Chapter 133: The Court of Imperial Sacrifices

Chapter 133 The Imperial Ancestral Temple

Zheng Shanci still needed to complete his handover at the Ministry of Revenue the next day before he could report to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Yu Lanyi carefully stored the imperial edict in a small chest inside the wardrobe. The chest already held three other edicts—two for promotions and one for the rewards bestowed by the emperor after Zheng Shanci presented the cement formula. Now, with this latest edict added, Zheng Shanci had a total of four.

Yu Lanyi took pleasure in collecting these mementos of their journey together. He intended to gather every imperial edict Zheng Shanci received, so that in the future, the two of them could reminisce over them together.

Xiao Pingan ran out of his room on his own, holding onto the wall as he toddled in. In his sweet, childish voice, he called out, “Papa!”

He had just woken from his nap and, after drinking some water, hurried over to find Yu Lanyi.

As he entered, his small frame barely reached Zheng Shanci’s knee. Noticing another person in the room, he tilted his head curiously. “Huh?”

Zheng Shanci, seeing how much his son had grown—now walking on his own—felt both wistful and exhilarated. He wanted to scoop Xiao Pingan into his arms but hesitated, afraid of startling him.

Yu Lanyi took Xiao Pingan’s hand and led him forward. “This is your father.”

Xiao Pingan stood uncertainly before Zheng Shanci, then tentatively reached out and hugged his leg. Tilting his head back, he gazed up at Zheng Shanci with bright eyes that mirrored Yu Lanyi’s, murmuring in confusion, “Papa?”

Zheng Shanci responded softly, refraining from immediately picking him up. Instead, he gently stroked Xiao Pingan’s head. The little boy pondered for a moment—it felt familiar, as if someone had patted his head like this before. Instinctively, he rose onto his tiptoes and nuzzled his head against Zheng Shanci’s palm.

“Pingan is already a year and a half old,” Yu Lanyi remarked, watching Zheng Shanci’s expression closely.

Zheng Shanci smiled and extended a hand. Xiao Pingan grabbed his fingers and began playing with them—five fingers were plenty to keep a child entertained for a long while.

“I missed Pingan’s first birthday celebration. I’ll make it up to him with gifts tomorrow,” Zheng Shanci said, turning to Yu Lanyi. “I appreciate all you’ve done, Lan Yi.”

Yu Lanyi scratched his cheek sheepishly. “About time you noticed.”

Zheng Shanci played with Xiao Pingan for a while—first with a wooden horse, then with a set of chess pieces. Though the boy didn’t know how to play chess, he enjoyed playing with the pieces. He also had a small leather ball.

When he brought out the ball, he seemed a little nervous in front of Zheng Shanci. Xiao Pingan managed to bounce the ball five times before it stopped, and he looked disappointed.

Seeing his crestfallen expression, Zheng Shanci crouched down, tweaked his chubby cheeks, and then lifted him into his arms. Xiao Pingan immediately glanced at Yu Lanyi for reassurance. When Yu Lanyi simply smiled without protest, the boy clutched tightly at Zheng Shanci’s collar.

Holding him felt steady, and Zheng Shanci noticed how much heavier he had become—proof of how much he had grown.

At dinner, Zheng Shanci watched with fascination as Yu Lanyi settled Xiao Pingan into his own little chair. The little boy mimicked the adults, gripping his bowl and spoon as he ate his mashed food.

Zheng Shanci’s heart melted at the sight of him eating so earnestly. He barely touched his own meal, his gaze fixed on his son.

“Eat before the food gets cold,” Yu Lanyi reminded him.

Only then did Zheng Shanci return to his meal. To celebrate his return, Yu Lanyi had instructed the kitchen to prepare a big feast. Zheng Shanci’s favorites—pork stir-fried with peppers, brown sugar rice cakes, and a bowl of pork rib soup with dates and berries—were all served.

After finishing his own bowl of food, Xiao Pingan was carried out by Wu Shi. Holding tight to his bowl and spoon, he toddled over to the main table. He banged his spoon on the bowl and called out to Yu Lanyi, “Papa!”

Yu Lanyi: “…”

“Go find your father,” Yu Lanyi said, passing him along.

Xiao Pingan was sent over to Zheng Shanci, who then fed him sips of soup from his own bowl.

The boy obediently took a sip. “More!”

After half a bowl, Xiao Pingan wanted to walk in the garden. He giggled as he ran off happily.

“Your son always wants to walk in the garden after meals,” Yu Lanyi explained. “After he’s played awhile, he’ll come back inside to play with his toys before going to sleep.”

It was still light outside, and Wu Shi accompanied Xiao Pingan to the garden.

Zheng Shanci watched as Xiao Pingan independently walked along the path, feeling even more wistful. He hadn’t had the chance to teach Xiao Pingan how to walk, yet upon his return, the child already knew how.

After the meal, Zheng Shanci went into the room to find Xiao Pingan, who generously took him to play with his toy courtyard model.

Zheng Shanci watched Xiao Pingan sleep and covered him with a little blanket. Xiao Pingan rubbed his eyes with his hands, then placed them at his sides, his eyes still bright.

"Dad?"

"Mm-hmm."

Zheng Shanci blew out the candle and returned to the room, where Yu Lanyi had already finished washing and was lying in bed. As soon as Zheng Shanci finished washing, Yu Lanyi immediately said, "Put out the light and go to sleep."

Zheng Shanci wasn’t sleepy yet, but hearing Yu Lanyi’s words, he obediently extinguished the candle.

He climbed into bed, still wide awake after his afternoon nap. Yu Lanyi noticed his lack of movement and glared at him before reaching out to touch his abs.

It had been a long time since he last touched them, and Yu Lanyi didn’t want to take his hand away once it was there.

A man ought to stay in shape. Yu Lanyi thought smugly—he had already developed six-pack abs, though two fewer than Zheng Shanci. Still, he thought his own were quite handsome, so having two less didn’t matter.

Zheng Shanci pressed Yu Lanyi’s hand down against himself.

Just as the two were getting into it, Zheng Shanci tried to pull back, but Yu Lanyi protested unhappily, "Don’t."

Zheng Shanci had no choice but to pause, catching his breath before leaning down to kiss Yu Lanyi’s collarbone.

...

The next morning, Zheng Shanci went to the Ministry of Revenue to transfer his responsibilities. The Ministry of Personnel had promoted a new Director of the Ministry of Revenue, a man of about forty. Zheng Shanci handed over all the documents and items to him.

The news of his promotion had already spread among the officials in the Ministry of Revenue, and they all congratulated him. After thanking them, Zheng Shanci also visited the three businesses he oversaw. The three managers were sorry to see him leave.

Without Lord Zheng, who else would be so understanding, allowing them to earn so much money?

Manager Yu hurriedly reported the ledger project to Zheng Shanci, "Lord Zheng, during your absence, the ledgers have earned a total of two million silver taels."

Zheng Shanci knew how much the national treasury typically contained—usually around ten million silver taels. Yet this modest printing operation alone had earned two million.

"I did say I would divide the proceeds with Lord Xiao, Minister Mei, and Lord Jiang."

Manager Yu replied respectfully, "We were waiting for your return, but then you were promoted." Though he was happy for Zheng Shanci’s promotion, he couldn’t help but feel reluctant about his departure from the Ministry of Revenue.

This was now his unresolved matter.

Following the agreed shares, Zheng Shanci instructed Manager Yu to convert the profits into silver certificates, which he would deliver to his three friends at noon.

He hadn’t expected the ledgers to sell so well. Since his three friends had trusted him so much, he naturally gave them a substantial portion. Regarding the porcelain workshop, Zheng Shanci added, "Commission more court artists to design new patterns. The same goes for the textile workshop—don’t stick to outdated styles. You already have the skills in porcelain and textile production, so focus on designs that appeal to people in the capital. Change them every season to maintain novelty."

The two managers acknowledged his directions respectfully.

Zheng Shanci took the silver certificates from Manager Yu and dismissed them. He then headed to the Ministry of Personnel to report for duty and receive his official robe and seal.

After verifying his identity, the officials at the Ministry of Personnel handed him the official robe and seal.

Zheng Shanci then went to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

As soon as he arrived, someone came to greet him.

The Minister of the Imperial Ancestral Temple (Taichang Siqing) holds the senior third-rank position, with two fourth-rank Vice Ministers, and two sixth-rank Assistant Directors under him. Only these three types of officials are involved in decision-making. Then there are two Seventh-rank Registrars, primarily responsible for recording and archiving documents, handling correspondence between the Imperial Ancestral Temple and other departments, requisitioning sacrificial items, and managing the daily affairs of the temple, including salary applications and disbursements for its officials.

Subordinate officials include Doctors, Harmonizers, Ritualists, and Musicians. Doctors and Harmonizers hold the eighth rank, Ritualists the ninth rank, and Musicians the deputy ninth rank.

As Zheng Shanci walked from the Ministry of Revenue to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the path grew increasingly deserted. Compared to the bustling Ministry of Revenue, the temple was deathly quiet. Located in a remote part of the palace, even in broad daylight, it felt somewhat chilly.

Assistant Director Leng, a sixth-rank official under Zheng Shanci’s jurisdiction, came to greet him. After performing the customary greetings, he said, "Lord Zheng, please set your belongings down at your desk first. Your subordinate will then show you around the temple."

Zheng Shanci nodded.

Assistant Director Leng guided him while explaining, "Your subordinate's surname is Leng, and my position is Assistant Director, serving under you, Lord Zheng. If there’s anything you need, you may entrust it to me. There is also another Assistant Minister Xie, whose temperament is rather unpredictable. As he is a member of the imperial clan, it would be best to avoid conflicts with him if possible."

Zheng Shanci found Assistant Director Leng’s words quite helpful. His gaze wandered around the temple grounds, where a towering tree cast a cool shade over the courtyard. A janitor swept the grounds, and the corridors were deserted, utterly silent. The main hall housed a majestic statue of the Buddha, its grandeur awe-inspiring with intricate carvings and paintings. Another area was filled with sacrificial robes and instruments, which gave Zheng Shanci an involuntary shudder when he glanced at them.

Though he felt the solemnity and sanctity of the place, his somewhat cowardly nature left him with a trace of unease.

"Lord Zheng, this is your office. There haven’t been many sacrificial ceremonies recently, so the paperwork is light."

After settling his belongings, Zheng Shanci followed Assistant Director Leng on a tour of the temple before meeting Minister Hu of the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Minister Hu welcomed him warmly, instructing a minor official to serve him tea. "Lord Zheng, consider this place your home. Our temple has few duties and is quite leisurely. As long as you complete your tasks and avoid any misconduct, we’ll all get along just fine."

Minister Hu spoke leisurely, clearly regarding the temple as an ideal post. Their work was limited to sacrificial rites and ceremonial music; the rest of the time, they simply clocked in for morning roll call, drank tea, ate meals, and let the day pass by.

Zheng Shanci acknowledged his words.

This was practically his dream assignment.

Returning to his office, Zheng Shanci met with several subordinate officials, exchanged a few words, and dismissed them to their duties. Assistant Director Leng handed him the day’s documents to process.

The workload was only a tenth of what he’d handled at the Ministry of Revenue. Though initially unfamiliar, Zheng Shanci quickly adapted. After finishing the paperwork, he set up his tea service on the desk. The window overlooked a grove outside, offering a pleasant view. To beat the summer heat, he had a minor official fetch hot water and brewed a pot of mint tea.

Moving from the Ministry of Revenue to the Imperial Ancestral Temple was no easier than moving house.

As a Director of the Ministry of Revenue, he’d had a private office with a small inner chamber for napping, necessitating the transfer of bedding, pillows, and other essentials. Now, as an Assistant Minister, he still had a private inner chamber.

The heavier items had been transported by clerks, along with spare clothing stored in the inner chamber. Zheng Shanci tidied up swiftly and made his way to the mess hall for the midday meal by noon.

It had been half a year since he’d last visited the dining hall. After getting his meal, Zheng Shanci found an empty table. Soon, Xiao Gaoyang joined him. "Brother Zheng, it really is you! Congratulations on your promotion."

Zheng Shanci thanked him.

Once his friends had gathered, he took out the banknotes from his pocket and distributed them to Xiao Gaoyang, Mei Huai, and Jiang Lanli.

"As promised, here’s your share of the profits from the past six months," Zheng Shanci said, refraining from mentioning future shares since the three ventures would now be managed by the new Director of the Ministry of Revenue, whose disposition remained unknown.

"Brother Zheng, this is too much," Xiao Gaoyang exclaimed, stunned by the amount—a full 100,000 taels. Mei Huai and Jiang Lanli were equally shocked upon seeing their shares.

100,000 taels was no small sum. Even for young masters from prominent families like them, such an amount was hard to come by on short notice. For Mei Huai and Jiang Lanli, both unmarried and with limited access to family assets, this unexpected fortune could become their nest egg.

Zheng Shanci insisted, "The study guides sold remarkably well. This is what you deserve. If you refuse, who would dare entrust their books to the printing house in the future?"

Not being ones to stand on ceremony, the three accepted the banknotes.

Du Ning, catching a glimpse, was dumbfounded. "That’s an enormous sum!"

Their monthly salaries were just a few taels, yet they’d earned 100,000 taels just like that. It seemed the scholar's path was truly lucrative. Du Ning grew green with envy.

Cui Ziqi also noticed the banknotes, his discontent growing. "Now that Brother Zheng has moved to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, my story manuscripts still haven't been printed," he grumbled. (Note: One tael is approximately equivalent to [insert approximate modern value] based on historical estimates.)

He only had himself to blame for writing so slowly, missing such a great opportunity. Who'd say no to more money? Moreover, if his book were published, it would sound quite impressive. Lv Jin was pregnant, and once the child was born, he planned to show his own storybook to the child.

"Brother Cui," I promised you earlier. If you finish writing, I’ll speak on your behalf." Brother Cui had mentioned writing about the cases he presided over, and Zheng Shanci had been eagerly anticipating it. Now that he was back, Cui Ziqi had already completed it.

Cui Ziqi had indeed brought it with him and handed it to Zheng Shanci, smiling as he said, "I’ve written three cases first, though I’m afraid they might not be very good."

Cui Ziqi had even given the storybook a title: Capital Mysteries.

Zheng Shanci quickly finished his meal and read through a few pages. The first case was a locked-room murder, the second a spirit marriage, and the third a love-driven murder—all seemed quite intriguing.

"Brother Cui, I’ll give you an answer tomorrow."

Cui Ziqi nodded.

After lunch, Zheng Shanci wasn't sleepy, so he picked up Cui Ziqi’s storybook to read. The more he read, the more engrossed he became. When the afternoon break was over, he had to visit the Imperial Study.

Reluctantly, Zheng Shanci set the book aside.

The guards at the Imperial Study asked for his official rank and name before letting him in. Once inside, a minor official guided him around to familiarize him with the place.

"This is the resting area prepared for Assistant Minister Zheng. If anything is missing, I’ll fetch it from the Imperial Household Department to arrange it properly," the minor official said respectfully.

Zheng Shanci looked around the quarters, which were even more luxurious than his office as an Assistant Minister. He nodded hastily, "No need, everything here is already well-prepared."

The minor official then led him to where the two princes were being taught. Currently, Crown Prince Tutor Jiang was instructing them. Zheng Shanci watched from outside the window for a while. Xie Cheng was listening attentively, while the younger prince—likely the Second Prince Xie Dan—rested his chin on his hand, looking rather unfocused.

Xie Dan noticed someone watching and curiously glanced out the window. Spotting a young official, his eyes darted mischievously. Seizing the moment when Crown Prince Tutor Jiang wasn’t looking, he waved at Zheng Shanci.

"Lord Zheng, please wait a moment. Since Lord Wei and Vice Chief Councillor Pang will also take turns teaching the two princes, you and Crown Prince Tutor Jiang will need to coordinate the schedule," the minor official said, pouring Zheng Shanci a cup of tea for visitors.

Zheng Shanci nodded and took a sip. Indeed, even the tea for visitors in the Imperial Study was of excellent quality, and the pastries were soft and delicious.

Crown Prince Tutor Jiang frowned as he left the classroom. A palace attendant informed him of Zheng Shanci’s arrival, and his expression softened slightly. He instructed the attendant to place the books in his quarters, straightened his robes, and went to meet Zheng Shanci.

This Zheng Shanci was so young—how had he gained the Emperor’s approval to teach the princes? Crown Prince Tutor Jiang looked him over critically, but when Zheng Shanci looked back, he quickly assumed a friendly expression.

"Assistant Minister Zheng, you’ve arrived already. I am Jiang Zheyan. From now on, we’ll be teaching the princes together here, so let’s get along well," Crown Prince Tutor Jiang said warmly, extending his hand for a handshake.

Zheng Shanci remained cautious, replying with a smile, "I’m new here, so I’ll need your guidance, Lord Jiang."

The two exchanged polite, carefully worded pleasantries. Crown Prince Tutor Jiang then explained the princes’ schedule: "If Assistant Minister Zheng has no objection, you may take these two days."

The princes had one day's rest every five days. Crown Prince Tutor Jiang assigned the last two days to Zheng Shanci, keeping the first two for himself, with the middle day reserved for Chief Grand Secretary Wei and Vice Chief Councillor Pang.

Zheng Shanci didn’t mind which days he taught, so he agreed readily.

Crown Prince Tutor Jiang preferred not to teach the last two days, especially the final one, when the Second Prince’s attention was already elsewhere.

Thus, Zheng Shanci would have to wait a few more days before teaching the two princes. Still somewhat apprehensive, he asked, "Lord Jiang, where have you progressed in the lessons?"

Crown Prince Tutor Jiang opened *Records of the Grand Historian* to show Zheng Shanci, then suggested, "Assistant Minister Zheng, you may choose another book to teach the princes."

Zheng Shanci agreed—he would teach *The Great Learning*. He was more familiar with the Four Books and Five Classics, often reviewing them in the evenings when he had free time.

Class had just ended, and Zheng Shanci didn’t waste a moment. After wrapping up with Crown Prince Tutor Jiang, he prepared to leave. Seeing Zheng Shanci so earnest, Crown Prince Tutor Jiang looked even more pleased and personally escorted him out.

"Lord Zheng." Xie Cheng spotted Zheng Shanci, his face lighting up with delight, though he quickly concealed it and gave a respectful salute.

Tutor Jiang was a little surprised. Although the eldest prince was polished and dignified, every bit the imperial prince, he didn’t usually show this much respect to just anyone.

Zheng Shanci returned the courtesy to Xie Cheng.

"Lord Zheng becoming Junior Imperial Supervisor is a blessing for me and my younger brother," Xie Cheng said. Tutor Jiang stroked his beard, his expression tightening for a second.

...

After Zheng Shanci left, Xie Cheng was still thrilled inside. He had learned the day before that the Emperor had promoted Zheng Shanci and assigned him as Junior Imperial Supervisor. Last night, he had been so overjoyed he couldn’t sleep. Today, when he came to the study hall for lessons, if Xie Dan hadn’t pointed out the young official in crimson robes, Xie Cheng wouldn’t have known Zheng Shanci was already here. Now that he knew, he had to go say hello.

Xie Dan yawned. "Do you know Lord Zheng personally, Your Highness?"

Xie Cheng remembered Zheng Shanci’s request to keep their friendship discreet, so he merely shook his head. "I just think it’s rare for someone as young as Lord Zheng to already hold a fourth-rank position. He must have genuine talent to earn His Majesty’s favor. With someone like him teaching us, we should study diligently."

Xie Dan: "As long as he doesn’t act like some pedantic scholar, I’ll give him face."

He sounded way too old for his age.

Xie Cheng lightly scolded, "If you don’t study seriously, Father will scold you again. You should listen and learn so you can understand principles in the future."

Xie Dan: "As long as Your Highness protects me in the future, it’ll be fine."

Xie Dan didn’t seem bothered at all.

When Zheng Shanci returned to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, he found there were no documents left to review in the afternoon, nor any archives to inspect—he had finished all the paperwork in the morning.

This was way too easy. Zheng Shanci almost couldn’t believe his luck.

He read the storybook Cui Ziqi had written, then clocked out early and went home.

At home, there wasn’t much going on. After his promotion, Zheng Shanci went to the Zheng residence for dinner that evening. Lord Zheng and his husband were happy to see him, and after some conversation, they sent him on his way.

Yu Lanyi held Xiao Pingan’s hand as the child excitedly tried to stomp on a shadow.

Zheng Shanci scooped Xiao Pingan up into his arms, and the family returned home together.

"Shan Ci, how was work at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices?" Yu Lanyi was somewhat curious—no one in their family had ever served there before.

"After the Ministry of Revenue, this feels like a vacation," Zheng Shanci said with a laugh.

"Vacation is good," Yu Lanyi replied cheerfully, giving Zheng Shanci’s cheek a playful pinch. "Now you won’t have to deal with paperwork during your days off."

While the Court of Imperial Sacrifices was indeed relaxed, teaching the princes still came with some pressure.

...

By the time Yu Lanyi woke up, Zheng Shanci had already left. After breakfast, he took Xiao Pingan back to the Marquis of Changyang’s residence to play.

Upon arriving, An Geer was overjoyed to see Xiao Pingan. "Pingan, come here!"

Xiao Pingan, already familiar with An Geer, hurried over on wobbly legs.

"I could hear a kid laughing from down the hall—it turns out it was Xiao Pingan," Mr. Yu said with a smile, teasing his grandson.

"Shan Ci has been promoted. Bring him back another day for a meal and some conversation," Mr. Yu said, feeling pleased. His son-in-law was such a talent, achieving a fourth-rank position at such a young age. Though the Court of Imperial Sacrifices wasn’t a critical post, the concurrent role of Junior Imperial Supervisor was something half the capital was after.

Upon learning that Zheng Shanci had been appointed as Junior Imperial Supervisor, the Marquis of Changyang was overjoyed all day yesterday and even drank several rounds of wine with Yu Zhangxing.

Mr. Yu was also pleased and didn’t try to dissuade them, only advising them to drink less so as not to neglect their duties the next day.

Anyone with eyes could see the importance of this position. Their household lacked connections to the imperial princes before, but now they did, securing future wealth and status.

"After you and Shan Ci finish your meal at the marquisate, make time to visit the Duke’s residence to see your grandparents on your mother's side," Mr. Yu said.

"Understood," Yu Lanyi replied, though he didn’t fully grasp the implications—only that he was to visit his maternal grandparents.

Mr. Yu didn’t mind. The boy had been raised somewhat spoiled and naive, yet by some twist of fate, he had married a shrewd and capable husband.

Mr. Yu then went to play with his young grandson.

Zheng Shanci had intended to consult the Director of the Ministry of Revenue about the printing workshop, but Yu Feng informed him first, "Lord Zheng, the printing workshop has turned a profit. Now that you’ve moved to the Taichang Temple, Minister Mei took back management rights over the workshop."

Zheng Shanci thanked Yu Feng and went to see Vice Minister Mei.

Yu Feng remained respectful and impeccable in his conduct toward Zheng Shanci.

Zheng Shanci proposed to Vice Minister Mei the idea of printing Cui Ziqi’s story collection.

After reviewing the manuscript, Vice Minister Mei found it quite intriguing.

"How many copies does Lord Zheng suggest printing initially?"

"Five hundred," Zheng Shanci replied, unsure whether such a mystery story would appeal to Beijing's literati and thus offering a conservative estimate.

"Very well," Vice Minister Mei agreed.

The study notes had already earned substantial profits. Even if these five hundred copies of the story collection didn’t sell well, the loss to the workshop would be minimal. Moreover, Zheng Shanci’s idea of selling the top scholars’ [the civil examination's top three ranks] notes had opened new avenues for them. Every three years, new top three scholars would emerge, allowing them to publish Zhuangyuan Notes II, Zhuangyuan Notes III, and so on—creating a sustainable revenue source.