Before the Guicheng family moved out, the household servants were finally selected according to Li Cuimei’s wishes. Looking at the courtyard full of young maids and boys, Lin Fang felt that her home was like a miniature school, with children ranging from kindergarten to elementary and middle school ages.
Thinking of schools, Lin Fang sighed deeply in her heart. When her eldest brother had his son, Lin Fang was still in middle school. Spending every day playing with the adorable, pink-cheeked baby, she developed an ambition to become a kindergarten teacher. When filling out her high school entrance exam preferences, she applied for early childhood education. However, after listening to her parents’ analysis, she had to change her choice. Due to her congenital heart condition, even if she got into the teacher training school and managed to work, her physical condition would make it impossible for her to handle the job. Later, she thought that if she ever had money in the future, she would open her own kindergarten. Even if she didn’t teach, just seeing those lovely children every day would be enough. Unfortunately, now her soul was no longer in that world, and that so-called ambition would never have a chance to be realized.
“Daddy, carry me. Let’s go for a walk.”
“Alright, Daddy will carry Fang’er for a walk. Fang’er hasn’t gone out today—are you bored?”
It had been a full year since coming to this world. Lin Fang could now walk while holding onto walls or other objects and occasionally take a few steps on her own, though she wasn’t very steady yet. The happiest time of her day was when her father returned home—it was also her daily outing time.
Her mother’s health was no longer as weak as before, but she had settled into the inner household and rarely went out unless for major events. Since moving to town, Lin Fang couldn’t recall any major events at home. If she had to name one, it would be the day the fish farm was officially filled with water. Her mother, accompanied by her father, stood in front of the fish farm’s buildings for half an hour, surrounded by many onlookers.
The stark contrast in her parents’ appearances made it unclear whether the crowd was there to watch the water filling or to gawk at the couple. Lin Fang herself, rarely seen in public, seemed to be another spectacle—after all, few people with her appearance dared to go out and “scare” others. However, her mother remained composed throughout, showing no reaction to the not-so-quiet whispers. Instead, when her father grew angry at the comments, she calmly soothed him. Lin Fang couldn’t tell whether her mother had truly attained enlightenment or was just putting on a brave face.
After that day, Lin Fang pestered her father daily to take her out. She no longer wanted to be a shut-in and hoped to understand this world sooner. She didn’t care how others saw her or whether she’d ever marry. Since this dynasty allowed women to appear in public, Lin Fang believed she could eventually learn skills to support herself. Living alone would be fine—if she ended up with the wrong person like in her past life, it would be better not to marry at all.
Aunt Liu managed the entire household and had little time to go out. Wherever her mother was, her aunt Lin Cui’e would be there too. Lin Meng and Lin Wen were in school, Lin Juan was a homebody, while Lin Xia and Lin Wu ran outside several times a day. But the servants assigned to them could barely keep up with these wild children, let alone dare to take Lin Fang out to play. Aside from Granny Zhou’s family, few others had the chance to go out. However, Granny Zhou’s family all had duties, and her mother wouldn’t trust them to take Lin Fang out. Thus, seeing her father return home was the highlight of Lin Fang’s day.
“Elder Lin, these candied hawthorns were just skewered today. Would you like one for the Sixth Miss?”
“Elder Lin, freshly roasted sunflower seeds—how about a pack for the Sixth Miss?”
“Elder Lin, buy a baked cake for the Sixth Miss—fresh out of the oven, crispy outside and tender inside.”
“Elder Lin, this pinwheel is lovely—won’t you get one for the Sixth Miss?”
Along the way, vendors constantly pitched their wares to Dalang. This Elder Lin was famously doting on his daughter—anything his “ugly” daughter fancied, he’d buy without hesitation. However, sellers of handkerchiefs, pouches, and similar trinkets usually didn’t bother. Rumor had it that every stitch of Elder Lin’s clothing was hand-sewn by his “ugly” wife, with craftsmanship far surpassing anything on their stalls.
“Daddy, look at the fish.”
Lin Fang had little interest in the street goods—even the food wasn’t as good as Aunt Hong’s cooking. Occasionally, she’d buy something on a whim, only to give it to a maid later. The only thing that fascinated her was the pond full of little fish.
The five-acre fish farm was enclosed by walls, with a row of buildings along the roadside where the Zhou fishing family lived, along with a few hired hands to guard the place. The pond had a constant flow of water, diverted from a nearby river and circulating back, keeping the water level steady.
The fingerlings grew quickly. When first released, they were smaller than Lin Fang’s pinky, but now some weighed two or three taels. Lin Fang only recognized grass carp and crucian carp—the rest were all the same to her. She was simply delighted to see the fish swimming vigorously. Perhaps it was because her past life as a shut-in had been too stifling—now, any lively creature brought her joy.
Of the twelve inn courtyards across the way, half were occupied. One was rented by the Qi Biao family, two were held by last year’s herb merchants who hadn’t returned them, and the remaining three were shared by academy students. The academy did have dormitories by class, but those who could afford it preferred renting outside for privacy and better study conditions.
The six vacant courtyards still drew inquiries—some wanted to rent, others to buy. Renting was allowed, but with conditions: tenants had to be decent, trouble-makers need not apply. For those who tried to force their way, both Guicheng and his brother-in-law (an official in the capital) were skilled in martial arts—ordinary bullies didn’t intimidate them. Prospective buyers left disappointed—selling was a one-time deal, while renting ensured steady income and potential future uses.
“Second Grandma, Sixth Uncle.”
Lin Fang’s sharp eyes spotted Granny Tong and Liulang approaching from afar, gesturing at the fields as if discussing something. Hearing Lin Fang’s sweet, sticky voice, they headed toward the fish farm.
“Oh, Fang’er, did you miss Second Grandma? Come, let me hold you.” Granny Tong lifted Lin Fang and chuckled, “I worried you were too thin, but look at you—a little chubby now! You’re getting heavy. Not drinking medicine just to eat more? You little rascal.”
“Giggle—mwah!” Every time she saw Granny Tong, Lin Fang couldn’t resist kissing her. For a woman in her fifties, Granny Tong’s skin was smoother and more elastic than most thirty-year-olds’, without a single wrinkle. Standing beside Li Cuihong, they looked more like sisters than mother- and daughter-in-law.
After the Lantern Festival, Li Cuimei tried giving Lin Fang medicine again, but the girl stubbornly refused. After consulting Granny Tong, who said it was just tonic and harmless to skip, Li Cuimei finally gave up.
“Fang’er, you still recognize Sixth Uncle?”
Liulang was pleasantly surprised. He’d been away for months, yet his niece called out to him unprompted. Weren’t babies supposed to grow shy after days apart? Overjoyed, he fished something from his pocket: “Here, Sixth Uncle brought you this. Do you like it?”
Seeing the jingling trinket in Liulang’s hand, Lin Fang was speechless. Seriously, Sixth Uncle, I’m a human, not a puppy.
What Liulang held was a string of delicate little bells, each smaller than Lin Fang’s pinky. He’d just returned yesterday from herb merchants and bought these trendy trinkets for all the children at home. Today, while visiting his second aunt to discuss construction plans for the town plots, he’d dropped by to see his elder brother’s family.
“Don’t you like it?”
Seeing Lin Fang turn her head away, Liulang was astonished. His second aunt had mentioned this niece was picky, but he hadn’t believed it—how discerning could a toddler be? Little did he know, this “toddler” had an adult’s mind and found childish things unappealing.
The three adults and one little girl strolled slowly along the road. Granny Tong planned to build houses on both sides—for rent only, not sale. Next year’s triennial provincial exams would draw scholars to Shengcheng. Those who couldn’t find or afford lodging there might stay in nearby towns like Liangping. Starting construction now would ensure readiness for the exam season.
“Lin Liulang, you’re back.”
A woman’s voice called from behind. Granny Tong and Dalang turned, but Liulang froze in place.
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