Unaccustomed to the Environment

Zheng Shanci was startled and hurriedly walked towards the bedroom, not caring about anything else. “Have you called for a physician?”

Jin Yun followed closely behind Zheng Shanci, “Yes, a physician has been called. It seems the young master is suffering from acclimatization issues.”

Zheng Shanci quickly reached the bedroom. Inside, a servant was bringing a basin to help Yu Lanyi cool down by wiping his hands.

The physician, a middle-aged man, was writing a prescription at the table. He was a resident physician from Anshentang, invited by the yamen runners to treat the county magistrate’s husband.

With just a pulse check, he knew the county magistrate’s husband was suffering from acclimatization issues, though he had never seen such a severe case before.

“Follow this prescription for three days. If there’s no improvement after three days, I’ll come back to check his pulse again.”

Jin Yun took the prescription and acknowledged it. Acclimatization issues usually last from three to seven days. If there’s no improvement after three days, he would have to change the prescription and reconsider the medication.

Yu Lanyi lay on the bed, feeling weak all over, with palpitations and chest tightness. His face was flushed, and a cloth was placed on his forehead. His exposed wrist was covered with dense red spots, looking quite alarming.

Seeing Zheng Shanci enter, Yu Lanyi shrank his wrist, wanting to hide his face as well. He had planned to find a tavern in Xinfeng County for a meal, but before he could order, Jin Yun pointed out the red rash on his body.

Seeing the rash on his hand, Yu Lanyi couldn’t care about eating anymore and hurriedly returned home to send for a physician.

Zheng Shanci stepped forward, “Physician, is my husband alright?”

“He’s fine, just acclimatization issues. Try a few doses of medicine first,” Physician Song replied warmly to the new county magistrate.

“Is there anything he should avoid eating?”

Such detailed questions.

Physician Song stroked his beard and said, “It’s best for your husband to avoid greasy foods, eat light meals, and have some porridge. He might not be used to the local diet in Xinfeng County, so he should gradually adapt. He shouldn’t eat too much at once, or his body might reject it.”

“Why does my husband have a fever, and what impact does it have on his body?” Zheng Shanci was most concerned about the fever.

“It’s a mild fever. Just take some medicine and keep warm,” Physician Song said, seeing Zheng Shanci’s furrowed brow. “I’ve checked his pulse. The county magistrate’s husband has a good foundation from early physical training.”

“I understand. Thank you, physician. May I know your surname?” Zheng Shanci saw that the physician looked energetic and steady, which reassured him more than a younger physician would.

“My surname is Song. No need to be so formal, county magistrate.”

Zheng Shanci had Wangfu escort Physician Song out.

After dismissing the servants, Zheng Shanci personally wrung out a cloth to change for Yu Lanyi and wiped his hands.

He asked, “How are you feeling now?”

Yu Lanyi replied softly, “I feel weak all over.”

He avoided looking at Zheng Shanci, unwilling to face him.

“Besides your wrist, you need to wipe inside too. I’ll have Jin Yun help you later,” Zheng Shanci said, adjusting the bedding for Yu Lanyi. Seeing the dense red spots on his white neck made him anxious.

His heart was in turmoil, thinking Yu Lanyi must be feeling terrible.

“You haven’t had dinner yet. What would you like to eat?”

Being asked like this, Yu Lanyi suddenly felt hungry, “I want seafood porridge.”

He remembered the physician’s advice to avoid greasy foods. The rash was more uncomfortable than the weakness. Zheng Shanci must have seen it, and Yu Lanyi clutched the bedding, covering his head.

Zheng Shanci’s voice came from outside, “Covering it will only make the rash worse.”

Hearing this, Yu Lanyi reluctantly put his hand down, his eyes moist as he lowered his gaze, “Don’t you think it’s ugly? If you do, don’t look.”

“It’s not ugly. Everyone gets rashes. I just feel sorry for you.”

Yu Lanyi was taken aback, looking up at Zheng Shanci. A hand landed on his hair, and Zheng Shanci ruffled it.

Yu Lanyi blushed immediately.

Touching the head won’t make you grow taller.

Zheng Shanci withdrew his hand, “I’ll go instruct someone to buy seafood porridge from outside.”

Yu Lanyi acknowledged.

Seeing Zheng Shanci leave, with no servants around, Yu Lanyi held his face, feeling it was hot. It seemed like he regained some strength, and he excitedly kicked his feet.

“I should have said, how bold, to dare touch my head!”

Thinking this, Yu Lanyi laughed.

Jin Yun had the medicine prepared and sent someone to the kitchen to brew it. Worried about Yu Lanyi, he returned quickly. The door was closed, and Jin Yun knocked.

“Come in,” Yu Lanyi resumed his weak demeanor.

“Young master, the medicine is still brewing. How are you feeling?” Jin Yun asked with concern.

Seeing it was Jin Yun, Yu Lanyi didn’t hold back his voice, “I’m alright, just a bit hungry. Zheng Shanci has already sent someone to buy porridge for me.”

“With the master here, I feel more at ease. I was just about to find the master after calling the physician, and he returned,” Jin Yun said. “I thought about it on the way. Young master, the master returned so early, it must have been a proper banquet.”

Yu Lanyi gave Jin Yun an approving look, “You noticed that? As expected of someone by my side, you’re smart.”

Jin Yun chuckled, “When it comes to the young master’s matters, I always keep them in mind.”

In the kitchen, knowing Zheng Shanci attended a banquet at night, they had prepared hangover soup early. Seeing Zheng Shanci personally bring back seafood porridge, the servants also brought the hangover soup.

“Master, this is hangover soup.”

Zheng Shanci hadn’t drunk much, but he still drank the hangover soup.

He knocked on the door and entered after getting a response. The candles inside flickered, the windows were tightly shut, and the room was a bit warm. Seeing Zheng Shanci arrive, Jin Yun tactfully left.

Zheng Shanci placed the seafood porridge on the table, helped Yu Lanyi sit up, propped a pillow behind him, and only then went to get the porridge.

“I’ll feed you.”

Yu Lanyi tried his wrist, finding it still weak, so he accepted.

He opened his mouth, letting Zheng Shanci feed him porridge.

After eating, Yu Lanyi felt much more comfortable.

“Zheng Shanci, did they give you a hard time at the banquet today?”

Yu Lanyi seemed more spirited.

Zheng Shanci replied, “It was alright. It was a welcome banquet for me, no conflicts.”

“You should rest. I’ll go change and wash up. I’m covered in the smell of alcohol, and I said you shouldn’t smell it.”

Yu Lanyi lay on the pillow, surprised that Zheng Shanci remembered this.

Zheng Shanci was too anxious. Hearing that Yu Lanyi had a fever and rash made him panic. In ancient times, with limited medical conditions, a fever could take a life.

If something really happened to Yu Lanyi, Zheng Shanci wouldn’t know what to do.

He wasn’t thinking about explaining to the Changyang Marquis Mansion; he was genuinely worried about Yu Lanyi.

He still hadn’t relaxed, touching Yu Lanyi’s forehead before going to the wardrobe to find inner clothes.

Yu Lanyi watched Zheng Shanci’s back, then touched his own forehead.

Was Zheng Shanci still worried about him?

…

The welcome banquet organized by Qi County Deputy made Zheng Shanci show his prowess, making the local gentry and landlords fear him. Zheng Shanci, a newly appointed jinshi, was unexpectedly tough and formidable.

Thinking about how Zheng Shanci made the Xia family head drink several jars of good wine, Qi County Deputy felt a chill. Such a formidable person, would he relinquish power or allow himself to be manipulated? Qi County Deputy’s previous ambitions seemed like illusions.

Qi family head glanced at Qi County Deputy’s expression but said nothing. They were from the same family, and the family pushed Qi County Deputy to dominate Xinfeng County. Now, with Qi County Deputy looking gloomy, he didn’t know what to say. Anything he said would be wrong.

Recognizing reality early was the right thing to do.

Cheng family head returned home, and Cheng Furen was about to help him remove his cloak. Cheng family head waved his hand, “I’ll go pay respects to Father first.”

“Master, the kitchen has prepared hangover soup.”

The voice faded into the air as Cheng Furen put away Cheng family head’s cloak. She smelled the scent of rouge and powder on him but still smiled, “Tonight, let the new concubine serve the master.”

“Yes, Furen.”

Cheng family head was unaware of this little episode. He had informed Cheng Ru about attending the banquet, and upon returning from Qianwei Lou, he reported back.

“Father, I attended the banquet today. The new Zheng Daren has a bad temper and is quite tough,” Cheng family head said respectfully.

Cheng Ru had a few beautiful maids massaging his legs. He looked up, “From what you say, did this Zheng Daren give you a hard time?”

Cheng family head recounted everything that happened at the banquet to Cheng Ru.

Cheng Ru sighed, “Isn’t that good? It seems Zheng Daren is a good official. He gave you a way out while scaring you, showing he understands the officialdom well. After all, he’s the head of the county. You all have to work under his watch, so behave yourselves, and he won’t catch you doing anything wrong. You may leave.”

“Yes, Father.”

Cheng family head suppressed his thoughts and was about to find Cheng Furen when a servant said, “Master, Concubine Bai is waiting for you, and Furen also asked you to see her.”

Concubine Bai, born in a place of smoke and dust, had a great figure and skills. Cheng family head was infatuated with her, and hearing this, he felt delighted.

Cheng family head’s expression relaxed, “Furen is truly virtuous. Marrying her is my good fortune.”

Cheng family head turned to embrace the concubine and went to sleep.

For a man to have multiple wives and concubines was normal. At the banquet, this Zheng Daren had to put on the appearance of a gentleman, leaving people speechless.

…

The next day, when Zheng Shanci woke up, he first touched Yu Lanyi’s forehead. Last night, there was still a slight fever. He woke up in the middle of the night to check again, and now, touching it again, Yu Lanyi’s forehead was no longer hot, matching a normal temperature.

Zheng Shanci let out a long breath.

He didn’t disturb Yu Lanyi, had breakfast himself, and went to the county office.

Dressed neatly, as soon as he entered, a yamen runner greeted, “Good day, Zheng Daren.”

Zheng Shanci nodded.

It seemed these people had communicated privately. Yesterday’s intimidation had some initial effect.

Wangfu still followed Zheng Shanci. Knowing martial arts, he was a safeguard by his side.

Qi County Deputy was waiting early at the county office, with clerks and yamen runners behind him, all arranged by rank.

“Zheng Daren, these are the registered personnel in the county office and their responsibilities. If you need to assign tasks, just call their names, and they will step forward.”

Qi County Deputy’s attitude today was much more humble than yesterday, and he lowered his head after speaking.

Zheng Shanci took the register, and everyone paid their respects to him.

Knowing he had to give a speech today, Zheng Shanci said, “As I take charge of Xinfeng County, I hope to work with all of you, united in purpose, to advance together and improve the county office’s governance. If there are beneficial matters, you will be rewarded; if there is deceit, I will use thunderous means to deter it.”

“We understand, Daren.”

Zheng Shanci nodded and called someone forward, “Registrar Jiang.”

Registrar Jiang responded, “I am here.”

“Post a notice outside the office, stating that I have taken office and can now accept their lawsuits.”

Registrar Jiang replied, “I will do it immediately.”

When a new county magistrate takes office, a notice is posted to inform the county’s residents, letting them know they have a new magistrate and no longer need to trouble Qi County Deputy with matters.

Qi County Deputy’s eyes darkened, but he said nothing.

“Additionally, Qi Daren, having temporarily taken on the role of county magistrate, has worked hard. I must thank Qi Daren. Working with him is my good fortune.”

Qi County Deputy was about to decline.

Zheng Shanci changed the subject, “Now that I have taken office, Qi County Deputy, remember to send the documents to my room.”

Qi County Deputy gritted his teeth and nodded.

“Alright, you may all leave.”

“Yes, Zheng Daren.”

Zheng Shanci entered his office. The desk was large, with landscape paintings on the walls and a guest area. There was a small door leading to a bed and washbasin, a place for the magistrate to rest.

Wangfu thought the county office staff might be difficult for his master to handle, but Zheng Shanci managed them well, not like a newcomer to officialdom.

Zheng Shanci sat in the chair, and Qi County Deputy organized the documents, having a clerk bring them to the door and knock.

“Come in.”

Qi County Deputy put on a smile, “Zheng Daren, these are the documents here, and some matters are still unfinished this month.”

“I understand. Qi Daren, do you know where the county annals of Xinfeng County are stored?”

Qi County Deputy was surprised, “The county annals and the office’s records are in the same place. If you need them, I can have them sent over immediately.”

“Good.”

After speaking, Qi County Deputy left.

Wangfu stood guard outside, leaving Zheng Shanci alone in the room. He exhaled. It was his first day on the job, and saying he wasn’t nervous would be a lie.

He didn’t know what to focus on, so he started with the documents.

Qi County Deputy had brought over documents on taxes, land, household registration, and water management. Zheng Shanci began with the household registration. Xinfeng County had a population of about forty thousand, a medium-sized county in the northwest.

He looked at last year’s taxes, which were all implemented. The main income for the county office was grain tax, making the autumn harvest particularly important.

Due to court regulations, the county office also had a granary, storing a portion of grain each year for future use. The county office’s affairs were tedious, and Zheng Shanci planned to clarify taxes and land first to prepare for the autumn harvest.

Registrar Jiang wrote the notice and had it posted on the bulletin board outside the county office.

Registrar Jiang, feeling pleased, drank a cup of tea. After work, he planned to go to the market to pick a good fishing rod and practice in his pond. If he couldn’t catch a single fish, it might upset Zheng Daren.

This new county magistrate was impressive, making Qi County Deputy hit a soft nail right away. Though pleased, he didn’t show it, knowing Zheng Daren’s term in Xinfeng County was three years.

If Zheng Daren left after three years, Qi County Deputy would still be there.

Being an official was challenging.

A yamen runner posted the notice, and a crowd of residents gathered. Among them, a scholar read the notice aloud. These scholars loved to read the county office’s notices, being very concerned about national affairs.

“The new county magistrate has arrived!” the residents understood.

“The new county magistrate is finally here.”

“I saw a large group at the city gate yesterday, including Qi Daren, Jiang Daren, and Zhu Daren, following a young couple. I guess that was the new county magistrate,” an aunt said excitedly.

“I saw it too. The new county magistrate is very handsome, and the magistrate’s husband looks like he’s from a wealthy background. His skin and face aren’t something raised in our county.”

The residents loved hearing this, urging those who saw the magistrate to share more.

The residents of Xinfeng County now knew they had a new, young, and handsome county magistrate.

A yamen runner delivered the county annals, and Zheng Shanci said, “Just put them on my desk.”

“Yes, Zheng Daren.”

Zheng Shanci rubbed his temples, noting down any issues he found. He set aside taxes and land for now and picked up the county annals.

He didn’t blindly read the annals, instead comparing the earliest and latest ones to understand Xinfeng County’s geography and customs.

After reading a portion, Wangfu approached, “Daren, it’s noon. You should have lunch.”

Zheng Shanci got up and went to the dining hall.

In the past, the county magistrate would have meals brought to his office, but Zheng Shanci went to the dining hall himself.

The cook perked up, knowing those who ate in the dining hall had the same dishes, but the magistrate and deputy could request special dishes, which was allowed.

Zheng Shanci found it interesting, like eating at school.

He glanced at the dishes, finding them quite varied. He chose crispy braised pork, stir-fried duck blood, dry-fried bamboo shoots, and a bowl of vegetable soup.

The cook wanted to fill Zheng Shanci’s plate to the brim, even piling the rice high.

Registrar Zhu thought the cook wanted to give all the dining hall’s dishes to the new magistrate.

“That’s enough. I can’t eat that much,” Zheng Shanci said with a smile, stopping him.

He ate alone at a table, speaking with Wangfu, who nodded and went to get his own meal.

Zheng Shanci tasted the food, finding it a bit salty but acceptable. He preferred strong flavors, so these dishes were manageable. He sipped the soup, thinking about Yu Lanyi, wondering how he was doing. 

The county office had a half-hour lunch break, and Zheng Shanci planned to check on Yu Lanyi, still worried.

…

After sleeping last night, Zheng Shanci left early for the county office without waking Yu Lanyi. Jin Yun didn’t wake him either. After Zheng Shanci left, Yu Lanyi slept for two more hours before calling for someone to help him wash up.

After waking, Yu Lanyi felt much better, with more energy, having sweated a lot the previous day.

After having a late breakfast, Yu Lanyi asked, “Did Zheng Shanci go to the county office?”

“Young master, the master left early, instructing us not to disturb your sleep.”

Hearing this, Yu Lanyi felt a warmth in his heart. Yesterday, with the rash and fever, he was scared. Seeing Zheng Shanci calmed him.

In the past, when he was sick at home, the household worried about him. Thinking of this, Yu Lanyi felt a bit homesick. After he left, he wondered how his father, dad, and brother were doing.

Yu Lanyi shook his head to clear his thoughts. He stood up, “I want to go outside today.”

Jin Yun quickly said, “Young master, you’re still weak. It’s better to rest in bed.”

“I have energy now. Lying down yesterday made my bones soft. I’d rather go outside for a walk. It might lift my spirits.”

Hearing this, Jin Yun reluctantly agreed, fetching a cloak for Yu Lanyi and bringing along some strong servants.

As Yu Lanyi went out, the streets were still bustling. Most people wore less luxurious clothes than those in the capital. He saw vendors carrying snacks, shouting as they walked.

“Sticky rice cakes, delicious and fragrant!”

“Tofu, freshly ground!”

Yu Lanyi wanted to try the sticky rice cakes, so he had someone buy them.

He took a bite. The sticky rice cake was delicious and fragrant, but without brown sugar, it wasn’t as satisfying. Brown sugar would have been better.

“Jin Yun, tell the kitchen I want brown sugar sticky rice cakes tonight.”

“Yes, young master.”

Yu Lanyi spotted a small shop with some rare items. He squatted down to look at the stall’s goods.

He picked up a wooden carving to examine.

The vendor, seeing Yu Lanyi’s attire, calculated in his mind.

“This young master, look at these items. They look great at home. They’re goods from the Western Regions.”

Jin Yun gave the vendor a deadpan look.

Yu Lanyi put down the carving, eyes blazing, “Do you think I’m stupid?”

Vendor: “…”

Someone suddenly laughed.

Yu Lanyi saw it was a Ge’er with three hairpins, indicating he was married.

“Sorry,” the Ge’er quickly apologized, eyes filled with apology. His eyes were green, and his features soft.

Yu Lanyi stood up, crossing his arms, “Are you a foreigner?”

Xu Ge’er explained, “My ancestors had foreign blood, so my eye color is different from yours.”

“The vendor must have seen this young master, looking outstanding and dressed in fine clothes, not a local, and thought to deceive you. I wanted to warn you, but you weren’t fooled.”

“Do I not look like a local?”

Xu Ge’er slowly shook his head. He knew the county’s prominent families and hadn’t seen Yu Lanyi before. He heard from his father that the new county magistrate arrived with his husband, and Xu Ge’er guessed this must be the magistrate’s husband.

Yu Lanyi felt like he was being watched by something. He called out, “Jin Yun, let’s go back to the mansion.”