Chapter 18: The Third Day Homecoming

Chapter 18: The Third Day Homecoming

When Zheng Shanci returned home, Yu Lanyi had already woken up from his nap. Zheng placed the mung bean porridge on the table and said softly, "I bought this mung bean porridge outside, it's still warm, you can have it to cool down."

Yu Lanyi glanced at Zheng Shanci without saying a word. He lazily scooped a sip with a wooden spoon; the taste was plain, but it was just what he needed as Yu was feeling a bit hot.

After the nap, Yu Lanyi felt lazy all over. He covered his mouth with a yawn, looking rather languid.

"Do you know the young master of Marquis Anxin?" Zheng Shanci asked as he sat down.

Yu Lanyi's laziness instantly vanished, wondering why Zheng Shanci was asking about An Geer. They had no dealings at all, so why bring him up?

"Of course, I know him. Why do you ask about him?" Yu Lanyi looked at Zheng Shanci with suspicion.

"I overheard something on my way home. Someone is trying to rise in social status by scheming to tarnish the reputation of the young master of Marquis Anxin. I thought I should tell you so you could warn him, to thwart a scoundrel's plans," Zheng Shanci revealed the matter entirely.

Yu Lanyi's hand on the chair clenched suddenly. He sneered, "There are all sorts of people, their consciences devoured by dogs. To think of such a method, the Marquis's estate is heavily guarded, and An Geer has attendants when he goes out. Yet they still aim for him, especially since he already has a fiancé."

He lowered his head, his expression unreadable. He recalled how Zheng Shanci had seized the chance to be with him, but upon closer consideration, Zheng Shanci hadn't really schemed against him. It was the maid who had ushered Zheng Shanci in, and they ended up together by accident.

Otherwise, Yu Lanyi would never have let anyone get close.

"I understand, I'll have someone warn him," Yu Lanyi said as he got up and went back to the bedroom to write a letter, handing it to Jin Yun to deliver.

Jin Yun was his personal attendant, having been with him since childhood. An Geer would know the letter was genuine upon seeing Jin Yun.

"Go and deliver the letter."

"Yes, young master."

Just as Yu Lanyi was about to leave, Zheng Shanci returned to the room from the corridor.

He was a bit surprised to see Yu Lanyi but nodded politely, then took off his outer robe. Since Yu Lanyi was already awake, it was his time to sleep. He hadn't slept well last night and now wanted to have the big bed all to himself.

Last night, he slept like a log, not daring to move. Now lying down, he could become a salted fish.

"I'll take a short nap," Zheng Shanci explained.

Then he stood at the door, and somehow Yu Lanyi ended up outside. Zheng Shanci closed the door with a snap.

He quickly walked over and lay down on the bed with a sigh of relief, his nerves relaxing. The bed was soft, with a lingering fragrance. Zheng Shanci turned over uncomfortably. The bedding carried the scent of another person, completely permeated.

He closed his eyes.

...

An Geer was embroidering a handkerchief. His fiancé, the Zhang heir, seeing his friend with a handkerchief embroidered by a lady, wanted to ask An Geer for one. He had asked, and how could An Geer refuse?

He was irritated by the embroidery. Why should he embroider for this person, for the sake of the marriage alliance, for the expectations of their fathers.

"Young master, Young Master Yu has sent you a letter, delivered by Jin Yun."

An Geer put down his needlework and picked up the letter to read. He felt indifferent; if there really was such a scoundrel, he would call the strong servants to break their legs. If they were so greedy for wealth and honor, he would make sure they could never hold their heads high again.

"Come here, I have something to tell you," An Geer called his attendant and whispered a few words in his ear.

"Young master, I understand."

They needed to teach a lesson to deter such petty individuals.

This time, it’s about repaying Yu Lanyi a favor.

Zheng Shanci slept for an hour before getting up to read. He read about the geography and customs of the Great Yan Dynasty. The Great Yan Dynasty was well-connected, with even barbarians paying tribute, and its political situation remained relatively stable.

But some predicted that the Great Yan Dynasty would fall due to internal strife. Emperor Wuming had two male empresses (凤君). The first empress was the son of a low-ranking official, who met Emperor Wuming at a Buddhist temple and enchanted him with his vivacious and daring character. Even as a prince, Emperor Wuming requested the previous emperor’s consent to marry him.

Their love was profound, their bond unbreakable. Emperor Wuming kept his harem empty for him until he died during childbirth.

To care for the newborn, Emperor Wuming married the empress’s younger brother as his successor, and Wang Fengjun also bore a child. Both sons were legitimate heirs, but with the princes still young, the court’s future remained uncertain.

These matters were none of his concern; he just needed to focus on his own affairs.

He immersed himself in his reading, waiting to dine with Yu Lanyi that evening. With an official’s son and a wealthy heir in the house, Zheng Shanci even scored some sweet soup for dinner.

Fruits were always plentiful.

In the evening, he strolled through the garden to enjoy the cool breeze. When he went out, people wouldn’t gossip openly, only behind his back.

Life was rather comfortable.

Yu Lanyi hadn’t yet turned fully extravagant and indulgent, which Zheng Shanci found somewhat reassuring. What did spending money matter? To him, any amount was trivial—something a person earning seven taels a month couldn’t comprehend.

At night, they lay in bed peacefully, each minding their own business. A wide gap separated them, with Yu Lanyi turning his back to Zheng Shanci, and Zheng Shanci doing the same in defiance.

Each clung to their own corner of the blanket.

"Zheng Shanci, did you remember everything I told you about my family today?"

A rustling sound came from beside him.

Zheng Shanci nodded. "I remember. I won’t embarrass you."

He knew Yu Lanyi cared deeply about his reputation. Since they were married, they were bound together, and he aimed to make their relationship harmonious, avoiding any farce. They needed to understand each other better.

With this in mind, Zheng Shanci felt he was a decent husband.

He wouldn’t interfere with Yu Lanyi. If Yu Lanyi found someone he liked, Zheng Shanci would step aside gracefully.

Yu Lanyi wanted to see Zheng Shanci’s expression but held himself back. It was Zheng Shanci who turned his back first; how could he turn first? That would mean he lost.

Who gets married without a wedding night? Although it was his own request, Zheng Shanci’s indifference made Yu Lanyi feel very defeated.

He secretly held a grudge.

No matter what, he was handsome and of noble status, yet Zheng Shanci was as unresponsive as a block of wood.

Zheng Shanci had no idea that Yu Lanyi was overthinking and holding a grudge against him. He closed his eyes and fell asleep. Since he had slept a bit in the afternoon, he woke up early.

He woke up just as the sky was beginning to lighten. It was neither time to sleep nor to stay awake. He turned over and lay flat on the bed, noticing that Yu Lanyi’s blanket had slipped off. He propped himself up and tucked the blanket back around Young Master Yu.

Yu Lanyi slept with a rosy complexion, and up close, one could see the fine down on his face. He was already lying flat, his fingers curled on the pillow. Zheng Shanci watched intently as Yu Lanyi turned over, facing him.

He seemed very trusting, sleeping so soundly.

Zheng Shanci got up quietly. Jin Yun heard the noise and saw that Zheng Shanci was up, wanting to help him wash up, but Zheng Shanci shook his head.

"No need, I’ll do it myself. Let him sleep a bit longer."

Zheng Shanci was careful not to wake Yu Lanyi, his movements as gentle as possible, showing restraint and a certain tenderness.

Jin Yun stared blankly at Zheng Shanci. Realizing he had been gazing too long, he lowered his head and looked away. Lord Zheng still cared deeply for his son.

In mid-July, on the third day after the wedding, it was time for the newlyweds to return to the bride’s family home. Morning dew clung to the leaves, and a magpie sat perched on a branch. A servant from the Marquis of Changyang’s residence eagerly awaited their arrival, his eyes fixed on the street. When a carriage pulled up, driven by a familiar coachman, his face lit up with excitement.

“Quickly, inform the Marquis and Mr. Yu that the young master and his husband have arrived.”

Another servant responded promptly and swiftly made his way to the main hall to report: “Marquis, Mr. Yu, the young master and his husband have returned.”

Mr. Yu’s smile widened. “Finally, they’re here. Ever since Lan Yi married, I’ve been thinking about him nonstop. I used to grumble about his mischievousness and naivety, fearing someone might hurt him, and I could never bring myself to be strict. Now that he’s married, my heart feels hollow, as if a piece of my soul has left with him.”

At this point, Mr. Yu became quite sentimental. “I should have asked the Marquis to secure an official position in the capital for Shan Ci. How could Lan Yi possibly endure such a remote and impoverished place? Every time I think about it, my chest tightens, and I struggle to breathe.”

“Enough! This is a joyous occasion. Why dwell on such gloomy thoughts? What would our son-in-law think if he heard you say this? You can say these things to Lan Yi and our son, but never in front of Shan Ci.” The Duchess glared at Mr. Yu.

“I know, Mother,” Mr. Yu replied, unfazed, with a smile.

“Mother, he’s just been missing Lan Yi these past few days and is feeling emotional,” the Marquis of Changyang quickly defended his beloved husband.

“You’ve spoiled him rotten,” the Duchess said sharply, though her expression softened.

“Now that Lan Yi is married, there’s still the third young master in the household. You should pay more attention to him; don’t let this affect your reputation.”

Mr. Yu’s smile faded slightly as he nodded in agreement. “I understand. Changxing and Lan Yi are my own flesh and blood. I only want them to live well; I’ve never cared much about anything else.”

The Duchess patted Mr. Yu’s hand.

The Marquis of Changyang sighed deeply in his heart.

Meanwhile, the carriage arrived at the Marquis of Changyang’s residence. Every time Zheng Shanci saw the mansion, it felt like stepping into a grand garden, leaving him in awe.

“Young master, please, sir.”

Yu Lanyi had deliberately dressed in lavish attire that morning. Seeing Zheng Shanci freshly washed and reading on the side, Yu Lanyi glanced at him, thinking he looked decent, and asked, “How does this outfit look?”

Zheng Shanci looked up and praised, “It looks good.”

Yu Lanyi then got carried away, changing into five different outfits in a row.

Zheng Shanci: “…”

Having received praise from Zheng Shanci for each outfit, Yu Lanyi’s expression turned dissatisfied.

Zheng Shanci chuckled, “You’re good-looking; anything you wear looks good.”

This made Yu Lanyi’s heart skip a beat, and he had to feign indifference as he dressed and followed him into the carriage.

When it was time to get out of the carriage, Zheng Shanci stepped out first and extended a hand to help him.

Yu Lanyi lifted the curtain, his gaze falling on Zheng Shanci’s face.