BMN : Chapter 6

At Zhaoyan’s request, Fu Ming redecorated his small courtyard, combining Zhaoyan’s preferences with his own aesthetic. The result pleased both of them.

When Jin Yi came to check on the newly decorated room while visiting to tell stories to Zhaoyan, he was impressed by the whimsical yet tidy little room. He appreciated the child-friendly yet refined touches and sent a few gifts from Bai Lu to Fangmanting. The next day, the old lady also sent some items as a token of approval.

Upon hearing the news, Wang Ningxue promptly visited Fangmanting, bringing a gift and maintaining her usual demeanor. Fu Ming received her courteously but kept his distance, treating her neither warmly nor coldly.

It was late spring turning into early summer, and the weather was warming up. Fu Ming was fanning the stove, preparing to brew some seasonal tea. In the elegant white porcelain vase on the flower stand, a few peonies were arranged beautifully. Fu Ming’s gaze drifted beyond his small courtyard, seemingly seeing through the high walls to the vast world outside.

He asked Lu Fei to send a message to Bai Lu: if Jin Yi had time, he would like him to visit Fangmanting for a chat.

Fu Ming wasn’t unaware of the proper etiquette—usually, he would go to meet someone rather than asking them to visit. However, he figured other places might have Wang Ningxue or Xinyue around, and his presence could be inconvenient. Moreover, with Zhaoyan frequently visiting, Jin Yi could come over on a day when he returned home early and casually chat with him while picking up his son.

However, Jin Yi chose to visit on a day off, arriving at Fangmanting before noon.

Fu Ming was taken by surprise and was busy tending the garden with the maids, his sleeves rolled up, hands covered in dirt. As he stood up and looked around, he called out, “Su Xiu, bring me the hoe over there.”

He extended his hand directly in front of Jin Yi.

Fu Ming was caught off guard and embarrassed, while Jin Yi remained expressionless and handed him the hoe. Fu Ming steadied himself, calmly loosening the soil with the hoe, watering the plants, and then cleaned himself up with the help of Wanlan. He then went inside to meet Jin Yi, who was sipping tea, having been invited in by Lu Fei.

Before Fu Ming could say anything, Jin Yi bluntly asked, “Why did you want to see me?”

Fu Ming had no choice but to make a simple bow, sit beside Jin Yi, and respond, “As you’ve seen, I’m quite idle in the mansion. With the weather warming up, I thought about going out for a walk.”

In this open-minded society, even married women could occasionally go out if their families permitted. As a man, Fu Ming should have even less restriction, but he didn’t want to go out without permission to avoid gossip.

Jin Yi replied, “For such matters, you can send someone to ask me.” His tone implied not to waste his valuable time.

“Understood,” Fu Ming replied, adding, “If possible, I would like permission to go out three times a month.”

Three times seemed a bit much, but Jin Yi immediately agreed. Fu Ming felt a small sense of joy and thanked him with a smile.

“Anything else?”

Fu Ming hesitated briefly before responding, “Although children usually start formal schooling at five, I’ve noticed that Yan’er seems quite gifted and precocious. I thought I might occasionally teach him some basics during playtime. As his father, the decision is yours.”

Jin Yi was surprised by this suggestion. After a moment of thought, he said, “Formal education will be handled by the family tutor. If he’s as talented as you say, we’ll arrange proper lessons for him in the future. If he visits you, you may teach him, but stick to proper subjects. Romantic poetry and such are off-limits.”

“Romantic poetry?”

“I’ve heard you’re skilled in lighthearted and romantic verses, well-known in certain circles. Such indulgences are not encouraged in the Jin household. If you go out, please be mindful. Whatever you do outside, I won’t interfere, but if it involves the Jin family, there will be consequences.”

Fu Ming was momentarily speechless. After a pause, he replied with a slight smile, his tone slightly cold, “I understand.”

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave,” Jin Yi said, standing up.

“Thank you for your time. I will be more careful in the future. Farewell.”

After Jin Yi left, Lu Fei, who had been serving, sighed inwardly: “Although they might not be affectionate, at least they shouldn’t be so cold and formal! How long will this go on? Will the young master have to endure such a lonely life?”

Jin Yi’s words had stirred something in Fu Ming, causing a ripple of unease. However, he quickly composed himself. The next day, he prepared to go out, taking only a young servant named Bai Hua from the Jin household. It seemed rather humble for a noble’s outing, but Fu Ming had no personal servant and preferred a quieter company, so he went out with a mix of improvisation and ease.

It had been a long time since he last visited the market, and the bustling streets felt somewhat unfamiliar to Fu Ming. He didn’t visit any pleasure quarters, shop for antiques, or browse bookstores. Nor did he stop at the crowded gambling dens or tea contests. He wandered the streets and alleys for nearly an hour.

Seeing the sun growing brighter overhead, Bai Hua wiped the sweat from his forehead and suggested, “Young Master, should I hire a carriage for you?”

“No need. I want to walk around more. If you’re tired, find a tea stall to rest at and wait for me,” Fu Ming replied.

Bai Hua quickly shook his head, “Wherever you go, I’ll follow.”

“We’re almost there,” Fu Ming smiled, pointing ahead. “Under that big tree.”

Bai Hua looked in the direction and was surprised, “The Orphanage? What are you doing here?”

“Visiting old friends.”

The former young master of the Fu family, now the consort of the Jin family, visiting old friends at an orphanage? Bai Hua was puzzled, “Is the person in charge here?”

Even if so, that person would be a low-ranking official, hardly worth mentioning.

Fu Ming didn’t answer this time, simply quickening his pace. Bai Hua followed closely.

The gatekeeper seemed to recognize Fu Ming and hurriedly opened the door for him, greeting with a smile, “Young Master Fu, long time no see.”

“Yes, it’s been a while. How is everyone here?” Fu Ming returned the smile.

“All good. We had a cold snap recently, and a few weaker children fell ill, but Doctor Fang’s medicine took care of them.”

“Is Uncle Fang still here?”

“He left half a month ago. Said he’d waited long enough for you and decided to catch the late spring in the south.”

Fu Ming felt a twinge of regret but had more pressing matters to attend to. He didn’t linger on small talk and went directly to see the person in charge, Sun Zangyong.

When he arrived, Sun Zangyong was doing accounts. Seeing Fu Ming, he immediately put down the books and greeted him with a hearty laugh, “Ming’er! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you!”

“Uncle Sun, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to visit.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. I’m just glad you came.”

“I haven’t been here in a while and didn’t know what the children needed, so I didn’t bring anything specific. Please use this money for whatever they need.” Fu Ming handed over a bulging money pouch.

Sun Zangyong hesitated, asking, “Now that you’re at the Jin household, are you well-provided for?”

Fu Ming smiled, “The Jin household hasn’t been stingy with my allowance; it’s more than I had at the Fu residence. So please, take this small token for the children.”

Sun Zangyong took the pouch, admiring the embroidery, “Did Wanlan make this? Such fine work, and you’re willing to part with it?”

“She knew I was coming today and insisted on the change. Little Xian’er likes it, so you can give it to her to try.”

“Little Xian’er is lucky! But aren’t you going to see the children today?”

Fu Ming shook his head, looking slightly apologetic, “This is my first time out since joining the Jin household, and I need to buy a few things and return early. I’ll visit again next time.”

“Understandable. Next time, I’ll make tea for you.”

“I’ve been missing your tea for a while now, Uncle Sun! I’m already looking forward to it!”

“Then, keep that in mind and come back soon. The kids miss you a lot!”

Fu Ming nodded, reluctant but unable to stay longer. He took his leave quietly, unnoticed by the children playing and studying in the backyard.

Though Bai Hua was full of questions, he dared not ask. It was Fu Ming who first warned him, “Do not mention our visit here to anyone when we return.”

Bai Hua nodded in agreement.

On the way back, Fu Ming quickened his pace, though he felt a sense of nostalgia for the bustling streets. He didn’t linger, only stopping at a few specific shops. He spent almost all of his accumulated monthly allowance and then had Bai Hua hire a carriage to return home as the sun began to set.

That evening, after dinner, gifts from Fangmanting were delivered to all the main residences.

The old lady received a beautifully crafted round fan, the silk face adorned with a painting of a grandmother playing with her grandchild. The painting was by a famous contemporary artist, and  this was the first batch of fans with his work, making it quite expensive. Qingfeng reported back to Lu Fei that the old lady liked it, so the gift was well-chosen.

Jin Yi received a folding fan with a line of calligraphy that read, “One sword chills fourteen provinces.” The fan was a purchased item with bamboo ribs and a paper face, each rib meticulously polished. The paper had natural patterns, creating an elegant atmosphere. Fu Ming had fallen in love with it at first sight and insisted on writing the inscription himself, which drew much praise.

Jin Yi didn’t respond after receiving the gift, but later, according to Wanlan, the fan became a frequent sight in his hand during the summer, indicating that it was to his liking. Zhaoyan received a Maitreya Buddha statue similar to the one on Fu Ming’s shelf but less bizarre and more endearing. He liked it so much that he even slept with it for several nights.

Renlan also received a gift delivered by Lu Fei: a box of ceramic figurines, all depicting cats in various colors and poses, each exquisitely lifelike and adorably captivating.

Thanks to these cat figurines, Fangmanting received its second guest after Zhaoyan.

Author’s Note:

Sun Zangyong, Director of the Orphanage, courtesy name Ziqian.

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