Chapter 125: The Temple of Marriage

Chapter 125: Temple of Matrimony

Yu Lanyi placed the hand warmer on the bedside table. "Don’t forget to wear it tomorrow. It’s woven with wool—very warm. Today, I went to the Golden Robe Emporium and bought two new outfits. When I saw hand warmers for sale, I bought over a dozen pairs. I sent pairs to both our elder brothers and their wives, gave some to Father and Papa, and even little brother received one."

Zheng Shanci listened, then gently squeezed Yu Lanyi’s hand and tucked it under the blanket to warm it. "You’re so thoughtful."

Yu Lanyi had always been especially susceptible to the cold in winter. Now, nestled beside Zheng Shanci, he idly toyed with Zheng Shanci’s broad hand in his own. "It’s nothing. Winter is harsh, but sharing a bed makes it much cozier."

Zheng Shanci relaxed, his nerves unwinding. With just a glance at Yu Lanyi, he noticed his collarbone bare, his chest pale in the dim light, and reached over to adjust his inner robe. Yu Lanyi, however, paid no mind. "Who cares if the robe comes loose?"

The bedding was warm, and Yu Lanyi lay lazily, unwilling to move. He didn’t even feel like reading his storybooks, merely dangling one from a lazy hand, his fingers numb with cold. In previous winters, he had preferred sleeping with socks on, but now, whenever his feet grew cold, he simply pressed them against Zheng Shanci’s, warming up quickly—no more need for socks.

Zheng Shanci thought to himself that with the inner robe loosened, his hand could slide right in.

He restrained his desires, merely turning onto his side.

Then, recalling matters of the textile workshop, Zheng Shanci asked, "Lan Yi, what fabrics are most popular lately?"

Yu Lanyi’s eyes sparkled at the question. "Of course I know!"

Yu Lanyi rattled off fabric trends, then tugged at Zheng Shanci’s sleeve. "Why do you ask?"

"Minister Mei put me in charge of three shops, one of which is a textile workshop."

Yu Lanyi: "So I’ve helped you?"

Zheng Shanci smiled and nodded.

Delighted, Yu Lanyi then said, "Zheng Shanci, you’ve read so many books—tell me a story. I don’t want to sleep yet."

On other nights, their bed would have been scorching hot. Since Zheng Shanci had the next day off, nights usually ended in mischief. But it was winter, so Zheng Shanci restrained himself.

Instead, he told Yu Lanyi a story, and before long, his husband had dozed off.

With a sigh, Zheng Shanci adjusted the blankets. In winter, if even a corner was left untucked, a draft would sneak in, leaving half a shoulder unbearably cold. Listening to the howling wind outside the window, Zheng Shanci closed his eyes.

On nights like this, curling up with his husband under the covers was pure bliss.

---

Morning arrived with snowfall. Zheng Shanci draped a cloak over his shoulders and headed to the nursery to check on Xiao Ping’an. The baby had just finished feeding and lay in his crib, staring at the ceiling.

Zheng Shanci lifted his son and gently rocked him. Xiao Ping’an cooed, clearly recognizing his father. His tiny hands grasped at the air, wanting to suck on his fingers.

But his hand was caught—no finger-sucking allowed.

Xiao Ping’an’s eyes reddened, his lip quivering in a pout, his expression uncannily like his dad’s sulky expression.

Zheng Shanci’s heart melted. He kissed his son’s cheek.

Xiao Ping’an babbled incoherently.

After playing with him for a while, Zheng Shanci settled him back into the crib and smoothed the little quilt. "Be good while we’re gone."

Xiao Ping’an didn’t understand, turning his head away.

Zheng Shanci left the nursery, asking Wu Shi to keep an eye on the baby, then returned to the bedroom where Yu Lanyi was already up, yawning as he finished a bowl of pork and century egg congee.

Besides Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi, Old Master Zheng and his husband, the elder brother and sister-in-law, and Zheng Qingyin would all be going to the temple together.

Yu Lanyi noticed the carriage was ready outside. He carried a food box filled with freshly baked pastries. The journey from the capital to Huguo Temple in the suburbs was quite a distance, and chatting while snacking on the pastries along the way would be delightful.

"I'll ride with Eldest Sister-in-law and Qing Yin," Yu Lanyi said, holding the food box.

Lin Geer laughed. "Perfect—us three can gossip the whole way."

Zheng Qingyin brightened—it’d been ages since she’d gotten to relax with her sisters-in-law.

Old Master Zheng and Mr. Zheng (the husband) took one carriage with Duo Duo, while Zheng Shanci and Zheng Shancheng boarded another. Zheng Shancheng's leg had healed significantly. As the two brothers sat in the carriage, Zheng Shanci first asked about his elder brother's condition. "Does your leg still hurt in winter, Brother?"

"No, it doesn’t. Used to feel like knives of wind stabbing clear to the bone, but now it’s fine—no pain at all. I can even walk steadily." Zheng Shancheng was touched that Zheng Shanci still remembered and explained warmly.

"That’s good. After all, your injury was because of me."

"Don’t you dare blame yourself." Zheng Shancheng laughed heartily. "Initially, I took the job as a servant in the Qiu household to earn money, but my leg was broken because I stood up against Young Master Qiu when he harassed your sister-in-law. The steward framed me for stealing and had my leg broken."

Back when we fled Qingxiang Village in a hurry, Zheng Shanci fell silent for a moment before saying, "If you ever want payback, just say the word."

Zheng Shancheng’s expression was bittersweet. He sighed and wiped his face. "Back when I was left in town with my injured leg, I was full of hatred. I sent servants to investigate the Qius, wanting to know how they were faring. If they were doing well, I resented them; if they were suffering, I felt avenged."

He braced himself for the report, heart tangled. His leg had made him the subject of gossip in the village, and being falsely labeled a thief had left him with unavoidable resentment. Whenever he visited town, he avoided the street where the Qiu residence stood, steering clear as if evading a nightmare.

Zheng Shancheng exhaled deeply. A charcoal stove on the tea table kept the tea warm, its steam curling upward. A plate of pastries and fruits sat on the table, and the carriage’s cushioned seats were cozy. The windows stayed sealed tight, with only the coachman up front, freezing his tail off.

"The Qius fell into ruin the first year I went to Xinfeng County. No one knows where they went. They were deep in debt, sold their estate, and still couldn’t cover their losses. Some ended up dead or crippled, and after being targeted by local bullies, they vanished. Some say they were sold off as maids and servants."

Zheng Shanci blinked. He’d never imagined the Qius would crash so hard.

"What’s left for me to resent? No use stewing in old grudges. I have a husband and children now, and we’ve moved to the capital—life is completely different." Zheng Shancheng spoke with ease.

"You’re right, Brother," Zheng Shanci replied, sighing softly.

Zheng Shancheng, however, seemed much more at peace.

In the other carriage, the kids nodded. Yu Lanyi opened the box of pastries, and Lin Geer marveled at the rabbit-shaped treats. She picked one up and took a bite—it was deliciously sweet. She scarfed down three straight until the sweetness cloyed, then sipped hot tea to cleanse her palate.

"If Eldest Sister-in-law’s a fan, I’ll send over a fresh batch."

Lin Geer accepted without hesitation.

"Today, we’re praying for blessings, but when we reach the temple, Little Bro oughta beg the gods for a sweetheart."

Zheng Qingyin blushed at the teasing.

"Yes, he should seek matchmaking blessings," Yu Lanyi joined in, teasing her as well.

Zheng Qingyin worried her sleeve, feeling both hopeful and nervous.

When the group arrived at Huguo Temple, a monk ushered them in. Old Master Zheng went first to pay respects to the Buddha, and everyone followed, praying for blessing charms. Yu Lanyi also requested one for Xiao Pingan to ward off evil and ensure safety at home.

Afterward, Old Master Zheng announced, "We’ll attend the abbot’s scripture lecture. The rest of you may explore, and we’ll gather for vegetarian lunch at noon."

The kids nodded.

Lin Geer and Zheng Shancheng took Duo Duo to pay respects at the other shrines, while Yu Lanyi and Zheng Qingyin sought matchmaking blessings, with Zheng Shanci accompanying them.

At the Temple of the Matchmaker, a love tree stood at the entrance, dripping with red-ribboned wish plaques. Yu Lanyi was excited—having grown up in the capital, his grandma and dad were temple regulars who visited Huguo Temple yearly. He’d grown up staring at this tree.

Now it was his turn to toss up a wish.

"Qing Yin, you go in first to ask the Matchmaker for help. Brother Zheng and I will hang the wooden plaques outside," Yu Lanyi said cheerfully.

Zheng Qingyin smiled at this and agreed, entering alone to seek blessings for love. Inside the Temple of the Matchmaker, there were men, women, and bachelors—some coming alone, others in small groups of sisters.

After offering incense, Zheng Qingyin knelt before the deity, his heart fluttering with shyness. His pretty face flushed pink, radiant as a lotus.

Shi Xuan had come to listen to Buddhist scriptures. While Mrs. Shi was engrossed in the teachings, Shi Xuan had heard them many times before. Though still interested, he’d rather skip the abbot’s lecture—he preferred returning home to worship privately.

"If you can't sit still, go ask for love instead," Mrs. Shi suggested.

Shi Xuan had never visited the Temple of the Matchmaker before, but at his mother’s prompting, he agreed and stepped out toward it.

Mrs. Shi clicked her tongue knowingly—her son must have someone in mind.

When Shi Xuan arrived, he saw Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi hanging plaques. He nodded in greeting to Zheng Shanci.

"Shi Xuan, here for love?" Zheng Shanci asked, surprised. He remembered Shi Xuan as a devout man who had never shown urgency in matters of love—seeing him here was unexpected.

Shi Xuan fidgeted a little upon encountering Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi. He mumbled a 'yeah'. "Brother Zheng, please continue. I’ll go inside first."

He gave a quick nod before entering.

Yu Lanyi watched him go. "Shi Xuan’s acting weird today."

He had known Shi Xuan since childhood—a steady guy, though his devotion to Buddhism had raised eyebrows.

Zheng Shanci chuckled. "Perhaps he’s flustered. He wouldn’t want acquaintances seeing him ask the Matchmaker for help."

"True enough," Yu Lanyi agreed. If he were unmarried and seeking blessings, he’d avoid prying eyes too. Noticing Zheng Shanci had finished writing the plaque, he took it.

"Let me hang it—I’m stronger."

Zheng Shanci smiled. "Alright."

Yu Lanyi’s cheeks warmed.

He tied the red ribbons of both plaques together in a firm knot and tossed them upward. They landed securely on a high branch, their names side by side.

The branch trembled slightly—and Zheng Shanci’s heart skipped a beat.

Their names, once unrelated, were now bound together. Among all the people of the Great Yan Dynasty, there was only one Yu Lanyi—only one person tied to him like this.

Fighting back a grin, he pulled Yu Lanyi into a secluded corner.

"Zheng Shanci, what are you—" Yu Lanyi’s words were cut off by a heated kiss, full of longing.

Yu Lanyi let him in, allowing Zheng Shanci’s tongue to entwine with his.

Even in the sacred temple, Yu Lanyi felt a rush of shyness. Breathless, he caught his breath as Zheng Shanci traced a thumb over his face, adoring every feature.

His Yu Lanyi—the one he’d yearned for all these years.

...

Inside the temple, Shi Xuan saw three kneeling mats. Following the crowd, he noticed Zheng Qingyin kneeling at the center one. His heart raced—he almost bolted, his ears turning red beneath his dark hair.

Instead, he stepped forward and knelt on another mat, whispering his wish to the Matchmaker. His beloved was here, in this very temple, also asking the Matchmaker for help.

Shi Xuan stood up, his throat tightening slightly, and spoke to Zheng Qingyin, "Young Master Zheng, have you also come... to seek a marriage match?"

Zheng Qingyin only noticed Shi Xuan after rising. Shi Xuan had refined features, with delicate, elegant brows and eyes.

"Good day, Lord Shi," Zheng Qingyin said after returning the courtesy. "Today, I came to the temple with my family and decided to visit the Matchmaker's Temple."

Shi Xuan didn’t dare look at Zheng Qingyin and mumbled, "That's good. Practicing Buddhism brings joy."

A hint of surprise passed through Zheng Qingyin's eyes. "It seems Lord Shi is quite fond of Buddhist practices."

"I do like it, but I have no intention of becoming a monk."

Monks cannot marry and must remain detached from worldly desires. That wasn't him.

Zheng Qingyin murmured in response, unsure how to continue the conversation. He lowered his gaze to the patterns on his shoes. The scent of sandalwood lingered around Shi Xuan. When Zheng Qingyin realized Shi Xuan had fallen silent, he looked up and met his gaze. His heartbeat suddenly quickened for a fleeting moment.

"A man of your standing should soon encounter a wonderful marriage."

After a pause, Shi Xuan's tone softened. "You will also find a good marriage."

...

By the time Shi Xuan returned home for dinner, his mood was still cheerful. Mrs. Shi was surprised. "I've invited an opera troupe to perform tonight. Come and listen."

Shi Xuan replied, "I'll return to my room for Buddhist devotion."

Hearing this, Mrs. Shi didn’t push him further. Her son’s fondness for Buddhist practices was already enough—at least he hadn’t become a monk. Neither she nor her husband wished to push him further. As long as he served well in court, they didn’t ask for great wealth or status. After Shi Xuan left, Mrs. Shi shared her thoughts. "I truly believe Xuan'er has someone in his heart. In the past, whenever I suggested he visit the Matchmaker's Temple to pray for marriage, he would pretend not to hear and flat-out refuse. But today, with just a mention, he went straight there."

Lord Shi chuckled. "That’s a good thing. Find out which family’s daughter or young master it is, and soon you can pay them a visit to help our son make a match."

Mrs. Shi sighed. "I’d like to, but Xuan'er is keeping it hidden. I don’t know who it is. Even the servants couldn’t shed any light on it."

Noticing the arrival of the opera troupe, Mrs. Shi temporarily set aside her son's matters.

Shi Xuan spread out paper, intending to copy Buddhist scriptures.

Outside the courtyard, the opera's melody floated in.

"Why are there earring marks if Yingtai isn’t a girl?"

"The earring marks have a reason, Brother Liang. No need to wonder. In village rituals and temple fairs, I’ve long played Guanyin. Brother Liang should focus on his studies—why worry about romance?"

"From now on, I dare not look upon Guanyin."

Shi Xuan had meant to copy scriptures, but when he snapped out of it, another phrase had been written on the paper:

From now on, I dare not look upon Guanyin.

The ink had bled through the page.