Leaving the Capital

Zheng Shanci heard these words but didn’t know how to respond. His eyes were deep and heavy, as if something was brewing within them. He closed his eyes for a moment and said, “It’s fragrant.”

The fragrance made his heart flutter, and when he saw Yu Lanyi’s hand, he just wanted to kiss it. Startled by his own thoughts, he released Yu Lanyi’s fair wrist, which he had been holding.

There was a faint red mark on the wrist. Yu Lanyi’s skin was tender, and even a gentle grip would leave a mark. He didn’t feel any pain, put on his shoes, and placed the pearl powder that Zheng Shanci had given him on the dressing table.

This was the first time a man had given him cosmetics, and he was so attentive to observe what kind of powder he used. Yu Lanyi was so good-looking and of noble status, it was only natural for Zheng Shanci to pay attention to him.

Thinking of this, Yu Lanyi felt happy again.

Yu Lanyi’s emotions were all over his face. Seeing him happy, Zheng Shanci also breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, “The journey is long, let the kitchen prepare more dry food for the road. You like meat, so take more jerky.”

“I’m taking a chef to Xinfeng County.”

Zheng Shanci agreed to this, “Alright.”

Remembering something, Yu Lanyi didn’t stay in bed any longer. He wanted to buy some pastries from Shengjing to eat in the carriage, otherwise, the journey would be boring without snacks.

“I’m going out.”

Zheng Shanci nodded, giving Yu Lanyi space as he went to the study to read. He was still holding the Da Yan laws, but after a quarter of an hour, his mind wandered, thinking about Yu Lanyi asking him if it was fragrant.

When Yu Lanyi wasn’t angry, his eyes were bright, looking just like a rich young master.

Xinfeng County was a bit of a grievance for him.

…

Yu Lanyi’s mood was like the wind, changing quickly. He took Jin Yun and barged into the most famous pastry shop in Shengjing.

The shopkeeper, seeing the big customer who had disappeared for a few days, greeted him with a smile, “Young Master Yu, what would you like today?”

“I need some fresh pastries the day after tomorrow, prepare them in advance, about enough for five people. I’ll send someone to pick them up in the morning.”

Shopkeeper: “What kind?”

“All the ones I like, you should remember the dozen or so kinds.”

The pastry shops in Shengjing were the best, firstly because they allowed reservations, and secondly because the staff were very attentive, remembering the types of pastries returning and regular customers liked. If there were new products, they would give one or two to regular customers when they came.

With this level of attentiveness, the shop had established itself firmly in Shengjing.

“Understood, Young Master Yu, rest assured, your servant will deliver the pastries as soon as your servant says a word the morning after tomorrow.”

Yu Lanyi nodded in satisfaction.

He walked out of the pastry shop, thinking about the mouth-watering duck from the tavern.

“Jin Yun, go buy a duck, I want it to go.”

Jin Yun responded.

By this time, it was nearing evening, and street vendors were preparing their stalls. There was one stall with the best grilled skewers. After receiving many gifts and dowries for his marriage, Yu Lanyi was now quite wealthy.

However, he was still under the control of the mansion’s accountant. Yu Fulang knew Yu Lanyi’s nature too well; if given too much money, he would spend all day thinking about how to squander it.

Jin Yun returned with the duck, and Yu Lanyi was already eating grilled skewers. He handed a few to Jin Yun, “Eat while we walk.”

Yu Lanyi squinted his eyes in satisfaction, holding many in his hands.

Jin Yun: “Young Master, didn’t you buy too much? We can’t finish all this.”

The vendor’s shouts had a Beijing accent, loud and clear, with steam rising from the noodle stalls, along with fried rice cakes and chestnuts. The streets and alleys were filled with the aroma of food.

“Not too much, I’ll take some back for Zheng Shanci to try.” Yu Lanyi’s voice came with a smile.

Jin Yun was surprised. The young master was actually going to bring grilled skewers back for Zheng Daren. In the past, Jin Yun couldn’t even imagine it. Yu Lanyi was so resistant to this marriage, he had seen it with his own eyes.

Fortunately, after marrying Zheng Daren, Zheng Daren wasn’t harsh on the young master. On the contrary, he was quite accommodating.

Jin Yun was Yu Lanyi’s personal attendant, and when Yu Lanyi got married, Jin Yun had to follow. Previously, Jin Yun had wondered how life would be if Yu Lanyi married into a wealthy family, and how the young master would fare.

Life in the Zheng family was more enjoyable than he had imagined in a wealthy family. There weren’t too many formalities, and Zheng Daren was gentle with the servants, never scolding or beating them.

Yu Lanyi was in high spirits, and when he saw Yu Shiyan with Ye Yunchu, Yu Shiyan was hiding his face and said something to Ye Yunchu, whose expression visibly turned awkward. Yu Shiyan said no more and got into a carriage back to Changyang Marquis Mansion.

Ye Yunchu’s brows showed a hint of bitterness. After a moment of silence, he left.

“How long are those two going to keep entangling?” Yu Lanyi found it amusing to see this scene.

“Young Master, you don’t know, the Zhen Nan Wang Fei is currently looking for a consort for Ye Shizi. Many have been invited by the Zhen Nan Wang Fei, but Ye Shizi is never satisfied, saying he wants to make his own decision. Recently, this has offended some of the noble ladies and Ge’er in Shengjing.”

Yu Lanyi: “So they haven’t settled it yet.”

Naturally, the Zhen Nan Wang Fu looked down on Yu Shiyan’s background, most likely only willing to give him a concubine’s position, and even considered it an honor to give him that. Although Yu Shiyan was a concubine’s son, he had high aspirations and wouldn’t agree to be a concubine.

Before long, they arrived at the mansion, and Yu Lanyi’s mood wasn’t affected. He thought that Ye Yunchu wasn’t that bold, only concerned with hiding Yu Shiyan, never promising anything, nor fighting for Yu Shiyan’s interests in the Zhen Nan Wang Fu. If Yu Shiyan really married into the Zhen Nan Wang Fu, the mother-in-law relationship would be enough to give Yu Shiyan a hard time.

In a big family, he had heard of some dirty and tormenting things.

After asking the servants, Yu Lanyi found out Zheng Shanci was in the study, so he took the grilled skewers to find him.

Wangfu was guarding outside the study, and when he saw him, he greeted him.

“I’m going in to take a look.”

Wangfu was a family servant of the Yu family, trained by Yu Fulang, and knew that the study was an important place in the mansion. If Yu Lanyi wanted to enter, he had to ask for Zheng Shanci’s permission.

Before Wangfu could hesitate, Zheng Shanci’s voice came from inside, “Come in.”

Yu Lanyi didn’t think much and pushed the door open.

Zheng Shanci put down his book and poured a cup of hot tea for Yu Lanyi as he sat down.

“I went out to order pastries and happened to see grilled skewers for sale. I bought too many and can’t finish them, so I brought some for you.”

Yu Lanyi happily drank a cup of hot tea. It wasn’t the fruit tea he liked, but green tea, with a bit of bitterness. He resisted the urge to stick out his tongue, the tea flavor diluting the taste of the grilled skewers in his mouth.

Zheng Shanci hadn’t eaten grilled skewers since coming to ancient times. He took the skewers from Yu Lanyi and took a bite.

“How is it? Is it good?” Yu Lanyi watched Zheng Shanci intently. These were his favorite grilled skewers, and he brought them for Zheng Shanci. If Zheng Shanci liked them too, that would be great.

Zheng Shanci smiled, “It’s very good.”

Yu Lanyi’s heart settled. Hearing Zheng Shanci agree with his favorite food, the corners of his lips curled up, “Right?”

Having his favorite food liked by Zheng Shanci felt not just good, but very good.

He had good taste.

Zheng Shanci finished the grilled skewers. He looked up, about to thank Yu Lanyi, and happened to meet Yu Lanyi’s smiling eyes. Yu Lanyi was propping his face with his elbows on the table, watching Zheng Shanci eat the skewers with delight.

The two of them locked eyes and didn’t know how to look away. Yu Lanyi was entranced, Zheng Shanci’s features were very attractive, and he was somewhat captivated. He was a bit of a face-con, and if Zheng Shanci wasn’t good-looking, when Yu Fulang forced him to marry Zheng Shanci, he might have gone to a temple to live a life of celibacy.

He didn’t want to be a monk, unable to eat meat and having to chant scriptures, but if he had to face an ugly face for a lifetime, he’d rather be a monk.

Zheng Shanci was about to look away when Yu Lanyi asked, “Before we got married, did you have any girls or Ge’er you liked?”

He was a bit concerned about these things and wanted to ask clearly.

Zheng Shanci: “No.”

Yu Lanyi’s brows relaxed, “It’s time for dinner, let’s go out together.”

Zheng Shanci hadn’t noticed the time, and only realized it was dinner time when he looked. He had eaten grilled skewers, so he wouldn’t eat much for dinner.

In the dim evening, Zheng Shanci only had a bowl of dinner and a bowl of soup.

Zheng Shanci lay flat on the bed, while Yu Lanyi still lay on his side, but Yu Lanyi was more willing to talk to him now.

“Zheng Shanci, have you ever seen the scenery on Kangshan Street? It’s beautiful there.”

“No.”

“Zheng Shanci, when you were studying, did anyone want to marry you?”

Zheng Shanci thought for a moment. When the original owner passed the scholar and juren exams, some wealthy merchants and gentry wanted to become in-laws, but the original owner focused on his studies and refused. When he was studying in modern times, he received love letters but never accepted them. His feelings for anyone were always mild, though a face-to-face confession might leave some impression.

“Someone did.”

Yu Lanyi turned over, his eyes bright, “Who? Why didn’t you agree?”

Zheng Shanci: “I don’t remember.”

Yu Lanyi thought about how no one had ever expressed their liking for him since he was young. He was so good-looking, and the first gift he received unrelated to etiquette and family background was from Zheng Shanci.

He didn’t know that some with ulterior motives had long been blocked by Yu Fulang and Yu Changxing, and with Yu Lanyi’s family background, those not as prestigious as the Changyang Marquis Mansion naturally didn’t dare to bother him.

The two of them lay under the same quilt, and Yu Lanyi moved a little closer, feeling the warmth from the side.

He knew that getting married involved kissing, and the rest was what the matchmaker had shown him in a picture book, which he didn’t understand.

In the moonlight, Yu Lanyi’s gaze fell on Zheng Shanci’s lips, which looked thin. He wondered what they tasted like.

Would they be sweet?

He liked sweet things.

Zheng Shanci felt Yu Lanyi’s gaze and reflected for a moment. Today, he had bought pearl powder to apologize to Yu Lanyi, and besides that, he hadn’t done anything to offend him.

“Let’s sleep early. You have to go to Lü Mansion tomorrow to congratulate Lü Jin on his birthday.”

Yu Lanyi had already picked out a birthday gift for Lü Jin. He agreed, not turning to sleep on his side, but lying flat like Zheng Shanci. The bed was a double bed, not very spacious. Lying flat together, their shoulders touched, and Zheng Shanci’s body paused but said nothing, his breathing gradually steadying.

Zheng Shanci thought that sleeping on his side was uncomfortable, so it was good that Yu Lanyi lay flat too.

In the middle of the night, Zheng Shanci woke up and tucked the quilt around Yu Lanyi before falling asleep again.

…

The next day, they were to go to Lü Shilang’s mansion. Zheng Shanci wore a green robe, which was the formal attire Yu Lanyi had bought for him. Yu Lanyi wore a blue robe, his hair tied with a jade crown, and his waist adorned with a jade pendant.

“Zheng Shanci, hurry up, why are you so slow?” Yu Lanyi was eager to visit Lü Jin.

Zheng Shanci quickened his pace, first getting on the carriage and then extending his hand to help Yu Lanyi up. With Zheng Shanci there, there was no need for a small stool to get on the carriage.

Yu Lanyi could use the strength of his hand as support.

His arm was very strong.

They arrived at Lü Mansion, and Zheng Shanci helped Yu Lanyi down. Looking at the mansion in front of them, people were coming in one after another, mostly officials with their children.

In officialdom, social connections were necessary, and the connections between children were also related to the friendships of their parents. Once inside, the view opened up, with green gardens, winding paths, and towering pavilions.

Lü Jin was entertaining guests, and when he saw Yu Lanyi, his eyes lit up. After saying something to someone, he came forward.

“Lanyi, you’re here.” Lü Jin held Yu Lanyi’s hand, looking very friendly, his eyes brimming with joy.

“Xiao Jin, there are so many people, it’s hard for you to spot me. Happy birthday.” As Lü Jin approached, Yu Lanyi also took a few steps forward, both of them smiling.

Having grown up together, their bond was unmatched by many.

“Hello, Zheng Daren.” Lü Jin was happy but didn’t forget his manners.

“Happy birthday, Young Master Lü. Wishing you peace and joy every year.”

Lü Jin accepted with a smile, “Thank you for your kind wishes, Zheng Daren. May I borrow your husband for a while today?”

Seeing that Yu Lanyi and Lü Jin were so close, Zheng Shanci had no intention of stopping them, “Sure.”

Yu Lanyi followed Lü Jin, flitting away like a little butterfly.

“Brother Zheng.” Cui Ziqi approached with a smile.

“Your husband and Young Master Lü have been close friends since childhood. It’s quite surprising that these two can be friends.”

Yu Lanyi was spoiled, while Lü Jin was restrained and courteous. Despite their contrasting personalities, they became friends.

“Brother Zheng.” Du Ning called out.

Du Ning was surprised, “And Brother Cui is here too.”

Cui Ziqi crossed his arms, “So what?”

Du Ning was quiet, only showing interest when discussing literature. Today, he came with his father. Naturally, Cui Ziqi also came with his family’s elder.

The banquet was bustling, with people toasting and chatting.

Lü Shilang wore a casual robe, raising his glass to the crowd, “Thank you all for coming to celebrate my son’s birthday today. This toast is for all of you.”

The guests all raised their glasses and took a sip. Such occasions weren’t for getting drunk, but Cui Ziqi, confident in his drinking capacity, downed his glass.

The Minister of Personnel didn’t come, but his wife, Lady Li, was there, talking with Lady Lü.

Lü Jin was called over by Lady Lü to speak in front of the noble ladies, allowing them to recognize him. Lü Jin was of marriageable age.

Yu Lanyi thought of this. Lü Jin was cherished by Lü Shilang, and he should find a good match for him. Not only should they have a good family background, but most importantly, good character.

Thinking of this, he looked at Zheng Shanci, who was eating the food on the table, somewhat out of place in the lively environment. He ate seriously, occasionally drinking and talking with a few people.

This person…

Zheng Shanci didn’t know Yu Lanyi was watching him. After making some friends, Zheng Shanci’s peripheral vision caught a familiar figure, Chen Wu. It seemed he had spent money to get an invitation. Zheng Shanci thought of what Chen Wu had said before, and his heart sank. He didn’t know the Ge’er from An Xinhou Mansion, nor if he was at the banquet.

Someone came to drink and talk with him again, and Zheng Shanci politely declined. He got up and walked towards Yu Lanyi, who was with Lü Jin, surrounded by unmarried Ge’er and young ladies.

Zheng Shanci approached and whispered, “Have you seen the Ge’er from An Xinhou Mansion?”

Yu Lanyi looked around and said, “I haven’t seen him.”

Zheng Shanci pondered, “I think I saw Chen Wu at the banquet. I’m afraid he might target the Ge’er from An Xinhou Mansion.”

In fact, Chen Wu had indeed spent money to get into Lü Mansion. This time, he wasn’t looking for an opportunity to be recommended by an official but wanted to take a shortcut, directly forming a good relationship with An Ge’er to gain the support of a marquis’ mansion.

An Ge’er felt a bit bored at the banquet. Everyone was laughing, and he didn’t want to spoil the mood. He took his servant and left the banquet to get some fresh air in the garden.

Seeing the vibrant flowers, An Ge’er sat in the pavilion, feeling much better.

Chen Wu’s gaze had been lingering on An Ge’er at the banquet, satisfied with An Ge’er’s aura, appearance, and figure. When An Ge’er left with his servant, Chen Wu followed them out of the banquet.

“Young Master, we should return to the banquet soon,” the servant reminded.

An Ge’er, looking annoyed, said, “It’s always socializing, and it’s not interesting. I’m just here with my brother. With him handling the socializing, I can sneak away without it being a problem.”

The servant, hearing An Ge’er’s words, fell silent. When An Ge’er was in a bad mood, nothing would get through to him.

Chen Wu thought carefully. In the garden, there were only the master and servant, both delicate Ge’er, while he was a man, easily able to overpower them. The natural strength of a man gave Chen Wu confidence.

…

Yu Lanyi understood how much harm such an incident could cause a Ge’er. He informed Lü Jin about it.

“I need a reason, otherwise, making a fuss will attract attention.”

Yu Lanyi: “My grandmother’s jade pendant is missing, and I’m anxious to find it.”

Saying this, he pulled off the jade pendant from his waist and handed it to Zheng Shanci, who hid it in his chest.

Lü Jin then sent people to search the mansion for Yu Lanyi’s jade pendant.

“It’s really careless, having to search for a jade pendant during a good banquet,” someone complained.

“The jade pendant from the Duchess must have special significance, so it’s understandable. But Yu Lanyi is too careless, not being careful with such an item.”

“Forget it, let the servants search. We’ll continue enjoying the show.”

After a while, someone whispered something to Lü Jin, who nodded, “Did he really say that?”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Lü Jin took Yu Lanyi’s hand, “Your jade pendant has been found. I’ll accompany you to take a look, and Zheng Daren can come along too.”

Lü Jin’s expression remained unchanged, and Zheng Shanci got up to follow.

Once outside the banquet, Yu Lanyi couldn’t wait to ask, “Is An Ge’er alright?”

“He’s fine. That thief saw only An Ge’er and his servant in the garden and had evil intentions, but An Ge’er managed to escape and ran into Yu Changxing.”

“He’s fine, that’s good.” Yu Lanyi breathed a sigh of relief.

Running into his brother, the deputy commander of the imperial guards, was enough to give that malicious person a hard time.

Lü Jin led them to a side room, guarded by loyal servants who stepped aside upon seeing Lü Jin.

Inside, Chen Wu was tied to a chair with ropes, a cloth stuffed in his mouth. An Ge’er still looked frightened, sitting on another chair, the tea on the table still hot. The servant, anxious, handed him a cup of hot tea.

“Young Master, have some tea to calm down.”

“No need, I can’t drink it.” An Ge’er looked pale. He had received Yu Lanyi’s letter and was on guard. Coming to Lü Mansion for the banquet, he only left the banquet briefly to get some air in the garden, and that was when the malicious person seized the opportunity. Fortunately, his loyal servant resisted Chen Wu, allowing him to escape and run into Yu Changxing. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened.

If his innocence was ruined, he wouldn’t know how to face anyone and would only think of hanging himself with a white silk.

When Yu Lanyi sent the letter, he thought he could handle it. But when it came down to it, his heart trembled, his legs went weak, and he had no strength at all.

“Go get the mansion’s physician to check on Young Master An.”

“No need, deal with this person first, then call the physician,” An Ge’er said, trying to calm down. “To avoid more people knowing and complicating things.”

Lü Jin complied.

Chen Wu didn’t recognize Yu Changxing, only feeling the pain from being beaten and then tied to a chair by the servant. His forehead was sweaty, and his back was wet. He had failed this time and was caught, and his fate wouldn’t be good.

He regretted it, blaming the servant for stopping him from grabbing An Ge’er. Otherwise, he would have succeeded. He didn’t know how they would deal with him, but they wouldn’t take his life, right? This was under the emperor’s nose, and even the powerful shouldn’t disregard the law. When he thought of forcing An Ge’er to comply, he hadn’t considered the law. Now that he was caught, he hoped the Da Yan laws could save his life.

When Lü Jin, Yu Lanyi, and Zheng Shanci entered, Chen Wu bit down on the cloth in his mouth, staring at Zheng Shanci as if looking at a mortal enemy.

It must have been him who snitched! It’s all Zheng Shanci’s fault, now he’s here to laugh at me! This scoundrel, he can’t tolerate others’ success!

Chen Wu struggled, the chair creaking.

Zheng Shanci sat on a chair, glanced at Chen Wu, and then looked away.

Those who do evil will meet their end. Zheng Shanci didn’t want to waste his gaze on Chen Wu.

“Since this happened in Lü Mansion, we bear some responsibility. We apologize to Young Master An.”

“Such thieves are hard to guard against. Yu Lanyi had warned me, but I wasn’t careful enough.”

An Ge’er asked his servant to call his brother over, thinking his brother was more adept at handling such scoundrels.

He stood up and bowed to Yu Lanyi and Yu Changxing, “Thank you all, and I have one more request: please keep this matter confidential.”

Everyone nodded.

Yu Lanyi: “You don’t need to thank me. It was Zheng Shanci who overheard this person’s scheme and informed me, so I wrote to you.”

An Ge’er looked at Zheng Shanci, “Thank you, Zheng Daren, and thank you, Yu Lanyi.”

Yu Lanyi felt a bit strange, waving his hand to indicate not to worry about it, his eyes bright.

When the heir of An Xinhou entered and saw so many people, and a stranger tied to a chair, he was confused. He had been at the banquet, drinking and chatting with the sons of noble families, when a servant said An Ge’er had something urgent. He was annoyed, thinking An Ge’er was being inconsiderate. What could be so urgent at this time?

“Brother, you must stand up for me.” An Ge’er, with tears in his eyes, accused.

The heir of An Xinhou, hearing the story, looked at Chen Wu as if looking at a dead man.

“I understand. You go back to the mansion first. I’ll have the servants take him away.”

An Ge’er nodded.

The heir of An Xinhou thanked them again, speaking in a deep voice, “This matter is not honorable, so please keep it to yourselves. I will remember this favor.”

“Rest assured, we are not gossipers.”

In desperation, Chen Wu struggled frantically, realizing that falling into the hands of the heir of An Xinhou meant losing his life.

The heir of An Xinhou sneered, punching Chen Wu in the face until he was satisfied, then releasing his hand. A servant handed him a clean handkerchief.

The heir of An Xinhou wiped his fingers clean, “This kind of scoundrel dares to insult my brother, truly ignorant, not even looking at what he is.”

An Ge’er glanced at Chen Wu’s bloody face, feeling nauseous, and covered his mouth as he left.

The heir of An Xinhou: “Too useless.”

It was unclear who he was referring to.

Lü Jin’s face was also a bit unsightly. When the heir of An Xinhou acted, Zheng Shanci stood in front of Yu Lanyi, blocking his view.

Yu Lanyi wasn’t afraid, only feeling the pain of the punches. Zheng Shanci shielding him was a favor he accepted.

Yu Changxing: “Since the heir has dealt with this person, we have nothing to do with it and will leave. Xiao Jin is today’s birthday star, and the heir’s methods are too violent.”

The heir of An Xinhou, with a hint of apology in his voice, said, “I didn’t consider it thoroughly.”

The group left the side room.

…

“Lanyi, the heir of An Xinhou’s methods are truly bloody.” Lü Jin thought of Chen Wu’s face, still feeling a chill.

He had suffered, and today, on his birthday, he had to get involved in such matters.

“Falling into his hands, there’s no good life ahead. Well, it’s all this person’s own doing,” Yu Lanyi said.

Zheng Shanci walked with Yu Changxing, who asked, “Do you know the person tied to the chair?”

Chen Wu had been staring at Zheng Shanci since he entered, struggling frantically. Yu Changxing didn’t believe they had no connection.

“We were both scholars from humble backgrounds. Before being appointed, we talked. Later, I realized he was not upright and cut off contact,” Zheng Shanci replied after thinking for a moment.

“Good. It’s best to cut ties with such scoundrels. I can understand the heir of An Xinhou. If I were at Pei Mansion that day, I might have been even more uncontrollable.”

Zheng Shanci felt a chill down his back.

…

An Ge’er returned to the mansion, and Lü Jin and Yu Lanyi chatted for a while. It was getting late, and Yu Lanyi got on the carriage to return.

“That person was too bold. Luckily, An Ge’er is fine,” Yu Lanyi said softly.

“His days won’t be easy.” Zheng Shanci lifted the curtain, seeing that it was already late.

The power of the marquis’ mansion was extraordinary. They wouldn’t kill Chen Wu but would use other means to make his life miserable. Chen Wu, having failed, lost both his future and his life.

After drinking, Zheng Shanci went home to wash up.

“Zheng Shanci, come here quickly.” Yu Lanyi lay on the bed, his legs swinging, beckoning Zheng Shanci.

Just out of the bath, Zheng Shanci paused but went over, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Yu Lanyi opened his small box, filled with various powders and cosmetics.

“This is…”

“The wind and sand in Xinfeng County are strong. I’m giving you a hand cream.”

Yu Lanyi handed a pink hand cream to Zheng Shanci, who had calluses on his hands. Using some hand cream would be better.

“Thank you.”

Lowering his head, he didn’t smell any alcohol on Zheng Shanci. Zheng Shanci blew out the candle.

Yu Lanyi tentatively reached out and touched Zheng Shanci’s shoulder, “Ahem, are we going to sleep in the carriage in Xinfeng County?”

“If there’s a post station, we’ll rest there. If there’s an inn, we can rest there too. Otherwise, we might have to spend a night in the carriage.”

After all, it’s a journey, and conditions are a bit harsh.

“Alright.” Yu Lanyi responded, a bit downcast.

Zheng Shanci thought for a moment and turned over, saying seriously, “I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

Yu Lanyi felt better hearing Zheng Shanci’s words, his voice light in the dark, “As long as you know.”

Zheng Shanci chuckled.

Yu Lanyi was truly unreserved.

“I saw Chen Wu’s appearance. If it were him locked up that day, I’d go to the temple to live a life of celibacy.”

Yu Lanyi was still a face-con.

Zheng Shanci thought, touching his face, feeling a bit shy. People had said he was good-looking before, thanks to his parents’ genes. Zheng Shanci wasn’t proud of it, but hearing Yu Lanyi say this, he felt a bit elated.

“My appearance isn’t too outstanding,” he feigned modesty.

“I never lie about this,” Yu Lanyi said, “Your arms are also very strong.”

Having strength was something to be singled out, Zheng Shanci felt it was strange, his scalp tingling, his body feeling like ants were crawling on it.

He didn’t know that as a man, the standards for looking at another man included appearance and physique, and strength was also a requirement. For example, some difficult positions required a man to have strength.

To easily lift someone and wrap them around the waist.

…

The next day, the mansion was bustling, packing luggage, leaving loyal servants to watch the house. The servants brought along Jin Yun, Wangfu, the accountant, the chef… In total, there were seven people in two carriages. If they had to camp in the wilderness, they needed to separate men and Ge’er, so they brought two carriages.

The luggage took up two carriages, and another carriage carried Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi, making a total of five carriages.

Yu Lanyi, having listened to Zheng Shanci, only brought two carriages. When Zheng Shanci came out of the house and saw these two carriages, he fell silent.

He had told Yu Lanyi to bring two carriages, but hadn’t specified how tall they should be. These carriages were twice his height. He had limited the length and width but not the height.

Zheng Shanci regretted it deeply.

Who would have thought that speaking would require considering length, width, and height?

Yu Lanyi came out, and Jin Yun had already fetched the pastries. Today, he wore a brocade robe, always dressed luxuriously.

Adorned in gold and silver.

“Zheng Shanci, hurry up and get on the carriage.” At the last moment, Yu Lanyi felt both scared and excited. He had never left Shengjing before, and seeing the scenery of Da Yan along the way was a way to gain experience.

The Changyang Marquis Mansion had hired private tutors for the three young masters. Yu Changxing, besides studying at home, had to enter the palace to accompany the then-prince, now emperor, in his studies, so his coursework was heavy.

Yu Lanyi and Yu Shiyan were more relaxed. Yu Shiyan studied diligently, while Yu Lanyi liked reading leisure books, storybooks, and travel notes. He had a longing for the outside world.

Yu Lanyi smiled brightly.

Zheng Shanci saw his smile, his eyes flickering.

“Coming.” Zheng Shanci extended his hand to help Yu Lanyi onto the carriage.

The sky in Shengjing was still misty, not yet fully awake. The carriage wheels left tracks on the road, and Yu Lanyi lifted the curtain, looking at the street with a sense of nostalgia.

At the city gate, Yu Changxing was on horseback.

The soldiers first checked and let them pass. Yu Lanyi saw Yu Changxing.

“Big brother!” Yu Lanyi’s nose tingled.

Yu Changxing dismounted, and Yu Lanyi got off the carriage, throwing himself into Yu Changxing’s arms, “Big brother, did you come to see me off?”

“Yes, you’ve never left home before, so I had to come see you off.” Yu Changxing patted Yu Lanyi’s back, “Write to me if you need anything, and don’t let anyone bully you when you get there.”

“No one dares to bully me,” Yu Lanyi said with a smile.

Yu Changxing advised, “In Xinfeng County, there are gentry and powerful families. Your husband will need to deal with people and matters in the officialdom. As the county magistrate’s husband, you’ll also need to handle some people and matters. Take your time, you’ll learn.”

Yu Fulang had spoiled Yu Lanyi too much, never letting him deal with these things.

“I know, big brother.”

Yu Changxing: “I have a few more words for your husband.”

Yu Lanyi thought his brother had more to say to Zheng Shanci, words he couldn’t hear. He returned to the carriage, lifting the curtain to watch the two men below.

“I said this when you married Lanyi, and I’ll say it again: Lanyi is in your hands.”

Zheng Shanci treated it with utmost seriousness.

“Rest assured, big brother. In times of danger, I’ll stand in front of him, like the blood splattered by the heir of An Xinhou, I’ll block it once, twice, countless times.”

Yu Changxing was moved, handing a cup of wine to Zheng Shanci.

After drinking, Zheng Shanci got on the carriage, and Yu Changxing rode away from the city gate, disappearing into the mist.

The soldiers guarding the city watched Yu Changxing’s back with envy.

To be a servant of the emperor, Yu Changxing was born noble, a companion reader to the emperor, destined to be a favored one.

…

The carriage left the city gate, and Yu Lanyi lifted the curtain, unable to see Shengjing’s shadow, feeling a sense of melancholy, the first time leaving his homeland.

“There’s a small town ahead. We’ll rest there today and continue our journey tomorrow morning,” Zheng Shanci, in contrast to Yu Lanyi, was relaxed, his brows unfurrowed.

Having been confined for so long, leaving Shengjing, Zheng Shanci felt at ease, with expectations for the future.

At noon, they stopped to cook. The chef could make delicious dishes anywhere.

Yu Lanyi felt much better, eating a few bites of food in the carriage before stopping. He saw scenes different from Shengjing, with neatly arranged terraces, wheat ears showing a hint of gold, water in the fields, and the sounds of insects and birds clear.

Yu Lanyi had never seen such things.

“Have some fruit.” Zheng Shanci brought washed grapes.

Yu Lanyi ate some.

“Zheng Shanci, what are these grasses?”

“These are foxtail grasses,” Zheng Shanci explained.

Yu Lanyi nodded, playing with a handful of foxtail grasses.

“And that?”

“Wheat ears.”

“This tree?”