Manager Jin returned to the main residence carrying the gift exactly as it was. Although the gift wasn’t delivered and the matter remained unresolved, his heart was surprisingly light and cheerful.
Having been so courteously and warmly received, the master couldn’t bear to lose face. In fact, the master gained some pride from it. Though master and servant share honor and disgrace alike, it was rare to find one who wouldn’t feel pleased by such treatment.
Still, since the matter wasn’t settled, he went to report back to Zou Fulang.
“Is it that they won’t accept anyone new in my area, or is it that they refuse everyone outright?”
Hearing the report, Zou Fulang, who was leisurely sitting in the flower hall sipping tea, lifted his eyelids and glanced at Manager Jin.
Manager Jin answered frankly, “They don’t accept anyone from families with no prior dealings.”
“Is the gate guarded that tightly?” Zou Fulang set down his teacup and said, “Looks like a tough nut to crack.”
“Those scholarly families love to put on airs the most, always pretending to be refined and pure to outsiders, but it’s really just to attract some business.”
Zou Fulang’s husband drew aside the curtain and came out from the inner room. “If that’s the case, all those who don’t pay the clearly marked prices—just ignore them altogether.”
“You speak easily, but the county magistrate’s term ends next year, and there’ll be a whole new scene then. If we don’t get the local gentry on our side, the new man won’t buy it. It won’t be as simple as it is now.”
Zou Fulang frowned unhappily. “The problem is all the money spent to curry favor has been wasted. That case’s top candidate has such a promising future, yet you already back down at the first sign of trouble. How will you ever have your share then?”
Zou Fulang’s husband said nothing, quietly acknowledging that his husband made a fair point.
“Well then,” Zou Fulang said to Manager Jin, “I heard about this matter and hurried to prepare a gift, but I didn’t inquire carefully. Since I hadn’t heard of that family before, I thought it would be easy to deal with them. It was careless of me.”
“Old Jin, you should go inquire further, see what kind of people they really are.”
Seeing the couple’s conversation wasn’t open for interruption, Manager Jin held back. But hearing Zou Fulang’s words, he spoke up, “I have already made some inquiries. That Fan family—Fulang actually knows them.”
Hearing this, Zou Fulang furrowed his brow. “When have I ever known such a family?”
“The male head’s surname is Kang; he married into the Fan family. That’s why their child doesn’t carry the Fan surname. Back when you worked at the bridgehead candle shop, he often came by selling honey and some local goods…”
Before Manager Jin finished, Zou Fulang had already recalled. Over the years, he had met many people, but Kang… just a few words were enough to bring him to mind. How could he forget? The most profitable business at home was acquired through this man.
If Manager Jin hadn’t mentioned him today, he might not have remembered—yet now, he couldn’t help but think back. The two families hadn’t had dealings in nearly a decade.
Sighing with emotion, he couldn’t help but ask in surprise, “Are you saying the case’s top candidate is their child?”
“Exactly. He lives now on Chaoyang Lane. The family business is flourishing, and both of them still look young, showing no sign of age.”
Manager Jin said, “I was quite startled when I first saw him!”
Zou Fulang’s thoughts drifted away as he murmured, “He’s truly skilled. Back then, I always thought Kang Sanlang wasn’t an ordinary man. Looks like over the years, he has managed to run his business quite successfully.”
“Back then, our family and the Fan family were on very friendly terms…”
Hearing the two men speaking so animatedly, Zou Fulang’s husband was a little confused and couldn’t recall. “What kind of person? I don’t remember him at all.”
Hearing his husband’s voice and bewilderment, Zou Fulang felt a surge of anger recalling old memories.
“You just don’t remember. The Fan family was once one of our good connections. At birthdays and celebrations, people would bring gifts to congratulate. You crossed off their names from the invitation list, and those without invitations were turned away outside. Heaven’s way is just—a role reversal. Now it’s us taking gifts to congratulate them, but we’re the ones turned away outside!”
The anger in Zou Fulang’s heart swelled.
Zou Fulang’s husband listened to his complaints and vaguely recalled some old matters, and was surprised. “I never expected that small rural family would rise to this level today. I truly misjudged them. Had I known they would be so prosperous, I wouldn’t have acted so.”
“If only we could have known earlier, our family would have soared long ago. Business has been getting tougher these years.”
His husband said, “It’s not just my fault. I’m not familiar with the Fans, but you knew them well. Later you even wanted to invite someone to accompany the gift, yet after all that, relations still broke off.”
“You’re blaming me now? Business was busy then. You caused trouble instead of helping, crossing out my invitation names without my knowledge. Have you ever behaved yourself these years? And those flirty women outside—you don’t think I don’t know!”
“When talking about the Fan family, just talk about them. Why bring up these things? You’re just looking to start a fight.”
Already remorseful, he was made even angrier by his husband’s unreasonable words. Each dredged up old grievances, and soon they were arguing heatedly.
Manager Jin dared not interrupt, seeing the quarrel escalate and fearing some words might be overheard that shouldn’t be.
That night, the two husbands argued over trivial matters, and Zou Fulang’s husband, Qi Tian, drove Zou Fulang out to the study to sleep.
Soaking his feet, Qi Tian grumbled over the quarrel but couldn’t win against his formidable husband. Growing angrier by the minute, he kicked over a foot basin, spilling hot water everywhere.
“Ouch! My lord, why are you angry with Fulang?”
One of the master’s loyal lackeys quickly rushed to pick up the spinning basin.
“That man has such skill—how come he hasn’t managed to trap the Fan family yet? Instead, he blames me. If I begged him to reconnect with the Fans, he’d lose face. I still have my pride!”
“Things are unpredictable. How can you blame my lord for what happened back then?”
“If you want me to beg, what good would that do? Since the Fan family’s rising in prominence, everyone wants to curry favor. I’m going against the grain, hoping the Fan family won’t last long! Unless I have some leverage over them, otherwise they’re far too arrogant!”
Hearing this, the subordinates’ eyes gleamed with interest and they leaned in to ask, “What does your lord intend to do?”
Qi Tian’s eyes rolled. “Old Jin said that Kang is the Fan family’s son-in-law but a capable man. Yet he can’t even have his own children carry his surname. His husband is a fierce butcher and hunter, keeping outsiders completely away after all these years. It’s quite pitiful…”
The lackeys caught Qi Tian’s meaning and smiled knowingly. “We’ll arrange it at once.”
Qi Tian snorted, thinking to himself: They pride themselves on strict family values; now let’s see if that’s really true.
The Fan family hosted a lively banquet several times, and by almost October, things finally quieted down.
Although a few people still tried to make connections and appear friendly, it was nothing like the flurry of activity right after the exam results were announced.
Facing the firm attitude outside, most had the sense not to pester further.
Kang had taken a trip back to the countryside to inspect the estate.
Seeing that Fan senior and Madam Chen were well, he distributed rewards to the household servants and reprimanded those who deserved it, finally feeling more at ease.
Returning to the country house, he met with Fan Xin and shared good news: for several years, Fan Xin had been secretly receiving medical treatment and recuperation, and a month ago Madam Lu became pregnant. The main household was overjoyed.
Zhang Jingui, who had prayed to the gods for years, could finally become a grandmother. Her heart was comforted, and she had grown more kindly.
Seeing Kang and Fan Jing’s children now over ten years old, and that one had passed the county exam, Kang was deeply moved.
“Look at Dafu passing the exams, and now succeeding as the top candidate—it truly stirs my heart,” Fan Xin said while sitting and talking with Kang. “Currently, the private school has someone managing it. The younger ones have their breaks, and I have resolved to use this chance to study again, hoping to take the exam once more next February and fulfill my longstanding wish to be a scholar.”
Kang was somewhat surprised to hear Fan Xin’s plan to retake the exam.
Though he’d long known Fan Xin intended to try again, managing the private school and tutoring students left him little time to prepare.
After all these years, Kang had thought Fan Xin had let go of that obsession, so hearing that he had decided to try again was unexpectedly uplifting.
“Age doesn’t matter at the exam hall. It’s good that Brother Daxin has this resolve.”
Fan Xin smiled sheepishly. “Now it’s me who should be asking Dafu for help.”
Kang said, “He’s entering the county school next year. The past two years he’s been preparing diligently for the exams without rest. Now he wants a little break. Since he hasn’t attended the Xu family’s private school, he can come back home to accompany grandparents and study with you.”
Fan Xin was pleased to hear this. “That’s much better!”
After chatting for a while, Kang saw it was getting late.
He brought back some fish and shrimp from the countryside to prepare dinner for the family.
Little Fu’s wound had finally healed enough that he could eat fish and shrimp, something he had long desired but had to avoid while recovering and during recent celebrations.
Kang drove quickly on the way back to the city.
Just as they neared the city, he suddenly heard cries for help.
Looking toward the sound, he saw two rough-looking men blocking the road, harassing a young woman.
“Little lady, where are you going? Why not come have some fun with us brothers? Wouldn’t that be enjoyable~”
“Such a lovely girl,” one said.
Seeing this, Kang immediately pulled the reins to stop the carriage and shouted, “You two grown men, why trouble a young lady? It’s broad daylight! I’ll report you to the authorities, and you’ll be dragged off for punishment!”
“Mind your own business! Get lost, don’t spoil our fun.”
The young woman, head bowed and avoiding their gaze, seemed terrified and pleaded, “Sir, please save me.”
The ruffians reached out to grab her, but Kang leapt down from the carriage.
“Mind your own business? If you don’t leave now, don’t blame us for being rude!”
The two men rolled up their sleeves to fight Kang.
Unafraid, Kang charged forward, and soon the three were locked in a scuffle.
The men were smaller in stature, and within moments Kang had beaten them so badly their faces were swollen.
One groaned, “You’re ruthless!”
They fled swiftly like shadows, not daring to look back lest Kang chase them.
“Thank you for saving me, sir. Otherwise, I truly don’t know what I would have done today.”
The young woman knelt softly before Kang, wiping tears from her face, truly delicate and pitiful.
Kang said, “No need to be so polite. Any man with some decency would have intervened. Get up now.”
But she refused to rise, crying, “I came from another town to Luán County to find relatives, but was told they’ve moved away. I have nowhere to turn, and didn’t know where to go. Frightened and lost, I left the city only to encounter those ruffians. I even thought about ending it all.”
Listening to her words, Kang noted her fox-like eyes with upturned corners and peach-blossom complexion—a truly beautiful face.
Now, with tears streaming down, she was heart-rending.
He asked, frowning, “Where exactly did you come from? And which relatives did you seek? Our family is in the city; perhaps we’ve heard some news of your kin.”
The young woman sobbed softly, “I came from Fang County to find my aunt, surname Zhuang. She is an embroidery worker.”
Kang pondered briefly. “Fang County is quite far from Luán. Coming here alone, you must have suffered much hardship. Truly a pitiful person. But I do not know any embroidery worker named Zhuang…”
Her tears worsened. “That’s right. It’s getting late, and I don’t know where to go…”
Suddenly, in a quieter voice, she begged, “Please, sir, be merciful and help me find a place to go. I will repay your kindness however I can!”
With that, she kowtowed to the ground.
Nearby on the official road, a slender figure had stood for some time, now growing weary.
He took a deep breath, reminding himself to keep calm and not intervene.
But when Kang’s expression flickered with disbelief and he asked, “Really?”
Before the girl could answer, the figure strode forward quickly.
The kneeling girl felt an arm tugging her and thought Kang had come to help.
Rising with his support, she looked up happily—only to meet a cold, somewhat stern face.
The man said indifferently, “Get in the carriage.”
The girl was startled and glanced at Kang, who had somehow already slipped back into the mule cart, huddled like a large quail.
Fan Jing sat silently, pulling the reins and driving swiftly.
On the left sat the restless young woman; on the right, the honest Kang.
The mule cart sped quickly, entering the city in moments.
Fan Jing turned to the vulnerable girl and took her to the martial arts school.
There, she was settled into the female students’ dormitory and told to slowly look for her relatives until news was found.
The girl thanked Fan Jing, but her soft eyes kept falling on Kang, who stood awkwardly nearby as if on punishment.
Kang pursed his lips, saying nothing.
Fan Jing led him away.
“Why did you come out of the city? To meet me?”
Fan Jing drove the carriage as if not hearing Kang, offering no reply.
Seeing Fan Jing’s sullen face, Kang pinched his waist gently. “Such a bad temper—you scared the young lady.”
Fan Jing grabbed Kang’s hand firmly, a little rougher than necessary. “I scared her. You go comfort her.”
Kang yelped, pleading, “I know, I know, my good brother, don’t torture me!”
Fan Jing saw Kang’s exaggerated grimace and let go.
Kang wanted to tease him but feared his anger. Rubbing his hand, he spoke seriously.
“I think that girl is strange. Earlier, two ruffians harassed her at the roadside and tried to fight me. At first, they didn’t aim to hurt me seriously—more like posturing. But after I landed a few punches, they got serious and ran away. That’s when I felt something was off.”
“Then I heard she came from Fang County to find relatives. It’s quite a distance. Yet the girl’s skin is fair and delicate, her hands don’t look like they’ve touched river water, and her eyes are soft and alluring—nothing like someone who traveled alone.”
Fan Jing listened carefully and, with his own keen intuition, sensed something was wrong.
“You observe carefully.”
Though Kang might have ulterior motives, if so he’d have helped the girl the moment she knelt down, not let her stay on the ground asking questions.
Having been husband and husband for years, they knew Kang was playing a part, which was obvious.
Still, Fan Jing regarded Kang as his own. Seeing the girl deliberately flirt and Kang vaguely ambiguous, he felt uneasy.
“I only want to extract some information. But it looks like someone set a trap for me.”
“Even if I see through it, and could drive her away now, I’d be the fool if I don’t know who’s behind this.”
Over the years, many schemes and traps had been seen in the city: luring people to gamble, breaking wills, all kinds of sinister tricks.
Now such a scheme was being employed.
At the critical moment for the Fan family, such a schemer surely aims to ruin their reputation.
If this isn’t figured out, who knows what trouble will arise later.
Fan Jing said, “I came at a bad time.”
Kang looped his arm around Fan Jing’s waist. “Good thing you came to save me, or I wouldn’t have escaped, and someone else might have seen through me.”
Fan Jing glanced at Kang and sighed. He’d rather the trouble fall on himself than Kang.
He asked, “What’s your plan next?”
“By coincidence, you locked her in the martial arts school. Yao Yuan has extensive connections; let him investigate and see who’s behind this so carefully staged rescue.”
Fan Jing responded with a nod.
He glanced at Kang’s reddened hand and silently took it, rubbing gently.
Driving with one hand, he slowed the carriage toward home.