These past months, while Yue Shang was busy with the martial arts school, Xiaofu had been teaching Chen Sanfang and had gone to live in the countryside for about half a month.
The little rascal was quite happy in the countryside—one day playing with the rabbits and quails in the livestock pen, the next day riding the little donkey out to pick fruit.
Both Chen Sanfang and Da Fu were very fond of him, doting on him during the day, and the little one was quite comfortable.
Fan Jing couldn’t help but think that since he hadn’t been around, having been busy with his own affairs, he had somewhat neglected taking care of the little guy.
Now that the martial arts school had started classes and was slowly getting on track, taking him along to play wouldn’t be a problem.
The trouble was that this little rascal was particularly fond of wielding swords and spears.
Well then, Fan Jing helped Xiaofu change into a set of tight-sleeved clothes, lifted him onto the horse, and the two rode together to the martial arts school.
“You must be the You’er from the Fan family’s teacher, right? Such a delicate little lad—how old are you now?”
Fan Jing brought Xiaofu to the martial arts school, put him down, and then led the horse to the stable.
Coincidentally, Cao Qiang, who had a morning class, arrived at the martial arts school and saw the little rascal with round eyes looking around curiously.
She found the little one adorable—his face small but features quite distinct—and approached him to speak.
It was Xiaofu’s first time meeting Cao Qiang, yet he didn’t feel shy at all.
He stepped forward and said, “Mm, Teacher Fan is my little dad. I’m already six years old!”
Cao Qiang couldn’t help but gently pinch Xiaofu’s cheek. “Truly so adorable.”
“Are you Sister Cao, the teacher at the martial arts school?”
Cao Qiang crouched down and asked, “How do you know me?”
“Daddy told me that in Teacher Fan’s class there are three teachers, and one is Sister Cao. She uses the whip very well.”
Xiaofu wrinkled his nose slightly. “Sister even smells nice and is very pretty.”
Cao Qiang smiled when the little one praised her: “Your little mouth seems to be smeared with honey.”
At that moment, Yao Yuan came over. Seeing him, Xiaofu happily called him “Little Uncle-in-law.”
“When did you come back from the countryside? It’s been some time since I last saw you. You seem a bit tanned.”
“It’s fun in the countryside. I go out every day, so I got tanned from the sun.”
Fan Jing returned after tying the horse and found Xiaofu already playing enthusiastically with the teachers at the martial arts school, not a trace of shyness.
Cao Qiang was holding him, even taking the whip she carried and letting him play with it, while Zhao Yansheng handed him some food.
Fan Jing furrowed his brow slightly, thinking that the little rascal must have some skillful way with words to charm people.
He decided to let him be for now. There would soon be classes, and he didn’t have time to look after him.
After tidying up briefly, Fan Jing went to teach.
He first led the students in running three laps to warm up and stretching, then verbally explained archery techniques.
A few days ago, the students had already learned to identify bows and arrows and had been given a basic explanation of the key points, followed by a demonstration.
From then on, as much time as possible was left for the students to practice shooting arrows themselves.
Xiaofu ran around the martial arts school before returning, seeing that his little dad had already started teaching.
He hurriedly put down the winter melon and snacks that Yao Yuan had brought him outside the training ground and began eating with relish.
Seeing Fan Jing’s demonstration hit the target dead center from fifty meters away, Xiaofu happily jumped and quietly clapped.
“Next is free practice. If anyone is confused, you may ask questions.”
Fan Jing finished speaking, and the students stirred for a moment before each taking their bows and arrows to practice.
Zhao Yansheng unexpectedly called Fan Jing over.
Fan Jing went inside.
Seeing all the students retrieving arrows to practice, Xiaofu couldn’t help but feel a bit itchy.
He regretted not bringing the bow his little dad made for him.
There was a special practice area at this end of the training ground, which was much more convenient than at home.
Just as his eyes brimmed with envy, two older students came to the edge of the training ground to get water.
Noticing Xiaofu, one said, “Are you a new student?”
“I’m not,” Xiaofu shook his head, taking out a cake and about to ask if the students wanted some, when a boy just over ten years old said, “Then where are you from?”
“I’m just here wandering around the martial arts school.”
The boy snorted lightly. “The martial arts school is not a place for fun. This is where we seriously learn martial arts! If you’re not here to study kung fu, then forget it. Why are you here eating and drinking? You’re disturbing the serious students.”
Hearing this, Xiaofu blinked and said, “If you’re seriously learning, how could you easily get distracted? Besides, I’m not the only one here on the training ground not practicing archery; even some teachers are eating and talking. Why don’t you say anything about them, but only me?”
“Is it just because I’m young and not a respected teacher that you think I’m easy to bully?”
The students were momentarily speechless, not expecting such a sharp tongue from a little kid.
One of the older boys gently tugged Xiaofu’s sleeve, then smiled and said softly, “Look at you being so serious. Don’t you want to…”
Xiaofu heard this and—
“Of course, our teachers are very tolerant. Usually, students are allowed to try the Plum Blossom Stakes when practicing martial arts.”
“Little one!”
“What are you teaching him to come up on stage to shoot bows and arrows for? We paid to learn, and he’s just here for fun. Why should he be allowed to use them? You’re too kind-hearted!”
One student whispered a colorful comment about the older boy’s kindness.
The taller student whispered back, “Why are you in such a hurry? I’m just teaching him to make a fool of himself on the field.”
Hearing this, the students stopped talking and pursed their lips, smiling slyly.
“Everyone, pause for half a moment. A little friend wants to show you some archery skills. Let’s watch and learn.”
The taller student clapped and stopped the students on the field.
Hearing this, all the students stopped their actions.
They saw a younger boy than any of them on the field. The youngest among them was already ten years old, some were fourteen or fifteen, so none were this young.
Curiosity sparked among them.
The tall student took a bow and arrows from a basket and handed them to Xiaofu.
“Go ahead and try. Everyone has stopped to watch you.”
Xiaofu’s delicate eyebrows twitched.
He took the long bow and arrows, glanced around at the students whispering among themselves, not knowing what they were saying.
He didn’t bother to find out.
The tall student thought he was nervous and kindly showed Xiaofu how to nock an arrow.
Finally, letting go, he taught him how to shoot.
Xiaofu pulled on the long bow with his arm, but the bow was too big; he couldn’t pull it.
He took a bigger step back, bit his lip, his little face turning bright red.
At last, he managed to draw the arrow and released it.
With a “plop” sound, the arrow fell right at his feet.
“Ha ha ha ha!”
A burst of laughter erupted across the field.
The students were all doubled over with laughter at Xiaofu’s clumsy display.
“I thought my skills were the worst, but I didn’t expect to drop an arrow right at my feet.”
“Today’s practice has definitely boosted my confidence.”
Seeing the students laugh, Xiaofu blinked and looked at the tallest student who was laughing hardest, honestly saying, “This bow is too big; I can’t pull it easily, and it’s very heavy.”
“Silly boy, archery depends on talent. Only when your skills aren’t good do you blame the weapon.”
At that moment, two female students nearby couldn’t stand it.
“He’s still so young. Chen Xu, you’re playing with a little kid. Have you no shame?”
“Who’s playing with him? He wanted to try the bow and arrows, and I’m teaching him. Is that wrong?”
“Among all the students, Chen Xu is the biggest troublemaker. Today we must teach him a lesson before he learns to behave.”
Zhao Yansheng and Cao Qiang were watching the field from the classroom window.
Seeing Chen Xu teasing Xiaofu at the martial arts school, they stood up, about to go out and scold him.
Fan Jing raised his hand, signaling them not to move.
“He’s doing it on purpose.”
“On purpose? Who?”
Fan Jing didn’t answer their questions and quietly took out a small bow.
He went onto the training ground.
The students fell silent upon seeing Fan Jing return.
Xiaofu, who was just standing there looking a little dazed after chatting with Chen Xu, saw Fan Jing smile warmly and called out, “Little Dad.”
Hearing this, the students on the field immediately quieted down, especially Chen Xu and his fellow students, whose faces paled slightly.
Looking at Xiaofu’s features, he was a spitting image of Teacher Fan.
A group of young children, after all, lacked keen observation.
Fan Jing’s expression showed no joy or anger.
He handed the small bow to Xiaofu.
“Give it a try.”
Xiaofu took it, playing with the small bow in his hands.
He felt it wasn’t much different from the one at home and found it quite handy.
Seeing this, he took a bamboo arrow from the quiver, nocked it expertly on the string, took a half-step back, steadied his stance, and instantly seemed like a different person.
All the lively, playful energy vanished, replaced by a focused, determined look—very much like Fan Jing himself.
He aimed at the target ten meters away and released the arrow smoothly.
With a muffled “thump,” the bamboo arrow landed firmly in the center of the target.
The students all turned to look at the target, eyes wide as they saw the arrow piercing the bullseye.
They swallowed hard, goosebumps rising on their skin.
Although the target wasn’t far away, beginners usually started shooting at a five-meter target.
After practicing for a long time, they could consistently hit the target, but hitting the bullseye was difficult.
Archery tests strength control, target sensitivity, and many other aspects; this skill was not easily mastered.
Xiaofu remained humble and calm.
He drew another arrow with unwavering focus and released it.
He shot three times in a row, each arrow hitting the bullseye.
The breeze ruffled the small fragments of hair on his cheek.
His small face shone brightly with brilliance.
In the distance, Cao Qiang and Zhao Yansheng stood up and exchanged glances, then smiled in admiration.
“Truly worthy of being the son of Teacher Fan. Look at his age and the skill he already has.”
Fan Jing’s expression grew satisfied seeing Xiaofu’s three shots all in the bullseye.
This little rascal loved this skill just like he did in his childhood.
It seemed that the half-month in the countryside hadn’t caused him to slack in archery practice.
He gently patted Xiaofu on the back.
“All right, take your arrows and play outside. Don’t delay the students’ practice.”
“Mm.”
Xiaofu happily hugged the bow and quiver and ran outside, once again showing his innocent and carefree demeanor.
The students on the field didn’t dare make a sound.
Chen Xu kept his head lowered for a long time, too embarrassed to look up.
Even though Fan Jing didn’t reprimand him verbally, after Xiaofu’s display, the second half of practice was more serious and diligent than ever before.
“I’m feeling pretty good. After archery class, some students even came to ask me how long I’ve been practicing and how I got so good. They’re eager to have me teach them.”
That evening, Xiaofu lay on the cool wooden bench in the big room, vividly telling Da Fu about his day at the martial arts school.
“When I came back, I told Daddy I wanted to become a student at the martial arts school. He even said that was good. But little dad just kept quiet—I don’t know if he’ll agree.”
Da Fu had finished his writings for the day and was relaxing when he heard Xiaofu’s lively chatter about his shining moment.
He smiled softly.
“You’re a clever one, making people think you couldn’t shoot arrows, then waiting for little dad to save you before showing your true skills. Who taught you that?”
Xiaofu, barefoot, eyes spinning quickly, replied, “They just wanted to watch me make a fool of myself, so I gave them a show.”
Da Fu sat beside him on the bench, sighing.
“I only hope that when your elder brother takes the stage this time, he’ll astonish everyone just like you.”
“My elder brother is already very outstanding; he’s not competing for first place. Brother Fifteen didn’t even attend the county exam in February.”
Da Fu said, “He caught a cold in the prefectural city and was unwell, which affected him. His results at the county exam weren’t bad. If not for that incident, he might have become a child student.”
“No matter, it’s not a big deal. Next year’s exam will be more certain.”
Xiaofu hummed, “Brother is very good at advising others but gets upset about himself.”
Da Fu laughed.
“I only said that to you because you’re innocent. If it weren’t for you, neither Daddy nor little dad would speak of their worries about the academy exam.”
“You should go visit Fifteen when you have time. I’m focused on the academy exam. When he failed the prefectural exam, I went to the Xu family to comfort him. Since then, I’ve only seen him at school.”
“I see him every day. Why would I worry?”
Xiaofu felt closest to his brothers, especially Brother Fifteen, who almost doted on him.
“I told him to go to the martial arts school and learn archery. But for some reason, when I sought him out, he was happy but said strange things, like I had upset him.”
“Growing up is strange. He didn’t act like that before.”
Da Fu furrowed his brows.
“I don’t even understand what you’re saying.”
They talked some more before Xiaofu went back to rest.
Kang He heard Seventh Brother say Xiaofu went to rest.
Da Fu no longer looked at his book, blew out the lamp, and went back to his room.
Fan Jing washed up and came out, his expression not bad.
His mood was quite good today.
Earlier, he had gone to the martial arts school to pick up the whole family, and on the way, he had already heard the full story of Xiaofu’s “great achievements.”
“You smell so nice. Are you wearing osmanthus balm?”
Fan Jing looked at Kang He in surprise.
He wondered where Xiaofu had learned those flattering words about a girl’s fragrance.
Judging by how he looked, he must have learned them from Kang He.
Fan Jing said, “The scent came from the osmanthus blossoms outside in the garden.”
Kang He paid no attention to where the fragrance came from and pulled Fan Jing to the bed.
They lay together, surrounded by the sweet scent, sharing an intimate moment.
Later that night, after washing again, the two lay on the bed.
“I’m thinking, since Xiaofu is lively and likes swords and spears, why not let him learn at the martial arts school?”
Kang He agreed.
“That’s of course good.
When recruiting students outside, they claim both boys and girls can learn literature and martial arts.
Though they don’t reach the heights of the imperial examinations, these skills are quite useful.
In the end, we can’t let them change entirely at home, forbidding our boys and girls from learning martial arts.
Besides, Xiaofu’s a rare one with interest and some talent.”
Fan Jing’s gaze softened considerably when Kang He agreed.
“Then let him start by learning some basic fighting.
It’ll be like when we sent Xiaofu to the school to study.
If he sticks with it, let him continue.
If he doesn’t like it, then we’ll stop.”
Kang He nodded.
“That’s good.
I think he has some perseverance and probably won’t quit halfway.”
“Mm.”
Fan Jing responded.
He held Kang He’s hand, feeling especially at ease, filled with a quiet satisfaction about their life and a hopeful anticipation for the future.
Though the two children had very different personalities, each was clever and sensible.
The household was thriving, with each of them busy in their own way.
Fan Jing never imagined their life would ever be as good as it was now; how could he not feel moved?
Time flew by.
On August 26th, the autumn harvest season, was the day of the big academy exam for Da Fu.
The osmanthus trees lining the county streets bloomed fragrantly.
Before dawn, the whole family accompanied Da Fu to the imperial exam hall.
How quickly time passed—sending Da Fu to the county exam hall just last February felt like yesterday, yet it had already been a year and a half.
The officials carried many things off the carriage and sent Da Fu to line up for the inspection.
This time, the academy exam was serious business, more stringent than the child exam.
It lasted three full days.
Once inside the exam hall and the door was locked, the exam was over only when they left.
Any reason to leave midway would invalidate the exam.
Having had experience in the previous two exams and even traveling to the prefectural city for tests, Da Fu’s mindset was much steadier than the first time.
He hadn’t neglected his studies during this year’s preparation.
He often went to the county school to ask questions, and the external instructor personally guided him.
No matter the outcome of the exam, he would be able to look back without regret, naturally keeping a steady mind.
“Daddy, little dad, Xiaofu, come back early.
The three days will pass quickly.
I’m worried.
I can handle this academy exam.”
Da Fu smiled, patting Xiaofu’s head.
“Listen well to Daddy and little dad.
After your brother’s imperial exam is over and you’ve all had a break, when the autumn air is crisp, I’ll take you to the temple fair as promised.”
Xiaofu happily agreed and spoke a string of sweet words, which delighted Da Fu.
The whole family went into the exam hall together.
Kang He picked up Xiaofu, standing close to Fan Jing.
“I hope this child will do well in every exam.”
The translation can be better especially the names and some dialogue are not so smooth but thanks as always!
Misleading changes in names are ok, but translating Da Fu as grandpa Fan – it is too much.
I am very sorry. Fixed it
I am very sorry. Fixed it.