Chapter 19: Returning Home and Family Talk

Chapter 19: Returning Home and Family Talk

Yu Lanyi placed his hand in Zheng Shanci's palm, and Zheng Shanci gently led him out of the carriage before letting go. The two of them walked into the Marquis of Changyang's residence together.

Yu Lanyi had only been away from home for three days, yet stepping inside now felt somewhat unfamiliar, and a sense of nostalgia and reluctance welled up in his heart. He hurried into the main hall.

Both the Marquis of Changyang and Father Yu were there, along with his grandmother, second cousin, and aunt.

Yu Lanyi slowed his steps, waiting for Zheng Shanci to catch up and walk beside him.

Zheng Shanci felt a bit overwhelmed seeing so many people, but he followed Yu Lanyi in paying respects to the elders.

"Your son-in-law pays his respects to his father-in-law."

"Father, Dad."

"Please, stand up," the Marquis of Changyang said, offering a slight gesture of support to Zheng Shanci.

"Thank you, Father-in-law," Zheng Shanci replied, following the etiquette.

Yu Lanyi jumped up eagerly and quickly walked over to Father Yu, embracing him. "Father, I missed you so much."

Father Yu hadn't expected Yu Lanyi to be so openly emotional, still acting like a child even though he was already married. How could he be at ease?

He chided lightly, though his expression softened. "You're married now, yet you still act so carelessly, making a fuss for no reason."

"Everyone here is family; who would laugh at me? It’s only natural to miss Father. Even though I'm married, I'll always be Father's child," Yu Lanyi declared confidently, tugging at Father Yu's sleeve.

The Duchess laughed softly. "It's rare to see Yu Lanyi so clingy. It reminds me of when you were a child, always clinging to your father. When your father and dad had things to attend to and sent you to the Duke's residence, you cried for so long, and no one could console you. You kept insisting on seeing your father and dad, and no one could calm you down. When Changxing tried to comfort you, you even bit him."

Yu Lanyi shot a quick glance at Zheng Shanci, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Grandmother Duchess, that was all in the past."

The Duchess noticed Yu Lanyi's glance, and her smile widened.

The Marquis of Changyang cleared his throat. "Has the Ministry of Personnel told you when to leave for your post?"

Zheng Shanci clasped his hands. "It’s likely in the next few days."

After the wedding, there was no more time to delay. Given the inconvenient transportation in ancient times, he needed to set off now to reach Xin Feng County in time for the autumn harvest. The harvest was a major event for the county, as food was the foundation of the people. In ancient times, grain was not only about sustenance but also about taxes. The Great Yan Dynasty imposed a tax of one-thirtieth on grain, along with other levies and corvée labor. As a county official, his performance was crucial, and there was no room for error.

"It's time to depart. Over there, we won't be able to assist you, so you must be cautious in Xin Feng County. We don’t expect great feats, but at least avoid errors," the Marquis of Changyang said, pausing as he noticed the family members nearby. "Let’s head to the study to talk. Yu Lanyi, you can stay and chat with your mother and dad."

The Duchess added, "You two, father-in-law and son-in-law, go ahead and talk."

Zheng Shanci followed the Marquis of Changyang to the study, where servants brought tea and respectfully withdrew.

The study was large, its shelves neatly lined with books. Zheng Shanci sat to one side.

The Marquis of Changyang spoke bluntly. "There are some things that are difficult to discuss in front of everyone. You won’t remain in Xin Feng County indefinitely. As long as there are no rebellions under your rule and the people don't submit a petition to the capital, you can rest easy. You won't be stuck there for a lifetime."

The Marquis of Changyang thought like a true noble. With connections in the capital, it was easier to climb the ranks than for ordinary people. However, one couldn't simply promote a county magistrate to a capital official without reason, especially if the official had blemishes on their record. It would be hard to justify such a promotion without raising eyebrows. Even if Zheng Shanci wasn't particularly brilliant, the Marquis of Changyang would still pull strings in the court for Yu Lanyi's sake. Moreover, with Yu Zhangxing by the emperor's side, if he mentioned Zheng Shanci at the right moment, the emperor might take notice.

Never underestimate the curiosity of an emperor. The emperor ruled the land and had seen everything and everyone. Some officials still hadn’t caught the emperor’s attention during court.

The emperor only remembered his trusted confidants and key ministers. Confidants were relied upon, so the emperor kept them close. Key ministers were the pillars of the state, and regardless of whether the emperor liked them or not, they had to be employed because their talents outweighed any personal preferences.

Emperor Wuming was a diligent ruler who despised flatterers but held a special fondness for eunuchs. He simply didn’t want court officials to become sycophants, but it didn’t matter for eunuchs.

Zheng Shanci nodded, "I understand, father-in-law."

The Marquis of Changyang nodded, satisfied. As long as Zheng Shanci stayed out of trouble, the Marquis could protect him. As for Zheng Shanci climbing the ranks from Xinfeng County on his own, that could take ages.

Based on his imperial exam results, Zheng Shanci wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. The top three candidates—Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua—would join the Hanlin Academy as future ministers. Second-tier Jinshi had brighter career paths than third-tier ones. Exam results determined their career trajectories, and many might end up as county magistrates forever, stuck by their initial rank.

Higher-ranked Jinshi got posted to wealthier counties, where making a name for themselves was easier. These achievements could fast-track their promotions.

Zheng Shanci didn’t boast about climbing the ranks solo—that would’ve made him look cocky and ungrateful. He knew talk was cheap; he’d let his actions speak for him.

"How’s it going with Lan Yi?" After talking about Zheng Shanci’s career, the Marquis leaned back, relaxed, and asked casually, his expression softening with concern.

Zheng Shanci smiled to himself. The Marquis was still a doting father, worried about Yu Lanyi.

"We’re doing great, father-in-law. No need to worry."

The Marquis took his words at face value, unsure if he believed them, and simply said, "You two should have a good life together. We’ve spoiled Lan Yi, so you’ll need to cut him some slack. He’s a little headstrong, but he’s got a good heart. He might struggle to adjust to Xinfeng County, so look after him."

"Got it, father-in-law. I’ve always thought Lan Yi’s a good guy. Honestly, I’m a little nervous about heading to Xinfeng County solo. I’m not sure how to handle the local gentry. Lan Yi’s well-informed and the marquis’s legitimate son. Having him around will put my mind at ease."

The Marquis’s lips curved into a smile. "You’re a team, and it’s only natural to support each other. We don’t expect anything grand—just live well, and we’ll be happy."

At this point, the Marquis thought of Zheng Shanci’s parents and said, "If your parents ever need help, just write to me, and I’ll do what I can."

There was still a lingering thought in his mind. With their son married and the parents not present, it was somewhat regrettable. The Marquis patted Zheng Shanci’s shoulder. "A man’s dreams take him far and wide. Since you’ve chosen the imperial examination path, you must understand that you’ll have to leave your parents."

But since they were in the capital, Zheng Shanci would inevitably return to the capital if he wanted to improve his life.

"The weak mother becomes a merchant; the strong father becomes a minister. Those from prominent families stay in their hometown; those from poor families leave for other places."

Zheng Shanci smiled faintly. "You’re right, father-in-law. I don’t have much attachment to my hometown, but I do miss the people there."

Zheng Shanci felt a rare sense of melancholy. In modern times, he had always been measured and mature, so he was used to being independent and didn’t find anything unusual. Seeing how well Yu Lanyi’s family treated him, Zheng Shanci couldn’t help but feel envious.

The Marquis of Changyang, being older than Zheng Shanci, could sense a trace of his subtle emotions from his expression. He put his arm around Zheng Shanci’s shoulder and said softly, "From now on, consider this place your home. Since you’ve married into our family, we are one family."

Zheng Shanci clasped his hands in gratitude for the Marquis’s kindness.

After their conversation, the Marquis invited Zheng Shanci to the garden for a game of Go, and Zheng Shanci naturally obliged.

The Marquis of Changyang’s household was smaller compared to other families in the capital. The Marquis had inherited the title and was the eldest son, with his younger brothers stationed at the borders. Mr. Yu was close only to the main line of the Duke’s family, and the other concubine-born children were rarely seen. The Yu family had only Yu Zhangxing, Yu Lanyi, and Yu Shiyan.

Thinking of Yu Shiyan, the protagonist, Zheng Shanci recalled his vengeful nature. Since Yu Lanyi hadn’t provoked him, Yu Shiyan likely wouldn’t act against him. According to the plot, Yu Shiyan and Ye Yunchu were still in an ambiguous phase, currently having a falling out.

As the Marquis’s black stones advanced, Zheng Shanci focused. He couldn’t let the Marquis notice that he was holding back.

The Marquis’s Go skills weren’t bad, though not masterful. He and Zheng Shanci went back and forth, and the Marquis’s interest was piqued, leading them to play game after game.

Meanwhile, Mr. Yu, Yu Lanyi, the Duchess, and He Ming were also strolling in the garden. With He Ming present, some questions couldn’t be asked. So Mr. Yu asked what he was most concerned about.

"How is Shan Ci treating you?"

Yu Lanyi replied, "He’s quite good. It’s only been three days, so I can’t judge his character yet, but these three days have been comfortable. He hasn’t restricted me in any way. He just enjoys reading quietly."

Mr. Yu felt both happy and worried. "It’s good that your husband enjoys reading, but you’re newlyweds. You should be spending time together. This makes me uneasy."

Yu Lanyi coughed lightly, "Father, he’s about to start his new position and is still nervous, so he reads to ease his distress. I can understand. After all, his career comes first, and we’ve got plenty of time ahead of us."

As soon as these words were spoken, the room went quiet.

Father Yu’s face showed an expression of disbelief, the Duchess’s eyebrows also raised in surprise, and He Ming’s expression turned even more peculiar.

Yu Lanyi: "..."

Did I mess up?