Chapter 24: Leaving the Capital

Chapter 24: Leaving the Capital

Zheng Shanci didn’t know how to respond to this. His eyes were deep and heavy, as if some emotion was brewing within them. He closed his eyes for a moment and then spoke, "It smells nice."

The scent made his heart flutter. When he saw Yu Lanyi’s hand, he couldn’t help but want to kiss it. Shocked by his own impulse, Zheng Shanci, still holding Yu Lanyi’s fair wrist, suddenly let go in a daze.

There was a faint redness on Yu Lanyi’s wrist. His skin was delicate, and even a slight force would leave a mark. Unaware of any pain, he put on his shoes and placed the pearl powder Zheng Shanci had given him on the dressing table.

This was the first time a man had given him makeup, and with such attentiveness, noticing what he used. He was so handsome and of noble status, so it was only natural for Zheng Shanci to pay him some attention.

Thinking of this, he felt happy again.

Yu Lanyi’s emotions were always written on his face. Seeing him happy, Zheng Shanci also felt relieved and smiled, "It’s a long trip, so have the kitchen pack more snacks. Since you like meat, pack more jerky."

"I’m bringing the chef to Xinfeng County."

Zheng Shanci agreed, "Alright."

Since Yu Lanyi wasn’t staying in bed, he also wanted to buy some pastries to take on the carriage. Having them on the road would make the trip more enjoyable.

"I’m going out."

Zheng Shanci nodded, leaving Yu Lanyi some space while he went to the study to read. He was still reading the Great Yan Dynasty’s legal code, but after a quarter of an hour, he started to lose focus. He kept thinking about Yu Lanyi asking if it smelled nice.

When Yu Lanyi wasn’t angry, his eyes sparkled, making him look every bit the wealthy young master.

Xinfeng County was a bit beneath him.

...

Yu Lanyi’s temper was as unpredictable as the weather. With Jin Yun by his side, he headed straight to the capital’s most famous pastry shop.

The proprietor, seeing the return of his big customer after a few days’ absence, welcomed him with a smile, "Young Master Yu, what would you like today?"

"I need some pastries the day after tomorrow. Get them ready in advance, enough for five people. I’ll send someone to pick them up early in the morning."

The proprietor asked, "What kind would you like?"

"My favorites. You should remember a dozen or so."

The pastry shops in the capital were the best, not only because they took pre-orders, but also because the staff were extremely attentive, remembering the preferences of returning and regular customers. If there were new items, they’d give a few to regular customers.

Because of their attention to detail, the shop had firmly established itself in the capital.

"Don’t worry, just let your servant know early the day after tomorrow, and the pastries will be ready."

Yu Lanyi nodded in satisfaction.

As he left the pastry shop, he thought of the mouth-watering duck at the restaurant.

"Jin Yun, go buy a duck. I’ll take it to go."

Jin Yun nodded in acknowledgment.

By now, it was nearing evening, and street vendors were setting up their stalls for snacks. There was one place that made the best grilled skewers. After the wedding, Yu Lanyi had received a lot of gifts and dowry, so he was quite wealthy now.

However, he was still under the watchful eye of the estate’s accountant. Mr. Yu knew Yu Lanyi’s nature too well—if given too much money, he would surely spend it all in a day.

Jin Yun returned with the duck, and Yu Lanyi was already munching on the skewers. He handed a few to Jin Yun, "Eat while we walk."

Yu Lanyi squinted his eyes contentedly, holding a bunch of skewers in his hands.

Jin Yun said, "Young master, did you buy too much? You won’t be able to finish all of this."

The vendors' calls had the distinct accent of the capital, their voices booming and clear. The steam from the noodle stalls wafted in the air, mingling with the aroma of stir-fried rice cakes and roasted chestnuts. The streets and alleys were filled with the fragrance of delicious food.

"Not too much. I’ll bring some back for Zheng Shanci to try," Yu Lanyi said with a smile.

Jin Yun was surprised. The young master actually wanted to bring skewers back for Lord Zheng. In the past, Jin Yun wouldn’t have even dreamed of such a thing. He had witnessed firsthand how much Yu Lanyi had resented this marriage.

Fortunately, after marrying Lord Zheng, he had not been harsh on the young master. In fact, he had been quite accommodating.

Jin Yun was Yu Lanyi’s personal servant. When Yu Lanyi got married, Jin Yun had to follow. Before, Jin Yun had wondered how Yu Lanyi would fare if he married into a wealthy family and what the young master would do.

Life in the Zheng family was more enjoyable than he had expected in a wealthy household. There weren’t too many formalities, and Lord Zheng treated the servants kindly, never scolding or hitting them.

Yu Lanyi was in good spirits when he saw Yu Shiyan and Ye Yunchu together. Yu Shiyan covered his face and muttered something to Ye Yunchu, whose expression visibly darkened. Yu Shiyan didn’t say much more and got into the carriage to head back to the Marquis of Changyang’s residence.

Ye Yunchu’s brows furrowed with a hint of bitterness. He stayed silent for a moment before leaving.

"How long are these two going to keep this going?" Yu Lanyi found the scene somewhat amusing.

"Young master, you don’t know. The Princess of Zhennan is currently choosing a consort for Heir Ye. Many have been invited by the Princess, but Heir Ye has been unimpressed, insisting on making his own choice. Lately, this has upset some of the noble ladies and gentlemen in the capital."

Yu Lanyi said, "So it’s still up in the air."

The Zhennan Prince’s household naturally looked down on Yu Shiyan’s background. They were most likely only willing to offer him a concubine’s position, and even that was seen as a step up for him. Though Yu Shiyan was a common-born son, he had high ambitions and would never agree to be a concubine.

Before long, they arrived at the residence. Yu Lanyi’s mood stayed the same. He thought Ye Yunchu wasn’t the type to be bold, only hiding Yu Shiyan away without making any promises or fighting for Yu Shiyan’s interests with the Princess in the Zhennan Prince’s residence. If Yu Shiyan really married into the Zhennan Prince’s residence, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship would be enough to give Yu Shiyan a hard time.

In a large family, he had heard of some unsavory and tormenting things.

After asking the servants and learning that Zheng Shanci was in the study, Yu Lanyi took the skewers and went to find him.

Wang Fu was guarding outside the study and greeted him when he saw him.

"I'll go in and take a look."

Wang Fu was a servant born into the Yu family. He had been trained by Mr. Yu and knew that the study was an important place in the residence. If Yu Lanyi wanted to enter, he would need to ask for Zheng Shanci's permission.

Before Wang Fu could hesitate, Zheng Shanci's voice came from inside: "Come in."

Yu Lanyi didn't think much of it and pushed the door open.

Zheng Shanci put down his book and sat down, pouring a cup of hot tea for Yu Lanyi.

"I went out to order some pastries and happened to find skewers for sale. I bought too much and couldn't finish them, so I brought some for you."

Yu Lanyi drank the hot tea in one gulp. It wasn't his favorite fruit tea but green tea, which was a bit bitter. He resisted the urge to stick out his tongue as the tea diluted the taste of the skewers in his mouth.

Zheng Shanci, having never eaten skewers in ancient times, took one from Yu Lanyi's hand and took a bite.

"How is it? Good?" Yu Lanyi stared intently at Zheng Shanci. These were his favorite skewers, and he had brought them for Zheng Shanci. If Zheng Shanci liked them too, that would be great.

Zheng Shanci smiled: "Very good."

Yu Lanyi's heart settled. Hearing Zheng Shanci approve of his favorite food, the corners of his lips turned up: "Right?"

Having the food he loved also liked by Zheng Shanci felt not just good, but very good.

He’s got good taste.

Zheng Shanci finished the meat skewers, and as he looked up to thank Yu Lanyi, he met Yu Lanyi’s smiling eyes. Yu Lanyi propped his elbows on the table, cupping his face and beaming as he watched Zheng Shanci eat the skewers.

Their eyes met, and neither looked away. Yu Lanyi was entranced, captivated by Zheng Shanci’s striking features. He had always been a bit shallow; if Zheng Shanci hadn’t been good-looking, he might have ended up in a monastery, accompanying the eternal flame, when Mr. Yu forced him to marry Zheng Shanci.

He didn’t want to become a monk, giving up meat and chanting sutras, but a lifetime with an unattractive face seemed worse than monkhood.

As Zheng Shanci was about to avert his gaze, Yu Lanyi asked, "Did you have anyone you liked before marrying me? A woman or a man?"

He was curious and wanted a straight answer.

Zheng Shanci replied, "No."

Yu Lanyi's expression relaxed. "Let’s head out for dinner."

Zheng Shanci hadn’t noticed the time and only realized it was dinner time when he looked outside. He’d already had the skewers, so he wouldn’t eat much for dinner.

In the soft evening glow, Zheng Shanci only ate a bowl of rice and drank a bowl of soup.

Zheng Shanci lay flat on the bed, while Yu Lanyi slept on his side, though he was more open to conversation now.

"Zheng Shanci, have you ever seen the view on Kangshan Street? It's beautiful."

"No."

"Zheng Shanci, when you were in school, did anyone propose to you?"

Zheng Shanci thought about it. When the original host passed the imperial exams, wealthy merchants and local gentry had offered marriage proposals, but the original host had declined, prioritizing his studies. In his modern life, he had received love letters but never accepted them. He was always indifferent toward others; perhaps a direct confession might have left some impression.

"A few."

Yu Lanyi turned over, his eyes bright and curious. "Who? Why didn’t you agree?"

Zheng Shanci said, "I can’t remember."

Yu Lanyi thought about it. Despite his looks, the first meaningful gift he got was from Zheng Shanci.

He was unaware that Mr. Yu and Yu Zhangxing had already fended off ill-intentioned suitors. Moreover, with Yu Lanyi’s family background, those from families less prestigious than the Marquis of Changyang’s wouldn’t dare bother him.

They shared a blanket, and Yu Lanyi scooted closer, drawn to Zheng Shanci’s warmth.

He knew marriage involved kissing, but the matchmaker’s illustrated book left him clueless.

Under the moonlight, Yu Lanyi’s gaze fell on Zheng Shanci’s lips. They looked thin—he wondered how they’d taste.

Would they taste sweet?

He had a sweet tooth.

Zheng Shanci noticed Yu Lanyi’s gaze and thought about his behavior. He had bought Yu Lanyi pearl powder as an apology today, and apart from that, he hadn’t done anything to offend him.

"Get some sleep. Tomorrow’s Lv Jin’s birthday at the Lv estate."

Yu Lanyi had already picked out a birthday gift for Lv Jin. He acknowledged the reminder and didn’t turn to his side, lying flat like Zheng Shanci. The bed was a double, not very spacious. They lay side by side, shoulders brushing. Zheng Shanci’s body stiffened momentarily, but he didn’t say anything, and his breathing gradually steadied.

Zheng Shanci thought that sleeping on his side was uncomfortable, so it was better for Yu Lanyi to lie flat.

In the middle of the night, Zheng Shanci woke up and adjusted the blanket for Yu Lanyi before falling back asleep.

The next day, they were to visit Vice Minister Lü's residence. Zheng Shanci donned a green robe, a presentable outfit Yu Lanyi had purchased for him. Yu Lanyi sported a blue robe, his hair neatly tied with a jade crown, and his waist jingling with jade ornaments.

"Zheng Shanci, come on, why the delay?" Yu Lanyi was eager to see Lv Jin.

Zheng Shanci sped up, boarded the carriage first, and then extended a hand to assist Yu Lanyi. With Zheng Shanci present, a small stool was unnecessary for boarding the carriage.

Yu Lanyi leaned on the strength of his hand for support.

His arm was sturdy and reliable.

Upon arrival at the Lü residence, Zheng Shanci assisted Yu Lanyi in alighting. As they approached the mansion, a steady stream of people, mostly officials with their children, entered.

In the world of officialdom, social graces were essential, and the children's connections mirrored their fathers' friendships. Inside, they were greeted by a verdant garden, its paths meandering and pavilions soaring.

Lv Jin was mingling with guests. Spotting Yu Lanyi, his eyes brightened, and after a quick word to someone, he approached.

"Lan Yi, you made it," Lv Jin exclaimed, clasping Yu Lanyi's hand, his joy nearly spilling over.

"Xiao Jin, with this crowd, I'm surprised you found me. Happy birthday," Yu Lanyi said, stepping forward as Lv Jin neared, both beaming.

Their childhood bond was unrivaled.

"Lord Zheng, good day," Lv Jin greeted, maintaining decorum despite his enthusiasm.

"Happy birthday, Master Lü. May peace and joy be yours every year."

Lv Jin smiled, accepting the greeting, "Thank you, Lord Zheng. May I have your husband's company for a bit today?"

Noting the closeness between Yu Lanyi and Lv Jin, Zheng Shanci didn't object, "Certainly."

Yu Lanyi trailed after Lv Jin, flitting away like a butterfly.

"Brother Zheng," Cui Ziqi approached, smiling.

"Your husband and Master Lü have been inseparable since childhood. It's unusual for two such different personalities to bond so closely."

"Brother Zheng," Du Ning hailed.

Du Ning was slightly taken aback, "Brother Cui is here as well."

Cui Ziqi folded his arms, "What's the matter?"

Du Ning, typically reserved, only lit up during literary discussions. Today, he accompanied his father, as did Cui Ziqi with his family elder.

The banquet buzzed with activity, the air alive with the clink of glasses.

Vice Minister Lü, in informal dress, raised his glass, "Thank you all for celebrating my son's birthday. This toast is in your honor."

The guests sipped their drinks. It wasn't the place for drunkenness, but Cui Ziqi, confident in his tolerance, downed his entire glass.

The Minister of Personnel did not attend, but his wife, Madam Li, was present. She was conversing with Madam Lü.

Lv Jin was summoned by Madam Lü to speak before the noble ladies, allowing them to acquaint themselves with him. It was also time for Lv Jin to consider marriage.

Yu Lanyi reflected; Lv Jin was Vice Minister Lü's cherished son, and he would undoubtedly secure a suitable match for him. Not only should the family's standing be commendable, but the individual's character was paramount.

As he thought this, he glanced at Zheng Shanci, who was lowering his head and eating the dishes on the table, somewhat out of place amidst the bustling environment. He ate with focus, occasionally having one or two people approach him to share a drink and chat. Zheng Shanci took a few sips and spoke.

This guy...

Unaware that Yu Lanyi was observing him, Zheng Shanci had made some friends. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar figure—Chen Wu. It seemed he had paid his way in again, using someone else's invitation. Zheng Shanci thought of what Chen Wu had said before, and his heart sank. He wasn’t familiar with the young master from Marquis Anxin's estate and wasn’t sure if he was at the banquet.

Someone approached him again to share a drink and chat, but Zheng Shanci politely declined. He rose and made his way over to Yu Lanyi, who was accompanying Lv Jin, seated among unmarried young masters and ladies.

Zheng Shanci leaned in and whispered, "Have you spotted the young master from Marquis Anxin's estate?"

Yu Lanyi glanced around and responded, "I haven’t seen him."

Zheng Shanci mused, "I think I saw Chen Wu at the banquet. I’m worried he might go after the young master from Marquis Anxin's estate."

Sure enough, Chen Wu had paid his way into Lv's residence again. This time, it wasn’t to seek an official’s recommendation but to take a shortcut—directly trying to win over An Geer and gain the support of the marquisate.

An Geer felt somewhat suffocated at the banquet. While everyone was laughing and having a good time, he didn’t want to ruin the atmosphere. He slipped away with his servant to the garden for some fresh air.

Seeing the colorful flowers, An Geer sat in the pavilion, feeling much better.

Chen Wu’s eyes had been lingering on An Geer at the banquet, quite satisfied with his demeanor, appearance, and figure. When An Geer left with his servant, Chen Wu trailed him out of the banquet.

"Young master, we should head back to the banquet soon," the servant reminded.

An Geer appeared irritated, "It’s always the same old socializing. I just came with my elder brother. The marquisate has him to manage the socializing. It’s alright for a young master like me to take a breather."

The servant went quiet at An Geer’s words. When An Geer was in a bad mood, nothing could get through to him.

Chen Wu thought the situation over carefully. In the garden, there were only the master and servant, both delicate young masters, while he was a strong man who could easily overpower them. The inherent strength of a man boosted Chen Wu’s confidence.

...

Yu Lanyi understood the harm such an incident could cause to a young master. He found Lv Jin and informed him of the matter.

"I need a reason, otherwise, making too much noise will draw attention."

Yu Lanyi said, "The jade pendant my grandmother gave me is missing. I’m in a hurry to find it."

As he spoke, he took off the jade pendant from his waist and handed it to Zheng Shanci, who hid it in his robe.

Lv Jin then sent people to search the residence for Yu Lanyi’s jade pendant.

"How careless, to lose something at such a nice banquet," someone complained.

"The jade pendant from the Duchess might have special significance, so it’s understandable. But Yu Lanyi is too careless with such an important item."

"Let’s just have the servants look for it. We’ll continue enjoying the opera."

After a while, someone whispered something in Lv Jin’s ear, and he nodded, "He really said that?"

"Yes, young master."

Lv Jin took Yu Lanyi’s hand, "Your jade pendant has been found. Let’s go and see. Lord Zheng, you should come too."

Lv Jin’s expression remained unchanged. Zheng Shanci stood up and followed.

Once they left the banquet, Yu Lanyi couldn’t wait and asked, "Is An Geer alright?"

"He’s fine. The thief saw only An Geer and his servant in the garden and had ill intentions, but An Geer managed to escape and happened to run into Lord Yu."

"It's a relief that he's okay," Yu Lanyi sighed in relief.

Encountering his elder brother, the deputy commander of the imperial guards, was enough to teach this malicious person a lesson.

Lv Jin guided them to a side room, where loyal servants stood guard, stepping aside only when they recognized Lv Jin.

Upon entering, they found Chen Wu bound to a chair with hemp ropes, a gag stuffed in his mouth. An Geer, still shaken, sat in another chair, the tea on the table still steaming. The anxious servant quickly offered a cup of hot tea.

"Young master, have some tea to calm your nerves."

"No, I can't stomach it," An Geer said, his face pale. Having received Yu Lanyi's letter, he was already on high alert. Today, he had merely stepped out of the banquet at Lv's residence for a breath of fresh air in the garden, unwittingly giving the malicious person an opening. Luckily, a loyal servant fiercely resisted Chen Wu, and in his panic, he managed to escape and coincidentally encountered Yu Zhangxing; otherwise, the outcome would have been dire.

If he had been defiled, he wouldn't know how to face anyone and would only consider ending his life with a white silk noose.

When Yu Lanyi sent the letter, he believed he could cope, but in the moment, his heart quaked, his legs gave way, and he felt utterly powerless.

"Summon the house physician to attend to Young Master An."

"No, let's handle this individual first, then summon the physician," An Geer said, barely composed. "To avoid more people knowing and causing complications."

Lv Jin nodded in agreement.

Chen Wu didn't recognize Yu Zhangxing, only feeling the pain from the beating, bound to the chair by the servant, his forehead slick with cold sweat, his back soaked. This time, he had failed and been captured, his fate undoubtedly bleak.

He regretted his actions, blaming the servant for thwarting his attempt to seize An Geer; otherwise, he would have triumphed. He didn't know his punishment, surely not death, as that would be unlawful. Even the powerful shouldn't flout the law right under the emperor's watchful eye. When he contemplated forcing An Geer into submission, he hadn't given a thought to the law. Now that the matter was out in the open, he still clung to the hope that the laws of the Great Yan Dynasty could spare his life.

When Lv Jin, Yu Lanyi, and Zheng Shanci entered.

Chen Wu bit down on the gag, his eyes locked on Zheng Shanci as if staring down a mortal foe.

It must be him who ratted me out! It's all Zheng Shanci's doing, and now he's here to gloat! This scoundrel can't stand to see others succeed!

Chen Wu thrashed against his bonds, the chair groaning under his weight.

Zheng Shanci took a seat, cast a brief glance at Chen Wu, then averted his gaze.

Evildoers will meet their end; Zheng Shanci had no desire to dwell on Chen Wu.

"Since this incident occurred at Lv's residence, we share some responsibility and offer our apologies to Young Master An."

"Such villains are difficult to anticipate; Yu Lanyi had warned me, and it's my fault for not being more cautious."

An Geer sent his servant to fetch his elder brother, believing he would be more adept at dealing with this scoundrel.

He stood up, bowed to Yu Lanyi, then to Yu Zhangxing: "Thank you all for this, and I have one more request, please keep this matter secret."

Everyone nodded.

Yu Lanyi: "You don't need to thank me, it was Zheng Shanci who heard this person's scheme and informed me, that's why I wrote to you."

An Geer looked at Zheng Shanci: "Thank you, Lord Zheng, and thank you, Yu Lanyi."

Yu Lanyi felt a strange emotion, he waved his hand, indicating not to take it to heart, his eyes sparkling.

When the Heir of Marquis Anxin entered and saw so many people, and an unfamiliar person tied to a chair, he was confused. He had been drinking and chatting with noble descendants at the banquet, when a servant said An Geer had urgent matters to discuss with him. He was annoyed, thinking An Geer was being inconsiderate, what could be so important at this time.

"Elder brother, you must stand up for me," An Geer said, tears in his eyes.

The Heir of Marquis Anxin listened to the story, his eyes looking at Chen Wu as if he were already dead.

"Got it, head back to the mansion first. I’ll have the servants handle him."

An Geer nodded.

The Heir of Marquis Anxin thanked them again, his voice deep, "This whole thing is pretty disgraceful, after all. Please keep this under wraps, and I’ll remember this favor."

"Don’t worry, Heir, we’re not the gossiping type."

Desperate, Chen Wu thrashed around wildly, suddenly realizing that falling into the Heir’s hands, he would lose his life.

The Heir sneered, extending his fist to strike Chen Wu’s face. He didn’t stop until he’d gotten his anger out. A servant handed him a clean handkerchief.

The Heir wiped his fingers clean, "This lowlife dares to insult my brother? What a joke. He doesn’t know his place."

An Geer caught a glimpse of Chen Wu’s bloodied, mangled face. He felt sick and covered his mouth as he bolted out.

The Heir said, "Pathetic."

It wasn’t clear who he meant.

Lv Jin’s face also darkened. Zheng Shanci, upon seeing the Heir strike, stepped in front of Yu Lanyi, blocking his line of sight.

Yu Lanyi wasn’t afraid, but the sound of fists hitting flesh made him cringe. Zheng Shanci standing in front of him, he was still grateful for the gesture.

Yu Zhangxing said, "Now that the Heir’s made his point, we’re unrelated to this matter and will take our leave. Today’s Xiao Jin’s birthday, and the Heir went way too far."

The Heir’s voice carried an apology, "My bad."

The group filed out of the room.

...

"Lan Yi, the Heir’s methods are downright brutal." Lv Jin, thinking of Chen Wu’s face, still felt his heart racing.

He’d had a rough time too—today was supposed to be his birthday, yet he got involved in such a matter.

"Anyone who crosses him is in for a world of hurt. Well, he had it coming." Yu Lanyi said.

Zheng Shanci walked with Yu Zhangxing, who asked, "Do you know the person who was tied to the chair earlier?"

Chen Wu had been staring at Zheng Shanci since he entered, struggling wildly. Yu Zhangxing didn’t believe they had no connection.

"We were both low-ranking Jinshi, we talked before we were assigned any official posts. Later, I realized he was up to no good and cut ties." Zheng Shanci pondered for a moment before replying.

"Good. It’s best to cut off scumbags like that completely. I can actually understand the Heir. If I were at the Pei Mansion that day, I might have lost control even more."

Zheng Shanci suddenly felt a chill down his back.

...

An Geer returned to the mansion, Lv Jin and Yu Lanyi talked for a while longer. As it was getting late, Yu Lanyi got into the carriage to go back.

"This person was too bold, fortunately An Geer is unharmed." Yu Lanyi whispered.

"His days will not be good." Zheng Shanci lifted the carriage curtain, seeing that the sky was already dark.

The power of the Marquis’s mansion is extraordinary. They wouldn’t kill Chen Wu directly, but would use others to do it, or make his life worse than death. Chen Wu tried to pull a fast one but ended up worse off, losing his future and his life.

He drank some wine and went home to wash up.

"Zheng Shanci, come over here," Yu Lanyi lay on the bed, legs dangling, beckoning to Zheng Shanci.

Fresh out of the shower, Zheng Shanci paused for a moment before walking over and sitting on the edge of the bed.

Yu Lanyi opened a small box filled with various powders and creams.

"This is..."

"Xinfeng County is dusty and windy, so I’m giving you a hand cream."

Yu Lanyi handed Zheng Shanci a pink hand cream, and the calluses on his hand felt rough. A little hand cream would help.

"Thank you."

Zheng Shanci sniffed but didn’t catch any trace of alcohol on himself. He blew out the candle.

Yu Lanyi hesitantly reached out and touched Zheng Shanci’s shoulder: "So, are we sleeping in the carriage on the way to Xinfeng County?"

"If there’s a post station or an inn, we’ll stay there. Otherwise, we might have to spend the night in the carriage."

It’s a long journey, and the conditions won’t be great.

"Fine," Yu Lanyi replied, sounding unenthused.

Zheng Shanci thought for a moment and then turned over, saying seriously, "Sorry for the rough conditions."

Yu Lanyi felt much better after hearing Zheng Shanci’s words. His voice sounded light in the darkness: "Glad you realize that."

Zheng Shanci chuckled.

Yu Lanyi wasn’t holding back.

"If I’d seen Chen Wu that day and been stuck with him, I’d have gone to a temple to live as a monk."

Yu Lanyi was still a bit of a sucker for good looks.

Zheng Shanci thought for a moment and touched his own face, feeling a bit shy. People had called him handsome before, but he didn’t take much pride in it, crediting his parents’ genes. Now, hearing Yu Lanyi’s words, he felt a little giddy.

"I’m not exactly a standout," he said, feigning modesty.

"I never lie about this," Yu Lanyi said. "And your arms are pretty strong too."

Why bring up strength too? Zheng Shanci felt a bit strange, his scalp tingling, as if ants were crawling all over his body.

He wasn’t sure what standards men used to judge each other. Looks and physique were standards, but strength also had to meet certain requirements. For instance, certain… positions required a man to be strong.

Like being able to lift someone up and hold them by the waist.

...

The next day, the household bustled with activity, packing luggage and leaving behind trusted servants to mind the house. The servants—Jin Yun, Wang Fu, the accountant, the chef, and three others—filled two carriages. If they camped in the wilderness, they’d need to separate men and women, so they brought two carriages.

The household luggage took up two carriages, and there was another carriage for Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi, making a total of five carriages.

Yu Lanyi only brought two carriages after hearing Zheng Shanci’s words. When Zheng Shanci came out of the room and saw these two carriages, he fell silent.

He had told Yu Lanyi to bring two carriages, but he hadn’t specified how tall the carriages should be. This carriage was twice his height. He had limited the length and width but not the height.

Zheng Shanci felt deeply regretful.

Who would have thought that speaking a word would require so much thought.

Yu Lanyi came out from inside, and Jin Yun had already brought the pastries. Today, he was wearing a brocade robe, adorned in gold and silver, always dressed in a luxurious manner.

"Zheng Shanci, hurry up and get in the carriage." At the last moment, Yu Lanyi felt both fear and anticipation. He had never left Shengjing, and seeing the scenery of the Great Yan Dynasty would broaden his horizons.

The Marquis of Changyang hired private tutors for his three sons. Besides studying at home, Yu Zhangxing served as a study companion to the then-prince, now emperor, making his workload heavy.

Yu Lanyi and Yu Shiyan had an easier time. Yu Shiyan studied diligently, while Yu Lanyi enjoyed reading leisure books, including novels and travelogues. He longed for the outside world.

Yu Lanyi smiled, his face radiant.

Zheng Shanci saw his smile, and his eyes sparkled.

"I'm here." Zheng Shanci reached out and helped Yu Lanyi onto the carriage.

The sky in Shengjing was still shrouded in mist, the day not yet fully awake. The carriage left wheel marks as it moved forward. Yu Lanyi lifted the curtain, gazing back at the street with nostalgia.

At the city gate, Yu Zhangxing stood on horseback.

The soldiers checked and allowed them to pass. Yu Lanyi saw Yu Zhangxing.

"Brother!" Yu Lanyi's nose tingled with emotion.

Yu Zhangxing dismounted, and Yu Lanyi rushed into his arms: "Brother, are you here to see me off?"

"Yes, you've never left home, so I had to see you off." Yu Zhangxing patted Yu Lanyi's back: "Write to me if anything happens, and don't let anyone bully you."

"No one would dare bully me." Yu Lanyi said with a smile.

Yu Zhangxing advised: "In Xinfeng County, there are local gentry and powerful figures. Your husband will deal with official matters, and as the County Magistrate's Husband, you will too. Take it slow; you'll learn."

Mr. Yu had been too indulgent, never exposing Yu Lanyi to these matters.

"I understand, Brother."

Yu Zhangxing: "I need to speak with your husband."

Yu Lanyi wondered what his brother had to say to Zheng Shanci that he couldn't hear. He returned to the carriage, lifting the curtain to watch the two men below.

"I said this when you married Lan Yi, and I'll say it again: Lan Yi is entrusted to you."

Zheng Shanci took it very seriously.

"Rest assured, Brother. In danger, I will stand in front of him, blocking harm countless times."

Yu Zhangxing was deeply moved. He handed a cup of wine to Zheng Shanci.

After they both drank, Zheng Shanci got on the carriage, and Yu Zhangxing rode away from the city gate, his figure disappearing into the mist.

The city guards watched Yu Zhangxing's back with envy in their eyes.

Willing to be a subject of the emperor, Yu Zhangxing was of noble birth and had been the emperor's study companion, a proud son of heaven for his entire life.

...

As the carriage left the city gate, Yu Lanyi lifted the curtain, no longer seeing Shengjing. Melancholy filled his heart, the first time he had left his homeland alone.

"There's a small town ahead. We'll reach there today to rest for a while and continue our journey tomorrow morning," Zheng Shanci said, he was in a completely different state from Yu Lanyi, his brows relaxed.

After being cooped up for so long, Zheng Shanci felt a feeling of relief after leaving Shengjing and looked forward to the future.

At noon, they cooked a meal, and the chef could whip up something delicious anywhere.

Yu Lanyi was in a better mood. He sat in the carriage and took a few bites before stopping. He noticed a different scene from Shengjing—here, the terraced fields were neatly laid out, the wheat ears tinged with gold, water filled the fields, and the chirping of insects and birds was especially clear.

Yu Lanyi had never seen anything like it.

"Have some fruit," Zheng Shanci said, bringing over washed grapes.

Yu Lanyi had some.

"Zheng Shanci, what kind of grass is this?"

"This is foxtail grass," Zheng Shanci explained.

Yu Lanyi nodded, grabbed a handful of foxtail grass to play with.

"What's that?"

"Wheat ears."

"What kind of tree is this?"

"Camphor tree."

"This one."

"Job's tears."

Yu Lanyi pointed at each one, and Zheng Shanci answered.

Zheng Shanci suddenly felt an itch on his chin. Yu Lanyi tapped Zheng Shanci's chin with the foxtail grass.

Zheng Shanci looked at Yu Lanyi, and he whispered, "Me."

Yu Lanyi's wrist, holding the foxtail grass, seemed to burn, and he quickly withdrew his hand, tossed the grass into Zheng Shanci's lap. "Not fun. I'm going back to the carriage to sleep."

Hearing the sounds from the carriage, Zheng Shanci looked down at the foxtail grass in his lap, picked it up and started weaving it with his fingers.

Yu Lanyi thought the carriage wasn't soft enough, so he used Zheng Shanci's cloak as a cushion, lying down comfortably on it.

His face was still burning, the heat not yet subsided, his eyes moist. He untied his hairband and absentmindedly fiddled with it.

He recalled a time when he and Lv Jin went out to play and heard the sound of water and heavy breathing behind a rockery. Lv Jin's face turned red instantly, and Yu Lanyi, feeling embarrassed, peeked out his head.

The two unmarried young men dared not move, their faces as red as a monkey's bottom, waiting until the couple finished before they dared to leave.

...

Zheng Shanci finished weaving a small rabbit, stepped onto the board, and placed the rabbit beside the sleeping Yu Lanyi.