Ch 87: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

A Duke has emerged from Changping County, something never seen before in the entire county or even the whole of Yunzhou. Both the Changping County yamen and the Yunzhou prefectural office issued proclamations of the joyous news, and before long, every commoner across the county and prefecture knew of it.

The next day, Jiang Ji’s household laid out a grand banquet, inviting the entire village as well as the local gentry of the county. Zhao Ru also invited Eunuch Wen and Prefect Xu.

Jiang Ji Dining Hall closed for the day, and everyone from the restaurant returned to the village to help.

Their employer had suddenly become a duke, and everyone at the restaurant was brimming with excitement.

At dawn, Han Qingshan and the others hauled all kinds of ingredients back to the village.

As soon as they arrived, Han Qingshan led Yu Yang and Xiang’er forward, kneeling before Zhao Ru and kowtowing three times.

Before Jiang Ji and the others had departed earlier, Lu Huaizhou had sent Lu Wen with men to Huawen County to gather evidence of the crimes committed by Han Qingshan’s former master and that young master.

A few days ago, Han Qingshan and Yu Yang had been brought to Huawen County as plaintiffs, only returning yesterday. They also brought back the remains of Xiang’er’s elder sister, burying her outside the city.

The trial concluded the day before yesterday. That family had finally paid the price for their actions. The young master who had abused Han Qingshan’s eldest daughter to death had not only harmed her, but had previously tortured another girl to death and abducted innocent women. This chapter is translated by Hololonovels.com. His crimes were numerous, and all were uncovered this time. He was sentenced to execution, pending final review and approval by the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review.

Several other suffering families, like Han Qingshan’s, finally received justice.

“Madam,” Han Qingshan said, kneeling on the ground with his forehead pressed to it, his eyes red, “this old servant thanks Madam and the young master for avenging my daughter. I am willing to serve like an ox or horse, and would not refuse even death.”

“Get up quickly.” Zhao Ru already knew of the matter. She hurriedly helped them up, stroking Xiang’er’s head as she said to Han Qingshan, “The great wrong has been avenged. From now on, just live well.”

“Yes. Ah, and I have yet to congratulate Madam.” Having just risen, Han Qingshan wiped his tears, then smiled and knelt again. “Congratulations, Madam, on being conferred First-Rank Honored Lady. Congratulations, Young Master, on becoming Duke Chang!”

Zhao Ru was both laughing and on the verge of tears from their earnestness. Smiling, she took red envelopes from the side and handed them out. “Thank you. Let us all rejoice together.”

The others from the restaurant stood nearby. They all knew what had happened to Han Qingshan’s family and could not help but feel deeply moved.

Looking at them, Zhao Ru asked, “By the way, where is Lu Wen?”

“Brother Lu Wen returned to the capital after settling matters on our side,” Han Qingshan replied.

“I see.”

After receiving everyone’s congratulations and distributing rewards, Zhao Ru smiled and said, “There will be many guests today. I’ll have to trouble you all.”

Manager Lü laughed. “Madam, rest assured. This is exactly what we are best at. With us here, you may leave the kitchen and the reception of guests to us without worry.”

“Good, good. Thanks to all of you.”

Han Qingshan and the others led people to begin work. With him overseeing the kitchen, the manager and Xiao Shan arranged the tables and chairs in front, setting out fruits and pastries, ready to receive guests one by one.

Zhao Ru watched them, then glanced at Lu Shun, feeling deeply relieved to have them. Otherwise, she would have been completely at a loss.

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei had taken leave for the day, as they were to go to the capital soon, and both were extremely excited.

They did not know how powerful a duke truly was and had even gone to ask Lu Shun to understand.

Today, the two wore long robes they rarely put on, and Jiang Xia also wore a ruqun she seldom wore. Before the guests arrived, they followed Lu Shun in learning etiquette, with Zhao Ru joining them as well.

Before long, guests began to arrive in succession, and they stopped.

Aside from the villagers, Prefect Xu, Lord Chen, the newly appointed county magistrate and assistant magistrate, the four great families of Changping County the Sun, Zhang, Lin, and Tian households as well as many gentry who came upon hearing the news all arrived one after another.

The three-courtyard residence of Jiang Ji’s family was filled with guests.

When the guests arrived, they brought gifts and firecrackers. The crackling sounds at the entrance rang out continuously, while inside, laughter and cheerful voices never ceased.

Master Lin and Master Zhang sat at a table drinking tea. Master Lin had visited Jiang Ji’s home several times before. Smiling as he looked upon the lively scene, he sighed, “Not even a year, and Brother Jiang Ji has become a duke.”

Master Sun also laughed. “Indeed, who would have thought?”

The Lin and Sun families had little conflict with Jiang Ji’s business and had instead benefited.

As for the Tian family, their restaurant business had already been affected by Jiang Ji, and the Zhang family would soon feel the impact as well, with no way to counter it. The two heads of household could barely force smiles.

They could only exchange bitter smiles.

Master Lin looked at them, especially at the strained smile on Master Zhang’s face, and felt particularly pleased.

Among the four families, Master Lin had previously lent estates to Jiang Ji twice and was thus more familiar with his household.

“I just heard something while I went to the latrine,” Master Lin said mysteriously. “Do you know what it was?”

Master Sun asked curiously, “What?”

“I heard the villagers say that Jiang Yan is actually the Regent,” Master Lin said in a low voice.

The others were shocked. Master Tian set down his teacup. “Uncle Lin, is this true?”

“It’s true. I heard it with my own ears.” Master Lin lifted his chin. “If you don’t believe me, go ask.”

Just then, Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei ran over. Master Lin called out, “Young Master Jiang Nan.”

Now that Jiang Ji had been made a duke, Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei’s status rose with him, and even Master Lin and the others addressed them as young masters.

Jiang Nan looked at Master Lin. “Uncle Lin, what is it?”

Master Lin asked, “I heard people outside saying Jiang Yan is the Regent. Is that true?”

Jiang Nan, Jiang Bei, and Jiang Xia had only learned yesterday that their Brother Jiang Yan had such an astonishing identity.

Jiang Nan nodded. “Yes, they say he’s a prince.”

Jiang Bei corrected him, “He’s the Regent, not just an ordinary prince.”

Jiang Nan nodded again. “Oh, I know. But that’s still a prince, isn’t it? I didn’t say anything wrong.”

Jiang Bei: “….”

Once the news was confirmed, Master Lin and the others were left speechless.

No one had expected that the person Jiang Ji casually saved would turn out to be the Regent. Even in storybooks, no one would dare write something like this.

Master Zhang and Master Tian lost all thoughts of resistance.

A single duke was already enough to crush them completely, let alone adding a Regent on top of that.

Looking at Master Zhang’s bitter expression, Master Lin felt a surge of satisfaction.

He himself had not expected that his years-long feud with the Zhang family would be struck at through Jiang Ji.

Jiang Ji’s household remained lively for the entire day. That very night, Zhao Ru and the others packed their belongings, and the next day they set off for the capital together with He Ling and his group.

…

The capital.

Jiang Ji returned from the estate outside the city. It began to drizzle halfway along the road. After entering the residence, he asked the gatekeeper, “Has the regent returned?”

“Reporting to Duke Chang, His Highness has not yet returned.”

Jiang Ji glanced at the sky. “It’s already dark, and he’s still not done?”

The gatekeeper was used to it. “His Highness is extremely busy. Envoys from the north, from Huíhé, will arrive in a few days. His Highness and the others are likely occupied with that matter.”

It was over half an hour later when Lu Huaizhou returned.

Jiang Ji had been waiting to eat with him. Lu Huaizhou brushed the rain from his clothes. “If I’m late in the future, you should eat first. Don’t let yourself go hungry.”

Jiang Ji told Xiao Liu to bring out the dishes that had been kept warm. “I want to eat with you.”

Lu Huaizhou’s expression softened immediately. After washing his hands, he sat down. “I was afraid you’d be hungry.”

“It’s fine to wait a little.” Jiang Ji placed a bowl of rice in front of him and asked, “How many days until the envoys arrive?”

“Three days.” Lu Huaizhou picked up his chopsticks and placed a piece of chicken into Jiang Ji’s bowl. “There will be a palace banquet then. You’ll attend with me.”

“Alright.” Jiang Ji nodded and ate the chicken. “I heard they’ve come this time for a marriage alliance?”

Lu Huaizhou nodded. “They brought the young princess of their leader.”

Jiang Ji asked curiously, “The Emperor is only ten. They won’t just place her into the imperial harem, will they?”

Lu Huaizhou glanced at him. “In a few years, consummation would still be possible.”

“Oh.” Jiang Ji understood. “That makes sense.”

“How are things at the estate? Have the plantings been finished?” Lu Huaizhou asked.

These past few days, Jiang Ji had been going back and forth to the estate, arranging for winter crops that could survive the cold.

“Yes, the estate on my side has been arranged today.” Jiang Ji spoke while eating. “Tomorrow I’ll go take a look at the lands under your name.”

As Regent, Lu Huaizhou had been granted ten thousand mu of land by the late Emperor.

“Mm. Leave it all to you. Take Uncle Zhong and Lu Jiu with you,” Lu Huaizhou said, nodding, then added more meat to Jiang Ji’s bowl. “You’ve worked hard.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “It’s nothing. Once I finish arranging yours, I still need to go to the Lu Residence. Mother said the Lu family lands will also be entrusted to me for planting.”

Lu Huaizhou looked at him, smiling softly. “Mm. It’s all thanks to Duke Chang. I’ll have to hold tight to the Duke’s thigh.”

“Clinging to a thigh” was a phrase Lu Huaizhou had learned from Jiang Ji.

Jiang Ji lifted his chin. “Easy. I’ll arrange everything perfectly.”

The two exchanged a smile.

The next day, Lu Wen returned.

Jiang Ji asked about Han Qingshan’s case, and Lu Wen reported everything in detail.

Hearing that the scoundrel young master had been sentenced to execution, Jiang Ji felt at ease. This chapter is translated by hololo Novels dot com. Han Qingshan and the others should finally be able to move forward.

A few days later, the Huíhé envoys arrived in the capital. Jiang Ji had gone outside the city that day and did not see them, but he heard it had been very lively.

The following evening, the Emperor held a palace banquet to welcome the envoys.

The banquet began at you hour. From shen hour that afternoon, the invited officials, accompanied by their families, began entering the palace.

Jiang Ji had gone out to the fields that morning and only hurried back in the afternoon. After washing up, he put on his purple ducal court robes for the first time.

As he walked toward the gate, he opened his livestream. He had changed the title yesterday to “Live: Palace Banquet,” and today the audience was large.

“Alright everyone, we’re heading out.”

“Go, go, I’ve been waiting forever.”

“Let’s see what a palace banquet looks like.”

“I’ve been waiting since this afternoon.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Didn’t I clearly write the time?”

“We don’t want to miss even the smallest detail.”

“We want to watch the whole thing live, not a replay.”

When Jiang Ji reached the gate, Lu Jiu and Lu Wen had already brought the carriage and were waiting.

“Duke Chang, Lord Lu sent word that he, Madam, and the second young master are waiting for you at the palace gate,” Lu Jiu reminded him as he boarded the carriage.

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up in surprise. He hadn’t expected Minister Lu to wait for him.

As his future father-in-law, Minister Lu had reluctantly accepted his relationship with Lu Huaizhou, but likely still found him somewhat displeasing.

Yet at such a moment, Minister Lu had personally come to wait for him. He must have been worried that Jiang Ji, attending a palace banquet for the first time, would not understand the etiquette, and had come specifically to guide him.

“Alright, then let’s hurry.”

The Regent’s Residence was close to the Imperial Palace, and they arrived quickly. Many carriages were already parked along the western side of the palace gate. Lu Jiu scanned the area, spotted the Lu Residence carriage, and drove over.

“Duke Chang, we’ve arrived.”

Jiang Ji lifted the curtain and stepped down. Nearby, Minister Lu and the others also got down upon seeing him.

Minister Lu wore formal court robes like him. Madam Lu was dressed in the splendid attire of a titled lady, and Lu Huaichuan wore a white long robe, full of youthful spirit.

“Uncle, Aunt, my apologies for keeping you waiting,” Jiang Ji said, stepping forward and bowing.

“Duke Chang.” Outside, Jiang Ji was addressed by his title. Minister Lu and the others returned the courtesy.

Lu Huaichuan grinned and added, “Brother Jiang Ji.”

“Mm.”

Each side addressed the other in their own way.

Madam Lu looked at Jiang Ji. Tall and well-proportioned, with a handsome face, he carried himself with ease. Smiling, she asked, “I heard from the gatekeeper that you went outside the city today. Did you just get back?”

“Yes. I came back, washed up, changed clothes, and then came straight here,” Jiang Ji replied.

“Did Huaizhou tell you the matters you should pay attention to?” she asked again.

Jiang Ji nodded and said earnestly, “He did. I’ve remembered them. It’s my first time attending such an important palace banquet. If I do anything improperly, I ask Uncle and Aunt to guide me.”

Minister Lu glanced at him and gave a slight nod. “Stay with me. Let’s go in.”

The group walked toward the palace. After passing the guards at the entrance, they had just stepped inside when a young eunuch approached from the side.

“Duke Chang, Minister Lu, Madam Lu, Second Young Master Lu.”

Minister Lu recognized him as one who served under Eunuch Wu and asked, “Is there something?”

The young eunuch bowed. “The Regent is still occupied and instructed this servant to escort Duke Chang to the banquet.”

Minister Lu: “…”

Jiang Ji’s eyes curved with a smile. “Go back and tell the Regent that I’ll go together with Minister Lu. Tell him not to worry.”

“Yes. This servant takes his leave.”

Seeing this, Madam Lu could not help but feel moved. Her eldest son truly had Jiang Ji in his heart.

She smiled. “Huaizhou is thoughtful as always, even sending someone specifically to escort you.”

“Mm, he has always been considerate,” Jiang Ji said, clearly pleased.

Along the way, they encountered many officials and titled nobles, all accompanied by their families. Upon seeing Jiang Ji and Minister Lu, they came forward to exchange greetings.

Lu Huaichuan nudged Jiang Ji lightly and whispered, “Brother Jiang Ji, a lot of ladies and young misses are secretly looking at you.”

Jiang Ji had already noticed. “Just curiosity. That’s only natural. Plenty are looking at you too.”

Lu Huaichuan lifted his chin. “Well, I am quite dashing.”

“…Both you and your brother do look the part,” Jiang Ji said, then asked with interest, “Do you have someone you fancy yet?”

Lu Huaichuan shook his head. “No. I spend all my time at the Imperial Academy. Where would I find the time for that? Besides, I’m only seventeen. At the very least, I’ll think about it after my coming-of-age ceremony.”

Jiang Ji glanced at Madam Lu walking ahead. “Has Aunt not arranged a match for you?”

“Not yet,” Lu Huaichuan said quietly. “Before, my older brother was there to take the attention. Mother didn’t notice me.”

Jiang Ji lowered his voice as well. “Then you’d better prepare yourself.”

Lu Huaichuan stared at him. “You’re that eager?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “I’ll reach my coming-of-age next year. I can start a family then.”

Lu Huaichuan: “…Can’t you wait a couple more years?”

“Your brother will be twenty-seven next year!” Jiang Ji glared at him. “You should think for him too.”

Lu Huaichuan sighed. “Alright.”

Jiang Ji patted his shoulder. “Take care of yourself.”

Madam Lu turned back to look at them. “What are you two whispering about?”

“Nothing. We were saying how beautiful the palace scenery is. Last time I came, I didn’t get a proper look,” Jiang Ji replied.

Lu Huaichuan: “…” Brother Jiang Ji, your ability to lie with a straight face is even better than mine.

Madam Lu smiled. “Then later, have Huaichuan take you around. He’s been here a few times.”

“Alright.”

Before it was time to be seated, those attending the banquet gathered in the Imperial Garden, admiring flowers and drinking tea.

Madam Lu separated from them and went to join the titled ladies and female relatives. Minister Lu led Jiang Ji and Lu Huaichuan to a side hall, where the officials rested briefly.

Seeing his father about to enter, Lu Huaichuan quickly pulled Jiang Ji back and said to him, “Father, we won’t go in. I’ll take Brother Jiang Ji to stroll through the Imperial Garden. He hasn’t seen it before.”

Minister Lu looked at them, his brows slightly furrowed. “Do not act rashly or cause trouble.”

“Understood.”

Jiang Ji looked at him. “Uncle, we’ll see you at the banquet.”

Minister Lu gave a slight nod. “Mm.”

Jiang Ji bowed, then followed Lu Huaichuan away.

“Good thing you didn’t go into that side hall,” Lu Huaichuan said. “It’s all officials in there. Boring. Like being at court.”

“You’ve never attended court,” Jiang Ji laughed. “You say it as if you have.”

Lu Huaichuan sighed. “Think about it. You see the same people day in and day out. Isn’t that just like court?”

Jiang Ji chuckled.

Lu Huaichuan led him into the Imperial Garden. As they passed a pavilion, five or six young men sat inside, sons of various noble families. When they saw Lu Huaichuan approaching with someone in purple ducal robes, they all paused in surprise.

One young man in fine white robes stepped forward, around twenty-one or twenty-two years old. “Huaichuan, is this… Duke Chang?”

“Yes.”

The young men immediately bowed. “Greetings, Duke Chang.”

Jiang Ji returned the courtesy. “Greetings.”

Lu Huaichuan turned and introduced the man who had spoken. “This is Qin Yuheng, eldest son of the Duke Qin’s residence, my cousin on my aunt’s side.”

“Ah—” Jiang Ji looked at the young man before him, refined and elegant like polished jade. Read the full translation on HololoNovels.com Something clicked, and he leaned in to ask Lu Huaichuan in a low voice, “Second on the Capital’s Eligible Suitors ranking?”

“Yes, yes, that’s him.” Lu Huaichuan couldn’t help laughing, then looked at him in surprise. “Brother Jiang Ji, how do you even know that?”

“Lu Jiu told me.” Jiang Ji shrugged.

Lu Huaichuan grinned. “Then do you know who’s first?”

“Mm. Your brother.”

Lu Huaichuan nodded with a smile.

Seeing the two of them laughing, the other young men exchanged confused glances.

Qin Yuheng asked, “What are you laughing about?”

Lu Huaichuan answered directly, “We were saying that Cousin, you’re ranked second on the Capital’s Eligible Suitors list.”

Qin Yuheng: “…”

Everyone froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.

“The Duke even knows about that?” one of the young men asked.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Mm, I’ve heard of it. I also know third place is the son of the Vice Minister of Justice.”

“Exactly, exactly. But now, aside from the Regent, everyone’s ranking has to shift down. Brother Yuheng’s second place won’t hold anymore, it’s going to change hands.”

Jiang Ji: “Oh?”

The young man grinned. “The Capital’s Eligible Suitors ranking was just updated recently. Second place is now yours, Duke Chang.”

Jiang Ji: “…Alright, I somehow ended up gossiping about myself.”

He smiled. “That ranking will be updated again very soon.”

Lu Huaichuan immediately understood: “…”

Everyone looked at Jiang Ji curiously. The same young man asked, “Why is that?”

Jiang Ji said mysteriously, “You’ll find out in a while.”

After that exchange, Jiang Ji smoothly blended into their group.

The young masters were all quite curious about him. Most were around the same age, some even older, yet he had already been made a duke at nineteen. Naturally, they wanted to see what kind of person he was.

They had originally assumed Jiang Ji came from a rural background. Even if his learning did not match theirs, they thought he might barely recognize a few characters. But after talking with him, they realized their impression was completely wrong.

Jiang Ji could follow any topic, and his words carried substance. Many of his perspectives were fresh and original. Even when it came to poetry and literature, he had his own interpretations.

These young men had all been somewhat proud of themselves before, but now they no longer dared to act superior. Instead, they began to feel a measure of admiration for Jiang Ji.

Lu Huaichuan looked at him and whispered, “Brother Jiang Ji, how do you know so much?”

Jiang Ji lowered his voice. “I’m just making it up as I go.”

Lu Huaichuan: “…”

After a while, a palace attendant came to inform them that the banquet was about to begin and they should take their seats.

Jiang Ji followed them into the banquet hall, where attendants led them to their assigned places.

The sky was beginning to darken, but the hall was already lit with brilliant lamps. The decorations were lavish and resplendent.

At the highest position was the Emperor’s throne. On either side were tables for the Empress Dowager and the Taifei, and beside the Empress Dowager was another table for Princess Qinghe.

Below, on the platform, was the seat of the Regent, Lu Huaizhou. Along both sides of the hall, desks were arranged. Officials sat according to rank, with their family members seated at tables behind them.

Aside from one elderly prince of the imperial clan, there were no other royal relatives present in the capital. As a duke, Jiang Ji’s seat was placed close to Duke Qin’s, near the front. Across from them, several tables were left empty, reserved for the envoys.

After Jiang Ji took his seat and waited a while, the envoys entered under the guidance of the Vice Minister of Rites.

Jiang Ji looked over. Among the envoys, there was indeed a young woman. She appeared quite young, her face veiled, dressed in red ethnic attire. Even in the late autumn chill, a slender section of her waist was exposed. Small bell ornaments adorned her wrists and ankles, chiming softly with each step.

As soon as she entered, she drew many gazes.

Once all the guests were seated, a moment later, an attendant announced, “The Regent arrives—”

Lu Huaizhou entered from the main hall doors, dressed in black robes embroidered with python motifs.

Everyone rose to greet him.

Jiang Ji lifted his gaze and met Lu Huaizhou’s eyes, smiling at him. Lu Huaizhou returned the smile.

“The Emperor arrives, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager arrives—”

The Emperor supported the Empress Dowager as they walked in front, followed by the Taifei and the princess. They took their seats.

The guests bowed once more. The envoys stepped forward to pay their respects. The Emperor spoke a few words of welcome and declared the banquet officially begun.

Music filled the hall as performers from the Imperial Music Bureau danced in rhythm. The guests ate and drank while enjoying the performances.

Aside from the official performances, many young masters and ladies from noble families also presented their talents.

Jiang Ji opened his livestream. While watching, he covered his mouth slightly and whispered to his viewers, “See that? Everyone’s incredibly skilled. Even in ancient times, these young nobles were grinding hard. Without at least one specialty, you couldn’t really show your face out here.”

【That young lady playing the zither is so pretty】

【The young master who was doing the sword dance just now is handsome】

【They all look great】

“That young lady was playing the guzheng,” Jiang Ji explained. “A very distinctive traditional instrument.”

【Sounds so nice】

【The guy next to her, the one playing sideways, what is that?】

“That one is called a flute.”

【Streamer, streamer, can we have a giveaway for these instruments next time?】

【Those instruments must be pretty expensive】

【Streamer’s got money now, just do a normal giveaway, no need for super expensive ones. I really want to learn the guzheng, it sounds amazing】

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. “Sure. I’ll have someone go buy them tomorrow. Once they’re here, I’ll do a giveaway for instruments. There are lots of types.”

【That’s awesome!】

【Streamer, are you serious? These are instruments, whoever wins is basically hitting the jackpot】

【Ahhh I want to win so badly!】

“Serious.” Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “I can also get you some sheet music.”

【All hail the streamer!】

【I’m so excited! I study music, I want to learn!】

Up above, Lu Huaizhou had been keeping an eye on Jiang Ji the whole time. Seeing him covering his mouth, looking at the performers one moment and staring into empty space the next with a strange expression, he couldn’t help but shake his head with a faint smile.

He must be talking to immortals again.

Midway through the banquet, just as the atmosphere was at its liveliest, the envoys seated across from Jiang Ji, along with the princess, all stood and moved to the center of the hall.

Eunuch Wu quickly signaled for the music to stop.

The envoys bowed toward the upper seats. The leading envoy looked up at the Regent and the Emperor and said, “Your Majesty, Regent, our Huíhé tribe has long admired the splendid culture of the Central Plains. This time, I also carry an important mission entrusted by our Khan—to find a worthy husband for our beloved Princess Aizhu, to forge a marriage alliance and strengthen the friendship between our peoples for generations.”

All the ministers already knew of this and looked toward the front.

Lu Huaizhou asked politely, “May I ask whom the Khan and Princess Aizhu have in mind?”

Princess Aizhu lifted her gaze and looked directly at Lu Huaizhou.

Jiang Ji, watching from the side, felt his eyelid twitch. This translation is from HololoNovels.com. Could it be that Princess Aizhu had taken a liking to Lu Huaizhou?

The next moment, the envoy laughed heartily and said, “We have heard that the Regent is both accomplished in civil and martial matters, and exceptionally heroic. Our people have always admired such men. Princess Aizhu is willing to marry the Regent as his consort.”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

Jiang Ji: “…”

The hall fell silent, all eyes turning to the Regent.

Even the Emperor widened his eyes slightly and glanced down at him. The Empress Dowager and Empress were equally surprised.

Minister Lu, Madam Lu, and Lu Huaichuan were all stunned.

Jiang Ji lifted his gaze, watching Lu Huaizhou closely, waiting to see how he would respond.

Lu Huaizhou glanced at Jiang Ji, then said calmly, “I already have someone in my heart. Princess Aizhu and the envoy should choose another.”

After those words, everyone was stunned again.

The Regent… had someone he liked?

Who?

All eyes turned toward Minister Lu and Madam Lu.

Minister Lu, Madam Lu: “…”

They couldn’t help but look at Jiang Ji, only to see him smiling slightly, seemingly quite satisfied, leisurely lifting his cup to take a sip.

Minister Lu, Madam Lu: “…”

One of the young men beside Lu Huaichuan tugged at his sleeve and whispered, “Who does the Regent like?”

Lu Huaichuan brushed his hand away. “Don’t ask.”

The envoy and Princess Aizhu clearly hadn’t expected this response. The envoy glanced at the princess.

Princess Aizhu stepped forward and said in somewhat unpolished speech, “May I ask which family’s young lady the Regent favors? Could she come out and compete with me? Whoever wins will become the consort.”

Everyone was stunned. This Princess Aizhu was bold… and fierce.

“Pff—” Jiang Ji spat out a mouthful of tea and started coughing.

A nearby attendant quickly patted his back. After he finished coughing and noticed everyone staring at him, he waved his hand. “Carry on.”

Minister Lu, Madam Lu, Lu Huaichuan: “…”

A trace of amusement appeared in Lu Huaizhou’s eyes, but when he looked back at Princess Aizhu, his expression turned cold.

“Do you take me for an object to be contested over?”

His gaze turned dangerous, his voice low and chilling, as if freezing the air itself. An invisible pressure spread through the hall.

Princess Aizhu lowered her head, no longer daring to meet his eyes. “That’s not what I meant.”

The envoy quickly bowed, placing his right hand over his chest. “Regent, the princess merely admires you greatly. There was no intention to offend.”

Lu Huaizhou said coldly, “Then choose someone else.”

The envoy turned and spoke to Princess Aizhu in their own language. She bit her lip, glanced around, and suddenly pointed to the side. “Then I’ll marry him.”

Everyone followed her gaze. Silence fell again.

Minister Lu, Madam Lu, Lu Huaichuan: “…”

Jiang Ji was wiping his clothes when he sensed something off. He looked up, only to see that the slender finger of Princess Aizhu was pointing directly at him.

Jiang Ji: “…”

He blinked, completely baffled. What does this have to do with me?

Before he could speak, Lu Huaizhou’s expression darkened. “Duke Chang is not an option. Choose someone else.”

Princess Aizhu bit her lip, dissatisfied. “Why not him? You already have someone you like. Does he also have someone? Or is he already married?”

Jiang Ji stood up helplessly. “My apologies, Princess Aizhu. I also have someone I like.”

Princess Aizhu: “…”

She glared at him. “You’re lying!”

Jiang Ji kept a straight face. “I truly do have someone I like. We’ll be formally engaged soon.”

“You’re lying. Then tell me, who is it?” she demanded. “I heard you were only recently granted your title. You’re not married.”

Lu Huaizhou said in a deep voice, “The one he likes is me. He will marry me soon. Did you hear that clearly?”

As soon as those words fell, the entire hall was stunned.

What did the Regent just say?

The few young men who had spoken with Jiang Ji earlier suddenly realized—

So that’s what he meant about the ranking being updated.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

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