Ch 102: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

Three days before the wedding, Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru temporarily moved back to Duke Chang Residence, while Lu Huaizhou temporarily moved back to the Lu Residence.

Duke Chang Residence had already been fully decorated over the past few days. The courtyards had been swept clean, red lanterns and red silk hung everywhere, and all kinds of seasonal fresh flowers had been arranged, waiting only for the wedding day.

Jiang Ji and the others were only staying here for these few days, so they had brought back only some simple clothing.

According to custom, he and Lu Huaizhou could not see each other during the three days before the wedding. Jiang Ji did not go out either and simply stayed inside Duke Chang Residence.

In the garden, flowers bloomed in brilliant clusters. Large patches of all kinds of flowers had been planted there, all from seeds Jiang Ji had given the gardeners and told them to scatter however they liked. The gardeners had clearly cared for them attentively, because everything was growing lushly.

There were also quite a few patches of freshly turned soil where flowers had been dug up and moved to the Regent’s Residence for decoration.

Aside from flowers, there were also many fruit trees. Jiang Ji had transplanted them from the family home in Changping, and after two months of settling in, most of them had survived.

These fruit saplings were not only planted in Duke Chang Residence. The Regent’s Residence and the Lu Residence had them too, and the Han Residence and Duke Qin Residence had also requested a few to plant.

Jiang Ji was loosening the soil for flowers in an open area of the garden with one of the gardeners when Lu Shun hurried over with a list in hand.

“Young Master, aside from the fresh meat and vegetables that will be delivered tomorrow morning, all the other ingredients needed for tomorrow’s banquet at the Regent’s Residence have already been prepared. Han Qingshan went over to check just now, and there are no problems.”

On the wedding day, the restaurant would close for the day. Jiang Ji had asked Han Qingshan and the others to come help manage the banquet.

“Good.” Jiang Ji raised a hand to wipe away his sweat and asked, “Has everything been decorated at the Regent’s Residence?”

Lu Shun said happily, “It’s all done. Uncle Zhong is watching over it. Both madams have gone to inspect it too. Everything is just waiting for tomorrow.”

“Mhm, good.” Jiang Ji asked, “What is my mother doing?”

Lu Shun replied, “Madam is checking the dowry, going over it one final time.”

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou were two men getting married, the first such case under heaven. After discussing it with the matchmaker, they had adopted a new method.

One month earlier, during the grand betrothal gift exchange, Duke Chang Residence had sent betrothal gifts to the Lu Residence, and the Lu Residence had also sent betrothal gifts to Duke Chang Residence.

When the wedding came tomorrow, both families would depart from their respective homes, each bringing their own “dowry” together to the Regent’s Residence.

Both were marrying out, and both were marrying in.

Jiang Ji smiled helplessly. “She’s already checked it three times.”

Lu Shun laughed too. “There are a lot of things. Madam is afraid something might be missed.”

They truly were not that familiar with the wedding customs of the capital, and none of them wanted anything to go wrong.

“How are things on the Regent’s side?” Jiang Ji asked. He had not seen Lu Huaizhou for three days. “I heard he went to the palace today?”

“Mhm. Everything at the residence is ready, with Madam there. It seems there was some urgent matter, so the Regent went to the palace.”

Jiang Ji looked at the small hoe in his hand and laughed. “The two of us are like hands-off shopkeepers.”

The wedding preparations were all being handled by Madam Lu and Zhao Ru. Jiang Ji had only decided on the banquet dishes and finalized the guest list with Lu Huaizhou. After that, there was nothing left for them to do. Even the guest list had been drafted first and merely brought to them for review.

Lu Shun grinned. “Young Master, you and the Regent just need to wait to become bridegrooms.”

“When class ends later, bring Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei back early. Don’t let them keep playing over there.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Jiang Ji and the others had set up a private school inside the Regent’s Residence and invited several learned teachers to instruct the young children of the household. Jiang Xia, Jiang Nan, and Jiang Bei were still attending class at the Regent’s Residence today, along with Sister Guihua’s son Xiao Yi, Han Qingshan’s daughter Xiang’er, and several children born into service at the Lu Residence.

Lu Shun still had to make another inspection round, so he left to continue his work.

Jiang Ji looked at the festive decorations filling the courtyard, joy brimming in both his heart and his eyes.

Tomorrow, he would be married.

After a while, Lu Jiu came to report that the village chief and his wife, the two clan elders, Uncle Tugen and Auntie Xiufang, as well as Ding Xiaojun and Manager Lü, had arrived.

“Quick, go welcome them.” Jiang Ji dropped the small hoe and hurried toward the front.

Zhao Ru had also received the notice and arrived at the front hall. Seeing the villagers she had not seen in more than two months, she was very happy too.

The village chief looked at them and said, “Originally, everyone wanted to come, but it’s just too far. They were afraid that with the round trip, they wouldn’t make it back in time for the rice harvest. So the few of us came as representatives of the whole village to congratulate Duke Chang on his marriage. But we brought everyone’s congratulatory gifts with us.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Thank you, everyone. You were all very thoughtful. The journey was so long, you must be tired. Uncle, why don’t you all wash up and rest first? Later, I’ll show you around.”

“We’re alright. The wedding is tomorrow, so there must be plenty to do. Are you all ready? Don’t worry about us. Go handle whatever you need to handle.”

“Everything is ready. The people below are busy with it. I was just digging in the soil.”

The village chief was stunned. “You’re getting married tomorrow, and you’re still digging?”

“I had nothing else to do. I was idle anyway,” Jiang Ji said with a laugh.

The village chief and the others rested for a while, ate some snacks, and then followed Jiang Ji on a tour of Duke Chang Residence.

Everyone was shocked.

“This residence is huge.”

“It really is. Beautiful too.”

Xiufang pulled Zhao Ru aside and asked in a low voice, “Duke Chang specially invited us here, but tomorrow will be full of high officials and nobles. I’m afraid we’ll embarrass you.”

“Nonsense.” Zhao Ru took her hand and said, “Don’t worry. We came from the village in the first place. Xiao Ji said not to bother with what anyone else says. You just need to eat well and enjoy yourselves. You’re tired today. The day after tomorrow, I’ll take you around the city. This place is enormous.”

Hearing her say this, Xiufang finally relaxed and smiled. “Alright, then.”

That evening, Jiang Ji personally cooked, preparing a lavish dinner together with Sister Guihua.

Han Qingshan and Yu Yang also brought Xiang’er back to Duke Chang Residence, and together with the village chief and the others, everyone celebrated lively.

Jiang Ji raised his cup and said, “Because we still have work to do tomorrow, tonight we’ll only drink a little. Thank you, everyone. You’ve all worked hard.”

“Congratulations, Young Master!” everyone said, raising their cups.

“Congratulations, Duke Chang!”

“Thank you.” Jiang Ji drank one cup, then poured another and raised it to Zhao Ru.

He looked at Zhao Ru. In the more than two months since they had come to the capital, Zhao Ru had been busy managing his wedding preparations. He had seen it all and felt grateful in his heart. “Mother, tomorrow I’m getting married. Thank you for giving birth to me, raising me, and loving me.”

“You child, why say these things on such a happy day?” Zhao Ru, conservative and traditional as she was, grew teary-eyed at such direct words of gratitude from her son, but her heart was filled with joy. She patted his shoulder. “As long as you and Huaizhou live well together, Mother will be happier than anything.”

“Mhm. Our whole family will live well.” Jiang Ji clinked cups with his mother and drank all the wine in his cup.

With tears in her eyes, Zhao Ru also smiled and tilted her head back to finish her drink.

There were proper matters to attend to tomorrow, so everyone controlled themselves and only drank a little wine. Afterward, they used tea in place of wine, and everyone came to congratulate Jiang Ji.

After the meal, Jiang Ji walked with Zhao Ru through the residence to help digest the food. Zhao Ru patted the back of his hand and said, “By rights, I should give you some advice, but you understand more than I do, and Huaizhou is a good child too. I’ll only say one thing. Xiao Ji, after you and Huaizhou are married, the two of you must be considerate of each other, cherish each other, and discuss things together whenever something comes up. Do you understand?”

“Mhm, I know. Don’t worry.” Jiang Ji nodded.

Zhao Ru smiled. “You’re both good children. I’m at ease.”

Their situation was different from other people’s. They had spent time together before marrying. They had lived together for so long, understood each other’s temperaments, and had already adjusted to each other, so married life would have far fewer conflicts.

Zhao Ru now somewhat understood what Xiao Ji had meant before about marriage needing free love and about people spending time together before marrying. It truly was more reassuring than two newlyweds who had never even met.

After their walk, Jiang Ji returned to his courtyard. Once he finished washing up, he was just about to put out the lamp and go to sleep when the window was suddenly opened, and a dark figure slipped inside.

Jiang Ji widened his eyes at Lu Huaizhou, who had climbed in through the window. “Didn’t they say we can’t see each other before the wedding? What are you doing here?”

Lu Huaizhou pulled him into his arms and kissed him. “I wanted to see you.”

Jiang Ji’s heart stirred slightly, and he laughed. “Why didn’t you use the front door? Climbing through the window like this makes us look like we’re having an affair.”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

Unable to win against him in words, Lu Huaizhou simply held him and kissed him again.

The two had not seen each other for three days. The closer the wedding drew, the more they seemed to miss each other.

After kissing for quite a while, Lu Huaizhou pulled Jiang Ji to sit by the bed. “What did you do today? I heard you didn’t go out either.”

“Mhm. I turned over a patch of soil in the garden with the gardener. I’m planning to plant some blueberries.”

Jiang Ji climbed onto the bed and lay down, then patted the space beside him. Lu Huaizhou took off his shoes, lay down as well, and held Jiang Ji by the waist as they talked.

“What are blueberries?” Lu Huaizhou asked. “A kind of fruit?”

“Yeah, a kind of fruit. They’re delicious. You’ll know once they bear fruit in a couple of years.” Jiang Ji asked him, “Is everything ready on your side? You went to the palace today? Didn’t His Majesty say you could return after finishing the wedding matters?”

“Mhm. Something urgent came up, so I handled it.”

Jiang Ji’s brow twitched. “What urgent matter?”

Seeing him frown, Lu Huaizhou answered with a smile in his eyes. “Don’t worry. It’s good news. Iron ore was found in the place you mentioned.”

When Jiang Ji had previously given Lu Huaizhou the steelmaking method, he had also told Lu Huaizhou about several iron ore locations. Jiang Ji had only roughly described where they were, so he hadn’t expected them to dig any up so quickly.

Hearing that it was this matter, Jiang Ji relaxed and smiled. “That’s good news. For them to send word now, it’s almost like they’re congratulating us on our wedding.”

“Mhm.” Lu Huaizhou kissed Jiang Ji on the lips.

He had only meant to give him a light kiss, but Jiang Ji pressed down on the back of his head and refused to let him leave. Their kiss grew deeper and deeper, until both of them were somewhat stirred.

Jiang Ji kissed Lu Huaizhou hard on the lips, then said meaningfully, slightly out of breath, “We’re getting married tomorrow.”

Lu Huaizhou’s gaze darkened as he looked at him. “Mhm.”

Both of them were a little uncomfortable. After they calmed down, Lu Huaizhou stayed a while longer, then had to go back.

Jiang Ji kissed him on the lips. “See you tomorrow, bridegroom.”

“See you tomorrow.”

Lu Huaizhou was about to climb back out the window again, but Jiang Ji said helplessly, “Use the door.”

“It wouldn’t be good if Auntie found out later.” Lu Huaizhou still climbed out through the window.

Jiang Ji: “…”

*

The next day was the eighteenth day of the fifth month, an auspicious day suitable for marriage, with perfectly clear skies.

Duke Chang Residence, the Lu Residence, and the Regent’s Residence all became busy.

Jiang Ji got up early. After washing up, Zhao Ru brought over a blessed auntie to help comb his hair.

Sitting before the dressing table, Jiang Ji blinked as he listened to the blessed auntie recite auspicious phrases while combing his hair. Only then did he learn that in ancient times, it was not only brides who had their hair combed this way. Bridegrooms did too.

After his hair was done, Jiang Ji changed into his wedding robes. They had been made by the Palace Weaving Bureau: a bright red round-collared groom’s robe, with auspicious clouds and floral clusters embroidered in gold thread along the hem and cuffs. At the center was a rank badge embroidered with a qilin, making him look both spirited and handsome.

Jiang Ji looked at himself in the mirror and broke into a grin.

They would not set out until the afternoon, so there was nothing much for them to do in the morning except wait in the residence. Quite a few officials came to the residence to offer their congratulations, and later they would all follow along to the Regent’s Residence for the wedding banquet.

Around shenshi in the afternoon, at the agreed time, firecrackers began crackling at the gate. The musicians in front played joyful wedding music, beating gongs and drums to lead the way. Jiang Ji had a large red silk flower tied to his chest, mounted a tall horse, and led the procession out.

Lu Jiu and Lu Wen rode behind him, bringing Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei with them. The two little fellows were also riding along, so happy they could hardly contain their excitement.

Behind them, the procession carrying the “dowry” stretched so long that its end could not be seen at a glance.

Because Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou were both men, there was no traditional bridal escorting ceremony. Instead, the two of them set out separately from Duke Chang Residence and the Lu Residence, each circling from a different direction before meeting in front of the Regent’s Residence and entering the gates together.

The streets they passed through had already been placed under martial watch. The Emperor had specially assigned the imperial guards to assist the Regent, and the capital magistrate’s office had also sent officers and soldiers to help.

Crowds of commoners lined both sides of the streets, all watching the wedding of the Regent and Duke Chang.

“Two men getting married. This really is the first time I’ve ever seen such a thing.”

“Exactly. And it’s the Regent and Duke Chang, no less.”

“So who’s marrying whom?”

“Ah, I heard there’s no such thing as who marries in or who marries out. The two of them each set out from their own homes and enter the Regent’s Residence together.”

“Ah, they’re here, they’re here! Duke Chang’s procession is here!”

“So that’s Duke Chang? I think I’ve seen him on the street before.”

“I’ve seen him go to the cloth shop too. He’s actually Duke Chang!”

“Duke Chang is far too low-key. When I saw him before, he was dressed so plainly, just in ordinary cloth clothes. Who could have guessed it was him?”

“I heard he often goes to the estates outside the city to inspect the crops.”

“This year’s winter wheat harvest was abundant. Those who planted Duke Chang’s new seeds last year harvested over a hundred jin more per mu than before.”

“I heard the rice yield in the south doubled last year.”

“I know that. A classmate of mine is from the south. He said his relatives planted that new rice variety, as well as sweet potatoes and the like, and they sold for a good price.”

“This year, the south is planting that new rice variety everywhere. Up north, our spring wheat is also being planted with the new wheat seeds, and sweet potatoes and corn are being planted too.”

“Duke Chang truly is a great benefactor. In another couple of years, our Great Sheng dynasty surely won’t have to worry about grain anymore.”

“That’s right. I ate steamed buns made from the new wheat, and they were so fragrant!”

“Look at his betrothal gifts. No, wait, are those betrothal gifts or dowry?”

“Who cares what they are? There are so many gifts. How many carrying loads is that?”

“At least over a hundred, right?”

“The Regent’s side definitely has just as much.”

After traveling for more than half an hour, Jiang Ji brought his procession to a stop at a crossroads. On the opposite street, Lu Huaizhou, dressed in bright red wedding robes atop a fine horse, approached from the other direction as well.

The two looked at each other from afar, smiles rising at the corners of their lips.

The two processions merged together and arrived before the gates of the Regent’s Residence.

The front of the residence was covered in red silk carpeting. Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou dismounted together, and the wedding matron handed them a length of red silk cloth, each taking one end.

Holding the red silk together, the two walked forward side by side, stepping together over the brazier and then over the saddle before entering the Regent’s Residence. Behind them, the endless procession flowed inside like a river.

At the Regent’s Residence, guests had already begun arriving since the afternoon. Duke Qin and General Han, together with their respective sons, were representing the two bridegrooms in welcoming the guests.

By now, nearly all the guests had arrived and were gathered around the main hall watching the festivities.

Holding the red silk together, Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou walked all the way into the main hall, where Zhao Ru, Minister Lu, and Madam Lu were already seated in the places of honor.

Not long after, the auspicious hour arrived.

Uncle Zhong joyfully announced in a loud voice, “The auspicious hour has arrived! The two bridegrooms enter the hall to perform the rites!”

Smiling, Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou stepped into the main hall together, still holding the red silk.

“First bow to Heaven and Earth!”

“Second bow to the elders!”

“Husband and husband bow to each other!”

After the three bows were completed, Uncle Zhong happily declared, “Escort them into the bridal chamber!”

Amid loud applause and cheers, Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou entered their wedding chamber together.

The bridal chamber had been decorated festively. Large red “double happiness” characters were pasted on the windows, and more happiness decorations adorned the wardrobes, tables, and stands. Red candles burned brightly, their flames flickering. The curtains and bed canopy were all crimson red.

The large red wedding quilt was embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in water, and atop it were scattered red dates, longans, peanuts, and lotus seeds.

Looking at them, Jiang Ji casually picked up a peanut and tossed it into his mouth, raising a brow. “Lu Huaizhou, look. Early birth of a noble child.”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

He sat down as well, picked up a lotus seed, and tossed it into his own mouth. “You’re giving birth?”

Jiang Ji widened his eyes dramatically. “My god. We’re really married now, huh? You’re already making dirty jokes?!”

Lu Huaizhou: “……”

Jiang Ji burst into laughter.

The wedding matron who had just entered: “……” She heard nothing at all.

Jiang Ji pulled Lu Huaizhou toward the table. “Come eat something quickly. We’ll have to drink later.”

Lu Huaizhou obediently followed him and began eating the pastries on the table together with him.

Wedding matron: “……”

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou sat in the bridal chamber for a while, each eating a few pastries before heading back out together to entertain the guests.

There were many guests today. Nearly the entire court of civil and military officials had come.

The village chief and the others were seated very close to the front, alongside Duke Qin and General Han’s tables, and they all felt deeply nervous. Even though Jiang Ji had specially gifted them silk so they could make new clothes, they still felt uneasy and somewhat intimidated.

These were all nobles and high officials.

Many others were also secretly looking them over. Since nobody recognized them, everyone was guessing who they were.

Some people specifically went to ask around, and upon hearing that they were relatives and fellow villagers from Jiang Ji’s hometown, everyone suddenly understood.

No wonder they did not look like people from the capital. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. The curious gazes immediately lessened, though many of them were replaced with faint contempt.

Some fragmented whispers drifted into their ears. Xiufang tugged lightly on Zhao Ru’s sleeve and whispered, “Everyone here is a high official or noble. You should’ve seated us farther to the side.”

“How could that be?” Zhao Ru widened her eyes. “Don’t worry about that. We invited you here to attend Xiao Ji’s wedding. You’re our honored guests. Just sit peacefully. These seats were arranged personally by Xiao Ji and Huaizhou.”

Hearing that the seating had been personally arranged by the Regent and Duke Chang, Xiufang and the others felt both nervous and deeply honored.

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou came out to toast the guests.

They first toasted the table of Duke Qin, the Prime Minister, General Han, and the others. The second table they toasted was the village chief’s table.

Seeing this, everyone else was shocked. The Regent and Duke Chang actually valued these villagers so highly, and the traces of contempt in their eyes immediately disappeared.

“Congratulations————”

Right in the middle of the drinking, Eunuch Wu entered with a smiling expression, followed by palace attendants carrying congratulatory gifts.

The moment everyone saw him, they hurriedly rose to their feet.

Eunuch Wu loudly proclaimed:

“His Majesty sends congratulations upon the wedding of the Regent and Duke Chang, wishing the Regent and Duke Chang a hundred years of harmony————”

“Her Majesty the Empress Dowager sends congratulations upon the wedding of the Regent and Duke Chang, wishing the Regent and Duke Chang eternal unity of heart————”

“Her Highness the Taifei sends congratulations upon the wedding of the Regent and Duke Chang, wishing the Regent and Duke Chang to grow old together————”

“Her Highness Consort Yue sends congratulations upon the wedding of the Regent and Duke Chang, wishing the Regent and Duke Chang mutual respect and lifelong companionship————”

“Princess Qinghe sends congratulations upon the wedding of the Regent and Duke Chang, wishing the Regent and Duke Chang perfect harmony and enduring love————”

Everyone was stunned.

There were only five masters within the palace altogether, and every single one of them had sent wedding gifts.

“Many thanks to His Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, Her Highness the Taifei, Her Highness Consort Yue, and Her Highness the Princess.”

After Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou offered thanks for the imperial favor, Uncle Zhong quickly led people forward to receive the many gifts.

Eunuch Wu also smiled warmly in congratulations. “This old servant congratulates the Regent and Duke Chang on your joyous wedding and wishes the two of you a hundred years of harmony!”

“Thank you, Eunuch Wu,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. “Please take a seat.”

Eunuch Wu cheerfully sat down as well and accepted a cup of wedding wine.

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou continued making rounds to toast the guests. Jiang Ji’s alcohol tolerance was not particularly good, and after only a few cups, his face had already turned red. Lu Jiu and Lu Wen immediately stepped in to block further drinks, secretly replacing Jiang Ji’s wine with plain water.

After finishing one full round of toasts, Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou finally returned to the main table and ate a little food before quietly slipping away from the banquet under Chen Feng and the others’ cover.

Some people were noisily demanding to tease the newlyweds in the bridal chamber, but after Lu Huaizhou swept them with a single glance, the man immediately shrank his neck and did not dare make another sound.

Jiang Ji quickly grabbed Lu Huaizhou and ran back to the bridal chamber.

The wedding matron was already waiting for them. Under her direction, the two sat on the bed while she used scissors to cut a small lock of hair from each of them, tying the strands together and storing them away.

“Congratulations, Regent and Duke Chang, on your union in marriage. May the two of you enjoy a hundred years of harmony and grow old together!” the wedding matron congratulated joyfully.

“Thank you. Go collect your reward,” Lu Huaizhou said with a smile.

“Ah, many thanks, Your Highness.” The wedding matron led the others away, though she still reminded them, “Remember to drink the nuptial wine.”

Once everyone had been dismissed and the doors shut, Jiang Ji pulled Lu Huaizhou over to the table and sat down. He poured two cups of wine and handed one to Lu Huaizhou.

“Nuptial wine.”

The two linked arms and drank the wine together.

After setting down the cups, Jiang Ji held Lu Huaizhou’s hand, his eyes shining brightly as he looked at him.

“Lu Huaizhou, we’re married.”

Lu Huaizhou tightened his wrist slightly and pulled Jiang Ji into an embrace, his voice low and hoarse. “Mhm.”

Jiang Ji’s cheeks were flushed red with a slight drunkenness as he raised a brow. “Then we can consummate the marriage now, right?”

“Mhm.”

Lu Huaizhou leaned down to kiss him, and Jiang Ji immediately wrapped his arms around Lu Huaizhou’s head, passionately returning the kiss.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾