Chapter 147: Xiao Fu x Fifteen (Part 1)

In the two years to come, Xiao Fu would complete the period of filial piety, take the provincial imperial examination, and rise high in one fell swoop.

The news was sent back to the county, and everyone rejoiced.

“Xiao Fu really is promising. Once he enters the court as an official, Da Fu will have a companion for sure.”

When Kang He received the letter, he felt especially delighted inside.

He raised his eyebrows and said to Fan Jing, “Before Xiao Fu left for the capital, he confided to me privately that if he managed to achieve a promising result this time, upon returning home he would want to put the matter of marriage with Da Fu’s family on the agenda.”

Upon hearing this, Fan Jing immediately understood Kang He’s meaning.

Xiao Fu was the child both families had watched grow up; his character and temperament were good, his studies never falling behind Da Fu’s. Both families knew each other inside and out, and looking around, it was truly hard to find another family so perfectly suitable.

The two families had decades of friendship, and their children had played together since they were little, growing close as well.

Though no explicit words were ever spoken over the years, they tacitly approved of the matter between these two children.

Hearing Kang He say that Xiao Fu had already hinted before the examination, and thinking that if things went as smoothly as with Da Fu, it really would be a joyous event.

However, while Kang He and Fan Jing were pleased, Fan Jing sighed lightly, “But given Da Fu’s temper, it’s hard to say.”

Speaking of this, Kang He felt a bit troubled.

If Da Fu wasn’t heartless, he still cared for Xiao Fu in every way—whatever good or fragrant things his older brother had, Xiao Fu must have his share.

But if you asked whether Da Fu meant anything by it, he often seemed too carefree and unburdened.

As for Xiao Fu, he had always been straightforward with his intentions.

“Why don’t you go ask him?”

Fan Jing said, “Don’t say such things—he’s older and should be more considerate. He’s been unhappy since his grandmother scolded him a few days ago.”

Kang He responded, “You don’t know him—if it weren’t for his genuine fondness for Xiao Fu, I think he would have married off Da Fu a long time ago.”

There were only two children in the family. Da Fu had become an official and was away from home all year round, so the family rarely gathered. Last year, his grandson was sent to live with them.

Though both Kang He and Fan Jing missed the children, they still thought it best for the kids to be raised with their parents nearby—firstly, so that father and son would not be separated unwillingly, and secondly, so they could be properly taught to study.

If left with them, teaching these things would be impossible.

Now with only Da Fu at home, there was no rush to marry him off.

In the afternoon, Da Fu came back from the martial arts hall.

Kang He told him about Xiao Fu’s success in the examination.

“He said he would succeed, but before leaving, he was worried. He begged me to see him off on the long journey. This time, he came back on his own, without asking me to pick him up.”

Da Fu had been anxiously awaiting news of Xiao Fu these days, and now he could finally feel at ease.

People always said his older brother studied diligently and was ambitious, but Xiao Fu had never shown even a fraction of slackness. If he hadn’t succeeded, it wouldn’t be because of lack of effort.

“When did he say he’d return?”

Kang He said, “Once he’s been granted his official position, he’ll set out. This time isn’t much different from when your brother took office, but I heard from your brother that the court currently has many vacant posts and tightened restrictions. These appointments are becoming increasingly difficult.”

“When exactly he’ll receive a position is uncertain for now.”

Da Fu frowned tightly. “I’ll write a letter to my brother then.”

Kang He pulled him back. “You think your brother and Xiao Fu are so close he needs you to write letters?”

Da Fu thought about it and it wasn’t a bad idea. His heart settled somewhat.

Seeing this, Kang He’s eyes twinkled as he pulled Da Fu to sit down.

“This morning I went to your Xu Uncle’s house—it was quite lively.”

“Just sitting there for an hour or so, two matchmakers showed up. Your Xu Uncle was supposed to stay for lunch, but seeing there might be a lot of socializing, he didn’t want to be delayed, so he came home to eat.”

Da Fu’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “Were they there to propose to Xiao Fu?”

Kang He glanced slyly at Da Fu. “Of course. Your Xu Uncle has only one child.”

“Have they found any suitable families?”

Kang He said, “It’s hard to say. So many families came, but none were immediately suitable. But with so many proposals, it’s bound to be someone who catches their eye.”

Da Fu stood up. “Matchmakers always have smooth tongues. I should speak to Xu Uncle, remind them to keep their eyes open, not to listen to matchmakers alone. Xiao Fu isn’t back yet and can’t oversee things himself. If they get tricked, there’ll be no place to cry.”

“Brother, don’t go!”

Kang He quickly grabbed him. “If you go, Xu Uncle might think you’re volunteering yourself and forbid him from seeing anyone.”

Da Fu blinked.

Kang He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you think so?”

Da Fu looked at Kang He silently. Father and son stared at each other for a long while.

That night, Da Fu lay on his bed, resting his head on his arms as he stared at the top of the gauze canopy.

The moon hung low in the west, yet he could not fall asleep.

His mind was restless. Some things, no matter how foolish he was, he could understand to some extent.

Because of this understanding, his heart struggled.

…

In early June, lotus flowers bloomed perfectly in the pond. Xiao Fu finally returned to the county from the capital.

Waiting for his official appointment had indeed taken a considerable amount of time. He was granted the position of Deputy Magistrate of Kangcheng County. Though not as prestigious as Da Fu’s initial post as a county magistrate, it was still a smooth appointment.

Many of the top-ranking candidates were still serving as interns without actual posts.

He was in no rush to take office. Officials were rotated at the end of their terms; only then would he depart for his new position.

No matter the state of officialdom at court, the important thing was that he had a position and could wait calmly for his term.

The Xu family had run a private school for years. While not boasting countless successful students, the academic reputation was broad. With Xiao Fu’s success, though still young,

…

The days stretched through June.

“Busy with what? Haven’t even seen a trace of you.”

Once free, he went to look for Da Fu.

“What else but affairs at the martial arts hall? My uncle is preparing to open a new escort route. If the route is smooth, a specialized martial arts school might even be set up at the destination, Xiangyang Prefecture.”

These years, Fan Jing had been training Da Fu in a special class that enrolled only young women and boys to learn martial arts. Later, as the school grew, it separated from the Yao family’s male martial arts hall to become a specialty school.

A couple of years ago, a branch was established in Fang County, with other branches in Qinya County and Yun County. The business was doing well, and students were numerous. Da Fu’s whole focus was on these matters.

After that, he added, “Your success is a great joy. Even the county magistrate came to congratulate you. I thought you’d be busy entertaining guests and wouldn’t have time for me.”

Xiao Fu frowned. “You came to find me, so no matter how busy I am, I’ll make time!”

Da Fu couldn’t help but laugh at his childish words. Both were just over twenty, and though they seemed composed outside, when together they still acted like childhood friends.

“Then I’ll forgive you.”

Seeing his rare good humor, Xiao Fu was pleased and took the opportunity to say, “Words aren’t enough. In a few days, there’s a temple fair at Monkey Mountain. You should go with me; consider it your congratulations for my success.”

“Sure. It’s unbearably hot in town. Going into the mountains for a vegetarian meal and some cool air sounds perfect.”

Da Fu agreed readily. “Once you take office, it’ll be hard to find the time to go.”

“Look at your older brother. Though an official, he often writes home about how great the hometown is but says it’s not like when he was young, able to play and not worry about time. Young as he is, he’s already thinking about retiring and returning home…”

Xiao Fu laughed quietly. After settling down with family and career, life was no longer as carefree as in youth. Everything must be considered in relation to home, constrained by one’s responsibilities.

“Rare to have some leisure youth left. You mustn’t be like last year, when you bailed out last minute.”

“I know. This time I’ll definitely keep my promise.”

With that, he pulled the long whip tied to his waist and handed it to Xiao Fu. “Master Cao gave me this whip. You keep it for now, and return it to me on the day of the temple fair. If you don’t come, it’s yours.”

Seeing his sincerity, Xiao Fu didn’t want to refuse the whip he liked. But remembering the important matter on that day, it wouldn’t do to miss the appointment. Better to take it than fail to meet the promise.

“You promised. If you regret it later, don’t expect me to give the whip back.”

The two agreed on the plan. The day soon came: July 19, the day of the temple fair.

Early morning, Xiao Fu rose and prepared himself. With his natural good looks and a bit of extra care, he looked exceptional.

He anxiously mounted his horse, worried that Da Fu wouldn’t come. Just as he thought of going to the Fan residence to fetch him, Da Fu arrived instead.

“Dressed so nicely—are you praying for a smooth appointment or matchmaking luck?”

Da Fu rested his long legs casually on the horse’s flank without pulling the reins. He had been waiting outside the Xu residence for a while.

Seeing Xu Anyan step out in his jade brocade robes, graceful and handsome, Da Fu couldn’t help but tease him.

Xiao Fu blushed slightly. “You only know how to joke.”

“Is this what you call joking?”

Da Fu tilted his head. “I heard the capital is ruthless with catching grooms. You passed the exam and have a good face—why haven’t you been caught yet?”

Xiao Fu glanced sideways at his mischievous companion, thinking that if it weren’t for Da Fu’s quick legs, they wouldn’t be chatting here now.

“If you were caught, wouldn’t you come to save me?”

“If you were kidnapped by thieves, I’d definitely come rescue you. But if it’s like that, I’d better not spoil someone else’s good luck.”

Hearing this, Xiao Fu’s dark brows twitched.

“I was just going to return your whip, but since you say that, I won’t be sentimental.”

“Hey! That won’t do—one thing at a time!”

Xiao Fu flicked the reins and galloped away. The morning breeze stirred his flowing sleeves.

His clear voice carried on the wind: “Catch me if you can!”

Da Fu laughed and leisurely pulled his reins.

“I’ll give you a half-hour head start and see how far you get.”

Two young figures, one ahead and one behind, rode out of the city gates.