After Rescuing The Sickly White Moonlight - Chapter 21

Chapter 21

The outcome Lin Yu dreaded most was A-Cheng Yu having ties to the Chiying imperial family. If he were merely a commoner from Chiying, everything would be manageable. But if he weren’t, no matter how pleasant their past few years had been, he could no longer remain at the Zheng Manor—and whether he would even be allowed to live was another matter entirely.

He called out to A-Cheng Yu: “Before Auntie left, she prepared some soup in the kitchen. Go see how it is; the others should be back soon.”

A-Cheng Yu snapped out of his daze with a few startled “ahs” and slowly walked out. Lin Yu thought to himself: When the Chiying envoys arrive, we’ll see what A-Cheng Yu’s next move is.

Zheng Mingtang walked in and, seeing the two still practicing their martial arts, decided to wait for them. She had just received some news from Fang Wenqiu and wanted to discuss it with them.

As autumn set in, the temperature dropped steadily. The wind brushing against the thin sweat on Zheng Mingtang’s forehead felt a bit chilly. However, Lin Yu and Zheng Qingyun were quite the opposite—drenched in sweat, they looked as if they wanted to strip off a few layers. Out of respect for Mingtang’s presence, they merely rolled up their sleeves, undid two buttons, and fanned themselves.

Once their sweat had dried, Guan Yi brought over some Perilla tea at the perfect temperature. After taking a few sips, Zheng Mingtang turned to them: “Cousins, to be honest—my mother’s shop has always sold tea. Today, Teacher Fang told me that tea is selling exceptionally well in the capital. I’m thinking of transporting tea from the Yuan family tea plantation to sell here in Pingjing.”

Zheng Qingyun replied: “The demand in the capital is indeed high, but so is the competition. Cousin, how do you plan to secure a foothold?”

Zheng Mingtang smiled happily. “My mother is the second-in-command of the Southern Tea Trade. The Yuan plantation’s newly cultivated tea, ‘Cloud-Mist Spring Snow,’ has been widely acclaimed in the South. I’ve looked into it—the capital has many varieties, but I believe it’s missing our Cloud-Mist Spring Snow. If we can open the market here, wouldn’t our Yuan family tea business grow even stronger?”

“Besides, you’ve both tasted it. Physician Chen even said it’s a rare high-grade tea with strengthening and restorative effects for the body.”

Cloud-Mist Spring Snow was a variety painstakingly cultivated by Yuan Xiu’s father. It was through this tea that the Yuan family had established themselves, allowing Yuan Xiu to hold her prominent position in the Jiangnan tea trade.

Lin Yu cautiously poured a bit of cold water on the idea: “A stable supply chain is one issue. Furthermore, long-distance transport can’t guarantee quality. If the tea arrives in poor condition, won’t all the effort be in vain?”

Zheng Qingyun added his own skepticism: “Moreover, the people of the capital have been drinking the same few varieties for years. They are loyal to their brands. New tea…”

Zheng Mingtang hesitated for a moment but then said: “Give me ten days. I will give you a detailed plan, and then I’ll discuss it thoroughly with Uncle.” She then gave them a mock-reproachful look and muttered: “One after the other, you two are making me lose my confidence.”

She knew they were offering advice for her own good and wasn’t truly complaining; she was merely joking. The two looked at each other and smiled. Zheng Qingyun winked and laughed: “Don’t be discouraged! We’re just looking at it from the worst-case perspective. If you set your mind to it, you’ll surely succeed.”

Zheng Mingtang was instantly filled with confidence again.

“The hibiscus and golden chrysanthemums compete in fragrance; the weather heralds the Double Ninth Festival.” [1]

In previous years, the Empress would host a Chrysanthemum Banquet, inviting noble ladies and princesses to enjoy the flowers. However, due to the Empress’s poor health this year—having been ill since the start of autumn—the event was canceled.

Before the Double Ninth Festival, Zheng Mingtang wrote a thick business plan and presented it to Zheng Heng. He found it quite impressive. Yuan Xiu gave Mingtang a sum of money, and she prepared to lease a shop in the capital. She paid extra for expedited shipping to bring a batch of tea from the Yuan plantation to Pingjing. The timing was perfect; when the tea cakes arrived, they were perfectly preserved.

Lin Yu gave her an idea: Wait for the Crown Prince to visit the manor and serve him the Cloud-Mist Spring Snow. If the Prince liked it, using his name as an endorsement would surely attract the high officials and nobility. It was all about leveraging brand effect—finding a “brand ambassador.”

Zheng Mingtang’s eyes lit up, and she went to consult Zheng Yanzhang. Upon hearing her plan, Yanzhang initially nodded in agreement, but his body stiffened and he fell silent for a moment when she mentioned approaching the Crown Prince. He eventually muttered vaguely: “We’ll see when the Prince has time.”

He didn’t expect “having time” to happen so soon.

On the morning of the Double Ninth Festival, as dawn was just breaking, Deng Yuan gathered the children. She pressed rice cakes to their foreheads while chanting blessings. “May my children rise step by step and find success in all things.”

Success in all things.

Even though Zheng Yanzhang was already twenty, his face reddened as Deng Yuan pressed a cake to his forehead. She smiled and said, “Even when you’re eighty, you’re still your mother’s child.”

The custom for the Double Ninth is to climb high. Although officials had a day off, Zheng Yanzhang claimed he had official business to attend to and left early. Before the others could decide where to go, they were invited to the Crown Prince’s manor to view chrysanthemums.

Lin Yu clearly sensed that since their return, the interaction between Zheng Yanzhang and the Prince had decreased significantly, and Yanzhang seemed uneasy whenever the Prince was mentioned. Lin Yu frowned slightly, recalling his first life where Liang Yi’an had not taken a consort for years after ascending the throne. A seemingly impossible thought slowly formed in his mind.

He was shocked. Liang Yi’an doesn’t look like… and Big Brother doesn’t look like… That can’t be right?

Lin Yu wanted to ask, but he couldn’t find a right opportunity. Before he knew it, they arrived at the Crown Prince’s manor.

Zheng Qingyun introduced her to Liang Yi’an: “Your Highness, this is my cousin from my second uncle’s family.”

Zheng Mingtang bowed: “This lowly girl greets the Crown Prince.” Heavens, this is the Prince, the future Emperor. Am I really going to show off my meager skills before such a noble person? She felt quite apprehensive.

Sensing her nervousness, Zheng Qingyun discreetly patted her back to reassure her.

Liang Yi’an knew that officials were off today. Seeing that Zheng Yanzhang hadn’t come, he asked with some confusion: “Why didn’t Yanzhang come?”

Zheng Qingyun replied: “Eldest Brother said he had official business and couldn’t make it.”

Liang Yi’an nodded and gestured to Li Quan. After a few whispered words, Li Quan nodded and led a few people out.

Meeting a member of the imperial family for the first time made Zheng Mingtang somewhat awkward. Liang Yi’an invited them to be seated while musicians played nearby. Below them were chrysanthemums in brilliant, varied colors—a beautiful sight.

Liang Yi’an said with a smile: “Registration for the provincial exams begins in late January. Is Qingyun planning to participate?”

Zheng Qingyun nodded: “My health is restored, so I don’t have to worry about falling ill in the examination hall. Of course, I must try.”

Liang Yi’an approved. There were countless scholars in the world; who wouldn’t want to enter the Golden Palace and wear the robes of a Top Scholar? Master the arts of peace and war, and sell them to the imperial house.

Liang Yi’an encouraged him: “Then you must work hard, Qingyun. Bring back a Top Scholar title just like your brother.”

Zheng Mingtang didn’t join the conversation; she was focused on brewing tea. She had brought more than half of the few precious tea cakes she had. She looked as if she were handling a rare treasure. Warming the pot, adding the tea, rinsing, steeping…

The water poured from the white porcelain jade-pot, the tea tinged with emerald, appearing crystal clear in the green-glazed bowls. Liang Yi’an watched her focused movements and a hint of a smile touched his eyes. Seeing Lin Yu and Zheng Qingyun whispering to each other, he gave a light cough.

Once they looked at him, he said: “What is it? Do you have something you need my help with?”

Zheng Qingyun faltered and looked at Mingtang, but she seemed not to notice, her head still down. He remained silent for a moment and said: “It’s better for Mingtang to tell Your Highness.” Liang Yi’an didn’t pry further.

The sound of music drifted from behind, and a breeze carried the fragrance of tea and the scent of chrysanthemums. Liang Yi’an thought his mother would likely enjoy this tea.

After it was tested for poison, Liang Yi’an took a small sip. The aroma blossomed in his mouth, leaving a slightly bitter aftertaste. After finishing the cup, he felt a sense of physical and mental refreshment.

Zheng Mingtang sat below him, feeling somewhat nervous. Although she was confident in her tea, this was her first time “pitching”—no, recommending—it to the Crown Prince. She was unsure of herself.

Thump—thump—thump—

Liang Yi’an set down the tea bowl gently, smiling: “This tea is excellent, Miss, and your brewing skill is superb.”

Thump—

Mingtang’s heart beat even faster. She bowed to Liang Yi’an in a somewhat clumsy posture: “Thank you for the praise, Your Highness. This lowly girl is overwhelmed.”

Liang Yi’an said: “Now, don’t belittle yourself. This tea is good. How much do you have? I’ll buy it from you at twice the market price.” He knew her intention, but the tea truly was good. His mother had been depressed lately; sending some fresh novelties to cheer her up would be good.

Hearing this, Zheng Mingtang shook her head repeatedly: “No, no, Your Highness! This tea isn’t worth much. Having it gain Your Highness’s favor is a tremendous blessing. However, we came in a hurry and I don’t have much with me. If Your Highness likes it, I will write home immediately and have my mother send more. It might take some time, though; I’m afraid Your Highness will have to wait.”

Lin Yu and Zheng Qingyun looked at each other and shared a light laugh. Not worth much?

As she spoke, Mingtang brought out the tea cakes she had brought, wrapped in several layers of oil paper—it was clear she treasured them. “If Your Highness doesn’t mind the small amount, please use these for now.” She stepped forward and handed the tea cakes to the guard beside Liang Yi’an. Li Su inspected them carefully before putting them away.

Liang Yi’an thanked her with a smile. Zheng Mingtang smiled shyly and said: “This girl has a request. I wonder if Your Highness might grant it?”

Liang Yi’an arched an eyebrow: “As the saying goes, ‘one’s hand is short after taking from others, and one’s mouth is soft after eating their food.’ What do you need my help with? Let’s hear it.”

Zheng Mingtang smiled: “I wish to… borrow Your Highness’s name.”

So that was it. Liang Yi’an looked up with a smile: “My name is a bit ‘light.’ How about this: when the tea arrives and everything is settled, I will give you a surprise.”

Zheng Mingtang was overjoyed: “Thank you, Your Highness!”

Li Quan entered from outside, leading someone behind him. Once they arrived, he returned to Liang Yi’an’s side and whispered: “Your Highness, the person has been brought.”

Liang Yi’an looked at Zheng Yanzhang, who was standing to the side and refusing to look at him, and let out a faint sigh. Yanzhang was still upset. Years ago, Liang Yi’an had inexplicably asked to meet him, and the moment they met, he said the Empress thought Yanzhang liked him and was afraid he had “broken sleeve” tendencies. It had terrified Zheng Yanzhang. Since then, their relationship had become very awkward—or rather, Yanzhang found it awkward. This was the first time Liang Yi’an had used his title as Crown Prince to force him to come.

Lin Yu watched Liang Yi’an suddenly leave his seat and drag Zheng Yanzhang away. He then looked at the bewildered Zheng Qingyun and Zheng Mingtang. He gave a small shudder—whatever, it was none of his business.

After a while, Zheng Qingyun needed to relieve himself. When he came out, Li Su, who had led him there, was nowhere to be found. Qingyun tried to find his way back from memory but accidentally got lost. He regretted refusing Lin Yu’s offer to accompany him.

Before he knew it, he had reached a bamboo grove. Through the narrow shadows of the bamboo, he saw two figures. It was Liang Yi’an and Zheng Yanzhang.

Zheng Qingyun was about to run toward them when he saw Zheng Yanzhang flick his sleeve at Liang Yi’an and try to walk away. Liang Yi’an said something, then stepped forward quickly, grabbed Yanzhang, and spun him around.

Zheng Qingyun’s eyes widened. The two were face-to-face; Yanzhang seemed to snap out of it and started flailing at Liang Yi’an.

What happened next, Zheng Qingyun didn’t know. He was terrified and took off running.

Lin Yu, seeing that he hadn’t returned for a long time, went looking for him. He found Li Su holding an injured sparrow, looking confusedly at the panting Zheng Qingyun.

Qingyun was out of breath, his face flushed, not knowing how to describe to Lin Yu what he had seen. He tried to organize his words several times but ultimately couldn’t say it.

Can a man be with another man