Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Suzhou?
Fan Xian chuckled and said to the grandmother.
What girl are you talking about? If we’re speaking about girls, I built a Baoyue Brothel in Suzhou. The girls there are pretty good.
The old woman shook her head impatiently.
That is another matter, instead of being a proper official, you go into the romance business. Are you not afraid of losing face?
Fan Xian did not feel like it was facing losing. He smiled widely and said,
That is second brother’s business. I am just looking after it for him.
After saying this, he glanced at the Third Prince sitting beside the old woman. A flash of awkwardness immediately appeared on the Third Prince’s little face. He could not escape his connection to the initial Baoyue Brothel.
The old woman sighed.
Don’t try to change the subject, you know who I am asking about.
Fan Xian became silent. Of course, he knew that grandmother was asking about Haitang. He and Haitang’s matter had been spread everywhere under heaven, and grandmother was not one of those pure women whose ears did not listen to matters of the outside world. Of course, she knew the story. However, this matter already had some problems, and he really didn’t know what to say in front of Wan’er’s face. He raised his head and said with a warm smile,
Grandmother, don’t listen to those rumors. Haitang being in Jiangnan is only to help me handle some matters.
Naturally, the old woman did not believe this and said suspiciously,
What is a Northern Qi person doing always being beside you? She isn’t an ordinary girl.
Fan Xian’s words dried up. He stole a glance at Wan’er and found that his wife’s face was calm, but her little hands were gripping the corner of her sleeve. He couldn’t help but force a laugh and turn toward his grandmother.
Don’t misunderstand.
Is it a misunderstanding?
The old woman looked at him with a not-quite-there smile. After all, there were still people in the hall at this moment, so she couldn’t speak plainly. She only warmly said,
There are some things that should be done on the surface if they can be done on the surface…I greatly dislike hiding things. If it is honorable, then bring her home to let me have a look. If you don’t have this intention, then be careful of your actions. After all, even though she isn’t a person of Qing Kingdom, she is still a girl. She can’t have her reputation destroyed just like this by you.
Fan Xian forced a smile.
Did you hear me?
the old woman stared at him and asked.
Fan Xian sighed and nodded, thinking that this matter was not one of yes or no. His own shamelessness had indeed been seen through immediately by grandmother. As for Haitang, Lang Tiao had already gone to Suzhou. Given Haitang’s personality, he was afraid that she wouldn’t go against her teacher. Once she had returned to Northern Qi, it would be difficult to meet again, so there was no need to talk about future events in detail.
I say, grandmother,
he said with a pained expression.
I haven’t been back for two years. Why are you scolding me the moment you see me? Can you wait for a bit and then do it?
The old woman huffed coldly and said,
Do you know that you haven’t been back in two years?
She glared at Fan Xian. The wrinkles on her face gradually relaxed, and she smilingly scolded,
When you arrived in Danzhou, you didn’t even rush home. Where did you go play earlier? You’re already at such an age, so how come you are still so insensible?
Fan Xian understood. It turned out that his grandmother was jealous. He laughed and said,
I left the boat halfway to wander around.
Without waiting for her to speak, he took the opportunity to send out a meaningful gaze. The grandmother and grandson had lived together 16 years. How could they not know the thoughts the other was hiding? The old woman gently coughed and said,
It’s getting late. Get ready to start the feats. I still have some things to say to An Zhi.
After saying this, she shakily stood up and prepared to bow to the Third Prince to play her role completely. The old woman was originally a wet nurse of the royal family and could be considered a family servant. She was especially particular about the divide between superiors and inferiors. Lin Wan’er was Fan Xian’s wife now, so as the grandmother, she did not have to mind. However, with the Third Prince living in their home, she was careful to maintain etiquette.
However, her position was too special. The Third Prince always referred to himself as Fan Xian’s student. How could he dare to accept a bow from this ancestor? The little kid’s face fought until his face was bright red and dodged away with all his might, running for the door like his butt was on fire.
Fan Xian went forward and gently tugged on Wan’er’s hand. He leaned close to her ear and said some things. Wan’er repeatedly nodded and, as asked, she led Sisi out of the door.
Left in the hall were only the old woman and Fan Xian, grandmother and grandson. Fan Xian brought over a little stool and sat beside her, just like in the past, to listen to a lecture properly.
Now that there were no more outsiders, the old woman’s words were much more direct.
That Haitang girl, how do you plan to deal with this?
Fan Xian tilted his head in thought. Furrowing his brows, he said seriously,
It will be difficult to marry her in. Stall for time first and then see.
Do you want to marry her?
Hmm…
Fan Xian hesitated. He always felt that he and Haitang were more friends than anything else. If he brought her home, he was afraid that this kind of feeling would change.
It’ll depend on her. If she wants to marry, then I want to marry.
It still that old saying, the Fan family is, after all, a great family, how could we let her drift alone outside?
The old woman gently coughed.
Since you like her, she’ll eventually have to enter our home.
Fan Xian forced a smile. He thought that this matter was not something the Fan family could decide alone. Since grandmother had already set an edict, he could only do his best to carry it out. He used his palm to gently pat at grandmother’s back, quietly transferring in a thread of Tianyi Dao’s gentle zhenqi to help her take care of her body. He found, to his delight, that grandmother’s body was quite good. Although she appeared older over these two years, there were still no signs of decline.
However…even if she marries in, there has to be an order of superiority,
The old woman suddenly said severely.
You cannot mistreat Wan’er. Originally, following my thoughts, I do not like Haitang, that girl. Being together with you without name or status, how proper is that?
Fan Xian was silent. He knew that he had been busy with official affairs recently and had indeed neglected his wife a bit. Furthermore, Wan’er was a girl who appeared calm but was very meticulous in the depths of her heart. To say something clichéd, the higher Fan Xian’s position, the less he wanted Wan’er to be involved in those shady affairs. It was unavoidable that Wan’er would lack some sense of true existence. That feeling was probably not very comfortable.
However, it could be seen that during these days in Danzhou, Wan’er had received the grandmother’s great liking.
Don’t raise this matter anymore.
The old woman looked at the grandson at her knee and sighed. She gently stroked his face and said,
Being in Jingdou these years must not have been easy…you know all about those things now, right?
In reality, in the 16 years in Danzhou, Fan Xian and grandmother did not have any overly intimate actions. Fan Xian understood that this was because grandmother wanted to raise him as someone who was cold, severe, and hard so that he could be able to preserve his life in the future in Jingdou. The last time she was so gentle…when was it? It seemed that it was when he was still an infant. She had held him in the little tower and cried silently.
Fan Xian was a little lost in thought. It was also that night that he knew that other than Uncle Wu Zhu in this world, his grandmother was also good to him, heart and soul.
I know.
Fan Xian lowered his head. A moment later he smiled and sighed,
The question of my past is always so unexpected.
The old woman smiled slightly and said,
It has all already passed. I see that the Emperor still loves you tenderly.
Fan Xian was silent and did not reply. She had raised the Emperor of Qing Kingdom and was likely proud of this fact deep in her heart. However, it was clear that her words did not say everything. At least, it did not explain what she had said that night 18 years ago.
He slowly raised his head and looked at his grandmother’s wrinkle-filled face and asked in a quiet voice,
Grandmother, my mother…how exactly did she die?
The old woman was startled as if she had thought he would ask this question. After hesitating for a moment she slowly said,
Has your father not told you yet?
Fan Xian smiled weakly.
Father has spoken of it, but I have always felt that matters couldn’t have been so simple.
Your mother was an incredible person,
the old woman tenderly patted his cheeks and said.
I trust that the Emperor has already avenged her. As for whether or not any enemies had been missed, naturally…there is that guy to take care of it.
That guy was the person who fought with people daily back in King Cheng’s manor.
Fan Xian smiled. It looked like his grandmother also did not know the details or, perhaps, she did not wish to tell him her guesses. Speaking of which, if it had been anyone else, he had already received sufficient compensation from the royal family. Why must he be stuck on whether something in the past had any loose ends?
…
…
Sizhe…what kind of child is he?
The grandmother suddenly opened her mouth and asked.
Fan Xian was startled then shortly smiled again. Only now did he remember that ever since his brother’s birth, he had lived in Jingdou. He had never even seen his grandmother’s face. He chose his words carefully and slowly said,
Sizhe, ah…back then, perhaps he had run amok. As he has gotten older, his behavior is more appropriate.
Oh, tell me about it.
It was very clear that the old woman was interested in her one true grandson.
Fan Xian smiled and told her all of Sizhe’s actions since he entered Jingdou. He didn’t even hide anything related to the Baoyue Brothel. This story made the old woman’s expression serious with an occasional smile.
Are you saying…these two children run a brothel in Jingdou?
The old woman sighed, thinking, she really was old. There was no way for her to understand these children’s thoughts.
But…the Third Prince is still so small.
He is small but full of tricky ideas.
Thinking of that matter, Fan Xian was filled with anger. He huffed coldly and said,
The Third Prince is not just a child.
The old woman smiled.
Sizhe is alone in the North. Is he doing well?
Letters regularly came from Northern Qi, so Fan Xian knew very well his brother’s life in the North. He comfortingly said,
Relax, I’ve arranged people to look out for him.
The old woman thought for a moment then worriedly said,
After all, it is a foreign country. If that Haitang girl were still in Shangjing, Northern Qi, perhaps it would be fine. But under the current circumstances…there isn’t even anyone you trust in Northern Qi.
Fan Xian could not speak of his secret agreement with the little Emperor in Northern Qi. He thought for a while then said,
Relax, grandmother, isn’t Ruoruo in Shangjing right now? She is now Grandmaster Ku He’s last disciple, so the Northern Qi court has to give her some face. With her watching, Sizhe won’t do anything outrageous.
Speaking of which, it was very strange. For the past two years, Fan Xian had exhausted every means to send his brother and sister to Northern Qi. Minister Fan had vaguely guessed at it but didn’t expose it. It was clear that the old mistress did not think of that. She only smiled and said,
Speaking of Ruoruo, I wonder if her body is better?
She’s great…there’s no more yellow hair on her head[JW1] .
Fan Xian’s mind suddenly spun.
Grandmother, come back with me to Jingdou this time…father misses you very much.
The old mistress was silent for a while and then slowly shook her head.
Fan Xian sighed. He didn’t understand why she continued to live in Danzhou.
Ruoruo is 17 or 18 now,
the old mistress worriedly said,
yet she still isn’t engaged. You broke her marriage with Hong Cheng. You have to keep an eye out for a family who has a good nature, good background, and can be trusted.
Fan Xian’s chest thumped loudly and he said,
Since you have given me this task, I will certainly complete it well.
His words sounded dependable, but he did not think like this in his heart. He thought that Ruoruo was still so young, so why should she rush to marry? It was better to see more and experience more. He thought like this but had completely forgotten that when he and Wan’er had married, they were barely older than children.
As a big brother, you’re doing very well,
the old woman looked warmly at Fan Xian and said with approval.
You have managed them well. The Fan family is blessed. If your brother and sister accomplish anything in the future, it will be all due to your hard work.
Fan Xian’s face turned red, thinking, What management did Ruoruo need with her icy intelligence? Sizhe’s natural disposition had been forcefully twisted by him. At first, it was for his personal gain. As for strengths…even the Qingyu Hall shopkeepers admitted that Sizhe was a commercial genius.
The grandmother and son’s secret conversation was reaching an end before the old woman hesitantly said,
What about that person? Did they come back with you this time?
The old woman was asking about the blind boss who had been their neighbor for 16 years. Fan Xian started and then understood. With a pained face, he said,
I was going to ask you whether or not you’ve recently seen him come back?
The old woman’s face became severe.
So he is not with you…then your random running around, like this afternoon, is definitely not allowed anymore. Otherwise, if something happens, how will I explain things to the Emperor and your father?
Fan Xian moved closer to his grandmother’s ear and mysteriously said,
Relax, grandmother, I am now an ace of aces.
The old woman laughed involuntarily and covered her mouth, revealing some charm from many years past.
As they were speaking, someone came and reported that the feast had begun. With great implicit understanding, the grandmother and grandson looked at each other. Fan Xian held the old woman’s arm as they walked out.
The person who came to give the message was the wife of the Teng family. She led the way with her head lowered.
Fan Xian looked at her back and suddenly opened his mouth to say,
Has Wan’er been drinking her medicine?
The wife of the Teng family slightly turned her body and quietly reported,
The Mistress has been drinking her medicine on time and in the right proportions.
Where is Da Bao? How come I haven’t seen him today?
Fan Xian was confused, he hadn’t seen Da Bao welcome him today.
That husband of mine also came today. He didn’t know you would be arriving early so he accompanied Master Lin out fishing on the sea,
the wife of the Teng family said with a smile.
Fan Xian smiled and said,
Teng Da also came? Have him come see me later.
Yes.
The old mistress that Fan Xian had been supporting suddenly opened her mouth and said,
Wan’er has been taking a medicine lately, and I’ve been very curious what medicine it was. It smells very fragrant.
Fan Xian wondered whether or not he should tell her about this matter. After thinking for a little while, he ended up smiling warmly and, lowering his voice greatly, he told her about Wan’er’s body and the matter of children.
The old woman was silent, but her expression seemed somewhat unpleasant. After a long while, she gently coughed and said,
The adult is the most important. You are both young, so there is no rush.
Fan Xian smiled calmly and said,
This is why I like grandmother best.
…
…
After the feast ended, he talked a little with Teng Da and asked him about the recent situation in Jingdou as well as the health of his father and Lady Liu. He also asked about news from the Jingdou marketplace that the Overwatch Council could not convenient contact. Fan Xian had a glimmer of tiredness early. After making his excuses to everyone and paying his respects to grandmother, he took Wan’er back to their bedroom.
This bedroom still looked as it did a few years ago. None of the furnishings had changed.
Fan Xian laid on the bed and slanted his eyes to look at Wan’er sitting beside the table playing with the candle flame. He could hear Sisi in the other room preparing hot water. Suddenly, he opened his mouth and said,
Xiao Bao, come here.
Wan’er turned her head and giggled while a glimmer of embarrassment flashed across her face. Glancing outside, she protested coquettishly,
Don’t you know to be a little quieter?
The so-called joys of the bedroom were not all matters between men and women, often it was in the small details. The so-called Xiao Bao was a secret signal between Fan Xian and Wan’er, a little detail, a little trick…Wan’er was Da Bao’s sister so naturally, she was Xiao Bao[JW2] , as well as a little treasure.
After she had washed her face and rinsed her mouth, Sisi smiled and walked out. Just like in the past in Danzhou, she slept in a little bed in the other room.
The red candle was extinguished, and the Fan couple lay shoulder to shoulder on the bed. Wan’er was curled up like a little cat in Fan Xian’s embrace. Her hands tightly grasped the unlined clothing of his chest. She grasped it with some strength as if afraid that somebody would run off.
I’ve lain in this bed 16 years.
Fan Xian’s bright eyes were open in the dark.
Ever since I was little, I really liked sleeping. When it was time for a midday nap, I never need the serving girls to lull me to sleep. I would just sleep like this.
Wan’er made a small sound and looked at him.
Fan Xian lowered his head and gently kissed her pouty lips. Indistinctly, he said,
But I’ve always felt I’ve never woken up. How could I have married such a good and obedient wife like you? Am I still dreaming?
Lin Wan’er clicked her teeth shut and bit him hard. Staring at him viciously, she said,
Say what you want to say.
[JW1] I think this phrase means
to have grown up.
[JW2] Literally means
little treasure.
