Ch 84: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

Jiang Ji held the two little dough figurines like treasures and even went to a nearby stall to buy a box to store them carefully.

【I can’t watch this, really can’t watch this】
【This is some seriously sugary romance】
【Hehe, is the streamer a total lovebrain fool?】
【Oh my god, pull it together, you’re practically glowing pink】
【Thinking about Minister Lu dodging him this morning is hilarious】
【But the old man’s craftsmanship is actually really good, Jiang Ji’s looks very accurate】
【He probably hasn’t seen Jiang Yan, the Regent one doesn’t look that similar lol】

“Duke Chang, up ahead is the capital’s best Four Treasures shop, Mobao Zhai,” Lu Jiu reminded him.

“We’re here?” Jiang Ji looked up. It was an elegant shop. He closed the box and carefully placed it in the carriage behind them. “Let’s go.”

The two entered the shop. A clerk came forward. “Welcome, young masters. Our shop has a full selection of the Four Treasures. Are you looking for brushes, ink, paper, or inkstones?”

Jiang Ji didn’t really understand these things, but he remembered Lu Huaizhou mentioning that Minister Lu favored Duan inkstones. He wasn’t sure if it was the same as the Duan inkstones from his previous life.

“Do you have Duan inkstones?”

The clerk brightened immediately, recognizing a serious customer. “Yes, yes! We just acquired two recently. Please have a seat, I’ll fetch them.”

Jiang Ji sat down and glanced around. As expected of the capital’s finest shop, the décor was refined and tasteful. The items weren’t crammed together but carefully displayed, all high-end and valuable.

Soon, the clerk returned with the shopkeeper, both carrying wooden boxes.

“Hearing that the young master is looking for Duan inkstones, these are our newest arrivals, both acquired at high cost,” the shopkeeper said, placing them on the table and opening the boxes. “This one is ‘Pine and Crane Longevity,’ and this one is ‘Spring Dawn.’”

The names referred to the carvings on the inkstones. Though the carving technique was still somewhat rough, a few strokes were enough to convey artistic intent and character.

The stones themselves were firm yet smooth. The “Pine and Crane Longevity” stone had two “eyes,” while “Spring Dawn” had none.

In his previous life, Jiang Ji’s grandfather had loved calligraphy, and Jiang Ji remembered hearing that inkstones with “eyes” were more valuable.

Looking at them, he said in his mind, “2977, check if these are authentic.”

【Scan complete. Both are genuine Duan inkstones. Safe to purchase.】

“Which one is better quality?” Jiang Ji asked.

【System assessment: ‘Pine and Crane Longevity’ is of higher quality.】

Jiang Ji then asked, “2977, are these Duan inkstones from the same place as in my previous world?”

【Yes. This world and your previous one are parallel worlds. Natural resources are the same. Some place names match, others differ due to later development.】

Jiang Ji understood.

After confirming authenticity, he asked the shopkeeper, “How much are these?”

The shopkeeper smiled. “This ‘Spring Dawn’ is one hundred taels, and ‘Pine and Crane Longevity’ is three hundred taels.”

“Three hundred taels? That expensive?” Jiang Ji was surprised.

“Sir, these are rare treasures. Look at the texture, so smooth. The ink forms quickly, and these ‘eyes’—top grade.”

Jiang Ji ran his hand over the stone, then said, “Bring me your best ink sticks.”

“Right away.”

After some introductions, Jiang Ji chose one ink stick suited to Minister Lu’s taste, then picked another for Lu Huaizhou.

He pointed at the inkstones. “All together. I’ll take them.”

The shopkeeper beamed. “Of course. Shall I wrap them?”

“Yes. Wrap the inkstones separately, make it presentable. They’re gifts.”

“Understood.”

Besides the inkstones and ink sticks, Jiang Ji also bought a fine brush for Lu Huaizhou.

After leaving Mobao Zhai, they placed the purchases in the carriage. Jiang Ji continued shopping, buying all the gifts he needed. For items he couldn’t find, he exchanged them from the system.

Fortunately, because of meeting the emperor earlier, his livestream had gained many viewers, earning him plenty of points.

By evening, Jiang Ji finally returned to the residence by carriage. Lu Huaizhou was already back.

The table in the room was filled with Jiang Ji’s purchases. Seeing him return, Lu Huaizhou poured him tea. “Got everything?”

“Still missing two things, I’ll just exchange them myself,” Jiang Ji said, taking a drink.

Lu Huaizhou pushed over four boxes. “You left quickly at noon. His Majesty and the Empress Dowager enjoyed the meal and sent these as gifts.”

Jiang Ji opened them in surprise. “The consort and princess gave gifts too?”

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou introduced them one by one.

The emperor gave a white jade pendant, the Empress Dowager a pair of jade bracelets, the consort a hairpin, and the princess a dangling hair ornament.

“Do I need to go give thanks?” Jiang Ji asked.

“No need. I’ve already thanked them on your behalf.”

“That’s good.” Jiang Ji closed the boxes and set them aside. “I’ll save these for my mother and the others.”

Lu Huaizhou picked up the jade pendant. “You can use this one.”

Jiang Ji glanced at it and shook his head. “I’m always running around outside. I might lose it.”

Lu Huaizhou removed a jade pendant from his own belt and tied it onto Jiang Ji’s. “Wear this. If it’s lost, it doesn’t matter.”

Jiang Ji touched it. “If it’s from you, I wouldn’t even dare wear it. I’d be afraid of losing it.”

The green jade pendant Lu Huaizhou had given him before was still kept safely in a box.

“Don’t worry. If you lose it, I’ll give you another. Wear it, it looks good,” Lu Huaizhou said.

“Alright then.” Jiang Ji glanced down at it, then suddenly looked up. “Oh right, I bought you something.”

“What is it?” Lu Huaizhou asked.

Jiang Ji pulled out a long box from his sleeve and handed it over. “Take a look.”

Lu Huaizhou opened it. Inside were two small dough figurines, one black, one blue.

He took them out. The blue one was clearly Jiang Ji. He glanced at him, smiling slightly. “Quite similar.”

“Hehe, the old man’s craftsmanship is good.”

Lu Huaizhou then looked at the black-clothed figurine, frowning slightly. “This is me?”

“Yeah, that’s you.” Jiang Ji nodded, grinning. “The old man said lots of people buy your figurine to ward off evil, hahaha…”

Lu Huaizhou: “……”

Jiang Ji chuckled and added, “But he also said that during the autumn exams, many scholars buy your figurine to pray for success.”

Lu Huaizhou shook his head helplessly with a faint smile. He placed the two figurines onto a wooden stand, walked into the bedroom, and set them beside the mirror on the dressing table.

After looking at them for a moment, he adjusted their positions, turning the black and blue figures to face each other. Satisfied, he gently patted the head of Jiang Ji’s figurine, the corner of his lips lifting slightly.

When he turned around, Jiang Ji was watching him with a bright grin.

Lu Huaizhou: “……”

Jiang Ji glanced at the two figurines facing each other, then at Lu Huaizhou, and said with a smile, “A perfect match.”

Lu Huaizhou laughed softly and pulled him along. “Come, let’s eat.”

“Wait, I bought you something else,” Jiang Ji said.

“Oh? There’s more?”

“Mm.” Jiang Ji led him into the hall and picked out the items. “I went to buy inkstones. They had two, so I bought both. The one with ink ‘eyes’ is called Pine and Crane Longevity, that’s for Uncle. This one is called Spring Dawn, you can use this.”

“Alright.” Lu Huaizhou opened the box and examined it carefully. “Very nice.”

“And these too, take a look.”

Lu Huaizhou opened the other two boxes. Inside was a fine wolf-hair brush and an ink stick he favored.

“Do you like them?” Jiang Ji asked expectantly.

“I do.” Lu Huaizhou lifted the ink stick and smelled it, then nodded. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me,” Jiang Ji said with a grin. “You review memorials every day. If you use these, you’ll think of me.”

Lu Huaizhou chuckled softly. “I think of you even without them.”

Jiang Ji laughed.

Lu Huaizhou placed the inkstone, brush, and ink neatly on the desk in the study, and only then did the two head to the dining hall.

Jiang Ji hadn’t had time to cook today, so they ate what the kitchen prepared. “When I have time, I should teach the cooks. When we move to the capital, we should bring Sister Guihua and the others over.”

“Alright.” Lu Huaizhou had grown used to Jiang Ji’s cooking. Even the dishes made by the residence and palace chefs now felt like they were missing something.

After dinner, the two walked hand in hand through the garden to digest.

Jiang Ji said, “This morning after court, I tried asking Uncle to set a time to visit, but he clearly didn’t want to see me. He walked so fast, like he was about to run.”

Lu Huaizhou looked at him and tightened his grip on his hand. “Give them some time.”

“Alright.” Back then, Zhao Ru had taken two months to come around. Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “Then tomorrow I’ll go take a look at the fields that were awarded. I wonder what they’re growing. At this season, we could plant winter vegetables like broccoli.”

“Have Lu Jiu and Lu Wu accompany you,” Lu Huaizhou said. “And you should also check the Duke Chang residence. Tomorrow I’ll have Zhong Shu take a look first.”

“Okay. Then when you go to court tomorrow, help me tell Eunuch Wu to send someone to take me to the estate.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ji remembered something else. “Your handwriting is nice. Can you write the plaque for the Duke Chang residence?”

“Of course.”

Speaking of the residence, Jiang Ji added, “If we get married and end up living here, wouldn’t that residence just sit empty?”

“Just have people maintain it. In the future, when Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei grow up and marry, they’ll need it.”

The two continued strolling, chatting about everyday matters before returning to their courtyard.

Lu Huaizhou went to the study to handle official work. He had another desk placed opposite his own, and Jiang Ji worked there.

Jiang Ji searched through the system for vegetables suitable for winter planting, selected a few, and began writing out the cultivation methods.

He had already written instructions for wheat; now he was working on these vegetables.

He wrote using his own pen, but the text would later need to be copied, so he tried to use as many traditional characters as he could.

Lu Huaizhou glanced at Jiang Ji across the desk, focused and writing, then looked at the brush, inkstone, and ink stick Jiang Ji had just gifted him.

His gaze softened, a smile lingering at his lips.

Even the otherwise tedious task of reviewing memorials suddenly felt more enjoyable.

The two worked quietly, occasionally exchanging a few words, the atmosphere warm and peaceful.

—

The next day, right after court ended, Eunuch Wu personally arrived at the Regent’s residence with two young eunuchs and several guards.

Jiang Ji brought along Lu Jiu, Lu Wu, and four other guards, and they set out together for the awarded estate.

The estate wasn’t far, about fifteen to sixteen li outside the city.

According to Eunuch Wu, it had previously belonged to a high official who had been imprisoned for severe corruption. All his property had been confiscated, including this land, which had been purchased with illicit funds.

This case had been personally ordered investigated by Lu Huaizhou the previous year.

After more than half an hour by carriage, they arrived.

A young eunuch went ahead to call at the gate and informed the estate manager. They had already been told that the thousand mu of land, along with the estate and its servants, had been awarded to Duke Chang.

Hearing that Duke Chang had arrived, the manager quickly came out with three remaining servants and knelt in greeting.

“This old servant, Tian Shun, greets Duke Chang and Eunuch Wu.”

He didn’t even know which one was Duke Chang, but kneeling first was safest.

“No need for formalities, rise,” Jiang Ji said. “You’re the steward?”

Tian Shun nodded and glanced up at the speaker, startled.

Wasn’t this the young man who had taught them how to plant the new wheat seeds at the county office?

He was actually Duke Chang?

Lowering his head quickly, he replied, “Reporting to Duke Chang, this old servant is the steward here. The others have all gone out to sow the wheat.”

Jiang Ji looked toward the fields not far away, where many people were working. He nodded and asked, “Are you using the old wheat seeds or the new ones? How many mu have been planted? Give me a general overview of the estate. I need to plant some new crops.”

From the earlier lecture, Tian Guanshi already knew Jiang Ji was highly experienced with farming. Now that he realized this young man was Duke Chang, he immediately decided to put aside any thoughts of cutting corners and answer honestly.

Lowering his head respectfully, he said, “Reporting to Duke Chang, the wheat seeds were newly purchased from the county office a few days ago. We bought enough for seven hundred and twenty-three mu. About one hundred sixty mu still have vegetables growing, and the remaining land will be planted with radish, carrots, cabbage, and lettuce after the wheat is sown.”

“I see. Take me to look at the fields,” Jiang Ji said, then turned to Eunuch Wu. “Eunuch Wu, I need to inspect the fields. Would you like to rest here or come along?”

Eunuch Wu smiled. “If Duke Chang doesn’t mind, I’ll come along and broaden my horizons.”

“Alright.”

Tian Guanshi led Jiang Ji and the group into the fields. As Jiang Ji observed the planting conditions, he asked about previous yields of wheat and vegetables.

Tian Guanshi answered one by one. “Winter is cold, so there are few vegetables that can be grown.”

“Tian Guanshi, after the wheat is sown, use the seeds I brought for the remaining land. I’ll write you a list later. Plant according to my instructions,” Jiang Ji said. “Also, the fertilizer here is insufficient. Start collecting more now. Make compost and fermented manure.”

“We’ve been collecting waste from nearby towns, but it’s not enough,” Tian Guanshi said. “What is the compost you mentioned?”

“I’ll explain later.” Jiang Ji looked at their planting method. They were still sowing seeds manually, one by one. “Are there any carpenters here?”

“Yes, yes, a few can do woodworking.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Good. I’ll draw you a design when we return. It’s a seed drill. Get it made as soon as possible.”

They returned to the estate. Jiang Ji examined their current tools, then asked for an empty room and began drawing.

He quickly sketched a seed drill, finishing in half an hour, then handed the blueprint to Tian Guanshi and explained.

Eunuch Wu and Lu Jiu also gathered around to look.

Pointing at the drawing, Jiang Ji said, “This is called a seed drill. It’s used for sowing. A cow pulls it from the front. These three small plow blades dig shallow furrows. Seeds drop automatically into the furrows from here in three rows, and this bar at the back covers them with soil.”

Tian Guanshi, experienced in farming, immediately understood. His eyes lit up. “This can sow three rows at once! And no need for people to plant seed by seed!”

Eunuch Wu and Lu Jiu also grasped its usefulness.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Have several made. It’ll save a lot of labor. These plow heads need to be forged at a blacksmith’s shop. The dimensions are marked. Arrange it quickly.”

Tian Guanshi looked at the blueprint and nodded eagerly. “Yes, I’ll arrange it right away.”

—

At noon, the workers returned for their meal. Jiang Ji went out to meet them, laid down some rules, and distributed rewards.

The servants were surprised that their new master actually understood farming. Receiving rewards as well, they were delighted.

After lunch at the estate, Jiang Ji continued working. He needed to plan the remaining hundred-plus mu of land.

After a busy afternoon, he checked the account books and noticed problems. He called Tian Guanshi over.

Looking at him kneeling below, Jiang Ji said with a faint smile, “Tian Guanshi, there are quite a few issues with these accounts. Last year there were no major disasters in the capital region. Normally, one mu yields about two hundred fifty jin of wheat. But your records show only two hundred twenty, some even just two hundred. Tell me, do you not know how to farm, or have you been skimming off the grain?”

Tian Guanshi trembled, bowing deeply.

Whether it was incompetence or embezzlement, neither would end well.

He was about to speak when Jiang Ji continued.

“I don’t care about the past. But from now on, you all belong to the Duke Chang estate. I don’t want to see these issues again.”

“You may not know this yet, but I am Jiang Ji, the one who sold the new rice seeds to the county office. I know exactly how much grain and vegetables one mu should produce. I don’t like people making moves behind my back, and I don’t like being deceived. One is one, two is two. Do your work well, and I will reward you at year’s end. But if you try anything dishonest, I won’t be lenient.”

Jiang Ji looked at him coldly. “Do you understand?”

Tian Guanshi trembled like a leaf. “I understand.”

In the past, their former master had no idea how much yield each mu should produce. They could simply claim pests or poor harvests and report lower numbers. Skimming a little from each mu added up to a significant sum each year.

But now, this Duke Chang clearly knew the land inside out. There was no way they dared to continue such practices.

“Alright, you may go.”

After issuing a warning and arranging everything, Jiang Ji left with Eunuch Wu and the others, returning to the city.

The wheat sowing would take several more days. He would return later; Tian Guanshi would send word when needed.

—

By the time they returned to the residence, it was already dark. Lu Huaizhou had come back.

“How was it?” he asked.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Not bad. Everything’s arranged. I’ll go again in a few days.”

Lu Huaizhou gestured to two invitations on the table. “The day after tomorrow is the fiftieth birthday of the Marquis Wu’an. We’ve been invited.”

Jiang Ji picked one up and glanced at it. “Are you going?”

“I’ve never gone before. This year, we can take a look,” Lu Huaizhou said, looking at him.

Jiang Ji knew Lu Huaizhou was worried he might be unfamiliar with the capital and get bullied, so he wanted to accompany him. It was also a way of showing support for him.

“Then we’ll go together.”

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou said, “I’ll have Uncle Zhong prepare the gift. You don’t need to worry.”

“Alright.” Jiang Ji squeezed his hand and said with a grin, “You’re really virtuous.”

Lu Huaizhou’s eye twitched slightly, his expression unreadable as he looked at him with a faint smile.

—

After dinner, Jiang Ji drew another blueprint of the seed drill and handed it over. “This is called a seed drill. It can be used for sowing wheat, corn, and other dry-field crops. Take it to the Ministry of Works and have them produce it, and distribute it to the regions. It’ll improve efficiency.”

After months of rural experience, Lu Huaizhou understood its value at a glance.

“Why didn’t you draw this in the spring?”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “Back then there was too much going on, and we were too busy. Also, we didn’t grow wheat there, and the corn was intercropped, so this wasn’t needed. We didn’t grow peanuts either, so I just forgot.”

Lu Huaizhou: “……”

—

The next day in court, Lu Huaizhou passed the blueprint around among the officials, then ordered the Ministry of Works to distribute it immediately so it could be made across the regions.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ji followed Steward Zhong to inspect the Duke Chang residence. Steward Zhong had already examined it the day before and pointed out a few minor issues. Jiang Ji listened and relayed the adjustments to the workers.

—

On the day of the Marquis Wu’an’s fiftieth birthday, Lu Huaizhou returned from duty, changed his clothes, and took Jiang Ji to the Marquis’s residence.

This was Jiang Ji’s first appearance among the capital’s upper circles. He wore a newly tailored outfit prepared by Lu Huaizhou, made of fine dark blue brocade, making him look particularly handsome.

The celebration was grand. Many officials had been invited, most bringing their families. The residence was decorated with lanterns and ornaments, lively and festive.

By the time Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou arrived, many guests were already present.

“The Regent has arrived—Duke Chang has arrived—”

With the servant’s loud announcement, everyone in the residence was startled.

“The Regent actually came?”

“Doesn’t he usually just send gifts and not attend these banquets?”

“And Duke Chang too—he must have brought him along.”

Despite the murmurs, everyone stood and bowed as Lu Huaizhou and Jiang Ji entered.

“Greetings to the Regent, Duke Chang.”

Lu Huaizhou raised a hand. “No need for formalities. Today is the Marquis’s birthday. I’ve come to offer congratulations.”

The Marquis Wu’an was overjoyed. This was the first time Lu Huaizhou had personally attended such a banquet since becoming Regent.

He cupped his hands. “Your presence honors me greatly, Regent, Duke Chang, hahaha…”

Lu Huaizhou returned the gesture. “May the Marquis enjoy peace and prosperity, with boundless joy.”

Jiang Ji also bowed. “May the Marquis’s blessings be as vast as the eastern sea, and his longevity as enduring as the southern mountains.”

“Hahaha, many thanks, Duke Chang.” The Marquis beamed. “Please, take the seats of honor.”

He led them to the front hall. Lu Huaizhou introduced the attendees—high-ranking nobles, dukes, marquises, earls, Prime Minister Shen, Minister Lu, and many second- and third-rank officials.

Jiang Ji had seen most of them in court. The scene felt like a smaller version of a court session, except now everyone wore casual attire, gathered in groups, and spoke of ordinary matters instead of state affairs.

Jiang Ji glanced toward Minister Lu seated diagonally across from him. Minister Lu met his gaze briefly, then immediately looked away.

Jiang Ji: “……”

He rubbed his nose and looked at Lu Huaizhou, who smiled slightly and shook his head.

Alright. He wouldn’t approach Minister Lu today.

Across from him sat Duke Qin, Lu Huaizhou’s uncle-in-law.

Seeing something clearly going on, Duke Qin leaned over and asked Minister Lu in a low voice, “Brother, why does it seem like you don’t like Duke Chang? Didn’t he save Huaizhou?”

Minister Lu paused. “…I don’t dislike him.”

“Oh really? Then why did you pretend not to see him just now?” Duke Qin said, unconvinced.

Minister Lu: “……You wouldn’t understand.”

“If you don’t explain, how would I understand?”

Minister Lu had no words and simply shook his head.

Duke Qin nudged his arm. Minister Lu immediately moved his arm off the table.

“……” Duke Qin grew even more curious.

Jiang Ji noticed the two whispering and figured they were talking about him. Just then, Duke Qin also glanced over at him. Jiang Ji stood and cupped his hands.

“Greetings, Duke Qin.”

“Duke Chang.” Duke Qin returned the greeting with a smile. “I heard from Huaizhou’s aunt that you saved him. Thank you.”

Jiang Ji shook his head. “No need for thanks. The Regent and I have saved each other.”

“Oh? There’s more to the story?” Prime Minister Shen, who hadn’t heard this before, immediately asked, “We know you saved the Regent, but he saved you as well?”

The other officials all turned to look, clearly intrigued.

Jiang Ji was momentarily stunned.

So even these officials loved gossip?

He glanced at Lu Huaizhou, who nodded. Jiang Ji then said, “Well, it happened like this. Back in spring, I made some money selling grain seeds. Because of the rice seeds, the county magistrate reported it up to the prefect and the provincial governor…”

He recounted the whole kidnapping incident.

All the officials listened in stunned silence.

Previously, when the Yunzhou prefect had been escorted to the capital under orders from Governor Fan, the charges presented were collusion with bandits and exploitation of the people. It had never been mentioned that the bandits had kidnapped Jiang Ji, leading to the exposure of the case.

Prime Minister Shen said in surprise, “So that’s how Hu Yuanwu, the prefect of Yunzhou, was exposed?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes.”

The other officials were all astonished.

“What a coincidence.”

“For Duke Chang and the Regent to escape from bandits like that, they truly have both courage and wit.”

“And that Hu Yuanwu didn’t even recognize the Regent.”

“He’s never come to the capital to report on duty, how would he have seen the Regent?”

Duke Qin said, “Hu Yuanwu colluded with bandits and committed many wrongs. Such evil brings its own downfall. Duke Chang has rid the people of a scourge.”

“Exactly, exactly.”

“Duke Qin is right.”

—

With that topic, Jiang Ji smoothly began chatting with the officials. Seeing he was adapting well, Lu Huaizhou simply sipped his tea.

After a while, the banquet began. The officials moved to their seats and started drinking.

The male guests remained in the main hall, while in the flower hall, the women had several tables of their own.

—

“Have you heard? The Regent and Duke Chang have both arrived.”

“The Regent actually came?”

“Yes, he came together with Duke Chang.”

“What does Duke Chang look like?”

“I heard from my husband that aside from being a bit tanned, he’s quite handsome.”

“I also heard that a few days ago at court he made quite a splash and left Censor Zhang completely speechless.”

“I’ve heard his speech and demeanor don’t resemble someone of farming origin at all. He carries himself with great presence.”

“To be granted the rank of first-class duke at such a young age, his future is boundless.”

“He’s only nineteen this year, right? I wonder if he’s married.”

“You could ask Madam Lu. She should know.”

So someone asked, “Madam Lu, you’re somewhat familiar with Duke Chang. Is he married?”

Madam Lu had heard all the earlier chatter. She understood very well what these ladies were thinking.

Jiang Ji was only nineteen. Though of humble origin, he had made a strong impression in court recently and was now a duke. If he wasn’t married, these ladies would surely begin making plans.

Any family with a suitable daughter would want to seize such an opportunity. Marrying into his household would make her a duchess.

Madam Lu’s mind turned. If Jiang Ji were already married, wouldn’t her own Huaizhou no longer need to marry him?

So she immediately smiled and said, “As far as I know, Duke Chang is not yet married.”

“Really?”

“He’s only nineteen, there’s no rush.”

“This is exactly the right age.”

“Madam Qian, isn’t your eldest daughter just of age now?”

“Yes, we’re currently looking.”

“Madam of Marquis Weining, you could consider it too. Your second daughter is both beautiful and accomplished.”

“It all depends on fate.”

“……”

Madam Lu listened to their conversation, smiling as she ate and drank.

Beside her, Duchess Qin tugged her sleeve and asked softly, “Sister-in-law, when you have time, shall we bring Shuang’er to the regent’s residence to meet Duke Chang?”

Madam Lu froze for a moment, glanced around, then said quietly, “No. I’ll explain to you later.”

Seeing there was more to the matter, Duchess Qin nodded and said nothing further.

Nearby, the Duchess of Marquis Weining asked, “Speaking of which, the Regent is also of marriageable age. Has anyone been chosen?”

The others all fell silent and turned to listen.

Madam Lu: “……”

She set down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and forced a smile. “Huaizhou is wholly focused on state affairs. I asked him before, and he said there’s no rush.”

“The Regent is truly composed.”

“Yes, I wonder what kind of woman he prefers.”

“He’s causing all the young ladies in the capital to worry themselves sick.”

Madam Lu twitched her lips. I’m the one most worried, alright?

—

The next day, two matchmakers arrived at the gate of the Regent’s residence. After hearing their purpose, the gatekeeper hurried to inform Steward Zhong.

Steward Zhong immediately went to report to Jiang Ji. “Duke Chang, there are two matchmakers outside asking to see you. They wish to arrange a marriage for you.”

“Who’s looking for me?” Jiang Ji was in the middle of writing out broccoli planting methods and froze.

Steward Zhong said, “Matchmakers. Both are well-known official matchmakers in the capital.”

So he hadn’t misheard. It really was matchmakers.

Jiang Ji waved his hand. “I won’t see them. From now on, any matchmaker who comes is not to be received.”

“Yes.”

—

That evening, when Lu Huaizhou returned, he asked, “I heard matchmakers came today to propose for you?”

“Mm, two of them even.” Jiang Ji raised two fingers.

Lu Huaizhou caught his fingers, his gaze darkening slightly as he looked at him, raising a brow. “So you’re quite the sought-after prize?”

“Of course. I’m a duke now.” Jiang Ji grinned, then reached out and pinched his cheek. “But don’t worry, I didn’t let them in. I only have eyes for you.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes were bright, reflecting Lu Huaizhou’s figure.

Lu Huaizhou’s gaze deepened. His throat moved as he pulled him into an embrace, one hand cradling his head as he kissed him hard.

Jiang Ji closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around Lu Huaizhou’s waist and returning the kiss, feeling quietly proud.

Heh. He’d moved his husband again.

When it came to coaxing his husband, he really was quite skilled.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾