Ch 89: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

Recently, Lu Jiu and Lu Wen had been following Jiang Ji everywhere. Whether he went to the estate or strolled through the capital, having them with him put Lu Huaizhou more at ease.

That day, after breakfast, the two went to wait for Jiang Ji, only to be told by Xiao Liu that he had already gone out.

“Gone out?” Lu Jiu was startled. “Went to the estate? That can’t be right, he’d take us with him if he did.”

Xiao Liu shook his head. “The Duke didn’t say.”

Lu Wen frowned. “Did he go alone?”

“He took Old Zhou and Old Wang,” Xiao Liu replied. Then he looked at the two of them, puzzled. “Why didn’t you go with the Duke?”

Old Zhou and Old Wang were guards Jiang Ji had brought from his own household.

“We didn’t know. He usually leaves around this time. He even said yesterday he’d go to the estate,” Lu Jiu said, brows tightly knit. “How long have they been gone?”

“About a quarter of an hour.” Hearing their concern, Xiao Liu grew anxious as well. “The Duke isn’t familiar with the capital, and neither are Old Zhou and Old Wang. How can they go out without someone who knows the city? Where could they have gone?”

“Don’t panic,” Lu Wen said quickly. “Maybe he just went out shopping. Xiao Liu, go find Uncle Zhong and have him send people to search. Lu Jiu and I will look first.”

“Alright.” Xiao Liu hurried off.

Lu Jiu and Lu Wen left the residence and asked the gatekeeper, “Did the Duke say where he was going? Which direction did he head?”

“He didn’t say. He went that way.” The gatekeeper pointed down the street ahead.

“Did he take a carriage?”

“No, he went on foot.”

Lu Wen analyzed, “No carriage means he probably didn’t leave the city. So not the estate.”

Recently, Jiang Ji had been busy arranging the planting for the lands of both the Regent’s Residence and the Lu Residence. Lu Huaizhou’s lands were to the east of the city, while the Lu family’s lands were to the west. If Jiang Ji were going there, he would have needed a horse or carriage.

Lu Jiu said, “Maybe he went to buy something. The Duke’s residence has just been renovated, maybe he needs to add furnishings?”

“That makes sense. I’ll check the Duke’s residence. You head east. I’ll search west afterward.”

“Alright.”

At the crossroads, the two split up, one heading west, the other east.

Lu Wen went to the Duke’s residence, which was currently only guarded by a gatekeeper sent from the Regent’s Residence.

“The Duke hasn’t come here,” the gatekeeper said.

Lu Wen continued searching west.

The two searched the streets but found nothing. They regrouped at a crossroads, then split again, one heading north and the other south.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ji, accompanied by Old Zhou and Old Wang, stood at the entrance of the capital’s official matchmaking office.

He had brought silver with him today, planning to hire a matchmaker first and then purchase the betrothal gifts.

He wanted to surprise Lu Huaizhou with the proposal, so arranging the matchmaker had to remain secret. That was why he hadn’t told Lu Jiu or Lu Wen, bringing only Old Zhou and Old Wang.

This official matchmaking office was part of the local government, essentially a state-run marriage bureau. It not only arranged matches for eligible young men and women but also registered children’s birth details. When those children reached marriageable age, the assigned matchmaker would visit and arrange their marriage.

Just then, a matchmaker auntie came out. Seeing the three of them, she greeted them warmly. “Young masters, are you here to hire a matchmaker or to register a child?”

“To hire a matchmaker,” Jiang Ji replied.

“Then come with me, I’ll take you inside,” she said, leading the way. “Different districts have different official matchmakers. Which street do you live on?”

“Zhuque Street, Duke Chang Residence.”

The matchmaker suddenly stopped and turned to look at him, eyes lighting up. “You’re from Duke Chang’s residence? Are you here to hire a matchmaker for Duke Chang?”

News of the Duke and the Regent’s impending marriage had been spreading all over the capital. Of course, official matchmakers had heard of it.

Old Zhou smiled. “Yes. This is Duke Chang himself.”

The matchmaker’s eyes widened in shock. “You… you are Duke Chang?”

Jiang Ji nodded with a smile. “Yes.”

She quickly bowed. “Greetings, Duke Chang. I failed to recognize you. Please forgive my lack of proper welcome.”

Jiang Ji gestured lightly for her to rise. “No need for such formality. I’m here to ask for your help.”

She looked him over. Though his complexion was slightly tanned, he was strikingly handsome, with a warm and approachable smile.

She led them into the main hall, poured tea, and said, “Duke Chang, may I ask if you’re hiring a matchmaker to propose to the Regent?”

Jiang Ji took a sip of tea and nodded. “Exactly.”

The matchmaker’s expression turned slightly odd, then she smiled. “Then you and the Regent truly think alike.”

“Hm?” Jiang Ji set down his cup. “What do you mean?”

“Both Duke Chang’s residence and the Regent’s residence are on Zhuque Street. The matchmaker in charge of that area is Sister Wu. She went to the Lu Residence early this morning. Someone from the Lu family invited her.”

Jiang Ji froze for a moment. “The Lu Residence also hired a matchmaker?”

“Yes, that’s why I said you and the Regent had the same idea,” she said with a smile.

Jiang Ji: “…”

If the Lu Residence hired a matchmaker, it must be for Lu Huaizhou’s marriage proposal. He blinked, realizing the situation had just become complicated.

They were both men. According to Great Sheng’s customs, the question of who proposes to whom was already a problem.

But now that the matchmaker for their district had already left, it wasn’t appropriate for him to chase her down at the Lu Residence.

After thinking for a moment, Jiang Ji asked, “Auntie, are you free now? My mother hasn’t arrived in the capital yet. Could you explain the customs here regarding proposals and betrothal gifts? What should be prepared?”

The matchmaker nodded with a smile. “Of course. The customs here in the capital are like this, let me explain…”

Jiang Ji took out a notebook and pen. Sitting across from her, he wrote as she spoke, asking questions whenever he didn’t understand, filling several pages.

“…Those are the required betrothal gifts. Beyond that, Duke Chang can add more as he sees fit. Gold and silver items, jewelry, fabrics and furs, fine furniture, all are appropriate,” she said.

“Thank you, Auntie.” Jiang Ji noted everything down, then added, “If the matchmaker in charge of our area returns, please send someone to inform me.”

“Of course. I’ll notify you immediately.”

Jiang Ji gave her some payment and was just stepping out when she spotted a woman entering.

“Duke Chang, she’s back, she’s back!”

She quickly called out, “Sister Wu, come here quickly, Duke Chang is looking for you!”

The matchmaker surnamed Wu appeared slightly older. Hearing that Duke Chang was looking for her, she immediately walked over, assuming at first that Jiang Ji was merely a servant sent on his behalf.

“This young master, did Duke Chang send you to find me for a proposal?” the matchmaker asked.

The other matchmaker quickly tugged her sleeve and reminded her, “This is Duke Chang himself.”

Matchmaker Wu looked at Jiang Ji in shock, then hurriedly bowed. “Greetings, Duke Chang.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “No need for formalities. I heard you just went to the Lu Residence. Was it Madam Lu who called for you?”

“Yes, it was indeed regarding your marriage with the Regent,” Matchmaker Wu said with a smile. “Duke Chang, please come inside.”

Jiang Ji still had questions for her, so they returned to sit down. The earlier matchmaker excused herself and went off to attend to her work.

Jiang Ji asked curiously, “Auntie, what did Madam Lu say?”

“Ah, well…” Matchmaker Wu hesitated. Such matters weren’t usually discussed casually with others.

Jiang Ji said, “Please feel free to speak. I’m not familiar with the marriage customs in the capital, so I wanted to see how the Lu family is preparing, so I can use it as a reference.”

Matchmaker Wu looked at him. Considering he had only recently come to the capital, it was reasonable he might not know the local customs. She asked, “May I ask, Duke Chang, why you sought me out?”

“I want to ask you to go to the Lu Residence and propose marriage on my behalf,” Jiang Ji said directly.

Matchmaker Wu paused, surprised. “Duke Chang, you also want me to propose?”

Jiang Ji blinked. So Madam Lu really was preparing for a proposal. He nodded. “Yes.”

“Oh my, what a coincidence,” she exclaimed, slapping her thigh lightly. “Madam Lu said your mother would be arriving soon. After the housewarming banquet at the Duke’s residence, she plans to formally come to propose. She asked me to reserve a date and we discussed the arrangements.”

That timing was almost exactly the same as Jiang Ji’s own plan.

Jiang Ji felt a bit conflicted. He had originally intended to go directly to the Lu Residence to propose, but now that he knew Madam Lu was preparing as well, it felt… awkward.

Madam Lu must have acted on Lu Huaizhou’s wishes. Only now did Jiang Ji realize that Lu Huaizhou might have had the exact same idea as him.

They both wanted to propose to each other.

If it turned into “you propose to me, I propose to you,” and outsiders found out, it would likely become a joke.

And given their statuses, they couldn’t just act carelessly.

“Auntie, since the Regent and I are both men, in our situation, how would it be most appropriate to handle the proposal?” Jiang Ji thought for a moment, then asked, “Is it possible to propose to each other?”

Matchmaker Wu considered carefully. She understood what he meant. Between two men, traditionally, the one who proposes would be seen as taking the dominant role in the household, equivalent to the “husband.”

But seeing that both Madam Lu and Jiang Ji had come to her, it was clear neither side had reached an agreement on that point.

After a moment, she said, “Duke Chang, have you discussed this with the Regent?”

Jiang Ji sighed. “I originally wanted to give him a surprise.”

Matchmaker Wu: “…”

As expected of someone experienced, she thought it through and said, “You are both of high status, one the Regent, the other a duke. It wouldn’t be appropriate for either side to appear subordinate. Why not skip the formal proposal altogether, or choose the same day for both families to meet? Your elders can exchange betrothal gifts, which would count as a mutual proposal, and then discuss the rest of the marriage arrangements together. How does that sound?”

That was exactly what Jiang Ji had been thinking. “Then the betrothal gifts would also be mutual?”

“Yes, that would work as well.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “I understand. Thank you, Auntie. I’ll go back and discuss this with the Regent.”

“Very well. Once you’ve agreed and set a date, just send someone to inform me. I’ll make the arrangements,” she said.

“Alright, I’ll trouble you then.”

After leaving the matchmaking office, Jiang Ji immediately began shopping.

He needed to prepare betrothal gifts.

The Duke’s residence was still largely empty. Aside from the items bestowed by the Emperor, which couldn’t be casually given away, everything for the betrothal had to be prepared by him.

He first sent Old Zhou back to fetch a carriage, then looked over the list the matchmaker had given him. It required twelve items each of gold, silver, and jade. He went straight to the best jewelry shop in the capital and bought the finest pieces. Anything that wasn’t exquisite enough, he didn’t even consider.

Passing by a tea shop, he selected several packages of the finest tea. At a silk shop, he picked out a few bolts of fabric. The most luxurious brocades had already been reserved by wealthy families, so those weren’t available and would have to be obtained through the system instead.

He continued shopping until, outside another jewelry store, he ran into Lu Jiu, who had been searching for him.

Lu Jiu rushed over when he saw him, then glanced at the carriage behind him. “Duke Chang, we’ve been looking for you for ages. Didn’t you leave without a carriage?”

“Oh, Old Zhou went back to fetch it,” Jiang Ji replied.

“Are you heading out of the city now?” Lu Jiu glanced at the sky. “It’s almost noon.”

“No, I’m buying betrothal gifts.” Jiang Ji looked at him, holding up his little notebook with a grin. “Good timing. I still need a lot. Come help me.”

“Be—betrothal gifts?” Lu Jiu stammered, completely stunned.

“Of course. Your Prince has such a grand household. I have to prepare properly too.”

Lu Jiu: “…”

“Come on, take me to pick out more gold and jade pieces. There’s still a big gap.”

Lu Jiu: “…You’re talking about them like they’re cheap goods.”

Jiang Ji patted his shoulder. “You get the idea. Let’s go.”

Helpless, Lu Jiu led him to the most renowned shops in the capital. Only then did he truly understand what “sweeping the stores” meant.

After returning to the residence for lunch, Jiang Ji went back out in the afternoon with Lu Jiu and the others, continuing to shop for betrothal gifts, practically combing through the entire capital.

By evening, Lu Jiu deliberately waited at the entrance of the Regent’s Residence. When Lu Huaizhou returned, he asked with a complicated expression, “Your Highness… have you prepared your betrothal gifts?”

“Hm? Why do you ask?” Lu Huaizhou replied, puzzled.

Lu Jiu answered, “Duke Chang bought the finest gold, silver, jade, silk, and tea in the city today. He also purchased a premium set of red sandalwood desk and chairs, and even had people exchange for a thousand taels of gold ingots… and ten thousand taels of silver ingots.”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

Lu Jiu looked at his prince and said anxiously, “Your Highness, you need to start preparing quickly. Otherwise all the good items will be bought up by the Duke.”

Lu Huaizhou nodded. “Understood.”

His betrothal gifts were already being prepared by Uncle Zhong. His treasury was well-stocked, so there was no need to purchase additional items.

Returning to the courtyard, Lu Huaizhou saw Jiang Ji seated at the table, writing and sketching in his little notebook.

Hearing him, Jiang Ji looked up, his eyes lighting up, a smile spreading across his face. “You’re back.”

He raised his voice, “Xiao Liu, bring the meal.”

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

Lu Huaizhou washed his hands, then walked over. “What are you writing?”

Jiang Ji snapped the notebook shut and refused to show him. “Secret.”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

A faint smile tugged at his lips. He sat beside him, took a sip of tea, and asked, “Didn’t go to the estate today?”

“Mm, I had something to do.” Jiang Ji put his notebook away. “I went to the matchmaking office today. I was planning to hire a matchmaker, but only then did I find out you had Mother arrange one too?”

Lu Huaizhou nodded. “Yes.”

“I knew it was your idea.” Jiang Ji took a sip of tea, then continued, “But I thought about it. With our status, it doesn’t really work for one to propose to the other. So I discussed it with the matchmaker. What do you think about choosing a date and proposing together? The matchmaker said our elders can meet, exchange gifts, and consider that the formal step.”

Lu Huaizhou thought briefly and understood. He nodded. “That works.”

“And for the formal betrothal ceremony, we do the same?” Jiang Ji asked.

“Alright. We’ll follow your lead.”

Jiang Ji looked a bit worried. “I wonder if Father and Mother will agree.”

“After dinner, we can go ask them together,” Lu Huaizhou said.

“Okay.” Jiang Ji looked at him and sighed. “I originally wanted to surprise you. Who knew you’d act even faster than me.”

Lu Huaizhou smiled faintly and leaned in to kiss him on the lips.

Jiang Ji blinked, then wrapped an arm around the back of his head and kissed him back.

After dinner, the two went together to the Lu Residence and explained their plan for the proposal and betrothal.

A marriage between two men was unprecedented in the capital. There were no customs to follow, so everything had to be figured out step by step.

Minister Lu and Madam Lu thought it over. Minister Lu agreed and asked, “After the marriage, will you live at the Regent’s residence or the Duke’s residence?”

Lu Huaizhou replied, “At the Regent’s residence. Aunt and the younger siblings will live there as well. The security there is tighter, so it’s safer for them.”

Minister Lu looked at Jiang Ji.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes, we’ll stay at the Regent’s residence. That way we won’t need to hire so many servants for the Duke’s residence, just arrange for regular upkeep. When Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei grow up and marry, they can move back and live there.”

Madam Lu smiled. “That sounds good. The Honored Lady has just arrived in the capital and isn’t familiar with things here. The younger ones are still small, so living together will make it easier to look after them.”

“Exactly, that’s what we were thinking,” Jiang Ji said with a smile.

With that settled, they only needed to wait for Zhao Ru to arrive in the capital to fix a date, and then the two families could proceed.

Jiang Ji hurried to arrange all the lands belonging to both residences. Then he found time to exchange the remaining gold, silver, and jade betrothal items through the system, preparing everything in advance. As for fruits, pastries, and gift boxes, those would have to be prepared the day before.

Looking at the betrothal gifts piled in storage, Jiang Ji nodded in satisfaction. Now he just needed to wait for his mother.

…

A few days later, near noon, at the Ten-Li Pavilion south of the capital, a convoy of carriages slowly approached along the southern road.

Jiang Ji immediately stood and looked into the distance. “I wonder if it’s them this time?”

Lu Jiu had sharp eyes. He spotted He Ling riding at the front right away.

“Your Highness, Duke Chang, it’s He Ling. The Honored Lady and the others have arrived!”

Hearing this, Jiang Ji ran straight onto the road, waving eagerly toward the distance.

Lu Huaizhou also stood and walked to the roadside to wait.

On the other side, He Ling saw them as well. He rode up beside the second carriage and said, “Honored Lady, His Highness and Duke Chang are waiting ahead to receive us.”

Inside the carriage, Zhao Ru and the others had been traveling for over ten days and were all exhausted. Even Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei, who had been excited on the first day, had grown listless, now half-asleep.

Hearing He Ling’s voice, Zhao Ru immediately opened her eyes. “Xiao Ji and Jiang Yan are here?”

“Yes, just ahead.”

Zhao Ru quickly woke the children. “Xia’er, Jiang Nan, Jiang Bei, wake up. Your brother and Jiang Yan are here to meet us.”

Xia’er lifted the curtain and peeked out. “Ah! It’s really Brother! Brother—!”

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei rubbed their eyes and leaned out the window. Seeing the figures in the distance, their energy instantly returned.

“Brother! Brother Jiang Yan—!”

“Big Brother—Brother Jiang Yan—!”

They shouted at the top of their lungs, their little faces flushed with excitement.

Jiang Ji ran forward, seeing his mother, Xia’er, and Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei leaning out.

“Mother—!”

He leapt onto the carriage, lifted the curtain, and saw his family after so long.

“Mother, Xia’er, Jiang Nan, Jiang Bei.”

“Xiao Ji.” Zhao Ru saw her son and finally let out a breath of relief.

“Brother!”

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei grinned and threw themselves at him. Jiang Nan exclaimed, “Brother, we finally get to see you! Are we almost at the capital?”

“Yes, just ten more li.” Jiang Ji ruffled their hair and patted their backs, smiling. “The journey must’ve worn you out, huh?”

Jiang Nan nodded, his face scrunched. “Yeah… I didn’t expect the capital to be so far. It’s been over ten days. So boring.”

Zhao Ru laughed. “At least they didn’t cry or fuss, or it would’ve been exhausting.”

Jiang Bei protested, “We’ve grown up already. Why would we cry? Mother, you’re underestimating us.”

“Exactly, only babies cry and fuss,” Jiang Nan added, nodding, then turned to Jiang Ji. “Brother, we behaved really well.”

Jiang Xia smiled and teased, “Oh really? Then who was whining on the road, refusing to eat this and that?”

Jiang Nan: “…”

Jiang Ji raised a brow. “Oh? Jiang Nan has things he doesn’t like to eat?”

Jiang Nan hesitated, then said, “That was because I didn’t feel well! I had no appetite!”

Zhao Ru explained with a smile, “The journey was tiring. He wasn’t quite used to it.”

Jiang Ji rubbed Jiang Nan’s head and asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Are you sick?”

“I don’t know, just uncomfortable. My head feels dizzy,” Jiang Nan said.

Zhao Ru added, “It’s nothing serious. We had a doctor look at him. He said it’s just adjusting to the change in environment. He’s already much better these past couple of days.”

Jiang Ji reassured him, “When we get back, I’ll cook something good for you. Want that?”

At the thought of his brother’s cooking, Jiang Nan immediately perked up. “Yes!”

The carriage came to a stop, and Lu Huaizhou stepped in. “Aunt, Xia’er, Jiang Nan, Jiang Bei.”

“Brother Jiang Yan!” the three children called out together.

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou looked them over one by one. “After more than ten days of travel, are you all alright?”

Zhao Ru smiled. “We’re fine, don’t worry.”

With the family reunited, the carriage filled with chatter. Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei excitedly talked about their journey and asked Jiang Ji about life in the capital. Laughter filled the space.

There were four carriages in total. Jiang Ji asked, “Why are there four?”

Zhao Ru explained, “One for Eunuch Wu, one from the Bureau of Weaving, and for the last one, I brought Han Qingshan and Yu Yang along. Didn’t you say the Duke’s residence would be having a housewarming? There will definitely be a banquet. I thought bringing them would make things easier.”

Jiang Ji brightened. “That’s perfect. You really thought this through, Mother. I had planned to bring them after the new year when we moved the whole household, but this works even better. Now the officials in the capital can taste our cooking.”

Zhao Ru nodded. “That’s what I was thinking.”

She looked at Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan. “How are things between you two?”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Uncle and Aunt have already agreed. We’re just waiting for you to arrive so we can proceed with the proposal.”

Hearing that, Zhao Ru’s last bit of worry eased. “That’s good.”

Jiang Xia blinked and smiled brightly at them. “Congratulations, Brother. Congratulations, Brother Jiang Yan.”

Lu Huaizhou’s lips curved upward as he nodded.

Jiang Bei asked curiously, “Second Sister, what are you congratulating them for? And what was that about proposing just now? Is Brother getting married?”

Jiang Ji grinned. “Yep, I’m getting married.”

Jiang Nan’s eyes widened. “But Brother, didn’t you say you wouldn’t get married for a couple of years?”

“I’ve changed my mind,” Jiang Ji replied without hesitation.

Jiang Bei was startled. “Brother, you change your mind a lot.”

Jiang Ji lifted his chin. “Plans can’t keep up with changes. Things like this depend on fate, you know?”

Jiang Bei nodded vaguely. “Oh.” He didn’t fully understand, but if his brother said it, it must be right.

After a while, Lu Jiu called from outside the carriage, “Your Highness, Duke Chang, we’ve reached the city gates.”

Jiang Nan leaned out the window, took a look, and shouted excitedly, “Wow, we’ve arrived at the capital!”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾