Chapter 2: Half-Brothers by Different Fathers and Mothers

For his inexpensive father-in-law, Fan Jin, now accustomed to his new status, felt a mixture of emotions. This man was the very embodiment of the fickle, petty-minded commoner. Fan Jin still vividly recalled the time when he wished to take the provincial examination and asked his old father-in-law for money, only to be flatly refused.

“You ask me for travel expenses? I slaughter a pig a day, yet can’t even make a profit. All my silver is thrown away with the water. How am I supposed to provide for my entire family against the harsh northwestern wind?”

Yet now, upon hearing that Fan Jin had passed the exam, the butcher Hu promptly brought over four or five thousand cash to congratulate him and even generously tipped those who came to deliver the news. Fan Jin tried to be polite, but Hu insisted, “A few coins like this won’t even cover your rewards!”

At this moment, four or five thousand cash, equivalent to four or five taels of silver, was pocket change in Hu’s eyes. Before Fan Jin succeeded, despite being top among the students in the local examinations, Hu would scold him on sight, summing him up as a worthless pauper with a sharp, unpleasant face.

Without mercy, he mocked, “Go look at yourself in the mirror! Neither fish nor fowl, a toad wanting to eat swan meat!”

Even when Fan Jin first passed the county-level exam at the top, Hu, upon hearing some gossip, thought it was out of pity from the examiner and didn’t take him seriously. But after Fan Jin passed the provincial exam, Hu’s worldview shifted dramatically; he did not hesitate to praise him.

To anyone who would listen, he boasted, “My virtuous son-in-law is talented and learned, handsome as well. Not even the lords of the Zhang or Zhou households in town have such a respectable appearance as my son-in-law!”

Before and after passing the exams, Hu’s attitude toward Fan Jin made a complete turnaround, a full 180 degrees. From frequent curses to Fan Jin feeling somewhat overwhelmed when expressing his thanks.

After finishing the rewards for the messengers, Fan Jin said calmly, “Father-in-law, if you feel uneasy here, why not go to the inner room and chat with Madam Jia and my wife? I still have to attend to honored guests here.”

“My worthy son-in-law, you are busy, you are busy,” Hu hurriedly made way.

He knew well that important guests were soon to arrive, and having received orders to stand aside, he felt as if he had been granted a great pardon.

It was understandable. People like the lords of the Zhang and Zhou households were far beyond the reach of a coarse butcher like him. Even with the status of a scholar-in-law, Hu still lacked confidence.

Though Hu was coarse and showed the manners of a lowly commoner, neither the original Fan Jin nor the current one held much resentment toward him. Despite his harsh words, Hu had a kind heart. In the original story, after Fan Jin’s rise to fortune, he even brought Hu to share in the good life—proof that he bore no grudge against his father-in-law.

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Soon after, the neighing of horses came from the village entrance. Someone reported that Lord Zhang had come to pay respects to Fan Jin, the newly successful scholar. Fan Jin brushed off his sleeve and went out to greet him.

What appeared was a well-dressed steward carrying a large red official invitation, running in to announce, “My lord has come to visit the newly successful scholar Fan!”

“I am he,” Fan Jin replied, composing himself and turning to welcome the guest calmly and with dignity.

Out stepped the gentry Zhang, wearing a gauze hat, a yellowish-gray round-collar robe with a golden belt and black boots. A faint smile played on his lips, but his bearing was imposing and extraordinary.

The villagers all lowered their heads, unable to meet his gaze, intimidated by his aura.

Although Fan Jin had never met the man before, he knew a little about him. This Zhang was also a successful provincial candidate, had served as a county magistrate, and was known by the sobriquet Jingzhai.

Zhang’s eyes settled on Fan Jin, nodding approvingly. “Indeed a man of dignified appearance, a dragon among men!”

Before Fan Jin could speak, Zhang strode forward to salute and initiate conversation. “Having lived in the same hometown as Mr. Fan, I regret not having been closer. Please forgive my neglect.”

Fan Jin spoke loudly, “I have long admired you, sir, but had no chance to pay my respects before.”

Setting aside the fact that Fan Jing’s transmigration was as a deputy director in a comprehensive office, skilled in social maneuvering, even the original Fan Jin could handle such small occasions with ease.

Fan Jin was no fool; rather than simple-minded, he was inwardly gifted. In “The Scholars,” Fan Jin passed the county exam at the age of fifty-two. Afterward, he observed filial mourning for three years due to his mother’s death. Yet within a few years, his official career prospered, rising swiftly to become the Shandong provincial education commissioner—a high official of fourth rank—a pinnacle for someone from humble origins.

In matters of social savvy, Fan Jin was unmatched. Beyond his lifelong study of the Confucian classics, his true strength lay in his adeptness at navigating the complex world of officialdom and interpersonal relationships, the real reason he thrived in government.

If he could swim so smoothly in the treacherous official waters, a minor country gentleman was no challenge.

Fan Jin stepped aside slightly, inviting Zhang into the inner room.

Zhang, eager to befriend the new provincial graduate, began chatting, “I just saw the list of successful candidates. Your family’s teacher, County Magistrate Tang, was a disciple of my ancestor. We are practically brothers of the same generation.”

Hearing Zhang mention this, Fan Jin recalled his own teacher, a rather unremarkable old scholar... It was truly impressive how Zhang, in an effort to build friendship, managed to find this connection.

Before Fan Jin passed the exams, Zhang likely had never heard of him or paid him any mind; now, he was suddenly a close brother.

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“I am fortunate but still feel unworthy,” Fan Jin accepted Zhang’s goodwill fully.

After some polite exchange, Zhang finally got to the point.

Looking at the modest thatched cottage, he mused, “Mr. Fan, you truly live in poverty.”

Then Zhang beckoned to his steward.

The steward brought forward a tray covered in red cloth, bowing respectfully.

Zhang lifted the cloth, and seeing Fan Jin’s calm demeanor, inwardly admired his composure. “I have nothing to offer in return but a congratulatory gift of fifty taels. Please accept it, Mr. Fan.”

“This...” Fan Jin feigned hesitation but remained composed.

It was not that he was overwhelmed by the gift. He remembered that Zhang, in an effort to win his favor, had also offered a three-bay mansion.

Compared to the house, this modest fifty taels seemed insignificant.

A three-bay house in the county was worth at least several hundred taels of silver and was practically priceless and unattainable for ordinary folks.

Fortunately, Zhang did not keep him waiting. From his sleeve, he slowly produced a property deed and handed it over.

Before Fan Jin could refuse, Zhang, speaking like an experienced elder, quickly said, “Mr. Fan, this grand house is actually not suitable for living. It brings many inconveniences with the constant visitors coming and going.

I have a vacant house on East Gate Street, three bays wide with three rooms.

Though it is not luxurious or spacious, it is clean and quiet. I offer it to you as a gift.”

Seeing Fan Jin’s reluctance, Zhang smiled kindly, as if to ease any misunderstanding. “The sooner you move in, the sooner I can come to seek your guidance.”

Fan Jin, of course, knew the usual polite refusals but declined to accept the gift repeatedly.

A three-bay three-room house on East Gate Street, judging by its location, was likely worth over a thousand taels.

Zhang, sensing Fan Jin’s sincerity, grew anxious, saying sincerely, “Our friendship is as close as family. To refuse is to be too formal with each other.”