Chapter 148: Sweetness

Chapter 148 Sweet as Honey

"Someone like Yu Lanyi can actually become a titled consort?" An official's spouse widened his eyes in disbelief, finding the notion utterly absurd.

The crowd broke into murmurs.

No one could fathom how Yu Lanyi had earned such a title—and a third-rank *Shuren* title at that. Many found it inconceivable, convinced the Emperor must have been bewitched by Yu Lanyi to grant him such an honor.

Titles were traditionally bestowed upon exemplary and virtuous spouses of officials. What connection did Yu Lanyi have with such qualities? Every young man and lady in the capital was more virtuous, gentle, and refined than him. Yet, this domineering figure with no pretense of gentleness had somehow become a titled consort.

"And a third-rank at that. From now on, we’ll have to bow to Yu Lanyi when we see him," one young man remarked sourly.

Zheng Shanci had just turned thirty—such a young *Vice Minister of Revenue* was a rare sight. Yet, his consort was someone like Yu Lanyi, a wastrel young master who showed no trace of tenderness or consideration.

"Now that he holds a title, anyone without one or of lower rank will have to pay respects to him."

Commoners overheard the gossip and advised their sons and daughters, "You see, when choosing a spouse, you mustn’t just look at family background—character and potential matter too. Lord Zheng was once just a seventh-rank county magistrate, but now he’s risen to *Vice Minister of Revenue* and even secured a title for his father-in-law and consort. That’s the kind of man worth marrying."

They recalled how they had once mocked Yu Lanyi, a noble-born young man, for marrying a "lowborn scholar." Now, they had nothing to say. Who wouldn’t want to marry such a "bumpkin"?

Young, comely, tender, and influential—their envy burned. If someone like Yu Lanyi could become a titled consort, so could they—if only they had a husband who could earn them a title.

Some young men ground their teeth. "How can he be a titled consort? Lord Zheng hasn’t taken a single concubine all these years—that alone violates the 'Seven Offenses (for divorce).'"

"Have you forgotten? Yu Lanyi married Lord Zheng in a marriage beneath his station. There were rumors that Lord Zheng promised not to take concubines unless they remained childless by thirty. Now that they have a child, he can’t take any."

At this, their resentment only grew.

They wished they could swap places with Yu Lanyi.

When Mr. Wei learned that Zheng Shanci had secured a title for Yu Lanyi, he smiled faintly. "I suppose the young men and ladies of the capital are in for another heartache. I heard he used his merits from famine relief to exchange for it—proof that Lord Zheng truly cherishes Yu Lanyi."

After meeting Yu Lanyi and Zheng Shanci, he took a liking to the couple. Now that Yu Lanyi had become a titled consort, he felt even more inclined to befriend him.

Before, like other newlywed young men, he could only sit in the lower seats. Now, he could join them in conversation. Even Madam Pei held him in favor.

Ministers and vice ministers were the first and second in command of their departments—who knew when one might rise to the Grand Secretariat? Zheng Shanci had even more advantages: his youth and his position as the Crown Prince’s junior tutor. If the Crown Prince ascended the throne in the future, Zheng Shanci would undoubtedly gain imperial favor.

Beyond admiring Yu Lanyi’s temperament, Mr. Wei still prioritized family influence and background in his social circles. Those from lesser households had no chance of approaching him.

If anyone was happier than Yu Lanyi about this, it was Mr. Yu.

His son-in-law was capable, securing a title for his youngest son. And as a powerful vice minister, he was far better than any noble-born son-in-law. Despite his sudden rise, Shan Ci remained humble—a testament to his integrity.

"Lan Yi must be elated. He’s the first among his peers to receive a title," Mr. Yu said with a smile.

"When they’re on leave, have them come home for a meal. I remember someone sent several catties of lobster—perfect for the occasion."

Nanny Cao acknowledged the order. The household servants had watched Yu Zhangxing and Yu Lanyi grow up. Now that the young master had found a good match and earned a title, they were elated.

The young man was pampered, true, but unlike the wastrel young masters who took pleasure in tormenting others.

Mr. Yu was in high spirits. As the primary consort of a noble house, securing a title was easier, but for an official’s consort, it depended on opportunity. That Shan Ci had used his merits from famine relief to obtain a title for Lan Yi—ensuring his security—showed earnest affection.

He was delighted his youngest son had received a title, but even more so by his son-in-law’s heartfelt intent.

After the imperial decree reached the Zheng residence, joy was felt differently, while those who didn’t understand seethed with envy. Yet, had they been asked to marry a man from a backwater village, they would have refused. They only saw the present glory, blind to the risks.

Just think—going to Xin Feng County, encountering a plague—one might have perished in a foreign land.

The young men and women in the capital were serious about this, and so were their elders. From now on, when choosing a son-in-law, they must value character over mere family background. Of course, it would be best to find someone with both lineage and virtue.

Some wealthy merchants, eager to marry their precious daughters to poor scholars, often ended up with regret and heartache, wasting effort and bringing suffering to the entire family.

There were plenty of people who acted one way before marriage and another after.

Here, Zheng Shanci was praised as the ideal gentleman.

Yu Lanyi also became the envy of many.

...

Zheng Shanci, busy with his duties at the Ministry of Revenue, was oblivious to the gossip outside. It was autumn, and the matter of harvest taxes was of utmost importance. This year, three provinces had suffered disasters, slashing the ministry’s tax records—a shortfall they couldn’t cover. On top of that, disaster relief had already cost two million taels of silver. Rebuilding houses, restoring ruined fields, repairing roads… everywhere needed money.

The autumn harvest required meticulous planning and adjustments.

Wang Fu brewed Zheng Shanci a pot of cassia seed, goji berry, and chrysanthemum tea, setting it down carefully on the desk.

Zheng Shanci knew the importance of maintaining health—he didn’t seek expensive teas, only those that boosted energy.

He pored over the accounts from the capital’s surrounding regions.

Focusing on urgent matters, as Vice Minister of Revenue, he only needed to oversee key prefectures, leaving the rest to his staff.

At noon, Zheng Shanci went to the dining hall to meet up with his friends.

Du Ning asked Cui Ziqi and Zheng Shanci what favors they’d asked for from the Emperor.

Cui Ziqi, smugly thinking he’d outsmarted them, said, “I asked His Majesty for a new residence. Seeing my sincerity, he even promoted me—now I’m a third-rank official.”

Du Ning gave him a look like he was an idiot.

Xiao Gaoyang coughed lightly, having nothing to say.

Mei Huai rubbed his forehead, while Jiang Lanli burst out laughing.

Cui Ziqi: “…Why is no one saying anything?”

“Brother Zheng, what favor did you ask for?” Du Ning ignored Cui Ziqi and turned to Zheng Shanci.

Zheng Shanci smiled. “I requested an imperial title for Lan Yi.”

Hearing this, Cui Ziqi was instantly filled with regret. “Had I known, I should’ve asked for one for my husband too.”

Xiao Gaoyang fell into thought. He and Shi Ge’er had a two-year-old son and were expecting another child—she had endured much hardship. If he ever had the chance, he too would ask the Emperor for an imperial title for her.

Du Ning’s marriage was finally settled—he was to wed a gentle and lovely young lady from the prominent Tang family. Their temperaments matched well.

Mei Huai, unable to withstand Minister Mei’s nagging, married his cousin, keeping it in the family. The poor cousin had originally been betrothed, but her fiancé broke off the engagement to chase a better prospect. Mei Huai’s branch of the family were merely wealthy locals with no significant connections—though they were known for their good looks. Mei Huai had never been particularly interested in marriage, but after his cousin was humiliated following the broken engagement, he stepped in to save her face.

After Zheng Shanci and Cui Ziqi returned from disaster relief, both friends were tying the knot.

“Congratulations, Brother Du and Brother Mei.”

Du Ning: “When you meet the right person, you must act decisively. Brother Zheng, don’t skip the wedding banquet.”

“Guess we’re shelling out for gifts,” Xiao Gaoyang joked.

Du Ning laughed.

After a busy afternoon at the Ministry of Revenue, Zheng Shanci was scheduled to teach the Crown Prince the next day. The following day would be relatively light on his schedule—he simply needed to have Xie Cheng write an essay about the earthquake.

Zheng Shanci returned home from work. Xiao Pingan, having finished his lessons, was already playing at home with his friends. The courtyard was filled with children, making it hard for Zheng Shanci to distinguish them all. Since the academy didn't require uniforms, Xiao Pingan wore a deep blue jacket that day. Spotting Zheng Shanci, he ran over and obediently called out, "Daddy."

"Go play. Daddy will change first," Zheng Shanci said, patting Xiao Pingan’s head.

Xiao Pingan nodded obediently. Just seeing these little dumplings melted Zheng Shanci's heart.

The stone table was laden with snacks, including treats from the Zheng family restaurant. The children, always hungry for snacks and eager to play, had boundless energy whenever they gathered.

As Zheng Shanci went to change into his official robe, he noticed an additional garment in the wardrobe—stately and refined, hanging beside his other official robe. He couldn’t help but smile.

Stepping out, he asked a servant, "Where is Lan Yi?"

"The young master has brought his friends over to the estate, so they'll probably stay for dinner too. The young master is in high spirits today—he went to the market with the chef to pick out ingredients and requested specific dishes for the guests."

The servant was quite quick-witted.

Hearing this, Zheng Shanci felt uplifted. "If Lan Yi returns, tell him I’ve gone to the study."

"Yes, my lord."

With children playing, adults might feel out of place. Since servants were keeping watch, Zheng Shanci left the courtyard to the children and retreated to his study to handle official matters.

After his promotion to Assistant Minister, the trivial tasks had diminished, as they could now be delegated to subordinates. However, decision-making carried greater weight and difficulty. Even a minor decision could impact countless lives, making Zheng Shanci feel the burden of responsibility even more.

Yu Lanyi happily strolled through the market with the chef. Though he knew little about food, he enjoyed eating. He randomly picked a few dishes, and the chef patiently explained them to him.

They ended up buying quite a haul.

Back home, Yu Lanyi noticed the snacks on the stone table were nearly gone. He told the servants to bring more fruit but refrained from adding more snacks—after all, dinner would be served soon.

"Has Zheng Shanci returned?" Yu Lanyi asked cheerfully.

"The lord instructed that if the young master asks, he is in the study."

It was clearly an invitation for Yu Lanyi to seek him out.

Smiling, Yu Lanyi didn’t head straight to the study. Instead, he went to their room, perched at the dressing table fussing with cosmetics, and changed into fresh clothes.

Only then did he nonchalantly head to the study.

He knocked first before entering.

Hearing Zheng Shanci’s permission, he slipped inside with exaggerated stealth.

The study was a restricted area—even in the Marquis of Changyang’s residence, no one entered freely without guards stationed at the door, and it was locked when unoccupied.

Yu Lanyi beamed as he threw himself into Zheng Shanci’s arms.

Instinctively embracing him, Zheng Shanci let Yu Lanyi settle onto his lap.

"I received the imperial decree—it names me Third-Rank Shuren (an honorary title for officials' spouses) and praises me as a model husband. The wording was all flattering. You requested this decree for me, so I’ve kept it in a special box," Yu Lanyi said, treasuring it. He had hidden it under the bed, just like his secret stash of money—luckily, Zheng Shanci hadn’t discovered that yet.

Zheng Shanci smiled. "As long as you’re happy. I remember every promise I’ve made to you."

Yu Lanyi gave him a light, affectionate shove. "I’ve said so many things—do you really remember every single promise? You sure know how to charm me."

The touch was feather-light, and Zheng Shanci was utterly pleased, leaning closer to Yu Lanyi and asking softly, "If you whisper it in my ear often enough, I’ll remember."

"Oh, so now I talk too much?" Yu Lanyi teased Zheng Shanci, wrapping his arms around his neck and tilting his gaze upward, as if begging for a kiss.

Hearing this, Zheng Shanci indeed kissed him, shutting Yu Lanyi’s sharp mouth until he was breathless, his body going slack, transforming from a dignified young master of a noble house into someone who melted against him, fingers still clinging to Zheng Shanci’s neck.

"Stop kissing me." Yu Lanyi slipped off him, afraid Zheng Shanci might go too far and do something improper. Though he longed for Zheng Shanci’s body, he couldn’t indulge in intimacy in the study—it’d dishonor the classics.

He didn’t love reading, but he’d heard of such things.

Scholars like this—so improper, pouring all their thoughts into such matters.

No wonder scholars are such heartbreakers.

Zheng Shanci reined in his thoughts and poured Yu Lanyi a cup of tea.

Yu Lanyi bent down, tugged at Zheng Shanci’s collar, and kissed his Adam’s apple.

Zheng Shanci’s blood ran hot, but he restrained himself. Dinner was a feast, and after the children finished eating, they were each taken home by their servants.

Xiao Pingan, tired from playing all afternoon, said goodnight to Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi and went to bed early.

He’d meant to sleep with his father and dad tonight, but he just couldn’t keep his eyes open any longer.

With Xiao Pingan asleep, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi went out to enjoy the night.

He had played all afternoon—now it was their time.

There were fireworks and iron-flower displays that evening, and Yu Lanyi watched with delight. He turned to look at Zheng Shanci, his eyes catching the falling embers. Smiling, Yu Lanyi reached out to link arms with him, resting his head on Zheng Shanci’s shoulder and leaning most of his weight against him.

The crowd around them was dense, the air buzzing with vendors hawking their wares, filled with young couples and pairs strolling through the night market.

"Zheng Shanci, I’m so glad you’re here with me," Yu Lanyi murmured softly.

Amid the noise, he simply wanted to say it—whether Zheng Shanci heard or not didn’t matter.

Fireworks burst in the sky, and Zheng Shanci leaned close to his ear, smiling. "Lan Yi, I’m so glad you’re here with me."

So he had heard.

Yu Lanyi’s heart pounded wildly. He didn’t know why—he should have teased Zheng Shanci for repeating his words—but instead, he ducked his head, cheeks burning.

The two wandered through the night market until they reached a quieter area. Yu Lanyi stretched out his hand and said, "Zheng Shanci, give me a piggyback ride, won’t you?"

Zheng Shanci readily bent down to lift him.

"When you’re old, you won’t be able to carry me anymore," Yu Lanyi murmured affectionately, nuzzling into Zheng Shanci’s shoulders.

Such a back had always shielded him—Yu Lanyi felt utterly safe resting against it.

"When I’m too old to carry you, I’ll commission the Ministry of Works to make a cart to push you around the night market," Zheng Shanci immediately proposed a solution.

Yu Lanyi was incredulous. "Can’t I just age into a fit, dashing old man?"

Zheng Shanci: "..."

"I’m healthier than you. I often ride horses in the countryside, while you’re always stuck in the palace," Yu Lanyi pouted. "During this break, let’s go riding together."

"Alright," Zheng Shanci agreed. Even if he preferred a slow trot, he could still accompany Yu Lanyi.

Zheng Shanci was feeling a little down. Even though he often traveled for disaster relief and had eight-pack abs, putting him in better shape than most officials, looks like he’d have to step up his workouts.

The streets still had some people at night, but Zheng Shanci wasn’t embarrassed and gave Yu Lanyi a piggyback ride home.

At a quiet corner, Yu Lanyi let go to feel the wind.

Noticing his movement, Zheng Shanci’s lips quirked in amusement.

When they reached the residence, Yu Lanyi slid off Zheng Shanci’s back.

"The night market wore me out—time for bed," Yu Lanyi said, pulling Zheng Shanci along.

After washing up, neither could settle down to sleep.

"Zheng Shanci, are you asleep?" Yu Lanyi whispered.

Zheng Shanci: "..."

He closed his eyes, amused by the question.

"I’m still awake."

"Then let’s go to the rooftop to see the stars," Yu Lanyi blurted out.

Way past midnight now. Zheng Shanci opened his eyes and looked at the moonlight outside the window, like a painting in a frame. The willow branches swayed in the breeze. He threw on an outer robe and quietly got a ladder without disturbing the servants.

The two climbed onto the roof to gaze at the stars. Standing on the eaves, Zheng Shanci got a little lightheaded. Stepping on the tiles, his arms and legs felt like lead, afraid he might break them. The surface wasn’t flat but uneven—stepping on one tile caused another to tilt upward.

Nerve-wracking.

Zheng Shanci was a little scared.

Yu Lanyi stretched out lazily on the roof, patting the tiles beside him. "Come sit here."

Zheng Shanci cautiously sat down.

Letting Yu Lanyi see his fear of heights embarrassed him.

As he settled beside Yu Lanyi, the latter tugged at his robe, urging him to lie down. Zheng Shanci carefully reclined, adjusting his position until he found a comfortable angle.

Looking up, he saw the moon and the stars scattered across the sky.

When lying in bed, the moon hung framed in the window. Now, atop the roof, it hung tilted over the capital—always distant, yet its light bathed them equally.

Yu Lanyi lay contentedly on the eaves, his heart swelling, admiring the moon and stars. Back at the marquis’s estate, he wouldn’t have dared to climb onto the roof in the middle of the night to stargaze.

If the servants had caught him, they’d have tattled to Mr. Yu, and he’d have gotten an earful in the morning.

Now that he was his own master, he felt much freer.

Yu Lanyi leaned closer to Zheng Shanci, and their eyes met in the quiet.

The wind, the moon, and the stars swirled around them.

Zheng Shanci was at a loss for words. He merely licked his dry lips, then reached out to cradle Yu Lanyi’s nape, closing the distance like a man dying of thirst—kissing his lips to sate his thirst, as if drawing the missing water from his heart through the other’s mouth.

He kissed Yu Lanyi’s lips like a desert traveler finding an oasis, like a blind man kissing his first spring blossom.

There were only the two of them on the roof, cupping each other's faces as they kissed. The air up there was colder than below, and Zheng Shanci panted for a while before finally releasing Yu Lanyi's lips.

Though their mouths merely seemed to press together, their tongues had already tangled a thousand times, darting playfully into each other's mouths.

Yu Lanyi was also catching his breath, his breath ragged as he sprawled on the roof.

After gazing at the scenery for a while, the two climbed back down the ladder. Zheng Shanci returned the ladder to the storage room, and they sneaked back inside like burglars to continue sleeping. This time, having climbed the roof in the middle of the night, they fell asleep the moment their heads touched the pillows.

......

Yu Lanyi went to visit Lv Jin today, who had caught a cold recently. He brought freshly baked pastries to see him.

Today, Lv Jin looked much better, his face regaining some color.

"Come, sit. The place is a bit messy—the servants are packing things up for the move," Lv Jin said, covering his mouth with a handkerchief as he coughed lightly.

Their family's house had collapsed, and they had initially taken refuge with relatives. Once the Ministry of Works confirmed that one of their properties was safe, the whole family would relocate there.

The courtyard was somewhat small, but it worked as a stopgap. Lv Jin didn’t particularly mind the courtyard; he only cared whether he and Cui Ziqi would have a private one to themselves. After all, living with his in-laws, the young couple often stayed up late and sometimes got rowdy, making it unavoidably awkward to be so close to them.

After Cui Ziqi returned from disaster relief, the family had already discussed buying a better house. They had just given the real estate agent their requirements and paid him to find a suitable residence when the imperial decree arrived—the Emperor gifted them a lavish estate, spacious and beautiful, once owned by a high-ranking noble, with every detail in excellent condition.

Cui Ziqi was also promoted. When he returned, he confessed he’d first asked the Emperor for a new residence, never expecting to receive a promotion as well.

"You have no idea—his parents almost had a fit," Lv Jin said with a laugh.

"Lord Cui is a man after my own heart," Yu Lanyi remarked, thoroughly entertained.

"Father grabbed the household punishment cane, ready to teach him a lesson, but Mother and I intervened, and little Bamboo peered up at his dad with big, innocent eyes. In the end, Father had no choice but to drop it after that, settling for a few harsh words. He’s used to being scolded, but in front of his son, he ducked his head, putting on a show of remorse."

"Dad cut him slack after that, seeing his contrition and pitying him for his hard work in Jingzhou’s disaster relief, letting him off the hook."