Chapter 120: Relaxed and Carefree

Chapter 120: Relaxed and Carefree

Cui Ziqi hunted two wild rabbits and even caught one alive, sending it to Lv Jin to play with. Xiao Gaoyang bagged even more game—three wild rabbits and two young roe deer. Du Ning shot two rabbits and a snake. Not knowing how to prepare the snake, he exchanged it for half a lamb leg.

Zheng Shanci sighed. It seemed his take was the smallest.

Fortunately, he knew the autumn hunt would still provide prepared food, with main dishes and side dishes laid out on the tables—one table per person.

Zheng Shanci took a small gray cloth bag and carefully packed away the rabbit he had shot.

After a while, the civil officials kept to themselves quietly, building their own fires to roast meat, mostly rabbits. Meanwhile, the military officers drank heartily, feasted on meat, and laughed uproariously, completely uninhibited. Today’s autumn hunt was meant for enjoyment, and the military officers were living it up.

Later, Yu Zhangxing brought over a deer leg—untreated and still raw—for Zheng Shanci to take home. There were also roasted venison, lamb, and rabbit meat, wrapped in large leaves, making two generous bundles that had good weight to them.

"Shan Ci, have some of this meat first," Yu Zhangxing said.

Zheng Shanci quickly accepted it and thanked his elder brother.

After speaking, Yu Zhangxing didn’t linger and rejoined the military officers. The moment he returned, they pulled him into their midst, chatting eagerly. Several young men gazed at Yu Zhangxing with admiration in their eyes.

The men and women were seated separately. Yu Zhangxing brought venison, lamb, and rabbit meat to An Geer, patting his shoulder and saying a few words that made An Geer blush and nod shyly.

This autumn hunt was the military officers’ stage, and Yu Zhangxing—young, handsome, noble, and the top scorer—was the center of attention. Seeing him treat An Geer with such intimacy left many green with envy.

The civil officials were envious too.

Zheng Shanci: "..."

Zheng Shanci: "Let’s all eat together."

"Thank you, Lord Zheng."

"Lord Zheng is so kind."

"This meat is delicious." Those sitting closest to Zheng Shanci swiftly helped themselves to the roasted meat.

Zheng Shanci couldn’t finish all the meat alone, and since it was already roasted, he took a bite of the venison. The outside was golden, while the inside was tender—so tender it practically melted on his tongue.

No wonder Lan Yi had said his elder brother’s roasting skills were exceptional—it wasn’t an exaggeration at all.

After finishing the meat, a few people still wanted more. Some imperial guards brought over raw venison, lamb, and rabbit meat, allowing Zheng Shanci to roast his own.

First, Zheng Shanci placed the deer leg into his cloth bag, then brought out his own bundle of supplies and began roasting. When the meat was nearly done, he brushed it with honey using a small brush and sprinkled cumin powder over it, filling the air with delicious aromas.

Cui Ziqi: "Brother Zheng, let me use some of that honey."

Zheng Shanci nodded and opened his flask, which exuded the rich fragrance of liquor. This wine was stronger than the one served at the tables. The court-provided wine was fine, but to suit everyone’s tastes, it was usually not too potent. The liquor Zheng Shanci had brought was strong, making it perfect for pairing with roasted meat.

In the afternoon, Zheng Shanci rode leisurely in the outskirts, not pushing for speed but ambling along on horseback. When tired, he simply lay down on the grass, letting the autumn breeze cool him.

Most court officials, except the elderly, had gone horseback riding. Among the family members, those who could ride accompanied their husbands. Yu Shiyan, however, couldn’t ride—he was always afraid of the dizziness it brought.

Ye Yunchu said, "Take this opportunity—I’ll teach you how to ride."

In such gatherings, high-ranking officials usually brought their principal wives, making Yu Shiyan, as a concubine, seem out of place. However, since Ye Yunchu worked at the Dali Temple, the families of officials from the same department treated Yu Shiyan with kindness.

Yu Shiyan agreed. He wanted to travel in the future, so learning to ride was necessary.

Ye Yunchu then took him to select a pony.

Several noblewomen sneered at Yu Shiyan, considering him merely a concubine who had won the heart of Heir Ye and even borne a firstborn son—positively indecent. A concubine oughtn't think only of themselves; though called a concubine, they're still bound to serve and kneel to the principal wife once she enters the household. By preventing Heir Ye from marrying a principal wife, he was nothing but a scheming vixen.

They harbored these thoughts privately, knowing better than to voice them openly and risk leaving evidence of their gossip.

Had Ye Yunchu married a principal wife, it might have been different. But precisely because there was none, their attitude toward Yu Shiyan became quietly contemptuous.

Yu Shiyan had once watched Yu Lanyi ride. Yu Lanyi's horsemanship had been trained under Yu Zhangxing's personal tutelage, while Yu Shiyan had been instructed by a tutor—yet he never learned. Back then, he'd been too young, his attention stolen by watching how Yu Zhangxing taught Yu Lanyi.

The tutor treated him coldly, sensing the marquis’s household held little regard for him. Terrified of mounting the horse, he once fell hard and developed a lasting fear of riding.

He always felt that when he fell, everyone was laughing at him—their gazes prickling like needles between his shoulder blades.

He dared not place his trust in the tutor teaching him, and even now, as he mounted the horse, he couldn’t bring himself to fully rely on Ye Yunchu. White-knuckling the reins, he hunched over the horse’s back, too afraid to sit upright.

Ye Yunchu grew concerned. "Shiyan, don’t be afraid. This horse is very gentle."

Yu Shiyan fought for breath. Was that the horse's pulse thundering—or his own? The world tilted drunkenly before his eyes. Slowly, he raised his head, instinctively closing his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, his sight expanded, unfolding a vista of distant peaks—a view entirely different from what he saw on flat ground.

He realized he hadn’t heard the horse’s heartbeat at all—it was his own, loud in his ears.

Yu Shiyan tentatively tugged the reins, urging the horse to walk slowly. He steadied his breathing, trying to adjust and adapt.

One day, he thought, he might cast off all trappings—even the capital—and wander freely alone.

...

As the autumn hunt ended, Zheng Shanci returned with a rabbit and a deer leg, dispatching them to the kitchens. Lan Yi had no tolerance for spice, so the flavors had to be mild.

He arrived home late in the evening. No sooner had Yu Lanyi spotted Zheng Shanci than he urged, "Quick, tell me who won first place!"

Changing out of his official robe, Zheng Shanci replied, "The Eldest carried the day. He even asked me to bring you the deer leg. I paled in comparison—I only managed to shoot a rabbit. I had the kitchen prepare the rabbit meat for you, and the deer leg will be roasted."

Yu Lanyi swelled with pride. "Eldest Brother is truly Eldest Brother. Ever since he mastered hunting, he’s taken first place every year."

Hearing Zheng Shanci had only bagged a rabbit, Yu Lanyi covered his mouth, biting back laughter.

"Next year, I’ll go hunting with you," Yu Lanyi said with a grin.

Zheng Shanci nodded in agreement.

When the rabbit meat was ready, along with the roasted deer leg, Yu Lanyi ate both, with Zheng Shanci joining him until nothing remained.

Yu Lanyi rubbed his distended belly. "I can’t keep eating like this once my lying-in period ends. I already feel like I’ve gained weight."

Zheng Shanci nodded—he felt the same.

Yu Lanyi glared at him for agreeing.

Zheng Shanci chuckled. "I’m about to get fat too."

"You can’t get fat," Yu Lanyi retorted immediately.

With an amused nod, Zheng Shanci relented.

Flushing pink, Yu Lanyi yanked the bedclothes over himself, ready to sleep. Seeing he truly meant to rest, Zheng Shanci blew out the candle and left, peeking in on Little Peace before seeking his own bed.

Half a month later, Little Peace’s month-old banquet brought half the capital's elite—mostly friends of the Marquis of Changyang’s household, colleagues from the Ministry of Revenue, and Zheng Shanci’s acquaintances. While Zheng Shanci entertained the guests, Yu Lanyi paraded Little Peace about like a prize.

Shi Geer, a young woman, saw the child and found him utterly adorable. She reached out to touch Xiao Pingan's hand, her heart filled with longing.

"What a beautiful child."

Lv Jin laughed, "You and Master Xiao could have one too."

Having just married Xiao Gaoyang not long ago, she was shy and easily flustered by such teasing, her face instantly turning crimson.

Yu Lanyi remarked, "Don’t tease Shi Geer—you and Cui Ziqi don’t have a child yet either."

Lv Jin replied, "We’re in no hurry. When the time comes, the child will come."

An Geer gently pinched Xiao Pingan’s cheek, his gaze tender. The child bore some resemblance to Yu Lanyi, and in certain ways, he even looked a bit like Yu Zhangxing. Another boy—An Geer’s heart swelled with affection.

The one-month celebration banquet was held at the estate, with everyone eating, drinking, and laughing merrily. Zheng Shanci was kept busy entertaining guests with drinks and conversation. All the gifts received were carefully recorded, as they would need to reciprocate with equivalent gifts when the time came. The capital was full of unspoken rules, and gift-giving was an art in itself.

Shi Xuan chose his gift meticulously. With the estate bustling with guests for the one-month celebration, Zheng Qingyin was helping the accountant in recording the gifts. The autumn chill was in the air, and he wore an emerald-green robe that day, his hair secured with a simple hairpin. His fair complexion and graceful demeanor were evident as he sat quietly, noting down the gifts—clearly a literate man.

The moment Shi Xuan spotted Zheng Qingyin, he felt a flicker of shyness. After having his gift registered, he lingered in the courtyard, sneaking glances at Zheng Qingyin from a respectful distance.

Noticing Shi Xuan standing instead of joining the feast, Zheng Shanci approached him. "Shi xiong, why aren’t you seated yet?"

Shi Xuan replied, "I’ll take my seat now."

The Zheng residence had arranged round tables, each seating thirteen people. Shi Xuan noticed Yu Lanyi holding the child for an unfamiliar gentleman to admire. The man reached out to play with the baby, completely at ease. At the same table was another man who bore some resemblance to Zheng Shanci, leading Shi Xuan to note this mentally.

"Du xiong, Cui xiong, let’s sit at that table," Shi Xuan suggested upon seeing Cui Ziqi and Du Ning still unseated, inviting them to join him.

Cui Ziqi and Du Ning saw no issue with it and agreed to sit there.

When Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi took their seats at the table, they saw no issue—after all, it wasn’t as if they couldn’t sit there. Zheng Shanci even shared drinks with them.

With no more guests arriving, Zheng Qingyin noticed a seat left for him and sat down beside Du Ning.

Shi Xuan grew anxious inwardly. Reciting a Buddhist prayer under his breath, he whispered to Du Ning, "Du xiong, my fortune is unfavorable today. I’d fare better in your seat."

Having spent time at a Buddhist temple, Shi Xuan’s request, though odd, struck Du Ning as harmless. He agreed to switch seats.

Du Ning teased, "Now Brother Shi can achieve detachment."

Yet Shi Xuan remained entangled.

Zheng Qingyin, seated next to Yu Lanyi, chatted with him. He noticed a different man now sat to his left but paid it no mind, merely nodding politely. As a court official, he couldn’t afford to offend anyone and cause trouble for his second brother.

Yu Lanyi surveyed the talented young men at the table. "Qing Yin, the Ministry of Revenue is a promising place. Many of these younger attendees have bright futures. Should any interest you, let me know privately—I’ll help arrange things."

"Second sister-in-law, this is Pingan’s one-month banquet. Let’s focus on him for now. I’m not ready yet. Besides, they’re all officials—why would they consider a farmer’s child?" He hadn’t been born into an official family and lacked the scholarly background of others. The strict etiquette of noble families seemed oppressive to him. Now that he was literate and had seen more of the world, his mind was no longer set on marriage. While he intended to marry eventually, he also wanted to venture into business.

Their conversation was hushed, and Shi Xuan couldn’t hear it. He turned his attention to the dishes instead. Noticing Zheng Qingyin favoring the pickled bamboo shoots, he helped himself to more. Taking the chance to ask, Shi Xuan ventured, "Young Master Zheng, you like pickled bamboo shoots too?"

Zheng Qingyin had treated the man beside him as little more than a breathing statue, so the sudden address startled him. He composed himself before answering, "Yes, I enjoy them. They’re quite appetizing."

Having broken the ice, Shi Xuan found himself at a loss for further words, inwardly berating himself. He made a mental note of the dishes Zheng Qingyin preferred.

Once the banquet concluded, Zheng Shanci finally relaxed after seeing off the guests.

Having emerged from postpartum confinement in high spirits, Yu Lanyi instructed the servants to clean up before returning to his chambers with Zheng Shanci to dote on Pingan.

"Zheng Shanci, look—he’s grown taller." He used to look like a pillow—now he’s a bigger one!

Zheng Shanci used a measuring tape and found that Zheng Shengze had indeed grown three centimeters.

"No wonder Father said babies change every month after birth," Yu Lanyi said matter-of-factly.

Xiao Pingan pouted, his gaze darting between Yu Lanyi and Zheng Shanci before focusing on the bracelet on Yu Lanyi's wrist.

……

While they were relaxing, Xiao Gaoyang and Shi Geer returned home. Shi Geer blushed shyly at the sight of Xiao Gaoyang and wouldn’t let him near her at night.

Xiao Gaoyang, having drunk a little, got a little bold and asked in a low voice, "What’s wrong?"

Shi Geer, teased by others, felt too embarrassed and simply said how adorable Xiao Pingan was. Xiao Gaoyang's Adam’s apple bobbed as he pulled her closer. "Then let’s have one too."

Among the group, Zheng Shanci had married early and was the first to have a child. After finishing the preparations for the baby's month-old celebration, Zheng Shanci compared the land records against the household registry and identified several discrepancies among certain families, which he then reported to Vice Minister Mei.

"Well done. You may go now. This matter ends here and has nothing more to do with us."

Zheng Shanci nodded in response.

He returned the land registry—these were classified documents—and the household register, both crucial materials of the Ministry of Revenue not to be casually viewed by outsiders. With a sigh of relief, he noted that the autumn tax collection had also been completed. Duties were assigned by region, each official overseeing specific areas, ensuring accountability in case of issues.

When things ran smoothly in the Ministry of Revenue, it was fine; otherwise, the pressure mounted. While the Ministry of Personnel was a promising department handling official appointments, the Ministry of Revenue dealt with far more complicated work.

Naturally, it was the most lucrative.

Zheng Shanci, along with Yu Feng and Jiang Lanli, frequently interacted with major merchants—many of whom were shrewd. One wrong move meant being pressured into accepting improper gifts. Fortunately, all three held their ground.

Jiang Lanli held out—his family had money, and he still had ambitions for his career. He didn’t want to be caught in a scandal with no way out.

Yu Feng was tempted but, seeing Zheng Shanci and Jiang Lanli decline, dared not accept anything either, thus maintaining his integrity.

Accepting a few bolts of silk to avoid straining relations was harmless, but taking anything of significant value would mean crossing a line.

Yu Feng had no choice but to follow the situation and, observing his superior's stance, dropped the idea.

This year’s autumn tax was increased by 10%, yet the people could still afford it. With good harvests and favorable weather, the tax was adjusted slightly higher. If next year’s yields were poor, taxes would be cut. Poor harvests were often tied to natural disasters, requiring the court to allocate funds for relief.

Managing the dynasty’s finances required careful judgment—adjusting taxes based on the people’s circumstances. The Ministry of Revenue also oversaw handicrafts and commerce, with some sectors under state monopoly and others jointly managed by officials and merchants. Currently, some of these operations were handed to Zheng Shanci.

Originally, Vice Minister Mei handled this, but underperforming shops were seen as expendable and delegated to Zheng Shanci—neither essential nor dispensable.

Recognizing Zheng Shanci’s competence in local governance and his decent reputation in running a few shops in the capital, Mei assigned him these matters for practice.

Zheng Shanci accepted the task.

While Zheng Shanci was busy at the Ministry of Revenue, Yu Lanyi, now past his postpartum recovery, had leisure to go out. However, his physician advised easing back into activity, warning against overexertion.

"This means no new clothes for now," Yu Lanyi lamented.

"But Young Master can still enjoy good food and ride horses again," Jin Yun quickly reassured.

Yu Lanyi brightened. "You're right."

That afternoon, he went horseback riding and returned in the evening to dine with Zheng Shanci.

He boldly helped himself to spicy dishes—rich and heavily seasoned. During pregnancy, he had to abstain for months.

Finally, he could enjoy flavors again.

Zheng Shanci chuckled and cracked open a crab for him.

Yu Lanyi sighed. "Now this is the life I deserve."

That night, upon returning to their room, Yu Lanyi shut the door.