Chapter 179: Official Residence

Chapter 179 Official Residence

The manor was quiet at dawn. Zheng Shanci rose gently, washed up, and found breakfast still being prepared. He watched kitchen smoke curl upward, the nearby mountains thick with greenery, while clouds churned in the sky above.

The court-induced tension melted away from Zheng Shanci’s mind as he gazed at the distant peaks. He thought about climbing the mountains after breakfast to forage for wild edibles, which the kitchen could prepare by noon.

The estate was backed by mountains, fronted by water. Stepping out of the courtyard, Zheng Shanci came upon a pond. Unlike ornamental fish, these were meant for the cooking pot.

He also spotted crabs and shrimp.

The steward, noticing Zheng Shanci by the pond, hurried over and greeted him, saying, “If you’d like crabs and shrimp, sir, we can prepare them by noon.”

Zheng Shanci’s stomach growled. “Good.”

Breakfast consisted of pork-and-vegetable buns and tremella mushroom congee.

Having slept long the previous day, Yu Lanyi woke early this morning. He ate five buns with a hearty appetite and finished a bowl of congee.

The Marquis of Changyang finally stopped after devouring ten buns.

“How should the kitchen prepare last night’s fish?” The Marquis had little interest in the catch itself, only the process of fishing.

Yu Lanyi: “Roast it whole.”

Yu Hebai: “Deep-fry the little ones.”

Xiao Ping’an, satisfied that his father and cousin had voiced his own preferences, finished his congee contentedly.

Zheng Shanci said, “This morning, I’d like to go into the mountains to forage for wild greens.”

The Marquis fetched a bow and arrows from the steward. “You all go foraging. I’ll hunt.”

Both Yu Hebai and Xiao Ping’an wanted to join the Marquis. He agreed readily, “You two can come, but keep up and freeze when I'm on the hunt.”

Xiao Ping’an: “Alright, I won’t say a word.”

Yu Hebai nodded, eyes alight with excitement.

The Marquis, pleased to showcase his skills before the younger generation, led them into the mountains in high spirits.

Yu Lanyi also carried a bow and arrows, entering the mountains with Zheng Shanci.

“Perfect, now it’s just the two of us,” Yu Lanyi said, notching an arrow.

Zheng Shanci placed a small net into his basket, thinking they might find small fish or shrimp in the mountain streams. As soon as they entered the woods, he spotted shepherd's purse greens and happily gathered two handfuls into his basket. Tender and fresh in spring, it made for excellent salads.

Yu Lanyi didn’t recognize edible plants—he just knew how to enjoy the meal. To him, Zheng Shanci was just tossing weeds into the basket.

After walking further, Zheng Shanci found some aster greens and added a few more handfuls.

Yu Lanyi parted the undergrowth but found no game, disappointing him. Though Zheng Shanci was just picking plants, at least he had something to show for it. Yu Lanyi wasn't about to come back with nothing.

Zheng Shanci plucked new growth from the trees—their unique fragrance made them great scrambled with eggs.

Yu Lanyi combed through five patches of undergrowth before finally finding traces of prey: three pheasant eggs.

“Zheng Shanci, there are eggs here!” Yu Lanyi called out, pleased.

Zheng Shanci crouched and placed the eggs into the basket. Yu Lanyi then tugged him down to hide, where Zheng Shanci held still in the brush, careful not to disturb him.

Yu Lanyi was always patient with his prey.

After some time, a pheasant approached. Yu Lanyi waited until it stuck its head into the grass before drawing his bow.

The pheasant squawked and fell to the ground, motionless.

Yu Lanyi rose triumphantly. "Looks like my archery skills haven't slipped."

Zheng Shanci's calves had gone slightly numb from crouching. He walked over and picked up the pheasant while Yu Lanyi happily turned his basket toward him.

He'd brought his own small basket to hold the prey he shot.

The pair moved on. Zheng Shanci found some wild onions and gathered some, along with watercress. Yu Lanyi shot two rabbits and a wild duck.

"We'll have plenty to eat at noon," Yu Lanyi said cheerfully.

He no longer held his bow, instead taking in the mountain. A small stream ran by the path, and Yu Lanyi crouched to drink a few sips of water before washing his face. His pale, pretty face remained just as Zheng Shanci had first seen him.

Only now, Yu Lanyi's gaze toward him had changed.

The two spent the entire morning in the mountains. Zheng Shanci actually managed to net some fish and shrimp, adding them to his basket. Then, he took Yu Lanyi by the hand as they headed back.

Yu Lanyi obediently let him hold it.

Swinging their clasped hands, Yu Lanyi felt that every day with Zheng Shanci by his side was a happy one.

As they approached the manor, Zheng Shanci still didn’t let go of Yu Lanyi’s hand—not until they arrived and he had to take the basket to the kitchen.

Honestly, Zheng Shanci didn’t realize how clingy he was. He simply enjoyed being with Yu Lanyi, and when they were together, he loved physical contact—whether holding hands or even just brushing against him, it always filled him with joy.

He loved being close to Yu Lanyi.

Yu Lanyi handed his game to the cook, who exclaimed in delight, "Young Master's brought back quite the haul! The Marquis also brought some. We couldn’t eat all this by noon."

Zheng Shanci said, "Just make enough for now. If there’s any left, we can preserve it and take it back."

The cook acknowledged the instruction.

As Yu Lanyi and Zheng Shanci left the kitchen, Yu Lanyi cocked his chin proudly. "Well? I’m still pretty impressive, right?"

Zheng Shanci replied, "You absolutely are."

Yu Lanyi beamed even brighter at the praise. In his eyes, Zheng Shanci was someone remarkable, so being praised by him made Yu Lanyi feel even more accomplished.

The Marquis of Changyang and the two boys had returned earlier than Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi. Xiao Ping'an and Yu Hebai were playing with slingshots in the courtyard, balancing a pastry on a boulder to see who could hit it first.

When Zheng Shanci approached, he saw many small stones already scattered beneath the rock—the two children had been at it for a while.

Yu Hebai, having failed, looked dejected. "Grandfather and Father can both hit the pastry. Why can’t I?"

Xiao Ping'an patted his cousin’s shoulder. "It’s normal that we can’t. They're ancient compared to us."

Zheng Shanci said nothing.

Yu Hebai pinched his own arm. He remembered how strong Yu Zhangxing’s arms were. Then he pinched Xiao Ping'an’s arm—ah, his cousin’s arms were even weaker than his.

Yu Hebai had been building his strength since he was small. Because Yu Lanyi knew the benefits of physical discipline, Xiao Ping'an had also started training at the age of five, learning some basic martial arts.

"You’re right. I’ll get bullseyes every time," Yu Hebai declared, setting a goal for himself.

Xiao Pingan encouraged the boy.

At noon, the two children happily enjoyed crabs, and the tiny shrimp were also delicious. After eating, they packed some leftovers from the estate and boarded the carriage back to the capital. The Marquis of Changyang found such days delightful. After bidding farewell to his son and son-in-law, he took Yu Hebai back to the marquisate.

Upon arriving home, An Geer asked Yu Hebai how his day was.

"I did! I can't wait to go fishing with Grandfather again!" Yu Hebai said cheerfully.

Yu Liuge blinked up at his brother, hugging his leg. "Brother."

Yu Hebai patted his younger brother's head and scooped him up, but put him down after a moment—he wasn’t strong enough yet.

"You ought to visit the estate next time you’re free. It’s very relaxing there," the Marquis of Changyang suggested. Since stepping down from his post, he had developed an interest in the scenery around the capital. He had even joined a chess club hosted by Du Ning, who enjoyed organizing literary gatherings. The Marquis of Changyang had only one hobby—chess.

Yu Zhangxing smiled at Yu Hebai’s excitement, the corners of his lips lifting. Yu Hebai was enthusiastically telling An Geer about his fun experiences at the estate and concluded, "Dad, come with me next time!"

An Geer chuckled, watching them. "Alright."

Yu Liuge piped up, "I want to go out too!"

Yu Liuge was only three, and Yu Hebai thought his brother was still too young, but he agreed anyway.

He then ran up to Yu Zhangxing with his slingshot. "Father, teach me how to use the slingshot."

Yu Zhangxing agreed and took his son with him.

Tall, slender, and handsome, Yu Zhangxing easily scooped Yu Hebai up.

Yu Hebai nestled against his father's chest, resting his head on Yu Zhangxing's shoulder.

An Geer chuckled, watching them.

...

Meanwhile, back at home, Xiao Pingan grabbed some pastries fresh from the kitchen to share with his friends. Still buzzing with energy, he had enjoyed himself at the estate and still had plenty left to play after returning.

Zheng Shanci had Wang Fu accompany Xiao Pingan when he went out.

Xiao Pingan spent the entire afternoon playing outside. As he walked through the streets, folks knew he was the Zheng family’s young master and treated him kindly, even inviting him to their homes for meals. Xiao Pingan just shook his head politely.

"I still need to have dinner with my father and dad."

When he saw a street vendor selling grilled sausages, he bought two—one for himself and one for Wang Fu.

Wang Fu accepted it respectfully and ate it. The price of the sausage wasn’t expensive for him—he often bought them himself—but the one given by Xiao Pingan felt different.

The young master always treated his servants kindly. Working for him was a privilege.

Xiao Pingan bounded home, grinning.

After dinner, Xiao Pingan went to the garden to walk around and digest his dinner. Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi also strolled in the garden before returning to their room. Once inside, Zheng Shanci nuzzled into Yu Lanyi, wrapping his arms around his waist and burying his face in Yu Lanyi's chest.

"Honestly, you're so clingy..." Yu Lanyi muttered, though inwardly pleased.

"So... tonight?" Zheng Shanci whispered, looking up.

Yu Lanyi glared at him.

Zheng Shanci understood. He lifted Yu Lanyi and placed him gently on the bed.

No matter how many times they'd been together, Yu Lanyi still found it exhilarating. His fingers raked down Zheng Shanci's back, leaving red trails. Yu Lanyi's eyes glistened with moisture, his voice quivering at the edges.

He gazed at Zheng Shanci's sharp jawline, then reached out to touch his damp Adam's apple, feeling it bob under his fingertips. Yu Lanyi tilted his head back, crashing their lips together.

Zheng Shanci's eyes were dark and bright, unlike anything Yu Lanyi had ever seen. With a soft gasp, Yu Lanyi lifted a hand to cover Zheng Shanci's eyes, his back arched like a taut bow.

...

The next morning, Zheng Shanci reported to the Grand Secretariat to handle official matters. This year's imperial examinations were about to begin, and the Ministry of Rites, responsible for overseeing the exams, had petitioned for funding.

Zheng Shanci meticulously reviewed the petition. The Ministry of Rites had asked for fifty thousand taels of silver, but after careful calculation, he slashed the request down to thirty thousand taels.

For the examination alone, thirty thousand taels was more than sufficient.

Moreover, unlike other ministries, the Ministry of Rites had additional sources of income. Examination candidates paid registration fees, which were managed entirely by the Ministry without imperial interference. Additionally, during diplomatic receptions, smaller tributary states often offered gifts to the Ministry. There were also cases where the Ministry inflated costs for royal ceremonies—Zheng Shanci had uncovered several such instances. Most importantly, the Ministry managed temple donations and incense money, padding their coffers yearly.

Now, for a single examination, the Ministry was demanding fifty thousand taels from the imperial treasury. Zheng Shanci found the request excessive and decided to curb their excess.

When the petition reached Emperor Wuming, he stamped it with a single vermillion mark.

Thirty thousand taels would suffice for the Ministry’s needs. After endorsing the petition, Emperor Wuming rose and headed to the Eastern Palace.

There, Chief Grand Secretary Wei was lecturing Xie Cheng on the philosophy of "the highest virtue is like water."

Musing aloud, he said, "Cheng'er is already twenty, yet he shows no interest in romance. Perhaps it's time to select a crown princess for him."

Feng De responded, "Your Majesty is wise. His Highness has never taken a liking to anyone—seems the boy hasn't woken up to it yet."

Even if he hadn’t, it wouldn’t hurt to start considering candidates. That evening, Emperor Wuming went to the Kunning Palace and entrusted the task to Wang Fengjun, who agreed readily.

"This consort will arrange eligible young ladies and bachelors for His Highness to choose from."

Emperor Wuming nodded. "I leave this matter in your hands with full confidence."

Wang Fengjun bowed slightly, a faint smile on her lips.

Emperor Wuming then thought of Xie Dan's age. Though not yet of marriageable age, in previous dynasties, a prince his age would have already established his own residence outside the palace. Emperor Wuming himself had moved out at fifteen, and Xie Dan was now the same age. He considered bringing up the matter of Xie Dan establishing his own household but hesitated when he saw Wang Fengjun's expression.

Wang Fengjun was reluctant to part with Xie Dan, and Emperor Wuming, too, found it hard to send him away. In the emperor's eyes, Xie Cheng, as the crown prince, could be treated as an adult, but Xie Dan was still young and full of childish innocence.

Unaware of his father's thoughts, Xie Dan slept soundly in the princes' quarters, without a care in the world.

Once the uproar in the Ministry of Revenue over salary increases died down, there was little else to attend to. Zheng Shanci proposed converting a dilapidated street into government housing. The area had few merchants, and the land was virtually unsellable. His plan was to transform it into official residences where families in need could live after passing the Ministry of Revenue's assessment, paying a modest rent of ten taels per year.

The Ministry of Works, accustomed to building ships and bridges, found housing construction child's play. Emperor Wuming dismissed it as trivial, seeing it as a minor matter. Those at the helm cared only for matters of empire, sometimes overlooking smaller details.

Zheng Shanci, however, could see both the larger picture and the needs of the people—understanding the macro through the micro, and vice versa. It was a unique perspective.

Once the Ministry of Works began construction, lower-ranking officials were in Zheng Shanci's debt. Ten taels yearly rent was a steal compared to their current expenses, and the savings would significantly improve their livelihoods.

As long as officials remained free of misconduct, they could retain their positions indefinitely—though some might be shunted aside to groom fresh talent or to gain experience elsewhere. Regardless, they would remain officials for life.

After the morning court session, Zheng Shanci was about to return to the Grand Secretariat when Chief Grand Secretary Wei hailed him.

Zheng Shanci walked alongside him, and any officials who had intended to speak with Zheng Shanci shrank back at the sight of Chief Grand Secretary Wei’s presence.

"Lord Zheng, your proposal was excellent. Housing in the capital is expensive, and your solution ensures officials can live securely while the Ministry of Revenue collects rent. You’ve resurrected that derelict lane."

Though the street’s location was poor and sparsely populated, once people moved in, merchants would flock, revitalizing commerce. Chief Grand Secretary Wei regarded Zheng Shanci with admiration, marveling privately at this formidable new breed of officials.

"You honor me too much, Lord Wei," Zheng Shanci said. "I did not think so far ahead. Having risen from a seventh-rank county magistrate myself, I’ve naturally become aware of the lodging allowance issues for officials."

"Lord Zheng, you remember where you came from—that alone is commendable." Chief Grand Secretary Wei grew increasingly pleased with this junior official, though his satisfaction was tinged with wariness.

Chief Grand Secretary Wei was already in his fifties, while Zheng Shanci was only in his thirties—a gap of twenty years. The Chief Grand Secretary wasn’t ready to retire yet and wished to remain in his position for several more years.

Suppressing his thoughts, he exchanged a few more casual remarks with Zheng Shanci, and the conversation soon turned to the imperial examinations.

Chief Grand Secretary Wei said, "Yun'er will also be taking the juren examination this year."

Wei Yun had already earned the title of juren before turning fifteen. Zheng Shanci found this impressive; if he didn’t pass this time, waiting another three years would only make him even more formidable.

"For Young Master Wei to reach the metropolitan examination on his first attempt—his future prospects are limitless. Congratulations, Lord Wei."

Though inwardly pleased, Chief Grand Secretary Wei maintained a composed expression. "My son still has much to learn."

"A few days ago, His Majesty summoned me to discuss the barbarians. I suspect he intends to wage war against them," Chief Grand Secretary Wei lowered his voice.

Zheng Shanci shared the same thoughts, but he hadn’t expected the Chief Grand Secretary to confide in him so candidly. Cautiously, he replied, "Lord Wei, your words have given me a new perspective."

Recognizing Zheng Shanci’s pretended lack of understanding, Chief Grand Secretary Wei chuckled without pressing further. The two parted ways upon reaching the Grand Secretariat.

Returning to his office, Zheng Shanci took a sip of tea to steady himself. Once composed, he resumed reviewing memorials before heading to tutor Crown Prince Xie Cheng in the afternoon. Since becoming Crown Prince, Xie Cheng had observed court affairs in the throne hall, and Emperor Wuming had recently transferred him from the Hanlin Academy to the Ministry of Personnel.

For this lesson, Zheng Shanci drew questions from issues he had encountered in memorials—an approach Xie Cheng favored. After the session, Xie Cheng asked Zheng Shanci, "Lord Zheng, the Ministry of Personnel holds significant authority in appointing officials. If corruption leads to the loss of capable officials and promotes incompetents, how can such occurrences be minimized?"

Hearing this, Zheng Shanci felt pleased. He first asked, "Indeed, Your Highness, what measures do you think the court has in place for this?"

"There’s the Censorate," Xie Cheng replied.

"Your Highness speaks truly—the Censorate is one such measure. Since the founding of the Great Yan Dynasty, promotion criteria have been firmly established. Advancement depends on merit; without achievements, even those with connections cannot rise. Of course, those with extraordinary connections may secure lucrative postings for their juniors, making it easier to accumulate merit. But such cases are rare, ensuring fairness for the most part. Moreover, if unworthy individuals are promoted, there will be public discontent. As long as the Censorate investigates, the people’s voices serve as another layer of oversight."

Xie Cheng’s expression eased. "I was being overly concerned."

Zheng Shanci smiled. "Your Highness identifying such issues within the Ministry of Personnel is a boon for both officials and the people."

Praise from Zheng Shanci made Xie Cheng blush slightly with embarrassment.

Wang Fengjun had already presented portraits of eligible young ladies and gentlemen from the capital for Xie Cheng to choose from. He selected Second Grand Secretary Xiao’s grandson, Young Master Xiao, as his primary consort. The rest would either wait a few years or be chosen as secondary consorts if Xie Cheng later desired.

Chief Grand Secretary Wei’s family was not well-established—only his own household stood out, and they had no eligible candidates. After much deliberation, Young Master Xiao of the Xiao family was deemed the most suitable.

Xie Cheng’s standards for selection prioritized appearance, lineage, and temperament. After all, upon his ascension, his consort would become the Fengjun of the Great Yan Dynasty. He wished to approach this matter with due caution.

Learning of Xie Cheng’s choice, Zheng Shanci was somewhat surprised. To him, Xie Cheng still seemed like a child—one who was now taking a spouse.

But for someone of Xie Cheng’s status, marrying young and producing heirs were precisely what the court desired.

Zheng Shanci remarked, "Your Highness must consider many aspects in choosing a spouse, but under these circumstances, I still hope you select someone you can at least grow fond of."

Touched, Xie Cheng replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Zheng."

He did hold some affection for Young Master Xiao—at the very least, the young man was most comely.

After leaving the palace, Zheng Shanci returned home to find Yu Lanyi had refused all gifts. Puzzled, Yu Lanyi asked why so many unfamiliar officials had sent presents.

Upon hearing a few names and ranks, Zheng Shanci recalled they were the sixth-rank officials who had earlier petitioned for salary increases. They must have sent gifts immediately after returning home, while he had been delayed answering Xie Cheng’s questions in the Eastern Palace.

Zheng Shanci recounted the day’s court affairs to Yu Lanyi.

Yu Lanyi got it right away: "Zheng Shanci, no wonder they're grateful to you."

Zheng Shanci gave a small smile—he had simply done what he could. If he were a minor official, his words would have gone unnoticed. But as a Grand Secretary, his voice reached those in higher positions. The higher you rise, the more your words matter.

Do your job, no matter your rank.

Whether serving as a county magistrate, a Minister, or a Grand Secretary, this was the principle Zheng Shanci upheld.

Lower-ranking officials, especially those of the sixth or seventh rank, hurried home to share the news with their families, who were overjoyed.

"When can we move in?"

"Going by the Ministry of Works' timeline, it'll be done in three months. After that, we can live in official residences and won’t have to pay for pricey rentals anymore," one official said happily.

Their place was tiny, shared with others, and the rent cost three taels of silver each month.