Chapter 23: A Stubborn Disagreement

Chapter 23: A Stubborn Disagreement

Zheng Shanci looked down at the items, any one of which could easily amount to twenty years of his stipend. He shook his head, "You should keep them for yourself."

He felt a pang of regret, but he couldn't accept Yu Lanyi's jewelry without a good reason.

"We are going to Xin Feng County, and we should take as little as possible. If you want to spend your dowry, just take three or four items. Bring four or five sets of clothes and shoes. Since spring and summer have passed, bring autumn and winter clothes and boots, along with some of your daily necessities. That should be enough. We can send someone to the market in Feng County to get the rest later," Zheng Shanci said in one breath. Given how Yu Lanyi was packing, he was worried they might attract bandits. Although the public order in the Great Yan Dynasty was decent, traveling with so many carriages would inevitably attract attention.

Upon hearing this, Yu Lanyi's expression changed.

"How can I manage with so little? Besides, I'm not accustomed to the tea sets and utensils there. And it's not like it's a hassle, the carriages will carry everything. Why are you making such a fuss about it? I'm already going to Xin Feng County with you, can't you be a bit more accommodating?"

Zheng Shanci knew it would be difficult to communicate with Yu Lanyi about this, but he could understand. Yu Lanyi was a pampered young master from a marquis's household, unwilling to leave these things behind in Shengjing and wanting to take them along. In short, he had grown attached to these items.

"Could you manage with just one carriage?" Zheng Shanci compromised further. "Bring some of your favorite tea sets and utensils. The clothing styles in Xin Feng County differ from those in Shengjing. When you get there, you can try out other styles."

Yu Lanyi's expression softened slightly.

"I'll go with you to choose them when the time comes. The items in our mansion were chosen by my father. In Xin Feng County, you'll be the one in charge. Wouldn't you like to decorate it nicely? If you want to change the tables and chairs, you can."

"I don't need you to accompany me. Two carriages are my limit, otherwise I'll tell my father that you're treating me poorly and abusing me. See how you justify that to him."

Seeing Yu Lanyi's smug expression, Zheng Shanci felt as if a feather was tickling his heart, a mix of irritation and helplessness.

"Alright, two carriages it is."

Just as Zheng Shanci was about to leave, Yu Lanyi stepped forward and blocked his path. His eyes sparkled with a hint of defiance, "I've never been outside of Shengjing."

He clenched his fists, feeling deeply wronged when Zheng Shanci told him to bring only a few sets of clothes to Xin Feng County. He just couldn't bear to part with these items and wanted to take them along.

What was so wrong about that? Zheng Shanci wouldn't even indulge him in this, yet he talked about letting him take charge. It was clear that he was the one running this household.

"I've been there before, so I won't let anything happen to you," Zheng Shanci said.

Yu Lanyi snorted lightly, still reluctant, "Only two carriages, really?"

Zheng Shanci almost softened, but thinking of the bustling streets outside, he shook his head, "We can purchase more once we arrive."

Yu Lanyi was clearly unhappy.

Zheng Shanci went out to buy a copy of the Great Yan Dynasty's legal statutes. The book was cheap, and Zheng Shanci could afford it since he had already taken up the position of county magistrate half a month ago, so the court had given him a month's salary.

He skimmed through the table of contents, noting down the sections he needed to focus on. He planned to finish reading the book on the carriage ride so he wouldn't be unprepared when he arrived in Xin Feng County.

After the conversation with Yu Lanyi today, he was sure Yu Lanyi would be sulking. He decided to purchase some small items to lift his spirits.

As he walked to the market stalls, he realized that Yu Lanyi lacked nothing, making it even harder to choose a gift. He entered a cosmetics shop, a place mostly frequented by young ladies and young men, rarely by men.

Men liked the scent of cosmetics but were usually too impatient to accompany women or boys to such places. They would rather spend their time drinking at a tavern or chatting with friends.

The shopkeeper's eyes lit up when she saw Zheng Shanci, "Sir, what kind of cosmetics are you looking for? Our pearl powder is the best. All the ladies and young men in Shengjing love using it. It makes the skin flawless and gives off a delicate fragrance, very alluring."

"Let me take a look."

The counter was filled with an array of dazzling, colorful little boxes. Zheng Shanci spotted a familiar one, which he had seen on Yu Lanyi's dressing table. He pointed to it, "What's this?"

"Sir, you have a good eye. This pearl powder is our most popular item. It's perfect as a gift for ladies and young men."

"How much is it?"

"Four taels of silver."

Zheng Shanci was taken aback. Who in an ordinary household could afford such luxury, yet it was a common sight on Yu Lanyi's dressing table. Zheng Shanci paid for it.

His living environment and habits were different now.

Zheng Shanci thought to himself that they still needed time to get used to each other. Naturally, it wasn't for a long-lasting future together, but just to make life easier for both of them.

He rationalized it to himself.

As soon as he stepped out, he ran into Cui Ziqi, who was accompanied by a young and attractive boy. Seeing Zheng Shanci, Cui Ziqi smiled and said, "Brother Zheng, what brings you here? I thought you wouldn't come to such a place."

Zheng Shanci replied, "Just picking up something."

Cui Ziqi gave a knowing look and put his arm around Zheng Shanci's shoulder, "Heading back to soothe your delicate husband?"

"Your husband has quite the temper and has even learned some martial arts from Lord Yu. You'd better not provoke him. Keep him happy, and you'll benefit."

Zheng Shanci said, "He's actually quite reasonable and not prone to violence."

In front of others, Zheng Shanci still had to defend Yu Lanyi's dignity.

"That sounds interesting. I have some business to attend to with someone to check out cosmetics, so I won't keep you. See you tomorrow at the Lu mansion."

Cui Ziqi didn't introduce the young man beside him, and Zheng Shanci didn't pry. When he met the young man's curious gaze, Zheng Shanci nodded politely and then averted his eyes.

"Lord Cui, is this gentleman the one who married Yu Lanyi?"

Cui Ziqi acknowledged. This was the top performer from the Nanfeng Pavilion. He had to attend a social event tonight and brought him along to buy some cosmetics as a gesture of goodwill.

"This gentleman Zheng is quite refined. He doesn't seem to be the same type as Yu Lanyi," the top performer smiled brightly.

"They were brought together by chance, and it has nothing to do with you. They are married now and will naturally live together," Cui Ziqi said, noticing the top performer's interest in Zheng Shanci. He snorted lightly, "They will be leaving the capital soon. Besides, with such a strong family on the husband's side and Zheng's own background, how could he dare to fool around?"

"Lord Cui serves in the Ministry of Justice and is known for his understanding of the law. How could you not know that such men are most likely to be unfaithful?"

Cui Ziqi remained silent.

He had once handled a case. A cliché story of a wealthy young lady and a poor scholar. The scholar rose to prominence with the help of his father-in-law's money, then hired a killer to murder the young lady, but the killer missed the maid. So the maid reported the scholar to the authorities.

The case caused a major scandal because the maid made the accusation right when Wang Fengjun was at the temple fulfilling a vow. With Wang Fengjun's pressure, the case fell under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice.

The verdict was that a heartless man had completely ruined the wealthy young lady.

Cui Ziqi smiled wryly. He always felt that Zheng Shanci wouldn't do such a thing. Perhaps he would have in the past, but not now.

Everyone has their own mask. Cui Ziqi had seen too many people—sorrowful penitents, cold-blooded killers, profit-driven unscrupulous merchants... They all carried their own goals and masks, which was normal. Zheng Shanci didn't seem to fit into any of these categories.

He couldn't figure him out but found it comfortable to be around him.

For this reason, Cui Ziqi was willing to befriend Zheng Shanci.

In the midst of the world's chaos, he always sought to make himself happy, and making friends was one way to do so.

Zheng Shanci tucked the pearl powder into his chest. He could have put it in his sleeve, but he always felt it might fall out when he moved his arm. This sense of impending crisis made him think it was safer to keep it in his chest.

As he passed by a bookstore, he noticed many scholars inside.

He then realized it was a literary club. Scholars often formed societies and hosted literary gatherings, where people with similar interests could come together, make friends, and enhance their knowledge.

He had never participated in any literary club before.

Someone saw Zheng Shanci and, without realizing, pulled him in with a smile, "Are you here to join the Weicao Society, brother?"

Zheng Shanci clasped his hands, "I was just passing by."

"Passing by is fine, come and take a look. You look like a refined gentleman, come on in." The man in white robes was very enthusiastic and pulled Zheng Shanci inside.

The man in white robes was Du Ning. He was the eldest grandson of the Du family line, and his father served as a censor. After the recent examinations, he had achieved the second rank and was now working in the Ministry of Rites, the government department overseeing rituals and ceremonies. He enjoyed making friends, and the Weicao Society was something he had founded with a few friends, occasionally hosting literary gatherings to exchange insights and knowledge.

"Ah, it's Brother Zheng! My apologies for not recognizing you earlier." Du Ning was surprised and smiled, "No wonder you looked familiar."

At first, Zheng Shanci thought he might feel out of place, but gradually, as he interacted with them, he relaxed. There were three brothers, all avid readers and had all achieved scholarly titles, official academic ranks, yet they remained very humble.

Someone brought up the topic of governance.

The scholars launched into a heated debate.

The atmosphere grew intense and passionate, with some clapping and laughing, while others sighed in frustration. In this small building, countless ideas collided, and in a private room, a secluded area, someone remained unseen.

Vice Minister Lü had stopped by for a cup of tea. Upon hearing that the Weicao Society was meeting today, he decided to stay and listen to what these young people had to say. As the Vice Minister of Personnel, a high-ranking official in charge of personnel matters, he recognized most of the young people present. The Weicao Society was something Du Ning and a few others had started, and it had gradually gained a reputation.

This scene prompted Vice Minister Lü to stroke his beard thoughtfully.

Zheng Shanci clasped his hands and began to share his insights, "Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher, said: 'To govern with virtue is like the North Star, which remains in its place while all other stars revolve around it.' Virtue can make the stars revolve around it, to rule... If you govern by laws and regulate by punishments, the people will avoid wrongdoing but have no sense of shame. If you govern by virtue and regulate by rites, they will have a sense of shame and correct themselves..."

Zheng Shanci spoke eloquently.

Hearing this, Vice Minister Lü leaned forward unconsciously.

A look of admiration flashed in Du Ning's eyes. After Zheng Shanci finished speaking, many in the crowd applauded, and some even bowed in respect. Zheng Shanci felt relieved after expressing his thoughts, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Brother Zheng, you should have joined our Weicao Society earlier," Du Ning said with a smile. "Your insights have deeply impressed me, and I've learned a lot."

"Brother Zheng, join the Weicao Society."

Du Ning had initially just pulled Zheng Shanci in to take a look, but now he genuinely hoped Zheng Shanci would join their literary club.

"Since you insist, I shall comply," Zheng Shanci agreed.

Du Ning was satisfied.

When Zheng Shanci returned home, the lively atmosphere had disappeared. A few packed boxes were left alone in the courtyard. Zheng Shanci asked Jin Yun, "Where is your young master?"

Jin Yun replied, "The young master is in his room. He seems to be in a bad mood."

Zheng Shanci nodded, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open. There was no sign of Yu Lanyi in the front room. He walked into the bedroom and saw a small lump on the bed.

He instinctively tiptoed, thinking Yu Lanyi was still asleep.

There was a rustling sound from the bed.

Zheng Shanci paused.

Yu Lanyi's ears perked up, and he turned over again to express his displeasure.

Zheng Shanci walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.

"You still sleeping?"

Yu Lanyi mumbled groggily.

"I’ll wait till you’re up then."

Seriously, he’s already here. Just say it all now. Why wait? Yu Lanyi thought angrily.

"Wait, cough, I’m awake. What’s up?" Yu Lanyi turned over, still angry, looking up at Zheng Shanci.

"I wasn’t thinking about your feelings earlier. I want to give you something. I’m on a tight budget, so I hope you like it." Zheng Shanci said, lowering his head and taking out pearl powder from his pocket.

His long lashes cast shadows, his nose was sharp, and his thin lips were slightly pursed.

Yu Lanyi spotted the familiar pearl powder and bolted upright, eyes wide: "You! You..."

He couldn’t speak.

"I noticed your box was almost empty, so I hit up the rouge shop and asked the owner. If you don’t like it, just set it aside."

"Of course I like it!" Yu Lanyi hurriedly said, then composed himself and added, "Well, since it’s from you, I guess I’ll take it."

This was the first time someone outside his family had given him something like this. Wait, Zheng Shanci was his husband now, so not an outsider.

Yu Lanyi thought groggily, he’s family now.

He reached out a hand, but Zheng Shanci got the wrong idea. He hesitated for a moment, opened the pearl powder, and applied it to the back of Yu Lanyi’s hand.

The powder felt smooth and soft. Zheng Shanci’s calloused hands added a slight roughness.

Zheng Shanci gently held Yu Lanyi’s fingers.

His heart raced, every sense focused on where their fingers touched.

After applying the powder to Yu Lanyi’s fingers, Zheng Shanci closed the lid and handed the pearl powder to him.

Yu Lanyi didn’t take it. His eyes locked on Zheng Shanci, fingertips grazing his nose, about to touch his face, but Zheng Shanci caught his wrist.

Yu Lanyi: "Smells nice, doesn’t it?"