Ch 81: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

“Father, Mother, why have you all come to the kitchen?”

Lu Huaizhou stepped into the kitchen. He had just returned and, upon hearing that his parents and younger brother were here, hurried over without even changing his clothes, still dressed in the black python robe of the Regent.

When the servants saw the regent, they all bowed and stepped aside to clear a path.

“Jinzhi is back.” Madam Lu saw her son and quickly hurried over, grabbing his arm and looking him up and down. “This time was so dangerous, it nearly scared your mother to death.”

“Brother!” Lu Huaichuan rushed forward and threw his arms around his brother. “You finally made it back safely. We were worried sick!”

Mother and son spoke almost the exact same words. Lu Huaizhou draped an arm around his mother’s shoulders and patted his brother, soothing them both. “I’m fine. Really.”

Minister Lu had already seen his son at the city gate earlier, so he wasn’t as anxious now. Smiling, he said, “You’re back.”

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou lifted his gaze and met Jiang Ji’s eyes. Jiang Ji smiled at him; the corner of Lu Huaizhou’s lips curved slightly in return. Then he turned back to his family. “Why did you all come here? I had planned to visit after dinner.”

Lu Huaichuan immediately punched his brother lightly. “Brother, that’s not fair! With Brother Jiang Ji’s cooking this good, were you planning to eat it all by yourself?!”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

He more or less understood. Raising a brow, he asked, “You came on your own? And even brought Father and Mother along?”

He had already told his father they would meet Jiang Ji properly once things were prepared. His parents wouldn’t act so rashly, so it had to be this younger brother’s doing.

“Who says that? Don’t wrong me.” Lu Huaichuan walked over to Jiang Ji. “Brother Jiang Ji asked me to invite Father and Mother, said our family should reunite.”

Lu Huaizhou looked toward Jiang Ji. Jiang Ji nodded. “Now that you’ve returned, you should first spend time with your family. Your parents have been very worried.”

Madam Lu smiled. “Xiao Ji is thoughtful.”

That one affectionate “Xiao Ji” made Jiang Ji beam, feeling much closer to her.

Lu Huaizhou sighed. Of course it was like this. He looked at his parents. “Father, why did you come into the kitchen as well?”

Minister Lu was a scholar who had always believed that a gentleman should keep away from the kitchen. He had never stepped into one before.

Minister Lu cleared his throat, glanced at the kitchen rafters, and stroked his beard. “I came specifically to thank your lifesaver. Since he’s in the kitchen, naturally I had to come in.”

Madam Lu rolled her eyes. “That may have been true at first.”

“Later, it was obviously because Brother Jiang Ji’s cooking is too delicious!” Lu Huaichuan added.

Minister Lu didn’t dare glare at his wife, so he glared at his youngest son instead. “…If you don’t speak, no one will think you’re mute.”

Lu Huaichuan hid behind his mother and peeked out. “But it is delicious. What’s there to be embarrassed about? Why are you getting flustered and angry?”

Minister Lu rolled up his sleeves, ready to smack him. Lu Huaichuan immediately shouted, “Mother, Mother! Look, Father’s going to hit me again!”

Madam Lu laughed and stopped her husband. “That’s enough, don’t let Xiao Ji see you make a joke of yourself.”

With Lu Huaizhou’s return and Lu Huaichuan stirring things up, the atmosphere became lively. It had been a long time since the family had been this cheerful, and the gloom hanging over the Lu household for more than half a year was swept away.

Jiang Ji watched their warm harmony, a faint smile forming on his lips. He could more or less see what kind of people they were.

A very easygoing family.

But Jiang Ji also knew clearly that if Minister Lu and Madam Lu ever learned he intended to marry Lu Huaizhou, things would not remain like this.

There was still a major hurdle ahead. He could not afford to be careless.

Plating the last dish, Jiang Ji smiled. “We can start eating.”

Lu Huaizhou went to change and returned. The dishes were set in the flower hall, and the five of them took their seats, with Jiang Ji sitting beside Lu Huaizhou.

The steward brought out a pot of fine wine. With Lu Huaizhou back home, everyone was in high spirits.

As soon as the wine was poured, Minister Lu and Madam Lu stood, holding their cups and facing Jiang Ji.

Knowing they intended to toast him, Jiang Ji quickly stood as well, cup in hand. Lu Huaizhou and Lu Huaichuan also stood.

Minister Lu said solemnly, “Young Master Jiang, thank you and your family for saving Huaizhou’s life. Our entire household is deeply grateful. This cup, I offer on behalf of the Lu Residence.”

“Uncle, Aunt, you’re too polite.” Jiang Ji glanced at the person beside him. “Brother Huaizhou has also saved me. Without him, I wouldn’t be alive either. We’ve saved each other’s lives, so there’s really no need to be so formal.”

Hearing him call him “Brother Huaizhou,” Lu Huaizhou’s gaze deepened as he met Jiang Ji’s eyes. A meaning only the two of them understood passed between them. Lu Huaizhou patted his shoulder, even giving it a slight squeeze.

Jiang Ji: “…”

“A matter is a matter,” Minister Lu said seriously. “You saved him, and him saving you was only right. Gratitude must still be shown. Come, I’ll drink first.”

He tipped his head back and drained the cup. Madam Lu and Lu Huaichuan followed.

Jiang Ji had no choice but to drink his as well.

After sitting down, Madam Lu asked, “We heard from Lu Wu that you were once kidnapped by mountain bandits?”

“Yes. That time was truly dangerous. Thanks to Brother Huaizhou, I was able to return alive…” Jiang Ji briefly recounted the incident.

As they ate and listened, everyone gradually stopped eating when the story reached the perilous moments in the mountains, focusing entirely on him. Only when he mentioned that County Lieutenant Zhou Lin had arrived with reinforcements did they finally relax.

Madam Lu patted her chest. “That really was dangerous. Thankfully, you’re both safe now.”

Minister Lu glanced at his eldest son. “Huaizhou was a bit too hasty going up the mountain. He didn’t align with the county lieutenant’s timing and arrived earlier.”

Lu Huaizhou nodded, accepting the point frankly. “Yes. I was too anxious.”

“That’s rare for you, brother,” Lu Huaichuan said, gnawing on a fried pork rib. “Not much can make you this anxious.”

Jiang Ji glanced at Lu Huaizhou, then at Minister Lu and Madam Lu, feeling a little guilty.

Madam Lu shot her younger son a look. “He was saving someone. Of course he was anxious.”

Lu Huaichuan shrugged and kept eating. The ribs were crispy outside and tender inside, incredibly delicious.

Lu Huaizhou said at the right moment, “Let’s finish eating first. At this rate, Xiao Chuan will eat all the ribs.”

Lu Huaichuan: “…I haven’t eaten that many.”

Everyone immediately looked at the six or seven bones on his plate. Madam Lu smiled. “Not that many, just half.”

Lu Huaichuan: “……”

“They’re just too good,” he grinned. “Who told you all to keep talking? You’re wasting such a table of food.”

Madam Lu laughed. “Right, eat first, talk later.”

Everyone began eating again. Madam Lu surprised them all, adapting to chili on her first try and praising it endlessly.

Minister Lu looked refined, eating in a composed manner, yet at a fast pace, occasionally raising his cup with Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou, a smile always on his face.

Lu Huaichuan didn’t even lift his head, finishing plate after plate of bones.

“My heavens, this fish is incredible!” he exclaimed.

Lu Huaichuan loved meat, chicken, duck, pork, beef, lamb, but had never cared much for fish.

When he was young, he had once gotten a fishbone stuck in his throat, leaving a lingering aversion. He also disliked the fishy smell.

This time, there was a plate of grilled fish on the table. He hadn’t intended to try it, but seeing his mother pick at it again and again, nearly finishing half the dish herself, he couldn’t resist and finally picked up a piece to taste.

The next moment, his chopsticks reached out again. “Mother, this fish is so delicious, why didn’t you tell me?”

Madam Lu glanced at him. “Didn’t you say you don’t like fish?”

“But this fish is good!” Lu Huaichuan said regretfully. “I shouldn’t have been prejudiced against this fish. I was wrong. It’s not like those other fish. It’s the fish of my dreams.”

Everyone: “……”

Madam Lu couldn’t listen anymore and shot him a slightly disdainful look. “Enough. Be quiet and eat.”

Lu Huaichuan chuckled and continued eating.

Jiang Ji watched him and thought that Lu Huaizhou’s younger brother was quite amusing.

There were ten dishes on the table, and the five of them finished everything, leaving only scraps of scallions, ginger, and garlic. Every one of them was stuffed to the brim.

The steward had tea brought in. Madam Lu took a sip and said contentedly, “Thanks to Xiao Ji, we’ve truly enjoyed a feast today. This is the first time I’ve eaten this full.”

Lu Huaichuan rubbed his stomach and let out a burp. “So good.”

Minister Lu drank his tea with a smile, saying nothing.

After resting for a while, Madam Lu asked Jiang Ji more about how he had saved Lu Huaizhou before.

“I heard from Lu Wu that Huaizhou’s condition was very bad at the time, that his life was hanging by a thread. Is that true?”

Jiang Ji glanced at Lu Huaizhou and nodded. “Yes. It was night, already dark. I was returning late from the city and passed through a small grove where he tripped me. Only after carrying him back did I realize how severe his injuries were.”

“He was wearing black clothes. There was a wound this long across his back, the flesh turned outward. After I set him down, I realized his entire body was covered in blood. It even soaked through my clothes.”

Jiang Ji gestured across his body. “There was a three to four inch knife wound on his chest, an arrow wound up here, the doctor said it nearly struck his heart meridian. There was also a four to five inch wound on his abdomen that had already begun to fester. His arms and legs were injured too, and he was unconscious with a persistent high fever. It was unbearable to look at.”

“The doctor cleaned his wounds, applied medicine, and bandaged them. We gave him medicine and tried to reduce his fever. It took three days before he finally woke up.” Jiang Ji omitted the part about exchanging medicine and stitching the wounds himself, summarizing it simply.

Madam Lu and the others’ eyes reddened as they listened. She dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. “It’s fortunate he met you. Otherwise, Huaizhou…”

Lu Huaizhou glanced at Jiang Ji and said, “I shouldn’t have survived. It was Jiang Ji and his mother who, seeing how severe my wounds were, cleaned them and stitched them closed, reducing the chance of infection. They cared for me day and night. That’s how I was able to wake.”

Jiang Ji blinked at him, the corners of his lips curving slightly. He was building goodwill for him in front of his parents.

Minister Lu frowned slightly. “Stitched the wounds closed? With needle and thread?”

“Yes,” Jiang Ji replied without hesitation, making up an explanation. “I once heard it from traveling merchants from the south. They said for such external injuries, leaving them open is not good for healing and easily leads to infection. After cleaning out the pus and blood, stitching the wound closed helps it recover faster. At the time, he wouldn’t wake, and his fever wouldn’t come down. We had no other choice, so we tried it. Fortunately, it worked.”

Madam Lu immediately said, “Xiao Ji, thank you so much.”

Jiang Ji shook his head. “It’s also because Brother Huaizhou had a strong will to live. He held on.”

Thinking of her son’s suffering, Madam Lu’s eyes grew moist again. Minister Lu patted her shoulder to comfort her.

He then changed the subject. “Lord Fan reported good news to the court, saying that in your Yunzhou region, you’ve been planting a new rice variety. The yield has doubled, and there are also new crops like sweet potatoes. I heard you brought them from the south?”

At this, Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. “Yes. That rice variety is truly excellent. Previously, yields were only around two hundred jin per mu. Now, a single harvest generally reaches five hundred jin. In our fields, we raise fish and ducks alongside the rice, reaching about five hundred forty to five hundred fifty jin. I also brought sweet potatoes, corn, and potatoes. You’ve already tasted the potatoes tonight. The sweet potatoes and corn are also very good. We can boil some tomorrow morning.”

Hearing the yield had doubled, Madam Lu forgot her tears and sighed, “Then the farmers’ lives will be much easier.”

“Yes. The dozen or so counties around us should be able to have a good year this time,” Jiang Ji said with a smile.

Minister Lu nodded repeatedly. “The people regard food as heaven. Young Master Jiang, you’ve accomplished a great deed for the country and its people.”

Jiang Ji said awkwardly, “Uncle, please just call me by my name.”

“Exactly, calling him ‘Young Master Jiang’ all the time is too distant,” Lu Huaichuan added.

Minister Lu stroked his beard. “Very well, I’ll call you Xiao Ji, like my wife does.”

Jiang Ji smiled and nodded. “Mm.”

Lu Huaichuan then said to his brother, “Brother, I’m staying here tonight. I’ll wait to eat sweet potatoes and corn tomorrow morning.”

“As you wish,” Lu Huaizhou replied calmly, then looked at his parents. “Father, Mother, you should stay as well.”

Madam Lu and Minister Lu exchanged a glance. “That sounds fine. It’s already late, we’ll stay here tonight.”

Minister Lu nodded.

The family chatted a while longer, listening to Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou talk about their life in Changping. Only around the hour of Hai did they finally disperse.

Minister Lu and Madam Lu, along with Lu Huaichuan, each had their own courtyards in the Regent’s Residence. They returned to their respective quarters to wash and rest.

Lu Huaizhou brought Jiang Ji back to his own courtyard. Xiao Liu had hot water brought in. The two bathed in turns and lay down.

After the lamps were extinguished, Jiang Ji reached out, cupped Lu Huaizhou’s face, and leaned in to kiss him.

On the journey to the capital, they had traveled with a large group and camped outdoors at night. Though they could steal a few kisses, they had never been able to fully let go, only enough to ease their longing.

Now, back home in a safe environment, with their minds finally at ease, they could at last truly savor each other’s closeness.

Breath mingled with breath, lips and tongues meeting and tangling together. The two of them grew more and more practiced at kissing each other, exchanging warmth, breath, and heartbeat.

Even the air around them seemed to heat up, their skin growing warmer, their hearts racing faster, until at last they broke apart, both of them breathing heavily.

“It really is hard to endure,” Jiang Ji muttered. “Let’s get married sooner.”

Lu Huaizhou kissed his lips, his voice low and hoarse. “Alright. I’ll handle it as soon as possible.”

They held each other and kissed for a while longer before reluctantly stopping. If they continued, they really wouldn’t be able to hold back.

“How do you think Uncle and Aunt feel about me?” Jiang Ji asked, shifting his attention.

“I think they like you a lot.” Lu Huaizhou pinched the soft flesh at his waist. “My father never sets foot in the kitchen, and even he made an exception.”

Jiang Ji chuckled, recalling earlier. “Actually, your brother suddenly stuffed a piece of meat into his mouth.”

Lu Huaizhou laughed softly. “Then I suppose he’s done a good deed for once.”

“Your brother is pretty fun,” Jiang Ji said.

Lu Huaizhou did not hold back in criticizing his own brother. “He’s still just a child. As long as there’s good food, anything goes.”

“That’s good,” Jiang Ji said. “Then he probably won’t stand in our way, for the sake of the food I can make for him.”

“Mm. No need to worry about him. He doesn’t get a say over me.”

Jiang Ji grew a little concerned. “Your parents have high expectations for you. They won’t agree to us so easily.”

Lu Huaizhou pulled him close and kissed him. “Don’t worry. Leave it to me.”

“I’ll go with you and explain it together.”

“No. This is something I have to say myself.” Lu Huaizhou said, “I know them. If you go with me, without any preparation, it will only make things harder.”

“Alright then. Be careful.”

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou continued, “The estate outside the city has been selected. Tomorrow I’ll take you there. Lu Jiu and the guards from the residence will accompany you. I’ve also arranged the accountants. We’ll head there the day after tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to attend court tomorrow?”

“I do. I’ll go after I return.”

“Alright. Have the counties been decided?”

“They have. After discussing Prince Qi’s matters this afternoon, we finalized it. Official notices have already been sent out.” Lu Huaizhou said, “You just focus on exchanging the seeds. Everything else will follow the same process as before. The county offices will send people to collect the seeds. You just need to hold a briefing session. The book on wheat cultivation and the pamphlets have already been sent for printing. They’ll be ready tomorrow.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ji happily leaned in and kissed him. “Having someone powerful backing you really does make things easier.”

Lu Huaizhou kissed his lips and said in a low voice, “When you spoke to my parents, you called me Brother Huaizhou. Say it again for me.”

Jiang Ji paused. “That was to leave a good impression. I couldn’t just call you by your full name.”

“Say it again.”

Jiang Ji raised a brow. “You really want to hear me call you that?”

“Mm. I do.” Lu Huaizhou admitted without hesitation.

Jiang Ji recalled how he had also liked hearing him say “Brother Jiang Yan” before, and thought to himself how men all seemed to enjoy being called “brother.”

Still, since his lover wanted it, he would indulge him.

Jiang Ji pressed his lips together slightly, smiling as he called softly, “Brother Huaizhou.”

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou’s heart pounded fiercely. “Again.”

“Brother Huaizhou.”

Lu Huaizhou’s arms tightened instantly as he captured Jiang Ji’s lips, kissing him deeply and intensely, as though he wanted to consume him whole.

Like a beast pouncing, Jiang Ji felt as if Lu Huaizhou had turned into a fierce tiger again, kissing him until his breath faltered, as though he might suffocate.

“Y-you… why are you so worked up?” Jiang Ji gasped for air. “I can barely breathe.”

Lu Huaizhou held him tightly, his voice low. “I like it.”

“Like what?” Jiang Ji laughed softly. “Like hearing me call you ‘brother’?”

“Mm.” In the darkness, Lu Huaizhou tightened his hold around him.

Jiang Ji let out a muffled laugh. “You’re secretly quite shameless.”

Lu Huaizhou paid it no mind, coaxing Jiang Ji into calling him that many more times.

After days of constant travel, both of them were exhausted. After exchanging a few more soft words, they fell asleep.

…

The next day, before dawn, Jiang Ji heard the person beside him getting up. He opened his livestream interface and saw that it was four in the morning.

Still half-asleep, he asked, “Are you heading to court already?”

“Did I wake you?” Lu Huaizhou touched his face. “Go back to sleep. I’ll go outside to dress.”

Jiang Ji sighed, “Being an official isn’t easy. You wake up earlier than a dog.”

Lu Huaizhou: “……”

He chuckled softly and bent down to kiss his lips. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Mm, go on.” Jiang Ji casually exchanged a few buns from the system and handed them to him. “Eat something on the way to fill your stomach. When you get back, I’ll make you wontons. Remember to bring the packaging back so I can recycle it.”

“Alright.”

Lu Huaizhou carried his clothes and the buns out to the outer room to dress. Xiao Liu had already brought in water for washing.

After freshening up, Lu Huaizhou unpacked the buns and placed them into a food box, then left the packaging on the table before heading out with the box. At the gate, he ran into his father, who was also heading to court.

Father and son boarded the same spacious carriage. Seeing the food box in his hand, Minister Lu asked, “What did you bring?”

Lu Huaizhou opened the box and handed him a bun. “Jiang Ji prepared it. Have something first to fill your stomach.”

Minister Lu took it, examined the soft texture, and took a bite, discovering red bean filling inside. “What is this?”

“He said it’s called bread.”

Lu Huaizhou lifted the carriage curtain and handed two buns to Chen Feng and Lu Wu, who were driving the carriage. “Eat something.”

Chen Feng and Lu Wu accepted them. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Lu Huaizhou took one himself and began eating.

The bread Jiang Ji had prepared for him was varied, some filled with cream, some with red bean, and some with shredded meat.

Minister Lu ate as he nodded. “Not bad. A little sweet. How is this made? It doesn’t seem to be steamed.”

Lu Huaizhou had eaten it before. “It’s baked.”

“Baked?” Minister Lu was a bit surprised. Of course, he knew nothing about cooking. “To bake something this soft and fluffy? His culinary skill is truly impressive.”

Lu Huaizhou’s lips curved slightly. “Mm.”

Today was the first court session since the Regent had returned, and there was much to handle. A group of officials discussed state affairs while enduring their hunger, but only Lu Huaizhou and Minister Lu were not troubled by empty stomachs.

Minister Lu had already briefed Lu Huaizhou on the major events that had occurred during his absence. With his thoughts on the people at home, Lu Huaizhou had no patience to argue today. He cut through matters swiftly and arranged everything decisively.

Court was dismissed at the hour of Chen, even earlier than usual. The officials went off to have breakfast.

Lu Huaizhou and Minister Lu walked out together.

Han An caught up with them. “Not eating breakfast? Not hungry?”

Lu Huaizhou replied, “We’ll eat when we get back. Second Uncle, come with us.”

Han An also wanted to ask his nephew about the past few months, so he nodded. “Alright.”

At the Regent’s Residence, Jiang Ji slept a little longer after Lu Huaizhou left. At six, when the sky was just beginning to brighten, he woke, washed up, and carried sweet potatoes and corn to the kitchen.

It was already autumn. The trees in the capital had turned yellow, and mornings and evenings were growing chilly. One needed to wear an extra layer in the early hours.

Jiang Ji sighed, “It’s getting cold here so quickly.”

Xiao Liu, whom Lu Huaizhou had left to attend to Jiang Ji, was pulling a small cart of sweet potatoes. Hearing this, he replied, “The capital does get cold early. Young Master Jiang, is it warmer where you’re from in winter?”

“It is.” Jiang Ji nodded. “Usually it doesn’t get cold until around the tenth month.”

When Jiang Ji arrived at the kitchen, the cooks had already begun preparing breakfast. Seeing him come again, the head cook, Uncle Fu, asked, “Young Master Jiang, you’re up so early?”

“Mm, I’m used to it at home. I’ll prepare the Regent’s breakfast.” Jiang Ji pointed to the sacks of sweet potatoes and corn outside. “Please wash the sweet potatoes and steam them together with the corn. Let everyone in the residence have a taste.”

“Of course.” After being won over by Jiang Ji’s cooking yesterday, the kitchen staff followed whatever he said without question.

Jiang Ji rolled up his sleeves and began making breakfast, shumai, fresh pork wontons, crystal shrimp dumplings, along with the sweet potatoes and corn. He added a couple of refreshing side dishes and a pot of millet porridge. That was enough.

At the hour of Chen, Lu Huaizhou and the others returned, along with his second uncle.

Han An laughed as soon as he saw Jiang Ji, patting him heavily on the shoulder. “Young Master Jiang, thank you for saving Jinzhi. If you ever need anything, come to me. I will spare no effort.”

The force of the pat made Jiang Ji’s shoulder ache, but he endured it and smiled. “General Han, you’re too kind. Brother Huaizhou saved me as well.”

Han An laughed. “Then that’s a bond of life and death. No need for empty words. If anything comes up, just say it.”

He raised his hand to pat Jiang Ji again, but Lu Huaizhou quickly pulled Jiang Ji aside. “Second Uncle, don’t use so much force. He’s not a martial man.”

“Ah, my apologies.” Han An withdrew his hand, slightly embarrassed. “Did I hurt you?”

“A bit, but it’s fine. I can handle it,” Jiang Ji answered honestly.

Han An nodded in approval. “I’ll teach you martial arts sometime.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Thank you, General Han.”

Madam Lu called from the dining hall entrance, “Come in and eat.”

The family sat down. General Han looked at the sweet potatoes and corn on the table. “These are the new crops from the south?”

Lu Huaizhou picked up a sweet potato, broke it in half, and naturally handed one half to Jiang Ji. “Yes. Try them.”

Lu Huaichuan took one, peeled it like his brother, and took a bite. “Wow, it’s soft and sticky, and sweet too. Pretty good.”

Madam Lu tried it as well and praised, “I like this.”

After finishing the sweet potatoes, they tried the corn. Madam Lu said with delight, “This is good too.”

Lu Huaizhou said, “These are filling foods that can also be stored through winter. Once widely promoted, the people will have an easier time in winter.”

Minister Lu nodded. “Indeed. With the new rice variety and these three crops, the people’s lives will steadily improve.”

After that, everyone tried the rest of Jiang Ji’s breakfast dishes, all praising them highly.

General Han especially liked the crystal dumplings and ate an entire plate by himself.

“Second Uncle, you don’t know, Brother Jiang Ji’s cooking is incredible,” Lu Huaichuan said enthusiastically. “Even better than the imperial chefs.”

Hearing this, Han An immediately said, “Then tonight, can I bring my wife and Qingshan over for a meal?”

Lu Huaizhou shook his head. “No. Jiang Ji and I are heading out shortly. We’ll be gone for a few days.”

Madam Lu asked, “You just returned. Where are you going now?”

Lu Huaizhou replied, “Jiang Ji brought high-yield wheat seeds from the south. It’s almost time to plant winter wheat. We need to distribute the seeds quickly.”

This matter had already been discussed in court. Minister Lu and Han An knew, but Madam Lu and Lu Huaichuan were only hearing of it now.

Lu Huaichuan pouted. “Then I won’t get to eat Brother Jiang Ji’s cooking for several days?”

Madam Lu glared at him. “Promoting wheat seeds is an important matter, and all you think about is food.”

Lu Huaichuan shrank his neck and fell silent, reaching out to grab another shumai.

Jiang Ji reassured him, “I’ll cook for you when I get back.”

Lu Huaichuan instantly perked up. “Deal.”

“Mm.”

Breakfast was completely cleared away. Jiang Ji felt extremely satisfied. As a cook, empty plates were the greatest form of praise.

After the meal, Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou tidied up, then set out with their entourage, heading straight for the estate outside the city.

Inside the carriage, Jiang Ji said, “The temperature here is already this low. Winter will be even colder, so cotton will be even more necessary. Next spring, we need to have people plant more cotton and promote it as quickly as possible.”

“Mm, I’ll remember,” Lu Huaizhou replied, looking at him and tightening his hold on Jiang Ji’s hand.

The person beside him was not an official, yet cared more for the people’s livelihood than many officials did.

How could he not love someone like this?

The estate outside the city had been deliberately chosen farther away, about twenty li from the capital, but closer to several nearby counties.

After arriving, Lu Huaizhou instructed Lu Jiu to guard the estate with his men. Translated on hololo novels. He and Jiang Ji inspected the grounds thoroughly to ensure no one was inside. Then Jiang Ji filled every warehouse and empty room with winter wheat seeds.

The next day, officials from various counties arrived with people to collect the wheat seeds.

That afternoon, Jiang Ji held a lecture at the county office where the estate was located, explaining more scientific methods of planting wheat to village heads and elders.

Knowing the Regent was personally present, the Minister of Revenue came in person with his staff, and even Prime Minister Shen brought several court officials to take a look.

Minister Lu watched Jiang Ji on stage explaining planting methods to the villagers, his eyes full of approval.

Prime Minister Shen said quietly to him, “This young man’s merit is immeasurable.”

Minister Lu nodded. “Prime Minister Shen, I’ve tasted the rice from the new variety, as well as sweet potatoes, corn, and potatoes, and even things like chili peppers and bitter melon. They’re all excellent.”

Shen asked softly, “He brought them from his home?”

“Yes, grown by his family.”

Shen glared at him. “And you didn’t invite me?”

Minister Lu: “…Next time.”

Shen seemed satisfied. “It’s settled then.”

Minister Lu then asked, “What about the proposal Huaizhou raised at court this morning? With all these new crops, doubling rice yields, and likely doubling wheat yields as well, along with new farming tools and even new composite bows and bed crossbows, surely there’s no reason to delay anymore?”

Shen nodded. “It’s been decided.”

“Decided what?”

“You’ll know when the time comes.”

Minister Lu blew his beard in annoyance. “What’s there to hide?”

Shen only smiled without answering.

Jiang Ji traveled to three counties, giving lectures on how farmers could achieve higher yields.

Over the past two months, the farmers had already heard from merchants from the south that rice yields in Yunzhou had doubled, thanks to a young man named Jiang Ji who brought both the seeds and the methods.

When the county offices issued notices to purchase the new wheat seeds, they already knew Jiang Ji was coming. Seeing him bring high-yield wheat seeds, everyone was excited, buying eagerly and listening attentively.

After finishing lectures in three counties, six days had passed.

During these six days, Jiang Ji accumulated more points and exchanged them all for additional wheat seeds, allowing even more farmers to plant them.

Once the promotion work was complete, Jiang Ji was finally able to return to the Regent’s Residence.

During these days, Lu Huaizhou had been in the capital handling accumulated state affairs, while Lu Jiu and the guards accompanied Jiang Ji. The two had not seen each other for several days.

Jiang Ji hurried back as fast as he could. When he arrived at the Regent’s Residence, what awaited him was an imperial decree.

—By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims:

Jiang Ji of Qian Village, west of Changping County in Yunzhou, is loyal, courageous, resolute, and accomplished in both civil and martial matters. He has created composite bows, bed crossbows, and other weapons, strengthening our Da Sheng’s military power; he is diligent and selfless, with lofty ambition, promoting new rice, wheat, and cotton varieties, introducing new crops such as sweet potatoes, corn, and potatoes, and creating new farming tools, thereby solving the people’s need for food and clothing, advancing the prosperity of Da Sheng’s agriculture, and benefiting generations to come.

He is hereby conferred the title of First-Rank Duke Chang, hereditary without reduction, granted a fief of three thousand households, a ducal residence, one thousand mu of fertile land, one thousand taels of gold, ten thousand taels of silver, twenty bolts of fine silk, and ten chests of jewels.

His mother, Madam Jiang, is conferred the title of First-Rank Honored Lady, with a reward of five hundred taels of gold, ten bolts of silk, and five chests of jewels.

So decreed!

After hearing the imperial edict, Jiang Ji was stunned.

How did he suddenly get ennobled?

Lu Huaizhou, why didn’t you tell me in advance?!

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

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