Discussion at the Back Door

A hand was placed in Zheng Shanci’s palm. After leading the person out of the carriage, Zheng Shanci let go, and the two of them walked into the Changyang Marquis Mansion together.

Yu Lanyi had only been away from home for three days, yet stepping inside now felt somewhat unfamiliar. A sense of longing and reluctance welled up in his heart. He quickly walked into the main hall.

Inside were the Marquis Changyang and Yu Fulang, along with his maternal grandmother, second cousin, and aunt.

Yu Lanyi slowed his steps, waiting for Zheng Shanci to catch up and walk alongside him.

Seeing these people made Zheng Shanci’s scalp tingle, but he followed Yu Lanyi in greeting the elders.

“Son-in-law greets father-in-law.”

“Father, Dad.”

“You may all rise,” Marquis Changyang said, giving Zheng Shanci a slight helping hand.

“Thank you, father-in-law,” Zheng Shanci replied, following the etiquette.

Yu Lanyi suddenly jumped up, quickly moving to Yu Fulang’s side and hugging him. “Dad, I missed you so much.”

Yu Fulang hadn’t expected Yu Lanyi to be so openly emotional, showing no sign of maturity. Even though he was married, he still acted like a child. How could he be at ease with this?

His tone was lightly reproachful, but his expression was relaxed. “You’re married now, yet still so indiscreet, making a spectacle for no reason.”

“We’re all family here, who would laugh at me? Missing Dad is only natural. Even if I’m married, I’m always your child,” Yu Lanyi said confidently, tugging at Yu Fulang’s sleeve.

The Duchess of England laughed, “It’s rare to see Lanyi so clingy. It reminds me of when you were little, always sticking to your dad. When your father and dad had things to do and sent you to the Duke’s Mansion, you cried for a long time, and no one could comfort you. You kept asking for your father and dad, and no one else would do. Even when Changxing tried to comfort you, you bit him.”

Yu Lanyi quickly glanced at Zheng Shanci, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“Grandmother, that was all when I was a child.”

The Duchess of England noticed Yu Lanyi’s glance and her smile grew wider.

Marquis Changyang cleared his throat, “Did the Ministry of Personnel mention when you should set off for your post?”

Zheng Shanci cupped his hands, “Probably in the next couple of days.”

After getting married, he couldn’t delay any longer. With the inconvenient transportation of ancient times, setting off now would allow him to arrive in Xinfeng County just in time for the autumn harvest. The autumn harvest was a big deal for the county, as food was the people’s primary concern. In ancient times, grain was not only about eating but also about taxes. The Da Yan dynasty had a tax rate of one in thirty, and besides the grain tax, there were also levies and corvée labor. This was the political achievement of a county official, and there was no room for error.

“It’s time to set off. Over there, we can’t extend our reach, so you must be careful in Xinfeng County. We don’t expect great achievements, but at least don’t make mistakes,” Marquis Changyang wanted to say more, but seeing the family members present, he paused. “Let’s talk in the study. Lanyi, you can chat with your mother-in-law and Fulang.”

The Duchess of England said, “You two go ahead and talk.”

Zheng Shanci followed Marquis Changyang to the study. After the attendants served tea, they respectfully withdrew.

The study was large, with bookshelves full of neatly arranged books. Zheng Shanci sat to one side.

Marquis Changyang spoke directly, “There are some things that are not suitable to say in front of everyone. You won’t stay in Xinfeng County forever. As long as there are no rebellions under your governance, and no people writing petitions to the capital to complain, you can be at ease. We won’t let you stay there for a lifetime.”

Marquis Changyang had the typical mindset of the powerful. As long as there were connections in the capital, it was easier to get promoted than for ordinary people. But you couldn’t just promote a county magistrate to a capital official without reason, especially if the official had any blemishes. You couldn’t expect everyone to turn a blind eye. Promoting someone with a blemish would be uncomfortable for Marquis Changyang.

Even if Zheng Shanci wasn’t particularly smart, Marquis Changyang would still make efforts for him in the court for Yu Lanyi’s sake. Moreover, with Yu Changxing by the emperor’s side, if Yu Changxing mentioned Zheng Shanci at the right time, the emperor would remember the name, and curiosity would follow.

Never underestimate an emperor’s curiosity. The emperor was the ruler of the world and had seen everything and everyone. Some officials still hadn’t made an impression on the emperor during court sessions.

The emperor only remembered his confidants and important ministers. Confidants were relied upon by the emperor, so he was close to them. Important ministers were the pillars of the nation, and whether the emperor liked them or not, he had to use them because their talents outweighed their personalities.

Emperor Wu Ming was diligent and didn’t like sycophants, but he was very fond of eunuchs. He just didn’t want the officials to become sycophants, but it didn’t matter with eunuchs.

Zheng Shanci nodded, “I understand, father-in-law.”

Marquis Changyang nodded in satisfaction. As long as Zheng Shanci didn’t cause trouble, he could protect him. As for letting Zheng Shanci rise from Xinfeng County on his own, who knew when that would happen.

In terms of the imperial examination results, Zheng Shanci wasn’t particularly smart. The top three, the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua, would enter the Hanlin Academy as reserve ministers. The second-class Jinshi had better career prospects than the third-class Jinshi. The exam results were the starting point of their careers, and many might remain a county magistrate for life, limited by this starting point.

For example, those with higher rankings would be assigned to more prosperous counties, where it was easier to achieve political success. With political achievements, they could rise quickly.

Zheng Shanci didn’t say anything about being able to rise on his own, as that would seem arrogant and ungrateful. He knew that words were powerless, and he would prove himself with achievements.

“How are you and Lanyi getting along?” After discussing Zheng Shanci’s career, Marquis Changyang leaned back in his chair, relaxing a bit, and asked in a casual tone, showing concern.

Zheng Shanci smirked inwardly. As expected, Marquis Changyang was still a loving father, thinking of Yu Lanyi.

“We’re getting along well, father-in-law, no need to worry.”

Marquis Changyang received the verbal assurance, unsure whether to believe it or not, but he responded, “In the future, you two should live well together. Lanyi has been spoiled by us and needs your patience. He’s proud but not bad-natured. He might find it hard to adjust in Xinfeng County, so take good care of him.”

“Understood, father-in-law. I’ve always thought Lanyi is great. Honestly, I’m a bit anxious about going to Xinfeng County alone, unsure of how to deal with the local gentry. Lanyi is more knowledgeable than I am, and as the legitimate Ge’er of the Marquis Mansion, having him by my side gives me peace of mind.”

Marquis Changyang’s lips curled up, “You two are a team, helping each other is natural. We don’t expect you to do anything earth-shattering, just live your lives well, and we’ll be at ease.”

At this point, Marquis Changyang thought of Zheng Shanci’s parents and said, “If your parents-in-law need any help in the future, you can write to me, and I’ll find a way to assist them.”

After all, there was a thought in mind. With their son married, the absence of the in-laws was somewhat regrettable. Marquis Changyang patted Zheng Shanci’s shoulder, “A man’s ambition lies in all directions. Since you chose the imperial exams, you understand that you must leave your parents.”

But since they were in Shengjing, for Zheng Shanci to have a better life, he would inevitably return to the capital.

Mother weak, out of business; father strong, a minister; family prestige remains in the homeland; poverty leads to wandering.[1]

Zheng Shanci smiled slightly, “Father-in-law is right. I don’t have much attachment to my hometown, just the people there.”

Zheng Shanci rarely felt a bit melancholic. In modern times, he was always composed and mature, used to being independent, and didn’t find anything wrong with it. Seeing how well Yu Lanyi’s family treated him, Zheng Shanci was actually envious.

Marquis Changyang, older than Zheng Shanci, could see a hint of his subtle emotions from his expression. He put an arm around Zheng Shanci’s shoulder and said softly, “From now on, consider this your home. Since you’re our son-in-law, we’re family.”

Zheng Shanci cupped his hands, accepting Marquis Changyang’s kindness.

After their conversation, Marquis Changyang invited Zheng Shanci to the garden for a game of chess, and Zheng Shanci naturally accompanied him.

The Changyang Marquis Mansion had fewer family members compared to other families in Shengjing. Marquis Changyang inherited the title and was the eldest son, while his remaining brothers were at the border. On Yu Fulang’s side, they were only close to the direct line of the Duke’s Mansion, and the other children were not seen. The Yu family’s children were only Yu Changxing, Yu Lanyi, and Yu Shiyan.

Thinking of Yu Shiyan, the protagonist, Zheng Shanci recalled his vengeful nature. Since Yu Lanyi hadn’t provoked him, Yu Shiyan shouldn’t act against Yu Lanyi. According to the plot, Yu Shiyan and Ye Yunchu were still in the ambiguous stage, currently having a disagreement.

Seeing Marquis Changyang’s black pieces advancing, Zheng Shanci focused.

He couldn’t let Marquis Changyang see that he was letting him win.

Marquis Changyang’s chess skills weren’t bad, just not expert-level, and he played back and forth with Zheng Shanci, which piqued Marquis Changyang’s interest, leading to one game after another.

Meanwhile, Yu Fulang, Yu Lanyi, the Duchess of England, and He Ming were strolling in the garden. With He Ming present, some questions were inappropriate to ask. Yu Fulang asked about what concerned him most.

“Is Shanci treating you well?”

Yu Lanyi replied, “He’s quite good. It’s only been three days, so I can’t really tell, but these three days have been comfortable. He hasn’t restricted me from doing anything, and he just likes to quietly read.”

Yu Fulang felt both pleased and worried, “It’s good that the son-in-law likes to read, but you’re newlyweds, you should be spending time together. This makes me uneasy.”

Yu Lanyi cleared his throat, “Dad, he’s about to take up his post, and he’s anxious, so he’s reading to ease his mind. I understand. After all, his career is important, and we have a long future ahead.”

With these words, the surroundings fell silent.

Yu Fulang looked incredulous, the Duchess of England raised her eyebrows in surprise, and He Ming’s expression was peculiar.

Yu Lanyi: “…”

Did I say something wrong?