Chapter 28: Not Used to the Local Environment

Chapter 28: Not Used to the Local Environment

Zheng Shanci was startled and rushed to the bedroom.

"Did you call a doctor?"

Jin Yun followed closely: "We called a doctor. He says the young master isn’t used to the local environment."

Zheng Shanci hurried into the bedroom, where a servant was cooling Yu Lanyi’s hands with a basin. The doctor, a middle-aged man, was writing a prescription at the desk.

He was the in-house doctor at Anshen Hall, called by the Yamen Runners to treat the County Magistrate’s husband. After checking his pulse, he knew it was due to not being used to the local environment.

"Here’s a prescription for three days’ worth of medicine. If he’s not better in three days, I’ll come back to check on him."

Jin Yun took the prescription and nodded.

It usually takes three to seven days to adjust to a new environment. If he’s not better in three days, we’ll adjust the prescription.

Yu Lanyi lay in bed, weak and with chest tightness. His face was red, with a cloth on his forehead. His wrist was covered in red spots, which looked alarming.

When Zheng Shanci came in, Yu Lanyi pulled back his wrist, wanting to hide his face.

He’d planned to eat at a restaurant in Xin Feng County, but before ordering, Jin Yun saw the rash on his body. When he saw the rash, Yu Lanyi rushed home without eating, sending someone to fetch a doctor.

Zheng Shanci asked, "Doctor, is he okay?"

"He’s fine, just not used to the local environment. Let him take some medicine," Dr. Song said gently.

"Should he watch what he eats?"

Dr. Song stroked his beard. "He should avoid greasy food and stick to light meals like porridge. The local food here might not agree with him, so he should ease into it. He shouldn’t overeat, or his body might react badly."

"Why is he running a fever? What does that mean for his health?" Zheng Shanci was most concerned about the fever.

"It’s a slight fever. Just take medicine and stay warm," Dr. Song added, seeing Zheng Shanci’s furrowed brow. "I’ve felt his pulse. He has a strong constitution from earlier physical training."

"I’ve noted that. Thank you, doctor. May I know your name?"

"My name is Dr. Song. You’re too kind, Magistrate."

Zheng Shanci had Wang Fu escort Dr. Song out.

Zheng Shanci dismissed the servants and personally wrung out a cloth to change for Yu Lanyi, also wiping his hands.

"How are you feeling now?" he asked.

Yu Lanyi whispered, "I feel weak all over."

He avoided Zheng Shanci, refusing to face him.

"Besides your wrist, you should also wipe inside. Let Jin Yun help you with that later," Zheng Shanci adjusted Yu Lanyi’s blanket, noticing the dense red spots on his pale neck, which made his heart race.

His mind was in turmoil, thinking that Yu Lanyi must be extremely uncomfortable.

"You haven’t had dinner yet. What would you like to eat?"

Asked by Zheng Shanci, Yu Lanyi suddenly felt hungry. "I’d like some seafood porridge."

He followed the doctor's advice, steering clear of greasy and heavy foods, but the red rashes on his body were more bothersome than the overall fatigue. Zheng Shanci must have seen it, imagining Yu Lanyi clutching the quilt and hiding his head.

Zheng Shanci's voice came from outside: "Covering it up will just make the rashes worse."

Hearing this, Yu Lanyi reluctantly lowered his hand. His eyes moistened as he looked down, saying, "Don’t you think it’s gross? If you do, don’t look."

"It’s not gross. Everyone gets rashes. I just feel bad for you."

Yu Lanyi glanced up at Zheng Shanci, startled. Zheng Shanci’s hand landed on his hair, gently ruffling it.

Yu Lanyi’s face flushed immediately.

"Touching my head will make me stop growing."

Zheng Shanci withdrew his hand: "I’ll have someone get you some seafood porridge."

Yu Lanyi gave a soft nod.

With Zheng Shanci gone and no servants around, Yu Lanyi cupped his face, feeling its warmth. He seemed to regain some strength, kicking his feet excitedly.

"I should’ve said, 'How dare you touch my head!'"

Yu Lanyi chuckled at the thought.

Jin Yun had the medicine prepared and sent to the kitchen. Concerned for Yu Lanyi, he hurried back. Jin Yun knocked on the closed door.

"Come in," Yu Lanyi answered, pretending to be weak again.

"Young Master, the medicine’s still brewing. How are you holding up?" Jin Yun asked with concern.

Seeing it was Jin Yun, Yu Lanyi didn’t lower his voice: "I’m alright, just a bit hungry. Zheng Shanci has already sent someone to buy porridge for me."

"With the master here, I feel a lot better. I just went to fetch the doctor and was about to look for the master when he returned," Jin Yun said. "I thought about it, Young Master. The master came back early, so it must’ve been a proper banquet."

Yu Lanyi gave Jin Yun an approving look: "You’re very observant. That’s why you’re by my side—always sharp."

Jin Yun chuckled: "When it’s about you, Young Master, I always pay attention."

The kitchen, knowing Zheng Shanci had been at a banquet, had prepared hangover soup. Seeing Zheng Shanci bring back the seafood porridge, the servant brought the hangover soup too.

"Master, here’s the hangover soup."

Zheng Shanci hadn’t drunk much, but he still drank the hangover soup.

He knocked on the door and waited for a response before entering. The candle in the room flickered, the windows were tightly shut, and the room was warm. Seeing Zheng Shanci enter, Jin Yun tactfully excused himself.

Zheng Shanci placed the seafood porridge on the table, helped Yu Lanyi sit up, and propped him up with pillows. Once Yu Lanyi was settled, he turned to fetch the porridge.

"Let me feed you."

Yu Lanyi tried to move his wrist but found it still weak, so he reluctantly agreed.

He opened his mouth and let Zheng Shanci feed him the porridge.

After finishing, Yu Lanyi felt much more comfortable.

"Zheng Shanci, did they give you a hard time at the banquet today?"

Yu Lanyi seemed to be in better spirits.

Zheng Shanci: "It went well. The first day was just a welcoming banquet—no conflicts."

"You rest now. I’ll go change and wash up. I smell like alcohol, and I promised you wouldn’t have to deal with that."

Yu Lanyi lay on the pillow, touched that Zheng Shanci still remembered this.

Zheng Shanci panicked when he heard Yu Lanyi had a fever and a rash. In those days, with the limited medical care, a fever could be deadly.

If Yu Lanyi took a turn for the worse, Zheng Shanci would be lost.

He wasn’t just worried about answering to the Marquis of Changyang—he truly cared for Yu Lanyi.

Still uneasy, he gently touched Yu Lanyi’s forehead before heading to the wardrobe for his clothes.

Yu Lanyi watched Zheng Shanci’s back, then absentmindedly touched his own forehead.

Was Zheng Shanci still concerned about him?

...

Deputy Magistrate Qi’s banquet let Zheng Shanci flex his authority, intimidating the local elites. Zheng Shanci, a fresh Jinshi, proved surprisingly bold and commanding.

Deputy Magistrate Qi felt a chill remembering how Zheng Shanci forced Patriarch Xia to down several jars of wine. Could someone so powerful still share control? Or would he resist being manipulated? Deputy Magistrate Qi’s grand plans now felt like a distant dream.

Patriarch Cheng caught Deputy Magistrate Qi’s grim expression but stayed silent. They were from the same family, and the family had worked hard to let Deputy Magistrate Qi dominate Xinxian County. Now, with Deputy Magistrate Qi looking sullen, he didn't know what to say—anything would be wrong.

It was better to face the facts sooner than later.

When Patriarch Cheng got home, Mrs. Cheng moved to take off his cloak. Patriarch Cheng waved his hand: "I'll go pay my respects to Father first."

"Sir, the kitchen made some sobering soup."

The voice faded into the air. Mrs. Cheng neatly put away Patriarch Cheng's cloak. She caught the scent of perfume but smiled anyway: "Let the new concubine tend to him tonight."

"Yes, Madam."

Patriarch Cheng had no idea about this little exchange. He had told Cheng Ru about attending the banquet earlier, and now, returning from Qianwei Tower, he reported back.

"Father, I met the new Lord Zheng at the banquet. He’s stern and unyielding," Patriarch Cheng said respectfully.

Cheng Ru had several beautiful maids massaging his legs. He looked up: "Sounds like Lord Zheng put you on edge?"

Patriarch Cheng recounted everything that happened during the banquet.

Cheng Ru sighed: "That’s a good thing. Lord Zheng seems like a competent official. He gave you an out but kept you in line—showing he knows how to play the game. After all, he is the county magistrate, and you all have to work under his watch. Stay in line, and he won’t have cause to come after you. You may go now."

"Yes, Father."

After listening to Cheng Ru's words, Patriarch Cheng suppressed his thoughts and was about to find Mrs. Cheng when a servant beside him said: "Sir, Concubine Bai is ready. Madam said you should see her."

Concubine Bai, from the entertainment quarters, was both alluring and skilled. Patriarch Cheng was currently infatuated with her, and hearing this, he felt a sense of satisfaction.

Patriarch Cheng's expression softened: "Madam is a gem. Marrying her was the best thing I ever did."

Patriarch Cheng turned to embrace his concubine and went to sleep.

Having multiple wives was the norm. Yet, at the banquet, Lord Zheng played the upright gentleman, leaving everyone stunned.

...

The next day, when Zheng Shanci woke up, he first felt Yu Lanyi's forehead. Yu Lanyi had a slight fever when they went to sleep, and Zheng Shanci had woken up in the middle of the night to check again. Now, as he felt Yu Lanyi's forehead once more, it was no longer feverish and felt like a normal temperature.

Zheng Shanci let out a long sigh of relief.

He didn’t disturb Yu Lanyi, had his breakfast, and then headed to the county office.

As soon as he entered, neatly dressed, a Yamen Runner greeted him, "Good morning, Lord Zheng."

Zheng Shanci nodded.

It was evident that these people had communicated privately. The intimidation from the previous day had begun to show results.

Wang Fu, skilled in martial arts, still followed Zheng Shanci, providing a safeguard.

Deputy Magistrate Qi was already waiting early in the county office, with the county's scribes and Yamen Runners behind him, all arranged according to their ranks.

"Lord Zheng, here is the roster of personnel in the county office and their respective duties. If you need to assign tasks, simply call their names, and they will step forward."

Deputy Magistrate Qi's attitude was much more deferential than the day before. After speaking, he bowed his head to await instructions.

Zheng Shanci took the register, and each person paid their respects to him.

Zheng Shanci knew he had to give a speech today: "As I newly assume charge of Xinfeng County, I hope to work together with all of you in unity and shared purpose, striving for the prosperity of the county office. If there are benefits to be gained, I will not treat you unfairly; but if there is any deceit or misconduct, I will not hesitate to exercise my authority to deter it."

"Understood, My Lord."

Zheng Shanci nodded and called someone forward, "Scribe Jiang."

Scribe Jiang responded, "Your servant is here."

"Post a notice outside the office announcing that I have assumed office and will accept lawsuits effective today."

Scribe Jiang replied, "Your servant will handle it immediately."

With the new County Magistrate assuming office, it was necessary to post a notice informing the townspeople of the change in leadership. They no longer needed to bother Deputy Magistrate Qi with various matters.

Deputy Magistrate Qi's eyes darkened, but he remained silent.

"Moreover, Deputy Magistrate Qi has been acting as the County Magistrate, working diligently and making significant contributions. I wish to thank Deputy Magistrate Qi, and it is my privilege to work alongside him here."

Deputy Magistrate Qi was on the verge of declining.

Zheng Shanci abruptly changed the subject, "Since I have now assumed office, Deputy Magistrate Qi, please ensure the documents are sent to my room."

Deputy Magistrate Qi gritted his teeth and nodded in agreement.

"Very well, you may all leave now."

"Yes, Lord Zheng."

Zheng Shanci entered his office. The large desk was accompanied by a landscape painting on the wall and a reception area. There was a small door leading to a room with a bed and a washbasin, which served as the magistrate's resting place.

Wang Fu had expected the county office staff to be challenging for his master to manage, but to his surprise, Lord Zheng handled them adeptly, unlike a Jinshi new to officialdom.

Zheng Shanci sat in his chair, and Deputy Magistrate Qi organized the documents, instructing the scribe to carry them to the door and knock.

"Come in."

Deputy Magistrate Qi put on a smile, "Lord Zheng, here are the documents. Some tasks for this month are still unfinished."

"I understand, Deputy Magistrate Qi. Do you know where the local records of Xin Feng County are kept?"

Deputy Magistrate Qi looked surprised for a moment and said, "These records are stored with the county office’s archives. If you need them, I’ll notify the relevant personnel and have them sent over immediately."

"Good."

With that, Deputy Magistrate Qi left.

Wang Fu stood guard outside the door, leaving Zheng Shanci alone in the room. He sighed, feeling the weight of his new responsibilities. It was his first day, and he was understandably nervous. Unsure where to start, he began with the documents before him.

Deputy Magistrate Qi delivered documents on taxes, land, households, and water management. Zheng Shanci first examined the household registers. Xin Feng County had a population of about forty thousand, making it a medium-sized county in the northwest. He reviewed last year’s tax records and confirmed their proper implementation. Traditionally, grain taxes were the county’s primary revenue source, making the autumn harvest particularly crucial.

By imperial decree, a charity granary was established in the county, where a portion of grain was stored annually for future needs. The county office’s operations were complex, and Zheng Shanci planned to first clarify the tax and land records to prepare for the autumn harvest.

Scribe Jiang wrote the notice and had it posted outside the county office.

Scribe Jiang sipped his tea with a smug air. After finishing his duties, he planned to visit the market to pick out a good fishing rod. He intended to practice fishing in his pond, thinking that failing to catch a fish could upset Lord Zheng.

The new magistrate was clearly a force to be reckoned with, having already put Deputy Magistrate Qi in a difficult position on his first day. Scribe Jiang was pleased but kept it to himself, knowing Lord Zheng’s term in Xin Feng County was three years. If Lord Zheng left after that, Deputy Magistrate Qi would still remain.

Holding office was no easy task.

As the yamen runners posted the notice, a crowd formed. Among them, scholars read out the contents. Scholars, keen on national issues, were particularly interested in the notices.

"The new magistrate is here!" the commoners exclaimed.

"The new magistrate has finally arrived."

"Yesterday, I saw a large group at the city gate, including Deputy Magistrate Qi, Scribe Jiang, and Archivist Zhu, following a young couple. I figured that was the new magistrate," an excited auntie said.

"I saw it too. The new magistrate is strikingly handsome, and his husband looks every bit the aristocrat. His skin and face aren’t something our county could produce."

The crowd ate it up, pressing for more details about the magistrate.

The locals learned their new magistrate was a young, handsome man.

The yamen runners brought over the local records, and Zheng Shanci said, "Place them on my desk."

"Yes, Lord Zheng."

Zheng Shanci massaged his temples, then started noting issues with pen and paper. He set aside the tax and land records for now and picked up the local records to read.

He selectively read the earliest and latest records of Xin Feng County, gaining a better understanding of the county’s terrain and local customs.

After reading through a portion, Wang Fu approached and said, "Sir, it’s noon. Time for lunch."

Zheng Shanci got up and headed to the dining hall.

In the past, the county magistrate would have meals brought to his room, but Zheng Shanci chose to dine in the dining hall.

The cook immediately perked up. Dining in the hall meant mostly the same dishes, but the magistrate and deputy magistrate could request special dishes in advance.

Zheng Shanci found this somewhat novel, reminiscent of his school days.

He glanced over the dishes, which were quite varied. He chose braised pork, stir-fried duck blood, dry-fried bamboo shoots, and a bowl of vegetable soup.

The cook heaped Zheng Shanci’s plate with food, piling the rice sky-high.

Archivist Zhu thought the cook wanted to serve every dish in the dining hall to the new magistrate.

"That's enough, I can't eat this much," Zheng Shanci said with a smile.

He was eating alone at a table and spoke to Wang Fu, who nodded and went to get his own bowl and chopsticks.

Zheng Shanci tasted the food; it was a bit salty, but still palatable. He liked sour and spicy flavors, so these dishes were acceptable to him. He took a sip of the soup and thought about Yu Lanyi, wondering how Yu Lanyi was doing. The county office had a half-hour noon break, and Zheng Shanci planned to go back and check on Yu Lanyi, since he was still concerned.

...

After Yu Lanyi went to bed last night, Zheng Shanci left early for the county office without disturbing him. Jin Yun also didn’t wake him, and after Zheng Shanci left, he slept for two more hours before asking for someone to help him freshen up.

After waking up, Yu Lanyi felt much better, with more energy. Yesterday, he had been drenched in sweat.

After a late breakfast, Yu Lanyi asked, "Has Zheng Shanci gone to the county office?"

"Young master, the master left early and told us not to disturb your sleep," replied Jin Yun.

Yu Lanyi felt a warm feeling in his heart. Yesterday, he had developed a rash and had a fever, which had scared him. Seeing Zheng Shanci had calmed him.

In the past, when he fell ill at home, the household would also worry about him. Thinking about this, Yu Lanyi felt a bit homesick. He wondered how his father, his stepfather, and his brother were doing after he left.

Yu Lanyi shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away. He stood up and said, "I’ll take a walk outside today."

Jin Yun quickly said, "Young master, you’re still recovering. It’s better to rest in bed."

"I have strength now. Lying in bed all day yesterday made my body feel stiff. It’s better to go out for a walk; it might lift my spirits."

Hearing this, Jin Yun had no choice but to agree. He brought a cloak for Yu Lanyi to wear and accompanied him with a sturdy servant.

As Yu Lanyi went out, the streets were still lively. Most people’s attire wasn’t as fancy as in the capital, but there were still vendors carrying baskets of snacks, calling out as they walked.

"Glutinous rice cakes! Delicious and chewy glutinous rice cakes!"

"Tofu! Made from our own mill!"

Yu Lanyi wanted to try the glutinous rice cakes and had someone buy some for him.

He took a bite. The rice cakes were indeed delicious and chewy, but without brown sugar, they didn’t taste as good. He preferred them with brown sugar.

"Jin Yun, go back and tell the kitchen to make brown sugar glutinous rice cakes for dinner."

"Yes, young master."

Yu Lanyi noticed a small shop with some rare items and crouched down to look at the things on the stall.

He picked up a wooden carving to examine.

The vendor, seeing Yu Lanyi’s attire, immediately started calculating.

"Young master, take a look at these items. They would look great in your home. They’re all brought from the Western Regions."

Jin Yun gave the vendor a deadpan look.

Yu Lanyi put down the wooden carving, his eyes blazing. "Do you think I’m stupid?"

The vendor: "..."

Someone suddenly laughed.

Yu Lanyi turned to see a young man wearing three hairpins, who appeared to be married.

"I'm sorry," Xu Geer quickly apologized, his eyes also filled with remorse. His eyes were green, and his features were soft.

Yu Lanyi stood up, crossed his arms, and gave him a sidelong glance: "Are you a foreigner?"

Xu Geer explained, "My family has foreign ancestry, so the color of my eyes is a bit different from yours."

"This vendor must have seen that you, young master, are strikingly good-looking and wearing fancy clothes, not a local, and thought to deceive you. I wanted to step forward and warn you, but you were not fooled."

"Do I not look like a local to you?"

Xu Geer slowly shook his head. He knew all the wealthy young men in the county town and had never seen Yu Lanyi before. Yesterday, he heard from his father that the new county magistrate had arrived with his husband, and Xu Geer guessed that this must be the County Magistrate's Husband.

Yu Lanyi felt like something was watching him, and he called out, "Jin Yun, let's head back to the manor."