Chapter 101: The Marquis’s Mansion

Chapter 101: The Marquis's Mansion

Yu Zhangxing: "What's wrong?"

An Geer snapped back to reality, put down the comb, and sat on the edge of the bed. He softly asked his husband, "I have some conflicts with Yu Lanyi, and I'm afraid it might affect our relationship."

Yu Zhangxing: "He already knows you're his sister-in-law and hasn't said anything. You don't need to worry; Yu Lanyi has matured since getting married."

An Geer softly acknowledged. Yu Zhangxing's fingers, with their thin calluses, brushed against An Geer's waist, his dark eyes deepening for a moment. An Geer blew out the candle and got into bed, curling up in Yu Zhangxing's arms. "You're the older brother; you need to mediate the conflicts between me and Yu Lanyi."

His tone had a mix of authority and playfulness. Yu Zhangxing acknowledged and took An Geer's hand, placing it on his chest. "When we were kids, and you had conflicts with Yu Lanyi, your brother even came to fight me. I didn't fight back."

An Geer retorted, "That's because your family was in the wrong."

An Geer thought about how Yu Lanyi had written to warn him, and in the end, it was Yu Zhangxing who saved him. He felt more at ease now. His teeth had grown back, and the incident was long behind him; he should let it go.

After marrying Yu Zhangxing, he grew more accepting of Yu Lanyi. After all, he was now the sister-in-law, and Yu Lanyi and Zheng Shanci had saved him. There was nothing that couldn't be resolved.

Still, the idea of meeting Yu Lanyi as his sister-in-law made An Geer feel a bit uneasy.

Yu Zhangxing kissed An Geer's ear.

...

Zheng Residence

In the evening, after dinner, they went out for a stroll. Yu Lanyi, with plenty of money, was not stingy at all. Soon, all the major shops in the capital knew that Yu Lanyi had returned.

Yu Lanyi went to Jinyi Pavilion and bought clothes for the whole family, most importantly, one for himself. Mr. Zheng and Zheng Shanci looked at the night scenery of the capital and exclaimed in awe.

The capital had so many shops, and after the lanterns were lit, the whole place was bathed in a soft glow. Performance venues and stages dotted the streets, with dancers performing on drum platforms. People walked shoulder to shoulder on the streets, wearing clothes of all colors, with beautiful makeup and graceful figures.

It felt as though they were part of a grand performance.

Zheng Qingyin thought the capital was lively during the day, but he didn't expect it to be even more vibrant at night. Zheng Shancheng couldn't move at home, and Duo Duo was too young. Afraid of getting lost in the crowded capital, they left him at home with his father.

Lin Geer chatted with Yu Lanyi, who generously bought many things.

"The capital is truly beautiful," Mr. Zheng said with a smile. Coming to the capital once was enough to expand his worldview. If he and Mr. Zheng had come alone, they wouldn't have felt so at ease, always feeling like country folk, inferior and insecure. But now, with someone outstanding in the family, going out with Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi, they felt no fear.

Zheng Qingyin and Lin Geer had already gained experience in Xin Feng County, and now in the capital, they adapted well. Zheng Qingyin had his own money and even bought snacks for everyone.

Lin Geer ate stir-fried rice cake slices and deep-fried dough cakes.

"There's sugar art," Zheng Qingyin said happily.

Zheng Shanci chose a small tiger-shaped sugar art.

Zheng Qingyin bought sugar-glazed chestnuts for Mr. Zheng and Zheng Shanci. "Dad, Father, try this taste."

Mr. Zheng took it and shared it with Zheng Shanci.

Yu Lanyi loved meat and bought dried meat to eat, feeding some to Zheng Shanci. He bought dried meat for everyone, sampling a variety of snacks.

The capital was filled with lanterns, bright everywhere, and at night, Yamen officers with swords patrolled the streets. The capital had experienced a few murders and robberies; crime happened everywhere.

While eating dried meat, Zheng Shanci noticed a calligraphy and painting stall and went over to look, but found it uninteresting and moved on.

"Brother Zheng?" A familiar voice called out to Zheng Shanci.

"Lan Yi, you're back! Why didn't you come find me? Have you forgotten me?" Lv Jin's voice followed. He grabbed Yu Lanyi's hand, his eyes filled with surprise.

"I just got back this afternoon. First, I went to the Marquis's residence to see my father, then returned to my mansion to rest. Tonight, I came out to stroll with my family, planning to find you tomorrow." Yu Lanyi stuffed dried meat into Lv Jin's mouth, hoping he would stop asking.

With the meat in his mouth, Lv Jin didn't press the matter further. Yu Lanyi invited Lv Jin to stroll together and took the opportunity to introduce Mr. Zheng, Mr. Zheng's husband, his sister-in-law, and younger brother to him.

"This is my childhood friend, Lv Jin, from the family of the Vice Minister of Personnel. His husband is the Director at the Ministry of Punishments."

Lv Jin greeted them politely. He seemed approachable and spoke gently and reasonably. Mr. Zheng and his husband had only heard that he was from a Vice Minister's family, and their looks at him changed.

They thought to themselves, their second son's wife is from a Marquis's family; the people he knows are indeed different.

Cui Ziqi saw that it was indeed Zheng Shanci and smiled upon seeing him. "Brother Zheng, it's been three years, and you still look as dashing as ever."

"Brother Cui," Zheng Shanci clasped his hands in greeting.

Cui Ziqi had married Lv Jin and didn't tell Zheng Shanci that Yu Lanyi was hard to serve and had a bad temper. After all, Lv Jin and Yu Lanyi were close, and some truths were better left unsaid.

"You've been gone for three years, and the Emperor has praised you twice already, Brother Zheng. You've really grown, coming back to the capital on your own to take a position at the Ministry of Revenue."

Cui Ziqi still admired Zheng Shanci for going to such a remote place and still managing to achieve such outstanding political results. These three years were not wasted; he had been working hard all along.

Cui Ziqi admired people who could do real work. Although he himself was from a noble family, becoming a Director at the Ministry of Punishments was his own ability; otherwise, with so many noble sons, why was it him? He was a Second-Ranked Jinshi and chose to observe politics at the Ministry of Punishments. Starting as a sixth-rank official, he made some achievements and became a fifth-rank Director at a young age.

In the capital, some noble sons relied on their family background to get by, inheriting official positions. But there were also many like Cui Ziqi, who had both family background and real talent, and were still young. Such people easily stood out in the officialdom.

"We should keep in touch often," Cui Ziqi said generously.

Zheng Shanci laughed. "Then I will have to bother Brother Cui at his home in the future."

"That's only right. Let's drink together another day, just not too much; my husband doesn't let me drink much," Cui Ziqi said with a smile.

Zheng Shanci didn't expect Cui Ziqi to restrain his drinking habit for Lv Jin. He had heard rumors about Cui Ziqi—that he was drunk the night before the palace examination and went to take the exam the next day.

Cui Ziqi told Zheng Shanci some things about the court, especially about the Ministry of Revenue, and Zheng Shanci was grateful. He had just arrived in the capital and didn't know what the court was like now. With Cui Ziqi telling him some things, he had a better idea.

It was getting late, so Zheng Shanci bid farewell to Cui Ziqi, and they parted ways. Mr. Zheng and his husband were happy from their stroll in the capital and went to rest when they returned home that night.

"The capital is really nice."

They had chicken, duck, fish, and meat for dinner and also drank pigeon soup, which he had never tasted so delicious before. The rice grains were full, sweet, and soft. Just a bowl of rice, Mr. Zheng could finish it cleanly.

The kitchen catered to their tastes, and there were many light and nourishing dishes on the table. After finishing the meal, fruits were brought out—peaches, cut into small pieces that could easily be popped into the mouth.

They lay on the bed, and as soon as they lay down, their bones felt soft, as if sleeping on cotton.

Mr. Zheng was not used to it. He still preferred a harder bed. He felt like his spine was missing, as if a long bone was missing from his back.

Having drunk too much nourishing soup at night, although still very sleepy, both were awake, their minds wandering. Unable to sleep, they started talking, about people and things in the village or about their three sons and one grandson, and Lin Geer and Yu Lanyi.

Zheng Shanci blew out the candle and fell asleep as soon as he lay down. He hadn't rested since arriving in the capital, accompanying Yu Lanyi to the Marquis's residence. Now he was completely exhausted, falling asleep as soon as he touched the bed.

Yu Lanyi still had energy. He nestled in Zheng Shanci's arms, played with Zheng Shanci's hair, and said, "Zheng Shanci, I've talked to father about buying a house. I'll go ask him for the result tomorrow."

He spoke, but Zheng Shanci didn't respond. Yu Lanyi propped his head up and saw the man had already closed his eyes and was sound asleep under the moonlight. He was a bit stunned, his voice unconsciously lowered. "Fell asleep so quickly."

He stared at Zheng Shanci's face. His eyelashes were long. Yu Lanyi carefully reached out his finger to touch Zheng Shanci's eyelashes, like little brushes.

Yu Lanyi didn't touch Zheng Shanci's long eyelashes anymore. He fell asleep listening to Zheng Shanci's heartbeat. The next day, Zheng Shanci first went to the Ministry of Personnel to get his official robe and seal. After Yu Lanyi woke up, he went to the wardrobe to rummage through his clothes and saw a new official robe already hanging in the wardrobe.

He rubbed his eyes, still groggy from sleep.

He noticed a crimson official robe, replacing the blue one that used to hang in the wardrobe. Yu Lanyi glanced down and spotted the official boots. The upper compartment likely held the official hat and belt.

Yu Lanyi opened the compartment and found the official hat and belt inside.

Zheng Shanci had risen early and swiftly retrieved the official robe.

Jin Yun served breakfast to Yu Lanyi. After tidying up, he stepped out of the courtyard and spotted Mr. Zheng and his husband, who appeared to have been up for hours, strolling in the garden.

Feeling embarrassed, Yu Lanyi tiptoed away, trying to avoid notice.

It was already mid-morning, and he still felt awkward about rising so late in front of Mr. Zheng and his husband.

"Jin Yun, where is Zheng Shanci?"

Jin Yun replied, "The master is in the pavilion, having tea."

Yu Lanyi went to fetch Zheng Shanci to head to the Marquis's residence. Zheng Shanci gave a nod and accompanied him to the Marquis's residence.

Upon arriving, Yu Lanyi ran into An Geer. Yu Lanyi froze for a moment before greeting, "Sister-in-law."

Zheng Shanci noticed Yu Lanyi's reaction and echoed, "Sister-in-law."

An Geer replied, "Father is still in the garden, but someone's gone to fetch him. Please, have some tea while you wait."

An Geer sipped her tea and said, "Shanci, I loved the gift you sent yesterday. Thank you."

Zheng Shanci smiled, "I’m no expert on hairpins. Lanyi chose it for you, sister-in-law."

An Geer’s gratitude was really meant for Yu Lanyi—what would Zheng Shanci know about hairpins? She thanked Yu Lanyi accordingly.

"It’s a new style, and most young men would like it. No need to thank me—it feels too formal," Yu Lanyi looked up at An Geer.

An Geer was graceful and elegant, her every movement reflecting her noble upbringing. She smiled warmly at Yu Lanyi.

Mr. Yu arrived, his face lighting up at the sight of Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi. "You two actually came! I’ll have the kitchen prepare your favorite dishes."

Noticing they had private matters to discuss, Zheng Shanci excused himself, "Father, the garden is lovely. I’ll wait in the pavilion."

Mr. Yu smiled, "Of course. I’ll send tea and pastries. The garden is lovely—enjoy it."

The moment Zheng Shanci left, Mr. Yu leaned in and asked, "How is Shanci treating you?"

"Very well," Yu Lanyi lowered his head shyly.

"It’s been three years—why no child yet? Have you taken Shanci to a doctor?" Mr. Yu asked with concern.

Lanyi and his husband are young—why no child in three years?

"Let it happen naturally, both of us are in good health," Yu Lanyi whispered shyly. As he said this, he sneakily glanced at An Geer, his face turning crimson with embarrassment.

An Geer saw that Yu Lanyi was still shy, indicating that he truly liked Zheng Shanci. He then chimed in, "Father, Shanci and Lanyi have already returned, with you here, grandchildren will naturally come."

Your sister-in-law thinks I’m more effective than the temple’s Goddess of Childbearing! Mr. Yu laughed.

Yu Lanyi said, "Father is naturally more powerful than the Goddess of Childbirth; I can't escape your control."

"You're just saying nice things to please me. Both of you always know how to make Father happy," Mr. Yu said with a smile. "It makes me happy to see you two getting along so well."

An Geer and Yu Lanyi exchanged glances.

Mr. Yu, feeling pleased, remembered the talismans he had sought for Yu Lanyi and Zheng Shanci. "I'll go look for them in the room; the servants don't know where I put them. These were blessed by a senior monk from Huguo Temple. You two should each carry one for protection."

Once Mr. Yu left, only Yu Lanyi and An Geer remained in the main hall.

An Geer spoke up: "Since you've just returned, if there's anything you need help with, remember to tell me. After all, I am your sister-in-law, you know."

Yu Lanyi nodded, holding the golden tassel.

"That golden tassel was chosen by your elder brother at the store, and I helped him pick it. He said you like luxurious things, and I have a gift for you."