Chapter 50: Uncle Yang Comes to Invite

The tenth year of the Zhenguan era, spring.

The eve before the Lantern Festival, the fourteenth day of the first lunar month.

Liu Honest had returned from the county market with a great many lanterns. Liu He’s wife was busy in the kitchen making New Year cakes. Some families had already hung bright red lanterns at their doors that very morning.

The festive atmosphere was so overwhelming that Liu First truly felt the arrival of the Lantern Festival.

Liu Little Hui and Liu Second had changed into new clothes and spent the entire morning circling Liu First, begging him to take them to the county that evening to see the lanterns.

The Lantern Festival was the only ancient holiday when restrictions were lifted; young and old, men and women alike could go out and celebrate together, free from the usual taboos. So when Liu Little Hui and the others pestered Liu First, Liu Honest and Liu He’s wife did not stop them, only watched on with amused smiles.

Unable to resist their entreaties, Liu First promised them wholeheartedly, which made the two little ones skip about in joy, raising their hands in celebration.

Seeing this, Old Liu stepped forward and said, “Tonight, the whole family will go together, admire the lanterns, and watch the performances. First and Second, you may go as you please, but Hui must stay close to your mother and not run off.”

“Father!” Liu Little Hui pouted and protested, “I want to go with my big brothers. It’s so boring to just follow Father and Mother around.”

“Father, let Little Sister come with me. I’ll take good care of her,” Liu First said with a smile, gathering Liu Little Hui into his arms and pleading on her behalf. Children naturally love to play, and if she had to trail behind Old Liu and his wife through the lantern market, she’d never have her fun.

At that moment, Liu He’s wife called from the kitchen, “If Hui wants to follow her big brother, let her go. With First watching over her, nothing will go amiss.”

Old Liu was internally annoyed at his wife’s lack of understanding. On the Lantern Festival night, girls from the neighboring villages would all come out to see the lanterns—this was an opportunity for Liu First, perhaps even a chance for a good marriage. If he brought along Little Hui, nothing would come of it.

In truth, Old Liu still hadn’t given up hope for Liu First’s marriage, and was always seeking ways to create opportunities for him.

“Father, let me go with big brother!” Liu Little Hui blinked her big eyes and looked at Old Liu pitifully. “I’ll listen to big brother and won’t run off or ask for anything.”

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“You child…” Old Liu began to speak, but was interrupted by the sound of someone calling at the door.

“Is Master Liu home? Master Liu!” A young man in blue robes and a small cap called loudly outside the Liu family’s gate. Behind him stood an elegantly decorated carriage.

“Sixth?” Old Liu peered toward the door and recognized a familiar face, so he rose to let him in. At the door, he asked, “Sixth, what brings you here today?”

Sixth smiled and said, “Master Liu, a humble servant like me would not dare to disturb you without reason. My master sent me. Tonight is the first evening of the Lantern Festival, and the county is bustling with lights and decorations. My master wishes to invite your family to stay for a couple of days, enjoy the lanterns, and join the festivities. That’s why I’ve come to fetch you.”

“Brother Yang?” Old Liu was surprised at Yang Bofang’s warmth this year. He chuckled, “I’m grateful for Brother Yang’s thoughtfulness. Sixth, come in and rest while I discuss this with my family.”

“Thank you, Master Liu!” Sixth replied sweetly, then followed Old Liu into the courtyard. When he approached Liu First and his siblings, he bowed and greeted them, “Sixth pays his respects to the young masters and young lady.”

Liu First was accustomed to such courtesy, but Liu Second and Liu Little Hui had never had anyone address them so formally. They stood awkwardly, unsure where to place their hands, let alone return the greeting.

Liu First, too, found it odd. His family was just ordinary farmers—why would anyone call them young master and young lady? He bent slightly and asked, “Thank you, friend, but may I ask who you are?”

“Oh, this is Sixth from your Uncle Yang’s household,” Old Liu explained. “He’s been here twice before, but you weren’t home then.”

“You must be First Young Master,” Sixth said, bowing again to Liu First. “My master gave strict instructions to invite you to the city; he has important matters to discuss with you.”

“Uncle Yang?” Liu First pondered. What could Yang Bofang want with him? Perhaps it was about the farmer agreement he’d mentioned before. Liu First patted his head—he’d been so busy lately he’d forgotten all about it. So he said to Sixth, “Thank you for coming out here. Tonight is the lantern festival, and our family was planning to go into town. I’ll be sure to call on Uncle Yang and pay my respects.”

At that, Old Liu said, “No need to pay a separate visit. Sixth is here to fetch us to stay at Yang’s residence for a few days. We’ll return after the festival is over.”

“Oh?” Liu First looked at Sixth, who nodded. He thought Yang Bofang had planned things thoroughly.

Sixth, remembering Yang Bofang’s instructions, realized that the real head of the Liu family was this young man before him, so he bowed again and said, “First Young Master, the carriage is waiting outside. Once you’ve gathered your things, we’re ready to depart at any time.”

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“Very well,” Liu First replied, “Please wait a moment, Sixth.”

As their stay would be brief, they packed only a few changes of clothes and gifts for Yang Bofang. The family was ready in less than fifteen minutes and set out for the city in the carriage Sixth had brought.

They arrived at Yang’s residence while the sun still hung atop the western hills; night had not yet fallen. Yang Bofang came out personally to greet them at the carriage, calling warmly, “Brother Liu, Sister-in-law Liu, Bofang welcomes you.”

“Brother Yang, greetings.” “Uncle Yang, greetings.” Old Liu and Liu He’s wife stepped down from the carriage and returned his salute.

Liu First and his siblings also bowed to Yang Bofang, “Greetings, Uncle Yang.”

“Good, good,” Yang Bofang said with a smile, accepting their bows. He then turned to Old Liu, “Brother Liu, Sister-in-law, it’s cold out here—let’s go inside.”

Once inside, Yang Bofang personally arranged their accommodations, then excused himself and drew Liu First into the study for a private conversation.

In the study, Liu First glanced around at the furnishings—simple, elegant, and steeped in the scent of books. It was a fine place for reading.

Yang Bofang motioned Liu First to sit. After the servants brought tea, he dismissed them, picked up his teacup, sipped lightly, and set it down. Liu First sensed he had something to say and remained silent. The atmosphere in the study grew somewhat tense.

After a while, Yang Bofang raised his teacup again, glanced at Liu First, and said, “First, I heard recently you made a so-called ‘contract’ with some commoners?”