Does It Include You

Although Zheng Fulang was comforted by Zheng Qingyin’s filial piety, he couldn’t let Zheng Qingyin stay with them forever—otherwise, he might spend his whole life in Qingxiang Village.

Now that the family had the means to explore the county town and live a better life, why stay trapped here?

“Qingyin, we don’t need you here. Maybe next spring, your father and I will also go to Xinfeng County. You, Shancheng, and Lin Ge’er should head over after the autumn harvest. Qingyin is a bit timid, so Shancheng, when you get to Xinfeng County, have a good talk with Shanci. Let him find a good match for Qingyin, or let Qingyin stay with him for a few years. He’s only fourteen now, and will just turn fifteen after the New Year, so there’s no rush.”

Zheng Shancheng responded, “Dad, are you and Father really not going?”

Father Zheng replied, “We’ll see next year. We’re too lazy to move in the winter. Shanci often isn’t home for the New Year due to the imperial exams, so you can keep him company. And about your leg—it always acts up in the winter nights. We couldn’t afford to see a doctor in town before, only relying on the barefoot doctor in the village for some herbal remedies. Now that you’re going to the county town, find a good doctor to check your leg.”

The family had invested all their money in Zheng Shanci’s education. As the eldest, Zheng Shancheng felt a lot of pressure, but he was always diligent and hardworking. 

Father Zheng and Zheng Fulang saw this and felt for him—especially when Zheng Shancheng went to work as a servant for a wealthy family in town and was wrongfully accused and had his leg broken. Zheng Fulang almost cried himself blind.

He knew his eldest son’s character well. It was clear that the people in town were bullying him, and somehow he offended the steward there, who then kicked Zheng Shancheng out.

If it was just being kicked out, it would have been fine—but they also beat him up. Such cruelty.

Lin Ge’er, hearing this, felt a stir in his heart. He shared a bed with Zheng Shancheng and knew how his leg ached in the winter, causing him to break out in cold sweat.

After they got married, they went to see a doctor in town, who said that Zheng Shancheng’s leg still had sensation and might be treatable, but it would require a highly skilled doctor.

This made him even more determined to go to Xinfeng County.

A county town is better than a town, and with Zheng Shanci as the county magistrate, they could find a better doctor.

When Zheng Shancheng heard Father Zheng mention his leg, he laughed heartily.

“It’s nothing, Dad. I’m used to it. Everyone has some ailment. I feel bad making you and Father worry about me.”

“Big Brother and Sister-in-law should go. I’ll stay in the village. I’m not used to life in the county town; I just want to stay here,” Zheng Qingyin said.

Lin Ge’er quickly interjected, “Qingyin, how can you say that? You’ve never been to the county town, so how do you know you won’t adapt? You’ve only been to the town a few times and don’t know how bustling the county town is. There are vendors everywhere, shops at every step, beautiful clothes and jewelry, and lovely scenery.

You’ll be living in the county yamen, and with your Second Brother as the county magistrate, who would dare bully you? They’d be asking for trouble. In the county town, you can do whatever you want.”

Seeing Zheng Qingyin’s interest, Lin Ge’er continued.

“You could open a shop, start a fabric business, and earn some money for yourself. Wouldn’t that be great?”

“At the very least, you wouldn’t have to embroider handkerchiefs and pouches to sell in town. You could sell them right outside your door,” Lin Ge’er laughed.

“And then, Qingyin wouldn’t need to embroider handkerchiefs and pouches anymore.”

Zheng Fulang, listening to this, began to imagine and laughed.

“Your Sister-in-law is right. You don’t need to worry about us old folks. Our Zheng family has been in Qingxiang Village for generations, and we have many relatives here. The family is busy taking care of us, so you should go to the county town and see the world.”

Father Zheng nodded in agreement,

“Exactly, exactly.”

Zheng Shancheng thought about it and agreed that it would be good for Qingyin to go. His younger brother had been frugal all these years and hadn’t enjoyed a good life. Besides, marriage was an issue, and with better conditions, they could aim higher.

“Qingyin, after the autumn harvest, come with me to Shanci’s place. There’s nothing to fear with Big Brother and Second Brother around.”

Lin Ge’er added, “And Sister-in-law will be there too.”

Tears welled up in Zheng Qingyin’s eyes. He clutched his clothes and then let go.

Sister-in-law said that in the county town, with Second Brother as the magistrate, no one would dare bully him. If Second Brother didn’t like him, he could find a job in the county town and earn some money for himself.

Thinking this, Zheng Qingyin felt a bit of anticipation. His mind drifted to He Tian’s words, and he shivered.

Once he left Qingxiang Village, He Tian wouldn’t be able to find him. He wanted to see the outside world. With Big Brother and Sister-in-law accompanying him, the journey wouldn’t be too dangerous, which reassured him.

He nodded.

“That’s the spirit. Otherwise, Big Brother and I would have to tie you up and take you,” Lin Ge’er said with a wide grin.

That evening, the family decided when they would go to Xinfeng County, and no one was happier than Lin Ge’er. After washing up, Zheng Shancheng and Lin Ge’er lay in bed, and Lin Ge’er was still chuckling in the dark.

“Are you that happy?” Zheng Shancheng asked curiously.

Lin Ge’er replied, “Why wouldn’t I be? We’re going to a big place. You’re Shanci’s big brother. If he doesn’t care for me, he has to care for you, right?”

Zheng Shancheng had never been to a county town in his life, so he was a bit excited. He also hadn’t seen Zheng Shanci in a long time and missed him.

“I just wonder if the Second Fulang is easy to get along with?” Lin Ge’er optimistically thought, “I’ll just avoid provoking him.”

…

The next morning, after eating a homemade pancake, Zheng Shancheng and Lin Ge’er headed to town, taking Zheng Qingyin with them.

“Qingyin, don’t you have handkerchiefs and pouches to sell? Let’s take the ox cart to town together.”

“Sister-in-law, wait, I’ll go get them from the house.”

The three of them reached the village entrance where the ox cart was. It cost three wen per person, so Zheng Shancheng paid nine wen for the three of them. The old man driving the cart saw Zheng Qingyin and smiled, “Are you all heading to the market in town today? Even Qingyin is going out.”

Zheng Shancheng replied, “Winter is coming, so we’re going to town to buy some cotton and fabric for winter clothes.”

“You all are preparing early this year. Our family will wait until after the autumn harvest to go to town.”

The ox cart would only leave when it was full, so Zheng Shancheng chatted with the old man about the harvest. Before long, the old man brought up Zheng Shanci. Zheng Shancheng was used to it; everyone in the surrounding villages and towns knew that the Zheng family had produced an official.

The old man said, “A county magistrate, from our village. I walk with pride outside. Some people have never seen a county magistrate in their lives, but I held Shanci when he was a child.”

Lin Ge’er looked at the basket of Zheng Qingyin’s handiwork. His needlework was excellent, and his handkerchiefs and pouches always fetched a good price in town.

“Qingyin, didn’t I see you embroider a pouch with mandarin ducks? The ducks looked so lifelike. If you sell that pouch in town, it could fetch a good price.”

Zheng Qingyin blushed, “That was for Second Sister-in-law.”

“I thought if I didn’t go to Xinfeng County, Big Brother and Sister-in-law could take the pouch. If I go, I’ll give it to Second Sister-in-law myself. I wonder if she’ll like it?”

Lin Ge’er patted Zheng Qingyin on the back, “Why wouldn’t she? It’s the thought that counts.”

Zheng Qingyin was so considerate, it was endearing.

He smiled shyly. He was still nervous, and when they reached town, Zheng Shancheng and Lin Ge’er went to buy winter clothes, while he went to sell his handkerchiefs and pouches. They agreed on a meeting place.

Zheng Qingyin went to a familiar shop, and the shopkeeper’s wife greeted him with a smile, “Qingyin, here to sell handkerchiefs again?”

“These are the handkerchiefs and pouches I’ve embroidered recently. Please take a look, Sister.”

“I trust your skills,” the shopkeeper’s wife said without even looking, taking them from him. Zheng Qingyin’s needlework was excellent, with each handkerchief selling for eight wen. He had eight handkerchiefs in total. The pouches were fifteen wen each, and he had three. In total, it came to one hundred and nine wen, and the shopkeeper’s wife gave him one qian and ten wen. Others wouldn’t get this price, but Zheng Qingyin’s embroidery was exceptional.

“In the future, you won’t need to embroider these. I heard you’re going to be an official’s Ge’er. That’s a big deal,” the shopkeeper’s wife said, patting his hand. “Poor thing, you’ve been embroidering handkerchiefs and pouches to help your family since you were seven or eight. Our Ge’er is lazy and can’t do anything. You’re the kind of Ge’er people like.”

Zheng Qingyin knew she was joking. The shopkeeper’s wife adored her Ge’er. He smiled and said, “I’m not that likable. I think your Ge’er is very fortunate.”

As he left the shop, a cold wind blew, making him shiver. He pulled his clothes tighter.

“Qingyin, we’re over here!” Zheng Shancheng called, his basket filled with cotton, and Lin Ge’er waved with a smile.

Zheng Qingyin quickened his pace. Other people’s happiness was enviable, but his family wasn’t bad either.

“You look cold. Here’s a freshly steamed meat bun. Try it,” Lin Ge’er said, producing an oiled paper package like magic and handing it to him.

“Sister-in-law, that’s too expensive.”

“It’s already bought, so just eat it,” Lin Ge’er said happily. “Being an official comes with money, and we don’t have to support Second Brother’s exams anymore.”

Lin Ge’er received a glare from Zheng Shancheng and closed his mouth.

Zheng Qingyin took the meat bun and ate it. The freshly steamed bun was juicy and fragrant. The meat was finely chopped, well-seasoned, and the aroma was enticing. He hadn’t had a meat bun in a long time, and it was as delicious as he remembered.

Back then, when he was a child, Father Zheng and Zheng Fulang took the three kids to town to sell vegetables. The kids got hungry, so Zheng Fulang gave Zheng Shancheng money to buy buns.

Zheng Shancheng bought three buns, saying he wasn’t hungry, and gave two to Second Brother, eating one himself.

“Qingyin, let’s check out this shop,” Lin Ge’er said, pulling him into a jewelry store. The shopkeeper warmly welcomed them.

“We’re just looking,” Lin Ge’er said confidently.

Zheng Qingyin felt nervous and tugged on Lin Ge’er’s sleeve, whispering, “Sister-in-law, these things are too expensive. Buying them would be too costly.”

Zheng Shancheng caught up, and Lin Ge’er laughed, “Don’t worry, let your Big Brother pay.”

Lin Ge’er picked a hairpin for Zheng Qingyin to try, looking satisfied as he pushed him in front of a bronze mirror.

Zheng Qingyin blushed, wanting to remove the hairpin. Seeing his reflection, he paused.

“It looks great. Husband, go pay,” Lin Ge’er said.

Zheng Shancheng quickly went to pay, leaving Zheng Qingyin no time to protest.

A qian of silver disappeared just like that. Zheng Qingyin was anxious, “Big Brother, I have money. Let me pay.”

“With Big Brother here, how can I let you pay?” Zheng Shancheng said sternly.

Lin Ge’er pulled Zheng Qingyin aside, “When we get to Xinfeng County, you’ll need some accessories.”

As they rode the ox cart back, Zheng Qingyin kept touching the hairpin on his head, cherishing it.

Back home, he returned to his room, holding a small mirror to admire the hairpin. It was a simple hairpin with a small flower design. He looked at it repeatedly, touching it gently.

In the village, the fashionable Ge’er and girls had various hairpins, but he had none. Today, he suddenly had one, and even after so long, he was still delighted.

Recently, Lin Ge’er had talked to Zheng Qingyin, sensing his lack of confidence in his appearance. Lin Ge’er mentioned it to Zheng Shancheng, who agreed to buy him a hairpin.

His own brother, whom he had watched over the years, deserved a hairpin. The couple saved up to buy one for Qingyin.

…

Meanwhile, Zheng Shanci was surveying the land and assessing the commerce in Xinfeng County. The local economy was sluggish—most goods produced by the people were sold only within the county, largely due to poor transportation. The sandy soil also limited the variety of crops compared to the fertile plains.

Zheng Shanci began planning. He wanted to inquire about crops suitable for desert climates and potentially invest in them. Growing unfamiliar crops was a risk, but if successful, it could change the county’s agricultural structure.

Additionally, selling products individually wasn’t profitable. What the county needed was an industry chain—processing, packaging, transport, and distribution. That way, value could be added to local products, and people might earn more.

However, this required the cooperation of the county yamen. And there was a delicate line to walk: if the government took the lead in commercial activities, it would disrupt the social hierarchy and likely anger the local gentry. The upper class would not welcome competition from state-backed initiatives.

For now, the immediate priority was the autumn harvest. Tax collection was part of the county magistrate’s annual evaluation, and missing targets could hurt his future.

Zheng Shanci also had personal concerns. He had little money—household expenses were currently being covered by Yu Lanyi’s dowry and the pocket money sent from the Changyang Marquis Mansion. He felt guilty letting Yu Lanyi shoulder the burden.

His own monthly salary was only seven taels of silver. If his parents, elder brother, sister-in-law, and younger brother came to live with him, he would have to cover all their expenses too.

He felt a sense of urgency, needing money for security.

Yu Lanyi, who had never lacked money, was unaware of Zheng Shanci’s urgency. After resting for a few days, he realized he couldn’t return to his old life and sought some enjoyment.

The pomegranate tree in the courtyard was ripe, and Yu Lanyi had someone fetch a ladder to pick the fruit.

The servants held the ladder, worried he might fall. Jin Yun suggested letting others pick the fruit, but Yu Lanyi insisted, “What’s the fun in that? I want to pick them myself.”

The pomegranates in the courtyard were vibrant and smooth. Yu Lanyi climbed the ladder, and everyone watched anxiously.

He reached for a pomegranate, feeling its smooth, elastic surface. He tapped it, hearing a crisp sound.

A good pomegranate!

Yu Lanyi tossed the picked pomegranate into the basket Jin Yun held. Finding it novel, he picked several more.

Jin Yun, with a pained expression, said, “Young Master, that’s enough.”

As Yu Lanyi was about to climb down, Zheng Shanci returned, carrying green bean cakes. Seeing Yu Lanyi so high up, his heart raced, and he called out softly, “What are you doing?”

“I’m picking pomegranates.”

Yu Lanyi slid down the ladder like a slide.

Zheng Shanci: “…”

His heart pounded, fearing Yu Lanyi might fall.

Yu Lanyi noticed the oil paper package in Zheng Shanci’s hand and, without hesitation, took it, opened it, and ate a piece of green bean cake. The freshly made cake was fragrant, and Yu Lanyi savored it, looking content.

“Young Master, we plan to make pomegranate crystal cake, pomegranate pastries, and juice. What do you think?” the cook asked, taking the basket from Jin Yun.

“Do as you like, as long as it’s tasty. I don’t know much about these things,” Yu Lanyi waved dismissively.

Zheng Shanci was about to lightly scold Yu Lanyi, but hearing his words, he turned his attention to the cook.

The cook felt shy.

“Sir, why are you looking at me like that?”

The cook, a stout man, felt uneasy under Zheng Shanci’s gaze.

“Do you know how to cook many dishes?” Zheng Shanci asked.

“Yes, sir. I’m skilled in home-cooked meals and banquets. Whenever the Marquis Mansion hosts guests, my father and I handle the cooking. Even if I’m unfamiliar with a dish, I can make it with a recipe. Our family has been chefs for generations.”

Zheng Shanci was impressed, “A rich family tradition.”

Yu Lanyi, puzzled, watched as Zheng Shanci enthusiastically chatted with the cook.

Yu Lanyi crossed his arms, “What’s gotten into Zheng Shanci? Is he trying to poach my father’s cook?”

Indeed, Zheng Shanci was interested in opening a restaurant in the county town and needed a chef. He had many recipes in mind and planned to write them down that night.

Yu Lanyi was already lounging, sipping pomegranate juice.

Such a life was enviable.

Zheng Shanci still intended to lightly scold Yu Lanyi, as it was a matter of safety. He gathered his thoughts and said, “Don’t climb ladders again. What if something happens? You’re the head of the household; you can’t be reckless.”

Yu Lanyi: “?”

I’m the head of the household now?

Yu Lanyi was initially angry, ready to headbutt Zheng Shanci.

But Zheng Shanci’s words left him bewildered.

“Ahem, I understand. I was just bored and wanted to pick pomegranates. Besides, I’ve trained in martial arts; I’m not that fragile.”

Yu Lanyi was different from ordinary Ge’er. They often worried about money, children, and in-laws, but he didn’t have those concerns. He only needed to focus on his happiness.

After dinner, Zheng Shanci found a pen and ink to write down some recipes. His handwriting was steady—more mature than the original owner’s.

The original owner had already been quite accomplished in his studies, having risen from humble beginnings to become a top scholar. Each imperial exam produced only 300 jinshi, and few top scholars came from poor backgrounds, as it was a difficult and narrow path, far from the advantages of true scholarly families.

Still, the original owner had a poor character.

After writing several recipes, Zheng Shanci documented his observations of Xinfeng County, creating a work journal. He noted his visions for the county’s future, planning to realize them one by one.

Meanwhile, Yu Lanyi, holding a storybook, thought about how Zheng Shanci had come here with little money. He had brought over the money he got from selling jewelry, but the rest was still with the accountant, who wouldn’t let him spend too freely.

He decided to give Zheng Shanci some money to spend.

When Zheng Shanci returned from the study and finished washing up, he said, “Tomorrow night is the wedding of the Cheng family’s eldest grandson. We’ll attend the banquet.”

“I understand. I’ll cooperate with you,” Yu Lanyi replied, his eyes darting mischievously.

Then, with a more serious tone, he asked, “Zheng Shanci, do you have any money left? You need silver to manage the yamen’s officers. Don’t think I don’t know. I’m a Ge’er from the Marquis Mansion, and I know a bit about the ways of officialdom.

If you don’t give them money, they’ll look down on you and won’t listen, making your life difficult.”

He continued, voice steady with experience, “In the capital, with Father and Brother around, they wouldn’t dare act up. But here, it’s just you—and Father and Brother can’t intervene.”

Yu Lanyi analyzed the situation with authority, making it clear he understood more than people often gave him credit for.

Zheng Shanci was taken aback.

Yu Lanyi knew about these things.

“Keep your money for yourself. I still have some,” Zheng Shanci declined. He had fifty wen left, almost gone, but fortunately, meals were provided.

Yu Lanyi slipped a fifty-tael silver note into Zheng Shanci’s hand.

Zheng Shanci’s hand trembled.

“Use it. It’s the price of two roast ducks,” Yu Lanyi said.

“……”

Life is a series of challenges.

Extravagant.

Zheng Shanci said, “I want to open a restaurant to earn some money.”

Yu Lanyi clapped, “I’ll fund it!”

He hadn’t even explained yet.

“Consider it an investment,” Zheng Shanci said, bringing over paper to outline his ideas, like presenting a business plan, but his audience was just the person sharing his bed.

Yu Lanyi’s eyes sparkled, “I don’t understand what you’re saying, but it sounds great. I’ll give you money to open the restaurant.”

Zheng Shanci had never encountered someone like this. He looked at Yu Lanyi, thinking he never imagined being with someone like him. It was either a life of solitude or finding a shrewd partner, but never someone like Yu Lanyi.

But this was nice too.

He smiled, “Lanyi, if I meet someone as generous as you when opening the restaurant, I’ll cherish them.”

Yu Lanyi asked, “Why?”

“Because…” Zheng Shanci patted Yu Lanyi’s head, “You’re someone who grew up in a honey pot. Everyone would like you.”

Sweet and carefree, with no worries. His only worry was probably his husband, Zheng Shanci thought, smiling again.

Yu Lanyi blushed, asking, “Including you?”

Zheng Shanci blushed too.