Winter turns to spring, and Kang Mei was busy in the Luo family’s study, working with that reliable old craftsman to develop more varieties of elegantly scented paper.
Starting from herbal and floral fragrances, they gradually developed medicinal and fruit scents.
The study was no longer just selling the scented paper; they also sold fragrance albums, bookmarks, and even used the scented paper to print delicate small volumes of poetry.
Outside, they made several trips to the nearby county town and even to the prefecture city, negotiating with trustworthy bookstores and literary shops to deliver their goods.
They also partnered with the Yao Family Escort Agency, having the escort teams carry some of the merchandise with them.
Step by step, the business steadily progressed, and nearly half a year passed in the bustle.
Fortunately, Luo Dalan led the outings and errands, while Kang Mei also went out twice to help negotiate deals.
The two worked together, and the business of the elegant scented paper flourished, gradually getting on track.
Only then did Kang Mei find some leisure time.
During these months, Fan Jing hadn’t been idle either.
He still slaughtered pigs in the village, and at the same time kept an eye on farmland, purchasing suitable plots when available.
After tallying everything, in half a year he had bought four to five more acres.
Besides that, he also acquired two small shops in the city, introduced by Bao Third Brother.
His connections were sharp, always hearing about shops or houses for sale at good prices and letting them know first.
While Kang Mei and Luo Dalan were busy with the scented paper business, Fan Jing went to inspect the shops.
Finding them decent, he purchased them.
The shops were not large, just ordinary storefronts in average locations, priced well at around two hundred guan each.
The family finances were comfortable enough, so the purchase was easy—a bargain he couldn’t resist.
After a bit of tidying, the shops were rented out for two to three guan a month each.
A location, if not bad, always found tenants.
Before long, it was mid-June, the fifteenth day.
Yao Yuan’s birthday arrived, and Qiao’er invited the whole Fan family to his place to celebrate with a banquet.
Kang Mei and Fan Jing went ahead after slaughtering the pig to attend Yao Yuan’s birthday banquet.
They had prepared generous gifts—not only to congratulate Yao Yuan but also to celebrate Qiao’er.
The young couple had been married just over half a year and were deeply affectionate.
At the beginning of the month, Qiao’er had happily informed her family she was pregnant, but her mother-in-law, Zheng Xiaolan, had been so delighted she immediately gave Qiao’er a deed to a shop.
Kang Mei joked with Fan Jing, recalling that it had taken nearly two years for them to have their first child after marriage.
This couple was quick, but no matter what, it was a joyous occasion, a happy banquet.
After the feast was arranged and the afternoon settled, Kang Mei reminded Dafu early on to come with them after school for the banquet.
It was almost August, and with the approaching academy exams, Dafu’s studies were heavy.
He rarely went out for trivial matters, but today happened to be a good chance to step out.
Dafu agreed and, after school, didn’t linger at the academy.
He packed up his books and left with A Wang to the academy.
“Today is Little Uncle’s birthday.
Although Dad and Little Dad surely prepared gifts, since Little Uncle treats me so well, I want to give him something from my heart that makes me happy.”
Dafu thought over what he had.
Mostly brushes, inkstones, and paper—literary items.
If he were giving a gift to Uncle Luo, it wouldn’t be hard to decide.
But Uncle Yao was skilled in martial arts, not letters.
If he gave him literary gifts, although acceptable, it wouldn’t touch his heart.
“I heard there are many rare and curious items at the Eight Treasures Pavilion in the city.
Since you want to do something, why not go inside and look around?
Maybe you can find one or two things that catch your eye.”
Dafu rarely visited such curiosities shops but often heard from wealthier classmates about the treasures and amusements inside.
One classmate had bought a hunting falcon there, clever and brave, beloved enough to share stories of the falcon with other classmates and even invite them to watch.
After viewing the falcon, classmates were very envious, making the falcon owner even prouder.
But all play and no work—before raising the falcon, that classmate’s grades weren’t bad.
Ever since acquiring the falcon, however, he became obsessed, always thinking of the bird and neglecting his studies.
His grades visibly declined.
After being admonished by the teacher, he refused to repent.
A home visit was made; his parents sent the falcon away, hoping to help him refocus.
Instead, the boy grew ill from missing the falcon.
Only after recovering did he return to school.
Because of this, Dafu felt these curiosities shops weren’t good places—not that the shops were at fault, but for those lacking proper priorities, indulgence led to ruin.
“But it won’t hurt just to go look and pick a gift for Little Uncle.”
Saying this, the two set off on foot toward the Eight Treasures Pavilion.
The pavilion was in a prime location, a spacious three-story building.
The first floor displayed inanimate objects like rare stones and exotic birds and beasts.
Upon entering, Dafu was struck by the luxurious décor—a shop clearly without financial worries.
They entered casually, wearing plain, simple clothes.
Dafu was quite pleased, looking around and carefully examining items.
He found some nice pieces but didn’t decide immediately.
He also looked at swords and whips, scrutinizing them intently.
Yet he felt as if eyes were watching him.
He glanced around but saw no one.
He then went upstairs to the second floor, which housed live animals and was much livelier than the first.
“Welcome, welcome.”
Suddenly, a voice startled Dafu.
Looking around, he found it came from a talking parrot.
The parrot’s feathers were sleek and shiny.
It cocked its head, its black eyes bright and lively.
Dafu approached for a closer look.
“Master, feed me, handsome gentleman!”
Dafu smiled at the parrot’s antics and took some food from the stand to put into its bowl.
The parrot quickly pecked at it.
“A gluttonous parrot,” A Wang chuckled.
“Very clever indeed.”
“Do you like this parrot, young master?”
At that moment, a thin, slight man quietly appeared behind them, slightly stooped as if out of habit, eyes twinkling with friendliness.
Dafu replied, “I heard it speak and couldn’t help but try to attract it.
Its speech is amusing—I couldn’t resist teasing it.”
The man said, “The shop has many parrots, but this one is temperamental and doesn’t fit in.
We trained it to talk, and the others learned, but it never spoke.
It’s unusual that it talks to you.
If you like, you may touch it.”
Dafu found it interesting and gently stroked the parrot.
The feathers were smooth.
The little creature was truly intelligent.
It even nuzzled its head against his hand.
“This parrot and you get along well! Rare to see such a smart one.”
Dafu’s brow twitched slightly.
“It’s rare to find such a well-matched little pet.
Young master, why not take it home?”
Hearing this, Dafu’s eyes flickered.
He hesitated awkwardly.
“A clever parrot like this must be expensive, but my pockets are shallow.”
The man smiled, “This parrot is hard to train.
It probably recognizes its master.
I’ve seen it with other customers, but it’s never so obedient.
I think it only trusts you.
If I keep it, its bad temper may continue, and I won’t get a good price.
Better to sell it to you at a friendly discount.”
The shopkeeper’s words were smooth.
Originally priced at eight guan, he now offered it for four.
A Wang’s eyes lit up and he almost agreed outright, but seeing Dafu silent, he kept quiet.
Dafu said, “It’s tempting, and I do feel fond of the parrot.
It’s rare the shopkeeper offers such a good price, but I lack the means to buy it.
First, my family might not like having it at home.
Second, I’m young and don’t have much savings.”
Unexpectedly, the man pulled Dafu aside to a quiet corner.
“I’ve trained this parrot and grown attached to it.
I want to find it a good home.
At least it found a master in you who will cherish it.
If you want but your family doesn’t approve, there’s a solution.
You can buy it and leave it here at the shop.
I’ll take care of it and feed it, and you can visit anytime.”
“Also, if your funds are tight, I can give you some time to settle.”
Dafu’s heart warmed.
This man was thoughtful and went out of his way to help him buy the parrot, disregarding money.
“Thank you for your kindness, but I have no luck buying it.”
After that, Dafu politely declined and left, no longer entangling with the shopkeeper.
He went downstairs and bought the crossbow he had admired.
He asked the clerk to pack it well in a good case, settled the bill, and left.
“Zhan Er, have you lost your touch today?
With your silver tongue, you didn’t sell a single bird?”
A sharp-witted man called out as the young man came down from upstairs, teasing the clerks on the first floor.
The young man snorted, “He doesn’t like it—just a poor, penniless kid.”
“Don’t be mistaken.
He didn’t bat an eye before buying that crossbow.
And he has a servant with him.
He’s no poor kid.”
Zhan Er’s mood darkened.
The clerk laughed at his discomfort.
“You still think you can trick him into spending more like the last kid who bought the falcon?”
Zhan Er was annoyed.
At that age, kids were easily drawn in by birds and beasts.
With a few sweet words, they’d be unable to resist buying.
Once hooked, he could slip some pills into the pets, ensuring that within two months rich kids would come asking.
Then he could swindle more money.
With some like-minded brothers into cockfighting and dogfighting, it was easy to con them all.
“Hmph, if they want to give me money, they can freeze their heads with ice for all I care.”
On the way back, Dafu spoke to A Wang, “Today I saw how these shop clerks work.
Their silver tongues are impressive.
When I first saw the parrot, I almost brought it home.
But if I did, I’d probably hang it in my room.
Hearing the bird speak would distract me.
With exams coming, I can’t afford such distractions.”
A Wang said, “That parrot is indeed charming, and the clerk’s words make it hard not to want it.
But since you like it, buying a parrot to lighten the study pressure is good.
Still, the clerk was a bit unscrupulous.”
Dafu shook his head.
“I understand what you mean, but I don’t think I need to be so harsh on myself.
Buying the parrot doesn’t mean I’ll become like that classmate, neglecting everything.
But I can’t guarantee I won’t be distracted.
The academy exams have many top contenders, and it gets harder the higher you go.
If I don’t discipline myself strictly, how can I surpass these scholars?
At my age, indulging in pleasure will only eat away my future.
Even if I don’t pass the exam, as long as I prepare wholeheartedly, I can be at peace.
Otherwise, I’d only regret it.”
A Wang was silently impressed.
“You think far ahead, while I am shortsighted.”
Dafu smiled.
“That clever parrot is nice.
When it’s Little Fu’s birthday, I’ll buy one to amuse him.”
Back home, the weather was hot.
Dafu quickly washed up and changed into fresh clothes.
He took the gifts and rode the carriage to the Yao family’s.
Kang Mei and Fan Jing took Little Fu out to play for the time being.
Yao Yuan’s birthday was usually modest, inviting only close relatives and a few good friends from the escort agency.
They arranged three or four tables for a warm, lively celebration.
By the time the family returned, night had fallen.
Kang Mei had drunk quite a bit and was somewhat tipsy.
He told Fan Jing how glad he was that, when Yao Yuan was first invited to their home, they hadn’t forced him to drink heavily.
Now with his escort agency friends, they had seen just the tip of the iceberg.
This young man could drink three times what Kang Mei and Fan Jing could.
If they had tried to press him to drink, they themselves might have lost face.
Leaning on Fan Jing, Kang Mei was a bit dizzy.
He noticed Little Fu pinching his nose and pouting.
“One carriage full of wine breath.”
Kang Mei laughed and scooped the little one into his arms.
“Am I smelling like smoke to you? You don’t mind your dad.”
Little Fu sat in Kang Mei’s lap, yelling, “I don’t mind—I want to drink too!”
Fan Jing said, “If you smell like your dad, you’ll be foolish.
Do you want that?”
Little Fu pouted again.
Dafu laughed, “You don’t want to study, only these things.”
Back at home, the two “Fu” boys each returned to their respective courtyards.
Fan Jing helped Kang Mei wash up.
He rubbed fragrant oil on him twice before tossing him onto the bed.
Kang Mei sobered quickly after bathing but insisted on playfully teasing Fan Jing as if still drunk.
When Fan Jing lay down, Kang Mei snuggled close and bit his neck twice.
Fan Jing felt the dampness and resisted.
Last time, that had caused a quarrel and an accident.
Soon after, Fan Jing felt unwell—dizzy and nauseous.
He thought he was pregnant again, causing chaos.
The doctor’s visit revealed only digestive upset.
This time, he did not want a repeat.
“Not pregnant, don’t fuss.”
Kang Mei circled Fan Jing’s waist.
“I got some more scented paper yesterday, bought from the merchant caravan delivering goods to the prefecture.
It’s much better than what we used before.
Very thin.
Don’t you want to try?”
Fan Jing’s brow twitched.
“You’re shameless making me help with this stuff.”
Kang Mei kissed Fan Jing’s nose.
“They’re all men.
They do these things too.
Nothing to be shy about.”
After a moment, Fan Jing closed his eyes, trying to endure.
When he opened them, he looked at Kang Mei’s face.
Though worn, he didn’t look old, just steadier than when they first met.
Though now, his expression was like someone ready to devour him.
“Why do you like doing this so much?”
Kang Mei wiped sweat from his brow, laughing.
“You’ve got such a handsome face.
Just looking at you in the day is enough.
At night lying beside you, who wouldn’t want to have fun?”
Fan Jing never thought he was handsome, and whenever Kang Mei said that, he suspected it was a lie.
“You haven’t seen many little brothers.
At first, you didn’t have many options.
If…”
Fan Jing grunted and swallowed the rest.
“I tell you, no matter how many I had to choose from, I’d only see you.”
“Everyone says Dafu and Little Fu are handsome and clever.
Without a handsome little dad like you, could they look this way?”
Fan Jing frowned, biting Kang Mei.
He didn’t speak further—this wasn’t the time.
At midnight, after a bath, they lay down.
The room was no longer so hot.
Though tired, sleep did not come easily.
Kang Mei rested his arm on Fan Jing and said, “Today Yao Yuan spoke again about opening a martial arts school.
I think he really made up his mind.”
“Newlyweds are enthusiastic.
Now that Qiao’er is pregnant, he’s even more reluctant to go far.”
Fan Jing nodded.
At the banquet, Qiao’er had said a few words too.
Kang Mei asked, “Would you be interested in joining him in this business?”
Fan Jing didn’t say yes or no but replied, “If he opens the martial arts school and wants me to help, he might as well let me recruit some young boys.”
Kang Mei’s brow lifted.
“That’s a good idea.
There are already martial arts schools in the city.
If Yao Yuan opens one, it won’t be the only one.
Recruiting boys is one way to stand out.”
“Those who can fight may have better prospects than men.”
He smiled, growing happier with the thought.
Not because of making money but because of Fan Jing.
Kang Mei turned to him.
“You must have had this idea long ago.
Now the family’s not all about making money to survive.
The two younger sisters both married well.
Father and mother are respected in the village.
The household prospers.
We don’t need to be so tense.”
“Leave the business to me.
Fan Jing, go do what you enjoy.
Don’t work yourself so hard just for the family, forgetting your own desires.”
Fan Jing looked at Kang Mei’s shining eyes, stroked his brows, and a thousand feelings swirled in his heart.
At last, they turned into a kiss, resting on Kang Mei’s forehead.
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Kang He’s name became Kang Mei