Ch 112: The Regent’s Farmer Husband

At noon, Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei came to call Jiang Ji for lunch, only to learn that he still hadn’t gotten up.

“He still isn’t up?” Jiang Nan was shocked. His older brother had always been an early riser, but ever since returning from Jiangnan, he had been sleeping until noon every other day. Frowning, Jiang Nan asked, “Has Big Brother still not recovered from being sick?”

Jiang Bei looked worried too. “Should we ask the Imperial Physician to come take a look?”

There was no way Xiao Liu could tell two eight-year-old young masters the truth. He hesitated before using the same excuse as before.

“The Duke just got back from Jiangnan not long ago and is still exhausted. He needs a few more days of rest.” As for exactly how many days, Xiao Liu honestly couldn’t say.

Jiang Bei looked concerned. “But he’s been back for six or seven days already. He still hasn’t recovered? He was never like this before.”

“…”

Xiao Liu paused before saying, “Third Young Master, Fourth Young Master, why don’t you go have lunch first? When the Duke wakes up, I’ll bring his meal over. Don’t worry.”

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei glanced toward their brother’s room. Exchanging looks, Jiang Nan said, “Alright then. Brother Xiao Liu, keep an eye on Big Brother. If he’s feeling unwell, quickly tell Steward Zhong to summon the Imperial Physician.”

“Of course. I’ll remember.”

The two brothers returned to the neighboring courtyard one after the other. As soon as they entered, Jiang Nan said to Zhao Ru,

“Mother, Big Brother still isn’t awake.”

Jiang Xia frowned slightly. “Is he sick?”

“No. Brother Xiao Liu said he was too tired from going to Jiangnan and needs more rest,” Jiang Bei answered.

This had been the case for the past several days. Zhao Ru understood perfectly well what was going on.

“Alright, let your brother sleep a bit longer. Come eat. We’ll save some food for him.”

The family began eating.

Meanwhile, in the room next door, Jiang Ji slept for another half an hour before finally waking up.

Yesterday, Lu Huaizhou had been possessed by the spirit of debt collection and had tormented him right up until it was time to attend court.

Staring at the ceiling and feeling the soreness throughout his body, Jiang Ji sighed.

Lu Huaizhou was truly making him repay his debts.

That man had the stamina of a beast.

Hmph. As expected, martial artists are just built differently.

Jiang Ji slowly dragged himself out of bed. After washing up, he ate the lunch Xiao Liu had brought him. Feeling utterly lazy and exhausted, he didn’t go out. Instead, he headed to the weaving room to take a look.

Zhao Ru had found another servant to take Jiang Ji’s place. The three looms in the side hall continued operating nonstop as Zhao Ru and the others busied themselves weaving Yun brocade.

Once the piece Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru had been weaving together became long enough to make an outer robe, Zhao Ru stopped working on it. She felt the colors were too vibrant and eye-catching for herself and thought they suited Madam Lu better, so she gave it to Madam Lu to make clothing from.

Another brocade piece, woven by one of the servants with a sapphire-blue base and intricate patterns, was Zhao Ru’s favorite. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. Following Jiang Ji’s suggestion, she had already turned it into clothing for herself.

The brocades they were currently working on all featured new patterns designed jointly by Jiang Ji and Lu Wen. They planned to make garments for Lu Huaizhou’s Second Aunt and paternal aunt.

The Yun brocade workshop in Jiangnan wasn’t yet capable of producing Yun brocade, so for now, everything they wove was reserved for personal use.

Another piece, featuring a majestic phoenix motif, had been specially designed as a tribute gift for the Empress Dowager.

The maid seated at the upper loom noticed Jiang Ji entering first.

“Your Grace.”

Hearing this, Zhao Ru turned around.

“You’re awake? Have you eaten?”

“Mother,” Jiang Ji greeted her, waving for the servants to continue their work. “I have.”

He inspected their progress before returning to Zhao Ru’s side.

“Mother, sitting for too long is bad for your back. Make sure to get up and move around regularly.”

It was impossible to persuade her to stop weaving entirely, so he could only remind her to take breaks.

“I know,” Zhao Ru replied. Looking at her son, she examined his complexion and was relieved that he appeared to be in good spirits.

“You’ve been running around outside for more than half a year now. You’ve worked so hard. Get plenty of rest and spend more time with Brother Huaizhou. Try not to travel so much during the second half of the year.”

“Mm.” Jiang Ji nodded. “I won’t be going anywhere during the second half of the year.”

He truly had no plans to travel again.

Otherwise, before he finished repaying old debts, he’d end up accumulating new ones. At this rate, Lu Huaizhou would probably keep him bedridden all of next year.

Jiang Ji then wandered around the garden.

Many fruit trees had been planted there, most transplanted from their hometown.

Several peach trees had been specifically chosen by Jiang Ji for their sweet fruit. After more than a year since being transplanted, they had grown vigorously.

Nearby stood rows of wild peach saplings planted from seeds the previous year, all thriving this spring.

During blossom season, the garden had been filled with peach blossoms, while pear trees throughout the other courtyards had also bloomed beautifully. The scenery had been magnificent enough that Madam Lu and the others had gathered together to admire the flowers.

Now, visible fruit hung from the sweet peach trees. Some peaches had already grown larger than Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei’s fists, with patches of red beginning to replace their green skin.

“Your Grace, in another little while, these peaches should be ready to eat,” Old Tian, the gardener, said cheerfully while weeding nearby. “I’ve never seen peaches this large before.”

Jiang Ji smiled.

“I just don’t know if they’ll be sweet.”

He had wanted to cultivate honey peaches. However, honey peaches were hybrids that couldn’t be propagated through seeds. They had to be grafted. Thus, aside from redeeming several sweet peach varieties through the system, Jiang Ji had intentionally planted wild peach trees to serve as rootstock.

The Duke Chang Residence also contained numerous peach trees. Jiang Ji had missed the spring season because of his trip to the northwest. Once autumn arrived, if the sweet peaches tasted good, they could begin grafting.

“They’ll definitely be sweet!” Old Tian declared confidently. “Anything Your Grace plants is bound to taste wonderful.”

Jiang Ji felt pleased by the praise, though a bit embarrassed.

“That’s not necessarily true. We’ll have to taste them first to know.”

After strolling through the garden, Jiang Ji headed toward the guards’ training grounds.

Several guards were sparring there.

When not on duty, the guards usually trained diligently in the practice grounds. Very few ever slacked off, as they all possessed an intense sense of professional urgency.

Jiang Ji had no plans to travel in the coming days, and Lu Jiu and Lu Wen were still technically on leave.

Lu Jiu had visited his parents before returning to the Regent’s Residence. Seeing Jiang Ji arrive, he approached immediately.

“Young Master, are we heading out somewhere?”

“No,” Jiang Ji replied. “I was bored and came to take a look around.”

One of the guards offered Jiang Ji a stool, but he waved it away.

He still couldn’t sit comfortably and had no desire to use a stool right now.

Watching Lu Wen sparring on the training platform, Jiang Ji asked Lu Jiu,

“Isn’t he still on leave? Why isn’t he spending time with Sister-in-law? Isn’t she pregnant already?”

Lu Wen had married before the New Year. His bride was Xing’er, formerly one of Madam Lu’s maids. After their marriage, Xing’er had transferred from the Lu Residence to the Regent’s Residence.

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou had given the newlyweds an especially generous monetary gift. They had also purchased a house for them on the street behind the Regent’s Residence, while assigning them living quarters within the residence itself.

Lu Jiu grinned.

“Sister-in-law is learning to make baby clothes from Sister Guihua. She said Lu Wen was getting in the way and kicked him out.”

“Oh, then he probably would get in the way.” Jiang Ji suddenly understood and laughed.

Jiang Ji spent the entire afternoon wandering around the residence. It wasn’t until Lu Huaizhou had returned from work that he finally headed back.

When Lu Huaizhou returned to their room and didn’t find Jiang Ji there, he changed clothes and was just about to go outside to look for him when they happened to meet at the entrance.

“Where are you going?” Jiang Ji asked in surprise as he noticed Lu Huaizhou’s hurried pace.

Without saying a word, Lu Huaizhou took his hand.

“To find you.”

Meeting the deep look in Lu Huaizhou’s eyes, Jiang Ji immediately felt his legs weaken slightly. After seeing that expression so many times these past few days, he had developed a conditioned response.

“It’s almost time for dinner. Come on, let’s go eat.”

He tugged Lu Huaizhou toward the neighboring courtyard, afraid that if they were even a little late, he might not get dinner at all.

Lu Huaizhou paused briefly before following along. Leaning close to Jiang Ji’s ear, he asked softly,

“Don’t you want to spend time with me?”

“Who said that? Don’t imagine things.” Jiang Ji quickly denied it. “I’m just hungry. It’s mealtime.”

A trace of amusement appeared in Lu Huaizhou’s eyes, but he didn’t expose him. He knew Jiang Ji had been exhausted these past few days, so he had already decided to let him rest properly tonight.

“Don’t be afraid. I won’t touch you today.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes widened.

“Who said I was afraid?!”

Lu Huaizhou raised an eyebrow.

“Oh? Then that means you’re still up for it?”

Jiang Ji: “…”

“Let’s just eat. Stop talking already. Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei might hear you.”

Lu Huaizhou merely smiled without saying anything.

Refusing to look at him, Jiang Ji dragged him quickly toward Wutong Courtyard.

---

During dinner, Zhao Ru said to Jiang Ji,

“Tomorrow the academy is closed. I’m taking Xia’er, Jiang Nan, and Jiang Bei to the Marquis Weining’s residence for a flower appreciation gathering. Xiao Ji, do you want to come too?”

“Sure.” Jiang Ji agreed immediately. “I don’t have much going on right now anyway.”

The next day, Jiang Ji and his mother met up with Madam Lu. Together, they headed to the Marquis of Weining’s residence at the appointed time.

Zhao Ru and Madam Lu had arranged beforehand to wear clothing made from Yun brocade.

After living in the capital for more than a year, Zhao Ru had adapted to the climate. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. Combined with nearly a year of treatment from Physician Yang, her complexion had improved significantly, and her skin had become fair with a healthy rosy glow. She looked much younger than before.

Especially in this sapphire-blue Yun brocade robe adorned with elegant patterns, her entire bearing transformed. The outfit enhanced her calm and gentle temperament perfectly.

As for Madam Lu, having enjoyed a life of comfort and luxury for many years, she looked even younger than Zhao Ru. Dressed in crimson Yun brocade, she radiated noble elegance and dazzling grace.

The ladies and young misses already gathered in the garden immediately noticed that something extraordinary about their attire. The garments were breathtakingly beautiful.

After everyone exchanged greetings, the other women found their eyes glued to Zhao Ru’s and Madam Lu’s clothing.

“Madam Jiang, Madam Lu, your robes are absolutely stunning,” remarked the Marchioness Weining, who was known for her straightforward nature. After studying their outfits for some time, she asked directly,

“Which brocade workshop produced these fabrics?”

The others also looked at them curiously.

Madam Lu raised her arm slightly, allowing the crimson robe to spread out. The patterns were exquisite and vivid, with fine silver threads woven throughout that reflected shimmering light beneath the sun.

“This?” Madam Lu smiled mysteriously. “You can’t buy this outside. It’s not available anywhere.”

The Marchioness Weining eagerly asked,

“Then where did it come from?”

Madam Lu glanced at Zhao Ru before smiling.

“Madam Jiang and Duke Chang made it themselves.”

“What?” The Marchioness Weining was astonished.

“Madam Jiang and Duke Chang made it themselves?”

Madam Lu nodded.

“They really did.”

The Marchioness Weining and the others all turned to Zhao Ru.

Zhao Ru nodded in confirmation.

The ladies and young misses were stunned.

“You actually made this yourselves?”

“That’s incredible!”

“This brocade is absolutely gorgeous!”

“How did you make it? It looks so complicated.”

The group immediately surrounded Zhao Ru and Madam Lu, their eyes full of admiration and amazement.

“Madam Jiang, do you have any extra fabric? Would you be willing to sell some?”

“Yes, yes! I’d love some too.”

Zhao Ru smiled apologetically.

“I’m sorry. This brocade is extremely difficult to weave. In an entire day, you can only produce a tiny amount, not even as long as a finger. We don’t have any extra.”

“Ah, that’s such a pity. It’s so beautiful.”

“Oh my, Madam Jiang,” another woman said, “you’re already a First-Rank Honored Lady. Why are you still weaving brocade yourself? Couldn’t you just have the servants do it? Why go through all that effort? Wouldn’t it be better to simply enjoy a comfortable life at home?”

Some discordant remarks broke the harmonious atmosphere.

Zhao Ru glanced over and saw that it was Madam Lin, the wife of the Assistant Minister of Justice, the same woman who had once tried to push someone onto Lu Huaizhou.

Just as Zhao Ru was about to respond, Madam Lu spoke first.

“Madam Lin is right. I tell her the same thing all the time. Duke Chang is so capable that he should simply let her stay at home and enjoy a life of comfort.” Madam Lu smiled. “But she just can’t sit still. Unlike me, who is clumsy with my hands, she’s incredibly skilled. Just look at this brocade. Isn’t it beautiful? Even if I spent my entire life learning, I could never weave something like this.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

If they had to weave it themselves, they probably would not be able to either.

Madam Lin had never forgotten how humiliated she had been by the matchmaker Jiang Ji had sent away when she previously tried to arrange someone for Lu Huaizhou. She still harbored resentment over the incident. However, she did not dare go too far. All she could do was make veiled, sarcastic remarks while being careful not to truly offend anyone.

Seeing Madam Lu smoothly defuse the situation, Madam Lin’s eyes shifted. Spotting Madam Qin and Madam Han nearby, she said with a smile,

“Madam Qin, Madam Han, Duke Chang and Madam Jiang must have woven some for you as well, haven’t they? I wonder if we might have the honor of seeing them?”

Madam Qin glanced at her and smiled.

“They have, they have. Madam Lin, don’t be so impatient. Have a little more patience and wait a bit longer. Xiao Ji has already arranged for ours to be woven too.”

Madam Lin had just heard Zhao Ru say there were no extras and that the process was extremely difficult. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. She had assumed Madam Qin and Madam Han would not have any either. She had not expected theirs to already be in progress.

Seeing all the other ladies looking at her, she forced a smile.

“Duke Chang is truly filial.”

Madam Han laughed.

“Of course he is. Not only did he make some for his own mother and mother-in-law, but he even arranged for me, his aunt by marriage, to have some too.”

Madam Lin: “…”

Madam Lu glanced at her before continuing,

“Oh, and don’t you all know? The undergarments we wear now, aren’t they beautiful and practical? Let me tell you, Madam Jiang was the first person to create them.”

The moment Madam Lu said this, the ladies and young misses were stunned once again. Even Madam Lin could not help but stare at Zhao Ru.

“The undergarments were created by Madam Jiang?”

“I heard they had spread from the south. I never imagined Madam Jiang was the one who invented them!”

“Madam Jiang, how did you come up with the idea for that clothing? I absolutely love it.”

Zhao Ru shot Madam Lu a helpless look.

Madam Lu gave her a reassuring glance, telling her not to worry.

“Those garments did indeed originate with our family,” Zhao Ru admitted simply. “Later, we sold them to clothing shops.”

“What an innovative idea.”

“When I first saw them, I was completely shocked. I kept wondering who could have come up with something like that. I never imagined it was actually you, Madam Jiang!”

“Exactly. Especially during the summer, going out became so much more convenient.”

“Even Her Majesty the Empress Dowager praises them endlessly.”

All the ladies and young misses understood firsthand the benefits of the undergarments, and their admiration for Zhao Ru grew even stronger.

When Zhao Ru had first arrived in the capital the previous year, although she had already possessed a noble title, many of these ladies had secretly mocked her as a country bumpkin from the countryside. They had shown respect outwardly, but it was only for her status as the First-Rank Honored Lady and mother of Duke Chang, not for Zhao Ru herself.

Now, however, this very woman from the countryside had accomplished things that none of them could achieve.

The Yun brocade before them, along with the undergarments that had benefited countless women, had earned their genuine admiration.

Duke Chang was extraordinary.

And it seemed his mother was extraordinary as well.

Looking at the dazzling, radiant Yun brocade shimmering with shifting colors, the ladies could not hide the envy in their eyes.

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