Chapter 26: Xinfeng County

Chapter 26: Xinfeng County

Zheng Qingyin was in the kitchen, tending the fire and boiling water to fill the teapot. Outside, the villagers were still chatting, and he knew they wouldn’t leave anytime soon. Father Zheng and Mr. Zheng were talking with the villagers, as it was a celebratory occasion.

He was also happy for his second brother, but after encountering He Tian, his spirits had dampened.

Zheng Qingyin was fourteen this year, and Father Zheng and Mr. Zheng hadn’t yet arranged a match for him. They had delayed, wanting to wait and see how Zheng Shanci’s situation in the capital would turn out, so that Zheng Qingyin could marry into a good family.

He hadn’t paid much attention to matters of marriage.

But ever since his second brother passed the Jinshi examination, He Tian would often say things that were misleading and overstep boundaries. Zheng Qingyin was terrified. He Tian had an excellent reputation outside, and Zheng Qingyin was too afraid to tell his father and Mr. Zheng about it.

Today, He Tian had acted that way toward him again.

Zheng Qingyin was filled with fear and didn’t know what to do.

He Tian walked softly into the kitchen and saw Zheng Qingyin standing dazedly in front of the stove. He spoke softly, “Qingyin, why do you look so lost?”

Hearing He Tian’s voice, Zheng Qingyin instinctively shivered. He bit his lip and managed a reply, “It’s nothing. I’m just watching the fire. He Tian, you’re a guest. This is the kitchen; there’s no need for you to come in.”

“Qingyin, your second brother has become a county magistrate. You’ll be an official’s younger brother now. Will you change and become different from before?” He Tian took a step forward, reaching out as if to touch Zheng Qingyin’s hand.

Zheng Qingyin quickly avoided him, “He Tian, what are you talking about? I’ll go to the house to grab some melon seeds.”

He only wanted to escape.

“Zheng Qingyin, take a look at yourself. You want to marry into a wealthy family, but you can’t even read.” He Tian’s face turned cold. He closed in on Zheng Qingyin and grabbed his wrist. His eyes were venomous, completely devoid of the grace and gentleness he showed in front of the villagers.

He said coldly, “Only I can tolerate and love you like this. Look at your clothes—so rustic. Who would appreciate you? You’re just a village lad. And your looks? They can’t compare to the young men in town. If you go to Xinfeng County, you’ll only embarrass Zheng Shanci. You even have a noblewoman sister-in-law now. She’ll surely look down on you.”

Zheng Qingyin’s eyes widened in fear.

“The situation outside is bad. If you go out, you’ll only be looked down upon and deceived. Only in the village can you protect yourself. Bandits and thugs are everywhere. What are you, a young lad, going out for? Young men are meant to marry. I’m good to you, and I don’t mind that you can’t write or paint. If you marry me, of course, I’ll protect you.”

He Tian chuckled darkly, “Only I am good to you. Don’t you know that?”

“Why go to Xinfeng County and humiliate yourself? Do you think Zheng Shanci truly wants you to go? You’re just a burden to him. If you marry me, I’ll take you to Xinfeng County. Only my arms are safe and harmless.”

…

Zheng Shancheng and Lin Geer bought pork and wine. Mr. Zheng called a few familiar women and boys to the kitchen to cook and prepare dishes. Lin Geer also helped out, while Zheng Shancheng went to chat with the villagers.

By the time the villagers finished eating, it was already midnight.

“Where’s Qingyin?” Mr. Zheng frowned.

While they were cooking, Zheng Qingyin hadn’t come to help. Now that the meal was over, he was nowhere to be seen. This child was too inconsiderate.

Lin Geer had noticed Zheng Qingyin’s lack of enthusiasm during dinner and was a bit worried. He said, “Mr. Zheng, I’ll go check on Qingyin.”

“Go ahead. This child, whether he’s grown up or what, has become more and more withdrawn.” Mr. Zheng sighed and went to the kitchen to wash the dishes.

Mr. Zheng gave Zheng Shancheng half a string of cash, “When I asked you to buy meat and wine, I forgot to have you get items for the ancestral worship. Tomorrow morning, Shancheng, go to the morning market.”

Zheng Shancheng replied, “Understood, Mr. Zheng.”

The villagers had left, and the outside hadn’t been cleaned yet. Zheng Shancheng took a broom to sweep the melon seed husks and dirt brought in by footsteps from the courtyard. He hurriedly chopped chicken fodder and fed the chickens, then put them into the coop.

The dogs outside the village started howling again, their voices loud. In the past, Zheng Shancheng found it annoying, but today he only felt joy.

Tonight, the villagers dined at the Zheng family's home. There was no sign of cooking smoke, only the laughter of children and the voices of the adults in the village.

"The Zheng family has been blessed with great fortune..."

"The county magistrate, hehe, from now on I'll have to call him Lord Zheng..."

A few scattered words floated on the breeze.

Zheng Shancheng, broom in hand, beamed with joy.

Father Zheng asked, "Shancheng, what’s got you so cheerful? Why is one of our hoes gone?"

Zheng Shancheng slapped his forehead: "Today, I heard that Shan Ci sent a letter, and I left the hoe in the field."

Father Zheng: "You scatterbrain, how could you be so forgetful!"

"I’ll fetch it in the morning. Everyone in the village knows each other, and it's so dark now, no one will take it." Zheng Shancheng defended himself: "I'm just so happy."

Father Zheng scolded him lightly, not really mad. He rolled a cigarette and took a drag.

Lin Geer noticed the flickering candlelight in Zheng Qingyin’s room and stood outside the door, knocking: "Qingyin, may I come in?"

Zheng Qingyin wiped his tears: "Just a moment, sister-in-law."

He quickly grabbed a mirror, tidied himself up, and then opened the door, "Sister-in-law, come in."

Zheng Qingyin lived by himself. The room had a bed and a set of table and chairs, which were cast-offs from Zheng Shanci, and a bedside cabinet with a bamboo basket he had woven himself. Inside the basket were some scraps of fabric. In his free time, he enjoyed embroidering pouches and handkerchiefs, which he would then sell in town with Zheng Shancheng to help with household expenses.

There was also a shoe in the basket that he was working on.

"Qingyin, your hands are so skilled, the stitches are so neat."

Zheng Qingyin felt a bit shy and patted the bed: "Sister-in-law, please sit."

"I noticed Father’s shoes are getting worn, and I thought since I had some money left from selling the pouches at the market, I'd make him a new pair."

Lin Geer sat down, "Qingyin, I know you’re dutiful, but don’t embroider at night; it’s hard on your eyes."

"I know, sister-in-law."

Before her marriage, Lin Geer loved to dress up. After marrying Zheng Shancheng, she secretly bought a silk flower to wear with her spare money. Zheng Qingyin, with his delicate looks, didn’t care much for dressing up. He only had a few outfits and seldom wore hairpins.

He saved all his money.

Zheng Shanci went to study for the imperial exams. In this family, it wasn't just Father and Dad, or Shancheng, even the youngest brother was so considerate and mature.

"I noticed you seemed down tonight, is something on your mind?" Lin Geer asked with concern.

Zheng Qingyin didn't dare to say anything, only shook his head: "Sister-in-law, I'm fine, maybe the weather’s getting to me."

"Qingyin, you should take better care of yourself from now on. Your second brother is already an official, you don't need to be so frugal. Buy a few more clothes and accessories. All the boys in the village love to dress up, but Qingyin doesn’t bother with that. What boy doesn’t like to dress up?"

Hearing this, Zheng Qingyin felt a bit sad. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he didn't know what to do, only murmuring: "Sister-in-law, do you dislike me too?"

Lin Geer didn't know which words had upset Zheng Qingyin and hurriedly wiped his tears: "I, how could I dislike you? I just want you to treat yourself better. Qingyin is so beautiful, if you wore nice clothes and accessories, wouldn't you be even more beautiful?"

Zheng Qingyin stopped crying but was still sniffling, "Sister-in-law, are you not just saying that to make me feel better?"

"Little brother, what good would it do me to lie to you?" Lin Geer smiled: "When I married your brother, it was because I admired his good looks. You know, your second brother married a nobleman's son in the capital. How could he have done that without his handsome face? If he were ugly, that nobleman's son wouldn't have looked twice at him. You're their brother, how could you not have good looks?"

Zheng Qingyin wiped away his tears and smiled.

Lin Geer said, "Let’s face it, you know how bad-tempered your second brother is. If it weren’t for his good looks, tsk, no nobleman’s son would’ve given him a second glance."

Zheng Qingyin: "..."

After chatting with Zheng Qingyin, Lin Geer headed back to her room to freshen up.

Zheng Shancheng had already washed up and was lying in bed.

The room they shared was slightly larger. Zheng Shancheng held Lin Geer close, his breathing heavy.

Lin Geer leaned her head back, cradling Zheng Shancheng’s head.

After their bath, they returned to the bedding. Lin Geer lazily said, "Shan Ci suggested that Father, Dad, and we all head to Xinfeng County. What do you think?"

Zheng Shancheng: "Do you want to go?"

"Of course I do! I’ve never even been to a county town before," Lin Geer said enthusiastically. "Isn’t the whole family counting on the second brother to bring honor to the family? Now that he’s been appointed as an official, as the eldest brother, you should go and personally congratulate him."

Zheng Shancheng tapped Lin Geer's nose: "I’ll think it over. We also need to see what Father and Dad think."

Lin Geer: "Even if you’re not thinking of yourself, you should consider our future children, and Qingyin too. If Qingyin stays in the village, what kind of man will he end up with?"

Zheng Shancheng really thought about this.

After a moment, he put it aside: "We still need to consider Father and Dad’s opinions. Besides, Shan Ci just got to Xinfeng County, and he might not be settled yet. If we rush over, wouldn’t that just create problems?"

Lin Geer: "You, you’re always thinking about Zheng Shan Ci, your second brother. You always put him first in everything."

...

On the other side, Zheng Shan Ci and Yu Lanyi had breakfast at the post station and didn’t stay long. After resting for the night, they continued their journey. They got up earlier than the two Young Masters Yang. When Yang San woke up, he asked about Zheng Shan Ci’s party.

Old Zhou said, "They’ve already left the post station."

Both Yang Er and Yang San felt a little regretful. They hadn’t even gotten Zheng Shan Ci’s full name, only knowing his surname was Zheng. The official Ji, who was heading to the capital for his appointment, came downstairs and overheard the two Young Masters Yang inquiring about the group from the previous night. He couldn’t help but wonder if that small-time county magistrate had some special connections, given the attention from the Yang family's young masters.

He’d missed an opportunity to make a connection.

Official Ji, who had been in a good mood earlier, now felt somewhat disinterested.

Zheng Shan Ci woke up early, while Yu Lanyi was still sleepy. He got into the carriage, drowsy, and only ate a few bites of the bun before stopping.

For Yu Lanyi, it was too early.

Zheng Shan Ci: "You can sleep in the carriage for a while."

Yu Lanyi complained: "The carriage is uncomfortable."

He had a cushion under his seat, along with Zheng Shan Ci's cloak, but he still couldn't find a good pillow. Yu Lanyi's eyes darted around, and he looked at Zheng Shan Ci: "I'm so sleepy, I want to sleep."

Zheng Shan Ci thought for a moment: "Let's add another layer of bedding to the carriage."

Yu Lanyi: "No need, I think it's quite soft."

Yu Lanyi looked at Zheng Shan Ci's legs and said seriously, "Can I rest my head on your knees as a pillow to sleep?"

Zheng Shan Ci nodded, even smoothing out his robe. Yu Lanyi felt a bit excited and slowly lay down, placing his head on Zheng Shan Ci's knees.

Zheng Shanci leaned over to pull the blanket closer and covered Yu Lanyi with it. Autumn had come, and the air was growing chillier. Without a good blanket, catching a chill was easy.

He picked up the book he’d set aside and started reading intently.

Yu Lanyi reclined in the carriage, and when he looked up, he could see Zheng Shanci's smooth jawline. Zheng Shanci didn’t notice his gaze, as he was focused on reading the book. After finishing a page, he gently turned it. The sound of the carriage wheels echoed, and the rustling of Zheng Shanci turning the pages filled Yu Lanyi's ears. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

He slept until noon when they arrived at a small town. They entered a tavern in the town to have a meal.

Yu Lanyi tried the food and thought it was pretty good.

Zheng Shanci used serving chopsticks to pick up some vegetables for Yu Lanyi. "It’s getting colder, so stay warm."

Yu Lanyi glanced at the green veggies in his bowl. He pouted and reluctantly ate them.

"I packed a heavy coat and a cloak."

Zheng Shanci: "Good. Looks like it’ll be a rainy year."

Whenever Yu Lanyi reached a new spot, he felt like a wanderer, free and unrestrained. He had seen white clouds over green mountains, the moon setting, and the afterglow of the sunset forming beautiful patterns—everywhere was a good view. It was a pity that he hadn’t studied hard when he was younger and couldn’t write any poetry. Although the capital was nice, occasionally going out to see the world broadened his horizons and lifted his spirits.

He asked Zheng Shanci if he could write poetry.

Zheng Shanci looked embarrassed and shook his head. "I can’t write poetry."

Yu Lanyi thought Zheng Shanci was a half-baked Jinshi (scholar) who couldn’t even write sentimental poetry.

In the evening, they arrived at another small town. This town didn’t have a post station, so they had to stay at an inn.

Yu Lanyi requested the best room, and the Proprietor's eyes lit up as he hurriedly came forward to greet them. "Right this way, sir and young master."

Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi had dinner at the inn. At night, Yu Lanyi pulled Zheng Shanci out to check out the night market.

This place revered the River God, and with its mountains and rivers, there were many rare and novel items. There was also the story of the River God and the bride. They went to hear a storyteller, found a spot to sit, and ordered a pot of tea.

"In the past, when I went out to listen to storytellers, I had to bring servants from the mansion. I couldn’t just bring Jin Yun alone. Having those people around was quite boring. Now, I can listen to storytellers whenever I want." Yu Lanyi began munching on melon seeds. "I can crack melon seeds if I want to, and no one will say my posture is improper."

Zheng Shanci chuckled at this.

Yu Lanyi listened to the storyteller's tale and softly said, "Zheng Shanci, marriage seems like such a happy thing."

Zheng Shanci was taken aback by this. He looked at Yu Lanyi, who was attentively listening to the storyteller on stage. The storyteller held a wooden clapper and wore a long robe. He struck the clapper heavily, and his voice became more passionate.

The teahouse buzzed with people from everywhere. People were drinking tea, eating peanuts and melon seeds from their plates, exuding a sense of leisure. Zheng Shanci's gaze lingered on Yu Lanyi, and he smiled.

After listening to the storyteller and buying some snacks, they headed back to the inn to settle in.

It had been more than two months since they left the capital for Xinfeng County. Yu Lanyi had traveled across one-sixth of the Great Yan Dynasty, and in the blink of an eye, two months had passed.

The snacks from the capital were long gone, but along the way, there were many local specialty cakes, and Yu Lanyi didn’t miss any of them. At noon, they’d just eaten when thunder rolled in, and it started to rain.

Yu Lanyi quickly hopped into the carriage. It wasn’t safe for the horses to travel in thunder, so they were stuck in the carriage.

"What a downpour," Yu Lanyi said, drying his hair with a towel.

Zheng Shanci lifted the carriage curtain. Staying here wasn’t an option, as they had two carriages of luggage that couldn’t get wet. He sent Wang Fu ahead to inquire if there was a place to take shelter from the rain.

"Zheng Shanci, it’s so cold," Yu Lanyi sneezed.

"Sir, young master, there’s a dilapidated temple ahead where we can take shelter from the rain."

The coachman drove the carriage past.

When Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi entered the dilapidated temple, there was already a group of people inside who had started a fire. Seeing Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi come in from outside, they showed signs of wariness in their eyes.

"Pardon us, the rain outside is torrential. We’ve come here to take shelter," Zheng Shanci said with a respectful bow.

The leader was a middle-aged man. Seeing Zheng Shanci’s courtesy, he smiled and said, "You’re too kind, young master. We’re also travelers passing by, and we came here to take shelter from the heavy rain. You and this…"

Zheng Shanci: "My husband."

"Ah, a couple. Please, join us and warm yourselves by the fire."

"Thank you, but we’ll start our own fire. We have quite a few people with us."

Jin Yun and Wang Fu, along with their attendants, handled the luggage, and someone gathered firewood to start a fire.

Yu Lanyi held out his hands to warm them by the fire.

"How much longer till we reach Xinfeng County?"

Zheng Shanci comforted him, "Just three more days."

The journey had worn Yu Lanyi out. The endless travel had worn him down, and he no longer found the places fresh. He just wanted to find a place to settle. Zheng Shanci took a towel and helped Yu Lanyi dry his hair.

The rain outside showed no signs of stopping, and by evening, Zheng Shanci and his group were still in the dilapidated temple. Zheng Shanci asked Jin Yun to take out the dried provisions they had brought and boil some hot water.

They reheated the dried provisions.

The provisions were dried meat and flatbread.

It wasn’t exactly appetizing, but having a cook come over to prepare a meal would have been too conspicuous. The flatbread and dried meat were soaked in water to soften them, and Zheng Shanci ate the provisions, finding them just passable.

Yu Lanyi glanced at the flatbread and dried meat set before him. He thought for a moment and decided to eat the dried meat first. He bit into it but couldn’t tear it apart.

In front of him was a bowl of hot water that Zheng Shanci had given him. Yu Lanyi had no choice but to soak the dried meat in the hot water before eating it. It wasn’t palatable, just barely edible.

The dried meat was clearly insufficient for him. Yu Lanyi hesitated, prodding the flatbread, which was rock-hard.

Yu Lanyi looked at Jin Yun, and they exchanged glances.

Zheng Shanci pushed the bowl of hot water closer to Yu Lanyi.

Yu Lanyi felt as if the world had collapsed.

"I want to eat roast duck," Yu Lanyi said.

Zheng Shanci: "Hang in there for a few more days. We’ll be there soon."

Yu Lanyi pouted as he soaked the flatbread in the hot water, and then took Zheng Shanci’s dried meat.

Zheng Shanci didn’t mind and took out a new piece of dried meat from the bag.

After a dinner that tasted like cardboard, Yu Lanyi listened to the rain and let out a yawn. Zheng Shanci didn’t read his book this time. With strangers present, he was always cautious.

Perhaps out of boredom, the middle-aged man struck up a conversation: "Young man, where are you headed?"

Zheng Shanci smiled bitterly: "Our family has hit hard times. We’re going to seek refuge with relatives. Look at all this luggage—it’s all worthless, just for appearances."

"You seem like someone from a prosperous family."

Zheng Shanci hurriedly waved his hand, "That's all water under the bridge. Now we're staying with relatives, just hoping my uncle treats us well. My husband and I will be happy. I used to gamble when I was younger and lost all my family fortune. Now I’ve wised up, but nothing is left."

The middle-aged man showed sympathy, "Gambling really ruins lives."

After exchanging a few words, the middle-aged man went to sleep. Zheng Shanci called Wang Fu over and whispered, "Have our men take shifts keeping watch today. I don’t trust them, so be cautious. If you see them trying to sneak through our bags, let them search mine. But if they try to search other items, pretend to be startled."

Wang Fu felt a chill and looked at the people sitting around the fire, feeling a chill down his spine.

"Understood, sir."

Yu Lanyi still used Zheng Shanci's leg as a pillow.

At night, Wang Fu and the others stayed on high alert. Sure enough, one of the men from the middle-aged man's group tried to go through our bags. Wang Fu, as instructed by Zheng Shanci, scared the man away.

"Nothing worth stealing here."

"Looks like this guy was a bookworm."

"Ha, a bookworm who gambles—now that’s something you don’t see every day."

"That bookworm’s husband is a real looker. If we weren’t on a tight schedule, otherwise..."

They whispered and cracked jokes.

...

The next day, Zheng Shanci woke up and planned to leave with Yu Lanyi. The middle-aged man, half-asleep, called out to Zheng Shanci.

"Heading out already, kid?"

Zheng Shanci paused, and Wang Fu was on edge for him.

"We got soaked in the rain yesterday, and my husband came down with something. I need to take him to a doctor quickly," Zheng Shanci said urgently.

"You’re heading to your relatives and still bringing your husband with you. For a gambler, you’ve got a good heart," the middle-aged man sighed. "Go quickly, don't delay your husband's illness."

"Take care of yourself in this drafty temple, brother."

The middle-aged man waved his hand, somewhat impatient, and pulled the blanket over himself to sleep again.

"Scholars sure do love to hear themselves talk."

Zheng Shanci climbed into the carriage, and the coachman immediately drove away quickly.

"That was a close call, sir," Wang Fu's heart was in his throat.

"Hurry up. If that guy catches on to my lie, we’re done for," Zheng Shanci was also sweating coldly.

"I thought you nailed it, sir," Wang Fu scratched his face.

Zheng Shanci said, "A gambler’s always a gambler. Once you become a gambler, you don't care about your family."

Wang Fu thought about it and admired him.

It was exactly as Zheng Shanci had said.

When Zheng Shanci entered the temple yesterday, he felt that the people sitting by the fire were not to be trifled with. Leaving now would be too conspicuous and might arouse suspicion. Seeing that their bags were still wet and they looked travel-worn, he knew they had urgent matters to attend to.

After spending the night in the temple, Zheng Shanci's heart was always on edge. Only after leaving did he feel at ease.

Yu Lanyi was still asleep, unaware that they had just escaped from the jaws of danger.

They didn’t waste any time and made a beeline for Xin Feng County.