Chapter 98: Qingxiang Village 1

Chapter 98: Qingxiang Village 1

Yu Lanyi was deeply moved by the sight of the common people. Zheng Shanci suddenly hugged Yu Lanyi, burying his head in Yu Lanyi's neck.

Yu Lanyi soon felt his neck grow damp.

He reached out and gently patted Zheng Shanci's back.

He didn't know what to say to comfort Zheng Shanci, so he just held him tighter.

His husband was truly something... Yu Lanyi couldn't think of the right word. He regretted not paying more attention to his teacher’s lessons when he was young. His husband was a good man.

Zheng Shanci held Yu Lanyi for a long time before finally lifting his head, his eyes still red.

Yu Lanyi felt a pang of heartache seeing him like this.

Zheng Shanci took out a handkerchief to wipe Yu Lanyi's neck, but Yu Lanyi took it and wiped himself. "I'll go wash up later. Are you feeling better now?"

Zheng Shanci nodded, still a bit embarrassed. When he glanced at the Ten Thousand People Umbrella, his eyes threatened to well up again. Yu Lanyi quickly put the umbrella away to prevent Zheng Shanci from crying again.

They traveled nonstop. Whenever they reached a post station, they rested. This time, they arrived at a post station in Qingzhou.

The postmaster, upon hearing that Zheng Shanci had been promoted to an official position in the capital, treated them very well.

Yu Lanyi took Zheng Shanci out for a stroll. He bought a wooden carving for Zheng Shanci—a rabbit.

"Zheng Shanci, you look like a rabbit," Yu Lanyi said, laughing as he held the carving.

Zheng Shanci tried to pinch the rabbit's long ears, but they wouldn’t budge.

"Lan Yi, this time we’ll need to make a detour to Qingxiang Village to pick up Father and Dad. I'm always worried about them being alone at home," Zheng Shanci said, his tone measured. Over the past three years, he had made a decent sum from running several factories and planned to buy a house in the capital for them to live in.

Their wedding home in the capital was just a block away from the Marquis of Changyang's residence. However, since the Marquis had arranged this house for Yu Lanyi, it wouldn’t be proper for Zheng Shanci to bring his whole family to live there. In Xinfeng County, where he served as the magistrate, the official residence was shared, but in the capital, it would be different. He planned to buy a house with a courtyard for his father and dad, where they could grow vegetables in their spare time.

He explained this to Yu Lanyi.

"You’ve already got enough to buy a house in the capital?" Yu Lanyi squinted, focusing on the key point.

"That's good. I’m already used to my elder brother, sister-in-law, and Qing Yin. Besides, they don't meddle in my affairs. If it were elders, I wouldn’t know how to handle it," Yu Lanyi said, not wanting to be controlled.

"If you’re buying, get one close by so we can keep an eye on each other."

Yu Lanyi’s eyes lit up. "Buying property in the capital can be a hassle. I'll have my father buy it. You give me the money, and I'll pass it to him."

Zheng Shanci hesitated. "That's too much trouble for your father."

Yu Lanyi waved it off. "It’s no trouble. He'll be happy to help."

Zheng Shanci relented. "...Alright."

Yu Lanyi thought about it and then told the Marquis of Changyang, explaining that Zheng Shanci wanted to give him money. Knowing his father’s pride, he wouldn’t take it directly, so Yu Lanyi decided to take the money on his behalf, turning it into his own private funds.

He was pretty clever.

At this thought, Yu Lanyi felt quite pleased with himself.

This trip was going to be tough on his backside again. Yu Lanyi had already placed three cushions under him.

"My butt’s going to be sore," Yu Lanyi complained to Zheng Shanci when they arrived at the post station.

The bedding at the post station had been replaced with their own belongings, and Yu Lanyi lay on the bed, moaning and groaning.

Zheng Shanci was unpacking their underwear. The summer heat was intense, and they needed to bathe.

He whispered, "Let me massage it for you."

Yu Lanyi's face turned red, and he instinctively covered his buttocks with his hands.

"No, it's okay."

Zheng Shanci responded with a hint of regret.

The journey had been grueling, and on one of the days, Yu Lanyi couldn't help but let Zheng Shanci massage him.

They were in a rush, and the detour made the journey even more hurried. When they arrived in the town, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi went with their entourage to buy gifts. Although they were taking their father and stepfather away, they also needed to buy things to thank their relatives.

Yu Lanyi bought a lot, exclaiming in surprise, "Zheng Shanci, things here are so cheap!"

It was a small town, and shopping here was even cheaper than in Xinfeng County.

With a cart full of gifts, they took the carriage to Qingxiang Village. Lin Geer also bought some things—pastries, chicken, duck, fish, meat, good wine, and even prepared red envelopes filled with money. She had married Zheng Shancheng and moved to Xinfeng County, and it had been three years since she last returned to her hometown. She had been busy working at the food shop and had saved up some money. Now that she could finally return, she wanted to treat her family well.

Only three carriages came, and the rest of the people were left waiting in the town. Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi rode in one carriage, while the older sister-in-law and younger brother rode in another carriage. The elder brother, whose leg was not in good condition, stayed in the town to wait. The third carriage carried the gifts.

When they arrived at Qingxiang Village, Zheng Shanci helped Yu Lanyi down first.

Yu Lanyi looked up and saw a fence at the village entrance. The view was filled with dirt—endless dirt. The villagers lived in adobe houses. It was afternoon, and most of the villagers were still working in the fields, so the village was quiet, except for the occasional dog barking.

Zheng Qingyin carried the gifts, Lin Geer held Duo Duo, and Zheng Shanci followed behind them, both hands full of gifts. When Zheng Qingyin arrived home and saw that their earthen house had been transformed into a house with blue-tiled roofs and white walls, he was momentarily taken aback.

His father and stepfather had written to say they had renovated the house, but this was the first time Zheng Qingyin had seen it.

The courtyard gate was open, and they walked right in.

A servant came out of the house and, upon seeing Zheng Shanci and his young master, smiled with joy. "Greetings, sir and young master."

Zheng Shanci helped him up, speaking gently, "You've worked hard."

The servant shook his head. "It's my job. The master and his spouse are in the fields. I'll go call them now."

Another servant had just come out of the chicken coop. Zheng Qingyin brought over stools for everyone to sit. The house had changed so much that Zheng Qingyin couldn't find the tea and pastries. It was another servant who found them and brewed the tea.

"It's been so long since I last returned. The house has changed so much that now it feels a bit unfamiliar," Zheng Qingyin said, looking at the chickens in the coop with nostalgia. Since he was a child, he would go up the mountain to cut grass for the chicken feed. Morning, noon, and evening, he would check the coop to see if any hens had laid eggs. Collecting the eggs and saving them to sell in town was one of his happiest times. Eggs sold for two coins each, and going to town with his elder brother to sell them was always a joyful occasion. The townspeople loved eggs, and they sold out quickly.

Yu Lanyi saw chickens for the first time. He watched a hen lead her chicks around, foraging for food. Yu Lanyi wanted to touch one of the chicks, so he sneaked over, caught one, and felt its fluffy feathers.

Zheng Qingyin saw the hen assume an aggressive stance and fly toward Yu Lanyi. He shouted, "Second brother's wife, put the chick down!"

The hen jumped up and pecked at Yu Lanyi.

Yu Lanyi dodged, but the hen kept following him, holding a grudge.

Zheng Qingyin chased the hen away and took Yu Lanyi to wash his hands.

"Second brother's wife, hens are very protective of their chicks right now. It's best not to provoke them."

Yu Lanyi pouted, "I didn't know."

Zheng Shanci came over and wiped Yu Lanyi's hands with a handkerchief. Yu Lanyi obediently extended his hands for Zheng Shanci to clean.

"Zheng Shanci, there's a puppy over there," Yu Lanyi tugged at Zheng Shanci's sleeve.

Zheng Shanci looked and saw a large local dog.

"Be careful, it might bite you," Zheng Shanci warned.

They hadn’t been sitting long when Mr. Zheng and his husband, upon hearing the news, hurried back from the fields. Their steps were quick, but they hesitated at the courtyard gate.

Mr. Zheng sighed and stepped inside. He saw Lin Geer, Zheng Qingyin, Zheng Shanci, and a handsome young man.

Zheng Qingyin called out, "Father, Dad, we're back."

Mr. Zheng looked at Zheng Qingyin and saw that he looked well, his appearance was good, and his temperament seemed lively, unlike when he was at home. He felt satisfied.

"Father, Dad. This is Duo Duo, your grandson. Shan Cheng's leg isn't easy to move, so you'll see him when you get to town."

Mr. Zheng asked, worried, "What’s wrong with his leg?"

His eldest son had already been disabled, and now something else was wrong with his leg. Mr. Zheng's heart was filled with anxiety.

Lin Geer smiled reassuringly and said, "He’s fine. Dr. Song from Xin Feng County said Shan Cheng's leg can still be treated, so they broke it to let the bone heal properly. Once the bone heals, Shan Cheng won't be a cripple anymore."

Lin Geer felt emotional as he spoke. His husband was good in every way, even with a disabled leg, but people always looked at his leg, and he himself often thought about it.

Mr. Zheng was overjoyed and exclaimed, "That’s wonderful!"

The fact that his eldest son's leg could be cured was better than anything else.

"Father, Dad, this is my husband, Yu Lanyi. I’m unfilial for coming to see you so late," Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi bowed respectfully to Mr. Zheng and his husband.

"Shanci, don’t say such things. You’re filial, and you’ve grown up so well. Now you’re married, and with such a beautiful son-in-law, I’m very happy," Mr. Zheng said, looking at Yu Lanyi with growing fondness, though he felt a bit nervous. He knew Yu Lanyi was from a noble family and was afraid he might have a bad temper.

Yu Lanyi followed Zheng Shanci’s lead, calling them "Father" and "Dad."

Mr. Zheng asked, "Lanyi, may I call you that?"

Yu Lanyi replied, "Of course, Dad."

Zheng Shanci glanced at him a few more times. Yu Lanyi felt a sense of pride. Though not particularly virtuous or well-mannered, he knew enough to put on a good act.

"...I listen to my husband in everything. Going to Xin Feng County with him isn’t hard; I’m just afraid he might suffer," Yu Lanyi chatted with Mr. Zheng.

Mr. Zheng said, "If Shanci does anything wrong, you should scold him properly. Don’t spoil him too much."

Yu Lanyi nodded obediently, "My husband is very good."

Mr. Zheng wasn’t upset. He knew Yu Lanyi was from a noble family and treated him politely, though not as warmly as he did with his sister-in-law. Yu Lanyi didn’t mind. He had married Zheng Shanci, not his whole family. Besides, he had only just met Mr. Zheng, so it was impossible to become close immediately.

Mr. Zheng said, "Stay for dinner tonight. We have plenty of rooms, and we’ve kept rooms for all three of you brothers."

Zheng Shanci mentioned wanting to take them to the capital to enjoy life. Mr. Zheng was somewhat tempted. After all, it would be good to have his son nearby, and with Duo Duo as their grandson, they wanted to be close to him.

Mr. Zheng took a puff of his pipe. Only he and Zheng Shanci stood outside the courtyard. "Are we going to live with you in the capital?"

"I’ve saved some money and plan to buy another house in the capital for you and Dad to live in."

The son-in-law was from a noble family and seemed easy to get along with. But the old couple still weren’t used to interacting with such wealthy people. They were afraid of being looked down upon or having conflicts due to differing views, which would embarrass their son and put him in a tough spot.

Zheng Shanci talked about the many favors he had received from the Marquis of Changyang in the capital and how Yu Lanyi had treated him in Xin Feng County. Mr. Zheng’s expression softened, and he smiled, "Your son-in-law has suffered a lot with you, coming from such a background. You must treat him well. He seems intelligent and virtuous. As for the Marquis of Changyang, you should also be filial to your father-in-law there. They’ve given you such a precious son-in-law, which shows they value you. Don’t disappoint them."

Zheng Shanci nodded in acknowledgment.

"You've become much more composed now, son. I can't help but say a bit more," Father Zheng sighed. "Our Zheng family has always been farming folk, but now you've become an official in the court, with such a prestigious wife's family. Some of my words may not be pleasant, but as your dad, I must say them. Stay grounded, remember to repay kindness, and steer clear of corruption. Your dad and I are most proud of you, don't lose your conscience."

Zheng Shanci nodded in acknowledgment.

"And back when Shancheng and Qingyin went to find you, I was still uneasy. You were always ambitious and somewhat looked down on your brothers when you were young. But seeing how Lin Geer and Qingyin are now, I feel relieved." Father Zheng still carried the heart of an old father, worried that Zheng Shancheng and Zheng Qingyin might be bullied by Zheng Shanci.

"Don't worry, Dad, they're my brothers, and I'll treat them right. Moreover, when I was taking the imperial exams, my eldest brother and younger brother both put in a lot of effort. I cannot forget their kindness."

Father Zheng repeatedly said 'good,' his eyes filled with relief.

Lin Geer told Mr. Zheng, handed Duo Duo to him, and took some gifts to return to her parents' home.

She was walking along the main road when a villager working in the fields saw her and called out, "Lin Geer!"

"It really is you! What brings you back?"

"It's because Shanci got promoted and is heading to the capital to take up an official post. We came back with him to visit," Lin Geer said with a smile. She didn't mind people knowing that Zheng Shanci was going to the capital to be an official; it was bound to spread in the village sooner or later. When she left, the village head had already gone to their house.

"My goodness, Shanci is going to the capital to be an official! It's only been a few years, truly a star of literature descended from heaven," Aunt Zhu was utterly surprised.

The Zheng family must have hit the jackpot. Seeing Lin Geer dressed in fine clothes, with a silver hairpin, looking radiant and carrying something good in her hands.

"I can't chat anymore, Auntie, I need to get going."

Aunt Zhu said okay, feeling a pang of envy. With Zheng Shanci's success, the Lin family would also rise. The Lin family had just married a son to Zheng Shancheng, and now they were going to the capital to enjoy prosperity.

Before Lin Geer even reached home, she saw her parents in their own fields and hurriedly called out, "Father, Mother! I'm back."

Old Lin and Mrs. Lin heard their child's voice, turned around, and saw their own child.

Lin Geer returned home with her parents and handed them the gifts, "These are some health-preserving herbs, soak them in hot water and drink daily. This is a hairpin I bought for Mother, and some tobacco for Father. And here are some clothes I bought for you; you never buy clothes for yourselves all year round."