Warming Up

Zheng Shanci thought he must have misheard, his heart racing. He coughed lightly, “What nonsense are you talking about? I’m going to wash up first.”

This was because they had been in contact for a while, so Yu Lanyi relied on him a bit, mistaking this feeling for love. He couldn’t take advantage of Yu Lanyi; he had to wait until Yu Lanyi was truly sure.

If by then, he still wanted to be with me, Zheng Shanci thought, I would probably be willing too.

Zheng Shanci went to the washroom, feeling a burning sensation in his heart. He took off his inner clothes and got into the bath barrel. His mind was still hot, like a volcano about to erupt, with some emotions suppressed in his chest, restrained.

He’s a man, after all.

Zheng Shanci had never liked anyone before, and now thinking that Yu Lanyi was a man, he felt conflicted for a while, gently covering his face with his hand and sighing. The steam in the washroom made the surroundings hazy.

Try it?

How should he try it?

Meanwhile, Zheng Shanci fled as if in a panic, while Yu Lanyi angrily pounded the bed, which creaked with a tooth-aching sound. He had said such suggestive words, yet Zheng Shanci remained unmoved.

Yu Lanyi just wanted to pull Zheng Shanci over, have this new husband undress, and let himself relax for a while. The family style of the Changyang Marquis Mansion was proper, and Yu Lanyi had never been exposed to such things. He had only vaguely read a few lines in storybooks, saying it was very enjoyable.

When they got married, the matchmaker also handed over an illustrated book. Thinking of the book, Yu Lanyi propped himself up to rummage through the bedside cabinet.

Sure enough, Jin Yun had tidied his things neatly. The handkerchief he hadn’t finished embroidering was still tucked inside, along with the book Zheng Shanci had placed there. Yu Lanyi directly took out the book with no title on the cover.

He clearly liked reading it.

Zheng Shanci was like a monk with no desires, yet he was a young and handsome Ge’er, and Zheng Shanci had no thoughts at all. Over the past few months, Yu Lanyi also knew that Zheng Shanci had no one in his heart, showing no signs at all.

When Zheng Shanci came out of the washroom, Yu Lanyi looked at him with a critical eye, from head to toe, making Zheng Shanci’s body, which had just cooled down, feel a bit hot again. He tidied his long hair.

In ancient times, hair was the hardest to manage. Usually, in his spare time, Zheng Shanci would just tie his hair with a hairband. When he had to go to the county office or handle affairs outside, he would dress more formally.

At home, he dressed however he felt comfortable.

Having slept with Yu Lanyi for a while, Zheng Shanci had gotten used to having another person in bed. But tonight felt awkward, so Zheng Shanci asked, “Shall I blow out the candle?”

Yu Lanyi replied, “I still want to read, blow it out later.”

Zheng Shanci agreed, taking a book from the bedside cabinet to read himself. He propped a pillow behind him, covered himself with the quilt, and felt a bit relaxed.

The sound of flipping pages reached Yu Lanyi’s ears, making him restless. His face was red, holding the book with no cover, breathing heavily.

Zheng Shanci was reading a sage’s book, “The Book of Rites,” which said in the Spring and Autumn Annals, “The Zhou rites are in Lu.” The teachings had long been integrated into every aspect of the Da Yan dynasty. Although Xinfeng County was a small border town, it valued reading and etiquette.

He glanced at Yu Lanyi, seeing him close the book, his face flushed. Zheng Shanci glanced at the book’s cover, which had no words.

“What’s wrong?” Zheng Shanci placed “The Book of Rites” face down on his lap, reaching out to touch Yu Lanyi’s forehead, still concerned about his health.

“Zheng Shanci, look at this book, taken from the bedside cabinet.”

A book from the bedside cabinet?

Zheng Shanci remembered only his books were in the bedside cabinet, and he had no impression of this one. Could it be a new storybook Yu Lanyi bought today?

With curiosity, he took the illustrated book. Randomly opening a page, he saw a man pressing a Ge’er against a door panel.

What kind of illustrated book is this?!

Zheng Shanci remembered it was the illustrated book the matchmaker gave him a few days before the wedding. He had a compulsion to finish it, so he did. He decided not to look at it again and casually placed it aside.

He didn’t expect it to end up in the bedside cabinet.

Blushing, he said, “You shouldn’t look at this book.”

Yu Lanyi crossed his arms, looking at Zheng Shanci, “Why can’t I look at it? You can look, but I can’t. What’s the logic in that?”

“You’re just pretending to be proper!”

Being called out like this, Zheng Shanci closed the book tightly, looking at Yu Lanyi. Yu Lanyi noticed Zheng Shanci’s gaze and instead raised his chin, a hint of a smile in his eyes.

Was Yu Lanyi doing this on purpose?

Feeling embarrassed, Zheng Shanci explained, “A few days before the wedding, the matchmaker gave it to me, so I looked at it. I haven’t looked at it since, just left it in the bedside cabinet. I didn’t know you found it.”

Who wants to hear that?

Yu Lanyi said, “I think the illustrations aren’t detailed. The Ge’er in the book isn’t half as good-looking as me. You should eat something better.”

Zheng Shanci: “…”

Yu Lanyi was indeed good-looking, even more so under the candlelight. Zheng Shanci was speechless, just looking at Yu Lanyi, whose skin was fair, like a snow beauty.

“Zheng Shanci, look…” Before Yu Lanyi could finish, a figure pressed down on him.

The “Book of Rites” on his lap and the illustrated book on the quilt fell to the ground. Under the candlelight, their expressions and appearances were clear. Zheng Shanci pressed Yu Lanyi’s hand, and Yu Lanyi’s body kept sliding down. Zheng Shanci used his other hand to hold his waist.

Yu Lanyi didn’t have time to react, his eyes looking at Zheng Shanci in panic, but his hands didn’t resist. Instead, he loosened his fingers, letting Zheng Shanci’s fingers fit perfectly with his, palm to palm.

Heat, boundless and spreading, a burning heart, Zheng Shanci didn’t notice Yu Lanyi’s reaction. He looked down at Yu Lanyi. Yu Lanyi’s eyes met his, both pairs of eyes holding some heat.

Zheng Shanci exhaled, slowly leaning closer.

Yu Lanyi’s long eyelashes trembled, their breaths mingling, and he closed his eyes.

Zheng Shanci paused, not allowing himself to be reckless.

His gaze was dark, a gentle kiss fell on Yu Lanyi’s forehead, then his eyes. It was so gentle, like a feather lightly brushing across the heart.

Yu Lanyi’s heart stirred, a smile tugging at his lips.

Such restraint, indeed like…

Zheng Shanci’s gaze wandered over Yu Lanyi’s face, leaning down to nuzzle his ear, his lips landing on Yu Lanyi’s ear.

He still gently kissed it, restraining himself, their breaths revealing their unsettled hearts.

Yu Lanyi opened his eyes, reaching for Zheng Shanci’s back—

At this moment, Zheng Shanci’s back was sweaty. He pulled back, doing nothing more.

“Get some rest, your illness needs quiet recuperation,” Zheng Shanci said.

Yu Lanyi almost spat blood at these words.

“Zheng Shanci, you’re really something,” Yu Lanyi gritted his teeth.

“You’re still young,” Zheng Shanci seemed to recover, his voice clear with a hint of laughter, “I’ll blow out the candle first.”

Saying this, he didn’t wait for Yu Lanyi to respond, blowing out the candle in the room. The room went dark, and the sound of rustling came from the bed as Zheng Shanci got on.

Yu Lanyi was a bit angry. Zheng Shanci said he was still young again. Ge’ers could marry at sixteen, how was he still young?

Yu Lanyi reached out to cover Zheng Shanci’s face, just wanting to retaliate a bit, not knowing what to do. He reached out to pinch Zheng Shanci’s nose.

Such a high nose bridge, what did he eat to grow like this?

He touched the lips, thin and warm.

Zheng Shanci didn’t stop Yu Lanyi, offering no resistance.

Yu Lanyi grew bolder, using his fingers to pry open Zheng Shanci’s lips, just curious, with no other intentions.

Zheng Shanci closed his eyes, his features in the dim light making him look even more handsome.

He extended his tongue to lick Yu Lanyi’s finger.

Yu Lanyi was startled, pulling back.

The warmth lingered on his fingertip, Yu Lanyi blushing silently. He didn’t tease Zheng Shanci further, clutching the quilt, staring blankly at the ceiling, feeling both foolish and excited.

His mind was hazy, and Yu Lanyi fell asleep.

…

The next morning, Yu Lanyi slept late but woke up early. When he awoke, Zheng Shanci was putting on his official robe. Yu Lanyi pretended to sleep, peeking with one eye as Zheng Shanci dressed.

When Zheng Shanci turned around, he quickly closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep.

Zheng Shanci just came over to tuck him in before leaving.

Today, he temporarily handed over official duties to Qi County Deputy, planning to inspect the fields with Registrar Jiang.

At the county office, Qi County Deputy received the order, his gaze lingering on Registrar Jiang. He smiled, “Zheng Daren truly cares for the people. Rest assured, Zheng Daren, I will handle the duties well.”

Registrar Jiang felt a chill, but Zheng Shanci smiled, “I have always trusted Qi County Deputy. Today, I’m just going for a rough understanding. The county office needs someone in charge, and with Qi County Deputy here, I’m at ease.”

Anyone praised like this couldn’t keep a stern face. Qi County Deputy’s mood softened, his tone easing, “Xinfeng County has strong winds and sand, Zheng Daren should be careful.”

Zheng Shanci acknowledged and left the county office, followed by Registrar Jiang and several yamen runners.

Once outside, Registrar Jiang became enthusiastic.

“Zheng Daren, Xinfeng County has four major towns: Jinxing Town, Huazhen, Dong’an Town, and Wuzhen. Among them, Jinxing Town is the most prosperous, with the least wind and sand.

Only in summer and autumn do occasional sandstorms occur, mostly over the land. This town generally grows vegetables and rice.

Most of the grain tax paid to the court comes from Jinxing Town.”

The Da Yan dynasty’s taxes were paid in grain, which was challenging for the wind-swept Xinfeng County.

“The other three towns all have some wind and sand, with Wuzhen being the worst,” Registrar Jiang sighed, “Wuzhen used to be prosperous, with a lake. But since the lake dried up, the wind and sand have worsened, making it the windiest town in Xinfeng County.”

Zheng Shanci wore a sandstorm mask, heading first to Jinxing Town.

On the way, he saw the fields, bustling with people during the autumn harvest. Men with bare chests wielded sickles, bending to cut wheat. Rows of wheat fell. In the fields, four young lads, likely the men’s children, helped with the harvest.

“It’s harvest season, and the people are busy gathering wheat,” Registrar Jiang said.

Zheng Shanci walked to a field, pulling some wheat to rub between his fingers.

The people in the field dared not move, shrinking back at the sight of the official robes.

The wheat was shriveled, the grains small, the wheat fragrance faint, far from the grain eaten elsewhere. Zheng Shanci squatted, digging a piece of soil, rubbing it between his fingers.

This was sandy soil turned to mud, with severe water and nutrient loss.

Zheng Shanci asked an old man, “Do you plant crops here every year?”

The old man replied nervously, “Replying to Daren, we plant crops here every year, never slacking, always paying taxes on time. We are good citizens!”

Zheng Shanci: “Do you plant only wheat every year, nothing else?”

The old man shook his head quickly, “We dare not. Jinxing Town can only grow wheat. We don’t dare plant anything else, or we’d be scolded if caught.”

Registrar Jiang quickly explained, “Because Jinxing Town’s soil is best for wheat, the other towns don’t yield much wheat. So the taxes paid to the court generally rely on Jinxing Town. The surplus grain is bought by us, without underpricing.”

Zheng Shanci nodded, “Alright, thank you for your hard work.”

The old man waved his hand, not daring to respond, “Paying taxes to the court is our duty.”

Zheng Shanci visited several fields, all suffering from soil erosion. He noticed Jinxing Town hadn’t planted trees, the surroundings sparse. He had considered whether to wear official robes or casual clothes for the visit, deciding on the former to explore first.

“Change out of these official robes.”

This time, he planned to wear casual clothes to explore Huazhen.

Huazhen and Dong’an Town had similar soil, as did Wuzhen. These three towns grew chili peppers, peanuts, winter melons, soybeans, and jujube trees, which suited the sandy soil. The jujube trees were few, generally for local consumption.

Chili peppers were ground into powder or dried and sold to neighboring Lan County. Peanuts were bundled and sold, barely enough to make ends meet, with little value. The sandy soil only suited these crops.

Selling these crops left little money, requiring the purchase of wheat to pay taxes. Families with many children managed, as kids as young as seven or eight could help with farm work. Boys worked the fields, while girls and Ge’ers cooked or embroidered at home. Families with insufficient hands also had to work the fields.

Day after day of hard work, yet barely any money, they could only endure.

Zheng Shanci asked, “Why not press the peanuts into oil to sell?”

Registrar Jiang hadn’t considered this, pondering before saying, “Xinfeng County has few oil mills, with high commissions. The people can’t afford it. They also think transporting peanut oil elsewhere would cost too much in travel expenses. There are buyers for these bundles of peanuts in the county.”

By the time they reached Wuzhen, it was noon. They arrived at a small village in Wuzhen, with smoke rising from every household. Returning to town for a meal would take two hours.

Registrar Jiang offered, “Zheng Gongzi, let’s find a farmhouse to have a meal and pay for it.”

Zheng Shanci: “That’s the only option.”

Registrar Jiang entered a courtyard, soon returning with a smile, “Gongzi, it’s arranged.”

Zheng Shanci entered the courtyard, where a section was fenced for chickens and ducks, and another grew scallions. A woman timidly tidied the table. Their group of eight looked intimidating, and Zheng Shanci saw the woman’s regretful expression.

The sound of bleating goats came from the house; they also raised goats.

“Auntie, don’t be afraid. We’re merchants passing through, hungry, so we troubled you.”

“You paid, so you can eat here. We don’t eat well, but my son and daughter-in-law are cooking more in the kitchen,” Auntie Li relaxed at Zheng Shanci’s gentle demeanor.

Zheng Shanci noticed some bricks in the yard, asking, “Does Auntie’s family make bricks and tiles?”

Auntie Li sighed, “That was my husband’s work. Now that he’s gone, these things are just left here. If someone in the village needs them, they take a few to patch up, saving money.”

Zheng Shanci thought he had hit a sore spot with casual conversation.

“Sorry for bringing up sad memories. How many people are in Auntie’s family? Do you only farm?”

Auntie Li: “Just one child at home. The boys went to serve in the army years ago. Only the youngest came back, with a lame leg. Last month, we saved enough to marry him a husband. Now we rely on a few acres of thin land. They say to find work in town when not busy with farming, but my son is lame, uneducated, and can’t do heavy work, so there’s no job.”

Zheng Shanci had an idea.

“The food is ready.”

Auntie Li’s son and his husband brought out simple farm dishes, including a plate of beans, a common crop here, and a bowl of egg custard, considered a meat dish. There was also a piece of sausage, looking appetizing. Zheng Shanci took a bite; the sausage was spicy.

Zheng Shanci found it tasty, saying, “It’s quite good.”

Auntie Li’s family relaxed, showing some relief.

“We don’t have much, sorry to trouble Gongzi.”

After eating, Zheng Shanci’s gaze lingered on Auntie Li’s son’s lame leg, lost in thought. Auntie Li’s son noticed and felt embarrassed but didn’t dare show anger. This group clearly followed the young Gongzi, and the middle-aged man beside him had given a tael of silver, more than they earned in three months.

Getting a tael of silver for a meal was rare. Besides, Zheng Shanci’s gaze wasn’t sharp, without malice.

Realizing his rudeness, Zheng Shanci said, “I was too forward. My elder brother also has leg issues, so seeing your leg reminded me of him.”

Auntie Li’s son softened, “Gongzi’s brother is injured too? My leg was beyond saving due to delayed treatment. Gongzi’s brother shouldn’t face the same.”

“I’m no different from you. My family is also farmers,” meeting Auntie Li’s son’s surprised gaze, Zheng Shanci smiled, “My brother supports the family. I only study. My brother broke his leg to earn money, and I feel guilty.”

“Bittersweet,” Auntie Li’s son said after a pause.

At least the one who received kindness remembered it, not ungrateful.

“It’s getting late. Thank you for your hospitality.” Zheng Shanci stood to leave.

“Safe travels, Gongzi.”

Riding the ox cart, Zheng Shanci had a rough understanding of Xinfeng County’s soil. These crops alone couldn’t earn much, but processing them could increase their value.

After this autumn harvest, Jinxing County couldn’t plant wheat again next year. They needed to rotate crops.

The old man drove the ox cart, cracking the whip, heading to Wuzhen. To return to Xinfeng County, they needed another carriage.

…

Qingxiang Village

Since Zheng Shanci’s letter arrived, the town’s gentry and wealthy merchants came, bringing gifts to build connections with the Zheng family. Even wealthy merchants from the county came, almost wearing out the Zheng family’s doorstep.

Many young men came to propose to Zheng Qingyin, sweet-talking, with matchmakers praising them to the skies.

Father Zheng laughed it off, not agreeing.

As farmers, they didn’t know much. This matter should wait for Zheng Shanci to discuss.

Zheng Qingyin stayed home, avoiding the commotion.

Father Zheng and Zheng Fulang were clear-headed, not accepting gifts from merchants and gentry, fearing it would implicate their son.

“More gifts, pearls, century-old ginseng, gold, silver, jewels, geese… everything,” villagers watched enviously.

“Old Zheng can refuse, such restraint is rare. My eyes are glued.”

“Proposals from families with officials, yet the Zheng family hasn’t agreed. A hundred suitors for one son.”

…

After half a month, the commotion subsided, and Father Zheng and Zheng Fulang relaxed. Zheng Fulang closed the window, saying, “Shancheng, go with Lin Ge’er tomorrow to buy some cotton. After the autumn harvest, we can make winter clothes in our spare time.”

Zheng Shancheng agreed.

Lin Ge’er poked his rice bowl, tentatively asking, “Dad, aren’t we going to visit Second Brother?”

Zheng Qingyin picked up a piece of eggplant, listening quietly.

“I’m still hesitating. Xinfeng County is too far, and I don’t know if the Marquis Mansion’s Ge’er is tough. Plus, it’s autumn harvest, we can’t just leave the crops,” Zheng Fulang said.

Father Zheng: “We should visit. I think we two old ones won’t go. Shancheng and Lin Ge’er should go, and Qingyin must go. These suitors mostly aren’t sincere. At Second Brother’s place, you can see for yourselves. Our ancestors are here, we can’t leave. You young ones can go and see.”

Zheng Shancheng put down his chopsticks, “Dad, if you don’t go, what if someone bullies you?”

Zheng Fulang felt warm, “Nonsense, who doesn’t know my son is a county magistrate? Who dares bully us? Besides, the village is full of neighbors. We may have small quarrels, but they won’t kill us. Don’t worry, go to Xinfeng County.”

Lin Ge’er felt reluctant to leave Father Zheng and Zheng Fulang, but also wanted to visit Xinfeng County, so he chimed in, “Let’s visit Second Brother. If it’s not suitable, we’ll come back.”

“We don’t have the energy you young ones do,” Father Zheng laughed heartily.

Zheng Qingyin held his chopsticks, while his elder brother and sister-in-law persuaded their parents. Zheng Qingyin felt his heart race, his mind dizzy, a bit anxious. He put down his chopsticks, saying, “Dad, I better not go. I’ll stay in the village to take care of you. You can’t be without someone.”