"Little Dad, you should go help at Uncle's house. The bookboy can accompany me the rest of the way."
Xu He nodded, glancing down at Ruili who had fallen asleep standing up, leaning against his leg like a wilted sapling. Ruijin reached over and pinched his brother's soft cheek. "You're drooling. I'm leaving now."
Blinking sleepily, Ruili automatically wiped his mouth. "We're here already?"
"Mn."
"Then go take your exam! I'll...I'll definitely come get you when you're done." Ruili tried to sound brave despite his yawns.
Ruijin's lips quirked in a rare smile. He ruffled Ruili's sleep-mussed hair wordlessly before stepping down from the carriage. Ruili immediately pressed against the window, craning his neck like a curious little turtle until his brother's scholarly figure disappeared into the examination hall. Then, as if flipping a switch, he cheered: "Off to Uncle's house for good food!"
Zhang Fangyuan hauled the excited boy back by his collar. "You little glutton. Behave yourself there, understand? No climbing on furniture or making a ruckus."
"I know, I know! And I get to see the baby too!" Ruili squirmed with excitement.
The carriage turned toward the Zhuang family's new residence in the eastern district.
After several profitable years, even with only taking thirty percent of profits, Zhang Fangyuan received fifty to sixty taels monthly from the martial schools. Zhuang Qi had saved carefully for years before finally being able to purchase this home.
Originally, Xu He had hoped Xiaomao could live closer to them. But with the western district's Qing Shan Alley now packed with new shops and residences, property prices there had doubled since they first bought their home. Considering their still-growing finances and needing to operate two martial schools, they'd ultimately chosen this more affordable eastern district home. It was smaller than the Zhang residence but still spacious for a young family, and a vast improvement over their previous quarters at the training hall.
The Zhuang family buzzed with excitement, red lanterns and silk decorations adorned the newly renovated home for this double celebration. Years in business had earned them many friends, and well-wishers arrived in droves like fish crossing a river.
[过江之鲫 (guò jiāng zhī jì): lit. Like fish crossing a river; fig. An endless stream of people]
The Zhang family had prepared generous gifts, including an entire crate of celebratory firecrackers. From early morning, the explosions had been continuous, making the neighborhood sound like it was celebrating New Year's.
"The Zhuang family has achieved remarkable success, purchasing a new home in full!"
"Ever since Ji'an Martial School opened, other training halls have struggled. Now with a second location, they must be rolling in silver."
"Who would've thought a hunter's family could build such a successful business?"
"Don't forget they have Zhang Fangyuan's backing. No wonder they've prospered."
In a teahouse across the street, several men observed the festivities while sipping tea. One particularly dour-faced man, Qin Hongde, listened to the chatter with growing irritation. As owner of half the city's martial arts schools, he'd tried various methods to suppress this upstart competitor, only to find them shielded by the Zhang family's influence. Their previous clash over the charcoal business still rankled, he'd approached Zhang Fangyuan about a partnership that had been rudely rebuffed.
Unable to stomach the Zhuangs' celebration any longer, Qin Hongde stood abruptly. "This summer heat is unbearable. I'll take my leave."
"Cai" watched Qin Hongde's stormy departure with hidden satisfaction. The Zhangs' poultry business had completely overshadowed his own in recent years. If this resentful man could become his unwitting weapon against them, all the better.
While the Zhuang family celebrated into the night, Ruijin's exams continued through the week.
At home, Ruili found time passing with unbearable slowness without his brother. When Ruijin was home, even though he spent most days buried in books, at least he was present. Ruili could peek at his essays or deliver poorly-made sweet soups to the study. Now with the exams ongoing, he couldn't even catch a glimpse of his brother.
To pass the time, he invited his best friend Luo Yuxing over.
"I haven't shown you my new room yet!" Ruili kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the cool bamboo mat, helping Yuxing do the same. A low table held plates of exquisite snacks and chilled fruits.
After washing his hands, Ruili proudly pushed forward a special dish. "Father made boneless spicy chicken feet, sour and spicy, perfect for summer! He only makes them for special occasions."
Luo Yuxing took a small bite. This dish had become popular in town during hot weather, but none compared to Xu He's version that his grandfather sometimes brought home from banquets.
Seeing his friend's enjoyment, Ruili happily pinched Luo Yuxing's cheek. "I hated leaving brother's room at first, but there are some advantages to having my own space."
Luo Yuxing blinked curiously. "What advantages?"
"Now you can visit me directly in my room! Before, with brother always studying there, you never wanted to come inside."
"You two are blood brothers, of course you share a room. It wouldn't be proper for me to intrude."
"Yes yes, Master Luo's grandson is ever so proper." Ruili rolled his eyes playfully.
The two were chatting happily when Xu He entered and saw the little ones lying side by side on the cool mat flipping through a book. Upon noticing him, Luo Yuxing immediately sat up properly and greeted him respectfully, "Uncle Xu."
Xu He patted Yuxing's head and said to Ruili, "I invited Yuxing over specifically to teach you needlework today. He can already embroider lotus flowers, while you still hold a needle like holding a fishing rod."
[拿针如拿钓竿 (ná zhēn rú ná diào gān): lit. Holding a needle like holding a fishing rod; fig. Being extremely clumsy with needlework]
"No rush, take your time learning." Xu He cut off Ruili's attempt to make excuses, adding, "I'll go buy groceries and cook your favorite dishes for lunch."
"Yay!" Ruili instantly forgot his displeasure about the needlework lesson and began ordering excitedly: "I want braised pork knuckles and garlic spare ribs! Yuxing likes wild mushrooms - Dad, you must remember to buy those too."
"Alright, alright."
It had been quite some time since Xu He last cooked personally. Normally he only prepared small snacks for the children, but today he felt particularly inspired to cook.
"You two wait here. The market area is too crowded for carriages - it would cause traffic jams." Xu He took a shopping basket and headed to the market alone. He knew this area extremely well, having frequently sold vegetables here before marriage and being thoroughly familiar with every corner.
After moving to their estate, with tenant farmers sending their children to work as servants and additional staff being purchased, household tasks like grocery shopping no longer required his attention.
Today, shopping alone at the market actually felt rather enjoyable to him. In his good mood, he ended up buying much more than planned.
When leaving the market with his basket completely full, some vendors, thinking him generous, tried following to push more goods on him.
"Really no more, it's already full..."
"My, what family does this young master belong to? I don't believe I've seen you before - such delicate, refined features."
Xu He turned his head, startled. Sensing someone following him, he initially thought it was a vegetable vendor, but the vulgar tone revealed it to be a young man instead.
Frowning, Xu He ignored him and walked on, but the man persisted: "Such a heavy basket~ Why not let me carry it for you? Where does the young master live? Shall I escort you home?"
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