Chapter 113: Winter of the Thirteenth Year of Fenghe

After the fifteenth day, Luan County was gripped by a heavy snowfall, with goose-feather-like flakes drifting down from the sky, creating a truly magnificent sight.

Da Fu sat at the head of the classroom, breaking down the classical allusions that the teacher had lectured on that morning, writing down his own insights. From this, he also composed an essay of less than five hundred characters.

He was immersed in the sea of his studies, completely unaware of the world outside, only vaguely sensing that the weather seemed colder than usual today. When he finally finished his writing and set down his brush to stretch his fingers, he suddenly realized the classroom was empty, save for the cheerful sounds of children playing in the garden outside.

Da Fu looked out the window and saw the snow falling thick and fast, blanketing everything beneath an endless white. The green bamboo in the garden was already draped in a silver coat, and the ground was covered with a thick layer of snow.

Most of his classmates were outside shoveling snow and building snowmen, making the scene lively and bustling.

Da Fu noticed that Shiwu was out there too, and despite the bitter cold, sweat was beading on his forehead, his cheeks flushed bright red. It was clear he’d been playing outside for quite some time.

Standing by the window and observing the scene, Da Fu’s thoughts turned homeward. On such a snowy day, he wondered how Father, Uncle, and Little Fu were doing.

He imagined that his younger brother at home would also be unable to resist running outside to play in the snow—always a bit mischievous.

Father and Uncle were probably still busy running around slaughtering pigs.

Thinking of their busyness, it had already been more than ten days since he last saw Father and Uncle, who used to visit every three to five days.

Lately, Da Fu found that his days passed rather easily with his studies, only regretting that the hours spent reading weren’t enough. He hadn’t thought much about home until now.

But now that things had quieted down a bit, and realizing how long it had been since he last saw his family, a faint pang of homesickness tugged at his heart.

He comforted himself: at the end of the year, Father and Uncle were busy and had no time to visit. Besides, the academy would be closing soon for the holidays, and he’d be able to return home for the New Year, enjoying more than half a month of rest.

“Zhongyang.”

Lost in thought, Da Fu heard a call and turned to see Tutor Xu approaching.

He quickly bowed, “Teacher.”

Tutor Xu came in and saw Da Fu standing alone in the classroom. He immediately noticed the freshly written, still-ink-wet essay on the desk. Picking it up to read, a slight smile appeared on his face.

“You have a keen insight that’s quite unusual, child. You clearly have some natural talent, and yet you also work diligently. When you first came to the academy mid-year, you were only in the middle tier, but after half a year of study, you’ve risen to the top ranks of the classroom.”

Tutor Xu was very pleased with Da Fu, not only because of his academic aptitude but also his earnest spirit. He couldn’t help but pay special attention to this boy, even though he wasn’t related to his own family.

Hearing Tutor Xu’s praise, Da Fu modestly replied, “I came late to the academy and am a behindhand student. I don’t have the experience of my classmates who have studied here for many years. I can only put in extra effort to catch up. Any progress I’ve made is thanks to the teacher’s guidance.”

Tutor Xu laughed and patted him down to sit, “I teach you one thing, and you study another. Compared to others, you grasp things faster. I suppose your uncle Luo, the scholar, has answered many of your questions as well.”

“Yes. Uncle has always been very patient with me. I’ve learned a great deal.”

Tutor Xu nodded with a smile, “That’s why I came to see you today—I have something I want to ask your opinion on.”

Da Fu replied respectfully, “Please, Teacher, go ahead.”

“There will be the children’s imperial examination early next February. It’s an annual event to assess students, and the academy always sends students to participate. Originally, I wasn’t inclined to have you and Shiwu take part. For one, you two are still quite young, and you only came to the city to study this year,” Tutor Xu said slowly to Da Fu. “However, I see your essays flow smoothly, your texts are well memorized, and your poetry and prose are also quite good. You’re already capable of taking the exam.”

“My meaning is this: why not enter the exam hall and try it out—not with the aim of passing, but to gain experience. One day in the exam hall is worth more than ten days in the classroom. Are you afraid to take the exam at the start of the year?”

Da Fu hadn’t expected Tutor Xu to believe he was ready. He felt a surge of excitement and said, “I would be very willing to take the exam!”

Then he asked, “Will Shiwu be taking the children’s exam next year?”

Tutor Xu shook his head, “He’s not like you. Though he’s good with poetry and prose and has memorized his texts fairly well, his essays are still too impetuous. Let him study for another year before letting him take the exam.”

Da Fu said, “Shiwu is younger than me, but he studies diligently and is motivated.”

Tutor Xu smiled, “Indeed, he’s already several times better at studying than his father was at that age. The family is lenient with him. He’s your best friend, so I’m counting on you to help guide him. If one day he succeeds in the imperial exams, it will be good for you two to support each other.”

Tutor Xu patted Da Fu’s head, “It’s good to be diligent, but don’t bury yourself in books too much. You still need time to rest and have fun. Go play with Shiwu.”

“Shiwu told me you’ve been missing home. Your father and uncle have been busy lately and haven’t had time to visit, but they miss you terribly. I’ve heard they’re busy trying to buy a house in the city, hoping to bring you there soon.”

Da Fu’s brows lifted, and his eyes glimmered. His heart was both joyful and somewhat troubled.

They wanted to bring him home quickly, but Father and Uncle were so busy, yet still…

Tutor Xu said, “Don’t worry too much. Your parents work hard because they want the best for you. When you’re doing well, they’ll be at ease.”

“Thank you for your advice, Teacher.”

“Today the snow is heavy. Go outside and enjoy it—but don’t catch a chill by staring too long.”

With that, Tutor Xu left.

Da Fu’s heart remained quietly contemplative. On one hand, the children’s exam was coming soon, and the days were running out; naturally, he felt a bit nervous.

On the other, he couldn’t help but think about Tutor Xu’s words regarding Father and Uncle’s house-hunting. It had to be true, but he wasn’t sure what the situation was.

He wanted to ask at the shop, but feared causing trouble at home, so he decided to focus on his studies and preparing for the exam.

Though Tutor Xu said the exam was just for experience, not to pass, Da Fu knew that if he didn’t prepare well and answered poorly, it would still be embarrassing.

As for the house-hunting, he resolved to wait another three to five days. By then, when the holidays started, Father and Uncle would surely come to take him home, and then he could ask everything.

Having settled his mind with these thoughts, he was filled with some hope.

Shiwu, seeing Da Fu lost in thought outside, waved excitedly, “Big Brother Da Fu, have you finished your essay? Come build snowmen with me! I can’t keep up with the others!”

Da Fu laughed and went out to help Shiwu shovel snow and build snowmen.

Five days later, on the twentieth day of the twelfth lunar month, the academy began its winter break.

So that students could return home early, classes lasted only half a day. Instead of the usual noon break, they dismissed everyone for the holidays.

Students poured out of the academy joyfully, chatting about what they would do during the break, momentarily forgetting their studies.

Unlike before, Da Fu waited until most had left before stepping out. Early that morning, he had packed his study box and was waiting at the gate.

He looked eagerly, watching as many classmates’ family members came to fetch them, but no one arrived to take him yet, even after about fifteen minutes.

He switched the study box to his other hand. Before leaving, he put on the gloves Uncle had made him, thinking Uncle would want to see them. Unexpectedly, it worked well against the cold; otherwise, holding the heavy box with bare hands would have made them stiff and numb.

Still, he felt uncertain. He didn’t know if Father and Uncle would come to pick him up, or if he would have to go to Aunt’s house first.

Da Fu decided to wait another fifteen minutes. If no one showed, he would go to Aunt’s home, figuring someone might pick him up from there.

Just then, he heard a soft call from afar: “Brother!”

Da Fu’s eyes lit up as a furry figure came rushing through the freshly cleared snow and leapt straight into his arms.

The sudden, solid hug made him step back, almost falling to the ground with the round little one in his arms.

“Slow down running like that! You almost knocked me over!”

Kang followed quickly, seeing the two boys already hugging each other. Fan Jing came close behind.

Little Fu giggled, snuggling and rubbing against Da Fu with delight.

Da Fu felt a tickle as Little Fu squirmed. He hadn’t expected his brother to come with Father and Uncle to pick him up, and after more than a month apart, it felt good to be so close again.

He bent down slightly to lift Little Fu, “Why did you come to pick me up today?”

“I begged Father and Uncle to bring me,” Little Fu said, his cat-like eyes looking up at Da Fu. Noticing his brother wasn’t wearing a scarf, and his cheeks were red from the cold, he rubbed his small hands over Da Fu’s face to warm it, saying softly, “I missed you.”

Da Fu smiled, “I missed you too.”

Fan Jing, watching the two brothers get along so well, smiled gently and stepped forward to take Da Fu’s study box. “Have you been waiting long?”

Da Fu shook his head, “I just came out.”

Kang said, “We came by mule cart to pick you up, but the snowy roads were blocked by a broken-down cart. We waited for a long while before we could get through, so it took some time.”

“No worries. It’s so cold, and you came through the blocked roads—I was worried you’d catch a chill,” Da Fu said as he adjusted Little Fu’s rabbit fur cap. The little boy ran about playfully, knocking the hat askew.

“He’s not afraid of the cold. These days with all the snow, he’s been outside playing all day, even when his hands turned red from the cold.”

Da Fu smiled, pinching Little Fu’s cheek. “Such a playful one.”

Kang said, “Let’s go. We shouldn’t keep the cart stopped on the street too long.”

The four of them joked and chatted as they walked toward the cart.

By the time they reached the previously blocked area, the traffic had cleared. The two boys climbed into the cart first, Fan Jing followed, and Kang took the reins.

He called out, “Sit tight, we’re about to leave.”

Little Fu answered loudly, “Okay!”

The cart had a small coal brazier at the front, making the entire cabin warm.

Fan Jing took off their windproof cloaks and brought out a box of still-warm chestnut cakes for them to eat.

Little Fu grabbed two pieces, feeding one to Da Fu, one to Fan Jing, then scurried to the front of the cart to offer one to Kang.

“Alright, come sit,” Fan Jing said, pulling the little one close. If not held, he’d be climbing all over the cart, unable to sit still.

Da Fu held Little Fu’s hand, wanting to ask what he’d been doing at home, but looking out the window, he noticed they weren’t heading toward the shop.

He turned to Fan Jing, “Aren’t we going to the shop first?”

Fan Jing said, “No, we’re going to see the new house.”

Da Fu’s eyes widened. “A few days ago, Tutor Xu said Father and Uncle were busy buying a new house in the city. Is it already done?”

Fan Jing spoke lightly but with unmistakable pride, “They found a suitable place and settled it. The last half month has been busy with moving and furnishing, so they haven’t had time to come to the academy.”

Kang, hearing the conversation outside the cart, added, “We’re taking you to the new house first. Then we’ll ask if you want to live there next year when school starts, or continue staying at Aunt’s house.”

Fan Jing looked at Da Fu, seeking his opinion.

Without hesitation, Da Fu said, “I want to live with Father, Uncle, and Little Fu at home!”

His face flushed with excitement. Although he knew Father and Uncle were busy with the new house, he hadn’t dared hope they’d finish so quickly. How could he not want to go home?

Fan Jing smiled and patted his head, “We’ll move your things from Aunt’s place soon.”

Da Fu blushed slightly, feeling he might have been too eager. Aunt’s house was comfortable, but his happiness was too great to hide, and he spoke freely in front of those closest to him.

“Thank you, Uncle.”

Then, looking toward Kang, who was driving, he said, “Thank you, Father.”

Little Fu looked puzzled, “Brother, if Father and Uncle are your fathers, why are you thanking them?”

Kang laughed, “Little Fu is right. When a family lives together, why say thanks?”

Da Fu affectionately nudged Little Fu, “Big brother said the wrong thing.”

Fan Jing understood Da Fu’s feelings and gently patted his back, offering him a piece of cake.

The cart slowly entered the west side of the city, where traffic was heavier, moving into Chaoxi Alley. The journey to the new house took nearly half an hour.

The west city was prosperous, home to many wealthy families who mostly traveled by carriage during cold winter days, making the streets especially crowded.

The shop was located in the south city, which was comparatively less hectic.

No place in the city was absolutely the best; every area had its advantages and disadvantages.

“Ah, my precious one! Grandmother hasn’t seen you in quite a while!”

Chen Sanfang and Qiao hurried to open the door and saw Da Fu, full of affection.

Fan’s father also came quickly to greet them. He had arrived at the new house that morning and spent half the day wandering around, still not familiar with the courtyard layout. He had gotten lost within his own garden.

He kept mumbling that the garden was beautiful but complicated, nowhere near the straightforward layout of their village home.

Chen Sanfang said he was just a country bumpkin who couldn’t appreciate good fortune, unable to find his way in a mere dozen rooms.

Qiao shook her head, saying the previously quiet home was now lively, as if people had breathed life into it.

Da Fu obediently called out, “Grandmother, Grandfather, Aunt.”

Qiao smiled and patted Da Fu’s head, “Come inside quickly; it’s cold outside. You must be hungry by now. The restaurant ordered dishes just now. If we wait too long, they’ll get cold.”

They entered the house in a line, while Kang went around the back door to stable the cart and mule.

After lunch, Da Fu looked around the new home, finding it elegant. Holding his little brother’s hand, they wandered from room to room, passing through the crabapple gate into a bamboo-filled courtyard, then exiting through an octagonal gate.

It was similar to Aunt’s home—a large residence divided into several small courtyards. But this one was tidier and more beautiful.

Da Fu liked the house—not because of its quality, but because the family could live together. That made him very happy.

He remembered that before they moved into this large home, they had lived in a small mud-walled house, yet the family was still very harmonious.

In the evening, Kang personally cooked some new dishes.

He took a large square pot, filled it with pork bones and new rice from this year, and slowly simmered it over a coal stove.

Everyone pitched in, preparing fresh green shrimp, thinly sliced fish fillets, pork liver slices, and beating pork meatballs, lamb meatballs, shrimp meatballs, fish meatballs… They also picked tender greens from their own garden.

That evening, the family sat around the dining table, cooking dishes in porridge broth, dipping them in sauce, enjoying warm, delicious flavors.

Outside, the snow fell softly, accumulating on the garden’s plants. Inside, the coal fire burned warmly, children were happy, elders joyful, and harmony filled the air.

The new house had four courtyards: Kang and Fan Jing lived in the main one, Da Fu had his own, Qiao and Little Fu another, and the last belonged to Fan’s father and Chen Sanfang.

In the city, houses often consisted of several rooms per courtyard, with each family branch living in their own.

Among the wealthiest families, it was said that husbands and wives even lived in separate courtyards, especially in polygamous households—wives in one courtyard, concubines in another, and the man choosing which courtyard to rest in.

Since the Fan family had settled in the city, they followed local customs.

Though the courtyards were separated, Little Fu remained with the adults because he was still very young and lively, needing supervision. So Qiao stayed alone in her courtyard.

After asking Da Fu’s opinion, he wished to live with Father and Uncle in one courtyard and have his own courtyard as well.

He said that since he was older, he could live alone, and it would help him study more peacefully.

Kang and Fan Jing naturally agreed.

Thus, the Fan family spent three days reunited in the city.

Fan’s father, worried about the affairs back home, could not settle in the city and soon returned to the village.

Chen Sanfang, used to city life, sometimes visited the village, sometimes stayed overnight in the city.

Kang and Fan Jing were busy but stayed in the city with the children to help Da Fu get accustomed to the new home and settle his studies quickly.

As for Qiao, she felt anywhere was fine but preferred the city, as it was easier to help at the shop and to make friends.

On the twenty-sixth day of the lunar month, a few strings of firecrackers rang out in the alley.

The Fan family’s signboard was hung over the main gate, and five tables were set in the courtyard to host relatives and friends for a housewarming meal.

They also sent small gifts to nearby neighbors, officially announcing their move into the new home.

Compared to the grand ceremonies they held in the village years ago, this move into the city was handled quietly and simply.

They did not want fuss; living in the city came with many small matters, and once settled, they would need to find and hire helpers. There was no time or mood for large banquets.

Besides, the Fan family had probably moved into the last house on the alley. Making a big scene would seem like a petty person showing off.

In any case, the winter of the thirteenth year of the Fenghe era, marked by heavy snow, was when the Fan family finally had a place to call home in Luan County.