A Letter from the Village

Yu Lanyi didn’t sleep for long. When he woke up, Zheng Shanci was sitting beside the carriage, reading a book. Yu Lanyi noticed three little rabbits made from dogtail grass placed next to him. He picked one up and touched its head; it was fluffy.

Jin Yun wouldn’t make something like this, so it was clear that Zheng Shanci had woven the little rabbits. Zheng Shanci was really skillful. Yu Lanyi couldn’t put it down, and after sitting up, he tied his hair with a hairband.

The carriage was still moving steadily, with only the sound of the wheels and Zheng Shanci turning pages. Yu Lanyi lifted the curtain to look outside. They were already among the mountains, with carriages both in front and behind, likely from different families, with accompanying servants standing at both ends.

Seeing Yu Lanyi put down the curtain and play with the rabbit, Zheng Shanci leaned over and asked, “Zheng Shanci, what book are you reading?”

Zheng Shanci showed the cover of the book to Yu Lanyi.

Yu Lanyi said, “The Laws of Da Yan, so boring and long. What’s fun about this?”

After passing through the mountain gorge, the terrain flattened, with almost no villages around, only the dust kicked up by the wheels. Occasionally, shouts came from the carriage behind them. Zheng Shanci listened carefully and realized the carriage following them belonged to merchants transporting goods to an unknown destination.

As they continued along the official road, the golden light of dusk shone on the carriage, casting a golden hue. The group arrived at the small city gate.

Wangfu handed the travel document to the soldier guarding the city.

The soldier glanced at the document and whispered, “Let them pass!”

The carriage slowly entered the city, and Wangfu’s voice came through, “Daren, should we go to an inn or a post station?”

Post stations were originally set up by the court for officials to relay military reports, serving as places for food, lodging, and horse changes, managed by the county magistrate and overseen by the post officer. With fewer wars, the functions of post stations became more diverse. They served as places to send and receive letters and parcels, akin to an ancient courier station. They also allowed officials on duty and those returning to the capital to rest briefly.

“Let’s go to the post station.”

Staying at a post station managed by officials would be less troublesome. Inns had complex personnel, so it’s better to be cautious when traveling.

Yu Lanyi didn’t say anything. Whether staying at an inn or a post station didn’t matter to him; he had never stayed in either and found it all new.

Lifting the curtain, Yu Lanyi looked out. Perhaps because it was nearing evening, there were fewer people on the streets, unlike the bustling Shengjing. Shengjing was always crowded except late at night. The night market in Shengjing was bustling, sometimes even more crowded than during the day.

Especially during festivals, Shengjing was filled with fireworks and the sound of firecrackers.

Yu Lanyi noticed a Ge’er wearing clothes with a novel style, but he had seen such styles before, so he withdrew his gaze, uninterested.

There wasn’t anything interesting to see at the moment, so he planned to explore the night market after dinner.

The carriage arrived at the post station, and someone came to greet them. This time, Zheng Shanci got up and showed his appointment letter to the person.

Old Zhou nodded, “Zheng Daren, please come inside. You can just call me Old Zhou.”

Zheng Shanci agreed and helped Yu Lanyi down.

“Zheng Daren is going to his post with a lovely husband, truly blessed.”

Yu Lanyi’s attire and accessories were clearly valuable to those with discerning eyes. He exuded an air of nobility, looking like a young master pampered by his family without any hardships.

“We just got married, and I have to go to my post, so my husband and I are reluctant to part.”

Old Zhou nodded, “Getting married and then immediately going to your post is indeed a bit rushed.”

Yu Lanyi followed along, listening to this, and privately thought to himself that Zheng Shanci was quite good with words, not unlike those in officialdom who spoke flawlessly.

Zheng Shanci noticed two tables of people dining in the main hall. One table had two young gentlemen dressed in Shu brocade from Jiangnan, with proud expressions. The other table had a middle-aged man with a resolute look, and a servant standing behind him serving dishes.

Old Zhou said, “Zheng Daren, please go upstairs.”

Zheng Shanci nodded and went upstairs.

Inside the room, there was only a table, a bathtub, and a bed. The furnishings were simple but clean.

“If Zheng Daren needs anything, just ring the bell by the bed, or have a servant come downstairs to find us. We’ll do our best to meet Zheng Daren’s needs.”

“It’s getting late, and my husband and I haven’t had dinner yet.”

Old Zhou said, “I’ll have the kitchen send some food up right away.”

“My servants…”

“These brothers and this Ge’er can join us in the kitchen for a meal,” Old Zhou replied cheerfully.

Zheng Shanci thought for a moment and took out a piece of broken silver from his pocket, “I saw two tables of people when I came up. I wanted to ask who they are.”

Old Zhou, having received the silver, smiled even more warmly and enthusiastically, “Ah, the two young gentlemen are from the Yang family, of noble status, and we can’t afford to offend them. The other is Ji Daren, who has been promoted and is going to the capital to take office.”

Zheng Shanci nodded.

“Zheng Daren and your husband, please rest. Hot food will be delivered shortly.”

Jin Yun shook out the bedding and went downstairs with others to replace the bedding and other items in the room with those Yu Lanyi usually used. The bedding was too hard, and the cotton inside was probably clumped together. He didn’t dare drink from the teaware on the table and had Jin Yun replace it.

Zheng Shanci watched Yu Lanyi’s actions and shook his head internally but didn’t stop him. Although it was just one night, after a long day of travel, a good night’s sleep was important. If Yu Lanyi could be more comfortable, Zheng Shanci wouldn’t say much.

Yu Lanyi lay on the bed feeling comfortable, but he wasn’t sleepy, feeling a bit excited.

“Zheng Shanci, why did you inquire about those people downstairs?”

They were only staying at the post station for one night and had no interaction with the other three people, so why bother inquiring about unrelated people?

“Just to be at ease,” Zheng Shanci smiled, “to avoid conflicts or interactions without knowing.”

“Do you believe those three will inquire about us too?”

Yu Lanyi didn’t understand and vaguely responded, not grasping the meaning. In his view, there was no need to care about people they met by chance, and he was too lazy to investigate.

He was born noble, inevitably carrying a bit of aloofness, with a touch of naive innocence and cruelty.

The entire Changyang Marquis Mansion family, including Yu Shiyan, were shrewd people, always thinking several steps ahead, with countless schemes. Yu Lanyi had just about one scheme, as the Marquis of Changyang and Yu Fulang pampered him too much.

If someone else married Yu Lanyi and could tolerate his temper, they would surely rise to great heights in the future.

“Zheng Shanci, let’s go out for a walk tonight.”

After all, they were in a new small city, and Yu Lanyi initially wanted to go out with Jin Yun but felt uneasy, thinking it might be safer with a man.

“Alright.”

The attendant brought the food, and Zheng Shanci had two bowls, while Yu Lanyi had half a bowl, saving room for snacks at the night market.

Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi went out.

…

As Zheng Shanci had thought, the two Yang brothers called for hot water to wash up and then gave Old Zhou a piece of silver, asking, “Who are the people who arrived tonight?”

Old Zhou’s smile widened, and he spoke like a sieve, “This is Zheng County Magistrate, going to his post in Xinfeng County.”

“Alright, you may leave.”

The second Yang brother said, “It’s just a county magistrate, nothing to worry about.”

The third Yang brother said, “But the Ge’er with him is dressed unusually. A county magistrate can wear fabric supplied to the royal family from Jiangnan.”

The third Yang brother observed closely, noting that the material Yu Lanyi wore was the heavenly silk fabric offered to the royal family by Jiangnan aristocrats, a total of twenty bolts. The emperor had rewarded Wang Fengjun and some to trusted ministers and confidants.

“Third brother, are you saying their identity is not simple?”

The third Yang brother said, “In any case, treat them politely.”

Ji Daren also inquired about Zheng Shanci’s group and, upon learning it was just a county magistrate, went to sleep at ease. With a lower official rank, he didn’t need to be cautious.

…

Yu Lanyi saw that there were indeed vendors selling snacks, his eyes lit up, and he followed the scent. He wanted to try everything, so he had Zheng Shanci hold them for him.

After eating some stir-fried rice cakes, he stuffed his cheeks and swallowed them in one bite. He skewered a piece and fed it to Zheng Shanci, “Try it.”

Zheng Shanci, with both hands full, couldn’t refuse as Yu Lanyi held it up, and he was willing, so he ate a piece.

“Is it good?”

“Delicious,” Zheng Shanci nodded.

Yu Lanyi also saw a lion dance and pulled Zheng Shanci to squeeze in, his eyes shining in the firelight, “It’s so beautiful.”

Surrounded by people, Zheng Shanci, with his hands full of snacks, still tried to stay by Yu Lanyi’s side, while Jin Yun helped share some of the load. There were couples with children watching the lion dance, as well as young couples.

Zheng Shanci felt like he was the young master carrying the bags to watch the lion dance.

“Everyone, if you have money, give a reward; if not, give a cheer!” Someone with a tray was beating a gong and drum, making a round through the crowd.

Yu Lanyi, in high spirits after watching the performance, took out a piece of gold from his pocket, intending to throw it into the tray. Zheng Shanci’s mouth twitched, and he quickly stopped him, handing him some broken silver instead.

Yu Lanyi threw the broken silver into the tray.

After watching the lion dance, it was getting late. Zheng Shanci, holding the items, ate some slippery meat.

The group returned to the post station, and Yu Lanyi was in a much better mood. Someone brought hot water, and Zheng Shanci was about to leave.

“Zheng Shanci, did you check if the window is closed?” Yu Lanyi suddenly realized he wasn’t at home and felt a bit scared.

Zheng Shanci locked the window, ensuring not even a fly could get in.

“It’s closed.”

“Don’t worry, I’m outside. Just call me if you need anything.”

Yu Lanyi nodded quickly, “Okay.”

After Yu Lanyi finished washing, he called Zheng Shanci and lay back on the bed. Zheng Shanci came in to bathe, and Yu Lanyi pretended to be dead on the bed, not wanting to go out. It was already late outside, and he was too scared to go out to the door.

Zheng Shanci looked at the small bundle on the bed, with Yu Lanyi kneeling and lying on the bed, burying his head in the pillow, pretending to be dead.

He pursed his lips, a hint of a smile in his eyes. To him, bathing in front of Yu Lanyi was nothing compared to having someone scrub his back in a public bathhouse.

Yu Lanyi’s ears twitched, hearing the rustling sound of Zheng Shanci undressing.

With a splash, Zheng Shanci went to bathe.

His waist sank, and he turned to the wall, covering his burning ears with his hand.

His face was flushed, the redness spreading from his neck to his face, even his nose was red. Before, when Zheng Shanci bathed in the bathroom, there was at least a door between them, but now there was nothing.

Yu Lanyi covered his face with the quilt, then secretly opened a slit in the quilt, nervously watching.

Cough, cough, cough, he wasn’t being lecherous; he just wanted to see what Zheng Shanci was doing.

Yu Lanyi justified himself and then watched with a clear conscience. His line of sight was level with the bathtub, only able to see Zheng Shanci’s neck and that handsome face shrouded in mist, leaving him somewhat unsatisfied.

His thoughts stirred, and Zheng Shanci closed his eyes, his arms resting on the edge of the bathtub.

Indeed, his arms were quite solid.

Zheng Shanci didn’t notice Yu Lanyi peeking through a slit, secretly watching him. His mind was on matters in Xinfeng County, occasionally drifting to Yu Lanyi. He realized that Yu Lanyi, following him, hadn’t complained yet, only throwing a small tantrum, which Zheng Shanci could understand. Yu Lanyi wasn’t that difficult to get along with.

How did it end up with the original owner unable to bear it and killing him?

Thinking of the ending in the original story, Zheng Shanci’s feelings towards Yu Lanyi subtly changed, feeling a sense of pity for his eventual death.

He thought, Yu Lanyi was still so young, he shouldn’t have died like that.

He felt regret, pity.

Even tenderness.

Zheng Shanci got out of the bathtub, dried himself with a towel, and put on his inner clothes.

Yu Lanyi’s mind was a mess, and he shrank into the quilt, not daring to face anyone.

Zheng Shanci’s voice seemed to come from the heavens, “I’m going to blow out the candle.”

“You can blow it out.”

Yu Lanyi poked his head out of the quilt, his hair slightly damp, curling up in a small corner, pulling the quilt over himself.

The post station bed was too small, Zheng Shanci thought as he climbed onto the bed. When he lay down, his shoulder touched Yu Lanyi’s, and it was a bit cramped, with half of his body hanging in the air.

He sighed inwardly.

Zheng Shanci reached out and patted Yu Lanyi’s shoulder.

“Ah.” Yu Lanyi was startled, reacting strongly.

Zheng Shanci was momentarily speechless.

Yu Lanyi realized his reaction was too big and carefully asked, “What’s wrong?”

Zheng Shanci said, “Move over a bit, don’t stay against the wall, it’s cold.”

Yu Lanyi said, “Okay.”

Yu Lanyi moved over, feeling the warmth and moisture from Zheng Shanci’s body, his face turning red again. He hadn’t seen much, just Zheng Shanci’s chest, and he was already embarrassed, not daring to look again.

The bed was indeed a bit narrow.

Yu Lanyi turned over, placing his hands under the pillow, his gaze falling on Zheng Shanci’s face, quietly watching him.

This kind of quietness was unlike Yu Lanyi.

Zheng Shanci, not being oblivious, noticed Yu Lanyi’s gaze and softly asked, “Can’t sleep?”

Yu Lanyi shook his head, not speaking.

He asked, “Zheng Shanci, what kind of person do you like?”

Yu Lanyi added, “I don’t mean anything by it, just curious about what kind of person you like.”

Zheng Shanci didn’t expect Yu Lanyi to ask such a question. He thought for a moment and didn’t brush off Yu Lanyi, “I don’t know, probably someone good-looking and with a good temperament.”

Yu Lanyi raised an eyebrow. He was good-looking, and his temperament was good, so his mood improved.

“Don’t think too much, we have to travel tomorrow, so sleep early.”

Yu Lanyi responded with an “oh,” his hair sinking into the soft pillow.

Today was quite novel, and Yu Lanyi still felt a bit homesick. Zheng Shanci had already closed his eyes, and Yu Lanyi secretly watched him. Once they reached Xinfeng County, he wouldn’t be under his father’s and dad’s care anymore, and the closest person would be Zheng Shanci.

…

Qingxiang Village

Someone shouted, holding a letter, “Zheng family, there’s a letter from the capital!”

Father Zheng was still tending to the crops in the field, with only Zheng Qingyin at home chopping chicken feed. Hearing this, he ran out to receive the letter.

“Is it a letter from Shanci? Ever since he passed the imperial examination, he hasn’t written. Is he appointed as an official this time?” The aunts and women in the village asked with concern.

Ever since Zheng Shanci passed the imperial examination, the villagers walked with their heads held high outside. All things are inferior, only studying is superior. Even a scholar had the privilege of not kneeling before officials and was exempt from taxes on fifty acres of land, with the yamen providing grain every month. Passing the imperial examination was even more remarkable, as he had met the emperor in Shengjing.

Zheng Shanci hadn’t married yet, and the villagers had hoped to marry into the Zheng family, but they knew the chances were slim. Zheng Shanci was a golden phoenix that had flown out of the small mountain village, unlikely to choose a husband or wife from Qingxiang Village.

The Zheng family still had Zheng Qingyin, who hadn’t been betrothed, and the young men in the village all vied for his attention. Zheng Qingyin didn’t like going out, and when he did, he followed Zheng Shancheng, leaving no opportunity for the village men to court him.

“Go tell Old Zheng and Shancheng to come back from the hillside. This is a letter from Shengjing; I’ve never seen one in my life.”

“We also need to ask He Tian to come and read the letter.”

He Tian was the son of the village head, who had studied at the academy in town for a few years but hadn’t passed the exams. Now he was back in the village, writing letters and spring couplets for people.

The village head said he wanted to send He Tian to town to learn arithmetic and become a bookkeeper.

Zheng Shancheng was still hoeing the field, with Lin Ge’er resting nearby.

The village girl Miao, quick on her feet, ran over and shouted, “Brother Shancheng, sister-in-law, Shanci sent a letter from Shengjing. You should go back quickly!”

“I’ll go call Old Zheng.”

Zheng Shancheng stopped hoeing, wiped the sweat from his face, and smiled, “Shanci wrote a letter. He’s already an imperial scholar, maybe he’s been appointed as an official. Let’s go back quickly.”

Lin Ge’er, hearing that Zheng Shanci had written a letter from Shengjing, felt a burst of joy. Hearing it was a letter from Shengjing made him feel proud.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself; the letter hasn’t even been opened yet,” Lin Ge’er chided.

“Yes, yes, yes, my husband is right.”

Despite his words, both Zheng Shancheng and Lin Ge’er quickened their pace.

Father Zheng and Zheng Fulang, hearing Miao’s words, were overjoyed and hurried home, not caring about anything else.

The Zheng family was already surrounded by many villagers. Zheng Qingyin had made tea and placed some sunflower seeds bought from town on a plate.

He Tian, having received the news, quickly made his way to the Zheng family. The letter had to be read with the whole Zheng family present, so he had to suppress his eagerness.

“Qingyin, could you pour me some more tea?” He Tian asked gently.

Zheng Qingyin pursed his lips, internally resistant, but in front of everyone, he didn’t refuse He Tian, pouring him more tea.

He Tian, using the cover of shadows, reached out to hold Zheng Qingyin’s hand, his voice as smooth as a snake, and he laughed softly, “Did you put on powder today? It smells nice.”

Zheng Qingyin, holding the teapot, shrank back, his eyes filled with panic. He hadn’t expected He Tian to be so bold, so he retreated into the house with the teapot.

He put down the teapot, holding the letter from Zheng Shanci from the capital.

“Qingyin, where’s Shanci’s letter?” Zheng Shancheng called out as soon as he returned home.

Zheng Qingyin breathed a sigh of relief and quickly handed the letter to Zheng Shancheng.

Zheng Shancheng, excited but not daring to open the envelope, asked He Tian to read it. The Zheng family’s relatives had all come, making it even more lively than a wedding feast in the village.

The Zheng family’s relatives, waiting for Father Zheng, urged him, “Old Zheng, why are you so slow? Everyone’s waiting for you. Hurry up!”

Father Zheng said, “Alright, I’m coming.”

Father Zheng, entering the courtyard and seeing so many people, was a bit bewildered. Zheng Shancheng handed him the letter, “Dad, you should open the envelope.”

Father Zheng responded, feeling inexplicably nervous.

He tore open the envelope and took out the letter, “We need to ask He Tian to help read it.”

He Tian, already prepared, was even more eager than the Zheng family. An imperial scholar, what an honor. The imperial examination was held every three years, with only three hundred passing, requiring success in the county, provincial, metropolitan, and palace exams to achieve the status of an imperial scholar.

He Tian wished he could take his place.

In front of the villagers, he gracefully took the letter and began to read, “Seeing the words is like meeting you, opening the letter brings joy. I have lingered in Shengjing for many days, not disappointing the expectations of my elders, finally getting the opportunity to be appointed by the court as the county magistrate of Xinfeng County, a seventh-rank official. Due to an unexpected event in Shengjing, I have already married in Shengjing, and due to time constraints, I couldn’t inform Father and Dad. I hope Father and Dad can forgive my unfilial behavior. My husband is surnamed Yu…” He Tian paused when reading Zheng Shanci’s official position, and his tone quickened, his eyes burning, his usually gentle face showing a hint of twisted madness.

“He Tian, keep reading.”

“Yes, let’s hear what kind of Ge’er Shanci married.”

The villagers urged. Zheng Shanci had married in Shengjing, so hastily, could it be something shameful? Otherwise, why not inform Old Zheng and Zheng Fulang? Marriage had always been a major event, and marrying without informing Father and Dad always had some sordid aspect.

He Tian clenched the letter, looking through the crowd at Zheng Qingyin, smiling as he continued, “My husband is of noble status, the legitimate Ge’er of the Changyang Marquis Mansion. Due to mutual affection, and needing to go to Xinfeng County for my post, we had to marry in Shengjing first. If Father, Dad, Brother, and Little Brother wish, they can come to Xinfeng County. I will be most filial, united with my brothers, singing and dancing together.”

He Tian finished reading, his gaze lingering on the title of Xinfeng County Magistrate, then shifting to the legitimate Ge’er of the Changyang Marquis Mansion, his heart burning with jealousy. He no longer envied Zheng Shanci’s status as an imperial scholar but envied his good in-laws.

“Shanci became an official, a county magistrate! And he married a Ge’er from a marquis family, it’s like a grand opera!” Someone shouted, “Old Zheng’s family is blessed, this is a great joy!”

The Zheng family felt honored, and the other relatives looked at Zheng Shancheng and Zheng Qingyin with even more eagerness.

The Zheng family had always been peasants, and having an imperial scholar was already a great fortune. Shanci was so capable, marrying a marquis family husband, it was unimaginable.

Father Zheng, hearing that Zheng Shanci became an official, was moved to tears, wiping his eyes, “Good, my good son!”

Zheng Fulang laughed, “It’s a joyous day, why are you crying?”

Father Zheng said, “I’m just so happy, happy to tears. Tomorrow, we’ll all go to the ancestral shrine to let the ancestors share in the joy.”

Zheng Fulang agreed, feeling excited. He had never even been to the county, and his son had been to the county, the prefecture, and Shengjing, becoming a successful person. Thinking of this, Zheng Fulang’s eyes also became a bit moist.

He had come from the soil, facing the earth, but his son wouldn’t have to live like that.

Zheng Fulang went into the house and took out a string of coins, “Shancheng, Lin Ge’er, you two discuss going to town to buy some meat and wine. Today, we need to celebrate.”

Zheng Shancheng readily agreed, “Got it, Dad, my husband and I will go now.”

Zheng Qingyin stayed in the courtyard to entertain the villagers, occasionally adding more tea.

Though they were envious of the Zheng family, they weren’t foolish. Now, causing trouble for the Zheng family would be openly making enemies. With Zheng Shanci as an official, people from other villages would have to look up to them.

During the autumn harvest and tax collection, they would suffer less.

He Tian’s gaze was deep and heavy, watching the tea leaves sink to the bottom of the cup. Someone came to talk to him, and He Tian, feeling impatient, barely responded.

He saw Zheng Qingyin return to the house and stood up.