Du Heng called Shui Qincai and Da Zhuang over.
These two young long-term workers had been steady and diligent ever since they came to the household.
In truth, Du Heng and Qin Xiaoman were quite satisfied with them. Although they were called long-term workers or servants of the household, they had never really been treated as people of a lower status.
Precisely because they had gotten along well, Du Heng wanted to speak with them properly.
By Du Heng and Qin Xiaoman’s reckoning, their household did not have many people, but there was plenty of work—fields, the shop, and other matters. They needed to add manpower to help share the load.
Now that they had obtained the privilege of tax exemption for household servants, for the sake of their own family, they wanted to purchase servants with permanent contracts to work in the household.
First, because matters involving papermaking techniques, shop business, caring for the child, and other such affairs had to be handled by people from their own household—people they could truly trust.
No matter how good hired hands were, they were never truly under one’s control. If they decided to leave, they could do so easily. After learning various skills and knowing certain things while working for the household, once they left and went elsewhere, who knew how many complications might arise?
Second, Du Heng was now a xiucai. Compared to a mere tongsheng, he was a legitimate member of the gentry with some standing, better able to shelter and protect household servants.
Before, it had been hard to bring this up. Now his backbone was finally a bit straighter, and it was time to put household matters in order, so life going forward could be smoother.
“You two have handled matters at home thoroughly. Xiaoman and I are both very pleased and at ease. It’s precisely because we value you that now, when the household is looking to take on servants, we didn’t go straight to speak with your parents.”
“We wanted to ask your own wishes first. If you’re willing, Xiaoman and I won’t need to go through the trouble of finding and purchasing people elsewhere. Of course, if you have other ambitions, I can speak properly with your parents and will absolutely not delay your futures.”
Du Heng took a sip of tea. “You’ve both seen what kind of situation the Qin family is in. Compared to the gentry households in the county seat, we’re far from that level. We’re originally a farming-and-learning household, with many agricultural and miscellaneous affairs. We’re truly not as refined as the city families.”
“If you want to leave, Xiaoman and I won’t make things difficult. We’ll also give you some silver as severance, as thanks for your dedicated service here. But if you’re willing to stay, Xiaoman and I won’t treat you poorly either. Food and clothing will never be lacking, and when the time comes, we’ll also arrange proper matches for you.”
Da Zhuang and Shui Qincai looked at each other, then knelt together before Du Heng. “The master treats us with kindness. We are willing to stay with the household and serve for life, doing our utmost in all tasks, with no disloyalty.”
In fact, once Du Heng became a xiucai, Da Zhuang’s and Shui Qincai’s families had already guessed that the household would be taking on permanent servants. This was an imperial privilege.
Although the Qin family’s assets were not large, they could still afford to feed a couple more mouths. Naturally, they would want household servants—whether for appearances or for convenience in managing affairs, it was inevitable.
When their children had first been sent to the Qin household, they were skin and bones. Now, every time they came home, they were visibly more well-nourished. How good their lives were spoke for itself—anyone could see it at a glance.
They were, after all, their own flesh and blood. Seeing their children living well naturally brought relief and comfort.
Qin Xiaoman watched as the Qin family climbed yet another rung higher, and the adults at home had already spoken to the children in advance. If the master was willing to take household servants, it would be best to give up their freedom papers and go over—serving a kind and upright master meant never worrying about food or drink, far better than scraping by out in the world.
That was why, after hearing Du Heng’s words, Dazhuang and Water Celery immediately expressed their loyalty and willingness to stay. Their parents’ wishes were one thing, but how life actually was day to day, they knew in their own hearts. Becoming bonded servants meant losing freedom, but if they left this place, they might not even be sure of filling their bellies—what other hopes could they possibly talk about?
Seeing their sincerity, Du Heng went ahead and completed the household registration procedures, formally taking them into the family.
From then on, the servants could be used without worry. In his spare time, Du Heng even taught the two of them to recognize a few characters and do basic arithmetic.
Qin Xiaoman, meanwhile, entrusted most of the papermaking work to Dazhuang—purchasing bamboo, arranging for hired labor to help out, and handling various related matters.
As summer approached, Qin Xiaoman gathered people together to build a small papermaking workshop.
Bamboo storage, soaking, boiling the pulp, forming the sheets, and drying the paper were all arranged in one place, so there was no longer any need to run back and forth.
In addition, Qin Xiaoman hired an old craftsman skilled in making brushes to produce simple bamboo-handled brushes. Though they were the most basic and inexpensive kind, when the accounts were tallied, making them in-house was still far cheaper than buying stock from other stationery shops.
He couldn’t help Du Heng much with his studies, so he focused his energy on the family’s small business instead—and the more he did, the smoother things seemed to go.
“Come, let me hold him—let your little uncle take a good look.”
“Look at this chubby little face, all plump and round like a small plate.”
Qin Xiaozhu watched as Qin Xiaoman kneaded and fussed over his own big, fat son. He cracked a few pumpkin seeds, then picked up the small clothes Qin Xiaoman had brought over.
The fabric felt smooth to the touch and cool against the skin—perfect for a child to wear in this weather.
Not only was the material good, but the embroidered fruit patterns on it were vivid and lifelike. Any household with children would find such things delightful.
“You’re married and even a little father now—did you pick up needlework again? This doesn’t look like your handiwork.”
Qin Xiaoman patted the chubby baby’s back. Boys were energetic—so tiny, yet their hands and feet never stopped moving. After holding him for less than the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Qin Xiaoman already felt tired. Taking care of a baby was no easier than manual labor.
This one was nothing like Chengyi, who had been quiet and easy. When Qin Xiaoman had taken care of him before, it had felt effortless—like he could manage two at once. Only now, after meeting a truly rambunctious baby, did he realize how considerate his own child had been.
“How could I make this kind of thing? Du Heng made these for the child back when I was pregnant with Yige’er. I never put these two on Chengyi—between what we made ourselves and what others gave us, there were plenty of clothes. These are just right for this chubby little fellow now.”
“Tsk. I swear, is there anything Du Heng can’t do? He really is… a grown man who’ll even do needlework.”
Back in the village, seeing him cook had already felt unbelievable enough. Now this—truly jaw-dropping.
“That’s right. My good fortune is something others naturally don’t have.”
“I heard that after Du Heng passed the xiucai exam, your family’s been riding high—local gentry trying to draw him in, even the magistrate showing him favor.”
“It’s not that exaggerated,” Qin Xiaoman replied. “He’s preparing for next year’s autumn provincial exam in August, burying his head in books. He hasn’t really gone out socializing.”
Qin Xiaozhu chuckled. “Men’s affairs are hard to meddle in. But you haven’t been idle either—building a papermaking workshop in the village and managing the family business so well.”
“I came this time to see my little nephew, and also to ask you a favor.”
Qin Xiaozhu raised an eyebrow. “You, asking me for a favor?”
“Your Li Laowu goes out frequently to source tea. I heard he brought back excellent tea from Suzhou this year, and his shop’s been doing very well. They have a reliable merchant caravan, and Suzhou is wealthy and prosperous—everything there is better than what we have in this small county. Next time Li Kai goes to get goods, I was hoping to ask him to bring back some good brushes and ink for us as well.”
Qin Xiaoman managed the family shop. In the beginning, their customers were mostly poor scholars, coming for affordable stationery.
As time passed, other shops in the county began copying their model. Although their own shop had built up a solid reputation and business was still good, it wasn’t sustainable in the long run.
They needed more variety and new channels. Qin Xiaoman wanted to bring in higher-quality goods from outside. Even if prices stayed reasonable, there were always scholars who asked for better items.
Qin Xiaozhu shook his head. “You really can’t sit still—you’ve developed quite the business sense.”
“Your little uncle’s things aren’t easy to take. I can’t accept them for free.”
“When Li Kai comes back, I’ll talk to him.”
Qin Xiaoman grinned. “Don’t worry. Whatever the transport fees and duties are, we’ll pay the proper price.”
“Of course—your Du Heng passed the xiucai exam, and now you pay less commercial tax. You’ve become generous with your spending.”
Qin Xiaoman just smiled without replying.
“Oh, speaking of passing the exam, there’s one bit of gossip I haven’t told you yet.”
Qin Xiaozhu said with a laugh. “When I was giving birth, my Fourth Sister-in-law came over and put on a whole show of being an elder. She even pulled you aside and talked for quite a while.”
“I know her. I heard Li Fourth Brother also passed the xiucai exam—she must be feeling very proud now.”
Qin Xiaozhu let out a cold snort. “She was, at first.”
Her own husband’s earlier status as a tongsheng had been bought through donations, and he’d often been mocked by scholarly families around them. Now that he’d truly passed the xiucai exam, it was like slapping those mockers in the face.
The family held a grand banquet. Qin Xiaozhu used the excuse that she was still in postpartum confinement and didn’t go see that smug expression.
But the Fourth Sister-in-law hadn’t enjoyed her pride for long. She still hadn’t borne a son to carry on the family line, and with her age, it was becoming increasingly unlikely she could conceive.
Li Laosi had long relied on support from his wife’s family, and since the Li family respected elders, they hadn’t pressed the issue of heirs too hard.
Now that Li Laosi had passed the xiucai exam, and with the Li family already being landowners, their standing was solid enough. With this added honor, they naturally felt their family’s status had risen another notch.
Chapter 74
The Fourth Branch was the most accomplished line in the family—how could they be left without an heir? Taking advantage of Li Laosi’s success in passing the xiucai exam, they demanded that he take a younger wife to continue the family line.
As a result, the Fourth Household was lively to say the least. The Fourth Sister-in-law now spent her days locked in constant battles of wits with the younger woman. There was no trace left of her former swagger, and she certainly had no spare time to come over to Qin Xiaozhu’s place and gossip anymore.
Qin Xiaoman clicked his tongue. “Honestly, your Fourth Sister-in-law really did have too much time on her hands before. Now she’s got something to keep her busy. Earlier she even dragged me into all that backbiting.”
Qin Xiaozhu felt thoroughly pleased. After savoring the satisfaction for a moment, she looked at Qin Xiaoman and said, “But then again, Du Heng is in such high demand right now. Let me tell you—those people in the county town will do anything for connections. If they try to shove a couple of people into Du Heng’s household, won’t that be trouble for you?”
“Our family can’t compare to the Li family’s assets—we can’t afford to support that many people. And Du Heng married into your family. If someone has designs, where do you think they’ll try to place those people?”
Qin Xiaoman replied lazily, “Besides, someone like Du Heng—do you really think he could handle that many people?”
Thin-skinned, blushing at the drop of a hat, ears burning red—if someone really did send a younger one over, they probably wouldn’t even get to touch Du Heng’s fingers. At most, they’d be pouring him tea or washing his feet.
Qin Xiaozhu completely misunderstood and choked on her tea. “He doesn’t look that useless…”
Du Heng was fair-skinned and good-looking. Even if he wasn’t especially burly, he was still tall and well-built. To think he couldn’t handle two more people—wouldn’t that make Qin Xiaoman the truly miserable one?
Qin Xiaoman was always bursting with energy, like a monkey—climbing trees and swimming in rivers since childhood. Surely he’d be just as energetic in other matters too.
Yet he ended up with someone bookish and delicate. Sigh… that wasn’t just one person being unlucky—it was both of them.
Qin Xiaoman had no idea what was running through Qin Xiaozhu’s mind. He simply tossed out a line of refined phrasing: “Well, it’s like drinking water—you know for yourself whether it’s cold or warm.”
Qin Xiaozhu nodded in understanding and murmured, “Seems scholars aren’t perfect in every way after all.”
After some days had passed—
Qin Xiaoman was bathing little Chengyi. He’d added some cooling oil to the water to repel mosquitoes. The child sat comfortably in the tub and refused to get out no matter what.
Water splashed noisily, cheerful sounds filling the entire room.
“Come on, get up already. You’ve been washing for a whole incense stick—mosquitoes will bite your bottom later.”
Qin Xiaoman was pouring water over the child’s pale back when he noticed Du Heng squatting nearby. “Finished reviewing your books for today?”
“Tomorrow’s a rest day. You forgot?”
“Even on rest days, you still have to finish what you should review. Didn’t you say you’re determined to take the autumn provincial exam?”
Du Heng didn’t answer. He picked up an absorbent cloth, wrapped the little water-loving child in it, and lifted him out.
“No, no—don’t get up. I want to bathe.”
Separated from the water, Chengyi was very unhappy, pouting and squirming in Du Heng’s arms.
“Be good. If little kids soak too long, they won’t grow tall. Then you’ll be like a little pumpkin in the field—Daddy won’t even be able to find you when he goes to pick pumpkins. Does Chengyi want to turn into a little pumpkin?”
At that, the little boy immediately buried himself into Du Heng’s chest and stopped moving. There were pumpkins at home—round lumps like that—and he definitely didn’t want to become one.
Only then did Du Heng take the clothes and slowly dress the child. “Our Yige’er looks so good in this crimson outfit. The prettiest little boy in the whole world.”
Praised like that, Chengyi obediently let himself be dressed. In the end, he hugged Du Heng’s arm, rested his head against him, and said sweetly, “I want to sleep with Daddy.”
Du Heng lifted the freshly bathed, sweet-smelling child. “Why?”
“I just want Daddy.”
“But Little Daddy wants to sleep with Daddy too. How can three people fit in one bed?”
“Mmm—just want Daddy.”
“Be good, Yige’er. Sleep with Brother Qin. Tomorrow Daddy will weave you a grass mantis, okay?”
Chengyi blinked for a while, seeming to remember the grass mantis. He stopped fussing, and Du Heng had Water Celery carry the child back to the room.
Qin Xiaoman poured out the bathwater and, seeing how Du Heng had coaxed Chengyi, said, “Don’t you usually want Chengyi sleeping in the same room? Why did you let Brother Qin take him away tonight when he wanted to sleep with you?”
“It’s hot. Sleeping together makes children prone to heat rash. Then he’d fuss even more.”
Du Heng sat down at the table and drank some cooled water. “I went to Li Kai’s place today and gave him the money for bringing the goods.”
Qin Xiaoman hummed in acknowledgment. That had all been agreed upon.
The family income was doing quite well now, and while Qin Xiaoman managed things carefully, he hadn’t forgotten his plan to set up a foothold in the county town.
Traveling back and forth between home and the county every day became inconvenient over time and drained energy.
Summer and autumn were manageable, but winter and spring brought rain. The roads were hard to walk, and getting up early was bitterly cold.
Scholars already worked hard—Du Heng had to work twice as hard.
In his spare time, Qin Xiaoman had casually asked around. Property prices in the county town were high. Even an ordinary small courtyard cost dozens of taels of silver.
If it was a multi-courtyard residence, it would be at least a hundred taels or more.
He calculated that if they sold the five mu of paddy land awarded by the court, they could quickly get several dozen taels in hand, bringing them a step closer to buying a house.
But selling land was, in the end, a last resort.
Just as he was about to look over the household accounts, Du Heng spoke again.
“He gave me something.”
“What?”
Du Heng took out a small porcelain bottle and placed it on the table.
Qin Xiaoman, puzzled, set aside his work and stepped forward to pick it up. He opened it and sniffed—there was a strong herbal scent. “What is this?”
Du Heng pressed his lips together, then smiled faintly at Qin Xiaoman. “Wu Zi Yan Zong Pills.”
“What?”
Qin Xiaoman looked confused. “Fertility medicine? You bought this for me?”
“Why would you need to take it? It’s for tonifying deficiency and strengthening yang. Someone gave it to me to eat.”
Qin Xiaoman’s eyes widened, shock and complicated feelings mixing together. “It’s only been recently that you passed the xiucai exam—we were just a bit more… frequent because we were happy. That’s still just once every two days! And only for half a month. You’re already taking medicine? That’s not necessary, is it?!”
Du Heng gritted his teeth. “Really… it’s not necessary, is it? I thought I’ve been performing well enough recently.”
“What do you mean by that?”
That afternoon, Du Heng went to meet Li Kai regarding the shipment of goods, first paying ten taels of silver as a deposit.
“There are many large stationery shops in Suzhou. The prices for the items sold to the merchant caravans are still negotiable. You should be able to bring back some good items. Don’t worry.”
“That’ll trouble you then.”
“We’re family. There’s no need for formalities.”
The negotiation was smooth on both sides. Having settled everything, Du Heng prepared to leave without delaying Li Kai’s business—but then he was suddenly called back.
“Take a look at this.”
Du Heng frowned, taking the object. “What is this?”
“The thing everyone’s talking about outside—the Wu Zi Yan Zong Pills.”
Du Heng choked slightly.
Although the family’s shop in the county town had regular dealings with Li Kai and their relationship could be called good, and they often discussed business or shared meals together, this was the first time such a private matter was mentioned.
He felt slightly uncomfortable and incredulous. “You actually use this?”
Li Kai raised his eyebrows, clenched his fist, and flexed his arm. “Do you think I’d need it?”
Du Heng glanced at the prominent muscles on Li Kai’s arm and fell silent. There was no need to show off in front of him—he could just boast to Qin Xiaozhu at home. If all went well, he might even be able to have two children in three years.
“So… this is for you?”
“I move around a lot outside, and it’s easier to get rare things on the market. If you think it’s useful, take it.”
“…”
Du Heng pursed his lips. While it was kind of Li Kai to give it, this wasn’t a gift for a festival or holiday. Even putting that aside, who casually carries a bottle of aphrodisiac around?
He cleared his throat. “Is this the latest trend, giving these kinds of things? I guess my studies really have made me out of touch.”
“We’re all men. It’s natural to have moments of weakness. But I’m fine,” Li Kai said. “Don’t be embarrassed—take it. I hear it’s very effective.”
Du Heng gritted his teeth. “I may be a scholar, and people call me a frail bookish type, but that’s only in terms of study, not weakness! It’s not necessary…”
Li Kai, hearing this, looked surprised. “Oh? Then I heard from Xiaozhu that you wanted this.”
Du Heng froze. “He told you I wanted this? Doesn’t that strike you as… strange?”
“!”
Li Kai hurriedly said, “What are you thinking? Of course Xiaoman told him!”
Du Heng forced a smile. “Those two have a good relationship now.”
After hearing this, Qin Xiaoman couldn’t help but shake with laughter.
“You’re still laughing!” Du Heng grabbed Qin Xiaoman into his arms and covered his mouth. “What kind of nonsense were you and Qin Xiaozhu talking about?”
Qin Xiaoman laughed until tears ran down his face. “I wasn’t saying anything wild! Earlier he laughed at me, talking about how after passing the xiucai exam, people would give you a concubine. I just said I was worried you couldn’t handle it. Who knew that boy would think so lewdly and actually tell his husband! He really has no filter.”
“Well, at least they were loyal enough to give you something.”
Du Heng snorted. “Does that mean I should go and thank them?”
Seeing Du Heng’s glum face, Qin Xiaoman stifled a laugh and patted his hand. “Alright, alright. Don’t be mad. Next time I see Qin Xiaozhu, I’ll make sure he speaks up for you.”
“Don’t say any more. You two cousins always talk as you please—it’s no wonder you used to bicker the moment you met.”
Qin Xiaoman pouted.
That comment made it sound like neither of them had any brains.
“But Xiaozhu has a point. If someone insists you take a concubine, what would you do with them?”
“Didn’t you just say I couldn’t handle it? Just handling you alone is already too much.”
Du Heng suddenly scooped him up and tossed him onto the bed.
Watching Qin Xiaoman kicking lightly at him as he undressed, Du Heng said, “It’s not that you’re hard to handle—it’s that you’re too particular. After all, you were born a young master.”
“In winter it’s cold, summer it’s sticky, spring and autumn are just right, but then you don’t want to get up to wash. Why are you so troublesome?”
Du Heng grabbed Qin Xiaoman’s ankle and pulled him closer. “After all, I’m the one doing the work. You just endure a bit.”
…
“Get up and take a bath before sleeping.”
The night was already deep, not yet past midnight. The air still carried the warmth of the daytime sun and hadn’t fully cooled.
His sweat made him sticky and uncomfortable.
“I don’t want to get up. I want to sleep.”
Du Heng stood barefoot by the bed, staring at the person whose hair stuck to his face, lying limp like a dehydrated octopus.
“How can you sleep without washing off all this sweat?”
Qin Xiaoman tilted his head and looked at Du Heng suspiciously. “You didn’t secretly take that medicine, did you?”
“Mmm~ mmm mmm…” Qin Xiaoman tried to nibble him, and Du Heng had to push him away. “Stop accusing me!”
Qin Xiaoman laughed, reaching out to touch Du Heng’s face. “Go fetch some water and wash me, then I’ll believe you’re innocent.”
Du Heng raised his eyebrows. “If that’s the case, then perhaps I don’t need to prove my innocence.”
“Then I’ll just sleep like this. You’re still lying next to me anyway. If you think I smell, too bad.”
Du Heng pouted, looking at the lazy, reluctant-to-move person beside him, and sighed. In the end, who was really troublesome?
It was still him who had to take care of everything.