Determination

Yu Lanyi carefully read the words on the note again. Of course, Zheng Shanci would agree, because he came from a good family and was good-looking. Thinking this, Yu Lanyi felt more at ease.

“Young Master, Fulang said that after the engagement tomorrow, you can go out.”

Yu Fulang didn’t want to keep Yu Lanyi cooped up at home all the time. After all, there would be less time in the Capital City in the future, so it was better to see more of it while there was still time. A parent knows how to care for their own child.

“Great, I’m so bored being stuck at home,” Yu Lanyi’s eyes showed a hint of joy. And those who mocked him and picked on him, he hadn’t settled the score with them yet.

Especially Yu Shiyan!

“When I can go out, I must teach him a good lesson!” Yu Lanyi thought of when he was caught, Yu Shiyan tried to grab his hand, and the missing maid from the Pei Mansion. Yu Lanyi instinctively felt that this matter was related to Yu Shiyan.

“How much silver do I have left?” Yu Lanyi wanted to check his pocket money.

Jin Yun didn’t speak for a while, and Yu Lanyi looked at him in confusion.

Jin Yun let out a breath: “Young Master, you owe the Golden Clothes Pavilion a hundred taels of silver.”

Yu Lanyi was dazed: “…I, have no money?”

Jin Yun: “Young Master, you never saved any money.”

…

After studying, Zheng Shanci lay on the bed. Because he was too poor, the bed was hard. At first, Zheng Shanci wasn’t used to it, as it was no different from sleeping on a bench, but now he could endure it a bit.

The next morning, Zheng Shanci went out and bought a bun to eat, and then he ran into Matchmaker Qian.

Seeing the betrothal gifts behind Matchmaker Qian, Zheng Shanci’s heart was tumultuous. Could he really afford such a betrothal gift? Even a ghost would know it was impossible.

“Young Master Zheng, please,” Matchmaker Qian’s eyes lit up when she saw Zheng Shanci. Dressed in fine clothes, he truly had the demeanor of a noble family’s son, looking no worse than anyone else, like a jade, elegant and refined.

Zheng Shanci returned the greeting and walked ahead.

He was the one proposing, so he had to walk in front.

Everyone in Shengjing City knew about Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi. Yu Lanyi was famously arrogant and domineering in Shengjing City, with a noble and spoiled status, raised on sweet water.

His legitimate brother was the Emperor’s study companion, a trusted minister, with a future that would only get better. People speculated that he would either marry into the Imperial Palace or into a noble family. How did he become a character in a romantic affair with an unknown scholar from a humble background? No one expected it.

Zheng Shanci rarely went out, so many people only knew about him and Yu Lanyi but couldn’t match the face to the name.

“Can he still get married after this?”

“The power of the Marquis’ Mansion is there, how could he not get married? He’ll just marry lower, but he won’t marry someone from a mud-legged background.”

“The sons of low-gate families in Shengjing should be aware. Marrying a Ge’er with a tarnished reputation but gaining a powerful in-law is still a good deal. Just let him hold the title of the main wife, marry a few beautiful concubines, and the career path will be bright. Who wouldn’t be tempted?”

Zheng Shanci brought Matchmaker Qian to the door. They hadn’t seen Zheng Shanci before, but they were impressed by his demeanor, feeling he was a refined gentleman with excellent upbringing.

Zheng Shanci also heard this gossip but didn’t speak, having his own plans. When they arrived at the Changyang Marquis Mansion, there were two imposing stone lions standing on either side of the entrance. The gatekeeper ran down to ask, “What business does this young master have at the Marquis’ Mansion?”

“I’m here to propose.”

Today was the agreed engagement day. The Changyang Marquis had taken leave from the court and was sitting in the main hall with Yu Fulang. After receiving the gatekeeper’s report, they let Zheng Shanci and Matchmaker Qian in.

Yu Fulang was also dressed up for the occasion, while Yu Lanyi hid behind a screen. Besides Yu Lanyi, there was also the Duchess of England’s heir’s wife and his second cousin behind the screen, making the atmosphere a bit tense.

After all, the heir’s wife was here today with the intention of sacrificing her son’s happiness.

He Ming sat on one side. Ever since he learned about Yu Lanyi and Zheng Shanci, he had been hesitating. The thought of letting his little cousin marry a scholar from a humble background was something his little cousin would surely not be able to bear. Although he was a bit of a scoundrel, he had a good heart for his little cousin. He didn’t inherit a title, so he was more free, with fewer constraints on marriage. He was willing to marry his little cousin as the main husband.

His mother had been advising him not to do this, but he couldn’t resist. Today, he planned to come and discuss the marriage. However, the Marquis’ Mansion had long intended to marry his little cousin to that scholar from a humble background, which made He Ming feel stifled.

They had just arrived when Zheng Shanci came. They sat behind the screen, hiding from people, also wanting to see who this Zheng Shanci was.

Yu Lanyi wasn’t interested in marriage matters, looking listless. After learning yesterday that he had already spent all his money for the month and was in debt, he wasn’t feeling great.

In his impression, he was very frugal.

Following the servant’s steps, Zheng Shanci reached the main hall. He hadn’t seen the Changyang Marquis before, but seeing him next to Yu Fulang, he knew this was the Changyang Marquis.

The Changyang Marquis was a handsome man with an air of authority, commanding respect without anger. Yu Fulang, on the other hand, smiled when he saw Zheng Shanci.

“I’ve come to propose to the Changyang Marquis, wishing to marry your precious gem, Yu Lanyi.”

Zheng Shanci said with a bow.

The rest of the matter was handled by Matchmaker Qian. They had already agreed in private, and this engagement was just making it official. Zheng Shanci stood beside Matchmaker Qian, his gaze clear, his back straight, and a smile on his lips.

These trivial matters were usually handled by Yu Fulang, with the Changyang Marquis occasionally chiming in. The Changyang Marquis glanced at Zheng Shanci, nodding inwardly, thinking he looked and carried himself well.

The Changyang Marquis Mansion no longer needed to seek benefits through marriage alliances, at least not for Yu Lanyi. They cared more about whether his husband would treat him well.

The Changyang Marquis used to think there was nothing wrong with a man having multiple wives and concubines, but the thought of his son having to endure such a situation after marriage made him uncomfortable. A child raised with care wasn’t meant to be sent off to be mistreated.

A scholar from a humble background might have a lower threshold, but he was easier to handle.

“We have no objections to the marriage,” the Changyang Marquis said calmly. “Young Master Zheng, I have one request, and I hope you can agree.”

Yu Fulang thought the Changyang Marquis was going to make things difficult for Zheng Shanci and secretly tugged at the back of the Changyang Marquis’ clothes.

Yu Lanyi also became interested, thinking his father was going to make things difficult for Zheng Shanci, hoping the marriage would be called off.

Zheng Shanci, suddenly addressed, bowed and replied, “Please speak, Marquis.”

“After Lanyi marries you, if you have no children by the age of thirty, only then can you take concubines. If you take concubines or have a mistress before then, I won’t let you off and will have you accompany His Majesty in the palace.”

Zheng Shanci: “…Rest assured, Marquis, I understand.”

Yu Fulang’s smile deepened, while Yu Lanyi sat on the side, pouting.

After completing the engagement process, including the betrothal gifts and the three letters and six ceremonies, Matchmaker Qian was genuinely happy. The Marquis’ Mansion gave a generous amount, and this marriage had been agreed upon long ago, making it effortless. The hush money from Yu Fulang was also good.

Being a matchmaker this time, she could earn enough in one go to last a year.

Yu Lanyi got up and paced around, wanting to peek through the screen. The people involved in the engagement were still there, and they were about to finish discussing. The Duchess of England’s heir’s wife stopped Yu Lanyi’s actions, frowning and whispering, “It’s not proper.”

Big families have many rules, and Yu Lanyi couldn’t argue with the elders at home. He couldn’t make a scene and let outsiders laugh. Elders have ways to deal with the younger generation.

He Ming, hearing the condition about not having children before thirty, had his eyes flicker, already having second thoughts. He liked Yu Lanyi’s looks and the power of the Marquis’ Mansion, but the thought of being tied to Yu Lanyi for life was too much.

Who in their right mind wouldn’t have children before thirty? Marriage is a lifelong commitment.

This wasn’t marrying a pampered husband; it was marrying an ancestor.

Zheng Shanci, having completed the matter, couldn’t say he had done it himself. It was more like an “arranged marriage.”

The Changyang Marquis kept Zheng Shanci for a moment: “I have something to discuss with you, let’s move to the garden.”

Could Zheng Shanci refuse? He didn’t dare, so he agreed and followed the Changyang Marquis, giving him the respect he deserved.

The Changyang Marquis frowned, “Come forward.”

Zheng Shanci: “Yes.”

Yu Fulang privately gave Matchmaker Qian another gold ingot: “If anyone outside asks about this, you know what to say.”

Matchmaker Qian grinned widely: “Oh, Fulang, don’t worry, no one can pry my mouth open. Rest assured.”

Matchmaker Qian left, feeling delighted.

The Duchess of England’s heir’s wife stepped out from behind the screen: “Since my brother has arranged Lanyi’s marriage, I won’t disturb you any longer. I have matters to attend to at home.”

Yu Fulang: “Sister-in-law, you’ve been considerate. It’s not that Lanyi isn’t fortunate enough to marry Ming’er. I’m sure Ming’er will find someone more suitable in the future.”

The Duchess of England’s heir’s wife felt a bit more at ease: “I didn’t do much, brother, you’re too kind.”

He Ming paid his respects to Yu Fulang, then took a lingering look at Yu Lanyi before leaving with the Duchess of England’s heir’s wife.

Yu Fulang playfully tapped Yu Lanyi’s nose: “Now that you’re engaged, you can go out and play. Don’t be angry and make yourself sick. Look, your father is still planning for you. In the future, Zheng Shanci won’t dare to take concubines.”

Yu Lanyi pouted: “If he dares to take concubines, I’ll beat him! Beat him until he’s paralyzed, then keep him alive with ginseng, and when he’s better, beat him again to vent my anger.”

Yu Fulang: “You’re throwing a childish tantrum again.”

From Yu Fulang’s tone, it didn’t seem wrong.

Zheng Shanci didn’t know that Yu Lanyi was still thinking about beating him. The Changyang Marquis wanted to discuss the position of County Magistrate of Xinfeng County with him.

“I recommended you to the Ministry of Personnel. Others without official positions also sought recommendations from officials. You still need to pass the assessment to be appointed. If you’re not confident, I can ask around for other positions.”

Zheng Shanci replied seriously, “Thank you, Marquis. I’d like to try on my own.”

The Changyang Marquis’ expression softened: “Good.”

After discussing this, the Changyang Marquis invited Zheng Shanci to stay for a meal, but Zheng Shanci declined and left the Changyang Marquis Mansion.

As he left, a servant by the Changyang Marquis’ side handed him a list.

Back home, Zheng Shanci opened it to find it was a list of people participating in the County Magistrate assessment. He glanced at it and put it down. Today’s engagement was still an ordinary matter, and it didn’t feel real.

The Changyang Marquis Mansion was domineering and strong.

Zheng Shanci shivered.