Ch 85: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

As night fell, Lu Huaizhou released Jiang Ji and brushed his thumb lightly across his cheek. “I’m heading out for a bit.”

Jiang Ji looked puzzled. “It’s almost time for dinner. Where are you going?”

“You eat first. I’m going back to the Lu residence.”

“What for? It’s already getting dark.”

“I need to speak with my mother about something. I’ll be back soon.”

Jiang Ji grabbed his sleeve. “Eat first before you go. I cooked tonight.”

Hearing that Jiang Ji had cooked, Lu Huaizhou paused. “You cooked? Then I’ll go after dinner.”

Satisfied, Jiang Ji called for the dishes to be set out, and they began eating.

Lately Jiang Ji had been busy and didn’t cook every meal. At noon, since Lu Huaizhou didn’t return, Jiang Ji usually didn’t bother and simply ate what the household chefs prepared.

When he did cook, it was usually dinner, so they could eat together. Lu Huaizhou never missed those meals, always tasting them carefully.

—

At the Lu residence, Minister Lu and his wife were eating dinner when Lu Huaizhou suddenly walked in.

Madam Lu was surprised. “Why are you back? Have you eaten?”

“I have.” Lu Huaizhou sat down to the side, waiting for them to finish.

The couple exchanged a glance, both feeling a jolt of unease. He couldn’t be here to pressure them, could he?

They silently agreed not to ask why he had come. Instead, they focused on eating, deliberately slowing down. Each bite of rice was chewed thirty or forty times, reduced to nothing before swallowing. Even a sip of warm soup was blown on again and again, cooled, then blown on some more before drinking.

Lu Huaizhou watched his parents without urging them, casually picking up a book his father had been reading and flipping through it.

His calm composure made the couple’s teeth ache.

They exchanged another glance. It seemed there was no avoiding this today.

No matter how slowly they ate, the meal would eventually end.

Once the servants cleared the table and served tea, Minister Lu took a sip and asked, “You came back for something?”

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou set down the book. “Father, Mother, have you made your decision?”

Minister Lu: “……”

Madam Lu: “……”

They looked at each other. Madam Lu tugged at her husband’s sleeve, signaling him not to be so direct.

But Minister Lu simply said sternly, “What is there to consider? It’s improper and unacceptable. I do not agree.”

Madam Lu: “……”

Lu Huaizhou fell silent for a moment, then looked at his mother. “Mother, was it you who spread the word that Jiang Ji isn’t married?”

Jiang Ji had been ennobled for several days, yet no matchmakers had come before. After attending the Marquis of Wu’an’s birthday banquet yesterday, matchmakers arrived today. Clearly, the confirmation had spread yesterday that Jiang Ji was unmarried.

Madam Lu took a sip of tea, glanced at her son, and replied calmly, “What do you mean ‘spread’? The ladies were already discussing whether Duke Chang was married. They asked me, and I answered truthfully that he isn’t. Even if I hadn’t said it, do you think they couldn’t find out?”

Minister Lu glanced at his wife, beginning to understand her little scheme.

Lu Huaizhou did not pursue the matter further. “Father, Mother, don’t trouble yourselves. I’ve said it before—regardless of whether I marry Jiang Ji, I will not marry any other woman.”

Minister Lu slammed his teacup down with a bang. “You unfilial son! Are you trying to anger us to death?!”

Madam Lu patted his back. “Talk properly. Don’t get angry.”

“Look at his attitude—disregarding his parents and family for his own selfish desires!” Minister Lu trembled with anger.

Lu Huaizhou looked at him. “Father, do you think it’s right for me to marry a woman I don’t love, never touch her for a lifetime, live in quiet misery, and let her waste her life in the process?”

Minister Lu: “……”

Lu Huaizhou then turned to his mother. “Mother, as a woman yourself, do you think she would be happy? Is it right to harm her like that?”

Madam Lu: “…I didn’t say that was right.”

Lu Huaizhou continued, “Father, Mother, I placed first in all three imperial examinations at seventeen, became the top scholar, and by twenty-three became Regent. I have already brought great honor to the family.”

“And Jiang Ji—he is a first-rank duke. By his own ability, he has increased our empire’s grain production, fed the people, and strengthened our military. He has accomplished what none of the officials at court could.”

He looked at them both. “If you believe that my marriage to Jiang Ji would disgrace the Lu family and shame our lineage, and you cannot accept it, then I can—”

“Huaizhou!” Madam Lu cut him off sharply, glaring at him in warning.

“Say it!” Minister Lu roared, slamming the table. “Let him finish!”

Lu Huaizhou paused, unshaken by his father’s anger, and said clearly, “If the Lu family sees this as a disgrace, then I can leave the family.”

Crash—

A teacup was swept off the table and shattered into pieces on the floor. Minister Lu shot to his feet, pointing at him. “You— you unfilial son! How did I raise someone like you?!”

Enraged, he looked around for something to throw, found nothing suitable, and grabbed Madam Lu’s teacup instead.

Madam Lu rushed forward and grabbed his arm. “My lord, no, you mustn’t—this cannot be thrown!”

If he threw it, the bond between father and son might shatter with it.

“Move aside! Let me discipline this rebellious son!”

She refused to let go. The two struggled over the teacup, spilling tea all over their hands.

“Have you made enough of a scene?!”

A loud shout came from outside. Lu Huaichuan entered, supporting an elderly man with white hair and beard.

Everyone in the room froze at the sight of the old master.

Lu Huaizhou stood and bowed. “Grandfather.”

Minister Lu and Madam Lu quickly set down the teacup and straightened their clothes.

“Father, why have you come?” Minister Lu asked.

The old master had been unwell recently and had been resting in his courtyard. Lu Huaizhou had visited him twice since returning, but had not mentioned this matter yet.

Old Master Lu looked at the shattered teacup on the floor, then glanced at the three people in the room and snorted. “If Huaichuan hadn’t told me, how long were you planning to keep this from me?”

Minister Lu hurried over to help him sit down, then shot a glare at his younger son. “Who told you to inform your grandfather? Don’t you know he needs rest?”

Lu Huaichuan shrank his neck. “I just… accidentally let it slip.”

Madam Lu frowned. “How did you even find out?”

“I overheard it last time when my brother was talking to you.”

Minister Lu and Madam Lu: “……”

Lu Huaizhou: “……”

Old Master Lu glared at his son and daughter-in-law. “Why blame him? If you weren’t going to tell me yourselves, do you think this old man is useless now?”

“Father, I absolutely meant no such thing,” Minister Lu said, bending slightly. “I was only afraid you’d fall ill from anger again.”

Old Master Lu snorted, then looked at his eldest grandson, the one who had always made him proud.

With a grave tone, he said, “Huaizhou, since childhood you’ve been quick-witted, diligent in study, willing to endure hardship, never lazy. You’ve never caused your grandfather worry, and I have always taken pride in you.”

Lu Huaizhou lowered his head slightly, saying nothing.

Old Master Lu studied him. He knew his grandson had always been decisive. Once he set his mind on something, he would see it through. Otherwise, he would never have secured his position as Regent.

And anyone who could sit in that position was certainly not soft-hearted.

If he said it, he would do it.

Old Master Lu stared at him and asked, “Regarding you and that Duke Chang, Jiang Ji… is there any room for compromise?”

Lu Huaizhou stood calmly, his expression firm. “Grandfather, my decision is made.”

Old Master Lu: “……”

Minister Lu and Madam Lu: “……”

Lu Huaichuan’s eyes widened slightly. He truly admired his brother. If it were him, his legs would probably already have been broken.

Old Master Lu sighed. “If you insist on marrying Jiang Ji… then so be it…”

“Father!” Minister Lu cried out anxiously.

Old Master Lu raised a hand to stop him. “What, would you rather drive him out of the family and sever ties?”

Minister Lu and Madam Lu fell silent.

Of course they didn’t want that. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have spent so long agonizing and trying to find solutions.

Seeing them quiet, Old Master Lu continued to Lu Huaizhou, “Then this—marriage is acceptable, but you must leave behind an heir…”

“Absolutely not.” Before he could finish, Lu Huaizhou rejected it outright. “I will not have children of my own.”

Minister Lu was furious. “You unfilial son—”

“Enough, stop talking.” Madam Lu quickly steadied him, then turned anxiously to her son. “Huaizhou, among the three greatest unfilial acts, having no descendants is the worst. Even if you marry Jiang Ji, you must at least have a child.”

Lu Huaizhou said resolutely, “Jiang Ji and I will not have children of our own. If we want children, we can adopt or take in an heir.”

Everyone: “……”

Madam Lu frowned. “How can an adopted child compare to one of your own blood? And Jiang Ji’s mother agrees to this?”

“My aunt agrees,” Lu Huaizhou replied. “She said Jiang Ji has suffered too much in the past. She only wishes for her son to live happily for the rest of his life.”

Everyone: “……”

It felt as though those words were directed at them. Somehow, they all felt overshadowed by Jiang Ji’s mother.

Lu Huaizhou added calmly, “Besides, given my position as Regent, having no heir is the best outcome.”

The moment he said that, Old Master Lu and Minister Lu’s expressions changed. They immediately understood what he meant.

Madam Lu and Lu Huaichuan thought for a moment, then also understood.

The entire room fell silent.

The Regent’s position was immensely prestigious, second only to the emperor, yet it was also extremely dangerous, like walking along the edge of a cliff.

The emperor was still young now, but once he grew up and took power, no one could predict whether he would see the Regent as too powerful, whether he would grow suspicious. Once a ruler harbors doubt, danger follows. At that point, it wouldn’t just be Lu Huaizhou at risk, but the entire Lu family.

Lu Huaizhou had no intention of usurping the throne now. But even if he said so, would that be enough?

The emperor was only ten. In seven or eight years, he would take control. Even if he himself had no suspicions, what about others in the palace? The Empress Dowager? If those around him kept whispering, over time, suspicion could easily take root.

But if Lu Huaizhou married a man and had no heirs, at least half of the palace’s concerns would be eased.

Lu Huaizhou swept his gaze over them, taking in their reactions.

What he said was not alarmist. Though in truth, the situation might not be quite as dire as they imagined. He already had plans to withdraw both himself and the Lu family when the time came. If withdrawal proved impossible…

His gaze darkened, turning cold.

…He only hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

Madam Lu glanced at her husband and father-in-law, then said to her son, “Huaizhou, you are the Regent, and he is a first-rank duke. Such exalted status… if word gets out, people will laugh. Why choose such a difficult path?”

“Mother, a noble status can bring wealth, but it does not necessarily bring happiness,” Lu Huaizhou replied.

Madam Lu sighed.

Old Master Lu pondered for a moment, then said, “Enough. Another day, invite Jiang Ji over for a meal. I haven’t met him yet.”

“Father…” Minister Lu was still unwilling. His outstanding eldest son—how could he marry a man and have no heir?

Old Master Lu raised a hand. “Things have come to this. There’s no use saying more. That’s enough.”

With that, he stood up. Lu Huaichuan quickly supported his grandfather and escorted him back to his courtyard.

—

After the old master left, Lu Huaizhou looked at his mother and said, “Mother, find me a matchmaker.”

Madam Lu paused. “Why are you in such a hurry to find one?”

Lu Huaizhou replied, “Jiang Ji’s mother will arrive in the capital soon. Once the Duke Chang residence is repaired, she can come and formally propose on my behalf.”

Madam Lu: “……”

Minister Lu: “……”

Lu Huaizhou added, “I’ll prepare the betrothal gifts myself. You can just add a little as you see fit.”

Madam Lu: “……”

Minister Lu waved him off. “Go, go, go—get back to your residence. Just looking at you is irritating.”

Lu Huaizhou cupped his hands in farewell and returned to the Regent’s residence.

—

By the time he got back, Jiang Ji had already bathed and was nearly ready for bed.

“Why so late?” Jiang Ji asked, then turned and instructed, “Xiao Liu, prepare water for His Highness to bathe.”

“Right away.” Xiao Liu went off to arrange it.

Lu Huaizhou pulled Jiang Ji into his arms. “My family agreed.”

“Really?” Jiang Ji’s eyes widened in delight. “You went back to talk about this?”

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou smiled.

Jiang Ji was so happy he leaned in and kissed him on the lips. “That’s great!”

Seeing his joy, Lu Huaizhou’s smile widened as well.

Jiang Ji, still excited, asked, “What did you say to them? Tell me.”

“About the same as you,” Lu Huaizhou said lightly. “I just explained the pros and cons. They’re quite open-minded.”

Jiang Ji clasped his hand. “Then I can go visit them now, right?”

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou thought for a moment, deciding his parents needed a couple of days to settle their emotions. “The day after tomorrow. Grandfather also wants to meet you.”

“Alright.” Jiang Ji nodded happily. “I’ve already prepared the gifts.”

—

Over the next two days, several matchmakers came calling. Following Jiang Ji’s instructions, Steward Zhong had the gatekeepers turn them all away.

No explanation was given, leaving the ladies who had sent the matchmakers confused. Some guessed it was because Jiang Ji hadn’t moved into his new residence yet. Others thought it was because his family wasn’t in the capital. Some even speculated it was an order from the Regent.

But guessing wasn’t enough—they needed confirmation.

So one official, under pressure from his wife, stopped Lu Huaizhou after court.

“Your Highness, I have a small matter to ask about,” said the Minister of Personnel.

Lu Huaizhou thought it was official business. “What is it?”

“Well… it’s just…” The minister hesitated, then, seeing Lu Huaizhou waiting seriously, forced himself to ask, “May I ask why Duke Chang is refusing to meet matchmakers?”

Lu Huaizhou frowned slightly. “That’s what you wanted to ask?”

The minister felt his heart tighten and nodded. “Yes… that’s it.”

“He already has someone in mind.” Lu Huaizhou left that sentence behind and walked off.

“Ah? So he already has someone he likes?” The minister wanted to ask which family the girl was from, but by the time he looked up, the Regent was already far away.

Once the news spread, the number of matchmakers gradually decreased.

—

On the day of the visit to the Lu residence, Jiang Ji put on a specially bought new outfit—a moon-white long robe that made him look more refined. He even had Xiao Liu carefully comb his hair smooth and tied it up with a white jade hairpiece.

His features were handsome—a truly elegant young gentleman.

“How do I look? Is it good?” Jiang Ji turned in front of Lu Huaizhou. “It’s not inappropriate, right? Should I change into something more formal?”

“No need.” Lu Huaizhou looked at him, his gaze deepening slightly. Holding his hand, his voice lowered, “This is perfect. You look good.”

Jiang Ji glanced at his clothes and smiled. “Alright, then let’s go.”

Since both Lu Huaizhou and Minister Lu had duties during the day, the visit was arranged for the evening.

—

Once they got into the carriage, Jiang Ji, who had been excited just moments ago, suddenly fell quiet. His hands unconsciously tightened together.

Although Lu Huaizhou said his family had agreed, the thought of formally meeting his elders still made him nervous.

Seeing this, Lu Huaizhou took his hand and held it, chuckling softly. “Haven’t you already met them? Why so nervous?”

“It’s different,” Jiang Ji said, turning to look at him. “Last time I met them as a friend. This time it’s as their son-in-law.”

Lu Huaizhou: “……”

Jiang Ji lowered his voice. “Grandfather and your father are both highly learned. Do you think they’ll look down on me for not having studied much?”

“You know more than all of us,” Lu Huaizhou said. “Relax. Just be the same as when you’re with me.”

When Jiang Ji spoke about things from the immortal world, many of his ideas had struck Lu Huaizhou as novel, sometimes even illuminating.

Jiang Ji looked doubtful. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Your Highness, Duke Chang, we’ve arrived at the Lu residence,” Lu Jiu reported from outside.

Jiang Ji immediately straightened his posture.

Lu Huaizhou stepped down first. “Come.”

“Oh, alright.”

Steward Fu was waiting at the gate, smiling. “Young master, Duke Chang, the master and madam are in the main hall.”

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou nodded, and the two walked in side by side.

“Father, Mother.”

After Lu Huaizhou finished greeting them, Jiang Ji cupped his hands and bowed in a junior’s greeting. “Uncle Lu, Aunt Lu.”

Minister Lu and Madam Lu returned the courtesy. “Duke Chang.”

Jiang Ji paused for a moment. “Uncle Lu, Aunt Lu, you can just call me Xiao Ji.”

The two exchanged a glance. Minister Lu said nothing, while Madam Lu smiled. “Alright, Xiao Ji.”

Jiang Ji immediately broke into a smile. He glanced back at Lu Jiu, who stepped forward. Jiang Ji took the gift boxes from his arms.

“Uncle Lu, Aunt Lu, this is my first formal visit. I asked Brother Huaizhou what you might like and prepared a few gifts. I hope they suit your taste.”

He handed the gifts to them.

“There was no need to be so polite,” Madam Lu said with a smile. She accepted the boxes and passed them to Steward Fu. “You’ve been thoughtful. Come, sit and have some tea. Huaichuan has gone to invite his grandfather. He’ll be here shortly.”

“Alright.”

—

As they spoke, Lu Huaichuan came in, supporting Old Master Lu.

Jiang Ji immediately stood and bowed again. “Jiang Ji greets Grandfather Lu.”

Old Master Lu looked him over carefully. This was his first time meeting Jiang Ji. The young man had clear features, upright and bright eyes, and an energetic bearing.

He nodded inwardly. “Mm. Sit.”

Lu Huaichuan smiled at Jiang Ji and helped his grandfather to the seat of honor.

Lu Huaizhou deliberately added, “Grandfather, Jiang Ji has brought gifts for everyone. He put a lot of thought into them.”

Old Master Lu glanced at the gift boxes placed on the side table. “You’ve been thoughtful.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Brother Huaizhou mentioned that grandfather likes pre-Qingming Longjing tea, so I asked someone to bring back a tin.”

Just moments ago it was “Grandfather Lu,” and now it was simply “Grandfather.”

Lu Huaizhou curved his lips as he sipped his tea. Minister Lu’s eye twitched slightly. Madam Lu paused for a moment. Only Old Master Lu, upon hearing “pre-Qingming Longjing,” broke into a smile.

“Oh? Pre-Qingming Longjing?” He set down his teacup and said to the steward, “Bring it here for me to see.”

Minister Lu coughed lightly. “Father, how can you open a gift in front of the giver?”

Jiang Ji smiled. “We’re family, it’s alright.”

Minister Lu: “……” They weren’t family yet.

Old Master Lu added, “Xiao Ji is right. Sooner or later, we’ll be family. Stop being so stiff.”

Minister Lu: “……”

Steward Fu brought over a tea canister-shaped box. “Duke Chang, is this the one?”

“Yes, that’s it.” Jiang Ji nodded.

Steward Fu handed it over and helped remove the outer wrapping. Old Master Lu opened the box, revealing tea leaves stored in a porcelain container. He opened it and took a sniff.

“Hahaha, that’s the scent.” He was delighted, the wrinkles on his face deepening as he smiled. “I heard recently there’s none left in the capital. How did you manage to get this?”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Brother Huaizhou mentioned you liked it, and I happened to know a merchant from that region, so I asked him to bring some. I’m glad you like it.”

Lu Huaizhou glanced at him, eyes tinged with amusement. He could come up with an excuse effortlessly.

“Good, good, I like it.” Old Master Lu hugged the tea like a treasure, sniffed it again, then closed the lid. “Steward Fu, store it properly for me.”

“Yes, sir.”

Minister Lu watched his father being won over by a single tin of tea and let out a cold snort.

—

Jiang Ji glanced at him, then picked up another box and walked over. “Uncle Lu, I heard you like Duan inkstones. Mo Bao Zhai recently acquired one, so I bought it. Please see if you like it.”

Minister Lu paused. “The Duan inkstone from Mo Bao Zhai… you were the one who bought it?”

A few days ago, he had heard the shop acquired two Duan inkstones and had rushed over, only to be told they were already sold—both of them.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes, I bought them.”

Minister Lu looked at the box in his hands, unsure whether to accept it. Madam Lu shot him a look of mild annoyance, took it, and said, “Shall I open it for you?”

He hesitated, then said, “I’ll do it myself.”

She patted Jiang Ji’s arm. “Don’t mind him. He’s always like this.”

“I don’t mind.” Jiang Ji shook his head.

Minister Lu opened the box. Inside lay an inkstone carved with pine and crane motifs. His eyes lit up. He lifted it with both hands and examined it carefully.

The stone was smooth and fine, firm yet delicate, with two ink eyes. His face showed excitement. “A fine inkstone!”

Old Master Lu came over to take a look as well. “Oh, it even has ink eyes. Xiao Ji has a good eye.”

“Thank you, Grandfather,” Jiang Ji said. “This one is called Songhe Yannian. It suits Uncle Lu perfectly.”

Minister Lu admired it, clearly reluctant to put it down. Then he remembered something. “The shopkeeper said both inkstones were bought by one person. Was that you?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. The other one doesn’t have ink eyes, so I gave it to Brother Huaizhou.”

“Oh, I see.” Since it was all staying within the family anyway, Minister Lu said happily, “I’ll go take a look tomorrow.”

Lu Huaizhou: “…Mm.”

—

Seeing both his grandfather and father open their gifts, Lu Huaichuan nudged Jiang Ji. “Brother Jiang Ji, do I have a gift too?”

“Of course. The biggest one is yours.” Jiang Ji pointed to the large square box on the table.

Lu Huaichuan happily ran over and opened it. Inside were five smaller boxes. On top was a small one. He opened it to find “meal vouchers.”

Jiang Ji explained, “There are ten of them. With these, you can ask me to cook anything you want.”

“Really?” Lu Huaichuan’s eyes lit up. “You’re not lying to me?”

“Of course. Even things you haven’t eaten before, I can make for you,” Jiang Ji said. Since Lu Huaichuan loved food, Jiang Ji had thought about it for a long time before deciding on this gift.

“Thank you, Brother Jiang Ji.”

Lu Huaichuan looked at the other boxes. He picked one up and opened it. Inside were thin slices that smelled delicious.

“Food?!” He immediately grabbed a piece and ate it. It was fragrant and crispy, slightly salty with a hint of spice, and even a bit of a roasted flavor. “This is so good—what is it?”

“These are potato chips,” Jiang Ji explained. “They’re made from potatoes.”

“So good!” Lu Huaichuan grabbed another piece.

A hand reached over and took two slices. He looked up—it was his mother. He immediately hugged his box. “Mother, Brother Jiang Ji gave this to me!”

Madam Lu gave him a sideways glance. “I’m your mother. I can’t have any?”

Lu Huaichuan: “……Didn’t you already take two pieces?”

Madam Lu: “How stingy.”

Lu Huaichuan quickly closed the box and opened the other three. Inside were a bowl of pickled chili chicken feet, a bowl of spicy beef jerky, and a bowl of spicy strips.

He tasted them one by one, hissing from the heat while saying, “So good!”

Madam Lu, who could handle spice better, nodded repeatedly. “Delicious.”

Old Master Lu and Minister Lu were drawn over by the commotion and came to take a look. Without hesitation, they reached out and started eating too.

“Grandfather, Father! That’s my gift!”

His father glared at him. “Yours can’t be eaten?”

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