Ch 45: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

The matchmaker aunt laughed and nodded. “That’s right! You must be thrilled, huh?”

Jiang Ji opened his mouth, momentarily speechless. Do I look thrilled to you? he thought silently.

The matchmaker gave him a long look, examining him from head to toe. The young man was handsome, with clear eyes and good features—though a bit tanned, but what farmer wasn’t? He looked healthy, energetic, and quite impressive.

She nodded to herself in satisfaction.

She’d thought about matchmaking for him before, but back then his family’s situation had been too poor. Forget a dowry—they could barely fill their stomachs year-round. No decent family would want their daughter to marry into hardship. But now, things were different. His family had clearly earned money from selling seeds, their living conditions were improving, and a new house was under construction. Every household within ten miles that had a marriageable daughter had begun to take interest.

In just the past few days, she’d met with seven or eight families who wanted her to arrange a proposal. She’d even brought along portraits of the girls to show him. If this match succeeded, her matchmaker’s fee would be a fine one indeed.

Seeing Jiang Ji too stunned to speak, she chuckled and said to Zhao Ru, “Look at him—completely dazed.”

Then she smiled at Jiang Ji. “What’s the matter, feeling shy?”

“Um, Auntie,” Jiang Ji said, putting his carrying pole by the door. “I’m still young. No need to rush this kind of thing.”

“Young? You’re nineteen already! That’s not young at all. At your age, most men are already married—some even have kids running around!” she said cheerfully, walking beside him. “Now’s just the right time. If we find a good match and get engaged soon, we could start preparations this fall. Who knows—if things move fast, your mother might hear good news before the new year.”

Jiang Ji blinked. “Good news?”

The matchmaker giggled behind her hand. “Oh, you silly boy—what other good news? Your mother getting a grandchild, of course!”

Jiang Ji: “…”

Zhao Ru actually did hope for a grandchild and smiled. “Xiao Ji, before, we couldn’t think about marriage because our family was struggling. But now things are better—it’s time to consider it.”

Jiang Ji rubbed his nose nervously. Sorry, Mother, he thought. You’ll probably have to wait another ten years. Maybe when Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei marry—or even when Xia’er does in six or seven years—you’ll get that grandchild, or at least a grandchild-in-law.

“Come on, Jiang Ji,” the matchmaker urged happily. “I brought plenty of portraits of young ladies—they’re all very lovely. Take a look, see which one catches your eye.”

At the kitchen door, Jiang Yan had just finished washing his hands. He glanced toward the main room, poured out the water, then went to pick through a small basket of shepherd’s purse greens. Sitting on a low stool, he began trimming the roots absentmindedly.

Inside the main room, the matchmaker’s enthusiastic voice floated out. “Jiang Ji, come look at this one! Your mother’s already seen her. This girl’s name is Helan—she’s fifteen, from Luoping Village five miles away. Pretty face, big eyes, sharp chin, very lively, and she’s quick with her hands—such a diligent worker. Look, isn’t she adorable?”

Her voice was full of flattery, painting the girl as if she were a blooming flower.

A moment later, Jiang Ji’s voice followed: “Auntie, she’s a wonderful girl…”

Jiang Yan’s hands stilled for an instant. His eyes dropped as he snapped off another root and tossed it into the basin.

“Right? I told you she’s a great one,” the matchmaker said eagerly. “Beautiful, the right age for you, and strong too—why, I bet you’d be cradling two babies within three years!”

“Uh, no,” Jiang Ji interrupted hastily. “Auntie, she’s very nice, but we’re not suitable.”

Jiang Yan lifted his gaze slightly toward the main room. Inside, the matchmaker sounded puzzled.

“What’s not suitable? I think she’s perfect for you!”

In the room, Jiang Ji scratched his head awkwardly under his mother’s questioning look and the matchmaker’s eager eyes. He searched for an excuse and said, “She’s… really not suitable. She’s not even an adult yet!”

“She’s already of age—past hairpin ceremony, perfectly marriageable,” the matchmaker said, eyeing him thoughtfully. She slapped her thigh and pulled out another portrait. “Ah, I see, you like someone older! Here—this girl’s seventeen. Look at that oval face, elegant and proper—you’ll like her, I’m sure.”

Jiang Ji: “…”

Before she could unroll another portrait, he sighed. “Auntie, you don’t need to go through the trouble. I’m not planning to marry right now.”

“What? Not planning to marry?” The matchmaker stared at him, stunned. “But you’re nineteen!”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Exactly—only nineteen. Still young.”

“Most boys your age already have children who can run and talk!” she insisted, turning to Zhao Ru for support. “Nineteen’s the perfect age, right, Jiang Ji’s mother?”

Zhao Ru was torn. She was worried about her son’s marriage, but hearing him say he wasn’t ready made her hesitate. “Xiao Ji, you really don’t want to marry yet? Don’t want to bring home a wife?”

Jiang Ji shook his head. “Mother, I’m just nineteen. There’s still so much to do at home—I’m not in a hurry.”

The matchmaker, skilled at reading faces, quickly adjusted her tone. “Alright, if you don’t want to marry this year, then at least get engaged. You can marry next year. Engagement first, wedding later—it’s all the same.”

Zhao Ru thought that seemed reasonable. “Xiao Ji, why don’t you look anyway? We could at least set an engagement?”

Jiang Ji waved his hand. “No need, Mother. I really don’t want to think about this now.”

The matchmaker looked between them and sighed. “This child—how can he be so calm about it? Sister, you need to push him a little!”

She tried one last time, speaking earnestly. “Listen, these girls are all excellent choices. I’ve already screened them carefully before bringing their portraits. Once a girl’s of age, she can’t wait too long—you miss the chance, and it’s gone.”

“Auntie, I know they’re all good girls,” Jiang Ji said sincerely. “So please, find them good husbands. Don’t let me hold them back.”

The matchmaker: “…”

Seeing her son’s firm tone, Zhao Ru fell silent, thoughtful. Finally, she smiled and said, “Since Xiao Ji isn’t interested right now, we’ll wait a bit longer. Thank you for coming all this way, sister.”

Still unwilling to give up, the matchmaker asked, “Then tell me, Jiang Ji—what kind of girl do you like? I’ll keep an eye out.”

Jiang Ji paused, smiled politely, and said, “No need, Auntie. When the time comes, I’ll ask you myself. I’ll go wash my hands now.”

With that, he turned and left the main room for the kitchen.

That rejection was about as clear as it could get. The matchmaker watched him go, sighed, and then leaned toward Zhao Ru. “Sister, he’s nineteen—don’t let him drag his feet. A man only settles down after he has a family. There are plenty of eyes on good girls like these—you’d better act quickly.”

Zhao Ru looked a little worried. “Alright, I understand. Thank you for the trouble.”

The matchmaker aunt gathered up the portraits of the girls and stepped into the courtyard. Spotting Jiang Yan picking vegetables, she called out cheerfully, “Ah, you must be Jiang Yan, right? Have you married yet?”

Jiang Yan: “…”

Jiang Ji, who was washing his hands nearby, laughed. “Auntie, he’s lost his memory. For all we know, he might already be married. Better not worry about him.”

“Oh, I see, I see. Well then,” the matchmaker chuckled, “if you ever remember that you’re still single, come find me—I’ll find you a lovely wife.”

After seeing the matchmaker off, Jiang Ji glanced at Jiang Yan, poured out the water, and sat down on a small stool to help him with the vegetables.

When Zhao Ru came back after walking the matchmaker out, she crouched beside her son and grabbed his arm. “Xiao Ji,” she asked softly, “be honest with your mother—do you already have a girl you like?”

Jiang Ji: “…”

Jiang Yan gave him a sidelong glance, then pulled over another small stool. “Auntie, sit down.”

Jiang Ji glared at him. You’re not helping at all—why are you offering her a seat?

Jiang Yan merely met his gaze calmly and continued picking vegetables in silence.

Zhao Ru sat down. “Come on, tell me. If you’ve got someone you like, I’ll have the matchmaker go talk to her family.”

Jiang Ji shot Jiang Yan another glare, then lowered his head and said, “Mother, I don’t have anyone I like.”

Jiang Yan flicked a glance his way, listening as Zhao Ru pressed on. “Then why didn’t you look at the portraits just now? I thought maybe you already had someone in mind. I checked on those girls—each one is a fine match.”

Jiang Ji sighed. “Mother, I really don’t want to think about marriage right now. I just want to focus on the fields, finish building the house, and make more money.”

“When do you plan on getting married, then?” she asked.

He looked at her, not wanting to lie but knowing the truth would upset her. “We’ll see later,” he said finally. “I’m only nineteen.” Then he quickly changed the subject. “Mother, let’s eat. I’m hungry.”

Zhao Ru looked at her son for a long moment before sighing. “Alright, I’ll cook.”

As she went inside to wash rice, Jiang Ji turned to Jiang Yan, punched him lightly on the arm, and muttered through gritted teeth, “You looked way too amused back there.”

Jiang Yan raised an eyebrow, eyes glinting faintly. “You looked pretty happy watching me too?”

Jiang Ji: “…”

He studied Jiang Yan’s expression—it was the same as always. Grumbling, he said, “You always have the same face. Who could even tell if you’re happy or not?”

Jiang Yan: “…”

He glanced up briefly, then lowered his eyes again, slowly plucking a yellow leaf off the shepherd’s purse. “You don’t seem very happy,” he said.

Jiang Ji sighed, not replying, and went back to picking in silence.

Jiang Yan watched him for a moment. “Someone came to propose marriage for you. Shouldn’t you be happy?”

Jiang Ji glared at him. “If that auntie had come to arrange a marriage for you, would you be happy?”

“Our situations aren’t the same,” Jiang Yan replied evenly.

Jiang Ji paused, then asked softly, “Tell me honestly—do you think you might really be married?”

Jiang Yan froze slightly and lowered his gaze. “I don’t know.”

“Going by your age,” Jiang Ji said quietly, “you probably are. Maybe you even have kids already.” He glanced at Jiang Yan, suppressing the dull ache in his chest, and forced a smile. “Even if not married, maybe engaged.”

Jiang Yan’s expression flickered, his gaze turning distant. “Who knows.”

Seeing that look on his face, Jiang Ji stopped talking. He sighed inwardly, realizing the question might’ve hit a sore spot.

Before long, Jiang Nan and the others came home from school, filling the house with noise and laughter again.

After lunch, when the younger ones left for class, Jiang Ji went to the main hall. As he did, Zhao Ru, who had just finished washing the dishes, called to Jiang Yan, who was returning from the outhouse. “Jiang Yan, come here—I want to talk to you.”

He followed her into the kitchen and rinsed his hands. “What is it, Auntie?”

Zhao Ru glanced toward the hall to make sure Jiang Ji wasn’t nearby, then lowered her voice. “Jiang Yan, you’re close to Xiao Ji, and he seems comfortable talking to you. Could you ask him for me—does he really like someone?”

Jiang Yan paused. “Didn’t he say he didn’t?”

“I know, but I think he’s just too shy to tell me.” Zhao Ru sighed. “He used to be a lively child, but after his father passed, the burden fell on him. He grew quiet, mature too early, always bottling things up so I wouldn’t worry. Only recently has he started smiling again.”

She hesitated, her voice softening. “You don’t know—back when he was fifteen or sixteen, he liked a girl from our village. She was a year younger. But our family was so poor then, we couldn’t afford a dowry. He never told me, but on the day she married, I saw him standing far away watching her carriage leave—his eyes were red. That’s when I realized.”

Her eyes grew misty as she spoke. “It’s my fault, really. I couldn’t earn enough to help him marry the one he liked.”

After a moment of silence, Jiang Yan said gently, “I understand, Auntie. I’ll try to ask him when there’s a chance.”

“Good, good.” Zhao Ru nodded quickly. “You two are close in age, and he trusts you. He’ll probably talk to you more easily.”

Then she added, hesitating slightly, “And… if—and I mean if—he still hasn’t moved on from that girl, please help me talk some sense into him, alright?”

Jiang Yan lowered his eyes and nodded quietly. “Alright.”

Jiang Ji was napping. When Jiang Yan entered the room, he was already fast asleep—mouth slightly open, brows faintly furrowed, perhaps still thinking about the matchmaking incident.

Remembering Zhao Ru’s words, Jiang Yan stood by the bedside for a while before turning away. He went back to the main hall and began copying down the planting notes.

…

That afternoon, when Jiang Ji woke up, he went to the back hill to check on the house construction progress. He didn’t return until after dinner, when everyone was getting ready for bed.

As usual, Jiang Ji was in the courtyard muttering to himself about something, probably talking to his mysterious “viewers.” Jiang Yan, not wanting to eavesdrop, stayed by the hall doorway and called out to him first.

“Jiang Ji.”

Jiang Ji was in the middle of chatting with the audience in his livestream room. They were still discussing the matchmaking incident from that morning—a lively crowd offering all sorts of advice on how he could gently, tactfully, and step-by-step help Zhao Ru accept the fact that he liked men, not women.

【That’s going to be tough. In ancient times, the idea of continuing the family line is deeply rooted—it won’t be easy for her to accept.】
【Take it slow. Start by subtly mentioning stories about same-sex couples—like news or rumors—and observe her reaction before deciding what to do next.】
【If nothing works, you can just tell her directly that you feel no attraction to women and can’t carry on the family line.】
【Or try another angle—start feeding her the idea that “happiness in life matters most.” She’s your mother; surely she wants you to live happily rather than miserably.】

The chat scrolled fast, and Jiang Ji, now thoroughly exasperated, read every comment carefully and replied back and forth with them. He was still deep in thought when he heard Jiang Yan call his name.

“You done washing up?” Jiang Ji looked up. Sitting on his little stool, he was just about to stand when he saw Jiang Yan walking over. “Are Jiang Nan and the others asleep?”

“Yeah. All asleep.” Jiang Yan brought out another stool, set it beside him, and sat down.

Jiang Ji eyed him curiously. “You out here to admire the moon too?”

Jiang Yan glanced at the waxing moon overhead. “Mm. The moonlight’s nice tonight.”

Jiang Ji: “…”

He gave Jiang Yan a look. “You’ve got something to say, right?”

Jiang Yan hesitated, then replied, “This afternoon, Auntie asked me to check something for her.”

“What thing?”

Turning his head toward him, Jiang Yan said quietly, “She wanted me to ask if there’s a girl you like—but you’re not telling her.”

Jiang Ji blinked. “Didn’t I already say I don’t?”

“She doesn’t really believe that. She said you once liked a girl but kept it to yourself. She’s afraid you’re making the same mistake again.” Jiang Yan met his eyes. “Is that true?”

Jiang Ji froze. A girl he liked before? He thought back—yes, the original Jiang Ji had one.

His first love. Back then, his family had been too poor, and he’d felt unworthy—afraid he couldn’t give her a good life. So he’d buried his feelings, never confessed, and eventually watched her marry someone else.

He’d heard she was doing well now—happily married, with a young daughter.

Jiang Ji: “…”

Jiang Yan noticed his silence. “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Jiang Ji rubbed his nose. “It’s all in the past.”

So, that meant yes. Jiang Yan continued, “And now? Do you like anyone?”

Jiang Ji sighed. “No one.”

“Still can’t forget the girl from before?”

Jiang Ji shook his head. “No. She’s got a kid already.”

Jiang Yan gave him a measured look. “You turned down the matchmaker today, said you don’t want to marry. Auntie thinks either you’ve got someone you like or you’re still hung up on that girl.”

“Neither,” Jiang Ji said with a sigh. “If I liked someone, I’d just say it. It’s not about that.”

Jiang Yan raised a brow slightly. “Then what is it?”

Jiang Ji looked at him, opened his mouth, then sighed again, saying nothing as he stared up at the night sky.

Jiang Yan was quiet for a moment. “Is it something you can’t tell me?”

“It’s not that.”

“Then?”

The crescent moon hung like a silver hook, soft light hazy and thin between them. Their faces were half-shadowed, unreadable.

Still, Jiang Ji looked at Jiang Yan and said softly, “I’m afraid I’ll scare you.”

Jiang Yan raised a brow. “How would you know unless you tell me?”

Seeing the mild disbelief on his face, Jiang Ji let out a small laugh. “Reverse psychology won’t work on me.”

“I’m just stating a fact,” Jiang Yan said calmly.

Jiang Ji sighed again, lowering his eyes to the shadows cast by their feet. “Well, it’s not like I can’t tell you.”

Jiang Yan’s gaze was steady, waiting for his truth.

Jiang Ji scratched his head, thinking for a while before finally lifting his eyes. “Jiang Yan… I don’t have a girl I like—and I never will.”

Jiang Yan frowned slightly, not understanding. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Jiang Ji said with a small shrug, completely straightforward, “I don’t like women.”

Jiang Yan froze. He hadn’t expected that answer.

Jiang Ji tilted his head. “What’s wrong? Did I scare you?”

After a brief silence, Jiang Yan said, “But you liked a girl before.”

Jiang Ji blinked, mind blanking for a second. Right—the original Jiang Ji had liked a girl. Now to Jiang Yan, didn’t that make him look like someone who couldn’t make up his mind? One day liking women, the next liking men—must seem unreliable.

He scratched his head awkwardly, fumbling for words. “Uh… well, that was when I was young. Didn’t really understand feelings back then. Later I realized it didn’t… work.”

Jiang Yan: “Didn’t work how?”

“…” Jiang Ji was speechless. “Come on, what else could ‘didn’t work’ mean for a man?”

Jiang Yan: “…”

He went quiet for a long while, then asked, “Auntie doesn’t know, right?”

“She doesn’t. I’m afraid she couldn’t handle it. Haven’t talked to her about it yet.” Jiang Ji thought for a bit, then added, “Anyway, there’s plenty to do right now—no rush.”

Jiang Yan nodded slightly. “Makes sense. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have asked me to bring it up.”

Jiang Ji paused, studying the side of his face. “Do you… mind?”

“No,” Jiang Yan said evenly.

Eh? No?

Jiang Ji stared at him for a few seconds, genuinely surprised. There wasn’t the slightest trace of disgust or discomfort on Jiang Yan’s face. “Really don’t mind? You can tell me honestly if you do.”

Jiang Yan shook his head. “I don’t mind.”

“Really?”

“Mm.”

Jiang Ji let out a small sigh of relief. “Good. I was afraid I’d scare you off.”

After a pause, he turned his head again. “Do you want me to switch sleeping spots with Jiang Bei tonight?”

Jiang Yan paused, meeting his gaze calmly. “If you’re uncomfortable, then switch.”

Jiang Ji chuckled. “Why would I be uncomfortable? I was just worried you might be.”

“I’m not.”

“Alright then.”

They sat quietly for a while, the faint moonlight washing everything in a soft glow. After a moment, Jiang Ji spoke again, lowering his voice. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

“What?”

Jiang Ji glanced toward the main hall, then covered his mouth slightly and whispered, “Do you like men or women?”

Jiang Yan gave him a look. “I don’t know.”

“Don’t know?” Jiang Ji blinked. “You don’t even know your own orientation?”

“Orientation?”

“Sexual orientation,” Jiang Ji explained, keeping his voice low. “As in, whether you like men or women. You’re not exactly young—how can you not know?”

Jiang Yan replied evenly, “I have amnesia.”

Jiang Ji: “…”
Right. He even forgot his sexuality. That’s… something.

“Well,” he said, “even with amnesia, your instincts are still there, right? Maybe you don’t consciously know if you like men or women, but your body should be honest about it.”

Jiang Yan: “…”

Jiang Ji leaned in curiously. “So? When you see a pretty girl, do you feel anything?”

Jiang Yan cast him a sidelong glance. “Do you feel something the moment you see someone attractive?”

“Come on, I’m asking about you,” Jiang Ji said, exasperated. “And besides, I already told you I like men—how would I feel anything for a girl?”

Jiang Yan said calmly, “I meant—do you feel something when you see a handsome man?”

“Of course not,” Jiang Ji said, looking at him. “Falling for someone at first sight happens, sure, but it’s not like every good-looking guy makes my heart skip a beat. There’s more to it than just looks, okay?”

He stopped mid-thought, realizing Jiang Yan had steered the conversation away. “Hey, wait—don’t change the subject. You still haven’t answered my question.”

Jiang Yan’s lips curved slightly. “What question?”

Jiang Ji glared at him. “When you see a beautiful woman, do you feel moved or not?”

Jiang Yan looked straight at him. “Curious?”

“Very,” Jiang Ji admitted with a nod.

Jiang Yan shook his head. “No, I don’t.”

“Hm.” Jiang Ji propped his chin on his hand, thinking deeply. After a long silence, he shook his head. “That still doesn’t prove anything. You might like men, or maybe you just don’t care for anyone right now.”

Jiang Yan didn’t respond, simply watching him quietly.

Jiang Ji thought for a while longer, then sighed. “Ah, this is pointless. Maybe you already have a wife somewhere and just don’t remember. No need to stress over it. Forget it—I’m going to take a bath. You should get some rest too.”

He patted Jiang Yan’s shoulder, stood up, and carried his small stool inside.

Jiang Yan watched his back disappear through the doorway, then turned his eyes toward the hazy moonlight. He sat there lost in thought for a long while, until Jiang Ji came back out after bathing and called him to go to bed. Only then did he finally stand and head inside.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾