Chapter 72: Returning to the Capital

Chapter 72: Returning to the Capital

Zheng Shanci was called away again, but his words kept echoing in his mind.

His heart finally settled.

Yu Lanyi stepped up to join Zheng Shanci in mingling, only needing to nod and laugh a few times.

Zheng Shancheng and Lin Ge'er had also become adept at making small talk here.

"Zheng Shanci, how much longer before they leave?" Yu Lanyi whispered in his ear.

Zheng Shanci's ear tingled, and he coughed lightly. "Not much longer."

Yu Lanyi nodded, satisfied. He wasn’t a fan of socializing.

As the guests departed, the cleanup was left to the servants and maids. The Zheng family collectively sighed in relief.

Yu Lanyi reached for Zheng Shanci's hand, saying, "You haven’t had your longevity noodles yet; I’ll personally cook them for you."

Before Zheng Shanci could reply, Yu Lanyi pulled him away to head back first.

Lin Ge'er laughed. "Let’s not bother the lovebirds; we’ll head back and rest."

Zheng Qingyin also nodded. Knowing Zheng Shanci’s thoughts tonight, his mood lightened, and he laughed happily.

Meanwhile, Yu Lanyi took Zheng Shanci to the kitchen, where the chefs and kitchen maids were still anxiously cleaning up the leftovers from the feast.

Yu Lanyi: "You can go ahead and clean up. I’m going to make a bowl of longevity noodles. Just leave the utensils and keep the fire going; I can’t start it myself."

"Understood, young master."

Yu Lanyi walked into the kitchen; the water wasn’t boiling yet. He began chopping scallions, ginger, and garlic. Zheng Shanci, hearing the noise inside, grew anxious and went in to take a look.

Yu Lanyi spotted him and shooed him out. "Stay outside. If you watch me, I’ll get all flustered. When I’m done, I’ll bring it out."

Zheng Shanci had no choice but to sit on a low stool outside, where a table was set up. A kitchen maid brought out some tea and snacks, along with a pot of good tea.

He sipped his tea, leaving the snacks alone, saving room for the longevity noodles Yu Lanyi was making for him.

When Yu Lanyi was at the estate, he had observed and even made a bowl of noodles in the kitchen, but now he was still a bit nervous. He decided to fry an egg first, dumping in all the oil at once. The oil splattered everywhere as he quickly cracked the egg into the pan.

Yu Lanyi was alone in the kitchen, and Zheng Shanci listened to the chaos as if a battle were raging.

He added soy sauce and scallions, then served it up.

Yu Lanyi sighed in relief, bringing out the longevity noodles and placing them on the table. He said proudly, "I made this myself—consider yourself lucky. Dig in, birthday boy."

Zheng Shanci examined the noodles on the table. The egg was surprisingly golden, and the noodles weren't overcooked, but he wondered about the taste. He prepared to sacrifice himself.

Under Yu Lanyi's eager gaze, Zheng Shanci picked up the noodles with his chopsticks and tasted them. They were somewhat unpalatable but nothing more. He took a bite of the fried egg, tasting only char.

He flipped the egg over to find the other side completely burnt.

Zheng Shanci choked up but still finished the noodles.

"How was it?" Yu Lanyi asked expectantly.

"Delicious. You, a nobleman, shouldn’t cook for me."

Yu Lanyi thought he had a knack for cooking, but he was too lazy to actually do it in the kitchen. After finishing the longevity noodles, Zheng Shanci went back to the room. Yu Lanyi then presented the gift he had prepared for Zheng Shanci.

"Thank you," he said first.

Zheng Shanci opened the box, inside which lay a jade pendant, glowing softly under the candlelight. On the back of the pendant was an image of a towering mountain.

"I looked for a long time to find this, love. Happy birthday," Yu Lanyi said, affectionately wrapping his arms around Zheng Shanci's neck from behind.

Zheng Shanci set the box down and said softly, "I really like it."

"Then hug me," Yu Lanyi cooed, like a kitten showing its soft belly.

Zheng Shanci hugged Yu Lanyi, who was not heavy; the weight on his thighs was light, and his hands instinctively wrapped around Yu Lanyi's waist.

Every time, Zheng Shanci marveled at how slender Yu Lanyi's waist was.

His skin was also very fair; as he hugged Zheng Shanci, his lips brushed against Zheng Shanci's Adam's apple, and his breath turned suggestive.

"You have a day off tomorrow, don't worry," Yu Lanyi's fingertips lightly rested on Zheng Shanci's shoulders.

Hearing this, Zheng Shanci's Adam's apple bobbed, the orange candlelight shone on both of them. They did not go to the bed, but stayed by the table. His back suddenly pressed against the table, bringing a chill, Yu Lanyi shivered for a moment, his fingers ran through Zheng Shanci's hair. The breathing sounds gradually drew closer, Zheng Shanci's kisses fell on the collarbone and chest.

The atmosphere grew warmer, their breathing heavier.

Both seemed enchanted.

The orange candlelight illuminated the fair skin, smooth and delicate like jade.

Zheng Shanci looked at Yu Lanyi, and they kissed again.

...

After Zheng Shanci's birthday, Yu Lanyi prepared to return to the capital. Zheng Shanci handed over the perfume he had prepared to Yu Lanyi, besides Pot Marigold and osmanthus, Zheng Shanci also bought some cultivated flowers from Lan County, including roses, orchids, and hostas. The glass bottle contained yellow, pink, and light yellow liquids.

"It's really beautiful," Yu Lanyi said, shaking the glass bottle in the sunlight, the liquid inside flowing slowly, looking extremely beautiful. He leaned in to look, his clear eyes faintly reflecting on the glass bottle.

He stepped back and it disappeared.

"Zheng Shanci, how do you come up with so many strange ideas?" Yu Lanyi asked, holding the perfume, tilting his head to look at Zheng Shanci, his eyes puzzled.

"It's just like yours, nothing special," Zheng Shanci replied with a smile.

The servants in the mansion were packing. When he arrived, Yu Lanyi insisted on bringing many things, but when leaving, he didn't need to bring as much, just going back for a short stay to celebrate the New Year. Even if he had emptied his home, he could go to his father, sleep with him, or have him buy new things. Yu Lanyi quickly stopped worrying about it.

Yu Lanyi tiptoed past the servants, pinched his face, and said, "I eat better than you, so why don't I have as many ideas? Zheng Shanci, honestly, are you some kind of spirit?"

The warmth from his fingertips spread across his cheek, Zheng Shanci's handsome face distorted by Yu Lanyi's pinch, Zheng Shanci said, "Spirits wouldn't dare be so bold among people; they fear humans."

Yu Lanyi let go, nudged Zheng Shanci with his elbow affectionately, and said, "You're a good spirit."

This elbow missed its mark and hit Zheng Shanci's stomach instead.

Zheng Shanci: "..."

Lin Geer saw the servants moving things and said, "Lan Yi, be careful on your way back to the capital."

Yu Lanyi replied, "Sister-in-law, don't worry. I've hired a local escort to accompany me, and I'll rest at post stations along the way, not just any inn."

"I need to take care of myself, and if all else fails, I still have my fists," Yu Lanyi said brightly, raising his eyebrows, looking like snow glistening under the moonlight.

He had a face of ethereal beauty, and he knew he was good-looking, taking pride in it. Knowing his family was well-off, he was arrogant and domineering.

Lin Geer laughed, "That makes me feel better."

After saying this, she left, seeing the couple had more private matters to discuss.

Yu Lanyi reached out to play with Zheng Shanci's hair, and Zheng Shanci softly said, "When you get to the capital, don't let others bully you. Some people will try to embarrass you, so don't fall for their tricks. Take good care of yourself during the New Year celebrations in the capital. You often kick off the blankets at night, so have Jin Yun make your bedding thicker so you can't move."

"And when you're home, don't be so picky about food. Don't just eat meat; have more vegetables and less chili, as it can make you feel overheated. Avoid arguments and don't let yourself get hurt," Zheng Shanci spoke carefully, worried that Yu Lanyi might struggle in the capital.

Yu Lanyi didn't fuss this time. He listened to Zheng Shanci's words, feeling strange. The capital was his home, yet in Zheng Shanci's words, it sounded like a dangerous place.

He was an adult and could take care of himself. He wanted to say this but swallowed it down, looking at Zheng Shanci, "Hey, Zheng Shanci, you're giving me so many instructions, I can't remember them all. From now on, wherever I go, I'll just bring you along."

Zheng Shanci took his hair out of Yu Lanyi's fingers, holding his hand, intertwining their fingers, "Then take me with you always."

Yu Lanyi blushed.

"Zheng Shanci, you're really something else," Yu Lanyi complained.

Zheng Shanci smiled without speaking, just tightening his grip on Yu Lanyi's hand.

"Don't worry, I'll write to you as soon as I'm on the road," Yu Lanyi thought for a moment, his lips curving upwards, "How about this, I'll start writing to you as soon as I get on the carriage, thinking of you from the very moment I depart."

Hearing this, Zheng Shanci felt even more reluctant to let him go.

Yu Lanyi reached out to cover Zheng Shanci's eyes, "Your eyes are so expressive, Zheng Shanci, they seem to beg me not to leave."

Zheng Shanci's long eyelashes fluttered against Yu Lanyi's palm like a soft brush, and Yu Lanyi thought, Zheng Shanci's eyelashes are so long, his eyes are pitch black, with a clear and elegant bone structure.

Having been married for so long, Yu Lanyi was reluctant to leave Zheng Shanci.

"Young master, your luggage is ready," Jin Yun called out.

Yu Lanyi let go of his hand and glared at Jin Yun, really ruining the moment.

He never understood what ruining the mood meant, only feeling annoyed when others did it.

Yu Lanyi climbed into the carriage.

Zheng Shanci took off his purse and gave it to him, "Spend it if you need more; don't let yourself go without."

Apart from keeping the expenses for the mansion, Zheng Shanci didn't keep much else. He owned shops in Xinfeng County, bringing in a steady income every month. It was Yu Lanyi's first time returning to the capital, and he was always a big spender. Zheng Shanci was afraid he might not spend enough and end up wanting.

He wouldn't talk about how hard he worked to earn money; Yu Lanyi just needed to enjoy, without bearing these burdens.

"Zheng Shanci, I really don't want to leave, I can't bear to part with you," Yu Lanyi tugged at Zheng Shanci's robe.

Zheng Shanci chuckled from his throat, "Don't be silly, you should go back and visit. Remember to greet your father-in-law for me when you get to the capital."

"Not just father and dad, but also aunt, grandparents, cousins, and younger cousins."

Zheng Shanci smiled, "Then greet them all for me."

Yu Lanyi: "You don't have to say it, I know, you're part of my family."

It was getting late, and if Yu Lanyi didn't leave now, he wouldn't reach the next post station in time. The coachman cracked his whip, and the carriage started moving.

Yu Lanyi lifted the carriage curtain to look at Zheng Shanci, who stood tall and still in place, saying, "Take care of yourself."

Yu Lanyi nodded vigorously.

He couldn't help shouting, "You keep telling me to take care, but you must take care of yourself too. Don't skip meals, and don't get too engrossed in work."

Zheng Shanci responded with a simple "Okay."

Yu Lanyi leaned against the carriage window until he could no longer see Zheng Shanci, then reluctantly dropped the curtain, sitting dejectedly in the carriage. He had often dreamed of returning to the capital, but now that he was actually going back, he felt a heavy heart.

"Young master, have some fruit tea," Jin Yun said, seeing Yu Lanyi's downcast mood, and poured him a cup of fruit tea.

"Jin Yun, I've lost my husband," Yu Lanyi said, taking a reluctant sip of the tea, his heart filled with sorrow.

Jin Yun was confused, "Young master, the master is still alive."

Yu Lanyi: "..."

Yu Lanyi didn't want to talk to someone who wasn't married.

"Young master, don't feel so down. When you get to the capital, buy a few more clothes at the Golden Robe Pavilion," Jin Yun comforted Yu Lanyi.

His debts should be paid off by now.