Chapter 139: Coal Hill

Chapter 139 Mei Mountain

Zheng Shanci organized the year-end accounts of the Court of Sacrificial Worship and had a clerk deliver them to the Ministry of Revenue. When Director Xiang of the Ministry saw the submitted entries, he dismissed them with a laugh and paid them no heed.

Director Xiang had a prior connection with Crown Prince Tutor Jiang, and after hearing Jiang’s complaints some time ago, he now wanted to make things difficult for Zheng Shanci. As the third-in-command official in the Ministry, he currently controlled the porcelain and textile workshops—only the printing workshop was under Vice Minister Mei’s jurisdiction. Seeing no major issues with the porcelain and textile workshops, which could even add to his official merits, he chose not to interfere.

By year’s end, profitable schemes remained in places like the Jiangnan Textile Bureau and the water transport system, allowing him to profit handsomely. Having endured long years in the Hanlin Academy, the Ministry of Personnel had promoted him to Director of the Ministry of Revenue. Having spent considerable sums on networking over the years, he naturally intended to recoup his expenses now that he was in office.

Yu Feng wished to approve the Court of Sacrificial Worship’s accounts promptly, but his rank was too low to counteract Director Xiang’s delays.

Several days passed without any official documents. Assistant Minister Leng privately inquired, “Lord Zheng, the Ministry of Revenue hasn’t released the funds yet. Could there be an issue?”

Zheng Shanci hadn’t expected the Ministry of Revenue’s efficiency to be so poor. With nothing urgent at hand, he decided to visit the ministry in person. “I’ll go and see.”

Assistant Minister Leng sighed in relief. “It’s good that Lord Zheng is going to check. The Ministry must be overwhelmed with year-end matters, causing delays.”

If Zheng Shanci failed, he would have to seek out Assistant Minister Xie, though the thought of approaching the usually uninvolved Xie made him uneasy. Upon arriving at the Ministry of Revenue, Zheng Shanci was addressed as 'Lord Zheng.'

Following procedure, his petition had stalled with Director Xiang. He went straight to Xiang’s office, where a clerk ushered him in. Director Xiang, a middle-aged man, greeted him warmly and offered tea.

“Lord Zheng, what brings you to the Ministry of Revenue? My apologies for not welcoming you properly,” Director Xiang said smoothly.

Not one to strike a smiling face, Zheng Shanci simply stated his purpose. Director Xiang came from an established noble family with a history of loyalty to the imperial family, though recent generations had become incompetent. As the newly appointed director, he was now the family’s pride. His promotion was due not only to seniority but also to his compilation of a book during his tenure in the Hanlin Academy, which bolstered his credentials. Most importantly, he had passed the imperial examinations under Chief Examiner Pang and later married Pang’s fifth daughter, securing a position in the Hanlin Academy.

With Lord Wei’s rise as Chief Grand Secretary, Pang became the Deputy Chief Grand Secretary, raising Director Xiang’s standing. Many now sought to ingratiate themselves with him, and the Ministry of Personnel’s decision to appoint him as Director of the Ministry of Revenue was likely an attempt to ingratiate themselves with the Deputy Chief Grand Secretary.

Though the Chief and Deputy Grand Secretaries were at odds, few dared to offend either.

Director Xiang, proud of his family’s longstanding influence in the capital, saw nothing unusual in delaying funds—a common practice. When Zheng Shanci had served as Director of the Ministry of Revenue, he too had withheld funds from the Ministry of Works. Now that the Court of Sacrificial Worship faced delays, Zheng Shanci became concerned.

Director Xiang was well aware of Zheng Shanci’s reputation as the son-in-law of the Marquis of Changyang’s household, which gave him significant influence. Yet Director Xiang remained unconvinced.

“Director Xiang, I’ve come about the funds. Without them, the Court of Sacrificial Worship will struggle by year’s end. My petition is clear—please review it,” Zheng Shanci said calmly and logically.

Director Xiang smiled. “Lord Zheng, having served here yourself, you know how busy year-end is. Your funds will be delayed. The Ministries of Justice, War, and Rites are all demanding funds for urgent matters. The Court of Sacrificial Worship has already completed its sacrificial ceremonies and has no pressing needs. Please be patient.”

“Director Xiang, since you acknowledge my tenure here, such explanations are hard to believe. The ministry’s budget is finalized, and there’s little left to do. It’s been five days since my petition was submitted—surely that’s enough time to review it.”

Director Xiang’s face fell. “Are you suggesting I’m deliberately withholding funds?”

“I said no such thing. Delays are understandable, but I’ve checked with acquaintances in the Ministry of Personnel. Their petitions were submitted after mine, yet their funds have been released.” Zheng Shanci remained factual.

Zheng Shanci typically avoided conflict, speaking mildly unless provoked. But as Director Xiang continued evading, his tone grew firmer.

Director Xiang thought contemptuously, growing angrier. How could the Court of Sacrificial Worship’s affairs compare to the Ministry of Personnel’s?

Just then, Vice Minister Mei emerged and spotted Zheng Shanci. “Lord Zheng, what brings you here?”

Zheng Shanci explained the situation.

Vice Minister Mei cast a cold glance at Director Xiang. “Approve the Court of Sacrificial Worship’s funds. The budget is settled, and the new year is days away. Must you drag this out until the last moment, making things difficult for everyone?”

Intimidated by Vice Minister Mei, Director Xiang acquiesced. “Minister Mei is right. I’ve been overwhelmed and overlooked the matter. I’ll process the funds immediately.”

Vice Minister Mei’s expression softened. “Your financial models have been quite useful. Lord Lei mentioned privately how much effort they’ve saved us.”

“A stint in the Court of Sacrificial Worship isn’t bad—observe more, learn more. I once served as Director of the Ministry of Personnel before transferring to the Censorate as a fourth-rank official. After solving several cases, my seniority earned me promotion to third-rank Vice Minister of Revenue.”

His words were meant to reassure Zheng Shanci: even in the relatively inactive Court of Sacrificial Worship, official merits could pave the way for advancement. At twenty-seven, rising from a seventh-rank county magistrate to a fourth-rank official was already impressive progress.

"Although the workload at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices is light, you still have the authority to submit petitions."

After saying this, Vice Minister Mei didn't invite Zheng Shanci for tea but dismissed him instead. "That's all I have to say. You may return now."

Zheng Shanci took Vice Minister Mei's advice seriously and thanked him before returning to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Director Xiang grew jealous upon hearing Vice Minister Mei's guidance to Zheng Shanci. Despite being Vice Minister Mei's subordinate, he had never received such direction, yet it was given to Zheng Shanci.

On Vice Minister Mei's orders, Director Xiang reluctantly approved the funds for the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. That evening, during dinner at home, his wife, Lady Pang the Fifth, noticed his bad mood and asked what was wrong.

Director Xiang immediately recounted the incident to her.

"Just an Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, a fourth-rank official, dares to act so arrogantly!" Though Lady Pang the Fifth was a concubine's daughter, her father's recent promotion to Vice Chief Councillor had made her constantly flattered in the capital. Now, her husband was being disrespected even in the Ministry of Revenue.

"He is the son-in-law of the Marquis of Changyang's household, and Yu Zhangxing serves directly before the Emperor. Naturally, he behaves with such insolence. How could someone like me dare provoke him?" Director Xiang said resentfully.

His good looks had won Lady Pang the Fifth's favor, and upon hearing this, she said she'd go to the Pang residence the next day to inform her father of the matter.

Director Xiang was secretly pleased. "Thank you for your kindness, my lady. But I fear troubling my father-in-law over such a trivial matter. I shall endure this humiliation for now."

"Those military officials are nothing but crude and boorish, blowing things out of proportion," Lady Pang the Fifth sneered. Even if Yu Zhangxing enjoyed the Emperor's favor, her father was now the Vice Chief Councillor. Moreover, the second son of the Yu family was about to return to the capital, stripped of military authority.

Lady Pang the Fifth knew the score. Additionally, the heir of the ducal household, He Tong, now served in the Court of Judicial Review, while the Duke himself held only a nominal position in the Censorate.

With this in mind, Lady Pang the Fifth felt confident enough to provoke the Marquis of Changyang's household.

Her father had risen to Vice Chief Councillor, and she had yet to suffer any indignities. As a child, she had endured slights from Yu Lanyi, and now his brother-in-law was giving her husband trouble. Her resentment only deepened.

The next morning, Director Xiang went to work cheerfully.

Lady Pang the Fifth waited until Vice Chief Councillor Pang returned from duty before seeking him out, bringing Director Xiang with her for dinner. Vice Chief Councillor Pang had two sons—one serving in the Ministry of Personnel, the other in the Hanlin Academy. They merely smiled when they saw Lady Pang the Fifth and Director Xiang arrive, retiring to their rooms after the meal.

Vice Chief Councillor Pang's eldest son was born of his principal wife, while the other was a concubine's son. Their temperaments differed, but the eldest, at least, had broader horizons, unlike the narrow-minded younger one.

Seeing Lady Pang the Fifth, Vice Chief Councillor Pang knew she had come with grievances. Now that he held high office, he had grown more tolerant, believing those in power should treat their subordinates with kindness.

Though he harbored dissatisfaction toward Chief Grand Secretary Wei, their rivalry had not yet escalated into open hostility. His clashes with Wei were largely performative, meant to catch the Emperor's eye and reassure Emperor Wuming. But the constant friction had bred genuine animosity between them.

Lady Pang the Fifth massaged her father's shoulders as she made her complaint.

"So, Zheng Shanci has taken issue with your fifth son-in-law?" Vice Chief Councillor Pang asked.

Director Xiang looked down meekly. "It's not Lord Zheng's fault. I was too busy and forgot about the matter, which is why he came to confront me."

Lady Pang the Fifth piled on. "Confrontation is precisely what it was! Does he think just because he once served as a Director in the Ministry of Revenue, he deserves special treatment? What nonsense!"

Vice Chief Councillor Pang shook his head. "This is such a trivial matter—not worth talking about. I had hoped you both would mature, but it seems you remain petty."

Anyone who had visited the Emperor's study and witnessed Emperor Wuming's favor toward Yu Zhangxing would know better than to provoke the Marquis of Changyang's household. Moreover, the nobility stick together—antagonizing one would rally them all. With the Emperor so fond of Yu Zhangxing, stirring trouble would be sheer folly.

"Enough. Stop massaging me—your hands are too rough. I'll have a maid do it instead. It's late; you should return home and avoid causing trouble. Don't think my position as Vice Chief Councillor makes me invincible. The Chief Grand Secretary still outranks me. Besides, there's a prince in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices—don't go looking for trouble there."

None of the Six Ministries had fourth-rank positions. Those seeking promotion often spent time in the Censorate or the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. This fifth son-in-law of his was mediocre at best—suited only for a fifth-rank directorship in the Ministry of Revenue. Any higher, and mistakes would be inevitable. Vice Chief Councillor Pang now regarded them with disdain and sent them home.

Humiliated by her father's dismissal, Lady Pang the Fifth pouted and cried.

Director Xiang tried to comfort her, only to be scolded. "Of all people, why did you have to pick a fight with Zheng Shanci? Now I've been reprimanded by Father! From now on, focus on your duties and earn me some face soon, so I can save face among my sisters!"

Director Xiang hurriedly agreed to calm Pang Wuniang down first.

An official title? Director Xiang thought about it—this was likely an unattainable dream in this lifetime. He felt unmotivated, unsure how to get promoted. He had originally hoped to rely on his father-in-law for a high-ranking position, but since he hadn’t married the secondary daughter of the family, his father-in-law wouldn’t go out of his way to help.

Director Xiang looked at Pang Wuniang and felt a twinge of disdain. Still, he knew he depended on the Pang family, so he spoke softly. He had married a noble family’s non-primary wife’s daughter, and aside from two maids he took after reaching adulthood, he had no other concubines—showing Pang Wuniang due respect.

After returning to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Zheng Shanci pondered Vice Minister Mei’s words. Though he had been promoted to a fourth-rank official, he hadn’t submitted many petitions to the court. Zheng Shanci considered that he could offer some suggestions.

When he returned home, winter had arrived, and the temperature had dropped sharply. His throat felt slightly uncomfortable, so after dinner, he had a bowl of ginger tea.

He spent time with Xiao Pingan for a while, washed up, and then went to bed early.

Yu Lanyi asked him what was wrong.

"I’m not feeling well—probably caught a chill. I’ll sleep it off," Zheng Shanci muttered.

Yu Lanyi reached out and touched his forehead—it was warm. Yu Lanyi had Jin Yun summon the family doctor.

Zheng Shanci could barely make out what was being said. Someone propped a pillow behind him and fed him medicine. He drowsily drank it and fell back asleep.

"The fever isn’t serious. Many people have caught colds lately due to the sudden weather change."

"That’s good."

Yu Lanyi had Jin Yun escort the doctor out, put out the candle, and got into bed. From time to time, he touched Zheng Shanci’s forehead. "You rarely got sick before—now that you’re ill, it’s worrying."

Feeling that Zheng Shanci’s forehead was no longer feverish, Yu Lanyi relaxed, finally at ease.

In the morning, Zheng Shanci still didn’t go to work, having Wang Fu deliver a note to Minister Hu. When he woke up, his body felt heavy, his head dizzy, and his chest tight. He took the day off to rest.

Yu Lanyi rose in the morning to find Zheng Shanci still in bed, his lips pale and his face ashen. Yu Lanyi touched his forehead—the temperature was normal.

"Your lips are dry—drink some water to moisten them." Yu Lanyi poured Zheng Shanci a cup of warm water. He couldn’t drink tea now—water was better.

"Breakfast is century egg and lean pork congee with buns. We’ll eat in the room."

Zheng Shanci drank the water, and his lips no longer felt dry. He got up, threw on a robe, ate breakfast, and then returned to bed. His head ached badly—he couldn’t do anything right now.

"Keep Pingan away so he doesn’t catch this. Lan Yi, you should sleep in the guest room for now," Zheng Shanci said, rubbing his temples. He knew his own body—he hadn’t been sick in years, and this illness had hit him hard. It would take at least three or four days to recover.

"Pingan can stay away, but I’m healthy," Yu Lanyi said, placing a warm cloth on Zheng Shanci’s forehead. "If I don’t watch over you, I won’t be able to sleep at night. I’d just worry."

Zheng Shanci’s illness lasted four full days. By the time he recovered, the court had already begun its New Year holiday.

He didn’t go to the Ministry of Revenue to collect his stipend himself—a clerk brought the silver, salt, cloth, and grain rations to his residence. Yu Lanyi tipped the courier.

Yu Lanyi handed Zheng Shanci his year-end stipend, which surprised him.

"Buy something good to eat."

Zheng Shanci opened the pouch—inside, along with his fifteen taels of salary, was a fifty-tael silver note.

His pulse jumped again.

Yu Lanyi said dryly, "I told the accountant I needed money to buy you medicinal herbs and took three hundred taels. Fifty for you, fifty for me. The other two hundred all ended up in your stomach."

Zheng Shanci: "..."

My appetite is too costly.

"We need to buy festival provisions and give gifts. The gifts are all taken care of, but for the shopping, I got a hundred taels from the bookkeeper," Yu Lanyi said cheerfully.

He loved the New Year season most. During the holiday, Zheng Shanci would have time off, and he could go to the bookkeeper to get money for buying festival supplies. It didn't cost much, especially since he had learned how to bargain from Lin Ge'er.

Zheng Shanci also became interested in going to buy the festival provisions. "I'll go with you."

Yu Lanyi happily agreed, "Great! You can be my pack mule."

Zheng Shanci —

Zheng Shanci followed Yu Lanyi to the lively marketplace, accompanied by Wang Fu and Jin Yun. Buying festival provisions was always bustling with activity, and Zheng Shanci found himself immersed in the excitement. He saw many vendors warming themselves by charcoal fires, sitting on stools while minding their vegetable stalls, and others selling firecrackers and fireworks.

Yu Lanyi had learned to compare prices among different shops.

He scrutinized a fireworks stall critically. "How much for this cylindrical firework?"

"Ten coppers apiece, sir. They make a beautiful display," the vendor said.

"And these firecrackers?"

"Twelve coppers per bundle."

"That's rather steep. I'll check other shops first," Yu Lanyi said with pretended seriousness.

Zheng Shanci stood by and followed him to another fireworks shop. After visiting three shops, the prices were identical, but one offered free firecrackers if you bought more.

Yu Lanyi bought the firecrackers there.

The marketplace buzzed with noise—children darted through the crowd, people bargained loudly, and others made small talk. As the year-end approached, everyone was in high spirits preparing for the festivities.

"This year’s harvest was good. We sold plenty of grain, so we can splurge a bit on festival provisions. We’ll buy a few pounds of pork to cure—later, when we crave it, we can enjoy some salted meat," said a middle-aged man shopping with his teenage son.

"Before, we were tenant farmers under the Wen family. Last year, the authorities checked the census records and found issues with the Wen family’s land and population. They investigated, uncovered their hidden laborers and land encroachment, dealt with the Wens, and redistributed land to us tenant farmers, registering us properly. Otherwise, we wouldn’t even have citizenship in Great Yan Dynasty." The man repeated this story every year. His ancestors had been tenant farmers, hidden away by wealthy families—living, having children, and raising them namelessly to toil in the fields, generation after generation.

Now, with land allocated by the authorities, they could finally build a life. No longer forced to labor from dawn till dusk, they worked happily on their own fields, keeping the harvest for themselves. They worked eagerly, hopeful for the future.

He didn’t know which official had dismantled the Wen family, but he told his son the story repeatedly, believing the government protected the people.

Sometimes, though, the authorities arrived too late, unseen when needed.

"Zheng Shanci, let’s go buy fruits."

Zheng Shanci snapped back to attention and followed Yu Lanyi.

"Dad, you’ve said this many times. I know the government saved us."

Yu Lanyi picked out some candies. Since Xiao Pingan was teething, he bought fewer sweets to avoid tooth decay. He also grabbed walnuts—delicious when dipped in syrup.

Zheng Shanci carried the bags.

Yu Lanyi bought a bit of everything for the festival. With just the two of them at home, and as juniors, they usually dined with Zheng’s father or at the marquis’ residence.

After getting everything he wanted, Yu Lanyi was thoroughly satisfied. Zheng Shanci spotted a poultry vendor selling ready-to-cook chickens and bought two.

Perfect for making fried chicken.

Xiao Pingan, with no teeth yet, could only drool at the aroma of fried chicken. He clutched a bowl, leaning against Yu Lanyi’s leg, watching eagerly as Yu Lanyi ate.

Taking pity, Yu Lanyi tore a small piece of meat from the drumstick and placed it in the child’s bowl.

Little Ping'an grabbed a spoon right away and ate the chicken, chewing it carefully.

He quickly leaned against Yu Lanyi again, craving more fried chicken.

Zheng Shanci picked up Little Ping'an and fed him a bit of roasted chicken.

Little Ping'an happily sat on Zheng Shanci's lap, swinging his legs.

After feeding him for a while, Zheng Shanci gave him some soup, gave his tummy a pat, and let him down to go play.

Little Ping'an looked at the fried chicken on the table with longing in his eyes. But he knew Zheng Shanci wouldn’t feed him anymore—his tummy was full enough. Little Ping'an rubbed his stomach and went to fetch a small stool to cozy up by the fire.

"Zheng Shanci, this fried chicken is so delicious. I’ll send Jin Yun to grab more. The cook has already learned how to make it—we’ll fry a few more chickens to bring to Brother and Sister-in-law, and bring some over to the Marquis of Changyang’s place too." Whenever Yu Lanyi ate something tasty, he always thought of both families.

Zheng Shanci smirked and agreed.

"It’s too cold outside—I’m too lazy to go out. If you go out, remember to wear an extra layer. You’ve just recovered from your illness." After finishing his meal, Yu Lanyi stood for a while before flopping onto the couch to lounge.

Little Ping'an wore a hat that covered both his ears. He wasn’t allowed outside—kids had it worst if they caught a cold in such freezing weather.

Little Ping'an tilted his head and looked at Zheng Shanci.

"Daddy’s stepping out for a little while. Play by yourself in the house." Zheng Shanci patted his head and went out to take a look.

Having lain in bed for several days, he had only gone out earlier to buy New Year supplies. Now, he wanted to walk around more.

As he strolled through the streets, he saw many regular folks. In the past, he’d always been in too much of a rush. Zheng Shanci inquired about grain prices, pork prices, and more, scribbling them all down.

When he finished recording the prices, it suddenly struck him—as an Assistant Minister at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, he didn’t actually need to note these things. Zheng Shanci smirked to himself. Better to have them written down—they might come in handy someday.

With all the noise and bustle around him, Zheng Shanci felt an unusual sense of peace and comfort. He spotted Zheng Qingyin selling padded coats, with many customers gathered around. Some couples, dressed rather thinly themselves, were buying coats for their children.

"How much for this padded coat?"

Zheng Qingyin replied, "These are last winter’s leftovers—only eighty coins each."

That was much cheaper than the padded coats in other fabric shops. The child’s father quickly handed over the money and asked, "Do you have any leftover coats for us adults?"

Zheng Qingyin picked out two for them.

The styles were outdated—the capital’s rich crowd had moved on from these styles, so it was good to sell the old stock to those in need. Zheng Shanci helped Zheng Qingyin, and with so many customers, last year’s coats sold out quickly.

Since it was a textile workshop, only women and male workers handled the embroidery tasks, with female and male laborers taking care of other chores. Some even called this fabric shop a "good place."

Doing business in the capital required connections, and the Marquis of Changyang’s influence was enough to deter trouble. Now that Zheng Shanci had been promoted, nobody messed with these shops anymore.

"We can rest for a while now."

Zheng Qingyin fixed Zheng Shanci a cup of tea.

"Earlier, I heard from Second Sister-in-law that Second Brother was ill. How is he now?"

"Much better," Zheng Shanci replied, taking a sip of tea.

Instead of burning charcoal in the shop, they used embers buried in ash to keep a low, steady heat.

"This weather is too cold. Who knows how much coal is wasted every year? The coal miners have it tough." Zheng Qingyin opened up. "Yesterday, an embroiderer told me her brother worked in the coal mines. The tunnel collapsed, and he was buried inside. Luckily, they rescued him in time, but his leg was permanently injured. The mine was already unstable—pushing workers in there was basically a death sentence."

Zheng Shanci pondered for a moment. "Were there any fatalities in this collapse?"

Zheng Qingyin thought for a moment upon hearing Zheng Shanci’s question. "I recall two men died. The owner paid off each family with ten taels of silver and sent them away. They didn’t know what else to do. Those who went to mine coal were the breadwinners of their families. Now it’s just widows and fatherless children left—a wretched situation."

"I see."

Zheng Shanci asked if the embroiderer was still there, and Zheng Qingyin nodded.

After understanding the situation, Zheng Shanci said, "Young lady, I can bring this to a friend of mine who serves in the Ministry of Justice. You can wait at home for word."

"Thank you, Lord Zheng."

Zheng Shanci helped her up. "I’m just delivering the message. Whether it succeeds or not is uncertain, so I dare not accept such deep gratitude."

"Lord Zheng is an official—your word carries way more clout than ours. Just your willingness to speak on our behalf is more than enough for me to be grateful," the embroiderer said earnestly. "When we speak, they don’t listen."

Zheng Shanci then inquired further about the coal mine’s situation. The mine’s backer turned out to be Minister Hu, and the mine owner had kowtowed to him as a patron.

Officials in the court often had ties with merchants—this way, the merchants gained protection while the officials received silver for their use, a mutually beneficial arrangement. No wonder the coal mine’s fatal incident was brushed aside just like that.