Chapter 36: Chili Sauce

Chapter 36: Chili Sauce

What kind of family is the Zheng family now? Are they even within our reach? And to talk about mutual affection—Mr. He isn’t blind. Zheng Qingyin has no interest in He Tian.

Besides, is his son some kind of prize? To make Zheng Qingyin give up the chance to marry into an official’s family and choose someone from the village instead? Old Man He was furious.

He pointed at He Tian’s nose and berated him harshly: “You scoundrel! I thought at most you’d want to marry a girl from the town, but you’ve got the nerve to aim for Zheng Qingyin. Have you even thought about it? Do you think the Zheng family would even consider you?!”

If He Tian hadn’t spoken up, Old Man He wouldn’t have known about this hidden desire in his son’s heart, and he felt a wave of fear. He was the village head of Qingxiang Village, but what was a village head compared to the county magistrate? He didn’t even hold an official rank. Moreover, their family wasn’t wealthy—how could they dare to aim so high?

The Zheng family’s situation used to be worse, but ever since Zheng Shanci passed the imperial examination, they were no longer ordinary. If He Tian kept thinking this way, trouble was bound to come sooner or later.

He Tian said, “Dad, you’re being too cautious. We grew up in the same village; there’s still some bond between us. Why can’t we be together? Besides, we can just have the wedding in the village. By the time Zheng Shanci finds out, Qingyin will already be my wife!”

As for the young man, once he’s married, he’ll be bound to him.

Seeing He Tian’s greedy desire to take advantage of the Zheng family, Old Man He grabbed a broom from the yard and started whacking him: “I never knew you were this kind of person. Do you think the Zheng family is foolish? I can see through your intentions, let alone others!”

Mrs. He heard her son’s cries of pain and rushed out of the kitchen. Seeing Old Man He beating He Tian, her anger flared, and she stepped forward to berate him.

“Are you so full that you have to hit your son?”

The He family’s yard was in an uproar.

…

Old Man He was determined to beat He Tian until he was scared, to stop him from harboring any wild ideas. But with Mrs. He blocking him, Old Man He threw down the broom and said coldly, “A person should know their place. You’ve studied, so don’t throw your self-respect on the ground for others to trample.”

Even the sons of officials in the county wanted to marry into the Zheng family—but were they really after the Zheng family? No, they were eyeing Zheng Shanci’s in-laws. The powerful families from the county and town came with heavy gifts, but the Zheng family still refused.

If he were to go to the Zheng family to propose marriage for He Tian, Old Man He’s face would burn with shame. There was no comparison, and it would only earn him a reputation as a social climber. He couldn’t afford to lose face like that.

Old Man He left after speaking.

He Tian had been beaten by his father, but he still didn’t take his father’s words to heart. He was too confident in his ability to control Zheng Qingyin.

Mrs. He could tell that He Tian had done something to anger Old Man He, so she asked, “Son, what did you do to make your father beat you so harshly?”

“I asked Father to propose marriage for me, but he refused.”

Mrs. He was furious upon hearing this: “What? The family has already saved up the money for your wedding. What’s wrong with asking your father to propose for you? Does he need to put on his village head airs? Just wait, I’ll go talk to him properly. He doesn’t care about his child’s lifelong matters, yet he talks about knowing one’s worth—what kind of good advice is that?”

He Tian said, “I asked Father to propose to Zheng Qingyin from the Zheng family.”

Mrs. He’s anger froze on her face: “…I think your father is right.”

No one had ever imagined that Zheng Qingyin would marry someone from Qingxiang Village. She knew her family’s situation—her son didn’t even have any scholarly achievements. How could he have such delusions?

…

The Zheng family had no idea that the He family was in chaos because of He Tian.

They had finished the autumn harvest and didn’t plan to go to the town for work this year, deciding to take a good rest instead. Zheng Shancheng, thinking he hadn’t been home for the winter, went up the mountain before dawn to gather and chop firewood. He bundled up several loads to leave for his father and stepfather.

Mr. Zheng and Lin Geer tidied up the kitchen. Mr. Zheng chopped the meat and said, “I’ll make some buns for you to take on the road. There’s also cured meat at home—take that with you. The journey to Xinfeng County is long, so you should eat well.”

Lin Geer quickly responded, “Stepfather, you’re too kind to us. We don’t need to eat too much meat. We’ll eat for a few days on the road and then buy food later.”

“That’s right. You can’t take too much; the food will spoil if kept for too long.” Mr. Zheng began chopping the pork.

Zheng Qingyin pulled up a small stool, holding vegetables in his hands as he washed them.

Mr. Zheng smiled upon seeing Zheng Qingyin: "Looking at him, it feels like Qingyin hasn’t grown up yet. In the past, Qingyin was bold and often followed Shancheng into the woods, and he loved eating wild fruits from the mountains. He’s always been a dutiful son; after eating the wild fruits himself, he would bring some for us to eat, but the fruits were already shriveled from being squeezed too hard."

"We didn’t eat them; he just hung his head in disappointment and then licked the juice off the wild fruits with his tongue." Mr. Zheng's expression showed a hint of worry: "I don’t know when it started, but Qingyin’s personality has become more withdrawn. He doesn’t like interacting with people or talking much. If this trip to Xin Feng County can make Qingyin happy and playful, I would be delighted."

Lin Geer also liked this little brother-in-law and said, "Father, don’t worry. Qingyin will definitely get better once he arrives in Xin Feng County. When he eats and drinks well there, his personality will naturally become more cheerful."

Mr. Zheng smiled and said, "You."

Zheng Qingyin placed the washed vegetables on the cutting board.

The hairpin that Zheng Shancheng and Lin Geer gave to Zheng Qingyin was not being worn by him now, as he was afraid of damaging it. He planned to wear it when he left for Xin Feng County.

...

Xin Feng County

Zheng Shanci’s time in Xin Feng County was fairly uneventful. He’d paid the deposit to the merchant caravan and was waiting for them to return in the spring next year. Then, he’d have the yamen put out a notice, asking the village heads of the four major towns to take on the task of spreading the word to the villagers, encouraging them to grow these crops.

On the first day of the Zheng family’s eatery opening, there were many customers. Most of them were drawn in by the smell of sausages placed at the entrance of the eatery. After buying one or two sausages, they wanted to go in for a meal. The sausages lured customers inside, which was a nice surprise.

Jin Zhang had been busy for several days and felt that there were not enough hands. He brought on two more kitchen hands, and these helpers had signed agreements. If they leaked the eatery’s recipes, they’d be in legal trouble.

The Zheng family’s eatery served up good food at a low price, and folks often brought friends here to eat, without losing face or breaking the bank.

The Zheng family’s eatery had two floors. The ground floor was the main dining area, and upstairs were the private rooms. Some folks didn’t care for eating in the open dining area; they liked the privacy of the upstairs rooms, which also made it easier for friends to talk.

"Let’s grab a bite at the Zheng family’s place," several scholars invited each other. They’d occasionally splurge on a meal out, and by sharing a table, the cost per person was reduced. They pinched pennies where they could, and by going as a group, they could sample more dishes.

Merchants and wealthy household managers also frequented the place. They had cash to spare and didn’t mind spending it on good food. Regular folks didn’t come here much. They’d usually grab some pancakes from a street vendor or call for a bowl of noodles to get by. Only for special occasions would they bring the family out for a celebratory meal.

The longer Zheng Shanci stayed in Xin Feng County, the more he saw room for improvement. While the sandy soil was a drawback for Xin Feng County, it could also be a plus.

When the merchant caravan passed through Xin Feng County, they collected the medicinal herbs grown in the sandy soil. They bought the herbs at very low prices here and then sold them in other towns, making a net profit of about a hundred taels of silver.

Some medicinal herbs only grew well in sandy soil, and taking care of them was a delicate task. The caravan kept prices low, and the villagers saw no profit in it, so they didn’t bother growing medicinal herbs.

The merchant caravan returned fully loaded.

The dishes at the Zheng family’s eatery were bought early in the morning at the market by trusted people. They were busy and happy to make money.

Zheng Shanci planned to open a chili sauce workshop and an oil press workshop next. This time, he wouldn’t do it in his private name; he intended to open them under the name of the county yamen. Most of the yamen’s funds came from taxes—land tax, commercial tax, customs duty, etc.—as well as land management, which generated land rent and profits. Officials with rank in the yamen also received salaries from the court. Minor officials like scribes and yamen runners, who were not ranked, could only rely on the yamen’s funds for their salaries. When the yamen’s funds were limited, they would receive small amounts of money.

Therefore, they usually exploited the common people to make a profit.

By opening the workshops under the yamen’s name, the funds would come from the yamen, and the profits would naturally belong to the yamen. After establishing a reputation, merchants would see the potential for profit and flock to open workshops.

Zheng Shanci said, "Wang Fu, call Deputy Magistrate Qi, Scribe Jiang, and Archivist Zhu over."

"Yes, sir."

The three of them came and paid their respects to Zheng Shanci.

Zheng Shanci explained his plans to the three.

Archivist Zhu was intrigued. Unlike Deputy Magistrate Qi and Scribe Jiang, he was not ranked, so his salary depended on the yamen’s income. Zheng Shanci’s proposal to have the yamen open a chili sauce workshop and an oil press workshop was something Archivist Zhu agreed with immediately.

"Sir, if these two workshops are established, they will become one of the yamen’s sources of income. With more funds, the yamen will be able to do more in the future."

If Zheng Shanci really made money and distributed it to the Yamen Runners and minor officials in the government office, not only him, but even the Yamen Runners and minor officials would be convinced by Zheng Shanci. That’s just how people are; if you can lead the brothers in the yamen to a better life, they’ll acknowledge you as their leader, as someone capable.

Deputy Magistrate Qi pondered for a moment and said, “This could be seen as profiting at the expense of the people.”

Deputy Magistrate Qi had been in charge of Xin Feng County for years. Being a traditional Confucian scholar, he prized his reputation above all, and this reputation might not sound good if spread.

Scribe Jiang saw it differently and countered, “The profits from the county’s chili sauce and oil press workshops go into the public treasury. How is that taking advantage of the people? It’s using public funds for public benefit.”

Zheng Shanci: “...”

Zheng Shanci: “We’ll follow the majority.”

Deputy Magistrate Qi considered it and realized the cost of these workshops wouldn’t strain the yamen’s budget. If it worked, they’d all gain; if it failed, he’d lose little. Deputy Magistrate Qi gave his silent approval.

The yamen controlled the land, so rent wasn’t an issue. They hired skilled craftsmen to begin constructing the chili sauce and oil press workshops. Zheng Shanci estimated each workshop would need around twenty workers, keeping the staffing straightforward.

Zheng Shanci personally selected the land and had the construction department build it. He called the construction department’s manager and said, “Use quality materials and include windows. Once finished, locals from Xin Feng County can work there.”

“Yes, Lord Zheng.”

With this settled, Zheng Shanci felt reassured. The construction team, usually idle, was now motivated by Zheng Shanci’s orders to build the chili sauce workshop.

Most magistrates before him just bided their time, waiting for a transfer or promotion, with little concern for Xin Feng County. Lord Zheng’s actions were a step in the right direction, at least showing initiative.

Since Zheng Shanci took office, he made sure the Yamen Runners didn’t interfere with the autumn harvest, which immediately earned him the goodwill of the upright people in the yamen. Zheng Shanci reviewed legal cases, showing the county he respected the law and proper conduct. Right now, Xin Feng County’s biggest shortages were money and grain, and most people supported Zheng Shanci’s plan to build the chili sauce and oil press workshops.

With funds in the treasury, they could manage things more smoothly.

When it was time to leave, Zheng Shanci was about to go back when Scribe Jiang saw him and asked, “Heading out to fish after dinner?”

Zheng Shanci felt the itch and nodded, “Are you coming too, Scribe Jiang?”

Scribe Jiang was delighted, “I’ve been wanting to challenge you, Lord Zheng, and now’s my chance.”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Shanci agreed on a time with Scribe Jiang to go fishing together.

Xin Feng County had its share of rivers, though they were modest compared to larger ones. After dinner, Zheng Shanci took his fishing rod and basket, and wore a raincoat in case it rained.

Yu Lanyi saw him like this and remembered the scene when he met Zheng Shanci fishing while riding in the capital. His gaze fell on Zheng Shanci’s face as he said, “Are you going fishing?”

“I made an appointment with Scribe Jiang.”

Zheng Shanci asked Yu Lanyi if he wanted to go, but Yu Lanyi didn’t want to sit idly by the pond and declined.

In the evening, Zheng Shanci left, and Yu Lanyi lay alone in bed. Suddenly, he felt the bed had become larger, and he could roll around a few times.

Yu Lanyi felt somewhat satisfied.

When Zheng Shanci arrived at the pond, he and Scribe Jiang cast their hooks and sat steadily. Zheng Shanci’s gaze fell on the edge of the pond, thinking the soil here was fertile and could grow some crops. When he realized what he was thinking, he couldn’t help but feel amused. Why does he think of farming whenever he sees something?

He was anxious for the merchant caravan’s return but knew patience was key. First, he would do well with the chili sauce and oil press workshops to deepen everyone’s trust in him.

Besides Zheng Shanci and Scribe Jiang, there were other fishermen at the pond.

As the night grew late, Zheng Shanci didn’t get greedy and took the seven or eight small fish in his basket back. Scribe Jiang, who had been practicing fishing at home every day, managed to catch three small fish here, and he found it quite novel.

Both returned with a full catch.

With money in the yamen, they could work on water conservancy and irrigate the farmland. They also needed to build a road directly to Lan County, allowing Xin Feng County’s crops to circulate to other counties.

Zheng Shanci's first task was to oversee the quality of the chili sauce and oil pressing workshops.

The next morning, Yu Lanyi woke up to find the other side of the bed empty. He had no idea when Zheng Shanci had returned or when he’d left for work.

Zheng Shanci had been in good spirits at the county office lately.

Yu Lanyi was busy too. Mrs. Cheng had invited him to a chrysanthemum viewing, and he remained cautious around these people.

Jin Yun: "Young master, this is fish porridge made with the fish the master caught last night."

Yu Lanyi took a spoonful; it tasted fresh and delicious.

"How many fish did Zheng Shanci manage to catch?"

Jin Yun chuckled, "They’re all in the porridge."

Yu Lanyi stared at his bowl, speechless.

Zheng Shanci hadn’t been very successful at fishing.

Yu Lanyi went to the Cheng residence, where a servant escorted him to the garden for the chrysanthemum viewing. As soon as Yu Lanyi stepped in, the flower-adorned ladies and gentlemen fluttered around him like butterflies, exclaiming, "The County Magistrate's Husband is here!"

They gathered around him like stars encircling the moon.

Yu Lanyi glanced at one beauty, then another with a gentle demeanor, and then a more aloof one. These ladies and gentlemen were as vibrant as flowers.

While the capital was full of beauties, Yu Lanyi had never been the center of attention like this. Mrs. Cheng smiled and said, "County Magistrate's Husband, please try this tea. It’s Maojian—see if it suits your palate."

Yu Lanyi took a sip; the aftertaste was pleasantly sweet.

He gave a reserved nod.

It was much like the flower-viewing banquets in the capital, where ladies swapped gossip or arranged matches for their nephews. Yu Lanyi found the autumn chrysanthemums rather dull.

"County Magistrate's Husband, are you settling in well in Xin Feng County?" Mrs. Cheng asked.

"It’s fine," Yu Lanyi thought. He wasn’t staying long and had already gotten used to the weather.

"Leaving the capital with Lord Zheng, your parents must be concerned. A mother always worries when her child is away. Seeing how young you are, I think of my own child."

Yu Lanyi replied, "It’s fine. I have an elder brother at home who’s very capable, and my father is a skilled martial artist. I know some martial arts too, so there’s no need to worry about me."

Yu Lanyi had come to Xin Feng County with the Marquis of Changyang and Mr. Yu in mind, but he wasn’t worried about them. With his elder brother there, the family doctor checked their pulses every seven days, and after a month, Yu Zhangxing would bring in the chief of the Imperial Hospital to examine the Marquis of Changyang and Mr. Yu. This way, any illness could be detected early.

Yu Lanyi declined Mrs. Cheng’s invitation to stay and left, finding the whole affair rather dull. He stopped by a jewelry shop to pick up some accessories, planning to buy a gift for Zheng Shanci’s younger brother.

Jin Yun immediately understood that Mrs. Cheng was inquiring about the young master's background, but the young master didn’t catch on and naturally didn’t say anything.

Jin Yun felt somewhat relieved.

"How about this hairpin for Zheng Shanci's younger brother?"

It was glittering and golden, very much in line with the young master's aesthetic.

Jin Yun suggested, "Perhaps the master's younger brother prefers something more plain."

Yu Lanyi thought for a moment but didn’t put down the golden hairpin, also buying a plain one.

"I’ve been working hard recently, this golden hairpin is a reward for myself," he said, also buying a bracelet for Zheng Qingyin and five plain hairpins, each with a different style.

After spending like that, the money Yu Lanyi got from the accountant was already used up, and he couldn’t withdraw any more this month.

Sigh, the young master spends money like water.

Yu Lanyi came back in high spirits.

...

Zheng Shanci got back early today, with Wang Fu carrying some chili peppers. He came back to whip up some chili sauce, since Yu Lanyi was out. Ever since he discovered the pasture in Xin Feng County, he’d been into afternoon horseback rides, and Xu Geer had been hanging around him a lot.

He was set on making garlic chili sauce. The chili peppers got washed and dried, the stems were taken off, then mashed up on the cutting board with a hand mixer, which was a real workout. Garlic and ginger got chopped up, then white vinegar, sugar, salt, and the like were tossed in.

Zheng Shanci’s a fan of spicy food, so he’s really into chili sauce. He grabbed a small jar and packed the mix in, sealing it tight, set to open in a week.

He also whipped up some fresh meat chili sauce, which ought to fetch a higher price. It doesn’t keep as long as the garlic chili sauce and needs some fermented bean paste, luckily, they still had some on hand.

Zheng Shanci rounded up peanuts, sesame seeds, cooking wine...

When Yu Lanyi got back, Xu Geer tagged along. The moment they stepped in, they caught a whiff of something fragrant.

"It’s not even mealtime yet, who’s in the kitchen?"

The servant replied, "Young master, it’s the lord who’s using it."

A trace of surprise flashed in Xu Geer’s eyes.

Yu Lanyi quickly walked over.

Zheng Shanci had made a jar of garlic chili sauce, a jar of fresh meat chili sauce, and a jar of red oil chili sauce, all sealed in clay jars, to be opened and eaten after seven days. The kitchen still had the aroma of chili peppers.

"What have you made?" Yu Lanyi asked curiously.

"Chili sauce, I’ll let you taste it after seven days. Who is this—" Zheng Shanci looked at Xu Geer.

Xu Geer quickly bowed, "Greetings, Lord Zheng, I am Xu Geer."

"If you are Lan Yi’s friend, then you are my friend too." Zheng Shanci nodded kindly, then came out of the kitchen and said, "I must excuse myself for a moment, I still smell of chili peppers, I’ll join you later."

Xu Geer hurriedly said, "Lord Zheng, you are too polite."

Yu Lanyi walked briskly towards the main hall and asked, "Do you have any dietary restrictions? I’ll have Jin Yun arrange it."

Xu Geer shook his head, "I’m not picky."

"Good, have some dates and pomegranates first."

Someone brought good tea, and Xu Geer felt it was excellent after a sip. Seeing Yu Lanyi’s bright and flamboyant appearance, he guessed that his background was extraordinary, and he must have been pampered since childhood.

He lowered his eyes, thinking that Zheng Shanci, being a county magistrate, still cooked. The scene he had seen earlier still surprised him.

Zheng Shanci did not disturb their conversation, he excused himself and disappeared, only reappearing at dinner.

"Sorry, I still had some official duties to handle, I was busy again."

Yu Lanyi: "You’re always busy, you have no time to accompany me."

Zheng Shanci: "I have a day off tomorrow."

Zheng Shanci thought he really hadn’t been accompanying Yu Lanyi and quickly made a promise to him.

During dinner, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi didn’t deliberately get close, but when their eyes met, they would shyly look away, like a pair of newlyweds.

The eldest grandson of the Cheng family had just gotten married, but his husband wasn’t as shy or submissive, just like any other husband, kind and understanding.

Xu Geer felt a pang of envy for Yu Lanyi. After finishing dinner, he said his goodbyes.

"Thanks for having me today, Lan Yi and Lord Zheng. I’ll head out now."

Zheng Shanci sent Xu Geer home in the mansion’s carriage.

In the eyes of outsiders, Yu Lanyi still kept up appearances, but once Xu Geer left, he let his guard down: "Zheng Shanci, I call dibs on the chili sauce."

Zheng Shanci smiled and agreed: "Alright."

"Zheng Shanci, you’re really fitting into your role as an official. You’ve got the chops for it," Yu Lanyi said, pinching Zheng Shanci's arm.

Zheng Shanci: "..."

Yu Lanyi's eyes sparkled as he pulled Zheng Shanci into the courtyard: "Look at how bright the stars are."

"We’re looking at the same sky as Father."

Hearing this, Zheng Shanci's heart softened, thinking that Yu Lanyi must be feeling a little homesick.

"This New Year, I heard the general from the border is returning. Your father-in-law knows him. You can go back to the capital with him, come back after the New Year, or stay there if you want. Just be careful."

Yu Lanyi was furious upon hearing this: "What do you mean by 'stay there if you want'? You really have a way with words, don’t you?"

Yu Lanyi shot Zheng Shanci a look, then lowered his head and bit Zheng Shanci's ear.

Zheng Shanci looked around; there was no one in the courtyard, and his face turned red: "You, you..."

"You’re not going to call this improper, are you?" Yu Lanyi provocatively said: "I’ve never bought into that stuff."

Zheng Shanci looked at Yu Lanyi, the soft glow of candlelight from the house shining on them. Zheng Shanci grabbed Yu Lanyi's hand and pinned him against the pomegranate tree.

The pomegranate tree had already been picked clean by Yu Lanyi, its fruits turned into pomegranate juice.

He was like a juicing machine.

The pomegranate tree rustled from the sudden impact.

Yu Lanyi's back didn’t hit the tree; Zheng Shanci’s hand cushioned it. His face was handsome, half in the light, faintly outlining the contours of his features.

Zheng Shanci kissed him, his lips touching Yu Lanyi's, then moving to his neck.

Outside the courtyard, the distant calls of vendors and the soft padding of stray cats on the roof were clearly heard.

It was thrilling, but also a little embarrassing.