Author Archives: Thandar

Shao Ye first met Xi Guanming two years ago. At that time, Xi Guanming was not yet the student council president, only a student representative giving a speech at the opening ceremony.

That day, he wore a black tailcoat, with a small black bow tie pinned neatly at the collar. Every strand of his hair had been carefully arranged. From head to toe, he radiated refinement and precision.

His speech was witty and humorous, his demeanor gentle. Compared to those arrogant, untouchable top-tier aristocrats, he was almost too approachable. Rumors about his family background varied widely throughout the school, and even now there was no clear answer, but no one dared to underestimate him because of it.

Two years ago, a member of the royal family deliberately went to provoke him. No one knew what happened, but not long after, that same royal spoke of Xi Guanming with nothing but admiration and praise.

There were many wealthy people at Golden Laburnum, but even wealth had its hierarchy. Shao Ye’s family background was decent. His father had originally been a small breakfast stall owner. When Shao Ye was in elementary school, that tall, heavyset man bought a lottery ticket and became rich overnight. Translated on Hololo novels. With guidance from someone influential, he went on to invest in several promising ventures. By the time Shao Ye entered middle school, he had accumulated considerable wealth and opened hundreds of chain restaurants across the country.

But in the eyes of the old aristocratic families, such assets were nothing worth mentioning. To them, Shao Ye, his father, and all those newly rich who had risen within a few decades were nothing more than crude upstarts, unworthy of entering their circle.

Of course, Shao Ye himself had little interest in their circle. It was just that sometimes these idiots were so obnoxious it made him want to slap them twice.

He had gotten into Golden Laburnum through connections his father pulled. When he first transferred in, those people didn’t dare confront him directly, but mocked him behind his back, saying he was all muscle and no brains. Some even went too far, sneaking onto his bed while he slept to feel his chest and check whether his muscles were fake.

Shao Ye: “……”

What was wrong with having big muscles? Had he eaten their food or used their water?

Jealousy. Naked jealousy.

When Shao Ye suddenly woke up, the one touching his chest was so frightened he fell straight off the ladder. Before Shao Ye could break each of his fingers one by one, the guy had already fainted.

In the end, the matter concluded with Shao Ye writing a thousand-word self-criticism, because the one he had scared unconscious happened to be the principal’s nephew.

It was then that Shao Ye realized that if he wanted to live comfortably at Golden Laburnum, he needed to find himself a boss. He would become the most loyal subordinate, and his boss would become his strongest backing. Then he would never need to hold back against those idiots again. If he wanted to break a few fingers, he could break a few fingers.

The first person he chose was Xi Guanming. For that, he even carefully set up an observation period, secretly watching him for a long time.

The more Shao Ye learned about Xi Guanming, the more certain he became that after drifting through half his life, he had finally found the right master.

But—

The master did not care.

For example, at this year’s spring sports meet, Xi Guanming was already the student council president. Rarely, he wore a light gray casual outfit. Members of the student council followed closely behind him, reporting the arrangements for each event. He greeted every student who approached him with a smile, whether they came to apply for funding or admit mistakes.

Shao Ye took first place in the 100-meter race. Turning his head, he searched for Xi Guanming in the crowd. He was seated below the podium, head lowered as he examined the results sheet before him, like an ancient emperor meant to hold dominion over the entire world.

That year, Shao Ye participated in three events and won three gold medals. The medals were awarded by the school’s old administrators, which meant nothing special to him. He simply hung all three around his neck and ran more than twenty laps around Xi Guanming, hoping to attract his attention.

In the end, Xi Guanming did notice him, but seemed to think he was warming up. He gave him an encouraging smile, then took off his coat and continued handling his work.

Shao Ye comforted himself. It didn’t matter. As long as he worked hard enough and found a chance to prove himself to the president, he would recognize his strengths, keep him by his side, and never let him go again.

After lying low for many days, he had finally encountered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only had he rescued the president’s beloved, he had also managed to run into the president afterward.

Thanks to Jiang Yan!

Thanks to Lu Yiheng for bullying Jiang Yan!

And thanks to Si Xu for giving Lu Yiheng the reason to bully Jiang Yan!

There was not the slightest trace of annoyance on Xi Guanming’s face at having his plans disrupted. He spoke to Shao Ye as gently as ever. “This student, I admire your courage in standing up for what is right, and I believe the school should commend your actions. As for Lu Yiheng’s bullying of Jiang Yan, I will investigate after I return. If it is confirmed, the student council will represent the school in disciplining him. But I do not understand, why did you ask Jiang Yan to have lunch with me?”

Shao Ye blinked in confusion, then asked as if it were obvious, “Doesn’t the president like Jiang Yan?”

Xi Guanming, however, seemed unaware. “Why would you say that?” he asked.

“That afternoon, behind the gym,” Shao Ye said, “I saw you give Jiang Yan your handkerchief.”

Xi Guanming immediately recalled the moment Shao Ye was referring to. That day, Jiang Yan had just lost her mother’s pendant, and a group project she had spent half a month preparing had been deliberately ruined by her teammates. In her anger, she lashed out at everyone present. After calming down, she regretted it and hid behind the gym, crying alone. Xi Guanming had come across her then, which led to the scene Shao Ye witnessed.

Smiling, Xi Guanming said to him, “If the one crying in front of me had been you, I would have handed you a handkerchief as well.”

Shao Ye did not doubt the truth of his words at all. So the president didn’t actually like Jiang Yan? Had all his efforts tonight been for nothing?

What Shao Ye did not notice was that Xi Guanming had never directly answered whether he liked Jiang Yan.

Filled with grief and indignation, Shao Ye thought that during the sports meet, he shouldn’t have run circles like an idiot. He should have squatted down and cried. Then the president would have come to him on his own.

Xi Guanming watched as Shao Ye suddenly began making exaggerated facial expressions. For a man over one meter eighty tall, it looked rather ridiculous. Xi Guanming asked, “What are you doing?”

“I’m trying to squeeze out tears,” Shao Ye answered honestly. But his tear glands seemed unusually stubborn, and no matter how hard he tried, nothing came out.

After a brief pause, Xi Guanming asked, “Do you want my handkerchief? If you like, you can come to the student council office tomorrow to get one. You know where my office is, don’t you?”

Shao Ye nodded. Of course he knew where it was. He had wandered outside that office countless times. After a moment’s thought, he shamelessly said to Xi Guanming, “President, I want to join the student council.”

Xi Guanming replied, “Student council recruitment ended last week. If you want to join, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until next year.”

Of course Shao Ye knew that this year’s student council recruitment had already ended. Translated on Hololo novels. He had applied as well, but unfortunately failed in the very first round of interviews. At the time, he not only praised himself to the skies, but also sincerely expressed his admiration and respect for the student council president, just short of saying he was willing to be Xi Guanming’s dog. In the end, he was still mercilessly eliminated.

There was definitely something shady going on!

Those people in the student council must have been afraid that if he got in, they wouldn’t get a chance to speak in front of the president anymore!

“Try again next year,” Xi Guanming said, the corner of his lips lifting slightly. After offering encouragement, he remembered to ask Shao Ye’s name. “Student, what’s your name?”

“Shao Ye.”

“Shao Ye? Which ‘Ye’?” he asked.

“The ‘Ye’ from ‘field,’” Shao Ye replied, his eyes bright, his honey-colored chest muscles full and firm, almost gleaming under the moonlight.

Xi Guanming nodded. “Alright, I’ll remember it.”

Jiang Yan really should have come to see this, to see how the president remembered someone’s name. Even though he hadn’t managed to get into the student council through the back door, this still counted as a huge step forward.

“President, I’ll walk you back,” Shao Ye said, puffing out his chest.

Xi Guanming’s gaze lingered briefly on his chest before he softly replied, “No need. The dorms are about to close. You should head back soon.”

Shao Ye obeyed, though he kept turning back repeatedly as he left, like a child going to kindergarten for the first time.

Just that this “child” was a bit oversized.

Xi Guanming waved goodbye to him.

As Shao Ye walked, he thought, why would Xi Guanming come here so late? Could it be he had eaten too much and came out for a walk to digest? He remembered the convenience store outside the dorms sold digestive tablets.

But what if the president wasn’t feeling bloated?

Whatever. Those tablets wouldn’t cause any harm anyway. They could be eaten like hawthorn candy. If he guessed right, wouldn’t the president look at him in a whole new light?

Shao Ye couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Just then, he heard Xi Guanming call from behind him, “Student Shao Ye.”

Shao Ye immediately stopped and turned around. “President, is there something else?”

“The weather’s getting cooler,” Xi Guanming said. “Button up your shirt so you don’t catch a cold.”

Shao Ye let out an “oh,” lowered his head to fasten his buttons, then dashed toward the dorms at full sprint.

Xi Guanming remained where he was. He raised his left hand, checked the time under the streetlight, and the smile on his face vanished in an instant.

Shao Ye was still too late. By the time he got back, the dorm doors were already locked. He could still get in, but he would definitely get scolded by the dorm supervisor. It would be better to find somewhere outside to make do for the night.

After leaving the convenience store, he planned to deliver the medicine to Xi Guanming first, then find a place to sleep. When Xi Guanming saw him return, he asked in surprise, “Why haven’t you gone back yet?”

“President, the dorm is closed,” Shao Ye said, sounding a little aggrieved.

“That’s unfortunate,” Xi Guanming said, glancing at the dorm building in the distance. “Come with me to the office building. There’s a place to rest on the third floor.”

The president was such a good person. Shao Ye immediately perked up and handed over the medicine he was holding.

Xi Guanming looked down at it, puzzled. “What is this for?”

“I saw you walking outside so late,” Shao Ye said, blinking his dark eyes. “Are you feeling unwell?”

Xi Guanming took the medicine box and smiled. “Then thank you, Shao Ye.”

They went together to the lounge on the third floor of the office building. The room was small, with only a single bed by the window, a low cabinet at the bedside, and two potted plants on the windowsill. There was nothing else inside.

After arriving, Xi Guanming went to the restroom first. Cool water ran over his fingertips. White foam, along with two pills, was washed down the drain.

After a while, he carefully dried his hands with a towel before coming out.

By then, Shao Ye had already laid out bedding on the floor. Xi Guanming lowered his gaze toward him and said softly, “Shao Ye, there’s something I’d like to tell you.”

Shao Ye sat up straight and looked at him attentively, more serious than he ever was in class.

Meeting his eyes, Xi Guanming paused, then said, “Si Xu is a good friend of mine. Since he likes Jiang Yan, why don’t we let him take my place at tomorrow’s lunch at Lostine? He can properly apologize to Jiang Yan. What do you think?”

“President,” Shao Ye said.

“Hmm?” Xi Guanming leaned slightly closer, listening.

Shao Ye’s face showed both admiration and helplessness. With complete sincerity, he said, “You really are a good person.”

Author’s note:

[No. 6’s character explodes in greatness, spending the night alone in the same room as the president, two men alone together, sparks flying, a night of passion]

: Holy shit! Is that real?! No. 6 is that strong?!

: It’s real… but… however… the actual situation is slightly different from the title

: May I ask, where is the passion? Where is it?!

: Reporting clickbait title

: The “passion” is probably at Si Xu’s lunch table tomorrow

: I can only say, President, truly worthy of you

: “Good friend” “Good person”

: Is it that the president’s definition of “good friend” is different from ours, or that No. 6’s filter is just too strong

: Si Xu: ???

: Sitting at home and suddenly taking the blame

: Si Xu: Thanks, but really unnecessary

: Damn it, feels like No. 6 actually managed to flatter his way in

: What do you mean flatter? He just touched the president’s hand, and the president went back and washed his hands for half an hour out of disgust

: Not that long, just 29 minutes and 59 seconds

: Isn’t No. 6 taking his clothes off to sleep tonight? Without that, where’s the passion?!

: No. 6 is still being too polite. At this stage, he’s still treating the president like an outsider

: No. 6: I may be a bit dumb, but I’m not brainless

: I have doubts about the statement above

≽^•⩊•^≼

World 1 – Golden Laburnum Academy

【Golden Laburnum Academy is located on the shores of Lake Sophiliel in the eastern part of White City. It is an ancient institution with a long and distinguished history. Over the centuries, it has cultivated countless political elites and business leaders. Each year, as many as seventy percent of its graduates go on to attend top universities around the world.

At the beginning of a new semester, Class 1 of the second year welcomed a new transfer student from a small southeastern town, Jiang Yan. She was academically outstanding and always willing to help others, yet after offending Si Xu, the son of the wealthiest man, she became the target of group bullying. Not long after, led by Jiang Yan, the group of commoners challenged the lofty aristocrats. The arrogant heir of immense wealth, the refined student council president, the noble and mysterious royal descendant, and the charming, witty captain of the basketball team… what roles would each of them play in this conflict? And where would this story ultimately lead?】

Autumn had only just arrived. The cicadas that had screamed all summer were now reduced to only one or two faint calls. A gentle breeze brushed through the tops of the ginkgo trees, and yellowing leaves rustled softly overhead.

It was already close to ten at night. More than an hour had passed since evening classes ended. The night was deep and cool, and most students had returned to their dormitories. On the empty sports field, only the faint rustling of a small cat darting through the grass could be heard.

Under the bright moon, the artificial lake to the west of Golden Laburnum Academy shimmered with rippling light. To the north of the lake lay a vast oak forest. Jiang Yan stood just outside the forest. Facing her were five people, three boys and two girls. Leading them was a boy with medium-length hair, his left eye hidden beneath his bangs, idly spinning a silver pendant in his hand.

That afternoon, Jiang Yan had found an anonymous letter in her desk. Translated on Hololo novels. It claimed that someone had picked up her lost pendant and told her to come alone to the oak forest at nine-thirty that night to retrieve it.

The pendant had belonged to her mother. She clearly remembered placing it in her dorm drawer and had never worn it out, yet somehow it had gone missing.

Ever since she had offended Si Xu, she had been targeted by these so-called young masters and ladies at school. She was already used to this kind of thing. She knew full well that meeting them here would likely lead to nothing good, but for the sake of her mother’s keepsake, she had no choice but to come.

Her expression calm, Jiang Yan looked at the five people before her. She recognized the one in front, Lu Yiheng, from the class next door. He seemed to be related to Si Xu in some way.

“I’m here,” Jiang Yan said. “You can return the pendant now.”

Lu Yiheng frowned in displeasure. “Jiang Yan, what kind of attitude is that? I helped you find something you lost, and this is how you speak to me?”

Jiang Yan thought, how could someone be so shameless? They had stolen the pendant in the first place, and now they expected her to be polite?

She pressed her lips together, suppressing her anger, and repeated her request in a gentler tone.

A malicious smile spread across Lu Yiheng’s face. “Kneel down right now and kowtow to me three times, and I’ll give it back immediately. How about it? Or—”

He paused, then continued, “Tomorrow morning, go in front of Brother Si and bark like a dog three times. Which one do you choose?”

The four people behind him eagerly took out their phones and pointed them at Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan glanced at them, her expression turning cold. She should have known better. Since they had gone to the trouble of stealing her pendant, how could they possibly return it so easily? Coming here had been unnecessary.

“Keep it for yourself,” she said, turning to leave.

But Lu Yiheng suddenly stretched out his arm, blocking her path. “Since you’re here, don’t rush off.”

The other four also surrounded her. Jiang Yan’s heart tightened, but she forced herself to remain calm. “What do you want?”

“What do we want? You’ll find out soon enough.”

Lu Yiheng produced a length of rope from somewhere and tugged it hard with both hands, nodding in satisfaction. He had long wanted to teach this poor nobody a lesson. How dare she offend Brother Si, without even considering her own status!

Jiang Yan was quickly tied to an oak tree behind her. Her mouth was sealed with tape, leaving her unable to call for help. She could only glare fiercely at Lu Yiheng. He turned to the two girls and said, “Go strip her clothes.”

The girls hesitated. Wasn’t this going too far? Weren’t they only planning to leave her tied up here for the night? If the teachers or administrators found out, they would surely be punished.

“What are you standing around for? Hurry up!” Lu Yiheng urged.

Moonlight filtered through the dense branches, scattering patches of light at their feet. The insects in the grass fell silent, replaced by the soft crunch of footsteps over fallen leaves.

“What’s going on here? Not sleeping at this hour, and you’re out here bullying someone?”

A male voice came from behind Lu Yiheng and the others. It was low, carrying a faint trace of something oddly excited.

They turned around. In the moonlight, they saw a tall, well-built boy walking toward them. He looked about seventeen or eighteen, with a buzz cut. He wore a white shirt, the standard school uniform, slightly sheer, revealing the firm, well-defined muscles of his chest beneath the thin fabric.

Lu Yiheng hadn’t expected anyone to show up at this time. He didn’t recognize this person and instinctively assumed he was Jiang Yan’s helper. He shot Jiang Yan a glare. He had clearly stated in the anonymous letter that she was to come alone, yet she still dared bring someone.

“Are you a sports recruit?” Lu Yiheng asked. “Which class are you from? Do you know who we are?”

Hearing this, Shao Ye stopped, scratched his head, and looked puzzled. “What sports recruit?”

“You’re not a sports recruit?” Lu Yiheng asked.

“No,” Shao Ye replied.

Lu Yiheng was immediately confused. “Then how did you get into Golden Laburnum?”

It wasn’t that he looked down on him, but this guy clearly looked like all brawn and no brains. It was hard to imagine him solving even a single difficult math problem.

Shao Ye immediately gave him a look as if he were an idiot and replied matter-of-factly, “My dad’s rich. Isn’t yours?”

He was met with silence.

It was true that most students at Golden Laburnum came from wealth or power. But if Shao Ye had gotten in purely because of money, why would he now stand up for Jiang Yan? Didn’t he know that helping her meant going against Si Xu, and against the entire aristocratic student body?

Or was he simply that stupid?

As Lu Yiheng pondered this, he suddenly heard Shao Ye let out a sinister chuckle. Shao Ye bared his teeth in a wide grin, revealing a row of bright white teeth, and asked, “Still not leaving? Waiting for me to kill you all?”

He then let out a wild, villainous laugh, like a classic movie antagonist.

Lu Yiheng became even more convinced that something was wrong with this guy’s head. He remembered that even wealthy applicants had to pass entrance exams to get into this school.

“This is Golden Laburnum Academy, not Golden Laburnum Prison,” one of the girls mocked, though her voice carried an unmistakable hint of nervousness.

Shao Ye shrugged indifferently. “So what if it’s an academy? Aren’t you bullying someone here anyway? I just don’t know how to hold back when I act. It’s not like I’d be doing it on purpose.”

“Come on,” Shao Ye said, cracking his knuckles and raising a brow at Lu Yiheng and the others. “Are you coming at me one by one, or all together?”

Before they could answer, he added, “All together. There’s not much time. The dorms are going to lock soon.”

Lu Yiheng let out a scoff. “Big talk.”

“How big it is, you’ll know after you take a punch,” Shao Ye said. His gaze briefly paused on the two girls behind Lu Yiheng. “Let’s make this clear first. When I hit people, I don’t distinguish between men and women. If you don’t want to get hit, stay out of my sight.”

He rolled up his shirt sleeves and undid two more of the golden buttons, mottled light falling across the honey-colored muscles of his chest.

Then he stepped toward Lu Yiheng. His shadow fell over Lu Yiheng before his fist did. Lu Yiheng was nearly one meter eighty himself, and not that much shorter than Shao Ye, but the pressure Shao Ye gave off far surpassed anything Lu Yiheng could match.

Shao Ye didn’t hold back in the slightest. He came straight at him with a punch to the face. Translated on Hololo novels. The fist cut through the air with force. Lu Yiheng dodged in a panic, and Shao Ye’s blow slammed into the tree trunk behind him. The thud rang out so heavily it seemed as if the trunk itself had dented inward.

Lu Yiheng did not dare imagine what would have happened if that punch had landed on his head. This guy really was insane! At this point, the two girls clearly wanted no further part in this, and the other two, seeing Shao Ye’s mad-dog ferocity, didn’t dare step forward either.

Lu Yiheng clenched his teeth and said to Shao Ye, “Just you wait!”

And then—

He turned around and ran.

Seeing Lu Yiheng bolt, the other four didn’t dare stay either. They slunk away in embarrassment.

Shao Ye: “……”

That was all it took, and they still had the nerve to bully people?

How exactly did Si Xu choose his lackeys?

Still, his own boss had truly exceptional judgment.

Shao Ye glanced at Jiang Yan, who was still tied to the tree, feeling very pleased with himself. After long observation, he had become certain that his boss liked Jiang Yan. As a qualified, thoughtful, upward-striving underling, it was only proper for him to create opportunities for his boss.

Especially since that idiot Si Xu also seemed interested in Jiang Yan. How could his boss lose at a time like this!

His boss absolutely had to be the best!

Although for the moment his boss had not acknowledged his status as a subordinate, Shao Ye believed it would not take long before he understood Shao Ye’s worth.

Seeing Shao Ye standing there grinning to himself, Jiang Yan felt a little uneasy. In a small voice, she said, “Thank you, classmate.”

Shao Ye lifted his head and stroked his chin, but did not immediately untie her. “No need for thanks, Jiang Yan. Just have dinner with my boss tomorrow.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

For a dazed moment, she felt like she had just escaped a tiger’s jaws only to enter a wolf’s den. Her voice dry, she asked, “Your boss… who is that?”

Shao Ye leaned his upper body slightly forward, moving closer, and said mysteriously, “You’ll know when you see him tomorrow. I already made the reservation. Lostine, third floor, table seventeen by the window.”

Jiang Yan pressed her lips together. If she refused, she would probably have to spend the night in the woods with the mosquitoes.

Though, at this time of year, the mosquitoes were probably almost all dead already.

In the end, she could only answer, “Fine. I’ll go.”

Shao Ye smiled in satisfaction, two tiger teeth showing, and as he untied the rope, he said, “When you’re eating with my boss, remember to say a few good things about me in front of him.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

“My name is Shao Ye,” he said.

Jiang Yan gave a small oh.

What was “oh” supposed to do?

“Did you remember it?” Shao Ye asked.

“I remembered,” Jiang Yan replied.

Shao Ye tossed the rope to the ground and clapped his hands. “All right, you can go.”

But Jiang Yan did not leave right away. She stood where she was, looking at Shao Ye, hesitating as if she wanted to say something.

Shao Ye looked back at her and asked, “Why are you looking at me? Waiting for me to escort you back?”

She shook her head, sincerely thanked him once more, then turned and left.

Shao Ye was in an excellent mood. Humming to himself, he headed back toward the dorms. When he reached the lakeside and looked up, he saw someone walking this way. The man wore a black suit with a black silk tie, his shirt buttoned with meticulous precision all the way to the top.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Leather shoes struck the marble steps. Beneath the dim yellow streetlights, the tall figure seemed especially unconcerned.

The moment Shao Ye saw who it was, his eyes lit up. He hurried over at once and eagerly greeted him, “Good evening, President.”

This person was none other than Xi Guanming, student council president of Golden Laburnum Academy.

His skin was very fair, his features fine and sharp, the sort of beauty that carried real aggression, yet his expression was gentle. Even when angry, he always seemed to wear a faint smile.

Seeing Shao Ye, Xi Guanming revealed a proper, courteous smile and asked, “This student, the dorms are about to close. Why are you still out here?”

Shao Ye chuckled. “President, I’ve got good news to tell you.”

“What is it?” Xi Guanming asked.

Shao Ye immediately poured out everything that had just happened, including how he had later threatened Jiang Yan into going to Lostine tomorrow to have lunch with his boss.

And naturally, his boss was the very person standing before him now, Xi Guanming, the man who could summon wind and rain and cover the sky with one hand at Golden Laburnum Academy.

That Si Xu wasn’t even fit to carry the president’s shoes!

Xi Guanming’s smile remained on his face. But looking at Shao Ye’s slightly rounded, somewhat dull eyes, which did not quite match his build and were plainly screaming “Come praise me,” he found himself, for a moment, unable to say anything that would satisfy him.

…

Author’s note:

[Everyone, please analyze what President Xi’s expression means.]

: To recap, during evening class the president had already received word that someone was planning to bully Jiang Yan in the woods, and had intended to go personally and play the hero saving the beauty, only to get cut off halfway

: And getting cut off would have been one thing, but now Jiang Yan has definitely branded “boss” in No. 6’s mouth as some kind of criminal gang leader. What decent person goes around calling someone “boss” at school? And so smoothly too. If he hadn’t been mixing in shady circles for five or ten years, no one would believe it

: Lmao, well whose fault is it that President didn’t get there earlier

: The president’s wicked, honestly. If he got there too early, how was he supposed to make Jiang Yan so grateful she’d be moved to tears and offer herself to him~

: Curious, will the president go to Lostine tomorrow?

: If he does, how’s he even supposed to introduce himself? Hello, I’m No. 6’s boss hahaha

: Poor president. He already had less contact with Jiang Yan than the others, and now even his own lackey has ruined things

: Lackey? Who acknowledged that!

: No. 6 would be overjoyed to hear that!

: I’m telling you, the expression of wanting to stab someone just can’t be hidden

: President: Well done. Don’t ever do that again.

: To sum up the volunteers so far, No. 1 is a cold academic ace, completely focused on studying and has had zero contact with the main plot. Graduating smoothly shouldn’t be a problem, but his livestream stats will probably rank last. No. 2 is a warm, cheerful little sun, currently good friends with Jiang Yan, and has already offended Si Xu’s group several times helping her. Whether he can graduate smoothly is hard to say, but for now he definitely won’t be in trouble. No. 3 is adaptable and socially slick, and is currently doing well hanging around Si Xu. As long as he doesn’t offend the other major NPCs, graduating shouldn’t be an issue, and his livestream numbers are the best so far. No. 4 is a soft little lamb. Even though their family background is actually pretty good, they’re now being bullied alongside Jiang Yan, so things look a bit dangerous. No. 5 is a proud young lady. In just half a month, she’s already had three romances and is currently pursuing the basketball team captain. Judging from the story summary, the captain will probably end up liking Jiang Yan too, so who knows where that will go next. No. 6… well… hard to say. He’s trained his muscles well enough. If only his brain were half as sharp as those muscles. If he keeps being self-righteously clever like this, the president will definitely step in, and he’ll be the first one eliminated.

: I’m betting No. 6 will be the first expelled

: No. 6 should go get his brain treated first

: Wasn’t this supposed to collect His Majesty’s consciousness? Which NPC is His Majesty going to be?

: You believe that too? You should go get your brain treated too.

≽^•⩊•^≼

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST

We, Hololo translators, started translating because others’ translation works were moving slowly and we wanted to read more novels faster. Now that we have taken on the role ourselves for a couple of years, we have to keep names, terms, and details consistent throughout the whole book, and it has started to feel more like work than pure enjoyment.

Therefore, this translation will not focus too much on smaller details, such as place names or minor terms, so there may be some inconsistencies there. Character names and the main terminology will remain consistent.

Please read at your own discretion, and thank you for supporting our translations.

Love,

Thandar

Translator extraordinaire 😁

≽^•⩊•^≼

In the autumn of Imperial Year 1631, frost stained the red leaves, and long winds stretched for ten thousand li.

More than four years had passed since the great Emperor of the Empire suffered an assassination attempt. During that attack, His Majesty sustained severe trauma to the brain and fell into a deep sleep, from which he had yet to awaken.

Over these four years, the Empire’s top medical researchers had all gathered in the capital. They labored with total devotion, neglecting sleep and food, endlessly discussing and theorizing about His Majesty’s condition. Time and again they overturned their own conclusions, trying every conceivable method, yet none succeeded in waking the Emperor from his coma.

No one knew why His Majesty remained unconscious, nor why, after so long, he still had not awakened.

To the Empire, the Emperor was not merely a ruler. His very existence also influenced the abyssal behemoths suppressed throughout the Edolia star system. With the Senate currently handling state affairs and the Empire functioning as usual, no one had ever proposed that he abdicate and that a new emperor be chosen, even after more than four years of his coma.

On the day of the incident, His Majesty had been traveling with the Chief of Palace Affairs, Shao Ye, to Ceres to deal with various postwar matters. It was during this journey that the assassination attempt occurred.

Based on the available evidence, the Office of Inspection quickly identified the greatest suspect as Shao Ye, who had accompanied the Emperor. However, after the incident, Shao Ye disappeared.

This only deepened suspicion against him.

Two years later, the Office of Inspection finally found the missing Chief of Palace Affairs on an abandoned planet in the Fourth Star System. When they found him, he was scavenging through garbage. Upon seeing a ship bearing the Office’s insignia land nearby, he even had the leisure to gossip about it with other vagrants.

He had lost his memory.

He did not remember who he was, much less what had happened on the day the Emperor was attacked.

Due to insufficient evidence, the Office of Inspection could not convict him. To uncover the truth of that day, they had no choice but to try to restore Shao Ye’s memory.

They brought in numerous specialists in neurology, psychiatry, and related fields to conduct consultations and treatment. Yet just as they could not awaken the Emperor, they could not recover Shao Ye’s memories. They spent hundreds of millions of star credits on him, but in the end, Shao Ye would only shake his head and say he remembered nothing.

Two more years slipped by like this. The officials in charge of the case grew increasingly desperate, feeling that the matter might drag on indefinitely. At that moment, however, the Senate-funded “Neverland” project achieved a breakthrough. They needed a group of volunteers to conduct testing.

The name “Neverland” was taken from the fairy tale Peter Pan, where it symbolized eternal, beautiful childhood.

The government’s “Neverland” project was essentially a second world, detached from reality yet convincingly real. In its ideal state, citizens could log in with an account and experience an entirely different life.

The volunteers would be placed into Neverland, and their experiences there would be broadcast live to the public. This would both showcase Neverland comprehensively and generate significant profit for the project team, achieving two goals at once.

The volunteers selected for Neverland were carefully chosen. Among them were once-famous actors now fallen from grace, geniuses outstanding in specific fields, and entirely ordinary individuals. The project team would conduct multiple tests on them and determine which world to open each time based on the combined results.

The project team submitted a request to the Office of Inspection, hoping that Shao Ye could join this round of testing.

After careful consideration, the Office approved the request.

Although it had not been confirmed that Shao Ye was the culprit, he remained the primary and only suspect in the Emperor’s assassination case. Over the past two years, the Office had spent enormous medical expenses attempting to treat him. Moreover, according to the project team, the Neverland program might help recover his lost memories.

They could simulate scenarios within Neverland that resembled real life, potentially stimulating Shao Ye’s hippocampus, or even recreating the scene of the assassination. While the chances were slim, it was at least a glimmer of hope.

Shao Ye, however, knew nothing of this.

At that moment, he was in his hospital room, shouldering a fifty-kilogram barbell as he performed squats. His features were sharp, his build tall and imposing. Even during the past two years when he had been scavenging, he had not neglected his training, maintaining an excellent physique. Now, sweat soaked through his white tank top, revealing well-defined, wheat-colored muscles beneath. He wore black shorts, and beads of sweat ran down his strong calves.

He had stayed at the Office of Inspection for two years, and from the moment he learned of his former identity, he had shown no awareness of being a suspect.

At first, he had been timid and submissive. But after learning who he had once been, despite having no memory of it, his demeanor suddenly turned arrogant. He frequently bossed around the Office staff with complete confidence. Whenever they responded with even slight firmness, he would immediately declare that once His Majesty awakened, he would make them pay.

Hearing this, the staff present at the time had been utterly speechless. Listen to that, just listen to that, what a classic disposable character line. In TV dramas, people like this barely survive three episodes.

How had His Majesty ever allowed someone like him to serve as Chief of Palace Affairs? They had heard his background was not particularly impressive.

The staff handed him the contract sent by the Neverland project team. Shao Ye did not even glance at it. He found the text too long, pushed it aside, wiped the sweat from his face with a towel, and then went to the corner to do inverted crunches.

With no other option, the staff member began reading the contract aloud to him. Shao Ye continued his rapid crunches, and it was unclear whether he was even listening.

After quite some time, the staff member’s lips were dry from speaking as he finally finished explaining the contract. Shao Ye, having completed his entire morning workout, picked up his towel, wiped the sweat from his face, and only then lifted his eyelids to glance at the staff member before slowly saying, “I refuse.”

The staff member took a deep breath and forced a smile. “It seems I didn’t explain it clearly enough. I’ll have the vice director speak with you shortly.”

After two years of dealing with Shao Ye, they had gradually realized that he was the type who bullied the weak and feared the strong, unable to endure even the slightest hardship. It was a waste of such a large physique. Fortunately, their vice director had plenty of ways to handle him.

The Office’s vice director, Tang Qichuan, was one of His Majesty’s most loyal followers. Translated on Hololo novels. He held Shao Ye in great contempt, not only because Shao Ye was a suspect in the assassination attempt, but also because, in his view, Shao Ye simply did not possess the character worthy of serving at the Emperor’s side. How could His Majesty have chosen someone like him?

Tang Qichuan entered the isolation room. His face was as cold as frost, his expression stern and humorless. Dressed in a dark blue uniform, the gold buttons on it gleamed sharply under the lights. He walked over, let out a cold laugh, and said to Shao Ye, “If you refuse to participate in this project, then we’ll have no choice but to sell you to Gole Star. They should find you quite satisfactory.”

Gole Star lay outside the Empire’s jurisdiction. Its pleasure industry was highly developed. With a physique like Shao Ye’s, he would likely be popular with people of all ages and genders.

Startled, Shao Ye nearly dropped the barbell in his hands. He looked up and glared at Tang Qichuan, furious. “You can’t do that! I’m His Majesty’s Chief of Palace Affairs. How could you sell me to a place like that!”

Tang Qichuan merely sneered. In his eyes, the only thing of value Shao Ye had left was his body. “Why not? Over the past two years, the money spent treating your brain could have bought three villas in the best district of the capital. Selling you now would conveniently cover the medical costs. At a time like this, do you think anyone would speak up for you? Those people in the Senate can’t wait for you to die. Maybe if you die, His Majesty might even wake up.”

The barbell slipped completely from Shao Ye’s hands. Lacking confidence, he muttered, “Doesn’t insurance cover it?”

Tang Qichuan replied coldly, “The maximum insurance payout isn’t even enough for a single deep brain scan.”

Shao Ye thought for a moment, then cautiously asked, “Then… can I charge it to His Majesty’s account?”

Tang Qichuan almost laughed. “If you could do that, that would be perfect. We wouldn’t even need to interrogate you. We’d just send you straight to prison.”

He lifted his eyes to look at Shao Ye and continued his threats. Shao Ye was never one to stand firm under pressure. Ideas like “unbending under force, uncorrupted by wealth” had nothing to do with him. When he saw Tang Qichuan take out a communicator to contact underground buyers, Shao Ye hurriedly grabbed a pen and, with great humiliation, signed his name on the contract.

As Tang Qichuan left with the staff, contract in hand, they heard Shao Ye call out, “When His Majesty wakes up, I will report this truthfully to him.”

If not for the examination results, they would have doubted whether Shao Ye had truly lost his memory. Where did he get the confidence that His Majesty would still stand up for him after awakening? And even if he reported it, so what? Did he think the Emperor was his personal protector? If it were later proven that he had indeed participated in the assassination, he wouldn’t even be able to keep his life.

The contract Shao Ye signed had been modified by Tang Qichuan. In the original version, the “Neverland” project intended to disclose Shao Ye’s identity. While that would certainly boost viewership, it would also bring endless complications.

After all, Shao Ye had been the Emperor’s Chief of Palace Affairs. If anything unexpected happened during the broadcast, or if he said something inappropriate, it could stir up massive turmoil across the star network. For this reason, Tang Qichuan firmly demanded that the contract be revised.

The first phase of the Neverland project would include six volunteers in total, Shao Ye among them. Their identities had not yet been revealed, though there were rumors that two of them were leading figures in academia, though no one knew their fields.

Shao Ye had no interest in any of that. According to the contract, this would be more like a single-player game. All volunteers would enter the same world setting, playing the same role with identical backgrounds and resources. However, their names, appearances, and physiques could be chosen freely. The volunteers would not interact with each other at all, at most being compared by viewers during the broadcast.

On second thought, that didn’t sound so great either.

Tears streamed down Shao Ye’s face like noodles as he anxiously counted on his fingers how many carefree days he had left, while simultaneously increasing the intensity of his training by two levels.

It was too late to sharpen his mind now. He could only rely on a strong body to face the coming storm.

Since its inception, the Neverland project had attracted immense public attention. As soon as news of its upcoming launch was released, it sparked widespread discussion. At this very moment, someone claiming to be a project leader posted on a niche anonymous forum, revealing that the completion of Neverland was not only the grand opening of a new era, but that after a series of precise calculations, the project’s technical team had also placed a special virtual character within the game world, one embodying all forms of goodness and beauty, designed to attract and gather powerful wandering consciousnesses from across the universe. In other words, during the first phase of the broadcast, whoever obtained this embodiment of goodness and beauty might very well be interacting with His Majesty’s consciousness.

At first, no one paid much attention to the post. After all, it was an anonymous forum, full of trolls and lunatics, and ever since Neverland was announced, all kinds of outrageous theories had appeared. People lazily replied that it wasn’t as interesting as the “Human Purge Plan.”

The Human Purge Plan was the most famous conspiracy theory surrounding Neverland. Its proponents claimed that the project was actually a tool used by the Senate to eliminate potential criminals. Anyone detected with criminal intent in their brain would be erased in advance. In later updates, even those idle parasites of the Empire who spent their days indulging in pleasure would also be wiped out. Many users later commented that the original poster had been overly aggressive and downright insulting.

The matter truly gained traction two days later, when a modeler with millions of followers shared a screenshot of the post on his star network account as a joke. Not long after, it was censored by the system. Undeterred, he posted it again, only to have his account rewarded with a three-day suspension, and all related discussions were deleted.

But the more something was suppressed, the more rebellious netizens became. A vast online army mobilized, and within half an hour, the deleted post from the anonymous forum had been reposted all across the network, igniting widespread debate.

Originally, most people had treated it as a joke. But seeing such heavy-handed suppression, they began to suspect that there might be some truth to it.

The situation was eventually settled by an official announcement from the Senate. It stated that the original poster was not a project leader, but merely a temporary worker who had spent two months doing odd jobs on the project, and had already been dismissed.

As for the relationship between the Neverland project and His Majesty, the announcement neither confirmed nor denied it, leaving it open to interpretation.

At this point, some people remained convinced that this was nothing more than a shameless publicity stunt by the Senate, and that once His Majesty awakened, they would face consequences. Others believed the Senate wouldn’t dare go that far, and that there might be some truth behind it.

Regardless, before the grand broadcast had even begun, it had already attracted massive attention, with over ten million reservations.

Shao Ye, however, felt no joy at all. He truly did not want to be a volunteer. He had already lost his memory once, and now he was about to lose it again inside a game. What if he came out a fool? Would His Majesty still let him serve as Chief of Palace Affairs? The thought filled him with anxiety.

In late October, under the guidance of staff, Shao Ye arrived at the Neverland construction base in the outskirts. He lay down in a luxurious game pod, closed his eyes, and the world before him sank into darkness. His final thought was—

Could His Majesty’s account really not be used?

Even though his memory had not yet recovered, for some reason, it felt like it should be possible.

Author’s note: Because the story includes livestream elements, as well as “face-slapping” moments and CP shipping among netizens, it wouldn’t make sense without forum-style posts and bullet comments. But I didn’t want to interrupt the flow of the main narrative, so I decided to place them in the author’s notes instead. Readers who don’t like them can simply skip the notes. CP discussion threads will appear in the comment section, and everyone is welcome to participate. Each world will have about two or three CP threads for easy access. The latest threads will be pinned, and older ones will be archived in highlights for convenience.

≽^•⩊•^≼

Thandar: MC is a dumb beauty. He’ll grow on you eventually lol

“Your Highness, Prime Minister Shen has brought the civil and military officials to welcome you at the city gate,” Chen Feng’s voice came from outside the carriage.

“I know,” Jiang Yan replied calmly.

All the officials welcoming him?

Jiang Ji turned to look at Jiang Yan. Quite an impressive display. Whether it was fear of the Regent’s authority or genuine respect, either way it showed Jiang Yan’s status in their minds.

He opened the livestream to take a look. The viewers were excited too, and there were a lot of them. Over fifty million people were watching.

【We’re here, we’re here! We can see the capital now】

【The host said before he wanted to come to the capital. Didn’t expect it to happen so fast】

【That city wall just now was so tall】

【Who could have imagined Jiang Yan is the Regent. The host really got the protagonist’s script】

【I just remembered, Jiang Ji once said he wanted to see the Regent. Turns out the Regent has been right beside him the whole time lol】

【Jiang Yan in his Regent clothes looks so handsome】

【Clothes really make the man. Jiang Yan feels totally different in this outfit】

【Jiang Ji changed clothes too. I wonder what Jiang Ji looks like wearing a long robe】

【Lmao other streamers are always on camera, but Jiang Ji’s stream we’ve barely even seen his face】

【We saw him twice in the mirror this morning when he was combing his hair. Haha the little dark-skinned guy might be even darker now】

Jiang Ji: “…You guys really are loyal viewers.”

The carriage moved forward a short distance and stopped.

Jiang Yan grabbed his hand. “Do you want to come out with me?”

“I have to go out too?” Jiang Ji asked in surprise. “Aren’t we getting back into the carriage afterward?”

“Yes. Just show yourself briefly and then we’ll come back.”

Jiang Ji shook his head. “Then I won’t go. There are too many officials. I don’t want to be stared at by everyone. You go. I’ll just sit in the carriage.”

“Alright. Wait for me,” Jiang Yan said, patting his hand.

“Mm.”

Wearing a black python-embroidered robe, Jiang Yan lifted the carriage curtain and stepped out.

Jiang Ji immediately lifted the window curtain and secretly watched.

He whispered, “Alright chat, livestreaming the officials welcoming the Regent.”

Outside there were many people. The ones in the middle wore official robes, arranged by rank. The purple-robed officials stood at the very front, followed by red, blue, and green, forming a long line.

Soldiers stood on both sides maintaining order. Many commoners waiting to enter the city had paused when they learned it was the Regent’s convoy and were watching from the outside.

“Wow, so many people,” Jiang Ji said while explaining to the viewers. “Lu Jiu told me purple robes mean rank three or above. Red robes are ranks four and five. Green are ranks six and seven. Blue are below rank seven.”

He called Lu Jiu over and asked quietly, “Which one is Prime Minister Shen?”

Lu Jiu whispered, “The chubby old man in purple standing in the middle of the first row.”

“Oh. He looks pretty kind,” Jiang Ji said. He scanned the front row again. “Which one is Minister Lu? And General Han?”

Lu Jiu looked carefully. “Minister Lu is the third from the left in the first row. General Han is in the row behind them wearing red, the tallest and most muscular one.”

Jiang Ji took a closer look. Minister Lu had a refined appearance. Jiang Yan looked sixty to seventy percent like him. Clearly a scholar type, smiling calmly. As for General Han, the tallest one in the row behind was unmistakable. Tall and powerfully built, clearly a military officer. Seeing his nephew return, he was openly smiling.

When the officials saw Regent Lu Huaizhou step out of the carriage, they followed Prime Minister Shen’s lead and bowed respectfully.

The watching commoners all knelt. The soldiers knelt on one knee.

“Welcome back to court, Regent.”

The shout was loud and thunderous, echoing through the air.

Jiang Ji couldn’t help clicking his tongue. Translated on Hololo novels. Seeing a scene like this with his own eyes for the first time was honestly impressive.

He swept the camera around for the viewers before focusing again on Jiang Yan.

Wearing his black python robe, Jiang Yan felt completely different once he stepped out of the carriage. The authority of the Regent seemed to radiate from him.

He walked to Prime Minister Shen, raised his hand to help the elderly minister straighten up, and said,

“You have all worked hard, ministers. There is no need for excessive ceremony. Today I escort Prince Qi back to the capital and must report to His Majesty. We will speak further in court tomorrow. Please return to your duties.”

He then turned to Prime Minister Shen.

“Prime Minister Shen, come with me to see His Majesty. There are matters we must discuss.”

Prime Minister Shen bowed. “Yes.”

After they finished speaking, Minister Lu and General Han stepped forward.

“Father. Second Uncle,” Lu Huaizhou greeted them respectfully.

General Han patted his shoulder and laughed. “Good that you’re back.”

Minister Lu studied him carefully for a moment. “Your memory really has returned?”

“Yes.”

“That’s good.”

Lu Huaizhou continued, “Father, Second Uncle, Jiang Ji came back with me.”

“Jiang Ji?” General Han’s eyes widened slightly. “The young man who saved you?”

“Yes.”

“Where is he?” Minister Lu asked happily. He leaned forward to look toward the carriage behind them and saw a faint figure inside. “Is he in the carriage? Take me to meet him. I must thank him in person.”

Lu Huaizhou stopped him. “Father, he isn’t prepared yet. Today he’ll return to the residence with me. You can meet him another day.”

“Oh, I see. That’s fine. When he’s ready, let me know. Your mother and I will come to the residence. We must properly thank him.”

“And me too,” General Han added. “We’re going as well.”

“Alright.”

While they were speaking, some officials nearby glanced toward the carriage Jiang Yan had just stepped out of and noticed a young man peeking out from inside.

He was riding in the same carriage as the Regent?

Who was that?

They all stared with curiosity.

After speaking briefly with his father and uncle, Jiang Yan returned to the carriage. Chen Feng led the way, and once the group passed through the city gate, the other officials returned to their own carriages and left.

Jiang Ji had heard what Jiang Yan said earlier.

“Aren’t you going home first? It’s already noon.”

“I have to enter the palace first and report the situation to His Majesty,” Jiang Yan said, holding his hand. “You go back to the residence with Lu Jiu and the others. Stay in my courtyard. I may not return until evening. Rest this afternoon and wait for me.”

Jiang Ji already knew Jiang Yan would have many matters to deal with after returning, so he said thoughtfully,

“Alright. Go handle your work.”

Jiang Yan leaned over and kissed his lips.

“Sorry. I’ll probably be busy for the next few days. But I’ll definitely find time to take you around the capital.”

“You don’t need to apologize. You’ve been gone for months, so of course there’s a lot waiting for you. Just go handle your work. I can take care of myself. There’s no need to rush. We have plenty of time ahead of us.”

“Mm, plenty of time ahead of us.” Jiang Yan liked that phrase very much. He tightened his grip on Jiang Ji’s hand.

After passing through the city gate, the noise around them grew louder. Jiang Ji lifted the curtain and looked outside. Many people were watching from both sides of the street, and many were talking among themselves.

“I heard the Regent has returned.”

“Wasn’t he said to have gone missing?”

“Your news is outdated. The Regent went south. I heard Prince Qi secretly raised troops and colluded with a neighboring country to rebel. The Regent went to deal with it.”

“Prince Qi planned to rebel? No wonder the Regent went personally.”

“Is the carriage behind carrying Prince Qi?”

“It’s good the Regent is back. The city has been in panic these past days. Everyone was afraid something terrible might happen.”

“Yeah. A bunch of people were arrested recently. I heard they were spies from enemy states. It was terrifying.”

“Now that the Regent is back and the spies have been caught, things are finally peaceful again.”

Listening to the common people’s discussions, Jiang Ji smiled faintly, feeling oddly proud.

“Hey, look. There’s someone else inside the Regent’s carriage.”

“Who is it? A lady?”

“Ah, the carriage passed already. Couldn’t see.”

“Not a lady. It looked like a man.”

“Huh, I thought it was a lady.”

Jiang Ji realized the gossip had turned toward him and quickly lowered the curtain.

Lu Huaizhou held his hand. “Why did you stop looking?”

“It’s nothing.” Jiang Ji rubbed his nose, then looked at him. “By the way, now that we’re in the capital, I should start calling you Lu Huaizhou. Or do you prefer me to call you regent?”

Lu Huaizhou curled his lips slightly. “Up to you. Call me whatever you like.”

A certain word flashed through Jiang Ji’s mind and he stared at him with a silly grin.

“What are you laughing at?” Lu Huaizhou looked at him suspiciously, having no idea what strange thought had popped into his head again.

“Nothing. I’ll tell you later.” Jiang Ji waved his hand, trying to suppress his laughter.

Knowing Jiang Ji’s usual style, Lu Huaizhou suspected it probably wasn’t anything good. Translated on Hololo novels. Wisely, he decided not to ask.

After entering the city, the carriage continued for about three quarters of an hour before stopping.

Outside, Chen Feng reported, “Your Highness, we have arrived at the Regent’s residence.”

Lu Huaizhou turned and held Jiang Ji’s hand. “We’re home.”

Lu Huaizhou stepped out of the carriage first. Jiang Ji followed, and when he stepped down he immediately saw the grand residence in front of him. Above the gate hung the powerful characters “Regent’s Residence.”

Holding Lu Huaizhou’s arm, Jiang Ji stepped down from the carriage. At the gate, the residence’s steward Zhong Shu stood waiting with all the servants of the household.

“Your Highness has returned. This is wonderful.”

“Your Highness.”

Everyone had worried for months and were finally seeing him return safely. They were visibly emotional, and several older servants even had tears in their eyes.

Lu Huaizhou nodded to them. “You’ve all worked hard.”

“We haven’t suffered. It is Your Highness who endured hardship outside,” Zhong Shu said.

“I’m fine.” Lu Huaizhou took Jiang Ji’s arm and introduced him. “This is Uncle Zhong, the steward of the residence.”

He then introduced Jiang Ji to the others. “This is Jiang Ji. He was the one who saved me. I have been living at his home until now. I still need to enter the palace. Uncle Zhong, take Jiang Ji to stay in my courtyard. From now on, Jiang Ji is the second master of the residence. Treat him the same way you treat me. Understood?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” everyone bowed immediately, then looked up at Jiang Ji.

So this was the benefactor who saved the Regent. Their eyes were filled with gratitude, along with a little confusion.

The second master?

Jiang Ji faced their gazes. “…Hello everyone. Please take care of me from now on.”

Uncle Zhong quickly smiled. “Young Master Jiang Ji, welcome.”

Lu Huaizhou called Lu Jiu over. “Take Jiang Ji around the residence and familiarize him with the place.”

“Yes.” Lu Jiu nodded.

After giving his instructions, Lu Huaizhou turned to Jiang Ji again. “I’ll go to the palace first. Wait for me to come back.”

“Alright. Go take care of your work. Don’t worry about me.”

Lu Huaizhou left for the palace with Chen Feng, Lu Wu, and the convoy escorting Prince Qi. Uncle Zhong ordered the servants to carry their luggage inside, and Jiang Ji entered the residence with Lu Jiu and Uncle Zhong to look around.

As they walked, Lu Jiu explained, “Our residence covers over one hundred sixty mu of land. There are twenty-three courtyards, four to five hundred rooms of various sizes, two training grounds, and a garden.”

“Wow, it’s huge,” Jiang Ji exclaimed. Along the way he saw rockeries, stone carvings, pavilions, and towers. Every corner looked like its own landscape. “It’s really beautiful.”

“Of course. The late emperor personally designated this residence for the Prince. It’s also close to the palace,” Lu Jiu said proudly. He glanced at Jiang Ji and added, “But most of the courtyards are empty. As you know, the Prince isn’t married yet and doesn’t have a family, so there aren’t many people living here. Altogether there are only about a hundred people, and most of them are guards.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Maintaining and cleaning so many courtyards must be exhausting.”

Uncle Zhong smiled. “It’s manageable. The empty courtyards are only cleaned every few days, just to keep them tidy.”

“This is the regent’s courtyard,” Lu Jiu said, leading Jiang Ji into one of the courtyards.

Jiang Ji looked around, confused. “Huh? Why isn’t he living in the main courtyard?”

Lu Jiu explained, “That one has two floors. The regent said it felt too spacious there. He prefers this one because it’s more comfortable. The main courtyard is used for receiving guests.”

“…Oh,” Jiang Ji said.

“Young Master Jiang Ji, would you like to live there? Should we mention it to the Prince?” Lu Jiu suggested.

“No need. I was just asking. I think this place is nice too,” Jiang Ji said as he walked inside.

Lu Jiu led him straight to the main room of the courtyard and opened the door.

“This is the regent’s bedroom. The regent sleeps in the room on the left. The east wing is his study.”

“Alright.” Jiang Ji went inside to look at the bedroom. It was moderately sized, and the furnishings were very simple. There was only a folding screen, not even a single vase in sight, though the furniture was all fine zitan wood.

“Hey, Lu Jiu, your regent’s room is pretty simple too. It actually looks similar to the room at my place.”

Lu Jiu set Jiang Ji’s bundle on the table in the room and smiled. “Yes. The regent doesn’t care much about those things. Aside from the main hall used for receiving guests, which has some decorations, the other courtyards are very plain. Most of us in this residence are rough men. If we accidentally knocked over a vase or something, it would shatter. All the fragile and valuable items are kept in storage.”

Jiang Ji couldn’t help laughing. After looking around the bedroom, he went out and sat in the main hall.

Lu Jiu poured him a cup of tea. The tea was warm, just right to drink.

“By the way, Xiao Liu, come here.”

A clever-looking young servant of about sixteen or seventeen came in from outside and said respectfully, “Young Master Jiang Ji, Brother Jiu.”

Lu Jiu introduced him. “This is Xiao Liu. He takes care of the regent’s daily needs.”

Then he turned to Xiao Liu. “Xiao Liu, Young Master Jiang Ji will be living together with the regent from now on. Make sure you serve him well.”

“Yes.”

Jiang Ji smiled and cupped his hands to Xiao Liu. “Xiao Liu, please take care of me.”

Xiao Liu bowed. “Young Master is too polite. If you need anything, just tell me.”

After they finished talking, Uncle Zhong quickly said, “Young Master Jiang, you must be tired after traveling. Shall I have someone bring hot water so you can wash up? Dinner will be ready shortly.”

“Alright. I was just thinking about washing up properly,” Jiang Ji said. Then he turned to Lu Jiu. “You should go wash up too. I’ll take a nap this afternoon, and after I wake up I’ll look around the other courtyards.”

“Okay.”

Uncle Zhong and Lu Jiu left together. Once outside the courtyard, Uncle Zhong pulled Lu Jiu aside.

“I noticed you placed Young Master Jiang’s bundle directly in the prince’s bedroom. Why is that?”

Lu Jiu replied, “Uncle Zhong, when they were at Young Master Jiang’s house, the two of them slept in the same room.”

“What? I heard the Jiang family was very poor. Did they just not have many beds?”

“No. The Jiang family later moved into a three-courtyard house with ten mu of land. There were plenty of rooms. But Young Master Jiang and the regent still stayed in the same room.”

Uncle Zhong became even more confused. “What does that mean?”

Lu Jiu reminded him, “Uncle Zhong, the regent said Young Master Jiang is the second master of the residence.”

“I thought that was just because he saved the regent…” Uncle Zhong looked at Lu Jiu’s meaningful expression. A shocking thought suddenly crossed his mind. He raised both thumbs and bent them toward each other. “You mean… this?”

Lu Jiu nodded. “Mm. Just keep it to yourself.”

Uncle Zhong stood there stunned. He had never imagined such a thing.

“So… the regent… does this mean…” Uncle Zhong muttered. “Could it be that the regent hasn’t married all these years because of this?”

“No idea.” Lu Jiu shrugged and patted Uncle Zhong’s shoulder. “Come on. Young Master Jiang is still waiting.”

Uncle Zhong sighed, his back seeming to bend a little more. “What are we going to do about this…”

“Don’t worry about the regent’s matters. He has his own plans.”

“Ah…”

Jiang Ji took a comfortable bath, changed into fresh clothes, ate the meal Xiao Liu brought him, and walked around the courtyard to digest his food before going to take a nap.

Xiao Liu watched him walk straight into the regent’s bedroom and reminded him, “Young Master Jiang, this is the regent’s bedroom. I can take you to another room to sleep.”

Jiang Ji waved his hand. “No need. I’ll sleep here.”

Xiao Liu hesitated, then gently reminded him, “Young Master Jiang, the regent has never been used to sleeping with others since he was young.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “It’s fine. I’ve been sleeping with your regent for half a year already. He won’t get angry. If I don’t sleep here, that’s when he’ll get angry.”

“?!” Xiao Liu was shocked. “You’ve been sleeping with the regent for half a year?”

“Mm. Go do your work. We’ll talk after I wake up.” Jiang Ji was genuinely tired.

“Yes.” Xiao Liu left in a daze.

Jiang Ji slept for an hour. When he woke up he felt much more refreshed, and much of the fatigue from days of travel had disappeared.

In the afternoon he followed Lu Jiu around the entire residence. Just walking through it took more than half an hour.

Seeing that it was getting late, Jiang Ji returned to the room and exchanged for a large bundle of dried chili peppers. He also took out some green peppers and potatoes.

“Take me to the kitchen,” he said. “I’ll cook a few dishes and wait for the regent to come back.”

Lu Jiu’s eyes lit up immediately. “Let’s go.”

Jiang Ji began bustling around in the kitchen.

Near evening, a handsome young man in white robes suddenly entered the residence.

The gatekeeper saw him and said happily, “Second Young Master.”

Lu Huaichuan looked delighted. “Has my elder brother returned?”

“The regent went to the palace and hasn’t come back yet,” the gatekeeper replied.

“Still not back?” Lu Huaichuan frowned, then asked, “By the way, I heard from my father that the Jiang family’s benefactor who saved my brother has arrived. Is that true?”

“It’s true. His name is Young Master Jiang Ji.”

“Where is he? I want to meet him,” Lu Huaichuan said eagerly.

“He’s staying in the regent’s courtyard. Second Young Master can go there to find him.”

“Alright.”

Lu Huaichuan excitedly went to his brother’s courtyard but didn’t see the benefactor. He grabbed Xiao Liu and asked.

“Young Master Jiang Ji is in the kitchen.”

“The kitchen?” Lu Huaichuan was puzzled. “What is he doing there?”

“He said he’s cooking and waiting for the regent to come back so they can eat together.”

“Oh? Cooking? Then I definitely have to go see.”

Lu Huaichuan immediately headed to the kitchen. Translated on Hololo novels. As soon as he reached the doorway, he smelled a strong fragrance he had never encountered before. There was also a sharp, nose-tingling scent that made him want to sneeze, yet it smelled incredibly good.

He sniffed, trying to hold back the urge to sneeze, and asked Lu Jiu,

“What’s that smell? What are they making in there?”

“Second Young Master, what brings you here?” Lu Jiu was sitting at the kitchen entrance. When he saw Lu Huaichuan arrive, he stood up and said, “Young Master Jiang Ji is inside making twice-cooked pork.”

“Twice-cooked pork?” Lu Huaichuan walked into the kitchen. Inside, the chef and the kitchen maids were all gathered around the stove watching. In front of the stove stood a young man a little older than him, with darker skin, holding a spatula and stir-frying.

So this was the benefactor?

He looked into the wok again. Thin slices of pork, half fat and half lean, were being tossed continuously among pieces of green vegetables. The pork slices were slightly golden from frying, releasing a bit of oil. After being coated with soy sauce, they gleamed with a rich color and gave off an irresistible fragrance. Just looking at them made his mouth water.

Lu Huaichuan couldn’t help swallowing.

After stir-frying for a moment, Jiang Ji lifted the dish out of the wok and plated two large portions.

“Benefactor, what is that green thing?” Lu Huaichuan asked.

Hearing the voice, Jiang Ji turned around. Seeing a young man dressed in fine clothes who resembled Lu Huaizhou somewhat, he asked, “You’re Lu Huaichuan?”

“Yes, yes, I’m Lu Huaichuan.” When he heard the benefactor knew his name, he became excited. “Benefactor, did my brother mention me to you?”

Jiang Ji nodded toward Lu Jiu with his chin. “He told me. My name is Jiang Ji. You can just call me by my name.”

Lu Huaichuan glanced at Lu Jiu. “Oh.”

Soon his attention returned to the food. “That, um… no, Brother Jiang Ji, what is that green thing?”

“That’s chili pepper.” Jiang Ji had heard from Lu Jiu that Lu Huaichuan was a foodie. Smiling, he said, “Try it. I suggest you eat the meat first.”

“Alright.”

Lu Huaichuan had been waiting for that invitation. Someone beside him handed him chopsticks. He took them and immediately picked up a piece of chili pepper he had never tried before and put it in his mouth, completely ignoring Jiang Ji’s suggestion.

After chewing twice, his eyebrows instantly furrowed. “Hiss—this, this…”

“Chili pepper. It’s spicy,” Jiang Ji reminded him.

Lu Jiu had already poured him a cup of water. Lu Huaichuan grabbed it and gulped it down. “Hiss! This flavor, this spiciness, why is it so strong!”

“That’s why I told you to eat the meat first,” Jiang Ji laughed. “And this chili is only mildly spicy. Your brother’s already used to it.”

Lu Huaichuan took a few breaths. Hearing that his brother was used to it, he picked up a slice of pork and put it in his mouth.

The next moment his eyes lit up. After a few bites, he raised his thumb and declared, “The pork slices are rich but not greasy, with a bit of charred aroma. The saltiness is just right, and the chili adds another layer of flavor. Savory and delicious!”

Jiang Ji raised his brows. As expected of someone who loved food. Smiling, he said, “Thank you for the compliment.”

“I didn’t expect you to know how to cook, Brother Jiang Ji.” Lu Huaichuan picked up another slice of pork.

“Mm. I opened a restaurant.”

Lu Huaichuan’s eyes brightened. “Then there must be lots of good food.”

“Yes, plenty. Stay for dinner tonight,” Jiang Ji said.

“Alright.” With good food involved, Lu Huaichuan had no intention of leaving.

Jiang Ji glanced at him and asked, “Did you come alone?”

“Yes.”

Jiang Ji looked puzzled. “Minister Lu and Madam Lu didn’t come to see your brother? You haven’t seen him for over half a year.”

Lu Huaichuan looked puzzled too. “I heard from Father that he wanted to come see you, but big brother said you weren’t ready yet and asked us to wait until you were prepared before coming.”

Jiang Ji: “…”

He laughed helplessly. “Ask Minister Lu and Madam Lu to come over. I’m making a whole table of dishes anyway. You haven’t seen your brother for so long, you must miss him.”

“You’re ready now?” Lu Huaichuan asked.

“Uh, yes. Tell them to come.”

Jiang Ji knew that when Jiang Yan said “ready,” he meant being ready to meet his parents as a partner. But meeting them as a friend was fine too. Besides, his parents surely wanted to meet him as well.

And he could build some goodwill first.

“Alright.” Lu Huaichuan immediately turned to Lu Jiu. “Quick, quick! Send someone to tell my father and mother that the benefactor is ready. Tell them to bring gifts and come quickly.”

“No need to bring gifts,” Jiang Ji said.

“They must. When meeting the benefactor, we have to bring gifts,” Lu Huaichuan insisted.

Jiang Ji sighed. “Didn’t they already send gifts before?”

“That little bit hardly counts. You saved my brother’s life. Even if we emptied the Lu family treasury and gave it all to you, it would still be fine.”

Jiang Ji: “…That won’t be necessary.”

Lu Jiu laughed and went out to deliver the message.

The Lu residence wasn’t far away. Minister Lu had already returned home from court. When the couple heard the message from the Regent’s residence servant, they immediately had the steward load the gifts they had prepared earlier onto the carriage. They happily changed clothes and set out.

When they arrived at the Regent’s residence, they didn’t see Jiang Ji. The steward told them he was in the kitchen cooking.

“How can we let our benefactor cook?” Madam Lu said with dissatisfaction.

Steward Zhong replied, “Young Master Jiang insisted on cooking. He said he cooks often at home and even runs a restaurant.”

“Is that so?” Madam Lu became pleased again. “Then it seems the Jiang family’s circumstances have improved a lot.”

The couple, curious, went to the kitchen together. Before even seeing Jiang Ji, they were already drawn in by the aroma of the food.

Madam Lu stepped into the kitchen and saw the young man stir-frying at the stove. He wore a pale moon-white robe, the sleeves tied up with cord. His skin was a little dark, but his features were delicate, especially his eyes, dark and bright. He was a handsome young man.

Steward Zhong announced, “Young Master Jiang, Minister Lu and Madam Lu have arrived.”

Jiang Ji looked up. He hadn’t expected them to come directly to the kitchen. He handed the spatula to the chef beside him. “Continue frying.”

The chef took it and kept cooking. Jiang Ji walked over to greet them. Before he could speak, Madam Lu spoke first.

“You must be Jiang Ji,” Madam Lu said with a broad smile. “When Lu Wu returned earlier, he told us everything. Thank you for saving Huaizhou and for taking such careful care of him. We also received word that you helped him recover his memory. We are truly grateful.”

As she spoke, Madam Lu and Minister Lu both cupped their hands and bowed to Jiang Ji.
“Thank you for saving Huaizhou.”

Lu Huaichuan also bowed along with his parents.

Jiang Ji quickly stepped aside to avoid the gesture and helped Madam Lu up by the arm. “Uncle, Aunt, please don’t. You’re embarrassing me.”

“How is that embarrassing you? This is what we should do,” Madam Lu said. “There’s a lot of smoke from the cooking here. Why don’t we go to the front hall and have some tea?”

Jiang Ji hesitated. Drinking tea wasn’t an option right now. He still planned to win them over with his cooking. A little embarrassed, he said, “Aunt, I’m in the middle of cooking. If you don’t mind, how about you try my cooking tonight?”

Lu Huaichuan quickly said, “Mother, Brother Jiang Ji’s cooking is really delicious. Just let him cook.”

Madam Lu slapped her younger son lightly on the arm. “How can we let our benefactor cook for us? What have you been studying all these years? Where are your manners?”

Lu Huaichuan muttered, “But it really is delicious. And Brother Jiang Ji said himself that he wanted to cook.”

“Yes, I cook at home too. It’s not a problem. Jiang—uh, Brother Huaizhou likes it too.”

To avoid seeming disrespectful to his future father- and mother-in-law, Jiang Ji felt it would be better not to call him directly by name. Calling him “regent” felt distant, so he said “Brother Huaizhou.” It sounded close and friendly.

“I see. Well then…” Madam Lu glanced at Minister Lu.

Minister Lu was about to speak when Lu Huaichuan suddenly stuffed a piece of twice-cooked pork into his father’s mouth.

Jiang Ji: “…” What kind of move was that? Lu Huaichuan was really going all out just for food.

Minister Lu glared at his son but couldn’t exactly spit the food out, so he had no choice but to chew.

After just a couple bites, his eyes brightened slightly.

Lu Huaichuan leaned toward his father. “Isn’t it delicious?”

Minister Lu nodded. “Mm. Not bad.”

Lu Huaichuan then picked up another piece and fed it to his mother. Madam Lu looked a little surprised after tasting it. She turned to Jiang Ji.

“Your cooking is this good?”

Lu Huaichuan said proudly, “Not just this dish. Lu Jiu said everything Brother Jiang Ji cooks is delicious.”

Seeing this, Jiang Ji smiled and said, “Uncle, Aunt, there’s a lot of smoke here. Why don’t you go sit in the main hall for a moment? I’ll finish cooking soon. When Brother Huaizhou comes back, we can start eating.”

“It’s fine, go ahead and cook. I’d like to watch,” Madam Lu said. She was somewhat interested in cooking herself. Pointing at the green ingredient, she asked, “Is that the thing Lu Wu mentioned? What was it called again?”

Lu Huaichuan reminded her, “Chili pepper.”

“Right, right. Chili pepper.” Madam Lu came from a military family and wasn’t very particular about etiquette. She told her son, “Bring me a pair of chopsticks. I want to try it.”

A servant immediately handed over chopsticks. Madam Lu took a pair, and Minister Lu took another. Both of them picked up pieces of green pepper and put them into their mouths.

Minister Lu: “…Hiss—”

Madam Lu: “!”

Madam Lu then picked up another dish of diced chicken with chili and kept eating. The more she ate, the brighter her eyes became.

“This thing called chili pepper has quite a flavor.”

Lu Huaichuan stared at his mother in surprise. “Mother, don’t you think it’s spicy?”

“Spicy?” Madam Lu nodded. “Right, that’s what it’s called, a spicy flavor, isn’t it? It’s alright. Not too spicy.”

Minister Lu: “…”

Lu Huaichuan: “…”

Jiang Ji was also surprised. “Aunt, it seems you’re very good at eating spicy food.”

“Really? Then it seems I’m fated with these chili peppers. Quite a lucky mouth I have. This chicken is delicious,” Madam Lu said with a smile. “When you have time, could you teach me how to cook it?”

Jiang Ji nodded with a smile. “Of course. There are many other dishes too, all very delicious. I can teach you.”

“Alright, it’s settled then.”

When Lu Huaizhou walked in, he saw his father, mother, and younger brother all gathered around the stove watching Jiang Ji cook. They were chatting and laughing, the atmosphere extremely lively.

Lu Huaizhou looked at Jiang Ji’s smiling face and the corners of his lips lifted slightly.

It seemed Jiang Ji had already conquered their stomachs first.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Next

Lu Wen and Lu Jiu went up into the mountains for a walk. When they returned, they had a string of wild rabbits and pheasants, along with a pouch full of red dates and persimmons.

As they passed the east wing, they saw Jiang Yan and Jiang Ji inside wiping down the armor. Lu Wen lifted the front of his shirt where he had tucked the dates and walked in happily.

“Young master, there are dates and persimmons. Want some?”

Jiang Ji glanced at them. “From the village chief’s house?”

“Huh? Young Master Jiang Ji, how did you know?” Lu Wen asked, puzzled.

“In the whole village, only the village chief’s jujube tree still has fruit left,” Jiang Ji explained. “Were they harvesting the dates today?”

“Yeah. They let us bring back a big pouch.” Lu Wen grinned. “Oh right, Young Master Jiang Ji, we caught some wild rabbits. Can you cook that rabbit dish you made before tonight? These two haven’t tasted it. I told them your cooking is amazing, but they don’t believe me.”

Jiang Ji had originally planned to cook lunch himself, but he hadn’t had time because he was making the bracelet. Now he smiled.

“Sure. I’ll cook it for you tonight.”

The other two guards immediately brightened.

One of them said, “Thank you, Young Master Jiang Ji. On the way here we kept hearing them talk about how delicious your cooking is. They’ve made us curious.”

These were brothers who had fought life-and-death battles alongside Jiang Yan. Jiang Ji laughed.

“Have someone buy the rest of the ingredients. Tonight I’ll cook for everyone. We can all relax a bit.”

“That’s great.”

The group laughed happily. Then Lu Wen noticed the bracelet on Jiang Yan’s wrist.

“Huh? Young master, why are you wearing a bracelet? Did you buy it in the south?”

“No,” Jiang Yan replied.

He was wearing loose sleeves today, and his sleeves were rolled up. The black bracelet on his wrist was very noticeable.

“I made it,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. He lifted his own hand and waved it slightly. “Looks good, right?”

Lu Wen looked curiously at the bracelet on Jiang Ji’s wrist, which matched Jiang Yan’s.

“You made it, Young Master Jiang Ji? It looks pretty nice. Did you give it to our young master?”

“Yes,” Jiang Ji admitted openly.

Lu Wen looked back and forth between the two bracelets. Something felt strange, but he couldn’t figure out exactly what.

Lu Jiu’s eyelid twitched slightly. He quickly grabbed a few persimmons from Lu Wen’s shirt and placed them on the table while pushing Lu Wen out.

“Young master, we’ll head to the backyard first. We’ll wash the dates and bring them later.”

“No need to bring them. We’ll come over soon anyway,” Jiang Ji said.

“Alright.”

The group left while pushing and shoving each other. Lu Wen was still talking to Lu Jiu.

“The young master is actually wearing a bracelet. Don’t you think that’s strange?”

“What’s strange about it?” Lu Jiu rolled his eyes. “Stop making a big deal out of nothing. Don’t lots of people in the south wear them?”

There were many ethnic groups in the south, each with different clothing and jewelry. Some men wore bracelets too. It was very common.

“But the young master never wore things like that before. And Young Master Jiang Ji didn’t either,” Lu Wen insisted. “They didn’t have them this morning.”

Lu Jiu: “…Maybe they just started liking them now.”

Lu Wen replied, “You might as well say Young Master Jiang Ji just finished making them.”

“That’s possible too.”

Back in the east wing, Jiang Ji looked at the black bracelet on Jiang Yan’s wrist. It rested right near the wrist bone. The black leather contrasted sharply with his pale skin.

It actually looked very good.

Jiang Ji stared at it for a moment, then wrung out a cloth and continued polishing the armor’s shoulder guards, wiping each plate carefully.

He chatted casually with Jiang Yan.

“So Lu Jiu didn’t tell them?”

“No,” Jiang Yan nodded. “So far he’s the only one who figured it out.”

“But everyone will know soon enough.”

“They’ll probably be shocked,” Jiang Ji said, imagining the scene and laughing to himself.

Jiang Yan glanced at him. “You seem very happy about that.”

“Of course,” Jiang Ji said, raising an eyebrow. “Just imagining their surprised faces is funny.”

Jiang Yan shook his head with a quiet laugh.

The two of them polished the armor until it shone. Then one of them carried the wooden basin and they went to the backyard.

It was about time to start preparing dinner. Jiang Ji washed his hands and told the kitchen aunt to boil water so he could prepare the rabbits and pheasants.

Wearing the bracelet was inconvenient for cooking. Jiang Ji took his off. But he had nowhere to put it, so he grabbed Jiang Yan’s hand and slid it onto his wrist.

“Hold onto it for me,” Jiang Ji said, tightening the strap.

Jiang Yan also didn’t want the bracelet to get dirty. Translated on Hololo novels. He went back to the room, removed it carefully, wiped it clean, and placed it safely back into the box.

Jiang Ji personally prepared dinner. Jiang Yan and Sister Guihua helped with small tasks like plucking feathers and washing vegetables.

Jiang Yan and the others had been tense for more than two months. Now they chatted while working, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation stolen from serious matters.

Once all the vegetables were washed, Lu Jiu and the others had nothing left to do. They sat outside the kitchen watching the sunset while waiting for dinner.

One guard sighed. “Life here is really comfortable. You don’t have to think about anything.”

Far from the court. Far from conflict. Quiet and peaceful.

Lu Jiu nodded. “And there’s good food.”

Lu Wen agreed. “Right. I almost don’t want to leave.”

Another guard laughed. “No wonder you were so eager to follow the young master here.”

Lu Wu was originally supposed to come back with Lu Jiu, since his martial arts were strong, but Lu Wen had insisted on coming instead.

Lu Wen chuckled. “Aren’t you the same?”

They all laughed.

One guard peeked into the kitchen and whispered, “I never expected the young master to be like this here.”

They all turned to look.

Inside the kitchen, Jiang Yan was wearing his usual gray clothes, sleeves rolled up. He stood beside Jiang Ji, skillfully coating pork ribs with crushed glutinous rice, his expression focused and gentle, a faint smile at the corner of his lips.

He looked completely relaxed and happy.

Before this, none of them could have imagined that their regent had such a side to him.

Jiang Ji personally cooked dinner and prepared three large tables full of dishes. Lu Shun and the others also returned from the city and brought back two large jars of wine. Everyone gathered together, raising cups and celebrating.

The two guards barely even lifted their heads while eating.

“This is unbelievably good,” one of them said. “No wonder you were all fighting to come here.”

“See? I didn’t lie to you.”

“I’ve never eaten anything this delicious in my life!”

Meanwhile, Jiang Ji kept placing food into Jiang Yan’s bowl.

“I made the rabbit differently this time. Try it and see if it tastes good.”

“This is the sweet-and-sour mandarin fish you like.”

“These ribs turned out really good today too.”

Jiang Yan looked at the pile of food in his bowl, smiling helplessly. “Slow down. Let me finish what’s already here first.”

Jiang Ji glanced at his bowl, which was already piled like a small mountain, and finally paused for a moment. “Oh. Then hurry and eat. You need to build yourself back up.”

Jiang Yan’s bowl was filled with dishes he liked. Out of the twelve dishes on the table, seven or eight were also his favorites.

His heart softened.

Jiang Yan picked up a piece of braised pork that Jiang Ji liked and placed it into his bowl. “You eat too.”

“Mhm.” Jiang Ji picked up the meat and ate it in one bite, his eyes curving into a smile. His mood was excellent.

Zhao Ru watched their interaction and the genuine happiness on their faces. Her heart finally relaxed.

As long as they were both happy, everything was worth it.

After dinner, Jiang Ji asked Lu Wen and the others to watch Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei while they did their homework. Then he pulled Jiang Yan outside for a walk.

The moonlight that night was beautiful, like silver flowing across the ground.

People in the village were either still eating or sitting in their courtyards chatting after dinner.

Jiang Ji hooked his finger with Jiang Yan’s. Jiang Yan immediately grasped his hand tightly as the two of them walked toward the entrance of the village.

Jiang Ji said, “Some time ago Magistrate Xu told me the court had issued an order. After the second rice harvest, officials from other prefectures will come to transport the grain seeds. The fifteen counties that planted the new rice this year can pay their land taxes in silver instead of grain. The price of the seeds has been fixed at forty coins per jin. Was that your suggestion?”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Yes.”

“I knew it was you.” Jiang Ji smiled and squeezed his hand. Then he continued, “By the way, the second rice crop will be ready for harvest in about a month. The rice seeds should be enough to cover most of the paddies in the south. Wheat planting in the north is coming soon. How about I leave with you the day after tomorrow? If we move quickly, we can distribute the new wheat seeds in time. Then I can still make it back to harvest the rice.”

“Won’t the cotton be ready to harvest soon too?” Jiang Yan asked.

Jiang Ji nodded. “In about half a month.”

“Is the factory building finished?”

“It’s almost done. The timing should work out.” Jiang Ji said, “The warehouse is already built, so there should be enough space to store the cotton.”

Jiang Yan asked, “Don’t you need to supervise the cotton harvest personally?”

“If I go north to distribute the wheat seeds, I won’t have time for that here. I’ve already inspected the nearby cotton fields, and the quality looks good. I’ll ask the village chief and Uncle Tugen to help manage it.” Jiang Ji shook Jiang Yan’s hand slightly. “Let Lu Shun stay here and help me for a bit. Let him oversee the weighing, payments, and storage. I’d feel more at ease.”

“That’s fine.”

“Then it’s settled. Lu Shun will stay here to help collect the cotton, and I’ll go north with you. After we distribute the wheat seeds and give instructions, I’ll come back. I’ve already chosen the area. Somewhere around the capital would be best. That’s a major wheat-growing region. I calculated it. If we start from there, we can probably cover fifty to sixty thousand mu.”

Jiang Ji had been saving up points for more than two months. By the time they reached the capital, he would have accumulated even more. Earlier rewards had already been exchanged for wheat seeds, and he still had quite a few gifted seeds. The only problem was that wheat required more seeds than rice, otherwise he could have expanded even further.

“So much?” Jiang Yan said in surprise. Then he asked worriedly, “What tasks did the immortals have you do? Was it dangerous?”

Jiang Ji rubbed the tip of his nose. “Not dangerous. Pretty simple. I just tell them about my daily life and chat with them.”

He absolutely didn’t dare tell Jiang Yan that the “immortals” could watch their lives. He especially couldn’t tell him they had even seen them kissing. If he said that, Jiang Yan would probably feel extremely awkward in the future.

Jiang Yan already knew Jiang Ji sometimes talked to himself and understood that he was chatting with the immortals. Hearing that it wasn’t dangerous, he felt relieved.

However, he also noticed Jiang Ji rubbing his nose again. That was something Jiang Ji often did when he felt guilty. There was clearly something else he wasn’t saying, but Jiang Yan didn’t press further.

“If there’s anything I can help with, just tell me.”

Jiang Ji had already thought about it. “When we get there, issue an official order to the counties around the capital and have them select which counties will participate and cooperate in planting the new wheat seeds. That way I won’t have to spend time persuading them.”

“Alright.” Jiang Yan stopped walking and held both of Jiang Ji’s hands. “When we arrive in the capital, after I report everything to my parents, will you come with me to meet them?”

Jiang Ji smiled and nodded. “That’s exactly why I chose the capital as our starting point. I wanted to go meet them with you.”

Jiang Yan had already guessed that. He kissed Jiang Ji lightly on the lips, and beneath the moonlight they shared a gentle kiss.

They continued discussing their plans for a while before finally walking back.

That night in bed, they lay together whispering for a long time, talking about their plans once they reached the capital.

When Jiang Ji mentioned opening a restaurant in the capital, he suddenly remembered something.

“Oh right. Since you’re the Regent, if we get married, does that mean I can’t open a restaurant under my own name?”

Jiang Yan nodded. “That’s right.”

“What about under Mother’s or Xia’er’s name?”

Jiang Yan nodded again. “That’s possible. Your family members can.”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “Actually, to be safe, we should restore Uncle Han’s free status and open it under his name instead. That way no one will criticize you.”

Jiang Yan hugged him and kissed him lightly. “You’re very thoughtful.”

“Of course. Once we’re together, your honor and mine will be tied together. If something goes wrong for you, it affects me too. So of course I have to think things through for you.”

“Mm. Thank you.”

Thinking about Uncle Han again, Jiang Ji asked,

“By the way, who is the new magistrate in Huawen County?”

Jiang Yan replied, “I’m not too sure yet. Why do you ask?”

Jiang Ji held him and said, “Do you remember how Uncle Han and the others were sold here?”

Han Qingshan from the restaurant. Back then his eldest daughter had been violated by the young master of their former household. Translated on Hololo novels. Unable to bear it, she took her own life. Han Qingshan and his apprentice Yu Yang beat the young master to avenge her, and as punishment they were sold off to this place. His younger daughter, Xiang’er, had been sold to Pingnan County.

Jiang Yan remembered. “You’re thinking…”

Jiang Ji said seriously, “Can you have someone investigate that family they used to serve? Uncle Han and the others can’t be the only victims. I want to seek justice for them and truly resolve the knot in their hearts. People like that family should receive the punishment they deserve.”

Jiang Yan tightened his arm around Jiang Ji’s waist. “Alright. I’ll have someone investigate.”

Jiang Ji happily kissed him. “Having subordinates really does have its advantages.”

Jiang Yan smiled and deepened the kiss.

…

The next day, the two of them began making arrangements.

Jiang Ji first spoke with Zhao Ru, telling her that he would go toward the capital to distribute the new wheat seeds and also meet Jiang Yan’s parents.

Zhao Ru advised him, “When you meet his parents, you must be sincere, understand? Keep a proper attitude so they can see your sincerity and determination.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Alright, I understand.”

“And you should prepare gifts.” Zhao Ru frowned. “We don’t have anything particularly valuable here. Bring silver notes with you and buy something in the capital. Buy something good, understand?”

“Mm, I know. Don’t worry, Mother.”

Jiang Ji then explained the cotton collection plans and told her that she and Lu Shun would oversee it. After that, he went to the village chief and Uncle Tugen, asking them to help when the time came. They immediately agreed.

By the time he returned, Jiang Yan had already instructed Lu Wen to investigate Han Qingshan’s former household and had also spoken with Lu Shun about staying longer to help manage things.

When Lu Shun saw Jiang Ji return, he said, “Young Master Jiang Ji, the young master told me some of what needs to be done, but you should explain the details to me.”

“Alright. I’ll take you out to look at the cotton fields first and teach you how to judge the quality.”

Jiang Ji took Lu Shun outside, with Jiang Yan following along.

Along the way, Jiang Ji explained how to distinguish good cotton from poor cotton. Translated on Hololo novels. He also told him about the contracts he had signed with the farmers. When the time came, they only needed to collect cotton from those who had signed contracts.

After returning, he showed Lu Shun the contracts and carefully explained the important points.

“I understand,” Lu Shun said after repeating everything back. “Is that correct?”

“Yes.” Jiang Ji patted his shoulder. “You really do have the talent of a good steward.”

Lu Shun smiled. “You flatter me, Young Master Jiang.”

After settling everything, the next day Jiang Ji set off with Jiang Yan, bringing along two guards.

Jiang Yan had originally planned for them to ride together, but when he saw Jiang Ji easily mount his horse by himself, he looked surprised.

“You can ride now?”

“Of course. During these two months, whenever I had time I asked the guards to teach me.” Jiang Ji smiled. “If I’m going to live in the capital in the future, I should at least learn.”

Jiang Yan curved his lips slightly. “Alright then. Let’s go.”

After saying goodbye to Zhao Ru and the others, they set off at full speed toward the north.

After one day of riding, they caught up with the main escort force transporting the captured Prince Qi. Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan switched to riding in a carriage.

From Changping to the capital, riding hard on horseback would take about four days. But a large convoy like theirs, escorting prisoners and including infantry, needed twelve or thirteen days.

After catching up with the main force, they traveled another seven or eight days before finally reaching the capital.

Just before entering the city, Jiang Yan noticed Jiang Ji tracing something in the air with his finger.

“What are you looking at?”

“I’m looking for gifts,” Jiang Ji said anxiously. “When we meet your parents, I have to bring gifts.”

Changping County was only a small county and didn’t have anything particularly good. Jiang Ji had already planned to buy gifts in the capital. If he couldn’t find suitable ones, he would exchange them through the system.

Jiang Yan laughed softly. “There are plenty of things in the regent’s residence. You can just pick a couple.”

“That won’t do.” Jiang Ji spoke seriously. “If I’m visiting your parents, how can I take gifts from your own house? I should prepare them myself to show sincerity.”

Jiang Yan looked at him with a smile.

Jiang Ji patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry. I brought silver notes. They’re valid throughout the country. And I already asked Lu Jiu about your grandfather, your parents, your younger brother, and your second uncle’s family. I know what they like.”

He repeated the information he had gathered from Lu Jiu. “It’s this, right? He didn’t get it wrong?”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Mostly correct.”

“Then what parts are different? Tell me quickly.”

Jiang Yan explained the details. Jiang Ji took out his small notebook and wrote everything down carefully.

Watching him record everything so seriously, Jiang Yan smiled softly. “That’s all. When we arrive, I’ll have someone take you into the city to choose the gifts.”

“Good. It’s settled then.”

While they were talking, the gates of the capital came into view.

Jiang Ji lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside. The towering city walls stood tall and imposing. He felt both nervous and excited.

“We’ve arrived at the capital.”

Jiang Yan took his hand.

“Don’t worry. I’m here.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

After washing up, Jiang Yan shaved his beard clean. The tired look disappeared, and his handsome appearance returned.

At breakfast, the whole family was finally seated together again around the table.

Jiang Bei deliberately sat beside Jiang Yan. While chewing on a meat bun, he asked curiously, “Brother Jiang Yan, was the place you went to fun?”

Jiang Yan glanced at him. “It was alright. I brought gifts for you. I’ll give them to you after we finish eating.”

“Gifts?!” Jiang Nan’s eyes immediately lit up. “Brother Jiang Yan, what are they?”

“You’ll see after breakfast,” Jiang Yan replied.

Jiang Bei urged his brother, “Eat faster.”

“Okay.”

The two little boys stopped talking and focused on eating.

Zhao Ru looked at Jiang Yan, then at Xiao Ji sitting beside him. Xiao Ji was visibly in a very good mood. She sighed softly in her heart and stood up to scoop dumplings for Jiang Yan.

“Jiang Yan, eat more. You’ve gotten thinner. Being away from home, you probably didn’t have time to eat properly. Try these shrimp dumplings. I heard from Lu Jiu before that you like these.”

Jiang Yan quickly lifted his bowl to receive them. “Alright, thank you, Auntie.”

Zhao Ru was about to place the dumplings into his bowl when she suddenly paused.

It occurred to her that Jiang Yan was the Regent.

Should she even be serving food to him?

Her hand stopped in midair. Below, Jiang Yan held out his bowl waiting, but Zhao Ru still didn’t drop the dumplings in.

For a moment the scene froze. Everyone looked at her curiously.

Jiang Ji asked, “Mother?”

“Ah? Oh.” Zhao Ru came back to her senses. She looked at the bowl Jiang Yan was holding out and hesitated before asking, “Um… Jiang… Jiang Yan, should I not be serving you food? In your family… isn’t that not the custom?”

Jiang Yan paused for a moment, then answered, “It’s fine, Auntie. You can serve food.”

“Oh… alright then.” Zhao Ru carefully placed the dumplings into his bowl.

Her expression was so strange that Jiang Yan glanced at Jiang Ji and quietly asked, “She knows?”

Jiang Ji understood what he meant and nodded. “Yes.”

That explained it.

Jiang Yan then turned back to Zhao Ru and said gently, “Auntie, at home I’m just Jiang Yan. You can treat me the same as before. There’s no need to worry about formalities.”

Hearing this, and seeing that his attitude was the same as before, Zhao Ru relaxed a little. “Alright, then that’s good.”

While eating, Jiang Xia secretly watched her brother and Jiang Yan. Before knowing the truth she had never paid much attention, but now she realized that her brother always sat right next to Jiang Yan. Even though they now had a round table with plenty of space, they still sat very close.

She kept sneaking glances.

Zhao Ru lightly tapped her, signaling her not to stare.

Jiang Yan noticed their little movements but felt puzzled and didn’t ask about it.

After breakfast, Jiang Yan took the gifts out of his bundle. Everyone had one. He had deliberately bought them from a market the day before returning.

For Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei, each received a colorful little wooden horse and a set of Bagua puzzle locks.

For Jiang Xia, there was a set of silver jewelry: earrings, bracelets, and a silver neck ring decorated with many dangling silver pieces that jingled when lifted. Translated on Hololo novels. It had strong ethnic characteristics and was very beautiful. Jiang Xia loved it at first sight and couldn’t put it down.

For Zhao Ru, there was a green jade bracelet.

Everyone was delighted with their gifts. Jiang Xia happily said, “Thank you, Brother Jiang Yan.”

“You’re welcome.”

Zhao Ru didn’t know how to judge the quality of jade, but the bracelet looked extremely valuable.

“Jiang Yan, isn’t this bracelet too expensive?”

“No. There’s a place near there that borders a small country where this kind of jade is abundant. Some merchants secretly brought it over. I happened to see it. It wasn’t expensive,” Jiang Yan replied.

Jiang Ji glanced at Jiang Yan but said nothing.

The jade was an incredibly vivid green, lively and bright. It was the legendary imperial green jade, priceless.

Jiang Nan was already playing with his little wooden horse, while Jiang Bei held up the Bagua lock and asked, “Brother Jiang Yan, how do you play with this?”

“With this,” Jiang Yan said, “try to take it apart. After that, see if you can put it back together.” He challenged them a little. “Let’s see who finishes first.”

The boys’ competitive spirit immediately ignited.

Jiang Nan said confidently, “It will definitely be me!”

“I’ll finish before you,” Jiang Bei declared.

Jiang Ji reminded them, “You should be heading to school. You’ll be late.”

“Oh right, right, hurry to school,” Zhao Ru urged the children.

“Mother, keep this safe for me,” Jiang Xia said, putting the jewelry back into its wooden box and handing it to her.

“Alright, alright. Hurry and go. Don’t be late.”

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei ran off holding identical Bagua locks.

Once the children had gone to school, Jiang Ji looked at Jiang Yan and raised an eyebrow.

“Where’s my gift?”

Jiang Yan grabbed his wrist. “Come back to the room and I’ll give it to you.”

The two returned to the east wing. After entering the room and closing the door, Jiang Ji waited for Jiang Yan’s gift.

Instead, Jiang Yan took out the jade pendant he always carried with him and placed it in Jiang Ji’s hand.

Jiang Ji’s eyelid twitched slightly. “You’re giving this to me?”

“Yes.” Jiang Yan closed Jiang Ji’s hand around it. “My grandfather carved this for me personally. I’ve carried it with me since I was a child. Giving it to you is the most appropriate.”

Jiang Ji blinked, a smile appearing at the corner of his lips.

“A token of love?”

Jiang Yan’s hand tightened slightly, his gaze deep as he nodded. “Yes.”

Jiang Ji’s heart thumped. He opened his hand and looked at the pendant, his fingers gently tracing the pattern on it. Then he looked up and said solemnly,

“I accept it.”

Jiang Yan nodded with a faint smile in his eyes.

“Then I should give you a token of love too,” Jiang Ji said, thinking. “What should I give you? Wait, let me see.”

He looked around the room helplessly. Apart from silver notes, he realized he hadn’t bought any valuable items.

There were some expensive things in the storeroom, but those had all been gifts from the Lu residence. It wouldn’t make sense to give them back to Jiang Yan.

Come to think of it, he probably should start preparing a bride price as well.

After thinking for a moment, he opened the system interface and went to the exchange marketplace. He searched for jewelry.

Originally he wanted to exchange a modern diamond ring.
But there weren’t any.

In the system’s modern items section, there were only things related to food, clothing, housing, and daily necessities. There was no jewelry.

2977. Just like you, the Farming System.

There were jewelry options in the ancient items section, gold and silver, jade and more. But Jiang Ji felt that if he simply exchanged something directly from the system, it would lack sincerity.

After thinking for a moment, he looked up and said, “Can I give it to you before you leave for the capital?”

Jiang Yan looked at him with a smile. “You seem a little troubled.”

“Yeah,” Jiang Ji admitted honestly. “Look at this room. Other than silver notes, there’s nothing here.”

“Then where is my token of love?” Jiang Yan looked at him. “That can’t be missing.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll make one for you myself. Just wait.”

Hearing that, Jiang Yan actually felt a little excited. “Alright. I’ll wait.”

“Then I’m going to the workshop. Don’t come in before I’m done,” Jiang Ji said, and immediately hurried toward the tool room.

Jiang Yan watched his hurried back and smiled faintly.

After entering the tool room, Jiang Ji shut the door. Then he browsed through the system for quite a while before exchanging a black crossbody leather bag.

He sat down and thought about the leather bracelets he used to make. Taking out a sheet of white paper, he began drawing designs. He sketched three styles that he could make with his current tools, adjusted them repeatedly, and finally settled on one.

Then he cut pieces from the leather bag strap and one of the leather buckles and began crafting.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yan took a book from the study, intending to go to the backyard to sit with Jiang Ji while he worked.

Just as he reached the corner of the corridor by the main hall, Zhao Ru saw him and called out.

“Jiang Yan.”

Seeing he was alone, she asked, “Where is Xiao Ji?”

“He’s in the workshop,” Jiang Yan replied.

“Oh.” Zhao Ru hesitated for a moment before saying, “Um… Jiang Yan, come here. I need to talk to you about something.”

Jiang Yan followed her into the study in the west wing.

The two sat down. Zhao Ru clasped her hands tightly, took a deep breath, and said,

“Jiang Yan… Xiao Ji told me about the two of you.”

Jiang Yan froze slightly. His heart immediately tightened.

“He… told you?”

During breakfast earlier, he had thought Jiang Ji had only told her about his identity. Translated on Hololo novels. He hadn’t expected that Jiang Ji had already told her everything about their relationship.

Since returning yesterday, they hadn’t yet had a proper chance to talk about this matter.

“Yes. Didn’t he tell you?” Zhao Ru looked surprised. “I thought he already had.”

“No. There hasn’t been time yet.” Jiang Yan looked at Zhao Ru and, without hesitation, suddenly knelt down.

“Auntie,” he said solemnly, “I love Jiang Ji and want to marry him. I will treat him well. Please grant your approval.”

His sudden kneeling startled Zhao Ru. She quickly stood and tried to pull him up.

“Oh, Jiang Yan, you… you should get up. You’re the Regent. How can you kneel to me?”

Jiang Yan shook his head and did not rise.

“You are Jiang Ji’s mother. You are my elder. It is right for me to kneel.”

“Get up first. We can talk slowly,” Zhao Ru said anxiously. “I’ve already agreed. Please get up.”

“You’ve agreed?” Jiang Yan froze again.

“Yes, yes. Now get up.”

“Thank you, Auntie.” Jiang Yan stood up and sat down again, still somewhat unable to believe it. “Auntie… you really agreed?”

Zhao Ru sighed.

“He told me he likes men, that he likes you, and wants to marry you. During the two months you were gone, he hardly ate or slept properly. I saw it all, and it hurt my heart to watch. Xiao Ji has suffered a lot in his life. I just hope that from now on he can live happily.”

Jiang Yan felt deeply moved.

“Auntie, please rest assured. I will make him happy.”

“Jiang Yan, you are a good child. I know that,” Zhao Ru said, looking at him. Then she spoke her worries plainly. “But with your status… will your family agree to this? I want to hear your plans.”

Jiang Yan took a quiet breath and answered seriously.

“Auntie, the day after tomorrow I must return to the capital. When I get back, I will report everything to my parents. They have always respected my wishes. I will persuade them as well. Please don’t worry.”

Hearing him say it personally eased Zhao Ru’s mind slightly. But she asked another question.

“You are the eldest son in your family. If your parents insist that you have heirs… if they ask you to take concubines?”

“When I decided to be with Jiang Ji, I already decided that I would not have children,” Jiang Yan said firmly. “Auntie, please be assured. In this lifetime I will only have Jiang Ji. I will never take concubines. Words may be weak proof, but please watch us in the future. I will spend my entire life honoring my promise to Jiang Ji and my promise to you.”

His sincere and heartfelt words moved Zhao Ru.

Jiang Yan had lived with them for half a year, and Zhao Ru trusted his character deeply. She believed his promise.

A faint sheen of tears appeared in her eyes as she smiled.

“Good. Hearing you say that, I feel relieved.”

“I will cherish him well.”

“Good.” Zhao Ru took another breath and continued. “There is one more thing. In the capital there are many nobles and powerful families. I’ve heard many people look down on those beneath them. We are just a simple farming family. Marrying into your family would be reaching far above our station. If Xiao Ji marries you, people will inevitably gossip about him and he may suffer grievances. When that time comes, I hope you will protect him.”

“I will,” Jiang Yan replied. He did not promise that no one would dare speak ill, because that was impossible. People would always talk. Instead he said simply, “I will not let him be wronged.”

“Who would dare give me grievances to suffer?”

Jiang Ji’s voice came from outside as he walked in.

“Why did you come here?” Zhao Ru asked. Seeing her son catch her speaking privately with Jiang Yan made her feel slightly embarrassed. “How much did you hear?”

Jiang Ji had originally come to get a small knife. Earlier he had used the paper-cutting knife for Jiang Nan and had left it here.

He had not expected to overhear the conversation between his mother and Jiang Yan.

“Most of it.” Jiang Ji sat down beside Zhao Ru and held her hand. “Mother, don’t worry. No one can make me suffer any grievances. Your son is clever. If anyone speaks to me in a sarcastic way, I’ll just answer them the same way. Lu Jiu has already told me a lot of secrets about the capital. I’m not afraid.”

Zhao Ru didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Still worried, she said, “The capital isn’t like here. Everywhere there are nobles and powerful officials. Be careful not to offend someone without even realizing it.”

“Well, other than the imperial family, can any of them outrank Jiang Yan?” Jiang Ji patted her hand. “Mother, Jiang Yan is the Regent. If I marry him, I’ll at least be the Regent’s husband. My status will be right there for everyone to see. They won’t dare say anything to my face. Right, Jiang Yan?”

The Regent’s husband…

Jiang Yan looked at him and chuckled softly. “Yes. They wouldn’t dare.”

Zhao Ru looked at the two of them helplessly. “There are many rules in the capital. Xiao Ji, you don’t understand the customs there. Don’t accidentally cause trouble for Jiang Yan.”

“Mother, don’t worry. I’ve already asked Lu Jiu about a lot of things.” Jiang Ji tapped his head. “It’s all in here. And besides, I won’t be going alone. Our whole family should move to the capital.”

“To the capital?” Zhao Ru looked shocked. “We’re going too?”

Jiang Ji looked even more surprised. “What, you expect me to go alone?”

Zhao Ru: “……”

Jiang Ji: “……”

Mother and son stared at each other.

Jiang Yan looked at the two of them and said, “Auntie, the regent’s residence is very large. Our whole family can live there together and take care of each other. And teachers in the capital are very knowledgeable. Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei could learn much more if they attend school there.”

That was true. The capital gathered many talented people. The teachers there would certainly be better than those in their small county.

Zhao Ru thought about it and said, “I’ve never considered that before. And I’m worried that if we all go, we might not be able to help you much. Instead, you might have to take care of us, and we’d only become a burden.”

“Mother, what are you saying?” Jiang Ji looked at her. “We’re family. How can you talk about being a burden? Of course a family should stay together.”

Zhao Ru sighed helplessly. “I was only saying it. Why are you getting worked up? Of course I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting you go alone.”

“I knew you wouldn’t feel at ease. And I wouldn’t feel at ease leaving you all behind either. That’s why it’s best if our whole family stays together.” Jiang Ji continued persuading her. “And you were just worried I might suffer grievances. If that really happens and you’re not there, I wouldn’t even have anyone to talk to. Wouldn’t that make it worse?”

Zhao Ru: “……”

“And besides, don’t you want to see the capital?”

Zhao Ru nodded. “Of course I do. I’ve heard it’s very prosperous.”

“Exactly. It’s nothing like our little county. For now just think about it. We still have time.” Jiang Ji explained, “I can go ahead first to see how things are, then bring you all there later. After that we can open a restaurant in the capital. There are so many wealthy people there. It will definitely make good money. And if you don’t like living in the Prince’s residence, we can buy our own house in the capital.”

“There’s no need to buy a house. Just live in the regent’s residence,” Jiang Yan said quickly. “There aren’t any complicated people there. It’s mostly brothers who followed me before and a few people who handle cleaning. There isn’t even a single maid.”

Jiang Ji glanced at him, smiling slightly.

Zhao Ru looked surprised. “There are no maids in your residence?”

“No. Aside from the cook and three women who do laundry, everyone else is a man,” Jiang Yan replied.

Hearing this, Zhao Ru felt even more satisfied. It seemed Jiang Yan had always been very disciplined and probably never had any concubines or attendants.

The three of them discussed their future plans for a while. Only after Zhao Ru nodded did Jiang Ji finally take the paper-cutting knife and return to the tool room.

After lunch, Jiang Ji continued working on the bracelet. It wasn’t until mid-afternoon that he came out and returned to the east wing, holding a small black box. He handed it to Jiang Yan with a mysterious expression.

Jiang Yan took it. “Finished already?”

“Yes. Open it and see.”

Jiang Yan opened the box.

Inside were two bracelets.

One black, one brown. They were the same design: a circle of leather with four thinner leather strips crossing over each other, giving it a slightly loose yet natural look.

“What are these?”

“These are bracelets. A couple’s set. One for you and one for me.” Jiang Ji raised an eyebrow. “Which one do you like, black or brown?”

Jiang Yan’s heart stirred slightly. “Black.”

“Alright.” Jiang Ji took out the black bracelet. “I’ll put it on for you. Left hand.”

Jiang Yan raised his left hand. Jiang Ji slipped the leather bracelet onto his wrist.

“The clasp here can be adjusted. If you pull these two ends, it tightens and locks. To loosen it, just pull here.”

Jiang Yan’s skin was fair. It had tanned a little before, but after spending two months in the south covered in armor, it had returned to its pale color. Translated on Hololo novels. The black bracelet rested just below the white bone of his wrist, making his skin look even lighter.

Jiang Yan tried it. It was very convenient.

Jiang Ji asked, “A token of love. Do you like it?”

“I like it.” Jiang Yan nodded. He took the brown bracelet and pulled Jiang Ji’s hand over, fastening it onto his wrist. Then he gently touched the leather band. “It looks very good.”

“Of course. I made it,” Jiang Ji said proudly.

The young man before him had bright eyes reflecting Jiang Yan’s image. His smile was radiant and dazzling.

Jiang Yan wrapped an arm around his waist. Unable to resist, he leaned forward and kissed him.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

The person he had thought about day and night, the one who had filled him with worry, was suddenly standing right before him. Jiang Ji froze only for a moment before rushing forward and throwing his arms around him, holding him tightly.

In the next instant, his waist and back were embraced as well. Jiang Yan wrapped him in a tight hug, his arms locking firmly around him.

Their heads rubbed together, each burying their face in the other’s neck, breathing in that familiar scent they had missed so much. It brought a deep sense of comfort and peace.

“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t be back for another two days?” After holding him for a while, Jiang Ji loosened his arms and pulled him inside, looking him over from head to toe. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“I’m not hurt. Don’t worry.” Jiang Yan looked at him with smiling eyes. Jiang Ji was wearing his sleep clothes, his hair loose and slightly messy. He had clearly been about to go to bed.

“As long as you’re not hurt.” Jiang Ji let out a breath of relief and looked at him again.

Jiang Yan had clearly rushed back without rest. He looked tired. His complexion was somewhat worn, red veins showed in his eyes, and short stubble covered his chin where he had not had time to shave. His silver armor was dusty and faintly stained with blood.

But his eyes were bright, filled with warmth, and the corners of his mouth lifted in a broad smile.

Jiang Ji touched the armor on his chest and patted it lightly, looking up with a grin. “Jiang Yan, you look really handsome in armor.”

Jiang Yan’s gaze darkened slightly. His throat moved as he swallowed. He lifted a hand to touch Jiang Ji’s face, then suddenly held the back of his head and leaned down to kiss him.

Jiang Ji closed his eyes and tilted his head up, his hands cupping Jiang Yan’s head as he returned the kiss with equal passion.

Their lips pressed together urgently, with no technique at all, guided only by instinct as they confirmed each other’s presence.

The longing and worry that had built up over more than two months melted into that deep kiss.

“We’ve been traveling day and night to get here. I’m practically rotting in my own sweat. I need to wash up right away.”

Footsteps and Lu Wen’s voice sounded outside the house. Jiang Ji patted Jiang Yan’s shoulder to signal that someone was coming.

But Jiang Yan simply wrapped an arm around him and pulled him into the room. The door shut behind them, and Jiang Yan pressed him against it and kissed him again.

Jiang Ji was slightly surprised by Jiang Yan’s intensity, yet he indulged him willingly. In truth he was happy. It seemed Jiang Yan had missed him very much too.

His own heart was racing with excitement. Now that there were no more reservations, he kissed him even more deeply, pouring all the longing he felt into the kiss.

“Young master ran off as soon as he came in. He probably couldn’t stand all the dust and went to wash up first,” someone said outside.

Several people walked to the east wing. Lu Wen stepped inside and looked around. “See? The young master isn’t here.”

Lu Jiu noticed Jiang Ji’s door was closed and quickly pulled the others along. “Let’s go, hurry and wash up.”

Inside the room, both men heard Lu Jiu and the others leaving, but neither paid any attention. Translated on Hololo novels. They continued kissing intensely, like two beasts parched for a long time, drawing strength from each other.

Jiang Yan’s armor was hard and pressed painfully against Jiang Ji, but he didn’t care. He wrapped his arms around Jiang Yan and kissed him fiercely.

After a long time, they finally separated, breathing heavily but still not letting go. Their faces remained close as they brushed and pecked at each other’s lips.

“Jiang Yan, you finally came back.” Jiang Ji touched his face gently, tracing every inch with his fingers. “I missed you so much.”

Such direct expression of emotion made Jiang Yan’s chest burn with warmth. He lowered his head again and kissed the man in his arms, answering him through his actions.

“I missed you too,” Jiang Yan murmured between kisses. Under Jiang Ji’s influence, the words came naturally. “Very much.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes curved with happiness as he hugged him and kissed him again.

After quite a while, they finally stopped. Their lips were red, as though stained with rouge.

Once their breathing steadied, Jiang Ji looked at his armor and said, “You must be tired. Take the armor off and wash up so you can rest.”

Jiang Ji helped him remove the armor. It was extremely heavy, weighing thirty or forty jin.

In this hot weather they still had to wear it while moving around, their bodies soaked in sweat. But they couldn’t go without it. They were fighting a war, and Jiang Yan had already survived an assassination attempt. For safety, Chen Feng and the others never allowed him to take the armor off, even during the journey back.

Jiang Yan sniffed his own sleeve and frowned.

Jiang Ji laughed when he saw the expression. “Come on, go wash.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ji fetched him clean clothes and undergarments. Jiang Yan lit a lantern and carried it with him as they headed toward the back courtyard.

“Didn’t you say the Prince Qi was captured? Where is he now?” Jiang Ji asked.

Jiang Yan paused, glanced at him, and replied, “They’re taking the road through the neighboring county. A general is escorting him. Chen Feng and Lu Wu went along as well. I came back to see you. I can stay for at most two days before I have to leave and rejoin them on the way back to the capital.”

“So soon?” Jiang Ji stopped walking and looked at him, frowning slightly. “You can’t stay a couple more days?”

Jiang Yan stopped as well and explained, “I’ve been away from the capital for more than half a year. I have to return and handle many matters.”

Jiang Ji understood the reasoning. He sighed. After all, his lover was the Regent.

“Alright then. Go wash first.”

Just then the door of the main house opened. Zhao Ru had heard the noise and stepped outside. Hearing their conversation, she said in surprise,

“Jiang Yan is back?”

“Auntie, it’s me. I’m back,” Jiang Yan said as he quickly walked over.

“It’s good that you’re back, good that you’re back.” Zhao Ru held up the lamp and looked him over carefully from head to toe. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“No, don’t worry.”

“That’s good.” Zhao Ru glanced at the clothes in Jiang Ji’s hands. “Are you going to wash up?”

“Yes. I just got back and I’m covered in dust.”

Zhao Ru looked at her son for a moment and smiled. “Alright then, go. After you wash up, get some good rest. Whatever there is to talk about can wait until tomorrow after you’ve slept.”

“Okay. You should rest too.”

The two of them walked into the back courtyard. The kitchen beside them was lit, and Sister Guihua was inside boiling water for them.

Lu Jiu, Lu Wen, and two personal guards were sitting at the doorway chatting. They stayed in the front wing rooms. Their armor had already been removed, and they were dressed in black training clothes.

When Lu Wen saw his lord, he asked in confusion, “Young master, I thought you had already come to bathe. Why are you only coming now?”

Lu Jiu coughed lightly. “The young master must have been talking with Young Master Jiang Ji.”

“Oh.”

When Guihua heard Jiang Ji’s voice, she came to the doorway and said, “Young master, please talk to them. They wouldn’t even wait a moment. Two of them already carried cold water and went to bathe. The well water is so cold. What if they catch a chill? They should at least mix it with hot water.”

Lu Jiu turned around and said, “Sister-in-law, we martial artists are strong. It’s not easy for us to catch a chill. We usually bathe in cold water.”

Guihua sighed. “You’re only saying that because you’re young.”

“Sister Guihua already boiled the water, so you should just use the warm water and relax a bit,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. Then he looked at Jiang Yan. “You shouldn’t use cold water. Use warm water.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Alright.”

Lu Wen was shocked to see how obedient his prince was. He was about to say something, but Lu Jiu quickly covered his mouth.

“Listen to Young Master Jiang Ji. We’ll use warm water too,” Lu Jiu said, then called toward the kitchen, “Thank you, sister-in-law.”

“It still takes the young master to keep you all in line,” Sister Guihua said with a laugh.

“Have you all eaten dinner tonight? Are you hungry? Should I cook you some noodles?” Jiang Ji asked.

Lu Wen’s eyes instantly lit up. “Young Master Jiang Ji, do you still have those noodles you packed for the young master before?”

Hearing that, Lu Jiu and the other two guards also looked over.

Lu Jiu had never eaten them before and asked, “Do you have them? I heard they’re really delicious, but I never got to try them.”

Lu Wen was talking about the instant noodles Jiang Ji had packed for Jiang Yan before.

“You want those noodles?” Jiang Ji asked.

“Yes, yes,” Lu Wen and the others nodded eagerly.

“Alright, wait here. I’ll go get them.” Jiang Ji called into the kitchen, “Sister Guihua, fry a few eggs for them, boil half a pot of water, and wash some water spinach or lettuce. I’ll cook noodles for them.”

“Alright!”

Jiang Ji took a small basket and two small bowls and went into the nearby storeroom. Naturally there were no instant noodles stored there. Translated on Hololo novels. He directly exchanged twelve packs through the system, removed the packaging, and placed the noodle cakes into the basket. The seasoning packets were opened and poured into the bowls, and the empty packaging was returned to the system for recycling.

Once the water boiled, Jiang Ji added the noodle cakes and vegetables, then the seasoning. Soon the noodles were ready. He filled a large bowl for each of them and placed two fried eggs on top.

Sister Guihua looked at the noodles with curiosity. She had never seen anything like them. “Young master, when did you make these?”

“I made them casually when I had some free time before.”

“Oh, I see.” Sister Guihua didn’t doubt him. The young master was capable of many things. If he said it, she believed it.

“Alright, they’re ready. Come get them yourselves,” Jiang Ji said.

Lu Wen and the others were already gathered around the pot. As soon as they heard him, each grabbed a bowl and a pair of chopsticks and started eating.

Lu Jiu slurped a mouthful of noodles, and his eyes lit up immediately. “This smells amazing.”

“See? Didn’t I say it was good?” Lu Wen said.

“Yeah, it’s really good.”

None of them bothered going to the dining hall next door. They simply squatted at the doorway and ate.

Jiang Yan was hungry too and sat on a small stool eating.

Jiang Ji turned to Sister Guihua and said, “It’s late. I’ll watch things here. You should go back and sleep.”

“It’s alright. I’ll wait until they finish and wash the bowls,” Guihua said.

Lu Jiu quickly said, “Sister-in-law, go to sleep. We’ll wash them ourselves later.”

Guihua smiled. “It’s only a few bowls. I’ll finish quickly. You’ve all been traveling hard. After you eat, hurry and wash up and get some rest.”

Before long, the two men who had gone to bathe earlier came out.

One of them laughed and said, “We could smell it all the way from the bathhouse!”

They came over, grabbed bowls, and began eating. The group ate quickly, finishing even the soup. Those who finished first went to bathe.

After a while, Jiang Yan also went to bathe.

Jiang Ji sat at the kitchen doorway and asked Lu Jiu, “None of you were injured, right?”

“No. Only Lu Wen scraped his arm a little,” Lu Jiu replied. “The young master planned everything very carefully. Prince Qi had secretly trained five thousand soldiers and had also won over the ten thousand troops stationed there. The young master transferred thirty thousand troops from two southern provinces and captured them all in one move.”

“The bows you designed, Young Master Jiang Ji, played a huge role. Our range was farther than theirs. We wiped out seventy or eighty percent of their strength without much effort. The bed crossbows were also very effective during the siege. Later, when Prince Qi saw the situation turning against him, he tried to escape. He had dug a tunnel leading outside the city, so it took us some time to find it.”

“Didn’t they say he was also secretly mining iron?” Jiang Ji asked.

Lu Jiu nodded. “Yes. We’ve taken over and sealed the iron mines. The officials there were dismissed and investigated. The garrison there has already been replaced. Most of our time afterward was spent handling the aftermath and calming the people.”

Jiang Ji nodded.

When Jiang Yan finished bathing and came out, Jiang Ji patted Lu Jiu on the shoulder and stood up.

“You’ve all worked hard. Finish washing up early and get a good night’s sleep.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ji returned to the room with Jiang Yan. Jiang Yan changed into his sleep clothes and lay down on the bed. Just as he was about to blow out the lamp, Jiang Ji stopped him.

“Wait, don’t blow it out yet.”

Jiang Yan turned to look at him.

“I want to look at you properly,” Jiang Ji said.

Jiang Yan’s heart softened. He lowered the mosquito net and lay down, turning on his side so they faced each other.

Jiang Ji simply gazed at him quietly, reaching out to touch his face.

“You’ve lost a lot of weight.”

Jiang Yan avoided the deeper reason and said lightly, “The food over there wasn’t very good.”

Jiang Ji laughed softly. “Tomorrow I’ll cook you something delicious.”

“Alright.” Jiang Yan looked at him with gentle eyes, his arm around Jiang Ji’s waist. “You’ve lost weight too.”

Jiang Ji curled his lips in a half-joking, half-serious way. “Mine’s just because I missed you so much. Lovesickness. It nearly killed me. I missed you until I got thin.”

Jiang Ji was always this straightforward, sweet words flowing as if they cost nothing.

Jiang Yan stroked his face, his voice full of concern. “I’m sorry. I made you worry.”

Jiang Ji blinked and widened his eyes slightly. “It’s normal to worry. You worry because you care and because you love someone. But did you miss the point? It’s not meant to make you feel guilty. The important part is that I missed you. Got it?”

Jiang Yan said softly, “I missed you too.”

Jiang Ji smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips. “That’s better. Feelings need to be communicated. If you say it out loud, I can truly feel it. When you’re happy, I’m happy too.”

Jiang Yan’s lips curved into a small smile.

“I heard before that you were pretty lively when you were little, but after you grew up you became more reserved and kept everything inside,” Jiang Ji said quietly. “Jiang Yan, I hope that from now on, whatever happens, we can tell each other. Alright?”

“Alright.”

The two of them looked into each other’s eyes. After a while, they ended up kissing again.

This time the kiss was gentle and warm.

His beloved had returned safely. The anxiety that had hung over his heart finally settled. Held in each other’s arms, within reach, the quiet warmth between them spread like soft bubbles in the air.

“You must be tired. Go to sleep. Don’t think about anything.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ji climbed up, leaned over to blow out the lamp, and the two of them fell asleep holding each other.

A peaceful, solid sleep.

For both of them.

…

The next morning, Jiang Ji’s internal clock woke him on time.

When he opened his eyes and saw Jiang Yan beside him, the corner of his lips lifted. Nothing could be more wonderful than that moment.

He didn’t move, afraid of waking Jiang Yan. He wanted him to sleep a little longer.

So he simply watched him quietly.

Jiang Yan had been working nonstop for more than two months. His complexion looked a bit worn, faint dark circles under his eyes. The stubble on his chin hadn’t been shaved yet.

Even so, his features were still firm and handsome.

Just looking at him made Jiang Ji feel happy.

When daylight fully filled the room, voices from the west wing could be heard. Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei had heard that Jiang Yan had returned and wanted to run over to see him.

“Brother Jiang Yan is back? Let’s go see him!”

Zhao Ru quickly stopped them. “Don’t go disturb them. Jiang Yan came back very late last night. Let them sleep a bit longer.”

“Oh.” Jiang Bei said. “The door’s closed. They’re not awake yet. Then should we wait until breakfast?”

“We’ll eat after they wake up.”

“Oh, alright.”

The courtyard became quiet again.

Jiang Yan opened his eyes.

“Did they wake you? It’s still early. Sleep a little more,” Jiang Ji said.

Jiang Yan kissed Jiang Ji lightly on the forehead. Translated on Hololo novels. His arm tightened around him, pulling him closer, his chin rubbing lightly against Jiang Ji’s head as he let out a relaxed breath.

Jiang Ji hugged him and kissed his neck.

Jiang Yan’s body suddenly stiffened.

The stiffness was so obvious that Jiang Ji noticed immediately. He looked up at him.

“What’s wrong?”

Jiang Yan mumbled vaguely, “Nothing.”

Jiang Ji raised an eyebrow and lifted his leg slightly, instantly understanding. When he had first woken up earlier, he had been the same way, though it had already settled down by now.

He laughed quietly and whispered, “Need some help?”

“…No.”

Jiang Ji kissed his lips. Knowing Jiang Yan wanted to wait until marriage, he smiled.

“Then take care of it yourself.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

Jiang Ji climbed out of bed, took out a pack of wet wipes, and placed them on the bedside table next to the dry tissues.

“No need to rush. Take your time. These are wet wipes. They’re convenient for cleaning your hands or body.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

Jiang Ji changed his clothes and went outside, thoughtfully closing both the bedroom door and the outer door behind him.

Jiang Yan: “……”

Jiang Yan picked up the wet wipes and looked at them. More than half the pack was already gone. He raised an eyebrow.

Jiang Ji went to the back courtyard to wash up. Jiang Bei saw him and squatted beside him.

“Big brother, where’s Brother Jiang Yan?”

“He’s still sleeping. Let him sleep a bit longer.”

“Oh.”

After a little more than a quarter of an hour, Jiang Yan came out.

The two of them met at the corner of the corridor.

Jiang Ji looked at him and smiled, asking softly, “Were the wet wipes useful?”

Jiang Yan paused, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“You seem to use them quite often,” he said in a low voice.

Jiang Ji: “……”

Oh?

That sounded like a challenge.

He wasn’t the least bit intimidated. Raising his eyebrow, he replied,

“I’m healthy.”

Jiang Yan curled his lips slightly and looked at him with a half-smile.

“That’s good.”

“Don’t worry,” Jiang Ji said, patting Jiang Yan on the shoulder. “I’ll make sure you’re happy.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Jiang Yan replied.

Each of them secretly making their own little plans, they exchanged a smile.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

“A… a man?” Zhao Ru felt as if she had been struck by lightning. It was as though the sky had collapsed.

Jiang Ji repeated it clearly, “Yes. I like men.”

Zhao Ru’s expression froze. Her mind was in chaos, buzzing, and she stammered, “Y-you… how could you like men?”

Then a thought suddenly flashed through her mind. “Is it because you couldn’t marry Chunhua before? Did that… leave a knot in your heart?”

Who was Chunhua?

Jiang Ji paused for a moment, then suddenly remembered. Chunhua was the girl the original owner of this body had once liked.

How should he explain this?

After thinking for a moment, he shook his head. “No. It has nothing to do with Chunhua. After that incident, I realized that I never truly liked girls. The person I really like is a man.”

Zhao Ru slapped her thigh, her eyes filling with tears. “Then isn’t it still because of that incident? It made you lose interest in women. You… you…”

She sighed, anxious, upset, and full of self-reproach. “It’s your mother’s fault. I couldn’t help you marry Chunhua and bring her home. That’s why you… that’s why you…”

Jiang Ji was stunned. How had his mother’s thoughts turned in that direction?

“Mother, it really has nothing to do with Chunhua. I simply like men,” Jiang Ji said.

Tears streamed down Zhao Ru’s face. “Xiao Ji, our family conditions are better now. Whatever kind of girl you want to marry, Mother will find a matchmaker to arrange it for you. Don’t… don’t find a sworn brother to live with…”

In their area, if a poor family could not afford to marry a wife, sometimes a man would find a sworn brother and live together with him, like husband and wife.

Jiang Ji sighed. It seemed he could not persuade her otherwise, so he spoke directly.

“Mother, I don’t want a girl. I like Jiang Yan. I want to marry Jiang Yan. If you want to find a matchmaker, you’ll have to go to Jiang Yan’s house to propose.”

Zhao Ru’s tears stopped instantly. Thinking she had misheard, she asked, “Who did you say you like? Who do you want to marry?”

“Jiang Yan,” Jiang Ji said clearly.

Zhao Ru froze completely. “Jiang Yan?”

“Yes. Jiang Yan. I like him, and he likes me too. We’ve already pledged ourselves to each other in private,” Jiang Ji said plainly, laying everything out. “We’re going to get married.”

Zhao Ru: “……”

Her mouth hung open as she stared blankly at her son. Scenes from after Jiang Yan arrived flashed through her mind: the way the two of them interacted, Jiang Yan going to rescue Xiao Ji, then personally taking care of him afterward. Translated on Hololo novels. And these past few days, after Jiang Yan left, Xiao Ji had begun sleeping poorly…

“You… you haven’t been sleeping well lately because of Jiang Yan?” Zhao Ru asked.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. Mother, he didn’t leave to handle business. He went to do something very dangerous. It could put his life at risk. Before, we didn’t tell you because we were afraid you’d worry.”

“What?!” Hearing that Jiang Yan was in danger, Zhao Ru asked urgently, “What dangerous thing? What did he go to do?”

Seeing her attention shift in that direction, Jiang Ji quickly replied, “It’s related to the court. He went to fight in a war.”

“F-fight in a war?” Zhao Ru was startled. “Is he a general?”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. When Jiang Yan returned, his identity could be made public anyway. His mother was not someone who spoke carelessly, so it was safe to tell her.

“Mother, sit down first and listen to me.” Jiang Ji pulled her to sit, then looked at her and held her hand, speaking seriously. “Mother, Jiang Yan isn’t a general. Earlier I told you that Jin Zhi was his courtesy name. His real name is Lu Huaizhou. He is the current Regent.”

“W-what?!” Zhao Ru jumped to her feet again in shock. “The Re… Regent?!”

“Shh—” Jiang Ji raised a finger to his lips. “Mother, keep your voice down. For his safety, his identity has to remain secret for now.”

Zhao Ru immediately sat down again. She was so shocked that even her tears had stopped. In a low voice she asked, “H-how could he be the Regent?”

“I didn’t expect it either. But he really is,” Jiang Ji said seriously.

Zhao Ru sat there in a daze for quite a while, still unable to believe it.

“How could he be the Regent?”

Jiang Ji said, “Yes. He was assassinated and fell off a cliff. Fortunately there was a river below. He drifted along the current until he reached our county, near the river by the two mountains behind us. When he woke up he had lost his memory. After climbing over the mountains and wandering aimlessly, he ended up here and fainted.”

“So that’s what happened. No wonder he had so many injuries,” Zhao Ru said, recalling how badly wounded Jiang Yan had been when he was first carried back. Then she asked worriedly, “You said he went to fight in a war. Isn’t that very dangerous?”

“Yes, very dangerous. That’s why I’m very worried about him.” Jiang Ji held Zhao Ru’s hand. “Mother, I truly like him, and he likes me too. He said that when he returns, he’ll go back to the capital and report everything to his parents, then marry me.”

“But he’s the Regent!” Zhao Ru said weakly.

“I know. But we love each other. Our feelings are mutual.”

Jiang Ji carefully watched his mother’s expression. It seemed that her focus had shifted from “he likes men” to “the man he likes is the Regent.”

One shocking revelation had been overshadowed by another even more shocking one.

Compared to the fact that Jiang Ji liked men, what startled and worried Zhao Ru even more was that this man was the Regent.

“He’s the Regent. How could his family possibly allow him to marry a man?” Zhao Ru said.

“He will persuade his parents. I trust him,” Jiang Ji replied firmly.

Zhao Ru fell silent.

“Xiao Ji, I know Jiang Yan is a good child, but he’s the Regent. This matter between you two…” Zhao Ru was not optimistic. “How about you think it over again?”

Jiang Ji shook his head. “I like him, and I want to marry him. Mother, can you agree to our marriage?”

“I…” Zhao Ru stopped. Her mind was in complete turmoil, and she could only say, “You just told me too many things at once. I need to think about it carefully. Yes, I need to think about it.”

She stood up. “Xiao Ji, you… you should think about it again too.”

With that, Zhao Ru opened the door of the east wing and hurried back to her own room.

Jiang Ji watched her leave but did not follow. She needed some time to process everything.

After returning to her room, Zhao Ru clasped her hands tightly and paced back and forth. Her thoughts were a tangled mess.

One moment she thought: How could my son like men?

The next moment: How could Jiang Yan be the Regent? And was he safe?

Then: Xiao Ji and Jiang Yan are actually together?

Then: Jiang Yan’s family will certainly never agree to this…

The series of shocks left her unsure which matter she should even think about first.

After turning it over and over in her mind, she eventually concluded that it must be because Xiao Ji had seen the girl he liked marry someone else, leaving him heartbroken. Translated on Hololo novels. That was why he had begun to develop feelings for Jiang Yan, who lived and ate with him every day.

And Jiang Yan had even risked his life to save Xiao Ji.

True feelings reveal themselves in times of hardship. It must have been because of that.

She sighed again and again in regret. Why had she not noticed earlier that the two of them might grow close like this?

If she had realized sooner, she could have had them live separately earlier. Perhaps things would not have developed this far.

What should she do now?

Judging from Xiao Ji’s attitude, he seemed absolutely determined to marry Jiang Yan.

The more she thought about it, the sadder Zhao Ru became, and tears began to fall again.

In the end, she blamed herself. If only her health had been better and the family had been able to save a bit more money, they might have arranged a marriage between Xiao Ji and Chunhua two years ago. If that had happened, things would not have come to this…

Zhao Ru stayed in her room thinking for a long time. It was not until evening, when Jiang Xia and the others returned from school, that she wiped away her tears, composed herself, and came out.

Seeing that her mother’s eyes were red, Jiang Xia asked anxiously, “Mother, why were you crying?”

Zhao Ru shook her head and forced a smile. “It’s nothing. I’ll go see whether dinner is ready.”

Her eyes were so red that it was obvious she was only pretending to be fine.

Jiang Xia grabbed her and said, “Mother, did someone bully you? Tell me. Brother and I will go demand justice for you.”

“You silly child. I said it’s nothing. Go watch Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei and make sure they finish their homework so we can eat.”

As she spoke, Zhao Ru went to the back courtyard.

The more Jiang Xia thought about it, the stranger it seemed. She found her brother in the tool shed.

“Brother, did you know Mother was crying?”

Jiang Ji paused, set down the drawings in his hand, and asked, “Was it bad?”

“Her eyes are swollen,” Jiang Xia answered. Then she suddenly realized something. “You knew Mother was crying?”

“Yes.” Jiang Ji nodded.

Jiang Xia hurriedly asked, “Why was Mother crying? Did someone bully her?”

Jiang Ji looked at his sister. She would learn about this sooner or later anyway. And perhaps she might even be able to comfort their mother. At least she could talk with her so she would not brood alone.

He said, “I told Mother that I want to marry Jiang Yan. She probably can’t accept it yet. She felt sad and cried.”

Jiang Xia was shocked. “You… Brother, what did you say?”

“I said I want to marry Jiang Yan.”

Jiang Xia stared at him in disbelief and said nothing for a long moment.

Jiang Ji gave her some time to process it, then said, “Xia’er, could you accept having a sister-in-law who’s a man?”

“Ah?” Jiang Xia was still stunned. “I… I’ve never thought about that.”

“Oh. Then think about it now. When Jiang Yan comes back, we’ll probably start discussing the marriage proposal,” Jiang Ji said.

Jiang Xia: “……”

She watched her brother calmly resume drawing as if nothing had happened, then asked, “Brother… you and Brother Jiang Yan… you two…”

Jiang Ji glanced at her and answered, “We like each other.”

“Oh… oh,” Jiang Xia said blankly, nodding. “No wonder you two were always stuck together.”

“Hm?” Jiang Ji raised his eyes and looked at her. “We were always together because we had things to do.”

Jiang Xia: “…oh.”

Seeing that she still looked unconvinced, Jiang Ji tapped her on the head. “Hurry up and process this news. Later you can help me go talk to Mother and comfort her.”

Jiang Xia fell silent.

She asked in disbelief, “You want me to comfort Mother? I haven’t even figured this out myself.”

“Isn’t that why I’m telling you to think about it?” Jiang Ji looked at her. “If there’s something you can’t understand, tell me.”

Jiang Xia thought for a moment. “If you and Brother Jiang Yan get married, then you won’t have children, right? How will the family line continue?”

Jiang Ji raised his hand and knocked her lightly on the head again.

“Ah, Brother, why did you hit me?” Jiang Xia rubbed the top of her head, looking aggrieved.

“Who told you that a person must pass on the family line?” Jiang Ji asked.

Jiang Xia blinked. “Huh? Since ancient times, hasn’t it always been the men of the family who carry on the family line? And you’re the eldest son and the head of the household. You have to take on that responsibility.”

Jiang Ji rolled his eyes.

Jiang Xia pointed at him. “Brother, you rolled your eyes!”

“I rolled them just for you to see,” Jiang Ji replied.

Jiang Xia: “……”

Jiang Ji spoke seriously to his sister. “That idea of yours isn’t right. We are born into this world not to reproduce and leave descendants. We’re here to understand the world and to enjoy our lives as human beings. Having children isn’t about continuing a family line. It’s another kind of life experience shared by two people who love each other, a choice they make to experience being parents. Having children is one kind of life experience. Not having children is another. They are simply different choices, and both are normal.”

Jiang Xia blinked again. “Brother… I don’t really understand.”

“You’re still young. It’s fine if you don’t understand yet. Take it slowly,” Jiang Ji said. “And besides, if someone really needs to carry on the family line, there’s still you, Jiang Nan, and Jiang Bei. You can all carry on the Jiang family line. It doesn’t have to be me.”

“But you’re the eldest son.”

“The eldest son or the second son makes no difference. Don’t we all carry Father and Mother’s blood in our bodies?”

Jiang Xia thought blankly for a moment. “Oh… that’s true.”

After thinking for a bit, Jiang Ji asked, “Xia’er, what do you think about me marrying Jiang Yan?”

Jiang Xia thought about it and said, “I’ve heard Mother and Aunt Xiufang talk about men who become sworn brothers and live together their whole lives. But that’s because they’re too poor to marry wives. They have no choice. Brother, that’s not your situation. You and Brother Jiang Yan could easily marry pretty girls.”

Jiang Ji knocked her on the head again. “Didn’t I just say it? Brother Jiang Yan and I like each other. We’re getting married because we like each other.”

Jiang Xia blinked. “Oh.”

Jiang Ji felt she still didn’t quite understand, so he continued, “In this world, some people like the opposite sex, some people like the same sex, and some people like neither. All of that is normal, understand?”

“Huh?” Jiang Xia looked amazed. “There are people who like neither men nor women?”

“Yes. There are people like that, though they’re rare,” Jiang Ji said. “In the world of immortals, whether someone marries the opposite sex or the same sex, or even never marries at all, all of that is perfectly normal.”

Jiang Xia liked hearing about the world of immortals. “Their world sounds wonderful.”

“It really is,” Jiang Ji said. “Xia’er, I told you before that when people marry, they should marry someone they truly like. That way the chances of happiness after marriage are greater.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Do you want me and Brother Jiang Yan to be happy?”

“Of course I do.”

“Good. I don’t like girls. I like Brother Jiang Yan. Go help me talk to Mother and persuade her.”

Jiang Xia sighed. “Brother, why don’t you do it yourself?”

“If Mother sees me right now, she might get even more upset. Just spend more time with her these days and gently talk to her whenever there’s a chance.” Jiang Ji patted her head. “Be good and help your brother, alright?”

This was the first time her brother had asked her so seriously for help. Jiang Xia nodded. “Alright, I understand.”

Jiang Ji rubbed her head, feeling very relieved.

Before going to bed that night, Jiang Xia deliberately took her pillow and went to Zhao Ru’s room.

“Mother, I want to sleep with you tonight. Is that okay?”

Zhao Ru was just getting ready for bed and smiled. “It’s so hot tonight. Aren’t you afraid of the heat?”

“I’m not. I haven’t slept with you in a long time.” Jiang Xia placed her pillow near the inside of the bed and climbed up to lie down.

Zhao Ru used a fan to drive away mosquitoes, blew out the lamp, and lay down.

As she slowly fanned herself, her mind was still filled with worries about her eldest son.

“Mother, are you worried about Brother and Brother Jiang Yan?” Jiang Xia asked.

Zhao Ru sounded surprised. “Your brother told you?”

“Yes. Brother said he and Brother Jiang Yan like each other and want to get married. Mother, do you not agree?”

Zhao Ru sighed. “I just can’t understand it. There are so many good girls. How did he end up liking a man?”

“Brother said he simply doesn’t like girls. He only likes men. If it weren’t Brother Jiang Yan, it would be some other man anyway. Just not a girl.”

Zhao Ru: “……”

“Mother, do you not like Brother Jiang Yan?”

Zhao Ru explained, “That’s not what I mean. Jiang Yan is a very good person. I like him too. It’s just that he and your brother are both so good. They could each marry a good girl, have a couple of children, and live a peaceful, happy life. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

“Mother, are you worried they won’t have children to carry on the family line?” Jiang Xia asked directly.

Zhao Ru nodded. “That’s one concern. In the future, your brother and I wouldn’t be able to answer to our ancestors.”

“But Mother, Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei can carry on the family line. If that’s not enough, you could adopt someone or bring in an heir.”

“That’s not the same,” Zhao Ru said worriedly.

“But Brother already likes Brother Jiang Yan,” Jiang Xia said. “If you make him marry a girl he doesn’t love, he won’t be happy for the rest of his life. Even if he earns a lot of money, it won’t matter.”

“I know. That’s exactly what worries me.” Zhao Ru understood the reasoning. She sighed but did not tell Jiang Xia that Jiang Yan was the Regent. Instead she simply said, “But Jiang Yan’s family are officials. They’re a large and influential household, and he’s the eldest son. His family could never allow him to marry a man.”

Jiang Xia’s eyes lit up. “So, Mother, you’re worried that Brother Jiang Yan’s family won’t agree?”

“Of course I’m worried about that too.” Zhao Ru shared her concerns with her daughter. “With Jiang Yan’s status, it probably won’t work if he has no heir. I’m afraid your brother will end up being treated poorly. What if his family demands that Jiang Yan take a concubine or something? With your brother’s temperament, could he endure that? Wouldn’t he end up heartbroken again?”

Jiang Xia thought about it and nodded. “That’s true. But if Brother Jiang Yan promises he won’t take a concubine, would you agree to their marriage?”

Zhao Ru sighed. “Have you ever seen a wealthy household where the master doesn’t have at least one concubine?” Especially not someone like the Regent.

“I think Brother Jiang Yan wouldn’t do that,” Jiang Xia said after thinking for a moment. “Brother Jiang Yan is a good person. He doesn’t seem like that kind of man. Mother, just look at how many girls in our village like him. He never even glances at them, never pays them any attention.”

Zhao Ru had thought about that too, but she said, “Xia’er, you’re still young. People can change. No one can guarantee what they’ll be like in the future.”

Jiang Xia wanted to say more, but Zhao Ru patted her. “Alright, go to sleep. You have to wake up early tomorrow.”

“Okay. Mother, don’t think too much either. Go to sleep early,” Jiang Xia said. Seeing that her mother didn’t want to talk anymore, she closed her eyes and went to sleep.

The next morning, Jiang Xia found Jiang Ji and whispered, “Brother, I asked Mother about it yesterday. First, she’s worried you two won’t have children. Second, she’s worried Brother Jiang Yan’s family won’t agree. Third, she’s worried that if you two marry, Brother Jiang Yan might take concubines.”

“Alright, I understand.” Jiang Ji patted his sister’s head. “Keep up the good work.”

Jiang Xia nodded. “Okay.”

After that, Jiang Xia continued absorbing Jiang Ji’s reasoning while also repeating it to Zhao Ru. Every night the mother and daughter would talk privately. With someone to share her worries with, Zhao Ru felt less pressure.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ji stayed busy at home. He worked on farm chores, drew plans for the jacquard loom, and waited for news.

Every couple of days he would go to the restaurant and ask the shopkeeper what the traveling merchants had been saying.

Some merchants who had come from the western and northern regions said those areas had begun tightening security. They had a vague sense that unrest was coming and that war might break out. Recently far fewer merchants were traveling toward the borderlands.

Jiang Ji also received a letter from Jiang Yan saying that preparations had been completed. Translated on Hololo novels. The next period would likely be very busy, and if Jiang Ji didn’t receive letters for a while he should not worry.

After some time, Jiang Ji received news brought by Lu Shun saying that the capital had begun “closing the net.” That meant Jiang Yan’s side would soon do the same.

The crucial moment had arrived.

Jiang Ji began going to the city every day. Anxiety weighed on him, and with the hot weather his sleep became even worse. Blisters even appeared on his lips.

Seeing the dark circles under her son’s eyes, Zhao Ru knew he was worried about Jiang Yan. Feeling distressed for him, she had Doctor Yang prescribe calming medicine and herbs to reduce internal heat, and she watched him drink them every day.

“Has Jiang Yan not written back for several days?” Zhao Ru asked.

Jiang Ji paused before answering, “Yes. It’s been nine days.”

Seeing how pale and exhausted her son looked, Zhao Ru couldn’t bear it and tried to comfort him. “He’s very capable. He’ll be fine.”

“Mother, I’m alright.”

Zhao Ru sighed quietly. Jiang Yan had been gone nearly a month. During all this time, her son had never hidden his worry, thinking about Jiang Yan every day. She knew in her heart that her son truly loved Jiang Yan and had already made up his mind to marry him.

“Xiao Ji.”

“Yes?”

Looking at her son, Zhao Ru said, “About you and Jiang Yan… it’s not that I disagree.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes immediately lit up. “Mother, you agree?”

Zhao Ru sighed. “It’s not as simple as me agreeing. I’m worried about Jiang Yan’s family. You know his identity and his family’s position. It won’t be easy for him to persuade his parents.”

“I know. Xia’er told me your concerns, and I’ve thought about them carefully,” Jiang Ji said seriously. “Mother, I trust Jiang Yan, and I’m willing to face it together with him and ask for his parents’ approval.”

Zhao Ru grabbed her son’s wrist, still worried. “Their family is so high above ours. I’m afraid you’ll be wronged.”

Jiang Ji patted the back of her hand and said firmly, “Mother, I’m not afraid. Jiang Yan’s status is high, but if enduring a little hardship can help convince his parents to agree, it’s nothing. After all, I’m the one who wants to marry him.”

Zhao Ru looked at her son for a long moment before saying, “Then when he returns, we’ll discuss everything carefully.”

“Alright.” Jiang Ji hugged his mother. “Mother, thank you.”

Zhao Ru patted his back.

She knew how many difficulties her son would soon face. Precisely because of that, she did not want to add more obstacles herself or stand in their way and make her son unhappy.

If their ancestors were to blame anyone, they could blame her instead.

About half a month later, Jiang Ji was at home assembling the spinning machine. The workshop building was almost finished. He had transported back all the wooden components he had commissioned from carpenters and was assembling them himself.

Suddenly Lu Shun returned from the city and brought Jiang Ji some news.

“Young Master Jiang Ji, my young master and the others have successfully completed their mission. They’ve captured the Prince of Qi!”

“Really? Does that mean they’ll be coming back soon?” Jiang Ji asked excitedly.

“Once the young master finishes handling the aftermath there, they can set out to return. Oh, right,” Lu Shun said, pulling a letter from his robe and handing it to him. “This is a letter from the young master for you.”

Jiang Ji quickly took it and read through it.

The letter said they had already captured the Prince of Qi and suppressed his rebel forces. Although there had been some minor complications, the mission had been completed smoothly. The bed-mounted crossbows and bows had played a major role, and their casualties were very low.

It also said that they would likely be able to return in about twenty-two or twenty-three days.

Jiang Ji said happily, “He said he can come back in about twenty-two or twenty-three days!”

Everyone was delighted. At noon that same day, Jiang Ji told the kitchen to prepare a big meal, and they all celebrated together.

Twenty-two or twenty-three days.

After receiving the letter, Jiang Ji was happy every day, counting the days one by one.

He even made a calendar himself. Each day he crossed out another date. Watching the number of remaining days grow smaller, the smile on his face grew brighter with each passing day.

That night before going to bed, Jiang Ji drew a cross over that day’s date.

Two days left. Just two more days until Jiang Yan returned!

He was just about to blow out the lamp when a burst of footsteps suddenly came from the courtyard gate. Someone was running toward the house.

That sound of footsteps…

Jiang Ji’s heart skipped a beat. Moments later, the door of the east wing was suddenly pounded loudly.

Jiang Ji hurried to open it.

As the door swung open, Jiang Yan stood before him, dressed in black with silver armor.

“I’m back.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Previous

The whole family walked them to the village entrance, watching as the four men rode away on horseback.

Hooves kicked up dust that scattered in the breeze. Their figures grew smaller and smaller until they disappeared at the end of the road.

“Brother, Brother Jiang Yan and the others will come back, right?” Jiang Bei asked, tugging at his brother’s sleeve.

“They will,” Jiang Ji said. After one last look, he turned to the others. “Let’s head back too.”

Some villagers, seeing so many people gathered to send them off, asked from the side, “Where are Jiang Yan and the others going? Going home?”

Zhao Ru replied, “There’s been a bit of trouble with the family business. He lives closer, so he went to handle it.”

This was the explanation Jiang Ji and the others had agreed upon beforehand.

“Oh, I thought he was returning home.”

“He’ll come back,” Jiang Ji said, unconsciously pressing a hand over the left side of his chest.

The villagers smiled and returned to their work.

After all, Jiang Yan’s family had already come looking for him. Sooner or later, he would have to go back.

The group returned home. Jiang Ji went straight to the workshop to continue assembling bows.

Lu Jiu and Lu Shun followed him inside to help. Jiang Yan had instructed them to remain here instead of returning to the capital, so they could pass along messages to Jiang Ji.

Lu Jiu glanced at Jiang Ji. His expression looked normal, but the worry in his eyes could not be hidden.

“Young Master Jiang Ji, don’t worry,” Lu Jiu comforted him.

Without looking up, Jiang Ji fitted a component into place. “Of course I’ll worry. But I believe he’ll complete his mission safely and come back.”

Lu Jiu fell silent for a moment, then nodded with a smile. “Right. Just trust the young master.”

Lu Shun watched the two of them, sensing something oddly subtle in their conversation. Why was his brother deliberately comforting Jiang Ji like this?

Was there something he didn’t know?

Originally, after the young master left, Lu Shun had planned to escort Physician Yang back to the capital. Translated on Hololo novels. But Jiang Yan had specifically ordered them to remain here so they could relay news from both the capital and himself to Jiang Ji. That also struck him as strange.

Why should court news be reported to Jiang Ji?

Lu Shun couldn’t figure it out.

When Lu Jiu stepped out to use the latrine, Lu Shun followed and grabbed him. “Brother, don’t you think something’s strange?”

“What’s strange?” Lu Jiu said, staring at his brother blocking the doorway. “Move. Let me finish first.”

“Why did the young master tell us to stay?” Lu Shun asked without moving aside.

“Didn’t he say? So Physician Yang can continue treating Madam Jiang,” Lu Jiu replied impatiently, pushing past him. “Don’t block the door. I’m dying here.”

Lu Shun waited outside, continuing his thoughts aloud. “That’s not it. Physician Yang already wrote the prescription. She just needs to keep taking it. The young master said I should relay all messages from the capital and from him to Young Master Jiang Ji. He clearly left me here to pass along information.”

After finishing and washing his hands, Lu Jiu came out and looked at his brother with a complicated expression. “Just do what the young master told you. Don’t overthink it.”

“No, you definitely know something.” Lu Shun grabbed him again. “Tell me what’s going on.”

Lu Jiu sighed. “Shun’er, can we not have this conversation outside the latrine?”

Lu Shun glanced back, then slung an arm over his brother’s shoulder and dragged him farther away. “Alright. Talk.”

“…Talk about what? I don’t know anything.” Lu Jiu headed back toward the workshop, reminding him, “Don’t pry into the young master’s affairs. Just do as instructed. When it’s time for you to know, you’ll know.”

“…Oh,” Lu Shun said.

That confirmed it. Something was definitely going on, and his brother knew about it.

He suppressed his curiosity. His brother was right, the young master’s affairs were not something to casually investigate.

When Lu Jiu returned to the courtyard, Jiang Ji was gone. Looking around, he saw him inside Physician Yang’s room.

Curious, he approached and overheard Jiang Ji talking about… granules?

Physician Yang stroked his white beard. “Pills already exist. By ‘granules,’ do you mean very small pills?”

Jiang Ji scratched his head. “Something like that. Basically medicine you can dissolve in hot water and drink immediately. Right now we have to decoct medicine, but that takes too long. Sometimes people might not survive long enough to wait for it to finish boiling. If it dissolves quickly in hot water and works about the same as a decoction, it would be much easier to carry while traveling. It should be possible, right? Similar to pills?”

Physician Yang pondered for a moment. “I can try.”

Jiang Ji nodded happily. “Then I’ll trouble you with it. Things like fever medicine, Xiao Chaihu granules mainly made from Xiao Chaihu; and heat-clearing medicines like Yinqiao Jiedu pills made from honeysuckle and similar herbs; also Niuhuang Jiedu pills, and Chuanxinlian pills. Please make plenty of them. And we’ll need lots of hemostatic powder too. Tell me whatever herbs you need, and I’ll have people purchase them.”

Physician Yang asked in confusion, “Didn’t you already buy a large amount of wound medicine for Young Master Lu to take? Why more hemostatic powder?”

“The more the better. Better to be prepared.”

“Wound medicine is already the best hemostatic powder,” Physician Yang said, studying him. “Young Master Jiang, do you also study medicinal herbs?”

“Ah, I’ve just heard doctors talk about them,” Jiang Ji replied.

Physician Yang nodded. “Understood.”

Afterward, Jiang Ji left and returned to the workshop. Lu Jiu asked, “Young Master Jiang Ji, what kind of granules were you asking Physician Yang to make?”

“Medicine,” Jiang Ji replied. “When you’re traveling, it’s inconvenient to boil decoctions. I asked him to make pills or granules instead so they’re easier to use. When you leave later, you’ll take them along.”

“Oh, I see.” Lu Jiu looked at Jiang Ji and sighed inwardly. Young Master Jiang Ji truly cared deeply about and worried for the young master.

Jiang Ji returned to assembling bows while asking 2977 in his mind, “2977, can you tell me the ingredients of Lianhua Qingwen granules?”

Xiao Chaihu granules, Lianhua Qingwen granules, Yinqiao Jiedu granules, and similar medicines were well-known heat-clearing traditional remedies in Jiang Ji’s previous life and highly effective. He wanted Physician Yang to recreate them, but unfortunately he did not know the exact formulas.

2977 remained as cold and mechanical as ever: 【Insufficient authorization.】

Jiang Ji sighed. “What use are you, then?”

2977: 【……】

At noon during the meal, Jiang Ji stood to leave when Lu Shun suddenly looked at his chest. “Young Master Jiang Ji, are you injured?”

“Hm?” Jiang Ji shook his head. “No.”

“Then why is your shirt red here?” Lu Shun pointed.

Lu Jiu also looked over.

Jiang Ji was wearing a gray short-sleeved shirt that day. Looking down, he saw mottled red stains over the left side of his chest.

Jiang Ji: “……”

The weather was too hot. He had sweated, and the seal ink had transferred onto his clothes.

“It’s nothing. I’ll change,” Jiang Ji said, unable to think of a good excuse. He grabbed a basin of water and hurried back to his room in the east wing.

After closing the door and removing his shirt, he saw the three seal marks on his chest had smeared together into a reddish blur. At a glance, it really did look like bloodstains.

He pulled out tissues and carefully wiped away the smudged edges. He hated to erase them, but the summer heat meant they would keep staining his clothes if he did not.

With a sigh, he steeled himself and wiped the seals clean, then dampened a towel and wiped himself down.

He remembered Jiang Yan hadn’t wiped his off that morning. If Chen Feng and the others noticed red stains on his clothes…

Imagining Jiang Yan’s usually expressionless face showing embarrassment made Jiang Ji laugh out loud. That scene would definitely be entertaining.

But Jiang Yan had worn black today, hadn’t he?

That guy had definitely done it on purpose.

Jiang Ji picked up the sleepwear Jiang Yan had changed out of that morning. Sure enough, there were faint cinnabar stains over the left chest area.

After changing clothes, Jiang Ji dumped the basin water, added both his own clothes and Jiang Yan’s sleepwear, and carried everything to the backyard well. He lathered soap into the water and let the clothes soak.

All the soap at home came from the system exchange and worked extremely well.

After lunch, Aunt Niu, who usually did the washing, saw the clothes in the basin and prepared to wash them, only for Jiang Ji to stop her as he walked in.

“Aunt Niu, leave it. I’ll do it.”

“How could I let you wash clothes, Young Master?” she protested. “These are just sleep clothes. I’ll finish in no time.”

“Leave it. I’ll do it myself.” Jiang Ji took the basin back. “Go rest, Aunt Niu.”

She looked bewildered after having her work taken away and glanced toward Zhao Ru at the kitchen entrance. She went over and said, “Madam, why does the young master want to wash clothes himself?”

Zhao Ru looked at her son, unsure what he was doing. “If he wants to wash, let him.”

Still, she walked over to check. They were Jiang Ji’s and Jiang Yan’s sleepwear, and the area Jiang Ji was scrubbing with soap was stained red.

“Xiao Ji, why is there blood on your clothes? Are you hurt?” Zhao Ru exclaimed, snatching the garment from his hands and unfolding it to inspect the chest area.

She immediately turned toward him. “Is your chest bleeding?”

Jiang Ji: “……”

“No, Mother, I’m not injured.” Jiang Ji blinked, thinking quickly. “Yesterday I knocked over some seal ink and got it on both my clothes and Jiang Yan’s. I just brought them to wash.”

“Seal ink?” Zhao Ru examined it carefully and realized it really was ink, not blood. She sighed in relief. “But isn’t this the shirt you wore this morning?”

“Ah, right… When I went back to my room earlier, I accidentally got more ink on it, so I changed.”

“Oh. As long as you’re not hurt.” Zhao Ru rolled up her sleeves. “I’ll wash them. Go take a nap.”

Jiang Ji immediately refused. The stains were all on the chest area. If Zhao Ru kept looking, he would never be able to explain.

“No need, Mother. Go rest. I’ll finish soon.” Seeing she still wanted to help, he added, “I’ve been stuck thinking about a design and needed a break. Washing clothes helps clear my head.”

Hearing that, Zhao Ru stopped insisting. “Alright then. Take your time and rest a bit.”

“Okay.”

She washed her hands and returned indoors while Jiang Ji sat on a small stool by the well, carefully scrubbing the clothes.

The well area was cool, and everyone passed by there after meals. Each person who saw him washing clothes stopped to ask about it.

Jiang Ji felt numb with exasperation. It’s just laundry. Why is everyone making such a fuss?

He quickly finished washing, hung the clothes to dry, and returned to the workshop.

That night, staring at the empty half of the bed beside him, Jiang Ji found himself unable to sleep.

He wondered where Jiang Yan and the others had reached.

Were they in danger?

Ancient times were truly inconvenient. No phone calls, no messages. Even wanting to say a single word across distance was impossible.

You could miss someone and have no way for them to know.

In the pitch-black night, his mind ran wild imagining all kinds of possibilities. He stayed awake for half the night before finally drifting into a hazy sleep.

…

The next morning, Jiang Ji woke up yawning repeatedly, clearly unrested.

At breakfast, Zhao Ru asked with concern, “Didn’t sleep well?”

“Mm. Too hot,” Jiang Ji replied, choosing the safest excuse. “And a mosquito got inside the bed net.”

Jiang Nan, missing one of his front teeth, eagerly offered his older brother some advice. “Before sleeping, you have to fan the bed a bit to drive the mosquitoes away, clip the net properly, and tuck it tightly under the mat. Then no mosquitoes can get in!”

“Got it.” Jiang Ji looked at his little gap-toothed grin. “Should we just pull the other one out for you too?”

Jiang Nan’s second loose tooth had been wobbling for four or five days already. Hearing this, he shook his head quickly. “Let it fall out by itself! Last time you pulled one, it hurt so much. Go pull Jiang Bei’s, his is about to fall out.”

Jiang Ji immediately turned to look at Jiang Bei.

Jiang Bei had also started losing his baby teeth. He ate cautiously now, afraid of biting down on the loose tooth and hurting himself.

Seeing his older brother’s gaze, he hurriedly shook his head. “It hasn’t fallen out yet.”

“But my hands are itchy. I really want to help you pull it,” Jiang Ji said.

Jiang Bei: “……”

He instantly turned toward their mother. “Mom, I don’t want big brother pulling my tooth!”

Zhao Ru watched the children’s commotion with amused helplessness. “Your brother’s just teasing you.”

“Is he?” Jiang Bei looked at Jiang Ji, unconvinced. It really seemed like his brother wanted to pull it.

Jiang Ji grinned at him. “Just kidding. I really want to pull it.”

Jiang Bei: “……”

He gulped down the rest of his porridge, grabbed a corn cob and an egg, and ran off. “Jiang Nan, hurry! We’ll be late!”

“Wait for me!” Jiang Nan, equally afraid of having his tooth pulled, snatched two eggs and sprinted after him.

Jiang Ji called after them, “I’ll pull them when you get back tonight!”

“Don’t you dare!” Jiang Nan shouted back.

Finding amusement in teasing his two younger brothers, Jiang Ji burst into wicked laughter.

After laughing, he instinctively reached to nudge Jiang Yan’s arm beside him. “Jiang Yan, look…”

His hand met empty air.

The space to his right was vacant.

Jiang Ji: “……”

He withdrew his hand. The smile froze briefly on his lips before he lowered his gaze and continued eating.

Zhao Ru noticed and sighed softly. “I wonder whether Jiang Yan and the others have arrived yet.”

“They probably haven’t,” Jiang Ji replied. “It’s quite far. It’ll take several days.”

“Their family business reaches that far?” Zhao Ru asked curiously. “Wouldn’t that be hard to manage?”

“Mm, maybe goods sell well over there,” Jiang Ji said casually.

From that day on, Jiang Ji filled his schedule completely. In the mornings he assembled bows and arrows. After lunch, he even gave up his usual nap and returned straight to the workshop. Once finished there, he went to the fields to pile fertilizer, pull weeds, and water crops.

He kept himself busy all day.

That way, he could fall asleep faster at night.

Lu Jiu returned from Nanping with the remaining components, and Jiang Ji worked with Lu Jiu and Lu Shun to assemble them as quickly as possible.

When Jiang Ji saw Lu Shun step out and return, he immediately asked, “Any news?”

Lu Shun shook his head. “I just went to the latrine.”

“Oh.” Jiang Ji went back to work.

Lu Shun watched him and sighed quietly. These past few days, Jiang Ji asked about news every time he saw him. But the young master had only left a few days ago. There was no way messages could arrive so quickly. They probably had not even reached their destination yet.

Lu Jiu explained gently, “It’s very far. Even riding at full speed, it would take seven or eight days to arrive.”

Jiang Ji paused. “Oh. I understand.”

After a moment, Jiang Ji said, “Tell me some stories about your young master when he was little.”

Lu Shun exchanged a glance with his brother. “When the young master was little, he mostly studied or practiced martial arts. Nothing very interesting.”

“There are stories,” Lu Jiu said.

Lu Shun looked puzzled. “There are?”

“Of course. You were too young to remember.”

Lu Shun: “……”

Jiang Ji immediately grew interested. “What stories? Tell me.”

Lu Jiu said, “When the young master was little, he was actually quite lively. He even went bird-nest hunting with us.”

“Oh really? He climbed trees too?” Jiang Ji asked in surprise. “I always thought he was serious and mature even as a child.”

“Not at all. He was pretty mischievous,” Lu Jiu said enthusiastically. “We were maybe seven or eight then. One day a bird’s nest appeared in the persimmon tree in Second Uncle’s backyard. Lu Wu spotted it first. The tree was slippery, and none of us could climb it, so we tried poking it with bamboo poles.”

“The young master had just finished practicing calligraphy and came outside. When he saw us, he immediately started climbing the tree. Young Master Jiang Ji, guess what happened?”

“What happened?” Jiang Ji asked eagerly. “Did he make it up?”

“No. He climbed halfway, maybe about ten feet high, almost reaching the branch, when his foot slipped and he came crashing down. We panicked, thinking if he got hurt we’d be doomed, so we all stretched out our arms to catch him.”

“Did you catch him?”

Lu Jiu burst into laughter at the memory. “No! We didn’t! His belt got hooked on a cut branch, and he ended up hanging in midair. Even now I can’t think about it without laughing, hahaha…”

Jiang Ji could not help laughing too, picturing a half-grown boy dangling from a tree trunk. “What expression did he have?”

Lu Jiu laughed. “At first he was completely stunned, eyes wide open. Then he couldn’t get down by himself and got anxious and embarrassed, furious even. In the end, Second Uncle had to climb up and pull him down. Afterward he forbade us from laughing or ever mentioning it. Anyone who laughed had to do horse stance punishment. He was so petty…”

“Hahahaha—” Jiang Ji laughed so hard tears formed in his eyes. “He actually had moments like that? Hahaha…”

The workshop filled with laughter for a long while.

After that, Jiang Ji found new entertainment. Whenever he caught Lu Jiu free, he would make him tell stories about Jiang Yan.

Three days later, Lu Jiu set out as well, bringing the newly finished bows, sleeve arrows, and two completed bed crossbows, along with ten men sent from the capital.

Jiang Ji packed up all the pills that Physician Yang had hurriedly prepared, together with trauma medicine and various other medicinal pills the guards had purchased from neighboring counties, and had Lu Jiu take everything along.

That afternoon, Old Lin, a guard from the restaurant, returned from the city carrying a letter addressed to Jiang Ji.

The moment Jiang Ji saw the familiar handwriting on the envelope, he brightened. “It’s from Jiang Yan.”

He opened it immediately.

The letter had been written four days after Jiang Yan’s departure, in Linzhou. It reported that they were safe and had been entrusted to a merchant to deliver to the restaurant.

When Jiang Ji read Jiang Yan’s remark that the cinnabar seal on his chest had smudged, he could not help laughing.

Lu Shun stood nearby, anxious but too polite to peek. When Jiang Ji finally finished reading, he asked, “Where have they reached? Are they alright?”

“They were in Linzhou then,” Jiang Ji replied. “This was written several days ago. Everything was peaceful along the way.”

He read the letter once more, then carefully folded it and tucked it beneath his pillow.

After that, every few days, sometimes three or four days, sometimes five or six, Jiang Ji would receive another letter from Jiang Yan.

Because Jiang Yan’s group was traveling secretly, they could not use official courier stations. Private letters had to be entrusted to traveling merchants, so all correspondence was delivered through the restaurant.

And since Jiang Yan kept moving between locations, Jiang Ji had no way to send replies.

Jiang Ji thought that compared to himself, who could at least receive letters, Jiang Yan must have it harder, unable to receive any in return.

Every night before sleeping, Jiang Ji would take out the letters and reread them before he could fall asleep.

One day, while reviewing account books at the restaurant counter, Jiang Ji overheard traveling merchants discussing news from the capital. They were saying that the Regent Prince had gone missing and might already be dead.

Jiang Ji paused, quietly listening.

The merchants had come directly from the capital. As they talked, others nearby gathered to ask questions.

“Is it true? The Regent Prince disappeared?”

“Of course it’s true. We passed through the capital recently. We came here because we heard about the new rice seeds.”

“How could someone like the Regent just disappear?”

“He’s been missing for half a year. The court and the prince’s residence kept it secret, claiming he was inspecting military affairs, but now they can’t hide it anymore. The whole capital knows.”

“My heavens… how could he vanish?”

“Who knows? They say he disappeared on the road back to the capital. The Lu family and the prince’s residence sent many people searching but found nothing.”

“What will the court do now?”

“The officials are panicking. People in the capital are uneasy. Some say he was assassinated.”

“Assassinated?”

“Yes. Supposedly attacked in a place called Lushan County, then vanished. Alive or dead, no one knows.”

“Lushan County? Isn’t that south of Nanping County?”

“Exactly. Only two or three hundred li from here.”

“I came from the western routes. The border’s been unstable lately. Might be related.”

“If the Regent Prince isn’t holding the court together, the borders could fall into chaos.”

“Are we going to war?”

“Heaven forbid. Please don’t let there be war.”

Jiang Ji listened for a while, lost in thought, before returning to the account books.

The news had spread this far. That meant the capital had already begun moving.

Lushan County really was where Jiang Yan had been attacked. The rumor was true by design, released to make spies believe it and lure them out. It marked the beginning of Jiang Yan’s plan.

What followed would be the most critical phase.

Unable to focus on the accounts, Jiang Ji eventually went to the county office to ask the magistrates.

Magistrate Xu sighed. “I’ve received the news too. The capital is full of rumors. A classmate of mine says it’s most likely true.”

Jiang Ji looked to Lord Chen, who nodded. “The information I received says the same.”

“Any other news?” Jiang Ji asked.

They both shook their heads.

“We only know the court and the Lu household have sent many people searching,” Lord Chen said.

Magistrate Xu suddenly recalled something. “Earlier, Governor Fan mentioned helping people from the capital search for someone. Could that have been the Regent Prince?”

“Possible,” Lord Chen replied.

It was indeed the case, but Jiang Ji said nothing. Translated on Hololo novels. Seeing he could learn no more, he left the county office and returned home.

He found Lu Shun and asked, “Any news from the capital?”

Seeing Jiang Ji’s troubled expression, Lu Shun asked carefully, “Young Master Jiang Ji, did you hear something?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “The news has spread.”

“We received word from home,” Lu Shun said. “Everything in the capital is proceeding smoothly. I’ve been told to remain here for now.”

“That’s good,” Jiang Ji said, nodding.

Lu Shun added, “Tomorrow I’ll move into the city with Old Cao and the others to handle some matters. Physician Yang will remain here.”

“Alright. Be careful,” Jiang Ji said. Jiang Yan had explained that the prince’s residence and the Lu household maintained their own intelligence network. With Chen Feng and the others gone, Lu Shun would assist locally.

“I’ll send any news to the restaurant,” Lu Shun said.

“Good.”

The capital and Jiang Yan had already cast their nets, waiting for the bait to be taken.

For Jiang Ji, the waiting became even harder to endure.

For several days in a row, Jiang Ji had been sleeping poorly. Seeing the dark circles beneath her son’s eyes, Zhao Ru asked worriedly, “Is it still too hot? Why don’t you sleep on the floor? It’ll be cooler.”

Jiang Ji was not hot. He was worried.

Seeing the concern on Zhao Ru’s face, Jiang Ji led her into the east wing, then closed the door.

“Mother, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Before Jiang Yan returned, Jiang Ji wanted to settle matters on his side first. That way, once Jiang Yan reported everything to his parents, they could choose a time to formally propose marriage.

He had thought about this for a long time but never found the right opportunity. So he decided to say it now.

“What is it?” Zhao Ru grew tense when she saw him shut the door. “Has someone discovered your secret?”

“No.” Jiang Ji guided her to sit down, then suddenly knelt before her.

Zhao Ru was startled and immediately bent to pull him up. “Xiao Ji, w-why are you kneeling? Get up quickly.”

“No, Mother. I have something to tell you. I must say it kneeling.”

“What could be so serious?” Zhao Ru asked anxiously. “Whatever it is, we’ll discuss it together.”

Jiang Ji took a deep breath and looked up at her. “Mother, when the matchmaker came before to arrange a marriage for me, I said I didn’t want to marry yet. That was actually an excuse. I lied to you.”

Zhao Ru froze for a moment, then brightened with delight. “You want to marry now?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. I want to marry now.”

“Then I’ll go find the matchmaker,” Zhao Ru said, overjoyed, smiling broadly. “Which family’s daughter do you like? I’ll call the matchmaker right away.”

“Mother,” Jiang Ji said, catching her hand, “I’m sorry. I don’t like girls.”

“…What?” Zhao Ru’s smile froze. “Didn’t you just say you wanted to marry?”

“I do,” Jiang Ji said honestly. “But the person I want to marry isn’t a girl.”

Zhao Ru stared at him blankly. “Not a girl… what do you mean?”

Jiang Ji clenched his teeth slightly and said, “Mother, I don’t like women. I like men.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Next

At first light, when dawn had only just begun to break, every household in the Village was already busy.

It was the height of the midsummer harvest season. The heat was oppressive, so farmers came out early while the weather was still cool to work.

Jiang Ji and the others were no exception.

Having been caught in the rain the night before, Jiang Ji woke early with a runny nose, his voice slightly nasal when he spoke.

“Caught a chill?” Jiang Yan reached out and touched his forehead. “You don’t seem to have a fever. Any headache?”

Jiang Ji shook his head. “I’m fine. Just a runny nose. Drinking more hot water will take care of it.”

“You’re not going out today. Stay home and rest.” Jiang Yan pressed him back down onto the bed. “I’ll ask Physician Yang to come take a look.”

Jiang Ji lay pinned against the pillow. “…I don’t even have a headache. It’s just the beginning of a cold. Some hot water and I’ll be fine.”

Jiang Yan ignored him. “Let the doctor examine you.”

Jiang Ji tried to sit up again but Jiang Yan pressed a hand against his chest. “Don’t move.”

Jiang Ji sighed. “Alright, alright. Then hurry up.”

Jiang Yan brought the physician over. Hearing that Jiang Ji might have caught a chill, Zhao Ru and Jiang Xia came as well.

Looking at the room suddenly full of people, Jiang Ji said helplessly, “I’m really fine. Just a little runny nose. Very mild.”

“Let Physician Yang check you,” Zhao Ru said.

After taking Jiang Ji’s pulse and examining his tongue coating, Physician Yang said, “Nothing serious. He caught a chill from yesterday’s rain. Two doses of medicine will do.”

“See? I said I was fine.” Jiang Ji sat up. “Doctor Yang, do I really need medicine for something this small? Drinking hot water should be enough.”

Zhao Ru glared at him. “Listen to the doctor.”

Overpowered by maternal authority, Jiang Ji sighed. “…Alright.”

Jiang Xia stared at Jiang Ji’s lips and asked curiously, “Brother, why are your lips swollen?”

Everyone immediately looked toward his mouth. Indeed, his lips were slightly more swollen than usual.

“Hm?” Jiang Ji touched his lips and glanced at Jiang Yan. “Ah, a mosquito bit me.”

Jiang Yan: “…”

“That must’ve been a vicious mosquito,” Lu Jiu added from the side. “I didn’t close my bed net properly last night and got bitten several times on the neck.”

Jiang Ji looked at Jiang Yan with a cheerful smile and agreed, “Exactly. Very fierce mosquito, biting people nonstop.”

Jiang Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze dark and unreadable.

Jiang Ji raised an eyebrow subtly at him, then turned to everyone else. “I’m really fine. Stop crowding around me and go get back to work.”

Physician Yang wrote the prescription, and everyone gradually left.

Once the room emptied, Jiang Yan pulled Jiang Ji into the room, closed the door, pressed him gently against it, and raised his thumb to press against Jiang Ji’s slightly swollen lips.

“A mosquito bite?”

Jiang Ji glanced at his thumb, slowly lifted his gaze, and arched a brow. “What? You have a problem with that?”

Jiang Yan rubbed his lips slightly harder, eyes fixed on the reddened mouth as Jiang Ji deliberately puckered his lips and lightly kissed his finger.

Jiang Yan’s gaze darkened instantly.

Jiang Ji smiled brightly. “Come on, kiss me.”

Jiang Yan: “…”

“What, don’t want to anymore?” Jiang Ji asked when he did not move.

Jiang Yan sighed helplessly and leaned down to give him a firm kiss before murmuring, “Go back to sleep for a while. I’m going to plow the fields.”

He left the room, closing the door behind him.

Jiang Ji happily rolled back onto the bed, grinning foolishly to himself.

After a while, he opened the livestream again. The screen immediately filled with bright yellow scrolling comments.

【Oh my god, I can’t even watch this】
【Face completely flushed】
【Is this really something I’m allowed to see】
【Came early to wait and caught it again】
【Same here, waiting squad】
【Ahhh they’re so sweet!】
【Wonder how last night ended. Did Jiang Ji complete his first time?】
【He’s still bouncing around today, so probably not】
【He even remembered to turn off the livestream yesterday. Incredible. In that situation too】
【The screen went dark for a moment during the kiss just now】
【He definitely set new conditions again】

Jiang Ji: “……”

He silently closed it.

The family refused to let Jiang Ji go to the fields. After lying around for a while reminiscing, he found he could not fall asleep again, so he got up, washed, and helped dry rice grains at home.

In ancient times there were no cement courtyards for drying grain. The village did have a communal drying ground, but it was only packed earth, and grain could not be spread directly on it without collecting dust.

Most households instead laid out straw mats beneath the grain so it would be cleaner when milled later.

Part of the grain at Jiang Ji’s home was spread on large woven straw mats specially made for drying rice, while another portion was laid out on waterproof tarps he had exchanged for. These were spread across the courtyard, and the harvested rice was poured out and evenly distributed to dry.

After filling all three courtyards with drying grain, Jiang Yan and the others returned from morning work to eat breakfast.

Seeing Jiang Ji covered in sweat, Jiang Yan frowned. “Didn’t I tell you to rest properly?”

Jiang Ji looked up and smiled. “I couldn’t fall asleep anyway. It’s fine. Sweating a bit might even help. How are the fields?”

The rain from last night had continued into the latter half of the night, leaving the soil sticky with mud, but harvesting still had to continue.

Jiang Yan said, “The remaining fields have been harvested. The field we cut two days ago has already been plowed once. After breakfast we’ll go harrow it.”

“Alright.”

After breakfast, Jiang Ji was watched closely by Jiang Yan as he drank his medicine, his face twisting tightly from the bitterness.

The next moment, a soft candy was popped into his mouth. It was the same kind Jiang Ji had once exchanged for Jiang Yan when he had to drink calming medicine.

Jiang Ji looked up at him and sighed. “We really are a pair of suffering little lovebirds.”

Jiang Yan had to drink calming medicine, and now he had to drink cold medicine. Translated on Hololo novels. Both suffering together from bitterness.

Jiang Yan glanced at him. “Nonsense.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Now that your memory’s back, do you still need the calming medicine? You’ve already finished a full course, right?”

“Mm. I won’t take it anymore starting today,” Jiang Yan said.

“It’s really good that your memory came back.” Jiang Ji studied him carefully, smiling.

With his memories restored, Jiang Yan’s presence had subtly changed. The confusion and unease were gone. Even his bearing felt different to Jiang Ji.

His gaze was more restrained, his demeanor steadier and calmer, carrying the composed confidence and strategic assurance of the Regent, as though everything lay within his control.

Even more attractive than before.

The sweet milk candy rolled across Jiang Ji’s tongue as he deliberately called out, clearly and slowly, “Lu… Huai… Zhou.”

Jiang Yan’s brow shifted slightly as he looked at him.

It was the first time Jiang Ji had addressed him like this.

“That name sounds really nice.” Jiang Ji hooked a finger with his, smiling as he said it again, “Lu Huaizhou.”

“Mm.” Jiang Yan responded gently, tightening his grip on Jiang Ji’s hand.

“Young Master, we…” Lu Jiu’s voice abruptly stopped when he noticed their joined hands. He blinked, looked at their calm expressions, and felt his mind explode with realization.

“!”

So that’s how it is!

He turned stiffly and saw Chen Feng coming up the steps. Hooking an arm around him, he hurriedly dragged him away.

“What’s wrong? Weren’t we looking for the young master?” Chen Feng asked in confusion.

“No, no, later,” Lu Jiu said, steering him away while also dragging his younger brother Lu Shun along.

Lu Shun tried to pry his arm free. “What are you doing? I have something to report to the young master.”

“Not now. Trust me, I’m doing this for your own good.” Lu Jiu pulled them toward the entrance, stared at the sky, and sighed deeply in melancholy.

“What’s wrong with you?” Lu Shun asked.

Lu Jiu sighed again. “Nothing. Just let me have a moment.”

Chen Feng and Lu Shun exchanged confused looks, completely unable to understand.

Inside the east wing, Jiang Ji released Jiang Yan’s hand. “Everything alright?”

“It’s fine. Ignore him.”

That morning, Jiang Yan worked at home drawing maps with Lu Jiu and Lu Wen. Three maps still remained unfinished, while everyone else had gone to the fields.

From time to time, Lu Jiu would zone out and secretly glance at his prince.

Jiang Yan shot him a look. “Focus. Don’t make mistakes.”

“Yes.” Lu Jiu quickly lowered his head and concentrated on drawing.

Jiang Ji had also been ordered to stay home. With nothing else to do, he assembled the repeating crossbow and sleeve arrows Chen Feng had brought back.

The large bed crossbow assembled smoothly, but one mechanism in the sleeve arrow would not fit. A component had been made slightly too small and would need to be reforged by a blacksmith.

After lunch, during their rest period, Jiang Ji and several others took the bed crossbow outside to test it.

It was midday, when the sun burned hottest, and the villagers were all resting indoors.

They transported the weapon to the foot of a nearby mountain and prepared for testing.

This bed crossbow was Jiang Ji’s design, inspired partly by things he had seen in his previous life and partly by technology described by viewers from another world. It was a multi-bow bed crossbow.

Jiang Ji secured a massive bolt, as thick as a spear shaft. “We can probably only draw one bow at a time. Aim for that hillside.”

Lu Jiu asked worriedly, “Can it really shoot that far?”

“Let’s try. In theory it should reach a thousand paces. The arrowhead should even embed into a city wall. It could be used for siege warfare.”

Seven or eight of them worked together to turn the windlass and draw the string tight.

Jiang Ji shouted, “Alright, release!”

Jiang Yan pulled the trigger.

Whoosh—

Boom!

A tree in the distance shook violently before crashing down with a loud rustle.

Everyone stared in shock.

They walked over to inspect it. The enormous bolt had pierced straight through a tree more than a foot thick in diameter, splitting halfway through the trunk.

“Wow!” Lu Jiu exclaimed. “That’s impressive power.”

“And the range is excellent,” Chen Feng added.

Jiang Ji said, “We don’t have a city wall here to test it properly, but it should be able to pin bolts into walls for sieges. The only drawback is that it’s heavy. Multiple bows firing together would require many people to draw them.”

Jiang Yan’s eyes lit up. “Very impressive.”

They carried the bed crossbow back. Jiang Ji handed the faulty sleeve-arrow component to Chen Feng. “This piece is too small. It won’t lock in place. Have it remade.”

He measured it carefully with a ruler. “The inner ring is short by one millimeter.”

Chen Feng examined it. “I’ll have it remade.”

That night, after wrestling with his thoughts all day, Lu Jiu quietly climbed onto the roof and secretly observed the east wing from afar.

The room belonging to his prince never lit up.

But Jiang Ji’s room showed two silhouettes for a moment before the lamp quickly went out.

Lu Jiu: “……”

Before they moved houses, his prince and Jiang Ji had slept together. He knew that much. There hadn’t been enough space for so many beds, and Jiang Ji had been injured and needed care, so it made sense.

But later, after Jiang Ji recovered and they moved here with separate rooms, they were still sleeping together?

That could only mean one thing.

The hand-holding he had seen that morning had no other explanation. It was simply hand-holding.

His prince and Jiang Ji were truly together.

Feeling conflicted, Lu Jiu drifted away and returned silently to his own room.

The next day, Magistrate Xu and the others arrived.

Lord Chen was especially concerned about the rice yield per mu. “The dried grain has finished drying, right?”

“It has,” Jiang Ji nodded. “Five hundred fifty-seven jin.”

Lord Chen brightened immediately. “Excellent!”

Magistrate Xu and the others had already visited during the first two days of harvest. Translated on Hololo novels. They had watched Jiang Ji’s family harvest two fields and had weighed the grain while still wet, nearly seven hundred jin. But because of the moisture content, yields were normally calculated based on fully dried grain, which was why they had returned.

Jiang Ji’s fields were treated as experimental plots. Detailed records were kept during harvesting. Each field’s grain was dried separately, and the duck-raised and fish-raised paddies were also recorded separately.

Magistrate Xu asked, “What about the rice from the fish-raised fields? Has it dried?”

“Some has,” Jiang Ji replied. “Calculated out, it’s about the same as the duck fields, around five hundred forty-six jin per mu. As for Uncle Tugen’s and the village chief’s fields planted normally, their yield is around four hundred ninety to nearly five hundred jin per mu.”

“Wonderful!” Lord Chen clapped his hands and said to Magistrate Xu with a smile, “That matches the situation in other villages. The best fields elsewhere are about the same. Some places with heavier pest damage only reached a bit over three hundred jin, but that’s still higher than before.”

Magistrate Xu nodded with a smile.

Over the past few days they had traveled through villages across the county, and Lord Chen had even visited neighboring Pingnan County.

The new rice variety had produced a bumper harvest. Yields had nearly doubled, and villagers everywhere were filled with joy. The hardship of the double harvest season felt worthwhile at last.

“Let us copy your recorded data,” Lord Chen said. “We must submit a report upward.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Of course. I’ve recorded everything, but a few fields still haven’t been fully counted. We’ll need a few more days to calculate the final averages.”

“Good, good. We’ll wait until harvesting is finished.”

Jiang Ji asked about conditions in other counties. Lord Chen replied, “During inspection, one area in Lushan County suffered severe pest damage. According to the methods recorded in your book, they used pine-needle water and similar treatments to eliminate insects. Their yield may end up slightly lower.”

Magistrate Xu sighed with feeling. “Your family’s fields really did have far fewer pests.”

“The duck and fish ate the eggs and larvae,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. “Many people in our village have already woven fishing nets and are preparing to raise ducks and fish.”

“This method truly deserves promotion,” Lord Chen said happily. “Your fields produce more grain than traditional planting, and you can also sell ducks and fish. That’s additional income.”

“That’s the idea,” Jiang Ji agreed, then added a reminder. “But if other villages want to try it, it’s best to recommend duck-raising first. Fish farming has higher requirements and greater risk.”

“Understood. I’ll inform them,” Magistrate Xu said, nodding.

…

Two days later, Jiang Ji’s family finished harvesting and transplanting seedlings, successfully completing the double harvest season. All that remained was drying the grain completely and storing it.

Lu Jiu and the others finally finished drawing the maps. Together with the crossbow schematics, Jiang Yan ordered Chen Feng to send the maps and blueprints to their intended destinations.

During this period, villagers frequently came at noon or in the evenings asking about raising ducks and fish in rice paddies. Eventually, Jiang Ji asked the village chief to gather everyone so he could give a dedicated lecture.

Villagers from two nearby villages also came after hearing the news.

Jiang Ji’s fields had yielded over five hundred jin per mu, not to mention the additional income from ducks and fish. The news had spread everywhere, and everyone wanted to follow his methods.

This season’s harvest showed villagers tangible proof of doubled yields, as well as the clear difference between Jiang Ji’s production and their own.

They now knew Jiang Ji had spoken truthfully.

Just like the earlier seed-promotion meeting, Jiang Ji stood before the crowd and explained everything from digging irrigation trenches onward. He talked until his throat went dry, drinking several bowls of water.

Although all this knowledge was already written in his cultivation manual, people still preferred hearing him explain it personally, and many questions required direct answers.

Jiang Ji patiently responded from the platform while villagers sat on the ground listening attentively.

Lu Wen nudged Lu Jiu. “Young Master Jiang Ji looks just like a general leading troops into battle.”

Lu Jiu nodded, then glanced at his prince, whose face clearly showed admiration, pride, and satisfaction.

Lu Jiu: “……”

Jiang Yan turned and looked at him. Lu Jiu quickly looked away. These past few days he hardly dared meet his prince’s gaze.

Lu Wen studied him. “Have you been constipated lately?”

“You’re the one who’s constipated,” Lu Jiu snapped.

“Then why do you look so troubled? Can’t go?” Lu Wen asked in confusion.

Lu Jiu: “……Ignorance really is bliss.”

He looked up at the sky and sighed. It was all because of his overly perceptive eyes.

Lu Wen elbowed him. “You’re the ignorant one.”

Lu Jiu shook his head, deeply melancholy, and muttered, “You don’t understand. If you understood, you’d know.”

Sigh… what were they going to do? The prince’s household might never have a young heir now.

After the summer harvest was completed, everyone was exhausted and could finally rest for several days.

Chen Feng brought back some of the bow components finished by the blacksmith and carpenter, and Jiang Ji began teaching Jiang Yan and the others how to assemble the bows.

It was also at this time that Lu Wu returned.

Earlier, Jiang Yan had sent him personally to deliver his plan back to the capital. Lu Wu had remained there while the Emperor and Minister Lu discussed and finalized the strategy, and now he had brought the response back.

Along with it, he also brought the military command token.

Immediately, Jiang Yan summoned several of his subordinates to the study. They held a long meeting, discussing matters for quite some time.

Jiang Ji did not disturb them and continued assembling bows on his own.

After about half an hour, Jiang Yan came to the workshop to find him. More than a dozen completed bows lay lined up along the wall.

Jiang Ji looked up. “Finished discussing?”

“Mm.” Jiang Yan sat by the table and watched him. “Now we’re just waiting for news from the capital.”

Jiang Ji paused. “When do you leave?”

Jiang Yan was silent for a moment before answering, “In three days.”

Jiang Ji stopped what he was doing and stared at him. “Didn’t you say a month? It hasn’t even been a month yet.”

“My memory has returned,” Jiang Yan explained softly. “I don’t need that much time to adjust. I need to go earlier to make arrangements.”

Jiang Ji lowered his gaze and turned away. “…Oh.”

He picked up the half-assembled bow and continued working. Jiang Yan watched him and said, “I’ll finish things quickly and come back.”

“Got it. Go then.” Jiang Ji paused again, glancing at the bows by the wall. “Tell Chen Feng to bring back all the finished components. Assemble more for you to take along.”

“Alright. Lu Jiu will stay a few extra days to transport the weapons.”

“Okay.” Jiang Ji hesitated, then asked worriedly, “Only Chen Feng and the other two going with you? That’s too few people.”

“The rest will be waiting for us in the forest outside the city.”

“How many?”

“Twenty.”

“That’s acceptable.” Jiang Ji relaxed slightly.

After a moment, he pressed his lips together and turned to look at him seriously. “Promise me you’ll come back alive.”

Jiang Yan nodded solemnly. “I promise.”

The next day, Jiang Ji began preparing supplies for their journey.

He sent people into town to buy up all the wound medicine available and exchanged for large amounts of instant noodles, biscuits, and bottled water. Traveling in summer made food difficult to preserve, and these were the most practical options.

Jiang Yan stopped his hands. “We don’t need these. We’ll bring dry rations, and we’ll pass through towns along the way. The mountains are full of game. We won’t go hungry. These things could expose your secret.”

Jiang Ji protested anxiously, “What if you need them?”

“Don’t worry. The south isn’t like the north where supplies are scarce. There are mountains everywhere and plenty of food,” Jiang Yan explained.

Speaking of the south, Jiang Ji reminded him, “Whatever you do, don’t eat wild mushrooms. They’re easy to get poisoned by.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ji pointed at a medicine box. “Then at least take this. Antibiotics, fever medicine, iodine. You know what they’re for now. Bring them for emergencies.”

Jiang Yan tried to object, but Jiang Ji glared at him. “Listen to me. You have to take them.”

Jiang Yan paused, then nodded. “…Alright.”

Even so, Jiang Ji secretly packed the exchanged travel food for him anyway.

The night before departure, in Jiang Ji’s room in the east wing, faint sounds of kissing broke the darkness. Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan held each other and kissed for a long while before finally separating.

They lay quietly together, leaning against each other. Jiang Ji stroked Jiang Yan’s back gently. “Sleep.”

“Mm.” Jiang Yan’s voice was low. He kissed Jiang Ji’s lips again. “I’ll keep the promise I made to you.”

“Good. Just remember it.”

After a while, Jiang Yan suddenly got up and lit the lamp.

“What are you doing?” Jiang Ji asked. “Did you forget to pack something?”

“Mm. I forgot one thing.”

“What?”

Jiang Yan opened a drawer in the dressing table and took out a black box.

He climbed back onto the bed, opened it, and removed a seal and red ink.

Jiang Ji blinked. “What… are you doing?”

Jiang Yan glanced at him, dipped the seal into ink, and said, “I told you before. I would stamp you.”

Jiang Ji blinked again. “Oh. Right, you did say that.”

“Go ahead,” he said, lying flat. “You can stamp wherever you want.”

Jiang Yan looked him over, lifted his clothing, and carefully pressed the seal onto the upper left side of his chest.

Jiang Ji looked down. The skin felt cool at first. Soon, a square red imprint appeared against his pale chest, vivid like a flame.

— Regent’s Seal.

Jiang Ji blew gently on it to help it dry. Soon, two smaller square seals were added beside it.

— Jiang Yan Seal.
— Lu Huaizhou Seal.

All of Jiang Yan’s seals were now marked on him.

Jiang Ji stared at the small imprints and could not help smiling.

Jiang Yan looked at the seal on Jiang Ji’s chest that belonged to him and leaned down to kiss beside it.

Though the ink felt cool, Jiang Ji felt as though the skin there burned with heat.

As Jiang Yan prepared to put the seals away, Jiang Ji said, “Wait.”

“Mm?”

Jiang Ji jumped off the bed, rummaged through the wardrobe, then climbed back up, holding something in his hand.

“I’m stamping you too!”

He held a wooden seal of his own. Jiang Yan raised a brow. “When did you carve that?”

“After I saw your seal last time.”

Jiang Ji dipped it into ink, lifted Jiang Yan’s night robe, and stamped the same position over his left chest.

— Jiang Ji Exclusive.

Jiang Ji raised his brows proudly. “Well? Looks good, right?”

Jiang Yan smiled faintly. “Mm. It looks good.”

Jiang Ji tapped his chest lightly. “Jiang Yan, Lu Huaizhou. You belong to me now.”

“I do.”

Jiang Yan caught his hand, kissed it, and leaned forward to kiss Jiang Ji deeply.

The next day, Jiang Yan departed with Chen Feng, Lu Wen, and Lu Wu.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾