Chen Sanfang scolded until her mouth was dry, then drank some water before finally stopping her tirade.
She looked at the child in Fan Jing’s belly, feeling more and more satisfied with the family, yet those two elders always seemed eager to stir up trouble.
“Today, when we went over, your eldest aunt dragged me along. She couldn’t stop praising me, saying I’ve become so sensible, able to handle things well even in the city,” Chen Sanfang said.
“But after all that talking, she still wants me to help her find a good daughter-in-law. She’s quite anxious about it,” she added.
Chen Sanfang spoke to the two of them, “After all, we’re family. Daxin has grown up right in front of us; it’s only natural to worry about him.”
Kang He nodded in agreement, “That’s true.”
Seeing this, Chen Sanfang’s eyes twinkled as she said, “Actually, I’ve already had my eye on someone good for a while. I wanted to tell you all first as a gesture of goodwill.”
Kang He asked, “Who is it?”
“Xiao Qiu.”
Fan Jing’s brow twitched slightly upon hearing Chen Sanfang say the name. He vaguely sensed she had set her sights on Xiao Qiu.
Chen Sanfang’s eyes brightened as she described He Xiao Qiu. “I’ve been in the city for a few months and often saw Xiao Qiu. That kid is really good.
“Not just because he’s handsome and polite, but he’s also clever and capable, very filial, and has a strong will inside. Those kinds of qualities are rare.”
Though she didn’t know every detail about the He family, she still knew enough to have shed tears a few times. Most of those kids were born into hardship. If these matters had fallen to an ordinary family, few could have endured them, but He Xiao Qiu not only survived but has now rebuilt himself.
The Fan family might be poor, but at least they were decent and honest people who hadn’t brought disaster upon themselves.
Honestly, if Chen Sanfang were older and faced the He family’s baggage, she might have thrown in the towel long ago—unlike He Xiao Qiu.
She thought to herself, such a good young man would be perfect if he were one of the Fan family.
But the Fan family only had one male heir, Fan Xin, who had become a schoolmaster, and Zhang Jinkui had become even more selective. No matter how much Chen Sanfang liked He Xiao Qiu, she didn’t dare to pursue the match with Zhang Jinkui.
But now that Zhang Jinkui had come to her, Chen Sanfang was eager to play matchmaker.
Kang He chuckled softly, “So, madam, you like Brother Qiu that much?”
“Xiao Qiu is likable. If you ask me if I like him, I’d say my only regret is that I don’t have a son.”
Kang He said nothing, just looked toward Fan Jing.
Both of them waited for his response.
Fan Jing remained silent. He was a man of few words, but He Xiao Qiu was the closest to him—sharing everything with him.
“I haven’t heard him say anything about remarrying.”
“Boys like him are sensitive; such things wouldn’t be spoken of casually,” Chen Sanfang said. “Think about it, Xiao Qiu is the only son in the He family, and they aren’t as prosperous as ours. But our family is large and thriving, with Sanlang here. If He family had no son-in-law to help support the household, with He elder’s health not so strong, it’d be easier for others to take advantage.”
She truly was thinking about He Xiao Qiu. While he was still young, finding someone reliable would be far better than waiting for those who act picky once they grow up.
Fan Jing thought quietly that Fan Xin might not be the pillar of the household either. Though he was kind, no matter how good he was, he wouldn’t go into a fight. If he were young, he’d only take a beating.
Kang He said, “Why don’t you go test the waters with Brother Qiu? If he’s still interested in marrying, Daxin would also be a suitable match.”
Fan Jing nodded in response.
On the fourth day of the first lunar month, He Xiao Qiu came to the Fan family to pay New Year’s greetings.
Kang He went early with Yicang to supervise the pig slaughtering. The next day the butcher shop was to reopen, and originally they planned to slaughter one of their own pigs to start the business. There were still strong pigs in the pen.
But since a regular customer had made a special request, they let it go and sent Yicang to handle it.
Fan Jing and He Xiao Qiu sat by the fire inside the house. Chen Sanfang brought some snacks for them and exchanged knowing looks with Fan Jing several times.
He understood Chen Sanfang’s intentions but didn’t know how to bring it up. He shelled a few roasted chestnuts and handed them to He Xiao Qiu just as He Xiao Qiu said he needed to visit Doctor Zhu.
“Usually, we rely on you and Kang He to get the medicine from the shop. Doctor Zhu has taken good care of my father all this time. Ever since he moved to the village, we haven’t visited him even once,” He Xiao Qiu said.
“My father has told me several times he wants to properly thank Doctor Zhu, but his health isn’t good, so it’s complicated.”
He came over today partly to pay New Year’s respects to the Fan family, but mainly to visit Doctor Zhu, bringing two New Year’s gifts.
Chen Sanfang said, “That’s right. It’s kind of your family to bring such generous gifts. Go visit Doctor Zhu first, then come back for lunch.”
Fan Jing put on a thick coat. “I’ll go with you.”
He Xiao Qiu wouldn’t hear of it. “The ground is slippery and cold. You’re too restless.”
Fan Jing dressed himself and said, “I’m familiar with the village roads; nothing will happen.”
“Fine then,”
He Xiao Qiu could only look at Chen Sanfang.
“There’s been no rain, and the roads aren’t that slippery. If he wants to take a stroll, he needs something to do. Sanlang isn’t home today, and he can’t just sit indoors all day. You go with him; just take it slow.”
He Xiao Qiu said no more. He took the gifts and stood.
The Xu household was bustling with people coming and going in the first lunar month. The main road was busy because Xu Yang was to marry in March. His big dream was coming true, and they’d already started repairing the house that month.
Fan Jing led He Xiao Qiu to meet Doctor Zhu. Doctor Zhu was delighted to see He family coming to pay respects, serving tea and snacks to He Xiao Qiu. The two sides chatted for a while.
He Xiao Qiu was invited to stay for lunch, but Fan Jing said the family had already prepared food.
Doctor Zhu didn’t insist and asked about Fan Jing’s recent health.
Before noon, Fan Jing and He Xiao Qiu left Doctor Zhu’s place, and as they were about to exit, they ran into Fan Xin heading toward Xu Yang’s place.
“Dajing, I see you’ve come over here, but where’s Sanlang?”
Fan Jing replied, “He’s at the slaughterhouse.”
Fan Xin then noticed the unfamiliar face beside Fan Jing and asked, “Who’s this?”
“This is Brother He from the He family, who does business with us. He came to pay respects to Doctor Zhu,” Fan Jing said, then introduced, “This is my cousin, Fan Xin.”
He Xiao Qiu politely greeted Fan Xin, “Brother Fan Xin.”
Fan Xin blushed seeing He Xiao Qiu smile so warmly and gave a stiff reply.
After greetings, Fan Jing said no more and left with He Xiao Qiu.
By chance, on the way back, Fan Jing spoke frankly.
“Do you want to marry again?”
“Huh?” He Xiao Qiu was surprised by the sudden question, almost thinking he’d misheard. “Why do you ask like that?”
Fan Jing said, “My cousin isn’t married yet.”
He Xiao Qiu paused before smiling, “I’m honored you think that of me.”
“I’ve heard your cousin is a schoolmaster, an educator. Meeting him today, he looks decent and proper—a good family to marry into.”
Fan Jing didn’t know if that was true but confidently said, “You wouldn’t be a bad match.”
He Xiao Qiu smiled softly. “Hearing you say that makes me happy.”
They didn’t discuss the matter further. Returning to the Fan family, He Xiao Qiu had lunch and sat a while before Chen Sanfang and Fan Jing saw him off in an ox cart at the village entrance.
“So, did you ask Xiao Qiu?”
Fan Jing recounted meeting Fan Xin at Doctor Zhu’s and their conversation to Chen Sanfang.
Upon hearing this, Chen Sanfang slapped her thigh, “He didn’t say no. If there’s a good match, he’d be happy!”
Fan Jing made no objection. Judging by Xiao Qiu’s attitude, he also wanted to find someone reliable to honor his parents with.
Chen Sanfang was delighted and had time that afternoon to visit the main house. She seized Fan Xin to ask if he liked any of the men he met today and whether he would consider marrying.
Fan Xin turned beet red. Zhang Jinkui, seeing this, thought he had caught a cold.
Seeing her nephew’s expression, Chen Sanfang knew he hadn’t been like this at past matchmakings. She guessed he had been taken with someone and was quietly pleased.
Zhang Jinkui noticed the silent exchange between aunt and nephew and urged Chen Sanfang to explain.
Chen Sanfang didn’t keep it a secret and told her about He family’s son but omitted that He Xiao Qiu had been married before.
“If there’s someone that good, why didn’t you tell me sooner? I’d have been anxious. You must have been worried sick before you finally said something.”
“You thought I had someone I liked, so you didn’t say much,” Chen Sanfang explained.
Zhang Jinkui was excited but disappointed she didn’t see the person today.
When asked about her own choice, she only blushed and didn’t explain.
She blamed Chen Sanfang for not calling her over when He Xiao Qiu came to pay respects. She wanted to at least look him over. Had she known, she might have gone to another family’s feast.
Chen Sanfang said she was busy helping at the shop and came every day. “You can’t expect to see him every time.”
That reassured Zhang Jinkui.
The next day, the Fan family’s butcher shop officially reopened. Kang He and Chen Sanfang were busy all day.
Fan Jing was nearing his due date and couldn’t be disturbed too much, so he stayed home to wait.
The two girls took turns caring for him, and they told Yicang that if anything happened, he was to immediately drive the cart to fetch both the midwife and Doctor Zhu to the house.
Since He Xiao Qiu started preparing the braised food, he came early often.
The three of them worked quickly and quietly to set up the stall.
During the first lunar month, customers were plenty, and even before the stall was fully arranged, people were already waiting to buy.
They were so busy they didn’t have time even to boil water for tea.
While Kang He was busy, he noticed someone frequently glancing their way but couldn’t see who it was.
After the morning market was over, he finally had a moment and saw eldest aunt Zhang Jinkui walk into the shop carrying a basket.
“Eldest aunt, you didn’t go to pay New Year’s visits today. You came to the city instead? If you need anything, just let me know earlier so I can get it for you. It’s cold these days; there’s no need to suffer running errands.”
Zhang Jinkui covered her mouth with a smile and said to Kang He, “Oh my goodness, that He family young man is really handsome.”
Kang He’s brow twitched, and he glanced toward He Xiao Qiu, who had gone inside to fetch something.
“Your mother said she wants to find a good match for Daxin. I came today to take a look. Your mother praises him a lot. I think he’s very good!”
She deliberately hid near the hot soup stall for a long time, watching He Xiao Qiu’s posture and handsome face.
She saw how deftly he handled the braised food and served customers intelligently. Everything about him seemed suitable.
Only then did Kang He realize Zhang Jinkui had been scouting all along, and no one had told him.
“If Eldest Aunt wants to look, she should have said so this morning. They came all the way to the county early and stood in the cold for nothing.”
Zhang Jinkui was embarrassed to admit she got up too early, but secretly, she preferred to look when no one was watching.
“It’s no big deal.”
After saying that, Chen Sanfang saw Zhang Jinkui, and the two spoke quietly for a while.
He Xiao Qiu came out, and Zhang Jinkui couldn’t resist approaching him, praising him profusely and even offering him a pear.
Kang He shook his head and didn’t interfere, tending to the business.
At noon, after closing the shop, Kang He went home and asked Fan Jing if he knew about the matter between He Xiao Qiu and Fan Xin.
Fan Jing recounted the earlier events.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
Fan Jing replied, “You were busy with the pig slaughter. You handled the shop matters, and why would you worry about family business?”
Kang He felt Fan Jing was considerate but grumbled twice, “Say a few words to me anyway. I’m not so tired.”
He then added, “Did you notice how Eldest Aunt liked Xiao Qiu today? She’s eager to have him married into the family.”
Fan Jing asked, “She didn’t mind at all?”
Kang He understood his meaning, “I didn’t see a hint of displeasure.”
Fan Jing’s brow twitched again. It reminded him of Zhang Jinkui’s temperament, so he asked Chen Sanfang if she had told anyone about He Xiao Qiu.
Chen Sanfang, who had just flattered Zhang Jinkui all day and brought her a wooden hairpin as a gift, was happy.
Upon hearing Fan Jing’s question, she cleared her throat, “I haven’t had time to say it yet.”
“You should have told her earlier, or she’d be blaming you now.”
Chen Sanfang said, “If I said from the start that Xiao Qiu had been married before, with his mother mute and father’s health poor, who would want to consider him? I only said the good parts first. Once they saw him and liked him, then I could talk about the drawbacks. That way, people can accept it better.”
Fan Jing thought, that was really how it was.
Having been together over twenty years, he understood the family’s nature better than most.
Kang He sighed, “Madam has really honed her matchmaking skills.”
Chen Sanfang said, “I’m going to tell Eldest Aunt now. She saw Xiao Qiu today and kept urging me to arrange the match quickly. If I tell her, she’ll definitely agree.”
After telling the girls to prepare dinner, she went to the main house.
Zhang Jinkui was joyful, humming tunes quietly as she returned from the city. The whole family could see how happy she was.
She praised Fan Xin for his good taste, told Grandpa and Grandma Fan that the marriage was settled, and just as she was cooking dinner, Chen Sanfang arrived, bringing more cheer.
The two warmed themselves by the stove, chatting a while, but as they talked, Zhang Jinkui’s expression darkened.
“Remarried?! My good sister-in-law, how could you drop such news on me without warning?”
Hearing Chen Sanfang say He mother was mute, father’s health wasn’t good but not too bad, and that He Xiao Qiu was a good son, Zhang Jinkui was shocked to hear he had been married before.
She suddenly stood up.
“Good sister-in-law, you startled me with such big news.”
Chen Sanfang comforted her, “I know you’re shocked. But if Xiao Qiu is truly a good man, I wouldn’t have said it otherwise.
“He was unlucky with his first marriage; the man was no good and died young. The two families separated, and there were no children, so no ties remain.”
“Besides this, he’s a good person. He also has a skill that earns money. Where else would you find someone like that?”
Zhang Jinkui said, “But my nephew is mediocre and a schoolmaster. If he marries a twice-widowed woman, what will the village say?”
“There’s a wealthy squire in the village who also married a twice-widowed woman and loves her very much. That’s not unusual. It’s important to marry a virtuous woman.”
“I can’t get past this hurdle.”
Zhang Jinkui felt bitter. Hearing Chen Sanfang’s advice, she said no more and wanted to be alone.
Seeing this, Chen Sanfang stopped pressing. She cared deeply for their welfare and turned to find someone else to busy herself with, going home quietly.
Fan Xin overheard their conversation. After Chen Sanfang left, he told Zhang Jinkui, “Mother, I don’t mind that the He family young man was remarried.”
Zhang Jinkui was even angrier. “You’re only attracted by his looks and ignore everything else. You’re going to suffer for it!”
Fan Xin blushed. “I’m not interested in He’s appearance; I just feel a connection with him.”
“Go away. You’re confused by your second aunt.”
Zhang Jinkui lamented, “Why must I be so unlucky? I find someone I like, only to have such trouble.”
Her heart ached, and she lay down without eating or drinking.
When Chen Sanfang came home, dinner was ready, and the family was waiting.
Everyone noticed her bright expression.
Kang He and Fan Jing exchanged glances but asked no questions, knowing exactly what had happened.
“This matter has been settled.”
That night, Kang He told Fan Jing, “I’m afraid Brother Xiao Qiu might be heartbroken.”
After a few days, Kang He also went to visit the main house. The family atmosphere was much more harmonious.
Fan Xin was happy, but Zhang Jinkui was not. Grandpa and Grandma Fan heard about Xiao Qiu’s remarriage and fussed over it, causing tension.
Zhang Jinkui threatened she would die if Fan Xin insisted on marrying, resorting to despair.
Xiangxiu came back to persuade her twice, but it didn’t work.
Kang He said nothing, helped no one, and kept out of it.
He told Fan Jing and Chen Sanfang, “I think it’s better not to stir things up. After Eldest Aunt agreed to this marriage, if things go well, fine. But if not, they’ll dredge up the past again.
“Brother Daxin is someone who can stand his ground in serious matters. But he’s argumentative over little things. Life is mostly small things, not big. If Xiao Qiu comes in, he won’t suffer much. He’s a good man, no doubt.”
Chen Sanfang sighed, “I want him to be happy too. I don’t want to ruin him. I was just trying to arrange a good match.”
Though no words were exchanged, He Xiao Qiu, a simple man, knew the Fan family wanted to promote a match with Fan Xin.
When the eldest aunt came to see him and seemed fond of him, he thought the matter was promising and waited quietly.
He said he liked Fan Xin. After meeting him once, he found him gentle and well-off, and if he were to remarry, such a match was rare.
Though his parents hadn’t said anything, he knew they worried about him in secret.
But after waiting and waiting with no news, he realized it probably wouldn’t happen.
That made sense—if the Fan family wanted a twice-widowed son-in-law, they’d want one with more status.
He Xiao Qiu told Chen Sanfang, “My family has no sons, and my father always says he envies you for having a good son-in-law. He tries to save money so that one day, I can find a good match.”
He joked, “Kang He, you know many men. Can you help me find a good one?”
Chen Sanfang and Kang He felt a bit emotional hearing that.
Kang He said, “Don’t worry. If there’s someone suitable, I’ll make sure to find him for you.”
That matter quietly passed, and everyone acted as if nothing had happened, continuing as before.
Time flew into the second lunar month, the weather warmer than in January.
The Fan family’s hearts were tied to Fan Jing’s health, as his due date was this month.
Kang He stayed at the shop, anxious. The pigs were taken care of by Yicang, the household’s long-term laborer.
Kang He managed the shop. Even though customers were fewer, he wasn’t worried, and would soon go home to watch over Fan Jing.
On the nineteenth day of the second month, the weather was warm and clear.
After lunch, Fan Jing strolled in the courtyard, feeding the rabbits, chickens, and ducks in the shed, then returned indoors.
He took a knife to whittle bamboo and twisted hemp thread, preparing to make a small bow.
With nothing much to do these past couple of months, he’d made some toys for the children.
Suddenly, he felt pain in his abdomen and knew something was wrong.
He put down his tools and called out to Zhen’er.
Hearing the voice, the two girls entered. Seeing Fan Jing’s pale face, Zhen’er stayed with him, while quick-witted Qiao’er ran out to summon help.
“Father, Big Brother is going into labor!”
Fan Jing’s father jumped up from his noon nap, hurriedly putting on his shoes, and immediately sent Yicang to fetch the midwife, already informed earlier, then went to call Doctor Zhu.
Qiao’er rushed to the kitchen to light the fire and boil water, then went to the main house to call more help.
Kang He was returning to the village in the ox cart, walking home along the main road.
He carried two green fish, remembering Fan Jing mentioned wanting some fish last night.
He had bought two fresh ones early this morning from the fishermen.
After lunch, he told Chen Sanfang he’d return first to prepare dinner.
Chen Sanfang knew he was worried about Fan Jing. With him watching, she and the others at the shop could feel more at ease.
Just as he entered the village, a villager told him that their laborer had gone to the midwife’s house.
Hearing this, Kang He broke into a run back home.
When he arrived, people were already rushing in and out, busy with the birth.
“How is it? Is Dajing in trouble?”
Kang He tried to rush inside, fish in hand, but was stopped.
“Don’t go in. He’s giving birth now.”
“I haven’t heard any cries!” Kang He was near panic, sweating profusely.
Qiao’er said, “Brother-in-law, you’re confused. Big Brother isn’t one to shout.”
Kang He smacked his head, almost forgetting.
He pressed against the window and heard Fan Jing’s voice inside, then called out, “A-Jing, I’m outside! I’m back!”
His heart was restless. Fan Jing was always stoic; it was one thing normally, but even giving birth without a sound? He wished he’d make some noise so he could feel reassured.
He consoled himself: shouting wouldn’t make it harder to give birth.
The sun shone bright, but time dragged into the late afternoon.
People heard the laboring man, coming and going several times.
Kang He felt like his heart was burning in his chest, not knowing how many hours had passed when suddenly, a loud baby’s cry pierced the air.