Chapter 71: Redemption

Chapter 71: Redemption

Zheng Shanci wanted to discuss perfume with Boss Guan and the other bosses. Zheng Shanci had made a small bottle of Pot Marigold perfume and brought it with him today. If there was quartz sand in Xin Feng County, he could lower the melting point to make glass. Zheng Shanci also thought of using soda ash as a raw material for glass and planned to try it when he returned.

This small bottle of perfume was contained in a ceramic bottle and passed around among the bosses.

"You can open this perfume and dab it on your wrists or behind your ears for a light, pleasant scent. It’s small, exquisite, and convenient to carry, with better longevity than sachets and incense," Zheng Shanci explained. The bosses were stirred by this, thinking that ancient incense was expensive, and even some officials' families were reluctant to use it, indicating a large market.

"The price for this bottle of Pot Marigold perfume is set at one tael of silver per bottle," Zheng Shanci said, having considered Yu Lanyi's four-tael silver pearl powder when setting the price. He planned to make Pot Marigold the basic version of the perfume, with this price remaining unchanged. New products would be priced higher based on this foundation. Once glass was produced, the packaging could be divided into two types: ceramic bottles and glass bottles.

Hearing this price, Boss Guan's eyes lit up as he held the perfume. At this price, many people would be willing to buy it, as it was practically a giveaway compared to incense.

The other bosses, suppressing their excitement, listened to Zheng Shanci. This was a golden business opportunity. Those selling makeup and face powders made the highest profits at the lowest costs, and with greater fame, they could earn even more silver. As for the cost price, even a dog would shake its head at it.

Zheng Shanci sold it to them for one tael of silver per bottle, so they would sell it for two taels per bottle—not at all unreasonable.

Boss Guan asked, "This business is feasible, Lord Zheng. How much stock can we take now?"

"No rush. The perfume workshop is new, and this is just one of our products. You can come back in autumn. Or, you can take Xin Feng County's liquor and herbs to sell in other markets. I never restrict these. If you come here to purchase goods and are willing to take Xin Feng County's products out, it would be our honor."

Boss Qian's heart stirred at this. Xin Feng County's liquor would likely be popular elsewhere. He quickly asked, "Lord Zheng, are you referring to commercial taxes?"

Zheng Shanci smiled, "Just commercial taxes. Nothing more."

The bosses exchanged uneasy glances. Zheng Shanci wasn’t after money or favors, which made them uneasy.

Zheng Shanci added, "When you sell these products, please mention Xin Feng County more often. After all, I am still an official here, and my term will end in two years."

Hearing this, the bosses got it. Zheng Shanci was after fame.

As long as someone had wants, they were predictable. The scariest were those who wanted nothing.

Boss Guan laughed, "Don’t worry, Lord Zheng, we’ve got it."

Boss Qian raised his wine cup, "Then let's toast in advance to Lord Zheng's promotion!"

The meal was a hit with everyone.

Boss Guan and Boss Qian signed a 500-tael order for liquor on the spot. The others jumped in with their own orders. Selling them the cement formula was a buyout, allowing them to produce cement themselves in the future.

From this deal, Zheng Shanci made 22,000 taels of silver. The cement formula went for 20,000 taels, plus 2,000 in orders.

After all, the formula was to be presented to the Emperor, so selling it at this price was already quite good. The bosses didn't carry that much silver, so Scribe Jiang had them write IOUs and press their fingerprints.

Scribe Jiang was grinning ear to ear, barely keeping it together.

After the banquet, the bosses returned to their inns, and Zheng Shanci had the restaurant serve them a bowl of sobering soup. They were future major clients, and it was important to leave a good impression on the first meeting.

Zheng Shanci had a bit too much to drink and headed home in his carriage.

Scribe Jiang chuckled, "Lord Zheng’s a real businessman."

He swayed his head and also returned home.

Zheng Shanci couldn't stand the smell of alcohol on his body and went to wash up first. The house was empty. His elder brother, sister-in-law, and younger brother had all left, leaving him with an empty house and a wave of summer heat.

Xin Feng County had no ice, as it was a rare commodity. Yu Lanyi used ice in the capital to cool down during the summer. Zheng Shanci didn't want others to fan him, so he took a large palm fan commonly used by farmers and placed it on the bedside table, fanning himself when it got hot at night. Several large jars filled with water were placed in the room to help cool it down.

"I also want to go to the manor to escape the heat," Zheng Shanci thought, listening to the sounds of cicadas and birds, his heart restless again.

On the other side, Yu Lanyi lay in bed watching the moon. The window was open, moonlight streaming in, accompanied by the sound of a babbling brook, making it easy to drift off. Yu Lanyi had a great time at the estate, where there was plenty to eat and drink, and he could even go hunting for extra meals. With his big brother, sister-in-law, and little brother around, the only thing missing was someone.

Thinking about this, he drifted into a light sleep.

He was determined to get Zheng Shanci a cushy job in the future.

Yu Lanyi was a light sleeper, and he heard the sound of someone speaking. Then the door creaked open.

Yu Lanyi bolted upright, startling Zheng Shanci, who had been sneaking in.

"Who are you?!" Yu Lanyi raised his fist.

Zheng Shanci froze, not moving a muscle. He lowered the lantern, lighting up his handsome face, which glowed orange.

"I couldn't sleep, and tomorrow's a day off..." Zheng Shanci's voice was low.

"A ghost—"

Yu Lanyi didn't even put on his shoes, swinging his fists as he charged out.

In the chaos, Zheng Shanci took a few hits and even got the wind knocked out of him by Yu Lanyi's wild charge.

Zheng Shanci: "..." This wasn't what he'd expected.

He'd thought that showing up in the middle of the night would make Yu Lanyi cry, that Yu Lanyi would rush into his arms and ask if he was too tired. Instead, it turned into a painful mess.

Yu Lanyi grabbed Jin Yun and hid behind him.

Zheng Shanci stood there, lantern in hand, looking numb.

"It's Lord Zheng, sir. Why didn't you say something when you came so late?" Jin Yun was also surprised to see Zheng Shanci.

"Jin Yun, is he a ghost?" Yu Lanyi tugged at Jin Yun's sleeve from behind.

"Young master, he's got a shadow," Jin Yun whispered softly.

Zheng Shanci: "..."

Once the misunderstanding was cleared up, Yu Lanyi had someone light the candles. He sat on the edge of the bed, yawning, as Zheng Shanci sat down beside him. Yu Lanyi pinched Zheng Shanci's arm—it was warm, not cold.

"Why are you here so late? You nearly scared me to death," Yu Lanyi snorted, swinging his legs.

Zheng Shanci: "I had a little too much to drink and had a nightmare. When I woke up, I realized you weren't there."

Yu Lanyi looked stunned for a moment before laughing. "How old are you? I've been sleeping alone since I was five."

As he spoke, Yu Lanyi rested Zheng Shanci's head on his lap and patted his back. "What are you afraid of? You're an official. Any ghost that sees you would have to call you 'Lord Zheng.' You're under the protection of the Emperor."

The words weren't particularly comforting, but he knew the sentiment was genuine. It was just that they were separated by the torrent of time spanning centuries, so when Yu Lanyi comforted him, he would also remind him that he was an official, protected by the Emperor.

He understood.

"Let's sleep," Yu Lanyi said, patting Zheng Shanci's shoulder.

Zheng Shanci went to blow out the candles.

Yu Lanyi hugged Zheng Shanci, pressing close to his chest. He could hear Zheng Shanci's steady heartbeat, and finally, he felt at ease. This was indeed a living person.

Even if a ghost wore Zheng Shanci's skin, Yu Lanyi would still be willing to show a little more tenderness.

His feelings of love and hate are both very distinct.

"Zheng Shanci, hurry up and sleep, it's almost dawn," Yu Lanyi planted a kiss on Zheng Shanci's cheek.

Zheng Shanci fell asleep holding Yu Lanyi.

When Yu Lanyi woke up, it was already broad daylight, and the sun was shining through the window. He saw that Zheng Shanci on the right was still sleeping soundly, probably really tired, otherwise Zheng Shanci would have woken up long ago. He carefully stepped over Zheng Shanci and closed the window.

He slipped on a simple robe and opened the door. Jin Yun saw him and asked, "Young master, why didn’t you call me in to assist?"

When Yu Lanyi came to the manor, he occasionally tied his hair up with a hairband, which was neat and simple, too lazy to wear any jade crown. It looked nice, but since he was here to relax, wearing a jade crown felt out of place.

"My lord is still asleep," Yu Lanyi whispered with a playful glint in his eyes.

Jin Yun nodded, and the master and servant walked out of the courtyard. Yu Lanyi then said, "What time did he come last night?"

"Probably around midnight."

"Poor thing," Yu Lanyi murmured with sympathy.

Jin Yun: "..."

Breakfast at the manor typically included freshly ground soybean milk, translucent dumplings, pan-fried buns, preserved egg and lean pork porridge, and black sesame tangyuan, all served on the table for people to choose from.

Yu Lanyi sipped some soybean milk and asked Jin Yun to pour him a bowl to enjoy slowly. He liked eating buns and dumplings, and since he had tangyuan yesterday, he didn't want them today.

"Keep some soybean milk and buns warm in the kitchen for later. Zheng Shanci came last night, he'll eat later," Yu Lanyi, while having his breakfast, didn't forget to leave a portion for Zheng Shanci.

Zheng Shancheng was taken aback, "What time did my second brother come last night?"

"Midnight."

Lin Geer finished a bowl of preserved egg and lean pork porridge and smiled, "It’s good he’s here; he should explore the manor more. Shanci used to be the most afraid of going to the fields, he never even went up the mountain, always staying indoors reading."

Yu Lanyi's lips curled up, "That's good. I’ve been familiar with this place recently. When he wakes up, I’ll take him around, go up the mountain to play."

Mr. Xia was happy. Yu Lanyi came, and Zheng Shanci followed, which showed that the Zheng family trusted them, which was better than anything. He made sure the servants and maids were attentive, ensuring no one was offended.

Zheng Qingyin didn’t realize how elegant the farmhouse was until he arrived at the manor. Their farmhouse in Qingxiang Village couldn't compare to this place at all. The place was filled with fruit trees, ripe for picking and eating, and there was also a pond where they could catch fish and shrimp. There were many shade-providing trees, and bringing a chair to lie under the trees made one sleepy quickly.

It was quiet and serene here, the white clouds in the sky moved lazily, and the green mountains in the distance couldn't see the treetops, only green lawns and streams flowing from the rocks. Zheng Qingyin felt like he was living deep in the mountains.

Zheng Shanci woke up and had breakfast, Yu Lanyi sat beside him, holding his face and watching him eat.

He could spend all day watching Zheng Shanci without ever growing bored.

"Today, we’re heading to the mountains to play. You gather firewood, and I’ll supervise," Yu Lanyi led the way.

Zheng Shanci smiled in agreement, keeping pace with Yu Lanyi.

Zheng Shanci looked up, the trees were tall and big, with curved and thick trunks. He and Yu Lanyi walked in the mountains, as if there were only the two of them in the forest.

Yu Lanyi picked up a fallen branch and tapped it on the ground. When they reached a place with many branches, Zheng Shanci stopped and squatted down to gather firewood.

He worked at a leisurely pace, with a sense of calm.

Yu Lanyi squatted down to help gather a few branches, saw some wild berries and picked a few, and also some mushrooms, which made him happy, so he picked a bunch.

Zheng Shanci didn’t collect too much firewood, first bundling them together, finding long leaves to tie them up, and setting them aside to carry back later.

He looked up and saw Yu Lanyi picking many poisonous mushrooms.

"Zheng Shanci, why haven't I seen these brightly colored mushrooms on the table before? Look, they're so cute."

Zheng Shanci looked away, "These mushrooms are poisonous."

The mushrooms in Yu Lanyi's arms all fell to the ground. He could only rinse the wild fruits by the stream and share them with Zheng Shanci.

Zheng Shanci played with the water, unexpectedly feeling calm.

"Zheng Shanci, I'll bring some strong liquor home for the New Year. My father loves drinking strong liquor."

Zheng Shanci: "Alright, what else do you need to bring?"

"Just me going back is the best. After your birthday, I plan to return home. Don't miss me too much while I'm away. I'll come back to find you after the New Year and bring you some good things." Yu Lanyi spoke excitedly.

In his youth, he had never left the capital. Lv Jin had to leave the capital to return to his hometown for the New Year, and the two were reluctant to part. After the New Year, Lv Jin brought back some local specialties from his hometown for Yu Lanyi, and the two became close again.

This time, he also wanted to see who Lv Jin had married.

The two strolled back to the estate at a leisurely pace. The meals at the estate had been very bland these past few days. Zheng Shanci looked at Yu Lanyi in shock, amazed that he could tolerate such bland food.

Yu Lanyi succinctly said, "I'm feeling overheated."

Reasonable.

Yu Lanyi was here to escape the heat of summer, unable to lift heavy things or carry burdens. Now that Zheng Shanci was here, the two ate together before relaxing under the tree. They lay in the same position, like two dried fish.

Zheng Shanci was heading back tonight and had to start work early the next morning.

Yu Lanyi waved his hand, tears in his eyes, reluctant to see him off.

He sighed, "Sleeping later than a dog and waking up earlier than a chicken."

Fortunately, he didn't have to do that.

Jin Yun watched Yu Lanyi standing by the roadside, watching Zheng Shanci's carriage turn into a small black dot. He couldn't help but say, "If the young master can't bear to part with the master and wants to go back, we can leave now."

Yu Lanyi waved his hand, "No, the allure of male beauty is strong, but I can resist it. It's too hot; it's cooler at the estate."

Yu Lanyi returned to the estate with a sense of purpose and played with Lin Geer.

...

Zheng Shanci used soda ash to produce glass, failing twenty times before finally succeeding. However, the glass he made could only produce ten small glass bottles.

He placed Pot Marigold and Osmanthus inside, and the orange perfume was clear and transparent in the sunlight.

"So beautiful," Ding Xuan praised upon seeing it.

"You and Scribe Jiang go pick a plot of land, tidy it up, and prepare to build another factory."

As a subordinate, one shouldn't ask unnecessary questions, just do the work. Ding Xuan agreed and went to find Scribe Jiang.

His work in the library was still beneficial; at least he read many books and could write some articles. Zheng Shanci missed his library work a bit.

Zheng Shanci pondered for a moment and then decided to continue with his official duties.

Yu Lanyi stayed at the estate for ten days before returning home. Zheng Shanci's birthday was near, and Yu Lanyi still didn't know what gift to give him. He asked his elder brother, sister-in-law, and younger brother, but none of them knew either.

He could only think for himself or go directly to ask Zheng Shanci.

When Zheng Shanci returned in the evening, Yu Lanyi was sitting on a chair, smiling and saying, "Come on, let's eat."

Zheng Shanci paused, his eyes clear, before breaking into a smile.

Yu Lanyi served him a chicken leg and a bowl of soup, looking at him eagerly, "Zheng Shanci, I feel like you've lost weight. Have you not been eating well?"

"No, I have," Zheng Shanci said, gnawing on the chicken leg, "It's just that the food lacks flavor."

"Then eat up. Is there anything you really desire?" Yu Lanyi asked.

Yu Lanyi's eyes sparkled, clear and direct, like a tranquil pool.

"I don't think there's anything I need," Zheng Shanci felt that he was doing quite well now, except that the official duties were a bit tiring.

"How can you not want anything? Think harder," Yu Lanyi was so angry that he pounded the table.

Zheng Shanci: "..."

"Then let's walk together until our hair turns white," Zheng Shanci said.

"You're too sentimental," Yu Lanyi crossed his arms and glanced at Zheng Shanci, "What kind of wish is that? It's a given."

"I want..." Zheng Shanci pondered for a moment but didn't finish his sentence.

"Never mind, I've decided," Yu Lanyi told Zheng Shanci to shut up.

Zheng Shanci remained busy up until his birthday. Boss Guan and Boss Qian had already collected the goods. Even with IOUs in hand, the bosses were quite pleased. Zheng Shanci kept his promise and did not charge any money beyond the tariffs. They each took liquor, chili sauce, and twenty bottles of perfume.

Boss Guan held a glass bottle and exclaimed, "This bottle is crystal clear. I'm sure it'll sell for a high price. Unfortunately, I only have one here."

Boss Qian got on the carriage, lifted the curtain, and smiled, "No worries, there'll be plenty more where that came from. I'll head out first; I'm eager to start on the road construction."

The other bosses wasted no time and departed from Xinfeng County to head back.

With Lord Zheng set to present the formula to the Emperor, the quicker they returned to commence work, the greater their profits would be.

They all boarded their carriages, the drivers cracked their whips, and off they went, but they knew they'd be back to continue dealings with Zheng Shanci, who held all the aces.

On Zheng Shanci's birthday, the elite, merchants, and officials of Xinfeng County all gathered. He couldn't refuse them as Yu Lanyi had. Patriarch Xia, Patriarch Gao, and the head of the Xu family all attended.

"Wishing you a happy birthday, Lord Zheng."

Everyone congratulated him.

Zheng Shanci acknowledged each greeting in turn. Patriarch Xia remained buoyant, Patriarch Gao was more reserved, and the Xu Family Head was his usual jovial self.

Xu Geer accompanied his father to present the gifts and then sought out Yu Lanyi. He'd been handling business with his father lately, and his skin had darkened a shade.

"Xu Geer, why have you gotten so dark?" Yu Lanyi felt that Xu Geer had tanned a shade, not matching his own skin tone anymore.

Xu Geer laughed, "Father has handed over some core business to me, so it's inevitable to be busy these days."

As for the skin, it would recover after some rest.

Yu Lanyi admired him in his heart. Only those who have done business themselves understand how difficult it is. He was just looking at the accounts of a tavern, while Xu Geer had to manage so many industries of the Xu family. He was truly impressive.

Xu Geer looked up and met Yu Lanyi's respectful gaze.

Xu Geer: "..."

He felt somewhat awkward. The others considered his status rather low and weren't keen on hearing him discuss such matters. Despite his high status, Yu Lanyi still looked at him with such kindness. Initially, he approached Yu Lanyi just to get closer to Lord Zheng, but he didn't expect Yu Lanyi to have such a personality.

"I have some high-quality powder brought from the capital. I'll have Jin Yun bring it to you later."

Before leaving the capital, he had scoured various shops, using his brother's money.

Xu Geer expressed his gratitude.

Yu Lanyi saw Zheng Shanci talking to someone, a noble lady who had brought her pair of children. Zheng Shanci greeted everyone with a warm smile. As the county magistrate of Xin Feng County, these people now saw him as young and promising, all trying to curry favor.

"Madam, please come in. It's nothing too significant, but I've handed over the textile factory to my younger brother," Zheng Shanci said to Madam Xia, waving for Zheng Qingyin to come over.

Zheng Qingyin was determined not to embarrass Zheng Shanci and suppressed his fear. He had improved, but appearing in front of an outsider for no reason in the textile factory, discussing business, and in front of family, he was still a bit scared.

Zheng Shanci gave Zheng Qingyin's shoulder a reassuring pat, "I handed the textile factory over to Qingyin to manage. I didn't expect him to be so capable, assisting Lord Zheng at such a young age demonstrates his capability."

Madam Xia's eyes lit up upon seeing Zheng Qingyin and immediately praised, "Young Master Zheng is quite handsome. The Zheng family has such good looks. Assisting Lord Zheng at such a young age shows he's very capable. I wonder which fortunate man will be able to marry such a young man."

Hearing about marriage, Zheng Qingyin pursed his lips.

"There's no rush for marriage," Zheng Shanci said with a smile, his face serene and beautiful like jade.

"Qingyin can marry whenever he wants, or not marry at all. Our family can support it. Marriage should be about choosing someone with good looks and character. I hope he finds someone who can support and understand each other, someone to walk through life together. If it's just for the sake of getting married, there's no need. He's my good helper, and I'm reluctant to let him go. If he really wants to leave, I hope he does so freely."

Madam Xia was momentarily speechless. How could the young man not marry, and letting Zheng Qingyin choose, what if he chose someone from an unsuitable family? Madam Xia thought again, Lord Zheng would oversee it. Is it necessary to be so fond of a young man about to marry? Not to mention one's own children, daughters and young men are to be married off, only sons truly remain.

Madam Xia knew these words couldn't be said in front of Zheng Shanci, it would only cause discomfort. She actually felt a bit envious, if only her brother... never mind. Madam Xia nodded with a smile, saying nothing.

Zheng Qingyin looked at Zheng Shanci.

The clamor of the banquet, the chaotic footsteps, and the rustling of leaves in the wind all seemed to slow down at that moment.

He looked up, the sound of the wind passing by his ears.