Ch 50: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

After breakfast the next morning, Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan headed to town to buy a house and some servants. Jiang Ji didn’t know how much houses in town cost, so he brought a thousand taels just in case.

They went to the brokerage office.

Four brokers stood at the doorway waiting for business. Seeing the two men dressed in simple coarse shirts, only one of them—a young broker of about twenty named Wang Song—smiled and stepped forward to greet them.

Just then, a steward from a wealthy household arrived with his attendants.

That steward was a regular customer, and at once the other three brokers brushed right past Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan, crowding around the steward and asking enthusiastically whether he wanted to buy servants or property.

The steward said he wanted to rent a warehouse temporarily to store goods, and quickly chose one of the brokers to show him around.

“That’s the steward of the Zhang family,” Wang Song said with a smile. “He’s a frequent client here.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Ah, the Zhang family’s steward—no wonder everyone ran over.”

Wang Song smiled, changing the subject. “And what about you two, young masters? Are you looking to buy servants or a house?”

“We’re looking to buy a house,” Jiang Ji replied.

The two brokers nearby turned to look, surprised. Clearly, they hadn’t expected these plainly dressed men from the countryside to be shopping for property.

Wang Song’s eyes lit up. “How large a house do you want?”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. If they were to open a restaurant and a cloth shop later, they’d need quite a few workers. Some might even live on-site.

“The bigger, the better. At least large enough to house twenty or thirty people—three courtyards at minimum, and it must be within the city.”

A three-courtyard residence!

The two brokers who had ignored them froze, instantly regretting their judgment.

Jiang Ji added, “If there are any restaurants or shopfronts for sale, we’d like to see those too. And lastly, we’ll need a few servants.”

A shop would take time to renovate, so they needed to start preparations early.

He wanted both a shop and servants!

The two brokers silently cursed themselves. They shouldn’t have dismissed him just because he looked like a villager.

Wang Song’s smile became even warmer. “Of course, of course. Please come inside, gentlemen. I’ll show you the available estates first.”

He led them into a side hall, served tea, and then brought out four sets of blueprints for large houses to introduce.

“Gentlemen, here are four sizable estates currently for sale. This one is a three-courtyard home with an adjoining garden, located in the east of the city…”

Wang Song carefully went over the locations, layouts, and prices of all four properties.

Jiang Ji asked about the prices, and Wang Song quoted exactly what the owners had set.

“Shall I take you to see them in person? On the way, we’ll pass by a shop that’s also for sale—you can take a look at both.”

“Good,” Jiang Ji nodded, then pointed at the smallest house among the plans. “We can skip this one—it’s too small. Let’s start with the largest.”

“Very well,” Wang Song said cheerfully.

After informing the head clerk, he requested a carriage for the trip. The clerk, hearing it was a deal of this scale, approved immediately.

The largest estate was in the southern part of the city. According to Wang Song, the owners had moved their entire family to the provincial capital and were selling this residence.

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan followed him to view it. It had four courtyards, plus a garden. The buildings were well maintained, though the location was a bit remote—near the city wall, some distance from the main street.

They then went to see another one in the east of the city—a three-courtyard residence with two additional small yards. The house had been built only five years ago, in a good location just a short walk from East Main Street. The surrounding area was quite decent too.

Jiang Ji had originally wanted to bargain directly with the owner of the estate, but the steward explained that the owner was out visiting friends and wouldn’t return until evening. Jiang Ji could only let it go for now.

In the northern part of the city, there was another three-courtyard residence without an additional yard or garden, but Jiang Ji felt its location wasn’t ideal.

By the time they’d toured all the properties, it was already noon. The three of them found a tavern, ordered some food, and Jiang Ji asked for a pot of rice wine. They ate and drank leisurely.

During the meal, Wang Song learned that Jiang Ji was buying the house to accommodate servants for a future restaurant. He said, “The restaurant we’re going to see later also has a backyard—people can live there.”

“Really? How many rooms?” Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. A proper shop should definitely have space for live-in workers.

“There are four rooms,” Wang Song replied. “I’ve seen it myself. One of them’s being used as a storeroom. It’s not far from here.”

“Then we’ll go take a look after lunch.” Jiang Ji asked, “Why is the owner selling it?”

Wang Song blinked. “Maybe he’s off to make his fortune elsewhere.”

Jiang Ji gave him a faint, knowing smile. “You mean he couldn’t keep the business running, right?”

Wang Song chuckled awkwardly. “Can’t fool you, young master.”

“That’s no surprise. If the shop were profitable, no one would be selling it.”

“Ah, you’re absolutely right,” Wang Song sighed, taking a sip of wine. After thinking for a moment, he decided that since these two were big clients, he could share a bit of insider information.

“To tell you the truth,” he said, lowering his voice, “the owner really couldn’t keep it going. You’ve heard of Xiang Man Lou, haven’t you?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Of course. That’s the Tian family’s restaurant.”

“Exactly. Xiang Man Lou’s only been open for two years, but they brought in a master chef all the way from the provincial capital. The food there is incredible.” Wang Song leaned in. “It’s on North Street, only thirty or forty paces away from that other restaurant. Ever since it opened, most folks in town go there to eat, and business at the surrounding restaurants has dropped sharply.”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “But North Street connects straight to the docks. There’s constant traffic—travelers from both north and south. There should be no shortage of customers. People in a hurry wouldn’t want to wait long for seats in a big restaurant. By that logic, the smaller one shouldn’t have gone under so easily.”

“The restaurant has two floors—it’s quite large. Maybe they just didn’t have enough customers to sustain it,” Wang Song guessed. Then, lowering his voice again, he added, “I also heard their head chef got poached by Xiang Man Lou for a higher wage.”

Jiang Ji blinked. “Didn’t Xiang Man Lou already have a master chef from the capital?”

Wang Song shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe they were too busy to handle the crowd.”

Jiang Ji exchanged a look with Jiang Yan. Then he asked, “Before Xiang Man Lou opened, was this restaurant doing well?”

“Oh, it was one of the best in town,” Wang Song confirmed.

Jiang Ji understood now. He also realized the importance of training his own people.

“So the restaurant’s for sale—what about the manager and the waiters? Are they still around?”

“The manager’s still there, handling the sale. The waiters have all scattered.”

After lunch, they went to see the restaurant Wang Song had mentioned. It was already closed, with a For Sale sign hanging on the half-open door.

Wang Song knocked. “Manager Lü, I’ve brought someone to see the shop.”

Manager Lü, a man in his forties, was doing some accounting behind the counter. When he saw who it was, he quickly came out. “Please, come in.”

Wang Song led Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan inside. Manager Lü accompanied them as they toured the entire building.

The restaurant was two stories tall and quite spacious. The first floor could hold over thirty tables, and the second had five private rooms.

Jiang Ji went to inspect the back kitchen—it was roomy, with three stoves for stir-frying, five for stewing and simmering, and two large ones for rice. Four long tables were pushed together to form a wide prep counter. The courtyard had its own well and latrine, plus a warehouse on one side and three small rooms for lodging.

Jiang Ji examined it carefully. If he wanted to make roast duck, he’d have to build several roasting ovens, which meant opening up one side of the rooms.

Overall, it was a good property—especially since it was located on North Street, where the foot traffic was constant.

“How much are they asking for this place?” Jiang Ji asked.

Manager Lü hesitated, then held up a hand to show a number. “This much.”

“Three hundred taels?” Jiang Ji raised an eyebrow.

Manager Lü nodded.

Jiang Ji knew from Wang Song that small courtyards in town sold for only a dozen or twenty taels. The three-courtyard residence they’d just seen was priced at two hundred taels—already expensive for the town. His favorite three-courtyard house with two side yards had been listed at three hundred.

This shop was pricey, but given the excellent location and size, he could accept it—though a small discount would be nice.

“That’s steep,” Jiang Ji said, frowning. “How about giving me a better price?”

Wang Song blinked in surprise. Usually, wealthy buyers let the broker handle negotiations—not this straightforward approach.

Manager Lü looked uncomfortable. “Young master, that’s the price set by the owner. I don’t have the authority to change it.”

“What? Didn’t your employer tell you the bottom line? Didn’t leave you any room to negotiate? It’s just a flat price?” Jiang Ji asked rapidly.

Manager Lü hesitated, then said, “If you’re truly interested, I can offer you this price.” He gestured again—two fingers, then nine.

“Two hundred ninety?” Jiang Ji sighed. “Why can’t you people just say the number outright?”

Manager Lü nodded.

“Manager Lü, to be honest, that’s still too high. If it’s two hundred fifty, I’ll buy it on the spot,” Jiang Ji said firmly.

Manager Lü’s eyes widened. “Young master, that’s quite a drop!”

“Ah, that’s all I can afford. Discuss it with your employer. If they agree, we have a deal,” Jiang Ji said.

Manager Lü was silent for a moment, then replied, “Young master, I truly can’t decide on my own. I’ll have to ask the owner.”

“Go ahead then,” Jiang Ji said. “If it’s approved, contact Wang Song—he’ll find me.”

When they left the restaurant, Jiang Ji didn’t get back into the carriage. He turned to Wang Song and said, “That three-courtyard house with two side yards—please go find the owner and make an offer for me. Same as the restaurant: if they’ll take two hundred fifty taels, I’ll buy it.”

“Understood, I’ll ask,” Wang Song replied, nodding. “But young master, I doubt that restaurant will go for two hundred fifty. The location really is prime.”

“Just try,” Jiang Ji said with a grin. “I’m not exactly a rich man, you see my clothes? I’ve already put up everything I’ve got. I really can’t afford two hundred ninety.”

“All right, I’ll do my best to negotiate it for you.” Wang Song then asked, “Would you like to go to the brokerage now to pick out servants?”

“No, we need to buy the house first,” Jiang Ji said. “Otherwise they’ll have nowhere to stay. Oh, and if you hear of any other restaurants or shops for sale, keep an eye out for me—preferably two stories, spacious ones. In case this deal falls through, it’s good to have a backup. Thanks.”

“Got it,” Wang Song replied.

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan were heading home, but Wang Song offered to see them to the city gate. Jiang Ji declined, saying they wanted to stop by the marketplace to look at ducklings.

After they left, Wang Song went back inside to speak with Manager Lü for quite some time, then hitched a carriage and went straight to the owner of the three-courtyard, two-yard estate Jiang Ji had liked. He planned to wait there until the owner returned so they could negotiate directly.

If he could close both deals, his commission this month would be substantial. Wang Song was full of determination—he was going to make it happen.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan went to the western market.

They picked out four batches of healthy ducklings, each about seven or eight days old—perfect, since in another week they could be released into the rice fields.

Each of them carried two cages home. “A single mu of field can hold at most two broods of ducks,” Jiang Ji said. “We’ll need a lot more, so we’ll have to come check again these next few days. Tomorrow, we’ll buy slightly older ones to release first.”

“And the fish fry?” Jiang Yan asked.

“Those too—fish require more stock,” Jiang Ji said. “We’ll go early tomorrow to look. We’ll need to visit the fish ponds.”

The next morning, they hauled a cart into town. After buying several more broods of ducklings, they parked the cart in the county office courtyard and asked the constables there to keep an eye on them.

By now, the constables all knew them well and were very obliging. Magistrate Xu and Lord Chen had heard they were preparing to release the ducks into the paddies, and even came out to take a look at the ducklings themselves.

Afterward, Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan went to several fish ponds, checked the fry, negotiated with the owners, signed purchase contracts, and paid deposits.

By the time they finished, it was noon. They ate lunch, then returned to the county office to collect the ducklings and bought rice bran and unhulled rice for feed before heading home.

Zhao Ru had already fenced off a section of the yard for the ducklings to waddle and feed in.

Not long after they arrived, Wang Song came looking for them.

When he found Jiang Ji’s home, he was stunned to see the small thatched courtyard.

These two young men were buying a grand estate in town for their servants—yet they themselves still lived in this humble cottage?

He quickly hid his surprise. They’d be moving soon anyway, he thought.

But when he noticed some unfamiliar crops growing in the nearby fields, he suddenly remembered all the talk circulating around town lately—someone in the west of the city had been experimenting with new rice and sweet potato varieties, supposedly a villager from Shanqian Village.

And this… seemed to be Shanqian Village.

“Come in and have some water,” Jiang Ji said, inviting him into the main room and pouring him a cup. “So, did you manage to close the deal?”

Wang Song took a sip before replying, “I went to find the estate owner yesterday. I talked till my tongue went dry, and finally got the price down to this.”

He held up a hand, gesturing.

“Two hundred sixty, huh?” Jiang Ji sighed. “Brother, could you just say the number out loud next time? Don’t make me guess.”

Wang Song blinked, then laughed. “All right, you’re right—I’m just used to it. Never met a buyer as straightforward as you.”

Usually, property deals were handled with gestures. Some people thought talking money outright was too crass and preferred the subtle way.

Jiang Ji shook his head. “I’m just direct. Nothing shameful about talking money.”

“True enough,” Wang Song said with a grin, more relaxed now. “So what do you think, young master? If you’re satisfied, we can finalize it tomorrow and transfer the deed.”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment, then asked, “What about the restaurant? How much did you get it down to?”

“Two hundred seventy taels,” Wang Song said.

That was within Jiang Ji’s budget. He nodded immediately. “Good. I’ll come find you tomorrow.”

Wang Song’s eyes lit up—he hadn’t expected Jiang Ji to agree so readily. “Excellent! I’ll inform the owner today, and we’ll meet at the brokerage tomorrow.”

The next day, Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan returned to town. They met with the two property owners at the brokerage, paid the silver, went to the county office to register the deeds, and received the house keys.

Afterward, they followed Wang Song back to the brokerage to look at servants.

“I’ll need seven or eight,” Jiang Ji said. “If there are more suitable ones, I can take extra. They must be of good character—preferably know how to cook, or at least have interest in learning. Ages between fourteen and forty-five, men or women both fine. And they must be willing to sign death contracts.”

Hearing that, Wang Song immediately understood he was hiring for a restaurant, and went to make the arrangements.

Jiang Ji nudged Jiang Yan. “I’m no good at judging people—you help me out.”

Jiang Yan nodded.

The broker who handled human sales brought out a group of servants, about thirty in total.

Wang Song mainly dealt in property and shops; another broker specialized in people. Wang Song gestured. “Take a look, young masters. You can ask about their background.”

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan stood in front, scanning the group. Jiang Ji wasn’t sure how to choose, so he scratched his head and said, “Hello, everyone. My name is Jiang Ji. I’m looking for people who can cook—if you can, raise your hand so I can see.”

Immediately, five people raised their hands—three men and two women: one woman in her twenties, two in their thirties, one a bit over forty, and a young man around seventeen or eighteen.

Jiang Ji went down the line, asking each of the five candidates what dishes they could cook, how they prepared them, and where they had worked before.

They answered one by one.

When they were done, Jiang Ji glanced at Jiang Yan, silently asking what he thought.

Jiang Yan gave him a look, then called the nearby broker aside and asked quietly, “Where are these people from? Why were they sold? Tell me clearly.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes brightened—right, that was something important to ask.

The broker explained everything in detail.

The man in his forties was named Han Qingshan. His spirit was worn, his face unshaven and tired. He had once worked for a wealthy household and had a fifteen-year-old daughter. The young master of the house had assaulted her, and she took her own life in despair. Han Qingshan, enraged, went to take revenge on the young master, but was beaten nearly to death and then sold off as punishment.

Next to him stood a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old young man who also looked dispirited. He had been Han Qingshan’s apprentice—and was once meant to be his future son-in-law. The two had been sold together after the same incident.

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan fell silent.

Another man in his early thirties had been sold for embezzling money from his employer.

The woman in her early thirties came from a neighboring county; she had been a concubine in a rich household but was sold after being accused of harming the mistress’s child.

The last was a woman in her twenties with a boy of about seven or eight. Her previous master had gone bankrupt and sold off his estate and servants—including her and her son.

After hearing everyone’s stories, both Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan had a clearer sense of them.

Then Jiang Ji stepped forward again and said to the group, “I’m looking for people to work in a restaurant kitchen—future head chefs. If you’re interested in learning to cook, raise your hand.”

Four hands went up immediately, followed by eight more.

Jiang Ji listened to each of them describe their background, then heard the broker’s introductions again. After some discussion with Jiang Yan, they finalized their choices.

“They’re all signing death contracts, right?” Jiang Ji asked.

The broker nodded. “Yes.”

Jiang Ji chose nine people in total, including Han Qingshan and his apprentice, as well as the woman with her child. He passed on the other two and then asked the broker for the total price.

The broker hesitated. “Young master, will you be buying the woman’s child as well?”

“Of course,” Jiang Ji said matter-of-factly. “They’re mother and son—what, you expect me to split them up?”

The broker immediately called over the nine selected people.

When the woman heard her name, she grabbed her child and rushed over, kneeling abruptly before Jiang Ji and pulling her son down with her.

Startled, Jiang Ji exclaimed, “What are you doing? Get up, quickly!”

He reached out to help her, but she shrank back.

“Young master, please, I beg you—buy my child too,” she said tearfully, bowing her head to the ground. “I’ll work as hard as I can and won’t ask for much pay. Just please take him with me.” The boy followed her lead, kowtowing beside her.

Jiang Ji grew flustered. “I already said you’re together! I’m not separating you. Please, get up.”

The woman froze, then burst into tears of relief, knocking her head three more times. “Thank you, master! Thank you!”

Jiang Ji helped her up and turned to the rest. “Are you all willing to come with me?”

The other eight stood stunned—they had never met a buyer who even asked for their consent.

“Well? Speak up.”

They nodded quickly.

“Good. Go pack your things and come with me in a bit.”

Jiang Ji paid the silver, had new contracts drawn and signed, and completed all the formalities.

Then he led everyone to the estate in the eastern part of the city. There were ten of them total—seven men and three women.

He said, “You’ll all live here from now on. The men in this courtyard, the women in the one behind.”

The group stared in disbelief. None of them had expected to live in such a fine place.

“Are you really letting us live here?” one of them asked.

“Yes,” Jiang Ji said. “Among you, Uncle Han is the eldest and used to manage the kitchen in his last household. From now on, he’ll be in charge.” He turned to Han Qingshan. “Uncle Han, if this courtyard isn’t big enough, the rear storage rooms can also be converted for living. Arrange it as you see fit.”

Han Qingshan was taken aback. “Me? You want me to be in charge?”

“Yes,” Jiang Ji said with a small smile. “I’m trusting you to help me manage everyone. Can you do that?”

Something flickered in Han Qingshan’s eyes. He nodded firmly. “Yes, master.”

Jiang Ji then turned to the woman with the child. “Sister Guihua, let Xiao Yi stay with you for now. Once he’s older and more comfortable, he can move in with Uncle Han and the others.”

Guihua was already grateful just to be allowed to stay with her son. “Understood, master,” she said softly.

Once housing was settled, Jiang Ji continued, “My name is Jiang Ji, and this is Jiang Yan. We’re from Shanqian Village in the west of the city. Our family won’t be living here for the time being—it’ll mostly just be the two of us coming in and out. But I’ll need you to keep the main courtyard clean.”

Han Qingshan nodded. “I’ll make the arrangements.”

“Good.” Jiang Ji smiled. “Your monthly wages will be one tael of silver each, and two taels for Uncle Han. When the restaurant opens, if business goes well, I’ll raise your pay.”

The group’s faces lit up with joy.

This new master was generous—not only giving them such good living quarters but also letting them work in a business rather than serve as house attendants.

Jiang Ji clapped his hands. “All right, rest well today. Tomorrow, I’ll come by to taste your cooking and start teaching new dishes.”

He handed Han Qingshan a pouch of one hundred taels. “You’ll use this for food and household expenses. Do you know how to keep accounts?”

Han Qingshan nodded. “Yes.”

“Good. Then handle the arrangements. See what the house still needs and buy what’s missing.” Jiang Ji added, “Oh, and get a few new locks installed—this house and the restaurant both. Tomorrow I’ll take you to inspect the restaurant. It’ll need major renovations, and I’ll be counting on you to oversee it.”

“Yes, master,” Han Qingshan said.

“All right, then. We’ll head back for today and return tomorrow,” Jiang Ji said. After giving his final instructions, he and Jiang Yan left for home.

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