Ch 70: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

Jiang Yan led Jiang Ji farther away and stopped beside a small tree.

This stretch of wasteland had been bought by Jiang Ji’s family after purchasing the land to build the house. It had not yet been cleared. Grass, shrubs, and small trees grew everywhere, with many scattered stones. Only a strip about two meters wide had been cleared along the wall.

Jiang Ji had originally planned to plant fruit trees before construction, but the saplings were not ready. They would have to wait until next spring, so the land had been left unused for now.

Where they stood, a cluster of shrubs happened to block the view in front of them, hiding the fact that they were holding hands. Chen Feng and the others could not see them.

Secretly holding hands while hiding it from everyone else carried a subtle, thrilling sense of secrecy.

Jiang Ji glanced at Jiang Yan once, then again, and could not help smiling.

Jiang Yan turned to him. “What are you smiling about?”

Lowering his voice, Jiang Ji said, “Don’t we look like we’re having an affair?”

Jiang Yan: “…What nonsense are you talking about.”

Jiang Ji chuckled and gently swung their joined hands, his thumb hooking lightly over the back of Jiang Yan’s hand.

Jiang Yan shot him a look and tightened his grip.

Jiang Ji hooked his thumb again.

Jiang Yan closed his hand around Jiang Ji’s thumb as well.

Jiang Ji: “……”

Dissatisfied, Jiang Ji shifted his fingers, sliding them neatly between Jiang Yan’s fingers.

Their fingers interlaced.

Jiang Yan looked at him, tightened his grip, and did not move. Jiang Ji also stopped moving.

In the distance, Chen Feng and the others were testing the bow’s range. The three of them took turns shooting several times. The farthest shot reached about fifty-one zhang, which was the maximum distance achieved by those with training.

After that, they found two villagers who had never shot arrows before to help with further testing.

The villagers could not hit the target, but they could observe roughly where the arrows landed. One achieved a maximum range of about forty-five zhang, the other around forty-two.

This was far farther than their current bows could manage.

Chen Feng and the others were thrilled.

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan were still quietly holding hands in the distance, watching. Jiang Ji explained the principle behind the bow to Jiang Yan as they stood there.

Lu Jiu ran over. “Young Master, this bow is amazing. You barely need any strength to shoot this far!”

As the others approached, Jiang Ji released Jiang Yan’s hand.

Jiang Yan looked over. Jiang Ji smiled at him, leaned in, and whispered, “I’ll hold your hand tonight.”

Jiang Yan’s gaze darkened slightly.

Jiang Ji had already turned back. “Try parabolic shots now. Shoot into the air. The maximum range should be over two hundred zhang.”

The viewers had said that bows like this could reach over six hundred meters at maximum range. What they made was not as refined, but six hundred meters should still be possible, right?

“Two… over two hundred zhang?” Lu Jiu exclaimed in shock. “Really?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “In theory, yes. If the trajectory is optimal. If it doesn’t reach that far, then either something wasn’t done right in the bow and it needs adjustment, or the shooting angle is off, too high or too low.”

For projectile motion, there is an optimal trajectory to achieve maximum range. Jiang Ji added, “But generally, one hundred sixty to one hundred seventy zhang should definitely be achievable.”

“Let’s try it now!” Lu Jiu said excitedly.

“Not here,” Jiang Ji stopped him. “Let’s go to the back mountain. There’s a large open area by the stream. You won’t find enough open space here.”

People were working in the fields nearby. Accidentally shooting someone would be disastrous.

“Alright, back mountain it is.”

The group headed toward the back mountain, including the two villagers they had recruited.

Jiang Ji led them to a mountain hollow at the back. A stream flowed through it, with grassy ground and low shrubs on both sides. The shrubs were not tall, and there was little wind, making it ideal for testing.

They resumed testing there.

Chen Feng and the others were experienced. Their shooting angles during parabolic shots were mostly between forty and fifty degrees. The distances varied. The farthest shot reached one hundred seventy-six zhang, and even the shortest reached one hundred sixty.

“The angle’s off,” Jiang Ji called them over and drew a right angle on the ground. From the midpoint of the right angle, he drew a line outward and said, “You need to shoot along this angle to get the farthest distance. It’s the angle between your shoulder and your head.”

They compared the angles with their bodies. Chen Feng went to test again. Among them, Chen Feng had the best archery skills.

“Chen Feng, a little higher,” Jiang Ji said, watching his arm. “A bit higher. Just a bit more. That’s it.”

Chen Feng held the angle, drew the bow to full draw, and released.

Whoosh.

The arrow flew and landed.

On the other end, Lu Wen measured the distance. It was about ten zhang farther than the previous farthest mark.

Shocked, he shouted loudly, “Ten zhang farther!”

His voice carried back from afar, and everyone broke into smiles.

Lu Jiu said with a face full of delight, “Ten zhang farther? Then that’s around one hundred eighty-six zhang!”

“Wow!”

Everyone turned to look at Jiang Ji.

Jiang Ji clasped his hands behind his back and lifted his chin slightly. “That same angle just now. Try it a few more times.”

Seeing the smug little expression on Jiang Ji’s face, Jiang Yan’s lips curved upward.

Chen Feng nodded and shot a few more arrows, then switched with Lu Jiu and the others.

Jiang Yan also took a few shots. Jiang Ji adjusted his angle slightly, and Jiang Yan’s farthest shot reached one hundred ninety zhang.

The two villagers also tried. They were likewise able to shoot more than one hundred sixty zhang.

Jiang Ji rubbed his chin and said to Jiang Yan, “There’s probably still a component that isn’t quite right. Our manufacturing precision just hasn’t reached that level yet.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Even tiny deviations can affect distance.”

“Exactly.” Jiang Ji opened the livestream and checked the viewers’ reactions.

【This is already very good. Given their production level, some deviation is normal.】

【Feels like it might be an issue with brace height.】

【Not enough draw weight?】

【This is too specialized. You’d need an expert to really know.】

Jiang Ji sighed. True. None of them were experts. This result was already good enough. At least it was usable.

He looked up at Jiang Yan and said, “I’ve done all I can. We’ll just have to let the blacksmiths and carpenters keep refining it.”

“It’s already excellent. You’ve helped immensely.” Jiang Yan squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. “This will greatly increase the army’s combat strength.”

“You’re a great contributor to Da Sheng dynasty,” Jiang Yan said seriously.

Not only increasing grain yields, but also providing maps, bows, and improvements to crossbows and sleeve arrows.

Jiang Ji’s eyes curved slightly. “Since the Regent says so, I’ll take it as true.”

“You are,” Jiang Yan said firmly.

Jiang Ji smiled brightly.

Having transmigrated for so long, life had been hard at times, but Jiang Ji had gained a sense of achievement he never experienced in his previous life. His heart felt exceptionally full.

After testing, Chen Feng and the others hunted a few pheasants and rabbits on the mountain and brought them back. Everyone had a wild game dinner that night.

After the meal, Chen Feng and Lu Wen copied one set of blueprints and headed out. Lu Wen went to the town, while Chen Feng went to Nanping County about seventy or eighty li away. They were both arranging for blacksmiths and carpenters to mass produce the bows, producing as many as possible before they set out for the south.

In the afternoon, Jiang Ji took a nap. When he woke, he heard that the physician sent by the Lu household had arrived and was speaking with Zhao Ru and Jiang Yan in the main hall.

Jiang Ji walked in and saw that besides his mother, Jiang Yan, and Lu Jiu, there were four unfamiliar people in the hall. One elderly man, one middle-aged man, and two young men.

Jiang Yan stood and beckoned him over. “Jiang Ji, this is Physician Yang, whom my family invited. This is Lu Shun, Lu Jiu’s younger brother. These two are the guards Old Lu and Old Cao.”

“Oh, hello everyone. I’m Jiang Ji.” Jiang Ji smiled and cupped his hands. “You’ve had a hard journey.”

Lu Shun stood and bowed deeply to Jiang Ji, bending his upper body parallel to the ground. “Greetings, Young Master Jiang. My lord and madam specifically instructed me to thank you and your family on their behalf. Thank you for saving our eldest young master. You are the benefactors of the Lu household. My lord and madam cannot come in person right now, but once things settle, they will personally bring gifts to express their gratitude.”

He was so formal that Jiang Ji froze for a moment before returning the salute. “Lord Lu and Madam Lu are too courteous.”

He glanced at Lu Jiu beside him, puzzled. “He really is your younger brother?” How are you two so different?

Lu Jiu was lively and outgoing. He did not expect his brother to be so calm and composed.

Lu Jiu understood the unspoken meaning and shrugged. “Yes. He’s being trained as the next steward of the Lu household.”

“Oh, I see.” Jiang Ji nodded thoughtfully.

Lu Shun: “……”

Lu Shun had come not only to escort Physician Yang, but also with many gifts of thanks. Fine jewelry, silks, tea, medicinal herbs, and more. Gift boxes filled two tables.

The messenger who returned earlier had said that Jiang Ji’s family lived in a thatched hut and had poor conditions. So Lord and Madam Lu had him bring many gifts. One part was to express gratitude, the other was to improve their benefactors’ living conditions.

But upon arriving, he saw a spacious three-courtyard estate. The furniture in the halls was made of fine huanghuali wood. The floors were paved with tiles, and there were many servants in the household.

This did not look like poor conditions at all.

He did not show it on his face. Instead, he felt relieved that he had brought plenty of gifts. No matter what, it would not seem improper.

Physician Yang was elderly, sixty-three years old. He had formerly been an imperial physician and had finally retired safely from the Imperial Medical Bureau two years ago to enjoy his later years. He had extensive experience with brain disorders, which was why Jiang Yan’s father had specifically invited him.

They had all been instructed to keep the Prince Regent’s identity confidential, so everyone addressed Jiang Yan as young master.

Physician Yang looked at Lu Huaizhou and said, “Young Master Lu, shall I examine you first?”

“No rush. You’ve traveled a long distance. Rest well first. We can look tomorrow,” Jiang Yan said.

Jiang Ji also said, “Yes, rest first. There’s no need to hurry a day or two.”

Physician Yang was elderly and truly tired from the journey, so he agreed. “Very well. We’ll examine you tomorrow. Sorry for the disturbance.”

Lu Jiu led them away to settle in.

In the room, Lu Shun quietly asked his brother, “Didn’t they say the Jiang family lived in a thatched hut and had poor conditions?”

Lu Jiu replied, “They moved here not long ago. Before, they really did live in a thatched hut. After the message was sent back, we found out they were building this large estate, and just a few days later they moved in.”

Lu Shun: “……Alright then. Come on, take me to see the young master.”

Lu Jiu rubbed his nose. “Let me explain the situation to you first.”

“What situation?”

“Basically,” Lu Jiu said, “the young master lost his memory, right? He trusts Jiang Ji a great deal. When he discusses things, he doesn’t avoid him at all. You should be careful yourself.”

Lu Shun was startled. “What kinds of things does he not avoid?”

“Everything,” Lu Jiu said. “Including military affairs.”

Lu Shun fell silent for a moment, then nodded. “I understand.”

The two of them arrived at the main hall and saw Jiang Yan copying the gift list into the account ledger at the table, while Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru were examining the gifts.

The Lu household had prepared the gifts very thoroughly. The bolts of fabric included ones suitable for married women, for unmarried young ladies in their teens, for young men, and for children. Even the jewelry was separated into women’s and young ladies’ styles. They had clearly asked in advance about the members of the household.

Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru were studying the fabrics. They were top-quality silks and satins, and there was also a precious bolt of brocade, indigo blue with clustered floral patterns.

In this era, brocade production was limited. Aside from what was sent as tribute to the imperial palace, there was very little left on the open market. Only extremely wealthy and powerful families could afford to wear it.

There was no brocade at all in their town.

For the Lu household to send over a whole bolt of brocade showed genuine sincerity and respect.

“This pattern is beautiful,” Zhao Ru said, running her fingers over it. It was incredibly smooth to the touch. She examined the fabric closely, identifying the weave. “This really is woven, not printed. Is this what you meant by a jacquard loom?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. It’s one type.”

“How exactly is this woven?” Zhao Ru sighed in admiration. “Just looking at it, it feels so complicated. I can’t even imagine it.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “I know how. I’ll teach you in the future.”

“Really?” Zhao Ru’s eyes lit up. “This brocade is so beautiful, and it feels amazing. No wonder it’s so expensive.”

Lu Shun happened to walk in just then and said, “Madam, Young Master Jiang, this bolt of brocade was ordered by my madam before the new year. She knew that your age is close to hers, so she specifically had me bring it along. It was especially prepared for you.”

Zhao Ru felt both surprised and flattered. “Oh my, how could I wear something so precious? This is something only nobles should wear.”

Lu Shun smiled. “Madam, you’re too modest. Fabric is meant to be worn. I think it suits you perfectly, and the color matches you as well.”

Praised like that, Zhao Ru beamed. “I’m just studying it, trying to see how it was woven.”

As the two chatted, Jiang Ji quietly said to Lu Jiu, “Now I can see it. He really is your biological younger brother.”

Lu Jiu: “……”

After the gifts were sorted and stored in the storeroom, Lu Shun needed to report matters to Jiang Yan. Jiang Ji went out to walk around the fields.

The rice would be ready for harvest in four or five days. The tomatoes were ready to be picked, and the watermelons were about to enter peak production.

“Jiang Ji,” Uncle Tugen ran over from their fields. “Can we pick the tomatoes now? I see a lot of them have turned red.”

“Yes,” Jiang Ji said. “They’re ready. We’ll pick them tomorrow morning.” He also called over the village head and told them, “Tonight, weave some straw mats to line the baskets so the tomatoes don’t get crushed. Pad all four sides.”

“Alright,” the village head said, then asked, “How much will tomatoes sell for per jin?”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “They don’t store as well as watermelons. Let’s sell them at eight wen per jin. Tomorrow, bring them together to our restaurant. We’ll have the restaurant do a tasting event.”

Uncle Tugen nodded. “Okay, we’ll follow your lead.”

During this period, they had earned quite a bit from selling watermelons, since only their three families had them. They all kept the same price, so everyone sold at a good rate.

Although they hadn’t planted as many tomatoes, tomatoes produced heavily.

Jiang Ji added, “For tomorrow’s tomato promotion, I’ll have the restaurant inform the traveling merchants that they can come to the village the day after tomorrow to haul watermelons and tomatoes. You should prepare as well. Uncle Tugen, your family needs to keep one person at home.”

Previously, because watermelon production was not very high, they sold retail only. Many merchants wanted to transport watermelons to other places to sell, but the supply wasn’t enough, so they had been waiting for notice from the restaurant.

“Alright, alright, we’ll all be at home the day after tomorrow,” Uncle Tugen asked. “If merchants come to haul them, is it still ten wen?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. We won’t lower the price. They can’t even beg for them as it is, and we don’t have trouble selling. When they transport them elsewhere, they’ll sell them for even more.”

Uncle Tugen said happily, “That’s great. We can earn a bit more.”

Normally, buying in bulk meant the price would drop by one or two wen. Hearing that Jiang Ji wouldn’t lower the price even for large purchases made Uncle Tugen and the village head grin from ear to ear.

Jiang Ji went back and had someone notify Shopkeeper Lü in the city, telling him to prepare tomorrow’s tomato tasting event. At the same time, the restaurant would add tomato scrambled eggs and tomato egg drop soup to the menu.

Jiang Ji had already taught Han Qingshan and the others these dishes. They were simple and easy to learn.

That evening, Jiang Ji’s family hosted a welcoming banquet for Physician Yang and Lu Shun. It was just their large family gathering in the courtyard to eat and drink together.

There were many people in the Jiang household now. Three large round tables were set up in the open space of the back courtyard. Everyone sat together in a circle, enjoying delicious food.

Physician Yang and the other newcomers were stunned when they saw the dishes on the table.

After tasting them, it was as if their tongues might be swallowed along with the food.

“Too delicious!” Physician Yang exclaimed. “This old man has lived so many years, and to still be able to eat such fine food, it’s truly worth it!”

Lu Shun said to his brother, “You get to eat food this good every day?”

Lu Jiu nodded. “Yes. These things are only available here. Chili peppers, tomatoes, all of that is only grown in Jiang Ji’s village.”

“Before this, the second young master wanted to come with me,” Lu Shun said with a laugh. “When I go back, he’ll probably regret it to death.”

Lu Jiu could already picture the second young master beating his chest in frustration. He laughed. “No helping that. He has his exams in a few months.”

Lu Shun laughed as well.

After everyone had eaten their fill, there was dessert fruit. Watermelon.

Physician Yang and Lu Shun were stunned yet again.

Lu Jiu patted his younger brother on the shoulder. “Get up early tomorrow. I’ll take you to pick watermelons.”

Lu Shun nodded. “Alright.”

They ate to their hearts’ content. The fatigue from five or six days of nonstop travel felt much eased.

That night, when it was time to sleep, Jiang Ji lay on his stomach on the bed, reading the viewers’ comments.

【Speaking of which, Jiang Ji, your injury is already healed. Jiang Yan is still sleeping with you?】
【Hey, sisters above, don’t point it out】
【The little couple has always slept together. Don’t separate them】
【Jiang Ji: I’m hot】
【Hahahahaha】

Jiang Ji: …

Jiang Ji was half amused and half exasperated by the comments. “He’s my future wife anyway. What’s wrong with sleeping together?”

【Oh really, who’s whose wife?】
【Are you sure?】
【Hahahahaha, why do I feel like you’re the wife instead?】

Jiang Ji curled his lips. “Of course Jiang Yan is the wife. He already promised to be my wife. Didn’t you all hear it?”

【Cough cough, that does sound familiar】
【You can pin Jiang Yan down? I really don’t believe that】
【Who’s the wife is actually hard to say】
【Well, positions really don’t depend on body size】

“Stop making dirty jokes. Be civilized, or if the livestream gets banned, I’ll hold you accountable.”

【If they could ban it, the platform would’ve done it long ago】
【Even the platform boss watches your stream every day】
【The platform boss said it can’t be banned anymore. He’s already joined your side】

Before long, Jiang Yan finished bathing and came in.

“Not talking to you anymore. Going to sleep. Good night.”

Jiang Ji closed the livestream decisively, out of sight and out of mind.

Jiang Ji’s injury really was healed, but neither he nor Jiang Yan mentioned it. They still slept together at night.

Anyway, once the door to the east wing was shut, no one knew which room Jiang Yan slept in.

Jiang Ji turned his head to look at Jiang Yan, watching him latch the door and walk over.

Jiang Yan asked, “Any mosquitoes inside the net?”

“No. I chased them away.”

Jiang Yan said, “Then I’ll put out the light.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Yan blew out the lamp on the small bedside table. After lifting the mosquito net and going in, he carefully clipped it shut with wooden clips, then lay down.

Jiang Ji rolled onto his back with his eyes closed. His right hand slowly reached out toward the side until it touched Jiang Yan’s hand. He grabbed it.

Jiang Yan immediately held on tightly.

“I said I’d hold your hand tonight,” Jiang Ji said softly.

“Mm.”

Jiang Ji’s thumb slid over Jiang Yan’s skin. He said quietly, “Your hands have gotten much rougher.”

When Jiang Yan had first been carried back, there were calluses on his hands, but the skin on the back of his hands was actually quite fine, and his skin overall was fair. Now the calluses on his palms were thicker, and the skin on his hands and arms was much rougher, and darker too.

Jiang Yan said, “I didn’t really notice.”

“You’ve been doing a lot of work,” Jiang Ji turned to look at him. “I feel like I’ve wronged you.”

Jiang Yan asked, “Why would you say that?”

Jiang Ji sighed, looking at Jiang Yan’s blurred profile in the darkness. “I didn’t expect you to have this kind of identity. Making you follow me to do farm work feels like a waste of talent.”

Jiang Yan opened his eyes and turned to look at him. “I think it’s good. It’s meaningful.”

Jiang Ji rolled onto his back again. “You don’t need to comfort me.”

Jiang Yan stared at the dark ceiling and said, “The people take food as heaven. You once said that agriculture is the foundation. With my identity before, I definitely didn’t know how rice was grown, didn’t understand how hard farming is, didn’t understand how difficult farmers’ lives are. Because I didn’t understand agriculture, I also didn’t know where to start improving things. Before, it was all empty talk on paper. Now, I understand.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ji turned his head to look at him again.

Jiang Yan also turned to face him.

In the darkness, they could only see faint outlines of each other.

They looked at one another. Even without seeing clearly, they could strangely feel each other’s gaze and emotions.

Jiang Ji asked softly, “Finding out you’re the Regent all of a sudden, are you worried?”

“Yes,” Jiang Yan didn’t hide it. Jiang Ji was the only one he could talk to about this. “Without my past memories, my mind is blank. I don’t know what that position requires me to do. I feel uncertain.”

Jiang Ji patted his arm and held his hand tightly. “You’ll remember.”

“Mm.”

No one knew when his memories would return. Jiang Ji added, “You’re a good Regent.”

“I’ve heard I’m passable,” Jiang Yan said.

Jiang Ji smiled. “You’ll be good in the future too.”

“Mm. I’ll work hard.”

“You’re already doing very well,” Jiang Ji said, squeezing Jiang Yan’s hand to comfort him. “Don’t worry. You’ve only lost your memories. Your knowledge and abilities are already engraved in your mind. Once you draw on them a bit, they’ll come out. Your capability is still there, just like your martial skills. When you need them, they’ll naturally appear.”

“Mm.”

Jiang Ji continued, “You take care of governance and protect the country. As for agriculture, you have me. At the very least, I’m very confident in agriculture. I’ll definitely make sure the people of Great Sheng have surplus grain at home and the national granaries are full.”

Jiang Yan pulled Jiang Ji’s hand onto his own body and held it tightly. His voice was low and hoarse. “Alright.”

The responsibility of that position was too heavy. Jiang Ji looked at him, then suddenly propped himself up, cupped Jiang Yan’s head, and kissed him on the center of the brow.

“Don’t worry. Sleep.”

Jiang Yan froze and touched his brow.

Wasn’t something a little off?

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾