The two of them woke up from a deep sleep to find that night had already fallen. Knowing how tired they were, no one at home had woken up to eat dinner.
Kang He warmed the food in the pot and brought it out to share with Fan Jing.
After eating, neither of them felt sleepy, so they worked together to make some candles for a while.
In the early spring, they had gone up the mountain to gather honey. From eight boxes of bees, they harvested ten jin of honey and another two or three jin of beeswax. The honey was stored in the shop, and they could sell some from time to time.
Selling honey in small amounts fetched a price thirty to fifty wen higher per jin than sending it to Zou Fulang’s place. It wasn’t that they wanted to earn those few extra copper coins by not sending it over; it was just that the shop needed to have some things on display to keep up appearances.
When customers came asking if this or that was available and found nothing, they wouldn’t want to come back after a while.
Lately, daytime had been busy, and there were many days when they didn’t get home until late at night after slaughtering pigs. Kang He had little free time to make candles.
He managed to make about thirty candles by the time the round moon outside had risen quite high.
Fan Jing went to fetch some water inside, wringing out a cloth to help him wash his face.
Kang He took the warm cloth and asked, “Is there still water in the pot?”
Fan Jing rolled up his pant legs and dipped both feet into the basin. As soon as he opened his mouth, Kang He knew he was up to some mischief.
He didn’t answer the question.
Kang He poked him lightly in the waist, “You just slept for a little over an hour. How can you still fall asleep now?”
Fan Jing said, “I have to go open the shop in town early tomorrow.”
“Opening the shop isn’t so hard you can’t get by, right?” Kang He replied. “If that were the case, it’d be worse than before. In the past few days, you’ve come every day and done business. Have you missed even one day in the past week or so?”
Fan Jing glanced at Kang He and said, “Wash your feet.”
Kang He understood immediately and smiled, kicking off his straw sandals to soak his feet in the basin. He bent down to rub Fan Jing’s feet, then quickly rubbed his own feet together before picking Fan Jing up and carrying him to the bed.
They extinguished the lamp in the room. Outside, the round moon was suddenly hidden behind a cluster of dark clouds. The summer night quickly turned dark.
Without any light, Fan Jing felt more at ease and began to undress.
Seeing him so cooperative, Kang He leaned in to kiss him, but suddenly a hand covered his mouth.
Kang He simply kissed Fan Jing’s hand instead, about to ask what he was thinking when Fan Jing furrowed his brows and gave a soft sigh.
Realizing something was wrong, Kang He quieted down as well.
The two silently sat on the bed, listening to faint rustling sounds outside. It wasn’t the sound of the wind blowing—there were intermittent noises.
Kang He gently pulled Fan Jing’s hand down and whispered, “Is it those wild cats scaring the rabbits again?”
Recently, they had started selling chicken and rabbit meat at the stall. Rabbit meat was selling well, so they had raised quite a few rabbits at home. They bred fast—each female produced several litters. Now, there were almost thirty rabbits of all sizes.
“No need to worry. A few days ago, Father hired Wang the carpenter to build a new rabbit pen—big and sturdy. The young rabbits are kept in the middle, so even if wild cats come, they won’t hurt them.”
Fan Jing shook his head, “The sound doesn’t seem like that.”
Kang He frowned deeply, “You mean…”
Fan Jing gave a soft ‘hmm’.
Kang He immediately grew cautious. He carefully got off the bed and quickly put on his clothes.
Fan Jing followed, took down a bow from the wall, and handed a long knife to Kang He.
Kang He took it and also grabbed a stick. Without lighting any lamps, the two cautiously opened the door and stepped outside.
The moonlight was hazy and dim. Along the back wall of the courtyard, they felt a shadow moving toward the rabbit pen’s door.
Fan Jing’s expression instantly turned fierce, about to charge forward, but Kang He grabbed him.
It was pitch dark outside. Whoever dared to climb the wall to steal something probably carried weapons. If someone got cut in a panic, it would be disastrous.
They saw the shadow reach into the cage. Kang He shouted loudly, “Who’s sneaking around here stealing?”
Hearing the shout, the shadow crouched by the rabbit pen immediately sprang out and quickly climbed the wall with bare hands, slipping out of the yard like a gecko.
Kang He and Fan Jing were both shocked—it was the first time they’d encountered someone so skilled at climbing walls.
Fan Jing raised his bow, hesitated a moment, but didn’t shoot. When he blinked again, the thief had already escaped.
In the dark of night, it was hard to see clearly, and shooting blindly risked hitting a fellow villager. If he shot and killed someone, it would cause bigger trouble.
“Thief! Thief!” Kang He shouted loudly, banging on a copper basin and rushing out the door with Fan Jing in pursuit.
Inside the house, there was a commotion and lights turned on. Fan Shoulin grabbed his weapon and ran out, Chen Sanfang hurriedly put on clothes and went to check on the two girls’ rooms.
“Where’s the thief?”
Fan Shoulin shouted loudly, running to the yard to find Kang He and Fan Jing had already run outside.
“Father Kang, there’s a thief, he went into the woods!”
He shouted in alarm and fear, “Dajing, Sanlang! Come back! Don’t chase after him! Be careful, the thief might be dangerous!”
The village was silent and quiet, but hearing the calls, one house after another lit their lamps, and the men came out.
In less than the time it took to burn an incense stick, the village was in an uproar.
Some households lost cured meat hanging over the stove, others lost fine cloth freshly spun but not yet sewn into clothes, as well as rice, flour, and cooking oil.
This thief took everything and was clever, only stealing quietly without alarming the chickens or ducks.
Chen Sanfang was panicked: “He probably saw our rabbits were fat and didn’t make noise like chickens and ducks, so he wanted to steal them.”
People hearing that Kang He and Fan Jing had caught the thief came to ask how many there were. Hearing they only saw one, everyone felt there had to be more than one.
To steal from so many households, he must have had a gang. Without three or four people, how could he manage so many homes?
Everyone was scared. Thieves were common in the city and outskirts, but in the countryside, they usually only appeared around New Year or after the autumn harvest when homes had more goods.
Who would have thought this year they’d come stealing even in this quiet, cold season?
People said the thief was clever, knowing that during New Year and autumn, everyone was on alert, so he came when people were less vigilant, taking whatever he could.
“What a pity about the basket of young ginger I just dug up from the field—washed clean and dried during the day, ready to take to town to sell.”
“That heartless thief didn’t even leave me the basket!”
“Aunt Fang, you lost ginger, but they took my bottle gourd filled with green peppers too.”
The villagers cursed and cried in frustration.
After a long while, Chen Yushun finally arrived, calming the villagers who had lost things.
“Did you see what they looked like?”
Chen Yushun asked Kang He and Fan Jing, who had spotted the thief.
Kang He shook his head, “It was pitch dark, and the thief’s face was covered. We couldn’t see clearly. As soon as we discovered him, he climbed the wall and escaped. His speed showed he had practiced this a lot.”
Chen Yushun frowned, “You two are strong, how did you let him get away? So many things lost, and it’s not even after the harvest. How will this go? Fan Jing is good with the bow—why didn’t he pin the thief down?”
Hearing this, Kang He felt displeased.
The implication was that despite the thief getting away, they were being blamed.
Chen Yushun was the village head. It had taken him quite a while to arrive after the incident started, yet he still blamed them for not catching the thief. Why didn’t he catch him himself? If an arrow was shot and the thief died, would it be his fault?
Kang He was unhappy with Chen Yushun but didn’t voice his anger.
Listening to villagers complaining about lost goods, they blamed Chen Yushun for the lack of leadership. Kang He said, “The village head is right. When this happened, Dajing and I were frightened and ran around like headless flies. If the village head had come out and led everyone, maybe we could have caught the thief.”
Chen Yushun looked at Kang He but said nothing. The villagers, crying and complaining, asked Chen Yushun what they should do about the losses.
Kang He ignored them and after a while called Fan Jing to return.
At home, Fan Jing’s father and Mrs. Chen were still frightened. The two girls were also unsettled. Kang He reminded everyone to lock doors and windows well. With such a big uproar in the village, the thief probably wouldn’t dare come back.
Back inside, Kang He saw Fan Jing had put on shoes and lay on the bed. He went forward and held his hand, “Are you scared?”
Fan Jing shook his head, “What’s there to be afraid of?”
“Besides, I’m here.”
Kang He gave a soft sigh. Thankfully, he had slept some hours before nightfall. Otherwise, by habit, he would have gone to bed early and might not have heard the thief.
Though they didn’t catch him, it was good that nothing was lost or anyone hurt.
He stroked Fan Jing’s hair, telling him to sleep early.
The next day, the village’s theft was reported to the county government. Only then did they learn that other nearby villages had also lost goods.
Because the case involved many villages, the county government took it seriously and posted notices in town to catch the thief, reminding people to secure their doors and be vigilant.
Two days later, Xu Yang came to the Fan household and shared a drink with Kang He.
Kang He was busy with the shop, so the two had little leisure to chat.
They spoke about the thief but had no clues.
Xu Yang looked worried and said, “The year-end election is coming. If things don’t go well for me, what will I do?”
Kang He knew Xu Yang felt uneasy because he hadn’t accomplished much recently.
He said, “Don’t worry. You haven’t done anything wrong yet, and the villagers remember you well.”
“If you want to do something, you could focus on village waterworks or helping with drying grain and milling rice during the harvest. These may seem small, but they relate to everyone’s daily life. If you do well, the villagers will remember.”
Xu Yang listened and felt somewhat relieved. “Maybe I just haven’t done enough work, that’s why I have these wild thoughts.”
Kang He said, “Even scholars feel nervous before exams and can’t eat or sleep well. It’s normal for you to feel this way. Instead of worrying, it’s better to keep busy.”
Xu Yang nodded and said, “Not long ago we had a thief, and Chen Yushun took a long time to show up, then said some unpleasant things, secretly blaming you and Dajing. He’s an unprincipled man. The villagers also say he’s not a good person. But these are small matters—he’s not easy to shake off.”
In village elections, the headman served five-year terms. Unless the current headman abused power or acted immorally, stirring villagers’ dissatisfaction, the incumbent usually won re-election.
Xu Yang was anxious for this reason.
By birth and work, he should be the headman, but Chen Yushun had already served five years and had many supporters. Xu Yang was likely to lose.
Kang He understood this and felt troubled.
Although the Fan family had gained some respect in the village, no longer casually looked down upon as before, with a higher position came more say and less subjugation.
If Xu Yang lost and Chen Yushun stayed, the family would still be constrained. Who would like having an official head over them?
Putting that aside, Xu Yang and Yuan Ge’er—the young couple—would probably be separated.
The two troubled men drank a few bowls of wine but came up with no solutions.
At dusk, Xu Yang went home.
Kang He sighed, about to call for Fan Jing but couldn’t find him in the house.
“Where did Dajing go?”
Chen Sanfang said, “I saw him go out earlier. I asked where, but he didn’t say.”
Kang He furrowed his brow and went out looking, hoping to sober up.
Fan Jing, no matter how Kang He wondered, hadn’t gone to Xu Yang’s place.
He wasn’t going to see Xu Yang but to Dr. Zhu’s.
Lately, Fan Jing felt strange—easily tired yet able to sleep, with less energy than before.
He thought it might be the busy business, but sometimes even when not busy, it was the same. This made him cautious.
He wanted to tell Kang He but feared causing worry. Kang He already worried enough about business matters; he didn’t want to add another burden.
After some thought, he decided to visit Dr. Zhu first. If there was a problem, he would tell Kang He after.
When Kang He went out searching, Fan Jing was slowly walking by the field’s edge.
“Where have you been? You made me search everywhere.”
Fan Jing, looking a bit dazed, greeted Kang He.
He had just come from Dr. Zhu’s and still hadn’t fully recovered.
Kang He held Fan Jing’s hand and felt his fingertips were cold. “Why don’t you say anything?”
“I went to Dr. Zhu,” Fan Jing replied.
Kang He frowned deeply, “What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”
Fan Jing nodded slightly.
Kang He’s expression changed sharply. The alcohol buzz vanished instantly, and he became fully alert. Fan Jing never complained of illness, so if he went to the doctor, it must be serious.
He grabbed Fan Jing’s hand, “Where does it hurt? What did Dr. Zhu say?”
He was anxious and worried, pulling Fan Jing toward Dr. Zhu’s place. “I’ll ask the doctor myself. If you can’t explain clearly and hide your illness, it might delay treatment.”
Fan Jing stopped him gently, “I’m not sick.”
“You feel unwell but aren’t sick? I have to…”
“Dr. Zhu said I’m with child.”
That one sentence stunned Kang He as if he had been struck. He stared for a long time, then hesitantly asked, “You mean, you’re pregnant?”
Fan Jing gave a soft ‘hmm’. “That’s what Dr. Zhu said.”
Kang He trusted Dr. Zhu’s medical skill but still insisted on feeling Fan Jing’s pulse.
Fan Jing was patient as Kang He felt his wrist. After a while, Kang He’s eyes brightened, “Slippery pulse. Brother, you really are pregnant!”
Kang He felt as if a surge of blood rushed to his head—not in anger, but from overwhelming joy.
The news was sudden. Though happy, he was also a little angry at Fan Jing. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I can tell a bit. Yet you hid it while drinking and talking with others.”
Fan Jing said, “I was tired and slept a lot, just thinking it was discomfort. After seeing the doctor, I meant to tell you.”
Kang He couldn’t help teasing him, “Who told me earlier? Can’t even tell illness from pregnancy. Luckily, you were smart this time and didn’t tough it out without seeing a doctor.”
Then he scolded himself, “It’s also my fault for not taking better care of you. I should have noticed something sooner. You’ve been sleeping more this summer and craving sweet and sour things.”
Fan Jing didn’t think Kang He was upset, “In summer, people usually sleep more. You were busy and tired, so no one thought about this.”
Kang He rambled happily for a while, too excited to care who was right or wrong. He begged Fan Jing to visit Dr. Zhu again under his watch.
Fan Jing had no choice and went again.
After learning he was about to be a father, Kang He’s gloomy mood from earlier with Xu Yang vanished.
He coaxed Fan Jing gently, eager to cherish him.
Fan Jing was still dazed from the news. He never imagined how to be a father. The child had come so quietly he didn’t know how to respond.
Kang He buzzed around him, sometimes cheerful, sometimes annoyed, asking questions like a showman. Anyone could see his happiness.
After talking much on the way, Fan Jing’s heart settled and his eyes softened.
They arrived at Dr. Zhu’s door, about to call, when quarrels came from inside.
“I want whatever medicine Dr. Zhu prescribes. It’s not about the money.”
“This isn’t about money. This medicine will harm your body. You’re weak, and if you lose this child, you might not have another.”
Kang He and Fan Jing exchanged glances and stopped moving.
“I’m a young widower struggling to support myself. With a child in my belly, how will I live? I know the doctor means well, but I have my difficulties.”
Dr. Zhu sighed helplessly but gave medicine as requested.
When You Shanxi came out, he nearly ran into Kang He and Fan Jing. Without greeting, he took the medicine and left.
You Shanxi had previously flirted with Fan Shoulin but hadn’t pestered him again. Kang He and Fan Jing had worried it was empty talk, and that he might return to bother Fan Shoulin.
If so, Kang He would have intervened and warned him off. Fan Shoulin had made his stance clear; if You Shanxi didn’t get the hint, he wouldn’t blame anyone for seeking trouble.
But You Shanxi seemed to continue his womanizing. He had been seen twice talking with Chen Yushun.
Since it wasn’t their business, Kang He and Fan Jing stayed out of it, assuming perhaps the village women or men had gone to Chen Yushun to complain and get him to warn You Shanxi.
After that, You Shanxi stopped bothering Fan Shoulin. Both men were busy with business and ignored the matter.
Curiously, the village didn’t hear complaints about the young widower for a while. People assumed he’d settled down, but today they had a big surprise.
Cheng Minsheng, who had died of tuberculosis months ago, was suspected by many not to be the child’s father. But whose child it was, no one knew.
Kang He had no time to concern himself with others’ matters. He urgently took Fan Jing back to Dr. Zhu for another checkup.
Dr. Zhu smiled, “I wondered why only Jing came to see me. I expected you’d come again.”
Kang He said, “I have to trouble you to tell me about Jing’s condition again. He’s not one to care for himself. Now that he’s with child, and it’s the first time, I might miss something.”
Dr. Zhu patiently explained, “The child is two months old and everything is fine. Jing is healthy with no problems. But now he must be careful—not overexert or engage in strenuous activity.”
Hearing this, Kang He was relieved. He thanked Dr. Zhu with a pile of money.
He had wanted to tell Xu Yang the good news but thought Xu Yang was probably asleep after drinking, so he didn’t rush and instead brought the joyful news home to share with the family.
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