Chapter 102: New Companions

Chapter 102: New Companion

An Geer had a servant hand the gift to Yu Lanyi, "This is a colored glass cup I acquired. See if you like it."

Yu Lanyi opened the box.

The colored glass cup was iridescent, its body translucent, with carved patterns that appeared to dance on its surface, reflecting a sparkling luster. Yu Lanyi reached out to touch it; the glass was smooth and warm to the touch.

He was enamored with it.

Seeing Yu Lanyi's delight, An Geer was also pleased. It had taken considerable effort to obtain this colored glass cup, even involving his family. Now, seeing Yu Lanyi's joy made it all worthwhile.

"Thank you, sister-in-law," Yu Lanyi said, placing the colored glass cup back into the gift box and handing it to Jin Yun for safekeeping.

He looked at An Geer, who glanced back at him. The two of them exchanged looks before both lowered their heads. Yu Lanyi thought about how An Geer had married into their family alone, likely feeling anxious, just as he had felt when he married Zheng Shanci, before meeting his elder brother, sister-in-law, and younger brother.

An Geer was known throughout the capital for her virtuous and gentle demeanor, coming from a good family and being quite beautiful. She had even gifted such a beautiful colored glass cup.

"Sister-in-law, you're really kind," Yu Lanyi said with a smile. "If anyone ever tries to bully you in the future, just tell me, and I'll stand up for you."

An Geer thought of the incident and laughed, "Every time I think of that, I have to thank you and Shan Ci. I don't know what would have happened otherwise. I used to be biased against you."

An Geer reached out to hold Yu Lanyi's hand, "From now on, I'll treat you like my own younger brother."

An Geer's hand was soft and pale, holding Yu Lanyi's without much force, like fine jade. Yu Lanyi clasped An Geer's hand in return, "Sister-in-law, what hand lotion do you use?"

I'd like some too.

An Geer was momentarily stunned.

Master Yu had been searching in the room for a long time before finally finding the two protective charms in a chest, "I'm getting old; my memory isn't what it used to be."

Nanny Cao: "You're still young, Master Yu. The eldest and second sons still seem like children."

Master Yu took the protective charms and went out, "They're still children. I hope to travel and see the scenic landscapes of the Great Yan Dynasty with the Marquis after he retires."

"The Marquis has just turned fifty. It's too early for him to retire."

Master Yu sighed, "We shouldn't wait until he's old and frail to start traveling. Who knows, we might end up compromising our health, and that wouldn't be any fun."

When he arrived at the main hall, Master Yu didn't mention these thoughts.

He saw Yu Lanyi applying some cream to his hands and asked where he got it.

"Sister-in-law gave it to me."

"Your sister-in-law really dotes on you," Master Yu said with a smile. "You two are about the same age, and now that you're back in the capital, you can have some heart-to-heart talks."

"Lan Yi, this is a protective charm. Wear it for safety."

Master Yu spoke, half expecting Yu Lanyi to say something about not believing in Buddha, that it was all fake, as he had been mischievous since childhood and held no reverence for Buddha.

This time, however, Yu Lanyi responded with a simple "Okay." He held the protective charm with both hands, reverently placing it around his neck and tucking the string inside his clothes.

Master Yu: "..." Is he under a spell?

By noon, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi were staying for lunch. Master Yu sent someone to fetch the second son-in-law, who was engrossed in the garden's scenery, to join them for the meal.

Zheng Shanci came to the dining table. The food at the Marquis's residence was truly delicious, and Zheng Shanci was in high spirits again.

Today, the Marquis of Changyang's residence also prepared some hairy crabs. There was a plate of steamed hairy crabs, each quite large. Another plate had the crab meat extracted. The cooked crab meat was mixed with a little Sichuan pepper. A layer of mung bean jelly was spread, topped with crab meat, drizzled with an egg mixture seasoned with a little salt, and then layered again with crab meat, repeating the process. Once the egg mixture solidified and formed a skin, it was removed and cut into bite-sized pieces. The crab shells were used to make a broth, with crushed ginger added, and the crab shell soup was served as well.

There was also dipping sauce on the table. Zheng Shanci enjoyed dipping the steamed hairy crabs in the sauce. When he cracked open the crab, it was filled with golden meat, and the crab legs were equally succulent.

Yu Lanyi was also savoring the hairy crabs, finding them incredibly delicious.

Seeing that they both relished it, Mr. Yu smiled and said, "These hairy crabs were brought by your father's subordinate when he came to the capital to report. The kitchen prepared them for you, so you can take some home later."

Yu Lanyi nodded enthusiastically, "I love eating hairy crabs."

Zheng Shanci also nodded in agreement; he loved them too.

"Good, good," Mr. Yu replied with a smile.

After the meal, Mr. Yu handed another protective talisman to Zheng Shanci.

After thanking him, Zheng Shanci held the talisman with both hands, reverently placed it around his neck, and tucked the cord inside his clothes.

At noon, Zheng Shanci had to return home to help his father and Mr. Zheng with some errands. His elder brother had difficulty walking, so it was necessary for a son to assist at home. Yu Lanyi stayed at home, took an afternoon nap, and in the evening, the Marquis of Changyang returned. Yu Zhangxing was on night duty at the palace and wouldn't return tonight.

When the Marquis of Changyang saw Yu Lanyi, his eyes lit up with joy, and he asked, "It's good that you're back. When did you arrive?"

Yu Lanyi folded his arms, "I arrived this morning."

"Didn't Shanci accompany you?" The Marquis of Changyang was eager to see his second son-in-law. It had been three years since they last met, and he was curious about how his son-in-law was faring.

"He returned at noon," Yu Lanyi extended his hand, "Father, where's the house you bought for us?"

The Marquis of Changyang had his attendant fetch the deed and handed it to Yu Lanyi, "The house to your left."

Yu Lanyi slipped the deed into his sleeve and then said, "Zheng Shanci mentioned he would give you the money for the house."

The Marquis of Changyang waved his hand, "It's just a small amount. You two work hard for your money, so keep it for yourselves."

Yu Lanyi was secretly pleased but pretended to be serious, "No, Zheng Shanci is quite principled and doesn't like owing others. How about this: I'll keep the money, and if Zheng Shanci asks, you can tell him I've already given it to you."

The Marquis of Changyang saw nothing wrong with this, "Alright, as you say."

The Marquis of Changyang thought he would talk to Zheng Shanci during his day off. He looked at Yu Lanyi, "Why are you standing like that?"

Yu Lanyi pouted, "I'm just happy to be back in the capital."

The Marquis of Changyang asked Yu Lanyi to sit down and talk. Yu Lanyi, considering that the Marquis had just bought them a house, reluctantly sat down.

"You've suffered a lot in Xinfeng County, but now that you're back in the capital, things will be better. If you ever feel wronged, tell me. If there's something you can't discuss with Shanci, let me handle it," the Marquis of Changyang advised gently.

Yu Lanyi replied, "I can talk to him about anything."

The Marquis of Changyang looked at the naive Yu Lanyi and sighed inwardly. Well, nothing bad would happen in the capital. Seeing his son like this, it seemed that his son-in-law had protected him well, at least his personality seemed unchanged from when he was at home.

"Then I'll head back first. I need to give the deed to Zheng Shanci," Yu Lanyi said, fearing delays.

"Go ahead. Bring Shanci back for dinner another day."

Zheng Shanci had finished buying everything his father and Mr. Zheng needed. Mr. Zheng looked at his son and patted his shoulder, "Don't overwork yourself. Take it slow; there's no need to tire yourself out."

"Dad, it's just some small tasks. It's nothing," Zheng Shanci smiled, "It's what I should do."

Mr. Zheng sighed, "You're such a good kid."

Mr. Zheng's mattress was replaced with a firmer one, and the room’s layout was rearranged. They were also taken to the capital to buy clothes. Though Lan Yi bought them high-quality clothes, Mr. Zheng and his husband hesitated to wear them, deeming them too costly.

Today, Shan Ci took them to buy clothes that were affordable but made of good fabric. Additionally, Qing Yin brought some fabric from the textile factory, which was sent to the tailor shop to be measured and made into new clothes.

Shan Ci gave two silver notes to Mr. Zheng and his husband. "This is the money earned from the shop in Xin Feng County. Since you'll be living in the capital from now on, there will be many expenses. Use this to get whatever you need. In Xin Feng County, Brother and Sister-in-law managed the shop, and Qing Yin has also done well. The remaining money I plan to use to rent a few shops for Brother, Sister-in-law, and Qing Yin to manage. I will soon be taking up my official post and won't have much time, so their help will be invaluable."

"That's good. It's up to you young folks; we don’t get these things," Mr. Zheng said, looking at the silver note and handing one back to Shan Ci. "This one silver note will last us a long time. Why give us so much? You’ve just arrived in the capital and will have plenty of expenses."

Seeing Mr. Zheng’s look, Shan Ci had no choice but to tuck the note away.

As Shan Ci was leaving, he happened to run into Lan Yi, who had just returned. Lan Yi pulled Shan Ci aside and handed him the deed to the neighboring house. "It's done. Send someone to tidy up the neighboring house first."

Having connections in the capital sure helps.

Shan Ci held the deed and quietly asked, "Was the money enough?"

Lan Yi sighed, "It was enough. If not, I made up the difference."

Shan Ci, hiding his hand under his sleeve, took Lan Yi’s hand. "How can I ever thank you?"

Lan Yi reached out with his other hand and lightly tapped Shan Ci’s chest.

Shan Ci’s cheeks flushed as he gazed at Lan Yi.

At dinner that night, Shan Ci brought up the neighboring house. Lin Geer said, "That’s great. It’ll be much more convenient."

Earlier that day, Lin Geer took Shancheng to the clinic to change his bandages. The doctor said Shancheng’s leg was coming along nicely. His bone had been broken and was regrowing, so it would take another eight months to heal completely. He needed to visit the clinic every two weeks to change the bandages and get new medicine. The doctor also said the medicine would change at each stage of recovery and recommended nourishing soups.

From then on, Lin Geer decided to serve Shancheng bone soup with every meal.

"That’s good. It’ll be more comfortable for you two to live together," Mr. Zheng said.

"As long as you don’t mind, we’ll drop by often for meals," Lan Yi said, looking up from his bowl with a smile.

He was handsome and had a charming way of speaking. In the village, one rarely saw such a handsome young man. Mr. Zheng looked at him with fondness.

"You and Shan Ci are welcome anytime. We're family."

Mr. Zheng was savoring a large crab, something he’d never had before. Once he started, he couldn’t get enough.

With the house settled, there was still the matter of the shops.

After washing up, Lan Yi came out and said, "I have five shops in prime locations in the capital, but they're all rented out." He collected rent every year.

His husband was a top-tier wealthy beauty.

"No rush, we'll find something," Shan Ci said, not in a hurry. He planned to open the Zheng family restaurant first, then the textile workshop and the winery, step by step.

Tonight, he wanted to thank Lan Yi.

As Shan Ci sweated, the amulet swayed on his chest.

Water splashed out of the bathroom.

...

A few days later, they rented the shops, but they still needed to hire someone to decorate them. Shan Ci didn't have time to manage this; he had to report to the Ministry of Revenue.

Early in the morning, Shan Ci quietly got up and put on his official robe. After having a bowl of porridge and a few meat buns, he took a carriage to his post. The palace was majestic, and Shan Ci entered through the Meridian Gate, where all officials entered. After walking a few steps, he ran into Cui Ziqi, and the two walked and talked together.

"There's nothing major in today's morning court assembly. Since it's your first time attending court, just stand at the back and listen. Generally, we don't get a chance to speak, so just make sure not to make a misstep."

Zheng Shanci clasped his hands in gratitude, "Thank you for the advice, Brother Cui."

"It's nothing. Your father-in-law is the Marquis of Changyang, and your brother-in-law is highly favored. You should still be cautious," Cui Ziqi whispered as a reminder. "After all, they are military officers, and you are a civil servant."

"On the other hand, your sister-in-law's family are in the civil service, so they should be able to support you."

The Marquis of Changyang summoned Zheng Shanci.

"Father-in-law," Zheng Shanci greeted with a respectful bow.

"You're attending court today. Simply stand in your place later. If you're not clear about the matters discussed in court, refrain from speaking. It's best not to engage in idle talk now. The Ministry of Revenue is rife with complex dynamics. You're new there and were personally appointed by His Majesty, so they won't give you a hard time, but they might leave you sidelined. It will be up to your own abilities then. I know you're a cautious person and understand these things, but I still want to remind you, to ensure you remain clear-headed."

Zheng Shanci replied, "Thank you for the reminder, Father-in-law."

Yu Zhangxing was unarmed entering the court. Seeing Zheng Shanci, he nodded, "Return tonight, and we'll have dinner together."

"Yes, Brother."

Cui Ziqi also exchanged greetings with them.

They entered the Golden Throne Hall, with civil and military officials standing on either side. Zheng Shanci stood in his designated position, which was too far back for him to even see the imperial throne, as the ministers in front blocked his view. He could only see the backs of the ministers.

He noticed that the Marquis of Changyang and Yu Zhangxing were standing at the front, and Ye Yunchu was also standing there.

The Director of the Ministry of Revenue looked at him briefly, "Are you the new Lord Zheng?"

Zheng Shanci acknowledged.

Director Jin was about to say something when a sharp voice announced, "His Majesty has arrived!"

All the officials knelt in reverence.

"Rise, my loyal ministers."

Zheng Shanci stood at the back with his head respectfully lowered, listening to Emperor Wuming's voice. He thought the emperor sounded remarkably young. He remembered from the original text that Emperor Wuming should be around thirty years old now, a diligent and wise ruler.

Several ministers stepped forward to address certain matters. Zheng Shanci listened attentively but remained silent. After a long while, the court officials knelt again to bid Emperor Wuming farewell.

Zheng Shanci felt like he was just a mere bystander in the court.

Director Jin was a fifth-rank official, one rank higher than Zheng Shanci, effectively his superior. Director Jin treated him quite kindly, "Lord Zheng, you can follow me for now."

"Yes, Director Jin."

Before coming to the Ministry of Revenue, Zheng Shanci had already familiarized himself with the main officials there.

Director Jin led Zheng Shanci to his workstation. Today, he only needed to verify the salary records of the officials from last month. Director Jin gave a few instructions before leaving to attend to his own tasks.

The clerks in the Ministry of Revenue were bustling about with documents, looking very busy. Zheng Shanci planned to first verify the salary records and then go ask Director Jin about some matters.

As a newly appointed official, Zheng Shanci had some experience. He wouldn't rush the task nor take too long, maintaining a balanced pace. He intended to submit the records to Director Jin in the afternoon.

While he was still verifying the salary records, Director Jin called him.

Zheng Shanci got up to find Director Jin. Their offices were separated by a threshold, and only after becoming a Vice Minister would one have the privilege of a private office.

"I almost forgot. You still need to pay respects to Lord Lei and Minister Mei, so they can get to know you. I'll have a clerk accompany you."

Zheng Shanci went to pay a visit to Vice Minister Mei, who asked him a few questions before letting him go to see Minister Lei.

Vice Minister Mei had a cold demeanor and appeared to be just over thirty, though he was actually thirty-eight. He lost his wife early and never remarried, raising two sons on his own. One was Mei Huai, who was the same age as Zheng Shanci and was a Bangyan (Second Highest Imperial Examination Scholar). The other was Mei Ge'er, who was still unmarried.

When Zheng Shanci arrived at Minister Lei's place, Minister Lei invited him to sit down and have some tea.

"The Ministry of Revenue has been quite busy lately, and your arrival is timely to help out. Minister Mei has a cold demeanor but a good heart. Director Jin is a kind-hearted person; if there's anything you don't understand, you can ask him. I know you have done well in local governance, and I believe you will do just as well in the Ministry of Revenue. I appreciate people who are hardworking and ambitious," Minister Lei said warmly.

He didn’t act all high and mighty and spoke with Zheng Shanci for a while. Seeing that Zheng Shanci was neither subservient nor arrogant, and had a modest nature, Minister Lei's favor towards him increased. "That’s all for now, you can go."

"Yes, Minister Lei."

Zheng Shanci went back to his desk and got back to work. He stayed positive; adjusting to a new place takes time, but he was patient and ready to fit in.

...

When Yu Lanyi woke up, Zheng Shanci was already gone, and the bedding beside him had turned cold. After getting ready and eating breakfast, he went to hang out with Lin Ge'er and Duo Duo.

Duo Duo was learning to walk, shaky at first but getting steadier. At first, Lin Ge'er had to hold him from behind, but Duo Duo's walking became more and more stable.

Lin Ge'er had already been teaching Duo Duo to walk, and now it was just a matter of accumulated experience, making his walking steadier.

"Daddy!" Duo Duo took a few steps and jumped into Lin Ge'er's arms.

Going from toddling to walking steadily takes time and practice.

Yu Lanyi was a little worried that Zheng Shanci might not be comfortable at court. His heart was still hanging, but he believed that Zheng Shanci would handle things well.

"Duo Duo can walk now," Yu Lanyi said, giving Duo Duo’s cheek a pinch.

Duo Duo shyly smiled at Yu Lanyi.

"Sister-in-law, once the shop’s done, are you still thinking of running the Zheng Family Eatery and snack shop?"

Lin Ge'er: "That’s what we talked about with Shanci. When we went out for snacks before, we noticed the capital didn’t have the kind we like. I think our snacks taste good and should be able to make money in the capital too."

Yu Lanyi: "It’ll definitely make money—I love eating them myself."

After chatting with Lin Ge'er, Yu Lanyi headed out to meet Lv Jin, as he’d promised.

Lv Jin invited Yu Lanyi to have some flower tea.

"You’re not making Cui Ziqi drink flower tea too, are you?" Yu Lanyi asked after taking a sip of the flower tea.

Lv Jin laughed, "Of course he’s drinking flower tea—it keeps him off the booze. You said you’d come see me, but it took you long enough."

Yu Lanyi hurriedly said, "I’ve been swamped at home—it’s not like I didn’t want to see you. I’ve brought you a gift."

Only then did Lv Jin's face light up with a smile, "Since you’ve come, I also have something to give you. There are many novel things in the capital, and I've kept them all, waiting for you to return."

Yu Lanyi had Jin Yun accept the gifts.

"Lan Yi, it’s great you’re back—we’ll have lots of time to hang out," Lv Jin said warmly, holding Yu Lanyi’s hand.

"Don’t worry, I’ll come to play with you often in the future," Yu Lanyi also held onto Lv Jin's hand.

"Some time ago, the Zhennan Prince Consort invited everyone in the capital to the prince's residence to admire the plum blossoms. I saw Yu Shiyan serving the Prince Consort, but then for some reason, he fainted. It was later diagnosed that he was pregnant, and the Prince Consort's expression was very unpleasant, showing no joy at all."

Yu Lanyi ate a grape, somewhat puzzled: "Why wasn't the Prince Consort happy that Yu Shiyan was pregnant?" Lv Jin looked at his friend's little head and said, "Yu Shiyan is a Side Consort. If he has a child and the Heir Ye still has no legitimate son, no matter how outstanding Heir Ye is, the good families in the capital would not want to marry their daughters or sons into the family."

Yu Lanyi: "Perhaps it’s exactly what he wanted."

The two changed the subject and talked about other things.

...

Zheng Shanci headed to the dining hall for lunch around noon, and Cui Ziqi waved at him.

"Brother Zheng, come sit here."

High-ranking officials like the Marquis of Changyang and Yu Zhangxing didn’t eat in the dining hall; minor officials delivered their meals to them.

There were also a few young men nearby, and Cui Ziqi introduced them one by one—some from the Ministry of Justice, some from the Board of Rites, and some from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

"This is Du Ning, Vice Director of the Ministry of Justice, this is Shi Xuan, Director of the Board of Rites, and this is Xiao Gaoyang, a clerk from the Ministry of Civil Affairs."

The four greeted each other.

Du Ning: "I know Brother Zheng—he’s joined our Weicao Society. Brother Cui must have forgotten and introduced Brother Zheng to me."

Du Ning's father was Du Yue, the Minister of Works, and he came from a prestigious family.

"Brother Zheng, you’re welcome to join our poetry gatherings once you’re back in the capital."

Zheng Shanci agreed.

Xiao Gaoyang: "I’ve heard so much about you, and it’s great to finally meet you. I heard you did an excellent job in Xinfeng County."

"You’re too kind; the success in Xinfeng County wasn’t just my doing."

Xiao Gaoyang had assumed Zheng Shanci was arrogant and wild, but now, seeing his measured demeanor, he felt a desire to befriend him.

Shi Xuan asked Zheng Shanci a question and then lowered his head to eat.

He wasn’t much of a talker. During the meal, Cui Ziqi did most of the talking, getting Shi Xuan to chime in a few times.

Apart from Du Ning, who had interacted with Zheng Shanci before, Xiao Gaoyang and Shi Xuan had not had any prior contact with him, but after meeting him, they thought highly of him.