Chapter 158: Upright Conduct

Chapter 158: Exemplary Conduct

After the morning court session ended, everyone came to congratulate Zheng Shanci. The task of land audits was something ordinary people wouldn’t dare propose. Zheng Shanci had brought it up, and though only the capital had completed the land audits so far, once the entire Great Yan Dynasty finished the process, the benefits would be immense.

For instance, the gold and silver recovered in bribes in the capital alone amounted to four million taels of silver—just how corrupt had these people been? The reclaimed land was now entirely in the hands of the court, now available for redistribution or state use.

"Congratulations, Lord Zheng!"

"Lord Zheng is *now* the youngest Minister in Great Yan’s history! Will Lord Zheng have time during his day off?"

Zheng Shanci responded to each one, and it took him a while to finally break free from the crowd of officials. Only after returning to the Ministry of Revenue did he finally relax. The promotion wasn’t just a joy for Zheng Shanci alone—the Marquis of Changyang’s residence, the Duke of Ying’s residence, the Shi household, and even Xie Cheng were all delighted.

As the designated Crown Prince, Xie Cheng regarded Zheng Shanci as his teacher. Seeing Zheng Shanci promoted to second-rank Minister of Revenue put his mind at ease.

Xie Cheng returned to the Eastern Palace and told his eunuch to select some precious gifts from the treasury to send to the Zheng residence.

"I recall His Majesty once bestowed a tea set upon me. Since I don’t drink tea, let’s gift it to Lord Zheng," Xie Cheng suddenly thought of something and instructed Xiao Shunzi.

Xiao Shunzi bowed. "This servant will arrange it immediately."

Xiao Shunzi went to the treasury and picked out six valuable items, for good luck. The Crown Prince had specifically requested the tea set, so Xiao Shunzi had it carefully wrapped.

"Be careful with these items when delivering them to Lord Zheng’s residence. Mind your manners—no arrogance, *or else*," Xiao Shunzi warned after compiling the gift list and presenting it to Xie Cheng for approval.

Once Xie Cheng agreed, Xiao Shunzi dispatched the gifts.

Eastern Palace staff were no fools—they knew whom to flatter and whom to respect. Someone like Zheng Shanci, a high-ranking court official and the Crown Prince’s tutor, wasn’t someone to mess with.

The gifts were delivered to the Zheng residence with great respect.

Yu Lanyi had just finished breakfast when Jin Yun informed him that someone from the Eastern Palace had arrived.

Yu Lanyi quickly fixed his appearance and went out to greet them.

"Congratulations, Young Master Yu! Lord Zheng has been promoted to Minister of Revenue. His Highness the Crown Prince, thinking of Lord Zheng, sent us to deliver gifts," the young eunuch said cheerfully.

Yu Lanyi was overjoyed. He had Jin Yun politely hand out a red packet of silver before seeing them off. He immediately opened the gift boxes and zeroed in on the tea set. "Zheng Shanci is still using that purple clay teapot. This set looks much better—I’ll replace it when he returns."

His eyes sparkled when he spotted a gold necklace inlaid with gemstones.

"I’ll save this for Tongchu. Xiao Pingan is a boy, so this wouldn’t suit him, but it’d be perfect for the boy. Tongchu is already ten—he’d look great wearing this," Yu Lanyi mused happily.

An Geer had also given birth to a boy, Yu Liuge, who was the family’s darling. Yu Hebai, as the elder brother, treated his younger sibling very well.

Liuge was still too young—not even two years old—and was too young for such a necklace.

Yu Lanyi lounged lazily in his chair, skimming the ledgers. "With Zheng Shanci’s promotion, there’ll be more social engagements. But a promotion is always a good thing."

After reviewing the accounts for a while, he instructed the kitchen to prepare a feast for the evening.

He then went to inspect the shops. Nothing urgent came up, but he ended up grabbing a bite at a street stall. Lin Geer spotted him and pulled him over to chat.

The snack shop had expanded, hiring several good-looking clerks. Lin Geer lowered her voice and said, "I hired an accountant who was a former provincial scholar. His family fell on hard times, so he’s working as our accountant now for a decent five taels monthly."

"I’m only telling you this—I haven’t mentioned it to anyone else. He’s ambitious and plans to keep taking the imperial exams in the capital until he becomes a Jinshi."

Yu Lanyi remarked, "There are so many scholars in the capital. When you think about it, only three hundred make the cut every three years—talk about competitive!"

This opportunity is valuable, but in the Hanlin Academy, it's not uncommon. The lowest rank one can hold in the Hanlin Academy is that of a Second-Ranked Jinshi. Cui and Zhao have both risen to prominence, while many other Hanlin scholars remain without prospects, only able to draft documents or fetch things for others.

Xiao Gaoyang serves as an Academician Reader in the Hanlin Academy. Su Yan placed the documents Xiao Gaoyang needed by his side. He worked meticulously and unlike others who were often restless. Xiao Gaoyang had noticed Su Yan quietly reading in the Hanlin library on several occasions. He neither made a fuss nor neglected his duties. When an opportunity arose to observe administrative affairs in the Ministry of Rites, all the Hanlin scholars expressed their interest—except Su Yan, who held his tongue.

Thus, Xiao Gaoyang gave the opportunity to someone else.

That day, as he handled official duties, Su Yan came to collect the documents. Xiao Gaoyang stopped him, "Have a seat. I want to talk."

Su Yan felt a bit nervous but obediently took a seat.

Xiao Gaoyang got straight to the point, "You ranked among the top in the Second Rank. Why didn’t you compete for this opportunity?"

Su Yan lowered his head, "I didn’t think I stood a chance, and besides, Lord Xiao still needs my assistance here."

The answer was honest. Xiao Gaoyang smiled, "I can find someone else to replace you here. Aside from the Ministry of Rites quota, do you know Lord Du? He’s the Director of the Ministry of Punishments. The ministry’s swamped these days, and he privately asked me to recommend someone. I thought of you—you’re diligent and meticulous, a good fit for the Ministry of Punishments. The Ministry of Rites quota belongs to the Hanlin Academy, but this is a private request from me. Don’t worry, the Ministry of Personnel will handle the formalities. Your work in the Ministry of Punishments will help your career advancement."

Su Yan felt both joy and a twinge of sadness upon hearing this. "Thank you, Lord Xiao."

"It’s all due to your own diligence. Once you return from the Ministry of Punishments, you’re welcome back here."

Su Yan was even more delighted.

At noon, when he went for lunch, his cheerful mood was noticeable, catching the attention of Director Cui.

"You seem unusually happy today. What’s the occasion?"

Su Yan quickly shared Xiao Gaoyang’s words with him.

"I see. That makes sense. I’m posted at the Ministry of Personnel, where the Director is Lord Jiang. I’ve heard Lord Xiao, Lord Jiang, Minister Mei, Lord Zheng, and Lord Du are thick as thieves. There’s also Lord Shi, who’s on provincial assignment and hasn’t returned yet."

Director Cui had been friends with Director Zhao and several other Hanlin scholars during his time there, including Su Yan. Though Su Yan wasn’t of high status, his sincerity and caution made him a valued friend in Cui’s eyes.

Director Zhao joined them with his meal. "Lord Zheng has been promoted to Minister of Revenue, so the Ministry of Revenue is bustling today. I got tied up with work and couldn’t join for lunch earlier—my apologies, gentlemen."

The three Hanlin scholars chatted further. When Director Zhao learned Su Yan was going to assist in the Ministry of Punishments, he gave him tips on navigating bureaucracy. Director Cui also offered a few pointers, hoping Su Yan wouldn’t make mistakes. Even if he couldn’t excel, he should at least avoid errors—otherwise, you’d make enemies, not allies.

Su Yan thanked his two friends.

...

Zheng Shanci had moved offices again. As Minister of Revenue, his office was more spacious and centrally located, with the door usually left open and Wang Fu standing guard outside.

He stepped into the inner chamber, which was no longer just a bed and a desk—it now included a bookshelf. Zheng Shanci was pleased with the addition and meant to stop by the bookseller’s after duty to find new books to fill it. Once his duties were done, he could withdraw to his chamber, lie on the bed, and read.

There were still documents to review that day, and Zheng Shanci finished them. On his first day as Minister of Revenue, little had changed. As the former Vice Minister of Revenue, he was already familiar with managing the personnel and affairs. However, as Minister, he now had to collaborate more closely with other ministries, meaning more cross-ministry business.

There were also documents that were now his responsibility.

After completing his work, Zheng Shanci returned home to find Yu Lanyi absent.

He washed up and grew sleepy. Though the excitement of his promotion had kept him awake at noon, he’d cooled his thoughts in the afternoon. Now, back home, he simply wanted to sleep.

Zheng Shanci buried himself in the pillow and pulled the blanket over his head.

Yu Lanyi had gone horseback riding with Shi Geer, Lv Jin, and Ning Geer. Ning Geer’s husband was a military officer, a perfect match for him. Shi Geer hadn’t ridden but brought back mare’s milk from the outskirts.

Upon returning home, Yu Lanyi looked for Zheng Shanci. Wang Fu whispered that the master had retired to his room and hadn’t emerged yet.

Yu Lanyi pushed the door open quietly and saw Zheng Shanci sound asleep. Treading softly, he sat on the edge of the bed and tucked the blanket around him.

Being an official is exhausting. Yu Lanyi studied Zheng Shanci’s sleeping face for a while before leaving the room.

When Xiao Pingan got home from school, he happily put away his book box and said, "Father, I finished my homework during recess. Can I go play now?"

"Go ahead."

Xiao Pingan ran off like a shot.

At least he had the sense to finish his homework first. When Yu Lanyi was a child, he would just play whenever he wanted—homework be damned—and pull all-nighters by candlelight if needed.

Zheng Shanci felt much better after a nap. That evening, the two shared a drink, and Yu Lanyi said, "Congratulations on becoming the Minister of Revenue!"

Xiao Pingan lifted his soup bowl like a toast and said, "Congratulations, Father, on becoming the Minister of Revenue!"

Zheng Shanci touched cups with them both. "Thank you."

Yu Lanyi finished his wine, while Xiao Pingan took two sips of his soup before stopping—if he finished it now, he’d spoil his appetite.

What a special occasion, with so many delicious dishes. Xiao Pingan was thrilled.

Kids don’t really get promotions. In Xiao Pingan’s eyes, a promotion simply meant tasty food and happy parents.

"Father, what’s a Minister?" Xiao Pingan asked between bites of a chicken drumstick.

Their household didn’t enforce “no talking at meals.”

"A Minister is an official position, like the group leaders or class monitors in your school. This promotion’s like moving up to group leader."

Xiao Pingan’s sharp mind latched onto this, and he said earnestly, "Father, you’re only a group leader? You should work harder to become a class monitor!"

Yu Lanyi cracked up at the child’s innocent remark.

Zheng Shanci laughed and said, "I’ll try."

Xiao Pingan ticked off on his fingers—there were already eight group leaders in his class alone, and four classes in total, divided by age. The younger ones had many group leaders, and the older ones had even more.

With such a vast country like the Great Yan Dynasty, who could count all the group leaders?

It seemed being a Minister wasn’t such a big deal after all. His father and dad were too easily satisfied—getting so worked up over just being a Minister.

Xiao Pingan shook his head, already worldly enough to sigh.

Unaware of his son’s thoughts, Zheng Shanci gave him more of his favorite mushroom-fried chicken.

After dinner, Xiao Pingan dragged Zheng Shanci by the sleeve to build houses together with building blocks.

"Father, how many homes do we have?" Xiao Pingan asked as he stacked the blocks.

"Just this house," Zheng Shanci replied.

"Well, if we’re counting, there’s also a country estate that belongs to your dad. We can stay there in summer and winter." Zheng Shanci built a little block house.

Xiao Pingan was pleased.

We’re not poor—we own two homes!

Huffing and puffing, he put up seven or eight makeshift shelters before taking a break, yawned, and was persuaded by Zheng Shanci to go to bed.

Zheng Shanci returned to the room and told Yu Lanyi that Xiao Ping'an had asked him how many houses their family owned.

Yu Lanyi raised his eyebrows: "What’s there to ask? As long as the houses are enough to live in, cash is what really counts."

Zheng Shanci quite agreed.

Today, Zheng Shanci had been promoted, and he couldn’t help feeling restless. He looked at Yu Lanyi with burning eyes.

Yu Lanyi turned slightly away and whispered, "You still have to work tomorrow."

"It’s fine." Zheng Shanci placed Yu Lanyi’s hand on his abs. "Still in shape—no slacking off."

Yu Lanyi felt moved and gave a slight nod.

Zheng Shanci was ready to dig in.

"Later, help massage my legs. I’m saddle-sore from riding today."

Zheng Shanci’s fingers paused, and he answered hoarsely, "Alright."

Being saddle-sore didn’t mean he couldn’t ride again at night...

The next morning, Zheng Shanci went to court. Now, he could see Emperor Wuming at a glance—the front row was wide open. Zheng Shanci stood obediently at the front. The newly appointed Vice Minister of Revenue, surnamed Fan, was in his forties and belonged to the uncorrupted faction. For now, he and Zheng Shanci got along harmoniously. Zheng Shanci had never been one to make things difficult for his subordinates—as long as the work was done properly and no trouble was stirred up in the Ministry of Revenue, the ministry was pretty tolerant.

This year’s autumn harvest would be his responsibility. It was Zheng Shanci’s first time handling this task, but he’d at least crunched the numbers and delegated the work. Once assigned, he realized that after the autumn harvest tasks were completed, he only needed to review them. In high spirits, Zheng Shanci cheerfully stamped documents.

With a higher position came fewer trivial tasks but greater responsibility. If anything in the Ministry of Revenue reached Emperor Wuming’s ears, regardless of whether Zheng Shanci was involved, his first words had to be: "My apologies."

Fewer tedious tasks, but heavier responsibilities.

Zheng Shanci sighed and continued working.

The Ministry of Revenue had adapted well to the new Minister. Minister Mei had moved to the Ministry of Personnel as its Minister and was still getting familiar with his subordinates, but within a few days, he had the reins firmly in hand.

The Ministry of Personnel’s affairs were also complex. The entire Great Yan Dynasty’s official evaluations and reviews relied on this department, which wielded significant power. Minister Mei’s head throbbed looking at the ledgers. After becoming a Minister, the next step was the Grand Secretariat. Typically, Ministers would rotate through different departments, and some poor bastards got shuffled through six before finally entering the Grand Secretariat.

Whether one entered the Grand Secretariat depended on ability, connections, and imperial favor.

Minister Mei still wanted to climb higher.

The officials of the Ministry of Personnel approved the documents submitted by Xiao Gaoyang, loaning Su Yan to the Justice Ministry on assignment.

Su Yan was in low spirits today but put on a game face. Upon learning that Xiao Gaoyang wanted him to work in the Ministry of Justice, he returned home and told his parents.

His father was delighted: "Remember this kindness. When you succeed in the future, repay Lord Xiao."

His mother, however, forced a smile and said, "Your father is the Minister of Justice. Why even go there? You’ll only cause trouble for him. Better not go. Wait for the next opportunity. The heir already can’t stand you getting close to your father. If you go to the Ministry of Justice, it’ll only make things worse. I’m a maid, and you’re a maid’s son. We’re all living off the master’s mercy. Going there will ruin everything."

Yun Niang wrung her hands.

She had never agreed to let Su Yan study in the first place, but all the neighbor’s children were attending school. It’d look downright weird if our boy didn’t study. Besides, her husband had always supported Su Yan’s education. The couple had argued countless times over this matter.

This time, upon hearing his wife’s words, Su Dalang couldn’t help but frown: "Our son is already a Jinshi. His superior stuck his neck out to get him this post, and you want him to refuse it just because of your imaginary ‘problems,’ offending his superior in the process? Have you even considered our son’s future? What’ll that do to the boy’s reputation? I don’t care about your talk of maids or heirs. Our son’s future comes first. He’s not some back-alley schemer—he earned his Jinshi through his own efforts and gained his superior’s recognition. Yan'er, ignore your mother’s nonsense. Your father thinks this is a great opportunity."

Su Yan’s chest tightened—until his father’s words loosened the knot.

Yun Niang let out a sigh, "That's not what I'm saying. I'm just afraid Yan'er is too young and might mess up in the Ministry of Justice."

Su Dalang retorted, "Young? That's all the more reason he should get experience."

Yun Niang bit back her words. That night, seeing Su Yan still awake, she went to the kitchen and made him a bowl of noodles, brought it to his room. Her heart pounded as she looked at his face. "Your mother does care for you," she said. "It's just that the Ministry of Justice isn't the right place. Just think about it. Eat your noodles and get some rest early."

Su Yan ate the noodles in silence.

"Are you Lord Su? Lord Du sent me to show you to your workstation," a Ministry of Justice clerk said with a smile.

Su Yan came back to himself. "Yes, that's me. Thank you."

Upon arriving at the Ministry of Justice, a junior official showed him how to handle official duties.

Lord Nie was the Minister of Justice, but as someone on loan from the Hanlin Academy, Su Yan had no chance of meeting him. He worked without worrying.

Du Ning assigned him nitpicky work others usually dodged due to its tedious nature.

Su Yan took to it well, organizing the ministry's archives thoroughly. When he encountered faded or illegible records, he tracked down the clerks who'd handled them to clarify the unclear characters, then transcribed new copies.

When Du Ning received the files, he noticed over a dozen newly transcribed records and called Su Yan in.

"Su Yan, you've done excellent work. The day after tomorrow, I'll be working a case—come with me to record the proceedings."

Su Yan's heart jumped, and he hurriedly bowed in gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Du!"

Du Ning brushed it off cheerfully. "Don't mention it. Just keep up the good work, and rewards will follow."

Su Yan felt warmed at his words.

Returning to his desk, he couldn't suppress a smile. A colleague asked, "Lord Su, why so happy?"

Su Yan chuckled. "Oh, it's nothing."

Hunched over the files again, he counted his blessings as a farmer's son—to have met such supportive superiors like Lord Zheng, Lord Xiao, and Lord Du.

The gloom from the previous day had lifted. He was determined to work hard.

At lunch, Du Ning gave Xiao Gaoyang a shoulder clap. "That Su Yan you recommended is quite capable—diligent and reliable."

Xiao Gaoyang smirked. "He was already diligent and reliable when he worked under me. You're lucky to have him."

Zheng Shanci added with a smile, "I remember Su Yan too—a very solid guy."

Jiang Lanli interjected, "Now you've all got me curious."

Du Ning laughed. "No need for curiosity—he's in the Ministry of Justice now. Just a very earnest young man. Though, when I look at his face, there's something oddly familiar about him."

Zheng Shanci remarked casually, "Does he sort of remind you of your superior?"

Du Ning nodded eagerly. "Exactly! I don't know why, but his features and contours sort of remind me of Lord Nie. Not obvious at a glance, but if you study him closely, you can see it."

Mei Huai shrugged. "It's not unusual for people to share similarities."

The others nodded in agreement.

After lunch, Zheng Shanci gave Xie Cheng his lesson. When the lesson ended, Xie Cheng clasped his hands and asked, "Lord Zheng, His Majesty has instructed me to study under one of the Six Ministries. I'd like your advice."

The Ministry of War was unsuitable, as were the Ministries of Revenue and Personnel... After some thought, Zheng Shanci replied, "Your Highness, I believe the Ministry of Rites would be the best fit for you right now."

After the lesson, Xie Cheng kept pondering why Lord Zheng had advised him to start with the Ministry of Rites. Xie Dan took him to the Kunning Palace for a meal, where Emperor Wuming was also present. After the family finished dining, Xie Cheng lay in bed and suddenly realized that even though his father had come to the Kunning Palace, as the Imperial Consort, his father still had to bow to the emperor.

The emperor ruled over all under heaven.

This thought flashed through Xie Cheng's mind. Lord Zheng had suggested the Ministry of Rites for his own good—Emperor Wuming was still in his prime, and if he had chosen the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Personnel, or the Ministry of Revenue, it would have made him seem too eager.

Lord Jiang had even urged him to pick the Ministry of War. Fortunately, he had consulted Lord Zheng. Having figured this out, Xie Cheng drifted off to sleep, content.

The next day, he went to the Panlong Hall to inform Emperor Wuming of his decision.

Emperor Wuming raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure," Xie Cheng nodded.

Just as Emperor Wuming was about to dismiss him, Xie Cheng cupped his hands and asked, "Father, will we still go to the country estate for the New Year this year?"

"Do you want to go?"

"I'd like to celebrate the New Year with Second Brother, Father, and Dad."

Emperor Wuming's gaze softened slightly. He beckoned Xie Cheng over and patted his head. "You're already the Crown Prince, yet you're still so sentimental."

"No matter what position I hold, you will always be my father," Xie Cheng said with deep, sincere affection.

Emperor Wuming was momentarily stunned by his words.

After Xie Cheng left, Emperor Wuming heaved a sigh.

...

The court saw no major disturbances. This year's autumn harvest went well, yielding more taxes than the previous year—an increase of one million taels. Once the land surveys were fully implemented in the regions, the revenue would rise even further.

This year, they could celebrate a prosperous New Year.

After finishing the autumn harvest tasks, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi took Xiao Ping'an to the night market in the evening.

Xiao Ping'an stopped by the moat, watching people release floating lanterns.

Seeing the lanterns drifting on the water, his fingers itched, wanting to grab them all and take them home.

As Yu Lanyi led him away, Xiao Ping'an kept turning his head to gaze at the lanterns.

Zheng Shanci noticed his desire and said with a smile, "If you take away everyone's wishes, the River God won't be able to fulfill them."

Xiao Ping'an shook his head. "I'll be good. I won't take their wishes—let them all come true."

Yu Lanyi gave Zheng Shanci an approving look. "Good boy, Ping'an."

No night market visit was complete without snacks. Xiao Ping'an had brought his saved-up pocket money. "Let me buy lamb skewers for you both!"

He got three skewers from the vendor and was about to leave when he spotted someone crouching in a corner. Xiao Ping'an hurried over and saw a young man.

Su Yan looked up, his face was haggard. These past few days, his father had been urging him to leave the Ministry of Justice and stay quietly in the Hanlin Academy. He didn't know what had happened, but his father had become a different person in just a few days.

"Here, you can have this one," Xiao Ping'an offered one to Su Yan.

He went back to where Zheng Shanci was, and gave each of them one.

"Don't you want any for yourself?" Yu Lanyi asked.

"I won't eat. I gave my skewer to that boy." Xiao Ping'an gazed longingly at the lamb skewers.

Zheng Shanci chuckled and led the two to the skewer stall. "Since Ping'an treated me to lamb skewers, it's only right I treat you back. Grab as many as you like."

Xiao Ping'an called out for ten skewers.

Yu Lanyi asked for fifteen.

Their eyes never left Xiao Ping'an, and Zheng Shanci naturally noticed Su Yan as well. He asked Yu Lanyi and Xiao Ping'an to wait for the skewers while he went over to Su Yan.

Su Yan had planned to take the lamb skewer home.

"L-Lord Zheng!" Su Yan felt a shadow fall over him. When he looked up and saw Zheng Shanci, he jumped to his feet in a panic.

"This lowly official pays respects to Lord Zheng."

"Off duty, no need for formalities," Zheng Shanci said with a smile.

Su Yan replied awkwardly.

"Dad! The skewers are done!" Xiao Ping'an shouted, waving the skewers at Zheng Shanci.

Only then did Su Yan realize that the young boy who had given him the skewer was Lord Zheng's son.

"You look upset. Though the night market seems safe, you should still be careful. I’d better go now." Zheng Shanci sighed helplessly at Xiao Ping'an's call.

Zheng Shanci turned to leave.

Su Yan was choking on grievances he couldn’t express. How could he even begin to bare his heart? His spine was coated in frost, his heart a rusted-out bellows. He had no eyes left—only fumbling blindly in the dark. The dark, swirling river could drag him under in an instant. Though he had family, they were no refuge—instead, they belittled him, forcing him to crawl on the ground.

Su Yan watched Zheng Shanci's retreating figure, while in the distance, Xiao Ping'an happily waved the skewers.

Suddenly, a bitter ache welled up in his chest, an impulse he couldn't suppress.

"Lord Zheng, what if the people closest to you push you to throw away a rare chance—one you know you shouldn’t abandon—but your heart remains tangled? What then?"

The capital glittered, its streets lit by lanterns, shops bustling. The river shimmered like a jade belt, countless reflections dancing on its surface, the moon veiled in mist for miles.

Zheng Shanci said, "Su Yan, be yourself."