Ch 76: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

“A… a man?” Zhao Ru felt as if she had been struck by lightning. It was as though the sky had collapsed.

Jiang Ji repeated it clearly, “Yes. I like men.”

Zhao Ru’s expression froze. Her mind was in chaos, buzzing, and she stammered, “Y-you… how could you like men?”

Then a thought suddenly flashed through her mind. “Is it because you couldn’t marry Chunhua before? Did that… leave a knot in your heart?”

Who was Chunhua?

Jiang Ji paused for a moment, then suddenly remembered. Chunhua was the girl the original owner of this body had once liked.

How should he explain this?

After thinking for a moment, he shook his head. “No. It has nothing to do with Chunhua. After that incident, I realized that I never truly liked girls. The person I really like is a man.”

Zhao Ru slapped her thigh, her eyes filling with tears. “Then isn’t it still because of that incident? It made you lose interest in women. You… you…”

She sighed, anxious, upset, and full of self-reproach. “It’s your mother’s fault. I couldn’t help you marry Chunhua and bring her home. That’s why you… that’s why you…”

Jiang Ji was stunned. How had his mother’s thoughts turned in that direction?

“Mother, it really has nothing to do with Chunhua. I simply like men,” Jiang Ji said.

Tears streamed down Zhao Ru’s face. “Xiao Ji, our family conditions are better now. Whatever kind of girl you want to marry, Mother will find a matchmaker to arrange it for you. Don’t… don’t find a sworn brother to live with…”

In their area, if a poor family could not afford to marry a wife, sometimes a man would find a sworn brother and live together with him, like husband and wife.

Jiang Ji sighed. It seemed he could not persuade her otherwise, so he spoke directly.

“Mother, I don’t want a girl. I like Jiang Yan. I want to marry Jiang Yan. If you want to find a matchmaker, you’ll have to go to Jiang Yan’s house to propose.”

Zhao Ru’s tears stopped instantly. Thinking she had misheard, she asked, “Who did you say you like? Who do you want to marry?”

“Jiang Yan,” Jiang Ji said clearly.

Zhao Ru froze completely. “Jiang Yan?”

“Yes. Jiang Yan. I like him, and he likes me too. We’ve already pledged ourselves to each other in private,” Jiang Ji said plainly, laying everything out. “We’re going to get married.”

Zhao Ru: “……”

Her mouth hung open as she stared blankly at her son. Scenes from after Jiang Yan arrived flashed through her mind: the way the two of them interacted, Jiang Yan going to rescue Xiao Ji, then personally taking care of him afterward. Translated on Hololo novels. And these past few days, after Jiang Yan left, Xiao Ji had begun sleeping poorly…

“You… you haven’t been sleeping well lately because of Jiang Yan?” Zhao Ru asked.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. Mother, he didn’t leave to handle business. He went to do something very dangerous. It could put his life at risk. Before, we didn’t tell you because we were afraid you’d worry.”

“What?!” Hearing that Jiang Yan was in danger, Zhao Ru asked urgently, “What dangerous thing? What did he go to do?”

Seeing her attention shift in that direction, Jiang Ji quickly replied, “It’s related to the court. He went to fight in a war.”

“F-fight in a war?” Zhao Ru was startled. “Is he a general?”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. When Jiang Yan returned, his identity could be made public anyway. His mother was not someone who spoke carelessly, so it was safe to tell her.

“Mother, sit down first and listen to me.” Jiang Ji pulled her to sit, then looked at her and held her hand, speaking seriously. “Mother, Jiang Yan isn’t a general. Earlier I told you that Jin Zhi was his courtesy name. His real name is Lu Huaizhou. He is the current Regent.”

“W-what?!” Zhao Ru jumped to her feet again in shock. “The Re… Regent?!”

“Shh—” Jiang Ji raised a finger to his lips. “Mother, keep your voice down. For his safety, his identity has to remain secret for now.”

Zhao Ru immediately sat down again. She was so shocked that even her tears had stopped. In a low voice she asked, “H-how could he be the Regent?”

“I didn’t expect it either. But he really is,” Jiang Ji said seriously.

Zhao Ru sat there in a daze for quite a while, still unable to believe it.

“How could he be the Regent?”

Jiang Ji said, “Yes. He was assassinated and fell off a cliff. Fortunately there was a river below. He drifted along the current until he reached our county, near the river by the two mountains behind us. When he woke up he had lost his memory. After climbing over the mountains and wandering aimlessly, he ended up here and fainted.”

“So that’s what happened. No wonder he had so many injuries,” Zhao Ru said, recalling how badly wounded Jiang Yan had been when he was first carried back. Then she asked worriedly, “You said he went to fight in a war. Isn’t that very dangerous?”

“Yes, very dangerous. That’s why I’m very worried about him.” Jiang Ji held Zhao Ru’s hand. “Mother, I truly like him, and he likes me too. He said that when he returns, he’ll go back to the capital and report everything to his parents, then marry me.”

“But he’s the Regent!” Zhao Ru said weakly.

“I know. But we love each other. Our feelings are mutual.”

Jiang Ji carefully watched his mother’s expression. It seemed that her focus had shifted from “he likes men” to “the man he likes is the Regent.”

One shocking revelation had been overshadowed by another even more shocking one.

Compared to the fact that Jiang Ji liked men, what startled and worried Zhao Ru even more was that this man was the Regent.

“He’s the Regent. How could his family possibly allow him to marry a man?” Zhao Ru said.

“He will persuade his parents. I trust him,” Jiang Ji replied firmly.

Zhao Ru fell silent.

“Xiao Ji, I know Jiang Yan is a good child, but he’s the Regent. This matter between you two…” Zhao Ru was not optimistic. “How about you think it over again?”

Jiang Ji shook his head. “I like him, and I want to marry him. Mother, can you agree to our marriage?”

“I…” Zhao Ru stopped. Her mind was in complete turmoil, and she could only say, “You just told me too many things at once. I need to think about it carefully. Yes, I need to think about it.”

She stood up. “Xiao Ji, you… you should think about it again too.”

With that, Zhao Ru opened the door of the east wing and hurried back to her own room.

Jiang Ji watched her leave but did not follow. She needed some time to process everything.

After returning to her room, Zhao Ru clasped her hands tightly and paced back and forth. Her thoughts were a tangled mess.

One moment she thought: How could my son like men?

The next moment: How could Jiang Yan be the Regent? And was he safe?

Then: Xiao Ji and Jiang Yan are actually together?

Then: Jiang Yan’s family will certainly never agree to this…

The series of shocks left her unsure which matter she should even think about first.

After turning it over and over in her mind, she eventually concluded that it must be because Xiao Ji had seen the girl he liked marry someone else, leaving him heartbroken. Translated on Hololo novels. That was why he had begun to develop feelings for Jiang Yan, who lived and ate with him every day.

And Jiang Yan had even risked his life to save Xiao Ji.

True feelings reveal themselves in times of hardship. It must have been because of that.

She sighed again and again in regret. Why had she not noticed earlier that the two of them might grow close like this?

If she had realized sooner, she could have had them live separately earlier. Perhaps things would not have developed this far.

What should she do now?

Judging from Xiao Ji’s attitude, he seemed absolutely determined to marry Jiang Yan.

The more she thought about it, the sadder Zhao Ru became, and tears began to fall again.

In the end, she blamed herself. If only her health had been better and the family had been able to save a bit more money, they might have arranged a marriage between Xiao Ji and Chunhua two years ago. If that had happened, things would not have come to this…

Zhao Ru stayed in her room thinking for a long time. It was not until evening, when Jiang Xia and the others returned from school, that she wiped away her tears, composed herself, and came out.

Seeing that her mother’s eyes were red, Jiang Xia asked anxiously, “Mother, why were you crying?”

Zhao Ru shook her head and forced a smile. “It’s nothing. I’ll go see whether dinner is ready.”

Her eyes were so red that it was obvious she was only pretending to be fine.

Jiang Xia grabbed her and said, “Mother, did someone bully you? Tell me. Brother and I will go demand justice for you.”

“You silly child. I said it’s nothing. Go watch Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei and make sure they finish their homework so we can eat.”

As she spoke, Zhao Ru went to the back courtyard.

The more Jiang Xia thought about it, the stranger it seemed. She found her brother in the tool shed.

“Brother, did you know Mother was crying?”

Jiang Ji paused, set down the drawings in his hand, and asked, “Was it bad?”

“Her eyes are swollen,” Jiang Xia answered. Then she suddenly realized something. “You knew Mother was crying?”

“Yes.” Jiang Ji nodded.

Jiang Xia hurriedly asked, “Why was Mother crying? Did someone bully her?”

Jiang Ji looked at his sister. She would learn about this sooner or later anyway. And perhaps she might even be able to comfort their mother. At least she could talk with her so she would not brood alone.

He said, “I told Mother that I want to marry Jiang Yan. She probably can’t accept it yet. She felt sad and cried.”

Jiang Xia was shocked. “You… Brother, what did you say?”

“I said I want to marry Jiang Yan.”

Jiang Xia stared at him in disbelief and said nothing for a long moment.

Jiang Ji gave her some time to process it, then said, “Xia’er, could you accept having a sister-in-law who’s a man?”

“Ah?” Jiang Xia was still stunned. “I… I’ve never thought about that.”

“Oh. Then think about it now. When Jiang Yan comes back, we’ll probably start discussing the marriage proposal,” Jiang Ji said.

Jiang Xia: “……”

She watched her brother calmly resume drawing as if nothing had happened, then asked, “Brother… you and Brother Jiang Yan… you two…”

Jiang Ji glanced at her and answered, “We like each other.”

“Oh… oh,” Jiang Xia said blankly, nodding. “No wonder you two were always stuck together.”

“Hm?” Jiang Ji raised his eyes and looked at her. “We were always together because we had things to do.”

Jiang Xia: “…oh.”

Seeing that she still looked unconvinced, Jiang Ji tapped her on the head. “Hurry up and process this news. Later you can help me go talk to Mother and comfort her.”

Jiang Xia fell silent.

She asked in disbelief, “You want me to comfort Mother? I haven’t even figured this out myself.”

“Isn’t that why I’m telling you to think about it?” Jiang Ji looked at her. “If there’s something you can’t understand, tell me.”

Jiang Xia thought for a moment. “If you and Brother Jiang Yan get married, then you won’t have children, right? How will the family line continue?”

Jiang Ji raised his hand and knocked her lightly on the head again.

“Ah, Brother, why did you hit me?” Jiang Xia rubbed the top of her head, looking aggrieved.

“Who told you that a person must pass on the family line?” Jiang Ji asked.

Jiang Xia blinked. “Huh? Since ancient times, hasn’t it always been the men of the family who carry on the family line? And you’re the eldest son and the head of the household. You have to take on that responsibility.”

Jiang Ji rolled his eyes.

Jiang Xia pointed at him. “Brother, you rolled your eyes!”

“I rolled them just for you to see,” Jiang Ji replied.

Jiang Xia: “……”

Jiang Ji spoke seriously to his sister. “That idea of yours isn’t right. We are born into this world not to reproduce and leave descendants. We’re here to understand the world and to enjoy our lives as human beings. Having children isn’t about continuing a family line. It’s another kind of life experience shared by two people who love each other, a choice they make to experience being parents. Having children is one kind of life experience. Not having children is another. They are simply different choices, and both are normal.”

Jiang Xia blinked again. “Brother… I don’t really understand.”

“You’re still young. It’s fine if you don’t understand yet. Take it slowly,” Jiang Ji said. “And besides, if someone really needs to carry on the family line, there’s still you, Jiang Nan, and Jiang Bei. You can all carry on the Jiang family line. It doesn’t have to be me.”

“But you’re the eldest son.”

“The eldest son or the second son makes no difference. Don’t we all carry Father and Mother’s blood in our bodies?”

Jiang Xia thought blankly for a moment. “Oh… that’s true.”

After thinking for a bit, Jiang Ji asked, “Xia’er, what do you think about me marrying Jiang Yan?”

Jiang Xia thought about it and said, “I’ve heard Mother and Aunt Xiufang talk about men who become sworn brothers and live together their whole lives. But that’s because they’re too poor to marry wives. They have no choice. Brother, that’s not your situation. You and Brother Jiang Yan could easily marry pretty girls.”

Jiang Ji knocked her on the head again. “Didn’t I just say it? Brother Jiang Yan and I like each other. We’re getting married because we like each other.”

Jiang Xia blinked. “Oh.”

Jiang Ji felt she still didn’t quite understand, so he continued, “In this world, some people like the opposite sex, some people like the same sex, and some people like neither. All of that is normal, understand?”

“Huh?” Jiang Xia looked amazed. “There are people who like neither men nor women?”

“Yes. There are people like that, though they’re rare,” Jiang Ji said. “In the world of immortals, whether someone marries the opposite sex or the same sex, or even never marries at all, all of that is perfectly normal.”

Jiang Xia liked hearing about the world of immortals. “Their world sounds wonderful.”

“It really is,” Jiang Ji said. “Xia’er, I told you before that when people marry, they should marry someone they truly like. That way the chances of happiness after marriage are greater.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Do you want me and Brother Jiang Yan to be happy?”

“Of course I do.”

“Good. I don’t like girls. I like Brother Jiang Yan. Go help me talk to Mother and persuade her.”

Jiang Xia sighed. “Brother, why don’t you do it yourself?”

“If Mother sees me right now, she might get even more upset. Just spend more time with her these days and gently talk to her whenever there’s a chance.” Jiang Ji patted her head. “Be good and help your brother, alright?”

This was the first time her brother had asked her so seriously for help. Jiang Xia nodded. “Alright, I understand.”

Jiang Ji rubbed her head, feeling very relieved.

Before going to bed that night, Jiang Xia deliberately took her pillow and went to Zhao Ru’s room.

“Mother, I want to sleep with you tonight. Is that okay?”

Zhao Ru was just getting ready for bed and smiled. “It’s so hot tonight. Aren’t you afraid of the heat?”

“I’m not. I haven’t slept with you in a long time.” Jiang Xia placed her pillow near the inside of the bed and climbed up to lie down.

Zhao Ru used a fan to drive away mosquitoes, blew out the lamp, and lay down.

As she slowly fanned herself, her mind was still filled with worries about her eldest son.

“Mother, are you worried about Brother and Brother Jiang Yan?” Jiang Xia asked.

Zhao Ru sounded surprised. “Your brother told you?”

“Yes. Brother said he and Brother Jiang Yan like each other and want to get married. Mother, do you not agree?”

Zhao Ru sighed. “I just can’t understand it. There are so many good girls. How did he end up liking a man?”

“Brother said he simply doesn’t like girls. He only likes men. If it weren’t Brother Jiang Yan, it would be some other man anyway. Just not a girl.”

Zhao Ru: “……”

“Mother, do you not like Brother Jiang Yan?”

Zhao Ru explained, “That’s not what I mean. Jiang Yan is a very good person. I like him too. It’s just that he and your brother are both so good. They could each marry a good girl, have a couple of children, and live a peaceful, happy life. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

“Mother, are you worried they won’t have children to carry on the family line?” Jiang Xia asked directly.

Zhao Ru nodded. “That’s one concern. In the future, your brother and I wouldn’t be able to answer to our ancestors.”

“But Mother, Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei can carry on the family line. If that’s not enough, you could adopt someone or bring in an heir.”

“That’s not the same,” Zhao Ru said worriedly.

“But Brother already likes Brother Jiang Yan,” Jiang Xia said. “If you make him marry a girl he doesn’t love, he won’t be happy for the rest of his life. Even if he earns a lot of money, it won’t matter.”

“I know. That’s exactly what worries me.” Zhao Ru understood the reasoning. She sighed but did not tell Jiang Xia that Jiang Yan was the Regent. Instead she simply said, “But Jiang Yan’s family are officials. They’re a large and influential household, and he’s the eldest son. His family could never allow him to marry a man.”

Jiang Xia’s eyes lit up. “So, Mother, you’re worried that Brother Jiang Yan’s family won’t agree?”

“Of course I’m worried about that too.” Zhao Ru shared her concerns with her daughter. “With Jiang Yan’s status, it probably won’t work if he has no heir. I’m afraid your brother will end up being treated poorly. What if his family demands that Jiang Yan take a concubine or something? With your brother’s temperament, could he endure that? Wouldn’t he end up heartbroken again?”

Jiang Xia thought about it and nodded. “That’s true. But if Brother Jiang Yan promises he won’t take a concubine, would you agree to their marriage?”

Zhao Ru sighed. “Have you ever seen a wealthy household where the master doesn’t have at least one concubine?” Especially not someone like the Regent.

“I think Brother Jiang Yan wouldn’t do that,” Jiang Xia said after thinking for a moment. “Brother Jiang Yan is a good person. He doesn’t seem like that kind of man. Mother, just look at how many girls in our village like him. He never even glances at them, never pays them any attention.”

Zhao Ru had thought about that too, but she said, “Xia’er, you’re still young. People can change. No one can guarantee what they’ll be like in the future.”

Jiang Xia wanted to say more, but Zhao Ru patted her. “Alright, go to sleep. You have to wake up early tomorrow.”

“Okay. Mother, don’t think too much either. Go to sleep early,” Jiang Xia said. Seeing that her mother didn’t want to talk anymore, she closed her eyes and went to sleep.

The next morning, Jiang Xia found Jiang Ji and whispered, “Brother, I asked Mother about it yesterday. First, she’s worried you two won’t have children. Second, she’s worried Brother Jiang Yan’s family won’t agree. Third, she’s worried that if you two marry, Brother Jiang Yan might take concubines.”

“Alright, I understand.” Jiang Ji patted his sister’s head. “Keep up the good work.”

Jiang Xia nodded. “Okay.”

After that, Jiang Xia continued absorbing Jiang Ji’s reasoning while also repeating it to Zhao Ru. Every night the mother and daughter would talk privately. With someone to share her worries with, Zhao Ru felt less pressure.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ji stayed busy at home. He worked on farm chores, drew plans for the jacquard loom, and waited for news.

Every couple of days he would go to the restaurant and ask the shopkeeper what the traveling merchants had been saying.

Some merchants who had come from the western and northern regions said those areas had begun tightening security. They had a vague sense that unrest was coming and that war might break out. Recently far fewer merchants were traveling toward the borderlands.

Jiang Ji also received a letter from Jiang Yan saying that preparations had been completed. Translated on Hololo novels. The next period would likely be very busy, and if Jiang Ji didn’t receive letters for a while he should not worry.

After some time, Jiang Ji received news brought by Lu Shun saying that the capital had begun “closing the net.” That meant Jiang Yan’s side would soon do the same.

The crucial moment had arrived.

Jiang Ji began going to the city every day. Anxiety weighed on him, and with the hot weather his sleep became even worse. Blisters even appeared on his lips.

Seeing the dark circles under her son’s eyes, Zhao Ru knew he was worried about Jiang Yan. Feeling distressed for him, she had Doctor Yang prescribe calming medicine and herbs to reduce internal heat, and she watched him drink them every day.

“Has Jiang Yan not written back for several days?” Zhao Ru asked.

Jiang Ji paused before answering, “Yes. It’s been nine days.”

Seeing how pale and exhausted her son looked, Zhao Ru couldn’t bear it and tried to comfort him. “He’s very capable. He’ll be fine.”

“Mother, I’m alright.”

Zhao Ru sighed quietly. Jiang Yan had been gone nearly a month. During all this time, her son had never hidden his worry, thinking about Jiang Yan every day. She knew in her heart that her son truly loved Jiang Yan and had already made up his mind to marry him.

“Xiao Ji.”

“Yes?”

Looking at her son, Zhao Ru said, “About you and Jiang Yan… it’s not that I disagree.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes immediately lit up. “Mother, you agree?”

Zhao Ru sighed. “It’s not as simple as me agreeing. I’m worried about Jiang Yan’s family. You know his identity and his family’s position. It won’t be easy for him to persuade his parents.”

“I know. Xia’er told me your concerns, and I’ve thought about them carefully,” Jiang Ji said seriously. “Mother, I trust Jiang Yan, and I’m willing to face it together with him and ask for his parents’ approval.”

Zhao Ru grabbed her son’s wrist, still worried. “Their family is so high above ours. I’m afraid you’ll be wronged.”

Jiang Ji patted the back of her hand and said firmly, “Mother, I’m not afraid. Jiang Yan’s status is high, but if enduring a little hardship can help convince his parents to agree, it’s nothing. After all, I’m the one who wants to marry him.”

Zhao Ru looked at her son for a long moment before saying, “Then when he returns, we’ll discuss everything carefully.”

“Alright.” Jiang Ji hugged his mother. “Mother, thank you.”

Zhao Ru patted his back.

She knew how many difficulties her son would soon face. Precisely because of that, she did not want to add more obstacles herself or stand in their way and make her son unhappy.

If their ancestors were to blame anyone, they could blame her instead.

About half a month later, Jiang Ji was at home assembling the spinning machine. The workshop building was almost finished. He had transported back all the wooden components he had commissioned from carpenters and was assembling them himself.

Suddenly Lu Shun returned from the city and brought Jiang Ji some news.

“Young Master Jiang Ji, my young master and the others have successfully completed their mission. They’ve captured the Prince of Qi!”

“Really? Does that mean they’ll be coming back soon?” Jiang Ji asked excitedly.

“Once the young master finishes handling the aftermath there, they can set out to return. Oh, right,” Lu Shun said, pulling a letter from his robe and handing it to him. “This is a letter from the young master for you.”

Jiang Ji quickly took it and read through it.

The letter said they had already captured the Prince of Qi and suppressed his rebel forces. Although there had been some minor complications, the mission had been completed smoothly. The bed-mounted crossbows and bows had played a major role, and their casualties were very low.

It also said that they would likely be able to return in about twenty-two or twenty-three days.

Jiang Ji said happily, “He said he can come back in about twenty-two or twenty-three days!”

Everyone was delighted. At noon that same day, Jiang Ji told the kitchen to prepare a big meal, and they all celebrated together.

Twenty-two or twenty-three days.

After receiving the letter, Jiang Ji was happy every day, counting the days one by one.

He even made a calendar himself. Each day he crossed out another date. Watching the number of remaining days grow smaller, the smile on his face grew brighter with each passing day.

That night before going to bed, Jiang Ji drew a cross over that day’s date.

Two days left. Just two more days until Jiang Yan returned!

He was just about to blow out the lamp when a burst of footsteps suddenly came from the courtyard gate. Someone was running toward the house.

That sound of footsteps…

Jiang Ji’s heart skipped a beat. Moments later, the door of the east wing was suddenly pounded loudly.

Jiang Ji hurried to open it.

As the door swung open, Jiang Yan stood before him, dressed in black with silver armor.

“I’m back.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

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