Chapter 132: Promotion

Chapter 132: Ascension

The earth before the door is all dug up, yet there's not a single tile on the roof; fingers untouched by mud, they live in grand mansions.

Now they have their regrets.

Ding Xuan raised his glass to Lord Zheng, "Congratulations on your promotion, Lord Zheng."

Lord Zheng smiled and drained his cup in one go.

County Magistrate Jiang saw Lord Zheng’s official robe and knew that his former superior had been promoted from a fifth-rank junior official to a fifth-rank senior official. Indeed, Lord Zheng was no ordinary man. It had been three years since they last met, and County Magistrate Jiang recalled the day Lord Zheng left Xin Feng County, wiping his eyes with his sleeve, feeling somewhat melancholic.

He had mostly flattered his superior while following Lord Zheng, but even after Lord Zheng left, he still received a promotion. He thought he would spend his entire life as a registrar, but it turned out Lord Zheng had noticed everything.

After finishing their meal, they were about to head to the inn for rest when Ding Xuan hurriedly said, "Gentlemen, do you have time tonight? I’d like to invite you for a drink."

The accompanying officials understood the situation. They were all seasoned in the ways of the bureaucracy and knew this invitation was not for them but solely for Lord Zheng. This was a private conversation, which was understandable given that Lord Zheng used to be the county magistrate here. They declined Ding Xuan’s offer and bid farewell to Lord Zheng, returning to their quarters.

Lord Zheng agreed, and they moved to a private room. The room only had pastries and a pot of wine. Lord Zheng said, "I won’t drink any more, I’m afraid I’ll have a headache tomorrow."

Ding Xuan readily complied.

Besides Ding Xuan, County Magistrate Jiang and Tan He, along with Archivist Zhu, were also present, while Wang Fu stood guard outside the door.

"Lord Zheng, it’s so good to see you." Ding Xuan had many words stored in his heart, but once he was in front of Lord Zheng, he found himself unable to speak, filled only with excitement and emotion.

"Lord Zheng, we never expected you to be the imperial envoy this time," County Magistrate Jiang hastily said, raising his glass to Lord Zheng. "My rank is low, and I didn’t feel comfortable offering you a toast at the banquet. Now that it’s just us few, I want to toast to Lord Zheng. Since Lord Zheng has important matters tomorrow, you don’t need to drink."

County Magistrate Jiang finished his drink.

Zheng Shanci picked up the wine jug and poured himself a cup, draining it in one gulp.

Even though Zheng Shanci had said he didn’t want to drink anymore that evening, he still took a cup.

Tan He was also delighted to see Zheng Shanci, watching him with eager eyes. After becoming a Scribe, he had worked diligently for the county office. His affair with Young Master Qi had ended, and in recent years, Tan He had taken a new husband, living a stable and peaceful life. His salary as Scribe was enough to provide for his family, and before the new year, they had welcomed a child. He’d even moved his parents from the countryside to live in the county town.

Now that he held an official position, his parents bragged about him with pride. He had overseen road construction, and the people of Xin Feng County knew him well, showing their gratitude. His entire life had changed because he met Lord Zheng, and Tan He remained deeply grateful.

“Arriving in Qingzhou to oversee disaster relief and learning that you didn’t seek help from the prefecture made me very happy. It shows Xin Feng County wasn’t badly hit by this snow disaster, and even if there were issues, you could handle them yourselves. That puts my mind at ease.”

Hearing this, everyone felt a surge of validation.

Ding Xuan outlined his approach to Zheng Shanci, “We just applied your methods, Lord Zheng. At first, there were indeed disaster victims. We set up shelters, distributed congee from the county’s grain reserves, and had the Works Office assist the people in rebuilding homes. Since many houses had already collapsed during winter when you were here, this time, despite the heavy snowfall, the damage was manageable. We used cement for construction, making the houses much sturdier.”

Ding Xuan made it sound simple, but in reality, it required full cooperation from the entire county office. Zheng Shanci didn’t expose him, nodding approvingly. “You’ve done very well.”

Ding Xuan lowered his head, somewhat embarrassed, and shared a few more details.

After speaking with them for a while, Zheng Shanci patted Archivist Zhu on the shoulder before leaving. “You’ve always done an excellent job.”

Archivist Zhu watched Zheng Shanci depart, grinning from ear to ear.

He kept grinning like a fool on his way back. As an Archivist, he wasn’t even a ranked official and had no scholarly credentials, so promotion was out of the question.

When Zheng Shanci returned to the posthouse, Wang Fu brought him sobering soup. After drinking it, Zheng Shanci told Wang Fu to rest first, as he too needed sleep.

Thinking of Xin Feng County, his heart remained light. Zheng Shanci went to bed happily.

The next day, Zheng Shanci and his accompanying officials toured Xin Feng County. The visiting officials were amazed that, despite the backwater poverty, the people wore smiles on their faces, living stable, happy lives.

It was the season for spring plowing, and the villagers were busy in the fields. Ding Xuan led them around for a walk. Old Man Deng and his two sons were toiling in the fields when they spotted Ding Xuan and his entourage passing by, casting a few curious glances their way.

“There's someone in a crimson official robe—must be a big official from the capital.”

They were too far away to see Zheng Shanci’s face clearly.

Zheng Shanci spent only half a day in Xin Feng County before preparing to return to the capital. This time, he smiled and said, "There’s no need to see me off. Go back and focus on your duties."

He had come quietly and left the same way.

Leaving Xin Feng County, his mind felt clearer.

He still had to return to the capital.

Zheng Shanci had finished writing his reports, ready to submit them to the Grand Secretariat upon his return. The rest wasn’t his problem. On his way back to the capital, he would pass through the disaster-stricken areas again, stopping now and then to check in. Only after confirming that the houses were still being rebuilt and that the local officials had not slacked off did he feel reassured.

"Lord Zheng, over twenty houses have already been built here, and the remaining materials have been purchased. We’ll stay a while longer to make sure everything’s finished."

Normally, this would be the local officials’ job, but the accompanying officials were willing to stay until all the houses were finished before returning to the capital.

"Good. I will report truthfully to His Majesty upon my return."

...

Back in the capital, Xiao Pingan was learning to walk. They’d already thrown his first birthday party, and during the zhua zhou ceremony, he had grabbed a jade pendant—just like his name, gentle and polished as jade.

Now that he was one year old, he was being weaned and could eat solid foods. Yu Lanyi had wanted to handle it himself, but Jin Yun persuaded him otherwise, so he left it to the cooks.

Yu Lanyi had craftsmen build a special chair to keep Xiao Pingan steady, securing him firmly in place. At first, Yu Lanyi would feed him rice porridge, but now Xiao Pingan was attempting to scoop it up himself with a spoon. He’d stab at the bowl until he got some porridge on the spoon, then put the spoon in his mouth to eat.

Wu Shi looked after him. Considering Xiao Pingan was still growing, Wu Shi attended to him diligently, and Yu Lanyi decided to keep her in the household. Later, when Xiao Pingan grew up, Wu Shi could continue serving him. In big households, nursemaids often became trusted figures in their young masters' lives even after they came of age.

Knowing that Yu Lanyi intended to keep her in the household, Wu Shi became even more devoted to Xiao Pingan.

After finishing his porridge, Xiao Pingan refused to let go of the spoon, continuing to poke at the bowl or even tapping it with the spoon—making the bowl and spoon his new playthings.

Fortunately, the bowl and spoon were made of wood, so they wouldn’t break no matter how hard he banged or dropped them.

When the servant took the bowl and spoon away, Xiao Pingan’s eyes followed them intently. As the servant left the main hall, he even tried to stand on tiptoe to peer after them.

Yu Lanyi found it amusing. "With so many toys, he’s fixated on that bowl and spoon."

Hearing Yu Lanyi speak, Xiao Pingan, though not understanding, looked at him and called out, "Dada!"

Yu Lanyi responded and picked him up. Recently, the little troublemaker was getting heavier, but to Yu Lanyi, he still felt light.

"Pingan, remember your baba?"

Xiao Pingan tried to suck on his fingers, but Yu Lanyi caught his small hand. He tucked his hands behind his back, blinked, and said, "Dada!"

Zheng Shanci had missed the party for Xiao Pingan’s first birthday due to his disaster relief duties. After hosting the celebration, Yu Lanyi got tips from Mr. Yu and began teaching Xiao Pingan to speak.

Yu Lanyi was kind of missing Zheng Shanci. By the time he returned, it would likely be summer, and Xiao Pingan would be nearly a year and a half old.

Yu Lanyi set Xiao Pingan down on the floor, and the baby giggled and clung to Yu Lanyi’s leg.

His eyes resembled Yu Lanyi’s, while his nose and mouth took after Zheng Shanci’s. His skin was soft and pale.

"Lan Yi, I made some water chestnut cakes yesterday—they came out really good. I brought some for you and Pingan," Lin Geer said, holding Zheng Tongchu’s hand as they arrived. Zheng Tongchu let go and ran off to play with his baby brother.

"Little Brother!" Zheng Tongchu called out happily.

Xiao Ping'an let go of Yu Lanyi's leg and reached for Zheng Tongchu's hand, lisping sweet nonsense—likely mispronounced.

Zheng Tongchu was nearly four years old now, three years older than Xiao Ping'an. Zheng Shancheng was already considering hiring a tutor to teach him to read. Zheng Shancheng and Lin Geer ran an eatery, and they understood the importance of literacy. Even though Zheng Tongchu was a boy, they still wanted him to be educated.

"Wu Shi, watch over the two children."

Xiao Ping'an pulled Zheng Tongchu into his room to play. His room was filled with toys, especially the miniature siheyuan Du Ning had gifted him for his first birthday—his favorite present. It even came with three tiny figurines that could be placed inside the house, making it seem like they lived there.

Zheng Tongchu also loved playing with the little house and obediently followed Xiao Ping'an to his room.

Jin Yun brought a plate of water chestnut cakes to the young master's room.

Yu Lanyi had a cup of hot tea served to Lin Geer. "I’ve just gotten some Maojian tea. Take some home to brew."

Lin Geer accepted it gratefully. Only she and her father could appreciate fine tea—her husband and Zheng Shancheng couldn't fully appreciate it.

Yu Lanyi asked if they had found a tutor for Duo Duo yet.

Lin Geer smiled. "We have, and it was pure luck. An educated boy whose family had fallen on hard times. I heard about him at the eatery, and later, my husband and I went to meet him. We were quite satisfied—he’s clearly educated. We’ve hired him to teach Duo Duo five days a week, with two days off, starting with the *Thousand-Character Classic*."

Yu Lanyi nodded. "Good. He wouldn’t dare deceive you. If anything happens, just let me know—I’ll handle it myself."

He clenched his fist. Since Zheng Shanci had left, his life had been too peaceful—he hadn’t thrown a punch in ages.

Lin Geer laughed at his boastful talk. "The tutor seems like a very decent man."

When Zheng Shancheng heard they had hired a tutor for Duo Duo, he lay awake worrying. Lin Geer scolded him—having an educated boy teach their son was a good thing. If Zheng Shancheng was this anxious now, she wondered how he’d cope when Duo Duo married someday.

After seeing Lin Geer and Duo Duo off, Yu Lanyi felt bored again.

Jin Yun noticed his listlessness. "Young Master Lu didn’t send you an invitation? Why not go?"

"He just wants me to brew flower tea in the garden or go horseback riding. His invitation is for tomorrow—a trip to his estate." Without Zheng Shanci, Yu Lanyi couldn't muster any excitement.

This famine relief duty had kept them apart for so long, right during Xiao Ping'an’s formative toddler years. Yet he couldn’t blame Zheng Shanci—the Emperor had entrusted him with this duty. He couldn’t very well criticize the Emperor.

Yu Lanyi calculated—if things went smoothly, Zheng Shanci should return in a few days.

In the capital, aside from Yu Lanyi, the person most eager for Zheng Shanci’s return was Cui Ziqi. Nearly half a year had passed, and his manuscript was ready. But without connections, he had to wait for Brother Zheng’s return to submit it.

The annotated texts by Xiao Gaoyang, Mei Huai, and Jiang Lanli had become highly sought-after—so much so that court officials bought sets for their children, and some even read them themselves.

Chief Grand Secretary Wei purchased a set and occasionally perused it in his spare time.

With Zheng Shanci away on famine relief, Assistant Grand Secretary Wei had been promoted to Chief Grand Secretary. The new Vice Chief Councillor, Pang, was Wei's political rival from the Grand Secretariat. Wei was pragmatic, while Pang, born into the nobility, was inflexible and austere. He considered Wei hypocritical—always smiling but hiding a ruthless nature. Their political ideologies also clashed, making them like fire and water.

Wei understood this was Emperor Wuming’s way of maintaining court equilibrium. If the entire Grand Secretariat were united, the Emperor would lose sleep. After Grand Secretary Tang returned to his ancestral home, Wei systematically purged Tang’s faction with his own—though he kept capable officials.

Xiao Gaoyang excelled in the Ministry of Personnel and was promoted to a fifth-rank position as a Hanlin Academy Reader. As the zhuangyuan (top scholar), he had finally entered the Hanlin Academy. In a few years, he would be commissioned as chief examiner for provincial exams, after which he could rise further. Barring unforeseen circumstances, this was his path to advancement.

The Hanlin Academy was a training ground for future grand secretaries—most candidates for the Grand Secretariat were selected from there.

Not long after, Mei Huai was also promoted to a fifth-rank position as a Vice Director in the Ministry of Works, while Jiang Lanli rose from a sixth-rank Ministry of Revenue official to a fifth-rank Vice Director in the Ministry of Personnel. They had all been promoted once.

...

Two months later, Zheng Shanci finally arrived in the capital, now that summer had arrived. Without even freshening up, he first headed to the palace to report to Emperor Wuming.

He stood outside the Panlong Hall, where Feng De noticed him and called out, "Lord Zheng, His Majesty is currently speaking with Lord Wei. You can go in once they’re done."

Zheng Shanci nodded in reply. "Thank you, Eunuch Feng."

When Chief Grand Secretary Wei emerged, he smiled upon seeing Zheng Shanci, who then bowed in greeting. Feng De escorted him into the hall.

Seated on his chair, Emperor Wuming massaged his temples after Zheng Shanci finished his formal greetings. "Feng De, bring a chair for Lord Zheng. Lord Zheng must be worn out from the trip."

"It’s my duty, Your Majesty," Zheng Shanci replied, perching on the edge of the seat.

He gave his report on Qingzhou to Emperor Wuming and submitted a report through Feng De, who presented it to the emperor. Emperor Wuming listened while reviewing the document.

"Lord Zheng, you’ve done well this time. I’ve made a note of it. Go and rest now—your rewards will be sent to your home soon," Emperor Wuming said with a nod.

After bowing, Zheng Shanci left the palace and returned to his estate. He paused at the gate, hesitant to step inside. A gatekeeper caught sight of him and exclaimed, "The master is back! I’ll inform the young master at once!"

"Young master, the lord is back!" the gatekeeper shouted while running.

Wang Fu passed Zheng Shanci’s bags to a servant to be unpacked.

Zheng Shanci was not one for such displays, and his ears turned pink at the gatekeeper’s loud announcement. He climbed the steps and was finally home.

Hearing the commotion, Yu Lanyi stepped out from the courtyard. Seeing Zheng Shanci approach, dusty and tired from the road, he pulled him into a hug tightly.

It had been half a year since they last saw each other. Zheng Shanci wrapped his arms around Yu Lanyi, patting his back reassuringly.

"You’re finally back."

"I’m home," Zheng Shanci replied softly, warmth filling his heart. "I missed you every moment I was alone."

"So you forgot about me when people were watching?" Yu Lanyi teased.

Zheng Shanci: "..."

During those times, he had been preoccupied with disaster relief. Wisely, he kept that thought to himself.

With servants watching, he felt somewhat embarrassed. Yu Lanyi pulled him inside, where he had Zheng Shanci sit down and carefully examined his face, taking in how tired he looked.

"Get some rest first—you’ve had a long trip," Yu Lanyi said considerately.

Zheng Shanci nodded in agreement.

After waking from his nap, he freshened up. Yu Lanyi had the kitchen prepare chicken soup and a few side dishes, which Zheng Shanci ate gratefully.

Feeling better after eating, he realized how much he had missed home.

"You don’t know this yet, but the study guides from the bookstore made a killing. And now you’ve returned with another great achievement," Yu Lanyi shared updates from the capital.

"Much has changed in my absence," Zheng Shanci mused.

"Chief Grand Secretary Wei now holds the position, and Xiao Gaoyang and the others have been promoted," Yu Lanyi whispered. "Did His Majesty say anything about your return?"

The Marquis of Changyang had left for the frontier before Zheng Shanci, merely delivering medicine without much delay. Upon returning to the capital, Emperor Wuming rewarded him with gold and jewels. Ye Yunchu, back from Yangzhou, also received treasures. Still young, further promotion would have made him the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review—something Emperor Wuming deliberately restrained.

Zheng Shanci replied, "His Majesty said rewards would follow after my return."

Once he finished eating, servants cleared the dishes. Jin Yun entered and announced, "My lord, someone from the palace is here."

The two exchanged a glance, adjusted their robes, and Yu Lanyi, eyes sparkling, strode out with his head held high.

The imperial edict was delivered by a young eunuch: "By the decree of Heaven and the mandate of the Emperor... Zheng Shanci is hereby appointed as the Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, holding the fourth rank, concurrently serving as the Junior Imperial Supervisor, also of the fourth rank, tasked with instructing the two princes."

Teaching the princes was typically a concurrent duty. The Junior Imperial Supervisor was a fourth-rank position. This time, Zheng Shanci jumped straight from the fifth-rank Director of the Ministry of Revenue to the fourth rank. Besides his successful disaster relief work in Qingzhou, his administrative achievements in the Ministry of Revenue also played a role. Vice Minister Mei and Minister Lei both spoke on his behalf, smoothing the path for his promotion to the fourth-rank Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

In the Ministry of Revenue, the Director was a fifth-rank official, while the Vice Minister held the third rank. Since there was no fourth-rank position, officials usually had to gain experience in other departments before qualifying for higher roles such as Vice Minister.

Zheng Shanci hadn’t expected to jump two ranks at once. He and Yu Lanyi bowed in gratitude to receive the decree.

"Lord Zheng is truly fortunate to rise to the fourth rank and concurrently serve as Junior Imperial Supervisor—a plum assignment," the young eunuch said with a smile. The Junior Imperial Supervisor was in charge of the princes’ schooling. With only two princes under the Emperor’s reign, this role allowed Zheng Shanci to forge a teacher-student relationship with both. No matter which prince ascended the throne, the Junior Imperial Supervisor would stay a trusted confidant.

There were two Junior Imperial Supervisors in total, the other being Crown Prince Tutor Jiang, who had been instructing the princes for years. The Emperor had left the second position vacant, weighing the right choice. He preferred someone younger, and now that Zheng Shanci had emerged, Emperor Wuming gave him the job.

This made his appointment as the princes’ tutor fully legitimate.

Yu Lanyi instructed Jin Yun to slip the eunuch a money pouch.

The eunuch accepted it and led his retinue back to the palace. On the way, he peeked inside the pouch. "Typical of the Marquis’ house—such generosity!"

With Yu Zhangxing frequently in the Emperor’s presence, those close to the throne knew full well how highly Emperor Wuming regarded Lord Yu. Now that Zheng Shanci had also taken on the role of Junior Imperial Supervisor, the Marquis of Changyang’s household would stay standing firm even under a new emperor—an endless stroke of luck indeed.

Yu Lanyi wasn’t very familiar with the Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices but knew a bit about the Junior Imperial Supervisor. "Now you’ll be teaching the princes," he said.

Yu Zhangxing had been chosen as Emperor Wuming’s study companion, and after the Emperor’s ascension, he remained deeply favored. Now that Zheng Shanci was appointed as the princes’ tutor, he would grow even closer to the imperial family. Should a prince ascend the throne, Zheng Shanci would be a close ally.

"It’s all His Majesty’s grace," Zheng Shanci replied with a smile.

Yu Lanyi took the edict from his hands. "Once word spreads, who wouldn’t envy you?"

Who wouldn’t envy me?

Yu Lanyi lifted his chin proudly. From now on, no one would dare provoke him lightly. Zheng Shanci had risen from a seventh-rank county magistrate to a fourth-rank official. Yu Lanyi couldn’t help but imagine—if Zheng Shanci climbed even higher, he’d become a true figure of influence.

Then he and Xiao Pingan could ride Zheng Shanci’s coattails.

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices functioned as an extension of the Ministry of Rites, overseeing ceremonies and music while contributing to ritual systems. The Minister of the Imperial Ancestral Temple held the third rank, while Zheng Shanci, as Assistant Minister, was fourth-rank. The role was pretty cushy, freeing up time for him to teach the princes.

Zheng Shanci’s knowledge of rites and music was limited to the Book of Rites and the Book of Documents. He’d need further study upon joining the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Yu Lanyi recalled hearing about the Court. "It may be leisurely, but promotions are hard to come by."

True enough. The Court of Imperial Sacrifices couldn’t contribute much to state affairs. If Zheng Shanci wished to advance further, his focus would have to remain on the two princes.

It dawned on Zheng Shanci—could this also be Emperor Wuming’s design? Since Grand Secretary Tang’s timely retirement, Zheng Shanci had grown wary of the Emperor’s inscrutable strategies. He was a true sovereign, after all—a victor of the succession struggle.