Ch 90: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

The carriage slowly entered the capital. Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei leaned out by the window, their little heads side by side, curiously looking around, glancing left and right as they chatted.

“Jiang Bei, look! The streets are so wide, much wider than our county.”

“Yeah, this is the capital after all. Hey, what’s that? It looks so delicious.”

“I don’t know. Let’s have brother bring us to buy it tomorrow.”

“So many people…”

On the other side, Zhao Ru and Jiang Xia had also lifted the curtain and were taking in the sights, their eyes filled with curiosity, though they weren’t leaning out like the two boys.

Jiang Ji smiled. “Today, we’ll go back and rest properly. Tomorrow, Mother and I will go to the palace to give thanks, and in the afternoon, we’ll go out and explore.”

Jiang Nan cheered, “Alright! I want to eat delicious food! I’ll try everything in the capital!”

“You’ll need a really big stomach for that,” Jiang Bei said. “The capital is huge.”

“Are you silly, Jiang Bei? It’s not like we have to eat everything in one day. Today we eat on this street, tomorrow on another. Then we’ll get through it all.”

Jiang Bei pouted. “That’ll still take a long time. Maybe we won’t even finish before we leave. And… it might not even taste as good as what Big Brother makes.”

Jiang Nan replied, “Then if it’s not good, we just have Big Brother cook, right?”

Jiang Ji tapped him on the head. “You’re very good at assigning me work. Dreaming big, aren’t you?”

Jiang Nan held his head, grinning as he flattered him, “Brother, your cooking is the best.”

At that, the whole family laughed.

It had been a long time since they shared such a lively, joyful atmosphere. Jiang Ji felt deeply content watching them.

Back home, Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei could be noisy and annoying at times, but after more than a month apart, Jiang Ji realized he had missed their chatter.

He said to Zhao Ru, “Mother, we’ll stay at the Regent’s residence first. After a couple of days, we’ll move to the Duke’s residence. After the housewarming banquet, I’d like you all to live with me at the Regent’s residence. Is that alright?”

Zhao Ru paused, glancing between the two of them. “Live at the Regent’s residence… even long-term? Would that be appropriate?”

“It will be fine,” Lu Huaizhou said. “Aunt, you’ve just arrived in the capital and aren’t familiar with it yet. The Regent’s residence has strong security and plenty of space. Living together will put both Jiang Ji and me at ease.”

Zhao Ru looked at Jiang Ji. “But later, when Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei grow up…”

“They can move back to the Duke’s residence when they’re older,” Jiang Ji said.

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei: “…”

Jiang Nan patted Jiang Bei’s shoulder. “It’s fine, we still have more than ten years.”

Jiang Bei: “…”

Having just arrived, Zhao Ru indeed felt unfamiliar with everything. Especially with their sudden rise in status, she might have to interact with noble ladies in the capital. Having guidance from the Regent’s household would make things much easier.

“I just worry about troubling you, Jiang Yan.”

“It won’t be trouble,” Lu Huaizhou said. “It’s better for family to live together. I’m used to it as well.”

Zhao Ru then asked, “What about your parents’ side?”

Even if it wasn’t clear who was “marrying into” whose household, this was still the Regent’s residence. Zhao Ru worried his parents might have opinions about her whole family living there.

“They already know, and they think it’s a good arrangement,” Lu Huaizhou replied.

Zhao Ru glanced at Jiang Ji, who nodded. “Uncle and Aunt are very kind.”

That reassured her somewhat. “Then we’ll do as you say.”

Even though her son had been granted the title of Duke Chang, in this unfamiliar capital, their whole family was new and inexperienced. They didn’t know the customs or the people, and might unknowingly offend someone.

For now, the only person they could rely on was Lu Huaizhou.

Zhao Ru understood this clearly. Since she couldn’t help her son much yet, she would simply follow his lead.

The carriage traveled for another half hour before reaching the Regent’s residence. Eunuch Wu and the people from the Bureau of Weaving got down, paid their respects to Lu Huaizhou and Jiang Ji, then continued on toward the palace.

Zhao Ru and the others stepped down from the carriage.

The gates of the residence were imposing, flanked by two towering stone lions. The entrance was grand, with a plaque above reading “Regent’s Residence.”

Uncle Zhong stood at the entrance with the household staff to welcome them.

“So impressive,” Jiang Bei said.

Jiang Nan nodded. “It really is.”

Zhao Ru and the others were equally astonished. They had known Jiang Yan was the Regent, but seeing it in person made it real.

They had passed many grand households along the way, but none compared to this. Only now did they truly feel that Jiang Yan was indeed the Regent, a man second only to the Emperor.

Uncle Zhong stepped forward. “This old servant greets the Honored Lady, the young lady, and the two young masters.”

Lu Huaizhou introduced him. “Aunt, this is Steward Zhong. If you need anything, just tell him.”

“Alright.” Zhao Ru nodded, glancing at the staff. Most were men, with only a few servant women. She smiled at him. “We’ll be troubling you all from now on.”

Steward Zhong bowed. “It is our duty. Please rest assured.”

Entering the residence, Steward Zhong reported, “The quarters for the Honored Lady, the young lady, and the two young masters have all been arranged. Allow me to lead you there.”

Zhao Ru asked in surprise, “We’re all staying separately?”

He paused. “Not separately?”

Zhao Ru looked at Lu Huaizhou. “I’ll stay together with Xia’er, Jiang Nan, and Jiang Bei. We’re used to it. If we’re too far apart and only see each other once or twice a day, it would feel lonely. We can separate later when they’re older.”

Lu Huaizhou nodded. “As you wish, Aunt. Then you can stay in the Wutong Courtyard next to Jiang Ji and me. Would that be alright?”

“That’s fine.” Zhao Ru nodded in satisfaction. “Closer is better.”

Jiang Ji was also pleased. In large households, everyone usually had their own courtyard. Aside from formal greetings, even meals were often taken separately, which gradually distanced family relationships.

“Lu Jiu, take Uncle Han and Yu Yang to settle in,” Lu Huaizhou instructed.

“Yes, Your Highness.” Lu Jiu smiled at them. “Uncle Han, Yu Yang, come with me. Now that you’re here, we’ll be eating well.”

Han Qingshan and Yu Yang bowed to Lu Huaizhou and the others, then followed Lu Jiu toward the back courtyard.

Yu Yang laughed. “Just tell me what you want to eat, I’ll cook it for you.”

Watching them leave, Jiang Ji said to Lu Huaizhou, “How about having the cooks from the Lu Residence come over to learn from Uncle Han and the others?”

“Alright.” Lu Huaizhou nodded, then turned to Steward Zhong. “Uncle Zhong, send someone to the Lu Residence to inform them.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Steward Zhong immediately called someone over and sent him off. Not long after, two cooks from the Lu Residence arrived.

Lu Huaizhou and Jiang Ji brought Zhao Ru and the others to Wutong Courtyard. They arranged things just as they had at home. Zhao Ru and Xia’er stayed in the main room, while Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei shared the east wing.

Steward Zhong came in with two maids and two young servants. “Honored Lady, these are Chunmei and Xiahe. They joined the residence a few days ago and have already been trained. They will serve you and the young lady. These are Xiao Qi and Xiao Ba, from the original household. They will take care of the two young masters.”

Zhao Ru looked at the two young maids and the boys, nodding. “Alright, thank you for your efforts.”

After settling in and washing up, the whole family went to the dining hall for their first reunion meal in the capital.

“Oh, this braised lion’s head is quite well done,” Zhao Ru said after tasting it.

“Mm, I taught them,” Jiang Ji said with a smile.

Lunch had been prepared by the Regent’s household cooks. Jiang Ji had taught them several dishes when he had time. Of the eight dishes on the table, four were local specialties of the capital, and four were dishes Jiang Ji had taught, in case Zhao Ru and the others weren’t used to the local flavors.

“I thought so. It tastes just like yours,” Zhao Ru said with a smile.

Jiang Nan also gave his verdict, “Still not as good as what Brother makes.”

“Got it. I’ll cook something nice for you tonight,” Jiang Ji said, ruffling his hair.

Jiang Nan grinned.

Steward Zhong watched as the Regent sat at the table, a constant smile at the corner of his lips, clearly in high spirits, and couldn’t help but feel moved.

Since becoming Regent, Lu Huaizhou had been burdened with heavy responsibilities, growing increasingly reserved, rarely showing his emotions.

But ever since his return, Steward Zhong had seen a more relaxed side of him again, even smiling often, especially when he was with Jiang Ji.

He had never imagined the Regent could sit like this, at ease, sharing a meal with family.

Seeing this, Steward Zhong couldn’t help but smile, feeling deeply gratified.

After the meal, Zhao Ru and the others chatted for a while before going to rest. The long journey had left them exhausted.

When they woke, Jiang Ji personally took them on a tour of the residence.

“Wow, the Regent’s residence is huge,” Jiang Nan exclaimed, looking at the garden ahead. “We’ve walked so long, and there’s still a back garden we haven’t seen!”

Jiang Bei asked, “Big Brother, does our residence have a garden too?”

“Yes, but not as large as this one,” Jiang Ji nodded. “We have things to do tomorrow. The day after, we’ll go take a look. We need to prepare for the housewarming banquet.”

“Alright!” Jiang Nan clapped happily.

After wandering around for a while, toward evening, Minister Lu returned from duty, bringing Madam Lu and Lu Huaichuan with him.

Since Zhao Ru would be going to give thanks at court the next day, not only meeting the Emperor but also the Empress Dowager, Lu Huaizhou had specially invited Madam Lu to explain the proper etiquette. Madam Lu would also accompany Zhao Ru.

At the same time, this was also an opportunity for both families to meet over a welcoming banquet.

“Honored Lady.” Madam Lu, who herself held the rank of First-Rank Honored Madam, Lady Zhao Ru with a formal bow.

“Oh, Madam Lu, you’re too kind,” Zhao Ru said, somewhat flustered, returning the greeting. “You are Jiang—no, the Regent’s mother. Please don’t be so formal with me.”

Madam Lu took Zhao Ru’s hand and smiled warmly. “Then… in-law?”

“Yes, yes,” Zhao Ru nodded with a smile. “In-law.”

The two women laughed.

Zhao Ru called Jiang Xia, Jiang Nan, and Jiang Bei over. “Come, greet Uncle Lu, Aunt Lu, and Brother Huaichuan.”

The three bowed and said in unison, “Greetings, Uncle Lu, Aunt Lu, Brother Huaichuan.”

“This must be Xia’er,” Madam Lu said, looking at them. She took Jiang Xia’s hand and slipped a jade-green bracelet from her own wrist onto hers. “What a lovely girl. Aunt really likes you. Take this as a gift.”

Jiang Xia froze, staring at the bracelet. “Aunt, this is too valuable. I can’t accept it.”

“It’s nothing, wear it,” Madam Lu said, smiling. Jiang Xia had bright eyes and a delicate face, utterly endearing.

Jiang Xia glanced at her brother. Jiang Ji nodded. Remembering the etiquette Lu Shun had taught her, she curtsied. “Thank you, Aunt.”

Madam Lu held her hand, smiling. “I always wanted a daughter. Girls are so thoughtful. But in the end, I had another son.”

Lu Huaichuan said helplessly, “Mother, I’m still right here.”

“I wish you had been a daughter. At least you wouldn’t annoy me so much,” Madam Lu replied irritably.

Lu Huaichuan clutched his chest dramatically. “Mother, I’m heartbroken, truly heartbroken. You should comfort me…”

His exaggerated act made Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei burst into laughter.

“That’s enough, stop showing off,” Madam Lu said, half amused, half exasperated, ignoring him. She bent down and looked at the twins. “Now, which one is Jiang Nan, and which is Jiang Bei?”

Jiang Bei was about to answer when Jiang Nan quickly covered his mouth. “Aunt, you guess?”

“Oh? Let me guess,” Madam Lu said, pinching Jiang Nan’s cheek. “You’re the older brother, Jiang Nan, and this is the younger one, Jiang Bei. Am I right?”

She had already heard about the twins. The more mischievous one was Jiang Nan, while the steadier one was Jiang Bei.

Jiang Nan released Jiang Bei and said happily, “That’s right!”

Jiang Bei asked curiously, “Aunt, how did you guess correctly?”

Madam Lu tapped their noses and smiled. “You tell me.”

Jiang Nan: “…”

Jiang Bei: “…”

Seeing their blank, puzzled expressions, Madam Lu laughed happily. She took out two jade pendants from her sleeve pouch and placed one in each of their hands. “These are a matching pair. One for each of you, perfect for you to wear.”

The two boys were both adorable and clever, and Madam Lu liked them very much.

“Thank you, Aunt,” Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei said together, bowing in thanks.

Zhao Ru then presented a gift Jiang Ji had prepared and gave it to Lu Huaichuan. “I heard you’re preparing for the spring examinations. Aunt wishes you success—may your name appear on the honors list and may you take first place.”

Lu Huaichuan bowed with a smile. “Thank you, Aunt. I’ll gladly accept your blessing.”

After that, Madam Lu took Zhao Ru and Jiang Xia aside, chatting with them about life in the capital and explaining the etiquette for their audience with the Emperor the next day.

Minister Lu wanted to play a game of chess with Lu Huaizhou, but Lu Huaizhou declined.

“I need to go prepare dinner with Jiang Ji. You can have Steward Zhong play with you,” he said.

Minister Lu: “……”

Meanwhile, Lu Huaichuan took Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei to play in the courtyard.

It was the first meeting between the two families. Seeing how well everyone got along, Jiang Ji felt reassured. He went with Lu Huaizhou to the kitchen and prepared a full table of dishes.

That evening, both families sat together, chatting and laughing over a warm meal.

After dinner, Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei were taken by Xiao Qi and Xiao Ba to wash up. Jiang Ji stayed in the main hall with Zhao Ru, listening as Madam Lu explained the details of their visit to the palace the next day.

The ceremonial attire for a First-Rank Honored Lady had already arrived. After taking Zhao Ru’s measurements, the Bureau of Weaving had rushed it to the capital in time.

With Madam Lu and the maids assisting her, Zhao Ru tried on the formal robes and practiced the proper etiquette.

…

The next day, Jiang Ji, Zhao Ru, and Madam Lu entered the palace.

Jiang Ji first brought Zhao Ru to meet the Emperor and express their gratitude. The young Emperor asked a few questions, then dismissed them.

Afterward, Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru went to see the Empress Dowager, where Madam Lu was already present.

After offering thanks and chatting briefly, they all took their leave.

Only after exiting the palace gates did Zhao Ru grasp Madam Lu’s hand nervously. “I didn’t make any mistakes, did I?”

Madam Lu patted her hand reassuringly. “No, you did very well.”

Zhao Ru let out a breath. “That’s good… that’s good.”

She glanced back at the imposing palace gates, thinking she never wanted to enter again. It was too nerve-wracking, as if a single wrong word could cost her life.

In any case, they had completed the formalities without issue and returned.

Madam Lu said, “If you need any help with the Duke Chang Residence’s housewarming banquet, just let me know.”

Jiang Ji replied, “Thank you, Aunt.”

The banquet was set for three days later, and invitations had already been sent. Over the next two days, they needed to prepare the residence. Early that morning, Steward Zhong had already taken people over to begin arrangements.

He had originally suggested moving items from the Regent’s residence to decorate the place, but Jiang Ji refused.

“No need. Everyone knows my family were farmers. Filling the place with expensive decorations would be inappropriate. We only need what’s necessary for the banquet—just a few essential items. Simple is fine.”

Steward Zhong cautioned, “Duke, people in the capital tend to judge by status. If there’s too little, you might be looked down on or mocked.”

“Let them mock,” Jiang Ji said. “Reputation is earned. Even if we display expensive items, they’ll assume they came from the Regent’s residence. Wouldn’t that make it seem like I’m putting on airs?”

Steward Zhong paused, surprised by Jiang Ji’s clarity, then bowed. “This old servant understands.”

Without elaborate decorations, preparations became much simpler. They only needed to focus on the banquet itself. Jiang Ji provided the menu, Han Qingshan and Yu Yang listed the required ingredients, and Steward Zhong arranged for everything to be purchased and prepared.

That afternoon, Jiang Ji kept his promise and took Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei out to explore the capital.

The city was bustling and dazzling. The family had a wonderful time. Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei fulfilled their wish, sampling food everywhere they went, trying this and that until their little stomachs were round with fullness.

…

The next day, they visited the Duke Chang Residence together.

Though smaller than the Regent’s residence, it was still one of the finest mansions in the capital, many times larger than their home back in the countryside.

“Brother, is this really going to be our home?” Jiang Nan asked.

“Yes.”

Jiang Bei said, “Then we can bring Xiao Yi and Xiang’er and everyone else to live here too.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Exactly. We’ll bring them all over later.”

On the day of the housewarming banquet, which Jiang Ji had deliberately chosen to fall on a rest day, they rose early. Carrying rice, flour, oil, and other essentials, they symbolically “moved in” again, reciting auspicious phrases with practiced ease.

By mid-morning, guests began to arrive one after another.

It was the first time the Duke Chang Residence officially appeared before the capital’s elite, and the first time it hosted guests.

Upon entering, the guests admired the scenery, nodding in approval.

Autumn chrysanthemums bloomed in abundance, begonias were delicate and charming, camellias vibrant, golden osmanthus fragrant. Rock formations and ponds completed the scene, with fish swimming freely.

But when they stepped into the main hall, they paused in surprise.

Aside from tables and chairs, and a few plants and flowers on the tea tables, there were no calligraphy, paintings, screens, or decorative ornaments—not even a single vase.

It was… far too simple.

Many guests glanced at Lu Huaizhou, wondering why the Regent hadn’t added more furnishings.

Lu Huaizhou and Jiang Ji stood at the front hall greeting guests. Jiang Ji cupped his hands and said, “The residence is rather simple. If anything falls short in our hospitality, I ask for your understanding.”

Seeing how composed and open Jiang Ji was, the officials all waved it off.

Soon, servants brought out tea, pastries, and fruit. The tea was a rich amber color with a deep fragrance. After taking a sip, someone exclaimed, “Excellent tea!”

Others quickly tasted it as well. One asked in surprise, “Is this pu tea?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes, I purchased it from a merchant I know.”

In truth, it was modern pu’er tea he had exchanged from the system, with more refined processing and a smoother flavor than what existed in this era.

Someone remarked, “I’ve had pu tea at His Majesty’s court before, but it wasn’t as rich as this.”

Even Prime Minister Shen said, “Full-bodied and mellow, with a lingering aroma. Very good.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “I’m glad you all enjoy it.”

While the men in the front courtyard appreciated the tea, the ladies in the back courtyard were captivated by the desserts.

Mango pudding, orange pudding, caramel pudding, osmanthus sesame jelly cakes, double-skin milk, and sweet potato cakes.

All of them were unfamiliar.

“Honored Lady, what is this? It’s delicious.”

“And this one, it’s translucent. These pastries are so delicate.”

Zhao Ru smiled. “This is called pudding. Xiao Ji made it with the kitchen staff.”

The ladies were astonished. “The Duke can make desserts too?”

Zhao Ru nodded. “He can cook as well.”

One lady added, “I’ve heard the Duke even prepared meals for His Majesty, the Empress Dowager, and the Taifei. They all loved it.”

Zhao Ru nodded. “Today’s banquet was prepared by the household cooks, but they were all taught by Xiao Ji. Please enjoy the dishes later.”

Madam Lu had come early to accompany Zhao Ru in hosting. Seeing the reactions of the ladies, she felt reassured.

At the midday banquet, the guests were stunned once again.

The twelve dishes set before them were all unfamiliar, including the “new crops” Jiang Ji had introduced to court, corn, potatoes, and chili peppers.

Everything was delicious. Not only were the dishes excellent, even the rice tasted better than what they were used to.

“So this is the new rice the Duke has been promoting. It really does taste better.”

“These fresh potatoes and corn, and this chili as well. The cooking is superb. No wonder His Majesty and the Empress Dowager praised it so highly.”

“Once summer comes and the southern regions begin planting this new rice widely, we should be able to enjoy it too.”

“And the wheat as well. The Duke said it would taste better than before.”

“I’ve heard the Duke is experimenting with new vegetables outside the city. Perhaps we’ll have new vegetables even in winter.”

“Remarkable.”

The food was so good that the guests ate to their hearts’ content, still wanting more.

During the banquet, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager also sent gifts to congratulate the housewarming, adding great honor to the occasion.

Afterward, it was said that many households began trying to replicate the desserts and the chili-free dishes served at the Duke’s banquet.

Some ladies even sent visiting cards to Zhao Ru to ask for guidance, and through these exchanges, Zhao Ru grew closer to several of them.

As for whether they succeeded in recreating the dishes, Jiang Ji didn’t bother to ask. He had something more important to prepare for, the betrothal.

Three days after the banquet, the matchmaker Wu arrived at the Regent’s residence. Minister Lu, Madam Lu, Zhao Ru, Lu Huaizhou, and Jiang Ji all gathered together.

Under the matchmaker’s guidance, both families formally expressed their consent to the marriage. They exchanged betrothal gifts and birth details, which were then placed together before the ancestral altar.

Three days later, after the name inquiry period and compatibility checks were completed, the two families met again. With the matchmaker as witness, the marriage was officially arranged.

After the engagement was settled and the others departed, Lu Huaizhou and Jiang Ji returned to their courtyard.

Inside the room, Jiang Ji held Lu Huaizhou’s hand with one hand and patted his chest with the other, letting out a breath. “It’s finally settled.”

During the three days of the name inquiry, Jiang Ji had been on edge. To avoid any mishaps, he hadn’t left the house and didn’t even allow Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei to go out, leaving the two boys bored out of their minds, clinging to Lu Jiu for entertainment.

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou tightened his grip on Jiang Ji’s hand, his gaze deep. “We’re engaged.”

“From now on, we’re officially fiancés.” Jiang Ji looked at him with a bright smile. “Hello, fiancé.”

A soft smile touched Lu Huaizhou’s lips as he leaned in and kissed him.

“Hello, fiancé.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾