Chapter 105
After the family of four had lived in the Qingshan Lane house for two nights, they found it to be as peaceful and quiet as the countryside after nightfall.
The two children adapted quickly. Within a day, they had already familiarized themselves with the new house, and at night, they didn’t fuss about wanting to return to the village house. Xu He and Zhang Fangyuan finally felt at ease.
Adults could adapt to anything, but their main concern was the children. Having lived in the village since birth, they worried the kids might struggle with the new environment.
However, it seemed that as long as their two fathers were around, they felt at home. The couple had also been preparing the children mentally for the move, so there were no issues.
With some free time, Zhang Fangyuan decided to visit the neighbors with gifts. While they didn’t need to visit everyone, it was customary to greet those living nearby, as they would inevitably cross paths in the future. Not doing so would make it awkward to even say hello.
There were three neighboring families: the Luo family next door, the Song family behind them, and the Yan family.
Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He first went to the Song family with gifts, but they were met with a closed door and a haughty servant. They later learned that the Song family had members in official positions. It wasn’t surprising that scholars looked down on merchants, so Zhang Fangyuan didn’t push the matter. There was no point in pressing a warm face against a cold bottom.
[热脸去贴冷屁股 (rè liǎn qù tiē lěng pì gu): lit. To press a warm face against a cold bottom; fig. To try to be friendly with someone who is cold or unwelcoming.]
Next, they visited the Yan family, who were much more welcoming. The Yan family were skilled craftsmen and were quite friendly. The head of the family was also a fulang, and he and Xu He hit it off immediately. They even shared a cup of tea before leaving.
Finally, they visited the Luo family.
The Luo family’s butler, who had been one of the men pushing the carriage on the official road, greeted them politely. He led them inside without much ado, as the master had already anticipated their visit.
Once inside, they realized that the Luo residence was much grander than it appeared from the outside. The three-courtyard house was adorned with elegant pavilions, rock gardens, and ponds, all meticulously maintained.
The Luo residence was impeccably clean and bustling with servants, yet there was a strict sense of order. No one whispered or even walked loudly, creating an atmosphere of refined discipline.
Even Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He, who had spent most of their lives in the countryside, felt a sense of scholarly refinement in the air.
As they approached the reception hall, they heard the soft, rhythmic sound of a child reciting words.
“Master, the guests have arrived.”
The butler’s announcement caused the child’s voice to stop.
The reception hall was adorned with bold calligraphy and paintings, and the scent of incense from a bronze burner mingled with the faint aroma of ink. It was clear that the Luo family was a scholarly family.
“What a coincidence that we’ve become neighbors,” Luo Yan said warmly, setting down the child, Luo Yuxing. “Please, have a seat.”
He then instructed the butler, “Serve tea.”
“I'm Zhang Fangyuan, and this is my fulang, Xu He. We’ve come to pay our respects,” Zhang Fangyuan said politely.
“No need for formalities. We’ve already met, in a way.”
The couple sat down, and Luo Yuxing recognized Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He, he happily greeted them as “Uncle.”
Luo Yan smiled. “Little Xing’er mentioned that new neighbors had moved in next door, an uncle who gave him candies and two brothers who looked very much alike. He said he was invited to visit.”
“My son is mischievous and loves to play. When he sees children his age, he can’t help but invite them over.”
Luo Yan asked, “Do you have twins?”
“Yes.”
Luo Yan stroked his beard and smiled. “What a blessing. Xing’er has no siblings and spends most of his time alone in the house, aside from studying poetry and literature. He’s bound to feel lonely. I’m afraid he’ll be bothering you often.”
“Not at all. Please feel free to let him come over and play anytime.”
They chatted for a while, and though Xu He felt a bit out of place in such a refined setting, Luo Yan’s warmth and courtesy put him at ease.
After leaving the Luo residence, Xu He let out a long breath.
Zhang Fangyuan chuckled. “What’s wrong? Tired from running around all morning?”
“I just felt that the Luo family’s strict rules and refined atmosphere were quite impressive. The calligraphy and paintings everywhere suggest they’re a family of great repute. Yet, I’ve never heard of them before.” Xu He sighed. “Now I understand what it means to be ‘A belly full of poetry and books naturally exudes elegance.’”
[腹有诗书气自华 (fù yǒu shī shū qì zì huá): lit. A belly full of poetry and books naturally exudes elegance; fig. A well-read person naturally carries an air of refinement.]
Previously, he had thought that scholars were like Fei Lian, but now he realized what true scholars were like.
Zhang Fangyuan said, “They probably moved here recently. Since they haven’t mentioned it, it’s not our place to ask.”
Xu He nodded. Probing further would be impolite. However, thinking of Luo Yuxing, he said, “I thought our Ruijin was quite precocious, but after seeing Little Xing’er, I realized he not only recognizes characters but can also write!”
“The saying ‘children learn by example’ holds true. We’re just country folk, so even if Ruijin is smart, he can’t learn poetry and literature from us.”
Xu He pursed his lips. “Then we must find a good teacher for him as soon as possible.”
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