Fan Jing traveled swiftly with Dafu. The official road into the prefectural city was clear and unobstructed, with patrol soldiers occasionally in sight, making the journey quite safe.
In less than three days, the father and son arrived at the prefectural city.
The city was prosperous and vast, several times the size of Luan County. With eight main streets and nine alleys, the streets were lined with canopies and awnings, umbrellas clustered like clouds—a lively and bustling scene.
Fan Jing was visiting such a prosperous place for the first time. For a moment, he felt dazed, knowing he was like a fly buzzing about, uncertain if he could find a good inn and wary of being easily deceived.
Caution was paramount. He didn’t casually ask for directions in the city but instead spent two copper coins to hire a runner to inquire where candidates typically lodged during the examination season.
The runner asked for a few more coins to personally guide him, guaranteeing a good place since simple directions might be confusing amid the city’s tangled streets.
Spending money on someone reliable was better than being led astray by random strangers on the street. Fan Jing agreed and gave the runner a few extra coins.
The runner was delighted, jumped onto a mule cart, and started directing Fan Jing where to go.
Dafu listened to the noisy crowd, lifted the window curtain, and gazed out at the soft red earth and bustling traffic, involuntarily lifting the corners of his mouth in a smile.
No wonder Uncle Fan Xin always closed his eyes and savored the prosperity of the prefectural city before every exam; it was incomparable to their small place in Luan County. Seeing this scene, a surge of ambition naturally welled up in his heart.
After winding east and making several turns, the road suddenly opened wide. They soon arrived in the southeastern area, entering a neighborhood called Shihua Lane.
“Husband, this area is less than a fifteen-minute walk from the Examination Hall and right next to the main street,” the runner explained. “It’s the best place for exam candidates to stay. Even local examinees from the outskirts tend to settle here early, arriving a day or two before the exam.”
“If you take a carriage to the Examination Hall from here, it’s faster, but during the prefectural exams, so many candidates arrive simultaneously that the streets get clogged. Walking is often quicker than driving.”
The runner continued, “There are many inns in Shihua Lane. I recommend the Zhegui Inn, Lüwei Inn, and Miao Niangzi Inn.
“Among them, Zhegui Inn is the most comfortable and elegant—everything’s excellent, but the price is a bit high. The cheapest room costs one guan and two qian per night, while the best rooms can reach ten guan.
“Lüwei Inn is decent overall but nothing special. Miao Niangzi Inn serves authentic and delicious food, and the place is known for its quietness.”
Fan Jing took note of everything. The runner then led them to the inns for Fan Jing to choose from. After receiving payment, he was off.
With many country folks arriving in the city, runners were in high demand and didn’t linger unnecessarily.
Since they would be staying several days, Fan Jing carefully visited and inspected several inns recommended by the runner. In the end, he chose Miao Niangzi Inn.
Her inn had abundant flowers and plants in the courtyard, which made anyone entering feel relaxed. There was a small private courtyard, and stepping inside cut off the city’s noise. Though simply decorated, the place was immaculately clean.
Before leaving, Kang He advised him that the main criteria for choosing an inn were peace and cleanliness; everything else was secondary.
Fan Jing felt this place would allow a good rest and focus on studying, so he booked a room. Hot water was supplied for 800 copper coins a day, including three meals, which was cheaper compared to the other two inns.
The innkeeper, Madam Miao, saw that the little master had come with his child to take the exam and was quite pleased, treating them with warm hospitality.
Fortunately, they had arrived early. The inns in Shihua Lane were already full, and if they came two days later, there might be no rooms left, forcing them to look farther away.
As the exam drew near, inn prices rose steadily. Although the prefectural government forbade merchants from raising prices during the exam season, candidates had to pay extra, and the government rarely investigated.
After some conversation, Madam Miao sent a waiter with a tray of fresh fruit, a plate of rice cakes, and a pot of hot tea, urging the two to rest well. When it was time, another waiter would call them for meals.
Fan Jing thanked her politely.
On the first day in the prefectural city, Dafu was weary from sitting in the carriage for two or three days. After eating a little that evening, he lacked energy and wasn’t interested in reading. After taking a hot bath, he went to bed early.
Fan Jing walked around the inn to see who else was staying and, upon returning, found Dafu already peacefully asleep.
He went over to check Dafu’s forehead and felt his temperature was normal. Only then did he sigh with relief.
After such a long and tiring journey and entering an unfamiliar place, it was easy to fall ill from the change of environment. Thankfully, the child was just tired.
Fan Jing tucked Dafu in and noticed the candle nearby flickering brightly. He walked over and teased, “Afraid of the dark? I’m going to blow out the candle now~”
Lying in bed, Kang He, who knew that Fan Jing and Dafu had already arrived in the prefectural city, heard the voice. He opened his eyes and saw little Dafu, wearing only an ivory-colored inner shirt and pants, bare feet on a round stool. He had lifted the lampshade, staring at him as if about to put out the light.
Kang He’s brow twitched. “When did you come in?”
Little Dafu replied, “I opened the door to come in. I called you, but you didn’t respond. You were sleeping and didn’t put out the light, so I came in.”
Kang whispered back, “How could I not hear you?”
Dafu jumped down from the stool, slipped his feet into his shoes, and carried the lamp, surely thinking of his father and brother. Then he said, “Tonight, I’ll keep you company. I’m not going to sit with my little aunt anymore.”
Kang He couldn’t help but laugh. He blew out the candle in one breath. “Thank you, little one.”
Then he carried Dafu to bed, tucked him under the covers, and felt his cold little feet. He warmed them with his hands until they were cozy.
Feeling very safe and comfortable, Dafu couldn’t help but do as before—reaching out to pinch Kang He’s ear. “Daddy’s a grown-up. How come you’re a brother?”
Kang pinched his nose. “Who told me you missed me?”
“Then why are you sleeping with your eyes open?”
Little Dafu said, “If you don’t miss me, when Father and Brother come back, I’ll tell them you’re very strong and don’t miss them at all.”
“No, you have to tell Father and Brother that Daddy misses them very much.”
Dafu huffed, “Lying big dummy!”
Kang He laughed and hugged him tightly. “Look at your little father, how amazing it is that he had such a cute little dummy like you.”
Two days later, it was already April.
That day, Qiao’er was tending to the vegetable shop when Madam Hao came again to buy a basket of vegetables and started chatting with her.
When Madam Hao left, Qiao’er noticed she had bought a lot and gave her a block of ruotou tofu as a gift.
Madam Hao liked the girl even more. After some thought, instead of going home, she headed to Yao’s Tea Shop.
“Sister-in-law, where did you buy so many fresh vegetables today? You really know how to pick.”
The woman behind the counter was deftly moving an abacus and, in a spare moment, greeted Madam Hao as she entered.
“Yesterday, the shop received a new batch of tea with a very good flavor. Sister-in-law, you should take two jins home to try.”
Madam Hao said, “I didn’t come for tea today. Just finish the accounts; I’ll chat with you over here.”
The shopkeeper of Yao’s, Zheng Xiaolan, looked up at Madam Hao and saw her carrying the vegetable basket over to a corner.
She put down the abacus, called a clerk over to watch the shop, and poured a pot of tea to serve Madam Hao.
“What’s the news you want to tell me that makes you so eager to chat?”
Madam Hao took a sip and said, “You see how fresh my vegetables are. Did you hear a new vegetable shop opened in the neighborhood?”
“Is that Fan’s Vegetable Shop? The opening day was quite lively. I saw they even hired a juggling lion troupe,” Zheng Xiaolan replied.
“I haven’t had time to buy from there yet. Besides, there’s a shop right around here, which is more convenient.”
“Sister-in-law seems quite interested. Are you here just to recommend this shop to me?”
Madam Hao shook her head and changed the subject, “Da Lang should be back soon, right?”
“He didn’t go far. At most, he’ll be back in two or three days.”
Madam Hao sighed, “My nephew is talented and capable, but his marriage prospects have dragged on without a conclusion. As his aunt, I’m treated well by him, but seeing him grow up unsettled worries me.
“You’re busy with work and seldom free, unlike me, who wanders about idle. I’ve found a good girl for Da Lang. I’m here to talk it over with you. If it’s a good match, when Da Lang returns, we can introduce them. That’ll put my heart at ease.”
Zheng Xiaolan realized that Madam Hao was here to discuss a marriage match.
She perked up. “Which girl is it?”
Zheng Xiaolan sympathized with Madam Hao’s predicament. Her son was capable, upright, but unmarried in his early twenties. Delaying too long would become problematic.
They had even hired matchmakers, but nothing worked out. The son was headstrong and wouldn’t marry unless he liked the girl.
Unable to force the matter, marriage prospects depended on luck.
Madam Hao said, “The girl from Fan’s is the one I often see buying vegetables in March. I’ve made inquiries and learned she only introduces girls who are of marriageable age and suitable for my nephew.
“The Fan girl’s name is Qiao’er, the third daughter. She’s about eighteen or nineteen, not overly beautiful but bright and lively.
“She helps at the shop every day, is capable and polite, and all the women and husbands who buy vegetables praise her for her good character.”
“Moreover, the Fan family is honest and kind. Besides the vegetable shop, they also run a popular pork stall in Douhui Lane. They own a large country estate with considerable farmland.”
Madam Hao added, “My nephew is talented, managing a security escort agency, and you run the tea business. There’s no shortage of money.
“When choosing a bride, we don’t care about wealth, but money and assets do show a family’s ability. The marriage should be between equals.”
“The Fan girl is excellent. She looks like a prized catch. She probably has high standards and wouldn’t accept just anyone.
“My nephew has good character and appearance, and isn’t one of those flashy idlers but a capable man building his career. A smart girl like her should appreciate that.”
Hearing all this, Zheng Xiaolan became curious about the Fan girl.
Within two days, she feigned a vegetable purchase just to see what kind of girl Qiao’er was.
“Qiao’er, you check these accounts carefully. I’ve added and subtracted three times, but they still don’t balance.”
Qiao’er set down her work, took the accounts, and reviewed them alongside Xie Xiaoliu’s calculations. She tapped his head.
“You’re making a muddle of things, mixing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division all at once. You should add these two entries first, then multiply. How could it balance otherwise?”
Xie scratched his head and recalculated. With Qiao’er’s guidance, the accounts finally matched.
He smiled brightly, “It’s all thanks to you, Qiao’er.”
“Who told you to be lazy during your studies? You wasted two out of three days hiding away. Memorize the multiplication tables properly.
“I have a Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art book. When the shop closes, don’t just lie around. Use your free time to study, so you won’t have to redo the accounts multiple times, wasting time.”
Zheng Xiaolan witnessed this and thought, “This girl is really clever and capable, managing the accounts so well and even teaching the clerks.”
She entered the shop and found Qiao’er well-mannered and handsome—a composed and fitting young lady.
Zheng Xiaolan immediately took a liking to Qiao’er, preferring a clever and capable girl over one who was just gentle and obedient.
When she was young, Zheng Xiaolan loved doing business and being in the spotlight. Widowed before thirty, she never remarried and raised her only son well, accumulating some wealth.
“Miss, what vegetables do you want? If you’ve decided, I’ll get them for you.”
Qiao’er recognized Zheng Xiaolan and thought for a moment. “Are you from Yao’s Tea Shop?”
“Good eye. I am. I heard a vegetable shop opened nearby with fresh and affordable produce. I finally had time to buy some now that the children in the shop are coming back.”
Qiao’er smiled, “No wonder you look familiar. We buy tea from your shop. The tea is fragrant and thirst-quenching, both affordable and good.
“Our vegetables are fresh too. Feel free to look around, and if you need anything, just call me. We even send clerks to the countryside to pick fresh produce and deliver it directly to your shop.”
Zheng Xiaolan was even happier, thinking her efforts with Madam Hao had borne fruit.
She decided to arrange the best matchmakers in town to introduce Qiao’er when her son returned.
Good girls were not like cabbage left on the market for anyone to pick; once spotted, they were quickly taken.
Zheng Xiaolan eagerly awaited her son’s return.
That day, after the morning rush, Qiao’er was idly working in the shop.
She heard her mother had come to the city and was playing with little Dafu back home. Her mother called her to return after work, but Qiao’er chose to stay.
She knew her mother’s temperament—whenever summoned, it was to discuss some good match or to force her to go see some candidate.
She disliked this and had only gone a couple of times before. Now she tried to avoid it, lucky that her mother lived in the countryside and she in the city, so they met daily but had some peace.
Otherwise, they would quarrel countless times every day.
“Qiao’er, Yan Meizhai on Qingyu Lane just got some new cosmetics. I heard it’s good stuff from the capital. I grabbed two boxes. Want to take a look?”
Qiao’er saw the Fourth Miss Liu from Liu’s shop coming to find her. The two were about the same age and got along well, often hanging out together.
Hearing of new goods, Qiao’er pulled her over, “Let me see what good things you got.”
Miss Liu carefully handed her the box. Qiao’er found the powder delicate, fragrant but not frivolous—quite good.
She said, “Perfect timing; I’m almost out of powder. I’ll buy two boxes and send two to my sister.”
“Go quickly. They’re selling fast.”
Qiao’er told Xie Xiaoliu to mind the shop carefully, took off her waist apron, tidied her hair, and then carried a basket to Qingyu Lane.
Yan Meizhai was packed with people. Qiao’er squeezed in, picked several items, and left with sweat soaking her vest.
Her mood lightened; she planned to visit her second sister and then take a box of scented ointment to her mother, hoping it would keep her quiet.
“Ah!”
Suddenly, a large, iron-like figure bumped into her, and she nearly fell. The basket overturned, spilling everything onto the ground.
Qiao’er felt pain on her forehead and nose and hesitated over what to protect first—the basket or herself.
“Ah, miss, I’m so sorry! I was moving goods in and didn’t see you.”
She looked up and saw a tall, sturdy young man with thick eyebrows and sharp eyes. He looked robust and like a martial artist.
He resembled her eldest brother somewhat—not in looks, but in bearing. The way he carried himself was very similar, like when they fought the bear.
Qiao’er wasn’t afraid. Although he kept apologizing, he awkwardly tried to help pick up the fallen goods.
It reminded her of those relatives who both expect and give red envelopes during New Year’s.
She asked, “Do you expect the spilled powder to jump back into the basket by itself?”
The young man hurried to pick up the powder. “Don’t misunderstand. I want to help you. I’m afraid I scared a young girl like you.”
Qiao’er looked him straight in the eye. “You’re not some wild beast. What’s there to be afraid of? It’s people who don’t watch where they’re going that are scary.
“If I weren’t used to hard work in the countryside, I’d have knocked you flat on the stone pavement.”
The young man found her quick wit charming. Her fair skin and almond-shaped eyes were lively. His ears flushed red.
“It’s my fault. I’m afraid the powder is broken and scattered. Let me compensate you.”
Qiao’er said, “No need to compensate for what spilled. Since I know you didn’t do it on purpose and you apologized, I’ll let it go.”
“You’re kind-hearted,” he said quietly.
After a moment’s hesitation, he asked, “May I know your name, miss?”
Qiao’er slung the basket over her arm. “I don’t ask your surname, so you don’t need to ask mine. Let’s each mind our own business.”
With that, she gave a polite bow and left.
The young man stood there for a long time, unable to regain his composure.
“Chief Yao, what are you looking at? Help me bring the rest of the goods inside. This batch is really good; look at my livelihood.”
Hearing the voice, Yao Yuan snapped out of his daze and ordered his men to move the goods.
But in his heart, he marveled that such a lively sister existed in the world, unafraid of him, articulate, and clever.
He unconsciously smiled like a lovesick fool.
Qiao’er had no idea she had already caught someone’s attention. She let the little incident rest and went to Luo’s, then returned, only to realize a red patch had formed on her forehead and nose.
The next day, she applied thicker powder. Xie Xiaoliu brought her a box early in the morning. It was left by a young man who had come earlier, supposedly as compensation, and he had bought many vegetables.
Qiao’er opened the box and saw the cosmetics inside were even finer and more expensive than what she had bought yesterday.
She frowned, wondering how the strong but simple-minded fellow knew where she was.
Unknown to her, the man who bumped into her was Yao Yuan, eldest son of Zheng Xiaolan. His escort agency was on Qingyu Lane, just a few steps from Yan Meizhai.
In their line of work, it was easy to gather information. In just a few words, he learned where Qiao’er lived.
That day, after lunch, Zheng Xiaolan saw her son had finally returned and quickly told him about a good family’s daughter she had found for him. The matchmaker was arranged.
Yao Yuan had always listened to his mother about marriage prospects—if told to meet someone, he would. Whether it worked out or not, he would keep trying.
This time, however, he shook his head. “I’ve found someone I like. Stop the matchmaking.”
Hearing this from her son’s dull mouth, Zheng Xiaolan thought she must be mishearing.
“Someone you like? Tell me quickly. Where is she from? Did you meet her while escorting or is she from our county?”
“She’s from the county. She’s very good.”
Zheng Xiaolan was even happier to hear she was local. Usually patient, she was now eager and grabbed Yao Yuan’s arm.
“Don’t fool me. Tell me clearly who this girl is.”
“Let me be happy first. I won’t interfere. When the time is right, I’ll have the matchmaker introduce us.”
Yao Yuan then said, “Her surname is Fan, and her name is Qiao. She lives not far from our tea shop, at the end of the lane, in that vegetable shop.”
“My heavens!” Zheng Xiaolan’s heart pounded wildly.
Yao Yuan saw his mother’s reaction and thought, “Is this really so good?” He didn’t say more, but she slapped her thigh.
“This is a heaven-sent match! My son, this is the family I want you to marry into!”
Yao Yuan was startled and leaned closer. “Mother, do you mean Fan Qiao?”
“Yes, of course.”
With shining eyes, Yao Yuan sat back down.
Zheng Xiaolan said, “I was thinking to wait until you came back to call the matchmaker.”
Yao Yuan waved his hand. “No, we should invite the matchmaker now. If she refuses, we can reconsider later. For now, I’ll try to win over Miss Fan Qiao first. If she agrees, then we can have the matchmaker handle the rest.”
Zheng Xiaolan felt relieved. Her slow-witted son finally knew how to plan for his own marriage.
Still, she couldn’t help but warn, “Don’t bother the girl every day and scare her. Don’t make her think you’re forcing her. That would only ruin things.”
“I understand.”
In the days that followed, Qiao’er occasionally received small gifts at the shop, all uncommon in the county and seemingly from the capital.
Sometimes, the rough but sincere Yao Yuan came empty-handed to buy vegetables.
Though simple-minded, Qiao’er understood his intentions.
He had good manners, never saying anything inappropriate, and always found ways to chat briefly, leaving content.
He even chased away street thugs who caused trouble in the alley.
Qiao’er thought he was a decent person despite his clumsiness.
Xie Xiaoliu watched closely and told her, “Our Qiao’er is really likeable. Look at that handsome gentleman who clearly isn’t used to the kitchen but loves buying vegetables.”
“Shut your mouth! Take these two coins and eat something to shut yourself up. Don’t speak nonsense in front of your sister or mother, or I’ll pull your tongue out.”
“You’re so bossy, sister! I won’t say another word.”
He quickly covered his mouth, and Qiao’er threw him a few coins, which he eagerly took.
“Don’t worry, Qiao’er. I’ll just watch quietly.”
On the seventh day of April, the weather in the prefectural city turned bad, and rain began.
Before dawn, Fan Jing grabbed an umbrella and, with Dafu, braved the rain to the Examination Hall to wait for entry.
As the runner had warned, the streets were jammed with carriages and horses, barely allowing people to pass.
In previous years, it hadn’t been this congested. The rain forced many who would normally walk to take carriages, causing the blockages.
Fan Jing led Dafu to the entrance of the Examination Hall. Their clothes and shoes were damp.
He found a shop selling breakfast, gave the owner a few copper coins, and took Dafu inside to change into dry clothes and shoes.
Listening to the rain falling through the night, he had thought of this plan, and it worked well. After tidying up, he hurried to line up to enter the Examination Hall.
The rainy, misty weather added to the chaos outside.
Watching Dafu safely enter the exam hall, Fan Jing took Dafu’s wet clothes, held the umbrella, and returned to the inn.
The blue stone streets were already waterlogged.
Candidates complained bitterly, struggling to hold umbrellas and carry their bookboxes.
Those with long robes had no choice but to let the rain soak their hems.
Fan Jing glanced around, thinking this exam would truly be difficult.
He only hoped Dafu wouldn’t fall ill inside the Examination Hall.
Fortunately, the prefectural exam had only three sessions, all held consecutively over three days.
Unlike the county exam, there was no waiting for results between sessions; candidates completed all tests at once and awaited the final results.
After each day’s exam, candidates could leave and return the next day.
Rain fell throughout the three days of the prefectural exam.
Every afternoon, Fan Jing went out to meet Dafu.
He could hear candidates coughing, but before leaving, he always requested the inn’s kitchen to prepare a cup of ginger tea to ward off the cold.
Whether it was the tea or Dafu’s robust constitution, the boy braved the rain for all three days without a single problem.
On April 10th, the prefectural exam ended, but results would not be announced for another half month.
Fan Jing asked Dafu about his plans.
Dafu wanted to return to the county to wait for the results, not linger in the city.
Though he thought he had done well, he didn’t dare boast, fearing it was just his limited experience.
Waiting here would mean expensive lodging every day and, if he failed, wasted time.
So on April 11th, Dafu relaxed and rested well.
He and his little father agreed to return on the 12th.
On the 11th, the two father and son spent the day leisurely touring the prefectural city and planned to bring gifts back home.