Chapter 118: New Father

Chapter 118 First-Time Father

"Thank you, Lord Zheng." The midwife didn’t open the red envelope in front of them but carefully unwrapped it after leaving the Zheng residence. Her eyes lit up at the amount inside. Delivering babies for noble families meant one job could cover half a year’s expenses. The midwife was well-known in the capital, which was why Mr. Zheng had recommended her to the Zheng family for the delivery. It was rare to see a man like Lord Zheng accompanying his husband in the delivery room.

For noble families, gossiping about deliveries was strictly forbidden, so the midwife wouldn’t speak of it elsewhere. After all, it was considered inauspicious for a man to enter the delivery room. She had heard that Lord Zheng was young and promising, already a fifth-rank official at his age. No one knew what effect entering the delivery room might have on his future career prospects. The midwife pocketed the silver happily and left.

After Yu Lanyi gave birth, the servants of the Zheng residence tidied up while finally feeling at ease. Young Master Yu Lanyi and the newborn were both safe and sound, and they were genuinely delighted.

The kitchen prepared ginseng soup and lean meat porridge. After such exertion, it was best to consume light, easily digestible food rather than heavy, greasy meals. Now that Young Master Yu Lanyi had to undergo his lying-in period, his diet needed extra attention to ensure a full recovery.

Young Master Yu Lanyi loved dried persimmons, so the chef steamed a plate of them in a bamboo basket to be served later with the ginseng soup.

The doctor hadn’t left yet and prescribed some restorative medicine for Yu Lanyi.

Zheng Shanci thanked the doctor and had Wang Fu escort him out.

Jin Yun entered the room to attend to Yu Lanyi. With everything arranged, Zheng Shanci finally felt relieved of his burdens. He rubbed his temples and went to check on Yu Lanyi first, who was deeply buried in the pillows, fast asleep.

Jin Yun had already cleaned him and dressed him in clean, soft clothes, leaving him comfortable and refreshed. Zheng Shanci sat by the bed, adjusting the blankets around Yu Lanyi before stepping out to see the baby.

The child slept in the crib, tiny and fragile, looking both pitiful and adorable. He reached out to touch Xiao Ping'an’s hand—soft as cotton.

With the baby safely delivered, Mr. Zheng thanked heaven and earth and planned to visit the temple to fulfill his vow. Since Lan Yi was still asleep, he first went to see his grandson and ran into Zheng Shanci.

Mr. Zheng observed Zheng Shengze’s features—the little nose and mouth resembled Zheng Shanci’s. Though still wrinkled from birth, he would grow more handsome with time.

He called Zheng Shanci outside to talk, not wanting to disturb the baby’s sleep.

"I see there are wet nurses in the household. They must be from clean, trustworthy backgrounds."

Zheng Shanci replied, "They were sent by my father-in-law’s side—all reliable people."

Mr. Zheng repeatedly expressed approval. "Now that Lan Yi has given birth, the lying-in period is most important. He’s been through a lot, so you must take good care of him. Poor recovery can lead to chronic problems. With your household's means, the servants can handle the rest—just stay by Lan Yi’s side. In the delivery room, he called only your name. As long as you two live well together, we elders can rest easy."

Zheng Shanci said, "I understand, Father."

Yu Lanyi didn’t wake until evening. Seeing him stir, Jin Yun had someone fetch warm porridge from the kitchen.

"Young Master, have some porridge first. Lord Zheng and the Marquis (his father) are talking." Jin Yun brought over a cup of hot tea.

Yu Lanyi took a sip, noticing his body no longer felt sticky. He instinctively touched his belly—it was flat now, the weight gone, leaving him feeling lighter.

"Where’s the baby?"

"The young master is still sleeping in the nursery."

Young master—so it was a boy. Yu Lanyi wanted to see the child, so Jin Yun called Wu Shi, the wet nurse, to bring him over. The baby was sound asleep, and gentle movements wouldn’t disturb him.

Wu Shi, around thirty years old, had pleasant features and a composed demeanor. She carried the baby over and placed him on the bed for Yu Lanyi to examine closely.

Yu Lanyi exclaimed, "Why is this child so ugly?"

Both he and Zheng Shanci were exceptionally good-looking, yet the baby appeared all wrinkled.

Jin Yun said, "Young Master, the young master hasn't grown into his features yet. He’ll look more handsome with time."

Curious, Yu Lanyi reached out and lightly poked the baby’s cheek—so soft it seemed his finger might sink right in. He quickly withdrew his hand, afraid to apply more pressure.

The child was so small, lying on the bed, no bigger than a pillow. Yu Lanyi feared rolling over and squashing him.

>Please take him away now.

Wu Shi responded and carried the young master of the Zheng family away.

Yu Lanyi sighed in relief. The baby had been in his belly for ten months, only to come out so tiny—he could probably knock out ten of them with one punch. He’d only meant to think it, but it slipped out. Yu Lanyi covered his mouth.

Jin Yun stared blankly.

"The baby can’t handle that kind of talk," Jin Yun sighed.

"By the way, the master has given the young master the nickname 'Ping'an,'" Jin Yun informed Yu Lanyi.

"Ping’an—safe and sound. I like it," Yu Lanyi murmured, his expression softening. He thought of Zheng Shanci staying by his side in the delivery room, and his heart warmed at the thought. The servants brought over the porridge, and though Jin Yun intended to feed him, Yu Lanyi waved her off. "I’ve regained some strength—I can eat on my own."

He wasn’t some fragile thing needing to be babied. Having trained in martial arts with his elder brother in his youth, his body was sturdier than most. After giving birth, Yu Lanyi was even more convinced of the benefits of martial training. Once the child was older, he planned to hire a martial arts instructor to teach him horse stances and punches—anything to toughen him up.

After finishing the porridge, Yu Lanyi noticed persimmons on the tray and took one to eat. They were sweet, soft, and chewy—just right, not too sugary. He ate two before stopping.

"There’s also ginseng chicken soup simmering on the stove. If you’d like some, I can have a bowl brought over," Jin Yun offered.

Yu Lanyi waved dismissively, looking listless. "Ugh, more ginseng soup? I’ve had enough. If I get hungry later, I’ll just have some chicken."

"Jin Yun, let me see how I look," Yu Lanyi demanded, eager to admire himself.

Jin Yun handed him the mirror, and Yu Lanyi examined himself. His face was a little pale, but he was relieved. Once his confinement period was over, he’d train harder. He poked the softness on his stomach.

A knock sounded at the door.

Yu Lanyi’s eyes lit up. He quickly told Jin Yun to put the mirror away and pretended to be weak, pulling the covers up as he lay back on the pillow.

Jin Yun told them to come in.

Yu Zhangxing walked in, still in his official robes, his sword hanging at his waist, radiating a sharp, soldierly air.

"Greetings, Eldest Young Master," Jin Yun said respectfully, bowing her head.

Yu Zhangxing acknowledged her with a hum. As he approached, he noticed Yu Lanyi sneaking glances at him. "I was on duty at the palace and arrived late. Father said you were in great pain."

"How do you feel now?"

Seeing it was Yu Zhangxing, Yu Lanyi replied, "Much better. Now that the baby’s out, I feel lighter. You’re so busy, but you came anyway—thanks, big bro."

Yu Lanyi grinned happily.

Yu Zhangxing took a seat, and Jin Yun hurried to serve tea.

"If you need anything, just send someone to the estate to fetch it. Just focus on getting better," Yu Zhangxing said, handing Yu Lanyi a pouch. "Once you’re better, use this to buy whatever you like. I’ve been occupied lately, so I couldn’t visit sooner."

Yu Lanyi immediately took the pouch and hid it away.

"I know you’re busy, big brother."

A slight smile eased his usual sternness.

He chatted with Yu Lanyi for a while before the Marquis of Changyang and Zheng Shanci entered.

The Marquis, seeing Yu Lanyi in good condition, sighed in relief. "Zhangxing and I just came to check on you. We were afraid something might’ve happened."

"Glad both father and baby are safe," the Marquis said, reaching out to pat Yu Lanyi’s head—a rare move for him. "You’re all grown up now. Soon, you’ll be a father yourself. Don’t be so reckless."

Yu Lanyi turned his head away upon hearing the words of the Marquis of Changyang.

The Marquis of Changyang was used to it and couldn’t be bothered to comment.

Zheng Shanci saw his father-in-law and brother-in-law off.

In the evening, Zheng Shanci kept Yu Lanyi company with conversation until Yu Lanyi grew drowsy. "I’ll sleep first, Zheng Shanci. You should rest early too."

"Alright."

Early the next morning, Zheng Shanci headed to the Ministry of Revenue to work. Regardless of what his subordinates thought, they all offered congratulations, which Zheng Shanci thanked each in turn.

"Minister Jiang, thank you for writing my leave request yesterday," Zheng Shanci said.

"Lord Zheng, you’re too kind. It was my duty. Congratulations on becoming a father," Jiang Lanli replied with a smile, holding a document.

Zheng Shanci made a mental note of the favor. At noon, when he went to the dining hall for a meal, Cui Ziqi and the others also congratulated him.

"My husband went to your place this morning," Cui Ziqi said.

Xiao Gaoyang mentioned that Shi Geer had gone as well.

Du Ning felt gloomy—among them, only he and Shi Xuan remained unmarried. His family was still looking for a match for him, while Shi Xuan hadn’t even begun considering marriage. That guy could probably live as a monk forever.

After congratulating Zheng Shanci, Shi Xuan lowered his head and ate in silence. When Brother Zheng’s child celebrated the month-old celebration, he would send another gift.

As the group chatted, Mei Huai, unusually, approached Zheng Shanci. "Congratulations, Lord Zheng."

"Thank you."

Xiao Gaoyang, seeing him, pulled him over. "Why eat with Minister Jiang when you can join us? We always used to eat together." His gaze drifted toward the newly appointed Jinshi. The top three graduates had all joined the Hanlin Academy and now also dined in the hall, sitting together. In the past, Xiao Gaoyang, Mei Huai, and Jiang Lanli had always shared meals.

Mei Huai smiled and went to call Jiang Lanli over.

The two joined them so they could chat without restraint. Those without official posts were still serving apprenticeships in the Hanlin Academy—some would remain there for life, while others might be assigned to local posts.

"For the autumn hunt, we’re required to join the imperial retinue. My riding and archery are poor—I’ll probably make a fool of myself," Du Ning lamented. Civil officials weren’t expected to compete seriously in the hunt, but they still had to ride and shoot a few arrows. Even hitting a rabbit would be better than returning empty-handed.

The autumn hunt was where military officers excelled, while civil officials struggled.

Hearing Du Ning’s words, Zheng Shanci felt the same unease. He was no better at riding and archery, only able to clamber onto a horse and amble slowly.

But his husband could ride like lightning.

Zheng Shanci figured he’d just try his best and leave the rest to fate.

Xiao Gaoyang and Shi Xuan, however, were both adept at riding and archery. Xiao Gaoyang had always held himself to high standards, unwilling to lose to anyone, even in such skills. As for Shi Xuan, he had simply followed his tutor’s lessons during his studies. After the imperial exams, once he left the Imperial Academy, he abandoned riding and archery—though at the yearly hunt, he could still bag a rabbit or two to avoid total humiliation.

...

When Du Ning returned home, he found his father still tinkering with woodwork and went over to observe.

"Father, are you making another chair?" Du Ning could tell what he was up to.

"The chair in the study is broken. I want a new one. Store-bought ones aren’t as good as handmade—it’ll be more comfortable," Du Yue replied, sanding the wood.

Du Ning didn’t question why his father, now the Minister of Works, still insisted on crafting chairs himself. His father simply loved carpentry. Even Du Ning’s childhood toys were Du Yue’s handiwork.

Then Du Ning got an idea. "Father, Brother Zheng just had a child, and I don’t know what to give. Can you whittle a little toy horse? I’ll give it to the kid as a present."

Du Yue's hands were steady as he merely raised an eyebrow, "You want to give your friend a gift, yet you have your old man make it by hand. You’ve got quite the nerve."

"It’s not like you’re not already making a chair—this little horse would just be a quick extra task," Du Ning replied without taking offense, treating it as a joke between him and Du Yue. "Besides, you enjoy doing these things. Consider it a way to relax."

Du Yue agreed, "Zheng Shanci already has a child, yet you still haven’t started courting anyone. Your mother and I are waiting for a grandchild. Don’t be like Shi Xuan, insisting on staying single. You’re the only heir in our family. If you don’t marry, who’ll keep our family name going?"

Du Ning covered his ears, sick of this lecture, "It’s not that I don’t want to—I just haven’t met the right one. If I did, wouldn’t I marry?"

With that, Du Ning helped Du Yue with the woodworking.

Du Yue gave a light hum and continued his carpentry. His son wasn’t the sharpest, but having Cui Ziqi’s support in the Ministry of Justice was good. Zheng Shanci, on the other hand, was a man who knew how to read a room. After submitting the compost and manure pills to the emperor, Du Yue had the Vice Minister of Works bring him in for questioning—he was indeed a promising young man.

Madam Du called the father and son to dinner, and the two washed their hands before joining the meal.

After dinner, Du Ning took his attendant and went to stroll the night market. He was likely influenced by Zheng Shanci’s new fatherhood, feeling antsy inside as his gaze lingered on a few young men.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to marry—he wasn’t about to lower his standards, having yet to find someone who caught his eye.

Zheng Shanci had been dispatched by Yu Lanyi to buy pastries. Since Yu Lanyi couldn’t eat roast duck at the moment, he only wanted freshly baked treats from a particular shop, so Zheng Shanci went to fetch them.

He spotted Du Ning loafing around on the street and tapped his shoulder.

"Brother Du, what a coincidence."

Seeing it was him, Du Ning smiled, "Since when does Brother Zheng snack on sweets?"

"These are for Lan Yi," Zheng Shanci said before exchanging a few more words and leaving.

Watching Zheng Shanci’s back as he walked away, Du Ning sighed, "Brother Zheng has both a husband and a child, while I’m still flying solo."

His attendant remained silent beside him—his solitude was purely due to being too picky.

Du Ning’s stroll eventually led him past Shi Xuan’s residence. Passing by the Shi household, he felt somewhat comforted. Though he hadn’t found anyone he fancied, at least Shi Xuan had zero drive to wed. He would definitely marry before Shi Xuan.

Zheng Shanci brought the pastries to Yu Lanyi while they were still warm. Yu Lanyi sampled one and found the taste just as he remembered.

"Ping’an loves sleeping so much—he can’t even keep his eyes open," Yu Lanyi remarked. Confined to bed during his lying-in period, he had Wu Shi bring Xiao Ping’an over in the morning. The baby had been sleeping nonstop, only whimpering when hungry before dozing off again after feeding.

Tiny, yet able to eat and sleep so much.

Yu Lanyi was astonished.

When relatives had children, they usually just attended the full-month and first-year celebrations. A one-month-old baby was still quite different from a newborn.

Zheng Shanci recalled that newborns typically slept about eighteen hours a day—nine periods a day by the old clocks. He gently tucked in the little blanket. The baby wore a patterned shirt, socks stitched by Zheng’s own hands, and tiny shoes small enough to fit in a palm.

Everything about him was miniature.

A perfect tiny human.

When Yu Lanyi was ready to sleep, he had someone take Ping’an away, dead scared he might roll over and crush the baby if left alone with him.

Following Wu Shi’s guidance, Zheng Shanci held his son for the first time—so light and soft it terrified him. Though he adored the child, he was still tense.

"Zheng Shanci, look how tiny he is!" Yu Lanyi exclaimed, though his eyes sparkled as he spoke.

"Give him time," Zheng Shanci reassured.

After Zheng Shanci left for work, Yu Lanyi had Wu Shi bring over the baby carriage. Jin Yun, too, was smitten with the baby at first sight.

Zheng Shengze had just finished feeding, and he started spitting up in his bassinet.

Yu Lanyi panicked at the sight of the spit-up, immediately exclaiming, "What's going on? Quick, call the doctor!"

Wu Shi took a look and explained, "This is common, Young Master. Infants often spit up at this stage. Just wipe him clean and change his clothes."

Still, Yu Lanyi insisted Jin Yun fetch a doctor. The doctor also confirmed it was a normal occurrence.

Yu Lanyi finally relaxed, his heart settling back into place—his earlier reaction had been as if it were a life-threatening emergency.

Five or six days later, Yu Lanyi was still lying in bed reading storybooks, with the baby bassinet beside him. He glanced over from time to time.

After a while, when he looked again, he met a pair of large, watery eyes as dark as black grapes.

The child had opened his eyes. Yu Lanyi stared at him with wonder.

"Well hello there!" Yu Lanyi said.

The baby, of course, didn’t understand. He simply closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

Mr. Zheng brought Yu Lanyi a bowl of wild mushroom broth. Upon seeing him, Yu Lanyi said, "Father Zheng, using the child's nickname Ping'an (meaning 'safe and sound'), he has opened his eyes!"

Mr. Zheng was overjoyed. He served Yu Lanyi a bowl of broth and had him drink it first before going to see his little grandson.