A Preliminary Exploration of the County Office

Ever since the newly appointed County Magistrate of Xinfeng County suddenly died of a severe illness, a report was sent to the court, and the court replied that an official had already been arranged to come.

Qi County Deputy dared not slack off and sent people to wait at the city gate every day, just waiting for the County Magistrate to arrive so they could go out of the city to welcome him.

The County Deputy is an eighth-rank official, an assistant to the County Magistrate, responsible for managing the county’s documents, warehouses, grain, horses, and taxes.

Qi County Deputy is already forty years old and has been serving as the County Deputy in Xinfeng County since he was appointed at the age of twenty-six. His family is also one of the major families in Xinfeng County.

Registrar Jiang came over with some documents and, noticing Qi County Deputy’s expression, said, “Qi Daren, Zheng Daren hasn’t arrived yet. He’s still too young, delaying the journey like this, but the county’s autumn harvest can’t be delayed.”

The Registrar is responsible for managing the county’s household registration, document processing, and other affairs, as well as reviewing and issuing documents such as travel permits and business licenses. It’s a position with plenty of perks, ranked at the ninth rank.

Qi County Deputy, acting as the County Magistrate, has been quite pleased with himself these days. The sudden death of the previous County Magistrate made Qi County Deputy wonder if the court might appoint him as the new County Magistrate.

It wasn’t until the court’s appointment letter arrived in Xinfeng County that Qi County Deputy gave up hope.

Da Yan has opened many civil service exams, and many scholars are waiting for positions, so it wasn’t his turn. But to say he had no little schemes would be impossible.

The new scholar official is unfamiliar with common affairs. If they use some tricks, the new County Magistrate will find it difficult to manage the county office’s affairs.

Over time, he will become discouraged and neglectful of common affairs. These common affairs will then fall into his hands, which is no different from being the County Magistrate.

On the surface, he must show great respect to the new County Magistrate, but in reality, he won’t let him touch any important affairs in the county office.

Qi County Deputy lightly scolded after hearing Registrar Jiang’s words, “What are you saying? The journey from Shengjing to Xinfeng County is long.

It’s understandable if Zheng Daren arrives a bit late. He is our superior, and your words are too disrespectful. You’ve been a Registrar for several years, yet your mind is still so shallow.”

Registrar Jiang responded meekly, lowering his head to admit his mistake.

As he left with the documents, he sneered inwardly. What he said didn’t align with Qi County Deputy’s thoughts, yet Qi County Deputy put on a righteous facade, truly wearing a false mask.

Since this Qi became the County Deputy, how many people have been stuffed into this office? Even to casually use someone, you have to get Qi County Deputy’s approval. How come, has Qi County Deputy been promoted to Qi County Magistrate?

Registrar Jiang grumbled inwardly but maintained a friendly demeanor, not daring to fall out with Qi County Deputy.

“Registrar Jiang, just returned from Qi Daren?” a colleague asked with a smile.

Registrar Jiang smiled, “It’s just part of my duties, I just had some documents approved by Qi Daren.”

“I thought Registrar Jiang might have some private words with Qi Daren.”

“We’re all colleagues, working hard for the livelihood of the county, what private words could there be? It’s all about county affairs,” Registrar Jiang laughed it off and changed the subject, “I have more documents to handle, I’ll be off.”

“Take care, Registrar Jiang.”

Registrar Jiang knew the people in the county office were choosing sides. He played dumb, as the new County Magistrate hadn’t arrived yet, and it wasn’t wise to choose sides before seeing the new County Magistrate’s methods.

Although Qi County Deputy had long been rooted in Xinfeng County, in the officialdom, a higher rank crushes people.

How could those mingling in officialdom not know this truth? As long as the new County Magistrate is a tough character, all of Qi County Deputy’s plans will come to naught.

Before seeing the new County Magistrate, he wouldn’t wade into these murky waters.

But when the time comes, if the new County Magistrate can’t be supported, he will have to choose sides, or else he won’t know how to survive if he’s ostracized. He’s just a small figure, unable to change things, so he goes with the flow.

Thinking this, Registrar Jiang felt much more at ease and even hummed a little tune.

“Your worldly affairs, I just relax and play a game of chess, treating wealth and honor as fleeting clouds…”

“Registrar Jiang, the new County Magistrate has arrived at the city gate!” a yamen runner rushed in, panting.

“What?!” Registrar Jiang’s eyes widened, and he stopped singing.

…

Zheng Shanci’s group’s carriage stopped at the city gate. Yu Lanyi got off the carriage and looked around, seeing the sky full of dust and the air extremely dry. People coming and going at the city gate glanced at them with sidelong glances.

“This fabric looks really nice, I wonder how many taels of silver it costs?” a woman said enviously.

“They don’t look like people from our county town, more like nobles from elsewhere.”

“They must have brought all their belongings with them, look at that carriage, so tall.”

Yu Lanyi wrapped his cloak tighter. He saw the three big characters “Xinfeng County” written above the city gate. This was indeed Xinfeng County. He looked at the dust and just wanted to shrink into his cloak.

For over two months, Yu Lanyi considered himself to have gained some knowledge, having seen many small towns, but he had never seen one like Xinfeng County. The soldiers guarding the city didn’t dare look at them, only saying that the County Deputy and Registrar would soon come to welcome the new County Magistrate.

The remaining commoners, unaware of Zheng Shanci’s identity, cast curious glances at them. Yu Lanyi was quite frightened.

“Zheng Shanci, is this Xinfeng County?” Yu Lanyi’s tone still carried a hint of uncertainty.

Zheng Shanci nodded, “This is Xinfeng County. We’ll be living here for the next three years.”

Yu Lanyi: “…”

He suddenly felt that getting married wasn’t such a happy thing.

His expression changed several times, and his gaze towards Zheng Shanci became unfriendly. He really wanted to go home!

Zheng Shanci noticed Yu Lanyi’s change in expression and found it amusing. He could only reassure him, “The conditions in the city are better than outside, not as much dust.”

Yu Lanyi was anxious, “I, I’m not used to it!”

Zheng Shanci suddenly leaned closer and lowered his voice, “Someone’s coming.”

Yu Lanyi let out an “oh” and saw a few middle-aged men in official robes coming out of the city, along with a young man who looked like a military officer, with a rather rogue appearance.

Qi County Deputy and Registrar Jiang, upon seeing Zheng Shanci, hurriedly came over to greet him, “Zheng Daren, after your long journey, please enter the city to rest for a while. The county office has been very busy, and with your delayed arrival, we may have been somewhat negligent. Please forgive us, Zheng Daren.”

Zheng Shanci took a step forward, and Qi County Deputy, Registrar Jiang, and the young man with a rogue appearance naturally fell a step behind Zheng Shanci, following him closely.

Zheng Shanci squinted his eyes and smiled, “No need to say that. It’s our delay in Shengjing that took too long. The county office’s affairs are naturally more important than me, the County Magistrate.”

With these words, no one dared to respond.

A flash of awkwardness crossed Qi County Deputy’s face, while Registrar Jiang felt secretly pleased.

“Zheng Daren, the back courtyard of the county office has been cleaned up. There’s a family I hired to do some menial work for you. If you find them satisfactory, they can stay at the residence to serve you.”

“No need. My husband brought attendants from home, all people we know well, familiar with our temperaments. Such people are more convenient to use.” Zheng Shanci declined.

Qi County Deputy listened to Zheng Shanci’s words and couldn’t help but think more. He nodded in agreement, secretly pondering over Zheng Shanci.

“You lead the way.” Qi County Deputy and Registrar Jiang were so focused on showing courtesy to Zheng Shanci that they forgot Zheng Shanci didn’t know the way to the county office.

Zheng Shanci pointed to the young man with a rogue appearance.

Zhu Registrar was taken aback, quickly cupped his hands, and agreed to lead the way for the new County Magistrate.

He had been feeling bored, not expecting to be named by the new County Magistrate, and was instantly alert.

The Registrar is not a ranked position, but it holds significant power. It is mainly responsible for arrests, inspecting prisoners, maintaining public order, and other matters.

Qi County Deputy and Registrar Jiang, seeing Zheng Shanci point to Zhu Registrar, exchanged a glance, their thoughts unknown.

Yu Lanyi followed Zheng Shanci into Xinfeng County. Once inside the city, the scene was quite different.

Several generations of County Magistrates in Xinfeng County, some diligent and hardworking, some advocating for laissez-faire governance, and some who bullied and harmed the people, have all invested in this remote northwestern land.

Since the founding of Da Yan, there has been a focus on border security and the survival of the common people. The affairs of the county have been more emphasized by the court than in previous dynasties.

Although Xinfeng County has not yet become prosperous under several County Magistrates, it is much better than before.

Emperor Yan Taizu came from a humble background, rising to a high position from a commoner. He paid more attention to the lives of the common people.

The royal family of Da Yan, in their youth, had to farm the land themselves to remember the hardships of the people. It is precisely because of Emperor Yan Taizu’s teachings that, although there have been incompetent and foolish emperors in Da Yan, whenever the empire was on the verge of collapse, loyal ministers would support the country, leading to the emergence of another wise ruler, and Da Yan’s rule has continued to this day.

Yu Lanyi, having seen the scene of dust and sand outside the city gate, found that once inside the city, vendors were still carrying their wares and calling out, and shops had their signs hanging.

Although it wasn’t as bustling as other small towns he had seen along the way, there was still some vitality.

He followed Zheng Shanci, knowing that as a Ge’er from a marquis household, he should give face to Zheng Shanci and refrained from saying anything inappropriate.

Qi County Deputy: “The county office is here, Zheng Daren, please.”

Zheng Shanci nodded and entered the county office with Yu Lanyi.

Yu Lanyi noticed that there were even a few pomegranate trees planted in the county office courtyard, his eyes lighting up, “There are actually pomegranate trees in this courtyard.”

The Qi County Deputy had already guessed Yu Lanyi’s identity. When Yu Lanyi looked at them, he showed no fear or trepidation, instead casually shifting his gaze away.

The material Yu Lanyi wore was clearly of high quality, and he entered and exited with Zheng Shanci.

Qi County Deputy smiled and replied, “In response to the husband, these are old trees in the county office. When the season comes, you can even pick pomegranates to taste. These pomegranate trees are not easy to survive in our area and are considered the feng shui trees of the county office.”

Yu Lanyi nodded.

This was a small courtyard with three entrances and three exits, cleaned thoroughly, with all necessary furnishings inside.

“If Zheng Daren finds anything lacking, just let me know, and I’ll send someone to buy it.”

Zheng Shanci: “It’s already very good now.”

Qi County Deputy called over the hired maids for menial work. Since Zheng Shanci didn’t want them, he couldn’t force them into Zheng Shanci’s courtyard.

“Zheng Daren, after your long journey, please rest first. Tonight, we’ll host a banquet at Qianwei Tower to welcome you.”

Zheng Shanci cupped his hands, “Thank you for the trouble, colleagues.”

Qi County Deputy: “Zheng Daren, you’re too kind.”

The group followed Qi County Deputy, greeted Zheng Shanci, and then left.

Yu Lanyi let out a breath, “This courtyard is really small, not much scenery, just a few pomegranate trees.”

Jin Yun and Wangfu brought in the luggage, and with only their own people around, Yu Lanyi didn’t bother to pretend. He looked at Zheng Shanci with a face full of dejection, “We have to stay here for three years?”

Zheng Shanci nodded lightly.

Yu Lanyi couldn’t accept it. He paced back and forth in the courtyard, visibly anxious. Jin Yun was about to step forward to comfort Yu Lanyi, but Zheng Shanci shook his head at Jin Yun, so Jin Yun continued to organize the items.

Zheng Shanci asked, “What are you dissatisfied with here?”

“Everything, I’m not used to the dust, it’s not prosperous at all, it’s worlds apart from Shengjing. I’ve never seen such a poor place,” Yu Lanyi complained.

Zheng Shanci calmly said, “That’s exactly why we need to make the lives of the people here better.”

Yu Lanyi was taken aback by these words, suddenly at a loss for words. He just looked at Zheng Shanci’s profile, not expecting him to say such things. Zheng Shanci’s profile was clear, and he looked at Yu Lanyi without anger.

“There’s not much scenery here, but we can plant trees and flowers together. The furniture you like has also been brought, you can get used to it first, and if you’re not satisfied, we can change it.”

Zheng Shanci said, “You’ve never experienced such hardships, I understand.”

Yu Lanyi: “…”

He clenched his fists, then relaxed them, his mind racing. His ancestors weren’t always wealthy; it was the glory earned by his forebears fighting on the battlefield. With the accumulation of his ancestors, his generation was born with a silver spoon.

“…I’ll endure it for now.” Yu Lanyi raised his chin, “Jin Yun, hang up my gold-threaded bed curtains.”

“Understood, Young Master.”

“Zheng Shanci, if you stay in this godforsaken place for a lifetime, I’ll hit you,” Yu Lanyi threatened Zheng Shanci with his fist, his eyes sparking.

Zheng Shanci: “…” His teeth ached.

“I certainly won’t let your fist land on me.”

Yu Lanyi hadn’t yet resorted to crying, making a scene, or threatening to hang himself, mainly because he was now the head of the household, and using such tactics felt inappropriate. He was still angry, having held it in all the way from the capital to Xinfeng County, and now seeing the back courtyard of the county office, he felt like a lost soul, sitting on a stone bench, his chest heaving.

He was like a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment.

He couldn’t find joy anymore.

Yu Lanyi was dejected.

His anger wasn’t directed at outsiders but at his own man.

The attendants moved quietly, carefully arranging the items, setting up the tables and chairs.

Jin Yun was mainly responsible for the bedroom, making it identical to the one at home. The bed used during the wedding was specially crafted by a craftsman, identical to the one in the Marquis’s residence.

The bedding, sheets, and clothes were all scented, and the mattress was soft and fit the bed.

The cook was the son of the head chef of the Marquis’s residence. Marquis Changyang, fearing Yu Lanyi wouldn’t get used to other cooks’ dishes, specially prepared him.

As for the accountant, he was a retired soldier with limited mobility, staying at the Marquis’s residence as an accountant. Having watched Yu Changxing and Yu Lanyi grow up, he couldn’t help but worry about Yu Lanyi, managing the family’s finances.

Otherwise, no matter what kind of accountant, Yu Lanyi would always be arrogant, not caring about others’ faces. With Zhang Xian around, Yu Lanyi would at least consider Zhang Xian’s status.

The attendants seemed busy but kept an eye on Yu Lanyi.

The Young Master, sigh, had never suffered like this, nor seen such a scene.

Zheng Shanci also sat on the stone bench. He initially wanted Yu Lanyi to adapt first, but seeing him like this, his heart softened.

He softly said, “Lanyi, if you have anything, talk to me.”

He had called him Young Master Yu, called him by his full name, and in front of others, he called him Lanyi, to put on a show, to show their closeness. This was the first time Zheng Shanci used such a tone with him, as if with a sigh of helplessness and pity.

Yu Lanyi’s nose tingled, but he didn’t make a sound.

“What do you like?” Zheng Shanci thought for a moment, realizing he didn’t really know what Yu Lanyi liked. He had never tried to understand him, only knowing that when he gave him pearl powder, Yu Lanyi was very happy.

He said, “Do you want to buy some new clothes?”

He awkwardly cleared his throat, his ears turning red, “I don’t have any money on me. I’ll go on credit first, and when next month’s salary comes, I’ll pay the shopkeeper.”

Yu Lanyi listened, laughing through his tears.

“Zheng Shanci, how did I end up marrying someone like you!” Yu Lanyi looked up, his eyes red, tears still streaming down his face. He lowered his head, crying alone, and Zheng Shanci had to provoke him, so he reached out to hit Zheng Shanci.

Zheng Shanci instinctively grabbed Yu Lanyi’s wrist, and upon seeing Yu Lanyi’s eyes, he released his grip.

He cried.

“Zheng Shanci, how can you be like this! Zheng Shanci, how can you be like this, why do I have to…” Yu Lanyi hit Zheng Shanci a few times, his strength waning.

Zheng Shanci’s chest still hurt, and he comforted Yu Lanyi, “Don’t cry, don’t cry.”

Before Zheng Shanci could say anything, Yu Lanyi hugged him, sobbing, and Zheng Shanci hurriedly held Yu Lanyi’s waist to prevent him from falling.

His shoulder was wet, indicating genuine sadness.

He was like a kitten that had just left home. Proud, noble, homesick, coming to a backward place and not adapting, wary of people, wanting to throw a tantrum when encountering something unpleasant.

He really was like a cat.

Zheng Shanci thought silently.

“Zheng Shanci, getting married isn’t fun at all.” Yu Lanyi’s voice still carried a hint of sobbing.

Zheng Shanci just held Yu Lanyi tighter.

“I’m not used to it, I’m not used to it at all.” Yu Lanyi shed tears, then started blaming Zheng Shanci, “You must have never courted a Ge’er, how can you say you’ll buy me clothes and then say you’ll go on credit.”

Zheng Shanci: “…”

I’m an honest man.

After crying, Yu Lanyi felt embarrassed, especially since they were in the courtyard, and the attendants must have seen it. His face turned a bit red.

It was all Zheng Shanci’s fault for making him cry, embarrassing him.

Zheng Shanci still held him tightly, and Yu Lanyi felt awkward, his tears soaking the right side of Zheng Shanci’s clothes.

Yu Lanyi wasn’t unaware of the married men in Shengjing. Zheng Shanci’s temper was considered good, and he had promised his father not to take concubines before the age of thirty.

If one day, Zheng Shanci used his patience on other Ge’ers, Yu Lanyi would feel uncomfortable just thinking about it.

He pushed Zheng Shanci, signaling him to let go.

Zheng Shanci released Yu Lanyi, and they were very close, Zheng Shanci’s handsome face magnified in Yu Lanyi’s eyes.

Yu Lanyi’s heart pounded.

Zheng Shanci reached out to wipe Yu Lanyi’s tears, “Go wash up, your nose is red.”

Yu Lanyi glared at Zheng Shanci and ran off.

Zheng Shanci felt puzzled.

Yu Lanyi washed his hands and face, coming out refreshed. Zheng Shanci was directing Wangfu to set up the study. Seeing Yu Lanyi, he said, “We’ll share the study. If you have any storybooks you want to read, you can put them in the study.”

“I’ll go to the shop and take a look another day.”

Jin Yun, knowing Yu Lanyi’s temperament, arranged the bedroom to be just like home. Yu Lanyi threw himself onto the bed, burying his head in the pillow, not daring to face anyone.

The attendants worked quickly, setting up the bookshelves and other things. Zheng Shanci, not seeing Yu Lanyi outside, felt a pang of worry. Yu Lanyi was in a vulnerable state, and if he wasn’t watched, his heart would be uneasy.

“Jin Yun, where’s your Young Master?”

Jin Yun: “Young Master is in the bedroom.”

Zheng Shanci responded and went to the bedroom.

Jin Yun watched Zheng Shanci’s quickened pace, feeling happy for Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi. The better their relationship, the happier he was.

Zheng Shanci still knocked on the door first, and not hearing a response, he pushed the door open. Seeing a lump on the bed, he finally relaxed.

He sat on the edge of the bed, and Yu Lanyi’s head was still buried in the pillow, playing dead.

“Are you tired? Then rest well.”

Yu Lanyi opened his eyes, pulling his head out of the pillow.

“Zheng Shanci, did it hurt when I hit you? I learned some martial arts from my elder brother since childhood, so I have some strength.” Yu Lanyi looked at Zheng Shanci nervously.

“Actually… it was okay,” Zheng Shanci said.

He had sewn iron plates into his clothes. If he was going to be an iron-headed kid, he was going to be an iron-headed kid.

Yu Lanyi was still straightforward, saying what he thought.

He got off the bed and searched the room for the medicine box, which Jin Yun had indeed placed in a familiar spot for Yu Lanyi.

He took out the ointment, acting all serious, and said, “Open your chest and let me see.”

Zheng Shanci: “…” Why did this sound so strange?

“No need, it’s just a small matter.”

Yu Lanyi: “Don’t struggle, I need to see to be at ease.”

What a terrible line.

Zheng Shanci still refused Yu Lanyi’s kindness.

Yu Lanyi was impatient, feeling guilty. He tugged at Zheng Shanci’s collar, using too much force, and Zheng Shanci’s belt came loose. His clothes hung loosely on him, revealing a white, muscular chest, and two points.