The Textile Workshop

Yu Lanyi received the pouch and saw the mandarin ducks embroidered on it, intertwining their necks. He was delighted, “Qingyin, your embroidery is amazing. I really like it.”

Although he couldn’t embroider such things himself, he could tell from the stitches that Zheng Qingyin’s needlework was quite skillful. If this were to be sold, many would be willing to pay for it. Yu Lanyi genuinely liked it and immediately hung the pouch on his waist.

His waist already had jade pendants, jade tassels, and sachets, and now with the addition of the mandarin duck pouch, it didn’t look out of place at all. Zheng Qingyin’s needlework allowed the pouch to blend in perfectly.

When Zheng Qingyin was at home embroidering the pouch, he had Yu Lanyi in mind, knowing he was a Ge’er from a marquis’ household, so he chose colors that were grand and elegant. Seeing Yu Lanyi so fond of the pouch he gifted, Zheng Qingyin couldn’t help but smile.

“Qingyin, I think your craftsmanship is excellent. What do you want to do in the future?” Yu Lanyi asked as he sat down.

Zheng Qingyin hadn’t thought about it yet. He was considering finding an embroidery workshop to work in. He didn’t like interacting with strangers, so embroidering in his room suited him just fine.

Zheng Qingyin shared this with Yu Lanyi.

“Then you don’t need to go to an embroidery workshop. Just embroider at home, as much as you want. Once you’re done, you can sell them. Don’t set a daily quota for yourself. Our household is wealthy,” Yu Lanyi said, patting Zheng Qingyin’s shoulder.

Zheng Qingyin, sitting by the bed, said, “Second Sister-in-law, thank you.”

Yu Lanyi really wanted to pinch Zheng Qingyin’s face and said with a smile, “It’s nothing. I just hope you can be happy and leave all the troubles and worries to your Second Brother.”

Hearing this, Zheng Qingyin smiled slightly. It seemed that Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law had a good relationship. Second Sister-in-law didn’t have the airs of a marquis’ Ge’er at all; instead, he was straightforward and took good care of him.

He was doing well here in Xinfeng County. Watching Yu Lanyi still talking, Zheng Qingyin felt at ease.

…

The weather was too cold, and Zheng Shanci was also huddled in his office handling official duties. He focused on agriculture and making money.

The big families in the city, seeing that Zheng Shanci wasn’t making any moves, breathed a sigh of relief. The new county magistrate was indeed capable, but it seemed he only wanted to gain some political achievements in Xinfeng County for promotion. 

As long as he didn’t touch their interests, everything was negotiable. They didn’t mind donating some silver to the county office to let the new magistrate pursue his achievements.

The Cheng Family owned 50,000 mu of farmland in Xinfeng County. Since Old Cheng retired as an inspector, their family had occupied even more land, reaching 150,000 mu in just a few years. Xinfeng County already lacked farmland, and the Cheng Family alone had 150,000 mu. They also owned numerous shops, mountains, and forests.

It’s no exaggeration to say the Cheng Family was the wealthiest in Xinfeng County.

The Qi Family, Gao Family, and Xia Family were the same, forcing the people to sell their land, turning them into tenant farmers, and then continuing to exploit them. 

Together, these four families occupied two-thirds of Xinfeng County’s farmland. They also married into the families of scholars and candidates in the county to gain more political power and solidify their status.

The relationships were complex, intertwined like a rope in Xinfeng County. Zheng Shanci found it difficult to make a move.

After finishing his duties, Zheng Shanci returned home, holding an umbrella as he walked. Seeing Deng Xue, he asked, “Where is your Young Master?”

“The Young Master and Zheng Fulang are both in the little Young Master’s room doing embroidery,” Deng Xue replied.

Zheng Shanci nodded, first going to his room to change out of his official robe, then heading out. He thought Lin Ge’er had gone to find Zheng Qingyin, so he decided to visit his elder brother first. Zheng Shanci still remembered the issue with Zheng Shancheng’s leg.

He walked to the side room and knocked on the door, “Elder Brother, are you there? May I come in?”

“Come in, Shanci.”

Zheng Shancheng was alone in the room by the fire. Seeing Zheng Shanci, his eyes lit up with joy, “Is there something you need?”

“I remember your leg always hurts in winter. I thought I’d take you to the medical hall today.”

Hearing this, Zheng Shancheng looked at his leg, uncertain, “Can my leg still be treated?”

“Let’s try the medical hall first. Even if it can’t be cured, we should at least make winter more bearable for you.”

He had called upon Physician Song, who had recently arrived in Xinfeng County and treated Yu Lanyi for acclimatization issues, asking Wangfu to invite him over.

Zheng Shancheng moved to the main hall, where Physician Song arrived with his medicine box, followed by a young apprentice. Lin Ge’er, who was in Zheng Qingyin’s room, got the news and came over.

“Is there hope for this leg?” Lin Ge’er asked anxiously.

“Don’t worry, Fulang. Let me examine the young master’s leg first,” Physician Song said calmly. He examined Zheng Shancheng’s leg, “Do you feel any discomfort, Zheng Gongzi?”

Zheng Shancheng described his symptoms.

Physician Song set down Zheng Shancheng’s leg, thought for a moment, and said, “Zheng Gongzi’s leg has been delayed for too long. I can’t guarantee a full recovery, but I can make winter less painful. Moreover, you’ve taken good care of your leg; it hasn’t completely deteriorated, so there’s hope.”

Zheng Shancheng wasn’t disappointed by Physician Song’s words. It had been many years, and he had grown accustomed to his leg. Knowing that winter could be more bearable was already a relief.

“Thank you, Physician.”

Physician Song nodded, “You’re welcome, Zheng Gongzi. I’ll write a prescription.”

Lin Ge’er, hearing this, felt a bit disappointed. But knowing that Zheng Shancheng’s leg could be more comfortable in winter was a relief.

“Second Brother, I really have to thank you this time. My husband has had this old ailment, and it always flares up in winter. We couldn’t afford much, so we relied on folk remedies or gathered herbs ourselves,” Lin Ge’er said.

Last night, he had been thinking about how to bring up Zheng Shancheng’s leg issue with Zheng Shanci, but today, Zheng Shanci had already taken care of it, showing that he truly cared for his elder brother.

“Now that we’re here, Eldest Sister-in-law, you can rest assured. If it can be treated, we will treat it,” Zheng Shanci said.

Lin Ge’er smiled.

Physician Song prescribed both internal and external medications. Wangfu escorted him out of the residence, coincidentally meeting Registrar Jiang, who had brought gifts.

Registrar Jiang didn’t ask much, and Wangfu greeted him, “What brings you to the residence, Jiang Daren?”

Registrar Jiang smiled, “My wife returned from her hometown with some specialties, and I thought I’d bring some to Zheng Daren.”

Registrar Jiang entered the main hall and saw a man who resembled Zheng Shanci. This must be Zheng Daren’s elder brother.

“Greetings, Zheng Daren,” Registrar Jiang said, maintaining a polite demeanor while looking at Zheng Shanci.

“What brings you here, Jiang Daren?” Zheng Shanci wondered, thinking there might be an issue at the county office.

“My wife returned from her hometown with some specialties, and I thought I’d bring some to Zheng Daren. I heard your family is here, and during such a reunion, sharing some of our specialties brings us joy.”

Zheng Shanci couldn’t refuse and had the gifts accepted.

Yu Lanyi and Zheng Qingyin were in the room doing embroidery. Yu Lanyi had started on a whim, but once he picked up the needle and thread, he regretted it. He didn’t know how to embroider, not even his wedding clothes were sewn by him. Yu Lanyi ended up poking a big hole in the fabric.

Feeling bored, he noticed Zheng Qingyin was diligently working on a pattern, head down, fingers nimble, looking very skilled and serene.

When Yu Fulang had his first child, it was a boy. Knowing that the boy would be raised by the Marquis of Changyang and was the family’s legitimate eldest son, he would have heavy responsibilities and couldn’t be carefree.

When Yu Lanyi was born, Yu Fulang was delighted to have a Ge’er. He was determined to raise his Ge’er to be the most virtuous and well-mannered in the capital, setting grand ambitions in his heart.

However, Yu Lanyi didn’t learn the “Male Precepts,” couldn’t embroider, wasn’t attentive in class, and had a domineering and arrogant nature, notorious in the capital. He turned out to be the complete opposite of what Yu Fulang had envisioned. At a young age, he had already become a little tyrant in the capital.

A Ge’er like Zheng Qingyin was probably what Yu Fulang had hoped to raise.

Unable to sit still, Yu Lanyi stood up and said, “Qingyin, I’m going to see Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law.”

Zheng Qingyin put down his needle and thread, “I’ll go with you, Second Sister-in-law.”

…

Zheng Shanci and Registrar Jiang had matters to discuss, so they went to the study. Lin Ge’er said, “Let’s go back to the room and try soaking your feet with the medicinal powder to see how it works.”

Zheng Shancheng replied, “No need to worry about me. I’ll soak them tonight. Are you relieved now?”

Lin Ge’er smiled, “Shanci is indeed good to you, his elder brother.”

Zheng Shancheng felt pleased, “I’m his biological elder brother. If he’s not good to me, who else would he be good to?”

Now, Zheng Shancheng understood that Zheng Shanci had truly grown up, with a good temperament and a sensible way of dealing with people.

Seeing Yu Lanyi and Zheng Qingyin arrive, Lin Ge’er told them about Zheng Shancheng’s leg. Zheng Qingyin’s eyes lit up with joy, “If it can make Eldest Brother’s leg more comfortable, it’s worth it.”

Yu Lanyi said, “When my husband finishes his term, we can go to the capital and find better physicians, maybe even have my elder brother find an imperial physician from the palace.”

The capital? Imperial physicians?

For ordinary folks like Zheng Shancheng, hearing about the capital and imperial physicians was overwhelming. This Ge’er from a marquis’ family naturally had such connections.

Lin Ge’er’s heart was in turmoil. Casually mentioning the capital and imperial physicians, it felt like something out of a play. His Second Brother’s wife was not only good-looking and well-tempered but also had an exceptional background.

What did our old Zheng family do to deserve such a good husband? It’s like our ancestors are smiling down on us.

“Where’s my husband?” Yu Lanyi asked Jin Yun.

Jin Yun, seeing Yu Lanyi’s question, covered her mouth and laughed, “The Daren went to the study to talk with Jiang Daren.”

“Oh? Jiang Daren, the one who invited my husband to go fishing?” Yu Lanyi vaguely remembered.

“That’s right.”

Zheng Shanci invited Registrar Jiang to the study to inquire about the scholars and candidates.

Registrar Jiang was forthcoming. “These scholars and candidates, Zheng Daren, you don’t need to remember too many. Just remember a few key ones.”

Registrar Jiang continued, “Wei Juren, who is also the son-in-law of the Cheng Family. He teaches at the county school and is second in prestige only to Instructor Liu.

Wu Juren is the son-in-law of the Xia Family, working in the county office’s household department, essentially the head of the household department.

Then there’s Kong Juren, the son-in-law of the Gao Family, and Tan He, the son-in-law of the Qi Family.

The remaining scholars are affiliated with these families, working for them.”

Zheng Shanci almost laughed in disbelief. Xinfeng County had only five candidates, and these four families had each taken one.

“What about the other candidate?”

Registrar Jiang replied, “Too old, none of the four families recruited him.”

Zheng Shanci was speechless.

This was akin to the capital’s practice of recruiting sons-in-law from the top candidates. Zheng Shanci noted down the names of these four individuals.

Registrar Jiang, sipping his tea, thought that Zheng Daren seemed intent on opposing these four families.

He cautiously added, “Tan He, the son-in-law of the Qi Family, is an honest man, working in the workshop. He originally had a fiancé, but after becoming a candidate, he caught the eye of the Qi Family’s young master, who was determined to marry him. Unable to withstand the Qi Family’s pressure, his fiancé broke off the engagement, and Tan He had no choice but to marry the Qi Family’s young master.”

Registrar Jiang, having been in the county office for many years, knew the temperaments of these four candidates. Tan He was the most mild-mannered and likely the easiest to bully. He was not socially adept and usually kept to himself, even with the Qi Family’s relatives.

Zheng Shanci noted down Tan He’s name.

Zheng Shanci also discussed with Registrar Jiang his plans for spring. Once the trade caravans brought seeds, he planned to issue a notice encouraging villagers to plant the crops he wanted. With money, they could repair the roads.

“The roads in Xinfeng County are terrible. Although sandy soil can’t grow grains, some vegetables and herbs can only be grown on sandy soil. The taxes can be concentrated on certain crops. By fixing the roads, merchants will be willing to come here, revitalizing Xinfeng County’s trade routes, and the people can earn some money,” Zheng Shanci said, genuinely considering Registrar Jiang as one of his own.

Registrar Jiang pondered, “If Zheng Daren wants to repair the roads, the money from chili sauce and oil pressing won’t be enough.”

He suddenly realized something, feeling a chill down his spine.

The county office had no money, but those families were wealthy beyond measure.

Registrar Jiang stayed for dinner before leaving. He was pleased, feeling that bringing gifts to Zheng Daren, though modest, had strengthened their relationship.

After hearing Registrar Jiang’s words, Zheng Shanci had an idea. After spring, he planned to deal with at least one family to gather the necessary funds. Lying in bed, flipping through a book, Yu Lanyi, having finished washing up, lay down and pulled the book from Zheng Shanci’s hands.

“Do you have plans for tomorrow’s day off?”

“Tomorrow, I’m attending a literary gathering,” Zheng Shanci had already made arrangements.

Hearing this, Yu Lanyi felt frustrated. Why attend a literary gathering on a day off? The conversations there always confused him and made him angry. They always spoke in such flowery language, it was pointless.

“Can’t you skip it?” Yu Lanyi cupped Zheng Shanci’s face and shook it vigorously.

Zheng Shanci felt dizzy.

“I promised long ago. I’m also going to see the scholars and candidates of Xinfeng County,” Zheng Shanci explained, holding Yu Lanyi’s hand.

“You can’t be gone all day, leave half the day for me,” Yu Lanyi pouted.

“What do you want me to do with you?” Zheng Shanci calculated, planning to attend only in the morning and leave the afternoon for Yu Lanyi.

“I want to build a snowman. Back home, my elder brother would always build snowmen with me,” Yu Lanyi said, punching Zheng Shanci. “Don’t tell me to have someone else accompany me. I want you to build a snowman with me.”

“Alright,” Zheng Shanci agreed wholeheartedly.

Yu Lanyi was finally satisfied. He kissed Zheng Shanci on the lips, and Zheng Shanci, in turn, held the back of his neck, kissing him deeply until he was breathless.

Zheng Shanci leaned over him, his hand undoing Yu Lanyi’s belt, kissing down to his collarbone.

“Zheng Shanci… it’s cold, I don’t want to,” Yu Lanyi’s eyes were watery as he pushed Zheng Shanci’s head away.

Zheng Shanci’s hair fell down, and he breathed heavily, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

In a hoarse voice, he said, “I can’t hold back.”

Yu Lanyi tilted his head, and Zheng Shanci’s hand moved down, only to touch something cold, instantly sobering him up.

He had found a knife on Yu Lanyi’s leg.

Zheng Shanci felt a chill in his heart.

What couldn’t he hold back? He could hold back just fine.

Zheng Shanci patted Yu Lanyi’s back and asked, “Why is there a knife on your leg?”

Yu Lanyi, still groggy, rubbed his face against Zheng Shanci’s hand and said instinctively, “That knife? It’s to guard against you.”

Zheng Shanci: “…”

Zheng Shanci thought he wouldn’t dare lay a hand on Yu Lanyi unless he was invincible. Now he could only defend himself. Yu Lanyi actually carried a knife to guard against him, and he didn’t even have iron plates in his undergarments?!

Seeing Zheng Shanci silent, Yu Lanyi realized what he had said and hurriedly explained, “I was just worried you’d get handsy, so I thought I’d protect myself.”

Even someone as composed as Zheng Shanci almost lost his temper hearing this.

“How could I… do such a thing?” How could I dare, unless I had a death wish?

“Oh, I know,” Yu Lanyi said, removing the knife from his leg and tossing it to the side of the bed. “I just got used to carrying it. If you’d touched my leg earlier, you’d have found it sooner. It’s all your fault.”

Somehow, it became his fault. Zheng Shanci thought about the smooth sensation of his fingers touching, his eyes flickering.

“Then I…” Zheng Shanci wanted to continue.

Yu Lanyi wrapped himself in the quilt, “It’s too cold. I don’t want to bathe in this freezing weather.”

Zheng Shanci whispered, “Then you have to help me.”

…

The next morning, Zheng Shanci went to the literary gathering, mostly attended by scholars. After becoming an official, he had lost interest in such gatherings, but seeing the scholars passionately discussing, he felt a bit moved.

Qi County Deputy arrived, accompanied by a young, gentle scholar in a long robe.

“Zheng Daren, this is a junior from my family, Tan He. He’s been working diligently in the workshop, not very eloquent.”

Tan He greeted Zheng Shanci.

“How can you say that, Qi Daren? I find Tan He to be steady and a promising talent,” Zheng Shanci said politely.

Qi County Deputy’s smile widened, inviting Zheng Shanci to sit with him.

Today, he was there to see the scholars and candidates of Xinfeng County. Instructor Liu brought the scholars and candidates to meet Zheng Shanci.

“Please, have a seat. We’re just having a chat, no need to be formal,” Zheng Shanci said with a smile.

The scholars and candidates were all young, and Zheng Shanci focused on the old candidate, who seemed to be in his sixties. He asked a few questions, and the five candidates answered one by one.

Zheng Shanci smiled and encouraged the scholars and candidates before dismissing them.

There were a few promising individuals among them, and Tan He’s knowledge and insight were impressive. With a shift in thought, Zheng Shanci said, “Qi Daren, I find Tan He quite capable. How about having him work with me for a while?”

Qi County Deputy was more than willing, eager to have Tan He gather information from Zheng Shanci.

“Zheng Daren is too kind. Thank him quickly, Tan He.”

Tan He, with a gentle demeanor, thanked Zheng Daren. He was handsome, with a tall and slender figure, a fine young man. Having met the scholars and candidates of Xinfeng County, Zheng Shanci didn’t linger and left.

Qi County Deputy, after seeing Zheng Shanci off, turned to Tan He, “Follow Zheng Daren closely. If he makes any moves, report back to me.”

“Understood, Father-in-law.”

Leaving the gathering, Wangfu handed Zheng Shanci his cloak. Snow was still falling, but the streets had been cleared. Seeing the Zheng family’s eatery bustling with people, Zheng Shanci had Wangfu buy five grilled sausages to take home for the family to try.

The chili sauce and oil pressing businesses were profitable, and Zheng Shanci considered opening a textile workshop.

The textile workshop could be run by women and Ge’ers, providing them with earning opportunities.

Xinfeng County had many military widows, and opening a textile workshop would not only help them sustain their lives but also provide additional income for the county’s residents.

With money in hand, people would be more willing to spend, benefiting the county’s development.

Zheng Shanci thought of finding a carpenter. He couldn’t remember how to improve the textile machinery and had no good ideas for it, so he could only have the carpenter make more looms for the people to weave.

Now with Tan He by his side, Zheng Shanci planned to instruct him to discuss the matter with the workshop tomorrow.

…

In the capital

This year’s heavy snow had Yu Fulang holding a warming pot, with a brazier burning brightly in the room. He had injured himself during Yu Lanyi’s birth and was most afraid of the cold in winter.

Yu Fulang said, “This winter is really cold. Xinfeng County is near the border, and Lanyi, taking after me, always stays indoors during winter.”

“We’ll see if the Young Master comes back for the New Year. He probably will,” Cao Momo said.

“I want him to come back for the New Year, but then I think, it’s his first year in Xinfeng County with his husband. Coming back to his maternal home for the New Year would be improper. Most importantly, the journey takes nearly five months, and I’m worried about accidents on the road. I’d regret it,” Yu Fulang said.

Marquis Changyang entered from outside, his expression somewhat serious. His cloak was hung on the coat rack by a servant.

Yu Fulang asked, “Did something happen in the court?”

Yu Fulang had Cao Momo pour a cup of hot tea for Marquis Changyang.

Marquis Changyang held the teacup, taking a sip, warming his stomach. His expression softened, “This year, the snow is heavy, and several prefectures are experiencing snow disasters. Several county magistrates were executed for negligence.”

Yu Fulang was shocked, “His Majesty has always been lenient. Why such harsh measures this time?”

“It’s because the local officials didn’t take the snow disaster seriously, embezzling the relief funds, causing tens of thousands of people to starve to death,” Marquis Changyang said, his expression filled with disdain for the corrupt officials. “His Majesty has sent Heir Ye to deliver grain and silver, needing a member of the royal family to oversee the situation.”

“His Majesty is truly furious this time,” Yu Fulang thought of Yu Changxing, who was still serving at the imperial court, feeling worried. Although Changxing had been the Emperor’s companion since childhood, their relationship was extraordinary. But serving the Emperor was like serving a tiger; who knew what His Majesty might think?

And then there was the Second Son-in-law in Xinfeng County. Yu Fulang knew Zheng Shanci’s character, and he wasn’t one to be tempted by greed. Embezzling now would be a death sentence.

Emperor Wu Ming had been furious in court, but back in Panlong Hall, he was calm. He smirked playfully, his handsome face nonchalant.

“Summon Changxing. I have something to ask him.”

Yu Changxing entered Panlong Hall, the warmth inside comforting. He saluted Emperor Wu Ming.

“Sit down, my great general,” Emperor Wu Ming said with a smile. “Before Heir Ye set off, he asked for a favor, saying that after the relief mission, he wanted to marry your family’s third young master as his main consort. I agreed.”

Yu Changxing said solemnly, “Your Majesty, I was unaware of this.”

Emperor Wu Ming waved his hand, “I know you’re not concerned with such matters. I’m just informing you. I remember Yu Lanyi went to Xinfeng County with his husband. Your family’s third young master is an illegitimate child, and now he’s to become the main consort of the heir. It’s quite a joke.”

Yu Changxing’s heart sank.

“I intervened to make him a side consort. If Yun Chu is capable, he can naturally be promoted. If he’s not strong enough, then it’s his own lack of ability.”

Yu Changxing felt relieved, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Why thank me? I’ve disrupted your Yu family’s plans,” Emperor Wu Ming laughed heartily. “You aristocratic families are quite amusing. I heard that An Xinhou’s Ge’er broke off an engagement because his fiancé was caught in the act with a servant. The evidence was irrefutable, causing quite a stir in the capital. I just found it amusing.”

Yu Changxing sighed, “Your Majesty…”

Since the passing of the previous Phoenix Consort, no one could control Emperor Wu Ming. The new Phoenix Consort, the younger brother of the previous one, could only barely manage him. Fortunately, Emperor Wu Ming was exceptionally intelligent from a young age and a brilliant ruler, though occasionally a bit reckless.

After his duties, Yu Changxing returned home and informed Marquis Changyang and Yu Fulang of the matter.

Yu Fulang said coldly, “Since His Majesty is issuing a decree, we just need to send him off.”

Marquis Changyang nodded in agreement.

In the capital, many county magistrates had been executed, but Zheng Shanci in Xinfeng County remained unaffected. Yu Lanyi woke up in the morning, not waiting for Jin Yun to come in and serve him. He quickly had Jin Yun bring in water and frantically washed his hands.

After helping Zheng Shanci last night, Yu Lanyi’s hands were still sore.

The winter moonlight wasn’t as bright as in summer, and last night, under the moonlight, Yu Lanyi could only see the rise and fall of Zheng Shanci’s chest.

Yu Lanyi blushed.

He casually put on some clothes, had breakfast, and went out. He had an appointment with Zheng Shanci in the afternoon to build a snowman in the courtyard. Zheng Qingyin was looking at the pomegranate tree in the courtyard in the morning, and Yu Lanyi waved at him, “Qingyin! Qingyin!”

Zheng Qingyin looked up and saw Yu Lanyi coming, happily shouting, “Second Sister-in-law!”

Yu Lanyi jumped into the courtyard, walking quickly through the snow.

Jin Yun: “Young Master, be careful…”

Yu Lanyi, not paying attention, fell, creating a big hole in the snow.

He quickly used his palms to support himself, preventing his face from sinking into the snow.

Zheng Qingyin’s mouth dropped open, “…”

“It’s nothing,” Yu Lanyi said, getting up and brushing the snow off himself, walking over to Zheng Qingyin.

Zheng Qingyin thought, Second Sister-in-law is really lively.