Ch 83: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

Inside the hall, countless candles and oil lamps burned brightly, illuminating the entire space. Civil and military officials stood in ordered ranks on both sides according to their rank.

At the front, Lu Huaizhou, dressed in the Regent’s black python robe, sat on the elevated platform to the left, facing the assembled officials. At the very center, on the highest seat, sat the young emperor, only ten years old, clad in a bright yellow imperial robe.

All the officials turned to look at this youngest duke in history.

Jiang Ji swept his gaze across the hall, straightened his back, and kept his eyes forward. His steps were calm and steady as he walked forward, only stopping near the front of the hall. He glanced once at the emperor above, then at Lu Huaizhou below. Their eyes met briefly before Jiang Ji lowered his gaze and knelt to perform the proper rites.

Lu Huaizhou had already taught him the etiquette the day before and gone through it with him.

“Your servant Jiang Ji kowtows before Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years. I have been fortunate to receive imperial grace and be granted the title of Duke Chang. I am deeply grateful and hereby offer my thanks. Long live Your Majesty.”

“Rise.”

The youthful yet clear voice of the emperor rang out from above.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Jiang Ji rose and stood below with lowered eyes.

The young emperor looked at him with curiosity. This was the man who had saved the Regent and doubled the people’s grain supply.

“I have heard from the Regent that you recently went to the surrounding counties to promote wheat seeds, teaching farmers high-yield planting methods for several days, and only returned yesterday. You have worked hard.”

Jiang Ji cupped his hands and bowed slightly. “Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. To be able to do something for the people of Da Sheng brings me great joy.”

The officials watching him were all somewhat surprised.

They all knew Jiang Ji had once been an ordinary villager. Normally, a commoner entering the imperial court, standing before the Son of Heaven and so many powerful officials, would be terrified, if not fainting outright, then at least trembling and stumbling over their words.

But Jiang Ji showed none of that.

To their surprise, upon stepping into court and facing both the emperor and the Regent, he displayed no panic or fear. His demeanor was neither humble nor arrogant, his movements measured, his answers smooth and composed, his bearing extraordinary.

At once, the officials’ perception of him began to change.

Those who had previously looked down on him as nothing more than a rustic villager, even expecting a spectacle today, now began to reassess this newly appointed duke.

From his seat, Lu Huaizhou observed everyone’s reactions, then glanced at Jiang Ji below, whose expression was confident and spirited. A faint smile curved his lips.

Minister Lu watched Jiang Ji standing calmly at the front, feeling both surprised and conflicted.

No wonder Huaizhou had fallen for him.

He had to admit, Jiang Ji truly had something exceptional about him. At the very least, his performance in court today commanded respect.

Minister Lu then looked up at his eldest son and happened to see the faint smile on his face as he looked at Jiang Ji.

Minister Lu: “……”

He lowered his gaze, unable to bear watching.

At the front, the young emperor spoke again, “To have Duke Chang is a great fortune for Da Sheng. I have heard from the Regent that you intend to gradually cultivate and promote other crops in the future. Is this true?”

“Yes.” Jiang Ji nodded. “At present, agriculture in Da Sheng is underdeveloped. I possess no great talents, only skill in farming. I hope to contribute my share to the nation.”

As he spoke, he knelt again. “Your Majesty, I have a request. I ask for your permission.”

“Speak.”

Jiang Ji raised his head and said, “Your Majesty, I have no understanding of court affairs and would be of little use in governance. I only know how to farm. I ask that I be excused from attending court, so that I may devote more time and effort to cultivating seeds and promoting crops. I will do my utmost to strengthen Da Sheng’s agriculture, ensure the people are well fed, and fill the granaries.”

The officials were stunned.

Someone was actually requesting not to attend court?

A red-robed official stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, Duke Chang now holds a noble title. Attending court and assisting Your Majesty in governance is his duty. I believe this request is inappropriate.”

Seeing who spoke, some officials frowned, some curled their lips, while others’ eyes lit up.

“This is quite a troublesome one.”

Many officials immediately adopted a watch-and-see attitude, clearly eager for a spectacle.

Jiang Ji turned back and asked, “May I ask how to address this official?”

“I am Censor Zhang Changlin,” the man replied. “Greetings to Duke Chang.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Lord Zhang, do you believe that cultivating seeds and promoting crops is not a way of sharing His Majesty’s burdens?”

“Of course it is,” Zhang replied. “But attending court and offering counsel on state affairs is the duty of a duke.”

Jiang Ji said, “Lord Zhang, as I just mentioned, I only know how to farm. I do not understand governance. Besides, there are so many esteemed officials here, all highly learned and experienced in handling affairs. Do you truly need someone like me, who knows nothing of governance, to interfere and offer misguided advice? I would rather not hold everyone back.”

“But—”

“Lord Zhang,” Jiang Ji interrupted, “only by employing people according to their strengths can their talents be fully utilized. Otherwise, why does the court have so many departments and positions? I am skilled in farming, so let me focus on agriculture. You are skilled in governance, so you handle governance. If you force a farmer like me into political affairs, is that not misplacing talent? Not only is it a waste of my time, it is also an insult to all the officials present.”

He spoke each word clearly, “Lord Zhang, are you suggesting that all the officials here are inferior to me, a mere farmer, in handling state affairs? That I must be the one to participate? Are you looking down on the assembled officials, on the Prime Minister, on the Regent?”

The court fell silent.

Many officials’ expressions turned subtle as they glanced toward Prime Minister Shen and Lu Huaizhou.

“Y-you… Duke Chang, you—” With that accusation suddenly placed upon him, Zhang’s expression changed drastically. He was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting Jiang Ji to be so sharp-tongued. “When did I ever say I looked down on the officials, the Prime Minister, or the Regent?”

“Then why are you so insistent that I participate in state affairs?” Jiang Ji countered.

“To receive the ruler’s salary is to share the ruler’s burdens,” Zhang said firmly. “As a duke, attending court has been the rule since the founding of the state. Rules cannot be abandoned.”

“Rules are fixed, but people are not.” Jiang Ji spread his hands. “And I understand that principle well. That’s why I said, I will focus on cultivating new seeds and crops, increasing yields, ensuring the people are fed, and filling the state granaries. That is truly solving His Majesty’s problems. Isn’t that better than standing here every day doing nothing and wasting hours?”

Zhang: “……”

The officials: “……”

Lu Huaizhou watched Jiang Ji render the man speechless in court, amusement flickering in his eyes.

Minister Lu looked at Jiang Ji, then at his son, and sighed inwardly. He stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, Regent, I believe Duke Chang speaks with reason. The people regard food as heaven. Increasing grain production has always been our foremost priority. Duke Chang excels in cultivation, something none of us here can match. In this matter, he is indispensable. Allowing him to focus on improving agricultural yields is the true way to ease the burdens of both the court and Your Majesty.”

General Han also stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I too believe it is best for Duke Chang to focus on agriculture.”

One after another, other officials stepped out in support.

Zhang grew anxious. “Your Majesty, Regent, rules must not be broken.”

Lu Huaizhou judged the moment right and asked, “What does Prime Minister Shen think?”

Prime Minister Shen stepped forward. “In my view, Duke Chang’s skill in cultivation is unmatched. For the long-term prosperity of Da Sheng, I support allowing him to devote himself to agriculture.”

Lu Huaizhou glanced at the emperor above and gave a slight nod. The emperor returned the nod.

Lu Huaizhou then surveyed the court and said, “Agriculture has always been of utmost importance to our state. Ensuring the people are fed and clothed is our most urgent priority. Therefore, Duke Chang Jiang Ji is hereby granted the discretion to choose whether to attend court. It is hoped that he will continue to focus on agriculture, develop new crops, increase yields, and contribute to the prosperity of Da Sheng.”

Jiang Ji bowed happily. “I will not fail the expectations of the Regent and Your Majesty.”

With that matter settled, Jiang Ji stepped aside and listened as other officials presented their reports. Back and forth they argued, debating issues until Lu Huaizhou made the final decisions.

At times, officials even began openly clashing with one another. Jiang Ji watched with wide eyes, thoroughly entertained.

In the end, Lu Huaizhou grew tired of the arguing and simply ordered them to be silent.

After standing for nearly an hour, the court session finally ended.

Jiang Ji left the Qinzheng Hall with the officials. Lu Huaizhou, of course, remained behind. Jiang Ji planned to leave the palace on his own and have Lu Jiu accompany him to buy gifts in the city.

The other officials went to eat breakfast nearby before heading to their respective ministries.

Minister Lu walked with his colleagues. Seeing him, Jiang Ji quickened his pace and called out, “Minister Lu.”

The two ahead stopped. Minister Lu saw it was Jiang Ji, paused briefly, then cupped his hands. “Duke Chang.”

The other official greeted Jiang Ji and, seeing they had matters to discuss, excused himself and walked ahead.

Jiang Ji returned the greeting. With people passing by, he said, “Thank you just now for speaking on my behalf.”

Minister Lu looked at him, his expression complicated. “I merely spoke according to the matter. There is no need for thanks.”

“It is only right to thank you,” Jiang Ji said with a smile, cupping his hands again. “I’ve only just received this title and don’t understand many things. I hope to learn from you in the future.”

Seeing his humility, Minister Lu hesitated, then offered a reminder. “You are now a duke. In the future, be mindful of your words and actions. When in doubt, it is best to consult Huaizhou.”

“Yes, I’ll remember.” Jiang Ji then lowered his voice slightly. “Uncle, tomorrow is a rest day. May I ask if you have time? I would like to pay a visit.”

Minister Lu: “……”

Minister Lu knew perfectly well what Jiang Ji intended by paying a visit. His face darkened. “I’m not free.”

With that, he turned and walked off.

Jiang Ji knew he was still angry and hadn’t come to terms with things yet, so he hurried after him. “Then when will you be free? I’ll make an appointment.”

Minister Lu quickened his pace. “I’m not free any day.”

Jiang Ji matched his speed, staying right behind him. “Then how about the evening after tomorrow? Can we sit down and talk properly?”

“Stop following me. I said I’m not free.” Minister Lu walked even faster.

Just as Jiang Ji was about to continue, a eunuch hurried up from behind and stopped him. “Duke Chang, please wait.”

Jiang Ji turned and saw it was Eunuch Wu, the chief steward who served at the emperor’s side, the same one who had delivered the imperial edict the day before.

He had no choice but to stop. “Eunuch Wu, what is it?”

“His Majesty and the Regent request your presence.”

Jiang Ji: “……” Since he could see Lu Huaizhou anytime at home, this must mean the emperor wanted to see him.

He asked, “May I know what His Majesty wants with me?”

Eunuch Wu smiled. “A good thing.”

Minister Lu glanced back, saw Jiang Ji being led away by Eunuch Wu, and inexplicably felt relieved.

One official who noticed chuckled. “Minister Lu, Duke Chang wishes to visit you, yet you say you’re not free?”

Minister Lu shook his head. “Truly not free.”

Better not to be. If he were free, he might end up with a son-in-law.

—

Jiang Ji followed Eunuch Wu to a smaller palace hall behind the main one. After the announcement, the young emperor’s voice sounded from within:

“Let him in.”

Jiang Ji entered. This hall was smaller than the previous one. Two desks were set in the center and to the side, both piled high with memorials awaiting review.

In the main area, however, a dining table had been laid with breakfast. The emperor sat in the center. To his left was a lower seat where Lu Huaizhou sat behind a table. On the right was another table, still empty.

Jiang Ji stepped forward and bowed. “This subject greets Your Majesty and the Regent. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, and the Regent a thousand.”

“Duke Chang, rise. Please, sit,” the emperor said, gesturing to the empty seat. “Join us for breakfast.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Jiang Ji took his seat and glanced at Lu Huaizhou, who gave a slight shake of his head, reassuring him that everything was fine.

Jiang Ji relaxed and began to eat. The meal was simple: a plate of soup dumplings, a plate of crystal cakes, a bowl of shredded chicken porridge, along with boiled sliced meat, mushrooms with greens, and pickled vegetables.

Nothing extravagant.

He picked up a dumpling and took a bite.

The emperor observed him and asked, “Does the breakfast suit your taste?”

Jiang Ji paused briefly. The imperial kitchen’s food was naturally quite good. He swallowed and smiled. “It’s very good.”

The emperor looked at him. “I’ve heard from my imperial tutor about the time he spent at your home. He said your cooking is excellent, and that there’s something called chili peppers that can enhance flavor.”

Jiang Ji blinked. The emperor had stopped referring to himself as “We” and used “I” instead, even calling Lu Huaizhou “imperial tutor” in front of him. It was clearly an attempt to draw closer.

He studied the emperor. Though he was the Son of Heaven, he was still only ten, with a child’s curiosity still evident in his eyes.

And Lu Huaizhou had actually told the emperor about these things?

Jiang Ji smiled. “My cooking is decent. My family enjoys it. Chili peppers are a new crop. They have a sharp taste, but they stimulate the palate and increase appetite.”

The young emperor asked, “Would I have the honor of tasting your cooking?”

Jiang Ji hesitated, glanced at Lu Huaizhou, then asked, “Is Your Majesty allowed to eat food prepared by others?”

“Duke Chang is my imperial tutor’s savior. You are someone we can trust,” the emperor replied.

Jiang Ji looked at Lu Huaizhou. “Can I cook?”

Lu Huaizhou nodded. “You can.”

“Alright then,” Jiang Ji said, pleased. “How about I prepare a few dishes for Your Majesty at noon?”

The young emperor’s eyes lit up, but he quickly glanced at Lu Huaizhou and restrained his excitement, though the corners of his lips still lifted slightly. “Very good. I shall look forward to it.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Then I’ll return to the residence and bring some chili peppers.”

Both of them were in good spirits, and Lu Huaizhou watched them with a faint smile.

—

After breakfast, the emperor went with Lu Huaizhou to study state affairs. Eunuch Wu personally escorted Jiang Ji out of the palace.

Jiang Ji returned to the residence to gather ingredients. Seeing him about to head out again, Lu Jiu asked, “Duke Chang, weren’t you going into the city to buy things? Where are you going now?”

“The emperor asked me to cook for him. I won’t be back for lunch. I’ll go shopping in the afternoon after I return.”

Jiang Ji followed a palace carriage back inside.

Eunuch Wu first brought him to the earlier hall. Lu Huaizhou pulled him aside into a side chamber and instructed, “His Majesty cannot eat almonds. Be careful not to use anything containing them.”

“Got it. Anything else?” Jiang Ji nodded. “What if the Empress Dowager or consorts want to eat too?”

“They have no known restrictions,” Lu Huaizhou said. “As for Princess Qinghe, she cannot eat crab.”

“I’ll remember.” Jiang Ji asked about a few more preferences, then followed Eunuch Wu to the imperial kitchen.

Eunuch Wu informed the staff, “His Majesty wishes to taste Duke Chang’s cooking. No need to prepare his noon meal.”

The head steward, Eunuch Lin, responded, “Understood.”

The other attendants all looked curiously at Jiang Ji.

So this was the newly appointed Duke Chang.

So young… and he could even cook?

Jiang Ji asked, “Eunuch Wu, how many portions should I make?”

Eunuch Wu was about to answer when he saw a maid from the Empress Dowager’s side approaching him.

“Duke Chang, please wait a moment.” Eunuch Wu walked over and asked, “Hongxiu-gugu, what brings you here? Has the Empress Dowager given instructions?”

Hongxiu-gugu smiled. “The Empress Dowager heard that His Majesty wants to taste Duke Chang’s cooking, and also about this new ingredient called chili. She would like Duke Chang to prepare a bit more, so she, the consorts, and the princess can taste it as well.”

Eunuch Wu smiled. “I see. Duke Chang was just asking about portions. I’ll inform him right away.”

Eunuch Wu relayed the message to Jiang Ji. Jiang Ji glanced outside; Hongxiu-gugu gave him a respectful bow. “We trouble Duke Chang.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Alright.”

Eunuch Wu said, “Duke Chang, His Majesty and the Regent usually dine together. Including you, that makes one table. The Empress Dowager, consorts, and the princess will dine in the Dowager’s palace, making two tables in total. Please prepare accordingly.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Got it.”

He asked further about dietary restrictions, what they could not eat, and their preferences.

Eunuch Wu did not list much, only lowering his voice to remind him, “Do not use almonds or crab.”

It matched what Lu Huaizhou had told him. Jiang Ji slipped a banknote into Eunuch Wu’s hand with a smile. “Thank you for the reminder.”

Eunuch Wu left a young eunuch to assist Jiang Ji, then returned to serve the emperor.

The head steward of the imperial kitchen stepped forward. “Duke Chang, the ingredients are all here. Please let us know what you need.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Thank you. You probably still need to prepare other dishes, right? Steward Lin, just assign someone to tend the fire for me. I’ll handle the rest myself.”

Steward Lin saw how easygoing he was and smiled. “Alright.”

Jiang Ji walked over to the ingredients and took a look. With only two tables, eight dishes would be enough.

He opened his livestream to check the time, then began preparing.

There were plenty of ingredients in the imperial kitchen. He selected what he needed and said in his mind, “2977, scan the ingredients. Are any poisonous?”

In palace dramas, the most dangerous thing was always poisoned food.

【Scan complete. No toxins detected.】

Jiang Ji felt reassured and began cooking.

He first prepared the ingredients for corn pork rib soup and set it to simmer, then washed the rice he had exchanged for and had someone cook it.

Next, he handled the remaining ingredients. The goal was to let them try chili, but not make everything spicy.

Braised lion’s head meatballs, sticky pork ribs, chili diced chicken, grilled fish, drunken duck, stir-fried pork, mixed vegetable pot, and seeing beef brisket available, he also made tomato-braised beef.

Eight dishes and one soup, both spicy and non-spicy. Aside from the stir-fried pork, everything was mildly spicy.

The imperial chefs continued their own tasks but kept sneaking glances at Jiang Ji.

They were all top chefs selected from across the realm, naturally confident in their skills. They didn’t think a duke’s cooking could surpass theirs.

But watching Jiang Ji’s swift movements and precise knife work, they were surprised.

This was clearly someone who cooked regularly.

Soon, the aroma of his dishes spread, and many couldn’t help swallowing.

After finishing the emperor’s dishes, Jiang Ji casually made another stir-fried pork with chili, two large plates.

“This is chili. Everyone, give it a try. It will definitely become an essential ingredient in the imperial kitchen.”

The imperial chefs hesitated, then came forward with chopsticks to taste. As cooks, they had to understand new ingredients first.

“This… this is…”

“Spicy heat,” Jiang Ji explained. “It stimulates appetite and enhances flavor, but too much can cause heatiness.”

It was their first time tasting it. Some couldn’t handle the spice and teared up, while others adapted well.

“This meat is delicious. Duke Chang, your cooking is truly excellent.”

“I feel like having a bowl of rice now.”

“So this is chili…”

While they were tasting, Jiang Ji also made tomato scrambled eggs and twice-cooked pork. By the time he finished, the timing was just right, and Eunuch Wu sent people to take the dishes away.

“Eunuch Wu, these two dishes are for you. Just simple home-style dishes, give them a try.”

Eunuch Wu was delighted. “Many thanks, Duke Chang.”

—

At noon, Jiang Ji dined together with the young emperor and Lu Huaizhou.

Before eating, Eunuch Wu had each dish tested. Jiang Ji also had 2977 scan them once more. After confirming everything was safe, they began.

Eunuch Wu served the emperor. The young emperor first picked up a piece of chili chicken and put it in his mouth.

The chicken, fried to be crispy outside and tender inside, carried a mild heat and rich aroma. The young emperor’s eyes lit up instantly.

He then tried the beef brisket. The beef had absorbed the tomato broth, slightly sweet and tangy, with a unique flavor.

There were also soft, sticky rice ribs, savory stir-fried pork, fragrant lion’s head meatballs…

Even the rice tasted better than before.

Eunuch Wu, seeing the emperor’s bright expression, smiled and asked, “Your Majesty, how is Duke Chang’s cooking?”

The emperor nodded, eyes and brows full of delight, though he restrained himself and said, “Very good.”

“Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty.” Jiang Ji looked at him and felt that at only ten years old, he was already learning to hide his emotions. It was a bit pitiful.

The young emperor asked again, “This rice is different from what I usually eat.”

Jiang Ji replied, “This rice is made from the new rice variety.”

The young emperor was surprised. “So that’s how it is. I had heard that rice from the new variety tastes better, but I didn’t expect it to be this fragrant. Excellent, truly excellent.”

Two consecutive “excellent” made it clear he genuinely liked it.

Jiang Ji turned to glance at Lu Huaizhou. Just then, Lu Huaizhou was looking at him as well, a faint smile lifting his lips.

Jiang Ji smiled back.

—

At that moment, in the Empress Dowager’s palace, the Empress Dowager, the consorts, and Princess Qinghe were also tasting the dishes.

Princess Qinghe, fourteen years old, ate without even lifting her head, only pausing to say, “Mother Empress, Mother Consort, this food is so good.”

The late emperor had few heirs, three sons and three daughters in total. Of the princes, only the young emperor remained; the other two princesses had already married, leaving only the young emperor and Princess Qinghe in the palace.

The consort glanced at her and said with mild disapproval, “Where are your manners as a princess? You used to say you had no appetite.”

“It just shows Duke Chang’s cooking really is good,” the Empress Dowager said with a smile. “Don’t scold her. She finally feels like eating. We’re dining behind closed doors, no one is watching, so why fuss?”

“Exactly! It’s delicious and I can’t even say so?” Princess Qinghe said, picking up a rib with her hands and biting into it. “This is so tender.”

The consort shook her head, unable to bear watching, and instead picked up some stir-fried pork. She preferred simple home-style dishes.

“Duke Chang’s cooking truly is excellent. Even the vegetables taste this good,” the Empress Dowager said, smiling as she ate a piece of lotus root.

“The rice is good too,” the consort said after tasting it. “Soft and fragrant, much better than before.”

The Empress Dowager nodded. “This must be the new rice variety Duke Chang cultivated. I didn’t expect the texture to be this good.”

She looked at Princess Qinghe and placed another rib into her bowl. “Eat more.”

—

At noon, both the emperor and Lu Huaizhou ate their fill.

After finishing, Jiang Ji wiped his mouth and left the palace.

He didn’t even take a nap after returning. Calling for Lu Jiu and taking some banknotes, he headed out into the city.

He needed to buy gifts to visit the Lu residence.

The capital was indeed bustling. The streets were wide, filled with people coming and going, shops lined up one after another, and all kinds of goods dazzled the eye.

Jiang Ji wandered along, his livestream floating beside him.

【Wow, the capital is so lively】

【Finally shopping! This is way more prosperous than the county】

【What was that shop just now?】

【Go back, that mask shop!】

【Ahhh I want to see that thing shaped like a little animal】

Jiang Ji glanced at the stream, walked back a few stalls, and said softly, “That’s a sugar figurine. They have those in the county too. Haven’t you seen them before?”

【Wow, it’s made of sugar? The craftsmanship is amazing】

【Not that, the colorful animal one, it doesn’t look edible】

Jiang Ji simply bought a small monkey-shaped sugar figure and started eating it, then moved to the next stall. “Oh, dough figurines.”

He stood there watching for a while. Many small figures were stuck on display. Jiang Ji picked one up. It was dressed in black, with a stern expression.

“Hm… why does this look familiar?”

The elderly vendor glanced over and smiled. “That’s our Regent.”

“The Regent?” Jiang Ji was surprised, then laughed. “It does look a bit like him.” Mainly that expressionless aura.

The old man said, “A lot of people buy it. Take one home to ward off evil.”

“Ward off evil?” Jiang Ji couldn’t help laughing. “With that serious face, it probably works.”

Lu Jiu: “……”

The old man continued, “Not just that. Many scholars buy them too. They say praying to it helps them pass the exams. During the autumn exams, lots of people bought them. The Regent sells the best.”

Lu Jiu immediately straightened up, speaking proudly for his master. “Of course. Our Regent placed first in all three imperial exams!”

“Exactly, exactly,” the old man said with a grin.

Jiang Ji looked at the figurine. “Then I’ll buy one too. Old sir, can you make one of me as well?”

“Sure, once I finish this young lady’s, I’ll make yours.”

Jiang Ji stood aside and waited. The old man took a lump of dough and carefully shaped it according to the girl sitting before him. After about a quarter of an hour, it was done.

Jiang Ji looked at it. It was very similar to the girl.

He glanced again at the Regent figurine in his hand. The old man probably hadn’t seen Lu Huaizhou often, so it only resembled him four or five parts out of ten.

The girl took her figurine and left. Jiang Ji sat down, smiling as he let the old man shape one based on his own features.

Before long, his figurine was finished, a graceful young man in blue robes with smiling eyes.

Jiang Ji paid and examined it carefully. “Pretty similar.”

Very satisfied, he placed his own figurine next to Lu Huaizhou’s and stared at them happily for quite a while.

“A perfect match in both talent and looks.”

Lu Jiu: “……”

Lu Jiu looked up at the sky and sighed.

Why did it feel like he was already full before dinner even started?

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾