Chapter 59: Danger Warning
Beds and books can grow money?
What kind of nonsense is that? Why does Han Min suddenly not understand?
He thought it was just a child speaking foolishly for a moment, so he turned his gaze to his elder brother, Han Shi.
“Brother, what is he saying?”
Han Shi put on a stern face. “I was about to ask you the same thing.”
Han Min pointed to himself. “Me?”
“Grandpa has put it away for you. We’ll ask you later. Come in first.”
Saying that, Han Shi pushed the wheelchair back.
Han Min asked again, “Where’s Grandpa?”
“Taking a nap.”
“Okay.”
Han Min gave Han Pei a “shh” sound; Han Pei covered his mouth and nodded.
Han Shi turned to Liu Ting and greeted him: “You’re here too.”
Liu Ting smiled gently and nodded. “Yes.”
He looked at the little nephew in Han Min’s arms, his gaze full of sorrow, wanting to speak.
Seeing this, Han Shi said to Han Pei: “Get down from your second brother and greet your uncle.”
Reluctantly, Han Pei let go of Han Min and stood on the ground, bowed to Liu Ting, and in a childish voice said, “Uncle.”
It was as if struck by something—Liu Ting’s eyes softened instantly.
He nodded vigorously and asked, “Can I hold you like your second brother?”
Han Pei pursed his lips and thought seriously for a moment, then looked at Han Min as if to seek his opinion.
Han Min said simply, “You decide for yourself.”
Finally, he said, “Okay then.”
With permission granted, Liu Ting bent down and picked him up.
“Where’s your mother? Shall we go see her?”
At that moment, Han Pei was distracted by the vermilion birthmark on Liu Ting’s forehead, feeling curious and wanting to touch it. He didn’t even hear Liu Ting’s question.
Han Min patted his hand, mock-angrily: “Hmm? What are you doing?”
Caught doing something mischievous, he chuckled foolishly and explained, “I was looking at Uncle. You look like Guanyin Bodhisattva.”
That drew everyone’s attention. Liu Ting cleared his throat twice: “Kids are just joking; don’t take it seriously.”
With his slightly feminine appearance and that little red mark…
Han Min laughed: “It does kind of look like it.” Then he turned to Han Pei: “But you can’t say that. If he’s Guanyin, then wouldn’t you be the little attendant under Guanyin?”
He pushed his elder brother’s wheelchair forward: “Run! I don’t want to be a little fairy boy.”
The plum tree in the courtyard had sprouted new leaves. As they reached the hall, Han Min bumped into Madam Yuan coming briskly from the opposite corridor. Grandpa was napping, so they didn’t dare make noise. Madam Yuan didn’t notice them, just carrying a basket to the kitchen.
Han Min froze for a moment and called softly: “Mother.”
She paused at the porch, took a deep breath, and then quickened her pace, feigning anger: “You actually came back?”
Han Min clasped his hands in front of him and obediently moved closer: “Mother, your dear Min Min is back.”
Madam Yuan was both amused and slightly annoyed. Seeing Liu Ting there, she lightly patted his head: “Even in front of Senior Brother Liu, you act spoiled.”
She looked at Liu Ting: “I’ll call Madam Yun out.”
Liu Ting smiled: “Thank you, Madam.”
Han Min rubbed his head, looking at his elder brother: “Brother?”
Madam Yuan clicked her tongue: “Haven’t been spoiled by family for months, got pent-up, huh? Speak properly and go make tea.”
“Yes, Mother.”
With that, Madam Yuan went inside, while Han Min flicked his sleeves and went to the kitchen to make tea.
Han Shi watched his little brother, wild and lively as a freed bird the moment he returned home, walking haphazardly, hopping foolishly. He glanced at Liu Ting with eyes full of apology and gratitude.
“Sit. He’s causing you trouble.”
“No, Min Min is fine. He’s just like this at home.”
“Grandpa usually naps at noon. When he wakes up, we’ll properly host you.”
“We’re family, no need to trouble yourselves.”
Han Shi paused, his handsome brows slightly furrowed, then said: “Long time no see.”
Liu Ting was momentarily surprised, then smiled gently as before: “Yes, long time no see.”
In the kitchen, Han Min set the kettle on the stove. While waiting for the water to boil, he glanced at the rice container and vegetable basket at home.
The rice container was half full, and the basket had plenty of supplies.
Feeling relieved, he remembered something, opened a cabinet, and took out a small paper packet.
It contained ginseng roots he had bought from the pharmacy to make soup for Grandpa.
More than half of the packet remained, which told him Grandpa hadn’t eaten much.
He put the roots back and brought out the tea canister just as the water boiled.
At that moment, Madam Yuan came in: “Go speak with them. Mother will handle it.”
“No need, it’s almost ready.”
She picked up the kettle and casually asked: “Everything alright?”
“Yes, everything’s fine.”
“Have you eaten? Mother can fry an egg for you.”
“I’ve eaten.”
No matter the era, all mothers ask these two questions.
Han Min answered one by one, then carried the wooden tray and followed his mother out.
In the hall, the center spot was empty; Grandpa Han hadn’t gotten up. Liu Ting held Han Pei, talking with Madam Yun, who, perhaps discussing household matters, had slightly reddened eyes.
He placed the tea cups before everyone, then pushed his elder brother’s wheelchair to the corridor.
Han Shi glanced at him: “Being an imperial attendant isn’t easy.”
Han Min sat on the railing lazily, leaning against the pillar: “Yes.”
“Always by the Emperor’s side, he hasn’t given you trouble, right?”
“No, he’s good. Coming here quickly this time was because I borrowed two boats from him.”
“Did you thank him and give money when you returned?”
“Yes, deducted from my salary.”
“That’s good.”
Han Shi pinched his cheek and touched his chin. “Your face has slimmed.”
Han Min rubbed his face: “No, I’ve actually gained a little weight.”
By then, Wei Huan and the little servant who arranged the carriage came in.
Han Min waved to them: “Here.”
Wei Huan’s eyes lit up when seeing Han Shi and ran up quickly: “Brother Han.”
He had trained in martial arts since childhood and admired Han Shi greatly.
Han Shi nodded: “Long time no see. You came too?”
Wei Huan answered truthfully: “The Emperor assigned me to escort Second Brother Han to Tongzhou.”
“The Emperor sent people?”
“Yes.”
Han Shi immediately recognized the little servant as a eunuch and asked: “You were sent by the Emperor too?”
The little servant bowed: “Yes.”
“Thank you both.”
Han Shi nodded and looked at Han Min, who was making faces, teasing Han Pei from a distance.
Han Shi frowned and patted him: “Grandpa has slept for half an hour. Go wake him up.”
“Okay.”
Han Min spoke briefly with Wei Huan and the little servant, telling them not to be formal and just relax.
He walked lightly along the corridor.
Wei Huan sat beside Han Shi: “Brother Han, I’ve been practicing spear techniques, and one move always…”
Han Shi asked: “How has the Emperor treated Min Min?”
“Very well. The Emperor is very kind to Second Brother Han.”
Han Shi looked at the little servant: “And you?”
“Also very good to Master Han.”
A bad premonition arose. Han Shi pressed the wheelchair handles.
The last time, when Fu Xun visited while still the Duke of Ding, he made a move on Han Min while Han Min hung couplets, which Han Shi had noticed.
Over these months, Han Min often wrote home. Han Shi advised him to keep distance from Fu Xun and maintain a proper lord-subject relationship.
Now it seemed Fu Xun indeed had ulterior motives. Despite all precautions, one could not guard against everything.
Han Shi gripped the wheelchair handles tightly.
On the other side, Han Min walked down the corridor and gently knocked on Grandpa’s door.
No response. Guessing Grandpa was still asleep, he quietly opened the door and slipped inside.
Grandpa Han lay on the couch, covered with a thin blanket.
Han Min brought a small stool, sat in front of Grandpa, resting his head on the pillow, and whispered: “Grandpa?”
His voice was soft; Grandpa didn’t hear.
Clearing his throat, he tried again: “Old Han?”
Grandpa Han groggily opened his eyes, saw who it was, and sat up abruptly: “Back?”
Han Min also sat on the couch next to him: “Grandpa, I’m back.”
Grandpa Han put his arm around him: “Back, my dear is back. I just dreamed you returned, and here you are.”
Han Min leaned his head on Grandpa’s shoulder: “Grandpa, I just checked the kitchen.”
Grandpa Han was momentarily confused: “Ah?”
“That packet of ginseng roots—you only used this little?”
Softest tone, most terrifying words.
Pretending not to hear, Grandpa Han pinched his chin, changing the topic: “Why are you so thin? Your chin is sharp.”
“That packet of ginseng roots…”
“Now that you’re an official, don’t be as reckless as before.”
“Ginseng roots…”
Grandpa Han coughed, then said: “What did you just call me? Old Han? Who taught you to be so disrespectful?”
Han Min said boldly: “Learned it from Eunuch Yang.”
“I knew it was him. In such a short time, he’s spoiled my good grandson.”
“Eunuch Yang has left the palace, sending greetings to Grandpa, and asked you to come back soon to teach him reading and writing.”
Grandpa Han snorted, smiling: “At his age, reading? He’s spent half his life serving; better to let others serve him now.”
He thought a moment: “Where is he staying now?”
“At the teacher’s house. The teacher also sends greetings to Grandpa and asks you to return to Yong’an City to discuss learning together.”
“Good.”
Han Min pulled clothes over from the couch and helped Grandpa put them on.
“I reserved a room for Eunuch Yang at my Yong’an residence so he can stay there too.”
Grandpa Han smiled, touching his temple: “The child who wants to wear a crown is really different now, all grown up.”
“No crown, no crown! I’m waiting for Grandpa to come back and manage the Han family.”
“Talking nonsense again.”
Grandpa Han bent down, tied his clothes, and took the cane from Han Min: “Did the Duke of Ding come back with you?”
Han Min helped him up: “Grandpa, don’t you remember? the Duke of Ding has ascended the throne.”
“Oh, right, he can’t come.”
“This time my senior brother came with me, along with Wei Huan and Yang Mian.”
“Your senior brother is reliable. Wei Huan…I remember, the black pig. That Yang…”
“Eunuch Yang’s disciple, a new friend.”
Grandpa Han, leaning on his cane, went out the door: “Come, let’s go see.”
Han Min helped Grandpa outside to meet everyone.
They had tea in the hall and chatted. Understanding their long journey, the Han household had prepared rooms for rest, to gather again at dinner.
Liu Ting and others went to their rooms. Han Min tried to return to his, but his elder brother’s wheelchair caught the hem of his clothes.
“Wait, come to Grandpa’s room.”
Grandpa also remembered something: “Yes, Min Min, wait a moment.”
Han Min, still confused, followed. Grandpa and Han Shi were serious; he wondered if he’d done something wrong.
Back in Grandpa’s room, Han Shi pushed the wheelchair forward, without looking back, instructing: “Close the door.”
If Han Shi weren’t temporarily disabled, Han Min would have thought his brother was about to punish him.
Obediently, he closed the door and carefully moved over.
“What’s the matter? Something happened?”
Grandpa Han stopped by the bookshelf, leaning his cane aside, moved books and took out a wooden box.
He carried the box to the table and nodded, signaling Han Min to sit.
As soon as Han Min sat, the box was placed before him.
He reached out, looking at Grandpa and Han Shi: “Should I open it? Is this our family heirloom?”
Han Shi said: “Open it yourself first.”
Han Min lifted the lid, saw the contents, and slammed it shut.
Inside were thick stacks of silver notes.
He opened it again, blinking in disbelief: “So our family… is this rich? I don’t have to become an official anymore, right?”
—And he could quickly repay the debt to Fu Xun.
Han Shi frowned: “You didn’t know?”
“What?”
“After you left, we feared your room would get damp, so we planned to clean it. That’s when we found all these silver notes in your bed and books.”
Han Min’s eyes widened in surprise.
No wonder Han Pei said the bed and books could grow money—it wasn’t childish nonsense.
Meeting the questioning looks of Grandpa and Han Shi, Han Min said: “Maybe some deity saw us suffering too much, so…”
Han Shi said sternly: “Stop talking nonsense. Confess and be lenient; resist and be strict.”
Grandpa Han intervened: “Shi, don’t be so harsh; you’ll scare your brother.”
“Exactly.”
Han Min clung to Grandpa again, smugly raising an eyebrow at Han Shi.
Grandpa Han used gentle tactics, patting his temple, coaxing: “Come, tell Grandpa, how did all this money come?”
“I don’t know either.”
Noticing Han Shi’s interrogating gaze, he straightened his neck: “I really don’t know. If I had this money, it would have been in my usual savings box, not stuffed randomly.”
Grandpa Han nodded: “Right, you’re correct.”
Han Shi sighed at Grandpa’s favoritism. But Han Min just returned, and some indulgence was natural.
Han Shi asked: “Other than you, who else slept in your bed?”
Han Min thought: “Pei-ge.”
Han Shi remained silent.
Han Min hastily joked: “Just kidding, not Pei-ge.”
He got serious: “I found a screen in my room. Was it the one in the outer bed or inner?”
“Inner.”
“But I rarely slept in that inner bed.”
At night, unable to sleep and wanting extra money, he often wrote at the desk until late, napping on it when tired. Only when exhausted did he sleep on the small outer bed.
The inner bed had been seldom used these past years.
Suddenly, Han Shi said: “I understand.”
“Huh?”
“When the Emperor was still the Duke of Ding, he visited our home and stayed one night in your room.”
Han Min reopened the box, stunned: “So it was him?”
He vaguely remembered, in Yong’an, Fu Xun asked him something about silver notes. Han Min didn’t know then, so Fu Xun didn’t continue. Could this be it?
Looking at the thick silver notes: “It must be him. How much is there?”
“One hundred taels per note, twenty-seven notes in total, two thousand seven hundred taels.”
Han Shi’s calm tone made Han Min dizzy.
He wrote five volumes of scripts, earning 800 taels.
Fu Xun came once, secretly leaving 2,700 taels…
Han Min timidly: “Maybe even more.”
Han Shi frowned: “Did he leave money elsewhere too?”
“When I went to Liuzhou, he put three notes in my bag. Total three thousand taels.”
Enough to fund years of scripts.
Grandpa Han said: “Dear, the Emperor is thoughtful, but we cannot take this money. If not noticed, fine; now that it’s found, return it when back in Yong’an.”
Han Min nodded: “Yes, I agree.”
“This is for you.”
“Good.”
“Then rest now.”
“I want to sleep in Grandpa’s room; his blanket smells of books.”
“Foolish child, go ahead.”
Han Min stood, saw Han Shi’s serious expression, and rubbed his face: “Brother, it’s fine. I’ll just go back after sleeping.”
Han Shi nodded: “Yes, go sleep.”
Han Min hung his clothes by the bed, climbed in, hugging the blanket, rolling to the innermost part.
Han Shi looked at his silly smile and suddenly wondered—did their family owe too much to Fu Xun?
Three thousand taels returned, but many things remained; how to repay them?
Han Min continued to stretch and laugh foolishly in bed.
Having slept well in the day, with sunlight streaming through the paper windows, Han Min felt safe.
As soon as the sun set, he woke immediately.
Han Pei came to wake him.
The heavier child pounced onto the bed, hugged his neck, and shook him: “Second Brother, get up for breakfast.”
Han Min, still drowsy, mumbled a few responses, then hugged him back into the blanket.
“Little friend, come sleep with the chief of Black Wind Village.”
Han Pei blinked: “You’re not Black Wind Village’s, you’re Second Brother.”
“I am.” Han Min squinted, scratching the soft flesh of his waist: “How dare you resist me! Feel the power of the chief!”
Han Pei dodged, laughing, trying to counterattack with his short arms.
Naturally, Han Min pinned him: “Hey, can’t reach, can’t…”
Madam Yuan knocked outside: “Han Min, wake up. Pei-ge, what’s wrong? Told you to wake Second Brother, why so slow?”
Han Min patted his face, answered properly: “Mother, I’m up.”
“Hurry, guests are waiting outside.”
“Okay.”
Han Min got up, helping Han Pei as well.
After a ruckus, their hair and clothes were messy.
Quickly tidying up, even arranging Grandpa Han’s bed, Han Min happily led Han Pei out.
Madam Yuan said guests were waiting; but when he looked—no one was there.
Even dishes weren’t laid.
Apparently, mothers always exaggerate when calling children to wake.
He sat holding Han Pei, both bored, playing with hands.
Comparing sizes, Han Min grabbed Han Pei’s hand: “Make a fist.” Then leaned close: “I’ll eat your hand.”
The little servant, previously helping in the kitchen, now carried dishes. Madam Yuan praised him: “Rare, very rare.”
He shyly smiled: “I used to work in the Imperial Kitchen.”
“No wonder, what a good child.”
Han Pei’s hand and Han Min’s face alternated in position.
Han Min opened his mouth wide to scare Han Pei: “Aah!”
Madam Yuan, puzzled, regained composure and said to the little servant: “Sorry for the laugh.”
He smiled: “Master Han is lively at home.”
Soon everyone arrived.
Dinner lasted a while, table cleared, tea drank, and everyone returned to their rooms.
The Han household wasn’t large; rooms few. Liu Ting and others had individual rooms; the three Han brothers shared Han Min’s room.
This suited Han Pei perfectly. To him, being with two elder brothers was the best thing in the world.
After washing, Han Min sat cross-legged beside Han Shi, massaging his legs.
“Long time since massaging, hands a bit rusty. Is this okay?”
“Good.”
Han Pei hugged Han Shi’s arm, drowsy, and said: “I also help Big Brother massage legs.”
“Tomorrow, Second Brother will take you to buy candy.”
“Yay!”
After finishing, Han Min shook hands: “Done.”
He pounced, hugging Han Pei: “Come, sleep with me tonight.”
Han Min pulled the blanket, but before covering, Han Shi tugged his hem, pointing outside at a shadow.
“Seems something’s looking for you.”
Han Min’s eyes narrowed, released Han Pei, slid down, and put on shoes.
Opening the window, it was a hawk.
Not the Turnip Head, it had flown from Yong’an City.
He removed the small bamboo tube on its leg, opened the note.
It was Fu Xun’s handwriting, two simple lines:
—Are you safe? Reply to me.
Han Min clenched the note. The hawk waited outside, needing something to carry back.
He returned inside; Han Shi asked: “The Emperor’s letter?”
“Yes, I’ll reply. Brother, you and Pei-ge sleep first.”
Han Min thought and grabbed his pen pouch, ready to go out.
Han Shi’s expression darkened: “You’re going out to write? I wasn’t watching, now you avoid me too?”
“This…”
He didn’t know how to explain, just felt awkward with his brother there.
Han Shi continued: “Min Min, I think you’re in danger.”
Han Min froze, asking: “Brother Shi, why say that?”
“I spoke to Liu Xizhou this afternoon. He thinks something is off too. You know how I tamed wild beasts when hunting?”
“Huh? What does taming wild beasts have to do with this?”
“Slowly, step by step, gently lure them.”
“So?”
Han Shi said firmly: “You’re in danger.”
Han Min didn’t understand, planning to stall, first replying to Fu Xun, then dealing with hunting.
“Ah, the stars are so bright tonight! Ah, my brother is so good! Brother, just let me go out briefly, I’ll return soon, then we talk about hunting.”
Han Shi could only watch him run off to write to Fu Xun.
Danger Warning!
Author’s note:
Wen Yan reminded Liu Ting, who reminded Han Shi.
Brother: My cabbage grew legs and ran away.
Old Fu: (lying in bed waiting for reply) nth day since my wife left, missing him, missing him.
