Men on Top of Men

Changyang Marquis Mansion

The Changyang Marquis Mansion was bustling with activity. The Marquis planned to host a grand feast for three days straight, showing no signs of reducing his affection for Yu Lanyi despite the incident where Yu Lanyi and Zheng Shanci were caught together in public.

The Duke of England also attended. As a key figure in the founding of the nation, everyone had to show him some respect. He was Yu Lanyi’s maternal grandfather. The noble offspring of the Capital City were all present, sitting in a circle.

“Is he really getting married?”

“Could it be fake?” A man rolled his eyes.

“This guy really hit the jackpot!”

The man was naturally referring to Yu Lanyi’s excellent family background, which a commoner had managed to latch onto.

“You can’t say it like that. Being able to tolerate Yu Lanyi’s temper is the real deal,” Cui Ziqi interjected with a smile. “Don’t be so sour. I think Brother Zheng is a good person.”

“Brother Cui, have you been brainwashed by Zheng Shanci? Why are you speaking up for an outsider?” a noble offspring said discontentedly.

They were all noble offspring, while Zheng Shanci, if you trace back three generations, was just a farmer.

Cui Ziqi said, “Don’t think like that. Ever since the imperial exams were introduced, haven’t our days been unstable?”

Upon hearing this, the nobles all had somewhat resentful expressions.

Cui Ziqi smiled as he drank, picking up a piece of fatty but not greasy pork belly with his chopsticks.

The corridors of the Changyang Marquis Mansion were long, and the maids and attendants coming and going were all extremely graceful, with excellent postures, elegant and charming. The scenery was like a garden, surrounded by flowers.

Yu Lanyi sat on a bright red bed, not yet covered with the bridal veil. He was eating a piece of mung bean cake. The mansion’s maid had applied light makeup on him, as Yu Lanyi’s appearance was already striking, and heavy makeup would not suit him. A light touch was better.

Madam Zhang laughed, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Lanyi sit so quietly. In the blink of an eye, this little rascal is getting married.”

Yu Lanyi said, “Aunt, I’ve always been well-behaved.”

The Duchess looked at her grandson with a sigh, “I’ve never met Zheng Shanci, but your father says he’s a good person. Lanyi, you’ve been spoiled all your life. Don’t be too willful when you get to your husband’s family. You have a strong personality, but you must consider your husband’s dignity. When you get to Xinfeng County, as the county magistrate’s husband, you must set a good example.”

Yu Lanyi was indifferent, thinking his grandmother was just nagging. He felt he was fine. Zheng Shanci had already said that he would handle the household matters, so he could do as he pleased.

“And I know you’re proud and ambitious, and you might not listen now. But in the future, you should keep a tight grip on the household finances and pay attention to Zheng Shanci’s actions.”

Yu Lanyi almost exploded upon hearing this, “Grandmother, are you saying he’s going to cheat?”

The Duchess said, “Just keep an eye on things yourself.”

The Heir’s wife also said, “Lanyi, it’s about time. Put on the bridal veil and wait for Changxing to carry you out.”

Madam Zhang stuffed a few more pieces of cake into Yu Lanyi’s hand, “The wedding process is long. Eat more in the bridal sedan chair, so you won’t be hungry at night.”

Jin Yun placed the red veil over Yu Lanyi’s head, and he felt a sudden darkness, gradually enveloped in red. Just as he was feeling a bit flustered, Yu Fulang held his hand.

Yu Lanyi’s heart settled down, but thinking about leaving home, he still felt reluctant. He didn’t want to leave his father, his dad, and his brother. Yu Fulang led him to the threshold.

Today, Yu Changxing wore a dark blue robe to avoid overshadowing his brother-in-law. Seeing Yu Lanyi in his wedding attire, Yu Changxing squatted down.

Yu Lanyi climbed onto Yu Changxing’s back. Yu Changxing’s back was broad and solid, not soft due to his military background. Yu Lanyi’s hands lightly rested on Yu Changxing’s shoulders, and he vaguely remembered when Yu Changxing was younger, he used to carry him like this. Back then, he had hurt his knee while playing, and Yu Changxing carried him back to find the mansion’s physician.

Zheng Shanci stood at the door, and Yu Changxing carried Yu Lanyi over. Zheng Shanci felt inexplicably solemn, realizing that this marriage was a serious matter, with everyone’s expressions and gazes indicating it was a lifelong commitment.

A lifetime was long, and everything in it would be tied to another person. As Zheng Shanci thought about this, his gaze involuntarily fell on Yu Lanyi.

“I’m entrusting him to you. If you let him suffer, our Changyang Marquis Mansion won’t let you off,” Yu Changxing said.

Zheng Shanci cupped his hands, “Rest assured, Lord Yu, I will treat him well.”

He Ming stood beside the Heir’s wife, feeling sentimental. He wouldn’t see his little cousin anymore, as he was going to a remote county, far from the Capital City, and who knew when they would meet again.

He should have proposed to the Changyang Marquis Mansion, so his little cousin wouldn’t have to marry Zheng Shanci.

He Ming regretted not having the courage to have only his little cousin in his life. Though he was a playboy, he still hoped his little cousin would have a good life. At this moment, He Ming’s affection for Yu Lanyi surpassed his calculations.

In front of him, Yu Lanyi was just his little cousin, not a shortcut to the power of the Changyang Marquis Mansion.

The two of them held the red silk and bowed to the heavens and earth, and Yu Lanyi was sent into the bridal chamber.

The bridal chamber was a separate residence set up by the Changyang Marquis Mansion specifically for Yu Lanyi’s wedding.

Zheng Shanci was urged to drink by the crowd. On such a joyous day, he couldn’t spoil the fun, so he accompanied them.

“Drink with me,” Yu Changxing helped block the drinks.

Who dared to force Yu Changxing to drink? They obviously restrained themselves, only drinking a few cups before wrapping it up.

Zheng Shanci said, “Thank you, big brother.”

Yu Changxing raised an eyebrow, “I’ll handle things here. Lanyi’s cousins and younger brothers can manage too. You should go accompany Lanyi.”

Zheng Shanci nodded in agreement.

Zheng Shanci, slightly tipsy, walked to the door, feeling a bit nervous. He took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Yu Lanyi had already lifted the red veil and was eating grapes from the table, not taking the marriage seriously at all.

Zheng Shanci: “…” Not surprised at all.

Jin Yun couldn’t persuade Yu Lanyi.

Yu Lanyi saw Zheng Shanci in his wedding robe, the bright red attire making him look exceptionally handsome, and Yu Lanyi’s gaze flickered.

He said, “I was too hungry.”

“…”

After a moment, Zheng Shanci didn’t say anything, just opened the door and went out again.

Yu Lanyi widened his eyes, pacing back and forth, wanting to open the door and go out but holding back, “What does he mean? If someone sees him leaving the bridal chamber, or not returning all night, where will my face go? We’ll become the laughingstock of the entire Capital City.”

Jin Yun said, “Judging by the young master’s actions, he doesn’t seem like that kind of person. I’ll go out and…”

Zheng Shanci returned with a food box and knocked on the door.

Yu Lanyi hurriedly and nervously covered the veil again.

Jin Yun called out, “Come in.”

They all thought it was a relative or someone else, not expecting it to be Zheng Shanci. Zheng Shanci saw Yu Lanyi sitting by the bed, obediently covered with the red veil. He placed the food box on the table, picked up the tray’s joy scale, and lifted the red veil.

His movements were unhurried, and as his footsteps gradually approached, Yu Lanyi’s heart pounded like a drum.

The view brightened, and the red veil was lifted.

Jin Yun and the other happy women breathed a sigh of relief, said a few auspicious words, and were about to close the door.

“Master Zheng is fond of Young Master Yu, even going out of his way to bring a food box.”

“May Master Zheng and Young Master Yu have many children and a harmonious life.”

The door to the bridal chamber closed, the festive candles crackled, sparks flickering, leaving only the two of them in the room.

Zheng Shanci broke the silence first, “I didn’t think it through. I should have had food sent in earlier. I went to the kitchen and picked a few dishes. See if they suit your taste. If not, I’ll go to the kitchen again.”

Yu Lanyi was dumbfounded, “Huh?”

“See if you like it,” Zheng Shanci said, serving the dishes.

There was Kung Pao Chicken, Water Lotus Shrimp, Lamb Hoof Bamboo, Tom Yum Soup, and Osmanthus Shark Fin.

Yu Lanyi quickly got off the bed and sat in the chair, “I’m satisfied.”

Zheng Shanci said, “That’s good. I’ll go wash up first.”

Yu Lanyi absentmindedly nodded, his attention on the food, not really hearing what Zheng Shanci said. As he peeled shrimp, he heard the sound of water from behind a curtain, making him feel restless and uneasy.

He removed the ornaments from his head, took a sip of soup, and ate until he was almost full. The water sound gradually stopped, and Zheng Shanci came out in his inner clothes, the mist making him look soft.

He said softly, “I left some hot water for you. You can wash up too.”

Yu Lanyi responded, feeling conflicted. It was the first time he was with a man so late, and he noticed there wasn’t even a soft couch in the room. It must have been his father’s instructions; otherwise, why wasn’t there a couch? Did he have to sleep with Zheng Shanci?

Yu Lanyi took his clothes, held his breath, and walked past Zheng Shanci without looking.

Zheng Shanci: “…”

His face was still so red, his gaze wandering, yet he was still holding on. Zheng Shanci thought of the blush on Yu Lanyi’s face, his throat itching. With nothing else to do, he tidied up the food box on the table.

Zheng Shanci had looked at the “Avoid Fire” diagram, but after a few pages, he couldn’t take it. As a single straight man, looking at such diagrams felt wrong. Yet, he forced himself to finish the whole book because of his compulsion; once he started, he had to finish it, or he’d be restless at night, unable to sleep.

The bed still had peanuts and longans, symbolizing the wish for many children. Sitting on them was uncomfortable, so he frowned and picked them up, placing them in the empty cake plate Yu Lanyi had used.

Yu Lanyi came out after washing up, seeing the bed free of peanuts and longans, he gave Zheng Shanci an approving look.

“There’s only one bed. Let’s each take half,” Zheng Shanci said.

Yu Lanyi nodded quickly, “I’ll sleep inside.”

Zheng Shanci nodded.

After a while, Yu Lanyi lay under the wedding quilt, and Zheng Shanci asked before blowing out the candle. The rustling sound in his ears made Yu Lanyi nervously clutch the quilt, his body tense.

Zheng Shanci grabbed a corner of the quilt and turned to his side.

In the darkness, senses were heightened, and Yu Lanyi’s heart pounded with fear.

He was sharing a bed with a man, and his hand suddenly itched.

Lying on his side, Zheng Shanci also couldn’t sleep, aware of the person beside him, impossible to ignore.

As the two of them were lost in their thoughts, outside, Jin Yun and the attendants sent by Yu Fulang saw the candlelight in the room go out, and then… nothing happened?!

Suddenly, Zheng Shanci leaned over.