Chapter 31: Does That Include You?

Chapter 31: Does That Include You?

Although Mr. Zheng appreciated Zheng Qingyin’s filial devotion, he couldn’t let Zheng Qingyin stay with them forever, as that would mean spending his entire life in Qingxiang Village. Since the family now had the means to visit Xinfeng County and live a better life, why should they remain trapped here?

"Qingyin, we don’t need you here. Perhaps by next spring, your father and I will also go to Xinfeng County. You, Shancheng, and Lin Geer can go together after the autumn harvest. Qingyin is gentle by nature, Shancheng. When you arrive in Xinfeng County, have a good talk with Shan Ci and ask him to find a suitable match for Qingyin. Alternatively, let Qingyin stay with him for a few years. He’s only fourteen now, turning fifteen next year, so there’s no rush."

Zheng Shancheng responded, "Father, Mr. Zheng, are you really not going?"

Mr. Zheng: "We’ll see next year. We’re too lazy to move during the winter. During Shan Ci’s time preparing for the imperial exams, he often wasn’t home for the New Year. You can go and spend a good New Year with him. Also, your leg always suffers from cold symptoms in winter, and it often hurts. In the past, we couldn’t afford to see a doctor in town, so we had to rely on the village’s barefoot doctor for herbal treatments. Now that you’re going to the county town, find a good doctor to take care of your leg."

The family had spent all their savings on Zheng Shanci’s education. As the eldest son, Zheng Shancheng bore a lot of pressure, but he never complained. Mr. Zheng and Mr. Zheng saw this and felt heartbroken for their son. Especially when Zheng Shancheng was falsely accused and had his leg broken while working as a servant for a wealthy family in town, Mr. Zheng almost cried his eyes out.

He knew his eldest son’s character well. It was clear that the people in town were bullying him, and somehow he had offended the manager, who then kicked him out.

Being kicked out was bad enough, but they also beat him up, which was truly cruel.

Lin Geer’s heart stirred upon hearing this. He slept with Zheng Shancheng every night and knew how much his injured leg hurt in winter, often leaving him drenched in cold sweat. After they got married, they went to see a doctor in town together. The doctor said Zheng Shancheng’s leg still had sensation and might be treatable, possibly making it more comfortable, but it would require a highly skilled doctor.

This made Lin Geer even more determined to go to Xinfeng County.

A county town was surely better than a small town, and since Zheng Shanci was the county magistrate, they could find a better doctor.

When Zheng Shancheng heard his father mention his leg, he laughed heartily, "It’s fine, Father, I’m used to it. Everyone has some minor issues. I feel worse knowing that you and Mr. Zheng worry about me."

"Big brother and sister-in-law should go. I’ll stay in the village. I’m not used to life in the county town and just want to stay here," Zheng Qingyin interjected.

Lin Geer quickly countered, "Qingyin, what are you talking about? You’ve never been to the county town, so how do you know you won’t like it? You’ve only been to town a few times and don’t know how bustling the county town is. Vendors fill the streets, and shops are everywhere. There are lovely clothes and jewelry, and the scenery is beautiful. When we get there, we’ll even stay in the county government office. Your second brother is the county magistrate; who in the entire county would dare to bully you? They wouldn’t dare! You can do whatever you want in the county town, walk wherever you please."

Seeing that Zheng Qingyin seemed somewhat persuaded, Lin Geer pressed on, "You could even open a shop and start your own fabric business, earn some money for yourself. Wouldn’t that be great?"

"At the very least, you wouldn’t have to take a bullock cart to town to sell your embroidered kerchiefs and pouches. You could just step outside and sell them," Lin Geer added with a smile, "By then, Qingyin wouldn’t even need to embroider kerchiefs and pouches anymore."

Mr. Zheng, amused by the idea, chimed in, "Your sister-in-law makes a good point. Don’t worry about us old folks. Our Zheng family has been in Qingxiang Village for generations, and we have many relatives. The family will take care of us. You should go to the county town and expand your horizons."

Mr. Zheng nodded in agreement, "Exactly."

Zheng Shancheng thought it over and decided it would be good for Zheng Qingyin to go as well. His younger brother had always been thrifty and hadn’t had much of a good life. Besides, marriage was another concern. With better conditions, they should aim for a higher standard when choosing a match.

"Qingyin, after the autumn harvest, come with me to Shan Ci’s place. There’s nothing to fear. With your big brother and second brother around, what do you have to be afraid of?"

Lin Geer added, "And your sister-in-law will be there too."

Zheng Qingyin’s eyes welled up with tears. He clutched his clothes and then let go. His sister-in-law had said that in the county town, his second brother was the magistrate, and no one would dare bully him. If his second brother didn’t like him, he could find a job in the county town and earn some money for himself. Thinking this, Zheng Qingyin felt a glimmer of anticipation. His mind then drifted to He Tian’s words, and he shivered. Once he escaped Qingxiang Village, He Tian wouldn’t be able to find him. He wanted to see the outside world. With his big brother and sister-in-law accompanying him, the journey wouldn’t be too dangerous, which gave Zheng Qingyin a sense of security.

He nodded.

"That’s right. Otherwise, your big brother and I would have to drag you there," Lin Geer said with a grin.

The dinner settled the family’s plans to go to Xinfeng County, and Lin Geer was the happiest of all. After washing up, Zheng Shancheng and Lin Geer lay down together in bed, and Lin Geer chuckled in the darkness.

"Are you really that happy?" Zheng Shancheng asked.

Lin Geer replied, "Of course I’m happy. We’re going to a larger city. You’re Shan Ci’s big brother. Even if he doesn’t care about me, he’ll care about you, right?"

Zheng Shancheng had never been to the county town and felt a sense of anticipation. He also longed to see Zheng Shanci, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time.

"I just wonder if the second brother’s husband will be easy to get along with?" Lin Geer thought positively, "As long as I don’t upset him, it should be fine."

...

Early the next morning, Zheng Shancheng and Lin Geer ate a pancake from home before heading to town, and Lin Geer brought Zheng Qingyin along.

"Qingyin, don’t you have handkerchiefs and pouches to sell? Let’s take the ox cart to town together."

"Hold on, elder sister-in-law, I need to grab them from the house first."

The three of them arrived at the ox cart at the village entrance, paying three coins each, totaling nine coins given by Zheng Shancheng. The elderly cart driver, seeing Zheng Qingyin also going out, greeted them with a smile and said, "Are you all going to the town market today? Qingyin is coming out too."

Zheng Shancheng replied, "Winter is coming soon, so we’re heading to town to buy some cotton and fabric to make winter clothes."

"You’re preparing early this year. Our family will wait until after the autumn harvest to go to town."

The ox cart wouldn’t leave until everyone was on board. Zheng Shancheng chatted with the old driver about the field harvests, and before long, they were talking about Zheng Shanci. Zheng Shancheng was used to it; everyone within ten miles of the village and town knew that the Zheng family had produced an official.

The old driver said, "The magistrate, from our village! I walk with my head held high outside. Some people have never seen the magistrate in their lives, but I even held Shan Ci when he was a child."

Lin Geer looked at Zheng Qingyin’s basket. Zheng Qingyin’s embroidery skills were excellent, and each time he went to town, his handkerchiefs and pouches fetched a good price.

"Qingyin, didn’t I see you embroider a mandarin duck pouch before? The mandarin ducks looked so lifelike. If you took that pouch to town, it could sell for a lot."

Zheng Qingyin felt a bit shy, "That was for my second sister-in-law."

"I thought if I didn’t go to Xinfeng County, you and brother could take the pouch for me. If I go, I’ll give it to her myself. I don’t know if she’ll like it."

Lin Geer patted Zheng Qingyin’s back, "Of course she will! It’s your heartfelt gift."

Zheng Qingyin was so thoughtful, it was endearing.

Zheng Qingyin smiled softly, still a bit nervous. In town, Zheng Shancheng and Lin Geer would go elsewhere to buy winter clothes, while he would sell his handkerchiefs and pouches. They agreed on a meeting spot.

Zheng Qingyin went to his usual shop. The shopkeeper smiled when she saw him, "Qingyin, here to sell handkerchiefs again?"

"These are the handkerchiefs and pouches I’ve embroidered recently. Could you take a look, elder sister?"

"Your work is always reliable," the shopkeeper said without even looking, she took them. Zheng Qingyin’s needlework was excellent; each handkerchief sold for eight coins, and he had eight handkerchiefs. The pouches were fifteen coins each, and he had three pouches, totaling one hundred and nine coins. The shopkeeper gave him one coin and ten coins. Others wouldn’t get this price, but Zheng Qingyin’s work was exceptional.

"You won’t need to embroider these anymore. I heard you’re going to be an official’s brother now. That’s such a great thing," the shopkeeper patted Zheng Qingyin’s hand. "Poor boy, you’ve been embroidering handkerchiefs and pouches to help the family since you were seven or eight. Our boy is lazy and can’t do anything. It’s boys like you who are truly admirable."

Zheng Qingyin knew the shopkeeper was just joking; she adored her own son. He smiled softly, "I’m not that admirable. I think your son is very fortunate."

Zheng Qingyin left the shop, and a cold breeze hit him, making him shiver. He pulled his clothes tighter.

"Qingyin, we’re here!" Zheng Shancheng’s basket was filled with cotton, and Lin Geer called out with a smile.

Zheng Qingyin quickened his steps. Others’ happiness was enviable, but his family wasn’t bad either.

"You seem cold. Here, try these freshly steamed meat buns," Lin Geer suddenly produced a greasy paper bag from behind and handed it to Zheng Qingyin.

"Sister-in-law, this is too much."

"It’s already bought, just enjoy it," Lin Geer said happily. "Being an official pays well, and we don’t have to support second brother’s studies anymore."

Lin Geer was glared at by Zheng Shancheng and quickly stopped talking.

Zheng Qingyin took the meat bun and ate it. The freshly steamed bun was juicy and aromatic. The meat was finely chopped, and the filling was generous, the aroma hitting his nose. It had been a long time since he had eaten a meat bun, and it was still as delicious as he remembered.

When he was a child, Zheng Fu and Mr. Zheng had taken the three children to town to sell vegetables. When the kids got hungry, Mr. Zheng gave Zheng Shancheng some money to take the two younger ones to buy buns.

Zheng Shancheng bought three buns. He said he wasn’t hungry and gave two buns to his second brother, eating only one himself.

"Zheng Qingyin, let's take a look inside this shop," Lin Geer said, pulling Zheng Qingyin into a jewelry store. The shopkeeper warmly welcomed them.

"We'll browse on our own," Lin Geer said skillfully.

Zheng Qingyin felt nervous and uneasy. He tugged at Lin Geer's sleeve and whispered, "Elder sister-in-law, the things here are too expensive. It would cost too much if we bought anything."

Zheng Shancheng caught up with them, and Lin Geer laughed, "Don't worry, let your elder brother pay."

Lin Geer picked out a hairpin and tried it on Zheng Qingyin. She looked satisfied and pushed Zheng Qingyin in front of the bronze mirror.

Zheng Qingyin was still blushing and wanted to remove the hairpin from his hair. But when he saw his reflection in the mirror, he was momentarily stunned.

"It looks very nice. My husband, go and pay," Lin Geer said.

Zheng Shancheng acknowledged and quickly went to pay the shopkeeper before Zheng Qingyin could stop him.

A tael of silver disappeared in an instant. Zheng Qingyin became anxious, "Elder brother, I have my own money. I can pay."

"With me here, how could I let you pay?" Zheng Shancheng said with a stern face.

Lin Geer pulled Zheng Qingyin aside and said, "When we go to Xinfeng County, you’ll need some accessories on your head."

When Zheng Qingyin got on the ox-drawn cart, he was still absentmindedly touching the hairpin on his head, cherishing it dearly.

Back at home, Zheng Qingyin went to his room and looked at the hairpin in a hand mirror. It was just an ordinary hairpin with a small flower design. Zheng Qingyin looked at it over and over, touching it repeatedly.

In the village, the stylish young men and women all had different styles of hairpins, but he had none. Today, he suddenly had one, and even though it had been a long time coming, Zheng Qingyin was still delighted in his heart.

A while ago, Lin Geer had talked to Zheng Qingyin, feeling that he was insecure about his appearance. She discussed with Zheng Shancheng about buying a hairpin for Zheng Qingyin, and of course, Zheng Shancheng agreed.

His own younger brother, he had watched over the years. Buying a hairpin, the couple set aside some money to buy one for Qingyin.

...

Zheng Shanci had conducted a land survey here and also gained an understanding of the commerce of Xinfeng County. The commerce in Xinfeng County was sluggish; most of the goods produced by the common people were sold locally, not exported, mainly due to inconvenient transportation. Also, the variety of crops grown in the sandy terrain was limited, not as abundant as those in the plains.

Zheng Shanci planned to inquire tomorrow about what crops from the Great Yan Dynasty could be grown in the desert, and he was willing to spend money to acquire them. Additionally, it was not worthwhile for the common people to sell their crops scattered; if a supply chain could be established, the profits would be much greater.

These operations would require the cooperation of the county administration, but the most important task at the moment was still the autumn harvest, as the tax collection during the harvest was part of the county magistrate's performance. Moreover, if the county administration took the lead in commercial activities, it would challenge the established social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, and the prominent families in the county would likely resent him fiercely.

He didn’t have much silver on hand; the expenses of the mansion were currently supported by Yu Lanyi's dowry and the allowance from the Marquis of Changyang's household to Yu Lanyi. He couldn’t let Yu Lanyi bear the major expenses. His monthly salary was seven taels of silver, and if his father, father, elder brother, sister-in-law, and younger brother came, Zheng Shanci would have to cover these expenses.

He felt a bit anxious, needing to have some silver for security.

Yu Lanyi had never been short of silver in his life and didn’t understand Zheng Shanci's anxiety. After resting for a few days, although he felt without purpose, he knew he couldn’t go back now and could only find some enjoyment here.

The pomegranate tree in the courtyard was just ripe, and Yu Lanyi had a ladder fetched to pick the pomegranates to eat.

The servants brought the ladder, and two people held it, fearing that Yu Lanyi might fall. Jin Yun also suggested that someone else should pick the pomegranates, and Master Yu should just eat them.

But Yu Lanyi said, "What’s the fun in that? I want to pick them myself."

The pomegranates in the courtyard were vibrant and smooth-skinned. Yu Lanyi climbed the ladder, and everyone in the courtyard was worried.

He reached out and picked a pomegranate; it felt firm and plump to the touch. Yu Lanyi tapped it with his hand, and the pomegranate made a crisp sound.

It was a good pomegranate!

Yu Lanyi threw the picked pomegranate into the basket held by Jin Yun. Feeling a bit excited, he picked several more in a row.

Jin Yun said with a bitter face, "Young master, we have plenty to eat."

Yu Lanyi, standing on the ladder, was about to climb down when Zheng Shanci returned from outside with some mung bean pastries. Seeing Yu Lanyi so high up, he was terrified but kept his voice low, "What are you doing?"

"I'm picking pomegranates," Yu Lanyi said as he slid down the ladder as if it were a playground slide.

Zheng Shanci was speechless.

Zheng Shanci's heart was racing, fearing that Yu Lanyi might fall from above.

Yu Lanyi noticed the oil-paper package in Zheng Shanci's hand and without hesitation, took it, opened it, and ate a piece of mung bean pastry. The freshly baked mung bean pastry was fragrant, and Yu Lanyi ate it with his eyes narrowed, looking content.

"Young master, we plan to use the pomegranates to make pomegranate crystal cakes, pomegranate pies, and juice. What do you think?" the cook asked, taking the basket of pomegranates from Jin Yun.

"Whatever you think is best. I don't understand these things," Yu Lanyi waved his hand.

Zheng Shanci was about to gently reprimand Yu Lanyi, but upon hearing his words, he suddenly turned his gaze to the cook.

The cook felt a bit shy.

"Sir, why are you staring at me like that?"

The cook, a large and stocky man, felt uneasy under Zheng Shanci's gaze.

"Do you know how to cook many dishes?" Zheng Shanci asked.

"Reporting to you, sir, I know a little about everything, but I specialize in home-cooked meals and banquet cuisine. Every time the Marquis's household hosts guests, it's me and my father who cook in the kitchen. Even if I don't know a dish, as long as I have the recipe, I can make it. Our family has been cooks for generations."

Zheng Shanci was deeply impressed, "So it's a family legacy."

Yu Lanyi looked puzzled as he saw Zheng Shanci grab the cook's hand, looking eager, and engage in a heated conversation with him.

Yu Lanyi folded his arms, "What's wrong with Zheng Shanci? Is he trying to poach the cook my father assigned to me?"

This time, it was exactly as Yu Lanyi said. Zheng Shanci wanted to open a restaurant in the county town and was short of everything. Now that he had a cook, he jumped at the chance.

Zheng Shanci had many recipes in his head and planned to write them out tonight.

Yu Lanyi was already lying on a reclining chair, drinking pomegranate juice.

This kind of life was truly enviable indeed.

Zheng Shanci still wanted to gently reprimand Yu Lanyi; life-and-death matters couldn't be overlooked. He thought for a moment and said, "Don't climb ladders in the future. What if something happens? You're the head of the household; you can't afford to be reckless."

Yu Lanyi: "?"

I'm the head of the family?

Yu Lanyi was initially angry and intended to give Zheng Shanci a hard time.

But after hearing Zheng Shanci's words, he was confused.

"Ahem, I understand. I was just bored, so I decided to pick some pomegranates. Besides, I've practiced martial arts; I'm not that fragile," Yu Lanyi said. Unlike most young men, who are often weighed down by financial worries, children, and in-law issues, he didn't have such concerns. He only had to worry about his own happiness.

After dinner, Zheng Shanci found some writing supplies and began to write down several recipes. His handwriting was neat, more composed than that of the original owner. The original owner was quite accomplished in his studies, having passed the imperial examination as a Jinshi despite his humble origins. Only three hundred Jinshi were chosen in each examination, and it was rare for a top scholar to come from a humble family, as it was extremely difficult, far removed from the true scholarly families.

The original owner was of poor character.

After completing a few recipes, Zheng Shanci jotted down his observations in Xin Feng County as part of his work notes. He recorded some ideas for Xin Feng County’s future, planning to make them happen one by one.

Yu Lanyi, holding a storybook, thought about how Zheng Shanci had come here with barely any money. He brought over the cash he’d made from flipping jewelry. The rest of the money was with the accountant, who kept him from spending too much.

"Let’s give Zheng Shanci some cash to use," Yu Lanyi thought.

Zheng Shanci came out of the study, cleaned up, and said, "Tomorrow night is the wedding of the Cheng family’s eldest grandson. We’ll go together to attend the banquet."

"I know, I’ll definitely go along with you," Yu Lanyi’s eyes lit up as they darted around.

"Zheng Shanci, do you have any money left? You need to grease the palms of the Yamen Runners in the county. Don’t think I don’t know. After all, I’m a young master from the Marquis’s estate. I know a thing or two about how the system works. If you don’t pay them off, they’ll disrespect you, ignore you, and make your life hard."

"If we were in the capital, with my father and brother around, they wouldn’t dare act so boldly. But here, it’s just you. My father and brother can’t control things here," Yu Lanyi analyzed the situation, speaking with great clarity.

Zheng Shanci’s throat clenched.

Yu Lanyi actually knew these things.

"Keep your cash for yourself. I still have money," Zheng Shanci declined. He only had fifty wen left, which would be gone soon. Luckily, the dining hall covered meals.

Yu Lanyi shoved a fifty-tael banknote into Zheng Shanci’s hand.

Zheng Shanci’s hand trembled.

"Take it and spend it. It’s enough for two roasted ducks," Yu Lanyi said.

"..."

Life’s just one mountain after another.

Completely ruthless.

Zheng Shanci said, "I want to open a food stall to make some cash."

Yu Lanyi clapped his hands, "I’ll foot the bill!"

He hadn’t even said anything yet.

"Think of it as your stake," Zheng Shanci took some paper and wrote down his general ideas on the bed, like presenting a business plan on stage. However, he wasn’t facing many merchants now, but someone who shared the same bed with him.

Yu Lanyi’s eyes sparkled, "Zheng Shanci, I don’t understand what you’re saying, but I think it sounds great. I’ll give you the money to open the restaurant."

Zheng Shanci had never seen anything like this. He looked at Yu Lanyi and thought, how could he have ever imagined being with someone like this before? Either he would end up alone, or find a shrewd partner, but he never thought of someone like Yu Lanyi.

But this wasn’t bad either.

He smiled, "Lan Yi, if we meet someone as generous as you in the restaurant business, we must treat them well."

"Why?" Yu Lanyi asked.

"Because..." Zheng Shanci patted Yu Lanyi’s head, "You grew up in a honey jar. Everyone would like you."

Cute and carefree, with no worries. The only worry was probably his husband. Zheng Shanci thought and laughed again.

Yu Lanyi blushed and asked, "Including you?"

Zheng Shanci’s face turned red.