Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
In the early morning, Danzhou was silent. Near the Count’s manor, in particular, there was not any extra noise. Danzhou was not very big. It was even possible to faintly hear the crowing of chickens and the barking of dogs out in the country while living in the city. If one truly listened intently, one could possibly even hear which family was emptying out their chamber pots and which family was boiling water to start breakfast. In the distance, the market had long awoken and was using fresh vegetables and meat to draw in the women in charge of their kitchens.
In the summer morning, the air was fresh. Fan Xian and Sisi walked along the quiet streets and came to the side of the familiar market.
He smelled the stronger and stronger scent in the air and nodded his head with satisfaction.
I haven’t come to such places in the past two years.
Sisi glanced at him, thinking, As the imperial envoy, naturally, you had no chance to buy groceries.
Fan Xian quietly said,
Do you remember when we lived in Danzhou, how we used to come to market often to buy things?
Sisi nodded and smiled.
Ever since you were young, you would go shopping with the sisters and help them carry things. In the beginning, you scared a lot of people. I heard about it when I entered the manor and also thought you were a strange person.
Do you still think I’m strange now?
Fan Xin smiled and walked first into the marketplace. When he passed by a two-story building, he unconsciously stopped and turned his head to look at it.
Sisi thought it was strange and asked,
What’s wrong?
Fan Xian pointed at that building and asked curiously,
Isn’t that Lao Ha’s home? The one who delivers groceries? I thought the building had been burned down? Who is living in it now?
Speaking of this, Sisi also remembered. She tilted her head and thought for a bit. She then said apologetically,
I also haven’t heard them say.
Fan Xian gazed at the newly built two-story building in a daze. The grocery deliverer Lao Ha and Overwatch Council assassin of Shangdong Road had both died here. Afterward, his grandmother had someone set fire to the building to destroy the bodies and evidence. The people of Danzhou had no idea of the truth of this matter; they only thought it was a usual fire.
His expression calmed down. That had been when he had been in this world 12 years. He had killed for the first time here.
…
…
The marketplace was clamorous.
The fishermen from the sea were pushing little carts and silently gesturing with the fish sellers in the marketplace for the price of the first run of fish. Meanwhile, the fresh silver fish in the baskets moved endlessly, making a slapping sound. Now and then, a cart would be pushed in, and the peddler would yell loudly for others to make way. In the second row, the leaves of vegetables were covered in dew, and were fresh and alluring. In the side room, at the chicken stall, the chickens’ clucking rose with the stench. At the west corner, a large white pig was giving out its final tragic cry beneath the butcher’s knife.
There were already a number of Danzhou commoners starting to buy fruits and vegetables. They had to be early to be able to buy the freshest produce. The folkways of the Danzhou people were simple. Adding to that fact, the Qing Emperor had been particularly benevolent and bestowed his favor yearly. He had also stopped taxes. This meant that the people’s lives were very good, to the point they could afford to eat meat daily.
Seeing this scene, Fan Xian couldn’t help feeling a bit moved. Qing Kingdom was really not so bad.
In a few steps, he had come to the quietest corned in the marketplace. Looking at the figure at the tofu stall from a distance, Fan Xian stopped his steps and gazed with narrowed eyes at the familiar figure. He looked at the woman’s red face and slightly prominent, well-rounded figure. He smiled warmly. He had been held by her as a child, so how could he not be tired of seeing her?
Sisi looked at the woman and smiled happily, preparing to run over. Unexpectedly, her hand was pulled back by Fan Xian. She glanced at him with confusion.
Fan Xian smiled and said,
Why meet? It’s enough to see from a distance. Looking at sister Dong’er’s expression, her life should be going well. We shouldn’t go disturb her.
Sisi didn’t understand. Since they had snuck out, were they really not going to greet her and just look at her stupidly and briefly from a distance?
Every month, the manor gives her some money. That was my idea.
Fan Xian seemed to be comforting himself.
With this money, her life shouldn’t be a problem.
The woman who sold tofu was called Dong’er and was once a serving girl in the Danzhou Count’s manor. This girl had begun to look after Fan Xian from when she was 10 all the way until Fan Xian was 10. Naturally, her bond with Fan Xian was beyond the usual.
However, when Fan Xian was 10, the girl’s age had also grown. Adding to the fact that Fan Xian knew his life in the future would certainly be very dangerous, he had found an excuse to chase her out of the manor. However, he had always helped her in secret.
He liked Dong’er, so he wanted to arrange a normal and content life for her.
However, it seemed that a normal and happy life was not easy to come by. Fan Xian and Sisi watched for a while when they suddenly found that four or five big men had surrounded Dong’er’s tofu stall and were excitedly and spiritedly saying something.
Fan Xian’s eyes narrowed and a glimmer of coldness flashed through his delicate appearance. Although the men were excited, they did not seem to be forceful and had not made any undue moves, so, for now, he was not angry.
He indicated to Sisi to follow him closer to the tofu stall so they could clearly hear the conversation. He also saw clearly the wrinkles at the corners of Dong’er’s eyes and couldn’t help his heart growing dark.
Dong’er, it’s not that we are being aggressive, but this debt has already been dragged out for a year. Isn’t it time to return it?
The big man that was the leader furrowed his brows and said.
You can ask around. The money we gave your family is already the loosest. There will never be interest as low as this.
Dong’er rubbed her hands somewhat helplessly. These hands spent many years being soaked in tofu water and were somewhat red and rough. She lowered her head and said embarrassedly,
A few more days, a few more days. You know that my husband hasn’t been well this year. It’s taken a lot of money to treat him.
The man looked at her and suddenly opened his mouth to say,
I say, Dong’er, why don’t you understand?
Dong’er raised her head in confusion.
The man chuckled and said,
Putting aside everything else, the Deputy Governor has always taken the least money from you. Our boss has also not asked you for heavy interest…everyone in the marketplace respects you, why is this? It’s because you were someone who had come out of the Count’s manor. Although on the surface you had been chased out, which of us old folks of Danzhou doesn’t know the truth? The young master of the Fan family cares greatly for you. When he was little, he would spend all day at your tofu stand playing.
He cleared his throat and said,
We are all giving young master Fan face, and no one dares to bully you…but…
He suddenly angrily said,
This is not a lot of silver. You could go to the Count’s manor and speak with the old woman. Would she not help you?
Dong’er pressed her lips together and refused to say anything.
The man finally couldn’t resist it anymore and roared,
Even if you don’t dare to speak to the old woman, everyone now knows of the major event in the Danzhou manor. The young master of the Fan family has already returned home. He is now the imperial envoy. With a little help from him, your whole family will rise meteorically. What do you care about this little bit of silver?
Dong’er suddenly raised her head and said with a determined expression,
Don’t bother the manor with my matters. The money I owe you, naturally, I will slowly repay you…it’s all thanks to your care these two years brother Hu. I am very grateful.
It was clear that these words did not have much effect. Although the man did not dare to intimidate Dong’er, he did depend on this to earn money. Angrily, he said,
Since you say you have no bond with the manor, then we’ll stop being polite. The money you should pay, you will pay it today!
Listening up to now, Fan Xian finally understood the root of the matter and couldn’t help smiling bitterly. Dong’er’s husband was probably not well, but…the money he had the manor sent each month should be enough. Looking at Dong’er expression, she probably had not been willing to use the money he had sent and was only willing to depend on this tofu stall to barely manage.
There was no need to continue listening. Fan Xian also did not make a hobby of waiting until the situation had become excited before stepping out to be the big boss.
He nodded to Sisi.
Sisi immediately understood and quickly walked a few steps, stopping in front of the tofu stall. Looking at the men, she calmly asked,
How much is missing?
These men were clearly startled by this suddenly appearing girl. Although Sisi had not purposely dressed up when coming out today, living every day in a wealthy family, her clothes and jewelry were all expensive and first-rate. The men’s eyes were sharp, so, they knew the girl’s background was not ordinary. They coughed slightly and respectfully said,
It is just 10 liang of silver.
As they spoke, the men’s eyes were wandering around the tofu stall.
Dong’er had frozen when Sisi stood in front of her tofu stall. A moment later, the glimmer of a helpless smile appeared on her red face.
The leading man suddenly saw the man standing to the back of the tofu stall. Seeing the man’s very recognizable delicate appearance and linking it to the background of the tofu stall’s, Dong’er, and the beautiful girl standing in front of him, he immediately guessed the identity of the man. He quickly added in a trembling voice,
Is it indeed just 10 liang, the interest…we did not dare to collect at all. Since my lady has made an appearance today, it is completely waived.
Sisi turned her head to glance at Dong’er with a face full of smiles and said,
Sister, is it this much?
Dong’er was still sunk in shock and nodded her head with some panic.
Sisi glanced at Fan Xian to the side. Of course, she knew Fan Xian’s thoughts and said to the men with a smile,
I can see that you have protected my sister. I thank you for this kindness on behalf of our family’s young master.
As she spoke, she pulled out a small banknote from her sleeve and handed it over. Warmly, she said,
In the future, please help look after this stall.
The man accepted the banknote and glanced at it. It had a face value of 20 liang. He couldn’t do anything but force a smile and retreat, but he also slanted another glance at the young man’s expressionless appearance behind the tofu stall. He didn’t dare say anything more and only murmured in a trembling voice,
Certainly, certainly.
After saying this, he quickly pulled at his confused subordinates behind him and hurriedly left. As he passed by Fan Xian, he bowed deeply to the ground, not making a peep.
Fan Xian shook his head and walked into the tofu stall looking at Dong’er, who couldn’t quite believe her eyes. Resentfully, he said,
Why have money that you don’t use but instead go borrow with high interest?
Dong’er forced a smile and glanced at him. Quietly, she said,
Young master, why are you here?
Fan Xian angrily said,
A few years ago it was this line and now it is still this line. You are my serving girl. Can I not come to visit you?
To the side, Sisi covered her smile and said,
I wonder who it was earlier who stood at the side and wouldn’t come over?
Saying this, she walked to Dong’er’s side and warmly picked up her hand.
Dong’er wiped her hands in a panic randomly on the apron on her front and smiled warmly.
Fan Xian stared at Dong’er’s appearance and looked more closely at the lines at the corners of her eyes. Time had not been merciless. It had not left overly deep marks on the woman’s face. Looking after her family matters and her little business would always be tiring. In particular, standing together right now with Sisi, compared to Sisi who lived like a princess, she appeared to be even more uncomfortable.
Fan Xian sighed and suddenly didn’t know what topic he should pick to talk about. With a serious expression, he asked,
Where is your daughter?
At home with her father. Her father…is not well.
Dong’er glanced at Fan Xian’s expression and smiled warmly. She had brought Fan Xian up. She knew what he was thinking and could also guess why he was unhappy. Quietly, she said,
I don’t dare to misuse the money you sent. In any case, we can manage…
Without waiting for her to finish speaking, Fan Xian waved his hand angrily and said,
Take me to your home and sit down and chat.
Dong’er glanced at her tofu stall and didn’t know what to say.
Fan Xian angrily said,
What is there to look after in this broken stall? Back then I got it wrong. What peaceful life? If you had followed me, you wouldn’t have to endure such filth.
Seeing him angry, Dong’er didn’t say anything. Sisi went forward and picked up her hand then began to walk out of the marketplace.
Fan Xian left the tofu stall after the two of them. He stared coldly at the interested gazes being directed his way around the marketplace. After some thought, he picked up the two completed pieces of tofu and leisurely strolled out of the place.
After he left, the entire marketplace exploded into noise. All the peddlers had recognized who he was and couldn’t help sinking into shock and excitement.
The imperial envoy had come to the marketplace. What kind of miraculous gossip was this? There was also the serving girl from the past, the current beautiful tofu seller, that attracted many people’s speculations.
Did you see? Like I said…young master Fan is one who holds onto past friendships. Since he has returned to Danzhou, naturally, he would come to visit Dong’er.
Someone clicked their tongues and sighed.
The imperial envoy, what a major position this is, yet he still cherishes old friendships.
Someone gossiped outrageously and someone scolded back,
Didn’t you see that Sisi also came? You dare to talk so nonsensically? Be careful that someone doesn’t come from the manor and send you west to fight the Hu people!
No matter how the discussion in the marketplace fermented, Fan manor’s authority was and Fan Xian’s reputation were present. Some random rumors would naturally die out. However, Fan Xian’s sudden appearance and the tofu stall’s sudden closing down brought the liveliest emotion to the already lively morning marketplace.
No one thought of the fact that today, there would be no tofu to eat in all Danzhou.
…
…
Dong’er’s home in Danzhou was in an isolated courtyard, hiding quietly in the depths of an alley. This kind of single-door courtyard was rare to see in Danzhou since they were worth a lot of money. This had been bought back in the day by Fan Xian with money he had made selling Pan Ling’s calligraphy to the inner court news palace. He purchased it when Dong’er had gotten married. Back then, Fan Xian had been very insistent. Dong’er had not dared to go against the intentions of the 11-year-old young master and had continued to live in it.
The furnishings in this courtyard were a little old. Walking into the courtyard, Fan Xian looked around and found it relatively clean and tidy. Nodding his head with satisfaction, he placed the two pieces of tofu in his hand on the stone mill and put his hands behind him as he walked into the main hall.
Dong’er rushed to pour tea and bring out snacks. Fan Xian stopped her and smiled.
It’s not like you don’t know my temperament. I don’t like to eat such things.
Dong’er smiled warmly and said,
Back then, everyone in the manor said that you were a strange child. To be a child and not like to eat snacks…instead you liked to gnaw on bones.
Yes, a strange child.
Fan Xian sighed and said,
It was only you who didn’t think I was strange.
Sisi randomly swiped at the low couch, knowing that Fan Xian also did not care about this, and invited him to sit. Fan Xian shook his head. Lifting the curtain to the left of the main hall, he charged in with no sense of unfamiliarity.
Entering the inner room, he saw a man about 30 years old who was struggling to rise from the bed. HIs features were regular, and he appeared honest and considerate. His face was slightly pale, and it seemed like he wasn’t very well.
Seeing Fan Xian entering the inner room, Dong’er leaped up anxiously and quickly followed him in.
Young master, this is where sick people stay. Why are you coming in here?
The man on the bed was Dong’er’s husband. His surname was Mai. He had long guessed the newcomer’s identity.
Although ever since the day the young master of the Fan family returned to Danzhou he had discussed with Dong’er whether or not the young master would come to visit them, the disparity between their positions was too large. Thinking that this event was too unlikely, the couple had relaxed and not made any preparations.
Young Master Fan, don’t come in here,
he fearfully said. He was greatly startled.
Fan Xian only smiled and sat directly beside him. One hand landed on his pulse. Using his eyes, he indicated for him to calm down.
Dong’er stood at the door, guessing that the young master was examining her husband. She couldn’t help feel a glimmer of confusion. She had seen the young master holding medical books and reading them. However, even the doctors in the city had said it was difficult to cure.
Her husband was even tenser. Looking at Fan Xian’s finger resting on his pulse, thinking, This was the current imperial envoy and, according to the rumors, a child of the dragon…how could he be examining his illness? He was excited and moved. His eyes even became wet.
Silence fell in the room. Sisi didn’t enter the room. She just stood behind Dong’er and watched carefully.
After a long time, Fan Xian released his fingers. Opening his eyes, he smiled slightly and said,
What a coincidence, it’s a problem of the lungs. It’s easy to cure.
Hearing these words, the couple were overjoyed but still a bit disbelieving. Behind them, Sisi covered her mouth and smiled.
Both of you, relax. Our Mistress also has a problem with her lungs. The royal doctors in the Palace couldn’t cure her. It was all down to the young master who cured her.
