Chapter 175: Winter Daily Life

Chapter 175: Winter Routines

In autumn, after Xie Cheng and Xie Dan returned from paying respects with incense at Huguo Temple, Xie Dan suddenly complained of a stomachache midway, claiming he needed to use the restroom. Xie Cheng could tell at a glance that Xie Dan was faking—it was clear he just wanted to play outside the palace.

Pretending not to notice, Xie Cheng said, "Take the guards with you."

Xie Dan nodded eagerly. Once outside, the guards would have to follow his lead. If he wanted to linger in the city, there was little they could do to stop him.

Xie Dan happily went shopping in the streets.

Meanwhile, Xie Cheng returned to the palace to report the incense-offering to Emperor Wuming. The emperor gave a nod of approval. "You handled this well. You may leave."

Emperor Wuming was satisfied with Xie Cheng and delegated a third of the memorials for him to review. Now that the Ministry of Revenue had sufficient funds, some officials proposed continuing the construction of the imperial mausoleum. Emperor Wuming was tempted.

After ascending the throne, due to the empty treasury, his mausoleum had only been half-built before the project was halted. Though tempted by the idea, Emperor Wuming restrained himself, knowing the silver could be put to better use.

His eyes remained fixed on the map.

...

With the arrival of the new year, the autumn harvest arrived. The fields turned golden, and farmers, faces bright with smiles, took up sickles to reap the rice. The harvest required everyone’s effort—everyone, young and old, pitched in. Some spread the grain in their courtyards, keeping an eye out to stop neighbors’ poultry from pecking at the grain. Strong young men toiled relentlessly, cutting rice in the fields and carrying heavy loads back home.

They walked steadily along the paths with baskets taller than themselves on their backs. Dogs at the village entrance barked, tongues lolling, darting past the villagers.

A man dumped the rice onto the ground while his wife brought him a cup of barley tea.

Cutting rice was backbreaking work, but drying it was no easier. The weather was unpredictable—one moment clear, the next threatening rain, sending everyone rushing to gather the grain before it got wet. Families shouted for help, sweeping and scooping rice into bamboo winnowing trays and brooms.

Tax collectors (Yamen Runners) arrived to collect taxes. The court had standardized measuring tools, leaving little room for cheating. Though some still cheated, it was far less common than before. Every plot of land had been registered, and if tax quotas weren’t met, the Ministry of Revenue would send undercover investigators—no one could escape detection.

The county magistrate had warned them to do their jobs carefully. Their superiors tolerated no mistakes, so the lower-ranked officials had no choice but to comply.

The people only had to pay land and poll taxes now, a huge relief from the previous myriad of levies. With a good harvest this year, they could keep more for their own needs.

Combined with odd jobs throughout the year, a family could save up to five taels of silver.

In rural areas, a bride-price of three taels was standard, while five or six more would pay for the wedding feast. Building a house didn’t require hiring town craftsmen—villagers pitched in, repaid with meals and small payments, making it far cheaper than hiring outsiders.

Once taxes were collected and sent to the capital, the Ministry of Revenue was bustling once more. Zheng Shanci delegated most tasks to Vice Minister Fan, but for major events like the harvest, he returned from the Grand Secretariat to work alongside his subordinates.

After reviewing the treasury’s records, Zheng Shanci realized this year’s revenue would be substantial. Vice Minister Fan handed him the calculated sum—a jump of six million taels, surpassing even Zheng Shanci’s estimates. And this was just from the autumn harvest—other taxes had yet to be tallied. This year’s total might even reach ten million.

Last year’s autumn revenue was four million. The increase of two million signaled further growth in the future, especially as land surveys continued to take effect.

Thanks to the Censorate’s oversight, local officials rarely cut corners now. And this was only the first year—things would only improve.

After wrapping up harvest affairs, Zheng Shanci returned to the Grand Secretariat to tackle the backlog of memorials.

When he arrived home after work, Yu Lanyi was out. Xiao Ping’an had finished his studies and gone to play with Zheng Tongchu, leaving the house quiet. Upon asking, Zheng Shanci learned Yu Lanyi had gone to the Duke’s residence.

"I’ll change and go find him," Zheng Shanci said.

Deng Xue explained, "The Duke’s household sent word earlier. They said the Old Duke has taken ill."

Zheng Shanci’s heart sank. "Prepare the carriage—I’m leaving for the Duke’s residence immediately."

When he arrived, white mourning drapes already hung over the gates. Servants and maids, dressed in mourning attire, moved in hushed solemnity. Zheng Shanci headed to the main hall, where the current Duke sat in the seat of honor.

"My condolences, Uncle," said Zheng Shanci.

The Marquis of Changyang and Yu Zhangxing had arrived at the Duke's residence ahead of Zheng Shanci, both already dressed in mourning attire.

The Duke, grief-stricken, waved a hand. "I appreciate your kindness, Shanci. Let me have someone take you to change into mourning clothes."

Zheng Shanci nodded silently, knowing it was not the time for words. He followed a servant to change into mourning garments in a side room, tying a white headband around his forehead. He couldn’t help but worry about Yu Lanyi.

"Where is Lan Yi?" Zheng Shanci asked a servant of the Duke's residence.

"The young master is still at the old Duke's bedside."

"Take me to him."

Servants were still hanging white silk in the Duke’s residence, moving calmly and methodically. Given the old Duke's age, they had expected this, though the suddenness of his passing still left them with a sense of melancholy.

The servant led him to the door but did not enter. Inside, Zheng Shanci saw several attendants preparing to carry the old Duke away. Yu Lanyi’s eyes were red, tears streaming as he stared blankly at his grandfather.

He Tong, He Ming, and He Xin also had red-rimmed eyes, while Yu Zhangxing, steadier by nature, bore a sorrowful expression.

"Grandfather..." Gu Xin wiped her tears, unwilling to accept the reality.

Mr. Yu wiped his eyes with a handkerchief, his own eyes reddened.

Zheng Shanci stepped forward and embraced Yu Lanyi, who clenched his teeth as he watched the old Duke being placed into the coffin. Once the lid was closed, hiding his grandfather from view, Yu Lanyi buried his face in Zheng Shanci's chest.

He wept silently, soaking Zheng Shanci’s robes, the wet patch growing larger. The old Duke's coffin was placed in the main hall, where everyone knelt—the Duke and Duchess at the front, followed by Mr. Yu and the Marquis of Changyang, with the younger generation kneeling behind them.

The old Duchess had collapsed upon hearing of her husband’s death but had since recovered and was resting in bed. Mourners arrived at the Duke’s residence in steady streams to pay respects, and the Duke and Gu Shang attended to the guests while Mr. Yu steeled himself to receive them as well.

Yu Lanyi knelt motionless on a cushion for two hours, refusing even water. Zheng Shanci gently urged him to stand and take some water and food.

Though he had no appetite, Yu Lanyi forced down a few bites of pastry at Zheng Shanci’s urging.

"Rest for a while. Let me massage your knees." Alone in the side room, Zheng Shanci gently kneaded Yu Lanyi's knees, which had already swollen slightly.

When the Marquis of Changyang had punished him with kneeling in the ancestral hall, Jin Yun had given him knee pads. This was Yu Lanyi’s first time kneeling so long unprotected.

That evening, they returned home together. At bedtime, Zheng Shanci comforted Yu Lanyi, but when he woke in the middle of the night, he found Yu Lanyi turned away from him, shoulders trembling silently.

Zheng Shanci turned and embraced him. Yu Lanyi stiffened at first but gradually relaxed.

"Eldest Cousin said Grandfather passed with a smile. It was a blessed death."

The old Duke had lived past seventy—a long life in those times—and had departed in peace. His descendants were accomplished, his title passed securely to his son. When Emperor Wuming purged the nobility, the old Duke had wisely withdrawn, enjoying over a decade of tranquil retirement—tending flowers, playing with his grandchildren, and witnessing four generations under one roof.

Yu Lanyi turned, gripping Zheng Shanci’s hand as tears fell. "I know. But I just can't help it."

Zheng Shanci held him, patting his back reassuringly. "It's alright to cry. Just take care of yourself."

Though Zheng Shanci respected and cared for the old Duke, his grief paled next to Yu Lanyi’s. All he could do was offer comfort.

The capital’s elite all attended the old Duke’s funeral. Emperor Wuming sent the Crown Prince and the Prince of Qi to the Duke of Ying’s residence, a mark of respect to the family. Yu Lanyi stayed withdrawn even after the burial.

Only when autumn passed and winter arrived did he regain his usual vitality. Too young to understand death, Xiao Pingan only vaguely grasped that the old Duke was gone forever. He cried for days and struggled to focus in class.

His tutor, understanding his grief, did not scold him. Once Xiao Pingan had recovered, he returned to playing with his friends.

Life is like a drop of water—some make waves, others drift quietly. Yet all eventually meet the same end, merging into the boundless sea without looking back.

After this experience, Zheng Shanci took Yu Lanyi to the outskirts for a mountain hike on his day of rest. When they reached the highest peak and stood atop it, the wind rushed past them, and mist hung heavy. Looking down from the summit made one feel incredibly small—lush green mountains and towering trees stretched endlessly.

Yu Lanyi gazed downward as if mesmerized by the drop.

"Lan Yi, look at how well this pine tree has grown," Zheng Shanci remarked, tracing the grooves of the bark.

Drawn by his words, Yu Lanyi approached and touched the rugged surface of the tree, then craned his neck to see its peak.

"A pine tree can live for a hundred years, even a thousand. Cypresses live three to five centuries, and the oldest known redwood has lived for three thousand five hundred years. Pear trees live around three centuries, jujube trees four, and fig trees about a millennium."

Yu Lanyi stared at the pine tree in astonishment—he’d never realized trees endured so long.

Zheng Shanci continued calmly, "A dynasty rarely lasts beyond three centuries. Cycles of corruption in governance, land annexation worsening over time, the brutality of natural disasters, rigid cultural ideologies... these factors lead to the rise and fall of dynasties. The longest-lasting dynasty in history was the Zhou, which endured for about eight centuries."

"So, in the present, we focus on the present. History is vast and filled with legendary figures—we are but flecks of dust within it. To make any meaningful contribution is enough. Your grandfather spent most of his life on the battlefield—he fought the barbarians nine times, pacified coastal rebellions, and in the end, secured a noble title for his descendants while bringing peace to the people. His life was one to be proud of."

By the time they descended the mountain, Yu Lanyi’s spirits had lifted.

The winter wind howled as Yu Lanyi tightened his cloak around himself. He climbed into the carriage and leaned against Zheng Shanci, who handed him a hand warmer.

Yu Lanyi’s heart grew still, and thoughts of his grandfather brought him a sense of acceptance.

This was enough—birth, aging, sickness, and death were all part of life.

...

Winter arrived, and after their break from studies, Xiao Pingan and the others spent their days clustered by the hearth. The cold this year was particularly harsh, so much so that Xiao Pingan avoided playing in the snow entirely, preferring to stay close to the warmth. Yu Lanyi brought over two wool throws, handing one to Xiao Pingan to drape over his lap while keeping the other for himself. He reclined in his chair, warming himself by the fire as he read a storybook.

Xiao Pingan gathered some building blocks nearby and began playing. After a while, Yu Lanyi set his book aside and joined him in stacking the blocks. The two passed the time like this while Zheng Shanci remained busy at the Ministry of Revenue. Heavy snowfall had caused disasters in three prefectures, and he was occupied with distributing relief goods. Fortunately, the ministry had stockpiled a surplus this year—food was not in short supply, and the textile factories had produced enough quilts and cotton clothing to meet demand, with plenty left in storage, saving additional expenses.

Zheng Shanci and Vice Minister Fan worked for a while, taking stock of the supplies. They also needed to account for provisions sent to the border regions. In the past, only grain and fodder were dispatched, but this time, Zheng Shanci arranged for the textile factories to send cotton clothing as well.

The cotton had been purchased by the ministry at low prices, and the sheer volume meant costs were minimal. Since the factory workers were paid by the ministry, labor expenses were also kept low.

Cotton coats, shoes, and quilts—Zheng Shanci had prepared a stock of each.

"Next spring, we should prepare even more of these supplies and build a few more storehouses to store them. That way, we won’t have to purchase hastily when the need arises."

Vice Minister Fan nodded. "Does Lord Zheng think we should construct several more storehouses?"

"Eight should suffice," Zheng Shanci said after a pause.

As for the storehouse locations, the Ministry of Works could coordinate the construction. Once the ministry’s affairs were settled, Zheng Shanci returned to the Grand Secretariat to handle other matters.

Apart from the snow disaster reports, the remaining tasks were routine, and Zheng Shanci quickly drafted his rescripts. Among those he reviewed in the Grand Secretariat, three were sent back by Emperor Wuming for reconsideration—indeed, he had missed some nuances in his initial assessments.

Processing documents at the Ministry of Revenue differed from reviewing memorials in the Grand Secretariat. At the ministry, he could make decisions based solely on his own perspective, but in the Grand Secretariat, he had to consider Emperor Wuming’s stance to ensure his draft responses aligned with the emperor’s preferences.

Today, he was on duty at the Grand Secretariat. Chief Grand Secretary Wei and Second Grand Secretary Xiao finished their work and left, while Grand Secretary Lei exchanged a few words with Zheng Shanci. "The winter chill is harsh—if you’re feeling the chill, have the palace servants add more braziers and an extra quilt."

Grand Secretary Lei, advanced in years, had taken ill from the cold after a single day on duty and had to take leave for several days to recover.

Zheng Shanci nodded. "Understood. Thank you for the reminder, Lord Lei."

Grand Secretary Lei patted his shoulder before departing. Standing at the courtyard gate, Zheng Shanci watched as the snowfall grew heavier. He returned to his quarters and instructed Wang Fu to request additional braziers from the palace servants.

He had already prepared quilts and bed warmers. Layering two quilts, he had the servants fill four bed warmers with hot water and tuck them beneath the covers, ensuring a warm refuge later. The inner chamber was spacious, and he had set aside some light reading to enjoy before sleep. Emperor Wuming rarely summoned officials at night—after all, even the emperor needed rest. The primary reason for staying on call was to remain ready for urgent couriers.

Wang Fu went to summon the palace attendants, and Zheng Shanci said, "Wang Fu, go rest for now. Come pick me up tomorrow after duty."

Wang Fu left.

When the time came, the palace attendants brought dinner and also brewed a pot of hot tea for Lord Zheng. After eating, the attendants cleaned up respectfully and withdrew. Lord Zheng glanced at the sky, stood up to stretch for a while, and then climbed into bed.

Alone in the duty room today, he wondered about Yu Lanyi and Xiao Pingan. Lord Zheng read for a while but couldn’t focus, tossing and turning as he couldn’t stop thinking about Yu Lanyi.

In the past, he could endure it somewhat, but in winter, he just wanted to cuddle with Yu Lanyi. Though the bedding was warm, Lord Zheng still felt something was missing.

He snuffed out the candle and went to sleep alone.

Meanwhile, Yu Lanyi and Xiao Pingan were still huddled by the fire. It was still early, and Xiao Pingan hadn’t gone to bed yet. After playing with blocks for a while with Yu Lanyi, he finally went to sleep.

These past few days, Yu Lanyi had sent Jin Yun home—he had his own family, and though they were close, Yu Lanyi couldn’t keep Jin Yun by his side forever.

He had a servant come in to blow out the candle; it was too cold, and he didn’t want to do it himself.

Yu Lanyi curled up in bed, feeling sorry for himself and missing Lord Zheng. Sleeping alone in the cold was the worst—he preferred being held by Lord Zheng.

Yu Lanyi sighed. A high-ranking job wasn’t all perks—nights meant separation.

...

Lord Zheng spent the night in the Grand Secretariat. In the morning, he had the palace staff bring breakfast. After eating, he sat in his chair, waiting for the minor officials to bring the memorials. By the time the three grand secretaries arrived, Lord Zheng was already going through them.

Chief Grand Secretary Wei thought highly of him, making small talk before returning to his own duty room.

Whenever conversing with Chief Grand Secretary Wei, Lord Zheng remained cautious. He noticed that as long as there were no conflicting interests, Wei was quite amiable, occasionally dropping useful advice that proved invaluable.

But if conflicts arose, Wei usually tried to mediate. If that failed, he would give in to Lord Wei. So far, Lord Zheng hadn’t opposed him, but recently, Second Grand Secretary Xiao had clashed with Chief Grand Secretary Wei.

The two were old rivals, and Lord Zheng was used to it by now during his time in the Grand Secretariat.

"Lord Zheng, here are some memorials for you to handle," a minor official said, bringing in another stack. Lord Zheng worked swiftly and, once finished, made his way to the Ministry of Revenue.

The Ministry of Revenue had already distributed officials’ salaries, leaving no urgent documents to handle. In the afternoon, Lord Zheng just read at his desk—tomorrow was the start of the New Year holiday.

"Greetings, Lord Zheng." Shunzi arrived with attendants carrying gifts.

Shunzi was one of Xie Cheng’s men. He had the palace servants arrange the gifts in Lord Zheng’s duty room.

"This is His Highness the Crown Prince’s gesture of appreciation for Lord Zheng."

Lord Zheng hurriedly replied, "His Highness honors me."

He handed Shunzi a pouch. Shunzi hefted the pouch, his smile widening. "His Highness holds Lord Zheng in great esteem—this is well-deserved. I must take my leave now."

After Shunzi departed, the Ministry of Revenue officials all knew the Crown Prince had sent New Year gifts to Lord Zheng, making them green with envy.

Imagine—Lord Zheng made it into the Grand Secretariat at such a young age and was even the Crown Prince’s tutor. Once the Crown Prince ascended the throne, Lord Zheng’s position in the Grand Secretariat would surely rise further. After all, top jobs like the Grand Secretariat went to loyalists.

"Lord Zheng is too young," one Ministry of Revenue official said enviously.

A grand secretary in his thirties—Chief Grand Secretary Wei had become Second Grand Secretary at thirty-nine. If Lord Zheng kept racking up accomplishments, he might surpass Wei’s record.

Chief Grand Secretary Wei’s rapid promotion was partly due to his role in supporting the emperor before his ascension. Back when His Majesty was still the Crown Prince, Wei had stood firmly by his side.

Who wouldn’t want such imperial favor? Nowadays, the court eagerly sucked up to Xie Cheng, but Xie Cheng remained measured, showing no special treatment except toward the Wang family and Lord Zheng.

The Wang family was his mother's side of the family, so Xie Cheng treating them well was only natural. But what really surprised people was Xie Cheng's attitude toward Zheng Shanci, treating him with great respect. Keep in mind that after Xie Cheng became the crown prince, not only did Zheng Shanci teach him, but Chief Grand Secretary Wei and Second Grand Secretary Xiao also gave him lessons. But he was still closest to Zheng Shanci.

"Why are you all just standing there? Get back to work," Yu Feng chided lightly.

The officials responded and dispersed.

Envy aside, they still had to focus on their tasks—tomorrow was the holiday. The Ministry of Revenue’s work required precision, and they couldn’t afford to slack off, fearing they might miscalculate the accounts.

After their duties ended, the palace officials relaxed, having made it through another year. Apart from the snow disaster, the harvest had been decent, and Emperor Wuming was satisfied with this year's revenue. The officials of the Ministry of Revenue walked a little taller.

Zheng Shanci had achieved his personal goal of ten million taels of silver. Thus, during this snow disaster, he was uncharacteristically generous in allocating more supplies rather than silver, as distributing supplies made embezzlement harder.

Zheng Shanci got into his carriage and headed home, stopping along the way to buy some pastries for Yu Lanyi. Shops in the capital were adorned with red lanterns and silk, making the streets look festive, and the streets were bustling with people buying New Year goods.

Carrying the pastries, he returned home, and Yu Lanyi's eyes lit up at the sight of him. "You're finally back. I missed you."

Zheng Shanci's heart warmed, and he smiled. "It's only been a day."

"A day in winter feels longer than any other day. Without you at night, I couldn’t sleep well," Yu Lanyi said as he took the pastries from Zheng Shanci and unwrapped them.

"I'm on holiday now, so I can stay with you," Zheng Shanci replied, having also slept poorly the night before.

Yu Lanyi took a bite of a pastry and narrowed his eyes in contentment. "It's good that you're back—and that you remembered to bring me pastries."

Zheng Shanci chuckled and sat beside Yu Lanyi by the fire, telling him about Xie Cheng's gift.

Yu Lanyi was surprised. "His Highness treats you so well."

Zheng Shanci smiled. "His Highness is a benevolent gentleman."

After hearing about the gifts, Yu Lanyi set aside the pastries to inspect Xie Cheng's presents. Most of them were medicinal herbs, as Xie Cheng considered them more practical, along with ancient books, stationery, and tea.

These were all valuable items, especially the herbs—some of which could cost a fortune. Xie Cheng had sent three boxes at once.

Yu Lanyi had them inventoried and stored, keeping the tea and stationery for Zheng Shanci.