Reunion

Zheng Shancheng: “Thank you, but we’re not here looking for work.”

Zheng Shancheng said something to Lin Ge’er, and the three of them headed towards the county office. The young man noticed Lin Ge’er and Zheng Qingyin, and his eyes lit up. It had been a long time since he had seen such beauties in Xinfeng County.

Lin Ge’er was full of anticipation. When they reached the entrance of the county office, they were taken aback by the two stone lions at the gate. They couldn’t imagine how grand it must be inside.

The county office had red tiles and white walls, with two yamen officers standing by. Zheng Shancheng swallowed nervously and stepped forward to ask, “Daren, I am the elder brother of Zheng Daren, and I’ve come from Qingxiang Village to find him.”

The yamen officer initially didn’t want to bother with Zheng Shancheng, seeing his shabby appearance. But upon hearing he was the elder brother of Zheng Daren, his attitude changed. He cast a suspicious glance at Zheng Shancheng, who looked embarrassed.

“You wait here, I’ll go in and report,” the yamen officer said. He wasn’t sure if it was true, but if it was, they couldn’t afford to offend Zheng Daren. So, whether true or not, he had to report it. If it turned out to be false, at most they’d get a scolding. But if it was true and they didn’t report it, they’d be in big trouble.

The yamen officer went to find Zheng Shanci with a humble demeanor.

“What is it?” Zheng Shanci looked up from his work.

“Zheng Daren, there’s someone outside claiming to be your elder brother from Qingxiang Village,” the yamen officer quickly reported.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Shanci immediately stood up. “I’ll go take a look.”

It was about the right time for someone from Qingxiang Village to arrive, and Zheng Shanci felt a bit excited. He quickly walked forward, with snow still falling from the sky. Wangfu hurriedly came forward with an umbrella to shield Zheng Shanci from the snow.

The yamen officer who reported the news saw Zheng Shanci’s hurried steps and quickly followed behind.

Zheng Shancheng and the others had come on foot, without an umbrella. The snow started falling suddenly, and they stood under the eaves of the county office to avoid it. Their cotton clothes were thin, and the cold wind made them shiver.

Zheng Qingyin’s nose was a bit red from the cold.

Lin Ge’er, being bold, stretched his neck to peek inside the county office. The other yamen officer turned a blind eye and didn’t stop him. Lin Ge’er heard footsteps approaching and whispered, “Someone’s coming.”

Zheng Shanci walked out of the office and immediately saw Zheng Shancheng, Lin Ge’er, and Zheng Qingyin. They looked much like he remembered, though a bit travel-worn and weary.

“Wangfu, go get three hand warmers, and make sure the fire in my room is burning bright. Also, bring three cloaks,” Zheng Shanci instructed.

“Yes, Daren.” Wangfu handed the umbrella to a yamen officer and ran off to carry out the orders.

Zheng Shancheng almost didn’t recognize Zheng Shanci at first. Seeing him in a light green official robe with an official hat, and the yamen officers standing respectfully behind him, Zheng Shancheng felt a lump in his throat.

“Elder brother, why didn’t you let me know you were coming? I could have prepared and sent someone to meet you at the city gate,” Zheng Shanci said, stepping forward.

“It’s too cold out here. Let’s go inside and talk.”

Zheng Shancheng nodded, following Zheng Shanci’s lead. “We thought we’d finish the autumn harvest and take care of the crops before coming. Once we reached Xinfeng County, we decided to come straight to the county office to find you, so we didn’t bother writing a letter.”

As they walked into the county office, Zheng Shancheng felt a bit intimidated, his steps light and cautious.

Everyone around wore official attire, and upon seeing Zheng Shanci, they greeted him with a respectful “Zheng Daren.”

Zheng Shancheng was startled, not daring to look around. His own clothes were shabby, and he felt embarrassed, wishing he could disappear into the ground.

Lin Ge’er and Zheng Qingyin followed behind, with Lin Ge’er using his peripheral vision to take in the people and scenery of the county office. The corridors were long, and everyone greeted Zheng Shanci as he passed, a testament to the authority of a county magistrate.

Zheng Qingyin clung tightly to Lin Ge’er’s sleeve, not daring to let go.

They reached the office area, which had a courtyard where only Zheng Shanci worked. He quickly invited Zheng Shancheng and the others inside. Wangfu instructed people to add more charcoal to the fire, making the room warm and cozy.

“Come in and sit,” Zheng Shanci urged, pulling Zheng Shancheng to a seat and inviting Lin Ge’er and Zheng Qingyin to sit as well.

As soon as they entered, they felt the warmth envelop them, a stark contrast to the biting cold outside. Lin Ge’er finally took a good look at Zheng Shanci. This place was indeed grand, and being an official had changed him, giving him an air of authority.

Wangfu brought three cloaks, a black one for Zheng Shancheng and two green ones for the two Ge’ers. It was impressive how quickly Wangfu found three new cloaks and even chose the colors.

Zheng Shanci was pleased. “Elder brother, sister-in-law, and little brother, I see you’re dressed a bit thinly. When you go out later, wear the cloaks. After I finish my duties, I’ll take you around Xinfeng County.”

Lin Ge’er looked at the new cloaks hanging on the rack, feeling satisfied. Zheng Shanci noticed his thin clothing, showing he had matured as an official. Though Zheng Shanci disliked him, Lin Ge’er still felt a bit restrained, unlike at home. Zheng Qingyin glanced at Zheng Shanci and quickly lowered his head, blushing.

He hadn’t seen his second brother in a long time and didn’t know what to say.

He was a bit afraid of him.

Zheng Shancheng: “Why waste money on this?”

Though Zheng Shancheng said this, he was happy that Zheng Shanci cared about them. The tea was hot, and Wangfu poured everyone a cup. The aroma indicated it was good tea.

“Are you hungry? We have some snacks you can try. If you’re hungry, I can take you to a restaurant for a meal.”

“We had some dry food on the carriage at noon, so we’re not hungry now.”

Lin Ge’er pouted. Dry food couldn’t compare to a restaurant meal. The food on the carriage was just to fill their stomachs, and now that they had the chance to eat well, his husband refused. Lin Ge’er was dissatisfied but couldn’t voice it, so he swallowed his discontent.

“By the way, second brother. The coachman who brought us is still waiting at the inn, and we have luggage on the carriage,” Lin Ge’er remembered to mention.

This needed to be addressed sooner rather than later, as the coachman’s matter couldn’t be delayed.

“Wangfu, have someone bring the luggage from the carriage to the residence and give the coachman some travel money. The snow is heavy, so it’s fine for him to stay in Xinfeng County for a few more days. It’s not safe to travel in this weather.”

“Yes, Daren.”

Zheng Shanci handled the matter well, without hesitation or confrontation. In the past, whenever Lin Ge’er spoke, Zheng Shanci would either sarcastically mock him or coldly dismiss him, making his attitude clear.

Today, it was as if he had changed.

“How are father and dad? Why didn’t they come with you?” Zheng Shanci asked. He was happy to see Zheng Shancheng and the others, but he felt a bit disappointed not to see Father Zheng and Zheng Fulang.

“They said they wanted to spend the New Year in Qingxiang Village, and with the cold weather, they probably didn’t want to come. We just came to see you,” Zheng Shancheng explained, feeling like a poor relative coming to take advantage.

“Elder brother, what are you saying? If it weren’t for you earning money to support my studies, how could I have become an official? You should stay here and not go back. I’ll find you a leisurely job,” Zheng Shanci said with a smile.

Lin Ge’er, hearing this, felt even more assured about Zheng Shanci. Maybe he had gone to the Capital City and had an epiphany, suddenly understanding human relationships and caring for his elder brother.

He thought this as he secretly took a piece of green bean cake, biting into it. His eyes widened. Damn, this was delicious. So this was the kind of cake officials ate?

No wonder so many people wanted to study and become officials. This life was truly wonderful.

Zheng Shanci continued talking with Zheng Shancheng, who gradually relaxed. “You don’t need to worry about things at home. Father and dad, along with the Zheng family, are taking care of things. I’ve also asked my childhood friends to help them.”

“I’m glad you’re doing well, elder brother. I wrote so many letters and didn’t receive a reply. I thought you weren’t coming,” Zheng Shanci said with a gentle smile.

Hearing this, warmth spread through Zheng Shancheng’s heart. He couldn’t help but overcome his nervousness, moving closer to pat Zheng Shanci on the shoulder. The official robe was cold, but it finally felt a bit warm.

“Ever since you became an official, people in the village envy me. I’m so proud to have a brother like you. My brother is a county magistrate, and I can’t express how happy I am. You wrote to me, so I shamelessly came.”

Seeing Zheng Shancheng’s embarrassed expression, Zheng Shanci squinted, feeling a bit speechless.

The Zheng family really is…

“Elder brother, what are you saying? You’re being too polite. If you keep talking like this, I’ll get angry. It sounds like you don’t see me as your real brother,” Zheng Shanci said.

“I didn’t mean it that way,” Zheng Shancheng quickly explained.

“Elder brother, have some cake,” Zheng Shanci said, handing a piece to Zheng Shancheng. He noticed Zheng Qingyin with his head down and called his name, offering him a piece of water chestnut cake. “Qingyin, have some cake. See if you like it.”

Zheng Qingyin quickly looked up, thanked his second brother, and took the cake from Zheng Shanci.

Zheng Shanci found it amusing.

…

Wangfu went to the inn and saw a carriage parked outside, with a coachman standing by. Wangfu approached and asked, “Are you the coachman who brought Zheng Daren’s elder brother?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

The coachman, noticing Wangfu’s demeanor, quickly responded.

“Drive the carriage to the Zheng residence, and I’ll give you some extra money.”

The coachman readily agreed.

The coachman drove the carriage to the Zheng residence, where servants came to unload the luggage. Yu Lanyi, having heard from Wangfu about the arrival of Zheng Shanci’s elder brother, sister-in-law, and younger brother, stepped out to ask, “Are they still at the county office?”

“Young Master, they should be. I noticed the eldest young master was dressed a bit thinly.”

Wangfu gave the coachman five taels of silver, which delighted the coachman. He couldn’t earn five taels in a year, working diligently. This trip had been worth it.

Wangfu also relayed Zheng Shanci’s message that the coachman could stay in Xinfeng County for a few more days due to the heavy snow. The coachman agreed wholeheartedly, as he was there to earn money, not risk his life. Staying a few days in Xinfeng County was no problem.

Yu Lanyi instructed the servants to place the luggage in the guest rooms. “Didn’t Zheng Shanci’s father and dad come?”

“Daren’s father and dad didn’t come. Young Master, I’ve finished my tasks, so I’ll head back.”

Yu Lanyi: “Go ahead.”

Yu Lanyi returned to his room to warm up, sitting and standing restlessly. Jin Yun was getting confused by his actions.

He was still nervous, having changed into a different outfit.

Meanwhile, Zheng Shanci arranged for Zheng Shancheng, Lin Ge’er, and Zheng Qingyin to take a carriage to the residence to rest for a while.

“Lanyi has a good temperament, so don’t worry, elder brother and sister-in-law. Go home and rest. I’ll be back as soon as I’m off duty.”

Zheng Shancheng nodded.

At the residence, as soon as they got off the carriage, they saw a Ge’er in a red cloak coming out. This Ge’er was exceptionally good-looking, exuding an air of elegance and nobility, clearly not an ordinary person.

Yu Lanyi hurriedly composed himself. Seeing the people with Zheng Shanci, he approached and asked, “Are these the elder brother, sister-in-law, and younger brother?”

Zheng Shanci smiled at Yu Lanyi. “This is my elder brother Zheng Shancheng, sister-in-law Lin Ge’er, and my younger brother Zheng Qingyin. They’ve just arrived in Xinfeng County. I have some matters to attend to at the county office, so I’ll leave them in your care. This is my husband, Yu Lanyi.”

“We’re all family, so you can head back to the county office,” Yu Lanyi said graciously.

He indeed seemed reliable.

Zheng Shanci thought for a moment and entrusted Zheng Shancheng and the others to Yu Lanyi.

Once Zheng Shanci left, the atmosphere became awkward. Zheng Shancheng, being a man, didn’t know how to interact with his brother-in-law. Moreover, considering Yu Lanyi’s high status, he was at a loss for words.

Zheng Qingyin glanced at Yu Lanyi, a hint of admiration in his eyes. Second brother’s wife was really good-looking.

“Elder brother, sister-in-law, little brother, let me show you to your rooms,” Yu Lanyi said first.

Lin Ge’er: “Thank you, second brother-in-law.”

Hearing Lin Ge’er address him this way, Yu Lanyi found it refreshing. He smiled and nodded. “Sister-in-law, just call me Lanyi. If there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, let me know, and I’ll have the servants change it or add something.”

Yu Lanyi personally led Zheng Shancheng and Lin Ge’er to their room, considering they might have private matters to discuss as a couple. He didn’t linger.

“Elder brother, sister-in-law, someone will bring hot water later. You’ve had a long journey, so wash up and rest.”

Zheng Shancheng carefully chose his words. “Thank you.”

“Elder brother, it’s my duty,” Yu Lanyi replied appropriately.

He quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Zheng Shanci and his elder brother looked somewhat alike. Zheng Shancheng had a rugged handsomeness, while Zheng Shanci had a striking beauty. In a crowd, Zheng Shanci stood out, mainly due to his outstanding demeanor.

The younger brother, Zheng Qingyin, was truly a beauty.

Where was the little brother?

Yu Lanyi: “…”

Yu Lanyi realized he had almost forgotten about Zheng Qingyin, who was following him. He needed to show him to his room.

The little brother was so good-looking, yet he seemed to have no presence.

“Qingyin, this is your room. See if it suits you. If not, let me know,” Yu Lanyi said, opening the door.

He had decorated the room with bright colors, considering Zheng Qingyin was a young Ge’er. The room was predominantly a bright blue, with a freshly picked wintersweet branch in a vase on the table. The bed curtains were sheer, gently flowing as if in motion.

The room also had two large wardrobes. Yu Lanyi said, “Try on the clothes to see if they fit. I chose them a bit larger.”

Zheng Qingyin looked around the room, a bit stunned. “Thank you, second brother-in-law. This is already very nice.”

“Rest for now. Someone will bring hot water and snacks later. Do you have any favorite snacks?”

Zheng Qingyin shook his head. “I don’t have any particular favorites.”

Yu Lanyi generously said, “Then I’ll have them bring a variety of common flavors for you to try. You’ll surely find something you like.”

Yu Lanyi noticed Zheng Qingyin kept his head down and smiled. “Qingyin, I’ll take you out for a walk tonight. It’s quite interesting here.”

“Thank you, second brother-in-law,” Zheng Qingyin replied with a smile.

Seeing everything was settled, Yu Lanyi decided to let them rest for a while. When he and Zheng Shanci first arrived in Xinfeng County, it took them several days to recover. Even though they traveled by carriage, it was still tiring and mentally exhausting.

He left the room, finally relaxing. He proudly looked at Jin Yun. “How did I do just now?”

Jin Yun gave a thumbs up. “Young master’s performance was outstanding.”

Yu Lanyi was even more pleased, though he tried to downplay it. “There’s still much to do. I need to instruct the kitchen to prepare more hearty dishes tonight, and make a chicken soup to nourish them.”

“Yes, young master, I’ll give the orders right away.”

“When they wake up, Zheng Shanci should be back,” Yu Lanyi mused. “Zheng Shanci and his elder brother look alike. Sister-in-law is also good-looking, and the younger brother seems well-behaved.”

“Does their whole family look this good?!” Yu Lanyi was astonished.

Jin Yun thought to himself that young master’s family was also very good-looking.

It was Yu Lanyi’s first time hosting relatives, especially those from Zheng Shanci’s side. He was a bit excited. He wanted to do a good job and make Zheng Shanci see him in a new light.

Thinking of this gave him motivation.

…

Someone brought hot water, along with fresh fruits and snacks, still steaming. Lin Ge’er opened the wardrobe, finding no other clothes but two cotton-lined garments. He reached out to touch them, soft and of good quality.

“My goodness, this life is like a dream,” Lin Ge’er said, touching the bed curtains and looking at the bottles and jars on the dressing table, his eyes gleaming.

This table, this vase, this bed… this was truly a heavenly life.

Zheng Shancheng said, “If you’re not going to wash, I’ll go first.”

“I’m coming. Who wants to use water you’ve used?” Lin Ge’er happily soaked in the bath, humming a tune, and even asked Zheng Shancheng to feed him an orange.

Zheng Shancheng was speechless.

“I want to live like this forever,” Lin Ge’er said with a grin.

He put on the cotton clothes prepared by Yu Lanyi, sat on the bed, and felt like he was sinking into it, as if sleeping on a cloud. Lin Ge’er’s eyes sparkled as he rolled on the bed.

The bed was so soft.

After washing up, Zheng Shancheng came out to see Lin Ge’er lying contentedly on the bed, hugging the quilt.

Zheng Shancheng: “…”

“The things here are ten, no, a hundred times better than what we saw at the Xiang family,” Lin Ge’er said, looking up at the ceiling. “Husband, I’ve never slept on such a bed. It’s too comfortable.”

Zheng Shancheng: “Take it easy.”

Zheng Shancheng knew Lin Ge’er longed for the life of a wealthy family. When he was a servant, he had considered climbing the social ladder but gave up due to his status. It was better to find a man and live a stable life.

Now, living in the county magistrate’s residence, Lin Ge’er was extremely pleased.

There was a knock on the door, and Lin Ge’er immediately sat up.

“Eldest young master, we’ve brought snow pear syrup. Is it convenient to bring it in now?”

“Come in,” Zheng Shancheng said, feeling awkward with the title “eldest young master.”

The servants entered, placing the snow pear syrup on the table, along with a few more charcoal braziers, then left. The snow pear syrup was made with ingredients like raw land, kudzu root, radish, ophiopogon, ginger juice, fritillaria, and honey. It was delicious and nourishing, a medicinal dish. Lin Ge’er got off the bed, scooped a few spoonfuls into a small bowl, and drank it.

He closed his eyes in bliss, savoring the moment. Seeing Lin Ge’er so enraptured, Zheng Shancheng curiously sat down, scooped a few spoonfuls, and drank it. It tasted good, but he didn’t find it particularly special.

Meanwhile, Zheng Qingyin had also finished bathing and drinking the snow pear syrup. He lay on the soft bed, quietly closing his eyes. The bed was so soft that he soon fell asleep.

…

Xinfeng County received more snow than other places.

Zheng Shanci issued a notice for the people to clear the snow in front of their doors. If they failed to do so, they would be fined.

Hearing about the fines, even the reluctant ones gritted their teeth and cleared the snow. Clearing the snow in front of their own doors wasn’t much trouble, but paying a fine would be a real pain.

When the snow piled up, it became impassable, so the yamen officers were tasked with clearing the roads.

Zheng Shanci offered a daily supplement of five wen to those who cleared the snow.

Even though it was a small amount, it was still something.

The yamen officers, motivated by the incentive, worked diligently.

Today, after finishing his duties, Zheng Shanci didn’t linger at the county office and headed straight home.

“Zheng Daren seems to be in a hurry today,” Qi County Deputy mused, wondering if something significant was happening.

Registrar Jiang said, “I heard Zheng Daren’s family has arrived, so he’s probably going to see them.”

Registrar Jiang thought he should visit the Zheng residence in the coming days, bringing some gifts for Zheng Daren’s family. He couldn’t bring anything too expensive, as his wife came from a small place known for its local specialties. He planned to bring some of those, showing thoughtfulness without overstepping.

Qi County Deputy, realizing there was no urgent matter, waved it off and went home.

Despite the heavy snow, the people of Xinfeng County were generally happy. A good snow promised a bountiful year, and with the heavens smiling, the people were content.

When Zheng Shanci returned home, he saw Yu Lanyi talking with Lin Ge’er. He greeted them with a respectful “Elder sister-in-law.”

“I was just talking with second brother-in-law. He mentioned buying clothes for us, but we brought enough clothes, so there’s no need to spend more,” Lin Ge’er said, still feeling a bit embarrassed about the expenses.

Though he had never managed a household, as Zheng Fulang was in charge, he knew maintaining a residence required a lot of money. They came to enjoy life but couldn’t be too greedy.

They couldn’t rely solely on Zheng Shanci. They needed to find work, or else the relationship would sour.

Zheng Shanci: “It’s no trouble. I noticed you’re dressed thinly, probably not expecting Xinfeng County’s winter to be so cold. Buying a few thick cotton clothes is better than getting sick and spending money at the medical hall.”

“Elder sister-in-law, my husband is right. Don’t worry about it. After dinner, we’ll go to the shop and pick out some clothes. If you see something you like, just buy it,” Yu Lanyi said, exuding a sense of generosity.

Lin Ge’er looked at him in surprise.

Yu Lanyi quickly corrected himself. “I mean, Zheng… my husband has money, so you don’t need to worry.”

Zheng Shanci nodded with a smile. “My husband is right.”

Dinner was specially prepared by the cook under Yu Lanyi’s instructions. He even had a chicken leg set aside for Zheng Shancheng. “Elder brother, I heard from Zheng… my husband that your legs aren’t well. You should eat a chicken leg. It’s been stewed for a long time and is very nourishing.”

Zheng Shanci: “…”

He chuckled. “Yes, elder brother, eat more meat and drink more soup.”

The dinner was rich, with Lin Ge’er trying a bit of everything. Though it seemed like a lot, the portions were small, and by the end, they had nearly finished everything. Zheng Qingyin, having never eaten such delicious food, couldn’t help but eat more.

Zheng Qingyin wondered why his second brother-in-law kept looking at him with such a kind expression, even though he seemed so young.

“The cook knows the portions well. You can try different dishes, but don’t waste too much food.”

Zheng Shancheng nodded appreciatively. “Second brother is right.”

Coming from a rural background, they were used to being frugal. Seeing such waste was hard to accept.

After dinner, they all went out.

The snow had stopped, and Lin Ge’er and Zheng Qingyin didn’t have to clean up. They could just leave the dishes and go out, something they never imagined before. There were servants to take care of everything, making life easy and comfortable.

Earlier, when Yu Lanyi heard from Wangfu that Zheng Shanci’s family had arrived, he boldly went to the accountant and withdrew fifty taels of silver, claiming it was for household expenses. The accountant, seeing Yu Lanyi’s confident demeanor, silently approved it.

With fifty taels of silver in his pocket, Yu Lanyi’s confidence returned.

Lin Ge’er and Zheng Qingyin were browsing a stall selling accessories, some made from red beans. Lin Ge’er was tempted.

Yu Lanyi glanced over and waved his hand. “Buy it!”

Lin Ge’er’s eyes lit up.

Zheng Shanci: “…”