Chapter 135: The Events of That Time

Chapter 135: What Happened Back Then

Zheng Shanci finished his first day of teaching. Xie Dan was still pondering the meaning of Zheng Shanci's words, unable to fully grasp them. He went to ask Xie Cheng, "Big Brother, do you understand what it means?"

Xie Cheng had written the phrase down. "I'm not entirely sure either. It probably means we should face things with more composure."

Xie Cheng packed up his books, intending to go back and study *The Great Learning* more thoroughly.

After class, Xie Dan handed his book box to a palace attendant and ran off to find Wang Fengjun.

"Father, Lord Zheng said something I don’t understand," Xie Dan repeated Zheng Shanci's words to Wang Fengjun.

Wang Fengjun patted Xie Dan’s head. "Hold onto this phrase for now. When you grow older, read it again yourself."

Xie Dan drank a cup of hot tea and listed off dishes in Kuning Palace.

In the evening, Xie Cheng and Xie Dan ate dinner together. Xie Cheng had been raised by Wang Fengjun himself, and seeing him now grown into such an outstanding young man filled Wang Fengjun with pride.

"Here, have more of the lamb chops you love," Wang Fengjun said, piling lamb chops onto Xie Cheng’s plate.

Xie Dan pouted and tapped his bowl in protest.

Wang Fengjun rolled his eyes and gave Xie Dan his favorite chicken drumstick.

Xie Cheng chuckled at them.

The two princes ate dinner together in Kuning Palace. As they were too old to sleep over there now, they could no longer stay overnight. In the past, Xie Cheng and Xie Dan had both lived in Kuning Palace. After Xie Dan was born, Xie Cheng had doted on his little brother, even changing his diapers—something neither his father, Emperor Wuming, nor Wang Fengjun had ever done. That task had always been left to the palace attendants.

When Xie Dan was a little older, around two or three, he had a habit of wandering off at night. Once, the attendants arrived early in the morning to prepare His Royal Highness the Second Prince for his morning routine, only to find him missing. The palace was in an uproar, and Wang Fengjun turned it upside down looking—until they discovered Xie Dan had climbed into Xie Cheng’s bed, the two brothers fast asleep.

After that, whenever Xie Dan wasn’t in his own room, the attendants knew to check the Eldest Prince’s quarters first.

Once the two princes had left, Wang Fengjun washed up and picked up a book to read. His personal attendant remarked with a smile, "Fengjun, once the weather cools, you can go horseback riding again."

Wang Fengjun's fingers twitched, eager to ride, and he grunted in approval.

"Your black steed is in excellent condition. The three foals it sired—one for each of the two princes—are doing well in the stables. I wonder how the one gifted to Lord Wang is faring under the care of the Emperor’s Uncle."

"He’s raising it for my little nephew," Wang Fengjun replied. After flipping through a few pages, he set the book aside and went to bed.

Emperor Wuming often slept alone in Panlong Hall. Since no one had announced his arrival, Wang Fengjun retired early.

Xie Dan took after him—always on the move, loving rides and scenery—and at an age where he was particularly mischievous.

...

After finishing his duties, Zheng Shanci returned home to find Xiao Ping'an lay draped over Yu Lanyi’s lap, gazing absently outside while Yu Lanyi was buried in the account books. He wasn’t watching Xiao Ping'an—Jin Yun was keeping an eye on the child instead.

"Die!" [Footnote: A dialect term for "Dad."] Xiao Ping'an’s eyes lit up at the sight of Zheng Shanci, and he waddled over. Zheng Shanci picked him up—the kid was deceptively heavy today.

"How was teaching the two princes?" Yu Lanyi jumped at the chance to ditch the ledger and take a break.

"Not bad. Neither of them caused any trouble, and they listened attentively," Zheng Shanci replied, pretty pleased.

"Oh, we’re having dinner at the Marquis’s place today," Yu Lanyi suddenly remembered. Since Zheng Shanci’s promotion, the family hadn’t visited the Marquis of Changyang’s home together.

"Alright, let’s go today."

At the Marquis’s residence, Zheng Shanci naturally greeted the Marquis of Changyang, who now thought highly of him and greeted him with a smile.

Yu Lanyi gave him a smirk.

The Marquis of Changyang glowered at Yu Lanyi, who ignored him and turned to Xiao Pingan instead. Xiao Pingan was already cuddled in Mr. Yu’s arms, and Mr. Yu, holding his grandson, gently pinched his cheeks.

"You’ve come at just the right time. Your sister-in-law is pregnant—the physician confirmed it this morning. It’s a happy time, and you coming back today just adds to the celebration."

Zheng Shanci congratulated his sister-in-law politely.

Yu Zhangxing had been training with his sword in the courtyard when a servant informed him of the arrival of the second young master and his husband. After freshening up, he stepped out with An Geer.

An Geer grinned at everyone, and Yu Lanyi noticed his smile was even brighter than before—which made sense. Yu Lanyi had wised up; their family was a prominent one, with his elder brother as the heir and An Geer destined to become the future master of the household. His brother had married late, and now that An Geer was expecting, the family could breathe easier.

"Congratulations, Brother and Sister-in-law," Yu Lanyi said.

Yu Zhangxing smiled, while An Geer, still bashful around Yu Lanyi, murmured softly, "Thank you, Lan Yi."

Yu Lanyi then pulled An Geer aside for a chat.

The Marquis ruffled Xiao Pingan’s hair. "This child has grown taller. When he’s five or six, we’ll hire a master to train his physique. A strong body means no worries when it’s time to study. I’ve seen scholars keel over after days of exams—proof that good health is essential."

"I couldn’t agree more," Yu Lanyi chimed in this time.

Zheng Shanci chuckled. "I have no objections."

Yu Lanyi smirked smugly—this household still answered to him.

Xiao Pingan piped up, "Grandpa!" The little boy was adorable, his voice tiny and babyish, still so small. Seeing him, the Marquis couldn’t help but recall Yu Lanyi’s own childhood.

Back then, Yu Lanyi had been a fair, doll-like kid—good-looking, but only snippy with his dad. The ladies and gentlemen outside adored doting on him, though as he grew older, his true mischievous nature emerged, turning him into a real handful.

The Marquis glanced at Yu Lanyi.

Yu Lanyi gave him a puzzled look.

Oh well. His grandson was way cuter.

"Changxing, Shan Ci, let’s take a walk in the garden," the Marquis said, leading the way.

Yu Zhangxing and Zheng Shanci both acknowledged and followed behind him.

Once the three had left, Yu Lanyi grumbled under his breath, "What secrets are they discussing now?"

Mr. Yu and An Geer both heard him. Mr. Yu took a sip of tea, playing dumb, while An Geer smiled.

Xiao Pingan, too young for tea, handed a grape to Yu Lanyi, begging him to peel it.

"Hey, you little punk, putting me to work? You’re the first one I’ve ever peeled grapes for," Yu Lanyi grumbled as he obliged.

Xiao Pingan stood on tiptoe, munching on the grape happily.

After peeling three grapes for him, Yu Lanyi handed the task to a servant. He peeled another and offered it to Mr. Yu.

Mr. Yu blinked in surprise before accepting it with a smile. "So I’m the second?"

"Of course," Yu Lanyi said. "Shan Ci’s the one who peels them for me—I don’t return the favor."

Mr. Yu’s smile deepened. He was glad to see Yu Lanyi living just as happily as he had at home, cherished by someone. Still, he couldn’t resist adding, "Don’t just loaf around at home. You should care for Shan Ci more too."

"I do care about him." Yu Lanyi was in the right this time.

An Geer clicked with Mr. Yu, who was a good dad. Mr. Yu had even taught him some extra skills, and An Geer had learned a lot from him.

Back at Marquis Anxin's place, he'd learned how to run a household from his mom. To give him practice, she started passing him the reins when he came of age. At first, he made mistakes, but over time, he got the hang of it.

After moving to Marquis Changyang's place, Mr. Yu didn’t hog the household duties. After An Geer married in, Mr. Yu slowly handed over the management to him. Now that he was pregnant, Mr. Yu told him to put his health first and take over the household after the baby was born.

His husband adored him, and he felt the same way about Yu Zhangxing. Mr. Yu and Marquis Changyang never meddled in the younger generation’s affairs, treating them with respect and consideration. Lan Yi and Shan Ci had his back too. An Geer felt he’d married the right person.

"Sister-in-law, once you're pregnant, your tastes will change, and your moods might swing unpredictably—it's all normal," Yu Lanyi said knowingly.

When he was pregnant, his tastes had shifted, and his moods had been erratic—all dumped on Shan Ci. For instance, suddenly craving something and making Shan Ci fetch it for him was the least of it. Once, he couldn't sleep at night and made Shan Ci read him stories until dawn.

Shan Ci himself grew drowsy, but Yu Lanyi remained bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, staring at him with sparkling eyes.

Kids really wear you out.

Mr. Yu added a few more words, and An Geer nodded. While the young men were having a heart-to-heart, Marquis Changyang led Yu Zhangxing and Zheng Shanci to a pavilion, where he had servants serve them hot tea before shooing everyone away, including his attendants.

Only the three of them remained in the pavilion.

Marquis Changyang asked, "Shan Ci, now that you’ve taken on the role of Junior Imperial Supervisor, how are things?"

Zheng Shanci kept it short.

Marquis Changyang nodded. "This is a good thing. Watch your step in the palace, especially since His Majesty currently has only these two princes. You must act with extra care."

Zheng Shanci acknowledged the advice.

Yu Zhangxing, familiar with the temperaments of the two princes, said to his brother-in-law, "His Royal Highness the Eldest Prince is gentle but somewhat sensitive. The Second Prince is full of beans."

Zheng Shanci thanked Yu Zhangxing for the insight.

"Both princes are still kids. The fact that you’ve been appointed Junior Imperial Supervisor shows His Majesty’s trust in you. Don’t let him down."

Zheng Shanci agreed.

He had long heard of Emperor Wuming’s close relationship with his elder brother, but he was surprised by Yu Zhangxing’s loyalty.

"With you as Junior Imperial Supervisor, I can breathe easier. Though the throne’s up for grabs, as long as you remain impartial in your duties, all will be well," Marquis Changyang advised.

The princes were just kids, both legitimate heirs. It was too early to pick sides—the final decision rested with His Majesty. Marquis Changyang was greatly relieved. As long as Shan Ci held the title of a prince’s tutor, he’d be set for life. The Great Yan Dynasty revered filial piety and respected teachers. The imperial family, as role models, would uphold these values—otherwise, the court officials would never allow otherwise.

Marquis Changyang filled Zheng Shanci in on Crown Prince Tutor Jiang’s background. "Good to know for down the road. After all, you’ll each conduct your own lessons without interference."

"My father-in-law is right."

That evening, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi had dinner before heading home. In the carriage, Zheng Shanci held Xiao Pingan, who had a food baby. The child patted his stomach and announced, "I’m stuffed!"

Zheng Shanci chuckled and rubbed his little belly, which felt like a small ball.

"Let me massage it for you."

Xiao Pingan sprawled comfortably, offering his belly for his father to rub. Zheng Shanci’s calloused hands tickled slightly, making Xiao Pingan giggle until he almost peed himself laughing.

"It tickles!"

Zheng Shanci could only helplessly rub Xiao Pingan's belly through his clothes.

Yu Lanyi tapped Xiao Pingan’s nose and said, "You really know how to live it up."

Xiao Pingan put on his best angelic face and tried to bite Yu Lanyi’s finger.

"Who taught you that?" Yu Lanyi remarked. "You barely have any teeth, yet you already want to bite people."

Xiao Pingan pouted, gummed Yu Lanyi’s finger experimentally, then made a face and went 'bleh!' It didn’t taste good at all.

Amused, Yu Lanyi patted his little belly.

When they returned home, Yu Lanyi took Xiao Pingan for a stroll in the garden. Though autumn was approaching, the night remained stubbornly warm.

After walking three laps, Xiao Pingan went back to sleep.

Once Xiao Pingan was asleep, Yu Lanyi asked Jin Yun to bring him a bowl of iced rose jelly dessert, planning to eat it before bed.

"Do you want some?" Yu Lanyi asked Zheng Shanci.

"Then I’ll have a bowl too."

The two enjoyed their iced rose jelly dessert after Xiao Pingan fell asleep. Kids shouldn't have icy treats, but adults could indulge a little.

After finishing, they turned in feeling nice and cool.

That night, Zheng Shanci ended up kneading dough for steamed buns.

...

By autumn, Zheng Shanci still had little to do at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Normally autumn kept him busy at Revenue, but now, idly drinking tea at the Court, he was quite at ease.

Cui Ziqi’s storybook had sold all five hundred copies, and the bookstore printed another thousand, which continued to sell well. However, Fan, a subordinate of Cui Ziqi, had some issues with it.

After buying Fan a round, Cui Ziqi talked him around over drinks.

"Now I'm a real published writer!" Cui Ziqi said proudly.

Du Ning even bought a copy of Cui Ziqi’s book. "Brother Cui, your storytelling is just what I'd expect from the Director of Punishments." Du Ning spent two nights finishing the book, as he couldn’t read during duty hours. Otherwise, he would’ve finished it in a day. "I just wish there was more of it. If you have time, you should write a few more."

Cui Ziqi thought for a moment. "If I find the time, I might write another."

The Minister of Justice summoned him for questioning, advising him to fictionalize names and locations in his stories. After reviewing the book, the minister found no confidential information had been disclosed and gave Cui Ziqi an official reprimand before dismissing him.

Though reprimanded by his superior, Cui Ziqi bounced back like nothing happened—only becoming stone-faced during interrogations.

With his workload lightened, Zheng Shanci still had to inventory the sacrificial vessels at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. If any showed wear, he had to submit a request to the Ministry of Revenue for funds to replace them.

Assistant Minister Xie left as soon as his shift ended each day, couldn't be bothered with actual work. Zheng Shanci had no choice but to handle the tasks himself—first cataloging the vessels, then submitting the request to the Ministry of Revenue.

The Ministry of Revenue fast-tracked the request, signing off on replacements right away.

Assistant Minister Leng’s eyes lit up. "Lord Zheng really has pull. If it were us, they would take forever getting around to it."

Zheng Shanci just gave a modest shrug.

As a Director at the Ministry of Revenue, he ranked above most staff there. Above him were only Vice Minister Mei and Minister Lei.

Minister Hu nodded in satisfaction upon seeing that the ritual utensils had been tidied up. "Lord Zheng knows his duties well. At the end of the year, the Taichang Temple will hold ceremonies. If you have any questions, you may consult Assistant Minister Leng."

Zheng Shanci acknowledged.

Assistant Minister Leng then briefed Zheng Shanci on the year-end sacrificial rituals.

"First, Lord Hu will submit a memorial requesting the ceremony, detailing the location, time, and rites. Once His Majesty approves, we will prepare the sacrificial animals and oversee their care. Officials will take turns inspecting them daily, as any mishap during the ceremony would bring severe consequences. Next comes the fasting period, during which notices will be distributed to all civil and military officials, along with fasting tokens—bronze statues or wooden tablets—to remind everyone. Then comes the rehearsal, ensuring no mistakes during the actual ceremony. The musicians, protocol officers, dancers, and others must practice repeatedly."

Zheng Shanci asked for further details, and Assistant Minister Leng shared all he knew, knowing that if Zheng Shanci made a mistake, they would all suffer the consequences.

Assistant Minister Leng had only covered the preparations; the actual ceremony procedures were yet to be explained.

"On the day of the ceremony, Lord Hu will open the shrine to welcome the deities. Then, the Ministry of Rites will offer incense and conduct the ceremony at each altar. Afterward, Lord Hu will lead us in paying respects. First, we invite the deities, then bearers carry the palanquins, and we, as officials of the Taichang Temple, must kneel and kowtow three times before each palanquin to honor the imperial deities. The officials will be guided by the protocol officers to stand in formation outside the outer gate, and finally, His Majesty will conduct the ceremony."

Zheng Shanci felt overwhelmed.

The ceremony was far more intricate than he had imagined. While the Taichang Temple was often quiet, it had major responsibilities every year. Returning to his office, Zheng Shanci noted down the key points mentioned by Assistant Minister Leng, intending to review them daily to avoid mistakes.

A single misstep would mean humiliation before all officials—or worse, endanger his life.

Back at home, Zheng Shanci asked Yu Lanyi about the year-end ceremonies.

In previous years, he had only been one among the officials, standing where directed by the protocol officers. But this time, he would be participating alongside Minister Hu, no longer confined to the sidelines.

Yu Lanyi was intrigued. "I know about this. My father and eldest brother attend every year. All officials are treated the same, regardless of noble titles."

"Speaking of which," Yu Lanyi mused, propping his head on his hand, "you’ve never joined our family’s ancestral rites. The Marquis of Changyang’s ancestral worship is held once every three years, as the ancestral home is distant. We must request leave from His Majesty, and the trip takes considerable time, so we only go once every three years. My uncles also return for it."

"Next year is the three-year ceremony. You and Xiao Pingan will both attend."

Zheng Shanci looked forward to it—he had never witnessed a grand ancestral ceremony. The Marquis of Changyang’s ancestral home was in a small county outside the capital. Only the Marquis and Second Master Yu resided in the capital; the rest of the family remained in the county.

The Marquis was the head of the Yu clan.

"Our family has embraced scholarship—they’ve all taken up studies," Yu Lanyi said lazily.

Now, in addition to tutoring the two princes, Zheng Shanci had to review the *Book of Rites* multiple times.

Yu Lanyi, however, remained unchanged. He still oversaw the wine shop’s ledgers, went riding in the suburbs when free, and planned to teach Xiao Pingan to ride once the boy was older.

His son would ride as fast as he did—certainly not as slow as Zheng Shanci.

After two rounds of riding, Yu Lanyi spotted Green Robe fainting on the roadside. He dismounted and had her taken to a clinic.

When Green Robe awoke, the physician told her a young master had brought her in. She tried to thank him, but her face froze upon seeing Yu Lanyi’s face.

Yu Lanyi said, "I saw you collapse while riding and had you brought here. Now that you’re awake, my part is done." He had acted without thinking, not seeking gratitude. With that, he pushed aside the clinic’s curtain and left.

He had already paid for the medicine. Green Robe was grateful. After the incident at the Pei residence, she had dared not return home. Vice Minister Pei’s household and the Marquis of Changyang’s household had been searching for her. As a vulnerable woman, she found no safe haven and had hidden in the capital’s outskirts until marrying three years ago. Her appearance had changed enough that she could now blend in—unless scrutinized closely.

Returning home, she found her husband, a hunter, laid up with a leg wound. Medical expenses had strained their finances. She sold embroidered pouches and handkerchiefs in the city and had recently taken on laundry work—five coppers per garment. Exhaustion had caused her collapse earlier.

Years ago, she had followed Third Young Master’s orders, switching Heir Ye for Lord Zheng at the last moment, leading to Second Master Yu’s marriage to Lord Zheng. Hearing that Lord Zheng treated Second Master Yu well eased her conscience.

Her parents’ illnesses had demanded large sums of silver she didn’t have. Desperation had driven her to accept Yu Lanyi’s offer—helping him trap Heir Ye with him during the matriarch’s banquet.

Returning home, the house was silent.

Days later, her husband’s leg worsened. She pleaded for help to carry him to the clinic. The physician said, "The leg can be saved, but he must rest in bed and take expensive medicine. Each poultice costs one tael of silver, and the oral medicine is two taels daily—three taels daily altogether."