Chapter 62: Lan County

Chapter 62: Lan County

The young couple's life here was improving day by day, but Yu Shiyan, back in the capital, was not doing well.

After marrying Ye Yunchu, Ye Yunchu had to attend to his duties every day, while Yu Shiyan had to pay respects to the Zhennan Prince Consort. The Prince Consort had never taken a liking to him, so she naturally made things difficult for him. The people in the mansion were all her confidants, so he had no one to turn to. The people in the prince's mansion were always adept at reading the room, and seeing that both the prince and the Prince Consort did not favor him, their attitude towards him naturally became subtle.

Frustrated as he was, due to the Prince Consort's status, he had to pay his respects and serve her daily. When Ye Yunchu was not around, the Prince Consort would specifically call him to serve her during lunch, forcing him to stand behind her and serve her food.

This was clearly a task for servants and maids, but now he was made to do it, which was a humiliation.

When the Prince Consort invited people to admire the flowers, Yu Shiyan felt relieved and returned to his room. He used his savings to purchase a shop and start a small fabric business, earning a modest income each month, so he didn't have to rely on Ye Yunchu. He kept the mistreatment from the Prince Consort hidden from Ye Yunchu, bearing it all alone.

"Side Consort, let's warm your knees first," Shi Xia placed a warm towel on Yu Shiyan's knees, which were bruised and looked horrifying.

"Life here isn't as comfortable as it was in the marquis's mansion. At least the master wouldn't enforce morning rituals on the Side Consort, nor deduct his monthly allowance. Now, married into the prince's mansion, he's subjected to such bullying."

Shi Xia wiped her tears. "I once believed that Heir Ye treated the Side Consort kindly, and assumed that marrying him would bring happiness. After all, no one cared about the Side Consort in the marquis's mansion, and now having his own home, I thought there would be more hope. But this household is worse than solitude."

Yu Shiyan bore the pain in his knees, filled with regret over his decision. Had he known, he would have avoided entanglement with Ye Yunchu. Marrying into such a high-ranking family meant enduring suffering. What a gentleman, as gentle as jade, Yu Shiyan thought of the capital's evaluation of Ye Yunchu and let out a cold laugh.

He had shed considerable weight since his marriage into the prince's mansion, only his eyes retained a glimmer of light. It's all nonsense; Ye Yunchu is nothing but a coward. He refused to believe that Ye Yunchu was oblivious to the Prince Consort's mistreatment. Either he was blind to it or awaiting an apology and reconciliation.

What redeeming qualities does such a person possess?

Yu Shiyan was filled with hatred. He should let Yu Lanyi see what kind of person he wanted to marry. He shouldn't have blocked Yu Lanyi's path back then.

All the bitter fruits were on him now.

Yu Shiyan lay on the bed and cried bitterly.

Only after being humiliated by the Prince Consort did he realize how good his life was in the marquis's mansion, and he felt regret. He thought of Yu Lanyi marrying Zheng Shanci and moving to a remote place, and he couldn't hold his head up either.

"Side Consort, it's time for dinner. The Prince Consort wants you to serve the dishes. The weather is nice today, so don't lie in bed, don't keep the Prince Consort waiting," the maid by the Prince Consort's side said a few words, not waiting for Yu Shiyan to respond, and left after a perfunctory bow.

Shi Xia worried, "Side Consort, your legs, and with so many people around, maybe you should feign illness today."

Yu Shiyan wiped his tears and let down the robe that was rolled up on his knees. "If I really feign illness, she will definitely call the mansion's doctor to examine me. If there's no illness, I'll have to kneel and be scolded."

"I'll go serve her dishes. Isn't that what she wants to humiliate me?"

He changed his clothes, tied his hair with a ribbon, and left.

When he arrived at the main hall, many glamorous young men and ladies had indeed come, surrounding the Prince Consort like butterflies. Yu Shiyan glanced around and recognized a few noble ladies and young men. He understood that they were here to choose Ye Yunchu's main wife.

As soon as he stepped in, the room fell silent, intentionally making him feel awkward.

Yu Shiyan calmly called out "Mother Consort" and stood behind the Prince Consort, waiting for her instructions, appearing obedient and sensible.

The Prince Consort lazily pointed at a few dishes, and Yu Shiyan stepped forward to serve her.

A lady covered her mouth and laughed, "Isn't this the Side Consort that His Majesty bestowed upon the Heir? It seems he's not favored by the Prince Consort."

"What's there to favor? He's just a concubine," the Prince Consort laughed. "There are many concubines, they're not treasures. There's only one main wife. He doesn't have the demeanor of a marquis's son, looking so shabby."

Another lady laughed, "I heard his father was a climbing bed servant. The Heir hasn't even married his main wife yet, and he already seduced the Heir. What a fox spirit."

Yu Shiyan clenched his chopsticks. He just didn't like extravagant clothes, and in front of them, he looked shabby. The Prince Consort made him serve the dishes, and Yu Shiyan endured it, numbly letting them judge him.

"By the way, when Yunchu marries his main wife, as the Side Consort, you must serve the Heir and his wife well," the Prince Consort casually reminded.

Yu Shiyan sneered inwardly but outwardly complied.

The princess consort valued the family background of the Marquis of Changyang, but she had always disliked Yu Lanyi. This young man was too noisy and lacked the demeanor of a proper young man. As for Yu Shiyan, he was nothing but a scheming fox. Speaking of the Marquis of Changyang's household, only Yu Zhangxing had any promise, and he was indeed too promising.

The princess consort dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

That night, Yu Shiyan developed a high fever that would not break. Ye Yunchu returned home from duty and stayed by Yu Shiyan's side. Yu Shiyan reached out as if trying to grasp something, his forehead drenched in sweat, his face pale.

Ye Yunchu took his hand, "I'm here, Shiyan."

Shi Xia stood nearby, his heart heavy. He no longer wished for his young master to marry into a noble family. Even a common household would be better than enduring such humiliation. Since entering the household, his young master had been constantly manipulated. And while the heir had his duties, the one opposing his young master was the heir's mother. Would the heir really go against his own mother?

Ye Yunchu called for the household physician and sent for a royal physician. Both said that if he could survive the night, he would be fine. Ye Yunchu stayed by Yu Shiyan's side, dispatching a trusted aide to inquire about the day's events. After a moment of silence, he tightly grasped Yu Shiyan's hand.

"Heir, are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Have the kitchen keep some porridge warm. Bring it when Shiyan wakes up." Ye Yunchu looked at Yu Shiyan, weak and pale, completely unlike his former self. He knew Yu Shiyan was proud and sensitive, yet he had relegated him to the role of a concubine. Seeing him like this, Ye Yunchu's heart ached.

Fortunately, Yu Shiyan's fever broke. Ye Yunchu went to his mother, asking her to show some mercy. The princess consort agreed on the surface but harbored deep resentment. This scheming fox had turned her son into such a state, pretending to be ill after just a little hardship. How petty.

After Yu Shiyan's fever subsided, he remained silent. Someone from the princess consort's courtyard came to inform him perfunctorily that since he had been ill, the princess consort would not require him to pay his respects daily. He should focus on regaining his health first. Otherwise, it would be her fault for damaging the mother-son relationship between her and the heir.

Listening to the servant's words, Yu Shiyan remained silent, pulling the blanket over himself and closing his eyes.

Shi Xia closed the door, refusing all visitors, regardless of who came.

...

Yu Zhangxing was feeling troubled today. Mr. Yu had brought him several portraits of young gentlemen. To be honest, having grown up in the same capital, Yu Zhangxing knew their temperaments well.

He liked those who were quiet and gentle, but he also knew he didn't want someone overly quiet or gentle. Yu Zhangxing wore a sword at his waist, having just returned from the palace and not yet having removed it.

He was going to a weapon shop to buy a small dagger to give to Yu Lanyi for self-defense upon his return.

On his way, he happened to run into An Geer, who was also selecting a bow. An Geer bowed gracefully and said, "Lord Yu."

Yu Zhangxing nodded in return.

The two each selected the weapons they needed. Yu Zhangxing looked at a dagger featuring a pale green gemstone. He didn't like ostentatious items, but Yu Lanyi did.

"This bow isn't suitable for you. It requires considerable strength to draw. This smaller bow would be better for your strength." An Geer was trying to draw a bow when Yu Zhangxing's deep voice came from behind.

An Geer was startled, his face flushed as he replied, "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Yu."

Yu Zhangxing said nothing more, taking the dagger and leaving.

An Geer bought the bow that required considerable strength and also a smaller one. He had come to select a bow for his elder brother, as the autumn hunt was approaching and his brother's bow had broken.

Young gentlemen didn't typically learn archery. An Geer held the small bow, running his fingers over its patterns.

The Heir of Marquis Anxin accepted the bow his younger brother had bought for him. He weighed it in his hand and smiled, "This bow is quite good."

Then he noticed An Geer holding another bow, his eyes flickering as he asked, "Do you want to learn archery too?"

An Geer nodded.

"Good, I'll teach you." The Heir of Marquis Anxin was in high spirits. It was a relief that An Geer had emerged from the shadow of his broken engagement. Teaching him archery was a small matter.

Xinfeng County

Fan Ping left with his caravan, and with the departure of the god of wealth (a metaphor for Fan Ping's wealth and prosperity), the officials from the engineering and finance departments were still busy with the factory expansion. Before leaving, Zheng Shanci asked Fan Ping for some flower seeds, which Fan Ping agreed to bring on his next visit to Xinfeng County.

The concrete road shortened the distance to Lan County, but the horses' hooves couldn't withstand it. Blacksmiths crafted a batch of horseshoes, capitalizing on the opportunity to turn a profit. The trade and travel between Lan County and Xinfeng County increased significantly, and some merchants even wanted to do business in Lan County. Zheng Shanci thought it over and decided to head to Lan County himself to talk things over with the county magistrate. This was his first time leaving Xinfeng County since arriving from the capital.

Yu Lanyi looked up from the account books, "I want to go too."

Zheng Shanci thought it over and agreed.

"I'll go with Xu Geer; he has business to discuss in Lan County. You can join me after you finish your work at the county office," Yu Lanyi thought it would be inconvenient to bring Zheng Shanci along and preferred to explore with Xu Geer.

Zheng Shanci nodded and then asked Zheng Qingyin, Zheng Shancheng, and Lin Geer if they wanted to visit Lan County. With the shop in the hands of a trusted proprietor, they could afford to take a break now and then.

Zheng Shancheng said, "I’ll stay behind and keep an eye on things. Qingyin should go and check it out."

Lin Geer said, "I’ll go to Lan County too."

Zheng Shanci nodded, leaving Zheng Shancheng to hold down the fort at home. Zheng Shancheng glanced at Lin Geer, realizing his husband was also itching for some fun.

The next morning, Zheng Shanci took only Wang Fu along. Tan He was overseeing the road construction project and couldn’t leave the county office, while Scribe Jiang and Ding Xuan were also tied up.

Traveling alone would be more comfortable, and Wang Fu at least had some martial arts skills.

They set off in carriages, the four Geers sharing one, while Zheng Shanci rode solo in another. Yu Lanyi sat with Zheng Qingyin and the others, tagging along with Xu Geer to scout for promising young men in Lan County to bring back as a son-in-law for the Xu family.

Xu Geer had decided to look for someone from a respectable but modest background.

They reached Lan County at night, where the night market was in full swing. Since they couldn’t stay at the post station, they booked an inn with four top-floor rooms. Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi shared a room.

The locals in Lan County were warm and welcoming, and after dinner, they headed out to explore.

Zheng Shanci observed that Lan County had far more shops than Xinfeng County. He hadn’t compared them before, but now he secretly did.

Lan County also had more people.

"Selling candied haws!"

Various hawking sounds filled the air, and the crowd was noisy. Zheng Shanci held a small trinket bought by Yu Lanyi when he heard someone selling chili sauce.

"Chili sauce from Xinfeng County, come and buy it! It's delicious."

Zheng Shanci wasn’t sure what he was waiting for, but at the sound of the call, he spun around to face the small stall.