Fang Zesheng intended to continue speaking, but he noticed a wisp of red tassel peeking out from under Fu Jingxuan’s pillow. A red cord was attached to it, from which hung half of a white jade piece.
The texture of this white jade was identical to the piece he kept locked in a box in his study; even the crescent-shaped notch was exactly the same. Fu Jingxuan’s jade was carved with a long corridor and peonies, while Fang Zesheng’s was etched with turquoise and sparrows. If the two notches were joined together, they would form a perfect circular jade pendant. On the jade, a white-headed bulbul stood amid a cluster of peonies, singing to the moon of “wealth and auspicious fortune” of “growing old together.”
The mute uncle had changed the basin for fresh water and knocked on the door, but before he could even enter the room, Tao Xianzhi’s voice drifted in from the courtyard.
Young Master Tao hadn’t dared to wander far; upon leaving the mansion, he had found a steward from a nearby medical hall, hoping to have him check Fu Jingxuan’s pulse first to see if such a severe fever was a serious matter. When he burst through the door and saw Fang Zesheng sitting by the bed, he was startled and hurried forward, saying, “Young Master Fang.”
Fang Zesheng’s gaze rested on that half piece of white jade for quite some time. He then glanced at Tao Xianzhi, his expression faint and detached, saying nothing as he simply gave a small nod.
Though Young Master Tao was a guest in the Fang household, he appeared quite restrained in front of the Head Merchant. He wasn’t truly close with Fang Zesheng to begin with, and the only reason he could usually act without reservation was because Fu Jingxuan was staying here. Now, unsure of what to say, he simply gestured to the medical hall’s steward behind him, indicating that he had gone to fetch a physician.
Fang Zesheng waited for the mute uncle to set down the water basin before having him push his wheelchair aside to make room for the medical hall steward. Although the steward did not often conduct consultations, treating a simple case of typhoid was well within his capabilities. He reached out to feel Fu Jingxuan’s forehead and checked his pulse. The pulse was steady. He rose and said, “This young master is in no serious danger. He should recover after taking a few doses to dispel the fever over the next two days.”
Only then did Young Master Tao feel at ease. Seeing San Bao enter through the door biting a piece of white sugar cake, he hurried to say, “Quick, go see the steward out.”
San Bao had just gone to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat and hadn’t expected so many people to be in the room all of a sudden. He quickly stuffed the sugar cake into his mouth and supported the medical hall steward as he led him out.
Fang Zesheng had not yet left.
Tao Xianzhi remained standing where he was while sneaking a few glances at him. Just as he was wondering what to say, he saw Fang Zesheng lift a hand, signaling the mute uncle to wheel him back to the study. Young Master Tao immediately breathed a sigh of relief. He promptly poured himself a cup of water to moisten his throat while watching Fang Zesheng’s wheelchair cross the threshold. “Why am I still so afraid of him? It’s truly strange.”
Fu Jingxuan also found it strange. “Could it be that he has hit you before?”
“How could he!” Tao Xianzhi said. “How could a man as aloof and proud as Fang Zesheng ever resort to physical violence?”
Fu Jingxuan said, “Then what are you afraid of him for?”
Tao Xianzhi held his tea and thought for a moment. “Perhaps it’s because he is simply too excellent; it makes me feel like a piece of stinking fish or a rotten shrimp giving off a bit of an odor.l standing beside him.”
Fu Jingxuan threw back his head and laughed.
Tao Xianzhi said, “You don’t know, back when Master Fang was still alive, he brought Fang Zesheng to visit my home. When my grandfather saw him, I couldn’t tell whether it was feigned or sincere, but he was several times more affectionate than he ever was with his own grandson. He was always comparing me to him. The old man didn’t stop to think whether that was even a fair comparison? Can an ordinary mortal be compared to a favored son of heaven? My younger brothers and sisters were also fond of him; every time he visited, even Miss Li from next door would dress herself up meticulously and bring pastries just to see him!”
He grew even more irritated mentioning this.
Tao Xianzhi had been enamored with Miss Li from next door. Once time, in order to see Fang Zesheng, that young lady had actually worn the pearl flower Young Master Tao had personally bought for her just to go and serve him tea! It had left Young Master Tao both resentful and furious. He had intended to hate Fang Zesheng above all else, but after learning that both his legs were crippled, he felt a surge of pity. He sighed, “In short, it’s just a pity; a real pity.”
Fu Jingxuan had already closed his folding fan. Now, twirling it idly in his hand, he made some light conversation before saying, “I’ve come down with typhoid recently, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to join you on any outings.”
Tao Xianzhi waved his hand. “No matter. I can wander around on my own.”
Fu Jingxuan said, “Take those four servants with you. They are locals and surely know exactly where the best food and entertainment are.”
Tao Xianzhi hesitated for a long while. He had come to stay at the Fang household alone without his personal attendants precisely because he wanted more freedom. The servants in his own family were old-fashioned types trained by his grandfather; they weren’t as quick-witted as San Bao, whose constant presence didn’t feel like a bother. Now that Fu Jingxuan was ill, San Bao would certainly have to stay behind to care for his master. Being unfamiliar with Chuzhou and having many places left to explore, Tao Xianzhi did indeed need a few people to follow him. “Alright then. I’ll bring some wine back for you every day. Get some good rest.”
Since the servants were to accompany Tao Xianzhi out, they naturally had to inform Cui’er. After considering it over and over, Cui’er nodded in agreement.
Tao Xianzhi was a guest. If he ran around Chuzhou alone and got bumped or bruised, Wang Xiuhe wouldn’t be able to take the responsibility; and if her mistress couldn’t take the responsibility, it would be Cui’er who suffered. Cui’er’s mind was sharp enough to figure out that much.
However, once those people left, there would be no suitable candidates to keep an eye on the inner courtyard’s movements before the Tea Tasting Convention. She initially thought about arranging a few more people but then felt it was unnecessary. She had been by Wang Xiuhe’s side for nearly ten years and knew the affairs of the Fang family and Fang Zesheng’s business inside out. Especially regarding Fang Zesheng’s two useless legs; she wouldn’t believe he could ever stand up again even if her life depended on it. Looking at Fu Jingxuan’s side, his passion for Fang Zesheng had clearly cooled significantly; after all, no one wanted to spend all day staring at a cold face that couldn’t be warmed, only to make themselves feel slighted.
A day passed in the blink of an eye.
San Bao was gradually becoming accustomed to life in the Fang household. After spending the past few days running about freely with his young master, he finally settled down today and rose to help the mute uncle chop wood in the kitchen. By noon, the mute uncle gestured for him to ask Fu Jingxuan what he wanted to eat. San Bao pushed open the door to the main house and looked around before spotting Fu Jingxuan teasing a canary hanging outside the window with a thin bamboo twig. He said, “Uncle Zhou asked me to inquire what the Young Master would like to eat?”
While teasing the bird, Fu Jingxuan kept an eye on a corner of a green skirt visible at the courtyard gate. He smiled and said, “Fish boiled in lukewarm water.”
San Bao scratched his head. “Fish boiled in lukewarm water? How do you cook that?”
Second Master Fu turned around and tapped San Bao’s head with the bamboo twig. “Simmer it slowly.”
And so, they had fish for lunch.
With no outsiders left in the courtyard, Second Master Fu brought his bowl and chopsticks to the study to squeeze in at the same table as Fang Zesheng.
Fang Zesheng’s attitude toward him remained somewhat cold, though because the two had reached a certain understanding; he no longer deliberately distanced himself.
The mute uncle was most pleased to see the two of them eating together. After serving the poached carp, he hurried to the flower hall to bring back a plate of freshly bought “Fied Saseme Balls.”
Seeing the plate of rice cakes, Fu Jingxuan arched an eyebrow and looked at Fang Zesheng teasingly. “What do the pastries made by that Miss Li taste like?”
Fang Zesheng was puzzled. “What Miss Li?”
It was clear he had forgotten the lady entirely from the blank look in his eyes. Fu Jingxuan picked up a plump rice cake; so sweet it cloyed the throat and stuffed it into his mouth, then laughed. “It’s nothing.”
