Ch 35: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

The day of the county office meeting arrived quickly.

That morning, after breakfast, Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan got ready to head out.

“Mother, wait for me to come back this afternoon before you go turn the compost—don’t do it alone, alright?”

They had been piling compost every few days and already had several heaps ready.

The family’s ox had gotten used to the place and could now work the fields. Yesterday, Jiang Ji had already plowed a large plot for potatoes, which would be planted in a few days.

“Alright, I’ll wait for you. Go on now—don’t keep the magistrate waiting.”

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan set off, pulling a cart full of sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, and rice.

Changping County had 136 villages under its jurisdiction. That day, every village chief came to the county office for the meeting, each bringing along two clan elders.

By the time Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan arrived, the courtyard of the county office was filled with benches, and every seat was occupied.

Jiang Ji glanced around. There were also quite a few men in long robes—clearly people of higher standing.

The magistrate’s secretary came over to lead them to the magistrate. Jiang Ji first handed over a sack of sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, and rice. The secretary immediately arranged for someone to take it away to be steamed and cooked.

“Sir,” Jiang Ji asked as they walked, “how many villages does our county have? There are so many people here.”

The secretary led them toward another building while explaining, “The magistrate also invited landowners from the towns to attend—so you wouldn’t have to give another separate talk later.”

Aside from the wealthy households, many townsfolk also owned farmland outside the city. Some rented it out, while others farmed it themselves.

Jiang Ji said with a smile, “The magistrate really thinks ahead.”

The secretary added, “You’d asked the magistrate to invite those gentry families too—he’s arranged it. After your talk, you’ll have tea with them.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes brightened. “That’s wonderful. Please thank the magistrate for me.”

The secretary brought the two to a side room and quietly said outside the door, “Inside are a few of the most prominent heads of families in Changping County. They’re talking with the magistrate right now. It’ll be a bit before the meeting starts, so you should go in and greet them first.”

“Oh, and one more thing,” the secretary reminded him, “the magistrate told me to warn you—there’s a certain Master Zhang in there. His family runs a textile business—they own their own spinning and weaving workshop, quite a large one. You already know the Lin family—they mainly run a grain and oil shop. The Lin and Zhang families don’t get along.”

“The other two—Master Sun, who deals in gold and silver jewelry, and Master Tian, whose family runs a mixed business. They own a pawnshop, a clothing store, a cosmetics shop, and a spice shop—anything that makes money, really. Oh, and they also own a restaurant. These four are the wealthiest and most land-rich families in the county.”

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan exchanged a look, and Jiang Ji sincerely said, “Thank you for the reminder, sir.”

The secretary led them inside. “Sir, Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan have arrived.”

“Just the people we were talking about—come in,” Magistrate Xu called out with a smile.

Inside, the magistrate sat at the head seat. On either side sat four men: one in his fifties, two around forty, and one about thirty years old. All wore fine silk garments.

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan stepped forward, bent slightly, and greeted, “Sir.”

“No need for formality. Sit down.”

The two took seats at the side. Though dressed in coarse linen clothes, their bearing was calm and self-assured, showing no hint of awkwardness.

Magistrate Xu gave a small approving nod.

After servants brought tea, the magistrate introduced them to the others. “Gentlemen, these are the two Jiang brothers I told you about—Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan.”

He then introduced each man in turn.

The one in his fifties was Master Sun of the Sun family; the heavier man in his forties was Master Lin of the Lin family; the lean one with a goatee was Master Zhang of the Zhang family; and the youngest, about thirty, was Master Tian of the Tian family.

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan both stood and cupped their fists in greeting to each of the wealthy landowners.

The four gentrymen had been quietly observing the two young men from the moment they entered.

Master Lin laughed heartily. “Lin Fu told me the two Jiang brothers were quite the handsome pair. I didn’t believe him at first, but now I see it’s true! Hahaha!”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Master Lin flatters us.”

The younger Master Tian asked curiously, “Uncle Lin, so your steward Lin Fu already knows these two?”

Master Lin chuckled. “A few days ago, when they held their village meeting, one of my servants overheard talk of it. I sent Lin Fu to take a look—that’s how they met. Young Jiang here even sent back a sack of sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn. I’ve tried them myself—they’re truly delicious! My wife and children all loved them.”

He then bowed slightly toward Jiang Ji. “Thank you, young man, for letting us have an early taste.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “You’re too kind, Master Lin. I’m glad your household liked them.”

“Liked them? We loved them! Hahaha!”

Master Lin’s booming laughter filled the room. Across from him, Master Zhang sneered coldly.

Master Lin caught the look and glared back, still smiling, secretly amused—let’s see if you’ll still be laughing later, he thought.

Master Tian, having heard about the gift of sweet potatoes, turned to Jiang Ji with a grin. “I heard the magistrate mention you brought back new crops from the south. Didn’t expect Uncle Lin to get the first taste already. Jiang Ji, we’re waiting our turn too.”

Jiang Ji answered easily, “No problem, I won’t let Master Tian be disappointed. I came out in a hurry today, but tomorrow I’ll send each of you a bag as well—please let your families taste them.”

Master Tian smiled. “Much appreciated.”

“You’re very welcome.”

After a few more polite exchanges, the magistrate’s secretary came in and said, “Sir, everyone’s arrived—it’s about time.”

Magistrate Xu stood. “Let’s begin, then.”

They all headed to the front courtyard. The gentrymen took seats in the front rows while Magistrate Xu himself stepped forward to open the assembly.

Standing atop the steps, he raised his voice. “Fellow townsmen, you’ve all seen the county notice, haven’t you?”

The crowd responded, “We have!”

“Good,” the magistrate said. “Then you should already have some idea of today’s purpose. We’re here to discuss the new rice strain and other new crops mentioned in the notice. I’ll now invite Jiang Ji from Shanqian Village to explain these new seeds.”

The magistrate stepped aside and took a seat while Jiang Ji walked up the steps to begin his talk.

He had already given this presentation twice before and was now well-practiced. As before, he introduced the new rice, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn—explaining their advantages, calculating the profits, and teaching how to plant for the best yield. He covered intercropping, mixed planting, and crop rotation in simple, clear terms.

He also displayed several printed booklets and assured everyone that full planting instructions were already available.

Meanwhile, the food—sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, and rice—had been steamed and distributed for tasting.

The villagers’ reactions were the same as before—genuine surprise and delight. Seeing and tasting the crops for themselves made them fully believe.

Then Jiang Ji brought up the matter of cotton seeds and the planting contract.

He explained that, based on current registrations, the combined cotton fields from several villages totaled nearly three hundred mu. The Lin family alone had registered one hundred mu under contract, bringing the total to four hundred mu—but he still hoped to recruit another two hundred.

“There are two hundred mu worth of planting contracts still available,” Jiang Ji announced. “If you’re interested in joining, please contact us soon—it’s first come, first served. Once those are filled, you can still buy the seeds and plant on your own.”

“I’ve said enough for now. If anyone has questions, please go ahead and ask.”

The villagers did indeed have many questions, which Jiang Ji patiently answered one by one.

Master Lin stroked his beard with a pleased smile as he watched Master Zhang deep in thought.

Heh—wondering what Jiang Ji plans to do with all that cotton, aren’t you?

Master Tian, sitting beside him, noticed his grin and asked, “Uncle Lin, you look very pleased—already signed up for seeds?”

“I did,” said Master Lin, “but that’s not why I’m happy.”

“Oh? Then why?”

Master Lin glanced at the sky. “Good weather today. That’s all.”

Master Tian glanced at Master Zhang—and understood.

When everyone’s questions were finally addressed, Jiang Ji said, “Thank you, uncles and elders, for taking the time to come. Please share what you’ve learned with your villages when you return. I’ll give each village chief a sample—one sweet potato, one potato, one corn cob, and a small handful of rice—to bring back for demonstration.”

“And for those planning to buy seeds, please have your village chiefs compile a list of each household’s requested quantity. The prices and seed amounts were already included in the notice. I hope we can have all the totals within three days so distribution can start quickly—sweet potatoes and potatoes are ready for sprouting, and the others soon will be. We can’t delay.”

“As for the planting manuals, the magistrate said the county office is printing them now. Each village will receive a free copy. Everything is written clearly—just follow it. If you have any trouble, you can come to Shanqian Village and find me.”

When he finished, Jiang Ji asked the constables to help distribute the sample seeds to each village chief. It was nearly noon by the time all the villagers had left.

Finally done, Jiang Ji let out a long breath.

Jiang Yan, holding a teapot and two cups, handed him one. “You’ve worked hard.”

Jiang Ji drank four cups in a row. “Finally done!”

“Gentlemen, the magistrate requests your presence,” the secretary came to say.

Magistrate Xu was waiting in his carriage. “Come on, we’re having lunch with the gentry.”

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan climbed aboard.

On the way, the magistrate told Jiang Ji, “The estate you wanted has been found. It’s between your village and the town. You can use it for ten days—it has about ten empty rooms and two storehouses. Should be enough, right?”

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. “That should be enough! As long as it doesn’t rain, I can even store some under the eaves. Thank you, sir.”

After a pause, he asked, “Sir, may I ask who owns the estate?”

“It belongs to the Lin family,” Magistrate Xu replied, glancing at him. “Their business mainly deals in grain and oil. These crops you’re promoting will benefit them the most, so I spoke to them first. When they learned it was for you, they agreed to vacate one of their estates for your use.”

Jiang Ji blinked. “I understand. Thank you, sir.”

“They’ll need two days to clear the place,” Magistrate Xu continued. “That works out well since the villages still need time to prepare. Once everything’s ready, Lin Fu will come find you and take you there to inspect it.”

“Alright, thank you, sir.” Jiang Ji thought for a moment, then added, “Oh—also, sir, when the seeds are distributed, could we organize it by region? Otherwise it’ll be chaotic. Maybe divide it into east, south, west, and north sectors, one at a time—that’ll make things easier for me to manage. Would that be alright?”

“Fine,” said the magistrate. “Once you’ve set the schedule, I’ll have notices sent to each village about their pickup times.”

“Perfect. Thank you, sir.”

After settling that, their carriage arrived at the restaurant.

They entered through the back door, and Jiang Ji asked, “Sir, which restaurant is this?”

“Xiangmanlou—it belongs to the Tian family.”

A servant met them at the back and led them into a private room.

It was spacious inside, and the gentry were already waiting.

After they all sat down, tea was served and casual conversation followed. Most of it was the landowners asking Jiang Ji about the new crops. Jiang Ji answered what he could, careful not to reveal too much.

Everyone was curious where he had gotten the seeds. Jiang Ji gave the same story he’d told Lin Fu—that a traveling merchant had brought them from the south but never said exactly where.

After a few rounds of subtle probing, his answers remained watertight. The men realized they wouldn’t get anything more out of him, and their regard for this seemingly simple villager rose a little.

Once the wine was served, the conversation grew livelier. Jiang Ji wasn’t sure how well this body could hold liquor, so he was cautious, but even then he drank a bit too much and started feeling dizzy.

Just then, Master Zhang, the one in the textile trade, asked casually, “So, Brother Jiang—what do you plan to do with all that cotton you’re buying? Sell it yourself, or…?”

If Jiang Ji planned to sell raw cotton, it wouldn’t matter. But if he intended to spin and weave it himself—then that would make him a competitor.

Jiang Ji’s head was spinning, but his mind stayed sharp. He knew that the Zhang family specialized in textiles, and saying anything now would be dangerous.

If he claimed he was keeping it for personal use, the Zhangs would see him as a threat; if he said he’d sell it, he’d expose himself later when he didn’t.

So he simply leaned into his drunken act. “Cot—cot—cotton…” he mumbled—and then collapsed face-first onto the table.

Jiang Yan: …

Magistrate Xu: …

Everyone: …

Jiang Yan wasn’t much of a talker, so Jiang Ji had done most of the chatting. He’d drunk quite a bit himself but was still clear-headed. Seeing Jiang Ji like that, he decided to play along.

“Jiang—Jiang Ji…” He patted Jiang Ji’s shoulder, then his cheek, before standing and bowing unsteadily to the table. “S-sir, esteemed gentlemen, my brother’s had t-too much to drink. I’ll just… take him home…”

Magistrate Xu rose. “You’ve had plenty yourself. Come to my place first—rest there until you’re sober, then go home.”

He turned to the others. “That’s all for today, gentlemen. Get some rest.”

A waiter came in to help lift Jiang Ji into the carriage, and the magistrate departed with them.

Inside, the gentry exchanged glances. Master Lin stood first. “I’ll take my leave.”

“Uncle Lin, wait,” Master Tian said, stopping him. “What do you think of those two brothers?”

“What do I think?” said Master Lin. “They’ve got seeds that increase yields and exclusive new crops. Once the harvests are sold to other counties, everyone profits. What more is there to think about?”

The others each had their own thoughts. Master Lin waved them off. “You can think for yourselves. I’m going home.”

The rest lingered a bit, then left too. Master Sun and Master Tian were calm enough, but Master Zhang went home frowning, worry etched across his face.

The carriage rocked gently along the street. Jiang Ji leaned on Jiang Yan’s shoulder, eyes closed.

Magistrate Xu reached over and tapped him. “Alright, stop pretending.”

Jiang Ji didn’t move.

The magistrate looked at Jiang Yan, who also tapped Jiang Ji’s shoulder. “Jiang Ji?”

Still no response.

Jiang Yan looked down. His breathing was steady, his eyes shut tight, and even through his dark complexion, his face was flushed red.

“He’s asleep,” Jiang Yan said.

“…His alcohol tolerance is that low?”

“Maybe he’s never drunk before,” Jiang Yan replied.

Having lived in the village a while, Jiang Yan knew the Jiang family’s situation—so poor they could barely eat, let alone afford wine. Things had only improved recently, after he’d been rescued.

When they arrived at the magistrate’s residence, Jiang Ji woke briefly, then drifted off again, sleeping another half hour before stirring.

Blinking at the unfamiliar room, he asked groggily, “Where is this?”

“Magistrate Xu’s house. You got drunk,” Jiang Yan said.

Jiang Ji sat up, rubbing his temples. “Ugh… dizzy.”

Jiang Yan poured him a cup of tea. “Drink—lots of it.”

Jiang Ji gulped down three cups. “No more—I need the latrine.”

Jiang Yan took him there, then they sat outside in the courtyard for a bit. When Jiang Ji finally felt clearer, he tugged Jiang Yan’s sleeve. “Where’s the magistrate? We said we’d ask him about the Regent.”

Led by a servant, they soon found Magistrate Xu, who was in his study working through official papers.

When he saw them enter, he looked up. “Awake now?”

“Mhm, thank you, sir, for letting us stay here,” Jiang Ji said a little sheepishly.

“I’ll have someone escort you two home.”

“Thank you, sir, but—ah, before that, there’s something we’d like to ask you.”

“Oh? What is it? Sit down.”

The two sat. Jiang Ji began, “Sir, you mentioned before that the court values agriculture highly and sometimes issues new planting methods and policies. I remember that during last year’s great drought, the court reduced the peasants’ taxes—that was by order of the Regent, wasn’t it?”

Magistrate Xu looked at him and nodded. “Yes, by the Regent’s command. Why do you ask?”

“I just wanted to know more about the Regent. I’ve heard he’s quite remarkable?” Jiang Ji asked, half-curious, half-probing.

“The Regent is indeed a most extraordinary man,” Magistrate Xu said with a faint smile. His gaze drifted toward the door, distant with admiration. “He became the top scholar in the imperial exams at only seventeen—personally favored by the late emperor.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes widened. “Seventeen? He topped the exams at seventeen?”

“That’s right. He won first place at all three levels—unheard of brilliance. The late emperor had wanted him to stay in the capital to serve, but suddenly there was war at the northern border. Guess what he did?”

“What?” Jiang Ji leaned forward.

“He volunteered to escort the grain supply to the frontier,” the magistrate said, smiling. “He stayed there two years—offering strategies, assisting the Marquis Zhenbei in quelling the rebellion. He even led troops into battle himself. Brave and resourceful—master of both pen and sword. That’s why, when the late emperor passed, he named him Regent to assist our young emperor in governing.”

Jiang Ji gaped. “He can fight too? But isn’t he a scholar?”

“Ah, you don’t know,” the magistrate chuckled. “His mother’s family has been a line of generals for generations. He trained in martial arts under his grandfather from childhood, while his father insisted he study literature. The two families quarreled endlessly over whether he should pursue arms or letters—until the young Regent said, ‘What’s the point of arguing? I’ll study both.’”

Jiang Ji exclaimed, “Heavens—where did he find the time? Most people couldn’t reach that level in a lifetime.”

“Indeed,” the magistrate sighed, “but that’s what makes him extraordinary—he truly mastered both.”

Jiang Ji gave a thumbs-up. “Impressive!”

The magistrate smiled. “When he first took power, many officials refused to accept him. But within just three years, he punished corrupt ministers, cleansed the court, and restored order. Now everyone, from nobles to commoners, admires him.”

He clasped his hands toward the north and then turned back. “But why are you asking about the Regent?”

Jiang Ji glanced at Jiang Yan, who was frowning slightly, deep in thought.

“Oh,” Jiang Ji said lightly, “he just sounds like a wise and benevolent man. If our new rice and sweet potatoes could gain his support, I think they’d spread across the country much faster.”

Magistrate Xu nodded. “Naturally. I’ve already written a memorial to the court. If the Regent reads it, he’ll surely support your efforts.”

“I hope so,” Jiang Ji said with a grin.

After their conversation, the magistrate, worried Jiang Ji might still be tipsy, ordered a carriage to take them home.

On the ride, Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan sat opposite each other, legs stretched out wide.

“Did you remember anything?” Jiang Ji nudged his knee.

Jiang Yan shook his head. “Still just… feels familiar. But nothing concrete.”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “Maybe you need some kind of special trigger—something to jolt your memory.”

The carriage jolted violently as it hit a pothole—thud! Jiang Ji was thrown forward by momentum, his knees slamming into the floor as he toppled straight into Jiang Yan’s lap.

“Holy—!” Jiang Ji yelped. His knees hit hard, and tears sprang to his eyes from the pain.

“Hh—!” Jiang Yan gasped sharply, his legs jerking inward.

Jiang Ji had landed kneeling between his legs, his forehead colliding squarely with Jiang Yan’s lower abdomen.

Hearing the pained noise, Jiang Ji grimaced and asked through gritted teeth, “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Yan: “…”

He patted Jiang Ji’s shoulder, voice strained. “…Just—just get up first.”

“My knees hurt. Give me a second.”

“You alright?” Jiang Yan asked tightly, brows drawn.

Jiang Ji shook his head. “Not bad… just hurts like hell.”

“Then stand up,” Jiang Yan said, still wincing. “I’m hurting too.”

“…Wait,” Jiang Ji froze, finally realizing how awkward their position looked. “Did I—hit you?”

“Get up,” Jiang Yan said through clenched teeth.

“Uh… help me a bit?”

Jiang Yan reached out, helped him by the arm, and Jiang Ji finally managed to stand.

Jiang Yan steadied him onto the bench. “Sit properly this time—so you don’t fall again.”

“…Okay.” Jiang Ji sat down obediently, glanced toward Jiang Yan’s abdomen, and saw the other’s legs tightly closed, brow furrowed. “You sure you’re alright? Looks… painful.”

Jiang Yan shot him a glare. “You want to try it?”

“Nope, no need,” Jiang Ji said quickly, waving his hands and trying not to laugh. “No point in us hurting each other.”

“…”

“Let me see your knees,” Jiang Yan muttered, changing the subject.

Jiang Ji rolled up his pant legs—both knees were bruised. He rubbed them, bent and stretched his legs. “Doesn’t feel broken. I’ll rub some liniment when we get home.”

Seeing Jiang Yan still wincing, Jiang Ji said apologetically, “Sorry about that—the road’s terrible. You looked like it really hurt though. Want me to check later? Just in case something’s damaged?”

“No need.”

“Hey, don’t ignore injuries. That part’s important, you know—it’d be bad if something really broke.”

Jiang Yan gritted his teeth. “I said I’m fine.”

Jiang Ji sighed. “Alright. But if you feel any discomfort, tell me, okay? I’ll figure out how to fix it.”

Jiang Yan: “…”

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