Chapter 147: Imperial Edict

Chapter 147: Royal Mandate

Having finished the affairs in Yingzhou, Emperor Wuming granted Zheng Shanci three days off to rest at home. After the midday meal, the servants cleared the dishes, and Zheng Shanci took Yu Lanyi along with him.

"In Yingzhou, I was always busy, and after the earthquake, there wasn’t much worth having. Now that we’re in the capital, let’s look around and see what you like." Zheng Shanci’s heart still hurt from seeing Yu Lanyi cry earlier, and he only wanted to pamper him, buying him whatever he fancied, letting him have his way.

Yu Lanyi was pleased by Zheng Shanci’s words but also a bit flustered.

"If I hadn’t shed tears today, would you not have bought me anything?"

Zheng Shanci slipped an arm around his shoulders and said earnestly, "Not at all. I’d have gotten you gifts anyway, even if you hadn’t cried."

Only then did Yu Lanyi’s smile he couldn’t suppress break through.

The two got ready and went out together. Since they were just walking around, there was no need for a carriage. When Zheng Shanci had left the capital, half the residential buildings had collapsed, but now they were all repaired, though the new shops were obvious with their fresh blue bricks.

Some of Yu Lanyi’s own shops had also collapsed. He had hired workers to rebuild them, bearing the losses himself without passing them on to the tenants—a considerate move. The merchants praised Yu Lanyi to everyone, inspiring others to consider renting his shops in the future.

In business, honesty came first, and though there were many difficulties, Yu Lanyi cut people slack when possible.

He told Zheng Shanci about this matter.

Zheng Shanci looked surprised and linked his pinky with Yu Lanyi’s. "How did I not know my husband was so kind and generous?"

Linking fingers in public—Yu Lanyi gave Zheng Shanci’s hand a sharp tug and muttered, "This just shows you haven’t paid enough attention to me. From now on, keep your eyes on me. There are plenty of good qualities I have that you’ve yet to discover."

Zheng Shanci chuckled and agreed. "I’ll never look away, not for a lifetime."

Yu Lanyi’s heart swelled with sweetness, though he pretended to be annoyed at Zheng Shanci’s bold words. "And here I thought you were a scholar. I only asked you to observe my virtues—how’d we jump to a lifetime? My life is still long."

Zheng Shanci let him fuss, wearing a faint, indulgent smile. "Since this life is long, will you spend it with me?"

By the time they reached the jewelry shop, Yu Lanyi’s ears turned red at Zheng Shanci’s words. Thankfully, his hair covered them, or he might have died of embarrassment.

"Buy me jewelry, and I’ll agree to spend my life with you," Yu Lanyi shot back before quickly stepping inside.

Zheng Shanci followed him in.

The dazzling array of jewelry was overwhelming. Zheng Shanci stuck to Yu Lanyi like a shadow, going wherever he went.

The clerk recognized Yu Lanyi as a regular customer and greeted him warmly.

"This hairpin is beautiful," Yu Lanyi murmured, his eyes gleaming as he fixed them on an exquisitely crafted gold hairpin adorned with pearls and gemstones, shaped like a butterfly.

He asked the clerk to bring it out, then pinned it in his hair and turned to Zheng Shanci. "Does it suit me?"

Zheng Shanci seemed momentarily dazed. The butterfly hairpin had a somewhat feminine design, but on Yu Lanyi, it only amplified his striking beauty.

Seeing Zheng Shanci’s expression, Yu Lanyi knew he had chosen well.

He immediately decided to take the gold hairpin. Zheng Shanci then picked out a bracelet for him. Yu Lanyi leaned in to look. "This one—I’ll try it in the back room."

Zheng Shanci raised an eyebrow. "A bracelet needs to be tried in the back room?"

"Your question makes you sound very dull."

Yu Lanyi took the anklet to the inner chamber.

Clearing his throat, Zheng Shanci followed him inside. Yu Lanyi removed his shoes and socks, clasping the red agate chain Zheng Shanci had chosen around his ankle.

He raised his foot to show Zheng Shanci.

"Is it pretty?"

Zheng Shanci nodded. "It’s really pretty."

This was Yu Lanyi's first time wearing an anklet. The cold anklet pressed against his skin, and he still felt somewhat unaccustomed to it. Noticing Zheng Shanci's dark eyes fixed on his ankle, Yu Lanyi gave a smug little swing of his leg.

The red agate beads chimed softly—each tinkle striking straight into Zheng Shanci’s heart. He had to look away. Yu Lanyi emerged from the inner chamber and instructed the clerk to pack both the hairpin and the anklet, while Zheng Shanci went to settle the bill.

Already wearing the new hairpin, Yu Lanyi decided to save the other for the next day. After leaving the jewelry shop, he bought a bowl of sour plum soup from a street vendor.

Zheng Shanci let him have his way.

By evening, they returned home. The moment Xiao Pingan saw Zheng Shanci, he dashed over and hugged his leg.

Zheng Shanci picked him up.

"Were you good with your studies while I was gone?"

Xiao Pingan nodded. "I recited poetry with the tutor. Your uncle also brought in a martial arts teacher to teach me physical training."

Since Xiao Pingan was old enough, Yu Lanyi had visited the Marquis of Changyang's residence to ask his elder brother to help find a suitable instructor. After all, health came first, no matter what. Starting young and sticking with it would pay off.

An Geer’s son, Yu Hebo, was born early and had always been delicate. Thus, he too had begun martial training from an early age. Lately, he’d been training at a martial school instead of going to the academy.

Yu Zhangxing took a balanced view of the children's education. "Let him train at the martial school for two years first, then return to the academy for studies."

Xiao Pingan followed the martial master's instructions—practicing horse stances and punches. The tough training had bulked him up considerably.

Once Zheng Shanci was back, Yu Lanyi nudged him to spare time to practice alongside their son.

"Dad’s home! How was your trip?" Xiao Pingan asked eagerly about the outside world.

Zheng Shanci told him a few tales, leaving out the sad parts.

After dinner, Xiao Pingan grew drowsy while listening to Zheng Shanci's tales. Wu Shi put him to bed—he had school early the next day.

Every day, Xiao Pingan always ate breakfast alone. Yu Lanyi could never drag himself out of bed that early. The boy ate alone before heading to school.

That night, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi retired to their bedroom. After so long apart, Zheng Shanci, after washing up, immediately pulled Yu Lanyi into an embrace, his fingers quickly undoing the other’s belt.

He trailed kisses from Yu Lanyi's forehead down to his collarbone, his dark eyes smoldering.

Yu Lanyi instinctively pressed a hand against Zheng Shanci's chest—sweat-slick, his fingers shaky as warmth flooded him. Then his legs were seized firmly.

...

Back home, Zheng Shanci finally let go, holding Yu Lanyi close for a peaceful night's sleep.

The next morning, Xiao Pingan ate breakfast alone. He frowned, not seeing Zheng Shanci. Wu Shi took his hand and escorted him to the academy.

In the past, though his father would rise early, never sleeping in, this time even he had stayed in bed.

Once at the academy, Xiao Pingan quickly forgot about it.

Meanwhile, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi slept in till noon. When Yu Lanyi finally awoke, he found himself still naked in Zheng Shanci's arms, his face pressed against the other's chest.

His face burned hot all at once.

He shoved Zheng Shanci, nearly sending him tumbling off the bed.

Zheng Shanci had been sleeping even more deeply than Yu Lanyi, but his husband’s shove woke him. His heart still brimmed with tender affection as he simply pulled Yu Lanyi closer by the shoulder. "Stay in bed a bit longer."

Yu Lanyi didn’t feel weighed down at all; instead, he felt light as air, full of energy. Glancing at Zheng Shanci, he still looked as handsome as ever, though his face bore traces of drowsiness and exhaustion.

"You’re the one who kept us up last night, and now you know you need more sleep." Yu Lanyi tapped Zheng Shanci’s nose lightly.

"Last night was worth it. You didn’t exert much effort, but I used up too much strength."

The cheeky remark rolled right off his tongue. Yu Lanyi leaned against Zheng Shanci’s chest, his voice muffled. "Fine, I’ll sleep with you for a while, or you’ll whine about me neglecting you."

"Woe is me," he teased, then added with a smile, "Then you must spoil me more."

Yu Lanyi was most susceptible to this kind of talk, though he only snorted in response, playing the prim and proper husband this time.

Zheng Shanci hadn’t slept enough yet. After the disaster relief in Yingzhou, traveling in the summer heat, often confined to the carriage, he’d frequently been soaked through. At the post stations, sleeping on unfamiliar beds left him feeling never quite right. Sharing a bed with Yu Lanyi was comfortable, but sleeping elsewhere always felt like something was missing.

Easy to spoil yourself, hard to go back.

Zheng Shanci sighed and kissed Yu Lanyi’s hair.

By the time the two got out of bed, the sun was already high in the sky, and they could go straight to lunch.

This time, Yu Lanyi wore his new hairpin and donned a robe from his pre-marriage days, twirled in front of Zheng Shanci before asking with fake modesty, "What do you think of this outfit?"

"So gorgeous you put the world to shame," Zheng Shanci praised.

"Enough with the flowery nonsense." Yu Lanyi scowled at him, though it secretly pleased him.

Zheng Shanci: "..."

Their three days together flew by, but Yu Lanyi’s heart felt at ease.

"This time, when you went to Yingzhou for disaster relief, His Majesty hasn’t rewarded you yet," Yu Lanyi remarked casually as they dined at the marquis’s residence. He and Zheng Shanci were used to speaking freely, so he voiced whatever came to mind.

Zheng Shanci thought for a moment and said, "His Majesty only told me to rest for three days first. He didn’t mention anything else."

The Marquis of Changyang interjected, "His Majesty knows what he’s doing. Shan Ci and Cui Ziqi did stellar work with the relief effort this time, so rewards are certain."

Yu Zhangxing added, "Shan Ci was recently promoted to Vice Minister of Revenue. His Majesty likely won’t promote him further but may bestow gold, silver, or jewels instead."

For some officials sent on disaster relief missions, if promotions weren’t feasible due to red tape, they’d be rewarded with treasures while their merits were recorded for future consideration.

At these words, his pulse jumped at that.

Yu Lanyi said cheerfully, "Who’s complaining about gold and jewels?"

Mr. Yu couldn’t help but laugh helplessly—his man was still so naïve.

After all, what could compare to the allure of a solid official position?

Yu Hebo finished his meal and went off to play with Xiao Pingan. The cousins were thick as thieves. Though Xiao Pingan was older, Yu Hebo was the steady one and often took the lead in their games.

An Geer adored Xiao Pingan, who frequently visited the estate to play with Yu Hebo, making An Geer even fonder of him.

"I noticed Shengze likes this pear syrup candy, so I packed some for him."

Yu Lanyi expressed his thanks to An Geer.

"He’s just a kid, but he’s crazy about sweets."

Zheng Shanci mused that he, too, loved sweets.

After dinner at the Marquis’s estate, Xiao Ping’an said goodbye to his cousin and went home.

Yu Hebo, meanwhile, was happy too. He drank a daily health tonic. By now, he was used to it and didn’t mind the bitterness. But it still pained An Geer to see it.

"Father," Yu Hebo said, puffing his cheeks as he spoke to An Geer, "Grandfather said that once I grow up and train my body properly, I’ll be as healthy as anyone." He bore a striking resemblance—about seventy percent—to Yu Zhangxing as a child.

An Geer chuckled. "Got it. Off to bed—you’ve got training tomorrow."

Yu Hebo nodded and trailed after his wet nurse.

Yu Zhangxing and An Geer returned to their quarters, where Yu Zhangxing comforted An Geer with a few words. "The physician has examined Bo’er. As long as he keeps up his martial training, by his teens, he’ll be no different from other children—perhaps even stronger."

An Geer’s heart eased at those words.

The boy was a bit frail, but fortunately, with the physician’s constant attention and nourishing tonics, and given that both families were of marquis rank, they could afford to provide the best care for their grandson.

Layered mountains rose in the distance, while lanterns lining the corridors glowed orange—soft and bright.

Yu Zhangxing studied An Geer’s face and reached out to smooth the furrow between his brows. "This isn’t your fault. Don’t carry this burden in your heart."

At these words, An Geer’s expression softened. He took Yu Zhangxing’s hand and traced it from his brows down to the tip of his nose, his cheeks, and finally his lips.

The touch sent warmth rushing through An Geer. He lifted his eyes to meet Yu Zhangxing’s gaze.

An Geer—bright-eyed, fair—ducked his head with a small smile.

Yu Zhangxing, unable to resist, bent to kiss him.

...

Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi walked home under the evening glow. Having eaten their fill at the Marquis’s estate, neither had any appetite left. They wandered the night market just for fun before returning home to sleep.

"If His Majesty rewards us with gold and jewels," Yu Lanyi said, "I’ll take seventy percent, and you get thirty."

He was already fantasizing about Emperor Wuming’s potential rewards and had been calculating the split on their way back. The 30% was a grudging concession, like tossing Zheng Shanci a bone.

Zheng Shanci didn’t even blink. "Sure."

With duties awaiting him the next day, Zheng Shanci dared not misbehave that night. Yu Lanyi turned over and fell asleep, knowing full well that Zheng Shanci was now a paper tiger (all bark, no bite). Utterly unthreatening.

He liked to sleep pressed against Zheng Shanci, his legs entwined with his, like a kitten preening over a sick tiger. Agate bracelets adorned his long, pale ankles. His legs looked almost ethereal in the moonlight.

Zheng Shanci regretfully averted his gaze, tucked in the blankets, and drifted off.

The next day, Zheng Shanci attended court.

Emperor Wuming gave him and Cui Ziqi props in court but kept quiet about rewards.

Upon arriving at the Ministry of Revenue, Zheng Shanci found his office space had expanded—the inner chamber was larger than when he’d served as Director of the Ministry of Revenue and Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Seeing his old tea set, he relaxed.

It was the purple clay teapot Yu Lanyi gave him when he’d first been promoted to Vice Director. Over the years, Zheng Shanci clung to old things, especially after all they’d been through. This teapot, with him since his younger days, meant the world to him.

Ah, Zheng Shanci, you're here. Emperor Wuming waved him up.

Zheng Shanci was adept at handling affairs in the Ministry of Revenue, whether it was household registrations or land records—everything could be clarified. He once thought the ministry was busy, but when he moved to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, he found himself with little to do. Now that he was back, Zheng Shanci felt both unfamiliar and familiar with it all.

"Lord Zheng, His Majesty summons you to the Panlong Hall," a minor official came to inform him.

Zheng Shanci straightened his official robe and headed to the Panlong Hall.

"We are at a loss on how to reward you," Emperor Wuming said. "You handled the disaster relief in Yingzhou well. Tell Us yourself. If it’s reasonable, We’ll grant it. If not, We’ll think it over carefully."

Cui Ziqi had asked for a new residence, which Emperor Wuming found amusing but still granted, along with a promotion. The emperor was quite tolerant of ministers with eccentric personalities.

Zheng Shanci had already made up his mind. He knelt and said, "Your Majesty, I wish to request an imperial honor for my husband."

"When I married him, I was merely a Third-Ranked Jinshi, while he was the prized son of a marquisate. This match was above my standing. To be frank, when I wed the Marquis of Changyang’s family, I had nothing—our wedding attire, residence, and betrothal gifts were all provided by his household. Despite my lack of preparation, I still married their treasured jewel, leaving me torn between shame and the need to honor him properly."

"In my days of poverty, my husband never scorned me and followed me to remote regions. He endured hardships that he, as a pampered young lord, should never have faced. It pains me to remember his hardships. When he married me, I had nothing to offer him. Now that Your Majesty asks what I desire, I wish to bring him comfort and make up for the long-overdue betrothal gifts."

Emperor Wuming waved him up. "This is no difficult matter. I asked what you wanted, and you’ve exchanged your merits from disaster relief for an imperial honor for your husband?"

Zheng Shanci affirmed, "I beg Your Majesty’s indulgence."

Emperor Wuming nodded. "Very well, We grant your request."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"You may leave now. Attend to the Crown Prince’s lessons diligently in the Ministry of Revenue."

Zheng Shanci bowed and withdrew from the Panlong Hall.

After Zheng Shanci left, Emperor Wuming smiled faintly. "It seems Lord Zheng is a man of deep sentiment. We’ll indulge his sentiment—granting his father and husband the noble rank of Third-Rank Shuren."

Feng De pretended to protest. "Your Majesty, Lord Zheng only requested a title for his husband. Why grant an additional one?"

Emperor Wuming chuckled. "Might as well do both while We’re at it. Normally, the father is honored first, then the spouse. Since he asked for his husband’s title, We’ll make it a double decree. Had he requested his father’s title first, We would’ve granted only that. Great Yan’s statutes dictate that if the mother is not honored, the wife cannot be honored first."

Feng De grinned. "Your Majesty is most wise."

Emperor Wuming shook his head. "All these years at my side, you’ve learned none of Our wisdom."

"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, while this lowly one’s just dirt under heaven. Merely serving at Your Majesty’s side is a blessing of three lifetimes. Even if I could learn Your Majesty’s brilliance, which minister could compare? Alas, my mind is empty—I can only steep in Your Majesty’s radiance but never grasp even half of your wisdom."

Emperor Wuming was in good spirits. "That remark shows some cleverness. Enough flattery—go and handle the matter properly."

Feng De bowed and excused himself.

Emperor Wuming reflected on Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi’s marriage, which had started as a scandal but bore good fruit. He sighed, then glanced at the memorials on his desk, his enthusiasm draining.

"Summon the Crown Prince."

A palace attendant hurried to fetch him.

While Emperor Wuming had Xie Cheng review memorials for study, Zheng Shanci returned to the Ministry of Revenue, a weight off his shoulders. *He had long wished to secure an imperial honor for Yu Lanyi and now finally succeeded.*

Having studied Great Yan’s statutes, he knew the order of granting honors. By requesting Yu Lanyi’s honor, the emperor would naturally honor Mr. Zheng as well—a sly bit of legal maneuvering.

Relieved, Zheng Shanci resumed his official duties with focus.

As he worked diligently in the ministry, Yu Lanyi was idling in the courtyard, enjoying the breeze. The kitchen sent over dried persimmons, of which Yu Lanyi ate two and tossed one to Jin Yun. "My lord, these persimmons are quite sweet."

"Save these for Zheng Shanci and Xiao Ping'an; they both have a sweet tooth."

Ever since Zheng Shanci returned, Yu Lanyi's spirits had visibly lifted.

Just as Yu Lanyi was about to get up to check on the tavern, a servant came running over, "Young Master Yu, someone from the palace has arrived."

Yu Lanyi's eyes lit up.

His reward had come.

Feng De personally came to announce the decree, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees... Yu Lanyi is hereby enfeoffed as a Third-Rank Virtuous Consort."

That litany of virtues—virtuous, kind, chaste—made Yu Lanyi blush. By the time Feng De finished reading the decree, Yu Lanyi's heart was pounding—it had all happened so quickly. He accepted the decree from Feng De with a smile on his face.

Jin Yun tactfully slipped Feng De a small token, "Eunuch Feng De, thank you for your trouble. This is a token of appreciation from my young master for your tea."

Feng De smiled as he accepted the pouch, "I came from the Zheng residence first. This time, Lord Zheng sought the enfeoffment, and Young Master Yu is truly blessed. Hearing Lord Zheng's words in the Panlong Hall, I was genuinely touched."

Having said this, Feng De didn't linger. He completed his task and led his entourage back to the palace. As for revealing Zheng Shanci's words in the Panlong Hall to Jin Yun, it was merely to curry favor with Lord Zheng.

Having seen so many people in the palace, someone like Zheng Shanci was a rare find.

Yu Lanyi held the imperial decree—it bore his name.

Zheng Shanci's devotion to him was more precious than gold and jewels.

He had delivered on his promise.

Yu Lanyi's eyes shone. Though he was delighted with the Third-Rank enfeoffment, what truly made his heart soar was Zheng Shanci's love for him.

"Young Master is now an officially honored spouse! In the capital, no one as young as you holds such a title!"

Jin Yun was overjoyed for Yu Lanyi. Among nobility, only the primary spouse could receive such an honor. Like Mr. Yu, who held a First-Rank enfeoffment—now Young Master Yu's Third-Rank was quite impressive.

Yu Lanyi swelled with pride at the words but coughed lightly and said, "Let's keep such talk within the household. If outsiders hear it, they might accuse us of arrogance."

Jin Yun immediately straightened up solemnly, "You're right, Young Master. Tall trees catch much wind—we must tread carefully after receiving the enfeoffment."

Yu Lanyi: "... I just wanted to brag a little."

He took the decree back to his room and placed it in a box.

The decree praised him as virtuous, kind, and chaste—truly a model spouse. Yu Lanyi was so happy he could have jumped for joy.

"Someone like me is a model spouse indeed."

Yu Lanyi instructed the kitchen to prepare a special feast that evening—a reward for both Zheng Shanci and himself.

Zheng Shanci had his official robe, and now Yu Lanyi had his enfeoffment attire. He tried it on—the belt accentuated his slender waist. Yu Lanyi admired himself in the mirror.

After admiring himself, he hung the enfeoffment robe next to Zheng Shanci's official robe.

When word quickly spread through the capital after seeing Feng De emerge from the Zheng residence, they learned that both Zheng's father and Yu Lanyi had been enfeoffed. Zheng Shanci, now a Third-Rank Vice Minister of Revenue, meant his father and spouse were also granted Third-Rank Virtuous Consort titles.

The news struck everyone like a thunderclap.