Chapter 65: Departure

Chapter 65 Departure

Emperor Wuming was reviewing memorials in the imperial study when the chief eunuch, Feng De, bent over respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, His Highness Wang Fengjun has sent bird's nest soup."

Emperor Wuming pinched the bridge of his nose and said, "Let him in."

Wang Fengjun, dignified and elegant, with a soft and delicate appearance, walked with grace. Upon seeing Emperor Wuming, he bowed gracefully and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Rise, take a seat first," Emperor Wuming said as he got up from his chair and lay down on a nearby couch, twirling a string of prayer beads in his fingers, his handsome face showing a casual indifference.

Wang Fengjun placed the food box on the table, took out the bird's nest soup to let it cool, and then brought it to Emperor Wuming.

Emperor Wuming took a spoonful and found it delicious. He asked, "What brings you to see me?"

Wang Fengjun's hairpin swayed slightly as he said, "I just missed Your Majesty, thinking of you working hard in the imperial study."

As he spoke, he stood up to massage Emperor Wuming's shoulders. Emperor Wuming, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, had a smooth and powerful back. Wang Fengjun lowered his eyes.

After a while, Emperor Wuming had him sit down and said, "Don't hurt your hands, I'll have Feng De do it."

Wang Fengjun smiled and said no more.

Emperor Wuming, seeing him so quiet, felt unaccustomed. Before marrying him, Wang Fengjun was a cheerful young man, but after marriage, he became virtuous and serene, raising princes and managing the entire harem for him.

Emperor Wuming: "I've examined Cheng'er's studies, they are quite good, you have done well. Dan'er, however, is too mischievous, always playing with cats and causing trouble. You must keep a close eye on him. After all, he is my son, how can he lack ambition?"

Wang Fengjun: "I understand, Your Majesty."

Emperor Wuming saw that Wang Fengjun didn't take it to heart. Xie Dan was spoiled by such indulgence, and he was also very sweet-talking. Xie Cheng also liked this younger brother and helped him.

Wang Fengjun mentioned Emperor Wuming's birthday, as he had come to the imperial study for a real matter, to discuss it with Emperor Wuming.

Emperor Wuming said everything would proceed as usual, and Wang Fengjun took his leave.

Emperor Wuming continued to review memorials. He read quickly, only pausing when he saw something that needed improvement or disaster relief, slowing down to read carefully. The Great Yan Dynasty had not suffered major natural disasters in recent years, with floods and droughts limited to a single prefecture, causing no significant damage. However, local officials remained a concern for Emperor Wuming.

Officials in the capital who were corrupt or ineffective had to be somewhat restrained under his watch. Those serving in distant regions were too far to control directly, so he sent imperial censors to inspect the regions every few years as a deterrent.

After several years of imperial examinations, there were Jinshi, but the talent was uneven. Commoners in the court were still far behind those from noble families, which was inevitable. The top scholars were also dominated by noble families. Moreover, even if a commoner became the top scholar, they might not succeed in the officialdom, possibly spending their entire life as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy.

The current top scholar was doing fairly well in the Hanlin Academy, but Emperor Wuming, knowing a bit, quickly forgot about it. As the ruler of the realm, he did not have much time to focus on someone just starting in the officialdom.

If they had talent, they would make their way to me.

Emperor Wuming continued to review memorials, and then he came across Imperial Censor Li's memorial.

He remembered sending someone to inspect Qingzhou, which bordered the frontier. Although there was no war, Emperor Wuming still valued it. He opened Imperial Censor Li's memorial and saw a name that piqued his interest, raising the corner of his mouth slightly.

There were too many people and officials in Great Yan, and few could be remembered by the emperor. Many wished to serve in the imperial court just to become familiar to the emperor. For instance, if a position became vacant, and the emperor could recall your name and consider you as a candidate, you would already be far ahead of many others. This was why officials were so courteous to the emperor's personal eunuchs.

They often moved around the imperial court, could guess the emperor's thoughts, and knew his attitudes. A few words of advice from them could avert a disaster.

Zheng Shanci, Emperor Wuming recalled, had married Yu Lanyi and then went to the remote Xinfeng County. He had almost forgotten about him. Now, he appeared in Imperial Censor Li's memorial, praised to the skies.

Emperor Wuming smiled and moved on, but a trace of curiosity lingered. According to Imperial Censor Li's memorial, Zheng Shanci had targeted the wealthy families in the city in his first year, which was somewhat reckless, but his intentions were good, willing to do practical work.

He put it aside and continued to read other memorials.

After reviewing several prefectures, there were more pleas of poverty. Managing such a prefecture, how could they lack funds? Emperor Wuming's face turned cold.

Xinfeng County

Zheng Shanci was unaware that he had caught the attention of Emperor Wuming, earning a reputation as a young and impulsive but diligent official. These past few days, he had returned to Xinfeng County, where Tan He and his crew were busy repairing the road from the village to the town. The task of handling the flower seeds had been entrusted to Fan Ping. Zheng Shanci had purchased some flower seeds from Lan County and decided to test them by planting them in the government-owned fields.

At the moment, he was accompanying Zheng Qingyin to inspect the construction of the courtyard for the textile factory.

"Second Brother, this courtyard has been partitioned into several small rooms by the workers. The toilets are shared, and there is a large dining hall and a bathing area. There is also a large open space in the courtyard where they can use for other purposes..." Zheng Qingyin spoke animatedly, his eyes shining with excitement.

Zheng Shanci nodded, walking behind Zheng Qingyin and listening attentively.

After finishing his explanation, Zheng Qingyin felt his throat dry. He glanced at Zheng Shanci and happened to meet his approving gaze. Feeling a bit self-conscious, Zheng Qingyin lowered his head.

"Qingyin, you explained it very well," Zheng Shanci praised. "I feel very reassured entrusting the textile factory to you."

Zheng Qingyin couldn't help but smile, a slight smile forming on his lips. "Thank you for the compliment, Second Brother."

"Since you're here, you should also go out more, make some friends, and avoid becoming too stressed," Zheng Shanci advised, noticing that Zheng Qingyin had become much more open. When Zheng Qingyin first arrived, Zheng Shanci had noticed his guardedness towards others, which was understandable. However, Zheng Shanci hoped that Zheng Qingyin could still make some friends.

Zheng Qingyin nodded in agreement.

The textile machines in the factory still needed improvements. The earliest textile machines, dating back to the Neolithic era, were called waist looms. These primitive looms lacked frames or platforms, requiring the weaver to sit on the ground, secure the cloth beam with a belt around their waist, and use their feet to hold the warp rod while controlling the tension of the warp threads with their waist. Later, with the development of iron smelting technology, the use of shuttles and reed beaters significantly improved weaving efficiency. Zheng Shanci instructed the workers to focus on improving the shuttle system.

Zheng Shanci had to return to the county office, and Zheng Qingyin saw him off. Upon returning to the textile factory, the workers, who were excited knowing that the county office was building a courtyard for them, eagerly asked Zheng Qingyin what Lord Zheng had come for.

Zheng Qingyin casually replied that his Second Brother had come to inspect the progress of the courtyard construction.

"Lord Zheng actually came to inspect the courtyard? Previous magistrates would just leave everything to the manager," one bold woman remarked, immediately regretting her words and covering her mouth.

The others laughed. "You shouldn't say such things outside, or it might cause trouble."

"With this courtyard, we won't have to walk home at night anymore, and we won't need our husbands to come pick us up. Ever since I started earning money at the textile factory, my husband has been speaking to me more gently and has stopped nagging. He even said he wants our daughter to work here too," one woman said with a smile, her fingers deftly working the shuttle.

"It's the same for me. My husband is in the military and only sends money home once a year. There's no one else at home to support us, and my relatives have been exploiting me. But now that I'm working at the textile factory, I can support my child in the county seat without returning to the village. I'm saving up to educate my child and buy a small house."

Their conversations were filled with optimism about the future. In the past, burdened by household chores, their husbands' harsh words, and their children's needs, they would never have dreamed of such things. Now, with their own work and income, they gained confidence. They had a skill that could sustain them.

After a brief chat, they returned to their work, concentrating on their tasks. When the workday ended, they left in small groups, signaling the end of another day. Their lives were now full and hopeful. Once the courtyard was completed, they could even visit the night market in the evenings.

...

During this period, Zheng Shanci had not been at the county office, but Scribe Jiang and Ding Xuan had been working well together. The Xia and Gao families in the city had remained law-abiding and caused no trouble. Every household had planted trees—pear and jujube trees for fruit that could be sold, as well as for windbreak and sand fixation. Poplar trees were planted around to improve soil structure, while willow trees could be used for medicinal purposes. Willow leaves and branches could treat gastritis, diarrhea, and coughs, while the leaves and flowers could alleviate asthma and pneumonia. Willow leaves also had properties that could clear heat, detoxify, kill parasites, and relieve itching, making them effective for conditions like eczema and inflammation.

Zheng Shanci had chosen these four types of trees for their benefits. Poplar trees could serve as windbreaks and sand stabilizers, and in the future, they could also be used for timber. The other three types of trees provided economic value. When the villagers sold the medicinal herbs and realized they could earn money, they would be more motivated to plant more trees and herbs. The soil in Xinfeng County was still fragile, so crop rotation was necessary. This year, they planted medicinal herbs, and next year they could plant grains, ensuring sustainable development.

Scribe Jiang came to see Zheng Shanci, and after Wang Fu announced him, he was allowed in.

"Lord Zheng, I have completed the task you assigned me—finding a tutor for Young Master Zheng," Scribe Jiang reported. He had taken Zheng Shanci's request seriously and had searched diligently. Finding a literate woman or young man was no easy task, but after much effort, he had found a widow named Ma. Her father had been a local scholar, and she had studied alongside her brothers. After her father's death, the family fell apart. Her brothers divided the family property, leaving her with nothing. Her husband had fallen seriously ill and passed away, leaving her to fend for herself and her child. The child was still young and needed constant care. Her husband's relatives were of no help, refusing to assist. Her husband had been from a poor family, and there was no money left. The relatives treated them as beggars and offered no support.

Providing financial aid and care often depended on the potential for future repayment. But with such a family, any help given would likely be wasted, like feeding a meat bun to a dog that would never return. As for care, farming families were too busy to look after someone else's child.

However, Ma was knowledgeable and could teach Zheng Qingyin for two hours each day. She had arranged for a neighbor to look after her child in exchange for a small monthly payment.

Zheng Shanci nodded. "Have her come to the Zheng residence tomorrow."

Scribe Jiang, pleased with Zheng Shanci's approval, quickly agreed.

He left Zheng Shanci's place in high spirits. Even before Zheng Shanci arrived, he had been at odds with Deputy Magistrate Qi. Now that Deputy Magistrate Qi was gone, Deputy Magistrate Ding was more amiable. In the future, when Lord Zheng's term ended and he left, he and Deputy Magistrate Ding could support each other without fear.

In Xinfeng County, everyone was now motivated. As long as they worked hard, they could earn money, and life was more hopeful. The village ruffians and idlers, envious of their earnings, also picked up hoes to plant medicinal herbs. When others saw this profitable business, they would emulate them.

Archivist Zhu led the Yamen Runners to deal with local troublemakers in the towns and villages. If they made mistakes, they would serve time.

Archivist Zhu had just caught two thieves when he saw Yu Lanyi coming out of the tavern and quickly paid his respects.

"Young Master Yu."

"Lord Zhu, please take care of our tavern and don't let the troublemakers cause any trouble," Yu Lanyi glanced at the two thieves and instructed.

"Young Master Yu, rest assured, I will not let them disrupt the business here," Archivist Zhu saluted.

Yu Lanyi had recently been studying bookkeeping and was becoming more proficient. He had now grown accustomed to inspecting the tavern daily and had even renovated it. It seemed that he had finally become invested in the tavern and wanted it to look good and attract attention.

The tavern had more customers since the concrete road was completed, and more merchants were traveling through. Some who had tasted the liquor from the Zheng family's restaurant came here to buy. As it happened, other restaurants and inns in Xinfeng County also came to the tavern to order liquor, especially the strong liquor and plum wine.

Fortunately, they had hired two hundred people to work in the distillery; otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to fulfill so many orders. Although some orders appeared minor to him, Yu Lanyi was still happy. He had always depended on the Marquis of Changyang, Mr. Yu, and Yu Zhangxing for money and had never earned it himself. Previously, he had no feeling of engagement in the tavern, but now he came daily to check and even calculated the account books, which made him feel joyful.

"I'm incredible," Yu Lanyi was so happy he wanted to jump around.

But he couldn't do that on the street. Besides, the people of Xinfeng County already knew him by sight as the County Magistrate's Husband. Jumping around on the street would be beneath his dignity.

Yu Lanyi walked with a spring in his step, feeling like the best young master in the world.

"Jin Yun, if I return to the capital, my father will be pleased that I can now read account books," Yu Lanyi felt homesick.

His birthday was coming up in a few days, and it was the first time he wouldn't be celebrating it at home.

"Young Master, Mr. Yu will surely be happy. Lord Zheng has also achieved success and will soon return to the capital," Jin Yun comforted him. "The lord will bring you back in glory."

Yu Lanyi looked at the golden tassel on his waist, "Alright, we'll have fun when we return to the capital."

The tutor, Madam Ma, whom Zheng Shanci had hired, was teaching Zheng Qingyin to read in the garden. Yu Lanyi quietly returned to his room to look at the account books. He pulled a copy of "Records of the Grand Historian" from Zheng Shanci's bedside table, but after reading for a while, he felt dizzy. It seemed he would never be a learned gentleman. He tried but failed, so he put the book back. It didn't matter; he still had Zheng Shanci.

Although Zheng Shanci was only a third-rank scholar, he seemed a bit smarter than Yu Lanyi. Yu Lanyi lay on the table looking at the account books. After a while, Jin Yun, feeling sorry for his young master, had the kitchen make his favorite osmanthus cake. When he brought it to the table, Yu Lanyi mentioned that the Xia family had sent him an invitation to visit their estate.

Yu Lanyi took the osmanthus cake and ate it.

"I finished the calculations and even found a few mistakes. I'm better than the accountant now."

Jin Yun saw that Yu Lanyi had picked out the errors and written his corrections above them. Previously, Yu Lanyi had disliked his handwriting and had spent some time in the study learning from Zheng Shanci. Now, his handwriting wasn't beautiful, but it wasn't ugly either.

If Mr. Yu knew, he would surely be moved to tears.

Yu Lanyi took Jin Yun to the estate to play. This time, Mr. Xia also brought along the young master from the Gao family, Gao Han, and they all came to have fun together. The Gao family had gone to Lan County for business and had been well-behaved, not causing any trouble. Yu Lanyi saw that there were three of them to play together. Mr. Xia handed a bow and arrow to Yu Lanyi, smiling, "Young Master Yu likes archery. There are many rabbits and even wild deer in the mountains. Shoot whatever you like, and we'll have it for dinner tonight."

Yu Lanyi: "Rabbits are fine."

When he had come to the estate with Zheng Shanci before, he hadn't gotten to try stir-fried rabbit, and he had been longing for it ever since.

Gao Han chuckled softly, "Young Master Yu likes archery, but I prefer fishing."

Yu Lanyi nodded, "Fishing is fine too." He didn't like fishing; he didn't have the patience for it.

After shooting two rabbits, Yu Lanyi plucked a handful of wildflowers and handed them to Jin Yun.

Jin Yun accepted them with some reluctance.

Gao Han caught several large fish to prepare braised fish, and Yu Lanyi glanced over, saying, "You're really good at fishing."

He even caught more fish than Zheng Shanci.

In the evening, Mr. Xia arranged lodging for them. It was the first time Yu Lanyi slept alone without Zheng Shanci. The bed was so big and comfortable.

He could even roll around on it.

It wasn’t until Zheng Shanci returned home after work that he found out Yu Lanyi had been invited to the estate. After dinner, he went back to his room and saw Yu Lanyi's account book carelessly left on the table. He sighed, put the account book away, and felt unsettled by Yu Lanyi's absence.

With Yu Lanyi not at home today, Zheng Shanci felt a bit out of sorts. He used to enjoy solitude, but after marrying Yu Lanyi, he gradually got used to her company. Now, with Yu Lanyi gone, the house felt empty and devoid of life.

Zheng Shanci couldn't focus on reading and felt a bit lonely. He used to enjoy being alone, but now he found it hard to bear. He blew out the candle, lay down on the bed, and touched the empty sheet beside him, feeling like a neglected spouse.

The next morning, Zheng Shanci joined Zheng Shancheng and Lin Geer for breakfast.

"Why are you going to the countryside?" Zheng Shancheng asked, agreeing but still puzzled. He knew that county magistrates usually didn't go to the countryside, especially for such a long time.

"I'm going to see if there are any issues in the villages," Zheng Shanci explained. He had Scribe Jiang draft a notice, which was relayed through minor officials to the village heads. He wasn't sure how effective it would be.

After breakfast, he then went to work.

Zheng Shancheng’s leg had improved, so he decided to visit Dr. Song for a new prescription. He had been using the same prescription for months, and while it helped at first, it became less effective over time. He planned to consult Dr. Song for a new prescription.

Lin Geer went with him.

It was still early in the morning, so Dr. Song wasn't busy yet. After seeing the previous patient, Dr. Song invited Zheng Shancheng to sit down. Dr. Song checked his pulse first and found it strong, with no signs of illness. Then he rolled up Zheng Shancheng's trouser leg and asked, "Mr. Zheng, does your leg still hurt?"

Zheng Shancheng shook his head, saying it didn't hurt anymore, but his feet felt a bit warm after soaking in the medicine prescribed by Dr. Song.

Lin Geer watched nervously, dreading bad news from Dr. Song.

After a moment of thought, Dr. Song stroked his beard and said, "Mr. Zheng, your leg still has sensation. I'll prescribe a new medicine for you to soak your leg in, and you'll need to massage it more. After using this prescription for a while, come back to me. There's a chance your leg can be fixed, but it will be very painful. The bones in your leg have mostly healed. To fix it, I'll need to break the newly grown parts, which will be more painful than the initial injury."

"Dr. Song, are you saying my leg can still be treated?" Zheng Shancheng wasn't afraid of pain and looked excited upon hearing Dr. Song's words.

"I can't guarantee it, but there's a seventy percent chance."

Lin Geer’s eyes lit up. "Seventy percent is already high. Even thirty percent would be worth a shot."

Dr. Song went to write the prescription.

Lin Geer looked at Zheng Shancheng's leg and said, "Let's go home and soak your feet properly to heal your leg."

Zheng Shancheng nodded. After his leg was injured, he had felt somewhat inferior, but now that there was hope for recovery, he felt a sense of relief. They took the medicine home, and Lin Geer felt it was the happiest day since coming to Xin Feng County.

Zheng Shancheng always acted as if he didn't care about his leg in front of others, but only Lin Geer knew he truly did. Now that there was a chance to heal his leg, it was the best news. In the future, he could walk steadily without fear.

When Yu Lanyi returned from the estate, he brought back two live rabbits carried by Jin Yun. Upon arriving home, he was informed by the servant that Zheng Shanci would be away for five days. His expression turned sullen.

"Why is he leaving for so long without waiting for me?" Yu Lanyi grumbled.