BMN : Chapter 5

After visiting the old lady a few times to pay his respects, Fu Ming received “special permission” to forgo further visits unless necessary. Fu Ming understood this was not due to any particular affection from the old lady but rather because she had grown tired of maintaining appearances and simply decided to ignore him. This was likely influenced by her grandson Jin Yi’s attitude towards Fu Ming as well. Despite the arrival of spring, warming the garden of Fangmanting, the relationship between the couple remained cold and distant. Except for Zhaoyan, who frequently visited, Fangmanting was the least visited and most desolate among all the residences in the Jin household.

Fu Ming found himself with ample free time each morning. Unwilling to draw attention by wandering elsewhere, he focused entirely on his small domain.

The house felt too conventional, and perhaps a redecoration was in order. The plants in the courtyard were also rather monotonous, and during certain seasons, they looked particularly withered, calling for a revamp.

Fu Ming instructed Lu Fei to ask Zhaoyan’s nursemaid about the autonomy of managing one’s courtyard. The nursemaid explained that, in principle, the masters could make changes to their residences as they pleased, but any personnel and materials required had to be reported for approval. Since the old lady was elderly and Renlan was still young, the household affairs were temporarily overseen by Jin Yi’s concubine, Wang Ningxue. Thus, these matters needed her approval.

“Young Master, it might be troublesome since it’s her,” Wanlan commented.

Fu Ming considered this while drafting a list, “We’ll give it a try. I have some dowry money; if it’s not approved, we can use that.”

Lu Fei advised, “Young Master, you mustn’t use that money. Madam Shen worked hard to secure it for you and instructed us to keep it for emergencies. Every bit spent is recorded, and it must not be wasted on non-essential items.”

Understanding that Lu Fei, despite her usual respect and reasonableness, was quite stubborn and devoted to his nursemaid’s wishes, Fu Ming knew he wouldn’t be able to get her to budge. So he said, “Then take this list and see if we can get these things. It would make our living space much more comfortable.” Lu Fei, uncertain but dutiful, took the list and left. She returned shortly, looking conflicted.

“What happened? Didn’t it work?” Wanlan asked.

Lu Fei shook her head, “They said the items will be prepared in a few days. We can send someone to collect them.”

“That’s great! But why don’t you look pleased? Were you insulted?”

“It wasn’t anything major. They just mentioned that these items aren’t important, and since the previous masters didn’t use them, they’ve been gathering dust. They said it’s a good opportunity to clean them out.”

Wanlan fumed, “They’re acting all generous while looking down on us, implying we’ve never seen good things before.”

Lu Fei tugged at her, “We understand, but we mustn’t talk about it openly. If anyone hears us gossiping about the masters, it’s a small matter for us, but it could affect the Young Master’s standing.”

“I know, I’m just venting to you.”

“Even so, we must be cautious; walls have ears.”

…

Despite everything, Fu Ming’s plans to renovate Fangmanting began to take shape.

The house, though spacious, lacked a study. Fu Ming had a large reception hall partitioned with an unpainted wooden screen. He spent a few days painting a landscape on it, depicting a stream flowing from the mountains into the sea, with the scene opening up as the river reached the ocean, where boats floated like sesame seeds.

Behind the screen was another world: bookshelves filled with books in an ordered chaos, a desk with ink and paper brought from the Fu residence—not particularly valuable, but carefully chosen and unique. On one side of the partition, there was a small table with an incense burner, not in the shape of a mythical beast as was fashionable among wealthy families, but carved like a small mountain range with pines. When incense was burned, the smoke rose like clouds, creating an ethereal scene. Beside it was a zither. On the other side, there was a high stool with a vase for fresh flowers, and this area was primarily set up as a semi-open tea room with a full tea set.

The various antiques originally displayed were replaced with small potted plants and Fu Ming’s own collection of knick-knacks, not necessarily valuable but interesting and varied, including children’s toys. The colors of the bed curtains and drapes, as well as the styles of tea cups and fruit plates, were all changed to new ones.

Similarly, the courtyard underwent a transformation.

Plants were rearranged to create a pleasing contrast with the pavilions, ponds, and walkways, achieving a harmonious blend of heights and depths. The pond, previously home to just a few carp, was now inhabited by two turtles and summer lotus plants. Flowers were planted to ensure year-round blooms, ensuring that Fangmanting lived up to its name as a garden of perpetual beauty.

Finally, the stone at the entrance of the courtyard was inscribed with the characters “芳满庭” (Fangmanting – Kinda Fragrance Garden, Garden filled with fragrant blossoms).

…

Recently, Zhaoyan had been mentioning Fu Ming’s name to Jin Yi frequently:

“Daddy, today Uncle Ming served me tea in the new tea room. The tea had ‘Zhaoyan’ written on it, and Uncle Ming said the white tea soup with green tea paste was prettier than what Grandpa Li makes!”

“Daddy, I really like the Maitreya Buddha statue in Uncle Ming’s house. It’s even more interesting than the one Grandma gave me last time. Uncle Ming said I could have it, but I think it looks better on his shelf. You should go see it next time!”

“Daddy, Uncle Ming planted some new saplings in the courtyard today. He said they would bloom next year, and I helped water them!”

“Daddy…”

Though Jin Yi initially paid little attention, the repeated mentions eventually piqued his interest.

One day, Jin Yi returned from his official duties just as the sun was setting. After asking the servants, he learned that the old lady hadn’t summoned anyone and that Zhaoyan was still with Fu Ming. He changed out of his court attire and headed to Fangmanting.

Before even entering the courtyard, he heard the harmonious chirping of birds and saw a branch of snow-white plum blossoms stretching over the wall, heralding the undeniable presence of spring.

As he stepped into the courtyard, the inscribed stone with the characters “芳满庭” caught his eye. The ink-green lettering blended naturally with the moss-covered stone, creating an organic and harmonious look.

Two young maids were napping under the porch in the gentle evening sunlight. Not wanting to disturb them, Jin Yi quietly walked through the winding corridor into the house. The main hall was empty, but laughter and conversation came from behind the screen.

Jin Yi glanced around the hall and noticed the Maitreya Buddha statue on a shelf. Though a simple item, its placement among other objects gave it a whimsical and unique feel, fresh yet not out of place, reflecting the owner’s distinctive taste.

Jin Yi looked away and walked around the screen to a corner where he could observe without being noticed. He saw Fu Ming with Zhaoyan and a few maids making kites. Two completed kites lay on the ground—a colorful butterfly and a golden carp—while another in progress resembled a chubby child, dressed similarly to Zhaoyan.

The group worked together seamlessly, clearly used to such cooperation. As Zhaoyan wound the kite string, he asked with a smile, “Is this one for me?”

Fu Ming replied, “You can have whichever one you like, Yan’er. Do you want to leave it here or take it home? If you leave it here, once they’re all finished, we can fly them together.”

Lu Fei added with a smile, “Flying kites drives away bad luck. We’ll have a smooth and safe year ahead!”

Zhaoyan quickly responded, “I like the doll kite! I’ll leave it here and fly it with everyone!”

“This doll kite is almost as big as you, young master. Can you handle it?” Wanlan teased. “I’ll have Sister Liuxing help me fly it!” Zhaoyan pointed to his maid. “She’s bigger and stronger than me, so it should be fine.”

“I’m lucky to have the young master share with me!” Liuxing laughed.

“We’ll all have our kites in a few days,” Fu Ming said.

“Thank you, young master,” everyone chorused, smiling.

Jin Yi observed the room, now littered with colorful paper and kite strings. The scene was lively and joyful, with everyone happily engaged. Unsure how to announce his presence, he stood for a moment before clearing his throat. Fu Ming and the others looked up, surprised to see him. They quickly stopped what they were doing and stood up.

Jin Yi nodded to Fu Ming but didn’t stay. He took Zhaoyan, who was clearly reluctant to leave, and left.

On the way, Zhaoyan excitedly recounted all the events at Fu Ming’s place, filled with small but delightful details.

Feeling his mouth dry from talking, Zhaoyan swallowed and added, “Daddy, Uncle Ming’s Fangmanting is much more fun than where I live.”

Jin Yi thought, no wonder the child always wants to go there. Children love new and interesting things. He said, “You can ask your Uncle Ming to help redecorate your place too.”

“Really? Thank you, Daddy!”

“No need to thank me. You should thank the person who helps you. But it’s just a suggestion; you need his agreement.”

“Daddy already agreed, so Uncle Ming will definitely help.”

Jin Yi smiled at his son’s clear understanding. He let Zhaoyan continue to chatter enthusiastically all the way to the old lady’s quarters. However, Jin Yi still felt it necessary to give the child a little lesson: “As a young master of a noble family, you must maintain propriety, even when having fun. Understand?”

Zhaoyan nodded obediently, “Understood, thank you for teaching me, Father.”

That night, the Jin household remained as calm and subdued as ever. However, news of Jin Yi’s first visit to Fangmanting quickly spread, with mixed reactions ranging from surprise to ridicule.

No matter how beautiful the spring may be, if the God of Spring does not bestow favor, it is all in vain.

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