Clean Reputation

Zheng Shanci’s gaze met Yu Lanyi’s directly, and he was the first to look away. “The clothes fit well.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Lanyi lowered his gaze, letting it linger around his waist for a moment before responding with an “Oh.”

“I asked the servants in the mansion this morning, and they said we can’t move a soft couch in here, so we’ll still be sharing a bed at night,” Zheng Shanci explained in advance, fearing Yu Lanyi might mind.

“Just like yesterday is fine,” Yu Lanyi felt awkward inside but tried to maintain a calm tone.

“By the way, on the day we return home, it won’t just be my father and dad; there will be other relatives too, so you need to remember them,” Yu Lanyi said. “After all, once we’re married, you’ll be going to your post.”

Zheng Shanci thought about the large family; Yu Lanyi’s family indeed had many people.

“First, there’s my grandfather, the Duke of England. He won’t come, but my grandmother will. She likes scholars, and she quite likes someone like you—seemingly steady, sincere, and, ahem, with good looks.”

“Then there’s the Shizi Furen, my aunt. She’s of noble birth but not arrogant. Her father and brothers died on the battlefield, so don’t ask her about military matters. My eldest cousin is in court, and my second cousin, He Ming, will come. He treats me like a brother, so you can treat him as your brother too. There’s also my aunt, Madam Zhang, who is very kind and won’t make things difficult for you.”

Yu Lanyi mentioned many others, including relatives from the Changyang Marquis side, most of whom were at the border. Some cousins and brothers who also had court duties couldn’t come, but they might visit if they had no orders after court.

Zheng Shanci felt dizzy with all the information but nodded in agreement, reciprocating by sharing about his own family with Yu Lanyi.

“My family has five members. My father and dad work in the fields. My elder brother has mobility issues and stays home to work. My sister-in-law, Lin Ge’er, and my brother are deeply in love, but I don’t have a nephew yet. I also have a younger brother, Zheng Qingyin, who is a Ge’er and only fourteen this year. They are simple folks and won’t be hostile to you,” Zheng Shanci briefly explained.

To him, the Zheng family members were just symbols and names, as he hadn’t truly met them.

Yu Lanyi didn’t show any disdain and nodded, “I understand.”

“Will you pass through Qingxiang Village on your way to your post?”

“It’s not on the way,” Zheng Shanci shook his head.

“I wrote a letter about our marriage back home, but it probably hasn’t arrived yet.”

Their marriage was rushed, and Zheng Shanci’s family hadn’t arrived. He was new to the Capital City and didn’t know many people. Most of his classmates and friends had taken positions outside the city. In the Capital, he was only familiar with a few scholars from humble backgrounds and Cui Ziqi.

Although they came together by chance, Zheng Shanci didn’t have any friends or family sincerely wishing him well, which suddenly softened Yu Lanyi’s heart.

“You can write a letter and send some things back.”

Zheng Shanci replied, “Time is tight, and I didn’t want to delay. Once I take office and receive my salary, I’ll send some money back.”

In Da Yan, local officials are evaluated every five years, with ratings of unqualified, qualified, and excellent. Those rated as excellent can be promoted. He is currently a seventh-rank County Magistrate, and if he manages Xinfeng County well in five years, he could be promoted to a fifth-rank Prefect.

After Yu Lanyi left the room, Zheng Shanci put away his official seal and travel documents. He noted down some plans, intending to try them out in Xinfeng County. This was his first time being in charge, and he couldn’t help but feel nervous.

Working under someone else might mean being exploited and having achievements taken, but the pressure wasn’t as great. If the sky fell, there were taller people to hold it up. Being in charge was different; everything had to go through him, and every decision affected the county’s people. He couldn’t afford to be careless. If he did well, everyone would be happy; if not, he’d face criticism and pressure.

The Ministry of Personnel had said the County Deputy would cover for him first, urging him to take office quickly.

Zheng Shanci was somewhat looking forward to going to Xinfeng County.

…

After lunch, Zheng Shanci felt much more satisfied. Eating with Yu Lanyi meant better food. He was a simple man; good food made him happy.

“I’m going for a nap. If I’m not awake by dinner, come and wake me,” Yu Lanyi instructed Jin Yun.

After marrying Zheng Shanci, Yu Lanyi didn’t have to greet or serve his in-laws, nor did he have to serve his husband. He lived freely, following his habits from home.

“Yes, Young Master.”

Zheng Shanci felt envious. Yu Lanyi’s life was his dream.

Waking up naturally, living in such a large house, not worrying about money for food and clothing—he was the top-tier rich second generation and official second generation in ancient times. No wonder Yu Lanyi wanted to stay in the Capital City.

The conditions for the villainous male character were too good. Even the original owner was tempted by these conditions, and even a man as steadfast as him couldn’t help but be moved occasionally. Such a great in-law family could also provide support in his career, and Yu Lanyi was good-looking too.

Zheng Shanci dismissed his stray thoughts and went out to the bookstore to look for books.

The original owner’s book box didn’t have a map of the mountains, so Zheng Shanci planned to buy a map or a book introducing Da Yan’s local customs to understand better. If the book included the general customs of various regions, that would be even better.

As he was leaving, a servant asked, “Daren, do you need a carriage?”

Zheng Shanci sweated like soybeans, “No need, it’s just a few steps away.”

The servant acknowledged, and after Zheng Shanci left, the servant followed him out.

Zheng Shanci asked, “Why are you following me?”

“Daren, I’m called Wangfu. I know some martial arts. Yu Fulang asked me to be your personal attendant.”

Yu Fulang was thoughtful, even choosing someone who knew martial arts.

Zheng Shanci said, “I understand. I’m just going to buy books, so I don’t need you to follow me. You can go back to the mansion.”

Wangfu replied, “Yes, Daren.”

Zheng Shanci went to the bookstore alone, found a few books, paid, and was about to leave.

A vendor was selling mung bean soup, and Zheng Shanci stopped. The weather was still hot, and a bowl of mung bean soup was just right.

“One bowl of mung bean soup.”

“Coming right up.”

After drinking a bowl of mung bean soup, Zheng Shanci felt completely relaxed. He thought about it and bought another bowl to take back to Yu Lanyi. Since Yu Lanyi had bought him clothes, now that he had found delicious mung bean soup, Zheng Shanci wanted to bring a bowl back for him.

When he was in the alley, he used to cook for himself, so he was familiar with the prices of vegetables in the Capital City. A pound of cabbage was three wen, and it should be cheaper in Xinfeng County.

He had thought of reciprocating.

Just as he was about to carry the mung bean soup back, he heard some commotion at a small alley entrance. Zheng Shanci wasn’t very curious and didn’t plan to join the excitement; he intended to leave.

“Why can Zheng Shanci climb high branches, but I can’t!”

The voice was too familiar; it was Chen Wu’s voice.

Zheng Shanci still didn’t stop, thinking it was normal to be envied after gaining benefits.

“I think An Ge’er from An Xinhou’s family is quite nice. He’s also a Ge’er from a marquis family, but he has a fiancé. As long as I take his body, that little Ge’er will have no choice but to marry me.”

Hearing this, Zheng Shanci paused.

Fang Jue said, “If you’re discovered, you’ll lose your life.”

He thought Chen Wu was too crazy. The sons and young masters of wealthy families always had attendants with them, so it wouldn’t be easy to succeed. Besides, An Xinhou wasn’t like Changyang Marquis, who would accept Chen Wu as a son-in-law. They were all jealous of Zheng Shanci and had thought about finding a high-status Ge’er or young lady to marry, but it wasn’t realistic.

“If Zheng Shanci can do it without being discovered, so can I.” Chen Wu could already imagine himself as the son-in-law of a marquis family, more glorious than Zheng Shanci. Ever since Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi’s affair was discovered at the Pei Mansion, Zheng Shanci had been low-key, rarely going out or attending banquets. If it were him, he would attend banquets openly. Such an affair was a romantic story for men.

It was something worth boasting about.

“Brother Chen, you should be careful not to go astray,” Fang Jue advised again.

If such a good thing were possible, every scholar from a humble background could achieve their goals through such means, and it would be chaos. Chen Wu was too obsessed.

Zheng Shanci didn’t expect Chen Wu to think this way, so he turned back—

“Brother Zheng, why are you here?!”

Fang Jue exclaimed in surprise.

A chill rose in his heart. Had Zheng Shanci heard everything they said?

Chen Wu’s eyes flashed with panic as he grabbed Zheng Shanci’s hand, “Did you hear anything?”

Zheng Shanci coldly shook off Chen Wu’s hand and, under his expectant gaze, said indifferently, “I heard everything.”

Chen Wu: “…”

His expression changed, and he said viciously, “So what if you heard? You better not meddle. You can’t be the only one allowed to succeed and block the way for others. If I succeed, I won’t treat you badly.”

Fang Jue’s mind shifted. He stopped advising Chen Wu. If Chen Wu succeeded, he was familiar with him, and Chen Wu could help him out. If Chen Wu didn’t succeed, it had nothing to do with him; he was clean.

Having figured this out, Fang Jue’s mindset changed.

“Such means won’t work. If you insist on doing this, be prepared to face the consequences,” Zheng Shanci said calmly.

“I don’t need your fake kindness. I know what I’m doing. Just don’t get in my way,” Chen Wu exhaled a breath of turbid air, “Brother Zheng, I’m begging you. We’re all scholars from humble backgrounds, and our families don’t have much money. I just want to marry a good husband. I was wrong to treat you poorly before. Please let me go this time. If you ever need anything, I’ll be there.”

Chen Wu first threatened and then tried to please, playing both the villain and the good guy. If it were an ordinary person, they might have been swayed, but Zheng Shanci just glanced at Chen Wu and left.

Seeing Zheng Shanci’s back, Chen Wu breathed a sigh of relief. He thought this meant Zheng Shanci wouldn’t interfere.

Then he just needed to find an opportunity to get close to An Ge’er and become An Xinhou’s son-in-law.

“Brother Chen, you should think it through carefully,” Fang Jue advised once more. If Chen Wu still didn’t listen, he had done his part as a friend.

“Fang-ge, I’m not willing. Why should Zheng Shanci compete with us for the Xinfeng County Magistrate position? Clearly, Changyang Marquis could find him a better position, but he doesn’t care about our survival. If he can rely on his in-laws to take shortcuts, then so can I.”