Chapter 125: Please be the groom.

“Luo Family Wenzuo has, after several months of research and development, finally achieved results. Today, several new styles of Yaxiang Paper are unveiled, and we sincerely invite everyone to visit the shop and show their support. All visitors are honored guests; anyone who comes in to appreciate the papers will receive a complimentary Yaxiang Paper bookmark!”

The Wenzuo had started advertising seven days in advance. On the day the paper was showcased, they also hired a troupe of performers to put on a show. At first, there were only a few old customers who came out of curiosity, but the performance attracted many onlookers, causing the place to become lively and bustling.

Fortunately, Luo Dalang had made thorough arrangements. Besides his own shop assistants, he also hired several temporary workers to help. Someone was always tasked with attracting customers, greeting them, and guiding them through the shop. Everything was organized neatly; though the crowd was large, the guests were taken care of attentively.

When Kang He and Fan Jing arrived, the place was packed with people.

The Wenzuo had set up a raised platform, where a young man stood holding sheets of Yaxiang Paper, speaking eloquently as he introduced them.

“Yaxiang Paper comes in many fragrances. Today, the shop carries mugwort-scented, mint-scented, and patchouli-scented papers; as for the floral scents, we have rose, osmanthus, nine-flowers fragrance, chrysanthemum, subtle fragrance, and many more.”

“The new papers offer a fresh and lasting aroma, able to retain their fragrance for several months. Literati, elegant guests, scholars, and noblemen alike can send and appreciate these papers while enjoying their scent.”

The customers who had initially come just to watch all stepped forward to take a closer look upon hearing this. As the sheets were brought out, even before being held close to the nose, a gentle fragrance was already detectable.

“This scent is neither overwhelmingly strong nor too faint to catch—just the right balance.”

“What’s exquisite is the floral and herbal patterns on the paper itself, adding extra charm. Using this new paper surely brings life to the written words; it’s truly refined and elegant~”

Kang He mingled in the crowd, listening to the praises. The gentlemen in their long robes and scholarly attire all chimed in with clever words to commend the paper.

There were few dissenters shaking their heads. Upon inquiring about the price, a shop assistant revealed that a set of twelve sheets sold for a high price of 450 wen, but individual sheets could also be purchased, albeit at an even higher rate—40 wen per sheet.

For context, 40 wen could buy ten sheets of ordinary bamboo paper, making this scented paper nearly ten times as expensive as common bamboo paper.

“Calling this Yaxiang Paper ‘gold foil paper’ might be more fitting. For such an expensive paper, what benefits does it bring besides making handwriting more elegant and refined?”

Kang He knew well that some found the price steep, but this Yaxiang Paper was not designed for ordinary practice; it was meant for copying beautiful texts or preserving precious letters.

Besides, even if they lowered the price, this paper involved far more production steps and required more raw materials than ordinary bamboo paper, making it costly to produce. It couldn’t be sold cheaply.

“Brother Jiang Huai, I think the true value of Yaxiang Paper lies in the word ‘elegant.’ If everything were about price, wouldn’t that be vulgar? If one only needs to practice calligraphy, ordinary bamboo paper would suffice. But for such elegant paper, it’s meant to be used for good writing.”

“If you feel the price is too high, I’ll buy a stack today and gift it to you—feel free to pick whatever you like.”

Kang He chuckled silently and shook his head. These literati and scholars truly all had their quirks.

Luo Dalang beckoned Kang He and Fan Jing inside, taking them to a quiet room in the backyard to sit.

“It’s quite lively out there. The response seems good. Most of the literati who come in don’t leave empty-handed. Those who don’t buy papers still show great interest but perhaps lack the funds.”

His face was flushed with joy.

It had been a long time since the Wenzuo had been this bustling; how could there not be happiness?

Kang He said, “It’s worth all the hard work these days; today feels like a proper reward.”

“I noticed that although there are many customers, Luo brother has everything arranged neatly, taking good care of most people. It’s truly thoughtful.”

Luo Dalang poured tea for Kang He and Fan Jing, smiling.

“This success isn’t solely my own doing. Recently, I was also lucky to have your hard work alongside me.”

“From the looks of it, we’ll soon have other merchants approaching us. The shop assistants said they saw two other Wenzuo merchants scouting around.”

Kang He replied, “That’s inevitable. Let’s proceed as we discussed before.”

In just a few days, the fame of Yaxiang Paper spread throughout the city among readers and scholars.

Luo Dalang also negotiated with the organizers of the city’s literary gatherings, supplying them with Yaxiang Paper for their events.

He even sponsored two gatherings himself.

Through this effort, Yaxiang Paper’s reputation grew among the literati.

The Wenzuo was visited daily by more readers coming to view and appreciate the paper, and the business next to Luo Family Wenzuo improved noticeably.

The accounts from the first month looked promising; they nearly recouped the initial investment.

By the second month, Kang He received dividends totaling thirty guan. With income streams opening on two fronts, the overall profits were considerable.

By the third month, they were purely profitable, with dividends reaching over fifty guan, surpassing the previous month.

Competitors in the city soon grew jealous and envious; some, with narrow minds, sought to provoke trouble.

But Luo Dalang was no pushover. Having run a Wenzuo in the city for many years, both he and his family were not easily bullied.

At this point, there were merchants who valued profit more and came asking to source supplies from him.

After several rounds of discussion, Luo settled on the terms most favorable to himself and began supplying them.

This brought in another large income. Such orders surpassed those from retail sales.

One day, Luo Dalang came to settle accounts with Kang He, praising him profusely. He truly admired Kang He from his heart.

“You really predicted this well. When we prepared to sell scented paper, you also secured the supply merchants. Now, with competitors ordering Yaxiang Paper to sell in their shops, we can supply them fully!”

Kang He smiled.

“We alone sell the exclusive Yaxiang Paper, so the shop’s business is bound to flourish. But competitors can’t help but keep an eye on this. Over time, that inevitably causes troubles.”

“Since that’s the case, let’s make Yaxiang Paper well known. Let the competition know it’s good and profitable, so we supply them too. That way, they have something to sell and earn from, and we don’t have to waste effort plotting to harm their businesses.”

“Besides, by supplying them, we earn more and faster. Why wouldn’t we want that?”

Kang He and Luo Dalang clinked their wine cups.

Luo Dalang laughed heartily.

“Not everyone in business has a broad vision. Those narrow-minded folks wouldn’t willingly share the good business from their own shop with others.”

“If that’s their mindset, then at least we earn more and greater profits.”

After all, Kang He had planned ahead and arranged everything; otherwise, even if competitors ordered from other Wenzuos, it would be hard to keep up supply.

Both were pleased, drinking several cups before parting.

Back home, Fan Jing smelled the wine on Kang He’s breath and knew he was in good spirits. She instructed Flower Mama to prepare a refreshing broth for him.

He clung to her as if he were very drunk, though she knew it was just an act and didn’t expose him, instead supporting him to the room.

“Dafu said today he went strolling with classmates; the marketplace also sells Yaxiang Paper now, and the Luo family is supplying the competition. How’s the profit-sharing going?”

Kang He smiled and pulled a silver note from his pocket, handing it to Fan Jing.

Fan Jing unfolded the note and saw they had received two hundred guan in profit share!

His brow twitched slightly, realizing this business was truly lucrative, far faster than other enterprises nearby.

A single shop back home might not earn this much in a year. No wonder Kang He was so happy today.

Kang He, feeling the gains, looked more serious. He pulled Fan Jing close and said, “Don’t get complacent. We’ve reached this point by steady, careful steps—not overnight.”

“Our roots in the countryside are stable, and we have some connections in the city now. That’s why we can be ahead a bit, not blindly rushing forward just because of greed.”

Fan Jing understood Kang He’s cautious approach. He had skills up his sleeve and had never been reckless, always working steadily in the fields to lay a firm foundation. Otherwise, the whole family might have been ruined by careless mistakes.

Being safe and steady until today was a mark of prudence.

“Mm. I understand.”

Kang He smiled and kissed Fan Jing gently.

After the busy scented paper business, their days were full and passed quickly. Winter arrived before they knew it.

A big joyous event at home was approaching. On the twenty-third day of the winter month, the Fan household was festively decorated, marking the perfect day for Qiao’er’s wedding.

The day was lively and bustling. Relatives and friends from the city came to the feast, twenty tables laden with fine wine and dishes were set. Relatives from the countryside were invited separately.

“Auntie, why do you still need such a thick red veil to cover her face? Although it smells nice. Are you afraid she might run away on the way, so you cover her head like this?”

Outside, the guests were numerous and lively. Little Fu, with his older brother accompanying guests outside, obediently followed along, calling this man “uncle” and that woman “auntie.”

The uncles and aunties asked what he was doing for fun lately. He said he’d been practicing archery and riding horses. They pinched his cheeks and praised him, which he found very embarrassing.

Taking advantage of Dafu’s attention being elsewhere, Little Fu slipped into the room where Qiao’er was getting dressed.

Zhen’er had come today to see off her sister and was helping her dress. She laughed when she saw Little Fu put the red veil over Qiao’er’s head.

“Auntie’s brother-in-law is so capable; even if Qiao’er suddenly regrets and tries to run, he’d catch her easily. But there’s no need to cover her with the veil to stop her from running.”

Little Fu popped out from under the veil and said, “Why is that?”

He ran to the dressing table and tilted his head to look at Qiao’er’s powder, painted eyebrows, red lips, and neatly styled hair—she’d never dressed so beautifully before.

“I know! The bride is so pretty, others will want to look too.”

Qiao’er smiled, adding more makeup. With that smile, she looked even more dazzling.

“That’s just what your little mouth says.”

Little Fu giggled.

“My dear grandson, after your aunt is married, who will keep you company?”

Chen Sanfang pulled Little Fu close, her eyes already red with tears about to fall.

“My two girls are now someone else’s. It really pains my heart. Marriage brings joy, but having them under the same roof leaves a sour feeling. It’s mostly torment, you know.”

Qiao’er scolded, “Mother, why say such things? You make me sad for no reason. I just put on makeup, and now I have to cry.”

“People say I have a stubborn nature, and you make me cry too.”

Zhen’er comforted, “Besides, the three families live quite far apart. It’s like marrying into a neighboring village—still not too far. Mother must be so happy she’s confused.”

“Brother-in-law Yao is talented and kind. There are few such good sons-in-law in the world; mother is truly lucky.”

Listening to the three chatting back and forth, at first it was the second aunt persuading grandmother and Qiao’er, then second aunt started crying and changed to Qiao’er comforting.

As they comforted each other, the three wiped away tears and soon hugged in a group crying.

Little Fu tried to say a few words, but no one paid attention. They even pulled him in to cry with them.

He leaned against grandmother, pressed his brows, tightly pursed his lips, and said, “I’ll just cry along.” After a moment, he really did cry, then sneaked out.

“Little Fu.”

Heading out, just as he ran into the garden, he met Xu Anyan, who had been at the feast. Xu wore a brocade robe and had grown taller and more handsome.

Little Fu hadn’t seen Xu Anyan for a while. He heard that in the second month of next year, Xu would take the imperial exams. He was currently studying hard at home and rarely went out, so the two no longer spent as much time together.

Little Fu was happy to see him and went up to pull him.

“Brother Fifteen, long time no see.”

“I’ve been busy for a while. Just talked with brother Kang a bit. He’s been entertaining guests, so I couldn’t keep him long. I don’t know where he went just now.”

Little Fu said, “I went to see the bride; my aunt looks so beautiful! She smells just like blooming flowers.”

Xu Anyan said, “Your aunt is naturally pretty and today is her big day. Even if I’m not there, she must surely be radiant.”

Little Fu nodded approvingly, lifted his chin, squinted slightly, and said, “When I get married, I want to be just as radiant.”

Fifteen laughed.

“Is that something so far off already?”

Little Fu replied, “So what? When that time comes, I’ll invite you to be my groom.”

Xu Anyan blushed.

“Invite… invite me to be your groom?”

Little Fu blinked.

“Of course! You and I are so close, I’ll definitely invite you.”

Xu Anyan’s face turned even redder.

“Well… that’s fine then.”

Little Fu was delighted.

“It’s settled then. No matter how busy you are, Brother Fifteen, you must come.”

He imitated Kang He’s usual warm and hospitable manner when inviting guests, sounding like a little grown-up as he stood upright.

“Little Fu, hurry! Brother and sister from Uncle Luo’s family have arrived.”

Hearing Kang He call him, Little Fu said goodbye to Xu Anyan and ran off quickly.

The Luo family children had all come out to play. After moving behind the city walls, his family often visited the Luo household, so they played together more frequently.

With so many people around, happy, one hand held another, he pulled them into the garden to play.

Xu Anyan only recovered after some time, went to greet several of the Luo siblings, and headed toward the small garden.

From there came Little Fu’s joyful voice:

“Sister Pengpeng smells so nice, just like my aunt! When I get married, I’ll invite Sister Pengpeng to be my bride!”

Luo Dalang’s son ran up.

“What about me? What about me?”

“I’ll invite Brother Luo to be the groom.”

“But siblings can’t have one as bride and one as groom.”

Hearing this, Little Fu frowned.

“What should we do then?”

Xu Anyan heard the chatter and pursed his lips, unwilling to join their conversation.

He sat down in a spot, looking sulky.

Dafu, meanwhile, mingled with guests along with Kang He and Fan Jing.

He glanced at Fifteen sitting alone and went over.

“What’s wrong?”

Xu Anyan frowned.

“Please take care of Little Fu.”

Dafu understood immediately.

“What? Did he bully you?”

“He’s younger than me; how could he bully me?”

“Then why did you report him? You two usually get along well.”

These two were known as the ones who set off firecrackers and blew up cow dung together. Dafu said they were kindred spirits.

They hadn’t been getting along well for some days now. Today was unusual; instead of playing happily together, they were upset.

Xu Anyan was angry and hurt.

“He told my second aunt’s children that when he gets married, he’ll invite them as the groom. He even told the second Miss Luo to be the bride.”

Dafu laughed.

“Kids say what they think. You know him well—he always says whatever comes to mind. Today, with siblings all together, he’s happy and treats the wedding feast like a family birthday banquet, inviting people to celebrate. He thinks the bride and groom are the important guests and invites whoever he’s close to.”

“Listen, trying to argue with him will only make things worse. Maybe he’s just tired from studying too much?”

Xu Anyan bit his lip, frowning.

“He invited me first, then turned and invited others too! How can that be? Who has two grooms at a wedding?”

Dafu’s eyes widened.

“I didn’t know you’d be taking the exam this year and still so childish, arguing with kids over logic.”

He tilted his head mischievously at Fifteen.

“Then let me call Little Fu here. We’ll settle this dispute in front of everyone.”

Xu Anyan pursed his lips and turned his head, unwilling to talk to Dafu further.

The two brothers really were thick as thieves. Even though Dafu was his best friend, how could he side with him in front of Little Fu?

At dusk, the wedding procession set off amid drums, gongs, and thunderous firecrackers.

Fifteen finally managed to take a moment’s rest.

At the evening banquet, he only ate two dishes before falling silent.

After the meal, he went to bid Little Fu farewell and went home, heavy-hearted.