Chapter 110 "Thank you, Brother Zhaolin."...
When Lin Yan stepped into the Ministry of Revenue's office, his steps were lighter than usual.
Today is his birthday, the first day of the seventh lunar month.
Although he himself had almost forgotten about it in this era without Gregorian calendar birthdays, it was clear that someone remembered it for him.
I had just settled into my duty room and hadn't even had a chance to open today's documents when my colleagues started arriving one after another.
The first person to enter was Minister Zhang Houpu, who was smiling as he held up a brocade box: "Minister Lin, today is your special day. This is just a small token of my appreciation. Please don't find it offensive."
Lin Yan quickly stood up and took it with both hands. It felt heavy in his hands. When he opened it, he found that it was a fine Duan inkstone. The stone was delicate and warm, and the carving was simple and elegant. It was clear at a glance that it was very valuable.
"Your Excellency, this is far too precious," Lin Yan said somewhat embarrassed.
“Hey, it’s just a trinket. You deal with pen and ink all day long, so it’s perfect for you.” Zhang Houpu waved his hand, his tone amiable. “You’re the boss today, so it’s fine for you to take a break. You can go home before lunch and relax.”
Lin Yan thanked him repeatedly. Minister Zhang was indeed a good leader. Couldn't people like Wu Haimin learn from him?
Oh, I forgot, Wu Haimin wanted to learn but didn't have the opportunity.
No sooner had Zhang Houpu left than Chu Ye strolled in.
This colleague and "brother in adversity" is much more at ease with him now; at least he no longer stares at him with wandering eyes whenever he sees him.
Chu Ye handed over a long, rectangular object wrapped in blue cloth, lowered his voice, and said with a knowing look in his eyes, "Here, this is for you, a birthday gift. Keep it safe and look at it when you get back."
Lin Yan took it, and from the feel and shape, he knew what it was without even opening it—a picture album, the kind whose content wasn't suitable for public viewing in the government office.
Ever since Chu Ye learned that he and Xiao Che had "not yet fully communicated," he seemed to have taken on the important task of "technical poverty alleviation," and every now and then he would use Helian Feng's channels to find "learning materials" for him.
Lin Yan maintained a smile and quickly stuffed the blue cloth bag under the table.
Chu Ye watched him frantically hide things, nodded in satisfaction, and handed him a much more normal-looking brocade box: "This is what's in plain sight, a set of Huzhou brushes, I know you'll need them."
Lin Yan: "..." Thank you, you've thought of everything quite thoroughly.
Immediately afterwards, several of his subordinate doctors and assistant doctors also came together, each presenting a congratulatory gift.
Some were carefully selected inksticks, some were trendy paperweights, and some were gifts of classic books. Although they were not particularly valuable, they all showed thoughtfulness.
Lin Yan thanked everyone individually and carefully noted down all the gifts they had given him, intending to return the favor later.
He wasn't idle either. He instructed his attendants to bring out several large food boxes of snacks and cakes that had been prepared at home that morning. They were all made by Wen Yun herself, with high-quality ingredients, and were fragrant and delicious. He then distributed them to his colleagues in the yamen.
"These are some snacks my mother made. Please have a taste, as a small token of my appreciation," Lin Yan said with a smile.
Everyone expressed their gratitude, and for a moment, the Ministry of Revenue was filled with the aroma of incense, creating a lively atmosphere like a small tea party.
That wasn't all. Lin Yan then magically had two large barrels, emitting wisps of cold air, brought in. When the lids were lifted, they revealed bright red chilled plum juice and clear chilled mint drink.
"It's hot today, and everyone must be working hard. Have some iced drinks to cool off," Lin Yan said, handing them out.
This really hit the nail on the head.
Although the imperial court bestowed ice, not everyone had the privilege of being able to drink chilled beverages at any time.
Holding the icy-cold porcelain bowls, everyone's goodwill towards this young, considerate, and generous official soared, and they poured out basket after basket of auspicious words.
"Minister Lin, you're too kind!"
"Thank you very much, Lord Lin. This drink is a real lifesaver!"
"I wish Mr. Lin a happy birthday!"
For a time, the Ministry of Revenue was filled with laughter and joy.
After a while of excitement, everyone dispersed to their respective offices.
Lin Yan checked the time and, as Zhang Houpu had instructed, carefully packed the gifts he had received, preparing to return to his residence first.
When his colleagues saw him get up, they all smiled and said goodbye to him.
Lin Yan, his heart filled with warmth from his colleagues and a touch of embarrassment from a certain picture album, returned to the Lin residence by carriage.
He carefully sorted out all the gifts he received, especially Chu Ye's "key protected object," which he meticulously hid deep inside the wardrobe to ensure its safety.
I looked up at the water clock; it was still early, and there was still a while before lunch.
"Prepare the carriage, let's go to the palace," Lin Yan instructed the servant, a smile already unconsciously creeping onto his lips.
I'm going to get some affection with my boyfriend!
The carriage sped towards the palace.
Just as Lin Yan had predicted, Xiao Che was indeed waiting for him.
Upon seeing him enter, Xiao Che put down his vermilion brush, and the imperial majesty in his eyes instantly softened, transforming into a clearly visible warmth.
"You've arrived?" Xiao Che stood up, naturally stepped forward to greet him, and took his hand. "We've been waiting for you to dine together."
Lin Yan let him lead her and followed him toward the side hall, deliberately complaining, "His Majesty didn't even send someone to the Ministry of Revenue to urge them. If I obediently waited until my shift ended before coming back, wouldn't lunch turn into dinner?"
Xiao Che turned his head to look at him, a smile in his eyes: "I guess Minister Zhang wouldn't let Hanzhang be busy in the government office on his birthday."
The dining table in the side hall had already been set out. The dishes were not extravagant, but each one was exquisite and most of them had auspicious meanings, which showed that care had been taken in preparing them.
Longevity noodles are a must, of course. The soup is clear and the noodles are smooth, topped with a tender poached egg, and garnished with a few bright green vegetables.
"These were all devised by the Imperial Kitchen. Try them and see if they suit your taste." Xiao Che pulled him to sit down beside him, served him food, and first placed a piece of steamed shad, symbolizing "abundance year after year," on his plate.
Lin Yan was pleased, but he still had to maintain a certain composure: "Your Majesty's generosity is too much for me to bear."
"It's only once a year, so it's not an expense," Xiao Che said casually, and then served him a small bowl of Lingzhi and quail soup, which symbolized "long life and good fortune." "Besides, I'm happy to have it."
This boyfriend is so good at this.
The meal was warm and pleasant.
Xiao Che spent most of his time taking care of Lin Yan, and seeing him eat so heartily made him even more satisfied than if he had eaten himself.
After the meal, the palace servants cleared away the leftover food and served tea.
Xiao Che then slowly said, "Your birthday gift is ready. Come with me."
Lin Yan's curiosity was piqued, so he followed him to an open space outside the hall.
Two eunuchs were carefully leading a pure white steed, waiting there.
The horse was of moderate size, with smooth lines, well-proportioned muscles, and gentle eyes. It was not startled or agitated when it saw strangers, and only snorted softly.
"Among the newly presented horses from the Northern Rong, this is the one I personally selected." Xiao Che pointed to the white horse, his tone carrying a hint of presenting a treasure. "It is the most docile in temperament, yet its stamina is not weak. It is just right for you. When the autumn weather cools down, I will take you to the western suburbs for a horse race."
Lin Yan didn't know much about horses, but this one in front of him was clearly no ordinary breed, judging by its coat color and physique.
He couldn't help but take a few steps forward and tentatively reached out to touch the horse's neck. The touch was smooth and warm, and the horse actually lowered its head and rubbed against his palm.
“It likes you,” Xiao Che said with a smile.
Besides the horse, there was also a bow placed next to it.
The bow was made of some unknown wood, with a warm amber color and inlaid with exquisite silver wire patterns. The bowstring was taut, exuding a sense of power ready to be unleashed.
"What is this?" Lin Yan looked at Xiao Che.
"Here's your bow." Xiao Che said succinctly, picking up the bow and handing it to him. "Riding and archery, riding and archery, what good is just riding? I'll teach you."
Lin Yan took the bow; it felt solid and had an excellent grip.
He tried pulling the bowstring in the air and could feel the restrained strength within it.
"I can only ride a horse for transportation; I'm completely clueless about archery." He could count on one hand the number of times he had ever touched a bow in both his past and present lives.
"It's alright." Xiao Che looked at him, his eyes focused and gentle. "Whether you can learn it or not, whether you are good at it or not, it doesn't matter. I just want to let you try riding horses and shooting arrows. It's a different kind of enjoyment. You have been studying hard since you were young, and now you are burdened with paperwork. You should have some different experiences."
As Lin Yan listened to his words, looked at the exquisite bow in his hand, and then at the gentle and spirited white horse beside him, the fear he felt was instantly replaced by a surge of heroic spirit.
Yeah, why not try something new?
Perhaps he is exceptionally talented, a martial arts prodigy whose talents were wasted on humanities studies?
“Alright.” Lin Yan straightened his back, his eyes sparkling. “Then I’ll ask Your Majesty for guidance then.”
Xiao Che was amused by his confident look and reached out to ruffle his hair: "Alright, I'm waiting to see Minister Lin show his skills."
Sunlight shone on the two of them, illuminating the white horse and silver bow, as well as Lin Yan's radiant smile and Xiao Che's deep tenderness.
Lin Yan was quite satisfied with this birthday gift.
He circled the white horse twice, growing more and more fond of it. He couldn't resist touching its smooth neck hair again, and the horse seemed to understand him, gently rubbing against his palm.
"Does it have a name?" Lin Yan asked Xiao Che, turning around.
"It hasn't been named yet; it's waiting for its owner to decide." Xiao Che walked to his side and looked at the gentle yet magnificent companion with him.
Lin Yan pondered for a moment: "How about calling it Fuyun?"
"Fuyun." Xiao Che pondered for a moment, then nodded. "A good name. It's elegant and suits its appearance. From now on, it will be your Fuyun."
Having acquired a new mount and a new bow and arrows, Lin Yan was itching to go for a ride, but seeing the bright sun overhead, he was promptly deterred.
"I'll definitely go in autumn!" He stroked the cool, silvery patterns on the bow, reiterating to Xiao Che as if emphasizing it to himself.
“Okay, definitely in the fall.” Xiao Che agreed with a smile, taking his hand. “It’s sunny outside, let’s go inside first. I also have a little something for you.”
"What else?" Lin Yan's eyes lit up. "What harvest day is it today?"
Back in the hall, Xiao Che picked up a palm-sized sandalwood box from the desk and handed it to him. The box felt warm to the touch and carried a faint woody fragrance.
Lin Yan opened it, and inside was a white jade pendant. The jade was delicate and smooth, carved with simple auspicious cloud patterns, and in the middle was a tiny "Yan" character, which was almost imperceptible if you did not look closely. The jade pendant was tied with a silk ribbon of the same color, which was very delicately woven.
"I wear it casually on a daily basis." Xiao Che said casually, "I know you find those big items cumbersome, this one is lighter."
Lin Yan picked up the jade pendant, and it felt warm to the touch.
This jade is clearly of the highest quality, and the carving is exquisite and understated, far more than just something to "wear for fun".
But what he cared about more was the sentiment behind it; Xiao Che even remembered the details that he disliked wearing heavy ornaments.
"I really like it." Lin Yan held the jade pendant in her palm, looked up at Xiao Che, and smiled. "Thank you, Brother Zhaolin."
That one call of "Brother Zhaolin" stirred Xiao Che's heart.
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Author's Note: Brother, brother! [cat emoji]
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