Ch 110: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

During the period before the New Year, Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru stayed busy weaving brocade.

Jiang Ji cleared out the side hall and had two more looms made. Three looms were placed side by side inside. Once everything was installed, he selected several people, the two maids attending Zhao Ru and two young servants, and began teaching them how to weave.

Jiang Ji drew a different pattern for them, using different colors, letting them practice first.

One day, Madam Lu came over and saw the brocade they had woven. She was completely stunned.

“You’re actually weaving brocade?” Madam Lu touched the section of brocade that had already reached about a chi in length. Its colors were dazzling, almost seeming to shimmer with flowing light.

Her eyes filled with delight. “This is truly beautiful. I’ve never seen brocade with so many colors before.”

Zhao Ru smiled. “Xiao Ji says this is called Yunjin. This version is still relatively simple. He says that once we become skilled enough, we can weave brocade that looks like rosy clouds.”

“Like rosy clouds?” Madam Lu widened her eyes, looking from Zhao Ru to Jiang Ji atop the loom. “You can really make brocade that looks like sunset clouds?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. We’ll be able to weave it in the future.”

Madam Lu looked at Jiang Ji, then at the loom. Thousands upon thousands of silk threads stretched across it. Just looking at them made her dizzy.

“Xiao Ji, you truly have patience.”

Madam Lu came from a military family and practiced martial arts herself. She was especially poor at needlework. The fact that she could previously sit down and weave cotton cloth with Zhao Ru already showed remarkable patience.

Now, seeing Jiang Ji capable of sitting there all day just to weave a tiny little strip of brocade no longer than a pinky finger, she genuinely admired him.

Jiang Ji smiled. “There’s nothing else going on lately anyway. I’d just be idle otherwise.”

Madam Lu looked at the three looms and asked, “Are you planning to open a workshop?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “We’re still in the preparation stage right now. Mother, please keep it secret for now.”

“Alright, I understand.”

Madam Lu stayed watching them weave for a while. Jiang Ji occasionally climbed down to check on the maids’ work. Watching him skillfully guide the maids and servants, delight appeared on Madam Lu’s face.

Back when Huaizhou insisted on marrying Jiang Ji, Madam Lu and the others had no choice but to accept and compromise. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. But over the past half year, the more they interacted with Jiang Ji, the more they realized that this child truly was exceptionally capable.

Just look at all the things he had done. Promoting crops, developing weapons, opening restaurants, establishing textile mills, proposing women’s academies, rushing off to combat the locust disaster, and now creating this Yunjin…

Any one of those accomplishments alone would already be worthy of praise. Yet he had accomplished all of them.

Not only was the child talented, his character was good too. No wonder Huaizhou had fallen for him.

There were many affairs before the New Year. Madam Lu had come today mainly to discuss New Year matters with Zhao Ru, help them review preparations for New Year gifts, and remind her about certain details.

During the New Year season, both the Regent’s Residence and the Duke Residence had to prepare gift packages. Jiang Ji had handed those matters over to Uncle Zhong and Lu Shun. Zhao Ru and Jiang Ji merely observed and learned this year, treating it as practice.

They had only recently arrived in the capital and did not understand what sort of New Year gifts households of a regent or duke rank were expected to prepare. Uncle Zhong and Lu Shun had already drafted the lists for Madam Lu to review first. Then Lu Huaizhou would look through them before the gifts were purchased and prepared.

“Luckily you’re here. I don’t understand any of this,” Zhao Ru said gratefully while holding Madam Lu’s hand.

Throughout the year, whenever there were banquets, festivals, or palace feasts, Madam Lu had always brought Zhao Ru along with her.

Madam Lu patted her hand and smiled. “No need to be so polite with me. It’s mostly the same every year. Once you go through it this year, you’ll know everything next year.”

After Madam Lu reviewed Uncle Zhong’s preparation lists and made some adjustments, she explained everything to Zhao Ru, stayed for a short while longer, then returned home.

Two days before the New Year, Lu Huaizhou also began his holiday leave. The men sent to Jiangnan to investigate Second Aunt’s younger brother’s wife’s maternal family also returned.

Inside the study, they reported their findings to Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou.

The family’s surname was Su. The current head was named Su Quanzhong. He was the elder brother of Lu Huaizhou’s second aunt’s younger brother’s wife. Their family had operated in the silk business for three generations and was considered a fairly famous old-established merchant household locally.

They owned four weaving workshops and thirty-six silk shops. Their stores were spread throughout Ningzhou and neighboring prefectures. Because they conducted business honestly, their reputation throughout Jiangnan was very good.

The Su family’s development over the years had remained stable and proper, always maintaining a middle-tier position while relying heavily on reputation.

However, Jiangnan’s silk industry was highly developed and competition fierce. Especially over the past decade or so, several silk workshops had expanded rapidly, causing significant pressure on the Su family. If they continued without adapting, their market share would gradually shrink.

The investigators had traveled through several locations and gathered extensive information.

“Their business reputation is indeed quite good. We also investigated other matters. Within four generations, no one in their family has committed crimes or scandals. Overall, they’re considered a rather honest family. Oh, right. Among the younger generation, one descendant even passed the xiucai examination last year.”

After hearing the report, Jiang Ji asked, “Did you bring back samples of their silk products?”

“We did.”

Another man immediately pulled several silk sample swatches from a bundle and handed them over to Jiang Ji. Various silk fabrics were attached.

Jiang Ji looked surprised. “You actually brought back fabric samples?”

“We told them our master runs a silk shop in the capital and needed samples to make decisions. So they gave them to us.”

Jiang Ji nodded and looked over the samples spread across the table.

The samples included various silks, gauzes, satins, and brocades made by the Su family.

Jiang Ji inspected them one by one before saying to Lu Huaizhou, “The Su family’s silk products are truly very good. They deserve their reputation as an old-established brand.”

After spending so much time with Jiang Ji, Lu Huaizhou had also learned some textile knowledge. While touching the silk, he said, “I remember Second Aunt once mentioning that her younger brother fell in love with a merchant’s daughter when he was younger. At first the elders disapproved, but later they agreed because the Su family’s values and conduct were considered quite good.”

Jiang Ji asked several more questions, all of which were answered.

Once the investigators withdrew, Jiang Ji turned to Lu Huaizhou and said, “From the looks of it, their character seems good, their silk quality is excellent, and they have sufficient capability. This Yunjin of ours will take a very long time before products are ready. It’ll require considerable financial strength to sustain the expenses during the first year or so.”

Lu Huaizhou nodded. “Will you cooperate with them?”

“We can. But it still depends on whether they’re willing.” Jiang Ji smiled. “Should I invite Second Aunt over to discuss it?”

“Mm.”

Jiang Ji immediately instructed Lu Shun to send an invitation.

Madam Han arrived not long afterward. Since it was nearly New Year, she knew something important must have happened, otherwise they would not have summoned her at this time.

General Han followed behind her. He simply came along because he was bored at home.

“Second Uncle, Second Aunt.” Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou greeted them.

Madam Han immediately asked, “You called me over at this hour. Is there something important?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Let me show you something first.”

The two of them led General Han and Madam Han to the side hall where the Yunjin was being woven.

Madam Han froze briefly when she saw the loom. Walking inside, she looked at the brocade Zhao Ru and the others had woven, and her eyes immediately lit up.

“This is brocade?”

“This is Yunjin,” Jiang Ji introduced. “It’s woven using this kind of loom.”

Madam Han touched the brocade, then looked at the loom in surprise. “You’re weaving brocade at home? Xiao Ji, you invented this?”

“Correct.” Jiang Ji nodded. “Second Aunt, what do you think of this brocade?”

Madam Han looked at the crimson base fabric decorated with silver-gray patterns and vivid scarlet flower cores. The patterns were lively, and the colors much brighter than ordinary brocades on the market.

“Beautiful,” Madam Han said decisively.

Jiang Ji asked again, “Do you think this would sell well in the future?”

“Absolutely. Something this beautiful would definitely be fought over.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes brightened. “Second Aunt, here’s the thing. Brother Huaizhou told me your younger brother’s wife’s maternal family are famous silk merchants in Ningzhou with an excellent reputation. Do you think they’d be interested in cooperating with me to produce this Yunjin together?”

Madam Han paused in surprise, then immediately understood and smiled. “So that’s why you invited me over. But why not do it yourselves? You already have the machinery and the techniques. Why split the profits with others?”

Jiang Ji scratched his head and sighed. “Second Aunt, to be honest, I’m rather lazy. I don’t want to manage so many things. Besides, as you know, not many people raise silkworms in the north. Jiangnan is far more suitable for sericulture. If we’re opening a silk workshop, then naturally it makes more sense to open it there. And besides, my mother and Brother Huaizhou are both in the capital. I don’t want to be separated from my family.”

Hearing this, Madam Han nodded. “That’s true. Back in my hometown, practically every household raises silkworms, so there are many silk workshops there too.”

“Exactly. That’s why opening the workshop there would be the most suitable.” Jiang Ji said, “So I wanted to find an experienced silk merchant family to cooperate with. I provide the machines and weaving techniques, while they provide the land, labor, and management. We can discuss profit sharing later. Brother Huaizhou recommended your younger brother-in-law’s wife’s maternal family. He said their reputation and credibility are excellent and that they’re trustworthy. That’s why I wanted to ask Second Aunt to help inquire whether they’d be interested in cooperating.”

Madam Han knew that her younger brother-in-law’s wife’s family had not been doing especially well in business lately. Knowing this was a good opportunity, she agreed readily.

“Alright. I’ll write back and tell them. Why don’t you give me a piece of this brocade? I’ll bring it back together with the letter.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Ji immediately picked up scissors and cut off a piece of Yunjin about the size of a plate, then handed it to Madam Han.

He also introduced some of the kinds of patterns that could be woven into Yunjin. The more Madam Han listened, the brighter her eyes became, and she discussed it enthusiastically with Jiang Ji for quite a while.

Before leaving, Madam Han smiled and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll write the letter as soon as I return and have someone send it out tomorrow.”

“Then thank you very much, Second Aunt.”

“What’s there to thank me for? If the cooperation really succeeds, then I’ll be the one thanking you.”

A business this unique, if her younger brother-in-law’s wife’s family managed it successfully, would benefit all their families.

At first, General Han and Lu Huaizhou had stood nearby listening to them speak. Later, General Han simply dragged Lu Huaizhou off to the guards’ training grounds to spar.

By the time Jiang Ji and Madam Han found them, the two were exchanging moves in the arena while many off-duty guards stood around watching.

Lu Huaizhou was extremely busy these days, but every two or three days, he still found half an hour to an hour at night to come train at the guards’ martial grounds so his skills would not become rusty.

Jiang Ji always followed along to watch him. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. Every time he saw Lu Huaizhou sparring with the guards, his movements clean and decisive, as though he had eyes on the back of his head and could predict others’ actions in advance, Jiang Ji’s heart raced wildly.

Lu Huaizhou when fighting really was too handsome.

Jiang Ji turned to glance at Second Aunt and saw her eyes sparkling as she watched Second Uncle too. Clearly, she also very much liked this side of her husband.

After watching for a while, General Han and Lu Huaizhou finally stopped.

General Han patted Lu Huaizhou’s shoulder approvingly. “Not bad. You haven’t let your skills fall behind.”

Lu Huaizhou cupped his hands respectfully. “With Second Uncle watching, I wouldn’t dare slack off.”

General Han burst into hearty laughter and stepped down from the arena. Seeing Madam Han, he asked, “Finished talking?”

“We’re done.” Madam Han straightened his clothes and had a servant bring over his cloak to drape over him. “You didn’t sweat too much, did you? Be careful not to catch a chill.”

“I’m fine.”

Jiang Ji also looked at Lu Huaizhou. Seeing him put on his padded coat, he quietly asked, “Did you go easy on him?”

Jiang Ji often watched Lu Huaizhou spar with the guards and roughly knew where his skill level stood. Just now, during the spar with General Han, his movements had clearly been slightly slower than when fighting the guards.

Lu Huaizhou glanced at him, smiling softly as he gave a slight nod.

Jiang Ji laughed as well. General Han was getting older after all. Lu Huaizhou naturally could not fight him with the same full force he used against the guards.

The group walked toward the gate together.

Lu Huaizhou said, “Second Uncle, Second Aunt, come over the day after tomorrow for New Year’s Eve. My parents will also be coming over here.”

The Han family only had themselves in the capital. Aside from the Lu family, they had no other relatives nearby. In previous years, unless they returned to the Dongping Marquis Residence, they usually spent New Year’s Eve together. Though previously, it had always been at the Lu Residence.

Second Uncle nodded. “Sounds good. We’ll come over on New Year’s Eve.”

With that settled, General Han and Madam Han departed.

On New Year’s Eve morning, Jiang Ji first brought Lu Huaizhou and his own family to pay respects to their ancestors. Then he returned to the Lu Residence and followed Lu Huaizhou’s family in offering ancestral rites before everyone came back together to the Regent’s Residence.

The Han family also arrived.

This was Jiang Ji’s family’s first New Year’s Eve in the capital, and the Regent’s Residence was lively and bustling.

The servants were given leave as well. Those with families returned home to celebrate, while those without families stayed at the residence to celebrate together with everyone else.

Jiang Ji also brought Han Qingshan’s family over to the Regent’s Residence to join the festivities.

Large new red lanterns had long since been hung throughout the residence. This year’s spring couplets were written by Old Master Lu and Lord Lu, while the paper window cuttings had all been made by Zhao Ru and Madam Lu.

There were many couplets and paper cuttings, enough not only for the Regent’s Residence but also for Duke Chang Residence.

The two estates stood close together. Jiang Ji brought Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei back to Duke Chang Residence to paste up the couplets and window cuttings, while Lu Huaichuan led his cousins over to help.

No one lived there permanently, aside from a few servants responsible for cleaning and caring for the plants. Jiang Ji occasionally visited to check on the blueberries and fruit trees he had planted.

After telling the servants to come back to the Regent’s Residence later for the New Year’s Eve dinner, Jiang Ji and the others finished hanging the decorations and set off firecrackers at the entrance before returning to the Regent’s Residence.

Because it was New Year’s Eve, Zhao Ru, Madam Lu, and Madam Han all personally entered the kitchen as well, cooking the reunion dinner together with Han Qingshan and Sister-in-law Guihua.

Inside the main hall, charcoal braziers burned brightly. After finishing the spring couplets, Old Master Lu and Lord Lu set up a chessboard and began playing.

General Han and Lu Huaizhou were playing darts using Jiang Ji’s dartboard.

As soon as Lu Huaichuan and the younger children returned, they immediately surrounded them, all demanding to join the game.

The dart game had become extremely popular throughout the capital. All kinds of dartboards had been produced, and some shops even specialized entirely in it now.

There were sets for adults and sets for children, each with their own fun.

Jiang Ji went to the kitchen to help prepare the reunion dinner.

Around shenshi, the New Year’s Eve meal was finally ready.

Seven or eight large round tables had been set up throughout the main and side halls. Steaming dishes were carried out one after another, while wine and fruit juice were arranged on the tables. The feast officially began.

Outside, the deafening explosions of firecrackers erupted together with those from every other household in the capital, filling the entire city with festive excitement.

“This is the best New Year’s Eve dinner I’ve ever eaten!” Lu Huaichuan exclaimed happily while gnawing on a giant pork trotter.

The Han family’s younger cousin nodded repeatedly in vigorous agreement. “Me too!”

Madam Lu laughed. “We’re all benefiting from Xiao Ji’s talents now.”

At this point, the cooks from the Regent’s Residence, Lu Residence, Han Residence, and Duke Qin Residence had all trained at the Regent’s Residence. Aside from the single dishes personally made by Madam Lu and Madam Han, the rest of the New Year’s Eve feast had essentially all come from Jiang Ji’s teachings.

Lu Huaichuan immediately played along. “Thank you, Brother Jiang Ji.”

“Thank you, cousin-in-law!” the younger cousin added.

The Han family’s older cousin, slightly older than Lu Huaichuan, raised his wine cup. “A toast to cousin-in-law.”

Jiang Ji smiled and clinked cups with him. “If you like it, then eat more. From now on, we’ll all celebrate New Year together.”

Old Master Lu ate happily while watching the younger generation with a cheerful expression.

Lu Huaizhou drank with Lord Lu and General Han. Jiang Ji toasted the elders one by one, and before he realized it, he had drunk a little too much.

Under the table, Lu Huaizhou squeezed his hand gently and leaned closer. “No need to drink so much. You’ll get drunk later.”

Jiang Ji looked at him with bright, sparkling eyes. “I’m happy. I want to drink.”

Lu Huaizhou gazed at him tenderly and replied softly, “Alright then. Drink. If you get drunk, I’ll carry you back.”

In the end, Jiang Ji truly did get drunk.

Even though he had eaten quite a lot to offset the alcohol somewhat, he still became intoxicated.

His cheeks were flushed red, his head dizzy, and the Lu Huaizhou in front of him seemed to split into several copies.

“Lu Huaizhou, why did you transform?”

Seeing him about to topple over, Lu Huaizhou laughed helplessly and pulled him into his arms. “You’re drunk.”

General Han burst into loud laughter from nearby. “Xiao Ji’s alcohol tolerance still hasn’t improved.”

Madam Han shot him a sideways glance. “That’s not exactly something he needs to practice.”

General Han immediately changed course. “…My wife is absolutely correct.”

Madam Lu smiled. “Huaizhou, take him back to rest.”

Lu Huaizhou nodded and lifted Jiang Ji onto his back. “Honored elders, I’ll take him back first.”

“Go ahead,” Zhao Ru said. “I’ll have Xiao Liu bring some hangover soup later. Make sure he drinks it.”

“Understood.”

Lu Huaizhou carried Jiang Ji back toward their courtyard.

Jiang Ji had his eyes closed but was still awake, mumbling incoherently while giggling. “Lu Huaizhou, I’m so happy.”

“Mm, I know,” Lu Huaizhou answered gently.

Back in their room, Lu Huaizhou placed him onto the bed, propping him against the headboard.

Xiao Liu brought hot water and hangover soup. Lu Huaizhou wrung out a warm towel to wipe Jiang Ji’s face and hands, then fed him the soup.

“Lu Huaizhou, do you know why I’m happy?” Jiang Ji suddenly asked again.

Lu Huaizhou helped him lie down, removing his padded coat and trousers before tucking him under the blankets.

“Mm? Tell me.”

Jiang Ji wrapped his arms around Lu Huaizhou’s neck and kissed him on the lips, grinning foolishly.

“Because this is our first New Year’s Eve after getting married. Thinking that we’ll get to spend every future New Year’s Eve together makes me really happy.”

Lu Huaizhou’s heart softened completely. He lifted a hand to caress Jiang Ji’s cheek and kissed him gently.

“I’m very happy too. Very happy.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

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