Opening of the Restaurant

Some villages are still being exploited by the yamen officers, but it’s much better than last year. People keep this to themselves and don’t dare to talk about it openly. 

After the autumn harvest, the streets of the county town are filled with more people selling grain. Villagers usually sell the bulk to grain stores in the county town first. If the stores stop buying, they find a spot to set up a small stall and sell rice by the pound, making a few bucks this way.

The rice transported from other counties tastes better than the rice from Xinfeng County, but not everyone is picky about the taste, so the local rice still has some competitiveness in the county town.

Some families are just waiting to eat the new rice that has just come out this year. They are generous and usually buy enough grain for a year or half a year. Having grain stored at home always brings peace of mind.

Some are stewards of large households. They buy grain for their masters from other counties, while the servants get old rice mixed with a small amount of new rice. Once the new rice comes out, the price of old rice drops.

The price of new rice is eight wen per jin, while old rice is six wen. Grain is precious in Xinfeng County, so the price of old rice doesn’t drop much.

After the autumn harvest, villagers have free time to look for work in town, sell vegetables from home, or directly sell food in town.

A scallion pancake sells for four wen each, and a bowl of tofu pudding goes for three to five wen. Calculating this way, it’s not a loss. As more people gather in town and the county town, Zhu Dian Shi is busy running around.

Where there are people, there are conflicts, and when tempers flare, the county yamen needs to step in to calm things down.

Today, Zheng Shanci plans to handle some unresolved cases. Jiang Zhubu greets him with a smile.

“Zheng Daren, I’ve already negotiated with the leader of the caravan. This caravan often travels in Qingzhou and has a good reputation. Their home base is in Qingzhou. They initially wanted a deposit of fifty taels, but I negotiated it down to forty taels. We’ll pay the balance when the goods arrive next year.”

Zheng Shanci: “You’ve done well with this.”

Merchants traveling in Qingzhou, if the spicy sauce made next year tastes good, can sell it to the caravan to spread the word. Selling medicinal herbs to such caravans also ensures credibility.

Thinking this, Zheng Shanci feels more at ease. When the goods arrive next year, he plans to personally negotiate business with the caravan leader.

Pointing to a dossier, Zheng Shanci asks, “Do you remember this case?”

Jiang Zhubu takes the dossier from Zheng Shanci: “I know about this, it’s a property dispute.”

“This is the case of Boss Shen in the city. Boss Shen opened a clothing shop in this county and is wealthier than the average person, so he has one wife and two concubines. Boss Shen favored his concubine’s son and left sixty percent of the family property to his third son, twenty percent to his second son, and twenty percent to his eldest son. The eldest son is the legitimate son, while the other two are concubine-born. Since there was a will, when the eldest son filed a lawsuit, it was executed according to Boss Shen’s will.”

This matter caused a stir in Xinfeng County, as it involved the property dispute between a concubine-born son and a legitimate eldest son. The common folk loved to hear about it, and the wealthy enjoyed watching, so they would know what to do if something happened.

The previous county magistrate found it troublesome and maintained the property division among the three sons according to the will. After all, Da Yan law allows for inheritance by will.

Zheng Shanci said, “The eldest son is the legitimate eldest son. According to custom, Da Yan follows the system of inheritance by the legitimate eldest son, while concubine-born sons also receive property, but their share cannot exceed that of the legitimate eldest son.”

A hint of surprise flashed in Jiang Zhubu’s eyes, and he nodded, saying, “Da Yan law also has this provision. It’s up to Zheng Daren to decide when two regulations conflict, choosing one over the other.”

“The system of inheritance by the legitimate eldest son has been in place since the Zhou Dynasty. Studying the teachings of Confucius and Mencius naturally upholds the system of inheritance by the legitimate eldest son.”

Zheng Shanci: “Summon the three sons of the Shen family. I want to re-examine this case.”

…

Since most of the family property had been inherited by the third son, the eldest son and his mother were driven out. They had no choice but to temporarily settle in a remote part of the county town.

Although they were supposed to receive twenty percent of the inheritance, they hadn’t seen a single coin of it. Instead, they were handed fifty taels of silver and sent away—quietly, without ceremony.

The servants in the Shen mansion now treated people entirely based on status. Once, they would bow and greet him. Now, he couldn’t even step past the front gate.

To make matters worse, his mother, Madam Shen, fell ill. The silver they’d received was like a drop in the bucket—barely enough to buy medicine, let alone pay for proper treatment.

With no other options, he was forced to take odd jobs outside, working wherever he could find a day’s wage.

When the yamen officers came to take him, the eldest son of the Shen family was in the kitchen brewing medicine.

“Young Master Shen, come with us.”

Young Master Shen said coldly, “I haven’t committed any crime. Why are you arresting me?”

Madam Shen, looking sickly, got out of bed, covering her mouth as she coughed, her face pale as snow: “Why are you arresting my son? We haven’t offended anyone, and we have no money!”

“Zheng Daren has seen the dossier on the Shen family property dispute and wants to re-examine the case.”

Both Madam Shen and Young Master Shen were stunned. Re-examine the case? This means they might get more property. Otherwise, it’s shameful for a legitimate eldest son to only receive twenty percent of the family property. Could it be that re-examining the case would result in even less than twenty percent?

“I’ll go right away. Mother, stay at home. I’ll be back soon.” Young Master Shen didn’t need the yamen officers to force him. He quickly followed them, eager to go to the court and express his grievances, and also to see his third brother again.

Third Young Master Shen still had a carefree attitude, while Young Master Shen was full of indignation. Zheng Shanci tapped the gavel.

The clerk announced the previous case’s verdict.

The court, which hadn’t been in session for a long time, now echoed with a powerful voice, and the townspeople rushed to watch the excitement.

“It’s Young Master Shen and Third Young Master Shen. What’s going on now?”

“I heard the new county magistrate wants to re-examine their inheritance case. Zheng Daren looks so young.”

Many mansion ladies sent maids and servants to the county yamen to inquire, and some ladies or husbands were bold enough to disguise themselves and listen at the yamen gate. This concerned how their future lives would be.

Zheng Shanci first listened to Third Young Master Shen: “This is how our father’s will was written. I don’t see any problem with it.”

Young Master Shen couldn’t hold back any longer. When Zheng Shanci called his name, he stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said loudly,

“Our father favored you and divided the property, giving you sixty percent and me only twenty. When you drove me out, you gave me just fifty taels of silver. If I go to the Shen mansion now, you call people to beat me.

Shen San, you’re pushing me to the brink.

I’m the legitimate eldest son, with no moral flaws—yet I only get twenty percent of the property? Does this mean concubine-born sons are more honorable than legitimate sons now? There’s no need to fight for status anymore—just manipulate the will, and bloodlines mean nothing.”

His words stirred something in the crowd. Townspeople and passersby gathered outside the yamen, murmuring among themselves. Some ladies and husbands looked uneasy, a flicker of resentment forming in their eyes.

Zheng Shanci tapped the gavel, his voice steady:

“According to the Da Yan law, inheritance follows two principles: the system of inheritance by the legitimate eldest son and the system of inheritance by will.

In this case, Shen… clearly favored the concubine-born son, resulting in the legitimate eldest son receiving less than his younger, concubine-born brother. This violates the legitimate inheritance system.

If this were allowed to continue, Xinfeng County would fall into chaos.”

He looked directly at the crowd before continuing:

“Therefore, I rule that the property distribution shall be: sixty percent to the legitimate eldest son, twenty percent to Third Young Master Shen, and twenty percent to Second Young Master Shen.”

Third Young Master Shen’s face paled. Losing forty percent of the inheritance in an instant was a heavy blow.

Meanwhile, Young Master Shen was visibly relieved. Though his half-brother still received a portion, regaining his rightful sixty percent left him satisfied.

He bowed solemnly. “Thank you, Zheng Daren.”

Zheng Shanci didn’t respond. He tapped the gavel once more to officially close the case, then turned and left the court.

He had made his ruling based on the law—not on sentiment, not on sympathy. As long as there was reason, he would do his best to ensure fairness.

Back in his office, Zheng Shanci resumed his paperwork, calmly processing the remaining files. Meanwhile, the case of the Shen family property stirred up conversation all over the county. The story spread quickly—from one to ten, and ten to a hundred.

In households where concubines were favored, the ruling cast a shadow. Quiet changes began to ripple through these families.

The Da Yan Dynasty revered Confucianism. Since ancient times, peace in the inner courtyard depended on the dignity of the wife and the hierarchy of sons. If concubine-born sons surpassed the legitimate heir, chaos would follow.

Zheng Shanci’s ruling reminded everyone that while favor could shift, law did not.

It also made something else clear: this new magistrate was serious, principled, and not to be underestimated.

In the following days, Zheng Shanci handled several more cases with similar care. Bit by bit, the people of Xinfeng County began to trust him.

That evening, Zheng Shanci returned home to find Yu Lanyi sitting on the couch, holding an invitation.

“Cheng Furen invited me to admire chrysanthemums tomorrow morning,” Yu Lanyi said, yawning. He didn’t seem excited, but added, “Still, I suppose I should go. I’m the county magistrate’s husband now. I should be socializing and gathering information.”

Then, as if remembering something, he added, “I have to get up early tomorrow. Remember to wake me when you head out.”

Zheng Shanci glanced at him and raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

Yu Lanyi nodded confidently.

As if he wouldn’t be able to get up? Impossible.

Zheng Shanci didn’t press further.

“I heard you’ve taken on some work from the Ministry of Justice,” Yu Lanyi said with a small smile, walking over to cup Zheng Shanci’s face gently. “People are talking about that case you handled. They’re praising you. How do you know all this? Did you study law before?”

Zheng Shanci smiled faintly. “I read the legal code myself when I came to take office with you.”

Yu Lanyi’s expression softened. “With your abilities, you’re bound to achieve great things.”

He thought about how Zheng Shanci endured such tedious matters without complaint and felt an even deeper confidence in him. This man, who had seemed so quiet and distant before, was steadily proving himself.

Lately, Yu Lanyi had started to enjoy life in Xinfeng County. Just that afternoon, he had gone horseback riding with Xu Ge’er. The vast pastureland made raising horses, sheep, and even camels surprisingly convenient.

More caravans and even acrobatic troupes had arrived in town recently. There was a liveliness in the air. Yu Lanyi was looking forward to exploring more, hoping to find a few small, delightful things he could call his own.

Without relatives or friends here, Yu Lanyi had less fun visiting, but he still found enjoyment every day. Suddenly, he remembered that Zheng Shanci mentioned that the Zheng family would come, but they hadn’t arrived yet.

Zheng Shanci: “They’ll probably come after the autumn harvest.”

“Then I’ll have Jin Yun prepare a few rooms. The third brother is still a fourteen-year-old Ge’er, so it should be nicely decorated. Ge’ers love these things.” Yu Lanyi thought excitedly: “I’ve never taken care of a younger Ge’er before.”

There were Ge’ers in the family, but due to parental restrictions, they were always restrained. Here, it was his own territory, and they were Zheng Shanci’s elder brother and younger brother. Yu Lanyi was a bit excited.

“Elder brother treats me well, and Qingyin is a well-behaved person.” Zheng Shanci smiled: “With you here, I’m not worried.”

Hearing this, Yu Lanyi almost patted his chest to make a promise, ensuring everything would be handled perfectly.

“Rest assured, I’ll make sure they’re well taken care of.”

He had money and people.

After sharing a bed for many days, Yu Lanyi slowly moved closer, and Zheng Shanci carefully reached out to wrap an arm around Yu Lanyi’s waist, resting his head on Yu Lanyi’s neck, saying, “You eat so little, your waist is so thin.”

Yu Lanyi blushed, then rolled his eyes: “I naturally have a small appetite.”

When it came to meals, his appetite was small, but when it came to snacks, it was big, varying with the situation.

Zheng Shanci never did anything inappropriate, as if doing so would be a grave sin. He only kissed his face, held hands, and hugged his waist. Zheng Shanci touched Yu Lanyi’s face: “Sleep.”

Yu Lanyi wanted to kick Zheng Shanci.

He fell asleep.

The next day, Yu Lanyi vaguely heard Zheng Shanci’s voice.

“Lanyi, wake up…”

Yu Lanyi pulled the pillow over his head, burying his face in it, covering his face with the pillow.

Zheng Shanci: “…”

Zheng Shanci didn’t force him. Yu Lanyi was never an early riser. Yu Lanyi threw the pillow at Zheng Shanci, put on his shoes, and opened the window. It was just dawn, and it was still chilly outside.

He shivered and said, “Up earlier than the chickens, sleep later than the dogs.”

Zheng Shanci thought, what could he do? Just a seventh-rank civil servant.

Yu Lanyi decisively went back to sleep.

Zheng Shanci was extremely envious.

Yu Lanyi covered himself with the quilt and fell asleep.

Sometimes, when Zheng Shanci woke up from this bed, he would feel a bit dazed because the bed he was lying on couldn’t be bought with thirty years of his salary. He had no money in his pocket.

He was living a life beyond his salary, and it was tough.

The household department handed over the account books. After Qi County Deputy’s repeated calculations, they reached Zheng Shanci. With his obsessive-compulsive disorder, he calculated again before instructing people to transport the grain to Qingzhou.

With such thorough checks, there were basically no errors.

After the autumn harvest, Jin Chang, following Zheng Shanci’s instructions, hired some people to open a restaurant, hiring a cook, a dishwasher, and three waiters.

Jin Chang asked for Zheng Shanci’s opinion on the name, and after thinking for a moment, he said, “Let’s call it Zheng Family Restaurant.”

Jin Chang: “…”

Jin Chang agreed.

When the restaurant opened, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi went to eat there. Yu Lanyi ordered four dishes and a soup, mainly because they were their own cooks, and he knew their culinary skills, so he ordered some fresh dishes.

Braised lion’s head, tomato and potato stewed lamb, stir-fried fish fillets, and a tom yum soup.

The braised lion’s head was made with pork belly, minced into meat paste, mixed with eggs, lotus root crumbs, starch, soy sauce, and other ingredients. When the oil in the pot was hot, the meatballs were fried until golden and then drained. Some oil was left in the pot, and then water was added, and the meatballs were simmered over low heat after boiling.

This braised lion’s head was delicious, with juice bursting out when bitten.

Yu Lanyi picked up a meatball and ate it, amazed.

He suspected that the Jin Chang in the kitchen was a fake because the taste was different from what Jin Chang usually made.

“Zheng Shanci, this is too delicious.” Yu Lanyi lowered his head to eat.

Yu Lanyi ended up eating two bowls of rice. Zheng Shanci filled a small bowl of soup for him and placed it by his hand: “Eat slowly, have some soup.”

“It’s really delicious, and the soup is so good too.” Yu Lanyi was very satisfied.

He wanted to take Jin Chang back to cook for him alone.

Seeing that he liked it, Zheng Shanci smiled: “I can make these dishes too.”

A gentleman stays away from the kitchen, yet Zheng Shanci could cook. Yu Lanyi remembered that he had once gone to find Zheng Shanci in a small alley in the capital. He was alone at home, poor, and had to cook for himself.

If Zheng Shanci hadn’t taken the imperial exams, he would have been an excellent cook, Yu Lanyi thought and said it out loud.

Zheng Shanci laughed: “I can’t be a cook, I just want to cook for myself.” He added, “And for you.”

Hearing this, Yu Lanyi felt light as if he were walking on clouds.

He was about to say something.

Zhu Dian Shi walked into the newly opened restaurant and saw Zheng Shanci, feeling a bit regretful. He had no choice but to bow and greet him: “Zheng Daren.”

“We’re off duty, no need to be so formal.”

Zhu Dian Shi agreed and asked a waiter for a menu, ordering six dishes and five pots of wine. Since Zheng Shanci told him not to be formal, he wasn’t. He planned to invite his brothers for a drink and have some fun, as they had been busy lately.

Soon, several prison guards familiar with Zhu Dian Shi arrived. There were four of them, each sitting in a corner. Seeing Zheng Shanci eating, they were startled and quickly went to greet him.

One of the men even brought a skewer of grilled sausage, which cost four wen per skewer. He smelled the aroma and placed it at the left door of the restaurant.

Zhu Dian Shi and his friends were initially reserved, but after drinking, they became more relaxed. However, they still kept a mental note not to reveal anything about the yamen.

They used to only drink and eat peanuts, but now, smelling the restaurant’s dishes, they couldn’t help but pick up their chopsticks and eat a few bites, unable to stop.

The prices were reasonable, and the taste was so good. Zhu Dian Shi thought he would come to this restaurant to eat and drink in the future.

While they were enjoying their drinks, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi had finished eating. Zheng Shanci said, “Put that table on my tab.”

Seeing them enjoying themselves, Zheng Shanci didn’t go over to say anything. He and Yu Lanyi left the restaurant. Outside, many people were lining up to buy grilled sausages. 

After eating the sausages, they became interested in the restaurant and went in to try something new. After all, it was a new restaurant, and they wanted to try it once. If it wasn’t good, they wouldn’t come back, having only been overcharged once.

There were many scholars in groups of three or four, pulling their companions to eat.

Yu Lanyi, still unsatisfied, said, “Zheng Shanci, if you opened this restaurant in the capital, you’d make even more money.”

“When we go back, I’ll fund a tavern for you. No need to rent a shop; I have a shop you can use.”

Zheng Shanci: “…” Filthy rich.

Zheng Shanci asked, “Are you getting used to it here?”

“I’m getting used to it. You’re very accommodating to me. I never thought my husband would be so accommodating.” Yu Lanyi lowered his head, kicking a small stone by the roadside: “I know people in the capital say I have a bad temper and unrealistic dreams. I think so too, but living a lifetime with a husband who has others, I’d rather be alone. After all, I have loving family and money.”

Yu Lanyi looked up, and the autumn wind was already a bit cold.

From the street came a shout—

“Light the lamps!”

Someone held a long bamboo pole, lighting the lanterns hanging under the eaves, one by one.

The wind made Yu Lanyi’s nose a bit red, and he said, “Zheng Shanci, would you lie to me? Will you have someone else in the future?”

Zheng Shanci shook his head: “No, I won’t.”

Two questions, and Zheng Shanci answered twice.

He couldn’t do such a thing, nor did he want to.

Zheng Shanci pulled Yu Lanyi closer: “It’s getting cold at night, let’s hurry back.”

“I won’t go back on my word. I promised my father-in-law not to take concubines before thirty. Now I promise you, I’ll never take concubines, whether before or after thirty, just us.” Zheng Shanci knew words alone couldn’t earn trust, so he would prove what kind of person he was through actions.

Yu Lanyi’s eyes were a bit red. He lowered his head, saying nothing, and reached out to hold Zheng Shanci’s arm, wanting to lean his whole body against him.

He was too suspicious, always seeking reassurance from Zheng Shanci. Zheng Shanci must find him annoying, but he couldn’t help it.

At the gate, as soon as they entered the mansion, Yu Lanyi hugged Zheng Shanci’s waist, burying his head in his chest.

The chest quickly became a bit wet, and Yu Lanyi cried quietly.

“Zheng Shanci, you’re so good. No one has ever said such things to me.”

How many times must he say he’s good? Zheng Shanci gently patted Yu Lanyi’s shoulder, his eyes curving with a smile, saying, “You deserve it.”

Seeing Yu Lanyi unwilling to get up, Zheng Shanci thought of a meme, the one with a yellow face crying pitifully.

He chuckled softly.

Then Yu Lanyi jumped out of his arms and punched him, “You’re so good at sweet-talking, you’re something else.”

Zheng Shanci felt a pain in his chest.

…

Qingxiang Village

Since Zheng Shanci passed the scholar exam, the Zheng family no longer had to pay taxes to the village. During the autumn harvest, all the harvest from the fields belonged to them, and they were more motivated to farm. 

When the villagers took their rice bags to pay taxes, Zheng Shancheng, Lin Ge’er, and Father Zheng carried baskets to town to sell the new rice.

They had hope in their hearts, and everything they did was full of energy. After selling the new rice and getting the money, Father Zheng put it in his pocket, bought two jin of pork for twenty-four wen, and planned to stir-fry pig offal at home.

He also got a jug of turbid wine from the tavern, making life beautiful.

When they returned to the village, they saw villagers carrying rice bags to pay taxes. Father Zheng and the others showed no expression, acting as usual. At home, they were just like ordinary people. If they showed off their good life these days, it would be inappropriate.

Father Zheng shouted, “We bought pork and pig offal, and I’m having a drink tonight.”

At home, Father Zheng couldn’t contain his happiness. Their ancestors had always paid taxes, but now they were exempt from land taxes. Over the years, this would save a lot of money.

“Buying wine again, you’re spending all the family’s money!” Zheng Fulang glared at Father Zheng, taking the basket from him. Seeing two good pieces of meat, he was also happy and called Lin Ge’er and Zheng Qingyin to the kitchen to cook.

Father Zheng: “In a few days, you take Lin Ge’er and Qingyin to Xinfeng County. You should arrive in mid-November. They’re both Ge’ers, and you’re a man, so take care of them.”

Zheng Shancheng nodded: “Got it, Dad. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of them.”

“The journey is long. Let your father make some dry food for you to take on the road.”

Zheng Shancheng kept nodding: “Okay.”

The three Ge’ers at home cooked the meal, and when Father Zheng smelled the meat, his eyes lit up.

“We’ve been busy with the autumn harvest and haven’t had meat for a long time.”

Zheng Fulang brought the bowls and chopsticks, and Zheng Shancheng brought the dishes.

…

The aroma wafted over to the neighbor’s house.

Old Man Miao next door smelled the aroma and looked at the green vegetables at home, losing his appetite. If the stir-fried vegetables were delicious, it would be fine, but the farmer’s stir-fry was truly plain, without salt or oil, just water.

“Why not use more oil and salt?”

Aunt Miao sneered: “You give me money?”

“Tomorrow morning, take the grain to town to sell, and we’ll have money.” Old Man Miao said stubbornly.

The son and daughter-in-law at home couldn’t persuade them; it wasn’t their place to interfere with the elders.

Seeing his son’s timid appearance, Old Man Miao got angry: “Look at you, you can’t work in the fields, can’t study, compared to Zheng Shanci, you’re worlds apart. Both are people, how did you turn out like this!”

Old Man Miao said, stuffing green vegetables into his mouth, envious of the aroma from the Zheng family.

“What’s gotten into you?” Aunt Miao put down her bowl, ignoring Old Man Miao.

Ever since Zheng Shanci passed the scholar exam, some in the village had quietly begun to hope for his success—particularly his relatives from the Zheng family. After all, if he rose in rank, they stood to benefit.

Lately, this hope had already started to bear fruit. Several young men from the Zheng family gained an edge in marriage proposals. Just this month, two young couples and one young husband pair had successfully tied the knot, thanks in part to Zheng Shanci’s growing reputation.

Of course, not everyone was supportive. Some secretly hoped he was just a flash in the pan. But to their surprise, their little Qingxiang Village had actually produced a county magistrate.

During the busy autumn harvest, the village was a flurry of activity. The village head was swamped with responsibilities, juggling tasks and managing disputes.

That evening, as he finally sat down to smoke a pipe and enjoy a rare moment of rest, He Tian appeared.

His son, a scholar himself, had been busy lately—caught up in the hustle of the harvest season and village affairs. Seeing He Tian approach, the village head tapped out his pipe and gave him a sideways glance.

“You’ve got something to say, don’t you?” he asked, voice gruff but not unkind. “Don’t just hover there. Speak up. No use holding it in.”

“Dad, I’m not young anymore, it’s time to talk about marriage.” He Tian said.

Old He relaxed his expression: “Is that it? Your mother is looking for someone for you. What do you think of the Du family’s Ge’er and sister in the village? They’re from a wealthy family, and both Du Ge’er and Du sister are good-looking and hardworking, a good match for my son.”

He Tian said nothing.

“Why aren’t you satisfied? There are also families in town, but that would require you to be a live-in son-in-law, which your mother and I won’t allow.” Old He said.

In ancient times, the status of a live-in son-in-law was very low. Usually, only families in dire straits would send their sons to be live-in sons-in-law. They had to change their name, take care of their wife’s family, and their children would take the mother’s surname, with no status in the wife’s family, very humble.

Old He, being a village head, couldn’t let his son be a live-in son-in-law. If he did, he’d lose face and dignity.

He Tian said, “I want to marry Zheng Qingyin.”

Old He: “?”

He stopped smoking, eyes wide.

“What did you say?!”

Old He got up from his chair, thinking he might have misheard. How could his son think that way?

“Dad, I like Qingyin, and Qingyin likes me too,” He Tian said, full of confidence. “Our family can propose to the Zheng family. After we’re married, I’ll take Qingyin to Xinfeng County and find a job.”

He smiled as he spoke, already envisioning the future. “It’s not like being a live-in son-in-law in town—it’ll be a proper marriage. My status won’t be low. And then, I’ll bring you over too, so we can all live a good life.”

He Tian truly believed this. In his mind, Zheng Qingyin wouldn’t dare refuse him. He had genuine feelings for Qingyin—he was good-looking, had a nice figure, and more importantly, was easy to control.

He couldn’t compete with Zheng Shanci in academics, but he could still use the Zheng family’s rising status to gain something for himself. As far as He Tian was concerned, it was a solid deal.

Old He’s face twisted with rage. His hands trembled as he slammed down his pipe.

“Are you crazy?!”