Da Fu suddenly came to a realization and perked up. He said to Shiwu, “We two started learning at the countryside private school. Now that we’re the same age as the city classmates, their knowledge is far greater than ours. But we can’t just fall behind because we’re less knowledgeable. We have to work hard and study even more, to catch up with them.”
Shiwu nodded vigorously, his head bobbing like a pecking chick: “Yes, not only catch up but surpass them! Some of them aren’t so good and even talk behind our backs, calling us country bumpkins just because our knowledge and learning aren’t up to their standard.”
The two friends encouraged each other. Da Fu felt reinvigorated. During the day in class, he studied hard and asked questions. At home, he finished his homework and then went to Luo Chongsan to seek clarification. He was diligent and serious.
Slowly, the homesick feelings were completely replaced by his studies. Even Master Luo praised Da Fu whenever he saw him.
Meanwhile, Kang He and Fan Jing began putting the matter of finding a house on their agenda. They asked Third Brother Bao to keep an eye out and also enlisted some other connections. Whenever they had time, they would visit pawnshops to see if any new properties were available.
That day, Third Brother Bao came running up to Kang He, his face flushed with excitement.
He boasted to Kang He, “You better give me a fat soft-shelled turtle before I tell you this good news.”
Kang He laughed, “That’s easy. Tomorrow I’ll catch a fresh one from the pond and bring it to you for soup. Don’t keep me in suspense. Tell me, is there a lead on a shop?”
Bao replied, “I’ll hold off on the houses for now. This news is about a prime shop on South Street! Remember I told you before, there were rumors at the county office that the official shops might be for sale? Well, I’ve confirmed the news—it’s really for sale.”
“The price is good too. The shop facing the street that you liked isn’t very spacious, but the one with a cellar in the backyard is exactly what we need.”
Bao made two finger gestures to Kang He, meaning two hundred guan.
Kang He was overjoyed. “That’s such a good price?”
The shops on the main street that were worth looking at generally cost three to four hundred guan. In recent years, prices had risen, as had rents. Their pork shop and the one owned by the He family, though stable in rental for years, had also seen some increase in value.
Previously, the rental price was around one guan per coin, but now the rent for the He family’s shop was nearly three guan.
“The county office isn’t making a big show of selling this shop. The information is tightly controlled and only known privately. The price isn’t publicized loudly, because being below market value shows honesty—that’s common practice.”
Bao said, “If you want this shop, hurry up and prepare the silver. Also, bring a nice gift. I’ll take you to meet the official in charge of the property office—Xu Zhuandian. He’s the one handling this.”
Kang He was eager. The past few years, their fields had expanded, growing more melons and fresh vegetables. He had been thinking of setting up a shop in the city to sell produce. Although the profit margins were thin, the sales were good.
Looking it over, a shop with a door and a cellar was perfect for storing fresh vegetables. It was hard to find a better match.
The news was solid, and the price was good.
Kang He grabbed Bao excitedly, asking all sorts of questions. He was hoping the opportunity wouldn’t slip through their fingers so easily.
Bao saw that Kang He was serious and explained a few more details.
Kang He was satisfied and prepared accordingly.
Fan Jing also wanted to buy a house but knew that opportunities like this should not be missed. If a suitable shop was available, they would grab the chance.
The two of them brought out three hundred guan, and prepared two boxes of dried chili spices, four bottles each of chili oil and mountain pepper oil, and twelve jin of rapeseed oil.
They also brought a box of smoked delicacies—smoked duck, smoked chicken, smoked goose, smoked rabbit, and smoked ham.
Another small box contained marinated fragrant treats, like quail and soft-shelled turtle, which were rare on the market.
These foods were just one part of the offering. They also sealed a red envelope with thirty guan inside.
Although the shop’s price was low, they knew it wasn’t possible to get such a bargain without giving gifts and smoothing the way. This was a necessary expense.
Even so, this was still far more cost-effective than buying from a pawnshop at market price.
Afterward, they invited Third Brother Bao to check things out. Kang He nodded and, with the gifts in hand, went to meet Xu Zhuandian, the official in charge of the property office.
Bao really had connections, knowing county officials. Kang He roughly guessed that Bao had a cousin married to Xu Zhuandian for a couple of years now. With this family connection and Bao’s knowledge of city affairs, they were well regarded.
Taking advantage of the shop purchase, Bao introduced Kang He to his cousin’s husband.
Kang He had run his business in the city for several years but didn’t have any official connections. Bao recognized this and kindly arranged the introduction. Kang He treated the opportunity seriously.
“This brother of mine not only runs his business well but is also praised for his honesty in the community. More than that, he’s a loyal and upright man who does good for the county,” Bao bragged to Xu Zhuandian.
“One year, the county had a gang of kidnappers who even dared to steal children under the magistrate’s nose. People came forward to report it, and the magistrate was worried sick. But those kidnappers were crafty, and the officials couldn’t find any leads.
“Luckily, this brother of mine ran into one of the thieves in the countryside. Together with you, sir, they arrested the thief, turned him in to the authorities, and through relentless investigation, captured the entire gang. The magistrate even awarded him twenty taels of silver as recognition!”
Xu Zhuandian smiled warmly, “You say that, I’d like to hear more about this case. It was under the previous magistrate, Pei Xian Gong. I didn’t expect this brother of yours to be such a fine man.”
“Not to mention the previous magistrate’s time, even under our current Magistrate He, two years ago when bandits caused trouble, this brother of mine helped capture them too. Who would dare defy him?” Bao said.
“Ah, that really shows courage and wisdom! Kang Xiao Lang does such good work for the county and deserves praise!” Xu said. “Opportunities in the county office are rewards for good citizens who help maintain peace. You run a big household and have such good character. You are someone the people and county can rely on.”
Kang He modestly replied, “The magistrate is just and clear-minded. The county officials work fairly and outstandingly. That’s why the county and countryside are stable and prosperous, allowing the common people to live in peace.
“Capturing kidnappers and bandits is only what any citizen should do. It just so happened to fall to me. Anyone else would have done the same. There’s nothing to boast about.”
“Rather, it is thanks to the exemplary conduct of officials like Magistrate He and you, Xu Zhuandian, that the county folk are honest and brave,” Kang said.
Xu laughed heartily and turned to Bao, “Your brother here has a way with words. Come, have some tea—it’s good tea sent from out of town.”
The three talked harmoniously for a while.
Before parting, Xu Zhuandian hinted to Kang He that in three days, at a certain time, they should come to the county office property department and formally go through the motions to buy the shop.
After leaving the Xu residence, Bao was beaming as he told Kang He, “My cousin’s husband likes you. Since he’s given instructions, the matter is already more than half settled.”
“I must thank you greatly, Third Brother, for introducing me to Xu Zhuandian. Otherwise, a small-town commoner like me would never have had the chance to drink tea with an official like him,” Kang said gratefully.
Bao replied, “I used to think you looked down on these things, so I never tried to connect you before. Now that I see you’re so eloquent, I’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities.
“We’ve known each other for so long. Forget about thanks and all that—let me tell you honestly: knowing you is good for me too.”
The two of them happily walked back together.
As for Xu Zhuandian, he was quite pleased with the gifts Kang He had brought. He examined the smoked meats and smelled the aroma, sure they were smoked with fruitwood—very rare and fine.
Not only were they good for himself, but also perfect for gifting.
His young wife, Bao’s cousin, proudly said, “If he weren’t capable and sincere, my cousin wouldn’t have introduced him.”
Xu Zhuandian smiled foolishly, “Indeed, your brother is a good man. That’s why I’m willing to share this information with him.”
Three days later, Kang He prepared the money, carrying an extra one hundred guan note just in case something went wrong midway. Early in the morning, he arrived at the county office.
He waited outside until the incense burned down a bit before entering the property office.
Inside, Kang He saw not just one but three others—besides himself, two more businessmen were present.
He thought it appropriate, as there were three shops on South Street. Three buyers were fitting.
Kang He was polite and respectful. Although this wasn’t his first time at the county office, it was his first visit to the property office. He knew these were influential officials, and one wrong word or action might offend them.
These were the real power players of the county, not ordinary small merchants to be trifled with.
“Please come in and proceed according to the regulations,” said Xu Zhuandian with a serious yet friendly expression, tempered by the presence of his superior, the property department chief.
Kang He didn’t pretend to be familiar but bowed slightly. The others entered one by one and were questioned by the chief about their origins and identity. This process was no different than the usual registration.
Kang He guessed that the officials here had some leverage, so the questioning was probably just a formality.
After the others were asked, it was Kang He’s turn.
Suddenly, from outside came a clear voice: “Has the sale begun? I’m late, I suppose.”
Several officials looked out. The property chief stopped questioning and greeted warmly, “Master, what a surprise! Are you here to inspect official business?”
Xu Zhuandian was recording notes but stood up upon seeing the Master’s arrival.
“The property office chief works swiftly. Don’t take offense that I’ve come to supervise. I just heard the shops that were confiscated from some unscrupulous merchants are being circulated here, so I came to join the excitement,” said the Master with a smile.
The Master was accompanied by a man dressed like a merchant.
This man followed the Master inside, immediately apologized for being late, nearly missing the scheduled time.
The officials inside were slightly stunned. The property chief said, “You’re just in time. We were just getting started.”
He then invited the merchant inside to participate.
The Master didn’t leave but sat to the side smiling. The meaning of this was obvious to everyone.
Xu Zhuandian noticed the tense expression and dared not speak. He exchanged a glance with Kang He.
Right then, Kang He realized the sale of this shop was likely in jeopardy.
Sure enough, after briefly checking the four merchants’ information, the property chief said, “We have recorded your details. The property office will assess and notify those accepted to come sign and receive the deed.”
Kang He stepped out of the county office and exhaled heavily. It seemed this trip was in vain.
Back home, he told Fan Jing what happened at the county office.
“Three shops, but surely one merchant will go home empty-handed. I watched coldly. It seemed like the deal could have been signed today, but then the Master showed up and suddenly changed the rules at the last moment.
“I suppose all the merchants came through connections. No one can say outright who gets the shops, so they just told some to go home and wait for news.”
Fan Jing frowned upon hearing this. Although she knew not everything could go smoothly, this incident still left a bitter taste. “Let’s wait and see.”
At the county office, Xu Zhuandian sorted the documents registered that day and couldn’t help complaining to the property chief, “What does that Hou Jiang think he’s doing, barging in unannounced with a merchant in tow and suddenly changing the rules? He’s just making things difficult for us.”
The property chief’s face darkened. “That Hou Jiang acts like the magistrate’s favorite and never respects us veterans here. The property office always has to deal with his affairs.
“He’s short-sighted. A while ago, that rough soldier Zhan Yuanwu said a few words that displeased him, and he took it to heart, badmouthing the soldier to the magistrate.
“Now the weather’s so hot, the magistrate has us patrol at noon to prevent heatstroke. The poor fellows look like lumps of coal, and just yesterday, one of them collapsed from the heat.”
“Everyone knows Zhan Yuanwu is blunt, a warrior with no tact, but we still gave him a hard time. Who else in the county office dares to cross him?”
Xu Zhuandian bit his tongue, knowing the property chief wasn’t bluffing. Everyone knew this Master was foul-tempered but was put in place by the magistrate.
He also knew the previous arrangement was now impossible. The three merchants were all set, the three shops just right.
The Master’s sudden interference was clearly to make room for his own side. Besides Kang He, who else could he remove?
Of the three merchants, one was the property chief’s relative, one was the land registration chief’s son-in-law, and the third was Kang He, Bao’s introduction.
He certainly couldn’t offend the other two officials.
Xu Zhuandian was frustrated. He thought that given Kang He’s background, he could have won the competition fairly.
But such a prime opportunity was rarely opened for public bidding by the county office. He sighed over Kang He’s misfortune.
Though feeling many twists and turns, Xu still put on the face of a gracious official. He took out Kang He’s file and said, “I see you are slightly less qualified compared to the other farmers and merchants. Let’s drop this round.”
The property chief was pleased. “You’re always a competent official.”
He then comforted Xu, saying that next time there would be a good assignment and he could handle it then.
That day, Third Brother Bao came to Kang He looking dejected and said the shop was bought by another merchant.
“If it had been some other merchant, it would be fine. But it was that leather trader Duan Jia. Remember the invitation to the Master’s birthday banquet? You refused to give it, so I sold it to Duan Jia. I didn’t expect him to go through the Master’s connections and snatch our spot.”
Kang He had already expected failure and, after several days without news, accepted the reality.
Bao’s news wasn’t surprising, but he was somewhat dismayed that Duan Jia had become acquainted with the Master because of the banquet invitation.
“It’s just bad luck on our part. No one to blame.”
Bao apologized, “My cousin’s husband feels embarrassed and has no face to see you. He said I should come by and retrieve the gifts you sent earlier. We really don’t deserve such kindness.”
Kang He replied, “I visited Xu Zhuandian’s home to drink tea and pay respects. It’s proper to bring gifts, no shame in taking them back. I understand the change in circumstances that day and Xu’s difficulties. It’s not your fault at all.
“This is a big county town. If we can’t buy one shop, we’ll be patient and keep looking.”
Bao nodded, “That’s what I told you. I know your temper well. If you ever hear of another opportunity, you’ll be the first person I think of.
“I heard you’re focused on your children’s education and looking for a house. I promise to keep you in mind for a place in the west city. There are many scholar families there, so if you buy there, it’ll be easy to make acquaintances, and good for the kids’ studies.”
Kang He thanked Bao sincerely, “Xu Zhuandian is busy with official affairs and didn’t even consider my small matter. I really feel touched.”
They chatted a bit more before Bao left.
Kang He thought to himself that if there was any chance of a house, that would be great, though he dared not expect too much. Who knew if Bao was just being polite?
But this matter made Kang He realize the importance of official connections.
In the past, he had thought it enough to manage his business well and never bothered to network with officials.
Now he saw that to take root and establish oneself in the county, one must plan carefully.
Looking back over the years, whenever the village had good policies, he was always the first to know thanks to Xu Yang, which gave him a head start.
Their family had standing in the village, and though there were some whispered criticisms, everyone was polite on the surface.
It was partly due to their family heritage and friendship with the local influential Xu Yang.
The county and city were the same—officials had broad influence and were complex, but so were the opportunities.
To have a place, one must not only have skill and talent but also connections and relationships.