“Who sent this letter?”
Qin Xiaoman looked at the seven or eight large boxes delivered. Without knowing the sender, he couldn’t open them yet. Even without opening, the sheer size of the boxes—enough to hold three or four people—meant that if they were filled with sweet potatoes, it would feed the household for several months. No local relatives could have sent something on such a scale.
The delivery men were all unfamiliar faces. It wasn’t just Qin Xiaoman who was puzzled—Du Heng was also surprised.
If the men hadn’t been carrying a letter, Du Heng would have thought it was a mistaken delivery.
“Sir Du, I am a representative sent from Huizhou. This is a letter from my master to you. Our caravan passed through Luoxia County and, hearing that you serve in Qiuyang, my master sent me to pay respects.”
Upon hearing “Huizhou,” Du Heng understood immediately. Even before opening the letter, he could guess who it was from.
He held the envelope. “Is my uncle well?”
“The master sends his regards, and he is well.”
Du Heng looked at the men and asked, “Is my uncle currently in Luoxia County?”
“The master did not accompany this caravan through the Jin Tuan mansion, but he instructed me to inquire about you as we passed Qiuyang County. Hearing that you serve there, he was concerned and sent me to pay respects.”
Du Heng smiled faintly. “It is thoughtful of my uncle, despite his busy trade, to still care for his incapable nephew.”
“Since you are in Qiuyang County, you should rest here for two days. Once the official correspondence is prepared, you can safely accompany your uncle back,” Du Heng said.
The lead man hurriedly cupped his hands in thanks. “Sir, your filial consideration is appreciated. However, the caravan bound for the Jin Tuan mansion is not just us few. The main body is still in Luoxia County, so I dare not linger. I must meet up with them directly in the capital.”
Du Heng replied, “I understand it is not easy for you to come all this way. Resting two days is no issue. Qiuyang County is closer to the capital than Luoxia County, so a two-day rest will allow you to join your caravan without issue.”
The lead man bowed again. “Thank you, sir, for your kindness.”
Du Heng waved his hand. The county office could not accommodate so many people, so he arranged for them to stay at a local inn.
As the county magistrate, this was an easy matter to handle.
Once Du Heng had arranged their lodging, Qin Xiaoman grabbed him and urged, “Quick, look at the letter! It can’t summon you again, can it?”
Du Heng glanced at the flustered Qin Xiaoman and smiled. “I am married and settled now, not a child. Even if my uncle wanted me elsewhere, he can’t command it. If I go, it must be by imperial appointment. No matter how large my uncle’s business is, he is still just a merchant—he lacks that authority.”
Qin Xiaoman considered this and agreed, but couldn’t help feeling uneasy. In the past, this uncle had appeared unpredictably, almost whisking Du Heng away while he was absent. Although Du Heng had stayed for him, years had passed quietly. Now, suddenly, the uncle had reappeared with no warning, and he couldn’t tell what intentions he might have—he was naturally a little anxious.
Du Heng, pressed by Qin Xiaoman, had no choice but to open the envelope in front of him.
Fearing that his younger companion might not understand the formal writing in the letter, he sat down in a chair and read aloud clearly to Qin Xiaoman:
“Ah Heng, I hope this letter finds you well. Since parting from Luoxia County, nearly six years have passed. Our two families have had little contact, and now, fortunately, I have received news of you. I hear that my nephew holds office in Qiuyang County…”
Uncle Wei’s letter contained no urgent matters. He simply expressed that it was gratifying to hear news of his nephew’s official position and sent gifts to convey his regards.
Being separated by distance was naturally painful, and frequent correspondence was the proper way to maintain familial concern.
Qin Xiaoman, having listened to the reading, leaned closer and scrutinized the letter himself. Confirming it matched Du Heng’s reading, he exhaled in relief.
“Back in Luoxia County, we didn’t always receive letters, and now that we’ve moved to Qiuyang County as officials, they somehow got word of our situation,” he commented.
Du Heng folded the letter back into its envelope and gently tousled Qin Xiaoman’s hair, understanding the subtext of his remark.
Years ago, he had refused Wei Feng’s suggestion to live in Huizhou. Naturally, Wei Feng had been a little frustrated, even though Du Heng knew that his uncle hadn’t specifically traveled all that way to Luoxia County just to seek him out.
Perhaps the caravan simply passed through Luoxia County, and that was when the inquiry was made.
At that time, Du Heng had been merely a child born to a concubine in the Wei household. As the legitimate eldest son, Wei Feng had gone out of his way to make the effort, which was already remarkable.
Yet Du Heng hadn’t appreciated it. How could Wei Feng not feel vexed?
Later, the Wei family’s caravan continued its business in Luoxia County, but no further contact was made. Du Heng, by then in official service, felt awkward writing letters—it might appear as if he had ulterior motives.
So when correspondence arrived now, it wasn’t actually surprising.
Du Heng was now an official. In recent years, his examination results had been satisfactory, suggesting a promising future. Though he was no longer in Luoxia County, the Qin family’s status there had steadily risen, meaning that people naturally mentioned their official son-in-law.
Merchants like the Wei family always maintain relationships with officials. It was customary to spend money to cultivate connections for business success. If one must invest effort to maintain ties with an unrelated official, surely a relative would not neglect the opportunity.
Business considerations always come first; everyone calculates their own gain.
Though past minor disputes had occurred, they were trivial, and the Wei family naturally could send someone to offer their regards. Their motivation might not be entirely pure, but it didn’t make them bad people.
Having navigated the world these years, Du Heng now understood clearly how relationships, mixed with interests and power, operated.
No one would treat you sincerely without cause—it always depended on your value.
Even close kin, skilled in management and business, had to earn their family’s regard; other people were no exception.
Du Heng said, “Look at the large boxes my uncle sent. Let’s see what fine things are inside.”
Qin Xiaoman, curious, followed him to open the boxes. The gifts were indeed substantial.
Two boxes contained brocades and silks, two contained porcelain and antiques, and another two were local specialties and delicacies—smoked duck, sugar pastries, pear syrup, mandarin fish, hairy crabs, and so forth.
Qin Xiaoman picked up a piece of smooth, beautiful silk. “The county doesn’t have brocades of this quality. Truly merchants from a wealthy region!”
He had previously heard Du Heng mention that his mother’s family was a major trading house in Huizhou, but it had been an abstract notion. Seeing these gifts now made it concrete.
Du Heng also felt moved. Clearly, gifts vary greatly with the giver’s means and position.
When Uncle Wei had left years ago, he had given only twenty taels of silver. Now, a single porcelain vase exceeded that amount.
Even so, while the present gifts were worth many times that original silver, their practical utility could not compare to the twenty taels.
Back then, those twenty taels had been enough to secure a wife, educate, have children, and establish a home—laying the foundation for today’s life.
Whether the Wei family acted out of kinship or to maintain an extra connection, Du Heng sincerely respected that early gesture.
He immediately wrote two letters in reply.
The next day, Du Heng personally delivered the letters to the Wei family representatives who had come.
Only a trusted member of the Wei household would travel with a caravan alone; in this case, it was an elderly man named Yuan An, who had served the family for over ten years.
As Du Heng was Wei Feng’s nephew, there was a familial connection. He sent someone trustworthy to convey greetings, ensuring sensitive matters could be discussed privately.
Du Heng’s letter read: “My uncle has been concerned for me, and over these years I have thought of you as well. In my earlier, unaccomplished years, I could not inquire after your welfare. Now, in office in Qiuyang County, this place is poor and demanding, leaving me little time. That my uncle would worry and send word is truly humbling.”
Yuan An, seasoned in trade and diplomacy, spoke tactfully: “Sir, your diligence and care for the people has earned widespread praise. Your uncle, admiring just and upright officials, would surely understand your circumstances and take comfort in knowing of your efforts.”
Du Heng smiled. “My uncle has always been so.”
With that, he presented the two prepared letters to Yuan An: “If not for my small family, I could not work for the greater good. My uncle’s kindness will never be forgotten. I will also do my part to serve the family.”
Yuan An beamed at his words.
“I remember visiting your home in my childhood. The Wei family mansion in Huizhou’s Huaixuan County now has a newly appointed county assistant, a second-class jinshi. I am well aware of the local governance and officer appointments,” he added.
“Your vision and hearing are remarkable, Lord Du.”
“Not at all. It’s simply that the newly appointed county assistant is an old classmate and friend of mine.”
Du Heng handed the letters to Yuan An. “One is for my uncle; the other, I’ll need you to deliver to County Assistant Mu.”
Yuan An understood immediately and thanked Du Heng politely. “Much obliged, Lord Du, for your consideration.”
Huizhou was prosperous and wealthy. Local officials might seem like minor bureaucrats, but each wielded considerable influence behind the scenes—far from the ease of dealing with officials in a remote county. A new official’s appointment required a reshuffling of relationships, and merchants had to make new efforts to maintain their interests.
With Du Heng’s letter, things would proceed much more smoothly—an unexpected advantage.
Since the new official, Mu Ti, had taken office in Huizhou, and the Wei family also resided there, Du Heng could act as the connecting thread. When officials and prominent merchants shared the same ground, their mutual benefits were clear, something Du Heng had deeply appreciated after two years of service in Qiuyang County.
This was not bribery; it was human relations.
After securing this advantage, Du Heng took Yuan An for a walk around the county.
“Your uncle’s business is extensive,” Du Heng explained. “In earlier years, he dealt in silks, porcelain, and other valuable items, traveling between regions to sell. Later, as his caravans expanded, they split into multiple groups traveling to different counties, trading in a far wider variety of goods beyond just silk and porcelain.”
“Exactly,” Yuan An replied. “With the larger caravans, profit margins on silk and porcelain alone diminished. My uncle adapted by trading local specialties along the way, buying and selling continuously. Business became even more prosperous than when he only traded in silk and porcelain.”
When merchant caravans reached county towns, local traders purchased the newest goods and resold them, while caravans sourced local specialties—food, textiles, silk, and so on—to sell elsewhere. This created a mutually beneficial circulation of goods, fostering economic growth.
“You’ve been traveling in trade for many years. Take a look at this cotton and sesame.”
Du Heng led Yuan An into a shop to show the year’s newly harvested cotton and freshly pressed sesame oil. Yuan An, experienced in assessing goods, inspected them carefully.
“The cotton is snowy and fluffy, the sesame oil rich and glossy. While not the absolute top-grade, they are certainly fine products.”
Yuan An had traveled extensively with the Wei family’s caravans, tracing trade routes and leaving a mark on many regions. Qiuyang County had previously been on the Wei family’s trade map, but due to policy changes, poverty, and banditry, the caravans had avoided the area, leaving it off their route for several years.
Before coming to deliver the letter, the caravan had assigned some of their most skilled escorts to ensure a safe passage into Qiuyang County, yet the journey proved remarkably smooth. Upon entering the county, Yuan An was surprised by how lively it had become.
He was also impressed to see several shops selling sesame and cotton, far more than one would expect for a county of Qiuyang’s economic situation.
Before he could ask, Du Heng explained: “These crops are encouraged by the county government, and the shops are supported by the county as well. Qiuyang County is impoverished; without traveling merchants, it would remain stagnant.”
Yuan An nodded knowingly. “You mean your plan is for the family’s caravan to come through?”
Du Heng confirmed. Indeed, merchants understood quickly.
“The Wei family’s trade routes across counties are planned in advance. Adjustments can be made locally, but whether they include Qiuyang County is beyond my authority; that decision rests with the master of the household.”
“Of course. But I’ll show you the county, and you can report back everything accurately to your uncle. He will decide whether to send the caravan.”
“Certainly. I’ll carry the message and send word promptly.” Du Heng nodded.
After seeing off the Wei family’s caravan, Du Heng felt hopeful.
“Do you think my uncle will agree? If the caravan doesn’t come, internal sales of sesame will be limited. Without external trade, the shops may close.”
Du Heng reassured him: “There’s no downside for the caravan to pass through Qiuyang County. It’s a shorter route to the prefectural city or Suzhou-Hangzhou, and your uncle won’t refuse. Even if he hesitates, I’ve already arranged a backup.”
He had contacted the Yun family’s caravan in Luoxia County. If the Wei caravan didn’t come, the Yun caravan would still pass through. Initially, the concern was over-reliance on the Yun family, but having the Wei caravan was simply to increase options.
The county could not depend on a single caravan. Relying on just one would risk monopolizing trade, suppressing local merchants, and damaging business. Balanced competition between two caravans was essential.
The Yun family’s initial trade focused on tea, while the Wei family dealt in silk and porcelain. Their core products did not conflict; competition only arose in resale trade. Having both caravans pass through Qiuyang County was optimal.
As Du Heng expected, by year’s end, a reply arrived from Huizhou. Qiuyang County would be included in the Wei family’s trade route, with the caravan arriving around October of the following year.
Meanwhile, the Yun family’s caravan came first, taking a large portion of the sesame and cotton to resell elsewhere.
During the year-end trade season, caravans never paused. In the second half of the year, business focused on the upcoming New Year, when townspeople would spend freely, allowing caravans to distribute goods widely.
The Yun family’s smooth passage through Qiuyang County not only successfully sold the sesame and cotton but also established a reputation, paving the way for future caravan visits to the county—long notorious for its poor trade conditions.
The gunshot was hardly loud, yet surrounding counties and even the prefectural city had heard it.
By the turn of the year, Du Heng was pleasantly surprised: merchants from other regions were already transporting goods through Qiuyang County, and some even came from the prefectural city itself to trade!
Though only a rare few, it was as if a small stone had been dropped into the stagnant waters of Qiuyang County—creating ripples, modest at first, but enough to start a wave. Du Heng’s heart was light with satisfaction at this promising sign.
That New Year, he generously closed the county office two days early so that the staff could enjoy a cheerful celebration.
When he stepped out of the administration hall, a cold gust of wind rushed into his collar, making him shiver. Qiuyang’s winters were usually mild, and he often went about with his neck bare. But the weather had turned gloomy, and without protection, the chill was sharp.
He glanced up at the sky; after several overcast days, the rain had finally fallen. The square in front of the memorial arch was soaked, and the six offices had completed their work and returned home, doors all closed. Only two cleaners remained, sweeping the wet stone. The county office was quiet, almost desolate, and the sound of the rain was clear.
For Qiuyang, however, the rain was a blessing. After the autumn harvest, the fields had been plowed, and the rain nourished the soil. Reservoirs and canals would hold water, ensuring sufficient irrigation for crops in the coming summer. The rainfall, though relentless, brought only a comforting sense of homecoming, not sorrow.
Du Heng rubbed his hands and hurried into the inner courtyard. The moment he arrived, a furry bundle leapt into his arms.
“Papa, look! See how nice Chengyi’s new clothes are!”
Du Heng looked down at little Chengyi, dressed in a winter coat entirely lined with white rabbit fur, a matching hat snug on his head, bounding about like a tiny enchanted rabbit. Arms outstretched, he proudly presented himself for admiration.
Du Heng chuckled, stooping to lift the child. He nuzzled into the soft fur—it was warm and comforting.
“This rabbit-fur coat was made back in Luoxia County. With the cold here, it’s perfect for another wear this year.”
Chengyi had loved this coat when it was first made—warm, cute, though a bit large and cumbersome. They had intended to wait a year before wearing it again, but with their move to Qiuyang County, the thick winter clothes from their old home were mostly unusable. Likely, Qin Xiaoman had dug this coat out for him on a cold day.
Du Heng lifted Chengyi’s arms to check the sleeves, which had grown short after two years of storage. Children grew quickly; what had once barely reached his waist now touched his thighs.
Chengyi opened his mouth proudly. “Papa, my new teeth are grown in again!”
Du Heng inspected the neat rows of teeth and nodded. “Yes, all grown in.”
Excited, Chengyi hugged his father’s neck. “Then I can eat the lamb bones you make again!”
Du Heng kissed the child’s cheek. “Good. Tonight, Papa will make roasted lamb chops for you and Dancai.”
The winter rains had persisted for days. After closing the office, Du Heng spent his time in the inner residence: cooking for his husband and children, teaching little Tiance and Naughty Egg to read and write. Life was comfortable, and the months flew by into the New Year.