Chapter 96: Promotion

Chapter 96: Promotion

After sending off the imperial envoy, the county office staff returned to their respective duties. Scribe Jiang returned to the county office and sighed deeply. Seeing the situation, it seemed that Lord Zheng would be transferred as soon as his three-year term was up. It was still unknown who the court would send as the next magistrate.

He wondered if the next boss would be as easy to get along with and as capable as Lord Zheng. Scribe Jiang felt a sense of melancholy.

Zheng Shanci returned to the county office and put the matter aside. With the New Year approaching, he first reviewed the account books submitted by the finance department. This year's revenue was significantly different from last year's. In the second half of the year, the county office's funds were flowing outward, but thanks to the first half's savings, the books still looked decent.

The whole county office had been working hard in the second half of the year, and Zheng Shanci decided to distribute bonuses before the New Year holiday. Wishing everyone a prosperous and joyful New Year, with endless joy.

The gates of Xinfeng County opened, allowing people to enter the city to buy New Year goods. Both sellers and buyers were happy. The streets returned to their former prosperity. Having survived this disaster without going hungry or getting sick, the people now enjoyed peace and happiness, with smiles back on their faces.

"Can you lower the price for this cabbage? Look, there are only a few left, and they're the ones others have already picked through..." a woman haggled skillfully at the market.

"Tanghulu! Get your delicious tanghulu here!"

"Watch where you're going! You just bumped into me," a young man accidentally collided with someone.

"Lamb offal soup! Steaming hot lamb offal soup!"

After finishing his duties, Zheng Shanci couldn't resist the calls and sat down at a small stall to get a bowl of lamb offal soup.

A steaming bowl of lamb offal soup arrived. Zheng Shanci saw the cilantro and green onions in the bowl, and a fragrant aroma wafted up. He used his chopsticks to press down the cilantro and green onions and stirred the soup. The aroma was enticing, and after a sip, he quickly finished the bowl.

The stall owner was busy, so Zheng Shanci left the copper coins on the table and took off without a word.

The owner remembered that Lord Zheng had come for the soup and didn't want to take his money, but by the time he turned around, Lord Zheng was already out of sight.

Zheng Shanci hurried home. Lan Yi wasn't in the room, and since no one was there, the charcoal brazier hadn't been lit yet. Deng Xue quickly ordered someone to bring a charcoal brazier into the room.

"Where has your young master gone?"

Deng Xue replied, "The young master went out shopping with Young Master Zheng. They haven't come back yet. It's been about half an hour."

Zheng Shanci sent Deng Xue away. It had only been half an hour; they probably weren't done shopping yet. Zheng Shanci himself rarely went shopping—he was usually just the one carrying things.

He picked up a book to read. Meanwhile, Yu Lanyi, with a stack of silver notes in his pocket, had nearly swept through every shop in Xinfeng County. Jin Yun and a few others from the mansion were carrying so many items they could barely manage.

Zheng Qingyin was seeing his second sister-in-law buy so many things for the first time.

"These are all for Father, Dad, Big Brother, and the relatives. If we really have to leave Xinfeng County, we might have to leave in a hurry without time to buy things. I'm preparing in advance," Yu Lanyi explained. He frequented the clothing shops the most.

"Ah, the things we bring for them are also from Xinfeng County..." Yu Lanyi paused when he saw a dark gray cloak. His nerves tingled, telling him it was meant for him.

Yu Lanyi happily donned the new cloak.

"If I have one, Zheng Shanci should have one too."

He picked out another cloak, and the shopkeeper sent him off like a god of wealth.

He wanted to continue shopping, but it started snowing, so he had to head back.

Zheng Qingyin breathed a sigh of relief.

While out shopping, Yu Lanyi also bought gifts for Zheng Shancheng, Lin Geer, and Duo Duo, sending them over with a servant. When he returned to the room, he saw Zheng Shanci holding a brush, writing something with a calm expression. Zheng Shanci looked up and said, "You're back."

"I'm back. What are you writing?" Yu Lanyi hung his cloak on the rack and sneakily peeked over.

"I'm writing a memorial."

Yu Lanyi pretended to look away, "A memorial? Why not write it in the study? It wouldn't be appropriate for me to see it."

Even as he spoke, he was still glancing at it out of the corner of his eye.

Zheng Shanci laughed, "This isn't anything serious. If you have nothing to do, help me prepare the ink."

Yu Lanyi rolled up his sleeves and helped Zheng Shanci prepare the ink. As he prepared the ink, he checked his reflection in the mirror. The winter air was dry, so he needed to apply more pearl powder. The powder from Xinfeng County wasn't as fine as the capital's, even though it was cheaper, he still wasn't used to it. The pearl powder he brought from the capital last year was nearly gone.

Zheng Shanci finished writing the memorial. His term was coming to an end, and this memorial was addressed to the court, recommending Ding Xuan as the county magistrate. He also listed the names of those who had excelled during the plague. If the Ministry of Personnel paid attention, they would understand.

"Lan Yi, have you written to your family?" Zheng Shanci suddenly asked, thinking of something.

"I have. When you mentioned that the imperial envoy was Ye Yunchu, I wrote home right after you left for duty, asking father and elder brother to strive for a better position for you." They needed to work together.

"Who knows what Ye Yunchu will say, but let father and elder brother do their best." Yu Lanyi wasn't foolish.

Zheng Shanci thought for a moment, "You're right. I'll give this memorial to my father-in-law and have him present it to the Ministry of Personnel."

"It's a small matter; it's his duty." Yu Lanyi said generously, immediately calling Jin Yun over to send the memorial to the post station.

Zheng Shanci: "..."

Yu Lanyi placed the newly bought cloak over Zheng Shanci, "It fits well."

After completing the memorial, Zheng Shanci noticed two large boxes in the room, likely the results of Yu Lanyi's shopping spree today.

"I didn't buy much; most of it is for friends and family in the capital." Yu Lanyi shoved the two boxes under the bed with a clatter.

Zheng Shanci heard the boxes hit the wall with a grating sound.

He didn't inquire further.

In the evening, after dinner, Zheng Qingyin went to entertain his little nephew. Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi went out to the night market together.

Yu Lanyi kept his hands tucked in, afraid of the cold, he snuggled close to Zheng Shanci.

Perhaps due to the cold weather, not many people ventured out at night. Yu Lanyi still went to buy snacks as usual. The atmosphere was different now compared to previous visits to the night market. It was their third year in Xinfeng County, and they were about to celebrate their third New Year.

Zheng Shanci observed the people buying snacks, wandering the stalls, laughing and chatting with companions, lost in thought.

"Zheng Shanci, what are you daydreaming about?" Yu Lanyi waved his hand in front of Zheng Shanci's face.

This time, they might actually be leaving.

Zheng Shanci came back to his senses and smiled, "Nothing."

As the New Year approached, Zheng Shanci gave the county yamen staff two taels of silver as a reward, so they could go home and celebrate the New Year well.

"Thank you, Lord Zheng!" The yamen runners and clerks were somewhat surprised. The county yamen had spent a lot of money this year, but they didn't expect Lord Zheng to still give them two taels of silver to go home for the New Year.

After speaking, Zheng Shanci left.

The yamen runners and clerks below started discussing eagerly. Scribe Jiang sighed as he held the two taels of silver.

Ding Xuan patted Scribe Jiang on the shoulder, "It's the New Year, why isn't Lord Jiang happy?"

Scribe Jiang: "Once the New Year passes, Lord Zheng's term will be up soon."

Ding Xuan smiled, "So that's what it is. There's no feast that doesn't end, people can only accompany each other for a part of the journey. Besides, Lord Zheng might be promoted this time, aren't you happy for him? Lord Zheng is an excellent superior. When the new superior arrives, Lord Jiang, we'll have to rely on each other." As he spoke, Ding Xuan also became sentimental.

When he first came to Xinfeng County and took shelter from the rain in a pastry shop, he unexpectedly ran into Lord Zheng, all thanks to Young Master Yu. Lord Zheng was incredibly kind, even offering him a place to stay for the night, treating him with great generosity. Whenever he didn't understand something, Lord Zheng never got angry but would patiently teach him. He had been quite nervous on his way to Xinfeng County, after all, it was an unfamiliar place, and he was all alone with no one to rely on. At the county office, Lord Zheng would also take him along and teach him. He never faced any unfair treatment or neglect from his superiors, which was a relief.

He just needed to focus on doing his job well.

Scribe Jiang said, "That's true, but... never mind."

Scribe Jiang returned home, thinking he should still pay his New Year's respects to Lord Zheng this year, perhaps bringing some local specialties from his wife's family.

...

Zheng Shanci returned home to a lively atmosphere. Young Master Yu, noticing Zheng Shanci had returned, took his hand and led him to the kitchen. Zheng Shanci noticed that Young Master Yu had flour on his face and hands, which also got onto his own hands.

He hadn't even had a chance to change out of his official robe before being dragged into the kitchen.

"Sister-in-law is making dumplings; I'm rolling the dough. You go tend to the fire," Young Master Yu nudged Shan Ci with his elbow, pushing him towards the firewood.

Shan Ci obediently sat on a small stool, adding firewood to the stove to make the fire burn brighter.

Lan Yi exclaimed, "Lan Yi, you said you were going to find someone to help with the fire, and you just dragged Shan Ci over!"

Young Master Yu, with his strong hands, rolled the dough expertly. He tucked a strand of hair behind his ear and smiled proudly, "I just happened to run into Shan Ci when I went out, so I grabbed him."

Of course, he knew exactly when Shan Ci would come home; he had deliberately grabbed him.

"He hasn't even changed out of his official robe yet. Let him change first."

"It's fine, Sister-in-law."

Lan Geer was simply teasing the young couple. He had already prepared the meat filling, and Qingyin brought over three small stools. Young Master Yu rolled the dough, while Lin Geer and Zheng Qingyin wrapped the dumplings together.

They then steamed the dumplings.

Feeling hot in the kitchen, Lan Yi took off a layer of clothing and continued rolling the dough. Shan Ci stood up and wiped the sweat from Lan Yi's forehead, "Let me do it."

"This is hard work," Lan Yi pouted mockingly, "How much strength does a scholar like you have?"

Besides, he was sweating from the heat, not from exertion. Shan Ci actually doubted his strength.

Shan Ci took the rolling pin from Lan Yi's hands and said, "This requires skill; strength is just a bonus."

He rolled the dough quite well, with just the right thickness and speed. Seeing that Shan Ci had taken over his task, Lan Yi went to add firewood to the stove and then fetched a towel to wipe Shan Ci's sweat when needed.

"Shan Ci, were you implying that I'm stupid just now?" After a while, Lan Yi glared at Shan Ci and questioned him.

"I didn't!" Shan Ci protested.

"Good, because I'm not stupid at all, I'm very smart," Lan Yi changed the towel he had used to wipe his sweat.

Once the dumplings were wrapped, Shan Ci finally went to change into casual clothes.

They enjoyed a meal of dumplings, and Shan Ci particularly liked the dipping sauce, which was very flavorful. Lan Yi ate three baskets of dumplings and finished four plates of sauce. Besides the dumplings, they also had pigeon soup, which was extremely delicious.

Eating steamed dumplings can be a bit dry, so having a bowl of pigeon soup helped to soothe the palate before continuing to eat.

The whole family ate until they were completely satisfied. Seeing how much they enjoyed it, Lin Geer smiled warmly, "I'll make a few more baskets of dumplings for the New Year's Eve dinner."

"Sister-in-law, you should be the head chef of the Zheng family's restaurant," Lan Yi said, his belly already round and full.

"You flatter me," Lin Geer said, though her eyes were filled with joy. Those who cook love to see others enjoy their food; it brings a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Snow was falling from the sky, and the candlelight from the main hall lit up the courtyard. Yu Lanyi stepped out of the main hall, his nose red and his skin pale. He pouted and blew a puff of air at the falling snowflakes.

Zheng Shancheng was discussing their father and Mr. Zheng with Zheng Shanci. Zheng Shanci said, "If I am assigned elsewhere this year, I should go and see Father and Dad. It's been so long, and I haven't seen them yet."

Zheng Shancheng replied, "That makes sense. When you return, it will be like returning home in glory. Father, Dad, and the relatives will all be proud."

Zheng Shanci changed the subject, "Brother, how is your leg?"

"Dr. Song said that come spring, they will re-break the bone to allow it to heal correctly," Zheng Shancheng said, knowing that his leg could still be saved. Breaking it again was nothing.

Zheng Shanci nodded, "When the time comes, have the kitchen prepare some bone broth."

Zheng Shancheng laughed.

Yu Lanyi threw a snowball that accurately hit Zheng Shanci's robe. Zheng Shanci bid farewell to Zheng Shancheng and went to find Yu Lanyi.

The two of them engaged in a childish snowball fight.

Both Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi were covered in snow.

During the New Year's Eve feast, the whole family ate until they were full.

After the night watch, Zheng Shanci fell asleep holding Yu Lanyi. When they woke up, Scribe Jiang and others came to wish them a Happy New Year.

...

Ye Yunchu and his companions spent the New Year on the road, and by the time they reached the capital, it was already spring. Ye Yunchu had already drafted his memorial report during the journey, and Lord Dong and the other accompanying officials had also completed theirs. They presented them together.

Ye Yunchu still had to enter the palace to report to Emperor Wuming.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects."

"Rise, and be seated," Emperor Wuming said, still concerned about the situation in Qingzhou, and asked Ye Yunchu to report.

Ye Yunchu recounted everything in detail, mentioning that the corrupt officials had already been brought to the capital and were awaiting the Emperor's decision.

Emperor Wuming looked listless, "Why bring those idiots to the capital? Just execute them all. I even consider it a waste of provisions along the way."

"Feng De, go and deliver the edict to have them all executed."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Feng De accepted the order and left.

Ye Yunchu reflected that he lacked the authority to handle officials. If he had indeed executed the officials on the spot without a compelling reason, Emperor Wuming would still be suspicious.

Ye Yunchu paused, "Additionally, the magistrate of Xinfeng County, Zheng Shanci, controlled the plague. I learned that their county never lacked food, and only thirty-five people contracted the plague, while the rest were able to live normally."

He lowered his gaze and recounted everything he had witnessed in Xinfeng County to Emperor Wuming. The Emperor did not interrupt him, so he continued.

After finishing, he directly presented the memorial report he had written to Emperor Wuming.

"How strange. Feng Zhong also spoke highly of Zheng Shanci upon his return, and now you return praising him as well. I remember that Lord Li was the first to praise Zheng Shanci, which has made me curious about this person," Emperor Wuming laughed. "Yunchu, you've worked hard. Go back and rest for now. There will be an imperial decree later."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I take my leave," Ye Yunchu silently departed. As he sat in the carriage on his way home, he thought about how Emperor Wuming had mentioned Zheng Shanci's name without any hint of unfamiliarity, indicating that the Emperor had already taken note of this person.

On his wrist, he wore a string of Buddhist prayer beads. Ye Yunchu rolled the beads and silently recited a Buddhist prayer.

Emperor Wuming perused Ye Yunchu's memorial and found it largely in line with what he had reported, so he didn't read further. Only thirty-five people in a county had contracted the plague—this person is truly capable.

Emperor Wuming chuckled and continued to pick up the memorials on his desk to peruse.

The journey to Qingzhou went smoothly, and Emperor Wuming was not stingy, rewarding everyone, with Ye Yunchu receiving the largest share. Everyone congratulated the Prince of Zhennan, saying that Heir Ye was young and promising.

The Prince of Zhennan stroked his beard and smiled, "I don’t deserve such praise. Yunchu still needs much more training. This time, it was all thanks to His Majesty's promotion. He himself has limited abilities."

When elders speak, they naturally downplay the younger generation’s achievements to keep them from getting too full of themselves. In truth, the elders are all quite pleased and even a bit proud.

"Marquis of Changyang’s Yu Zhangxing and Heir Ye are both outstanding talents."

The smile on the Prince of Zhennan's face faded slightly. Yu Zhangxing and Ye Yunchu were of similar age, and it was inevitable that they would be compared. Yu Zhangxing enjoyed the Emperor’s favor due to his close ties with Emperor Wuming, while Yunchu's achievements were solid and earned through merit.

At this thought, the Prince of Zhennan let out a deep sigh.

The Marquis of Changyang dispatched someone to gather information, and the accompanying officials informed him that Xinfeng County was fine. However, they still didn't know the specifics and were as anxious as ants on a hot pan in their mansion.

Mr. Yu said, "Why are you sending servants to find out what’s going on? Do you think others will share the details with servants? You’re just worrying needlessly. Why don’t you go and ask in person?" His tone carried a hint of reproach.

"Alright, I'll go visit them now." The Marquis of Changyang couldn't bear to see Mr. Yu like this and felt heartache. He rushed out in a hurry.

"Don’t be silly, bring some gifts."

The Marquis's attendant fetched gifts from the storeroom, and they boarded the carriage. The Marquis thought about visiting his son-in-law, but he feared Mr. Yu might get upset with him. So, he decided to visit a few of the accompanying officials instead. Lord Dong's residence was relatively close, so he went there.

Lord Dong was at home, enjoying tea with his wife in a harmonious atmosphere when a servant informed him of the Marquis's visit.

Lord Dong, a fifth-rank official, was of little consequence to these nobles. He was taken aback and said, 'Quick, show the Marquis in.'

After tidying his attire, Lord Dong rushed to the main hall. He had no prior interaction with the Marquis of Changyang, so the Marquis's visit at this hour could only be about Xinfeng County.

The rumors of the Marquis’s affection for his second son were indeed true. He didn’t think twice about visiting a lowly fifth-rank official like Lord Dong in person.

Lord Dong offered the best Maojian tea. As the host, he had to bow to the Marquis, but the Marquis declined the gesture, "Lord Dong, you're too kind. Here are the gifts I brought."

Lord Dong quickly clasped his hands and thanked him. Given his status, he knew that refusing would be seen as pretentious. The Marquis had brought gifts, and to decline in front of him would be distasteful.

The Marquis took a sip of tea and got straight to the point, "Lord Dong, I've come to visit you for no other reason than to inquire about my second son-in-law, who is an official in Xinfeng County. With the locust plague and epidemic in Qingzhou, and the inconvenient transportation, we haven't received much news. So, I thought I'd ask you. Please tell me, Lord Dong."

"Marquis, you're too kind," Lord Dong informed the Marquis about the situation in Xinfeng County, naturally including his genuine praise for Zheng Shanci.

"From what I’ve observed, Xinfeng County under Lord Zheng’s administration is running smoothly. If anything had happened to your son, Lord Zheng would have let us know, or at least told Heir Ye, since Heir Ye is Lord Zheng's brother-in-law. The fact that Lord Zheng hasn't said anything means nothing has happened."

The Marquis’s face softened, and he gave a nod, "From what you're saying, Shan Ci has done very well."

Lord Dong's face lit up, "Marquis, Lord Zheng's achievements are remarkable. He is sure to be promoted this time."

"His three-year term is about to end, and Lord Zheng will likely be the first Jinshi to be promoted."

The Marquis remained silent. Promotions often relied on connections, particularly for those from powerful families. It was a matter of the position's rank and whether it was a substantive or nominal role.

However, hearing about Zheng Shanci's capabilities, the Marquis couldn't help but feel a fatherly pride, akin to seeing his own son succeed. His leg shook slightly.

After discussing Xinfeng County with Lord Dong, the more he learned, the more he realized how exceptional Zheng Shanci was. The Marquis's expression grew serious, and he sighed softly.

The Marquis recalled the first time he met Zheng Shanci, a somewhat inexperienced young man. When he brought Lan Yi back to visit, he was neither subservient nor arrogant, even playing chess with him. At the time, the Marquis had scrutinized and somewhat looked down on Zheng Shanci, seeing him as a humble Jinshi who relied on their family to return to the capital.

Over the years of training in Xinfeng County, the young man had tempered his character and showcased his abilities. The Marquis felt a sense of pride, similar to that of a father seeing his son succeed. He had only felt such pride for Yu Zhangxing before. As for Yu Lanyi, well, it was better not to mention him. Yu Shiyan had no father-son bond with him; they were quite distant.

Returning to the Marquis's residence, he shared the information he had gathered from Lord Dong with Mr. Yu.

Mr. Yu became emotional and said, "As long as they're safe, I don't care about achievements. All I want is for them to return safely from Xinfeng County to the capital, to be by my side."

The Marquis of Changyang smiled and said, "Now you can rest assured, Shan Ci is a talented individual."

Mr. Yu wiped his tears, "I was worried, but now I can rest easy. Tomorrow you should go to the Ministry of Personnel to gather information."

"It's still early. The matters in Qingzhou have just concluded. If I go to the Ministry of Personnel now to inquire, it would be too obvious. I will go to the Ministry of Personnel to inquire after some time," the Marquis of Changyang reasoned.

"Lan Yi has endured so much hardship," Mr. Yu thought of his son.

"What hardship could he possibly face? Stop worrying about him," the Marquis of Changyang said. With Lan Yi's temperament, he wouldn't let himself suffer much. As long as he was alive, the Marquis felt much more at ease.

He thought about it and decided to start with Vice Minister Lü when gathering information at the Ministry of Personnel. The two families had a good relationship because of their children's bond, and they often interacted. The capital's official circles were complex, filled with twists and turns and intricate social dynamics.

Not long after the start of spring, those who had gone to Qingzhou were rewarded by Emperor Wuming, and then Zheng Shanci, the Magistrate of Xinfeng County in Qingzhou, was praised by Emperor Wuming in the Golden Hall.

"I have read the memorials from my ministers... Minister Zheng has performed admirably," Emperor Wuming ordered Feng De to announce the decree.

The Marquis of Changyang's heart skipped a beat, and he felt a surge of excitement. He held his breath and listened.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have considered your talent and virtue, your diligence in administration, and your outstanding achievements... I hereby specially appoint Zheng Shanci as the Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue, of the fifth rank..."

In the Great Yan Dynasty, magistrates with outstanding achievements could be promoted to prefects, vice prefects, or judges, and had the opportunity to be transferred to the capital as officials, but this path was quite difficult. Capital officials, being at the center of power, were more likely to earn the Emperor's favor and be promoted, and could participate in more state affairs, even decision-making. Local officials, on the other hand, only oversaw their own jurisdictions and rarely had the chance to interact with the Emperor. The Emperor was the ruler of the world, the source of power, and all officials aspired to become capital officials and gain the Emperor's favor.

Jinshi with connections could relocate their relatives from one place to another. Even with the Marquis of Changyang's family background, he could only transfer Zheng Shanci to the capital to assume a ceremonial role if Zheng made no mistakes.

The Ministry of Revenue was the most coveted among the six ministries. Even a Vice Director of the fifth rank was a significant achievement, as it was a powerful and influential department in the Great Yan Dynasty.

From a seventh-rank local magistrate to a fifth-rank Vice Director, it was a promotion of three ranks, and from a local official directly to a capital official, and in the Ministry of Revenue no less. It seemed that the Emperor valued Zheng Shanci highly and wanted to cultivate him in the Ministry of Revenue.

Ye Yunchu pursed his lips, his face expressionless.

The Marquis of Changyang was elated inwardly, but his face remained solemn. Yu Zhangxing, however, showed a faint smile, revealing his sharp and handsome features.

After the court session, officials came to congratulate the Marquis of Changyang.

"Marquis, Lord Zheng has truly distinguished himself this time. The Emperor has thoroughly remembered him."

An official sighed, "Lord Zheng is truly a young and capable man, a formidable rising star."

The top-ranking scholars from the Hanlin Academy, the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua, had not yet been promoted, and this matter had been overshadowed by Zheng Shanci's success. In the Great Yan Dynasty, there were many Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua, but true success still depended on individual ability.

However, the path for the top scholars was smoother than that of ordinary Jinshi. For example, after three years, they could easily take up positions in the six ministries, unlike the second and third-ranked Jinshi, who had to struggle to become capital officials.