Chapter 103: Social Etiquette

Chapter 103: Human Relationships and Worldly Affairs

In the afternoon, Zheng Shanci finished calculating the salary roster for the officials from the previous month. After a short wait, he went to see Director Jin. Seeing that Zheng had already completed the salary calculations, Director Jin looked satisfied.

"There's nothing else to do. If you have time, you can take a look at these local tax ledgers. It will help you better understand the workings of the Ministry of Revenue."

Director Jin had a minor official move the tax ledgers to Zheng Shanci's desk. As the Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue, a sixth-rank official, Zheng could intervene in household registry management, tax collection, and the allocation of funds and grain. This time, Director Jin instructed him to familiarize himself with the taxes from various regions.

The Great Yan Dynasty had thirteen provinces. Director Jin asked him to start by reviewing one province as a sample to familiarize himself with the process.

Zheng Shanci instinctively said, "Qingzhou."

Director Jin, recalling that Zheng had served as a county magistrate in Xinfeng County, understood his choice. "Qingzhou will do. After you finish reviewing Qingzhou, take a look at Yangzhou's taxes as well."

With that, Director Jin dismissed him.

Zheng Shanci returned to his workstation and noticed that the desks of the senior officials around him were well-appointed, each equipped with their own tea sets. No matter where they were, their desks always had tea sets prepared. Zheng resolved to prepare a tea set for himself starting the next day.

Below him in the Ministry of Revenue were officials such as the Registrar, an eighth-rank official, and the Inspector, a ninth-rank official. Officials at the eighth and ninth ranks were usually responsible for handling menial tasks.

Zheng Shanci began reviewing the tax ledgers for Qingzhou. He first looked at the overall taxes. Likely due to last year's locust plague and epidemic, Qingzhou's ledgers were in a sorry state.

As he read, Zheng felt a pang of sorrow.

Upon closer inspection, he found that apart from the taxes from a few large counties surrounding Qingzhou, the majority of the revenue came from commercial taxes. The salt and iron taxes were directly collected by court-appointed officials. Most of Qingzhou's commercial taxes came from a few wealthy merchants in the region. Additionally, Qingzhou had to allocate a substantial sum annually for infrastructure projects. Moreover, last year, Qingzhou barely managed to meet its tax obligations, and the rest of the ledgers were in a state of deficit.

Ye Yunchu had received funds, grain, and medicinal supplies from the court for disaster relief in Qingzhou. Every expense was recorded by the accompanying officials. Upon his return to the court, Ye would submit this record to the Ministry of Revenue, which would then allocate it to Qingzhou's expenses. This time, the court spent a total of one hundred thousand taels of silver to cover Qingzhou's shortfall.

Furthermore, Emperor Wuming had issued an edict exempting Qingzhou from this year's tax obligations, allowing the region to recover and rebuild.

Zheng Shanci continued reading. Qingzhou had renovated its provincial school, repaired waterways, and built dirt roads, all of which cost a considerable amount of money. Zheng calculated that the expenditure on renovating the provincial school was excessive. The officials in the Ministry of Revenue did not raise any questions, likely because of an implicit understanding. Local officials frequently engaged in fraudulent practices, falsifying records to embezzle funds for their own benefit.

Zheng noted this with a sense of suspicion. He then reviewed the taxes submitted by several counties in Qingzhou. To his surprise, he found that Xinfeng County had submitted the highest amount of taxes. Upon consideration, it was understandable. Xinfeng County had been less affected by the locust plague and epidemic, and the factories in the county had already boosted the county's revenue. Compared to other counties running deficits, Xinfeng stood out.

The majority of Xinfeng County's taxes also came from commercial taxes. The revenue from the factories operated by the county government was, according to regulations, included in the commercial taxes. As Zheng reviewed each recorded expense, he realized he had been involved in all of them.

Stepping back from his role as a county magistrate and viewing Xinfeng County from a provincial perspective, Zheng Shanci gained fresh insights.

...

Prince Zhennan's Residence

After Yu Shiyan fainted at the banquet, the physician diagnosed him as pregnant. Yu was still somewhat dazed. Ye Yunchu, with a hint of surprise, politely escorted the physician out.

The Princess Consort's expression was grim. Prince Zhennan glanced at her, his gaze carrying a warning. The Princess Consort pursed her lips and remained silent, refraining from causing further trouble for Yu Shiyan.

Seeing the Princess Consort's discomfort, Yu Shiyan felt a surge of satisfaction.

"Side Consort, it's time for you to take your prenatal medicine," Shi Xia said, handing the medicine bowl to Yu Shiyan. Yu tested the medicine for poison with a silver hairpin. When the hairpin showed no reaction, he drank the medicine in one gulp.

"Side Consort, don't worry. I watched over the preparation of the medicine the entire time and didn't leave for a moment," Shi Xia assured him.

"Having you by my side isn't enough. Tomorrow, call the human trafficker over. I need to select some people," Yu Shiyan murmured after a moment of thought.

The child's arrival was unexpected, even for Yu Shiyan. After engaging in intimate relations with Ye Yunchu, he had been taking contraceptive pills. He was also aware that the Princess Consort had been secretly giving him contraceptive drugs, which suited his intentions, so he had not intervened.

This time, he had not noticed that he had conceived. Now that he was pregnant, Yu Shiyan felt torn. Although he considered aborting the child, he couldn't bring himself to do it. After all, this child was connected to him by blood. In this world, he had always felt like an outsider. Now that he had a child, he wanted to raise it well and give it a good life.

Yu Shiyan calculated that since the child would be a common-born child, he would strive to climb to the position of the main consort, making his child the legitimate heir to the family. Now that Ye Yunchu's feelings for him remained unchanged, and even improved because of the pregnancy, he must ensure that Ye Yunchu would elevate him to the position of the main consort.

A child—he has a child now.

He would use all his might to protect his child, allowing him to grow up in a loving environment, not to become an extra person. Not like him, who could only watch others' happiness from the sidelines.

His child was never an accident; it was his blessing.

After drinking the fetal protection medicine, Yu Shiyan went to sleep.

The Zhennan Prince Consort had miscalculated; she smashed a vase.

"I hadn't expected Yunchu's feelings for Yu Shiyan to be so deep. Now, he hasn't taken a liking to any of the portraits I brought him, and this time he argued with me again because Yu Shiyan is pregnant, even the prince has become dissatisfied with him. If this keeps up, Yu Shiyan will really start to get complacent."

Her personal maid said, "My lady, the child in the Side Consort's belly is, after all, the prince's child; it would be wise to treat the Side Consort well."

"If my son wishes, there are plenty of women to bear children for him—are we worried about not having enough children?" The Prince Consort sneered, refuting the maid's words.

She was a woman from the Zong family, proud and intolerant since her youth. After the Prince Zhennan married her, there were two side consorts, all of whom she tormented in various ways. The Prince Zhennan couldn't stand it and had a big argument with the Prince Consort, after which she toned down her behavior.

She didn't like the two side consorts, thinking they were all seductresses. But when it came to her own son, she wished he would marry more and expand the family line.

After dinner, Yu Shiyan sat on the bed, crafting shoe soles for the child.

Ye Yunchu came back from outside, bringing fried rice cakes. "Today I went to a social event. I still smell of alcohol, and I can't let it affect you and the child. I heard someone selling fried rice cakes as I rode in the carriage, so I bought some for you. I'll go wash up first; I'll leave them on the table for you."

Ye Yunchu went to wash up. In the past, when Ye Yunchu came back late from social events, if there was something he liked to eat, he would always bring it back for Yu Shiyan. He would eat it all; this time, Yu Shiyan ate the fried rice cakes, which were still hot, tasting just as they always had.

Yu Shiyan's lips curved into a smile.

Ye Yunchu came out of the bathroom and saw that the fried rice cakes on the table had been eaten, with some left. Ye Yunchu felt a subtle sense of pleasure.

He saw Yu Shiyan crafting shoe soles, without calling the servant in, he trimmed the wick himself, making the room brighter. Yu Shiyan blinked, instinctively looking at Ye Yunchu.

Ye Yunchu said gently, "Don't work too late; it's bad for your eyes. When I have a day off, I'll take you to the estate to relax."

After a while, Yu Shiyan softly agreed.

Ye Yunchu sat on the edge of the bed, carefully touching Yu Shiyan's belly. He couldn't imagine that a life was growing in this small belly. He had thought about the scene of having children with Yu Shiyan after marriage, but when this moment came, Ye Yunchu's heart swelled with endless surprise.

Everything in his life had been chosen by his parents, but Yu Shiyan was someone he actively approached and befriended. Ye Yunchu truly liked him.

At night, the two lay under the same blanket, Ye Yunchu held Yu Shiyan, his arm carefully avoiding his belly.

Yu Shiyan closed his eyes in the dark.

...

After finishing his duty, Zheng Shanci returned home. Yu Lanyi hurriedly asked him, "How was it?"

"It was good. Everyone was very polite, and I made a few new friends." Zheng Shanci told Yu Lanyi about the friends Cui Ziqi introduced to him.

"Then he's quite reliable." Yu Lanyi's impression of Cui Ziqi changed somewhat.

"Father and brother asked us to go to the Marquis's residence for dinner tonight." Zheng Shanci went to change into his official robe.

"Alright." Yu Lanyi readily agreed.

The house next door was already decorated. Zheng Shanci took Mr. Zheng and Mr. Zheng over to have a look, and a garden had been turned into a vegetable garden, where they could grow vegetables. Brother and Sister-in-law and their younger brother were also there.

Zheng Qingyin is now capable of handling things independently, and he even went to the market to hire a few servants.

Mr. Zheng said, "Why do we need servants when we can cook and prepare meals ourselves?"

Zheng Qingyin smiled and said, "When the shop in the capital opens, both my sister-in-law and I will be busy helping out. It's not safe to leave the house empty. Hiring people means you and Dad can do less and spend more time playing with Duo Duo. That kind of life is much better. You've both been working hard for most of your lives; it's time to rest."

Both Zheng Shanci and Zheng Shancheng nodded in agreement.

Yu Lanyi helped furnish the house.

"We should visit more often," Yu Lanyi said with a smile.

Lin Geer said, "Visiting is a must; I can't bear to part with such a lovely sister-in-law."

Yu Lanyi smiled sweetly, as if bathed in honey. Zheng Shanci felt an urge to touch the corner of Yu Lanyi's lips, even more so to kiss them.

In the evening, they went to the Marquis of Changyang's residence for dinner, where the entire family gathered. The family chef prepared a large spread of dishes. Yu Zhangxing sat with An Geer, while Zheng Shanci sat with Yu Lanyi.

The Marquis of Changyang asked if he was adjusting well, and Zheng Shanci answered each one. The Marquis didn't say much more, only adding, "As long as you and Lan Yi live well together, everything else will follow naturally."

Their generation can only manage their sons' generation; they can't control the next. How they live in the future will be up to them. Of course, the Marquis of Changyang's residence will always be the young couple's support.

Yu Zhangxing looked at his brother-in-law and drank with him, saying, "The relationships in the capital are complicated; just don't act rashly. If anything comes up, you can discuss it with the family."

Zheng Shanci drank the wine offered by his brother-in-law and accompanied his father-in-law and brother-in-law in drinking quite a bit.

"Drinking so much, and you still have to work tomorrow. There's so much food on the table; it would be a shame not to eat more," Yu Lanyi said anxiously, muttering in dissatisfaction.

An Geer also urged Yu Zhangxing to eat.

They all stopped drinking and started eating. After the meal, the Marquis of Changyang spoke with Zheng Shanci a bit more, while Yu Zhangxing took Yu Lanyi for a stroll in the garden.

"Do you have enough money?" Yu Zhangxing asked.

Yu Lanyi's eyes flickered, and he said pitifully, "It's enough. I need to be frugal now and spend less."

Hearing this, Yu Zhangxing handed Yu Lanyi a pouch, "Keep this for yourself, don't let your husband know about it."

The pouch was heavy, and Yu Lanyi tucked it into his sleeve, nodding with a smile, "I won't let him know."

Yu Zhangxing's lips curled into a slight smile, and he reached out to pat Yu Lanyi's head. His younger brother had grown up, and perhaps soon he would have his own children and become someone else's pillar.

But he would always be Yu Lanyi's support.

Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi returned home, and Zheng Shanci, exhausted from the day, quickly fell asleep.

The next day, Zheng Shanci finished reviewing the taxes from Yangzhou. Indeed, it was a prosperous place; the taxes were five times higher than those of Qingzhou. The counties below mainly grew cotton and other crops, which were then sold to the city, contributing to the thriving textile industry in Yangzhou.

Zheng Shanci brought a set of tea utensils from home. He had originally planned to take the tea set from his study, but Yu Lanyi said no and fetched a set of purple clay teapots from the storeroom.

There were also tea rooms in ancient times. These tea rooms were called "tea houses" in ancient times, and there was even a place in the palace called the "tea storage," specifically for storing tea. Every month, the palace would distribute tea from the tea storage in fixed quantities. The tea provided to officials was carefully selected; some officials used the tea from the tea house, while others, who had higher standards for tea quality, brought their own.

Zheng Shanci brought his own tea. It was a can of tea that his husband had randomly taken from the storeroom for him to drink.

The tea room was steaming hot, like a giant sauna. Zheng Shanci felt embarrassed to trouble others to make tea for him, so he brought the tea set himself.

He first placed the tea leaves into the purple clay teapot, then added hot water. The aroma quickly filled the tea room. Zheng Shanci hurriedly covered the teapot and carried the tea away.

Many people in the tea room were making tea and quietly caught a whiff of this fragrance. They were used to it; some officials came from distinguished families and could afford good tea.

The officials who finished making tea returned to their workstations to continue their tasks. The workload assigned by the imperial court was not heavy, but some officials would push their responsibilities onto their subordinates, leading to a heavy burden on those at the bottom. They found themselves having to do everything.

Zheng Shanci finished reviewing the tax records from Qingzhou and Yangzhou. He waited for one hour before reporting to Director Jin that he had completed reviewing the taxes for these two regions.

Director Jin: "Good. The Ministry of Revenue clears part of the accounts every quarter; otherwise, it would take too much time to handle everything at the end of the year. Here are the expenses for the princes' residences this quarter. Take a look, summarize the figures, and submit them to me."

Zheng Shanci acknowledged.

Director Jin wanted Zheng Shanci to start with the accounts of the princes' residences because there were only two princes, and they were young with limited expenditures. Once he clarified the accounts for the princes' residences, he could then be entrusted with part of the financial accounts.

To be honest, such account books were simple enough to be understood even by lower-ranking officials of the eighth or ninth rank, but it was difficult for them to be promoted. They only knew how to read accounts, but Vice Directors like Zheng Shanci were different. The Ministry of Revenue was a complex place, often requiring careful consideration. As the saying goes, "Water that is too clear has no fish," and people still needed to navigate life with insight.

Director Jin had only followed Minister Lei's instructions to bring Zheng Shanci into the Ministry of Revenue. What Zheng Shanci would do afterward was no longer his concern.

While Zheng Shanci was still reviewing the accounts of the princes' quarters, a young official dressed in a green robe entered. Everyone who saw him felt a slight unease, their brows slightly furrowed.

"What brings Vice Minister Mei to the Ministry of Revenue?" Secretary He of the Ministry of Revenue stepped forward to greet him.

"The Ministry of Works needs to request some funds for the construction of a dam. I'm here to collect the money," Mei Huai's voice was gentle, like a spring breeze, but the officials of the Ministry of Revenue were uneasy.

The Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue had always had a strained relationship. The Ministry of Works frequently borrowed funds from the Ministry of Revenue for construction projects, but the Ministry of Revenue had to fund so many departments, including the palace's expenses. Sometimes, they were already strained for resources and had no funds to lend to the Ministry of Works.

The Ministry of Works had appointed Mei Huai as a secretary. Vice Minister Mei was his father, and every time the Ministry of Works sent him to borrow funds, the Ministry of Revenue had already approved funds several times out of respect for Vice Minister Mei. This time, they were hesitant to deal with Mei Huai. If they gave the funds, they feared displeasing Minister Lei; if they didn't, they feared displeasing Vice Minister Mei. The Ministry of Works also relied on the father-son relationship between Mei Huai and Vice Minister Mei, always sending Mei Huai to request funds.

Secretary He didn't want to deal with Mei Huai and thought of passing the responsibility to Zheng Shanci, who was looking at account books with his head down. Zheng Shanci had a significant background and wouldn't be afraid of offending either side. Secretary He decided to pass the responsibility to him.

Secretary He lacked the finesse to handle such delicate situations.

Zheng Shanci only listened briefly before turning his attention elsewhere. This wasn't his concern. For now, he needed to focus on reviewing the accounts of the princes' quarters. However, Secretary He approached him and said, "Lord Zheng, you are my superior. Since you are here, it's not appropriate for me to receive Vice Minister Mei. I can't overstep my authority. Please handle this."

His words were polite and tactful.

Zheng Shanci had no choice but to stand up and receive Mei Huai. Mei Huai politely greeted Zheng Shanci. They were of the same year and had both achieved the rank of Bangyan. Seeing that Zheng Shanci had been promoted more than him, Mei Huai maintained a courteous demeanor.

"Please, have a seat," Zheng Shanci invited him to sit.

Mei Huai thanked him. Zheng Shanci took the document from the Ministry of Works and said with a smile, "I am only a Vice Director and don't have the authority to approve funds for the Ministry of Works. I will pass this to my superior and let him make the decision."

This was the standard procedure, but in the past, lower-ranking officials would take the funds directly to Minister Lei because their superiors didn't want to get involved. Passing unsolvable problems to superiors was not well-received.

Mei Huai nodded slightly and said, "Thank you, Lord Zheng."

"The matter isn't resolved yet, so there's no need for thanks."

Mei Huai smiled, "Even so, I must thank you. My affairs often trouble the officials of the Ministry of Revenue."

Zheng Shanci didn't respond. After Mei Huai finished his tea, Zheng Shanci politely saw him off. He then took the document to Director Jin.

Secretary He and the surrounding officials exchanged glances, surprised that Zheng Shanci had taken the document directly to Director Jin. Secretary He pondered but couldn't figure out Zheng Shanci's approach, feeling that Zheng Shanci was too bold. He dared to take on anything, didn't solve the problem, and instead dismissed the person who raised the issue, passing the problem to his superior.

Director Jin, seeing the document Zheng Shanci presented, couldn't get angry and simply told him to leave. After handling his tasks, Director Jin looked at the document and thought, since Zheng Shanci had followed the procedure and handed the document to him, he would pass it to Vice Minister Mei. He was caught between two sides, which was truly troublesome.

Director Jin handed the document to Vice Minister Mei, who glanced at it indifferently, "Leave it here. Huai'er told me that the Ministry of Works keeps sending him to deliver these. I understand it's difficult for you. If the Ministry of Works sends any more documents in the future, just bring them to me."

"We can't always act based on personal relationships. I'll go ask the Vice Minister of Works what he's thinking tonight," Vice Minister Mei said with a cold smile. "What I've told you, don't spread it around."

Director Jin replied respectfully, "Understood, Minister Mei."

Vice Minister Mei returned the document and, after finishing his duties, went to speak with the Vice Minister of Works. After that, the Vice Minister of Works no longer sent Mei Huai to the Ministry of Revenue to request funds.

Director Jin returned to his desk, feeling quite pleased as he sipped his tea. How could he have forgotten that Vice Minister Mei was a man of fairness and impartiality? He must have been out of his mind. By following protocol, Vice Minister Mei would find no fault in the matter. In a way, he had indirectly helped Vice Minister Mei, leaving a good impression on his superior, which would surely benefit him in the long run.

Even Director Jin began to treat Zheng Shanci with a better attitude.

Back when Zheng Shanci worked at the library, he would occasionally visit retired officials' communities to help set up reading corners, taking shifts there every week. Library work was monotonous, with repetitive and dull tasks. Zheng Shanci had to regularly clean the shelves, and once he became proficient in handling book returns and loans, using the computer made the process much quicker.

After work, he would chat and play chess with them, and head home by six.

After getting to know the officials in the Ministry of Revenue, Zheng Shanci began to get a sense of Vice Minister Mei's temperament. As Minister Lei had mentioned, Director Jin was an enthusiastic person, seemingly warm but with a calculated mindset, weighing his official position and gains and losses. He was a classic bureaucrat.

After finishing his duties, Zheng Shanci encountered Cui Ziqi and Xiao Gaoyang, and the three exchanged greetings.

"How are you finding the Ministry of Revenue? When I worked in the Six Ministries, I found the Ministry of Revenue to have the most work, and it's always under scrutiny. It's tough, but doing well leads to quick promotions," Cui Ziqi remarked.

He had worked in the Six Ministries and ended up staying in the Ministry of Justice after taking a liking to it. Xiao Gaoyang thrived in the Ministry of Personnel, as he enjoyed working there. The Ministry of Personnel, like the Ministry of Revenue, was highly regarded among the Six Ministries, given its authority over appointments and evaluations.

They walked out of the palace and walked down the street. They all lived on the same street, a neighborhood filled with officials. Zheng Shanci recalled that his father-in-law had bought the house on the left, and there was still a neighbor on the right. They hadn't stayed in the capital for long before leaving, but now that they were settling there permanently, he needed to visit the neighbors.

Xiao Gaoyang chuckled, "Your neighbor is Mei Huai. He doesn't live there often, but he maintains the property for when he gets married and moves in."

"Mei Huai is quite a character, just like Shi Xuan," Cui Ziqi sighed. "Unfortunately, he thinks I'm a slacker and doesn't want to talk to me."

"He interacts more with Brother Xiao. The top scholar is more likable than I am," Cui Ziqi teased Xiao Gaoyang.

Xiao Gaoyang simply smiled, "Brother Mei is fair and strict. Once he sees the capable side of Brother Cui, he will surely warm up to you."

As they discussed Mei Huai, he emerged from the palace, ready to board his carriage, and spotted them. He came over to greet them.

He addressed each of them by their official titles and was particularly friendly toward Zheng Shanci.

After Mei Huai left, Cui Ziqi wondered, "You're from the Ministry of Revenue, and he's from the Ministry of Works. How did you two become acquainted?"

Zheng Shanci briefly explained his interactions with Mei Huai, omitting any private details.

"I'll have to deal with you in the future too," Cui Ziqi said. The Ministry of Justice sometimes needed to borrow funds from the Ministry of Revenue, whether for fixing leaky prison cells or purchasing new interrogation tools. It all required money, and they had to turn to the Ministry of Revenue.

The Ministry of Revenue had to interact with the other five ministries every month, unless they didn't want their salaries.

Mei Huai left by carriage. Zheng Shanci had been brought to work by carriage in the morning, but he didn't take it back in the afternoon. Walking home served as exercise; otherwise, sitting all day without movement would harm his health.

Zheng Shanci still remembered the days when he would lose hair while combing it. Now, he paid more attention to his health. Xiao Gaoyang left by carriage, but Cui Ziqi was used to walking. Sometimes, when handling cases, he had to wade through rain, so this short distance was nothing to him. In his youth, he enjoyed drinking but never gained weight because he also loved running around. Thinking back, he really was a bit of a playboy.

When they reached his doorstep, Zheng Shanci bid farewell to Cui Ziqi and went inside. Yu Lanyi was still planning to open a tavern. He had gone out to find a proprietor and decided to directly ask the Marquis of Changyang for one to help him set up the tavern. As long as they had the recipe, they could open a tavern anywhere. The cost of living in the capital was high. While high-ranking officials could barely get by on their court salaries, if they wanted to live more comfortably, most families owned shops, estates, and land.

The land, usually in the suburbs, was leased to others for farming, bringing in some income. But the most profitable were the shops. In the capital, where land was at a premium, the annual rent for a shop was substantial.

He brought the proprietor from the Marquis of Changyang's residence and immediately bought a shop. It wasn't in the prime location of the capital, so the price was reasonable. He handed the recipe to the proprietor and left him to handle the rest, while he focused on checking the accounts.

The proprietor said, "Second Young Master, I'll get right on it."

Perhaps Mr. Yu had said something, as the proprietor understood Yu Lanyi's temperament and took care of the matter himself, ensuring the second young master would profit. Once the wine was ready, the tavern would be up and running.

Yu Lanyi said, "To open a shop, you need a place, people, and money."

Jin Yun nodded approvingly, "The young master is absolutely right."

Yu Lanyi raised his chin proudly, "I figured this out a long time ago."

As he stepped out, he ran into Zheng Qingyin, who had come to oversee the workers decorating the shop. The shop would soon become a fabric store, with a few workers hired to handle the weaving. They would start small and, once they gained a reputation, rent a larger shop and hire more weavers.

He is not greedy for big things. Previously in Xinfeng County, the local government officials helped with the land and decoration. Now, all these matters, big and small, are handled by him. It’s tiring, but it’s also a great way to learn. He enjoys this and just wants to hire more young masters and lads to work, making the shop really lively and bustling.

Yu Lanyi saw Zheng Qingyin directing the workers and scolded them to redo the work when he noticed something was not done properly.

He seemed to have never seen Zheng Qingyin like this before and was momentarily staring in awe.

"Second sister-in-law, why are you here?" Zheng Qingyin smiled upon seeing him.

Zheng Qingyin pulled Yu Lanyi aside, his cheeks slightly pink, and said, "Second brother said that others might look down on me because I'm a young master. He came with me to hire workers and privately warned me not to be too kind to them, not to be too soft-spoken. Otherwise, the workers might see me as easy to bully and do their work carelessly, not taking my matters seriously. If there's anything unsatisfactory, I should speak up, or else after the work is done, it would be hard to call the workers back to redo it, and I might end up eating a silent loss."

Yu Lanyi was astonished: "Zheng Shanci knows everything."

Zheng Qingyin laughed, his skin fair, his laughter natural, not covering his mouth and nose, revealing his white teeth.

Shi Xuan had just bought books from the bookstore. Despite the surrounding noise, he still heard Zheng Qingyin's laughter. He turned his head to look, only seeing Zheng Qingyin's soft profile and shoulders, not his face. Zheng Qingyin, holding Yu Lanyi's hand, walked away laughing.

Shi Xuan couldn't follow. He just looked up, his dark eyes watching Zheng Qingyin's back. He wasn't interested in the people and affairs of the capital and didn't know which family's young master he was. He asked the attendant behind him, "Do you see which family's young master that is?"

The attendant glanced and immediately saw Yu Lanyi, hesitating to speak, "Third Young Master, Young Master Yu is already wed."

The third young master is a devout Buddhist. The master and mistress have been worried about the third young master's marriage for days, but surely he couldn’t possibly have a crush on Young Master Yu. The young master has finally found peace in his study of Buddhism.

Shi Xuan was speechless, "I meant the one next to Young Master Yu. What do you take me for?"