Hot Sauce

What kind of family is the Zheng family now? Could they even be considered a match anymore?

Old He wasn’t blind—he could see plainly that Zheng Qingyin had no interest in He Tian. 

Mutual affection? That was a joke. And what was so special about his son anyway? Was He Tian some kind of rare gem, expecting Zheng Qingyin to give up the chance to marry an official’s son just to be with a village boy?

Old He was furious.

He pointed straight at He Tian’s nose and snapped, “You brat! I thought at most you’d go after a girl from town—but you’ve got some nerve, setting your sights on Zheng Qingyin. Have you even thought it through?

You might fancy the Zheng family, but do they fancy you?!”

If He Tian hadn’t brought it up, Old He never would’ve guessed what his son had been scheming—and the realization shocked him.

He might be the village head of Qingxiang Village, but in front of the county magistrate, he was a nobody. Not even ranked. And their family wasn’t well-off. How dare He Tian aim so high?

The Zhengs used to be poor, yes, but everything changed after Zheng Shanci passed the scholar exam. That single success had shifted the entire family’s standing.

And if He Tian kept thinking this way—trying to grab what wasn’t his—trouble was bound to follow.

But He Tian remained stubborn.

“Dad, you’re just being too cautious. We grew up in the same village—there’s some affection between us. Why can’t we be together?”

His tone grew more insistent.

“Besides, we’ll just get married in the village. By the time Zheng Shanci finds out, it’ll be too late. Qingyin will already be my spouse.”

His eyes glinted.

As long as he marries me, that little Ge’er will be mine. Tied to me.

Old He’s face darkened.

The moment he realized He Tian wasn’t just being foolish—he was plotting to trap Zheng Qingyin—his temper exploded. Without another word, he snatched a broom from the yard and started swinging it at his son.

“I never realized you were this kind of person! Shameless! Do you think the Zheng family are fools?! If I can see through your intentions, don’t you think others can too?!”

He Tian scrambled to dodge the blows, shouting protests, but Old He didn’t stop.

“You’ll bring shame to this family, He Tian! Don’t you dare go digging your own grave!”

Aunt He heard her son’s cries of pain and came out from the kitchen. Seeing Old He hitting He Tian, she got angry and started scolding him.

“Why are you hitting our son after having a full meal?”

The He family courtyard was bustling with noise.

…

Old He didn’t stop until He Tian was truly frightened. He wasn’t just venting anger—he wanted to beat the foolishness out of his son, to crush any lingering thoughts of trying to climb above his station.

Only when Aunt He rushed out to intervene did he finally throw down the broom. Breathing heavily, he shot He Tian a cold look and said sharply,

“It’s important to know one’s place. You’ve read books—don’t throw your dignity on the ground for others to trample on.”

Even the sons of local officials were trying to marry into the Zheng family—not for the Zhengs themselves, but because of Zheng Shanci’s powerful in-laws. Influential families from the county and the town had already come bearing heavy gifts, hoping to form connections. But the Zheng family refused them all.

If he, the village head, actually went to propose a match for He Tian, he’d be laughed out of the yamen.

There was no comparison. No equality between the families. And worse—he’d gain a reputation for currying favor. That, Old He simply couldn’t bear.

Without another word, he turned and stormed off.

He Tian sat in the courtyard, smarting from the blows. But even then, he didn’t take his father’s words to heart.

He was too confident. Too sure of his ability to manipulate Zheng Qingyin.

Later, Aunt He came back and sat beside her son, frowning as she looked at the bruises starting to show on his arms.

“What on earth did you say to your father to make him hit you like that?” she asked, concern and suspicion mingling in her tone.

“I asked Dad to propose for me,” He Tian muttered, “but he refused.”

The moment she heard that, Aunt He’s face darkened.

“Why? We’ve been saving for your marriage—what’s wrong with asking your father to propose? Is he trying to act all high and mighty now just because he’s village head?”

She snorted.

“Just wait, I’ll talk to him. Who ignores their own child’s future just to lecture about ‘knowing your place’? What kind of talk is that? Hmph!”

Her voice rose, full of frustration. In her eyes, a proposal was a normal step—how could Old He treat it like some sort of offense?

He Tian said, “I asked Dad to propose to Zheng Qingyin.”

Aunt He’s anger froze on her face: “…I think your dad is right.”

No one expected Zheng Qingyin to marry someone from Qingxiang Village. She knew her family’s situation, and her son didn’t even have a title, so how could he have such delusions?

…

The Zheng family was unaware of the chaos He Tian was causing in the He family.

They had finished the autumn harvest and didn’t plan to go to town for work this year, deciding to take a good rest. Zheng Shancheng, thinking he wouldn’t be home for the winter, went to the mountains before dawn to gather and chop firewood, leaving some for his father and dad.

Zheng Fulang and Lin Ge’er tidied up the stove. Zheng Fulang chopped the meat and said, “I’ll make some cakes for you to take on the road. We still have some cured meat at home, take it with you. It’s a long journey to Xinfeng County, you should eat well.”

Lin Ge’er quickly responded, “Dad treats us so well. We don’t need to eat too much meat. After a few days on the road, we’ll still need to buy food.”

“That’s true, we can’t take too much. Food spoils if kept too long.” Zheng Fulang started chopping the pork.

Zheng Qingyin brought over a small stool, holding vegetables in his hands, washing them.

Seeing Zheng Qingyin, Zheng Fulang smiled, “Looking at you, I feel like Qingyin hasn’t grown up. You used to be so brave, often following Shancheng into the woods, and you loved eating wild fruits from the mountains. You were always so filial, eating the wild fruits yourself and bringing the squeezed ones back for us. They were so squished from holding them too tightly.”

“We didn’t eat them, and you just looked down, licking the juice off with your tongue.” Zheng Fulang’s eyes showed a hint of worry, “I don’t know when it started, but Qingyin became more reserved, not wanting to interact with people or talk much. If this trip to Xinfeng County can make Qingyin happy, I’ll be glad.”

Lin Ge’er also liked this little uncle and said, “Dad, don’t worry. Qingyin will definitely feel better in Xinfeng County. He’ll eat well and drink well there, and his personality will naturally become more cheerful.”

Zheng Fulang smiled, “You.”

Zheng Qingyin placed the washed vegetables on the cutting board.

The hairpin given to Zheng Qingyin by Zheng Shancheng and Lin Ge’er wasn’t worn by him now; he was afraid of damaging it. He planned to wear it when going to Xinfeng County.

…

Xinfeng County

Zheng Shanci’s days in Xinfeng County were relatively stable. He had paid the deposit to the merchant caravan, waiting for them to return in the spring next year. Then, he would have the yamen issue notices for the village heads of the four major towns to take on the task of encouraging the villagers to plant these crops.

On the first day of the Zheng family’s restaurant opening, it was crowded with diners. Many were drawn in by the aroma of grilled sausages placed at the entrance. After buying a couple of sausages, they wanted to go inside for a meal. The sausages bringing in diners was an unexpected delight.

Jin Chang, after a few busy days, felt the shortage of staff and hired two more people as kitchen helpers. These helpers signed agreements stating that if they disclosed the recipes from the restaurant, they would face legal consequences.

The Zheng family’s restaurant offered good food at reasonable prices, attracting groups of people who would invite friends for a meal, maintaining face without spending too much.

The restaurant had two floors; the ground floor was the main hall, and the upper floor had private rooms. Some people preferred the privacy of the rooms over the open hall, making it easier to converse with friends.

“Let’s go eat at the Zheng family’s restaurant,” a few scholars invited each other. Occasionally, they would treat themselves, sharing a table to split the cost. Saving where they could, they could order more dishes to share.

Merchants and stewards from wealthy families also liked dining there. With some money in their pockets, they were willing to spend on satisfying their appetites. Ordinary folks wouldn’t frequent the place often. They would usually buy a snack from a stall or have a bowl of noodles to get by, only visiting the restaurant for family celebrations.

The longer Zheng Shanci stayed in Xinfeng County, the more he realized there were other areas needing improvement. Although the sandy soil was a disadvantage for Xinfeng County, it could be turned into an advantage.

When the merchant caravan passed through Xinfeng County, they bought medicinal herbs grown in the sandy soil at low prices, selling them at a profit in other towns, making a net profit of a hundred silver coins.

Some herbs only thrived in sandy soil, and tending to them was meticulous work. The caravan pressed the prices low, and the villagers, seeing no profit, wouldn’t use their land for growing herbs.

The caravan left fully loaded.

The ingredients for the Zheng family’s restaurant were bought early from the market by trusted people. Busy as they were, they were happy to earn money.

Next, Zheng Shanci planned to open two workshops in Xinfeng County—one for chili sauce and another for oil pressing. However, these wouldn’t be run under his personal name. Instead, they would operate under the county yamen’s name, making them official public ventures.

The funding structure of the county yamen was limited. Its income mainly came from taxes—including land tax, commercial tax, and customs duties—as well as from county-managed lands, which brought in rent and occasional profits.

While ranked officials in the county yamen received salaries directly from the imperial court, the situation was different for minor officials and yamen runners. These personnel didn’t have formal court ranks and had to rely on the county’s own funds for their wages.

And with such limited revenue, what they received was often meager—barely enough to support a household.

So, they often exploited the villagers for profit.

By opening workshops under the yamen’s name, the funds would come from the yamen, and the profits would also belong to the yamen. Once the reputation was established, merchants seeing the potential for profit would flock to open workshops.

Zheng Shanci said, “Wangfu, call Qi County Deputy, Jiang Registrar, and Zhu Registrar over.”

“Yes, Daren.”

The three came to pay respects to Zheng Shanci.

Zheng Shanci shared his plans with them.

Zhu Registrar was tempted. Unlike Qi County Deputy and Jiang Registrar, he was not ranked, so his salary depended on the yamen’s income. He was the first to agree to opening the chili sauce and oil press workshops.

“Daren, if these two workshops are established, they will become part of the yamen’s income. With more funds, the yamen can do more in the future.”

If Zheng Shanci made money and shared it with the yamen’s runners and minor officials, they would all be loyal to him. People have always been like this; if you can lead the yamen brothers to a good life, they will recognize you as their leader.

Qi County Deputy pondered for a moment and said, “This might be seen as competing with the people for profit.”

Having been in Xinfeng County for many years, Qi County Deputy, a traditional Confucian scholar, valued reputation, and this wouldn’t sound good if it got out.

Jiang Registrar thought it was a good idea and countered, “The money earned from the county’s chili sauce and oil press workshops goes into the public account of the yamen. How is that competing with the people for profit? It’s taking from the people and using it for the people.”

Zheng Shanci: “…”

Zheng Shanci: “We’ll go with the majority.”

Qi County Deputy thought about it and realized that opening two workshops wouldn’t cost the yamen much, so he let Zheng Shanci proceed. If successful, they would all benefit; if not, it wouldn’t affect him much. Qi County Deputy tacitly agreed to the plan.

The yamen managed the land, so there was no worry about land rent. Skilled craftsmen were hired to start building the chili sauce and oil press workshops. Initially, each workshop would have about twenty people, keeping it simple.

Zheng Shanci personally selected the land and had the construction team build it. He told the construction steward, “Use good materials, and make sure there are windows. Once it’s done, people from Xinfeng County can work in the workshops.”

“Yes, Daren Zheng.”

With the plan in place, Zheng Shanci felt a surge of confidence.

The local construction team, which had seen little work all year, was suddenly re-energized by the assignment to build the chili sauce workshop. For many of them, it wasn’t just another job—it was a sign that things might finally be changing in Xinfeng County.

In the past, county magistrates had a reputation for indifference. Most simply waited out their term, marking time until they were either transferred or promoted. Very few truly cared about Xinfeng’s long-standing issues.

But Daren Zheng was different. His proactive approach gave people hope. At the very least, it showed that someone in power was actually trying.

Since taking office, Zheng Shanci had made a series of deliberate moves.

First, he curbed misconduct by the yamen runners during the autumn harvest—something previous magistrates had turned a blind eye to. That decision alone earned him the quiet respect of the more upright officials and workers within the yamen.

Next, he thoroughly reviewed the county’s case files, handling old disputes with fairness and precision. Word quickly spread that the new magistrate respected both law and etiquette.

Xinfeng County was still struggling—short on money, low on food—but his proposal to open chili sauce and oil press workshops under the yamen’s banner was met with broad approval.

Not just because it might improve the economy, but because people could finally see a magistrate who wasn’t just sitting behind a desk—he was building something, literally and figuratively.

With funds, the yamen could function better.

As he was about to leave work, Jiang Registrar approached Zheng Shanci and asked, “Daren Zheng, after dinner, would you like to go fishing?”

Feeling a bit eager, Zheng Shanci nodded, “Would you like to join, Daren Jiang?”

Jiang Registrar was delighted, “I mentioned before about having a fishing contest with you, and now there’s a chance.”

Hearing this, Zheng Shanci agreed on a time with Jiang Registrar to go fishing together.

Xinfeng County had rivers, though smaller compared to the big ones. After dinner, Zheng Shanci took his fishing rod and basket, wearing a raincoat in case of rain.

Yu Lanyi saw him and recalled the scene of meeting Zheng Shanci fishing in the Capital City while riding a horse. He looked at Zheng Shanci and said, “You’re going fishing?”

“I’ve arranged to go with Jiang Registrar.”

Zheng Shanci asked if Yu Lanyi wanted to join, but Yu Lanyi didn’t want to sit idly by the pond, so he declined.

That evening, Zheng Shanci left, and Yu Lanyi lay alone in bed, suddenly feeling the bed was bigger, allowing him to roll around.

Yu Lanyi felt somewhat satisfied.

At the pond, Zheng Shanci and Jiang Registrar cast their lines and sat steadily. Zheng Shanci’s gaze fell on the fertile soil by the pond, thinking it could be used for crops. Realizing what he was thinking, he found it amusing. Why did he always think about farming when he saw something?

He eagerly awaited the return of the merchant caravan, knowing that patience was key. First, he needed to establish the chili sauce and oil press workshops to gain more trust from the people.

Besides Zheng Shanci and Jiang Registrar, other fishermen were also at the pond.

As night fell, Zheng Shanci wasn’t greedy, taking seven or eight small fish home. Jiang Registrar, having practiced fishing at home, managed to catch three small fish, feeling quite pleased with his haul.

The two returned with their catch.

With funds, the yamen could work on water projects and irrigate farmland. They also planned to build a road connecting to Lan County, allowing Xinfeng County’s produce to reach other county towns.

Zheng Shanci prioritized the quality of the chili sauce and oil press workshops.

The next morning, when Yu Lanyi woke up, the bed was empty. He didn’t know when Zheng Shanci returned or when he left for work.

Recently, Zheng Shanci seemed to be in good spirits at the yamen.

Yu Lanyi wasn’t idle either. Cheng Furen invited him to a chrysanthemum viewing, and he remained cautious when interacting with these people.

Jin Yun said, “Young Master, this is fish porridge made from the fish Daren caught last night.”

Yu Lanyi took a bite, finding it delicious.

“How many fish did Zheng Shanci catch?”

Jin Yun smiled, “They’re all in the porridge.”

Yu Lanyi looked at his bowl in silence.

Zheng Shanci’s fishing skills weren’t great.

Yu Lanyi went to the Cheng Mansion, led by attendants to the garden for the chrysanthemum viewing. As soon as he entered, he was surrounded by a group of ladies and Ge’ers, like butterflies, calling out, “County Magistrate’s Fulang, you’re here.”

They surrounded him like stars around the moon.

Yu Lanyi glanced at one beauty, then another gentle beauty, and then a cool beauty. These ladies and Fulangs were truly like flowers.

There were many beauties in the Capital City, but Yu Lanyi had never been surrounded like this. Cheng Furen smiled, “County Magistrate’s Fulang, please have some tea. This is Maojian, see if it suits your taste.”

Yu Lanyi took a sip, finding it slightly sweet.

He nodded modestly.

It was similar to flower-viewing banquets in the Capital City, where ladies gathered to exchange news or arrange marriages for their children. Looking at the autumn chrysanthemums, Yu Lanyi felt a bit bored.

“County Magistrate’s Fulang, are you comfortable living in Xinfeng County?” Cheng Furen asked.

“It’s alright.” Yu Lanyi thought, he wasn’t staying long, and he had adapted to the weather.

“Coming from the Capital City with Daren Zheng, your parents must be worried. A mother’s heart is always concerned for her child. Seeing your young age, I think of my own children.”

Yu Lanyi said, “It’s fine. I have an elder brother at home, very capable, and my father is skilled in martial arts. I also know some martial arts, so they worry more about others than me.”

Yu Lanyi thought of Changyang Marquis and Yu Fulang but wasn’t worried about them. His elder brother was there, and the family doctor checked their pulses every seven days. After a month, Yu Changxing would invite the head of the Imperial Medical Office to check on them, ensuring any illness was detected early.

Declining Cheng Furen’s invitation to stay, Yu Lanyi left, finding it uninteresting. He went to a jewelry shop to buy some jewelry, planning to give it to Zheng Shanci’s younger brother as a gift.

Jin Yun realized Cheng Furen was probing into the young master’s background, but the young master didn’t catch on and didn’t reveal anything.

Jin Yun felt a bit relieved.

“How about this hairpin for Zheng Shanci’s younger brother?”

It was shiny, fitting the young master’s taste.

Jin Yun said, “Perhaps Daren’s brother prefers something simpler.”

Yu Lanyi thought for a moment but didn’t put down the gold hairpin, also buying a simple one.

“I’ve been working hard lately, so this gold hairpin is a reward for myself.” He also bought a bracelet for Zheng Qingyin and five simple hairpins, each with a different design.

With this spending, Yu Lanyi had used up his allowance from the accountant, unable to withdraw more this month.

Sigh, the young master spent money too lavishly.

Yu Lanyi happily returned home.

…

Zheng Shanci returned early today, with Wangfu holding some chili peppers. He came back to make chili sauce. Since learning about the grasslands in Xinfeng County, Yu Lanyi enjoyed riding in the afternoons, often accompanied by Xu Ge’er.

He planned to make garlic chili sauce. After washing and drying the peppers, he removed the stems and used a manual grinder to crush them, which required a lot of strength. He chopped garlic and ginger, adding vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Zheng Shanci loved spicy food and had researched chili sauce. He found a small jar, filled it with the mixture, and sealed it, planning to open it in seven days.

He also made fresh meat chili sauce, which would be priced higher due to its shorter shelf life compared to garlic chili sauce. It required fermented bean paste, which fortunately they had at home.

Zheng Shanci gathered peanuts, sesame seeds, and cooking wine…

When Yu Lanyi returned home, Xu Ge’er was with him. As they entered, they smelled a delicious aroma.

“It’s not mealtime yet. Who’s using the kitchen?”

A servant replied, “It’s Daren in the kitchen.”

Xu Ge’er was surprised.

Yu Lanyi quickly walked over.

Zheng Shanci had made a jar of garlic chili sauce, fresh meat chili sauce, and red oil chili sauce, all sealed in clay jars to be opened in seven days. The kitchen still smelled of chili.

“What are you making?” Yu Lanyi asked curiously.

“Chili sauce. I’ll let you try it in seven days. And this is—” Zheng Shanci looked at Xu Ge’er.

Xu Ge’er quickly bowed, “Greetings, Daren Zheng. I’m Xu Ge’er.”

“Since you’re a friend of Lanyi, you’re my friend too.” Zheng Shanci nodded kindly. He left the kitchen, saying, “Excuse me for a moment, I still have the smell of chili on me. I’ll join you later.”

Xu Ge’er said, “Daren Zheng is too polite.”

Yu Lanyi relaxed and walked to the main hall, asking, “Do you have any dietary restrictions? I’ll have Jin Yun make arrangements.”

Xu Ge’er shook his head, “I’m not picky.”

“Alright, have some dates and pomegranates first.”

Someone brought good tea, and Xu Ge’er, after taking a sip, realized it was high-quality. Seeing Yu Lanyi’s vibrant demeanor, he guessed his background was extraordinary, clearly raised with love.

He lowered his gaze, still surprised by the sight of Zheng Shanci, a county magistrate, cooking.

Zheng Shanci didn’t interrupt their conversation, disappearing after excusing himself, only reappearing at dinner.

“Sorry, I had some unfinished business to attend to.”

Yu Lanyi said, “You’re always busy, never having time for me.”

Zheng Shanci said, “I’m off tomorrow.”

Realizing he hadn’t spent much time with Yu Lanyi, Zheng Shanci quickly promised to make it up to him.

During dinner, Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi didn’t deliberately get close, but whenever their eyes met, they would shyly look away, like newlyweds.

The eldest grandson of the Cheng family had just married, but his Fulang wasn’t like this, behaving like an ordinary Fulang, virtuous and understanding.

Xu Ge’er envied Yu Lanyi, and after dinner, he took his leave.

“Thank you for the hospitality, Lanyi and Daren Zheng. I’ll be going now.”

Zheng Shanci arranged for the mansion’s carriage to take Xu Ge’er home.

In front of others, Yu Lanyi maintained a bit of decorum, but once Xu Ge’er left, he relaxed. “Zheng Shanci, I want to be the first to try the chili sauce.”

Zheng Shanci smiled and agreed, “Alright.”

“Zheng Shanci, you seem to be doing well as an official, looking quite capable.” Yu Lanyi said, pinching Zheng Shanci’s arm.

Zheng Shanci: “…”

Yu Lanyi’s eyes sparkled as he pulled Zheng Shanci to the courtyard. “Look at the stars, they’re so bright.”

“Our dad is looking at the same night sky.”

Hearing this, Zheng Shanci felt a warmth in his heart, thinking Yu Lanyi might be a bit homesick.

“This year, I heard the general at the border is returning. Your father has connections with him. You can return to the Capital City with him for the New Year, and come back after, or not at all. Just be careful.”

Yu Lanyi felt a bit angry hearing this, “What do you mean by ‘not at all’? You really don’t know how to talk!”

Looking at Zheng Shanci’s handsome face, Yu Lanyi felt like poking his lungs.

“If you can’t talk, then don’t.”

Yu Lanyi glared at Zheng Shanci, then leaned down and bit his ear.

Zheng Shanci looked around, seeing no one in the courtyard, his face flushed. “You, you…”

“You’re not going to say it’s disgraceful, are you?” Yu Lanyi teased, “I’ve never believed in that since I was a kid.”

Looking at Yu Lanyi, with the candlelight from the house casting a soft glow on them, Zheng Shanci grabbed Yu Lanyi’s hand, pressing him against the pomegranate tree.

The pomegranate tree had already been picked clean, its fruits made into juice.

It was like a juicer.

The sudden impact made the tree’s leaves rustle.

Yu Lanyi’s back didn’t hit the tree; Zheng Shanci had placed his hand behind him. His face was handsome, half in the light, casting shadows that outlined his features.

Zheng Shanci leaned in, his lips brushing against Yu Lanyi’s, then moving to his neck.

Outside the courtyard, there were the cries of street vendors and the sounds of stray cats walking on the eaves at night, all clear to him.

It was thrilling and a bit embarrassing.