Early in the morning, Danzhou was quiet. Particularly in the area of the Count's manor, there was no extra sound. Danzhou was not large. Living in the city, one could faintly hear the crowing of chickens in the villages outside the city, but the barking of dogs was nothing. If one listened carefully, they might even be able to hear who was emptying the toilet bowl, who was boiling water for breakfast, and the people in the distant market had already woken up long ago, using fresh vegetables and meat to seduce the women who had woken up early in the morning to cook.
On a summer morning, the air was fresh. Fan Xian and Sisi walked along the quiet streets of the city and came to the side of the familiar market. He sniffed the thickening smell in the air and shook his head in satisfaction. "I haven't come to a place like this much in the past two years."
Sisi glanced at him from the side and thought, As an imperial envoy, he would never have the chance to buy vegetables again.
Fan Xian quietly said, "Do you still remember when we were in Danzhou, we often came to the market to buy things?"
Sisi nodded and smiled. "Young Master has always wandered around the city with the older sisters since he was young and even helped them carry things. In the beginning, you scared many people. I heard about it when I entered the manor, and I also thought you were a strange person."
"Do you still think I'm strange?" Fan Xian smiled in response and walked into the market first. When he passed by a two-story building, he unconsciously stopped his steps and turned his body to stare at it.
Sisi felt it was strange and asked, "What is it?"
Fan Xian pointed at the building and said curiously, "Isn't that Old Ha's house? Didn't they say the building was burned down? Who lives there now? "
Hearing this, Sisi also remembered. She tilted her head and thought for a while. Apologetically, she said, "I've never heard them mention it."
Fan Xian gazed at the newly built two-story building in a daze. Old Ha, the vegetable delivery man, and the assassin from the Overwatch Council's Dongshan Road had both died here. After the matter, grandmother had people burn this building down to destroy the bodies and all evidence. The people of Danzhou had no idea the truth of this matter and thought it was just a normal fire.
His expression calmed. That was 12 years after he came to this world. It was here that he had killed for the first time.
…
…
The market was in a hubbub.
The fisherman on the sea was pushing a cart, silently comparing the price of the first fish of the day with the fishmongers in the field. Meanwhile, the fresh silver fish in the basket on the cart kept bouncing, making popping sounds. From time to time, carts would be pushed in, and the hawkers would yell loudly to make way for them. The vegetable leaves in the second row were stained with dew, delicious and tempting. On the chicken stall in the compartment, the chickens were cackling along with the stench. In the west corner, a big white pig was letting out its last cry under the butcher's knife.
There were already many Danzhou commoners who had come to buy vegetables and food. They had to hurry early to buy the freshest vegetables. The customs of the people of Danzhou were simple. Additionally, the Qing Emperor had been especially kind to the people, giving them generosity year after year. Thus, the people lived well. At least, they could afford to eat meat every day.
Seeing this, Fan Xian couldn't help but feel moved. The Kingdom of Qing was not bad.
After walking a few steps, he came to the quietest corner of the market. Looking at the figure in the distance at the tofu stall, Fan Xian stopped walking. Narrowing his eyes, he looked at the familiar curve of a waist, the young woman's rosy face, and her slightly well-rounded body. He smiled warmly and thought to himself, I've been carried by her since I was a child, but I still can't get tired of looking at her.
Sisi looked at the woman and smiled happily. She prepared to run in that direction. Unexpectedly, Fan Xian grabbed her hand. She glanced back with confusion.
Fan Xian smiled and said, "Why must we meet? It's fine to look from afar. Looking at Dong'er's expression, her days should be good. Let's not disturb her. "
Sisi didn't understand. Since she had sneaked out, was she really not going to meet him? Was she just going to stupidly look from afar?
"The manor gives her a monthly stipend. This is what I want." Fan Xian seemed to be comforting himself. "With this money, she should have no problems living."
The young woman selling tofu was called Dong'er. Back in the day, she had been a serving girl in the Count's manor in Danzhou. This woman had begun to carry Fan Xian when she was 10 and had carried him until he was 10. Their relationship was not ordinary.
However, by the time Fan Xian was 10, the girl was getting older. Additionally, Fan Xian knew that his future life would be very dangerous. Thus, he found an excuse to chase her out of the manor. He only continued to help her in secret.
He liked Dong'er, so he wanted to arrange a normal and happy life for Dong'er.
…
…
However, it seemed that a normal and happy life did not come so easily. Fan Xian and Sisi watched for a while. Suddenly, they saw four or five large men surrounding Dong'er's tofu stall. They were excitedly talking about something.
Fan Xian's eyes narrowed, and a glimmer of coldness flashed across his delicate face. Although the men were agitated, they did not seem to be overbearing, nor did they do anything too excessive, so for the time being, he did not go berserk.
He indicated for Sisi to follow him closer to the tofu stall. Hearing their conversation clearly, he also saw the wrinkles at the corners of Dong'er's eyes. Involuntarily, his heart darkened.
"Dong'er, it's not that we're forcing you. It's just that this debt has already dragged on for a year. It should be paid, right?" The leading man furrowed his brows and said, "Go ask around. The money we've given you is already the most generous kind. There's no longer such a low interest rate."
Dong'er rubbed her hands helplessly. Her hands had been soaked in tofu water for a long time. They were a little red and rough. She lowered her head and said awkwardly, "Just a few more days, just a few more days. You know that my husband's health hasn't been good this year. His illness has cost a lot of money."
The large man glanced at her and suddenly said, "I say, Dong'er, how can you be so unreasonable?"
Dong'er raised her head in confusion.
The burly man chuckled and said, "Let's not talk about anything else. This City Deputy Guan has always collected the least money from you. Our boss also didn't ask you for a high interest rate … Everyone in the market respects you. Why is that? Isn't it because you came from the Count's manor? Although on the surface you were chased out of the manor, which of us old people in Danzhou doesn't know? The young master of the Fan family loves you the most. When you were little, he always hung out at your tofu stall to play. "
He cleared his throat and said, "We all give young master Fan face, and no one dares to bully you … but …" He suddenly said angrily, "This silver isn't much. You can just go to the Count's manor and say a few words to the old madame. Won't she help you?"
Dong'er pressed her lips together tightly and refused to say another word.
The large man finally couldn't resist and said, "Even if you don't dare to go and tell the old madame, everyone now knows about the major matter in the Danzhou government. The young master of the Fan family has already returned to his hometown. He is now an imperial envoy. If he casually takes care of you, your entire family will soar. Why would he care about this silver?"
Dong 'er suddenly raised her head and said with a resolute expression, "Don't disturb the mansion about my matters. I will naturally repay you the money I owe you slowly … Big Brother Hu, thank you for taking care of me these past two years. Dong' er is very grateful."
However, these words clearly had no effect. Although the large man didn't dare to threaten Dong'er, he still needed to rely on this to earn money. He angrily said, "Since you say you don't have any friendship with the manor, then we won't be polite. Give me the silver you deserve today!"
Hearing this, Fan Xian finally understood the reason of the matter and couldn't help but smile bitterly. Dong'er's mother was probably not in good health, but … the money he had the manor send over every month should be enough. Looking at Dong'er's expression, she probably hadn't been willing to use the silver he had sent over these two years and was only willing to rely on this tofu stall to barely make ends meet.
There was no need to continue listening. Fan Xian also didn't have the hobby of waiting for the situation to intensify before coming out to be a boss, even though it was clear that he was currently the most powerful boss in Danzhou.
He nodded his head at Sisi.
Sisi immediately understood. She took a few quick steps and arrived in front of the tofu stall. Looking at the large men, she calmly asked, "How much do you need?"
The large men were clearly startled by the sudden appearance of this girl. Although Sisi didn't deliberately dress up when she went out today, she lived in a wealthy family every day. The clothes and decorations on her body were all luxurious. The large men had sharp eyes and knew that this girl's background was not ordinary. They coughed lightly and respectfully said, "It's only 10 liang of silver."
As they spoke, the eyes of these burly men floated around the tofu shop.
When Dong'er saw Sisi standing in front of her tofu stall, she was already stunned. A moment later, a helpless smile appeared on her flushed face.
The leader of the group suddenly glanced at the young master standing behind the tofu shop. Looking at the young master's delicate and pretty face, and then thinking about the background of the tofu shop owner, Dong 'er, and the beautiful lady in front of him, he immediately guessed the young master's identity. He hurriedly added in a trembling voice, "It is indeed ten taels of silver. This interest … I didn't dare to charge it too much. Since Lady Dong' er is here today, it will naturally be completely waived."
Sisi's face was full of smiles. She turned her head to glance at Dong'er and said, "Sister, is it this much?"
Dong'er was still immersed in shock and nodded her head in a panic.
Sisi glanced at Fan Xian. Of course, this girl knew what Fan Xian was thinking. She smiled at the large men and said, "I can also see that you all have intentions of protecting my sister. I thank you for this intention on behalf of my young master." As she spoke, she took out a small silver note from her sleeve and handed it over. Warmly, she said, "In the future, help me look after this shop."
The large man took the silver note and looked. It was a 20 denomination. He couldn't help but want to return it with a pained expression. However, he then glanced at the young man's face behind the tofu stall, his emotions unknown. He didn't dare to say anything more. In a trembling voice, he said, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. Of course, of course."
After saying this, he quickly pulled the confused subordinates behind him and hurriedly left. When he passed by Fan Xian, he bowed deeply to the ground and didn't even dare to let out a fart.
Fan Xian shook his head and walked into the tofu stall. Facing Dong'er, who still didn't believe her eyes, he complained, "You have money and don't use it. Why did you borrow expensive interest?"
Dong'er forced a smile and glanced at him. In a quiet voice, she said, "Young master, why have you come?"
Fan Xian angrily said, "It was the same a few years ago, and it's still the same now. You are my servant girl. Can't I come to see you?"
To the side, Sisi covered her mouth and laughed. "I wonder who it was just standing there and not coming over." Having said this, she walked to Dong'er's side and affectionately held her hand.
Dong 'er was a little flustered as she rubbed her hands on the cloth in front of her. She smiled warmly.
Fan Xian fixed his gaze on Dong 'er's face and looked more closely at the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. Time was merciless. It had not left too deep a mark on the young woman's face. However, the daily chores and small business always made her appear tired. Particularly when he was standing next to Sisi and compared to Sisi, a servant girl who lived like a prince, he appeared even more uncomfortable.
Fan Xian sighed. Suddenly, he didn't know what to say. With a serious expression, he asked, "Where is the little girl?"
"She's at home with her father. Her father … is not well." Dong'er glanced at Fan Xian's expression and smiled warmly and warmly. She had raised Fan Xian and knew what he was thinking. She could also guess why he was unhappy. In a quiet voice, she said, "I don't dare to use the money young master sent carelessly. In any case, it can be used to …"
Without waiting for her to finish, Fan Xian waved his hand angrily and said, "Take me to your house to sit and talk."
Dong'er glanced at her tofu stall and was so embarrassed she didn't know what to say.
Fan Xian angrily said, "Why do you care about such a broken stall? Back then, I messed it up. What ordinary life? If you had always been with me, you wouldn't have to suffer such filthy air. "
Seeing his anger, Dong'er didn't say anything more. Sisi went forward to hold her hand and walked out of the market.
Fan Xian walked out of the tofu stall behind the two of them. He glared coldly at the gazes that were focused on him from all around the market. After thinking for a bit, he picked up the two pieces of tofu that he had finished making in his hands. Only then did he leisurely stroll out.
After he left, the entire market exploded into noise like a frying pan. At this time, all of the peddlers recognized who he was and couldn't help but sink into shock and excitement.
The imperial envoy had come to the market. What wonderful gossip it was, particularly when there was the servant girl of the past, the tofu beauty of the present, and other such guesswork.
"Did you see that? I told you … young master Fan is someone who cherishes old friendships. Since he has returned to Danzhou, naturally, he will come to see Sister Dong'er."
Someone clicked their tongue and sighed. "Imperial envoy, how high of an official must he be to still be so nostalgic?"
Someone gossiped and someone scolded back, "Don't you see that Sister Sisi is also here? If you dare to spout nonsense again, be careful that someone from the manor will send you to the West to fight the Hu people! "
Regardless of how the discussion in the market fermented, the might of the Fan manor was here. Fan Xian's reputation was here. Some rumors without a head or tail naturally died without any cause. However, Fan Xian's sudden arrival and the sudden closure of the tofu shop injected a glimmer of the liveliness of the already lively market in the morning.
No one thought that there would be no tofu to eat in Danzhou today.
— — —
Dong'er's home was in a small courtyard in a remote part of Danzhou. It was quietly hidden in the depths of a small alley. Although such an independent courtyard was common in Danzhou, it was still worth a lot of money. It had been bought by Fan Xian on the day of Dong'er's marriage using the money from selling the internal court newspaper Pan Ling's calligraphy. At the time, Fan Xian had put in a lot of effort. Dong'er did not dare disobey the wishes of the 11-year-old young master and had lived there until today.
However, the decorations in the courtyard were somewhat old. Fan Xian walked into the courtyard and looked around. He found that it was relatively clean and tidy. Nodding his head with satisfaction, he placed the two squares of tofu in his hands on the stone grinder. Putting his hands behind his back, he entered the main hall.
Dong'er was busy pouring tea and taking out snacks. Fan Xian stopped her and smiled. "It's not like you don't know my temper. I don't like to eat those things."
Dong'er smiled warmly and said, "At that time, everyone in the manor said that the young master was a strange child. A child who didn't like to eat snacks but liked to gnaw on bones."
"Yes, a strange child." Fan Xian sighed and said, "Only you don't think I'm strange."
Sisi randomly wiped at the low couch. She knew that Fan Xian didn't care about such things, so she invited him to sit. Fan Xian shook his head and lifted the curtain on the left side of the main hall. Without any awkwardness, he charged in.
Entering the room, he saw a man about 30 years old struggling to get up from the bed. The man's features were regular and had a sense of loyalty. However, his face was a bit pale. It looked like his health was not very good.
Seeing Fan Xian go into the room, Dong'er jumped up in panic and quickly followed him in. "Young master, this is where the sick stay. What are you doing in here?"
The man on the bed was Dong'er's husband. His surname was Mai. He had long guessed the identity of the visitor.
Ever since he knew that the young master of the Fan family was returning to Danzhou, he had been discussing with Dong'er whether or not the young master of the Fan family would come to visit. After all, the difference in their statuses was too great. Thinking that this matter was very unlikely, the two of them relaxed and did not make any preparations.
"Young master Fan, don't come in," he said in a panic. He was quite frightened.
Fan Xian smiled and directly sat down by his side. One hand felt his pulse and used his gaze to indicate for him to calm down.
Dong'er stood at the door and guessed that the young master was treating her husband. She couldn't help but feel a glimmer of doubt. Back in the manor, she had seen the young master holding up a medical book and reading it. However, even the doctors in the city said it was difficult to treat this illness.
Her husband was even more nervous. Seeing Fan Xian's finger feel his pulse, he thought to himself that this was the present imperial envoy. According to the rumors, he was a dragon … how could he treat him? He was endlessly excited and moved. His eyes began to moisten.
The room was silent. Sisi did not enter the room. She just watched carefully from behind Dong'er.
After a long time, Fan Xian released his finger and opened his eyes. Smiling slightly, he said, "What a coincidence, it is a problem of the lungs. It is easy to treat."
Hearing these words, Dong'er and her husband were overjoyed, but they still did not believe it. Sisi covered her mouth and smiled. "Don't worry, the young mistress also has a problem of the lungs. Even the imperial doctors in the Palace could not cure it. It was all cured by the young master."
…
…
Writing this chapter, I thought of Xiren, Baoyu, and Song Zi'er. Haha, Dong'er and Fan Xian are much stronger than those two sesame seed cakes. I've been so happy writing recently …
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