Chapter 115: New Jinshi

Chapter 115 The Newly Appointed Scholar

It was a secluded rockery alcove, shaded by greenery.

Yu Lanyi, who had been seething with anger, found his anger melt away upon hearing Zheng Shanci's words. His eyes sparkled as he gazed at Zheng Shanci.

As an elder, Mr. Wei also felt deeply moved upon hearing Zheng Shanci’s words.

Stepping out from the shade, Mr. Wei said coolly, "Gossiping behind backs—is this how your families raised you?"

Only then did the noble youths notice Mr. Wei and his companions, realizing they had overheard their conversation with Zheng Shanci. Flanked by high-ranking officials' families, the young nobles were intimidated. Before they could even react to their fear, they were met with Yu Lanyi’s furious glare.

Getting caught gossiping—especially by Yu Lanyi—was humiliating. They still had some sense of shame, and now they felt utterly disgraced. It felt like a public execution.

Faced with so many witnesses, the noble youths stood frozen, lips trembling wordlessly.

Yu Lanyi memorized their faces, already planning to return to the marquis’s residence to report them.

Zheng Shanci hadn’t noticed them earlier. Now, realizing he had declared his feelings in front of so many people, the tips of his ears turned red, and his fair face flushed with embarrassment. Unlike the frozen noble youths, he stepped forward to greet Mr. Wei and the other matrons and lords.

Mr. Wei smiled. "No need for formalities, Lord Zheng."

Though flustered, Zheng Shanci couldn’t help but smile when he met Yu Lanyi’s bright, shining eyes.

"Since we’ve met, Lord Zheng, you may join us. It’s time to head to the main hall for the banquet in honor of the old madam’s birthday."

Zheng Shanci nodded lightly and followed.

The Wei estate was vast, and the main hall was already filled with many officials. Zheng Shanci looked around and noticed that all Six Ministers had arrived. Instead of strolling in the gardens, they sat conversing with Lord Wei.

By now, they had likely finished a round of discussions and were sipping tea from their cups.

Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi sat together, finally able to speak privately. Oddly, Yu Lanyi grew shy. He pinched the fabric of his robe over his knees, stole a glance at Zheng Shanci, and felt as though his heart swelled with sweetness.

Muttering under his breath, he said, "Zheng Shanci, everyone heard what you said."

Though somewhat embarrassed, Yu Lanyi was far more delighted than flustered.

"So what if they heard? There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Besides, everything I said was true," Zheng Shanci murmured in response.

Yu Lanyi let out a soft "ah," his fingers fidgeting and his toes tapping lightly against the floor. His face burned red, like a ripe tomato.

For the birthday celebration of the Wei family matriarch, most court officials and their spouses offered their congratulations, while the men conversed with their colleagues. Zheng Shanci raised his cup and clinked glasses with his colleagues from the Ministry of Revenue before ducking out of small talk to focus on piling Yu Lanyi’s plate high.

The sticky-savory chicken on the table was delicious, and Yu Lanyi ate quite a bit. There were also green shrimp, which Zheng Shanci peeled and placed in Yu Lanyi’s bowl. The tender shrimp meat, dipped in a mix of scallions, chili, and vinegar, made Yu Lanyi dig in eagerly.

"Get me the duck blood noodles," Yu Lanyi said.

Zheng Shanci acknowledged and went to ladle some for him.

Yu Lanyi loved slurping up noodles.

The others at their table watched as Zheng Shanci doted on Yu Lanyi, green with envy, and grew increasingly dissatisfied with their own husbands.

This time, Yu Lanyi left the banquet completely full. After toasting Vice Minister Mei and exchanging a few words with colleagues, Zheng Shanci prepared to return home with Yu Lanyi.

"Jin Yun, write down these people’s names and report them to my father and eldest brother," Yu Lanyi instructed before boarding the carriage.

He never forgot a slight.

"Yes, young master," Jin Yun replied.

"If I weren't pregnant, I'd have taught them a lesson myself," Yu Lanyi said through gritted teeth.

Zheng Shanci stepped into the carriage with a smile.

Yu Lanyi fiercely grabbed Zheng Shanci's collar and, under his startled gaze, kissed him fiercely. Zheng Shanci wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling him onto his lap for a deep kiss.

The carriage rolled on, the clamor of the streets and the sound of wheels against the road filling the air. Yu Lanyi's long lashes fluttered as he was nearly breathless.

Zheng Shanci gently rubbed Yu Lanyi's ear, calming his own urges before letting go.

Yu Lanyi instinctively touched his lips, feeling as if they were swollen from the kiss.

Zheng Shanci buried his face in Yu Lanyi's neck, holding him close.

Yu Lanyi reached up to touch Zheng Shanci's ear. "You're being clingy with me."

Zheng Shanci's laughter rumbled in his chest. "What’s wrong with that?"

Yu Lanyi didn’t mind—his heart melted. "We’re getting off soon."

Zheng Shanci helped Yu Lanyi down, and the latter strolled through the courtyard, spotting flower buds beginning to bloom in the garden.

"Spring has arrived."

The baby was four months along now. Yu Lanyi tugged at Zheng Shanci. "What names should we give the baby?"

He deferred to Zheng Shanci on this—after all, Zheng Shanci was brilliant.

Zheng Shanci pondered. "Jade—a gem of five virtues, gentle and radiant."

"If it's a boy, Zheng Shengze. If it's a second son, Zheng Zhuochen. If it's a girl, Zheng Yuying."

Yu Lanyi repeated the three names, finding each of them pleasing. He patted his belly lightly. "Your father has named you. Hurry up and come out—I’m getting impatient."

Zheng Shanci chuckled at his words. "You’ve been through a lot."

Yu Lanyi went inside and pulled out the baby’s tiny shoes and clothes. "Look," he said to Zheng Shanci, "his grandmother stitched these. They’re just waiting for him now."

Hearing the lift in Yu Lanyi’s voice, Zheng Shanci leaned down gently toward his belly.

Yu Lanyi let out a soft exclamation. "It’s too soon—he won’t hear anything yet."

Zheng Shanci knew, but the pregnancy was unexpected, and both he and Yu Lanyi were eagerly awaiting the child's arrival.

The adjacent room had been converted into a nursery, with a crib, a stroller, and good ventilation. The crib’s sheets, pillows, and blankets were made of fine, soft fabric. A toy chest held items Yu Lanyi had collected—whenever he went out and saw something suitable for a child, he’d buy it. By now, he’d gathered quite a stash.

If not for Zheng Shanci stopping him, Yu Lanyi would have filled the entire nursery with toys.

Zheng Shanci knew that once the child was born, Yu Lanyi would dote on him endlessly—so he’d have to play the disciplinarian.

At night, after soaking his feet in warm water, Yu Lanyi curled up in bed and handed Zheng Shanci a newly bought storybook. "Read to me—I can’t fall asleep."

Zheng Shanci tucked his hair behind his ear and agreed softly, adjusting the pillow behind him before beginning to read.

While they enjoyed their quiet moment, back at the Wei residence, after seeing off the guests, Mr. Wei spoke with the Wei matriarch until she grew tired.

She sighed. "The old days were better—just our family sharing a simple meal together. Now, with so many guests, entertaining them is exhausting. The household is fortunate to have you managing things—better than any bureaucrat’s son." Mr. Wei, born into a merchant family, smiled wider at the praise. "Mother, you should rest now. Leave the rest to me."

Madam Wei responded and, leaning on her maid's arm, returned to her courtyard.

To speak of Assistant Grand Secretary Wei, he was born into an impoverished scholarly family. His ancestors had once risen to the rank of Minister, but by his generation, the family had long fallen into poverty. Though they resided in the prefectural seat, their life was truly strained. Assistant Grand Secretary Wei studied diligently, while Mr. Wei came from merchant stock. Their union had been arranged by Mr. Wei's father.

Now, after so many years, Mr. Wei had followed Assistant Grand Secretary Wei all the way to the capital, and the Assistant Secretary deeply respected his husband. Once, someone had urged him to divorce and marry a scion of nobility, but Lord Wei refused.

Mr. Wei had even learned to cook for Assistant Grand Secretary Wei. On ordinary days, he would fix him a bowl of noodles, which brought Lord Wei immense joy. The Wei residence also housed three concubines, all meek by nature. Some were gifts from superiors—back when Lord Wei was young and without influence, he could only accept them, unable to refuse his superiors' "kindness." The other two concubines were women he had taken a liking to after gaining power.

Mr. Wei understood this was normal and thus got along well with the concubines.

Assistant Grand Secretary Wei returned to his room and drank a cup of hot tea. Speaking with those guests had required constant alertness, and only now at home could he finally relax.

Mr. Wei brought him a bowl of noodles—light broth, steaming hot, with a poached egg on top and sprinkled with scallions, a sight to whet the appetite.

"I noticed you didn’t eat much at the banquet. Have some noodles to fill your stomach," Mr. Wei said.

His face lit up immediately. Taking up his chopsticks, he stirred the noodles and began eating. He had eaten these noodles for years and was never tired of them.

Halfway through, he took a sip of the broth and then a bite of the poached egg.

"Eat slowly," Mr. Wei said, with tender eyes.

Assistant Grand Secretary Wei was well-mannered. At home, he followed the rule of "no talk at meals, no chatter in bed." He finished every drop of the broth, and Mr. Wei had a servant clear the dishes away.

"Yesterday, His Majesty sounded me out about the Chief Grand Secretary's seat," Assistant Grand Secretary Wei confided in his husband.

Hearing this, Mr. Wei’s heart raced. When he had first followed Assistant Grand Secretary Wei, the latter had been a penniless scholar. He had caught the eye of a Hanlin academician after placing as a Second-Ranked Jinshi in the imperial examinations, and through his own talent, he had risen to the position of Assistant Grand Secretary.

Now, with the Emperor asking him this, didn’t this signal His Majesty intended to make him Chief Grand Secretary?

Mr. Wei grasped Assistant Grand Secretary Wei’s hand. "Husband, if you keep your cards close, all will be well."

Assistant Grand Secretary Wei understood. He simply wanted someone to share his feelings with—he didn’t know who else to tell. If he spoke to friends, they might think he was boasting, and since the matter wasn’t yet certain—the Emperor hadn’t given him a definitive answer—it wasn’t appropriate to discuss it openly. This matter had weighed on him since yesterday, but now, after confiding in Mr. Wei, he felt much better.

Mr. Wei was sensible, and Assistant Grand Secretary Wei liked discussing matters with him. Mr. Wei had accompanied him for decades, witnessing his journey from a penniless scholar to his current status. He knew both his husband’s struggles and his glories.

Occasionally, Assistant Grand Secretary Wei had his dalliances—that he ought to have other women or sons besides Mr. Wei, given his high status now. And he had acted on it. But he soon realized those were fleeting pleasures. Only Mr. Wei gave him a sense of stability, only Mr. Wei had stayed by his side when he was still a poor scholar.

"Today, I heard there was quite a commotion over some joke?" Assistant Grand Secretary Wei, in a rare mood, asked about such trivial matters.

Mr. Wei smiled and recounted the incident between Zheng Shanci and the young blueblood.

Assistant Grand Secretary Wei pondered and said, "It seems Zheng Shanci is deeply devoted to his spouse."

What he valued wasn’t the depth of affection but Zheng Shanci’s good character—not badmouthing others in public.

"I rather like them. Lord Zheng rose from the local level, accomplishing solid work. Weren’t you once a Hanlin bachelor? You even told me you wanted to gain experience in the provinces."

Assistant Grand Secretary Wei didn’t recall when he had said this to Mr. Wei, but it was true he had wanted provincial experience. He chuckled at Mr. Wei’s words. "I did say that before. Zheng Shanci is indeed a fine young man."

It was truly the power of pillow talk. Before, Assistant Grand Secretary Wei had heard Zheng Shanci’s name but paid it no mind. Today, after Mr. Wei mentioned him and connected Zheng Shanci’s deeds to his own youthful desire for provincial experience, Assistant Grand Secretary Wei suddenly remembered Zheng Shanci clearly.

The young blueblood who had badmouthed Yu Lanyi returned home dejected. His parents had been at the banquet and, upon learning their son had been so insolent as to insult another man’s spouse in public, were furious.

This was truly as foolish as a pig.

Not only had he said such things, but he had done so in front of Mr. Wei and a gathering of ladies and husbands—even the person in question had been present. It was nothing short of handing his enemies ammunition, offending the Marquis of Changyang’s household in the process, and leaving an impression as a gossip in the eyes of high-ranking officials’ wives.

The young blueblood returned home to a tongue-lashing from his parents.

A few days later, he was even ambushed and beaten on the street with a sack thrown over his head, with no clue who to complain to.

...

Zheng Shanci arrived at the Ministry of Revenue and continued sorting through household registers. The household registers at the Ministry of Revenue also had another name—Yellow Registers. With yellow silk or cloth covers, they recorded each household's population, gender, age, marital status, landholdings, and assets. The process of compiling the Yellow Registers was complex. First, village heads would organize the records before sending them to the county office. Then, through layers of local government checks and reviews, they would finally be presented to the Ministry of Revenue, which conducted a final review before submitting them to Emperor Wuming.

Once Emperor Wuming had reviewed them, the Ministry of Revenue would file them away. Generally, they were sorted by date and stored, then further divided by the administrative regions of the Great Yan Dynasty. The court mandated that the Yellow Registers be updated every ten years. These registers were of great importance to the court, and aside from officials of the Ministry of Revenue, no other officials could access them without Emperor Wuming's direct approval. Even officials within the Ministry of Revenue required Minister Lei's approval to view them.

With so many Yellow Registers, Zheng Shanci wasn’t the only one organizing them—other officials from the Ministry of Revenue were also involved. Zheng Shanci delegated tasks for them to review together, as this year marked the scheduled update of the registers, and they were currently handling the new Yellow Registers.

At noon, when Zheng Shanci went to the dining hall for lunch, his head was still swimming with household data—how many people were in a family, how many children they had, the status of their landholdings...

Cui Ziqi patted Zheng Shanci on the shoulder. "Brother Zheng, what’s going on with you?"

Zheng Shanci smiled. "It’s nothing, just busy with Ministry of Revenue affairs."

"It’ll calm down after this rush." Du Ning was already accustomed to it—the Ministry of Justice also had its cycles of busyness. After handling the corruption case in Zhejiang, the Ministry of Justice was catching its breath.

The metropolitan examination had concluded, and now the palace examination was underway. Soon, new Jinshi would enter the Hanlin Academy.

Among their group, all had been in the Hanlin Academy—except Zheng Shanci.