Kang He and Fan Jing went together, first paying respects to the owner of the house, Scholar Luo. This man wore a simple blue robe, broad-shouldered and upright in posture, his expression composed and gentle, possessing the refined demeanor typical of a scholar.
They had heard that this scholar was over forty years old, but judging from his appearance, he seemed much younger. Without knowing his age beforehand, one might have mistaken him for someone just over thirty.
Both parties were guests of courtesy. Scholar Luo welcomed the two husbands and showed them around the house.
“This residence has been expanded and renovated since it was first built, now totaling sixteen rooms in all. These include the main hall, side chambers, smaller rooms, kitchen, ancestral hall, stable, and carriage house…
Though the elders above wished to build it larger and more spacious, there is no extra land left in this alley to expand. Besides, the men in the family have ambitions beyond this place; they refuse to stay put in one corner for their entire lives. They venture into the wider world, so over the years, only I remain to look after this house.
Though not grand or spacious, the house has everything complete—small but functional.”
Kang He found Scholar Luo’s speech a bit flowery and responded politely.
In truth, the residence was not small. Having over a dozen rooms, along with a garden and a small pond for landscaping, it was quite spacious—definitely more so than their rural home.
But how could a village dwelling compare to one in the county town? Especially here on Chaoxi Alley in the West City.
Setting aside grander comparisons, the house was indeed meticulously designed and elegant. Even though Kang He was not an expert in feng shui or interior decoration, he could still see the careful layout.
The residence had many carved gates and latticed windows, each step offering a new scene. Painted on the courtyard walls were images of deer, fish, and bats—symbols conveying wishes for prosperity, abundance, and happiness.
In the garden were planted magnolias, symbolizing wealth and honor; evergreen bamboos, representing integrity; and pomegranate trees, signifying many children…
Kang He had visited several well-to-do city homes—like the Xu family’s residence, the newly built Luo family house, and even Xu Zhandian’s home—but none surpassed the elegance of Scholar Luo’s place.
After the tour, Scholar Luo’s servants prepared tea, and he invited Kang He and Fan Jing to sit and drink.
Privately, Kang He asked Fan Jing, “Do you like it?”
Fan Jing had not formed many opinions yet, but just by looking around, he thought it was a good house.
He also walked through it carefully and found nothing wrong or inappropriate, except for a dog hole hidden under a pomegranate tree in the backyard garden. Other than that, all was well.
Hearing Fan Jing’s confirmation, Kang He felt more certain.
“I heard that Scholar Luo plans to leave Luan County in a few years, so I suppose he wants to settle the house early. Since we are simple country folk and not good at subtlety, I’ll be frank—I hope Scholar Luo won’t take offense.
Now that you and your husband wish to find a suitable home to settle down, and to bring back your foster son from his uncle’s place, it would be good for the family to reunite.
Fortunately, Xu Zhandian was kind and quick to help connect us, allowing us to come and see Scholar Luo’s residence. To be honest, his house is tastefully decorated and beautiful. It’s also very quiet, making it quite suitable for the boy to study and live. If Scholar Luo finds you both agreeable, you can discuss the price.”
Scholar Luo had also heard from Xu Zhandian that the Fan family intended to buy a house for their son’s studies.
Scholars often have a certain pride, caring much about their reputation. Whether buying or selling, or handling any affairs, they prefer to use lofty words to make things sound dignified.
Now the Fan family wanted to purchase a home to support their child’s education. Selling to such people was a good story: first, out of pity for a father’s heart; second, understanding the hardships of pursuing study.
“A difficult matter for parents everywhere. Since you are willing, how could I refuse?” Scholar Luo said.
They began discussing price. Scholar Luo asked for 680 guàn.
Though Kang He and Fan Jing had mentally prepared for a high price, hearing this made them inwardly take a sharp breath.
Their rural homes were mostly spacious, built for a little over 200 guàn. Though they knew it wasn’t comparable, this house was really expensive.
Kang He had tried to inquire about prices beforehand, but houses on Chaoxi Alley were rarely put up for sale, and transactions were few, making prices hard to confirm.
Bao San Ge, who was well connected and knowledgeable, told Kang He some inside information: houses with under ten rooms usually ranged from 300 to 400 guàn; those with up to fifteen rooms went from 400 to 500 guàn; and those between fifteen and twenty rooms priced between 500 to 600 guàn.
But those were market prices. Actual deals depended on negotiations, especially since houses like this often had a price but no buyers, making the price uncertain.
By market standards, Scholar Luo was asking a high price. His house just happened to have sixteen rooms, slightly more than fifteen, which made it a bit delicate.
Although it was a good home, several hundred guàn was a major matter. They would have to bargain hard; tens of guàn was the yearly profit of a single shop.
Bao San Ge smiled faintly but said nothing.
Bao San Ge explained, “There’s an old saying: no rules, no standards. Big deals go back and forth three times. First round, the seller quotes the highest price, the buyer quotes the lowest, neither gets angry or upset. The second and third rounds are when the real bargaining happens. Of course, both sides expect to give some ground.”
Scholar Luo was silent for a moment. He hoped to get a better price. Since he planned to go to the capital, expenses would certainly not be small. The more money he could bring, the better.
Going to the capital empty-handed, how could he make friends among great scholars, or study freely?
Actually, if he wanted a high price, putting the house in the hands of a broker would certainly get him better offers.
But he couldn’t bring himself to do that. Then everyone would know a scholar was selling his home for money, and he would lose his dignity in the eyes of the county’s scholars.
That was why he told Xu Zhandian that no one managed the house, and Xu Zhandian cleverly persuaded him to sell it and quickly found a suitable buyer.
Scholar Luo said, “Well then, I’ll lower it a bit—to 660 guàn, and we can call it a deal.”
Kang He heard the concession but wasn’t satisfied. He smiled slightly and politely said, “Scholar Luo’s home is spacious and beautiful. I’m willing to raise the offer to 600 guàn. But we are ordinary folk with limited means. We simply cannot go higher. If it doesn’t meet your price, I’m sorry we couldn’t reach an agreement.”
Hearing Kang He’s offer, Scholar Luo was secretly pleased. “It’s not that I’m unwilling, but I have carefully maintained and cherished this house. Every scene and detail took much effort. I cannot lower it below this price.”
Bao San Ge, as the middleman, urged again. Kang He refused to raise his bid, and Scholar Luo would not lower the price further.
Negotiations stalled. Both sides drank their tea, but the deadlock remained. Scholar Luo set down his cup and thanked his guests, and Kang He and Fan Jing, with Bao San Ge, took their leave.
“This house is indeed good, but the price is really high,” Bao San Ge sighed. “Even if a wealthy merchant came to buy it, they would be cautious. After all, no one’s money grows on trees.”
Kang He shook his head. “I understand that. Seems we aren’t fated to have this house. It’s Scholar Luo’s beloved home; it’s normal he won’t lower the price.”
“Sorry to have wasted your trip,” Bao San Ge said.
“Not at all,” Kang He replied. “Though we didn’t settle on the house, I still got to see it.”
Bao San Ge said, “You and Brother Fan don’t be impatient. I’ll keep an eye out for you. Also, big house deals like this rarely settle at once. There’s usually room for negotiation later.”
Kang He thanked Bao San Ge, understanding his words were meant to comfort. Houses elsewhere in the city might be like this, but Chaoxi Alley was especially difficult.
Still, everything is about fate. If the house is meant for them, after twists and turns it will be theirs. If not, even if it’s bought, they won’t keep it for long.
After sending Bao San Ge off, Kang He and Fan Jing returned home and discussed that once the new year’s holiday was over, they would check a few well-located residential alleys to inquire about suitable houses for sale.
Contacting the owners directly could lower the price compared to going through brokers, and might uncover homes brokers hadn’t listed.
Fan Jing agreed. “After the new year, Da Fu will rest too.”
About ten days later, Kang He and Fan Jing went to bring their son, Xie Liu, home.
Xie’s father had long wanted to have his son work for Kang He, but the boy was too young before.
Now that a new shop was ready to open in the city and more hands were needed, and since Xie Liu was thirteen years old, literate and numerate, it was time to train him to help with business.
Kang He thought to have him live at the new shop, spend his days observing the shops, and then practice at the pork butcher’s to get familiar with business dealings—a good way to build confidence.
People’s temperaments vary. Some are outgoing but not suited for business, which requires face-to-face dealings. It’s not as easy as it seems.
Early training was good: if he fit the role, great; if not, they could make other arrangements early on.
“Uncle Kang, this shop is so big! Spacious and bright!”
The thirteen-year-old Xie Liu was tall but thin, like a bamboo pole.
He was delighted to hear he’d work in the city, having thought he might be stuck tending the family’s animals back in the village.
Kang He smiled. “It is indeed spacious, but once you start cleaning every day, you might think it’s not so fun.”
Xie Liu laughed brightly. “I won’t mind. Even if I have to clean three or five times a day, I’ll be happy to do it.”
Kang He laughed and took Xie Liu to settle him in a room at the back courtyard, also showing him the kitchen and other places.
When they arrived, someone had already packed his bedding and clothes into chests and brought a cartload.
After showing him around the shop, Kang He left him to arrange his sleeping quarters.
Afterwards, Kang He and Fan Jing went off to meet with a craftsman to dig a cellar.
Just then, Bao San Ge hurried over. His forehead was dripping with rainwater.
Outside, it had started raining, but inside the shop they hadn’t noticed.
“You made me search for you, thinking you’d be over at the pork shop. On the way here, I got caught in the rain without an umbrella and was soaked like a drowned rat.”
Hearing the voices, Xie Liu put down his work and came out. Seeing Bao San Ge, a stranger to him, he was quick to fetch a stool and a dry cloth to help wipe his face and hair.
Turning to Kang He, he said, “There’s everything you need in the kitchen. I’ll light a fire and boil some hot soup to warm this gentleman up.”
Kang He nodded, and Xie Liu quickly got to work.
Bao San Ge looked at the boy wiping his face and asked Kang He curiously, “Who is this lad? Very clever.”
Kang He smiled. “A child we know from the village, brought here to help in the city.”
Bao San Ge nodded. “You’ll need help at the new shop. This lad looks capable.”
Kang He was pleased with how Xie Liu handled things. Then he asked Bao San Ge, “You came here in such a hurry. Is there something urgent?”
“Since you’ve distracted me, I’ll say it’s about something else,” Bao San Ge replied, glancing toward Fan Jing, who was leaning against a pillar watching the cellar dig. “Brother Fan, this is good news. Come listen.”
Fan Jing usually ignored their chatter, knowing it rarely involved good news, but he came over.
Bao San Ge beamed. “I’m talking about big deals like buying a house. It’s seldom settled in one go.
Guess what? That Scholar Luo had me bring a message: if you add a bit to your previous offer, the house will be sold to you.”
Kang He and Fan Jing were surprised. They hadn’t expected the Luo family to contact them again so soon.
Though they had said they’d consider and continue negotiations, three or five days had already passed, which seemed a bit long.
“Why has the scholar changed his mind? He shouldn’t have trouble selling this house.”
Bao San Ge laughed. “You don’t know. After you two didn’t agree, the Luo family privately found another buyer. I didn’t mention it, fearing you’d feel disappointed.
This new buyer is a merchant family. Somehow they made a fortune quickly and act very flashy.
They visited the Luo house and were pleased, so they sat down to talk price. Scholar Luo named his price, and the merchant did not lower it. Actually, their offer was higher than yours, but the merchant didn’t understand a scholar’s dignity. The deal fell through, and the merchant even angered Scholar Luo.”
Originally, the merchant offered more than 600 guàn, and if they had just talked politely, the scholar would have sold to them.
But the merchant tried to haggle by nitpicking: saying the wood used was poor quality, that a roof corner was damaged, repairs would cost a lot.
Merchants often use this tactic to force sellers to accept low prices.
This might work on ordinary folks, who might be unhappy but powerless.
But the Luo family, with generations of scholars, weren’t used to such disrespect. Although they were humble and kind to guests, they wouldn’t tolerate a merchant belittling their property.
Scholar Luo immediately changed his attitude and rejected the merchant, not leaving his home for two days.
“Thinking it over, he probably saw you two were sincere buyers, willing to pay a bit more but also to uphold dignity.
Scholars, unlike common folk, can’t leave out money in transactions. Sometimes for a little pride, they’re willing to compromise on silver.”
Bao San Ge asked, “Have you found a new place? Are you happy to have this house?”
Kang He and Fan Jing exchanged a look. Of course they wanted it. Though negotiations had failed before, it had been amicable.
Bao San Ge saw their interest and smiled. “Then how much more will you offer? I’ll let him know.”
Kang He glanced at Fan Jing to see his opinion.
Fan Jing said, “Since he’s already willing to reduce twenty guàn, we’ll add twenty too.”
Kang He and Bao San Ge chuckled softly.
Shortly after, Xie Liu brought out some hot soup. Bao San Ge drank and waited for the rain to let up before taking an umbrella and leaving.
He was soaked through and couldn’t go straight to the Luo house, needing to dry off first before replying.
Kang He and Fan Jing felt restless but hopeful. If the deal succeeded, after the new year’s holiday, Da Fu could move into the new home, no longer needing to stay at the Luo family’s place.
If not, they’d at least have a place to stay for a while.
They didn’t have to wait long. The next day near noon, snowflakes fell outside when Bao San Ge came with news: the Luo family had accepted the price.
Kang He and Fan Jing were delighted.
They hurried to finalize everything before the new year.
The Luo family prepared two contracts, and Kang He and Fan Jing paid 200 guàn as deposit.
They thought Scholar Luo would move out only after the new year, but since there was a buyer, he planned to leave this year.
He wanted to spend the new year in the prefectural city, and then travel north to the capital in the spring, when the flowers bloomed.
Just hearing this plan stirred their hearts.
Kang He was glad he would move out early.
In early December, the couple brought gifts and remaining house payment and visited the Luo family again.
By then, the Luo household had almost finished packing and cleaning.
After paying off the house, they received the deed and the front door keys from Scholar Luo.
The scholar was pleased with the gifts, not for their value, but for the sincere heart behind them.
Before leaving, he asked about where Da Fu studied and who his teacher was.
“He originally studied under Scholar Xu. His uncle is Scholar Luo. It’s quite a coincidence.
I once had long conversations with Scholar Xu about books and philosophy, and we got along well.
Though we seldom contacted the Luo family, I’ve heard Scholar Luo is a rising star who passed the imperial exam young—a true prodigy.”
Hearing of the Fan family’s scholarly background, Scholar Luo was even more pleased.
He took a stack of family heirloom books and rubbings and gave them to Kang He and Fan Jing as a gift.
“Though I met you late, just before I leave for the provinces, if I had stayed here longer, we surely would have often met.
You two are truly kind and decent,” Scholar Luo said.
“Please accept these family books as a token. May your son one day achieve great things and honor the education you’ve given him.”
Kang He understood how precious these books were and thanked Scholar Luo deeply, offering blessings in return.
With the house settled, Kang He prepared two more gifts and red envelopes: one to Xu Zhandian, thanking him for helping connect them, and one to Bao San Ge, thanking him for running errands related to the house deal.
Though they were friends, gratitude was necessary; otherwise, who would willingly work so hard on one’s behalf?
This cost another twenty or thirty guàn.
That explained why Kang He insisted on bargaining hard for the house price. After all the haggling, the saved money went to thank those who helped.
If they hadn’t bargained, all that money would have come out of their own pockets, which would have been a big loss.
In any case, this matter that had weighed on their minds for half a year was finally settled.
In the following days, family members came to the new home.
They also hired people to do simple repairs and purchase household items the house lacked.
Scholar Luo had lived there all along and had the house repaired yearly.
This time, not much needed fixing.
But when the family left, they took away all valuable furniture, leaving the house empty and a bit bare.
They had to buy essential household items anew.
Kang He and Fan Jing visited various woodshops to buy furniture at agreeable prices.
Setting up the home cost nearly a hundred guàn.
Kang He knew the prices well. Previously, furnishing a rural home had cost a few dozen guàn, but furniture then was cheaper and made of inferior wood.
Though they bought about half again as much this time, the price was much higher.
Kang He shook his head. For this house, he had spent over seven hundred guàn in total.
Luckily, they had saved some money over the past two years; otherwise, it would have been difficult.
While busy with the house affairs in the city, Kang He also arranged to sell several acres of rural land.
He wanted to make a show—to let people know the Fan family was handling big matters, but was not overly extravagant.