Chapter 138: Engagement

Chapter 138: Betrothal

Zheng Shanci agreed to handle the matter. The next day after their meal, he invited Shi Xuan for a walk.

"Brother Shi, what do you think of Qing Yin?" Zheng Shanci exchanged a few casual words with Shi Xuan before asking.

Shi Xuan replied eagerly, "Your brother is wonderful. What do you mean by asking this, Brother Zheng? How does... your brother feel about me?"

His tone was somewhat hurried—this was the first time he had lost his composure in front of Zheng Shanci. Zheng Shanci smiled, feeling somewhat reassured. It seemed Brother Shi also had feelings for Qing Yin.

"Qing Yin thinks very highly of you, Brother Shi. He’s met many suitors before but was never satisfied. Only after meeting you did he feel content. If you’re willing, the two of you can spend more time together. If both sides are satisfied after further interaction, we can arrange the betrothal."

Hearing this, Shi Xuan’s heart eased, though anxiety lingered. He feared that once Zheng Qingyin saw his true self, he might find him not measuring up to other noble scions. Yet, he still wanted to reveal his genuine side, for he hoped their union would be built on authenticity.

Shi Xuan wished to bare his heart, but acting too hastily would surely startle the other. He could only restrain himself. He resolved to recite Buddhist scriptures more often when meeting Zheng Qingyin.

Shi Xuan clasped his hands in gratitude. "Thank you, Brother Zheng."

When they parted, Shi Xuan returned to the Board of Rites and lay in his chamber, completely unable to sleep. Before meeting Zheng Qingyin, he had already informed his parents, who fully supported him. Mrs. Shi was even delighted, and his elder brothers and their wives were eager to offer advice.

The outfit he wore to meet Zheng Qingyin had been chosen by his mother and brothers' wives.

Seeing Shi Xuan finally paying attention to his attire, Mrs. Shi felt deeply gratified. "Xuan'er seems truly earnest this time."

His brothers' wives playfully teased him.

The Shi family maintained proper family traditions but did not constrain their daughters-in-law. The eldest brother, as the heir, naturally inherited the family estate, while the second brother served as an official in the Hanlin Academy, overseeing household finances. The three brothers had always been close. Mr. and Mrs. Shi had never placed heavy demands on their youngest son, yet now, as Director of the Board of Rites, he had clearly distinguished himself as a rising talent.

Shi Xuan lay in bed, deep in thought. If Young Master Zheng agreed to marry him, he would be too excited to sleep. As it was, he already couldn’t sleep.

Not even the Buddha could save him now.

...

That afternoon at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Zheng Shanci spent his time reading and drinking tea. The *Book of Rites* mainly recorded the ceremonial systems of the pre-Qin era, so aside from studying it, he also studied the current ritual and musical institutions of Great Yan.

Great Yan’s ceremonial and musical systems largely mirrored those of pre-Qin times, with only minor variations in the details. The essence of these institutions lay in emphasizing hierarchy and symbolism, encompassing politics, culture, and religion.

The Great Yan Dynasty revered Buddhism, though Confucian scholars gained some ground—albeit far less successfully than Buddhism. Zheng Shanci’s afternoon of reading passed quickly.

At one point, Assistant Minister Leng assigned him some religious matters to handle. Initially puzzled, Zheng Shanci listened as Leng explained. The largest Buddhist temple in the capital was the Huguo Temple, to which the court allocated funds annually. Temples owned vast tracts of tax-exempt land—no wonder joining the clergy sometimes seemed advantageous.

After completing the paperwork on religious matters, Zheng Shanci received his salary and grain allowance from the Ministry of Revenue. His days at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices were leisurely, though teaching the two princes demanded more attention.

When Zheng Shanci visited the imperial study, Emperor Wuming granted him a reward. Due to the princes’ outstanding academic progress, the emperor awarded both Zheng Shanci and Crown Prince Tutor Jiang ten taels of gold.

Zheng Shanci accepted the gold, while Jiang said smugly, "Lord Zheng is truly fortunate to receive ten taels of gold without lifting a finger."

Jiang credited himself entirely for the princes’ achievements.

Tucking the gold into his sleeve, Zheng Shanci replied mildly, "As you say, Lord Jiang."

Pleased by Zheng Shanci’s deference, Jiang felt mollified. He had taught the princes for two years—how could Zheng Shanci, who had only recently begun instructing them, claim any credit?

Xie Dan dashed out from the school, and both Jiang and Zheng Shanci bowed in greeting.

"Lord Zheng, I heard His Majesty rewarded you—it’s well-deserved. When Father tested my elder brother and me on our studies, we performed admirably. I really enjoy your lessons," Xie Dan said sincerely.

Tutor Jiang's smile froze, as Xie Dan's words were a slap in the face. Xie Dan’s impression of Tutor Jiang was average, but he still perfunctorily added, "Tutor Jiang's lectures are also quite good."

Tutor Jiang's expression softened slightly, though he grew even more resentful of Zheng Shanci. How could someone so young teach the princes properly? He must’ve buttered up the Second Prince.

After finishing his lesson, Zheng Shanci left. His temperament clashed with Tutor Jiang's, so he merely maintained a surface-level civility.

With ten taels of gold now in hand, Zheng Shanci was delighted and decided to give it to Lan Yi, knowing it would make him even happier.

Yu Lanyi kept busy at home too. First, he reviewed the tavern’s account books, then took Xiao Pingan for a stroll, accompanied by Wu Shi and Jin Yun.

He planned to visit his maternal grandparents at the Duke of Ying's residence. Xiao Pingan walked ahead while Yu Lanyi kept a close eye on him from behind.

The little one, only coming up to knee-level, toddled along until he stopped at a stall selling trinkets, his big dark eyes locked onto the vendor.

Seizing the opportunity, the vendor said, "Young master, look here—we have little ceramic tigers, horses, deer, and wolves. Great for playing with!"

With a little huff, Xiao Pingan crouched down and picked up a small tiger to play with—then simply walked off with it.

The vendor flustered. "Young master! The money, the money!"

Xiao Pingan didn’t understand money yet. He ran back to Yu Lanyi, who instructed Jin Yun to pay the vendor.

Xiao Pingan then held out the little tiger to Yu Lanyi. "For Father."

Yu Lanyi felt a rush of warmth. Maybe having a kid wasn’t so bad. He accepted the little tiger.

Xiao Pingan then grabbed a handful of animal-shaped ceramics from the stall and stuffed them into his pockets.

Yu Lanyi could only sigh.

He had Jin Yun pay again, and the vendor was grinning from ear to ear.

Holding Xiao Pingan’s hand, Yu Lanyi walked on. The child, easily distracted by every little thing, kept looking around, digging in his heels whenever something caught his interest and refusing to budge until Yu Lanyi indulged him.

After buying him a few things, Xiao Pingan repeated the tactic a few steps later. Yu Lanyi simply stopped with him, and when the child pouted, he eventually continued walking.

Though the family had money to spare, Yu Lanyi believed in teaching restraint. He recalled his own unmet childhood wishes. Mr. Yu spoiled him—but within reason. Some restraint was necessary.

Otherwise, Yu Lanyi might have grown spoiled and arrogant.

He checked with the tavern’s manager about purchasing a few more shops to rent out for income. The accountant promptly handed over six hundred taels for Yu Lanyi to buy the properties.

The shops had to be in high-traffic spots to ensure good rental returns. The profits from these shops, Yu Lanyi decided, wouldn’t go to the accounts but would instead become his own pocket money.

Zheng Shanci agreed with this plan and even offered to help pick out places.

The income from these shops would be his personal wealth. Every year, the earnings from Zheng Shanci’s shops were turned over to the accounts, as were the profits from Yu Lanyi’s dowry properties. But this time, the money from his own purchase would go straight into his hands.

Once Xiao Pingan turned five, he would receive a monthly allowance of three taels. If he didn’t spend it, Zheng Shanci would save it for him.

Once Xiao Pingan got the idea, he would receive a monthly sum. Later, if he wanted to do something or go out with friends, he wouldn’t need to ask Zheng Shanci or Yu Lanyi for money—he could use his own savings.

As he grew older, his allowance would increase accordingly.

After a short walk, they arrived at the Duke of Ying’s residence. The Duke, in much better spirits, scooped up Xiao Pingan and said, "This kiddo’s built tough!"

"He can now eat rice porridge by himself without being picky," said Yu Lanyi, who was somewhat picky himself, unlike Zheng Shanci and Zheng Shengze, who weren’t picky at all.

Xiao Pingan tugged at the Old Duke’s beard, making the Old Duke let out a booming laugh.

Hearing her father’s hearty laughter, the Duchess looked over and saw that Yu Lanyi had arrived.

Yu Lanyi visited quite frequently, and the Duchess gave a disapproving glance at her daughter-in-law. Her son was already older—most men his age already had kids, yet her daughter-in-law still hadn’t had a child. Yu Zhangxing had married even later than He Tong, and now An Geer already had a child, while her daughter-in-law still hadn’t.

He Tong was the heir, and it would be best if his firstborn were the legitimate eldest son. Otherwise, having a firstborn illegitimate son could cause complications.

The heir’s wife knew her mother-in-law was displeased with her, but she acted like she didn’t notice. Getting pregnant wasn’t up to her—she had been taking medicine lately but still hadn’t gotten pregnant. Fortunately, her husband hadn’t pressured her, and since her family was a powerful local clan with influence, she still lived comfortably.

Yu Lanyi greeted the Duchess, addressing her as "Aunt."

The Duchess smiled. "Lan Yi, you’re here. Stay for dinner and spend more time with your grandfather and grandmother."

Yu Lanyi agreed.

Xiao Pingan was lifted onto the Old Duke’s lap, where he fiddled with the Old Duke’s hand. His own hands were small and soft, while the Old Duke’s were large and calloused.

Xiao Pingan touched the Old Duke’s hand—it was rough and a bit scratchy, with a scar across the palm.

"Hurt," Xiao Pingan said, looking up. His eyes resembled Yu Lanyi’s, which naturally meant they also resembled Mr. Yu’s.

The Old Duke’s heart softened instantly. "Great-grandpa’s fine."

Seeing how happy he was, the Duchess was also pleased. "It’s good that you’re staying for dinner. Later, send a servant to let your household know so Shan Ci won’t worry when he returns and finds you missing."

Yu Lanyi replied, "Grandmother, don’t worry. If he doesn’t see me at home, he’ll check the Marquis’s residence first before coming here. I’ll still send someone to let him know—he’ll come here for dinner."

The Duchess chuckled. "You’re that sure he’ll come to the Duke’s residence for dinner?"

"He’s such a foodie. If he knows I’m here, he’ll definitely want to try the Duke’s residence’s fine dishes." Yu Lanyi knew Zheng Shanci well.

Every time Zheng Shanci returned from the Marquis’s residence, he loved the food there and ate several extra bowls.

So, coming to the Duke’s residence for dinner was something he’d be all over.

The Duchess laughed heartily. "You rascal."

Xiao Pingan climbed down from the Old Duke’s lap and dug into his pockets, placing the animal figurines he had bought on the pavilion floor. He picked up a giraffe and handed it to the Old Duke. "For G-Great-grandpa."

He still struggled with pronouncing "father" correctly.

The Old Duke treasured the little giraffe more than gold. "Good, good, thank you, Xiao Pingan."

Xiao Pingan then picked up a rabbit and gave it to the Duchess. "For Great-grandmother."

The Duchess took the rabbit and hugged Xiao Pingan. "Our Pingan’s so little but already so thoughtful."

Once set down, Xiao Pingan immediately went to play with his animal figurines in the pavilion, with the Old Duke joining him. The afternoon passed quickly this way.

Zheng Shanci arrived at the Duke’s residence later than usual. He had intended to leave work on time but got held up with some errands at the Ministry of Revenue.

By the time he arrived, it was nearly dinnertime. The Old Duke walked over, holding Xiao Pingan’s hand.

Yu Lanyi said, "Tonight, Wu Shi will feed you."

There was no chair for Xiao Pingan to sit on, and he’d probably make a mess if he ate by himself. Now that he could eat softer foods, the Duke’s residence’s meals were prepared to be tender and easy to chew, catering to the Old Duke and Duchess.

Xiao Ping'an pointed eagerly with his tiny finger whenever he saw something he liked to eat.

Today, the Duke's estate prepared two deer legs—one was stewed into soup, while the other was made into spicy stir-fried venison. The spicy venison was usually served to the younger generation, and Zheng Shanci particularly enjoyed it.

Eating at the Duke's residence was truly wonderful, he mused to himself.

After finishing his meal, Xiao Ping'an tugged on Zheng Shanci's sleeve. Zheng Shanci ladled out a bowl of venison soup and fed it to him.

"Shan Ci, let the servants feed him. You should eat first," the Duchess chided.

"It's fine, Grandmother. Xiao Ping'an drinks soup quickly, and he likes it when I feed him," Zheng Shanci waved it off.

He Tong and He Ming, seeing how well Zheng Shanci treated Xiao Ping'an, exchanged nods of approval.

As his cousins, they naturally wished for their younger cousin to be well cared for.

After dinner, Zheng Shanci, He Tong, and He Ming took a stroll in the garden before their family departed.

The Duke now held a sinecure position at court. After bouncing back from a period of disappointment, he had regained his composure. Drawing a salary without much effort suited him just fine, leaving the real work to the heir. Learning that Zheng Shanci had been appointed Junior Imperial Supervisor had delighted him for quite some time. Zheng Shanci's marriage to Yu Lanyi bound him to both the Duke of Ying's household and the Marquis of Changyang's family. His success reflected well on them all.

In this light, the Marquis of Changyang's household was the true winner. The Duke had only two legitimate sons, while the rest—his children born of concubines—were expected to pursue scholarly achievements or marry according to the family's rules. Most of the daughters born of concubines married into provincial families, while the sons returned only during festivals. If they encountered difficulties, the Duke would lend a hand where he could.

A family prospers and declines as one.

The Duchess brought up tactlessly the matter of their daughter-in-law's failure to conceive, suggesting whether He Tong should take a concubine.

The Duke frowned. "Don't trouble me with these domestic affairs. Deal with it yourself."

The Duchess needled, "You've seen how fond Father is of Ping'an—and he's just a grandson. Imagine how happy Father and Mother would be with a true grandson of their own."

The Duke had indeed noticed the Old Duke's affection for Xiao Ping'an and chuckled. "What's the fuss? He's the firstborn among the younger generation—of course Father dotes on him."

The Duchess then shifted to discussing the flower-viewing banquet she had attended, making idle conversation until their voices gradually faded, and both drifted into sleep.

He Tong and his wife retired to their chambers, still in the bloom of newlywed passion.

Back at home, Xiao Ping'an went to his room to play. Zheng Shanci returned to his quarters and passed Yu Lanyi the imperial gift of ten taels of gold.

Yu Lanyi promptly stored the box away, then gave three taels back to Zheng Shanci, keeping the remaining seven for himself.

"This is your share. Save it well," Yu Lanyi announced possessively.

Zheng Shanci mumbled assent.

"When you're on leave, let's go look at shops together," Yu Lanyi said. Zheng Shanci was clever—he'd surely find a good one.

Zheng Shanci acknowledged with a nod.

Yu Lanyi had bought him new clothes and urged him to try them on in the inner chamber.

Zheng Shanci now had a wardrobe full of clothes. Emerging after changing, he stepped out, and Yu Lanyi approved with a once-over.

As they planned their day off to shop around, Zheng Qingyin and Shi Xuan met for the second time. They arranged a countryside stroll, taking advantage of the brisk autumn air.

Walking through the meadows, they traded stories of their passions—Shi Xuan spoke of Buddhist teachings, while Zheng Qingyin shared her love for embroidery. Surprisingly, they found each other's lives fascinating.

"I've never copied Buddhist scriptures before," Zheng Qingyin admitted. "My family were farmers—I never had formal schooling. When my second brother served as an official in Xinfeng County, he hired a tutor to teach me reading and writing. I practiced calligraphy by imitating his handwriting."

Shi Xuan offered impulsively, "If you have time, we could transcribe sutras together."

Zheng Qingyin blushed upon hearing these words, "Shi... Shi Xuan, what are you saying? There's nothing settled yet."

Shi Xuan immediately realized his own forwardness and hurriedly apologized.

Zheng Qingyin let the breeze cool his face for a while, sitting on the grass and letting his eyes fall shut in contentment. He noticed Shi Xuan had moved a bit farther away and sat down as well.

"Shi Xuan, may I ask you something?"

"Please go ahead, Young Master Zheng."

Zheng Qingyin could never figure out why a nobleman like Shi Xuan would take an interest in him, as he was vastly different from the polished society boys Shi Xuan usually associated with.

"Why do you have feelings for me?"

Without hesitation, Shi Xuan replied, "The moment I saw you, I knew you were the one for me."

He continued, "Then I saw you managing the fabric shop, so I went to buy some cloth. After interacting with you, I wanted to be with you even more."

Zheng Qingyin reached out and absentmindedly tore at the grass, leaving small pits in the turf, like the mess in his own heart. As the day grew late, they each returned home, with Shi Xuan still feeling somewhat uneasy.

When he got home, his two sisters-in-law eagerly asked how things had gone, but Shi Xuan only shook his head.

"Did it not go well?"

"That can't be. Our younger brother is talented and handsome, and as the Director of the Board of Rites, men of his caliber are rare even in the capital."

The sisters-in-law grew anxious but didn’t know how to help.

After learning about Shi Xuan’s interactions with Zheng Qingyin, they had visited the fabric shop under the pretense of buying cloth, just to catch a glimpse of Zheng Qingyin. The young man was easy on the eyes, clearly had good breeding, and not a shy bone in his body.

As for family background, Zheng Shanci had risen to the rank of Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and also held the position of Junior Imperial Supervisor—his future had the world at his feet.

After Zheng Shanci introduced the two, he let them get to know each other on their own. Every time Shi Xuan had a day of leisure, he would invite Zheng Qingyin out—sometimes to watch operas, other times to go boating or take country outings. Two months passed, and autumn was drawing to a close.

Zheng Qingyin gradually got used to Shi Xuan’s presence. This time, as they sat on a boat, Zheng Qingyin trailed his fingers through the water on the lake’s surface. Shi Xuan kneeled at his side, watching his reflection in the rippling water.

As the water rippled, Zheng Qingyin cupped some in his hands and let it slip through his fingers. Through the droplets, he looked at Shi Xuan. In that single glance, Zheng Qingyin saw the steady devotion beneath the man’s calm exterior.

In that moment, Zheng Qingyin’s hesitation vanished. Though he had always harbored fears and worries about marriage, he found his nerve.

"Shi Xuan, you should propose," Zheng Qingyin said.

He had never dared to say such words before, afraid of being hurt as he had been by He Tian. But he had fallen in love anyway.

Shi Xuan’s chest flooded with warmth. He looked at Zheng Qingyin, wanting to confirm if he was serious. But when their eyes met, he asked nothing.

With a smile in his eyes, he simply said, "Qing Yin, thank you."

Shi Xuan came to the Zheng residence to make his proposal.

Zheng Shancheng and Lin Geer were nervous—their future brother-in-law was another official, and their modest household always felt uneasy around such figures. Moreover, he was a capital city man, which made them even more uncertain.

Only when Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi arrived did they finally breathe easier.

"Quick, take a seat. The servant's showing him in now," Lin Geer said, pulling Yu Lanyi to sit with her.

During the proposal, the prospective groom couldn't be seen but could watch from behind a screen—just as Yu Lanyi had once observed Zheng Shanci’s proposal.

This time, Zheng Shanci also took his seat as Shi Xuan made his proposal to Mr. Zheng and Zheng Qingyin’s father.

Old Man Zheng and Mr. Zheng were satisfied and first arranged the betrothal, with the wedding set for the following spring.

Thus, Zheng Qingyin and Shi Xuan's marriage was finalized. Zheng Qingyin was overjoyed yet shy. Even after the betrothal, they could still meet—only in the days leading up to the wedding would they have to avoid each other.

Yu Lanyi, seeing that Zheng Qingyin truly cared for Shi Xuan, was happy for him. "Qing Yin is about to marry. I remember when you first arrived in Xinfeng County, you were only fourteen."

Lin Geer had married Zheng Shancheng even earlier. The first time he met Zheng Qingyin, the boy was just twelve—a young boy who spent his days either working in the fields or stitching pouches and handkerchiefs at home. Unlike the other village boys who would play in the mountains or play around in the woods after fieldwork, Zheng Qingyin never joined them. Instead, he returned to his room to continue working. After selling his embroidery, he kept none of the money for himself, giving it all to his father and dad to support Zheng Shanci’s studies in town.

After all that struggle, he was finally getting his reward. Lin Geer was deeply moved.

That evening, they all dined together at the Zheng residence. After the meal and some fun, Wu Shi took Xiao Pingan home first, as children needed to sleep early. Zheng Shanci remained, chatting with his father and Zheng Shancheng.

Old Man Zheng puffed on his pipe, and Zheng Shanci advised him to cut back. The habit was hard to quit, so he vaguely agreed, trying to limit himself to three pipes a day. Zheng Shancheng had once bought him fancy tobacco, but he couldn’t get used to it—he only liked his plain pipe.

Old Man Zheng said, "We should return to Qingxiang Village for a while. We’ve been away for years and haven’t gone back to honor our ancestors during the New Year. It weighs on my mind. Just last night, I dreamed of your grandfather. Next year, I want to return to pay respects. Since you’re all occupied here, your dad and I will go alone. We’ll come back after the rituals."

It’s hard to leave your roots behind. Zheng Shanci understood his father and Mr. Zheng’s feelings and didn’t try to dissuade them.

"Very well, but you must take some servants with you. The journey is long, and we’d be uneasy if you two traveled alone. I’ll also hire guards from an escort agency to ensure your safe passage there and back."

Old Man Zheng sighed. "Ah, that’s a waste of money. Who would trouble two old men like us?"

Zheng Shancheng also urged, "Second Brother is right. Please do this for our peace of mind. The round trip will take about three months. If anything were to happen along the way, we’d be worried sick."

Pressed by his sons, Old Man Zheng reluctantly agreed. "Fine, we’ll do as you say—just to ease your minds."

Duo Duo had already headed off to bed. The two children had played and laughed together earlier, but after Xiao Pingan left, Duo Duo lost interest in playing alone. Lin Geer called him to sleep since he had classes the next day, and the boy went to his room.

"Lately, he’s been reading and can recite a few ancient poems. Yesterday, he spouted two for your elder brother, who was deeply moved." Lin Geer teased Zheng Shancheng.

Yu Lanyi was surprised to see how soft-hearted the tall and sturdy elder brother could be.

Back at home, lying in bed, Yu Lanyi imagined how Zheng Shanci might react if Xiao Pingan, after learning to read, recited a few sappy poems for him.

Would he be as moved as his elder brother—maybe even cry?

The thought amused him. He had only seen Zheng Shanci cry once—when they left Xinfeng County.

As Zheng Shanci finished washing up, he heard Yu Lanyi laughing and asked what had him so amused.

"I won’t tell you. Guess for yourself," Yu Lanyi deflected, playing innocent.

Instead of guessing, Zheng Shanci went for Yu Lanyi’s ticklish feet. Yu Lanyi, extremely ticklish, laughed until he cried, curling his legs under the blankets.

"Stop tickling me!" Yu Lanyi glared at him.

Zheng Shanci backed off, laughing.

Under the covers, Zheng Shanci kissed his collarbone. Soon, both were breathless after a string of kisses. Yu Lanyi ended it with a soft peck on Zheng Shanci’s chin—something he loved, along with his arms.

In the tail end of autumn, they fell asleep in each other’s embrace.