Chapter 44 New Year

Chapter 44 New Year

Zheng Qingyin reached out to help Yu Lanyi brush away the remaining snowflakes from his hair.

"Qingyin, the New Year is almost here. I haven't bought any New Year goods yet. Let's go with sister-in-law when the time comes."

Zheng Qingyin nodded and agreed.

Lin Geer and Zheng Shancheng remained indoors. Zheng Shancheng had taken the medicine prescribed by Physician Song and was feeling much better. His legs and feet were warm at night, unlike before when even with quilts, he felt cold to the bone.

Zheng Shancheng was much more spirited, and Lin Geer was pleased to see this change. He put away the clothes in the wardrobe and said, "We've been here for some days now, it's time to go out and find some work. Didn't Second Master Yu say he would find you a leisurely job? Ask him when he comes back."

Zheng Shancheng thought the same. Staying at home all the time, his bones were getting lazy. People like them couldn't afford to be idle. Usually busy tending to crops, in winter they either went up the mountain to chop firewood and sell it in town for some money, or found odd jobs in town. In any case, it was better to go out and find some work than to stay at home idling around.

Zheng Shancheng: "When Shan Ci comes back, I'll ask him."

Lin Geer and Zheng Shancheng stepped out together and met Zheng Qingyin and Yu Lanyi in the corridor. Lin Geer noticed that Zheng Qingyin's health had improved since coming to Xinfeng County. At home, he always had no appetite, eating very little whether it was meat or plant-based dishes. Now that he was here, eating well, perhaps due to the cook's good skills, Zheng Qingyin ate more.

His personality had also become much more cheerful, which made Lin Geer feel at ease.

"Big brother, sister-in-law," Yu Lanyi greeted.

Zheng Shancheng responded, his attitude towards Yu Lanyi softening, treating him as part of the family rather than a nobleman he had to be cautious around.

As the New Year approached, every household began to decorate with lanterns and festive banners. When Zheng Shanci returned, he saw people already selling Spring Festival couplets. Zheng Shanci looked at a few pairs, all beautifully written. The shopkeeper was a young scholar, and Zheng Shanci inquired about the cost.

Scholar: "These couplets are ten copper coins per pair."

Zheng Shanci picked a pair to buy and take home, planning to paste them on the main gate of the mansion for a festive atmosphere.

Just as he was about to leave, someone exclaimed, "General Yu from the border is back, he is returning to the capital."

The people promptly cleared the path. The general on horseback was middle-aged, looking to be in his forties, followed by two young officers and about fifty personal guards, all on horseback. In the middle of the guards were two carriages, presumably carrying the Yu family's family members.

The yamen runners were on rotating shifts, ensuring order on the streets to prevent the people from being trampled by the horses.

General Yu led his people into the post station, causing little disturbance. The people were already used to such scenes, and the streets soon became lively again.

Zheng Shanci looked at the hoof prints on the ground, felt a pang of sadness. The Yu family had arrived, and it was understandable that Lanyi would return to the capital for the New Year. After the New Year, General Yu would bring him back, and there would be no fear of bandits on the way.

"Wang Fu, who is this General Yu?"

Wang Fu said, "This is the second master of the family, the young master's paternal uncle. The second master is often at the border and only returns occasionally for the New Year. He is the Marquis of Changyang's own brother. The two young officers behind him are his nephews. The second master has three sons in total, the youngest of whom serves in an official capacity in the capital. The eldest son is married to a young master from the Cui family of Qinghe, and the second son is married to a young master from the Wei family of Hedong. These two families have been intermarrying with the Yu family for generations, so the marriages were natural."

Zheng Shanci was surprised to hear these names of noble families. Thinking of the Marquis of Changyang's power, he gradually calmed down. He had visited the Marquis of Changyang's residence few times and had not met all the relatives. He imagined the courtyard would be full of people, not only relatives from the Marquis of Changyang's residence but also from the Duke of Ying's residence. Calculating it all, it should be quite overwhelming.

Second Master Yu would probably rest for a while and then take Yu Lanyi to visit after noon.

He had crossed over, thinking he might just be an ordinary commoner, never imagining he would be closely connected to the top nobility of the Great Yan Dynasty. Zheng Shanci couldn't help but laugh at the thought.

When he returned home, Yu Lanyi was squatting in the courtyard making snowballs. Hearing footsteps and seeing it was Zheng Shanci, his eyes lit up, and he threw a snowball.

Zheng Shanci dodged nimbly, avoiding the hit.

"Didn't you say you'd wait for me to come back to build a snowman?" Zheng Shanci said.

Yu Lanyi replied cheerfully, "Just passing the time, making snowballs for a snowball fight."

Zheng Qingyin squatted nearby, using small snowballs to craft a small rabbit. He picked up some withered leaves from under the pomegranate tree to make eyes, a nose, and a mouth for the rabbit.

Zheng Shanci saw the little rabbit Zheng Qingyin had stacked and reached out to touch its head.

The rabbit's two long ears were still standing upright.

Zheng Shanci said gently, "It's fun to play, but you should go warm yourself by the fire to avoid getting frostbite on your hands."

"Okay, Second Brother," Zheng Qingyin replied cheerfully, her nose slightly red from the cold.

Lin Geer, after rolling a few snowballs, couldn't stand the cold anymore and went inside to warm up by the fire.

Zheng Shanci said softly to Yu Lanyi, "I need to talk to you."

Yu Lanyi followed Zheng Shanci to the main hall, where Jin Yun handed him a hot water bottle to warm his hands.

"General Yu has returned from the border. It seems he will be spending the New Year in the capital. I was thinking you could go to the capital with General Yu for the New Year and then return with him later. With the general around, there won't be any danger on the road."

Yu Lanyi was initially happy to hear that his uncle had stopped over in Xin Feng County on his way back to the capital, but upon hearing Zheng Shanci's suggestion that he go back alone for the New Year, he felt a surge of anger.

"Do you really want me to leave so badly? If I go back for the New Year, I won't come back," he said.

Zheng Shanci replied, "I'm just worried you might miss your family. If you don't want to go, you can stay and celebrate the New Year with me."

Hearing this, Yu Lanyi glared at Zheng Shanci, feeling both annoyed and resentful, and turned to leave. Sensing something was wrong, Zheng Shanci quickly followed.

"I want you to stay with me, but I also understand if you miss your family. It would be good for you to see your family in the capital," Zheng Shanci said as they entered the room.

Yu Lanyi replied, "I do miss my family, but going back alone isn't fun. It takes over five months to go there and come back. I'll go next year; I don't want to go this year." He had traveled enough this year and didn't want to go anywhere else. Besides, they had just gotten married, and Yu Lanyi wanted to spend their first New Year together with Zheng Shanci.

He tossed a pillow at Zheng Shanci in frustration.

Zheng Shanci caught the pillow and sat close to Yu Lanyi. "I didn't mean to push you away. I'm happy if you stay. I thought since the general just arrived, I wouldn't visit him immediately. I was planning to visit this afternoon."

"That's my uncle, and he's your uncle as well," Yu Lanyi said, glancing at Zheng Shanci. "Let's go make a snowman now."

Zheng Shanci agreed.

They went out to make snowmen, creating two of them. Yu Lanyi placed one snowman's foot on top of the other snowman's foot.

...

Second Master Yu arrived at the relay station, where the stationmaster brought them hot water and food.

"Freshen up first, and then you can attend to your business," he said.

After everyone had rested, Second Master Yu had lunch. His wife mentioned, "I remember your elder brother wrote that Lan Yi is in Xin Feng County, isn't he?"

Second Master Yu thought for a moment. "Later, Zheng and Yu can go see him."

Zheng and Yu were his eldest and second sons.

Second Master Yu frowned at the thought of Yu Lanyi marrying a lowly Jinshi. "My elder brother is being foolish. At the very least, he could have found Lan Yi a son-in-law to marry into their family. How could he let him marry a lowly Jinshi?"

His wife replied, "Your elder brother and his wife made the decision. What does it have to do with you anyway? I think they have their reasons, and they're more reliable than you."

Second Master Yu: "..."

Zheng and Yu kept their heads down and concentrated on eating, avoiding getting involved in their parents' discussion.

After the meal, Zheng returned to his room to prepare to visit the Zheng residence. His wife, Cui Geer, helped straighten his collar. "I'll go with you. I'm curious about the man Lan Yi married into."

"You and Yu Lanyi don't get along, so if you go, you'll just end up arguing again."

Cui Ge'er: "Is that my fault? Yu Lanyi says I'm putting on airs. I may act that way in front of others, but not in front of you."

Yu Zheng: "..."

The Cui family of Qinghe, a century-old prestigious family. Cui Ge'er is well-educated, virtuous, and sensible, though a bit scheming.

Yu Yu also changed his attire, and Wei Ge'er said, "Shall I accompany you?"

"You should stay home with mother. I'm afraid father and mother might quarrel again, and you can mediate if you're here."

Just as the two brothers were about to leave, the innkeeper informed them that the county magistrate had come to pay a visit.

This spared them the trouble of going out.

Upon hearing this, Second Master Yu's expression relaxed. It was only proper for juniors like Zheng Shanci to come and pay their respects, though he feared Zheng Shanci might not know they had arrived. As the county magistrate, Zheng Shanci would surely be informed of such matters.

Indeed, as Second Master Yu had surmised, when he arrived at the inn, the innkeeper sent word that General Yu from the border had arrived. Naturally, any important official's arrival in the county had to be reported to the magistrate, lest any mishap occur that the small inn could not bear.

"Let them in; it's cold outside."

Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi were led into the room by the guards. Zheng Shanci saw a dignified middle-aged man seated in a chair and bowed in greeting.

"Uncle, how are you?"

Second Master Yu raised an eyebrow, seeing Yu Lanyi making faces at him, and his stern expression softened. This little rascal was always clowning around, while his husband was so proper in his manners.

"We're all family; no need for formalities," Second Master Yu said, gesturing for Zheng Shanci to sit.

"I received a letter from your older brother and learned that Lanyi has married. The climate here is harsh, with strong winds and frigid winters. Take good care of your health."

Zheng Shanci thanked his uncle for his concern. Second Master Yu observed that Zheng Shanci was handsome, articulate, and composed, and he nodded in approval. It seemed he had been misjudging; Zheng Shanci didn't seem like an ordinary humble scholar but rather someone with potential. As long as young people strive to better themselves, they are not bad.

Seeing that Yu Lanyi and Zheng Shanci seemed to have a good relationship, Second Master Yu thought it best not to meddle. The Yu family was known for their broad-mindedness and generosity.

"I am returning to the capital by imperial decree. If Lanyi wishes to spend the New Year in the capital, we can go together. After the New Year, I'll bring her back," Second Master Yu said.

Zheng Shanci's heart tightened, and he lowered his head without speaking.

At the last moment, Zheng Shanci realized he still hoped Yu Lanyi would stay by his side. This was their first New Year together after marriage, and his first New Year since crossing over.

He still cared for Yu Lanyi.

Yu Lanyi glanced at Zheng Shanci, who was silently touching his teacup, his expression unreadable. Yu Lanyi smiled and said, "I won't go back this year. It took me over two months to get to Xin Feng County. If I go back now, traveling with you, the journey will be even more rushed. I can't handle it. I'll go back next year instead."

"If that's what you want, I won't take you with me," Second Master Yu sighed. "We'll restock our supplies here and stay for a day, then leave tomorrow. If there's anything you want me to bring to your parents, let me know."

Yu Lanyi nodded.

Hearing Yu Lanyi's words, Zheng Shanci felt relieved.

Seeing that Yu Lanyi had become more composed, Madam Yu smiled and said, "I haven't given you a gift yet since you arrived at the frontier. Here's a pair of mandarin duck jade pendants I had made. They can be worn together as one pendant or separately on your waist. A gift for you two."

Yu Lanyi took the box and sweetly said, "Thank you, Aunt. You're so kind, even kinder than Uncle."

Madam Yu laughed heartily, "Oh, you! If you say so, I'll take it seriously."

Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi had also brought gifts, as it wouldn't do to visit empty-handed.

Zheng Shanci said, "Since Uncle has arrived in Xin Feng County, why not come to our place for a visit?"

Second Master Yu replied, "No need, I don't want to bother you."

"Then I'll treat you to dinner at Qianwei Restaurant or Zheng's Eatery tonight to welcome you," Zheng Shanci offered.

Yu Lanyi added, "The food at Zheng's Eatery is delicious, Uncle, let's go there for dinner."

Hearing Yu Lanyi's suggestion, Second Master Yu nodded in agreement.

Yu Zheng and Yu Yu also asked about Yu Lanyi, who called them "Big Cousin" and "Second Cousin."

Zheng Shanci followed suit and greeted them as well. It was indeed a military family; both cousins were strong and handsome, typical of the Yu family's good looks, with powerful arms and swords at their waists.

"Lan Yi, is this Lord Zheng?" Cui Ge'er asked as he came out of the house.

Cui Ge'er had initially thought Zheng Shanci was the type to climb the social ladder, someone he had seen many times before. He was surprised to find Zheng Shanci so good-looking and that Yu Lanyi seemed quite pleased.

Yu Lanyi obediently called out, "Hello, Big Cousin's wife."

Cui Ge'er was startled; had Yu Lanyi changed his ways? Their conversations usually ended with them rolling their eyes.

Zheng Shanci also greeted him as "Cousin's wife."

Yu Zheng said, "We won't see you off now; we'll catch up more tonight."

Zheng Shanci nodded.

Seeing Cui Ge'er still on his tiptoes watching Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi walk away, Yu Zheng poked him, "Why so curious about my cousin's husband?"

"I just wanted to see who could get along with Yu Lanyi," Cui Ge'er said. "Zheng Shanci looks good and seems to get along well with Yu Lanyi; his temperament must be good too."

...

That evening, Zheng Shanci hosted a dinner for the Yu family's second branch, who couldn't stop praising Zheng's Eatery. Second Master Yu said, "When I have time, I'll come here often to eat."

Zheng Shanci also met the second cousin's wife, a gentle man.

After sending them back to the post station by carriage, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi headed home. Happy from the day's events, Yu Lanyi had some fruit wine and was a bit tipsy. Zheng Shanci helped him into the carriage. Back home, after helping Yu Lanyi wash up, Zheng Shanci was drenched. He put Yu Lanyi to bed and then went to clean up.

After washing up, Zheng Shanci brushed aside Yu Lanyi's hair and kissed his forehead.

The next day, Second Master Yu sent his guards to buy supplies in Xin Feng County. Once the supplies were bought, they could leave on horseback. As they were about to leave, Yu Lanyi handed a box to Second Master Yu.

"Uncle, please take this box to my father."

"Don't worry, is there anything else you need to send along?"

Yu Lanyi shook his head.

Second Master Yu said, "Then we'll be off. You should go back too, the wind and snow are heavy outside."

Yu Zheng and Yu Yu, accustomed to the frontier, rode horses without fear of the cold. The group came and left quickly, soon becoming small dots in the distance.

"Lan Yi, let's go back," Zheng Shanci said.

Watching Second Master Yu leave, Yu Lanyi felt a bit melancholy. Seeing Zheng Shanci beside him, he said sadly, "Zheng Shanci, they left so quickly."

Zheng Shanci patted his back, comforting him, "We'll see them again next spring. In the future, when we go to the capital, you can often be with your father and them."

Zheng Shanci was more determined to make a political impact, hoping to move from the remote county town to the capital.

The mandarin duck jade pendants gifted by Lady Yu were each worn by one of them. The gift was very much to their liking. Yu Lanyi was in low spirits for a while and returned to his room to chat with Jin Yun.

Jin Yun knew that Second Master Yu's family treated Yu Lanyi kindly. Even though they rarely met, gifts for Yu Lanyi's birthday never ceased. Yu Lanyi hesitated, glanced around, dismissed all the servants, leaving only himself and Jin Yun in the room.

"Previously, I had conflicts with Cui Geer, but now I understand him."

Jin Yun remembered that Cui Geer was a well-known virtuous person, while Yu Lanyi's reputation was quite different, which made Yu Lanyi quite resentful of Cui Geer.

"Now that I think about it, it's quite impressive that such a delicate person like Cui Geer followed the eldest cousin to the borderlands," Yu Lanyi said, having only realized the difficulties after coming to Xin Feng County. Cui Geer, a young master from a prestigious family, had never learned martial arts and had a weak constitution. The conditions at the borderlands were even harsher than in Xin Feng County, yet he still followed the eldest cousin, which showed how much he loved him.

"I will try not to have conflicts with him in the future," Yu Lanyi said.

Jin Yun immediately showed a relieved smile.

Zheng Shanci didn't bring any other gifts for Second Master Yu, thinking to send some useful items after spring, as going back and forth was too troublesome.

With Second Master Yu gone, the New Year was approaching. Tan He received a letter from Zheng Shanci and had the textile workshop built by the craftsmen.

Zheng Shanci asked Zheng Qingyin, "Qingyin, do you want to learn how to manage the textile workshop?"

Zheng Qingyin was taken aback. He looked into Zheng Shanci's eyes, then lowered his head and said, "But I only know embroidery, not how to manage such things."

"Don't worry, I've found a manager to assist you. You can learn from him," Zheng Shanci said. "If he doesn't teach you or takes advantage of your inexperience, remember to tell me. But I've chosen honest people; they shouldn't be so bold. As for embroidery, you can do it in your spare time. Once you've learned the skills, how about opening your own shop and becoming a shopkeeper?"

Zheng Qingyin's heart raced at the thought of becoming a shopkeeper. He remembered the leisurely demeanor of the shopkeeper when he used to sell pouches and handkerchiefs in the town.

Could he really become a shopkeeper? Was he capable?

"Second Brother, I'm afraid I can't do it."

It was fear of failure, not fear of attempting. Zheng Shanci patted his back and smiled, "Don't be afraid, I'm here for you. If anything goes wrong, I'll handle it."

Zheng Shanci spoke confidently. As the county magistrate, managing a textile workshop was a minor matter. Zheng Qingyin was no pampered child; he was just learning from the manager.

"Second Brother, I can give it a try," Zheng Qingyin thought and agreed to Zheng Shanci's suggestion. He wanted to change himself and become more capable, so he wouldn't be troubled by other matters.

Since leaving Qingxiang Village, except for missing his father and stepfather, Zheng Qingyin had been sleeping soundly every night.

As Zheng Shanci was about to leave, Zheng Qingyin pulled him back, "Second Brother, this is a pouch I embroidered, for you."

Zheng Shanci noticed the auspicious clouds embroidered on the pouch. Truly, a younger brother is a brother's little comfort. Zheng Shanci felt a warmth in his heart and hung the pouch directly on his waist.

"Thank you, little brother. I like it very much."

After Zheng Shanci left, Zheng Qingyin's heart was still racing. He lay on the bed, covering his face with the quilt. Feeling suffocated, he stuck his head out again.

Becoming a shopkeeper was something he had never dared to dream of before.

...

Zheng Shanci also arranged work for Zheng Shancheng. Zheng Shancheng and Lin Geer could work at the Zheng family's eatery. Zheng Shancheng had difficulty walking, and Lin Geer wanted to stay with him.

Working at the Zheng family's eatery wasn't strenuous. Lin Geer only needed to check daily if the kitchen ingredients were being shortchanged, while Zheng Shancheng supervised the workers in the eatery, which was quite easy.

Zheng Shancheng: "This job is too easy, just like being a manager."

Lin Geer: "Being a manager is this easy, and you get paid too."

They were also satisfied with this arrangement.

Everyone at the Zheng Family Eatery knew that these were Zheng Shanci's elder brother and sister-in-law, so who would dare to oppose them?

Zheng Shanci had the textile workshop recruit people, starting with the widows of soldiers. This textile workshop was relatively large, hiring about a hundred women and young men, starting with the widows of soldiers. The county office had enough silver to pay the workers' salaries, and by next month, when the managers submitted the account books, there would be even more money.

Tan He was a man of few words, doing what he was told, and Zheng Shanci was quite satisfied with him.

According to regulations, the county office would have a seven-day holiday for the New Year, although some positions still required shift rotations.

The household department of the county office distributed salt, rice, and oil to everyone, along with their salaries for the holiday period, and they were on paid leave. Other benefits depended on the local fiscal revenue. Everyone knew that this year, the new county magistrate had opened three workshops in the county office, earning a lot of money, and they were all eagerly anticipating their share.

Zheng Shanci did not mince words, saying, "This is my first year in office, and I must thank everyone for their cooperation. The three workshops have made money, so this New Year, everyone will receive an extra tael of silver, plus a set of cotton clothes. You can choose the size at the textile workshop, and each person will also take home three jars of chili sauce and two jars of oil."

The Yamen Runners burst into cheers.

"Great!"

"This year, we can have a good New Year. My wife is also working at the textile workshop, so both of us are earning money."

"Lord Zheng is a great official."

Archivist Zhu let out a sigh and also smiled.

It wasn't easy for the county office to allocate such a large sum of money for so many people. Zheng Shanci had considered that the three workshops had indeed made money, and merchants from Xinfeng County had placed large orders, waiting to sell chili sauce to other counties and states after spring. The oil press not only produced peanut oil but also sesame oil, which was of high quality and loved by the locals.

The cotton in the cotton clothes was directly sourced from the villagers by the county office, making the clothes affordable and well-liked by the people.

Deputy Magistrate Qi felt that Zheng Shanci was giving out small favors. If he were the county magistrate, he would definitely give more silver to the Yamen Runners. Unfortunately, he did not have that position.

The Yamen Runners left in high spirits. With the New Year's money in hand, they were more willing to spend on New Year's goods.

In the past, when Zheng Shanci was in his unit, he would always distribute money in advance during holidays, probably to ensure that the money was spent during the festive season.

With green cypress and red pepper, everything is new; across the fence, the lantern shadows celebrate the New Year.

Zheng Shanci walked out of the county office, and the streets were bustling with people.