Ch 37: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

After lunch, the villagers all gathered at Jiang Ji’s house to watch them cut the potatoes.

In the courtyard, Jiang Ji set up a wooden board, placing a pile of potatoes on one side and an empty basket on the other. As he sliced the potatoes, he put each finished piece into the basket. Zhao Ru and Jiang Yan then took the potato chunks, dipped them in wood ash, and laid them under the eaves to dry.

“Just like this—it’s simple,” Jiang Ji explained as he worked. “Make sure each piece has a sprout eye, and don’t cut them too small. Two to three pieces per potato is ideal.”

“It’s really that easy?” one villager asked.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes, that’s all there is to it. Don’t stack them too high when you pile them up, or the ones at the bottom won’t sprout properly. Once they start sprouting, leave them in the sun for another two days, and then they’ll be ready for planting. Make sure your fields are prepared beforehand.”

“Alright, alright, we’re already drying the soil—then we’ll build the ridges.”

Jiang Ji reminded them, “I told you before—sprouted potatoes are poisonous, you can’t eat them. They’ve all started sprouting now, so don’t eat any.”

“Who’d eat them now? We’re all saving them for planting.”

“Yeah, if we eat them, we’ll have nothing to plant. No one’s touching the seed potatoes. I’ll go home and start cutting mine too.”

That afternoon, every household in the village began cutting their potatoes, keeping pace with Jiang Ji’s family.

The Jiang family was planting two mu of potatoes and needed several baskets’ worth of seed pieces, but the three of them finished their work quickly.

Afterward, Zhao Ru led the cow out and went with Jiang Ji to turn compost again, while Jiang Yan stayed home to continue copying manuscripts.

Jiang Ji had gotten into the habit of writing every evening. He had already filled two notebooks. Writing with a brush was slow, so Jiang Yan couldn’t keep up. And sometimes, Jiang Ji’s handwriting was so cursive that Jiang Yan couldn’t read it; he’d just leave those spots blank and wait for Jiang Ji to come back so he could ask.

…

After dinner, two tables—one big and one small—were lit with tung oil lamps in the main hall.

At the large table, Jiang Ji was writing about planting methods. There were so many types of vegetables and fruits that he wanted to record all their growing techniques.

Jiang Yan was copying the notes, and Jiang Xia was doing her homework and practicing calligraphy.

At the small table sat Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei, each on one side, working on their schoolwork. Zhao Ru sat beside them with her sewing basket, making undergarments.

The tailor shop’s Shopkeeper Sun had just returned from the prefectural city and told Zhao Ru and Aunt Xiufang to keep supplying them with clothes. So, Zhao Ru and Aunt Xiufang worked whenever they had time, and even Jiang Xia helped after finishing her studies. They had managed to earn quite a bit of silver that way.

Everyone in the family was busy with their own work, chatting occasionally. The warm yellow lamplight swayed gently, filling the room with quiet comfort and contentment.

…

The next day, Steward Lin Fu from the Lin household came by to say that the manor was ready.

Jiang Ji immediately went with Jiang Yan to inspect it.

The manor was located between their home and the county town—less than half an hour’s walk away. They arrived quickly.

At the gate, a man of about fifty was waiting. When he saw Lin Fu, he opened the door and handed over the key.

Jiang Ji looked around. The manor was surrounded by farmland, with only one road leading in and out. It was the only estate in the area, and the nearest village was about two li away.

Being far from the other villages made Jiang Ji very satisfied.

“This is the place,” Lin Fu said, leading them inside. “We’ve already had all the rooms cleaned and prepared.”

The manor was large—right past the entrance was a wide courtyard, and the living quarters were further in the back.

“Wow, it’s so spacious,” Jiang Ji couldn’t help but exclaim.

Lin Fu smiled. “This manor used to house the workers who managed the Lin family’s farmland. This open space here is the drying yard—we spread the rice out here during harvest season.”

“All those fields outside belong to your estate?” Jiang Ji asked.

“That’s right.”

No wonder there were no other houses around.

The three crossed the drying yard, and Lin Fu showed them around. “This is the main hall. Since you’ll be storing seeds here, I had them clear the space completely—just left a few tables and benches.”

Jiang Ji looked around. Only a few sets of tables and chairs remained in the center, and both sides were cleared out. He smiled brightly. “Perfect! Steward Lin, you really thought of everything.”

Flattered, Lin Fu smiled. “The side rooms have all been emptied. Two of them still have bedding—you can stay overnight here if you need to. This one over here holds all the blankets; if you need any, just take them. And there are two storerooms in the back—I’ll show you.”

“Alright, thank you.”

The side rooms had belonged to the manor’s workers, now tidied up. The two storerooms in the back were also quite large.

“These storerooms used to hold grain,” Lin Fu explained. “There was still some left, but our master was afraid you wouldn’t have enough space, so he had it moved out overnight.”

“Please thank Master Lin on my behalf,” Jiang Ji said sincerely. “Once everything’s settled, I’ll visit personally to express my gratitude.”

“Brother Jiang Ji, no need to be so polite. My master is glad to be of help.”

Lin Fu then led them to the back courtyard. “Here’s the kitchen. Since you’ll be staying for several days, you can cook for yourselves. There’s firewood in that shed—you’re welcome to use it.”

“That’s great, thank you, Steward Lin.”

After the full inspection, Jiang Ji was very pleased. He looked over at Jiang Yan, who nodded in agreement.

After thinking for a moment, Jiang Ji said, “Steward Lin, could you ask that older gentleman from earlier to guard the place for one more day? We’ll come tomorrow morning.”

“Of course,” Lin Fu replied. “I’ll tell him to hand you the key directly. The gate’s a bit far from the main hall—do you want him to stay and keep watch?”

“No need. The magistrate will be sending someone to help guard.”

“Alright then.”

After settling the details, Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan returned home.

The next morning, after breakfast, they packed two sets of clothes, their washing items, and Jiang Yan brought his brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Then they moved into the manor.

Zhao Ru worried about their meals. “Should I bring food to you?”

“No need, Mother, it’s too far. Three meals a day would be too much trouble for you.” Jiang Ji patted his chest confidently. “I can cook. We won’t starve. It’s just for two days—come visit after that.”

Zhao Ru still packed them some vegetables and rice, which Jiang Ji carried on his back.

Halfway there, Jiang Yan suddenly spoke quietly. “Someone’s following us. Don’t stop—keep walking.”

Jiang Ji stiffened but didn’t slow down. Covering his mouth with one hand, he whispered, “How many?”

“One.”

“One?” Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. “Should we capture him?”

“Don’t you want to know who he’s with?” Jiang Yan raised an eyebrow.

Jiang Ji grinned. “If we catch him and question him, won’t we find out?”

Jiang Yan said flatly, “…What if he lies?”

“…” Jiang Ji had to admit that was possible. “Then what do you plan to do?”

“We’ll head there first,” Jiang Yan said. “In the afternoon, you’ll go out toward town. He’ll probably follow you. Once you’re in town, wander near an inn or teahouse, then lose him. I’ll trail him afterward and see which house he reports to.”

Jiang Ji looked at him with admiration. This “white-cut-black” man really was calculating beneath the calm. His eyes lit up. “Alright, let’s do it that way.”

When they reached the manor, the gatekeeper handed Jiang Ji the key and left.

Everyone in the village knew the two would be gone for a couple of days—they’d said they were going to meet traders to arrange seed distribution.

In truth, they had nothing of the sort to do. They sat face-to-face in the main hall of the manor, continuing to write planting instructions.

Around noon, Jiang Yan looked up. “It’s midday.”

“Hm? You hungry?” Jiang Ji glanced outside at the sun and set his brush down. “Then let’s make lunch.”

As they walked toward the kitchen, Jiang Yan asked, “Do you even know how to cook?”

“Of course,” Jiang Ji said confidently. “Cooking’s easy.”

Jiang Yan gave him a look. “I’ve never seen you cook at home.”

“Uh…” Jiang Ji hesitated. “I probably can… I think.”

Jiang Yan stopped walking. “You can’t cook?”

Jiang Ji stopped too. “I’ll figure it out! Come on, you won’t starve.”

“…Alright.”

In the kitchen, Jiang Ji rinsed the rice and lit the fire. “Watch the fire, don’t let it go out.”

“I know.”

Jiang Ji took out the salt, oil, and other seasonings he’d brought, plus a piece of pork Zhao Ru had packed. He thought for a moment. “Let’s make braised pork with potatoes. Should be simple—I saw Mother make it before. Just fry the meat first, then add the potatoes and stew them together.”

“Fine, as long as it’s edible,” Jiang Yan said. Seeing the fire burn steadily, he went over to wash the vegetables.

Jiang Ji raised an eyebrow, washing the meat. “Don’t underestimate me. I’ve never cooked, but I’ve watched.”

“Mm, I know.” Jiang Yan peeled the potatoes while speaking. “Be careful not to cut yourself.”

“Got it.” Jiang Ji tilted his head to glance at him. Jiang Yan’s movements were smooth and precise, the potato skins coming off in thin, perfect curls. “Jiang Yan, you handle a kitchen knife pretty well. Don’t tell me you’ve cooked before?”

Jiang Yan paused, staring down at the kitchen knife in his hand with a hint of confusion. “Maybe I did.”

“I’ve always found you kind of contradictory,” Jiang Ji said, studying him. “Look at you—you’ve got the air of a young master from some wealthy family, all scholarly and refined, yet you know how to handle a kitchen knife? And your body—come on, eight-pack abs?” He clicked his tongue in amazement. “That’s not something an ordinary scholar gets from reading books.”

Jiang Yan glanced at him. “Abs?”

“Yeah, abdominal muscles—you’ve got eight of them, don’t you?”

Jiang Yan hesitated for a moment. “So you’ve been looking at that.”

“Of course! When I was checking your injuries, I couldn’t exactly not see it.” Jiang Ji finished slicing the meat and put it into a bowl. “Anyway, your build doesn’t look like a scholar’s. Maybe you practiced martial arts before.”

“The potatoes are ready,” Jiang Yan said as he peeled two, washed them, and put them in a bowl. “It’s possible I did.”

Jiang Ji froze and turned to him. “How do you know?”

“After my wounds healed, my body felt light and strong,” Jiang Yan said slowly. “There’s a sort of energy inside—like a force running through me.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Wow, is it internal energy?”

Jiang Yan shook his head. “I don’t know. I don’t remember, and I don’t know how to use it.”

“Oh, that’s a shame.” Jiang Ji blinked, then nudged his arm playfully. “Don’t worry, you’ll remember eventually.”

“Mm.” Jiang Yan took a cabbage from the basket and began washing it.

Once the ingredients were ready, Jiang Ji tried to recall what he’d seen his mother do and began cooking. Jiang Yan tended the fire.

The wok heated up; Jiang Ji poured in some oil. When it was hot enough, he tossed in the meat to fry until it released some fat, then added slices of ginger to stir-fry.

“Should I add water and stew it now?” Jiang Ji muttered to himself, staring into the pot.

“Go ahead,” Jiang Yan replied.

“Yeah, as long as it’s cooked, that’s all that matters.” Jiang Ji poured in two bowls of water and tossed in a star anise. “Let it simmer for a bit, then add the potatoes.”

After adding the potatoes, he felt there wasn’t enough liquid, so he poured in a bit more water, covered the pot, and let it stew.

“Did you add salt?” Jiang Yan asked after a while.

Jiang Ji blinked. “Ah! I knew I was forgetting something.”

He lifted the lid, added two spoonfuls of salt and a bit of soy sauce, then covered it again. After a short wait, he uncovered the pot, peered inside, and said, “Should be done now, right?”

“Try it.”

Jiang Ji picked up a piece of potato with his chopsticks and tasted it. “Potatoes are cooked.”

“And the meat?”

“After simmering this long? It must be cooked too. The broth’s almost gone—it’s done.”

He dished out the braised potatoes and pork, then stir-fried the cabbage.

“All done—time to eat!” Jiang Ji said happily, looking at the two dishes on the table, one meat and one vegetable. “See? I told you I wouldn’t let you go hungry. Look at that—not burnt, and fully cooked!”

Jiang Yan picked up a piece of meat and tasted it. Jiang Ji watched eagerly. “How’s it taste?”

Jiang Yan looked at him, chewed, swallowed, and said, “Not bad.”

Jiang Ji’s face brightened, and he took a bite himself. After just two chews, his brows furrowed. “Why’s the meat so tough? It’s been stewing forever—my mother’s never turns out like this.”

“No idea. Ask her when we’re back,” Jiang Yan said calmly, eating without even a frown. “The potatoes are good, though.”

Jiang Ji glanced at him and smirked. “Looks like I really need to learn proper cooking skills.”

In the system’s mission list, there was a cooking skill—and special tasks related to it. Jiang Ji decided then and there to unlock it. He couldn’t let his stomach suffer like this again.

After the meal, they cleaned up and went out according to plan.

Jiang Ji headed toward town alone. Not long after he left the manor, Jiang Yan noticed a man in gray slip out from the bushes and follow him—keeping neither too close nor too far. Jiang Yan quietly trailed behind them.

Jiang Ji trusted Jiang Yan completely and didn’t look back. When he reached the tea house on East Main Street, he quickened his pace, slipped inside through the front door, then exited through the back, zigzagging through alleys until he lost the follower.

By evening, he was back at the manor, cooking while waiting for Jiang Yan’s return.

Jiang Yan didn’t come back until nightfall. As soon as he walked in, Jiang Ji hurried over. “Well? Was it Master Zhang’s people?”

Jiang Yan took a sip of water. “No. That man was from the Sun household.”

“The Sun family?” Jiang Ji blinked, picturing the older Master Sun in his fifties. “Them? Aren’t they in the jewelry trade?”

“Yes. I saw him go through the Sun family’s gate,” Jiang Yan said, frowning slightly. “But when I got back, I noticed another person watching the manor.”

“The same one?”

“No. Different build. Probably another man—hiding behind the tree outside. Must’ve followed you back.”

Jiang Ji frowned. “…Who cares whose family he’s from. Let’s eat first, then go out and teach them a lesson.”

“Alright.”

“Think there might be more than one?”

“Then we’ll clear them all out.”

After dinner, both grabbed wooden sticks and went out the back door, circling around to the front. Sure enough, there were two men—one crouching in the grass, and another behind a tree on the other side of the gate.

They exchanged a look and divided the work—one each.

Jiang Ji took the one in the grass. When he saw Jiang Yan quietly circle behind the one near the tree, he rushed forward and whacked the man in the grass with his stick.

“Ah! Who’s there?!” the man yelped, springing up in shock.

Almost at the same moment, another cry came from the tree. “Who hit me?!”

Both spies froze in confusion—had they been discovered?

They turned to flee, but Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan had no intention of letting them escape.

Jiang Ji had learned some martial arts in his past life, and Jiang Yan moved with remarkable agility. Like catching petty thieves, the two quickly subdued the spies and beat them until they were rolling on the ground.

Before long, both men were captured, tied up, and dragged into the main hall.

The two lookouts glanced at each other—stunned that they’d been caught so easily.

Jiang Yan’s voice was cold. “So you know each other? Perfect. Then tell me—who sent you?”

Jiang Ji stayed silent, letting Jiang Yan take charge. He was far better at interrogations than he was.

The two spies said nothing.

“No answer?”

Without another word, Jiang Yan grabbed one of the men by the collar and dragged him into the next room. Moments later, a piercing scream echoed through the wall.

The man still in the hall flinched in terror. “Y-you’re using torture! That’s against the law!”

Jiang Ji smiled pleasantly. “Well, there’s no one around to see. The nearest village is two li away. If you both disappeared here today… no one would ever know.”

“D-disappeared?” The man trembled. “K-killing is a crime!”

Jiang Ji crouched down in front of him. “We can let you go. You just have to tell us who you are and who sent you.”

The man’s eyes darted back and forth before he stammered, “I—I’m from the Lin household. My master sent me. I can go now, right?”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Oh? And what about the one next door? Whose man is he?”

“You said you’d let me go!”

“I will,” Jiang Ji said softly. He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Listen, brother, think about it. We caught you sneaking around—if you go back like this, how are you going to explain yourself to your master?”

“Uh…”

“So here’s your chance to make up for it. You’ve been caught, sure—but the other guy’s been caught too. If someone from another house takes the fall, your master will be pleased, right? He’ll think you helped expose a rival’s spy. Maybe he’ll even forgive you this time. Don’t you think so?”

“Ah—!” Another scream came from the next room.

The man’s whole body jerked at the sound. Shaking, he finally said, “He—he’s from the Tian household.”

“The Tian family?”

“Yes, he’s the cook’s son. I’ve seen him before.”

“Ah!”

Another shriek followed from the other room. The sound was enough to make one’s skin crawl. Trembling, the man pleaded, “I’m telling the truth! You said you’d let me go!”

“I will.” Jiang Ji untied the ropes around his wrists. The man hurried to free his own legs and bolted out as fast as he could.

Then Jiang Ji walked into the other room.

Inside, he saw Jiang Yan standing with one boot pressing down on the other spy’s back. Jiang Yan tilted his chin toward him. “See that? The other one left. You know why he got to walk out?”

“Because,” Jiang Ji crouched beside the man, “he gave you up.”

The man on the ground froze, his pupils shrinking. Then Jiang Ji said, “You’re the Tian cook’s son, aren’t you?”

“Bastards!” the man roared, eyes wide. He hadn’t expected this kind of interrogation—they hadn’t asked him who he was, but who the other one was.

Since they were from different households, why should he suffer for someone else’s sake?

Jiang Ji grinned. That reaction said everything—it was true.

“Your turn,” he said smoothly. “He’s already given you up. No point keeping his secret. Tell us who he is, and you can go too.”

The man squeezed his eyes shut and muttered, “He’s from the Zhang household—the steward’s youngest son. His name’s Zhang Gui.”

“Good. You can go.”

Jiang Yan lifted his boot and untied the ropes. The man limped out but ran off as fast as he could.

Jiang Ji went to close the courtyard gate, clapped his hands, and said cheerfully, “All done!”

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