Some people asked Zhang Fang, “You went to the brothel, yet you earned the appreciation of the county magistrate? How does that work?”
Zhang Fang explained, “The magistrate recognized my talent and appreciated my writings.”
The questioners were left speechless. After all, Old Zhang and his wife always boasted that their son Zhang Silang was a top student at the academy! He was the best in talent! Although they didn’t know the truth, these illiterate folks didn’t dare to question it. Because Zhang Fang was indeed a scholar; just this fact made him far more noble than the peasants.
Since Old Zhang had fallen ill, Old Zhang’s wife had been taking care of her husband and had not bothered with her sons or daughters-in-law for the past few days. Even when Zhang Dalar rushed in several times to show concern, he was scolded and driven away with her sharp tongue.
Except during the busy farming season, the Zhang family had to go to the mountains daily to gather firewood and forage for wild vegetables. Now that Old Zhang was sick, the family stayed home without going out.
Someone shouted from outside the Zhang family’s courtyard, “Hey, Zhang family! Zhang Silang has returned!”
Zhang Dalar and his two brothers, along with their wives, were stunned.
Zhang Erlang asked in disbelief, “Did I hear that wrong? Did someone just shout that our fourth brother came back?”
“I heard it too! It was Liu Mazi’s mother’s voice.”
Zhang Dalar stood up, intending to check the situation.
After the three brothers left home, Liu’s wife wondered aloud, “Weren’t we told we need twenty taels of silver to release him?”
Wang and Wu’s wives shook their heads; they were completely unaware of the situation.
Liu’s wife suddenly glanced at a certain room. A few days ago, after Old Zhang brought back the Liu siblings, these two relatives had been cooped up indoors, only coming out at night to relieve themselves. Their clothes were much better than those of the Zhang family; perhaps these relatives lent Old Zhang the money!
But wait! If Old Zhang had gotten money, why would he still sell their daughter? Especially now that he was ill! He would have happily gone to fetch Zhang Fang back!
Liu’s wife was utterly confused.
Wu’s wife stood up and said, “I’ll go tell Mother.”
Wang immediately pulled her back. Liu rolled her eyes and said, “That old woman is furious with us right now. Why would you go talk to her? You’ll just get scolded!”
In Wang and Liu’s view, the problem lay with Old Zhang and his wife. The two elders were too biased towards their youngest son, even willing to sell their granddaughter to save Zhang Silang! This was too much! Therefore, they resolutely refused to back down to Old Zhang.
Before the three brothers could reach the village entrance, they saw villagers crowding around Zhang Fang, carrying a lot of items and heading in their direction.
The three brothers immediately rushed to Zhang Fang. Zhang Dalar exclaimed, “Fourth brother, you’re back!”
In truth, he wanted to ask Zhang Fang how he got released from prison. However, with so many villagers present, he felt embarrassed to bring it up, fearing that family shame might leak out.
Zhang Fang did not respond to Zhang Dalar but smiled at the villagers and said, “Thank you, everyone! When I am richer in the future, I will treat you all to a grand feast!”
Upon hearing this, the villagers were convinced that Zhang Fang had secured a powerful connection and was about to succeed! It should be noted that Zhang Silang was a scholar who considered himself above the rest, often looking down on these peasants. In the past, he wouldn’t even talk to them when he returned. However, today, Zhang Fang’s attitude was approachable and generous, making them feel closer to him. Hence, they naturally became warm towards Zhang Fang.
“We’ll hold you to that! Zhang Silang, don’t forget what you promised today!”
“Indeed!”
These villagers handed over their items to Zhang Dalar and his brothers.
Zhang Dalar, Zhang Erlang, and Zhang Sanlang were all bewildered as they held these items.
Zhang Fang waved goodbye to the villagers with a smile and led Zhang Dalar and the others home.
Unable to contain himself, Zhang Erlang quietly asked Zhang Fang, “Fourth brother, we haven’t gathered the twenty taels of silver yet. How did you get out of prison?”
“The bookshop saw the content I wrote and wanted to publish a book for me. They gave me twenty-five taels of silver. These are all gifts for the family,” Zhang Fang replied, appearing calm as he quickened his pace home.
Even though the Zhang family intended to hide their shameful affairs, they could not conceal it from the village’s gossip network. Thus, Zhang Fang had already learned about Old Zhang’s plan to sell their granddaughter from the villagers. He deliberately avoided discussing it to keep the atmosphere at home from becoming too awkward.
“What? Twenty-five taels of silver!” Zhang Erlang gasped in astonishment, casting a magical gaze at Zhang Fang.
So, his fourth brother truly had potential!
Zhang Dalar and Zhang Sanlang were equally surprised. Zhang Dalar happily praised, “Father always said that Fourth Brother is talented and would be the most successful in our Zhang family! Now he’s out of prison and earned so much money! Once Father knows, he’ll surely get better right away!”
Under normal circumstances, with Zhang Dalar saying this, Zhang Fang should have inquired about Old Zhang’s condition. However, he did not ask. Instead, he said, “Elder Brother, I want to take a good wash. Can you first help me heat some water?”
Zhang Dalar was taken aback for a moment but then nodded, “Sure!”
He still wanted to talk about Old Zhang’s situation, so he continued, “Fourth Brother, the reason Father hasn’t come to see you these days is that he…”
Zhang Fang interrupted him, “I bought everyone new shoes. You all can try them on and see if they fit. If not, you can exchange them in the city for different sizes.”
Zhang Erlang picked up on Zhang Fang’s remark and chimed in: “Fourth Brother, why did you decide to buy us shoes? We aren’t barefoot, so why spend money on that! It’s better to buy some food for the family!”
Zhang Sanlang nodded in agreement, “We are running low on food. I think we should return the shoes and exchange them for grain!”
“I bought a bag of fine flour. It’s not much, just enough for two meals for the family. Tomorrow you all can take the money and buy some grain in the city!” Even though Zhang Fang had come back by carriage, he had too many items, and the horse-drawn cart had no space.
Hearing Zhang Fang say this, smiles spread across Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang’s faces. Life had finally added a little sweetness!