Chapter 167: The Grand Tutor’s Teachings

Chapter 167: The Senior Official’s Lesson

Wang Fengjun was pleased by Zheng Shanci's words. She could scold her own child however she liked, but if Zheng Shanci had actually agreed with her remarks, she would have been displeased.

"Physician, ensure Lord Zheng receives proper treatment," Wang Fengjun said before exchanging a few more words with Zheng Shanci and then leading Xie Dan away.

After leaving the Imperial Hospital, they arrived at a pavilion where Wang Fengjun dismissed the palace servants to a distance. Once they were out of earshot, Xie Dan glanced nervously at her.

"What were you thinking, climbing a tree to steal bird eggs? Can’t you do something useful instead of causing trouble? Is causing chaos on the ground not enough—must you take it to the skies? If not for Lord Zheng catching you, what if you had fallen headfirst from that ladder? Were you trying to scare me to death?" Wang Fengjun was furious.

Xie Dan knew he was in the wrong and lowered his head, offering a timid apology. "Father, I promise I won’t do it again. I’ll take better care of myself."

"Though I’ve scolded you for your mischief before, as long as you didn’t endanger lives, I’ve mostly let it slide. But now you’ve grown utterly unruly. When your father returns tonight, you’ll face the consequences. A good beating might finally knock some sense into you." Wang Fengjun treated Xie Dan as her lifeline, and this incident had shaken her deeply.

After reprimanding Xie Dan, Wang Fengjun returned to Kun Ning Palace and instructed her personal attendant to retrieve several rare medicinal herbs from the storeroom to be sent to the Zheng residence.

Meanwhile, Yu Lanyi went out to scout shopfronts, intending to acquire two that day. One had previously been a noodle shop, but the elderly owner wished to sell his property in the capital and retire to the countryside, so he had urgently listed it through a broker.

Yu Lanyi usually acquired large establishments, but today, he found himself oddly drawn to this modest shop. The noodle shop could fit five tables, with a small accounting space at the front and a kitchen and restroom at the back.

He’d never seen such a tiny setup before. The shop was adjacent to a tailor’s and located in a prime district of the capital. The owner wanted two hundred taels.

Yu Lanyi thought there was room for negotiation. "How about one hundred fifty?"

The broker, aware of Yu Lanyi’s status, replied, "Young Master Yu, let me check with the owner."

In the end, they settled on one hundred eighty taels. Yu Lanyi saved twenty taels and was quite satisfied. With many cooks already in his household, he could assign one to this shop, hire a few assistants, and soon the profits would go straight to his family.

He instructed Jin Yun to hand over the banknote.

Jin Yun remarked, "Young Master, you’re getting better at business every day."

Yu Lanyi preened. "Of course I’m shrewd! With my official title, how could I not be?"

He also considered acquiring a teahouse, where his family could charge tea to the house account while turning a profit. With enough funds, he could hire skilled tea masters and reliable proprietors, leaving him to simply review the ledgers.

If anyone dared to scheme in his presence, they’d do well to remember that Zheng Shanci was the Minister of Revenue—no one could cook the books under his watch.

Yu Lanyi had already tasked the broker with scouting for any sellers of such properties.

His dowry and shop profits were just sitting there; rather than letting them gather dust, he preferred investing in real estate to multiply his wealth. He used to spend freely, but now he was full of money-making schemes.

He had briefly entertained the thought of opening a tailor’s shop but quickly dismissed it. With the prestigious Golden Robe Pavilion dominating the capital’s market, competition was already fierce—jumping in now might not yield profits.

After strolling through the streets, Yu Lanyi returned home. Deng Xue bowed and greeted him. "Young Master, the Phoenix Consort sent medicinal herbs. I inquired and learned that the Lord saved the Prince of Qi."

Yu Lanyi was baffled. "How did he even have time to rescue someone? Wasn’t he supposed to be on duty in the capital today?"

Deng Xue handed him the inventory list. A quick glance confirmed the herbs were indeed precious.

He muttered, starting to worry.

At that moment, Zheng Shanci, with his injured hand bandaged, still had official duties to attend to in the afternoon. He delegated some tasks to Vice Minister Fan. Meanwhile, Director Xiang had been arrested by the Ministry of Justice for embezzlement.

As Xiang was the son-in-law of Vice Chief Councillor Pang, Zheng Shanci had shown him no leniency. Unfortunately, Xiang had engaged in corruption during Pang’s heyday, and now that his crimes had come to light, he’d lose his job and likely his life.

The vacancy for the new Director of the Ministry of Revenue remained unfilled. Zheng Shanci submitted a memorial recommending Yu Feng for the post. When Zheng Shanci had held the position, Yu Feng had been the Vice Director. Now that Zheng Shanci had risen to Minister, Yu Feng was still stuck as Vice Director.

After his duties concluded, Zheng Shanci returned home, where Wang Fu handed him the medicine prescribed by the Imperial Hospital.

As soon as he returned, a servant called out, "Sir is back!"

Zheng Shanci was puzzled. Yu Lanyi heard the noise and saw Zheng Shanci with both arms in slings, wrapped in bandages.

"What happened to you?"

Just went to work and came back with both hands out of commission.

Zheng Shanci waited until they were back in the room before explaining the incident of saving the Prince of Qi.

"No wonder Fengjun sent medicinal herbs over. Does your hand still hurt?" Yu Lanyi looked at Zheng Shanci's hands, not daring to touch them.

"It’s manageable. As long as I don’t move, it doesn’t hurt much. It’ll just delay some official duties, so I’ll have to trouble Vice Minister Fan to take on more." Zheng Shanci was still preoccupied with work.

"Both hands bundled up like mummies, and you’re still thinking about that? You might as well not come home and just stay at the Ministry of Revenue." Yu Lanyi was annoyed.

Zheng Shanci quickly replied, "I wasn’t thinking that."

"Nothing beats sleeping at home."

Yu Lanyi glanced at his arms, fumed for a moment, then let it go.

"Today, I’ll have the kitchen prepare gentler meals. Your arms need proper rest. Since this injury was from saving the Prince of Qi, you should recuperate for a few days. Even His Majesty can’t fault you for it."

Yu Lanyi instructed the kitchen staff to buy Silkie chicken for soup.

Xiao Ping’an, having finished his homework, went outside to play and returned sweating buckets. The children, exhausted from playing, sat down. Wei Yun said, "Next year, I’ll advance to the upper class. After that, it’s off to the Imperial Academy."

The upper class lasted three years, after which they would study at the Imperial Academy for a few more years before taking the imperial exams. Children from noble families usually took their first attempt at the exams around fourteen or fifteen—no shame in failing the first try.

Xiao Ping’an tilted his head, puzzled.

"The imperial exams are how you become an official. You’ll have to take them too someday," Wei Yun said like he knew everything.

Cui Xiuzhu chimed in, "The exams are just about studying. We’re still kids—no need to worry about them yet."

Jiang Jiao added, "But kids still have to study."

Before even starting school, he had been forced by his cousin to memorize the *Thousand-Character Classic*. His cousin, being the Crown Prince’s study partner, was indulged by the family, who believed studying was good—much to Jiang Jiao’s misery.

"Quit yapping about studying. Learn to spin this top first. If you can’t even play properly, what’s the point of studying?" Zhuge Xing scoffed.

Xiao Ping’an was the first to agree with Zhuge Xing.

As they played, Xie Huai’an bumped Ye Yucheng’s shoulder playfully and grinned. "Isn’t that your cousin? Why don’t you two ever talk?"

Ye Yucheng looked away sharply. "We don’t even go back to the marquis’s residence for New Year’s. Figure it out."

Annoyed that Xie Huai’an had deliberately brought up the topic, Ye Yucheng’s tone turned sharp.

Xie Huai’an, already used to Ye Yucheng’s attitude, shrugged. "Just asking. Your cousin’s pretty cute."

Ye Yucheng glanced at Xiao Ping’an again before walking off with Xie Huai’an.

They were about to start at the Imperial Academy this year. Xie Huai’an and Ye Yucheng had always been close, and Prince Zhennan had called in favors to ensure they were placed in the same class to watch each other’s backs.

Attending the Imperial Academy meant Ye Yucheng would take the imperial exams in a few years. Ye Yunchu was sure of her son—even if he failed, as royal kin, he could still rely on family connections. But acing them? Even better.

After playing with his top for a bit, Xiao Pingan returned home. Servants helped him change, and he sneaked over to Zheng Shanci, freezing when he saw his father's arm wrapped in bandages.

"Papa, what’s wrong with your hand?"

Zheng Shanci said he got hurt.

Xiao Pingan approached cautiously, not daring to touch Zheng Shanci's hand, and gave his arm a soft blow.

"A little blow will help it heal."

Zheng Shanci felt a pang of tenderness. "Thank you, Pingan."

Xiao Pingan dragged over a stool to sit beside Zheng Shanci and keep him company. It must be lonely here alone, he thought, blinking up at him as he asked, "Papa, what's the imperial examination?"

Zheng Shanci explained it to his son.

"Do you have to read a lot of books for it?"

Zheng Shanci nodded.

Xiao Pingan tilted his head, looking at Zheng Shanci, then lowered it and rested his cheek on the table, mumbling, "Alright then."

Wanting Zheng Shanci to eat well, Yu Lanyi, who rarely cooked, made a dish of stir-fried cabbage today.

At the dinner table, Zheng Shanci saw the cabbage was a little charred.

He picked up a piece.

A tad overcooked, but it tasted quite good.

"It's delicious," Zheng Shanci said.

Yu Lanyi sniffed, chin raised.

Curious, Xiao Pingan took a bite but couldn’t stomach it.

That night, changing the bandages on Zheng Shanci's hands was tricky. Yu Lanyi thoughtfully suggested sleeping in the side room, knowing he was a restless sleeper. If he accidentally bumped into Zheng Shanci, it would hurt him, and Yu Lanyi would feel terrible.

Zheng Shanci gave Yu Lanyi puppy-dog eyes, not wanting him to leave.

Yu Lanyi's heart softened. After a moment's thought, he said, "You take the inner side, I'll take the outer."

Zheng Shanci nodded obediently.

Later, when Zheng Shanci needed to use the restroom, Yu Lanyi grudgingly went with him.

With both hands injured, Yu Lanyi went with him to the privy and then scrubbed his hands three times afterward.

"I'm not dirty," Zheng Shanci said, opening his eyes to look at Yu Lanyi.

Yu Lanyi squirmed under his gaze.

"I even dislike my own stuff—what's wrong with disliking yours?" Yu Lanyi shot back, not about to humor him.

Zheng Shanci was momentarily speechless. After a pause, he said, "Every time... I wash very thoroughly."

Yu Lanyi's cheeks burned hot. The candles were out, but the heat on his face lingered fiercely.

"Who asked you about that?" Yu Lanyi muttered under his breath.

The air grew thick with tension.

By the moonlight, Yu Lanyi caught sight of Zheng Shanci’s straight nose, half of his lips, and further down, his chin and hands wrapped in bandages. The sight of those hands only deepened Yu Lanyi’s irritation.

His hands couldn’t move at all, yet his mind was all over the place.

Yu Lanyi’s palms burned—*with what, he refused to dwell on.*

His hands had touched… Just the thought made Yu Lanyi want to soak them in water and never take them out. He had helped Zheng Shanci before, but this time was different.

Zheng Shanci didn’t dare move, lying flat on his back to sleep. His eyes closed, long lashes fanned his cheeks as he drifted off.

Yu Lanyi, however, couldn’t sleep. Listening to Zheng Shanci’s steady breathing, *typical,* he fumed—Zheng Shanci was the one who brought it up, yet now he slept so soundly.

If he hadn’t pitied Zheng’s early court duties, Yu Lanyi would have reached out to touch his lips or poke his cheeks.

Instead, he sulked himself to sleep.

The next morning, Zheng Shanci attended the court assembly. Some officials, recognizing his condition, knew what had happened, while others approached him with concern.

Upon learning that Zheng Shanci had been injured saving the Prince of Qi, they stared in awe, wishing they could have taken his place.

Zheng Shanci stayed silent, deadpan.

“Lord Zheng, please take care of yourself,” an official said kindly.

Zheng Shanci thanked him.

During the court session, Emperor Wuming arrived. As usual, the Grand Secretariat droned through reports. The emperor’s gaze lingered on Zheng Shanci’s hands—Xie Dan had already been reprimanded the night before.

When Chief Grand Secretary Wei mentioned border affairs, the emperor’s eyes gleamed. “The military funds for this matter still require your diligent attention, Zheng. Though the treasury’s grown fatter in recent years, it’s not enough. I expect you to make it even wealthier.”

Zheng Shanci stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, I will not disappoint you.”

Emperor Wuming wanted to crush the barbarians and turn them into a vassal state, forcing them to pay tribute to the Great Yan Dynasty for fifty years. This would secure the borders and bring in wealth. As for governing the barbarians, the emperor had no interest—the land was too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and held no good for farming.

He wanted their tribute, living out his boyhood dreams.

In governance and military achievements, his reforms in land measurement had already cemented his legacy. Now, he sought military glory, hell-bent on crushing the barbarians before he died.

Hearing the emperor mention finances, Chief Grand Secretary Wei panicked, realizing the border was now his problem.

After court adjourned, Zheng Shanci returned to his office. Yu Feng had been promoted by the Ministry of Personnel to the position of Director, and everyone congratulated him.

Though bursting with glee, Yu Feng maintained a humble demeanor as he thanked his colleagues.

“Director Yu’s future is boundless.”

“All thanks to my superiors’ recognition.”

Entering his office and finding no one around, Yu Feng hummed a cheerful tune, sitting comfortably in his chair, feeling on top of the world.

His family had no influential figures, and reaching the rank of Vice Director had been the highest achievement among them. Now, as a fifth-rank Director, it was a *huge* damn deal.

Yu Feng owed Zheng Shanci *big time*. In officialdom, without a superior’s recommendation or significant political merit, promotion was exceedingly difficult. Officials without family backing often got steamrolled by the well-connected.

The Ministry of Revenue was the juiciest gig in town, its positions even more enviable.

*Officially*, Zheng Shanci detested corruption, but during festivals, some still slid gifts (and cash) under the table. It was clear that Ministry of Revenue jobs were *golden tickets*.

Yu Feng, however, dared not accept gifts. Having witnessed Zheng Shanci's stern methods, he feared losing his life if caught. During holidays, he would accept only modest gifts—anything worth over a hundred taels of silver was refused.

Now that he had been promoted to the position of Minister, Yu Feng thought of expressing his gratitude to Zheng Shanci. He decided against extravagant gifts, opting instead for practical daily items—sincere yet not burdensome for Lord Zheng.

Today, Zheng Shanci was still unable to handle official duties due to his injury, so he delegated them to his deputy.

On his rest day, once his fingers regained some mobility, he visited the Du residence to discuss shipbuilding with Du Yue.

Having sent prior notice, his arrival did not surprise the Du family’s attendants, who promptly escorted him to the master of the house.

Du Yue, dressed in everyday robes, exchanged greetings with him. As Zheng Shanci was a friend of his son and now held the same rank, Du Yue was unsure how to address him.

“Since I am good friends with Brother Du, I’ll take the liberty of calling you Uncle,” Zheng Shanci said with a smile.

Du Yue relaxed. “Nephew, please sit. I’m the one honored here. What brings you today?” he asked directly.

After tea was served, Zheng Shanci lifted his cup and explained, “A few days ago, His Majesty emphasized during court that the Ministry of Revenue must replenish the treasury. The Great Yan Dynasty faces endless expenses—this year, several provinces requested funds for dike repairs, costing two hundred thousand taels, while military provisions demand six hundred thousand monthly. The Ministry is under strain. I’ve been overseeing Canal Transport and have a few ideas. I’d like you, Uncle, to ask skilled craftsmen to build sturdy ships, allowing officials and soldiers to venture overseas and earn supplementary revenue.”

Du Yue stroked his beard, thought for a moment. “That’s not difficult. As long as the Ministry of Revenue provides sufficient funds to the Ministry of Works, constructing several large ships is feasible.”

Having served at court longer than Zheng Shanci, Du Yue was aware of the treasury’s deficits. Though the Ministry of Revenue struggled, funds couldn’t be withheld—it was always a matter of shifting funds around. Sympathetic but pragmatic, Du Yue still insisted on necessary allocations.

“Don’t worry, Nephew. I’ll have the craftsmen start tomorrow. How many ships do you need?”

“Eight, preferably completed within two months.”

Du Yue frowned—the timeframe was tight.

“No problem,” he agreed nonetheless. If we hurry, it could be done. Since these were seafaring vessels, Du Yue intended to inspect them personally. Any mishap would implicate the Ministry of Works, but success would also bring shared credit.

Zheng Shanci’s visit demonstrated sincerity, and Du Yue cordially invited him to stay for a meal.

With a wry smile, Zheng Shanci declined. “Thank you for the invitation, Uncle, but my injury makes it inconvenient. I’ll visit another time.”

Understanding, Du Yue saw him off.

Halfway out, Zheng Shanci was stopped by Du Ning.

“Leave us. I’ll escort Brother Zheng out myself,” Du Ning told the servants, who withdrew.

Patting Zheng Shanci on the shoulder, Du Ning remarked, “Brother Zheng, if everyone in court were as diligent as you, there’d be no unfinished business.”

Zheng Shanci laughed. “Such praise will only earn me reprimands.”

After exchanging banter, Du Ning escorted him out.

Returning home, Du Ning found his father still sipping tea in the inner hall. A servant promptly brought him tea as well.

“What do you want now?” Du Yue snapped.

“I just want to know what you discussed with Brother Zheng. Can’t a son ask his father?”

“Ministers discuss confidential matters. No need to pry.”

Recognizing his father’s teasing, Du Ning waved it off. “Fine, fine. I won’t ask.”

He made to leave.

"Stay a moment. What do you think of the Crown Prince?" Du Yue asked leisurely.

Du Ning answered cautiously, "The Crown Prince is the nation's heir apparent. As subjects of His Majesty, our thoughts align with His Majesty's."

Du Yue's eyes flashed with satisfaction, and he dismissed Du Ning.

If a child from a noble family lacked such insight, Du Ning wouldn't be fit to live. He was the eldest legitimate son of the Du family, destined to shoulder the family's responsibilities.

Though Du Ning had no direct contact with the Crown Prince, he was close to Zheng Shanci and Jiang Lanli.

Du Yue did not interfere with Du Ning's friendships, and so far, he was satisfied with his son's choices.

While Du Yue was questioning Du Ning about the Crown Prince, Xiao Gaoyang and Shi Geer took medicinal herbs to visit Grand Secretary Shi at the Shi residence on their day of leisure. Shi Geer was deeply worried about her father, and seeing his sickly appearance wrenched her heart.

"Your father is holding up. You and Gaoyang should sit first," Madam Shi said.

"It's an old ailment. Retiring from the Grand Secretariat is a good chance to recuperate. His Majesty granted me a token, allowing me to summon imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital at any time." Grand Secretary Shi was deeply moved by this thought.

His Majesty was both decisive and compassionate. Such a ruler naturally commanded genuine loyalty, fear, and admiration.

"Father-in-law, please take good care of your health," Xiao Gaoyang said.

"I've heard there is a renowned physician in Great Yan skilled in treating asthma. I've already sent someone to find him."

Grand Secretary Shi asked Xiao Gaoyang to help him sit up. "At my age, there's no need for such trouble. I still feel strong—look at how you react when I say this, child. Why don't you go take a walk? I'd like to speak with Gaoyang."

Shi Geer complied and went to find Madam Shi.

Xiao Gaoyang helped Grand Secretary Shi to his feet.

"She is our only child, so you are as our own son. My resignation has nothing to do with you, but it does mean you’ve lost some support. Still, don’t worry—my disciples and old connections remain. If you wish to advance further, they will still give face to this old man."

Xiao Gaoyang certainly harbored ambitions to rise higher. After years of diligent study to earn the title of zhuangyuan, he would not stop here.

"I still have much to learn from my seniors," Xiao Gaoyang said modestly.

"You need outstanding achievements," Grand Secretary Shi pointed out. "Your work in the Hanlin Academy is commendable, but it remains confined there. Your voice is unheard in court or beyond. When you first enter officialdom, you must impress your superiors to earn their recognition. To climb higher, you must perform for the entire court—for the world." Though Grand Secretary Shi smiled, his tone carried the weight of strategy.

"You walk steadily, you walk slowly, but you do not stand out."

Xiao Gaoyang was rendered speechless by these words.

As a zhuangyuan, his usual path was internal promotion within the Hanlin Academy—from a sixth-grade compiler to an expositor-in-waiting or a ministry secretary, gradually rising in rank. Later, he might serve as an examiner in provincial exams to accumulate merit, and once seniority was achieved, compile a few books to smoothly secure a vice-ministerial post—or perhaps be assigned elsewhere.

Xiao Gaoyang reflected carefully and realized he was indeed following this very path.

Steady and slow, but undistinguished.

He saluted with clasped hands and bowed to Grand Secretary Shi. "Please guide me, Father-in-law."

Grand Secretary Shi helped him up. "Your path is not wrong, but you lack significant achievements. Take the recent land survey—the credit has already been distributed. For instance, the Prefect of Xuzhou reformed the fields well, and Censor Cui uncovered corrupt officials during his inspection. These are merits."

Xiao Gaoyang was happy for his friends but also began pondering his own path.

Grand Secretary Shi continued, "If another such opportunity arises, you must seize it and strike while the iron is hot. Another approach is to leverage your strengths. Your writings are excellent—why else would your commentaries be so widely praised?"

"Observe the flaws in the court and submit memorials about them. Others excel in their own ways, and so do you. I see your talent in writing—meticulous and prudent, with steady judgment. You surely have other strengths that I haven’t yet discerned, but that is for you to discover."