Reaching

Zheng Shancheng was munching on a steamed bun, and when he thought of Zheng Shanci in the distance, a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

They had about half a month’s journey left before reaching Xinfeng County, just in time for the first half of the New Year. Once they arrived, they could celebrate a good New Year with Zheng Shanci.

The further Zheng Qingyin traveled, the more he felt his horizons broaden. He saw many different people and landscapes, and he smiled.

They were in luck today, as they reached an inn by evening. Zheng Qingyin had a room to himself, while Zheng Shancheng shared a room with Lin Ge’er.

After washing up, Lin Ge’er hummed a tune happily, always with a smile on his face.

Zheng Shancheng said, “You haven’t lost your temper once on this journey, it’s really strange.”

Lin Ge’er lay on the pillow, comfortably pulling up the quilt.

“What do you know? Do you even realize the weight of a County Magistrate?

We’re going to be relatives of the County Magistrate, and close ones at that.

Back when we were servants for the Xiang Family, we could only look down at our shoes. The young master of the Xiang Family even tried to force himself on me, and no one paid attention to my cries for help except you, who came to my rescue and offended the young master.”

Because Zheng Shancheng ruined the young master’s plans, the young master had people falsely accuse Zheng Shancheng of theft and broke his leg.

Zheng Shancheng sighed, “Why talk about it? It’s all in the past.”

“You say it’s in the past, but I haven’t let it go. If it weren’t for you holding me back, I would have gone to the Xiang Family to demand justice. I know you don’t want to cause trouble for Zheng Shanci, but what’s wrong with standing up for yourself? We’re not bullying anyone, just going with the flow.”

Zheng Shancheng: “Did you go to watch a play again when I went to the market during the autumn harvest?”

Lin Ge’er mumbled something and covered Zheng Shancheng’s head with the quilt. “Might as well watch if it’s free.”

“Let’s sleep, let’s sleep,” Lin Ge’er said.

Lin Ge’er’s looks weren’t stunning at first glance, but he was delicate and had a great figure, the more you looked, the more appealing he became. His eyes were large, his lips thin, and when he smiled, he had two little canine teeth.

The first time Zheng Shancheng went to the Xiang Family as a servant, he saw Lin Ge’er trimming branches in the garden, and his face felt hot. He could only lower his head and follow the steward.

Thinking of their first meeting, Zheng Shancheng hugged Lin Ge’er tightly.

…

The Zheng Family’s food shop was still making money, and the spicy sauce and oil pressing workshop were on track. As the weather turned cold, the soil in the fields became frozen. After handling official duties at the county office, Zheng Shanci would grab a handful of soil.

When people at the county office exchanged documents, they could still see Zheng Shanci grabbing soil, and rumors spread that Zheng Daren had a fondness for soil. He tested the moisture of the winter soil, and the abundant snow this winter was a good thing for Xinfeng County.

He had already formulated the recipe for fertilizer. In ancient times, composting grass fertilizer was an option. This type of fertilizer involved collecting weeds, composting them in a large barrel, and compacting them.

Previously, Zheng Shanci had put too much in during an experiment, almost causing it to overflow, and nearly turned himself into a drenched chicken.

The water, preferably from a fish pond, should be left in the sun for three to four days before being added to the barrel. The water should fill four-fifths or two-fifths of the barrel. Then, the barrel should be sealed tightly.

Zheng Shanci had Registrar Zhu find a heavy wooden lid and drill a small hole for ventilation. He had several yamen officers press the wooden lid down.

Fermentation took about a month, requiring a temperature above twenty-seven degrees. In about four weeks, it would be ready. The resulting fertilizer was liquid and needed to be diluted with water for use. This type of fertilizer was ideal for watering seedlings.

This fertilizer was relatively simple to make and very low-cost, making it perfect for watering seedlings. However, for greater fertility, manure was needed. The current weather wasn’t suitable for making fertilizer, so Zheng Shanci planned to try using manure in the spring, which should be a quick-acting fertilizer.

After making the grass fertilizer, Zheng Shanci didn’t use it immediately but left it in the county office’s courtyard. The yamen officers who passed by saw the large vat and didn’t bat an eye, thinking nothing of what Zheng Shanci was doing.

This lord handled official duties very well, concise and efficient, often summarizing issues in four words. Zheng Shanci really disliked reports that started with classical references and profound statements before finally presenting the problem and suggestions.

Under Zheng Shanci’s regulations, the officials in Xinfeng County subconsciously reduced their word count, striving to write concise official documents.

Zheng Shanci walked out of the county office, and there were already people selling cotton clothes on the street. Zheng Shanci had a notice board set up in an open space, where people could post job ads or seek workers.

Those who posted needed to be vetted by the county office, ensuring both parties’ rights were protected. If any issues arose, they could seek help at the county office, and contracts could be signed under the watchful eyes of the county office, with a portion of the fee going to the office. Any disputes could be resolved there.

When this regulation was introduced, Registrar Zhu thought not many people would come to sign contracts, but although the numbers weren’t huge, people came every day to write contracts.

Registrar Zhu thought they had made another sum of money, and Zheng Daren was indeed skilled at making money.

Zheng Shanci saw Registrar Zhu on the street, and Registrar Zhu immediately approached to pay his respects.

“Accompany me to the oil pressing workshop.”

Registrar Zhu agreed, feeling a bit delighted. He had come to understand that Zheng Daren was a capable person, and being valued by him was both surprising and flattering.

He hurriedly followed Zheng Shanci. The workshop had been built according to Zheng Shanci’s requirements, spacious and bright, not oppressive at all.

Most of the workers at the oil pressing workshop were widows of soldiers and rural folks. The workshop had expanded to about forty people, and after deducting workers’ wages and material costs, it generally made thirty taels of silver a month.

A farming household could earn at most three or four taels of silver a year, so running this oil pressing workshop with a monthly gross profit of thirty taels of silver was satisfactory to Zheng Shanci.

When the weather improved, he planned to sell Xinfeng County’s peanut oil and soybean oil to other counties, making another profit. Zheng Shanci was confident in the quality of the oil.

Zheng Shanci noticed some workers still wearing thin clothes and made a mental note. He asked the steward,

“Go ask why he’s only wearing a single layer.”

He knew that if he asked directly, the people would likely be reserved, so it was better for the steward, someone familiar to them, to inquire.

Soon, the steward returned and said,

“Zheng Daren, his family has nine members, and they can’t afford to make cotton clothes.”

Zheng Shanci nodded. He had reviewed the household registrations in Xinfeng County and knew that families here were large.

Generally, people didn’t choose to split up, as it was said that splitting up was a sign of a family’s decline. A family together was strong, helping each other, which was one reason why village heads and elders held high authority in rural areas.

Having been rooted in the same place for years, the power dynamics were complex, and any change could have widespread effects.

Thinking about the cotton clothes, Zheng Shanci considered buying several to distribute to the workers. Buying in bulk would also get a discount from the merchants.

Zheng Shanci pondered this but didn’t say anything. He always preferred to complete things before announcing them.

Registrar Zhu glanced at Zheng Shanci, unsure of what he was thinking.

“I understand. Have the workers free up the afternoon tomorrow.”

Since the spicy sauce workshop and oil pressing workshop were run by the county office, the county office would cover the cost.

Zheng Shanci said, “I’ve noticed that the local ruffians and hooligans in Xinfeng County aren’t too rampant lately, thanks to your efforts.”

Registrar Zhu bowed,

“My lord, it’s my duty.”

“Keep up the good work.”

Zheng Shanci patted Registrar Zhu on the shoulder.

Registrar Zhu escorted Zheng Shanci back, feeling closer to him. Zheng Daren seemed quite gentle, and Registrar Zhu’s heart leaned towards him.

Tonight, the prominent Gao Family in the city invited him for a drink, but Registrar Zhu declined. The Gao Family had a relative who got into trouble and ended up in the county office’s hands.

They brought gifts to plead for leniency, and it wasn’t a big deal, so Registrar Zhu had initially planned to go.

But halfway there, he remembered how Zheng Shanci had suddenly invited him to the oil pressing workshop today and said those words, wondering if there was a hidden meaning.

Thinking this, Registrar Zhu broke into a cold sweat and quickly sent someone to inform the Gao Family that he wouldn’t be going and returned the gifts they had brought.

Zheng Shanci was unaware of this.

The next day, as the head of the county office, Zheng Shanci informed Qi County Deputy of the matter early in the morning, and Qi County Deputy had no objections, though he was a bit surprised.

“Zheng Daren, you even pay attention to the workers’ issues. You’re very meticulous,” Qi County Deputy said, choosing his words carefully.

Zheng Shanci had been in Xinfeng County for some time, and his impact wasn’t significant. So far, he had only dealt with small profits like the spicy sauce workshop and oil pressing workshop. While they might cause some losses, they weren’t fatal, and the local gentry saw it as a gift for the new county magistrate.

As long as Zheng Shanci didn’t touch land or engage in private salt trading, their tolerance was high, and they were even willing to cooperate with him.

Qi County Deputy obediently left, and Zheng Shanci called Registrar Jiang over. “There will be more people coming to Xinfeng County soon. Make sure to check their travel documents carefully. If there’s any issue with their identity, don’t let them in.”

“Understood, Zheng Daren.”

After giving these instructions, Zheng Shanci thought about the upcoming New Year. Would the Zheng Family come over? He hadn’t received any letters from Qingxiang Village.

…

Oil Pressing Workshop

In the afternoon, the steward called all the workers to stop and line up. The workers obediently stood in a row, feeling a bit uneasy as a few people with measuring tapes came in to take their measurements.

After the measurements were taken, the tailors noted down everyone’s sizes and left after speaking with the steward.

“Steward, what’s this about? I feel like we’re pigs being measured for slaughter.”

The workers laughed heartily, and the steward’s expression relaxed as he lightly scolded, “What nonsense are you talking about! Zheng Daren noticed your clothes were too thin and had your measurements taken to make cotton clothes for you. You should be grateful.

Working here not only offers better conditions than outside but also provides security. Now you’re getting two sets of cotton clothes for free.

Zheng Daren came to the oil pressing workshop yesterday without making a fuss. He noticed some of you weren’t wearing cotton clothes and remembered it.”

The workers were already grateful to Zheng Shanci, and after hearing the steward’s words, they felt even more appreciative.

Most of them were widows of soldiers, and the men, women, and Ge’er were separated, each doing their own tasks. With the steward present, there were no issues.

Being able to earn money to support their families, regardless of whether they had to go out and show their faces, was something to be proud of for their families. Working at the oil pressing workshop, they weren’t really showing their faces, and they were working for the county office, which was something to boast about.

Some of the men at the oil pressing workshop were veterans who had retired from the battlefield, unable to do heavy work due to injuries.

They had joined the army to earn military rations and silver for their families, but now that they were retired, life was tough.

When looking for work, no one cared about how they got injured; they only saw that they couldn’t do certain tasks. No amount of sweet-talking would help.

So when a clerk in official attire knocked on his door, Wang Quan felt fearful.

They hadn’t interacted with the county office for years, and he stood there nervously. Even though he had been on the battlefield, he still felt a natural fear when facing county officials.

The clerk called his name and said, “The county office is opening an oil pressing workshop, and Zheng Daren said to prioritize hiring disabled soldiers and widows of soldiers. We’ve posted notices for a while. Zheng Daren was worried you couldn’t read, so he sent us to ask you personally.”

Wang Quan opened his mouth, his parents and wife weren’t home, and he was alone, feeling a bit awkward and confused.

“I’m a cripple. Can I still go?”

The clerk looked Wang Quan up and down and said, “Walk a bit and let me see.”

Wang Quan felt embarrassed, showcasing his shortcomings under such scrutiny. He felt ashamed and a bit hurt, but he still walked a few steps under the clerk’s gaze, sweating as if he had walked half his life.

The clerk said, “You can still walk, so you can work.”

“Then I’ll put your name down.”

Wang Quan forgot his previous mixed feelings and nodded quickly, feeling a surge of joy.

The clerk noted Wang Quan’s name and mentioned that his elder brother had also lost a hand in battle, and as long as they survived, it was enough.

Hearing this, Wang Quan felt no more discomfort.

He told his family about it, and they were all happy for him.

The steward said, “Alright, back to work.”

The steward’s voice brought Wang Quan back to reality. Thinking about the county magistrate he hadn’t met yet, Wang Quan suddenly realized that the clerk had been sent to inform them, specifically choosing families with veterans, so they could better understand and empathize with them.

Was that it?

Wang Quan didn’t know the answer, but he felt that Zheng Daren must be a kind person.

…

Zheng Shanci had listed the tasks for the coming spring. There was so much to do, and he was filled with anticipation. While he was diligently working, Yu Lanyi had gone out again.

He was with Xu Ge’er. Yu Lanyi had been practicing calligraphy in the study for a while and hadn’t been out. The weather was getting colder, and Yu Lanyi wrapped himself in a cloak before daring to go out.

Xinfeng County’s winter was colder than the Capital City’s. After walking a bit, Yu Lanyi felt his feet getting cold and thought he should wear two pairs of wool socks.

Yu Lanyi went out and met Xu Ge’er at a teahouse.

Today, Xu Ge’er invited him to play leaf cards. Yu Lanyi initially didn’t want to go out because he was afraid of the cold. But then he thought, after having lunch, he could go to the teahouse to play leaf cards and then pick up Zheng Shanci from the county office.

Zheng Shanci wouldn’t expect it. Yu Lanyi stepped on the snow, squinting with a bright smile.

Cheng Wen and his classmates had just come out of a bookstore, chatting and laughing. The academy was on break tomorrow, and they had rare time to relax. They planned to enjoy the snow scenery at the pavilion in the morning.

“Brother Cheng, your essay was excellent. In three years, you’ll surely achieve great results in the exams,” his classmate praised. Cheng Wen came from a good family, with his grandfather having been a governor. If Cheng Wen passed the imperial exams, his grandfather still had connections in the court, making his path smoother than ordinary students.

Cheng Wen was about to be modest when he saw Yu Lanyi. He was the second grandson of the Cheng Family, and when the eldest grandson got married, he was traveling with his mentor. He had just returned recently and hadn’t met Yu Lanyi.

Today, Yu Lanyi wore a bright red cloak, his skin snow-white, and his face radiant, a striking presence on the street. Few could wear a red cloak so well, and he was truly handsome.

Cheng Wen thought, noticing Yu Lanyi and Xu Ge’er entering the teahouse. He recognized Xu Ge’er but not Yu Lanyi. He planned to ask Xu Ge’er about it tomorrow.

Cheng Wen wasn’t married yet, having focused on his studies. Seeing Yu Lanyi stirred something in him, a desire to get to know him. Besides his elder brother, he was the most favored junior in the Cheng Family. Judging by Yu Lanyi’s attire, he seemed to match their family’s status, giving Cheng Wen confidence.

His marriage was still in the hands of his elders, who would consider the family’s interests when choosing a spouse.

Yu Lanyi arrived at the teahouse, where Xu Ge’er had invited two other Ge’er to play cards. One was Cheng Hui, an unmarried young Ge’er from the Cheng Family, who greeted Yu Lanyi with a “Brother Yu.”

The other was the newlywed Fulang of the Xia Family’s eldest son, who had married from Xuzhou, continuing a long-standing alliance between the families.

The Xia Fulang was also young, covering his mouth with a smile. “Young Master Yu is here, please sit. We’ve ordered Da Hong Pao tea. What would you like to drink?”

Yu Lanyi ordered green tea.

The four of them sat down to play leaf cards. During the New Year in the Capital City, Yu Lanyi had played leaf cards with relatives and never won. This time in Xinfeng County, he felt he could win.

Yu Lanyi was full of confidence.

But reality hit him hard. The three others were seasoned players, feeding Yu Lanyi many cards, and overall, he still lost.

The Xia Fulang’s mouth twitched. He had never encountered someone with such poor card skills. Even with them going easy, he felt Yu Lanyi was still floundering.

Yu Lanyi got frustrated, going back and forth with the three, but ultimately lost twenty taels of silver, feeling like the sky had fallen.

He had already spent his monthly allowance and now had no money left. He regretted playing leaf cards, as he had no money left and feared Zheng Shanci would scold him if he spent money from selling jewelry.

Thinking this, Yu Lanyi decided not to play anymore.

Xu Ge’er noticed his change and asked, “Lanyi, what’s wrong? Is it not fun? If you don’t like it, we can stop playing in the future.”

“It’s not about fun. If Zheng Shanci finds out I played leaf cards, I don’t think he’d approve.”

Xu Ge’er laughed, “Are you afraid of Zheng Daren?”

Having interacted with Yu Lanyi for a while, Xu Ge’er found his words amusing.

Yu Lanyi whispered, “Hey, I think he definitely wouldn’t agree.”

“I’ll leave now. Zheng Shanci is off duty, and I’m going to pick him up.”

Xu Ge’er was surprised to hear Yu Lanyi call Zheng Shanci by name, but he was used to it by now. He carefully thought that Yu Lanyi’s status might be higher than he had imagined.

After Zheng Shanci brought Yu Lanyi to Xinfeng County, the Xu Family had noticed that Yu Lanyi’s identity wasn’t simple. Yu Lanyi rarely appeared before them, but his attire was too eye-catching.

So they had someone inquire, but the news would take until spring to arrive due to the distance.

Zheng Shanci finished work on time, and people around him stepped aside, greeting him. Zheng Shanci lived in the back courtyard of the county office, which wasn’t just behind their office but required crossing a street to get home.

As he stepped out, he saw someone waiting nearby.

Zheng Shanci quickly walked over and saw it was indeed Yu Lanyi. Yu Lanyi felt a bit guilty seeing Zheng Shanci and said, “You’re quite early.”

“Same as usual. Why are you here?”

“I thought I’d come see you since I had nothing to do at home,” Yu Lanyi said.

He had something on his mind, and Zheng Shanci, in his happiness, hadn’t noticed. He just held his hand and said, “The weather’s nice tonight. Let’s have dinner and then go for a walk.”

Yu Lanyi nodded.

The weather was still cold, and Zheng Shanci wore many layers under his official robe, looking a bit round, but his face was still handsome. On cold winter nights, he liked Zheng Shanci holding him to sleep, as it was warm.

“Isn’t it too cold? Tomorrow, I’ll have workers make a heated bed, so we won’t need to burn charcoal at night.”

Yu Lanyi kicked the snow pile by the road. “Oh, just hold me more to keep me warm.”

Zheng Shanci didn’t know what to say to that.

Many household matters didn’t require Yu Lanyi’s involvement, but he was learning accounting from the bookkeeper and Jin Yun.

When Zheng Shanci’s business grew, it wouldn’t be appropriate to leave the family assets to outsiders, so Yu Lanyi was learning.

Learning was fine, but seeing and touching money without being able to spend it was frustrating.

He thought he couldn’t just sit and eat away at the family fortune. Wasn’t that the saying?

Yu Lanyi couldn’t quite remember.

He wanted to make money.

When Zheng Shanci heard Yu Lanyi say he wanted to make money, he was silent for a long time.

He didn’t say a word.

Yu Lanyi: “…”

“Zheng Shanci, say something. Why aren’t you speaking?”

Yu Lanyi looked up at Zheng Shanci with dissatisfaction.

After thinking for a moment, Zheng Shanci said, “Actually, if you just spend less, it’s like making money.”

Yu Lanyi still had shops in the Capital City, collecting rent every year, and estates too. When he returned to the Capital City, he’d have even more money. Besides, Zheng Shanci genuinely believed that if Yu Lanyi spent less, it would be like making money. He spent money too lavishly.

Yu Lanyi crossed his arms, looking at Zheng Shanci. “You think I spend too much?”

Zheng Shanci: “I think you’re already very good-looking, and the clothes you buy and only wear a few times don’t add much value. These clothes can’t enhance your beauty. You look good in anything.”

Yu Lanyi silently unclenched his fists. “Good that you know. Ahem, I’ll try to save a bit, save up to buy gifts for Dad, and of course, buy you a pair of boots.”

Zheng Shanci: “Huh?”

“Buy a pair of thick boots. Aren’t your boots cold in this weather?!” Yu Lanyi said, exasperated. “In such cold weather, do your boots keep you warm?”

Actually, they were fine. He was wearing three pairs of socks.

Zheng Shanci wisely didn’t say that.

After dinner, the couple went out with an umbrella, not letting the servants follow. After they left, Jin Yun wondered why they were going out in such cold weather to catch a chill.

Zheng Shanci held the umbrella, and outside, there were vendors selling roasted corn and potatoes. The corn cost three wen each, roasted over a fire, perfect for this weather. The roasted potatoes were just a side, costing one wen each.

Zheng Shanci bought a roasted corn, split it in half, and they each had a piece. They had just finished dinner, so the roasted corn was just a taste. Zheng Shanci bit into it directly, while Yu Lanyi glanced at him, patted the dust off the corn, and then ate it with restraint.

They didn’t wander the night market much, as Xinfeng County wasn’t that big, and they had already seen it all. On their way back, they had a bowl of silver ear soup, warming up before heading home, only to run into Qi Family Head and Gao Family Head.

The two family heads approached to pay their respects to Zheng Shanci.

“It’s been a while since we saw Zheng Daren. I’ve heard about the Zheng Family’s food shop and the county office’s spicy sauce and oil pressing workshop. I even sent someone to buy and try them. Zheng Daren truly has real skills, earning the county office quite a bit of silver,” Qi Family Head praised with a smile.

“These are small matters. We might need to collaborate with you two in the future.”

Gao Family Head laughed heartily. “If Zheng Daren comes to us, it would be our honor.”

After exchanging pleasantries, they parted ways.

These two old foxes, Zheng Shanci had seen the county office’s records, and many cases were related to the city’s prominent families. He hadn’t caught these families’ weaknesses yet, but once he did, they’d be sent to prison.

“When you first came to Xinfeng County, many people came to give gifts, but I didn’t accept any,” Yu Lanyi said proudly. “I know you can’t accept gifts in your position. Accepting gifts makes you seem easy to manipulate, like someone who can be bought with money or beauty. That image would take root in people’s minds.”

Zheng Shanci tapped Yu Lanyi’s nose. “You’re absolutely right, no wonder you’re the legitimate Ge’er of the Changyang Marquis Mansion.”

Hearing this, Yu Lanyi raised his chin high, snorting. “I’ve seen these people often, learned by ear.”

Zheng Shanci wanted to laugh. Hearing Yu Lanyi use four-character idioms was amusing.

“You’re amazing.”

Yu Lanyi stepped on the snow, his eyes sparkling.

Like a child who had been praised.

His steps quickened.

Zheng Shanci couldn’t keep up, and he suddenly thought he should find a martial arts master to train his body.

Back in their room, they had a great time. The two of them snuggled under the covers, keeping each other warm. Zheng Shanci touched Yu Lanyi’s collarbone, feeling a bit nervous. Yu Lanyi was a bit thin, but he had everything he should have.

Yu Lanyi hugged Zheng Shanci’s waist. “What are you doing? It tickles.”

In winter, the inner clothes were padded, keeping them warm. Yu Lanyi lazily didn’t want to move. He noticed Zheng Shanci’s fingers lingering at his waist.

A hand tugged at the sash.