Chapter Nine: The Fang Family Visits the Sick

Qin Fengyi said, "I am not familiar with them, and even if I go, I won't be able to meet the esteemed official."

"Boys cannot avoid fighting," Mrs. Qin said, "Rest assured, we are using the excellent ointment prescribed by Dr. Xu. In three to five days, it will be fine."

Qin Fengyi gave Li Jing a grateful glance, and Li Jing raised an eyebrow, looking as if he had something to say afterward. Qin Fengyi thought of his difficult wife and couldn't help but silently lament, considering that after finishing the examination, he would immediately escape, ensuring that he would not be caught by his wife again

Qin Fengyi had no choice but to obediently sit down, however, he was someone who could not stay still. After sitting for a while, he planned to get up and go out for a stroll. Old Master Qin quickly asked, "Where are you going?"

Qin Fengyi said, "How could I not recognize it? We have been married in my dreams for several years now"

Then, Young Master Qin remarked, "Not at all, my elder brother is truly a paragon of elegance and refinement." He was flattering his brother-in-law.

Oh, oh, I understand now, it is Sister A-Jing, no, Sister Li. Qin Fengyi smiled like a blooming flower and said to Li Jing, "I am really not used to calling you sister."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qin Fengyi went to the side hall with her father

The side hall was also filled to the brim with people, but fortunately, there was enough space for the Qin father and son to have a seat. After exchanging pleasantries in the side hall, Qin Fengyi looked at the two rooms full of people and thought that it was absolutely impossible to see Elder Fang today. He quietly asked his father, "Father, how about we put down our things and head back first?"

Old Master Qin is indeed willing, however, in this house, one and all, either carry the titles of Jinshi or Juren, or come from scholarly families with ancestral officials. If Qin Fengyi were to stay, he would have to make room wherever he sits. Old Master Qin smiled and said, "He has always been unconventional, so let him follow me. Old Master Zhao, whenever you have time, I will have him come over to pay his respects to you."

Fang Yue smiled and said, "When I first saw Young Master Qin, I was also astonished by his extraordinary appearance"

Fang Yue looked at her friend Li Zhao, her eyes filled with disbelief, unable to believe that the usually unapproachable Li Jing was actually laughing and chatting with Qin Fengyi in such a friendly manner

Qin Fengyi, despite her beauty and good skin, is not at all delicate; such minor injuries typically heal in about five or six days. Mrs. Qin inquired with her husband, "Where is the governor planning to hold the banquet?"

Although this tea set has been purchased, my wife does not plan to marry for the time being. However, being able to make Fang Hao feel embarrassed still brings Qin Fengyi a sense of pride. People, when they feel proud, tend to show off. For someone like Qin Fengyi, this is particularly evident in his heightened enthusiasm for work, especially his willingness to help his parents. This has made the Qin couple extremely happy, to the extent that even Old Master Qin remarked, "Our son has indeed grown up."

Qin Fengyi did not like royal blue at all, and he remarked, "It looks old-fashioned." He changed into a sky blue outfit, which exuded youthful vigor and was quite pleasing. Old Master Qin nodded slightly; it was not self-praise, but his son, just by appearance, was indeed impressive.

In fact, this matter is not uncommon. With a status like that of Minister Fang, upon returning to his hometown, it is natural for the local gentry to come and pay their respects. However, Minister Fang has just returned home, and coupled with his unwell condition, he likely has no desire to meet the local gentry at this time. If it were someone else, Li Jing would hardly pay any attention, but Qin Phoenix is different. Li Jing instructed a servant beside him, and the servant hurried over, bowing deeply, "Young Master, have you come to inquire about his illness?"

Hey! Li Zhao chuckled to himself, thinking that while this young man might be frivolous, he was not without discernment. Then, Qin Fengyi went on to praise Young Master Fang Yue from head to toe, mentioning his knowledge and good demeanor. In any case, he spoke only good words, and he did not forget to flatter his wife either. Look how much his wife takes care of him; even before marrying him, she already knew to help him. Qin Fengyi said, "And my A Jing—" Receiving a murderous glare from his brother-in-law, Qin Fengyi was still somewhat puzzled, wondering what was wrong. He mentioned his wife; what was the issue? Look how much his wife takes care of him; even before marrying him, she already knew to help him. Qin Fengyi said, "And my A Jing—" Receiving a murderous glare from his brother-in-law, Qin Fengyi was still somewhat puzzled, wondering what was wrong. He mentioned his wife; what was the issue?

The young servant thought to himself, "I invited your daughter, but I did not invite your father." However, Qin Fengyi was too quick on his feet, and he dashed off to call his father. The young servant's words were left unspoken. Qin Fengyi went over and pulled his father out, and Old Master Qin quietly asked, "Which Li family?"

Hey !

What kind of judgment is this! This fellow is only good-looking, but why is he so frivolous!

Qin Fengyi felt a surge of joy in her heart, yet she also felt a bit embarrassed. She raised her head and glanced at Li Xifu, who smiled faintly.

Old Master Qin coughed lightly and said, "A Feng, how can you be so rude? Fortunately, Miss Li does not mind you."

Mrs. Qin said, "Isn't that so? I'm not boasting, but if you go to Yangzhou City, how many children like our Ah Feng, who are so understanding, can you find?" Mrs. Qin couldn't help but praise her at home and even when she went out. Due to her excessive self-praise, the other ladies began to dislike her. However, Mrs. Qin was not bothered at all. Watching her son become more accomplished and understanding day by day, she was very pleased and said to her husband, "Our Ah Feng is becoming more and more successful; you should take him out to see the world more often"

Qin Fengyi rode with her father to the Fang family to deliver gifts. It would have been better not to go, but once there, she truly witnessed the status and position of Elder Fang. In the flower hall where the Fang family received guests, there were so many people that it was somewhat cramped for seating.

"A good place," Mrs. Qin said, "Our Ah Feng's new clothes have arrived. Once she puts them on, hey, let me tell you, in this Yangzhou city, it will be all about our Ah Feng." In short, Mrs. Qin looked at her son with increasing fondness.

The Mingyue Tower of the Slim West Lake

Qin Fengyi was lively in spirit, thinking that he was not relying on someone else's favor, but rather on his wife's. Moreover, his father was well aware that he would not be able to see anyone today yet still waited patiently, which was simply an attempt to curry favor with the Fang family. Furthermore, after Qin Fengyi's 'great dream', he had developed a sense of conscience and understood the difficulties of caring for his parents. Qin Fengyi said to the young servant, 'Please wait a moment, I will go call my father.'

Little did he know, Li Zhao was filled with anger as he watched from the side, thinking about this Qin family's young man, what do you mean? At first, you saw me and my sister as if we were ghosts, and now after just three and a half sentences, you are already getting into a dispute with us

Li Jingxiao said, "Then you can just get used to how to call it."

Old Master Qin almost didn't say anything, let's go together. Knowing that his son is a thorn in the side, he waved his hand and whispered, "Just stand outside for a while."

Old Master Zhao smiled and said, "What greetings or formalities are necessary? A Feng is free, any day will do."

Li Jing cast a sidelong glance at Qin Fengyi and smiled, "This must be Uncle Qin." He introduced, "This is my brother, Li Zhao. This is Senior Brother Fang, Fang Yue."

Qin Fengyi's eyes darted, "To the toilet!"

Our young lady said, if the young master does not mind, it would be better to enter with us. If you wait here, you are likely to miss the esteemed official.

Li Zhaomu frowned and thought to himself: It will be fine, it will be fine; after all, who can blame Qin Fenghuang for being so beautiful

Old Master Qin shot him a glance and said, "Shut up!" Since he was already here, he might as well not see Master Fang. For a prominent family like the Fang family, when you come to visit the sick with gifts, there must be a responsible gentleman to accompany you for lunch. Old Master Qin had long since given up on seeing Master Fang; he was just contemplating taking this opportunity to meet the responsible gentlemen in the Master Fang's courtyard and make himself familiar.

Upon hearing this, Qin Fengyi noted that the other minister was quite understanding, and she remarked, "When it comes to the lion's head from Yangzhou, it truly is something one never tires of eating"

Fang Rui was not very familiar with the Qin family father and son, so Li Jing introduced them to him. Fang Rui politely cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Mr. Qin and Young Master Qin, for coming to visit. My grandfather is much better now." He invited the Qin family father and son to enter.

I know," said Lord Qin, "I heard that Minister Fang will be returning to his hometown in a few days. Alas, what will happen to Ah Feng's injury on his face?" Just thinking about how his son could get into a fight over a tea set, Lord Qin sighed, "He is still not mature enough."

"Let's talk about it later." Qin Fengyi pulled her father and walked over, feeling somewhat embarrassed as she greeted the Li siblings, "Brother Li, Sister Li."

Qin Fengyi immediately covered her face with both hands, while Li Jing was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. This Qin Fenghuang seemed to be unaware of the situation; every time she saw them, it was as if she had encountered someone terrifying. In terms of appearance, Li Jing was far from being as splendid and handsome as Qin Fengyi, but when it came to intellect, ten Qin Fengyis could not compare to her. After a moment of contemplation, Li Jing quickly realized that the Qin family must have come to the Fang family to inquire about a sickness.

At a glance, among the line of people, someone turned around, and upon that turn, Qin Fengyi saw the face of that person: Ah! His wife!

Qin Fengyi was completely unaware that he had earned the title of "frivolous" from his brother-in-law, as the brother-in-law was still speaking well of him. Just the other day, the brother-in-law mentioned to Young Master Fang, "That day, I was having tea with A Jing at Qiong Yu Tower when I saw Young Master Qin riding by. In the past, I only knew that the figures of the imperial capital were the most charming, but I did not expect that there exists someone like Young Master Qin in the world. This time coming south, I truly have seen the world."

Qin Fengyi then got up and went out. He was someone who could not sit still; nowadays, following his father to social gatherings, he had learned some of the rules. He understood that the customs of wealthy families were strict, so he did not venture outside. Instead, he casually chatted with the gatekeeper at the entrance of the flower hall courtyard. Just as Qin Fengyi was speaking animatedly, he noticed a group of people approaching from a distance. However, they were not heading towards the flower hall courtyard where guests were received; they were walking along the bluestone path of the Fang family, heading directly to the main courtyard. Qin Fengyi vaguely felt that the group looked somewhat familiar, and he could not help but stretch his neck to look more closely.

Qin Fengyi's injury is healing quite well. The clothes and other items at home are all prepared, but the Fang family returned to their hometown and did not go to the governor's residence for a banquet. It is not that the governor lacks prestige; rather, it is mainly because Old Fang fell ill as soon as he returned to his hometown. It is not a serious illness; he simply returned home, met with the locals, drank the local water, and ate at a well-known local restaurant. In the evening, he indulged in a couple of lion's heads and overindulged.

"No, no, look at Brother Li, as if he wants to eat me alive." Qin Fengyi thought about how his wife had just arrived in Yangzhou, and then said, "Well, when do you have some free time? I will take you to stroll around Yangzhou City. Our Yangzhou City has many good places and great things to see"

Qin Fengyi couldn't help but roll her eyes at her father's flattery. He was of the same generation as Zhao the Fatty, and whenever there were new songs or dances performed by the geishas at Zhao's home, they would always invite him to watch first. What was her father trying to do? How would she address Zhao the Fatty in the future?

Qin Fengyi glanced at his wife and nodded, "Yes"

"Whether familiar or not, whether seen or not, it matters not; however, whether to go or not, that is the real question." Master Qin said to his son, "Do not dress too flamboyantly; change into a royal blue robe to appear more composed."

Li Jing's lips curled into a smile, "Oh, it seems you know me."

Old Master Qin was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, and said to his son, "Hurry up, change your clothes, and come with me to visit the patient."

Although the Qin family is considered a prominent household in Yangzhou, in terms of social standing, they are merely merchants. It is not an exaggeration to say that they cannot find a place to sit; the main hall is filled with first-class gentry. Logically, Old Master Qin holds a title obtained through donation, but due to the wealth of Yangzhou and the abundance of affluent individuals, there are too many merchants who have purchased titles. Therefore, this donated title is indeed somewhat lacking in prestige, ranking below that of the gentry. As a result, the father and son of the Qin family had no choice but to take their seats in the side hall of the main hall. Old Master Qin is quite well-known in Yangzhou and has greeted the gentry, intending to lead his son to the side hall. Mr. Zhao, a talented individual from Yangzhou, said, "Ah Feng, let us sit here in this room." Mr. Zhao is the one who composed poetry for Qin Fengyi, which earned her the reputation of the Phoenix Young Master.