Chapter 110: We’re Having a Baby

Chapter 110: Embroidering Shoe Pads

Yu Lanyi was careful this time, wrapping all ten of his fingers with gauze so that the needle wouldn't prick his flesh. He thought he was being clever.

Jin Yun was speechless.

Yu Lanyi huffed and puffed as he embroidered the shoe pads, but he got tired after less than a quarter of an hour.

"Let's take a break before we continue. This is too difficult."

In the end, he rested for an entire day.

Minister Lei went to the Ministry of Revenue early this morning to review Zheng Shanci's model and found it surprisingly feasible. He filled in several sets of numbers to verify, and the results were not far off. He was astonished.

He then filled in this year's numbers, but since the budget hadn't been calculated yet, he didn't know the final outcome. Minister Lei didn't publicize this matter, planning to report it only after this year's budget was verified.

These days, the officials in the Ministry of Revenue had no time to rest, except for a brief nap after lunch. Zheng Shanci brewed a pot of goji berry and black tea, carrying his teacup and sipping from it occasionally.

The winter chill was biting, and drinking hot tea warmed him up. Their office had a charcoal brazier, so the room was still warm.

After a busy morning, Zheng Shanci stood up to go to the dining hall for lunch. Today's lunch featured braised pork, a dish Zheng Shanci loved. The soup was pumpkin soup.

His friends were all dressed in thick clothes, and Zheng Shanci ate with his head down.

Shi Xuan buried himself in his meal. The Ministry of Rites was just as busy as the Ministry of Revenue. As the Director of the Board of Rites, he had even more responsibilities, especially with the annual palace banquet during the New Year, which required the attendance of all officials of the fifth rank and above, who could also bring their families. They had to plan the seating carefully.

Zheng Shanci ate slowly and meticulously. Watching him eat was a feast for the eyes, as if eating itself was a pleasure.

Cui Ziqi and Du Ning were deep in conversation, talking about matters in the Ministry of Justice.

The Ministry of Justice didn't have much to do except compile a list of this year's prisoners and submit them to the cabinet. They could wait for the New Year holiday.

After finishing his meal, Zheng Shanci headed to his desk for a quick nap.

In the afternoon, like all the officials in the Ministry of Revenue, he continued to organize and calculate. After several days, they finally wrapped up next year's budget.

A look of relief finally crossed Minister Lei's face. "Alright, the budget is done. The only task left this year is to distribute the salaries to the court officials. Now, everyone can go home and rest."

After all the officials left, Minister Lei used Zheng Shanci's model to verify the numbers again, and the results were not far off.

"This kid really has a good mind," Minister Lei thought. He would write a memorial to Emperor Wuming tonight.

These past few days had taken a toll on his health.

Zheng Shanci stepped out of the carriage, shoulders hunched against the cold. He had returned a bit earlier this time. The candlelight in the room was still on, and Zheng Shanci pushed the door open. The gentle glow of the candlelight illuminated Yu Lanyi, and Zheng Shanci saw him holding a needle, embroidering a shoe pad.

Zheng Shanci: "..."

Yu Lanyi saw him return and commanded, "Get me an orange. Peel it for me."

Zheng Shanci hung his official hat on the coat rack, sat down, peeled an orange, and handed it to Yu Lanyi, sneaking a slice for himself. The sourness made his teeth tingle.

He didn't dare to eat any more and got up to wash up.

Yu Lanyi was enjoying his orange, and by the time Zheng Shanci came out of the bathroom, the orange was already finished. Yu Lanyi had been embroidering the shoe pads these past few days and had nearly finished one.

Zheng Shanci wanted to peek, but Yu Lanyi covered it up. "You'll see it when it's finished. Don't look now."

"Alright. Don't stay up embroidering tonight," Zheng Shanci said as he lay down on the bed. "I'm off tomorrow."

Yu Lanyi, upon hearing Zheng Shanci's words, happily threw his needlework aside. He lay down beside Zheng Shanci, his eyes wide and lively.

"But tomorrow is your day off, and there’s nothing we can do tonight."

Zheng Shanci could only lightly pat Yu Lanyi.

"Ah, your hands are rough again, the light calluses are so itchy," Yu Lanyi said, reaching out to grab something from the bedside table. "Help me with this."

Zheng Shanci saw it was an account book and felt his mind go numb. He had been crunching numbers at the Ministry of Revenue, and now he had to do it at home too.

Zheng Shanci smiled and agreed to help his partner finish the accounts.

By the time he finished, Yu Lanyi had already fallen asleep. His long eyelashes rested as Zheng Shanci tucked him in and put the account book away. Maybe because he had the next day off, he didn’t feel tired tonight and didn’t need to wake early for court.

Zheng Shanci took Yu Lanyi's basket, which contained the insoles he was embroidering. Zheng Shanci thought for a moment, then threaded the needle under the candlelight. He noticed a few mistakes in the stitches and needed to unpick and re-stitch them. Patiently, Zheng Shanci fixed the mistakes, quietly working on the embroidery for Yu Lanyi.

...

Yu Lanyi awoke feeling warm all over. He was nestled in Zheng Shanci's arms, his head resting on Zheng Shanci's chest, feeling warm and snug.

He didn’t get up; there were no older family members at home. He leaned comfortably against Zheng Shanci’s chest.

Zheng Shanci had an internal clock and woke up once at the time for morning court, but thinking he didn't have to attend, he went back to sleep. Now, the sun was well up, and he woke up.

He relaxed his arm around Yu Lanyi's waist, and Yu Lanyi said, "You're awake."

Zheng Shanci hummed in response, still holding Yu Lanyi’s waist. He flipped Yu Lanyi from his left side to his right, pulling him closer and nuzzling into his neck.

His voice still hoarse, he said, "Let’s stay in bed a little longer."

Yu Lanyi listened to Zheng Shanci's voice, his ears tingling with warmth.

The dark head remained buried in his neck, as if seeking affection.

The winter chill made Yu Lanyi reluctant to get up as well.

Zheng Shanci finally rose after resting for a while. When he opened the door, the entire courtyard was blanketed in snow. Yu Lanyi, wearing a cloak, stood behind Zheng Shanci, letting him shield him from the wind and snow.

The two headed for breakfast, which consisted of soy milk and fried dough sticks. Yu Lanyi ate a little and didn't want more, while Zheng Shanci ate two fried dough sticks and drank a bowl of soy milk. Seeing Yu Lanyi not eating, he asked.

"It feels too greasy," Yu Lanyi said delicately, "I don't like it."

Zheng Shanci asked with concern, "What would you like to eat? Should I have the kitchen make something, or send someone to buy from outside?"

Yu Lanyi shook his head, saying he didn't want to eat, just some jujube cake would do.

After finishing the jujube cake, Yu Lanyi went to warm himself by the fire and felt hungry again.

"Zheng Shanci, I want some sour radish soup."

"Also, for lunch, let's have pickled fish. Can you pick out the bones for me?" Yu Lanyi said, craving pickled fish.

Zheng Shanci instructed Wang Fu to inform the kitchen, then looked at Yu Lanyi with concern, "Lan Yi, your taste has changed. How are you feeling physically?"

Yu Lanyi shook his head, "I just don't like some foods anymore, maybe I'm tired of them. I only like oranges now, and they have to be sour."

Zheng Shanci said, "I'll have someone call a doctor to check on you."

Upon hearing this, Yu Lanyi's heart skipped a beat. Reflecting, he realized that in previous winters, his taste hadn't changed. Recently, he had been craving sour foods, had no appetite for other foods, and occasionally felt nauseous.

He clung to Zheng Shanci in fear.

"I should be fine, right?"

"You'll be fine," Zheng Shanci reassured Yu Lanyi, gently patting his back.

...

Ding, a renowned physician from the capital's Miaoshou Hall, arrived, accompanied by a medicine boy carrying his medical box. Both Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi were in the main hall, and Yu Lanyi nervously extended his hand for Ding to take his pulse.

After a while, Ding finally released his hand, "Young Master Yu's pulse is slippery, indicating pregnancy, already two months along. Congratulations, Lord Zheng, congratulations, Young Master Yu."

Yu Lanyi was stunned, "Ah?"

Zheng Shanci was equally stunned by Ding's words. Neither of them had anticipated a child, as they had always taken a natural approach to such matters. The sudden news caught them both off guard.

Zheng Shanci hurriedly responded, still somewhat flustered, "Lan Yi has been craving sour foods, Doctor Ding. Do we need any medication?"

Ding prescribed several doses of appetite-stimulating and calming medicine, along with some for fetal protection.

Wang Fu saw Ding out and went to fetch the medicine.

"Zheng Shanci, I... I'm pregnant?!" Yu Lanyi looked at Zheng Shanci, still in disbelief.

Zheng Shanci felt a surge of joy and grasped Yu Lanyi's hand, "Yes."

"But I'm not ready yet; I haven't even explored the capital much," Yu Lanyi pouted, "I don't want to have a baby."

"Well, it's good to have one, but I'm scared," Yu Lanyi recalled the many basins of blood water when his sister-in-law gave birth to Duo Duo, and he felt like fainting.

He buried his face in Zheng Shanci's chest.

Zheng Shanci patted his shoulder, "If you don't want to have it, then..."

"Let's have it. Duo Duo is so cute," Yu Lanyi babbled, touching his belly. There was a child inside, with ten months of pregnancy, and only two months had passed.

Yu Lanyi clutched Zheng Shanci's lapel.

The elegant and noble young master of the marquis's household was also nervous about childbirth.

"Don't be afraid, I'll always be with you," Zheng Shanci reassured Yu Lanyi, nuzzling him with his chin to show affection.

Yu Lanyi blushed bashfully.

The news of Yu Lanyi's pregnancy quickly spread to Zheng's father, Mr. Zheng, and the Marquis of Changyang's household.

Mr. Zheng went to the market to pick out an old hen, had Zheng's father slaughter it, and brought it over. He saw Yu Lanyi and immediately showed concern, asking if he was eating well and dressed warmly.

Yu Lanyi: "Father, I'm doing fine."

"This old hen is best for making soup; remember to eat it. Now that you're carrying a child, you must speak up about what you want to eat, so you don't go hungry. If you feel unwell, call the doctor. This is your first pregnancy, and the morning sickness might be intense."

Yu Lanyi felt dizzy just listening, only nodding in response.

Zheng Shanci said, "Father, I've taken all this to heart and will take good care of Lan Yi."

Mr. Zheng gave more instructions, which Zheng Shanci patiently listened to and noted down, in case Yu Lanyi might face such situations.

"Alright, let Lan Yi rest well," Mr. Zheng said, smiling.

Yu Lanyi was covered with a small blanket, and Zheng Shanci skillfully tucked him in.

Yu Lanyi: "..."

After Zheng Shanci and Mr. Zheng had left, Yu Lanyi angrily threw off the blanket, "I'm only two months along."

Mr. Zheng returned home, still feeling happy.

"Take the old hen over; this young couple is finally going to have a child," Mr. Zheng thought to himself. "Life is good now; they can just ask the kitchen to whip up whatever they want. The family has money now, and we don't need to be frugal. Back in the village, when we were expecting, having a steamed egg was considered a treat."

Mr. Zheng chuckled, "Our second son's husband is the young master of the Marquis's household, and Shanci is an official. They can handle their own lives well, and their future child will be blessed."

Hearing this, Mr. Zheng couldn't help smiling. They had worked hard for the sake of their descendants. To be honest, he had been worried about Shanci and Lanyi not having a child for so long, but now he was no longer concerned.

Lin Geer was busy at the food shop, and Zheng Qingyin was at the cloth shop. Both would return in the evening. In winter, even farmers stayed at home by the fire. Mr. Zheng wanted to buy some good fabric to sew a pair of tiger-head booties for the child. Tiger-head booties could be worn regardless of the child's gender.

They could be bought outside, but the ones made at home would be more carefully crafted.

Mr. Zheng went to the room to get cash to buy the fabric. He and Mr. Zheng had come to the capital and barely spent any money. Shanci had also given them some cash, which was more than enough.

While Mr. Zheng went to buy fabric for the tiger-head booties, the Marquis of Changyang's household learned of Yu Lanyi's pregnancy, and Mr. Yu couldn't sit still.

Mr. Yu paced in front of the Marquis of Changyang's residence, "I need to go see Lanyi right away. First, I'll pick out some herbal remedies from the storeroom to send to him."

Mr. Yu had Nanny Cao prepare the herbs, and An Geer also wanted to come along.

Mr. Yu and An Geer went to see Yu Lanyi. At that moment, Yu Lanyi was sitting by the fire in the room, not lying in bed but sitting on a chair eating tangerines. Zheng Shanci was peeling the tangerines for him.

"Father, brother-in-law, you've come," Zheng Shanci stood up to greet them.

"Alright, Shanci, sit down. I didn't have them announce me. I heard the news and went to the storeroom to get the herbs, which delayed me," Mr. Yu sat down and looked at Yu Lanyi.

Yu Lanyi swallowed the tangerine, "Father, why have you come too?"

"You're pregnant; how could I not come to see you?" Mr. Yu touched Yu Lanyi's head and then glanced at his belly, which still looked flat.

"How far along is Lanyi?"

Zheng Shanci said two months along.

"Only two months along, there's still a long way to go. Lanyi, if you're craving anything, just tell the kitchen. If anything happens, remember to send word to the Marquis's household," Mr. Yu went on and on, but Yu Lanyi couldn't keep track.

Zheng Shanci slowly took note.

An Geer also asked Yu Lanyi, "We can start preparing the baby's room now. Get everything ready so we won't be in a panic when the child arrives."

Zheng Shanci nodded. There was an unused side room next to theirs that could be turned into a baby's room.

Yu Lanyi kept eating and drinking, while Zheng Shanci started to feel the weight of becoming a father. Seeing that Mr. Yu had something to discuss with Yu Lanyi, Zheng Shanci felt it might be inconvenient for him to stay, so he excused himself and left.

Mr. Yu gave Yu Lanyi some more advice, and Yu Lanyi nodded perfunctorily, "Father, I already know all this. Shanci will remember it, and he'll always be by my side."

His words came naturally, showing that the two had a good relationship.

Mr. Yu didn't say much more, "Shanci will help you remember, but you also need to be mindful. It's not good to say this in front of Shanci, but now I need to talk to you seriously. Now that you're pregnant, you need to change your bad habits. You can't sleep so late and get up so late. You need to eat three meals a day at regular times."

"But I just want to sleep, and in winter, I don't want to get up even more."

Mr. Yu glared at him, "You still need to eat at regular times. Have someone bring breakfast to your bedside."

Yu Lanyi responded reluctantly.

An Geer said, "Lan Yi, what Dad said is right. This is your first pregnancy, so you should take good care of your health."

Yu Lanyi replied, "I know, sis. I'll listen to you."

"And don't go horseback riding anymore," Father Yu added, clearly aware of Yu Lanyi's hobbies.

Yu Lanyi could only nod.

Zheng Shanci waited until Father Yu said he was leaving before escorting them out.

Father Yu stood at the door, his expression softening as he looked at Zheng Shanci. "Lan Yi has a spoiled personality, and it's thanks to your tolerance. Now that he's pregnant, he might become even more sensitive. You'll need to take on more responsibility. He's never faced much hardship in his life, and this pregnancy is a challenge for him. Please be considerate of him, my son-in-law."

Zheng Shanci cupped his hands respectfully. "Father, you're too kind. Having a child isn't Lan Yi's responsibility only. I will take good care of him, so please rest assured. I love Lan Yi's spoiled side. He treats me with sincerity, and I give it back in kind. There's nothing to worry about—it's what I should do."

Father Yu and An Geer got into the carriage. Father Yu lifted the curtain and saw the bustling crowd outside. He let the curtain fall, feeling relieved.

At lunch, Zheng Shanci picked out the fish bones for Yu Lanyi, whose eyes lit up with joy.

He ate fish and drank two bowls of fish soup. The soup was delicious and slightly sour, which made him hungry. He ate two bowls of rice for lunch.

When it was time to sleep at night, Zheng Shanci was careful not to let his arm rest on Yu Lanyi's belly. Yu Lanyi didn't notice Zheng Shanci's consideration; he simply nestled his head in Zheng Shanci's chest and slept soundly.

Yu Lanyi had a subtle, sweet fragrance. Zheng Shanci gently touched his head, smiling at his carefree expression.

Outside the window, the snow started coming down hard.

...

At the suburban estate

Yu Shiyan's stomach started hurting. Shi Xia went to get the midwife, but in this urgent situation, the midwife was nowhere to be found. Yu Shiyan was in severe pain, and someone had already gone to seek help from the neighbors or ride into the city to find a doctor. Help was too far away to be of any use. Yu Shiyan bit down on a cloth strip, his forehead drenched in sweat.

Ye Yunchu, who was also there on his day off, had bloodshot eyes. "Hurry and find someone!"

"Shi Xia, go prepare..." Yu Shiyan bit his lower lip, deciding to deliver the baby himself.

He was determined to bring this child into the world—a child connected to him by blood, one he had carried for ten months.

"Young Master..." Shi Xia was frantic.

The cloth strip was soaked with his saliva. Yu Shiyan, pale-faced, asked the servants for help.

After the baby was born, Yu Shiyan fainted. Ye Yunchu was terrified, but the doctor assured him that the Side Consort was fine.

Ye Yunchu's legs went weak, and he nearly collapsed. He quickly pulled himself together and ordered his personal servant to find and capture the midwife.

Ye Yunchu, who usually looked gentle and polite in front of others, now looked terrifying, his eyes bloodshot.

The midwife was brought back. "If you care about your family, confess everything, and I might spare them. Otherwise, I guarantee your entire family will suffer."

The midwife trembled under Ye Yunchu's gaze, bowing her head like a servant. "Spare me, Your Highness. It was the Princess Consort who ordered me. If I didn't comply, my family would be in danger."

Ye Yunchu's suspicions were confirmed. He ordered his servants to drag the midwife away and teach her a lesson. He had trusted his people to ensure Shiyan's safety, but in the end, Shiyan had to deliver the baby himself.

He was utterly disillusioned with the Princess Consort.

The budget issue had been resolved, but the Ministry of Revenue still had pressing matters. Zheng Shanci assisted Director Duan in the distribution of officials' salaries. This was the final salary distribution before the New Year, and each official received an extra five taels of silver as a customary New Year's bonus. In addition to the silver, there were also rice, cloth, and salt. Officials had to sign for these items before they could take them.

Zheng Shanci helped with the distribution process for officials of various ranks. After a busy morning, the work continued into the afternoon, and by the end of the day, all the salaries that needed to be distributed were handed out. He had never personally entered the national treasury; the boxes containing the silver were brought over by minor officials, and Zheng Shanci couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret.

After distributing the silver, it was a traditional practice to attend a palace banquet a few days later. The New Year holiday in the Great Yan Dynasty lasted seven days, giving officials plenty of time to visit relatives and celebrate the New Year.

The Ministry of Works had made rapid progress on a specific project, having already completed two-thirds of a grain transport route to the border. It was estimated that the route would be fully completed by next year. Emperor Wuming was thoroughly delighted and once again thought of Zheng Shanci, who had presented the cement formula.

Emperor Wuming instructed Feng De to summon Minister Lei. He was reviewing official documents and saw Zheng Shanci's name on Minister Lei's report. His expression grew more serious as he read on.

"Feng De, go and bring Minister Lei here."

Minister Lei bowed respectfully to Emperor Wuming.

"Rise. Explain Minister Zheng's model to me," Emperor Wuming asked directly.

Minister Lei detailed Zheng Shanci's model for Emperor Wuming, who then calculated the numbers himself. The calculations matched expectations, and his expression relaxed.

The Ministry of Revenue's recent account books were clear and easy to understand. Emperor Wuming had previously asked Minister Lei about the clarity of the account books, and Minister Lei credited Zheng Shanci's ideas. Assigning Zheng Shanci to the Ministry of Revenue seemed to have been the right decision.

"I understand. Minister Lei, you may leave for now."

Emperor Wuming pondered for a moment and decided to set the matter aside for now, planning to revisit it next year.

He first summoned the Crown Prince and the Second Prince to check on their academic progress.

Xie Cheng stumbled over his answers to Emperor Wuming's questions. Emperor Wuming wanted to sigh internally. He recalled being lively and sharp as a child. As for Xie Cheng's father, although he was the son of a minor official, Emperor Wuming reflected that he was intelligent and generous. The two had stood by each other from Emperor Wuming's days as a prince, through his time as Crown Prince, and up to his coronation.

Emperor Wuming looked at Xie Cheng's face and could not bring himself to say much. "Cheng'er, you must work harder. As the eldest son, you cannot perform so poorly."

Xie Cheng's face turned pale. As the eldest son, he bore more responsibility.

"Yes, Father. I understand."

Xie Cheng was already thirteen years old. Emperor Wuming beckoned him over and patted his head. "If there's anything you don't understand, ask your teacher. Do your studies well. The New Year is approaching, so you can relax a bit. Don't strain yourself too much."

Xie Cheng's body relaxed, and he affectionately nuzzled his head against Emperor Wuming's palm.

After Xie Cheng left, Xie Dan entered.

"Elder Brother, is Father strict?" Xie Dan inquired.

Xie Cheng replied, "Father is kind to everyone."

Xie Dan: "..."

Xie Dan entered the imperial study, and Emperor Wuming asked him several questions, none of which he could answer.

Emperor Wuming's gaze was as sharp as a knife.

"Father, I believe these questions are all from the Confucian texts in our textbooks. As a prince, I think it's fine to listen to them but not to take them all to heart. I have my study companions, and as long as they master these, it's fine if I am a bit more relaxed."

Emperor Wuming narrowed his eyes and ordered Feng De to bring the ruler.

Xie Dan, now eight years old, had his pants pulled down by Emperor Wuming and was spanked on the bottom.

He wailed in the imperial study, "I want Father! I want Father!"

Emperor Wuming's expression was inscrutable, "All your crying and wailing won't do any good."

The Second Prince's buttocks were swollen from being beaten by Emperor Wuming. He ran to the Kunning Palace, sobbing, to find Wang Fengjun.

He wailed in front of Wang Fengjun.

Wang Fengjun's temple twitched, and she stuffed a handkerchief into Xie Dan's mouth.

"Go and summon the imperial physician."

"Yes, Fengjun."

The imperial physician examined Xie Dan's buttocks, which bore several red marks clearly left by a ruler. The physician stood up to prescribe medicine, "The Second Prince is fine; there's no harm to the bones. Just apply some ointment."

The palace servants saw the physician out.

Wang Fengjun took the ointment to tend to her son.

Xie Dan shyly covered his little bottom, "I'm already eight years old; it's too embarrassing for Father to see my bottom."

Wang Fengjun was speechless and moved Xie Dan's hand aside to apply the ointment.

If you knew, why did you come to me?