Ch 59: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

When Jiang Ji woke up, the first thing he saw was a wall. He blinked blankly for a few seconds before remembering that he had switched beds with Jiang Bei the night before. Jiang Nan’s foot was now resting right next to his stomach.

He stared at the wall for a moment in a daze, then got up. As he was changing clothes, he heard movement from the other bed. Without turning around, he put on his shirt and went out.

Zhao Ru was already up, tending the fire and cooking breakfast.

After relieving himself, Jiang Ji stepped out of the latrine and ran into Jiang Yan at the doorway. Jiang Yan looked as though he hadn’t slept well; faint red veins traced the corners of his eyes.

“You didn’t sleep well?”

Jiang Yan glanced at him and said softly, “No.”

“Did Jiang Bei kick you?”

“No.” Jiang Yan lowered his voice. “Just not used to it.”

Jiang Ji paused for a moment, then said, “You’ll get used to it in a few days. We’ll probably be able to move in half a month. Go catch up on sleep—I’ll go pick lettuce and peppers in the fields.”

“I can’t sleep. Already awake.”

“Oh. Then go fetch water later.”

“Alright.”

As Jiang Yan came out of the latrine, he saw Jiang Ji hauling a handcart toward the village entrance.

For the past few days, Jiang Ji had been too busy selling rice seeds to make deliveries himself—Han Qingshan had sent people instead. Yesterday, Jiang Ji had said he would do the delivery himself today.

The lettuce in the field was lush and dewy. Jiang Ji picked the biggest heads, sliced off the roots with a knife, and laid them neatly into baskets. Before long, he had filled three of them.

The chili field was right next door, and he harvested a full basket of green peppers too. A few other villagers were nearby picking their own vegetables for market.

“Jiang Ji, your watermelons look huge already! Are they ripe yet? Ready to sell soon?” a nearby auntie called out.

“Not yet,” Jiang Ji shouted back. “Give it another ten days or so.”

“With that many watermelons, you’re sure to get a good price when they ripen!”

“Thanks for the blessing.”

“Next year, can you sell me some watermelon and pepper seeds?”

“Sure thing.”

When he got back for breakfast, Jiang Bei looked groggy and asked, “Big brother, how come I woke up on your bed?”

“I switched with you,” Jiang Ji said, taking a sip of porridge.

“Huh?” Jiang Bei blinked. “Why switch?”

“It’s too hot. Two grown men sharing a bed—fine in winter, unbearable in summer.”

Jiang Yan glanced at him but said nothing, his gaze dropping slightly.

“Oh,” Jiang Bei said, still puzzled. “Didn’t you say we kick you in our sleep?”

Jiang Ji replied solemnly, “Being kicked by Jiang Nan is still easier to endure than this heat.”

Jiang Nan, innocently dragged into the conversation, protested, “…Brother, I didn’t kick you.”

“You sure?” Jiang Ji raised a brow.

Jiang Nan stretched his neck defensively. “I didn’t! I don’t even remember.”

Jiang Ji snorted. “You sleep so deep a thief could haul you off and you wouldn’t notice.”

“Who says that!” Jiang Nan huffed. “I’m not like Jiang Bei—he got carried off and didn’t even know it.”

Jiang Bei: “…” It was true he’d been moved last night without waking up, so he couldn’t argue.

Zhao Ru laughed, breaking them up. “Alright, enough. Once we move, everyone will have their own room. Then you can sleep however you like.”

“Yeah, just a few more days,” Jiang Ji said. After a pause, he added, “By the way, I’m staying in town tonight. Lots to handle—I’ll come back tomorrow.”

At that, Jiang Yan looked up from his bowl, but Jiang Ji kept his head down, still eating.

“Is there a lot going on at the restaurant? You won’t come home to sleep?” Zhao Ru asked.

“Yeah. I’ll finish up and come back. The day after tomorrow we’ll start soaking the rice for planting, so Mother, dry the seeds these next two days.”

“Alright,” Zhao Ru nodded.

Finishing his porridge, Jiang Ji wiped his mouth and stood. “I’m off. Remind the village head to spread out the rice seeds for drying.”

“Got it,” Zhao Ru replied.

Jiang Yan watched him walk through the main hall, his brows tightening faintly.

The whole morning, aside from that brief talk by the latrine, Jiang Ji hadn’t spoken another word to him.

Jiang Ji grabbed his pencil, eraser, and ruler from the hall, wrapped them in paper, tucked them into the pepper basket, and set off to town with the vegetables.

He first stopped at the restaurant, dropping the produce in the back courtyard. The manager had it weighed and noted in the ledger for month-end payment.

After a quick drink of water, Jiang Ji went to the county office to inform Magistrate Xu that they could start preparing the second rice crop for sowing. Magistrate Xu would relay the notice to the villages. Then Jiang Ji stopped by a shop to buy a stack of blank paper before retreating to the workroom to sketch.

He began with designs for the kitchen staff’s uniforms. To suit their modest sensibilities, men’s uniforms were short-sleeved, open-front shirts with calf-length pants; women’s had mid-length sleeves and ankle-length pants. After some thought, he added a diagonal-collar version too.

For the waiters, who faced customers, he drew three-quarter sleeves with ankle-length pants.

He called the manager and some of the waiters over, bringing the sketches to the kitchen.

Inside, everyone was busy—the rice was steaming, soups were simmering, and two tables of early guests were already seated. Han Qingshan and Yu Yang were at the stoves, and even with the windows open, the heat was oppressive. Sweat beaded on their foreheads; the roast duck station was worse still.

When Han Qingshan finished plating a dish, Jiang Ji called out, “Hold on a moment—everyone, come over here.”

They gathered under the cool shade by the washing shed. Jiang Ji lifted his sketches. “It’s too hot in summer, so I’ve drawn some new uniform designs. Look—kitchen staff sleeves end here, pants below the knees. No more belts, just looser fit so it’s cooler…”

He went over each point carefully. “Take a look—any objections?”

Everyone exchanged glances. They thought Jiang Ji was being awfully bold—showing that much arm and leg? Weren’t they afraid people would say it was improper?

Han Qingshan was the one who finally asked, “Young master, won’t the pants and sleeves be too short?”

“Too short?” Jiang Ji pointed at his sleeves. “Don’t you all roll up your sleeves when you’re cooking? And your pant legs—when our villagers work in the fields, they also roll them up to about the knees.”

He spoke earnestly, “The kitchen’s full of smoke and heat, and this is mainly to prevent you from getting heatstroke in the summer. Look at all that sweat on your heads—by the end of the day your clothes are soaked through. It’s easy to get sick that way. You all rarely go out of the kitchen anyway, so don’t worry about what others say. Staying cool is the most important. The servers’ uniforms are different since they face customers—I’ve changed theirs to three-quarter sleeves, about the length you usually roll them to.”

He then asked, “Also, for the women’s uniforms, would you prefer the open-front design or the cross-collar one? The open-front should be looser and cooler.”

The restaurant’s female staff were all from the kitchen—eight in total. Three were hired from outside to wash dishes, prepare vegetables, and clean, while the other four were women Jiang Ji had brought back from the broker’s house, plus Xiang’er.

Guihua looked at the drawings and said, “I want the cooler one.”

She was one of the cooks, and it was indeed unbearably hot. Every day at noon her clothes were soaked, which was very uncomfortable.

“I want the cooler one too,” another auntie said.

After that, everyone else voiced their agreement. Jiang Ji counted, “Majority rules—it’ll be the open-front then.”

“In short, comfort comes first. I just wanted to let you all know. If people talk, let’s just call it the restaurant’s signature style.”

Everyone froze for a moment, but when they thought about how Jiang Ji was doing this to make them more comfortable, they felt touched.

Jiang Ji handed the sketches to the manager. “Find a tailor and have him take everyone’s measurements. Tell him to make them loose and cool.”

“Alright,” the manager said, and went off to find a tailor.

Jiang Ji looked at Guihua and the others, thought for a moment, then went to the market to find some people from his village. He sent a message home for his mother.

That afternoon, Zhao Ru arrived at the restaurant carrying a bundle and found Jiang Ji. “Why did you ask me to bring this?” she asked.

“Mother, I want you to teach Sister Guihua and the others how to make this kind of undergarment. They work in the kitchen and sweat a lot, and thin clothes aren’t convenient,” Jiang Ji said.

“Oh, so that’s what this is about.” Zhao Ru nodded with a smile. “Alright. Are they on break now? Have them come in, and I’ll show them.”

Jiang Ji called the women into a room and left them there, taking his own drawings and tools to the main hall.

When Guihua and the others entered, they greeted Zhao Ru politely.

Guihua asked, “Madam, did you call for us?”

Zhao Ru smiled. “Yes, have a seat, I’ll tell you what it’s about.”

They all sat around the table. Zhao Ru opened the bundle she’d brought and said, “Xiao Ji asked me to come teach you to make clothing.”

“The young master asked you to teach us sewing?” Guihua asked in surprise.

“Yes, this kind.” Zhao Ru took an undergarment from the bundle. “This is an undergarment, worn underneath. That way, even in summer, you won’t need to worry about awkwardness.”

At her words, both the married and unmarried women immediately understood.

Seeing their expressions, Zhao Ru said, “See here, it has padding made of cotton inside. I’m wearing one myself right now. Even if I sweat a lot, it’s fine, and I don’t have to bind my chest so tightly that I can hardly breathe.”

She demonstrated how to wear it.

Guihua picked one up, a little embarrassed but delighted. “This really is nice.”

“It’s simple to make,” Zhao Ru said warmly. “Once I show you, you’ll all be able to do it. When you go home, make some for yourselves.”

“Thank you, madam,” they all said.

Since their break wasn’t long, Zhao Ru quickly showed them how to cut and sew it, and left Guihua with a sample piece as a pattern.

When work resumed that afternoon, Zhao Ru returned home, and Guihua specially went to thank Jiang Ji.

None of them had expected their young master to be so thoughtful—sending his mother personally to teach them—and they were deeply moved.

Among the purchased servants, Guihua was the oldest. She led the group in bowing. “Thank you, young master.”

“No need. Go back to work,” Jiang Ji said with a wave of his hand, returning to his room to continue drawing.

Once the house was finished, the next step would be to build the factory. Besides the factory layout, he also needed to draw plans for a foot-operated cotton gin, a spinning machine, and a loom.

He had already completed the general layout of the factory and planned to discuss the rest with Master Zheng.

So he claimed the reward for completing the sweet potato promotion mission—blueprints for three types of machines.

He had thought it would be just one drawing, but to his surprise, the system gave him an entire set: from simple hand-cranked spinning wheels to multi-spindle Jenny spinning frames, from basic looms to complex jacquard looms.

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. “2977, you actually did something right for once.”

He flipped through the blueprints, then suddenly realized something. Knowing the system’s stingy habits, he suspected there might be a catch. “Hey, 2977, can I use all of these blueprints, or just one of each type?”

【All of these blueprints can be used by the host.】

Jiang Ji was startled. “Really? No usage limits? Don’t tell me once I use one, the rest disappear.”

【The host may use them freely.】

Jiang Ji’s voice rose. “Seriously? So if I use the foot-pedal loom blueprint, I can still use the jacquard loom later? You’re sure?”

【Confirmed.】

At that, Jiang Ji slapped his thigh in excitement. “Perfect!”

Although all of them could be used, Jiang Ji certainly wouldn’t build every single one. If he was going to pick, he might as well choose the best and most practical.

After thinking for a while, he realized that since cotton production was still low, most people were wearing coarse linen. Linen was durable, but rough on the skin—nothing like the comfort of cotton fabric.

He planned to start by using the foot-operated loom to quickly produce simple cotton cloth for everyday people.

The most profitable option, of course, would be cloud brocade woven from silk worth its weight in gold. But there weren’t many silkworm farmers in their region; most were in the eastern provinces.

In any case, productivity in this dynasty lagged far behind that of the ancient era from his past life. There were plenty of opportunities to make money—he’d start with the low-end market first, then move upward to the high-end one step at a time.

Jiang Ji first claimed the blueprints for the foot-powered cotton gin, the Jenny spinning machine, and the foot-pedal loom.

Building a factory would require a large number of machines, which he couldn’t possibly make alone. So he drew each machine’s parts separately, scrambled and divided them into sections, and assigned different carpenters to work on each. The most critical components he would make himself—this way it would be both faster and more secure.

“2977, can these blueprint measurements be converted into the units used in this era?”

【The host may freely choose to convert length units.】

“Huh? There’s an option for that? I didn’t see it before.” Jiang Ji searched around the interface, finally finding the conversion button. He switched the measurements into local units so the carpenters could read them more easily.

He spent the entire afternoon drafting. After returning home that evening and washing up, he continued working until late into the night. Just before going to bed, he finally finished.

The next day, he took the blueprints to the county office to meet the carpenters.

When Magistrate Xu heard he had arrived, he said, “You’ve come at just the right time—I was about to send for you.”

Jiang Ji asked curiously, “Magistrate Xu, do you need me for something?”

“Two counties’ messengers have brought payment for the rice seeds. I was just about to call you. The money’s in the main hall—go collect it.”

“Oh, alright, I’ll go right now.”

Jiang Ji went first to collect the payment for the seed sales. He always carried the debt slips with him, knowing the payments would start coming in over the next few days.

He had already arranged with the various county offices that the payments would be in province-wide silver notes, and indeed, that was what the messengers brought.

After verifying the amounts with them, he returned the slips—accounts settled on both sides.

He tucked the silver notes into the small pouch he kept hidden under his clothes.

When he finished, Magistrate Xu asked, “So, did you come here for something?”

“No, just personal business. I came to find the carpenters,” Jiang Ji replied, walking toward the woodworking courtyard.

Magistrate Xu followed him and saw the blueprints in his hand. “What’s that you’ve got there?”

Jiang Ji grinned. “A secret.”

Magistrate Xu glared at him. “Keeping secrets from me, are you?”

“You’ll see once it’s done,” Jiang Ji said, then turned to the carpenters. “Magistrate Xu, how long will it take the masters to finish? I’m in a bit of a hurry.”

The city’s best carpenters were already working on threshing and winnowing machines, as well as water pumps. Lord Chen needed finished samples to send to the provincial inspector.

Magistrate Xu had distributed those blueprints widely—most villages had at least a few woodworkers, and the designs were detailed enough that anyone with skill could replicate them with time.

“It’ll still take a few more days,” Magistrate Xu said. “The prefecture and provincial offices both placed orders.”

“Can I cut in line?” Jiang Ji asked. “It’s not much work—they could finish mine in a day or two. I’ll pay for it.”

These days, Magistrate Xu looked at Jiang Ji as if he were made of gold. Curious to see what he was up to this time, he readily agreed. “Fine, I’ll make arrangements for you.”

Once Magistrate Xu gave the word, Jiang Ji happily distributed his blueprints among the carpenters.

“I’ve already marked all the measurements, quantities, and wood types. Thank you, masters. Please keep the drawings safe—I’ll need them back later.”

After wrapping that up, Jiang Ji went to buy a complete set of woodworking tools and a batch of lumber at the timber market. He returned home together with the deliverymen.

When he got back, Zhao Ru and Jiang Yan were still out working in the fields. Jiang Ji cleared out half the main hall, and the lumberyard’s helpers carried all the wood inside.

After sending them off, he opened his system menu. He had previously earned three skill-learning charts—now it was time to use them.

“2977, can I use the advanced chart to learn carpentry directly?”

【No. All skills must be learned progressively from basic to advanced. The system advises the host to remain grounded and advance step by step.】

“…Fine.”

In the livestream, viewers asked about the result, and Jiang Ji recounted it vividly.

【Hahaha, trying to skip straight to the advanced skill, huh? You thought you could learn three skills with three charts?】
【You can’t get fat from one bite, streamer!】
【Dream on, man.】

Jiang Ji chuckled and sighed. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. Can’t exploit the system’s bugs. I’ll behave.”

Then he started from the beginner-level chart and chose carpentry.

Instantly, the knowledge of woodworking poured into his mind. He spent two minutes sorting through it before beginning to make the machine parts from the blueprints.

Not long after, Jiang Yan and Zhao Ru returned home.

They’d already seen him hauling the lumber back when he passed through the village.

“Xiao Ji, why’d you buy so much wood?” Zhao Ru asked curiously, seeing the piles stacked in the main hall.

Jiang Ji replied, “For the looms and such. Once the new house is done, we’ll start building the factory. I need the looms ready and tested to make sure they work well before building the rest.”

“Oh? You’re making them yourself?” Zhao Ru asked. “Not hiring carpenters?”

“I did hire them. I went to the county office today and gave them the parts list. They’ll handle those while I make the remaining ones here. When everything’s done, I’ll assemble it myself.”

“You know carpentry now?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “I’ve learned it.”

Zhao Ru thought for a moment. “Alright then, you do that. I’ll go make dinner.”

Jiang Ji measured a piece of wood against the blueprint. Jiang Yan watched him for a while, then washed his hands in the kitchen and came over. “Need help?”

Without looking up, Jiang Ji drew a line and shook his head. “No need, it’s not much.”

Jiang Yan’s fingers twitched slightly, but he said nothing and went out to the yard to turn over the grain for drying.

When he stepped out of the main hall, Jiang Ji looked up at his back. After two breaths, he withdrew his gaze and went back to work.

After the midday rest, Jiang Ji continued woodworking at home while Jiang Yan and the others went back to the fields.

By the time they washed up before bed that night, Jiang Ji had finished four or five parts. Two others lay on the ground, ruined when he lost focus.

Jiang Yan went to bathe. Jiang Ji sat in the courtyard, gazing at the stars and cooling off in the night breeze.

He was lost in thought when Jiang Yan came out from his bath, carrying a stool, and sat beside him.

“You’re done? Then I’ll go wash.”

Jiang Ji was about to stand when Jiang Yan suddenly grabbed his wrist.

“Wait.”

Jiang Ji looked down at him. “What is it?”

Jiang Yan raised his eyes, his gaze fixed steadily on Jiang Ji’s face. “Let’s talk.”

Jiang Ji paused, then sat back down. “Talk about what?”

“Since yesterday,” Jiang Yan said quietly, “you’ve only spoken nine sentences to me.”

Jiang Ji hesitated, his eyes flickering as he looked aside. Then he smiled lightly. “Really? I didn’t notice. I’ve just been busy these two days.”

Jiang Yan continued to look at him, saying nothing.

The silence between them grew heavy, and Jiang Ji began to feel uneasy. “Is there something else? If not, I’ll just—”

“Why did you switch beds with Jiang Bei?”

“Ah?” Jiang Ji blinked, caught off guard. “I told you—it’s too hot.”

“Really?” Jiang Yan asked softly.

“Of course it’s true,” Jiang Ji said, his voice slightly raised. “What else would it be?”

“Jiang Ji,” Jiang Yan said quietly, his eyes calm and cold, “you’re lying. You’ve been deliberately avoiding talking to me.”

“…”

“You’re distancing yourself from me,” he added.

Jiang Ji rubbed his nose. “…You’re overthinking it.”

Jiang Yan’s tone dropped low, almost gentle. “Did I make you uncomfortable?”

“…” Jiang Ji sighed, then turned to look at him. “You didn’t make me uncomfortable, and I’m not avoiding you.”

“I want the truth,” Jiang Yan said.

Jiang Ji looked at him for a long moment, then turned his gaze to the scattered stars overhead. After a while, he spoke softly. “I’m trying to avoid making you uncomfortable.”

Jiang Yan frowned slightly. “I’m not uncomfortable.”

But deep down, in his subconscious, he was. He resisted Jiang Ji’s closeness without realizing it.

Jiang Ji looked back into his eyes, but the dim starlight made it hard to see clearly.

After a long silence, Jiang Ji looked away, stood up, and said, “If that’s really the case, then good. I’ll be careful. It’s late—get some rest. I’m going to wash up.”

Jiang Yan caught his wrist again. Jiang Ji looked down at the hand gripping him, sighed inwardly, and said quietly, “Jiang Yan, you know I like men. It’s better if we keep some distance—for both our sakes.”

Jiang Yan froze.

Taking advantage of the pause, Jiang Ji pulled his hand free and waved lightly. “Go to bed early.”

Jiang Yan watched his retreating figure, his dark eyes growing even deeper in the night.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾