Chapter 17: Reputation

Chapter 17: Reputation

Zheng Shanci’s gaze met Yu Lanyi’s directly, and he was the first to look away.

“The outfit fits perfectly.”

Hearing this, Yu Lanyi glanced down, paused at the waist, and then said, “Oh.”

“I asked the servants this morning, and they said we can’t move a couch in here, so we’ll still be sleeping in the same bed tonight.” Zheng Shanci explained in advance, fearing that Yu Lanyi might be concerned about this.

“Same as yesterday is fine.” Yu Lanyi felt awkward inside but maintained a calm tone.

“By the way, on the day of returning home, besides my father and dad, there will be other relatives. You’ll need to remember them.” Yu Lanyi said, “After all, once we’re married, you’ll also be taking up your post.”

Zheng Shanci thought about the large family; Yu Lanyi’s family was indeed quite numerous.

“First, there’s my grandfather, the Duke of Ying. He won’t come, but my grandmother will. She admires scholars, so she’ll likely take a liking to you. You seem steady, sincere, and, well, good-looking.”

“Then there’s my aunt, the wife of the heir. She’s from a noble family but doesn’t act high and mighty. Her father and brothers fell in battle, so avoid military topics. My eldest cousin serves in court, and my second cousin, He Ming, will be there. He’s like an older brother to me, so treat him the same. There’s also my aunt, Madam Zhang, who is very friendly and won’t give you a hard time.”

Yu Lanyi mentioned many more relatives, including those from the Marquis of Changyang’s side. Most of those relatives are stationed at the border, and some cousins are also occupied with court duties and can’t attend. They can only visit if they’re free after court.

Zheng Shanci was a bit overwhelmed but nodded along. In return, he briefly informed Yu Lanyi about his own family.

“There are five people in my family. My father and stepfather work in the fields. My eldest brother has difficulty walking and stays home to work. My sister-in-law, Lin Geer, and my eldest brother are deeply in love, though they don’t have children yet. There’s also a younger brother, Zheng Qingyin, who is only fourteen this year. They’re all down-to-earth and won’t give you any trouble.” Zheng Shanci said succinctly.

To him, his family members were just symbols and names; he hadn’t truly met them yet.

Yu Lanyi didn’t show any disdain and nodded, “I understand.”

“Will you pass by Qingxiang Village on your way to your post?”

“No, it’s not on the way.” Zheng Shanci shook his head.

“I sent a letter home about our marriage, but it likely hasn’t arrived yet.”

Their marriage was rushed, and Zheng Shanci’s parents hadn’t arrived. He was new to the capital and didn’t have many acquaintances. Most of his classmates had taken posts outside the capital. Counting them all, only a few humble Jinshi and Cui Ziqi in the capital were familiar with him.

Though they ended up together by chance, Zheng Shanci didn’t have close friends or family who truly supported him. Yu Lanyi’s heart softened slightly.

“You can write a letter and send some things back with it.”

Zheng Shanci: “Time was short, so I didn’t waste any. Once I get my salary, I’ll send some money home.”

In the Great Yan Dynasty, local officials are evaluated every five years, with ratings of unqualified, qualified, and excellent. Officials rated excellent can be promoted. He’s currently a seventh-rank county magistrate. If he manages Xin Feng County well over five years, he could be promoted to a fifth-rank prefect.

After Yu Lanyi left the room, Zheng Shanci put away his official seal and travel documents. He noted some plans to try out once he arrived in Xin Feng County. This was his first time as the head official, and he couldn’t help feeling nervous.

Working under others often meant being exploited and having credit taken, but the pressure was less intense. If something went wrong, someone above would take the fall. Being the head official was different; every decision had to go through him, and any mistake could affect the entire county. Doing well would be rewarding, but failing would bring criticism and stress.

The Ministry of Personnel said the county magistrate would take over first, urging him to assume his post quickly.

Zheng Shanci was somewhat looking forward to going to Xin Feng County.

...

After lunch, Zheng Shanci felt much more satisfied. Eating with Yu Lanyi meant better food. He was a simple man; good food made him happy.

“I’m going to take a nap. If I’m still asleep by dinner, come and wake me.” Yu Lanyi instructed Jin Yun.

Since marrying Zheng Shanci, Yu Lanyi no longer had to bow to or serve his in-laws, nor did he have to attend to his husband. He lived freely, maintaining his habits from home.

"Yes, young master."

Zheng Shanci felt envious. Yu Lanyi's life was his dream.

Waking up naturally, living in such a large mansion, not worrying about food and clothing—the quintessential rich and powerful second-generation of ancient times. No wonder Yu Lanyi wanted to stay in the capital.

The villainous male supporting character's conditions were too advantageous. Not only was the original protagonist swayed by these conditions, but even a man as steadfast as him couldn't help but feel a momentary temptation. Such a prestigious in-law family, offering career assistance, and Yu Lanyi was also good-looking.

Zheng Shanci pushed aside his distracting thoughts and went out to the bookstore to look for books.

The original protagonist's book box lacked a topographic map, so Zheng Shanci planned to buy a map or a book introducing the customs and traditions of the Great Yan Dynasty to understand it better. It would be even better if the book also included the general customs of various regions.

As he prepared to leave, a servant inquired, "Sir, do you need a carriage?"

Zheng Shanci broke into a sweat: "No, I can walk there in a few steps."

The servant nodded and followed Zheng Shanci as he left.

Zheng Shanci: "Why are you following me?"

"Sir, I'm Wang Fu, skilled in martial arts. Mr. Yu asked me to be your personal attendant."

Mr. Yu was considerate, selecting someone skilled in martial arts.

Zheng Shanci: "I see. I'm just going to buy books; you don't need to follow me now. Return to the mansion."

Wang Fu: "Yes, sir."

Zheng Shanci went to the bookstore by himself, found a few books, paid, and was about to leave.

A vendor was hawking mung bean soup. Zheng Shanci stopped; the weather was still hot, and a bowl of mung bean soup would be just right.

"A bowl of mung bean soup."

"Coming right up."

After drinking a bowl of mung bean soup, Zheng Shanci felt refreshed. He decided to buy another bowl to bring back for Yu Lanyi. Yu Lanyi had bought him clothes, and now that he had tasted good mung bean soup, Zheng Shanci wanted to bring him a bowl.

Back in the alley, he cooked for himself and knew the prices of vegetables in the capital. A pound of cabbage was three coins; it should be cheaper in Xinfeng County.

He had considered reciprocating.

Just as he was about to carry the mung bean soup back, he heard some noise at an alley. Zheng Shanci wasn't particularly curious and had no intention of investigating the commotion. He was about to leave.

"Why does Zheng Shanci get to climb the social ladder, but I can't!"

The voice was too familiar—it was Chen Wu's voice.

Zheng Shanci still didn't stop. It's natural to be envied when you land a good deal.

"I think the young master from Marquis Anxin's family is quite a catch. He's also a young master of a marquis's family, but he has a fiancé. If I can have my way with him, the young master will have to marry me."

Zheng Shanci paused at this.

Fang Jue: "You'll lose your life if you're caught."

He thought Chen Wu was too crazy. The young masters of wealthy families are always accompanied by attendants when they go out. How could it be so easy to succeed? Besides, Marquis Anxin isn't like Marquis of Changyang, who would accept Chen Wu as a son-in-law. They all envied Zheng Shanci and had considered seeking a young master or lady from a high-ranking family to elevate their status, but after thinking about it, it was simply not realistic.

"If Zheng Shanci can get away with it, so can I." Chen Wu could already picture himself as the marquis's son-in-law, convinced he’d outshine Zheng Shanci. Ever since Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi’s affair came to light at the Pei residence, Zheng Shanci had kept a low profile, rarely going out and seldom attending banquets. If it were him, he’d flaunt it at banquets, since such things were seen as a badge of honor for men.

It was something worth boasting about.

"Chen, you should watch your step and stay on the right path," Fang Jue advised again.

If it were that easy, every poor scholar could get ahead by pulling strings, and that would be chaos. Chen Wu was too fixated.

Zheng Shanci hadn’t expected Chen Wu to see it this way. He turned back—

"Brother Zheng, why are you here?!"

Fang Jue exclaimed in surprise.

A cold dread washed over him. Could it be that Zheng Shanci had overheard everything they just said?

Panic flickered in Chen Wu’s eyes. He grabbed Zheng Shanci's hand: "Did you hear anything?"

Zheng Shanci brushed Chen Wu’s hand off coldly and, under his expectant gaze, said indifferently: "I heard everything."

Chen Wu: "..."

His expression changed, and he said fiercely: "So what if you heard? Stay out of my business. You can’t hog all the success and shut others out. If I succeed, I won’t treat you badly."

Fang Jue’s thoughts shifted. He stopped persuading Chen Wu. If Chen Wu pulled it off, being close to him might mean a promotion, and his life would be better. If Chen Wu failed, it had nothing to do with him; he would remain clean.

Having figured this out, Fang Jue's attitude changed.

"This plan won’t fly. If you insist on doing this, you must be prepared to face the consequences," Zheng Shanci said calmly.

"Cut the fake concern. I know what to do. Just don’t get in my way," Chen Wu exhaled a breath of frustration: "Brother Zheng, I beg you. We are both humble Jinshi, with little money at home. I just want to marry well. I was wrong to treat you poorly before. Please let me off this time. In the future, I’ll be at your beck and call."

Chen Wu first threatened, then acted ingratiatingly, playing both the villain and the good guy. An ordinary person might have been swayed, but Zheng Shanci just glanced at Chen Wu and left.

Seeing Zheng Shanci's retreating figure, Chen Wu breathed a sigh of relief. He thought this meant Zheng Shanci wouldn’t interfere in the matter.

Then he just needed to find an opportunity to get close to An Geer and become the son-in-law of Marquis Anxin.

"Brother Chen, you should still think carefully," Fang Jue advised again. If Chen Wu still didn’t listen, he had done enough as a friend.

"Brother Fang, I can’t accept it. Why should Zheng Shanci compete with us for the position of magistrate of Xinfeng County? Marquis of Changyang could find him a better official position. He doesn’t care about our lives at all. If he can use his in-laws to get ahead, why can’t I?"