Chapter 95: Talk about it

Early in the morning, Kang He and Fan Jingqie were still eating breakfast when an old man from a neighboring village came into the yard, saying he wanted to rent some livestock.

When asked, the man said he was from Tiantou Village, three villages away from their He Pingzi. He had set out before dawn to arrive early, worried about traveling in the dark.

Kang He called over the long-term worker, Fourth Brother Lian, to bring the old man a bowl of tea and asked if he had eaten. The old man said he had already eaten before leaving.

After drinking the tea, he was eager to inspect the animals.

Mu Dalang had been staying these past few days at his father-in-law Zhu Daifu’s place because his wife was pregnant.

Kang He talked with him about handling the early morning business, advising him to pay more attention to his wife. When a woman is pregnant, she needs the best care.

It was still early, and since Mu Dalang was staying over, he hadn’t come to eat breakfast yet.

Kang He set down his bowl and personally led the old man to see the livestock. Chen Sanfang said to him, “Just have Fourth Brother Lian take him around; he usually helps Mu Dalang with this kind of thing.”

Kang He wiped his mouth and said, “I’ve never really been involved in these kinds of business matters. It’s always Mu Dalang who takes care of it. Today, I’ll just do it once. It won’t be any trouble.”

Chen Sanfang said nothing further. Fan Jing wiped Da Fu’s mouth and said, “Then you take Da Fu over to the school.”

Kang He nodded in agreement. Hearing that his little father was going to take him, Da Fu happily jumped down from his stool and ran inside to get his little school bag.

Autumn was in full swing for farm work. Harvesting and drying grain were all rushed under the drying sun.

From June to early July, only a couple of households came to rent livestock, but by August and September, the busiest months of the harvest, two or three households would come daily.

People from their own village and neighboring ones all came.

In early autumn, hiring laborers to help harvest crops cost seventy or eighty cash a day, not counting providing two meals.

Some thought it wasn’t worth the cost or worried that hired labor might slack off, so they chose to rent livestock instead.

Some households with larger fields and simultaneous crop maturity needed to hurry the harvest and couldn’t get enough laborers, so renting livestock was just right.

Within a month or so, relying on renting out livestock brought in over five guan in profit, as Qiao’er brought the account book for Kang He to check.

The income was even better than selling livestock.

Kang He went into the livestock pen and saw the strong animals eating grass inside. He grabbed a few handfuls of dry grass to feed them.

Fourth Brother Lian told Kang He that the two strong male donkeys had been reserved by villagers yesterday, and they would be led away later that day.

Kang He said to the old man, “Old sir, except for the livestock already reserved, look at whichever you want and let me know. Luckily, you came early today. If you had come later, you wouldn’t have much choice.”

The old man was amazed by the livestock in the pen, feeling it was like stepping into a city livestock market.

He looked at one donkey, then another, and told Kang He, “The animals here all look strong. Even if I come late, taking one of these will be fine. The rest of the ones left over will still be good enough.”

Kang He said, “You can be assured about our animals, old sir. If the donkey you take stubbornly refuses to work after you lead it away, just hit it a little. If it still won’t work, you can bring it back. We can exchange it for another one, no extra cost.”

The old man nodded repeatedly. He had decided to rent from Fan Jing because he had seen a household in his own village rent a donkey from Fan Jing to haul grain a few days ago.

He wasn’t sure how the donkey was, but it refused to move despite being urged several times. Frustrated, he had the donkey brought back to Fan Jing.

According to the villagers, the donkey was examined and found to have developed an illness, which was why it wouldn’t work. The owner quickly replaced it with a new donkey and even compensated for the lost time.

If you rented animals from the city, you wouldn’t get such treatment. If you encountered unreasonable people, it could even lead to disputes and demands for compensation.

Seeing how honest Fan Jing was, the old man said he would rent livestock there.

After hearing this, Kang He thought Mu Dalang really knew how to do business.

The old man led a female donkey away. Kang He called out to Fourth Brother Lian, saying, “You see more and more households coming to rent livestock lately. Tell Brother Mu to rotate the livestock when renting them out.”

“People pay money to rent the animals and only use them during those hours. They use them at full strength. The livestock can handle a day or two, but they can’t handle long periods of work.”

“If more people come to rent and the animals get exhausted and refuse to work, it’s not good. If they get sick from overwork, no one benefits.”

Fourth Brother Lian agreed.

Kang He also instructed them to feed the rented animals well.

Fan Jing took the little one back to Fan Xin’s place. The couple then drove the cart to the city together.

By the time they arrived in the county, it was already a bit late. He Xiao Qiu had arrived early, sent away the salted delicacy shopkeeper, and opened the door for them.

Kang He had long wanted to hire a clerk for the shop, but Chen Sanfang thought there were enough hands at home, so they had delayed it.

The three of them quickly set up the stall, with Fan Jing watching the shop and Kang He going ahead.

Near noon, the couple packed some things and headed back to Luo’s place. A few days ago, Zhen’er had invited them over.

It made sense; both of them were a bit homesick, so they agreed to visit today.

Earlier this year, Zhen’er had given birth to a little boy, soft and adorable.

Luo’s family doted on him greatly. The elder brother and sister-in-law had only one son and one daughter, and this was Luo’s first grandson. How could they not cherish him?

Zhen’er said, “You brought so many things again. You’re just inviting the big brother and brother-in-law over for a meal. Next time, I might not want to open my mouth to call you here.”

Seeing them arrive with two pairs of quail, a basket of quail eggs, and eight jin of pork, she couldn’t help but say a few words to them.

Kang He said, “These are from home, not bought outside. Your big brother heard that Rong’er had weaned and said that quail stew is nourishing. It’s good for the child’s health.”

Zhen’er was touched. “Big brother and brother-in-law always think so thoughtfully.”

At noon, Kang He, Fan Jing, Zhen’er, and Luo Chuanyi ate together.

In the city, larger households and smaller rural families were different. People lived in separate courtyards.

Luo Tongsheng lived in one courtyard with cousin Yun. Luo Chuanyi’s eldest brother and his wife lived in another courtyard with their children, and the couple themselves had their own courtyard.

Although Luo’s family wasn’t large, the separated courtyards were not as spacious as Fan’s old house had been, but it was definitely more convenient.

Each household lived under one roof, but each entertained their own relatives and friends separately. If a stranger came, they would eat separately in each courtyard, which was both inconvenient for the family and unwelcome for guests to visit often.

Because of the separated courtyards, Kang He and Fan Jing often visited. Each time, they brought some vegetables and meat for the couple’s small kitchen.

When they had something special or during festivals, they also brought gifts to both Luo Tongsheng’s and Luo’s eldest brother’s courtyards.

Zhen’er cooked a sweet and sour pork dish especially for Fan Jing, and also made braised pig’s trotters for Kang He, knowing he liked them from before.

After eating, Luo Chuanyi rummaged through a pile of books and gave some to Kang He and Fan Jing.

“A few days ago, I heard Zhen’er say Da Fu has started learning at Da Xin’s place. I found two copybooks and some books from when he was younger. If you don’t mind the old condition, brother-in-law, take them for Da Fu.”

“Not at all, I’d be glad to have them.”

Kang He took the books quickly and said to Luo Chuanyi, “I was just talking with your big brother a few days ago about wanting to get some books for Da Fu.”

The group chatted while seeing Kang He and Fan Jing out. Unexpectedly, just as they left the courtyard, they ran into Luo Tongsheng, who was returning from outside.

Luo Tongsheng called to Kang He and Fan Jing and asked about Da Fu’s schooling.

Kang He politely said, “The child has just started learning and finds it all new. He’s hardworking. He writes twenty or thirty characters a day and recognizes most of them. He says he wants to learn to write proper characters.”

Luo Tongsheng said, “Such a small child writing twenty or thirty characters a day? That’s indeed diligent.”

Then he said, “Don’t hurry off. I have two brushes at home that are perfect for beginners. Come and get them and I’ll teach Zhongyang to use them.”

Kang He didn’t refuse. Luo Tongsheng brought the brushes and ink, and gave them some advice.

He said that for beginners, the foundation had to be solid. The start had to be good, and if the child later mastered good handwriting, people would definitely respect him more.

Even if he never took the imperial exams or became an official, having neat handwriting would help when seeking work.

“You might not know, but Li Dian Shi at the county government got favored by the magistrate because of his good handwriting. He started out doing odd jobs at the government office, but was promoted to Dian Shi.”

“He worked for many years and served under two or three magistrates, all of whom kept him as Dian Shi because of his handwriting.”

Kang He accepted the lesson sincerely and returned home determined to supervise Da Fu’s handwriting practice.

On the way back, Kang He told Fan Jing, “Luo Tongsheng really loves scholars. Before, when we came to Luo’s, we barely spoke, just a polite nod.”

“Today, hearing that Da Fu is studying, he immediately warmed up. No matter what, it’s sincere. And he even gave us brushes and ink.”

Books have never been easy to come by, whether now or in the past. For someone to give them freely is rare.

Just as they reached the alley, they saw a familiar figure busy helping carry things in the salted delicacy shop.

Kang He and Fan Jing exchanged a glance and walked back to the shop.

“Oh, the diligent one over here. Are you hired to work for someone?”

Kang He teased Zhang Shili, who had somehow come down the mountain.

He Xiao Qiu’s ears turned slightly red when she heard Kang He, and said, “This stove is heavy. Zhang brother came looking for you and helped me move it.”

Kang He said, “He’s a strong man; it’s only right he helps.”

He Xiao Qiu relaxed after hearing that. But Fan Jing, sitting with his eyes closed on a bench as if resting, had his ears perked up at the tone.

He felt a little tired and said he’d rest a bit this afternoon, then slipped into the shop.

Zhang Shili glanced at the people, then returned to Kang He’s side of the shop.

The two of them got some wine and drank.

“I’m saying, have you taken a liking to brother He?”

Zhang Shili nearly choked on his wine. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Fan Jing leaned back on the long bench with his eyes half-closed, but both ears were alert.

“Really not?”

Kang He asked again.

Zhang Shili ignored him, drinking silently.

Kang He thought to coax him and said, “If not, that’s fine. The other day my mother said it’s hard for brother He to guard the shop alone. She said she has a nephew who’s still unmarried…”

Before Kang He finished, Zhang Shili interrupted, “Where do you get so many nephews? One minute it’s one, the next it’s another. Who do you think we are?”

Fan Jing couldn’t help but raise his eyelids at this.

Kang He said, “Why are you shouting? Look, you woke Da Jing up. You don’t even like the guy but won’t let others talk about marriage with him? Who’s as bossy as you? Brother He might actually like it. If you don’t like it, why not say so?”

Zhang Shili was silenced by Kang He’s words and gulped down his wine.

He slammed his cup down and said, “You two are really annoying.”

Then he said, “I do like him. So what!”

Fan Jing, who had been lying on the bench, suddenly sat up.

He said quietly, “Since when?”

Zhang Shili was startled by Fan Jing’s serious tone. He sulked, “How can I say when exactly? All I know is, I like him.”

“You two today are like interrogators questioning me.”

Kang He laughed, “I knew something was off with you, but I was just waiting for a chance to ask.”

“If you liked him, why didn’t you say earlier? You managed to keep it from us all this time.”

Zhang Shili said, “Nothing’s settled yet. Spreading rumors won’t help. We all live under one roof and are like family. Otherwise, how would we deal with things later?”

Kang He asked, “Do you know how brother He feels about it?”

Zhang Shili’s face showed a smile. “He feels the same as I do.”

Kang He and Fan Jing had already suspected they liked each other, but weren’t sure if the feeling was mutual.

Hearing Zhang Shili, Kang He said, “If you both like each other, why delay? You’re not young anymore.”

Zhang Shili sighed, “Before the new year, we confessed. Not long ago, I went to his house. His parents weren’t happy about it.”

“Brother He’s father is ill. We don’t want to be stubborn. If we upset the old man, that would be bad.”

Kang He asked, “Do you know why they don’t accept it?”

Zhang Shili said, “You know what kind of person I am. Life in the mountains is hard. I have a past. Brother He’s family are honest folk and won’t accept me easily.”

Kang He understood. A man like Zhang Shili would naturally worry the elders.

He had heard about Zhang Shili’s past—he had been in jail for assault. Ordinary families wouldn’t approve, let alone Brother He’s family.

But Kang He spoke frankly, “Brother He is a reasonable man. He doesn’t accept you because he hasn’t really gotten to know you. Over time, as he sees your true character, he may come around.”

Zhang Shili said, “Xiao Qiu says the same. I’m not afraid to wait, just afraid of delaying him.”

Kang He said, “True love doesn’t mind waiting. But just waiting without moving forward isn’t right. Have you thought about the future?”

“I have no ties back home. They want me to marry in there, but I don’t mind coming here. I might lose some mountain work, but I can help at the shop. I’ll carry and move things to contribute.”

“If things work out with Xiao Qiu, I won’t go back to my old ways.”

“Sounds like you have a plan.”

Kang He said, “Just live your life day by day. Be polite to brother He’s family. Wait for the right moment.”

Zhang Shili nodded. With a goal in sight, he would surely work hard.