Author Archives: Thandar

Jiang Yan was angry.

Rain poured down in sheets. Though nothing could be seen clearly through the downpour, Jiang Ji knew he was angry.

“I saw that you’d been fighting for so long and still didn’t remember anything, so I had no choice but to use this move,” Jiang Ji said, raising his thumb and forefinger to show a tiny gap. “Just a little stimulation.”

“This is little stimulation?” Jiang Yan narrowed his eyes at him and said through clenched teeth, “I thought…”

He stopped mid-sentence, took a deep breath, and stared at Jiang Ji as if he wanted to bite him.

“You thought I was going to die with you?” Jiang Ji asked quietly.

Jiang Yan’s gaze turned dangerous. “Say that again.”

“….” Jiang Ji wisely shut his mouth, patted Jiang Yan’s back, then rubbed his head soothingly. “Alright, alright. Don’t be scared. Nothing happened, see?”

Jiang Yan stared at him without speaking.

Jiang Ji blinked and explained, “It was just to make things more realistic. Look, it worked, didn’t it? You remembered. As long as the result is good, that’s what matters.”

Jiang Yan ground his teeth, then, unable to resist, pinched Jiang Ji’s waist hard.

“Ah—!” Jiang Ji glared at him. “Why are you pinching me? Didn’t we agree you’d listen to me?”

Jiang Yan: “…”

“Young Master, are you alright?”

Chen Feng pulled off his face covering and jumped down from above. Jiang Ji looked at him with deep gratitude, as if he had just been rescued.

Seeing the two lying still, Chen Feng worried they were injured. “Did you get hurt?”

“No,” Jiang Ji shook his head, then patted Jiang Yan again. “Get up.”

Jiang Yan shot him a fierce glare. “I’ll settle this with you when we get back.”

“….” Jiang Ji looked at him with helpless tolerance, like someone humoring unreasonable behavior. “Fine, fine. I’ll wait for you to settle accounts with me. I’m not running away. Just get up first, rainwater’s getting into my eyes.”

Jiang Yan: “…”

Chen Feng: “?”

Jiang Yan pushed himself up from the damp quilts beneath them and pulled Jiang Ji up as well. Wrapping an arm around his waist, he pushed off lightly against the slope and carried Jiang Ji up the broken cliff in a single motion.

Jiang Ji’s eyes widened. “You actually know martial arts?!”

Jiang Yan glanced at him, emotions tangled in his chest. He wanted to stay angry but somehow could not, unsure what to do with the person beside him.

“Young Master! Are you alright?” Lu Jiu and the others crowded around anxiously.

“We’re fine,” Jiang Ji answered. “He remembered.”

“Really?” Chen Feng climbed up after them, excitement clear in his voice. “Young Master, you really remembered?”

Everyone stared at Jiang Yan with eager anticipation.

Jiang Yan nodded. “I remembered.”

“That’s wonderful!”

“The Young Master remembered!”

Despite the heavy rain pouring over them, everyone laughed loudly in relief and joy.

Lu Jiu said happily, “Young Master Jiang Ji’s method really worked. After fighting so long without results, I was getting anxious.”

“Ahem, well,” Jiang Ji quickly interrupted him, “everyone worked hard. Let’s head back first before anyone catches a chill.”

Jiang Yan glanced sideways at him. Jiang Ji guiltily looked up at the sky.

“Oh, right.” Jiang Ji turned to his household guards. “Old Lin, don’t reveal Jiang Yan’s identity.”

The four guards had clearly heard Jiang Ji shout “Your Highness” earlier. They had thought he might have misspoken, but seeing everyone else’s calm reactions, they suddenly understood.

“Eldest Young Master… he really is the regent?” one asked.

In Jiang Ji’s household, the servants addressed Jiang Yan as Eldest Young Master.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. Just keep it to yourselves for now. Don’t tell anyone, and don’t tell my mother yet either. I’ll explain when the time is right.”

The four men were stunned. Jiang Yan was actually the regent.

“Yes, Young Master,” they replied.

The group returned the way they came, retrieved their horses, put their rain capes back on, and rode home. Translated on Hololo novels. The quilts below the cliff could be collected the next day.

By the time they returned, the rain had lessened. Aside from Jiang Nan, Jiang Bei, and the other children, Zhao Ru and the rest were still awake, waiting in the main hall.

“They’re back! Madam, they’re back!” Guihua ran in from the corridor to announce.

“They’re back?” Zhao Ru hurried to the doorway with the others. Seeing them ride in, she quickly said, “Come, go to the kitchen. We’ve prepared ginger soup for you.”

She and the others hurried toward the back kitchen.

Lu Jiu and the others led the horses back to the stables. Jiang Yan’s gaze swept the crowd and landed on the one person dressed differently, Lu Shun.

Lu Shun met his young master’s eyes and suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

After a moment’s thought, he realized the problem. This is bad. The young master is going to settle accounts with me.

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan removed their rain capes. Their clothes were soaked, water dripping onto the floor.

Zhao Ru urged, “Drink a bowl of ginger soup first, then go take a hot bath and change into dry clothes!”

Guihua had already prepared bowls for everyone, and they all gathered in the kitchen to drink the warming soup.

“After bathing, get proper rest. Whatever it is can wait until tomorrow,” Jiang Yan told his subordinates.

“Yes.”

Hot water had been prepared in every pot for bathing. Some went to wash immediately, while those waiting changed into dry clothes first.

After bathing, Jiang Yan returned to the east wing and found Jiang Ji missing. Seeing lights still on in the main hall, he went over to retrieve him.

Zhao Ru was just about to close the door for the night when she saw Jiang Yan approach and smiled warmly. “Jiang Yan, I just heard from Xiao Ji that your memories have returned. That’s wonderful.”

“Mm, thank you, Auntie.” Jiang Yan glanced inside the room. “Where’s Jiang Ji?”

“He just went back to sleep.”

Jiang Yan frowned. “He’s not there. I just came from the east wing.”

“Then he’s probably gone to the latrine. You were caught in the rain, so go to bed early and rest well.”

“Alright. It’s late. You should rest too, Auntie. I’ll head back.”

Jiang Yan returned to the east wing and sat in the hall, waiting for Jiang Ji.

Rain continued to fall softly outside, droplets gathering along the eaves and dripping down in steady strings.

Unbidden, Jiang Yan’s mind replayed the image of Jiang Ji rushing out and nearly being killed earlier that night. His fists tightened, his gaze dark and unreadable.

After a while, Jiang Ji returned.

Seeing Jiang Yan still sitting there, Jiang Ji paused. “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Jiang Yan lifted his eyes to look at him. “Waiting for you.”

“….” Still angry, huh? Jiang Ji rubbed his nose under Jiang Yan’s steady gaze, turned to bolt the door, and walked inside. “Then let’s sleep. It’s been a long day.”

Jiang Yan picked up the lamp and followed him into the room. He shut the door, set the lamp on the bedside table, and watched Jiang Ji remove his outer clothes and shoes before lying down.

Jiang Yan undressed as well and lay beside him. Just as he turned to speak, he saw Jiang Ji had already closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep.

Jiang Yan laughed in exasperation and pinched his nose. “Stop pretending.”

“…Who’s pretending? I’m tired,” Jiang Ji muttered, turning his back toward him. “Go to sleep.”

Jiang Yan turned him back around. “I need to talk to you.”

Jiang Ji sighed, rolled over, and opened his eyes. “You’re still angry?”

“Shouldn’t I be?” Jiang Yan raised an eyebrow.

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “Everything went according to plan. There’s no need to be angry.”

Jiang Yan looked directly into his eyes and said calmly, “You put yourself in danger. Tonight’s situation, heavy rain, poor visibility, everyone carrying weapons. In a fight, things can’t always be controlled. One mistake and you could have been seriously hurt.”

“I had already discussed it with them,” Jiang Ji replied seriously. “And that was the last resort. If you had remembered earlier, I wouldn’t have rushed out.”

Jiang Yan watched him silently, then took a deep breath. “Jiang Ji, I know your plan worked. But I don’t want you risking your safety like that again. Not even for me. If you had been injured today, I would rather never regain my memories.”

Fear still lingered in Jiang Yan’s eyes. Jiang Ji realized he had truly frightened him again. He wrapped his arms around him and gently patted his back. “Alright. I won’t do that again. Don’t be afraid.”

Jiang Yan cupped his face, locking eyes with him. “Promise me.”

Jiang Ji nodded and raised three fingers. “I promise.”

Jiang Yan lowered his hand and held it tightly. “No matter what happens, I want you to put your own safety first. Alright?”

Hearing that, Jiang Ji felt as if his heart had been squeezed, aching and warm at the same time.

Jiang Yan really loves me, he thought.

He held Jiang Yan’s face and looked into his eyes with unusual seriousness. “I promise you.”

Jiang Yan’s gaze was deep and dark, filled with worry and affection. Without thinking, Jiang Ji leaned forward and gently kissed him on the lips.

“Don’t worry. I’m fine,” he murmured.

He had barely pulled back when Jiang Yan suddenly held the back of his head and kissed him again.

Jiang Ji froze for a moment. Translated on Hololo novels. He had only meant to comfort him and hadn’t expected Jiang Yan to respond so directly. A flicker of joy rose in his chest, and he soon closed his eyes and returned the kiss.

At the same time, he reminded 2977 in his mind, “2977, close the livestream. From now on, whenever intimate things happen, please disconnect automatically. Thanks.”

[Livestream closed. Settings updated for the host.]

It was Jiang Ji’s first time kissing like this, clumsy and exploratory, guided mostly by instinct.

Jiang Yan, however, kissed him with urgency and intensity, almost fierce, as though trying to confirm something.

He was confirming that this person was still here, still in his arms.

Jiang Ji sensed the lingering fear in him and gently stroked his back, responding with patience and tenderness.

After a long while, Jiang Yan’s fierce kiss gradually softened, though it did not stop, shifting instead into something deeper and more heated until Jiang Ji was left breathless.

When Jiang Yan finally released him, Jiang Ji realized at some point Jiang Yan had moved over him, eyes burning with unmistakable intent. As another man, Jiang Ji understood exactly what that look meant.

Jiang Yan leaned down to kiss him again. Jiang Ji snapped back to awareness, braced his foot, twisted his waist, and reversed their positions.

Now lying atop Jiang Yan, Jiang Ji touched his face, kissed him again, and slipped a hand beneath his clothing, tracing along his waist and abdomen before reaching lower, only to have Jiang Yan catch his wrist.

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Ji asked, pausing. “You don’t want to?”

“I do,” Jiang Yan said, nodding, but he still did not release his hand.

Jiang Ji kissed him lightly. “Shy?”

Jiang Yan paused, his gaze deep. “We aren’t married yet.”

Jiang Ji blinked. “What do you mean? We have to be married first?”

Jiang Yan nodded.

Jiang Ji said, “…We’re both men. Does it matter?”

“It does. It would be improper,” Jiang Yan replied.

Jiang Ji thought about it. In this era, reputation and propriety were taken seriously. Since he wanted to marry Jiang Yan, he really should follow the customs and rules of the time.

“I’m sorry. I was being too forward,” Jiang Ji said. “Before we’re married, I shouldn’t cross the line.”

Jiang Yan felt there was something subtly off about what Jiang Ji had just said.

“Once I’ve told Mother, I’ll go to your family to formally propose marriage,” Jiang Ji said, kissing Jiang Yan lightly on the lips. “Before we’re married, we’ll just stick to kissing.”

“…?” Jiang Yan’s expression turned slightly strange. “Propose marriage?”

“Mm. I’ll explain everything to Mother as soon as possible. I just don’t know whether your family will accept me,” Jiang Ji said with some concern. “They don’t even know you like me yet.”

At last, Jiang Yan understood why Jiang Ji’s attitude toward him had sometimes felt a little unusual.

He looked at Jiang Ji with a complicated expression, his gaze deep and unreadable. He did not point it out directly, only saying, “Once I finish dealing with matters in the south and return, I will inform my parents.”

“Will they make things difficult for you?” Jiang Ji asked, watching him. “You’re the Regent, with such status and authority. Will they expect you to continue the family line?”

Jiang Yan rested a hand against his waist and back. “I’ll handle it. Don’t worry.”

Jiang Ji then asked curiously, “Did you always like men, or…?”

Jiang Yan shook his head. “Before this, I never had such thoughts. Toward either men or women.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. Delighted, he leaned in and kissed Jiang Yan on the lips again. Jiang Yan caught the back of his head, not letting him pull away, deepening the kiss.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Thandar: Finally kissed after 70 something chapters 😂😂😂😂

Jiang Yan decided to recreate the assassination chase that had happened before he fell from the cliff. But that did not mean it could be done immediately. For it to work, everything had to feel as real as possible. They would need to find a similar location and wait for a night of rain.

Jiang Ji looked at Jiang Yan and said, “Leave the arrangements to me. Alright?”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Alright.”

“To make it more convincing, you can’t interfere. Chen Feng and the others will all follow my instructions.”

Jiang Yan nodded again. “Fine.”

Jiang Ji immediately began giving orders. “Chen Feng, you all go find a place similar to before. Lu Shun, go into town and buy the kind of black clothing assassins wear.”

Everyone moved at once. Chen Feng and the others split into two groups to search nearby areas, while Lu Shun went into town and purchased a large number of black outfits.

Once everyone left to prepare, Jiang Ji asked Physician Yang, “Doctor, you said his internal heat is strong and he isn’t sleeping well. Should you prescribe something?”

Jiang Yan watched the concern on Jiang Ji’s face but did not interrupt.

Physician Yang nodded. “I can prescribe two doses of medicine to calm the mind and aid sleep. But ultimately, Young Master Lu must regulate himself, relax, and worry less.”

Jiang Ji glanced at Jiang Yan. “I told you not to think so much.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Mm.”

But they both knew that, given his position and current circumstances, not thinking was impossible.

Jiang Yan’s mind was filled with information he had to remember, analyze, and plan around. It was no wonder he could not sleep well.

Chen Feng and the others returned before nightfall. Jiang Ji stopped them at the courtyard gate first to ask about their progress. After speaking with them for quite some time, he finally let them enter.

Chen Feng reported to Jiang Yan, “Young Master, we found a fairly suitable place nearby. Behind the village at the back there’s a forest, and at the edge of the forest is a cliff. A stream runs below with a drop of five or six zhang. Would you like to go see it tomorrow?”

“He’d better not go,” Jiang Ji explained. “This is a reenactment. It’s fake. He already knows that, so the environment must not be somewhere he has seen before, or the effect will be worse. And don’t tell him too many details. The less he knows, the better.”

Jiang Yan nodded in agreement. “I won’t go.”

Jiang Ji nodded, satisfied. “Good. Now I’ll explain the plan…”

He laid out his ideas, and everyone agreed the plan was feasible. Now all they needed was a night of rain.

That evening, Jiang Ji watched Jiang Yan finish his medicine before asking, “Is it bitter?”

“It’s alright,” Jiang Yan said, setting the bowl down without even frowning.

Jiang Ji picked up the bowl and sniffed it. The sharp herbal bitterness made him immediately pull it away, reminding him of his own experiences drinking traditional medicine.

“And you call that not bitter?” Jiang Ji frowned. He then produced a packet of sugar, unwrapped a piece, and popped a milk candy into Jiang Yan’s mouth.

The milk candy was something Jiang Ji had specially exchanged for. Whenever he used to drink medicine, he always wished he had something sweet afterward to cover the taste.

Sweetness spread through Jiang Yan’s mouth, quickly masking the bitterness. His eyes curved slightly. “Thank you.”

“Ge, what’s that? Candy?” Jiang Nan asked from nearby, having noticed.

“Mm. Milk candy.”

“I want some too!”

Jiang Ji looked at him. “You’re about to go to bed and still want candy?”

“Yes!” Jiang Nan refused to miss any chance to eat something. He turned and shouted toward the door, “Jiang Bei, Xiao Yi, Xiang’er, come quick! There’s candy!”

Jiang Bei and the others had been playing in the courtyard. Soon Jiang Bei rushed into the east wing, while Xiao Yi and Xiang’er hesitated outside.

Jiang Ji waved them over. “Xiao Yi, Xiang’er, come in.”

Only then did they enter. “Young Master.”

Jiang Ji opened the paper packet, unwrapped the candies, kept the wrappers in his hand, and placed one milk candy into each child’s palm. “One each only. You have to brush your teeth before bed. This candy sticks to teeth, so brush carefully.”

“Got it!” Jiang Nan tossed his into his mouth, savoring it happily. “So sweet!”

Jiang Bei quickly ate his as well. “Big Brother, this candy is really delicious.”

Seeing Xiao Yi and Xiang’er hesitate, Jiang Ji said, “Why aren’t you eating? You can’t save it. There’s no wrapper anymore. Go on.”

“Thank you, Young Master.” Only then did they place the candies into their mouths.

Sweetness filled their mouths. Xiao Yi and Xiang’er had never tasted candy this good before. All four children’s eyes curved into happy smiles.

Jiang Nan finished quickly. Still unsatisfied, he pressed the candy with his tongue and even bit down on it.

“Ah!” Jiang Nan suddenly frowned and cried anxiously, “Brother! My tooth!”

“What happened to your tooth?” Jiang Ji looked over. “See? I told you milk candy sticks to teeth, and you still bit it.”

The candy had stuck to Jiang Nan’s upper front tooth, looking rather comical. Translated on Hololo novels. Jiang Bei burst out laughing. “You look so funny, Jiang Nan!”

Xiang’er and Xiao Yi wanted to laugh too but held it in. They could not laugh at Third Young Master.

Jiang Nan shook his head and touched his lower front tooth. Tears welled in his eyes. “Brother, my tooth is broken. It’s loose! Look!”

At his words, everyone fell silent. Even Jiang Bei stopped laughing and stared at him.

“Hm? Loose tooth? Open your mouth, let me see.”

Jiang Ji bent down, gently holding Jiang Nan’s chin as he examined the lower front tooth, touching it lightly. “It is loose.”

Jiang Nan burst into tears. “What do I do? Is my tooth going to fall out?”

“Spit out the candy. You can’t eat it anymore,” Jiang Ji said.

Jiang Nan looked even more miserable, reluctant to let it go. “I can’t eat it?”

“No. You’re probably starting to lose your baby teeth,” Jiang Ji said. “Don’t cry. Haven’t you seen Xiao Song go through this?”

Jiang Nan stopped crying mid-sob. “L-lose teeth?”

“Yes.”

“It’s not broken?” he asked worriedly. “It’ll grow back, right?”

“It will,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. “But if you keep eating candy while your teeth are changing, you might get cavities. Then eating candy will hurt later.”

Jiang Nan pressed the milk candy in his mouth, still reluctant, and looked at his brother pitifully. “Can I at least finish this one?”

One piece would not matter much. Jiang Ji nodded. “Finish that one, but no more after this. You’ll have to wait until your new tooth grows in.”

“Oh.” Jiang Nan nodded. His face showed a complicated mix of emotions, happy that he could finish this piece of candy, yet devastated at the thought that he would not be able to eat sweets for a long time. His expression became wonderfully dramatic.

Jiang Ji looked at Xiao Yi and Xiang’er, both eight years old. “Are you two changing teeth as well?”

Xiang’er pressed her lips together and nodded. Xiao Yi nodded too.

“Let me see.”

Xiang’er opened her mouth, revealing that a new tooth had already grown halfway beside one of her upper front teeth. Xiao Yi’s new tooth was almost fully grown.

“Your teeth haven’t finished growing yet. After this piece, no more candy for you either.”

Xiang’er and Xiao Yi obediently nodded.

Jiang Ji took out two more candies, wrapped up the rest, and handed them to Jiang Yan. “Don’t give Jiang Nan and the other two any more candy from now on.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Nan: “…How miserable.”

Jiang Bei looked at Jiang Nan, then asked his brother, “Big Brother, am I going to change teeth soon too?”

“Mm, probably soon. Pay attention yourself.”

“Oh.” Jiang Bei immediately began calculating. “Then before I start changing teeth, can you give me a couple more candies?”

Jiang Nan instantly glared at him. “How can you say that?!”

Jiang Bei replied innocently, “Once we start changing teeth we can’t eat candy anymore, so of course I should eat more now.”

Jiang Nan: “…”

Jiang Bei looked at the candy in Jiang Ji’s hand. “Big Brother.”

Jiang Ji glanced at him. “No.”

“Isn’t that one for me?”

“This one is for your second sister.”

“Oh.” Jiang Bei felt indignant. “Second Sister gets two pieces. I want two too.”

“The other one is for Mother.”

“Oh.” Jiang Bei stared at Jiang Ji. “Aren’t you eating one?”

“I’m not. Too sweet.”

Jiang Bei immediately said, “Then give yours to me.”

Jiang Ji flicked his forehead. “That one is for your Brother Jiang Yan when he takes medicine. I’ll give you another one tomorrow.”

“Oh, okay. Don’t forget.” Jiang Bei finally fell silent, smiling in satisfaction.

“Even if I forgot, you wouldn’t.”

“That’s true. I wouldn’t forget.”

Jiang Nan glared at him resentfully. “Jiang Bei, I’ll remember this!” He was furious.

Jiang Bei replied calmly, “I’m your younger brother. You’re supposed to remember me anyway.”

Jiang Nan: “…”

Jiang Ji could not help laughing. “Is this really necessary between you two?”

“Yes, it is!” Jiang Nan declared loudly.

Jiang Yan comforted him, “If you change teeth first, that means you’ll finish earlier and can eat candy again sooner.”

Jiang Nan thought about it, then brightened. “That’s true! Brother Jiang Yan, save one for me!”

Everyone: “…”

Jiang Ji sent the children back outside to play, then went to find Zhao Ru and told her that Jiang Nan had started losing his baby teeth.

Zhao Ru smiled. “He’s reached that age.”

Over the past half year, with proper nutrition, the two younger boys had grown noticeably taller and gained some healthy weight. Without constant sun exposure, their skin had grown fairer as well. Jiang Xia had also grown a little taller, her complexion brighter, making the young girl look much more lively.

Looking at the children, Zhao Ru felt deeply gratified.

Their current life was happier than anything she had ever dared imagine before. If only Xiao Ji would marry soon, it would be even better.

That night, as they lay down to sleep, Jiang Ji held Jiang Yan’s hand and chatted with him for a while, talking about the earlier discussion with Lord Chen regarding the single-season rice seeds and explaining Governor Fan’s plans.

Jiang Yan nodded. “Tomorrow I’ll write a letter and have it sent back.”

“Mm.” Jiang Ji turned his head to look at him. “Do you have trouble falling asleep, or is it that your sleep is light and you wake easily?”

Jiang Yan held his hand. “Half asleep, half awake.”

“Ah, I know that feeling. I went through that for a while too.” Jiang Ji recalled his previous life, when the pressure during his final year of school caused the same problem. “It feels like you’re asleep, but your mind keeps thinking. That’s stress. Your brain is too active to properly rest.”

He asked again, “Did this start after Chen Feng and the others arrived?”

Jiang Yan responded softly, “Mm.”

“So it really is because of that. I shouldn’t have let you meet them yet,” Jiang Ji muttered.

“…You would have found out sooner or later,” Jiang Yan said, gently squeezing his hand.

“But if you had regained your memory first, it wouldn’t be like this. With past experience, you wouldn’t lose sleep like this.”

“Mm.”

Jiang Ji turned over, wrapping an arm around Jiang Yan and gently patting his arm. “Don’t think about it anymore. Sleep. Relax. Don’t think about anything. Take deep breaths, slow your breathing, focus only on that.”

Jiang Yan closed his eyes, listening to Jiang Ji’s voice as his thoughts gradually emptied.

Before long, the person holding him beside him began breathing steadily, already asleep.

A faint smile curved Jiang Yan’s lips. Translated on Hololo novels. Turning onto his side, he pulled Jiang Ji into an embrace, nuzzled lightly against the top of his head, and soon fell asleep as well.

Early the next morning, Jiang Ji woke at his usual time and realized Jiang Yan was holding him from the side. Turning his head slightly, he saw Jiang Yan was still asleep.

Jiang Yan slept lightly. If he got up, Jiang Yan would surely wake, so Jiang Ji simply closed his eyes again to let him sleep longer.

He accidentally fell asleep again until he heard Chen Feng outside the east wing asking, “Has the young master not gotten up yet?”

Lu Jiu replied quietly, “No. The door’s still closed. Young Master Jiang Ji doesn’t seem to be up either. He usually wakes early.”

Chen Feng said, “Then let the young master sleep a little longer. Don’t wake him. His sleep is light. Let’s go pick melons instead.”

Lu Jiu frowned. “Aren’t merchants coming today? Should we still harvest and bring them into the city?”

“Let’s ask Madam first.”

Inside the room, Jiang Ji opened his eyes and turned his head, only to find Jiang Yan already looking at him.

“You’re awake?” Jiang Ji sat up and began getting dressed. “Want to sleep a little longer?”

Jiang Yan shook his head. Glancing at the bright daylight outside, he sat up as well and started dressing. “Did you wake up earlier? Why didn’t you wake me?”

“I wanted you to sleep a bit more. Morning sleep is better quality,” Jiang Ji said. “How did you sleep?”

“Not bad. Maybe the medicine helped. I slept more deeply.”

“That’s good.”

After getting dressed, the two stepped out one after the other. Once they had washed up, they headed to the fields.

The watermelons and tomatoes still needed to be sent into the city. Customers had already formed a habit of reserving watermelons directly with the manager at the dining hall and coming the next day to pick them up.

Large households like the Lin and Qian families placed orders every day.

That morning, after harvesting the produce destined for the city and finishing breakfast, Xiao An arrived with six or seven traveling merchants. Some came to buy watermelons, some tomatoes, and others both. Each brought two or three donkey carts or horse-drawn carts, forming a long line.

Most of these merchants were from the local county or neighboring counties, while three were passing traders who had already waited here for three or four days.

The prices had already been agreed upon with the manager, and there was no bargaining. They only needed to harvest the produce, weigh it, and settle payment.

Jiang Ji’s household, Uncle Tugen’s, and the village head’s families all sold at the same price. Jiang Ji directed two merchants to Uncle Tugen’s and the village head’s homes, while the rest loaded goods at his own.

Aside from the kitchen staff and those responsible for cleaning, everyone else from Jiang Ji’s household came to help in the fields. Even Physician Yang volunteered to handle bookkeeping.

The fields bustled with activity. Some picked watermelons, others harvested tomatoes, while others carried loads or handled weighing. Everyone worked cheerfully and energetically.

Before long, several more merchants arrived.

During a brief pause, Jiang Ji asked where they planned to transport the produce.

Most intended to sell in nearby counties, some in the prefectural city, and one planned to take the goods all the way to the provincial capital.

“If they could keep longer, taking them to the capital would really make money,” one merchant said. “There are so many nobles there. Even selling for a hundred wen per jin, people would still buy.”

Another agreed. “Exactly. It’s the capital. Small towns like ours can’t compare. Just a little that slips through their fingers could feed us for years.”

Someone else suggested to Jiang Ji, “If you grew watermelons in the capital, you’d definitely get rich.”

Jiang Ji laughed. “Maybe I’ll grow them in the capital someday.”

They worked busily all morning until most of the harvest was finished.

A few merchants who had not gotten their turn grew anxious. “Is there any left? Could you spare some for me? Even one cart would do!”

Jiang Ji said apologetically, “The rest aren’t ripe yet. You’ll have to wait a few more days. Next time, I’ll let you load first. Alright?”

They still needed to reserve some supply for their own dining hall.

“Nothing at all left? Even two baskets would work,” one merchant pleaded.

After thinking it over, Jiang Ji felt bad sending him away empty-handed after he had come so far. “How about this, brother. I’ll spare you one basket of watermelons and one basket of tomatoes. Do you want bitter melon? I can give you two baskets of that to make a full cart. How about it?”

Since bitter melon was not available in the other counties, the merchant immediately brightened. “That works. As long as I’m not going back empty.”

Jiang Ji reminded him, “I should warn you first. Many people aren’t used to bitter melon’s taste, but it’s especially good in summer and helps reduce internal heat. You’ll need to explain how to cook it. If they want it less bitter, salt it first, then rinse it. It can be stir-fried, cooked with meat, scrambled with eggs, or simmered with pork ribs for soup.”

“Alright, alright, I remember. Don’t worry, I’ve eaten it at your dining hall before. Kids don’t like it much, but my old father loves it.”

Reassured that he was familiar with it, Jiang Ji had someone harvest the bitter melons for him.

By the time all the merchants had departed, it was nearly noon. Everyone tidied up and prepared to return home.

Uncle Tugen and the village head’s families had earned quite a lot that morning, and they would not need to sell goods on the street for the next few days, saving considerable effort.

Everyone returned home happily.

That evening after dinner, Jiang Yan practiced swordsmanship in the courtyard with Chen Feng and the others. He wanted to rebuild his martial skills and also see whether practicing at night might trigger fragments of memory.

To make it more realistic, Chen Feng and the others wore the black assassin outfits Lu Shun had purchased and covered their faces. Chen Feng, Lu Wen, and Lu Jiu attacked together.

Jiang Ji, several guards, and the younger children Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei watched from the west wing corridor, while Zhao Ru and Jiang Xia observed from the doorway of the main hall.

In the courtyard, the sharp clang of blades rang out. Steel flashed as the fighters moved swiftly, dodging and striking in rapid succession.

Even watching made Jiang Ji tense. Several times he thought Chen Feng’s sword tip was about to strike Jiang Yan, and he nearly cried out.

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei stood beside him, eyes wide, clutching the hem of their brother’s clothes, barely daring to breathe.

Jiang Ji asked Lu Shun beside him, “Lu Shun, do you know martial arts?”

“A little. Enough for self-defense, but not like them,” Lu Shun replied.

Jiang Ji looked surprised. “Didn’t you grow up training together?”

“After I turned sixteen, I began assisting my father and learning to manage household affairs,” Lu Shun explained.

“I see.” Jiang Ji nodded. “So your brothers were trained as guards?”

Lu Shun nodded. “Yes. When we were young, we trained in martial arts morning and evening under Second Uncle. The young master studied at the academy during the day, while we also learned various subjects in the household. This continued until the young master passed the imperial examinations as top scholar. Chen Feng and Han Yi were actually born servants of the Han family, but we all trained together since childhood. Later, when the young master went to the battlefield, Second Uncle allowed them to accompany him. They’ve followed him ever since.”

Jiang Ji understood now why Chen Feng and the others did not share the Lu family surname.

“Lu Shun,” Jiang Ji asked quietly, “do you want your young master to recover his memories soon?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then come with me. I need to tell you something.”

The two went into the study and talked for a while.

Jiang Yan and the others practiced for an entire shichen, and by the end they were drenched in sweat.

Jiang Ji handed Jiang Yan a cloth towel and asked, “How was it? Did you gain anything?”

Jiang Yan shook his head. “It all feels faintly familiar, but when I try to focus on it, I can’t grasp the images. It’s like there’s a layer blocking them.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “That’s because you know they aren’t real assassins. Let’s try again when it rains.”

But the night rain they needed was not easy to come by. Summer showers here usually fell during the day, while nighttime rain was uncommon..

…

A few days later, the rice harvest began.

The entire village grew busy. The rice threshing beds Jiang Ji had improved finally proved their worth. Earlier, Magistrate Xu had distributed the blueprints throughout the village, and during the slack farming season everyone had built their own. Now nearly every household had one.

Jiang Ji’s family owned two threshing machines, and with many helping hands, their progress was faster than most. Although Chen Feng and the others had little farming experience, they were strong, and harvesting rice required little technical skill, so they were a great help.

Jiang Ji’s family had twenty-three mu of farmland. He had originally planned to hire villagers during the later stages of harvesting, but now there was no need.

With two threshing machines, they worked even faster than other households.

They harvested rice for three days, then transplanted seedlings in those fields. Meanwhile, the harvested grain dried in the sun. Then they continued harvesting, alternating tasks like this until the double harvest season was complete.

While transplanting seedlings, they lent the threshing machines to neighboring villagers. Everyone experienced firsthand how efficient they were. Compared to traditional manual threshing, they were faster and required far less effort. Some families had already begun discussing pooling money together to buy one jointly for future use.

During the height of summer afternoons, sudden showers would occasionally fall. While gathering grain, Zhao Ru was caught in the rain and fell ill.

Jiang Ji touched her forehead. A low fever. Fortunately, Physician Yang was already staying at their home and examined her pulse.

Jiang Ji asked anxiously, “Doctor Yang, how is my mother?”

Physician Yang replied, “She caught a chill from the rain, nothing serious. However, her body is quite weakened, with insufficient qi and blood. It seems her health was damaged during childbirth in the past and never properly recovered, which makes her prone to illness.”

“That’s right. She had a difficult labor when giving birth to Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei. Then my father passed away, and our family circumstances were poor, so her health never recovered,” Jiang Ji explained. “This year conditions improved, and she hasn’t fallen sick since spring. But in previous years, once autumn arrived and the weather cooled, she would often catch colds, have cold hands and feet, and cough for a long time without recovering.”

“That is due to underlying deficiency,” Physician Yang said as he began writing a prescription. “I’ll prescribe medicine now, and once this cold passes, we can begin gradual restorative treatment.”

“Can she fully recover?” Jiang Ji asked.

“With careful nourishment over two or three years, and by avoiding excessive fatigue, she should gradually improve.”

Jiang Ji brightened. “Thank you, Doctor Yang.”

Once the medicine was prepared, Jiang Ji personally carried it to Zhao Ru’s bedside and helped her sit up. “Mother, time for your medicine.”

Zhao Ru felt chilled and wore an extra outer garment. She sniffled constantly and coughed.

After finishing the medicine, she patted her son’s hand. “I’m fine. Go attend to your work. I’ll be better after some sleep.”

“Alright.” Seeing her wiping her nose with a handkerchief, Jiang Ji exchanged a box of tissues, opened it, and handed one to her. “Mother, use this instead. It’s softer. Just throw it away after using it and sweep it up later.”

“Alright.” Zhao Ru wiped her nose and smiled. “This is very convenient. Go on, I’ll rest.”

“Okay. After about an hour, once the medicine takes effect, drink more warm water. It’ll help you recover faster.”

“I know.”

After helping her lie down, Jiang Ji stepped out and gently closed the door.

“2977, can I request a special mission to exchange for some cold medicine?”

2977 replied: [After analysis, Zhao Ru is not in life-threatening danger. The host cannot exchange special missions for medicine.]

Jiang Ji sighed. “Can’t you be a little flexible?”

Jiang Xia and the others were on break from fieldwork, so Jiang Ji asked Jiang Xia to stay home and look after their mother while he returned to the fields.

After three days of medicine, Zhao Ru improved considerably and wanted to go outside to turn and dry the grain, but Jiang Ji refused.

“You’re not allowed to go anywhere until you’re fully recovered. No work at all,” Jiang Ji said sternly.

“I’m really better already.” Seeing her son’s serious expression, Zhao Ru relented helplessly. “Alright, alright. I won’t do anything.”

Jiang Ji told Jiang Xia, “Xia’er, keep an eye on Mother.”

“Okay.”

After six or seven days of rest, Zhao Ru finally recovered fully. By then, the double harvest season was nearing its end, with only two or three days remaining.

That evening, as everyone finished work and returned home, clouds began gathering in the sky.

Chen Feng and the others grew excited. “Is it going to rain tonight?”

Jiang Ji checked the weather forecast in the system and nodded. “Yes, it’ll rain tonight. About an hour and a half from now. Everyone go eat and rest first.”

Chen Feng and the others immediately hurried off, quickly eating dinner and lying down briefly to recover their strength.

Around the second quarter of the Hai hour, raindrops finally began to fall.

Jiang Yan and the others were already prepared. Wearing straw raincoats, they mounted their horses and rode toward the village behind them.

When they reached the entrance of that village, dogs began barking wildly. Several villagers came out wearing rain capes and carrying hoes.

Jiang Ji quickly dismounted and stepped forward. “Uncles, it’s me, Jiang Ji. We need to go into the forest behind your village to handle something. We’ll be back soon.”

Someone lifted a lantern to look closely and said in surprise, “It really is Jiang Ji. In such heavy rain, what are you all going there for?”

“We have something to do over there. In about an hour we’ll pass back through here again. Don’t worry, and sorry for disturbing everyone.”

“Oh, alright. Go ahead.”

The group rode quickly through the village. Before entering the forest, Jiang Ji reminded them, “Everyone follow the plan. Be careful. Don’t let him actually get hurt, and don’t let him fall off the cliff.”

“Understood,” Chen Feng said, adding, “Young Master, run toward the west.”

Jiang Yan nodded, looked at everyone, and said, “Begin.”

They all removed their straw raincoats and tossed them onto the grass.

At present, only Chen Feng and two others could play the role of “assassins.” Jiang Ji’s household had four guards, and Lu Shun had brought two more, making nine people in total. It was clearly fewer than ideal, but enough to attempt the plan.

Six of them dismounted first and entered the forest to lie in ambush. Lu Wen acted as Jiang Yan’s escort, while two of Jiang Ji’s guards followed behind as pursuing enemies.

After about a quarter of an hour, Jiang Yan turned with his sword in hand and rode into the forest, Lu Wen following closely behind. The guards behind them lowered their voices and shouted, “After them!”

Everyone deliberately altered their voices to sound unfamiliar.

Jiang Ji glanced at his two guards; they nodded and gave chase together.

“Hyah!”

Soon the heavy rain soaked their clothes. The road was pitch-black, visibility blurred by rain, hoofbeats drawing closer as assassins pursued relentlessly. The atmosphere suddenly turned tense and dangerous.

The forest was vast. After riding for a while, several “assassins” suddenly emerged, faces covered, forcing Jiang Yan and Lu Wen off their horses.

The pursuers arrived moments later. Their attacks were fierce, every strike aimed as a killing blow. Outnumbered, the two fought while retreating, gradually struggling to hold their ground.

As another wave of attacks came, Lu Wen stepped forward to block them and shouted, “Your Highness, go!”

Go!

Lu Wen had deliberately imitated the voice of the late Lu Ming, lowering his tone so that at first hearing it truly resembled him.

Jiang Yan froze for an instant. A fragment of memory flashed through his mind, but another attack forced him back into motion.

“Ugh—”

As Jiang Yan turned his head, he saw Lu Wen stabbed from behind. Dropping to one knee, Lu Wen blocked another strike and looked toward him. “…Go!”

After shouting the word, Lu Wen was “stabbed” again from the front and slowly collapsed.

Jiang Yan stood momentarily stunned. Rationally he knew Lu Wen was unharmed, yet his mind seemed to freeze, unable to respond.

Lu Jiu thrust his sword forward. Seeing the Regent not moving, he quickly twisted his wrist, letting the blade barely skim past Jiang Yan’s arm.

That near strike finally snapped Jiang Yan back to awareness. He deflected Lu Jiu’s attack and turned to run forward.

“After him!” the assassins shouted, continuing the pursuit.

Before long, Jiang Yan was driven to the edge of the cliff and surrounded once more.

They fought there for some time. By now Lu Jiu and the others were deliberately holding back, both to prevent the Regent from accidentally falling and to prolong the scene.

Nearly another quarter hour passed without a decisive outcome.

Rain poured down. Steel clashed again and again, blades cutting through the curtain of rain before colliding and separating, only to strike together once more.

The sound of rain, ringing swords, shouted battle cries, and the desperation of fighting with a cliff at one’s back gradually wove together into a uniquely familiar atmosphere for Jiang Yan.

But it was not enough. Still not enough.

That invisible barrier remained, like a layer of mist that refused to disperse.

Suddenly, someone rushed out from the side, chased by another assassin whose sword was raised to strike.

“Your Highness, save me!”

Jiang Yan focused and saw clearly.

It was Jiang Ji.

The assassin behind him wore different clothing from Lu Jiu and the others, and his movements were different as well.

There were eleven people involved tonight, including himself and Jiang Ji, yet this attacker was not any of the men playing assassins.

“Jiang Ji!”

Jiang Yan shouted, knocking aside two attacks and rushing toward him.

Jiang Ji ran toward him as well, but the assassin behind showed no intention of stopping, thrusting his sword straight forward.

“Jiang Ji!”

Jiang Yan’s heart lurched. He leapt forward, pulling Jiang Ji into his arms while blocking the strike with another swing. But somehow Jiang Ji’s footing slipped, and carried by momentum, the two of them tumbled off the cliff together.

Chen Feng had said the cliff was five or six zhang high.

In the instant of weightlessness, Jiang Yan only had time to shield Jiang Ji’s head, twisting so that he himself fell underneath.

At that same moment, overwhelming terror at the thought of losing Jiang Ji exploded inside his mind. Countless memories and fragments shattered through the misty barrier and surged forward all at once.

The memories belonging to Lu Huaizhou returned.

Thump—

They landed quickly in something soft. Jiang Yan froze.

“Jiang Yan, are you alright? Did you remember anything?”

Jiang Ji lifted his head from Jiang Yan’s chest and asked.

“I remembered.”

“You really remembered?” Jiang Ji asked excitedly. “You’re not lying to me?”

“Mm.” Jiang Yan nodded blankly. Feeling beneath him, he realized the soft surface was made of quilts.

“Young Master! Young Master Jiang Ji! Are you alright? Are you hurt?” Chen Feng and the others shouted from above.

“What is this?” Jiang Yan looked up at the “cliff,” now only about one zhang high, his dark eyes fixed on Jiang Ji. “Wasn’t the cliff supposed to be five or six zhang, with a stream below?”

“And why did you suddenly rush out?”

“And who was the one chasing you?”

A barrage of questions fell one after another. Jiang Ji shrank back slightly.

“Uh… I can explain…”

Jiang Yan flipped over and pinned him down, his gaze dark, his tone dangerous. “Jiang Ji, you’d better give me a very reasonable explanation.”

Jiang Ji trembled slightly.

This was bad. It seemed he had taken things a little too far.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

At dawn the next day, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, Jiang Ji and the others went out to the fields.

The lettuce from the previous mu of land had already been completely sold, with only a little left for their own meals. They turned over the empty soil again and planted chili peppers. Now they needed to harvest watermelons, as well as chilies, tomatoes, bitter melon, and other crops. The chilies and bitter melon were supplied to the restaurant.

With many hands working, everyone divided the tasks and cooperated.

Lu Jiu took Lu Shun to the watermelon field. Lu Shun had grown up in the city, and seeing such a vast stretch of watermelon vines left him deeply amazed.

He did not know how to pick them, so he helped carry instead. When he saw his young master working alongside everyone else, he found it almost unbelievable.

He tried to go help, but Lu Jiu stopped him.

Lu Shun glared at his older brother. “You’re just going to watch the young master work?”

Lu Jiu replied helplessly, “The young master won’t let anyone help. He likes doing it himself.”

Lu Shun fell silent.

Looking again, he saw his young master skillfully selecting watermelons with scissors, neatly cutting off the stems, while Chen Feng lifted the melons and placed them into baskets beside him.

Lu Shun sighed. Lu Jiu said, “There are plenty more things you haven’t seen yet. Don’t make such a fuss. It’s embarrassing.”

Lu Shun said nothing.

Physician Yang had also come to the fields with them. Seeing the ground covered with abundant produce, much of which he did not recognize, and everyone busy working, he simply walked around looking so as not to get in their way.

After harvesting three cartloads of watermelons, Jiang Yan went to help in the tomato field, where Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru were already working.

Tomatoes required more care when picking. The stems could not be left too long, and they had to be placed gently into baskets; otherwise, the stems could easily puncture other tomatoes.

“Finished picking the watermelons?” Jiang Ji casually asked when he saw Jiang Yan arrive.

“Mm, three carts.” Jiang Yan picked up a basket and moved to the next row. “How many should we pick here?”

“Two carts,” Jiang Ji said after a glance. “Each cart holds four baskets. I’ll head into the city later to check how sales are going.”

“Alright.” Jiang Yan needed to stay home to copy maps, so he could not go along.

Jiang Ji reminded him, “When I get back, let Physician Yang check your pulse again, alright? I want to be there.”

“Okay.”

After all the fruits and vegetables were harvested, Jiang Ji helped Uncle Tugen and the village head’s family finish their picking as well, and then they all headed into the city together.

Once in the city, Uncle Tugen and the village head and his wife took the watermelons to the marketplace for retail sale. Translated on Hololo novels. Jiang Ji had them bring a basket of tomatoes too, instructing them that if anyone wanted to buy, they should explain what dishes could be made with them and invite customers to visit the restaurant, where they could even be taught how to cook the dishes.

Aunt Xiufang brought Tao’er along, and the village head’s two sons hauled the tomatoes as they followed Jiang Ji and the others to the restaurant.

It was still early, so Jiang Ji and the group went to eat breakfast. Han Qingshan and the others carried a basket of tomatoes into the kitchen and began preparing sample dishes for tasting.

By the time Jiang Ji returned from breakfast, two large tables had been set up outside the restaurant entrance. The manager and the servers were already prepared.

Foot traffic gradually increased. The restaurant had not opened yet, so the servers were free to help promote the event.

Xiao Shan stood on a chair and struck a gong to draw attention.

Once a crowd gathered, Xiao Shan began speaking.

“Fellow townsfolk, Jiang Ji Dining Hall is launching new dishes today! Tomatoes, the bright red fruit I’m holding here, and many more in the cart beside me, are grown by our owner’s family. They’re delicious and versatile. They can be cooked into dishes, made into soup, or even eaten raw.”

As he spoke, Xiao Shan took a bite and showed everyone the inside of the tomato. “It looks like this inside. The taste is sweet and slightly sour.”

“Since today is the first day they’re available, our chefs have prepared dishes for everyone to taste for free. If you like them, you’re welcome to buy some, and our chefs will also teach you how to cook them. The recipes are very simple, easy to make at home.”

Hearing there was free food to taste, everyone’s eyes lit up. Jiang Ji’s dishes were famous for being delicious but somewhat expensive, so many families could not afford to dine there often. Now that there were new dishes and even cooking lessons, of course they wanted to try.

“Jiang Ji has new dishes again!”

“I’ve got to taste them. If they’re easy to cook, I’ll buy some and have my wife make them at home.”

Xiao Shan struck the gong again with a loud clang. “Alright, dishes are coming up! All made with tomatoes! First dish, tomato scrambled eggs!”

Xiao An carried out a large platter of tomato scrambled eggs and placed it on the table.

Xiao Shan continued, “Next we have tomato pork stew, tomato egg soup, tomato egg fried rice, tomato pork rib soup, and braised eggplant with tomato. Adding a tomato when cooking eggplant makes it especially delicious. You can even add one when cooking noodles for a refreshing, appetizing flavor. All of these are easy to learn and can be made at home.”

The servers stretched a rope in front of the tables, keeping the crowd about three feet away.

Finally, Xiao Shan announced, “Alright, everyone line up in four rows. Each person may taste one dish. Tasting begins now!”

The moment he finished speaking, people rushed forward to line up.

The scene resembled the restaurant’s grand opening, except this time everyone was competing for a place near the front.

Servers maintained order nearby. “Line up, line up properly! Don’t rush!”

“How can we not rush? There won’t be any left!”

“Exactly!”

“I really want to try the one with meat.”

“Anything from Jiang Ji is bound to be delicious.”

Before long, four long lines formed, and the people at the front began tasting.

Xiao Shan reminded them from the side, “One dish per person, just one bite each. Leave some for those behind you.”

Among the first four tasters, two chose the tomato pork stew, one chose tomato scrambled eggs, and one chose tomato egg fried rice.

The moment the food touched their mouths, the people waiting behind them anxiously asked,

“Well? How is it? Is it good?”

“What does it taste like?”

“Is it delicious?”

The four diners chewed with satisfied expressions and raised their thumbs in approval.

“This scrambled egg dish is delicious, sweet and tangy, really appetizing. My wife would probably like it.”

“The fried rice is good too.”

“At first the flavor felt a little unfamiliar, but after a few more bites it really whets the appetite. And this meat, not bad at all.”

“I want another bite.” One man reached for his chopsticks again, only to be stopped by a server. “You can buy some tomatoes and cook them at home to share with your family.”

People behind him began urging him on. “Move, move, it’s my turn!”

“One bite per person, no extra! There won’t be any left for those behind!”

“Server, hurry and pull him away!”

The man reluctantly stepped aside and went to the cart selling tomatoes. “How much are these?”

“Eight wen per jin,” Jiang Ji said with a smile.

“That’s not expensive. I’ll buy a few.” The man began picking some out, then looked up and asked, “Will you really teach us how to cook them?”

“We will.”

Hearing this, several others gathered around the cart and started selecting tomatoes as well.

“Eight wen isn’t bad. I’ll buy some for my wife to try.”

“Not bad. I want to make that fried rice. My daughter will definitely like it.”

“I’m telling you, the scrambled eggs are the best. Kids will love that one.”

“Really? Then these two might not be enough. I’ll buy a couple more.”

By the time the tasting ended, nearly half of the roughly four cartloads of tomatoes brought by Jiang Ji, Uncle Tugen, and the village head’s three households had already been sold.

Those who bought tomatoes did not leave. Instead, they gathered around the cooking demonstration area.

Xiao Shan called out, “We’re starting the cooking lesson now! Anyone who wants to learn, come take a look!”

Two stoves had been set beside the carts, along with a table covered in pre-cut ingredients. Xiao Jun and Yu Yang demonstrated the cooking on the spot, explaining as they cooked, and then letting everyone taste the finished dishes.

Across the road at an angle, a carriage stood parked by the roadside. A curtain at the window lifted slightly, and Master Tian silently watched the lively scene in front of Jiang Ji Dining Hall for a long while.

Inside the carriage, the manager of Xiangman Lou said to him, “Master, they’ve not only introduced new dishes, they’re also teaching people how to cook them. These dishes look a bit simpler than their usual offerings, but inside the restaurant there’s another dish called tomato-braised beef brisket. The sign is already up, though they didn’t bring it outside for tasting.”

Master Tian lowered the curtain. “That should be their main promotion. Everything outside is meant to sell tomatoes. Arrange for someone to buy some tomatoes and bring them back for Chef Luo and the others.”

“Yes, sir.”

Standing at the entrance of the dining hall, Jiang Ji watched the bustling scene with satisfaction.

Manager Lü said to him, “Boss, the manager from Xiangman Lou is over there buying tomatoes.”

Jiang Ji glanced over and indeed spotted the plump figure among the crowd. “How is their restaurant doing lately?”

“They released a new menu and added four dishes. We have sticky rice pork ribs steamed on lotus leaves, right? They made a dish with chicken wrapped inside sticky rice, then wrapped again in lotus leaves and steamed. It smells quite good.”

“Oh, lotus leaf sticky rice chicken,” Jiang Ji nodded. “That’s actually quite good.”

“You’ve had it before, Boss?” Manager Lü asked in surprise.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. I know that dish. It’s more suitable as a snack rather than a main course. It works better as breakfast food or takeaway, which is why I didn’t add it to our menu.”

Manager Lü nodded as well. “We thought the same. I had someone buy some back for Old Han and the others to taste. The flavor is decent, but nothing to worry about.”

With knowledge of several major culinary traditions in mind, Jiang Ji was not concerned. “No other trouble lately, right? None of those messy incidents?”

Manager Lü thought for a moment. “No. Ever since that disturbance last time, nothing has happened. Though someone did try to poach our chefs. I overheard them talking about it, but no one paid them any attention.”

“Good. I trust Old Han and the others.” Jiang Ji considered for a moment, then said, “Let’s add a reward system to the dining hall. Each quarter, if the restaurant turns a profit, we’ll set aside five percent of the profits as bonuses for everyone. Distribution will be based on work performance.”

Manager Lü froze in surprise. “Every quarter?”

“Yes. Five percent. Half of one tenth.”

“I understand,” Manager Lü said, then added carefully, “Boss, with our current profits, that would be a very large sum.”

“I know,” Jiang Ji replied. “The money the dining hall earns is inseparable from everyone’s hard work. This is to encourage them to keep working hard.”

Manager Lü grew visibly excited. Translated on Hololo novels. The dining hall had not been open long, but after reviewing the accounts last month, he knew just how profitable it was. Even five percent of the profits would be substantial. With only a little over twenty employees, even an equal split would give each person several taels of silver.

Jiang Ji had been thinking about this for some time. “When things are quieter, you and Old Han should discuss performance evaluation standards and write them up for me to review. We’ll go over them together before announcing it to everyone.”

“Understood. I’ll speak with Old Han as soon as possible.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Also, notify the merchants who’ve been waiting that they can come buy watermelons starting tomorrow. Anyone who wants tomatoes can purchase those as well.”

“Yes, Boss. I’ll arrange for someone to inform them right away.”

After finishing their discussion, Manager Lü left to handle arrangements. Jiang Ji glanced down the street and noticed a carriage passing by, seemingly one belonging to the Tian residence.

He watched it disappear before withdrawing his gaze. Then, carrying a sack of tomatoes while Chen Feng followed behind with two watermelons, Jiang Ji headed to the county yamen to find Magistrate Xu.

“You came here yourself?” Magistrate Xu had no cases to hear that day and was handling official documents. Seeing Jiang Ji, he looked pleasantly surprised. “Are you fully recovered now?”

“Mm, I’m fully recovered.” Jiang Ji lifted the bag of tomatoes in his hand and set it on the tea table. “I brought some tomatoes for you and Lord Chen. They’ve just come onto the market.”

Chen Feng placed the watermelons beside them.

Magistrate Xu looked at the tomatoes and watermelons and smiled. “Well then, I won’t stand on ceremony.”

“No need to be polite.”

It was Magistrate Xu’s first time seeing Chen Feng, and he asked curiously, “And this gentleman is?”

“His name is Chen Feng. Jiang Yan was worried about my safety and asked him to protect me,” Jiang Ji said, deliberately glossing over Chen Feng’s true identity. He then introduced him, “Chen Feng, this is our county magistrate, Lord Xu.”

Chen Feng clasped his fists in greeting. “Lord Xu.”

“Brother Chen Feng,” Magistrate Xu replied. Though Chen Feng wore the clothes of an ordinary villager, it was obvious at a glance that he was a trained martial artist. He nodded to Jiang Ji. “You really do need someone accompanying you now. Even I’m worried.”

Jiang Ji smiled slightly. “The bandits have already been captured. There’s nothing to fear.”

Magistrate Xu glared at him. “The bandits of Skull Mountain are gone, but there are still other robbers around. In any case, be careful when you travel.”

“Alright, I understand. I’ve brought someone with me now, haven’t I?” Jiang Ji said. “My lord, I came to inform you that in another four or five days, we can begin harvesting the rice.”

“Good. I’ll send out notice.”

After thinking for a moment, Jiang Ji asked, “My lord, after the double harvest, what will be done with the new grain seeds? Does the provincial government plan to promote them to other prefectures now, or wait until next year?”

Originally, Jiang Ji had intended to leave matters like distributing the new rice seeds to other counties entirely to Lord Chen and the officials. But circumstances were different now. Jiang Yan was the Regent, and Jiang Ji felt he should help keep an eye on important affairs like these.

“Wait a moment,” Magistrate Xu said. Since it concerned official matters, he had someone summon Lord Chen.

Lord Chen was delighted to see Jiang Ji there as well. “You’ve recovered?”

“I have. Thank you for your concern, my lord,” Jiang Ji replied with a smile.

Magistrate Xu explained Jiang Ji’s question.

Lord Chen said, “I already reported this to Lord Fan. He was very pleased to hear that the new rice variety will yield a good harvest. As for the seeds, he said they will be distributed only after he reports upward and the court makes unified arrangements.”

“I see.” Jiang Ji nodded, thinking he should tell Jiang Yan when he returned. Then he asked, “Will Lord Fan come down to inspect again?”

“He said he would come when the rice harvest begins, if he can spare the time. I’ll write to inform him that harvesting will start in a few days.”

Magistrate Xu then asked, “Across Da Sheng, how much paddy land do you think there is in total?”

Lord Chen smiled. “Quite extensive. Rice isn’t grown only in the south. Some northern regions grow it as well. Between single-season and double-season rice, the total output is considerable. If used as seed grain, the southern rice-growing regions alone should be enough to expand cultivation widely.”

Magistrate Xu laughed. “That would be wonderful. Next year everyone could plant the new rice.”

Jiang Ji reminded them, “Villagers still need to keep grain for their own households. They won’t be able to sell everything.”

“That’s true, we must account for that,” Magistrate Xu said. “But if it were me, with seed grain priced so high, I’d rather buy rice to eat and sell all my harvested grain.”

Jiang Ji laughed. “You’re right, my lord. The villagers will likely think the same way. That means counties planting the new variety won’t have much old grain left and will need to import supplies from elsewhere.”

Lord Chen took a sip of tea. “No need to worry. The court will consider everything carefully.”

“That’s true, it’s not something we need to trouble ourselves over,” Magistrate Xu agreed, then asked Jiang Ji, “Can corn be sold now as well?”

“Yes, about time. Though people will probably keep some for seed.”

Lord Chen smiled. “Keeping seed is good. That way more people can grow it.”

After chatting a while longer with the two officials, Jiang Ji and Chen Feng returned to the dining hall, where all the tomatoes had already been sold out.

Jiang Ji returned home in high spirits.

Hearing him come back, Jiang Yan stepped out of the study. “You’re back. Tired?”

“Not really.” Jiang Ji entered smiling. Jiang Yan poured him a cup of tea, which he finished in one go.

Jiang Yan poured another. “How were the sales?”

“Very good. Everything sold out.” Jiang Ji drank another cup. “How is the copying going?”

“Not bad.”

Seeing how hard they were working at copying the maps, Jiang Ji said, “I could just exchange for two more copies for you.”

“No need. It only takes effort, not skill. Save them for later use.” The items obtained from the immortals all required Jiang Ji to complete tasks in exchange, and Jiang Yan was reluctant to waste them.

Jiang Ji shrugged and let it go.

Most of the copying work was being done by Lu Wen and Lu Jiu. For now, Jiang Yan mainly listened to Chen Feng report on court affairs, studied maps and the political situation, formulated future plans, and waited for news from the capital. There was nothing urgently pressing at the moment.

By the time they returned home, it was already noon. They quickly finished lunch, rested briefly, and then Physician Yang came to examine Jiang Yan.

In the small sitting room of the east wing, Jiang Yan sat with his wrist resting on the pulse cushion while Physician Yang sat opposite him, eyes closed as he took his pulse.

Nearby stood Jiang Ji, Zhao Ru, Chen Feng, Lu Jiu, and the others, all waiting quietly.

Chen Feng and the others watched nervously, their faces filled with expectation and worry.

After a while, Physician Yang finished checking the pulse. He asked Jiang Yan many questions and examined his head, eyes, and tongue coating before falling into deep thought.

Lu Shun anxiously asked, “Physician Yang, how is our young master?”

Everyone looked toward the physician. Jiang Ji watched him with curiosity as well.

After a moment of contemplation, Physician Yang said, “Young Master Lu’s body is very healthy, and there is nothing wrong with his head. He has simply been overburdened with worries recently, sleeping poorly, and has a bit of internal heat. It’s nothing serious.”

Chen Feng and the others all let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Chen Feng then asked, “Physician, will the young master’s memories recover?”

“That is precisely the problem.” Physician Yang’s expression grew somewhat grave. “I have previously seen patients lose their memory after striking their heads. In that case, there was stagnant blood inside the skull. Once it dissipated, the memory returned. But Young Master Lu’s head shows no signs of stagnant blood. He appears completely healthy. When, or even whether, his memory will recover is difficult to say.”

“Can’t acupuncture be used to stimulate it somehow?” Lu Jiu asked.

Physician Yang shook his head. “You cannot casually perform acupuncture on a healthy person’s head. It could cause serious problems.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ji felt relieved instead. He feared reckless treatment might turn a harmless situation into a dangerous one.

Ancient physicians had no way to examine the inside of the brain. The limits of medical knowledge lay precisely there.

Jiang Ji looked at Jiang Yan, recalling the physician’s words that he had been overly worried lately, sleeping poorly, with signs of internal heat.

Overthinking, of course, must have come from suddenly learning his true identity.

Being abruptly told he was the Regent, while having no memories at all, would trouble anyone.

Jiang Ji felt a pang of self-reproach. He slept too deeply at night and had not even noticed Jiang Yan’s poor sleep.

And deep down, Jiang Ji selfishly did not really want Jiang Yan to regain his memories. It felt as though once he did, he would quickly leave and return to the capital.

Yet seeing Jiang Yan weighed down by worry every day, he could not bear it either.

The contradiction left him conflicted.

After watching Jiang Yan for a long moment, Jiang Ji sighed and secretly asked in his mind, “2977, can you cure Jiang Yan’s amnesia?”

[Reminder to host: we are a Farming System, not a medical system.]

Jiang Ji’s eyes widened, and he blurted out, “But before you…”

Everyone turned to look at him. Jiang Ji froze, blinked, and said, “Nothing. Carry on. I need to step out for a moment.”

He turned and went to the study across the courtyard used by Jiang Bei and the others.

Jiang Yan watched his departing figure, brows faintly knitting together.

Inside the study, Jiang Ji closed the door. Still unused to speaking only in his thoughts, he spoke aloud instead. “2977, didn’t you previously provide medicine for me and Jiang Yan?”

[When the host or people nearby face life-threatening danger, special missions may be issued. Completing them grants medicinal rewards.]

“Then give me a special mission for this too. I’ll complete it.”

[According to detection results, Jiang Yan is not in life-threatening danger.]

Jiang Ji: “…Can’t you be a little flexible?”

[This system operates according to programmed procedures and has no authority to modify them.]

Jiang Ji fell silent.

After thinking for a moment, he asked, “Then can you at least determine what caused his amnesia?”

[…]

“Why aren’t you answering? I’m not asking for medicine. That should be allowed, right?”

[After analysis, Jiang Yan’s amnesia resulted from severe brain trauma combined with intense psychological shock when he fell from the cliff. It was a self-protective response by the body.]

“So his brain isn’t actually injured now?”

[Correct.]

Jiang Ji thought it over. Psychological shock… was it the assassination attempt? No, Jiang Yan had fought on battlefields before. Being chased alone would not be enough.

Then…

Jiang Ji suddenly looked up. Right, Chen Feng had mentioned that two brothers had protected Jiang Yan while fighting their way out. When they were later found, one was dead and the other gravely injured and unconscious. But at the time, Jiang Yan may have believed both had died.

They had grown up together and shared deep bonds. Witnessing two brothers die before his eyes, sacrificing themselves to protect him, would indeed be an enormous shock.

“Then how can his memory be restored?”

[…]

“You don’t need to provide medicine. Just tell me a possible method.” Seeing that 2977 remained silent, Jiang Ji guessed it might not be able to answer directly. So he proposed his own idea instead. “Would another strong stimulus work? For example, recreating events from before the amnesia. Could that trigger his brain to remember?”

[The host may try.]

Jiang Ji tested further. “Any other methods?”

[…]

“…Would placing him in a familiar environment help?”

[The host may try.]

“Oh. So that means it’s feasible.”

Jiang Ji immediately opened the door and returned to the east wing. The others were still discussing ways to restore Jiang Yan’s memory. Chen Feng insisted that bringing Jiang Yan back to the capital might help.

In truth, everyone’s thoughts were similar: return him to familiar surroundings and have him do familiar things.

Now certain that Jiang Yan’s brain was not physically damaged, Jiang Ji looked at the group and said, “He can’t go back right now. Let’s use the most direct method instead.”

Everyone looked at him. Chen Feng asked, “What do you mean by the most direct method?”

Jiang Ji spoke plainly. “Recreate what happened the night he was hunted.”

Lu Jiu’s eyes widened. “W-wouldn’t that be too much stimulation?”

“There’s nothing wrong with his brain. His amnesia came from the shock of witnessing his brothers die and then falling from the cliff,” Jiang Ji said, looking at Jiang Yan. “When he went to save me that night and fought the bandits, he recalled fragments of memory. That shows this method might work.”

Chen Feng turned to Physician Yang. “What do you think, Doctor?”

After some thought, Physician Yang said, “In principle, that reasoning is sound. It is worth trying.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Then let’s try it.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Previous

Jiang Yan led Jiang Ji farther away and stopped beside a small tree.

This stretch of wasteland had been bought by Jiang Ji’s family after purchasing the land to build the house. It had not yet been cleared. Grass, shrubs, and small trees grew everywhere, with many scattered stones. Only a strip about two meters wide had been cleared along the wall.

Jiang Ji had originally planned to plant fruit trees before construction, but the saplings were not ready. They would have to wait until next spring, so the land had been left unused for now.

Where they stood, a cluster of shrubs happened to block the view in front of them, hiding the fact that they were holding hands. Chen Feng and the others could not see them.

Secretly holding hands while hiding it from everyone else carried a subtle, thrilling sense of secrecy.

Jiang Ji glanced at Jiang Yan once, then again, and could not help smiling.

Jiang Yan turned to him. “What are you smiling about?”

Lowering his voice, Jiang Ji said, “Don’t we look like we’re having an affair?”

Jiang Yan: “…What nonsense are you talking about.”

Jiang Ji chuckled and gently swung their joined hands, his thumb hooking lightly over the back of Jiang Yan’s hand.

Jiang Yan shot him a look and tightened his grip.

Jiang Ji hooked his thumb again.

Jiang Yan closed his hand around Jiang Ji’s thumb as well.

Jiang Ji: “……”

Dissatisfied, Jiang Ji shifted his fingers, sliding them neatly between Jiang Yan’s fingers.

Their fingers interlaced.

Jiang Yan looked at him, tightened his grip, and did not move. Jiang Ji also stopped moving.

In the distance, Chen Feng and the others were testing the bow’s range. The three of them took turns shooting several times. The farthest shot reached about fifty-one zhang, which was the maximum distance achieved by those with training.

After that, they found two villagers who had never shot arrows before to help with further testing.

The villagers could not hit the target, but they could observe roughly where the arrows landed. One achieved a maximum range of about forty-five zhang, the other around forty-two.

This was far farther than their current bows could manage.

Chen Feng and the others were thrilled.

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan were still quietly holding hands in the distance, watching. Jiang Ji explained the principle behind the bow to Jiang Yan as they stood there.

Lu Jiu ran over. “Young Master, this bow is amazing. You barely need any strength to shoot this far!”

As the others approached, Jiang Ji released Jiang Yan’s hand.

Jiang Yan looked over. Jiang Ji smiled at him, leaned in, and whispered, “I’ll hold your hand tonight.”

Jiang Yan’s gaze darkened slightly.

Jiang Ji had already turned back. “Try parabolic shots now. Shoot into the air. The maximum range should be over two hundred zhang.”

The viewers had said that bows like this could reach over six hundred meters at maximum range. What they made was not as refined, but six hundred meters should still be possible, right?

“Two… over two hundred zhang?” Lu Jiu exclaimed in shock. “Really?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “In theory, yes. If the trajectory is optimal. If it doesn’t reach that far, then either something wasn’t done right in the bow and it needs adjustment, or the shooting angle is off, too high or too low.”

For projectile motion, there is an optimal trajectory to achieve maximum range. Jiang Ji added, “But generally, one hundred sixty to one hundred seventy zhang should definitely be achievable.”

“Let’s try it now!” Lu Jiu said excitedly.

“Not here,” Jiang Ji stopped him. “Let’s go to the back mountain. There’s a large open area by the stream. You won’t find enough open space here.”

People were working in the fields nearby. Accidentally shooting someone would be disastrous.

“Alright, back mountain it is.”

The group headed toward the back mountain, including the two villagers they had recruited.

Jiang Ji led them to a mountain hollow at the back. A stream flowed through it, with grassy ground and low shrubs on both sides. The shrubs were not tall, and there was little wind, making it ideal for testing.

They resumed testing there.

Chen Feng and the others were experienced. Their shooting angles during parabolic shots were mostly between forty and fifty degrees. The distances varied. The farthest shot reached one hundred seventy-six zhang, and even the shortest reached one hundred sixty.

“The angle’s off,” Jiang Ji called them over and drew a right angle on the ground. From the midpoint of the right angle, he drew a line outward and said, “You need to shoot along this angle to get the farthest distance. It’s the angle between your shoulder and your head.”

They compared the angles with their bodies. Chen Feng went to test again. Among them, Chen Feng had the best archery skills.

“Chen Feng, a little higher,” Jiang Ji said, watching his arm. “A bit higher. Just a bit more. That’s it.”

Chen Feng held the angle, drew the bow to full draw, and released.

Whoosh.

The arrow flew and landed.

On the other end, Lu Wen measured the distance. It was about ten zhang farther than the previous farthest mark.

Shocked, he shouted loudly, “Ten zhang farther!”

His voice carried back from afar, and everyone broke into smiles.

Lu Jiu said with a face full of delight, “Ten zhang farther? Then that’s around one hundred eighty-six zhang!”

“Wow!”

Everyone turned to look at Jiang Ji.

Jiang Ji clasped his hands behind his back and lifted his chin slightly. “That same angle just now. Try it a few more times.”

Seeing the smug little expression on Jiang Ji’s face, Jiang Yan’s lips curved upward.

Chen Feng nodded and shot a few more arrows, then switched with Lu Jiu and the others.

Jiang Yan also took a few shots. Jiang Ji adjusted his angle slightly, and Jiang Yan’s farthest shot reached one hundred ninety zhang.

The two villagers also tried. They were likewise able to shoot more than one hundred sixty zhang.

Jiang Ji rubbed his chin and said to Jiang Yan, “There’s probably still a component that isn’t quite right. Our manufacturing precision just hasn’t reached that level yet.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Even tiny deviations can affect distance.”

“Exactly.” Jiang Ji opened the livestream and checked the viewers’ reactions.

【This is already very good. Given their production level, some deviation is normal.】

【Feels like it might be an issue with brace height.】

【Not enough draw weight?】

【This is too specialized. You’d need an expert to really know.】

Jiang Ji sighed. True. None of them were experts. This result was already good enough. At least it was usable.

He looked up at Jiang Yan and said, “I’ve done all I can. We’ll just have to let the blacksmiths and carpenters keep refining it.”

“It’s already excellent. You’ve helped immensely.” Jiang Yan squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. “This will greatly increase the army’s combat strength.”

“You’re a great contributor to Da Sheng dynasty,” Jiang Yan said seriously.

Not only increasing grain yields, but also providing maps, bows, and improvements to crossbows and sleeve arrows.

Jiang Ji’s eyes curved slightly. “Since the Regent says so, I’ll take it as true.”

“You are,” Jiang Yan said firmly.

Jiang Ji smiled brightly.

Having transmigrated for so long, life had been hard at times, but Jiang Ji had gained a sense of achievement he never experienced in his previous life. His heart felt exceptionally full.

After testing, Chen Feng and the others hunted a few pheasants and rabbits on the mountain and brought them back. Everyone had a wild game dinner that night.

After the meal, Chen Feng and Lu Wen copied one set of blueprints and headed out. Lu Wen went to the town, while Chen Feng went to Nanping County about seventy or eighty li away. They were both arranging for blacksmiths and carpenters to mass produce the bows, producing as many as possible before they set out for the south.

In the afternoon, Jiang Ji took a nap. When he woke, he heard that the physician sent by the Lu household had arrived and was speaking with Zhao Ru and Jiang Yan in the main hall.

Jiang Ji walked in and saw that besides his mother, Jiang Yan, and Lu Jiu, there were four unfamiliar people in the hall. One elderly man, one middle-aged man, and two young men.

Jiang Yan stood and beckoned him over. “Jiang Ji, this is Physician Yang, whom my family invited. This is Lu Shun, Lu Jiu’s younger brother. These two are the guards Old Lu and Old Cao.”

“Oh, hello everyone. I’m Jiang Ji.” Jiang Ji smiled and cupped his hands. “You’ve had a hard journey.”

Lu Shun stood and bowed deeply to Jiang Ji, bending his upper body parallel to the ground. “Greetings, Young Master Jiang. My lord and madam specifically instructed me to thank you and your family on their behalf. Thank you for saving our eldest young master. You are the benefactors of the Lu household. My lord and madam cannot come in person right now, but once things settle, they will personally bring gifts to express their gratitude.”

He was so formal that Jiang Ji froze for a moment before returning the salute. “Lord Lu and Madam Lu are too courteous.”

He glanced at Lu Jiu beside him, puzzled. “He really is your younger brother?” How are you two so different?

Lu Jiu was lively and outgoing. He did not expect his brother to be so calm and composed.

Lu Jiu understood the unspoken meaning and shrugged. “Yes. He’s being trained as the next steward of the Lu household.”

“Oh, I see.” Jiang Ji nodded thoughtfully.

Lu Shun: “……”

Lu Shun had come not only to escort Physician Yang, but also with many gifts of thanks. Fine jewelry, silks, tea, medicinal herbs, and more. Gift boxes filled two tables.

The messenger who returned earlier had said that Jiang Ji’s family lived in a thatched hut and had poor conditions. So Lord and Madam Lu had him bring many gifts. One part was to express gratitude, the other was to improve their benefactors’ living conditions.

But upon arriving, he saw a spacious three-courtyard estate. The furniture in the halls was made of fine huanghuali wood. The floors were paved with tiles, and there were many servants in the household.

This did not look like poor conditions at all.

He did not show it on his face. Instead, he felt relieved that he had brought plenty of gifts. No matter what, it would not seem improper.

Physician Yang was elderly, sixty-three years old. He had formerly been an imperial physician and had finally retired safely from the Imperial Medical Bureau two years ago to enjoy his later years. He had extensive experience with brain disorders, which was why Jiang Yan’s father had specifically invited him.

They had all been instructed to keep the Prince Regent’s identity confidential, so everyone addressed Jiang Yan as young master.

Physician Yang looked at Lu Huaizhou and said, “Young Master Lu, shall I examine you first?”

“No rush. You’ve traveled a long distance. Rest well first. We can look tomorrow,” Jiang Yan said.

Jiang Ji also said, “Yes, rest first. There’s no need to hurry a day or two.”

Physician Yang was elderly and truly tired from the journey, so he agreed. “Very well. We’ll examine you tomorrow. Sorry for the disturbance.”

Lu Jiu led them away to settle in.

In the room, Lu Shun quietly asked his brother, “Didn’t they say the Jiang family lived in a thatched hut and had poor conditions?”

Lu Jiu replied, “They moved here not long ago. Before, they really did live in a thatched hut. After the message was sent back, we found out they were building this large estate, and just a few days later they moved in.”

Lu Shun: “……Alright then. Come on, take me to see the young master.”

Lu Jiu rubbed his nose. “Let me explain the situation to you first.”

“What situation?”

“Basically,” Lu Jiu said, “the young master lost his memory, right? He trusts Jiang Ji a great deal. When he discusses things, he doesn’t avoid him at all. You should be careful yourself.”

Lu Shun was startled. “What kinds of things does he not avoid?”

“Everything,” Lu Jiu said. “Including military affairs.”

Lu Shun fell silent for a moment, then nodded. “I understand.”

The two of them arrived at the main hall and saw Jiang Yan copying the gift list into the account ledger at the table, while Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru were examining the gifts.

The Lu household had prepared the gifts very thoroughly. The bolts of fabric included ones suitable for married women, for unmarried young ladies in their teens, for young men, and for children. Even the jewelry was separated into women’s and young ladies’ styles. They had clearly asked in advance about the members of the household.

Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru were studying the fabrics. They were top-quality silks and satins, and there was also a precious bolt of brocade, indigo blue with clustered floral patterns.

In this era, brocade production was limited. Aside from what was sent as tribute to the imperial palace, there was very little left on the open market. Only extremely wealthy and powerful families could afford to wear it.

There was no brocade at all in their town.

For the Lu household to send over a whole bolt of brocade showed genuine sincerity and respect.

“This pattern is beautiful,” Zhao Ru said, running her fingers over it. It was incredibly smooth to the touch. She examined the fabric closely, identifying the weave. “This really is woven, not printed. Is this what you meant by a jacquard loom?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. It’s one type.”

“How exactly is this woven?” Zhao Ru sighed in admiration. “Just looking at it, it feels so complicated. I can’t even imagine it.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “I know how. I’ll teach you in the future.”

“Really?” Zhao Ru’s eyes lit up. “This brocade is so beautiful, and it feels amazing. No wonder it’s so expensive.”

Lu Shun happened to walk in just then and said, “Madam, Young Master Jiang, this bolt of brocade was ordered by my madam before the new year. She knew that your age is close to hers, so she specifically had me bring it along. It was especially prepared for you.”

Zhao Ru felt both surprised and flattered. “Oh my, how could I wear something so precious? This is something only nobles should wear.”

Lu Shun smiled. “Madam, you’re too modest. Fabric is meant to be worn. I think it suits you perfectly, and the color matches you as well.”

Praised like that, Zhao Ru beamed. “I’m just studying it, trying to see how it was woven.”

As the two chatted, Jiang Ji quietly said to Lu Jiu, “Now I can see it. He really is your biological younger brother.”

Lu Jiu: “……”

After the gifts were sorted and stored in the storeroom, Lu Shun needed to report matters to Jiang Yan. Jiang Ji went out to walk around the fields.

The rice would be ready for harvest in four or five days. The tomatoes were ready to be picked, and the watermelons were about to enter peak production.

“Jiang Ji,” Uncle Tugen ran over from their fields. “Can we pick the tomatoes now? I see a lot of them have turned red.”

“Yes,” Jiang Ji said. “They’re ready. We’ll pick them tomorrow morning.” He also called over the village head and told them, “Tonight, weave some straw mats to line the baskets so the tomatoes don’t get crushed. Pad all four sides.”

“Alright,” the village head said, then asked, “How much will tomatoes sell for per jin?”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “They don’t store as well as watermelons. Let’s sell them at eight wen per jin. Tomorrow, bring them together to our restaurant. We’ll have the restaurant do a tasting event.”

Uncle Tugen nodded. “Okay, we’ll follow your lead.”

During this period, they had earned quite a bit from selling watermelons, since only their three families had them. They all kept the same price, so everyone sold at a good rate.

Although they hadn’t planted as many tomatoes, tomatoes produced heavily.

Jiang Ji added, “For tomorrow’s tomato promotion, I’ll have the restaurant inform the traveling merchants that they can come to the village the day after tomorrow to haul watermelons and tomatoes. You should prepare as well. Uncle Tugen, your family needs to keep one person at home.”

Previously, because watermelon production was not very high, they sold retail only. Many merchants wanted to transport watermelons to other places to sell, but the supply wasn’t enough, so they had been waiting for notice from the restaurant.

“Alright, alright, we’ll all be at home the day after tomorrow,” Uncle Tugen asked. “If merchants come to haul them, is it still ten wen?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. We won’t lower the price. They can’t even beg for them as it is, and we don’t have trouble selling. When they transport them elsewhere, they’ll sell them for even more.”

Uncle Tugen said happily, “That’s great. We can earn a bit more.”

Normally, buying in bulk meant the price would drop by one or two wen. Hearing that Jiang Ji wouldn’t lower the price even for large purchases made Uncle Tugen and the village head grin from ear to ear.

Jiang Ji went back and had someone notify Shopkeeper Lü in the city, telling him to prepare tomorrow’s tomato tasting event. At the same time, the restaurant would add tomato scrambled eggs and tomato egg drop soup to the menu.

Jiang Ji had already taught Han Qingshan and the others these dishes. They were simple and easy to learn.

That evening, Jiang Ji’s family hosted a welcoming banquet for Physician Yang and Lu Shun. It was just their large family gathering in the courtyard to eat and drink together.

There were many people in the Jiang household now. Three large round tables were set up in the open space of the back courtyard. Everyone sat together in a circle, enjoying delicious food.

Physician Yang and the other newcomers were stunned when they saw the dishes on the table.

After tasting them, it was as if their tongues might be swallowed along with the food.

“Too delicious!” Physician Yang exclaimed. “This old man has lived so many years, and to still be able to eat such fine food, it’s truly worth it!”

Lu Shun said to his brother, “You get to eat food this good every day?”

Lu Jiu nodded. “Yes. These things are only available here. Chili peppers, tomatoes, all of that is only grown in Jiang Ji’s village.”

“Before this, the second young master wanted to come with me,” Lu Shun said with a laugh. “When I go back, he’ll probably regret it to death.”

Lu Jiu could already picture the second young master beating his chest in frustration. He laughed. “No helping that. He has his exams in a few months.”

Lu Shun laughed as well.

After everyone had eaten their fill, there was dessert fruit. Watermelon.

Physician Yang and Lu Shun were stunned yet again.

Lu Jiu patted his younger brother on the shoulder. “Get up early tomorrow. I’ll take you to pick watermelons.”

Lu Shun nodded. “Alright.”

They ate to their hearts’ content. The fatigue from five or six days of nonstop travel felt much eased.

That night, when it was time to sleep, Jiang Ji lay on his stomach on the bed, reading the viewers’ comments.

【Speaking of which, Jiang Ji, your injury is already healed. Jiang Yan is still sleeping with you?】
【Hey, sisters above, don’t point it out】
【The little couple has always slept together. Don’t separate them】
【Jiang Ji: I’m hot】
【Hahahahaha】

Jiang Ji: …

Jiang Ji was half amused and half exasperated by the comments. “He’s my future wife anyway. What’s wrong with sleeping together?”

【Oh really, who’s whose wife?】
【Are you sure?】
【Hahahahaha, why do I feel like you’re the wife instead?】

Jiang Ji curled his lips. “Of course Jiang Yan is the wife. He already promised to be my wife. Didn’t you all hear it?”

【Cough cough, that does sound familiar】
【You can pin Jiang Yan down? I really don’t believe that】
【Who’s the wife is actually hard to say】
【Well, positions really don’t depend on body size】

“Stop making dirty jokes. Be civilized, or if the livestream gets banned, I’ll hold you accountable.”

【If they could ban it, the platform would’ve done it long ago】
【Even the platform boss watches your stream every day】
【The platform boss said it can’t be banned anymore. He’s already joined your side】

Before long, Jiang Yan finished bathing and came in.

“Not talking to you anymore. Going to sleep. Good night.”

Jiang Ji closed the livestream decisively, out of sight and out of mind.

Jiang Ji’s injury really was healed, but neither he nor Jiang Yan mentioned it. They still slept together at night.

Anyway, once the door to the east wing was shut, no one knew which room Jiang Yan slept in.

Jiang Ji turned his head to look at Jiang Yan, watching him latch the door and walk over.

Jiang Yan asked, “Any mosquitoes inside the net?”

“No. I chased them away.”

Jiang Yan said, “Then I’ll put out the light.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Yan blew out the lamp on the small bedside table. After lifting the mosquito net and going in, he carefully clipped it shut with wooden clips, then lay down.

Jiang Ji rolled onto his back with his eyes closed. His right hand slowly reached out toward the side until it touched Jiang Yan’s hand. He grabbed it.

Jiang Yan immediately held on tightly.

“I said I’d hold your hand tonight,” Jiang Ji said softly.

“Mm.”

Jiang Ji’s thumb slid over Jiang Yan’s skin. He said quietly, “Your hands have gotten much rougher.”

When Jiang Yan had first been carried back, there were calluses on his hands, but the skin on the back of his hands was actually quite fine, and his skin overall was fair. Now the calluses on his palms were thicker, and the skin on his hands and arms was much rougher, and darker too.

Jiang Yan said, “I didn’t really notice.”

“You’ve been doing a lot of work,” Jiang Ji turned to look at him. “I feel like I’ve wronged you.”

Jiang Yan asked, “Why would you say that?”

Jiang Ji sighed, looking at Jiang Yan’s blurred profile in the darkness. “I didn’t expect you to have this kind of identity. Making you follow me to do farm work feels like a waste of talent.”

Jiang Yan opened his eyes and turned to look at him. “I think it’s good. It’s meaningful.”

Jiang Ji rolled onto his back again. “You don’t need to comfort me.”

Jiang Yan stared at the dark ceiling and said, “The people take food as heaven. You once said that agriculture is the foundation. With my identity before, I definitely didn’t know how rice was grown, didn’t understand how hard farming is, didn’t understand how difficult farmers’ lives are. Because I didn’t understand agriculture, I also didn’t know where to start improving things. Before, it was all empty talk on paper. Now, I understand.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ji turned his head to look at him again.

Jiang Yan also turned to face him.

In the darkness, they could only see faint outlines of each other.

They looked at one another. Even without seeing clearly, they could strangely feel each other’s gaze and emotions.

Jiang Ji asked softly, “Finding out you’re the Regent all of a sudden, are you worried?”

“Yes,” Jiang Yan didn’t hide it. Jiang Ji was the only one he could talk to about this. “Without my past memories, my mind is blank. I don’t know what that position requires me to do. I feel uncertain.”

Jiang Ji patted his arm and held his hand tightly. “You’ll remember.”

“Mm.”

No one knew when his memories would return. Jiang Ji added, “You’re a good Regent.”

“I’ve heard I’m passable,” Jiang Yan said.

Jiang Ji smiled. “You’ll be good in the future too.”

“Mm. I’ll work hard.”

“You’re already doing very well,” Jiang Ji said, squeezing Jiang Yan’s hand to comfort him. “Don’t worry. You’ve only lost your memories. Your knowledge and abilities are already engraved in your mind. Once you draw on them a bit, they’ll come out. Your capability is still there, just like your martial skills. When you need them, they’ll naturally appear.”

“Mm.”

Jiang Ji continued, “You take care of governance and protect the country. As for agriculture, you have me. At the very least, I’m very confident in agriculture. I’ll definitely make sure the people of Great Sheng have surplus grain at home and the national granaries are full.”

Jiang Yan pulled Jiang Ji’s hand onto his own body and held it tightly. His voice was low and hoarse. “Alright.”

The responsibility of that position was too heavy. Jiang Ji looked at him, then suddenly propped himself up, cupped Jiang Yan’s head, and kissed him on the center of the brow.

“Don’t worry. Sleep.”

Jiang Yan froze and touched his brow.

Wasn’t something a little off?

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

The cloth Zhao Ru wove from the yarn she spun herself was even softer than the cotton fabric sold in town. This greatly boosted their confidence.

Jiang Ji immediately dug out the old blueprints he had once given to the carpenters. Back then, he had told the masters that the drawings would be reclaimed. When the parts were delivered, the drawings had been returned along with them.

He added the required quantities for each component and had a guard take the drawings to the carpenters to place an order.

Jiang Ji instructed the guard, “Remind Master Wang that the groove in the middle of the wheel was made a bit too narrow last time. He must follow the measurements exactly this time. The margin of error can’t be too large, or I’ll have to rework it when it comes back.”

“Got it.”

Once the household had more hands, this was the real advantage. Jiang Ji no longer needed to personally run around for everything. If something needed doing or buying, he could simply give instructions, freeing up more time for other matters.

At present, Guihua and the kitchen helpers had taken over most of the cooking. Two aunties were helping with laundry and cleaning. Zhao Ru now had much more free time. Whenever she had nothing else to do, she stayed in the empty room with the spinning machines, spinning yarn and weaving cloth on her own.

Jiang Ji’s wound had healed well and the stitches could be removed.

Jiang Yan had watched Jiang Ji remove stitches before. With Jiang Ji guiding him, he carefully snipped the sutures one by one, pulled them out, disinfected the area, applied medicine, and rewrapped the dressing.

Jiang Ji looked at the scars on his arm and sighed. “The two of us look like centipedes.”

Jiang Yan glanced at him. “Do you mind?”

“Not really,” Jiang Ji replied, turning to look at him. “Even with scars, you’re still very handsome.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

He finished applying the dressing, tried to hold it in, but the corner of his lips still lifted slightly. “I don’t mind either.”

Jiang Ji raised an eyebrow slightly. “Don’t mind what?”

Jiang Yan looked at him, lowered his gaze, and finished wrapping the bandage. His fingers brushed gently over the gauze. “I regret not protecting you properly.”

“……” Seeing his somber expression, Jiang Ji waved a hand in front of his eyes. “Me getting hurt has nothing to do with you. It was all the bandits’ fault. And I didn’t listen to you, acted impulsively, and ran off on my own. Why are you blaming yourself? Without you, I’d be dead already. I wouldn’t even have made it back alive.”

Jiang Yan looked at him without speaking, silently wrapping the wound on his leg.

“Hey, Jiang Yan, you’re not going to keep brooding over this forever, are you?” Jiang Ji cupped Jiang Yan’s face. “Look at me and answer.”

Jiang Yan lifted his eyes to meet his gaze and said softly, “I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. I need to remind myself not to let you get hurt again.”

Jiang Ji: “……Is that really necessary? It’s already over.”

“My heart hurts,” Jiang Yan said.

Jiang Ji’s heart skipped violently. He blinked, feeling his ears grow warm, his eyes bright. “R-really?”

Jiang Yan nodded lightly. “Mm.”

The atmosphere suddenly turned a little ambiguous. Jiang Ji’s heart pounded rapidly, excitement bubbling up as that feeling of joy bloomed once more.

This was the first time the usually taciturn Jiang Yan had expressed his feelings so clearly.

Jiang Ji felt it unmistakably. He was being cherished by Jiang Yan.

“Did I scare you back then?” Jiang Ji released Jiang Yan’s face, his hands sliding down to rest over Jiang Yan’s chest, rubbing gently. You had to take care of your own partner yourself.

“Be good. I’ll rub it for you and it won’t hurt anymore.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

Jiang Yan looked down at the hand on his chest, his expression subtle. He felt oddly pleased at being soothed, yet also found it a little strange.

“What are you two doing?” Zhao Ru came in with a cup of water. “Are the stitches out?”

“They’re out. Just haven’t finished wrapping the leg yet,” Jiang Ji said, withdrawing his hand and glancing at Jiang Yan. “He said his chest hurt, so I rubbed it for him.”

Jiang Yan shot him a look and continued wrapping the wound on his leg.

Zhao Ru looked at Jiang Yan with concern. “Jiang Yan, your chest hurts? Is something wrong? Should I call a doctor?”

Jiang Yan quickly said, “Auntie, I’m fine. He was just joking with you.”

“Really? Nothing wrong?”

“Mm.”

“That’s good. If anything feels off, you must see a doctor.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ji snickered quietly. Jiang Yan glanced at him, a trace of amusement flickering in his lowered eyes.

The next day, Jiang Ji carried the newly purchased dyes into the weaving room. “Mom, do you know how to dye yarn?”

Zhao Ru stopped spinning and shook her head. “I know how to dye cloth, but I’ve never dyed yarn.”

“It’s pretty similar. We’ll be dyeing our own yarn in the workshop later anyway. I’ll teach you.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ji spent some time teaching Zhao Ru how to dye yarn.

With her background in dyeing cloth, Zhao Ru picked it up quickly.

She now also understood that the textile workshop her son planned would cover everything, from removing seeds from cotton, spinning yarn, dyeing, to weaving cloth.

As Jiang Ji hung the dyed yarn out to dry, he said, “Once the yarn is dyed, I’ll teach you a few new weaving patterns. When you have time, you can experiment with designs yourself. If you come up with something nice, we can produce it.”

“Alright. I really like doing this.”

Jiang Ji had already noticed her genuine interest. Back when they were making undergarments, Zhao Ru had shown a bit of design talent as well.

Jiang Ji was happy to talk about these things with her. “Once we’re done with Jiang Yan’s matters, we can make the best jacquard loom. It can produce high-grade brocade using silk. The patterns are especially beautiful.”

“Brocade?” Zhao Ru’s eyes lit up. “We can even make brocade?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Mm. That machine is a bit complicated and will take some time to figure out.”

“No rush. You help Jiang Yan first,” Zhao Ru said. She didn’t know exactly what her son and Jiang Yan were working on, only that it seemed very important. She had overheard a few bits of their discussions before, something about military weapons. She guessed it had to do with Jiang Yan’s original identity or his family. Those were big matters she didn’t understand. All she needed to do was take good care of them, handle her own responsibilities well, and manage the household properly.

After hanging the yarn out to dry, Jiang Ji washed his hands and went to the study.

Jiang Yan and Lu Jiu were in the study on the east wing. When Jiang Ji went in, he saw a map spread out on the desk, covered with mountain ranges, rivers, cities, and many place names.

Curious, Jiang Ji asked, “What are you doing?”

Chen Feng glanced at Jiang Yan. Seeing that he didn’t stop him, he answered, “People from home sent over maps and the prince’s seal. We’re explaining the borders and troop deployments to His Highness.”

“The seal?” Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. “Can I see it?”

Jiang Yan took a wooden box out of the desk drawer and handed it to him.

Jiang Ji opened it. Inside was a square white jade seal about the size of a fist. He picked it up and looked at it. The characters on the bottom read “Seal of the Regent.”

“Wow, it’s really beautiful.” After admiring it for a moment, Jiang Ji breathed on the bottom of the seal and stamped it lightly onto his palm. The imprint was faint, leaving a pale mark.

“Hey, you can’t use it casually,” Chen Feng reminded him.

Jiang Yan didn’t say anything. Jiang Ji turned his palm toward him. “Seal of the Regent.”

Jiang Yan paused. Seeing Jiang Ji’s mischievous expression, he immediately understood what he meant.

His heart gave a hard thump. Jiang Yan swallowed, his voice turning slightly hoarse. “You didn’t stamp it clearly. I’ll stamp it for you properly next time.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes flickered as he smiled. “Alright.”

He returned the seal to Jiang Yan, then looked at the map on the table and asked in surprise, “You’re using this kind of map?”

The map had many city names marked on it, but it was far too simple. Even the roads were limited to a single main route.

And compared to the maps he had seen in the system, there were noticeable discrepancies. Even the border lines were somewhat off.

In ancient times, maps relied on people measuring distances by foot, so inaccuracies were understandable.

Looking at the mountains, rivers, and roads, Jiang Ji said, “This map is way too rough, isn’t it?”

Lu Jiu frowned. “This is already the most complete map we have. It was copied from the palace.”

“Oh.” Jiang Ji asked, “Do you also use maps like this when fighting wars?”

Lu Wen replied, “During warfare, each region naturally has more detailed maps. Those are drawn carefully by scouts over many years.”

Jiang Ji nodded, then said, “This map is only good for a general overview. It’s fine for discussing deployments, but if you actually march and fight using something like this, you won’t know how tall the mountains are, how wide the rivers are, or how far the roads go. Even the direction of the mountain ranges would only be clear once you’re there. So you have to rely entirely on the experience and memory of the commanding officers and soldiers, right?”

Lu Jiu nodded. “Yes. That knowledge is passed down through generations of garrison troops.”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment, then looked at Lu Jiu and the others. “You all go out first. I have something to discuss with your prince.”

Chen Feng and the others looked at Jiang Yan. Seeing him nod, the three of them left.

Jiang Ji looked at Jiang Yan and said, “I have more detailed and accurate maps. Do you want them?”

Jiang Yan pointed upward with his finger, meaning the gods?

Jiang Ji nodded.

Jiang Yan frowned. “They’ve never seen anything like that. It would arouse suspicion.”

Jiang Ji paused and asked softly, “You still don’t fully trust them?”

“Ninety percent trustworthy,” Jiang Yan replied quietly. “But bringing out something like this so suddenly could expose your secret.”

Jiang Ji looked at him, eyes widening slightly. “Then what do we do? You’re going to war, aren’t you? Your maps really are too crude. Even the roads aren’t fully marked.”

The two of them stared at each other.

Jiang Ji added, “And it’s not just Da Sheng’s. There are terrain maps of the surrounding countries too.”

The system backend contained maps of this world, not only flat maps but also topographic maps, transportation maps, mineral distribution maps, climate maps, ocean current maps, and more, along with records of local customs. All of it was in the world overview section.

Jiang Yan’s eyes lit up. “The surrounding countries too?”

“Mm.” Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “I think these subordinates of yours are trustworthy enough. Otherwise, we could say the maps came from a traveling scholar? Anyway, we don’t explain it clearly. Let them guess.”

Jiang Yan shook his head. “I don’t want you to take any risks.”

Jiang Ji looked at him seriously. “You’re going to war. I don’t want you taking any risks either.”

Jiang Yan fell silent.

They looked at each other, neither willing to back down.

Jiang Ji sighed. “How about this. I’ll bring one out first. You take a look?”

“Jiang Ji—”

“Shut up,” Jiang Ji glared at him. “Listen to me.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

As he spoke, Jiang Ji opened the system, flipped to the world overview in the backend, and pulled up Da Sheng’s topographic map. The terrain of each region was displayed with remarkable clarity and detail.

He then went to the marketplace, searched for maps, and was pleasantly surprised to find that these maps could be exchanged directly.

He had been prepared to draw them himself. Now he didn’t need to.

The required points varied by size. A three-meter map cost one thousand points, a two-meter map cost five hundred points, and a one-meter map only cost one hundred points.

Jiang Yan remembered that everything Jiang Ji obtained from the gods required completing tasks. He asked, “Do you need to do a task?”

“From the tasks I did before, I’ve accumulated quite a lot of points. I can exchange them directly,” Jiang Ji replied.

He had plenty of points now. He looked up at Jiang Yan and asked, “How big do you want it? I mean, six chi long, or nine chi long?”

Jiang Yan was momentarily taken aback, then said, “The more detailed, the better.”

“Then nine chi.” Jiang Ji looked at the maps inside and asked Jiang Yan, “For marching and fighting, terrain and road maps are the most important, right?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. Wait a moment then. There are too many maps here, I need to pick through them for you.”

Jiang Yan: “……Too many maps?”

“Yeah,” Jiang Ji scratched his head, his right hand gesturing back and forth in the air. “There are flat maps, topographic maps, transportation maps. There are nationwide ones and local ones. The thing is, the topographic maps are in color. On the nationwide topographic map, the roads aren’t very clear. On the transportation map, the terrain isn’t detailed enough. You have to combine two maps to read them properly. For real detail, you need the local maps.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment, then simply asked, “2977, can you combine the topographic map and the transportation map? Change the color one to black and white, and switch the fonts and labels to match this world’s style. Is that possible?”

[Yes. Fusing maps requires 1,000 points. Exchanging the fused new map requires 1,000 points. Proceed with fusion?]

Hearing this, Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up and he nodded. “Yes. Hurry up. Keep the original size, don’t shrink it. Include the scale, switch the units to this world’s units, and make sure the mountain heights are clearly marked.”

“Oh, and one more thing,” Jiang Ji added. “When you exchange it, put it on cloth. Paper tears too easily.”

He remembered that in ancient times, maps were often drawn on cloth for easy carrying. Jiang Yan’s maps were all on cloth as well.

Jiang Yan watched him muttering to himself, his emotions complicated. He knew Jiang Ji was talking to the “gods,” but hearing it in person was still hard to fully believe.

Before long, the system finished the fusion. Jiang Ji immediately exchanged the map.

In the next instant, a folded map appeared on the desk.

Jiang Yan had already seen things appear out of thin air before. His expression didn’t change. He only blinked once, then unfolded the map.

In the top right corner were the words: Da Sheng Dynasty Road and Transportation Map.

The map was enormous. Jiang Yan only unfolded three chi of it before he realized how precious it was.

When he opened half of it, he stared in shock at the borders, then compared it to their original map and murmured, “So this is what the borders of Da Sheng actually look like.”

“Exactly. Now you see how big the errors were on the previous map, right?” Jiang Ji said with a smile. “And this is just the nationwide map. It mostly shows official roads and rural roads. If you zoom in to county-level maps, you’ll also see all kinds of mountain paths and village roads.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “This is excellent.”

Jiang Ji looked at the fused map. Mountains, cities, roads, rivers—everything was there. The style was very similar to the maps on Jiang Yan’s desk, but far more detailed and accurate.

There were even terrain and road details for neighboring countries.

He leaned close to Jiang Yan’s ear and whispered, “We’ll just say this map came from a traveling merchant I met. It was drawn by someone who loved traveling all over the land. That way there won’t be any problems.”

Jiang Yan nodded. That was the only explanation they could use.

He looked up at Jiang Ji, his eyes flickering. “Thank you. This map will be extremely useful.”

“Why be polite with me?” Jiang Ji grinned. “We’re family.”

Jiang Yan looked into Jiang Ji’s bright, sparkling eyes, the corner of his lips lifting slightly. “Mm.”

Jiang Ji asked again, “You’ll need maps of the southern border too, right? Oh, and the north, west, and east as well. Should I just get them all? Since we’ve already done this one, a few more won’t make much difference.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ji spent some more time having the system fuse and exchange maps of the border prefectures and counties, as well as large-scale maps of several neighboring countries.

A thick stack piled up on the desk, some large, some small.

When the border county maps were unfolded, even individual villages were marked in detail. The maps of the neighboring countries beyond the border were also extremely clear.

Jiang Yan treasured them as priceless assets. These were invaluable military resources.

After looking at them for a while, he put away the large maps of the neighboring countries first, set the others aside on the desk, and focused on the initial large map. It was far too big to use easily without hanging it up.

“Chen Feng, come in.”

Chen Feng and the others had been waiting outside. When they heard him, they pushed the door open. Seeing the massive map on the desk, they were stunned.

Where did this come from? There hadn’t been anything like this in the study just now.

When they took a closer look at the contents, they were completely shocked.

The map not only marked every province and prefecture, but also every county beneath them. The roads were clearly laid out as well.

“Your Highness, where did this map come from? It’s incredibly detailed,” Lu Jiu exclaimed. “It’s far better than our existing maps.”

Jiang Yan glanced at Jiang Ji and replied, “Jiang Ji happened to purchase it from a traveling merchant.”

Chen Feng and the others immediately turned to look at Jiang Ji. Lu Jiu was stunned. “You bought this from a traveling merchant?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Mm. He bought it from someone who loved traveling. That person traveled all over Da Sheng, recording every place he visited, then compiled everything into maps. That’s this. I originally bought it for business purposes, but since you need it more right now, I’ll lend it to you first.”

Seeing Lu Jiu about to ask more questions, Jiang Yan spoke up in time. “Hang the map first. Move that cabinet over here.”

“Yes!”

The group immediately got to work, moving the bookshelf aside to clear an entire wall. Then they brought over a screen and temporarily hung the map on it.

“Your Highness, we’ll go nail a proper frame later. You can use it like this for now,” Lu Jiu said.

Jiang Ji asked, “Why not just nail it directly onto the wall?”

Lu Jiu glared at him. “Such a precious map, how can you just nail it like that? What if it gets damaged?”

Jiang Ji: “…Alright then, you guys go ahead.”

Jiang Yan pointed at the scale in the lower left corner and asked Jiang Ji, “What is this?”

Jiang Ji replied, “Oh, this means that a segment of this length on the map represents this much actual distance.”

Jiang Yan nodded in understanding, then pointed to the number 588 beside the name of a mountain range. “Is this the height of the mountains?”

“Yes. It means the mountain is five hundred eighty-eight zhang tall.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Very good.”

Lu Jiu and Lu Wen went to make the frame. It did not take long before the two of them carried it into the study in the east wing.

Jiang Ji took a look. It really was a simple triangular wooden frame. They tied the four corners of the map to the rods with cloth strips, without using nails.

“With it set up like this, the height is just right for viewing,” Jiang Ji said, folding his arms as he stood beside Jiang Yan. “Suddenly it feels like we’re pointing at the land and commanding the world.”

Jiang Yan turned his head to look at him, his brows and eyes gentle.

Lu Jiu happened to glimpse this and was startled.

Why did the young master look at Jiang Ji with such… indulgence?

When he looked again, the young master had already turned away.

Lu Jiu quickly shook his head. No, no, he must have seen it wrong.

“Who among you can draw?” Jiang Yan asked.

Lu Wen raised his hand. “Young master, I draw fairly well. Lu Jiu is decent too.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Lu Jiu, go buy cloth in town. Make two copies of each of these maps. One set will be distributed to the commanders guarding the east, west, and north. The other set is to be sent back to the capital.”

“Yes.” Lu Jiu accepted the order and left.

Over the next few days, everyone in the household was busy. Aside from tending the fields, in their spare time Zhao Ru focused on researching textiles, Jiang Yan and the others worked on copying the maps, and Jiang Ji continued drawing weapon designs in Jiang Bei’s study.

Using the diagrams of crossbows and sleeve arrows provided by Chen Feng and the others, Jiang Ji consulted the viewers again and finished the improved designs for the crossbows. He handed them to Chen Feng to have them forged in town.

According to the system, this world was essentially a parallel world to Jiang Ji’s original one. No one knew which dynasty in the early stages had diverged, leading to the present world, but its technological level lagged far behind.

After sending out the weapon blueprints, Jiang Ji thought for a moment and said to Jiang Yan, “There’s also a kind of gunpowder weapon. I only know the raw materials, not the exact proportions. Once made, it explodes and has very strong destructive power. It’s very useful for defending or attacking cities. But the process is dangerous and people could die. Do you want to have people research it?”

“Made with gunpowder?” Jiang Yan asked.

“Yes.”

Jiang Yan thought for a moment. “Tell me after I recover my memories.”

“Alright.”

Chen Feng went out and brought back the previously made bow components.

Jiang Ji assembled them according to the blueprint. The bow looked similar to the compound bows from his previous life, yet also different. It was based on the bows from the viewers’ world.

Once assembled, Lu Jiu and the others looked at the bow with great interest.

Lu Jiu said, “This bow looks really strange. I wonder how far it can shoot.”

Lu Wen stroked his chin. “With so many parts, it looks like it might be hard to draw. I don’t think it will shoot very far.”

Jiang Ji shook the bow in his hand. “Come on, let’s test it.”

They made a simple target out of wooden boards and went to the wasteland outside the residence.

Lu Jiu and the others placed the target at about thirty zhang away. That was roughly the distance their current bows could reach.

Jiang Ji called out, “Farther. At least fifty zhang.”

“Fifty zhang?” Chen Feng was shocked. “It can shoot that far?”

“Probably,” Jiang Ji shrugged. “Let’s just try.”

Though surprised, Lu Jiu and the others obediently went farther and set the target at about fifty zhang, then ran back.

Lu Jiu said to Lu Wen, “Isn’t Jiang Ji being a bit overconfident?”

Lu Wen hummed. “At this distance, it might reach if you shoot in an arc.”

What Lu Jiu doubted was, “Can he even shoot?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen him,” Lu Wen shrugged. “Haven’t you been with him longer?”

“I haven’t seen it either.”

On this side, seeing they were ready, Jiang Ji said to Jiang Yan, “I’ll try first.”

Jiang Yan stopped him. “Your injury just healed. I’ll do it.”

“…Alright then, I’ll adjust it for you.” Jiang Ji sighed, adjusted the bow to increase the draw weight, and handed it to Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan took the oddly shaped bow, examined it, then nocked a feathered arrow. With a casual pull, the bow drew fully.

“It’s very light,” Jiang Yan said in surprise.

Jiang Ji nodded. “That’s the key. It saves effort. You don’t need much strength. Ordinary soldiers can also shoot very far with it. Try shooting, straight shot.”

Jiang Yan responded, adjusted his breathing, aimed at the target, and released.

Whoosh.

Crack.

Half the wooden board fell.

“Wow, my heavens. It hit!” Lu Jiu stared in shock and shouted.

He and Lu Wen ran to the target. There was a hole in the center of the board, which had split into two. One half lay on the ground, and the arrow had landed farther away.

Lu Jiu and Lu Wen looked at each other.

“It pierced through!” Lu Jiu shouted back toward Jiang Ji and the others.

Jiang Yan and Chen Feng ran over immediately. Seeing the result, they were both stunned.

Jiang Ji also came over and nodded in satisfaction. “Not bad, not bad.”

“More than not bad. This is incredible!” Lu Jiu exclaimed. “Jiang Ji, this bow is amazing!”

Jiang Ji grinned. “Hehe, it’s alright.”

Lu Jiu vigorously patted his shoulder, praising him nonstop. “Are you some kind of bow master? I never would’ve guessed. This is incredible! We thought it definitely wouldn’t shoot that far!”

Lu Wen coughed lightly. “You didn’t need to say that last part.”

Jiang Yan frowned and immediately knocked Lu Jiu’s arm away. “His injury just healed. Don’t hit him.”

“Oh, oh, got it.” Lu Jiu pulled his hand back. His admiration for Jiang Ji now surged like a mighty river. This precious treasure absolutely could not be knocked apart.

Jiang Ji smiled at Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan handed the bow to Chen Feng. “You all try.”

“Alright!” Chen Feng had been itching to try it. He grabbed the bow and ran back. “Lu Jiu, set the board up!”

Lu Jiu shouted, “I want to try too!”

“Get in line! Lu Wen, go get a few more boards!”

Chen Feng and the others were extremely excited, busy testing arrows.

“Let’s go up front to watch,” Jiang Yan said, pulling Jiang Ji’s hand as they walked forward.

Jiang Ji looked down at their joined hands. This was the first time Jiang Yan had held his hand. Before, he had only grabbed his wrist.

Jiang Yan’s palm was dry and warm. The heat traveled through the skin, scorching Jiang Ji’s palm.

The corner of Jiang Ji’s mouth lifted. He tightened his grip.

Immediately after, his hand was squeezed a little tighter by an even stronger force.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

“Really?” Jiang Ji was afraid he had misheard and asked again, uncertain.

Jiang Yan nodded and said seriously, “Anything I promise you counts.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up instantly at his words. The heaviness that had been lodged in his chest a moment ago vanished in an instant, his heart blooming like fireworks.

He looked at Jiang Yan. The other man gazed back calmly, his eyes gentle yet deep, neither evasive nor flickering, his attitude earnest and sincere.

“Were you serious, or were you just comforting me back then because you thought I was about to die?” Jiang Ji asked worriedly. “If you were only comforting me, then forget it.”

Jiang Yan raised an eyebrow and asked, “Do you think I was just comforting you?”

“No counterquestions. Answer me directly.” Jiang Ji glared at him. “I want a definite answer.”

Jiang Yan paused, then nodded. “Not comforting you. I was serious.”

The corner of Jiang Ji’s mouth lifted. He pressed it back down again and said in an affected, tea-scented tone, “Don’t force yourself. I don’t want you to wrong yourself.”

Jiang Yan laughed softly and said warmly, “Mm. Not forced. I’m willing.”

Jiang Ji nodded in satisfaction, stood up, and said, “Alright then. You go on with your work. I won’t disturb you.”

With that, Jiang Ji strolled out of the east wing, his smile so bright he couldn’t hide it.

Jiang Yan watched his retreating figure. His steps were light, almost bouncing a little, and Jiang Yan’s lips curved up at once.

Looks like he’s not angry anymore.

Jiang Yan withdrew his gaze and continued writing his letter.

Outside the east wing, Lu Jiu and Lu Wu exchanged a look, both staring blankly.

Lu Jiu silently mouthed, “What did the young master promise him?”

Lu Wu shook his head. “No idea.”

Lu Jiu was completely confused, but he felt that something was a bit strange between Jiang Ji and his prince. Like they were speaking in riddles.

Jiang Ji went to the study shared by Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei. With the bandits wiped out, they had returned to school, and the study was empty.

Jiang Ji had placed four desks in this room. Jiang Nan, Jiang Bei, and Jiang Xia each used one to do their homework. The fourth, larger one, was shared by Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan. It was bigger so he could supervise them, and his pencils, ruler, and other things were kept here as well.

Jiang Ji walked around the room, thought for a moment, then took out some paper and opened the livestream.

“Guys, the simple bow we had someone make earlier is done. But the more complex one doesn’t have precise data yet. The result wasn’t very good, and it’s still being adjusted. Do you have bows like this on your end? Can you tell me the exact specs? Mainly the bow length and the curvature.”

【Didn’t the bandits already get wiped out? Why are you still making bows?】

【We might have something similar. Let me look it up for you】

【Oh, is this for Jiang Yan and his people】

“Thanks, guys. Help me look it up. As for the use, Jiang Yan is going to fight a war. If his arrows can shoot ten meters farther than others, that’s already a huge advantage. The bigger the advantage, the better. Since I know about this kind of bow, I have to get it right. There’s nothing else I can really help with.”

【Knew it, this is all for Jiang Yan】

【You must be over the moon】

【I told you Jiang Yan definitely likes you】

【Congrats, streamer】

Jiang Ji chuckled. “I really am very happy.”

【Look at you, acting all shamelessly happy】

【Streamer resurrected in one second, I’m dying】

【Who was it just now acting like the world was ending, thinking they were just being delusional】

【Guys, what if I really misunderstood everything?】

【Guys, what if I really misunderstood everything?】

【Guys, what if I really misunderstood everything?】

A stream of identical questions flooded the screen. Jiang Ji stayed smiling. “Laugh all you want. I’m happy today, I won’t argue with you.”

【……】

【That little tail is practically sticking straight up】

【Hahahahaha young people in love are really something】

Jiang Ji couldn’t get angry no matter what right now. His smile was stretched high, his tolerance unusually great.

“Alright, stop teasing me. Hurry and tell me how to make that bow. If you don’t have exactly that kind, then tell me about something more advanced than the bows here, as long as it’s something that can be made locally. Hurry, hurry, this is urgent.”

【There is something similar to what you drew. It can be made with wood and iron】

“How far can it shoot?”

【Pretty far. Straight-line range is about 130 meters. With an arc shot, around six hundred meters】

“Good, good, good, this one.” Jiang Ji said. “Guys, please keep quiet for a moment so I can see that person’s message.”

That viewer posted a long block of text full of data. Jiang Ji copied all of it down first, then roughly redrew the bow he had sketched earlier, and modified it bit by bit according to what the viewers said.

The progress was a little slow, but at least it was moving forward.

Jiang Yan finished writing the letters and handed them to Lu Wu to be sent out, then headed over to the study on the west wing.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

Jiang Ji looked up at him, eyes bright. “You’re done writing?”

“Mm. They’ve been sent.” Jiang Yan walked over to his side and took a look. It was a drawing of a bow, a bit different from the one before. “You figured out a solution?”

“I asked the immortals,” Jiang Ji said. “There weren’t any blueprints, so I drew this based on what they described. Let’s try it first. It’d be great if we can get it done before you head south.”

Jiang Yan lowered his gaze to him, feeling a stir in his chest. “Is there anything I can help with?”

“Hm…” Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “Call Lu Jiu in. Have him roughly sketch out the weapons currently used by the army. I’ll see if there’s anything that can be improved.”

Jiang Yan nodded and went to call Lu Jiu in.

Lu Jiu had followed the army before. Hearing this, he sat down at Jiang Bei’s desk, ground some ink himself, and started drawing.

“Jiang Yan, help me assemble the cotton gin and the spinning machine,” Jiang Ji said as he picked up his drawing tools. “Come on, let’s go to the workshop.”

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan walked side by side to the backyard, leaving Lu Jiu alone in the study to draw.

The workshop was in a room on the west side of the backyard. Inside were the parts for the cotton gin, spinning machine, and loom that Jiang Ji had previously commissioned from carpenters, along with some iron components.

There was a workbench in the room. Jiang Ji found the blueprints and handed them to Jiang Yan, giving him a rough explanation. Jiang Yan then started assembling the parts on his own according to the drawings.

Lu Jiu came in to help him.

Jiang Ji sat by the workbench and continued drawing, chatting with Jiang Yan as he worked. “We’ll need to go into town tomorrow.”

“For something?”

“Yeah. The house is bigger now. We need to buy two or three servant women to handle cleaning and laundry, and the horses need people to look after them too. I also want to have Sister-in-law Guihua come back to cook for us. There are so many people at home now, it’s too much for Mother alone. And we should buy two more carriages for getting around. Walking is too slow.”

“Alright.”

The two of them worked and chatted at the same time, the atmosphere warm and homely.

Lu Jiu kept glancing at the prince, then at Jiang Ji. It really felt like an old married couple chatting about household matters.

And it felt like Jiang Ji truly regarded his prince as family, discussing everything with him.

As for his prince… it seemed he had already started seeing himself as part of this household too?

…Lu Jiu found himself slipping into self-doubt from time to time.

Toward evening, the two guards who had gone to deliver watermelons returned. They were later than usual and brought back some news.

After hearing them out, Jiang Ji was surprised. “Someone caused trouble at the restaurant?”

“Yes,” one of the guards replied. “At noon, a man ate lunch at the restaurant. About half an hour later, he came back with people, claiming that after eating our food he’d gotten diarrhea and demanding compensation.”

Jiang Ji frowned. “How did the manager handle it?”

The guard answered, “The manager immediately called for a doctor. When the man heard a doctor was coming, his expression changed. Xiao Shan noticed it. The doctor took his pulse and said the diarrhea was caused by consuming cold-natured substances, similar to something like croton.”

“Xiao Shan has sharp eyes. He noticed yellow powder on the man’s sleeve and had us restrain him. The doctor checked and confirmed it was croton powder. The man had put it into the soup himself to frame the restaurant. We escorted him to the authorities.”

Jiang Ji asked, “What was the outcome? Was someone behind it?”

The guard nodded. “Yes. It was Jufu Restaurant on East Street.”

“Jufu Restaurant? Not Xiangman Lou?” Jiang Ji was a little surprised.

“Yes, Jufu Restaurant. Since Xiangman Lou reopened, their business has been mediocre, barely holding on. Then after Jiang Ji Dining Hall opened, they practically had no customers and were on the brink of closing. The owner blamed our restaurant and, in a fit of anger, hired a ruffian to cause trouble.”

Jiang Ji: “……”

Jiang Yan: “……”

After thinking it over, Jiang Ji said to the guards, “Brother Jiang, Brother Luo, get yourselves ready. Starting tomorrow, go work at the restaurant and stay there at night. Let Yu Yang and Xiao Jun return to stay with Uncle Han and the others.”

The guards nodded. “Understood, young master.”

After they left, Jiang Ji said to Jiang Yan, “I really thought it’d be Xiangman Lou.”

Jiang Yan analyzed calmly. “For Tian Yuanwai to build such a large business, he must know how to judge the situation. We have good relations with the county office, so he wouldn’t pull something this crude and easily exposed. If he were to use underhanded tactics, he’d do things like bribing chefs or sabotaging ingredient supplies, methods that strike at the root and benefit him. He just didn’t succeed.”

“That’s true. A clan head wouldn’t lack that kind of foresight,” Jiang Ji nodded.

Jiang Yan continued, “If he wanted to poison us, he’d most likely start from our ingredient sources. For example, secretly buying up all the ducks in the market, then selling them to us. He’d only drug a few ducks from each batch, using something that doesn’t show symptoms in the meat, or that doesn’t harm the duck but harms people. Sooner or later, we’d pick one of the drugged ones. Once it’s cooked into dishes, it’d be very hard to trace.”

“……I’m enlightened,” Jiang Ji said, staring at him in shock. “How did you even come up with such a vicious tactic?”

Jiang Yan: “……”

Seeing his speechless expression, Jiang Ji burst out laughing. “I was complimenting you on being smart.”

“Oh, I should thank you?” Jiang Yan shot him a sideways glance.

Jiang Ji grinned. “You’re welcome?”

Jiang Yan shook his head, laughing helplessly.

That evening, Jiang Ji told Zhao Ru about his plan to buy more servants.

There really were a lot of people in the household now. Just cooking meant preparing meals for over a dozen people. Zhao Ru had help washing and chopping vegetables, but she still did the cooking herself. With someone helping her now, Zhao Ru was naturally happy and agreed immediately.

…

The next day, after harvesting the watermelons, Jiang Ji and the others went into the city together.

Jiang Ji’s wound had healed, but he still couldn’t make big movements. He sat in a flatbed wagon pulled by a horse, with Lu Jiu driving. Jiang Yan rode on horseback beside them, with Chen Feng following behind, looking imposing. Jiang Ji watched him with a bit of envy.

Once his injury healed, he really needed to learn how to ride a horse.

But for now…

Jiang Ji looked at his flatbed wagon. “Jiang Yan, come down and sit with me on the wagon.”

Jiang Yan: “?”

“Come down quickly, I need to talk to you,” Jiang Ji waved at him.

Jiang Yan dismounted, switched places with Lu Jiu, took the reins, and drove the wagon. “What is it?”

Jiang Ji paused. “Oh, nothing. I just wanted you to sit with me.”

Jiang Yan glanced at him and shook his head helplessly.

Lu Jiu looked up at the sky.

Here it comes again, that strange feeling.

Chen Feng looked at him. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing at all. The weather’s really nice today, hahaha…”

When they arrived in the city, they first went to the restaurant. The manager reported what had happened the day before to Jiang Ji.

Jiang Ji nodded. “I know. Brother Jiang and the others already told me. Starting today, the two of them will work at the restaurant and be responsible for security. Manager Lü, make them some work uniforms. Their monthly pay will be covered by the restaurant. They’ll stay here at night. Let Yu Yang and Xiao Jun return to live at the residence.”

“Alright.” With dedicated guards, Manager Lü felt much more at ease.

Jiang Ji then went to the back kitchen to find Han Qingshan and Sister-in-law Guihua.

“Uncle Han, I’d like to transfer Sister-in-law Guihua back to the house to cook. Can the kitchen handle things here? Have the newer hires gotten the hang of it?”

Han Qingshan nodded. “No problem. Xiao Wei and the others can handle cooking now. I can arrange it.”

“Good,” Jiang Ji said, then asked Sister-in-law Guihua, “Sister-in-law Guihua, are you willing?”

“I’ll follow the young master’s arrangements,” she agreed without hesitation.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Also, now that there’s space at home, have Xiang’er and Xiao Yi come back with us. They’re still young. Let them go to school with Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei.”

Han Qingshan and Sister-in-law Guihua were both stunned.

“Young master, you want to send Xiang’er and Xiao Yi to school?” Han Qingshan asked.

“Yes,” Jiang Ji replied. “They’re at the right age for studying. Before, there wasn’t space at home, so they had to help you at the restaurant. Now the house is spacious. After the New Year, I plan to hire a tutor to teach Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei at home. They can study together.”

Han Qingshan and Sister-in-law Guihua were visibly moved. As servants, for their master to allow their children to attend school was an enormous kindness. And from the way Jiang Ji spoke, it seemed he’d planned this ever since he bought them.

“Thank you, young master,” Han Qingshan said gratefully.

“Thank you, young master,” Sister-in-law Guihua added sincerely.

“No need to thank me,” Jiang Ji said. “Go back and pack with Xiang’er and Xiao Yi. We need to go to the labor agency first. When we’re done, we’ll come back and take you all with us.”

“Yes, yes.”

After settling that, Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan took the others to the labor agency. They selected two servant women for cleaning, one kitchen helper, and two coachmen to drive the carriages and care for the livestock. After completing the paperwork, they bought the bodies for two new carriages.

The horses were harnessed, the coachmen took up their posts immediately, and Jiang Ji sat inside the carriage, letting out a sigh of relief.

“This is way more comfortable than the flatbed wagon.”

On the way in, the flatbed hadn’t been designed for passengers. It was uneven and tilted slightly backward, so sitting on it required constant care.

Jiang Yan sat to the side. Jiang Ji suddenly remembered the time they’d ridden in Magistrate Xu’s carriage, when he’d knelt and bumped into Jiang Yan. He couldn’t help but chuckle.

Jiang Yan glanced at him. “What are you laughing at?”

“Thinking about when we rode Magistrate Xu’s carriage,” Jiang Ji whispered. “I bumped into you… there.”

Jiang Yan: “……” His legs unconsciously drew slightly closer together.

Seeing this, Jiang Ji burst out laughing even harder. “Traumatized?”

Jiang Yan: “……”

He simply shifted seats and plopped himself down right next to Jiang Ji, taking the center seat.

Jiang Ji laughed so hard his stomach hurt, leaning against Jiang Yan’s shoulder, laughing nonstop.

“Is it that funny?” Jiang Yan squinted at him.

Jiang Ji couldn’t stop laughing and nodded. “So funny. Oh my god, I’m laughing tears out, hahaha…”

He was almost honking like a goose.

It really had been an awkward incident. Jiang Yan ground his teeth, but seeing him like this, he couldn’t help laughing too.

Their laughter drifted out of the carriage. Lu Jiu and Chen Feng exchanged looks, both astonished.

When had their prince ever laughed like this?

Not since he was ten!

They returned to the restaurant, where Sister-in-law Guihua was already waiting with Xiang’er and Xiao Yi.

Han Qingshan gave Xiang’er a few instructions. Sister-in-law Guihua then led the children onto the carriage behind them.

Jiang Ji also stopped by a stationery shop to buy supplies for Xiang’er and Xiao Yi, along with a large stack of practice paper. He then bought two big bundles of cotton and various colors of cotton thread before heading home.

The household suddenly had many more people. Fortunately, when building the house, Jiang Ji had included plenty of rooms. Both sides connecting the backyard to the main courtyard were lined with rooms, more than enough to accommodate everyone.

Jiang Ji arranged everyone’s living quarters. All the men stayed in the rooms on the west side, where Jiang Ji’s workshop was located. All the women stayed in the rooms on the east side.

Xiang’er shared a room with Sister-in-law Guihua. Xiao Yi had a room to himself.

Jiang Ji exchanged some mosquito nets for them and let them hang them up themselves.

“Ah! Auntie Guihua, look at the net the young master gave us!” Xiang’er came back holding the sheer netting. “It has holes!”

Guihua was making the bed. Hearing this, she looked over and was immediately amazed as well.

The two of them spread it out to take a look and immediately understood how precious the net was. It was light, soft, and breathable. You couldn’t even buy something like this in town.

“Did the young master give this?” Sister-in-law Guihua asked.

“Yes,” Xiang’er nodded. “A guard uncle handed them out. Every room has one.”

Guihua stepped out to the doorway. A guard was handing out nets on the opposite side, so she went over and asked, “These nets are really for us to use?”

“Yes,” the guard replied. “They’re from the young master. We all use these. The young master and the others use the same kind.”

The newly arrived servants were all stunned.

“The young master uses these, and we can use them too?”

“How can we use the same things as the young master?”

The guard said, “Since the young master gave them, just use them.”

The group nodded blankly.

Jiang Ji was in the tool room when he overheard them. He suddenly remembered that Han Qingshan and the others didn’t have any yet. He immediately redeemed many more and called over a guard.

“This afternoon, give these mosquito nets to Manager Lü as an employee benefit. Hand out one to each person at the restaurant.”

“Yes, young master.”

That evening, all the employees at Jiang Ji Dining Hall switched to the new mosquito nets.

It was already high summer, and the heat was growing heavier. At night, everyone had to sleep with the windows open.

Ordinary mosquito nets didn’t breathe well and were stifling. Most people would wake up in the middle of the night from the heat. But without nets, there were too many mosquitoes, buzzing so loudly that no one could sleep.

That night, however, cool air flowed through the nets. Everyone felt as if these nets were something immortals used.

The young master was simply too good to them.

That night, no one woke up from the heat. They finally had a good night’s sleep.

The next day, they worked with even more energy.

There was no better master or proprietor than the Jiang family.

After three days of revising and adjusting, confirming every line with the viewers, Jiang Ji finally finished the new bow design. It included the overall drawing, detailed parts, and clear measurements.

This bow looked very similar to the composite bow Jiang Ji had drawn before. But back then, he had no way of knowing the correct dimensions. This one, however, was drawn based on what the viewers described, a bow from their world.

“Take a look. This is right, isn’t it?”

【Yes, yes, that’s right. You can go make it and test it now.】

【You’re actually pretty talented at drafting.】

“Of course,” Jiang Ji said proudly. “I learned drawing when I was little. Then I’ll have them make it. Thanks, everyone!”

Jiang Ji showed it to Jiang Yan, then handed it to Lu Jiu to take to the blacksmith and carpenter.

On Jiang Yan’s side, the cotton gin, spinning machine, and loom Jiang Ji needed had also been assembled.

Jiang Ji pulled Zhao Ru over. It was time to test the machines.

“How do you use this?” Zhao Ru asked, looking at the gin.

“This is for removing cotton seeds and doing an initial ginning. I’ll show you.”

Jiang Ji sat down, grabbed a handful of cotton, and placed it on the platform. One foot pressed the pedal, one hand turned the crank. The two cylindrical rollers on the gin began to rotate inward.

He fed the cotton with seeds between the rollers. As the rollers turned in opposite directions, the cotton was pulled through to the other side, while the seeds were left behind on this side.

Zhao Ru stared in amazement. “This… it really removes the seeds?”

“Yes. Easy, right? Mom, you try,” Jiang Ji said, standing up.

Zhao Ru tried it herself. It didn’t require much strength at all, and the cotton seeds were removed with ease.

“This is way too convenient!” Zhao Ru said excitedly. “Before, we had to pick them out one by one by hand. It took so much effort.”

“That’s the advantage of machines. They save time and labor,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. “Let’s process more first, then try the spinning machine. That one’s great too.”

The three of them fed cotton together. Before long, they had finished ginning half a bag.

Zhao Ru and Jiang Ji then carded the cotton and made coarse yarn. Jiang Ji placed eight spindles of the coarse yarn onto the spinning machine.

Zhao Ru and Jiang Yan watched as Jiang Ji worked for a bit, then turned the wheel. The eight spindles began to spin, and the horizontal bar in front of him pushed and pulled. Soon, the coarse yarn became fine cotton thread.

Both of them were shocked. What amazed Zhao Ru most was that it spun eight threads at once.

She stared in disbelief. “This… this makes eight threads in one go?”

“Yes. It can make even more,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. “But this is enough for us right now.”

Zhao Ru was deeply astonished. “One person doing the work of eight.”

“That’s how it saves labor,” Jiang Ji said. “Mom, take a look at the quality of the thread.”

Zhao Ru examined the spun yarn. “It seems a bit finer than the ones sold in town.”

“Finer threads make softer fabric. Mom, do you want to learn?”

“Yes.” Zhao Ru nodded eagerly. “Teach me.”

“Sure. We’ll keep these machines secret for now.”

“I know.”

Jiang Ji spent some time teaching Zhao Ru, then let her spin yarn on her own.

After that, Jiang Ji went to test the loom himself, with Jiang Yan watching beside him.

The loom worked well and was usable. Jiang Ji felt relieved.

Once Zhao Ru became proficient, she went over to observe the weaving. She already knew how to weave, so she picked it up even faster.

“Mom, use the bought thread to weave one chi of cloth, then use the thread we spun ourselves to weave another chi. Let’s compare the quality. I need to work on something else.”

“Alright, go ahead. Leave this to me.”

Zhao Ru busied herself in the room.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ji focused on the weapons Lu Jiu had drawn. Combining what he had seen in museums, on TV and in films, and what the viewers described, he decided to first improve the crossbow and the sleeve arrow.

The next day, Zhao Ru brought two pieces of cloth to Jiang Ji.

“Xiao Ji, I’ve finished weaving!” Zhao Ru said, her face lit with excitement. “Take a look.”

Jiang Ji examined the cloth. One piece was cotton fabric woven from purchased thread. The other was white cotton fabric woven with the same technique but using the thread they had spun themselves.

He touched them, then tested the feel against his arm, and even had Jiang Yan try them.

Jiang Yan smiled. “The white one is softer.”

“Yes, this machine works,” Jiang Ji said happily. “Tomorrow, we’ll go to the carpenter and have them made in batches!”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Jiang Ji blinked. Everything in front of him was still red.

He hadn’t seen wrong. Jiang Yan’s ears really were red.

Just a moment ago, when he leaned in, they hadn’t been.

“Jiang Yan.”

“Mm?” Jiang Yan turned to look at him.

Jiang Ji reached up and gently turned Jiang Yan’s face to the other side, looking at the base of his other ear. That side was red as well. Jiang Yan felt a bit puzzled. “What is it?”

Jiang Ji let go, his eyes curving into a smile. “Nothing. I just saw a mosquito flying near you and was afraid it might bite.”

Jiang Yan rubbed the cheek Jiang Ji had just touched. “It didn’t.”

“That’s good.” Jiang Ji looked at his otherwise perfectly calm face and said, “You don’t flush when you drink.”

“Mm.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes curved even more. He leaned closer, covered his mouth, and whispered, “Jiang Yan, your ears are red.”

Jiang Yan paused. His ears had indeed felt a little warm just now; he hadn’t expected them to redden. He almost lifted a hand to touch them, then restrained himself.

“Oh. The alcohol makes me a bit warm.”

He glanced at Jiang Ji, then turned and lifted his cup, taking a sip. It was sharp rice wine. He paused slightly, swallowed, set the cup down, then calmly picked up the tea beside it and drank an entire cup in one go.

Jiang Ji watched him with a smile, delighted at having discovered a small secret of Jiang Yan’s.

Jiang Yan picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of chicken, and placed it in Jiang Ji’s bowl. “Eat.”

Jiang Ji looked at the chicken in his bowl, smiling as he picked it up and ate it.

“So good!”

Everyone was in high spirits today, livelier even than the New Year. The midday meal dragged on until past the hour of Wei before finally breaking up.

Most of the dishes on the tables had been finished. The food Han Qingshan and the others cooked was something most villagers had never tasted before; everyone ate until satisfied, bellies round and full.

Many of the men drank too much and were carried home on their families’ backs.

Jiang Ji looked at Jiang Yan. “Go lie down for a bit.”

Jiang Ji was the host, but because of his injuries he couldn’t drink and could only use tea instead. Others all came to drink with Jiang Yan, and he’d had quite a lot.

Jiang Yan nodded and returned to Jiang Ji’s room.

Jiang Ji’s wounds hadn’t healed yet, so Jiang Yan was still sleeping with him for now to look after him. Jiang Ji was also a bit tired; after telling Zhao Ru, he lay down to rest for a while.

The restaurant staff stayed behind to help Zhao Ru clear the dishes. The guards had also been drinking, but none were drunk. They helped pack up the tables and chairs and return the borrowed ones.

After everything was cleaned and washed, Han Qingshan and the manager led the restaurant staff back.

Lu Jiu and Lu Wu sat at the courtyard gate. Lu Jiu sighed with feeling. “Young Master Jiang Ji is really a man of temperament.”

Lu Wu nodded. “I heard all the restaurant chefs learned their skills from him.”

“The cooking really is excellent. Those dishes were incredible.” Lu Jiu was still savoring the memory. “You didn’t get to eat them last time, right?”

He was referring to the day they entered the city. They had already sat down at Jiang Ji Dining Hall when Lu Jiu chased after Xiao An, and later Lu Wu and the others, worried about exposing their identities, also left. The dishes hadn’t even been served before they exited the restaurant, losing their silver for nothing.

“Mm. Not long after you left, we left too,” Lu Wu said after thinking. “That day, we didn’t even get to eat the noodles.”

Lu Jiu laughed loudly. Thinking back to the day they found the prince, it still felt almost unreal.

“Ah, the Second Young Master would definitely like Jiang Ji,” Lu Jiu said.

Lu Wu was silent for a moment, then said, “As long as the cooking is good, the Second Young Master likes them all.”

“Hahaha, that’s true. If he came here, he probably wouldn’t want to leave.” Lu Jiu looked ahead, then grew a bit worried. “When will the young master recover his memory?”

The two stared into the distance, lost in thought.

…

The next morning after breakfast, Jiang Yan took people to harvest watermelons in the fields.

The watermelons were on the market now. Earlier, they’d picked some and had the restaurant make fruit platters, which were extremely popular. Many diners had even placed reservations.

Though it wasn’t yet peak season for mass ripening, Jiang Ji’s family had planted a lot. Every day they could still pick two or three cartloads to send into the city for the restaurant to sell.

They didn’t even need to shout to attract customers. Everything sold out.

Uncle Tugen and the village head had planted fewer watermelons. They hauled theirs to the market to sell, keeping the same price as Jiang Ji’s family: ten copper coins per jin. That was agreed upon beforehand so everyone could make money together.

Lu Jiu and Lu Wu were also helping transport the watermelons. Hearing hoofbeats in the distance, Lu Jiu exclaimed happily, “Young master, Chen Feng and the others are back!”

Lu Jiu and Lu Wu ran out onto the road.

Jiang Yan glanced back and continued picking watermelons.

Jiang Ji’s injuries hadn’t healed yet, so he stood on the ridge instead of going into the field. He turned to look at Chen Feng and the others.

Chen Feng and Lu Wen had brought back a reply letter from Lord Lu.

On the way, Lu Jiu anxiously asked, “Chen Feng, what did the master say? Is he bringing the young master back?”

Chen Feng shook his head. “The master said not to return yet. He told us to follow the young master’s wishes.”

Lu Jiu frowned. “Why is the master like this too? Isn’t he worried about the young master’s safety?”

“That’s why he told us to protect the young master at all costs.” Chen Feng looked around. “Where is the young master?”

Lu Jiu tilted his head. “There. Picking watermelons.”

Seeing the figure crouched in the watermelon field, Chen Feng walked over. Reaching Jiang Ji’s side, he said, “Young Master Jiang Ji.”

“Thanks for your hard work.”

“Not at all.” Chen Feng stepped into the field and went to Jiang Yan, pulling a letter from his robe. “Young master, a letter from the master.”

Jiang Yan stood, handed the scissors to him, and took the letter, opening it to read.

It was a thick stack of paper. Jiang Ji watched as Jiang Yan read page after page, carefully observing his expression. His brows drew together slightly, but there was no major change.

After finishing, Jiang Yan folded the papers neatly, slipped them back into the envelope, and tucked it into his robe. Then he went back to picking watermelons.

Jiang Ji couldn’t guess what was written. Restless with curiosity, he asked Lu Jiu beside him, “Does your master want him to go back?”

Lu Jiu shook his head. “No.”

“Oh, that’s good.” Jiang Ji relaxed.

“Hm?” Lu Jiu looked at him. “That’s good?”

Jiang Ji paused. “It’s more dangerous if he goes back. It’s better here.”

Lu Jiu sighed.

Jiang Ji patted Lu Jiu on the shoulder. Since it wasn’t a summons for Jiang Yan to return, there was nothing more for him to worry about. Translated on hololonovels.

Over there, Chen Feng was reporting to Jiang Yan on the progress on Prefect Fan’s side.

“Hu Yuanwu has already been escorted to the provincial governor’s yamen and is being held there. Everyone involved has also been arrested. Prefect Fan said that once all matters are fully investigated and the bandit case is completely handled, the case files and Hu Yuanwu will be sent to the capital together.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “You’ve worked hard. Go back and rest first. We’ll talk about other matters after you’ve recovered.”

“Yes.” Chen Feng and Lu Wen withdrew.

Jiang Yan methodically finished harvesting the watermelons. Once the guards had hauled them off to the city, Jiang Yan and Jiang Ji headed home.

Jiang Ji still couldn’t hold it in. “Your dad… uh, pull your sleeves down. You’re getting tanned.”

Jiang Yan glanced at his forearms, then at Jiang Ji’s short sleeves. “Then why don’t you wear something with sleeves?”

“……” Jiang Ji rubbed his nose, then asked, “What did your father say to you?”

Jiang Yan looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been holding it in for a long time?”

“You know I want to know and you still won’t say it on purpose.” Jiang Ji glared at him. “Hurry up and tell me.”

A hint of amusement appeared in Jiang Yan’s eyes as he replied, “He said he agrees with me staying here for now, but he’s sent a physician over. He’s on the road and will arrive in a couple of days. He said there might be some stagnant blood in my head and wants the doctor to examine it, to see if my memory can be restored sooner.”

“A physician?”

“Yes. He used to be an imperial physician, retired now.”

Jiang Ji scratched his head and said quietly, “When I treated your injuries back then, there wasn’t any medicine for dispersing stagnant blood. Since the system didn’t give any, there shouldn’t be any stagnant blood in your head.”

“Mm. I don’t feel dizzy either,” Jiang Yan said, trusting Jiang Ji’s judgment. “When I saw his handwriting, it felt very familiar.”

“Seeing familiar things does help with memory recovery.” Jiang Ji paused, stopped walking, and looked at him. “If… if you want to recover your memory quickly, going back might really be faster.”

Jiang Yan stopped as well and looked at him. “Do you want me to go back?”

“No.” Jiang Ji answered without hesitation.

Jiang Yan nodded. “Now isn’t the time to go back.”

Jiang Ji walked closer to him. “What else did he say?”

There was no way that thick stack of letters only talked about a physician.

Jiang Yan looked at him, weighing whether to tell him.

“Hurry up. As long as it’s not confidential, tell me,” Jiang Ji urged.

Jiang Yan sighed softly. “He told me about what’s happened at court over the past few months, so I could understand the current situation. I’ve been gone for so long that everyone in the capital knows I went missing. Things started to get a bit chaotic, but they managed to stabilize it. He said they can hold on for a while longer.”

He paused, then continued. “And they’ve also found out how the news of my assassination attempt was leaked.”

Jiang Ji asked curiously, “How was it leaked?”

Jiang Yan replied, “The night we left the city, a soldier guarding the gate went drinking at a tavern and mentioned that several people from the Regent Prince’s residence had gone out late that night. By coincidence, the tavern’s waiter was a spy from Xi Zhao who’d been embedded there for seven or eight years. He passed the information along.”

Jiang Ji: “……”

Jiang Yan continued, “My father and uncles followed that lead and uncovered an entire Xi Zhao spy network, which they’ve already dismantled. But after I went missing, the western border has remained unstable, with signs of troop movements. Fortunately, the general guarding that region is very experienced and received instructions from the capital to strengthen defenses. They even caught another spy trying to steal city defense maps.”

Jiang Ji was stunned.

Ever since transmigrating, he’d lived quietly in this small village in the county, farming and running a shop. The most dangerous thing he’d encountered was being kidnapped by bandits.

Now he was suddenly hearing about tense border situations, about how a single misstep could lead to war.

War. Something that had always felt distant to him was now something the man beside him had to consider.

For a moment, Jiang Ji was completely at a loss. It was as if he saw four huge characters stamped on Jiang Yan’s body: the weight of the nation.

Not only resting on Jiang Yan’s shoulders, but now pressing toward him as well.

After a long silence, he finally said, “You…”

Jiang Yan looked at him, waiting quietly.

Jiang Ji pressed his lips together and asked, “When do you want to go back?”

“In a while.”

“How long is ‘a while’?”

Jiang Yan thought for a moment. “If things go quickly, one month. If slowly, two months.”

Jiang Ji lowered his head and walked forward without a word.

Jiang Yan sighed softly and followed.

But Jiang Ji suddenly stopped and turned back. “You already decided this as soon as you got the letter, didn’t you?”

Jiang Yan met his gaze and slowly nodded.

Jiang Ji pressed his lips together again, then turned and walked straight home. Once inside, he went straight to his room and bolted the door from the inside.

Jiang Yan was shut out. He said, “I’m not leaving immediately.”

“I know!” came a shout from inside.

Jiang Yan: “……”

After thinking for a moment, he added, “Once I finish handling things, I’ll come back.”

A short while later, Jiang Ji’s voice came again from inside. “Let me be alone for a bit!”

Jiang Yan sighed quietly and went to wash his hands.

Lu Jiu and Lu Wu had been following at some distance the whole time. Now they stood outside the east wing, looking at each other.

Lu Jiu nudged Lu Wu’s arm and whispered, “Why does this feel… strange?”

Lu Wu nodded. “It’s a lot like when the master and madam argue.”

Both of them: “……”

Jiang Yan brought his writing tools to the small sitting room in the east wing. Lu Jiu hurried over to grind the ink.

After a moment of contemplation, Jiang Yan began to write a letter.

Inside the room, Jiang Ji lay under the covers for a long while, until he was sweating. With no choice, he threw the blanket off.

His chest felt tight and uncomfortable. In frustration, he opened his livestream and started chatting with the viewers.

The live chat scrolled rapidly.

【Oh my god, you finally showed up. It was so dark I thought it was nighttime.】

【Total lovestruck teenager energy.】

【He’s only nineteen. This is what being in love looks like. Everyone be understanding.】

【I thought yesterday things were about to get sweet and cozy, and today it’s like this. Absolute bolt from the blue.】

【Sigh, what can you do? Jiang Yan is the Regent. The responsibility on his shoulders is huge.】

【Poor streamer. A romance that just started to show promise is already facing separation again.】

【He’s completely shut down. Poor kid.】

“What nonsense are you all talking about?” Jiang Ji snapped, furious. “You’re enjoying the drama, huh? You’re going to piss me to death.”

【Hey, so you’re reading the comments. Thought you were totally shut down.】

【Still chatting, so not completely shut down yet.】

【Don’t overthink it. I think Jiang Yan really has you in his heart.】

【He was always going to go back sooner or later. You should prepare yourself mentally and not let it hurt you too much.】

【Didn’t he say he’d come back? No need to worry that much.】

Jiang Ji sighed. “Sigh, you don’t understand. This is ancient times. No phones, no computers. How hard it is just to meet once. Even a letter takes ages to arrive.”

“And with his family situation… once he leaves, he might not be able to come back at all, you know? Even if he’s a bit moved by me now, give it enough time and it’ll fade.”

【What can you do? With that kind of status, you can’t expect him to just drop everything.】

【You two really are a tough case.】

【You have to trust him. If he said he’ll come back, he will. He seems like someone who keeps his word.】

【But with ancient values and mindsets, do you really think his family would accept a male spouse? Especially when he’s the Regent.】

【Obstacles everywhere.】

【And not just Jiang Yan’s family. Even Jiang Ji’s mom doesn’t know he likes men yet.】

【Anyway, I think you shouldn’t think too much right now. Watch what Jiang Yan actually does. With men, actions matter.】

【Don’t worry yet. There’s still some time. Use this time to win him over first.】

Jiang Ji sighed again. “Sigh… first time in my life liking someone, and it’s this hard?”

【Hahaha, who told you to pick hard mode.】

【Your meeting was dramatic to begin with, plus the amnesia trope. At least Jiang Yan isn’t married, or it’d be even more dog-blooded.】

Jiang Ji: “……”

He muttered, “He hasn’t even clearly shown that he likes me.”

Then suddenly he sat up straight. “Guys… I’m not misreading this, am I? Am I just being delusional?”

【He definitely likes you. I can tell.】

【Observers see clearly. I think he has you in his heart too.】

【Same here.】

Jiang Ji pressed, “You all think so too? I’m really not misunderstanding? Don’t lie to me. Tell me the truth.”

【Yeah, I really think so.】

【Don’t worry. Your feeling isn’t wrong.】

【Even we watching TV can tell.】

“What do you mean, watching TV?!” Jiang Ji said speechlessly. “Hey, you just said the quiet part out loud.”

【Hahaha, your stream is basically like a TV drama.】

【Exactly. Edit it properly and it’d be even better than a drama.】

【Right? I don’t even watch shows anymore. I just watch your stream.】

Jiang Ji: “……”

【Alright, alright, don’t worry so much. If you want to know what he’s thinking, just ask him directly.】

【Don’t be mad. You’re acting like a bickering couple, and you haven’t even started dating yet.】

【Do you know the expressions on the two guys walking behind you were priceless?】

【Really? I didn’t even notice them. Your eyes are sharp. I’ll watch the replay tomorrow.】

【That moment when he turned around, it caught both of them in frame. They were totally stunned.】

【Streamer, aren’t you going out yet?】

Jiang Ji flopped back down. “Wait. I still need to emo for a bit.”

He stared at the ceiling in a daze for quite a while.

…

Jiang Yan hadn’t finished writing his letter yet when the door behind him suddenly opened. He turned around and saw Jiang Ji walk straight over and sit down across from him.

“Lu Jiu, please step out for a moment and don’t let anyone come in.”

Lu Jiu glanced at Jiang Yan, put down the ink stick, and left.

Jiang Yan also set down his brush and looked at Jiang Ji quietly.

Jiang Ji stared into his eyes and asked, “Before you go back, is there something you need to do?”

Jiang Yan nodded. “I need to take care of some things first.”

Jiang Ji was silent for a moment, then looked at the two pages already written and laid out to dry. “Can I read them?”

“Yes.” Jiang Yan handed him the papers.

After reading the two pages, Jiang Ji understood what Jiang Yan meant.

Jiang Yan was planning to use his disappearance as bait, setting a trap to flush out the remaining spies in the capital and other destabilizing elements.

One page was addressed to Lord Lu, another to the general guarding the western frontier. Jiang Ji glanced at the third page Jiang Yan was currently writing, which seemed to be for a northern border commander.

Jiang Ji put the papers back and asked, “What about Prince Qi in the south? Didn’t you say he has rebellious intentions? What if he takes advantage of the chaos in the capital and raises troops?”

Jiang Yan looked at him, was silent for a moment, then said, “When the time comes, I’ll personally lead troops to the south.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes widened instantly. “Y-you’ll go yourself?”

“Yes. I’m the closest to that front right now. I just need the military tally to be issued.”

“Isn’t the tally with the emperor?”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Yes. So it needs to be requested from His Majesty and sent to me.”

Jiang Ji looked at him for a long time before asking, “You’ve been thinking about this for several days already, haven’t you?”

These past few days, whenever there was time, Lu Jiu had already roughly told them about the major and minor affairs in the capital.

Jiang Yan hesitated for a moment, then still nodded. “Yes.”

Jiang Ji lowered his gaze. “Oh. Then go.”

Jiang Yan’s mind seemed naturally made for matters like these. Even without his past memories, he still took the responsibility onto his shoulders and was already planning what came next.

Hearing this, Jiang Yan looked at him without speaking.

Jiang Ji clenched his teeth, then raised his eyes to meet Jiang Yan’s. “I’ll just ask you one question.”

“Ask.”

“Did you…” Jiang Ji stared straight into Jiang Yan’s eyes, pressed his lips together, and finally summoned the courage to ask shamelessly, “does what you promised me that day on the mountain still count?”

Jiang Yan paused.

Seeing that he didn’t answer right away, Jiang Ji narrowed his eyes. “What, are you going back on it?”

“No,” Jiang Yan said. “I thought you’d forgotten.”

Jiang Ji glared at him. “How could I forget? I’m not the one with amnesia.”

Jiang Yan’s expression softened. Looking at him, he said gently, “It still counts.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Jiang Yan poured a basin of water and washed the watermelon clean. Lu Jiu looked curiously at the green, round thing. “Young master, what is this?”

“A watermelon.”

Jiang Xia had gone to the river to wash clothes. Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei were playing by the courtyard gate. Jiang Yan raised his voice and called out, “Jiang Nan, Jiang Bei, come back and eat watermelon.”

At that, the two of them shot back in a flash.

Jiang Nan said excitedly, “Brother Jiang Yan, is the watermelon ripe?!”

Jiang Bei’s eyes sparkled. “Can we really eat it now?”

“Mm, it should be ripe.” Jiang Yan nodded.

He put the watermelon on the chopping board, rinsed the kitchen knife, then cut the melon down the middle. Red flesh, plump black seeds, and the watermelon’s unique sweet, cool fragrance spilled out.

“Wow, it really is ripe!”

“That’s great, we can eat it!”

The two little ones were overjoyed, waiting for Jiang Yan to cut the melon into wedges. He handed each of them a slice, and they immediately started eating.

“So sweet!”

“So tasty!”

Tasting watermelon again made them ridiculously happy, bite after bite.

Jiang Nan grabbed another slice. “I’ll bring one to big brother.”

“I’ll do it. You eat yours,” Jiang Yan said, taking the slice from Jiang Nan and putting it on a plate. He added another slice, then covered two more pieces with a bowl to save for Jiang Xia and Zhao Ru.

Then he said to Lu Jiu, “Take these and share them with everyone. Only eat the red part. Don’t eat the green rind. Spit out the seeds.”

With that, Jiang Yan carried the plate into the room.

It was Lu Jiu’s first time eating this thing. He took a piece and cautiously bit into it.

“!” Lu Jiu’s eyes went wide instantly. “My heavens, this melon!”

Jiang Nan grinned. “Isn’t it really good?”

“It’s amazing!” Lu Jiu nodded excitedly.

Jiang Bei puffed out his little chest proudly. “My brother brought it back!”

Lu Jiu was startled again. “This was brought back by your brother too?”

“Mm! And lots of other things too. Sweet potatoes, corn, potatoes, all really good. Chili peppers too,” Jiang Bei said.

“Incredible!”

Lu Jiu put the watermelon on a tray and carried it off to share with Lu Wu and the guards.

Everyone reacted just like Lu Jiu had, full of surprise.

The texture was refreshing, sweet and juicy, with a cool sensation.

“What’s this melon called?”

“Watermelon!”

“So good!”

In the room, Jiang Ji lay on his bed gnawing on watermelon. “First time growing it. Not bad. Pretty sweet.”

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei ran in and leaned by the bed, eating together.

Jiang Ji continued, “Later, while the sun’s not too strong, pick a few more and put them in the well to cool. They’ll taste even better, better texture too. Once we move to the new house, we’ll keep them cooled in the well.”

Jiang Yan liked listening to Jiang Ji talk about these things. Just hearing it gave him a sense of happiness.

Jiang Nan asked, “Brother Jiang Yan, are you going to pick more later?”

“Mm.”

“I want to go too!”

Jiang Bei said, “Me too!”

Jiang Ji reminded them, “You don’t know how to tell if they’re ripe yet. Don’t pick any yourselves. Only pick when Jiang Yan says you can.”

“Okay!” The two answered in unison.

Jiang Yan added, “The tomatoes aren’t fully ripe yet. They’re not very red. There’s still a big green-yellow ring near the stem.”

“Then wait a few more days.”

Jiang Ji went on explaining how to tell if a watermelon was ripe. “Another way is to look at the stem. If it’s straight, it’s usually not fully ripe. If it’s curved, it’s ripe. Whether it’s sweet or not, you can also tell by the patterns on the rind. See, the ones with clear, regular patterns are sweet. Messy ones aren’t as good…”

Jiang Yan memorized all of it.

Jiang Ji finished his watermelon and went biu-biu-biu, spitting the seeds into the plate. Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei stared, fascinated, then copied him, leaning their little heads over the plate to spit seeds. Some bounced out, some landed on Jiang Yan who was holding the plate.

Jiang Yan: “……”

Jiang Ji said in disgust, “You two, go spit outside.”

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei giggled and ran out to the main hall doorway.

“Brother Lu Wu, look!”

After taking a bite, Jiang Nan pursed his lips and went biu-biu-biu. The black seeds flew four or five feet away.

“Oh, that’s far!” The guards clapped nearby.

Jiang Bei refused to be outdone. Biu-biu-biu.

“Not bad!” More clapping.

It inexplicably turned into a seed-spitting contest.

The doorway was full of laughter until Jiang Yan came out carrying two baskets.

Jiang Nan’s eyes lit up. “Brother Jiang Yan, are you going to pick melons?”

“Mm. Are you coming?”

“Yes!” Jiang Bei grabbed one basket. “I’ll carry this one!”

Jiang Nan grabbed the other. Lu Wu and another guard followed them.

The watermelon field covered four mu. Among the lush green leaves and vines, large watermelons appeared here and there.

Jiang Yan walked through the field with scissors in hand, occasionally squatting down to tap a melon.

Jiang Nan, Jiang Bei, and Lu Wu walked along the ridges. Jiang Nan asked, “Brother Jiang Yan, found one yet?”

“Mm. Come here,” Jiang Yan said, squatting in front of a watermelon about the size of a small pot.

Jiang Nan immediately said to Jiang Bei, “I’ll pick this one first. You pick the next.”

Jiang Bei nodded. Jiang Nan, carrying his basket, carefully stepped into the field, avoiding the vines and melons, and stopped in front of Jiang Yan, setting the basket down.

Jiang Yan handed him the scissors and pointed at the already curved stem. “Cut here.”

Jiang Nan gripped the scissors. Snip. The stem was cut. He stared at the watermelon and grinned foolishly, not sure why, just extremely excited.

“Hehe, Brother Jiang Yan, I cut it!”

Jiang Yan glanced at him. “Can you carry it?”

“I can!”

Lu Wu came in holding the basket. Jiang Nan set the scissors aside, wrapped both arms around the watermelon, and heaved.

“So heavy!”

The one he picked was at least twelve or thirteen jin. It was a struggle. Jiang Yan quickly reached out to support the bottom. Lu Wu took the basket, and only then did Jiang Nan manage to place the watermelon inside.

He even volunteered eagerly. “I’ll carry it.”

Lu Wu raised an eyebrow. “You sure you can?”

“I can!”

Lu Wu helped him sling the basket onto his back. His small shoulders sank at once. Jiang Nan quickly leaned forward to steady himself and trudged toward the field ridge, one foot deep, one foot shallow.

After a while, Jiang Bei also picked a watermelon and carried it out.

The third watermelon was carried out by Lu Wu himself. He looked at Jiang Nan. “Put the basket down.”

Jiang Nan nodded and squatted. The basket landed on the ground.

Lu Wu placed the melon inside. Jiang Nan tried to hoist it again. Heave. It wouldn’t budge.

Heave again… his little face turned red with effort. He swayed and staggered, about to fall.

Lu Wu reacted quickly, grabbing the strap and lifting it up with one hand. “That’s enough. I’ll take it.”

Jiang Nan had to concede. “…It’s too heavy.”

“You’re still so little.”

Lu Wu carried the basket with one hand. Jiang Nan’s eyes went wide. “Wow, Brother Lu Wu, you’re just like Brother Jiang Yan. You’re both so strong!”

“Mm. When you grow up, you’ll be able to lift it too.”

Jiang Yan came out holding another watermelon. Jiang Bei, very self-aware, immediately set his basket down.

Another guard came over and picked up the basket. The group headed back.

The village head happened to be coming over to look at the watermelon field. Seeing them carrying melons, he asked, “Jiang Yan, are the watermelons ripe enough to eat?”

“Mm. Some of the first batch are ripe, not many yet,” Jiang Yan replied. “Jiang Ji said that in a couple of days, once we’ve finished moving, we’ll have the restaurant people come pick some to try selling. Village head, you and Uncle Tugen can check yours too. I’ll tell you how to tell if they’re ripe.”

“Wait a moment.” The village head walked around, spotted Tugen in the tomato field, and called him over.

Jiang Yan explained how to tell if a watermelon was ripe. “You can pick one to try as well.”

Their three households had planted together, so the watermelons were at similar stages of growth.

“Alright. I’ll pick one later and take it home. This afternoon I’ll go ask Jiang Ji about how to sell them,” the village head said. Then he added, “The rice seedlings in the fields have grown a bit. Should we drain some water and let the field dry for two days?”

It was only the second time using this semi-dry, semi-wet seedling method. The village head was still not fully sure when to dry the field and when to flood it.

Jiang Yan nodded. “Mm. I just took a look. They’re growing faster than in spring. I’ll ask Jiang Ji when we get back.”

“Alright. Is he doing better?”

“The wounds are healing.”

“That’s good.”

Lu Wu watched his prince speak so naturally with the villagers. His feelings were complicated, all mixed together. If it were before, he would never have believed it even if beaten to death: his prince blending into village life this smoothly.

Not only could he light fires and cook, he could do all kinds of farm work.

He wondered what Lord and Madam would feel if they saw this.

When they returned, Jiang Ji was asleep.

Jiang Yan washed the watermelons clean and placed them in a bucket, cooling them with well water.

Jiang Xia finished hanging up the laundry and saw they had brought back melons. “They’re ready to eat?”

“Yes,” Jiang Nan reported happily. “We just ate one. Second sister, there are pieces left for you and Mom on the chopping board.”

“Alright.” Jiang Xia set the basin down. Sure enough, there were two slices on the board. She washed her hands and took one to eat.

Jiang Bei asked, “Second sister, isn’t it really sweet?”

“Mm.” Jiang Xia caught the seeds in her hand and nodded with a smile.

After Jiang Xia finished eating, Jiang Yan called Jiang Xia, Jiang Nan, and Jiang Bei into the main hall and taught them new characters.

On the days they weren’t attending school, Jiang Yan taught them new words according to the books.

Lu Jiu and Lu Wu looked at their regent and fell silent.

Jiang Xia was older than Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei, with better memory and self-discipline. After months of study, her progress was much faster. In addition to what was taught in class, Jiang Yan taught her twice as many characters as he taught Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei.

At noon, while eating, Jiang Yan discussed with Jiang Ji, “Xia’er learns quickly. Studying with Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei is a bit of a waste of time. After this year, let Xia’er go study with Master Wang instead.”

“Alright.” Jiang Ji nodded. “I was also thinking whether to send them to school in town. What do you think?”

“Do you want to move to town?” Jiang Yan asked.

Jiang Ji shook his head. “Not really. But the teachers in town are a bit better. It’s just that if they attend school in town, Xia’er and the others would have to live there. Otherwise it wouldn’t be convenient.”

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei were still young. Jiang Ji wanted the family to stay together as much as possible.

Jiang Yan thought for a moment. “Or you could invite a tutor to teach them at home.”

“Invite a tutor?” Jiang Ji’s eyes widened. “Just three students? Private tutoring?”

Jiang Yan said, “Didn’t Lu Jiu say that big households with many children usually hire tutors to teach them at home?”

Jiang Ji thought it over. “That could work. There are also two other kids in the village who go to school with Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei. When they’re older, we can send them to town then.”

After the meal, Zhao Ru came to discuss the housewarming arrangements with Jiang Ji. Because Jiang Ji was injured and they still had to guard against bandits, and because there was so much to do on moving day, they decided to hold the housewarming feast after Jiang Ji recovered. However, on the day they moved in, they still needed to perform the house-entry rituals, which required buying many items.

The next day, the new house was finished. Master Zheng and the others began cleaning. Jiang Ji had someone go to town to inform the furniture shop owner and arrange for delivery the next day.

Jiang Ji also invited the village head over and made a list of items needed for the house-entry rituals. The next day, he had Uncle Tugen take a guard along to purchase them.

On the day before the move, Master Zheng and his crew had finished cleaning and withdrawn.

One person was left to watch the old house. Everyone else went to the new house. Jiang Ji sat in a chair, and Lu Jiu and Lu Wu carried him over to the new place.

Master Zheng and his crew had cleaned quite thoroughly, but Zhao Ru and Jiang Xia still brought people to go over everything once more, cleaning it spotless and bright in preparation for the house entry ceremony the next day.

While the others were cleaning the back courtyard, Jiang Yan supported Jiang Ji into the main residence. This was where they themselves would live: six bedrooms, three studies, and a central hall.

Room by room, Jiang Ji redeemed furniture from the system. All of it was top grade huanghuali wood.

Beds, wardrobes, dressing tables, desks, bookcases, luohan couches, tables and chairs. Everything was complete.

Looking at the neat row of huanghuali furniture, Jiang Ji broke into a grin.

“So pretty.”

Jiang Yan nodded as well, a smile in his eyes. “It really is.”

“Jiang Ji, the furniture shop people have arrived,” Lu Jiu reported from the doorway.

“Oh, let them in,” Jiang Ji said as he went out. “Have them set everything up in every room that’ll be lived in.”

The furniture shop owner from town brought over more than a dozen cartloads of furniture, borrowing several donkey carts. It took the entire day to finish installing everything, finally wrapping up this large order.

On the day of moving in, just as dawn was breaking, everyone in Jiang Ji’s household was already up and busy.

Jiang Ji led the family in offering incense to their ancestors, then went to the ancestral hall to inform them that from today onward, they would be moving into a new home.

After that, Jiang Yan carried a shoulder pole with rice containing gold and silver ingots. Jiang Ji held new clothes. Jiang Nan hugged a bundle of new shoes. Jiang Bei carried a small basket of fruits, vegetables, and meat. Jiang Xia carried two small baskets of new bowls and chopsticks. Zhao Ru carried two safes wrapped in red silk, filled with silver notes.

Lu Jiu, Lu Wu, and the other guards followed along carrying new quilts, pots, bowls, and other household items.

When they reached the gate of the new house, Jiang Ji saw the village head, Uncle Tugen, Aunt Xiufang, Tao’er, and several other villagers waiting with gifts.

Jiang Ji curved his lips, feeling a quiet warmth.

“Lu Jiu, light the firecrackers!”

“Got it!”

Lu Jiu and Lu Wu hung the firecrackers on both sides of the gate and lit them with a fire starter.

Crack crack crack.

Jiang Ji led the way into the new house. “May everything go smoothly!”

Jiang Nan followed with a grin. “Good fortune and prosperity!”

Jiang Bei stepped in. “Smooth sailing all the way!”

Zhao Ru said, “Peace and safety for the household!”

Jiang Xia said, “May wealth pour in!”

Jiang Yan said, “Happiness and good health!”

Each person entering added a line of auspicious words. Laughter and blessings filled the air.

Once inside, they set the items down. Zhao Ru and Jiang Xia went to the back kitchen to boil water for tea and cook sweet dumplings. Aunt Xiufang took Tao’er to help.

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan greeted everyone in the main house. Lu Jiu and the others laid out tea and snacks as everyone toured the place.

“Wow, what kind of wood is this table made of? It’s so shiny!”

“The color of this wood is beautiful.”

“Hey, this is top grade huanghuali!”

“What? This is huanghuali?”

“My heavens, then this one too?”

“So pretty. No wonder it’s so expensive!”

“These east and west wings are really spacious, almost the same as the main house.”

“They’ve got the land for it, that’s why they could build it so big.”

Lu Jiu and Lu Wu were well traveled, but even they were surprised by the furniture in the main courtyard rooms.

All of it was top grade huanghuali.

So Jiang Ji’s family was actually quite well off.

The villagers continued touring the other rooms.

“So spacious!”

“So many rooms. Their family’s grown big. They won’t have trouble fitting everyone anymore.”

“Wow, look at the guest room furniture. That’s really nice too.”

Aside from the owners’ rooms, all the other rooms used the same materials and styles, still the best ordinary people could reasonably use.

“Hey, this wardrobe is great,” a villager said. “We should use this kind in the future. The style’s really nice.”

“This dressing table is pretty too.”

After touring the residence, they went to look at the livestock yard.

“Is this row for stables?”

“Must be. They’ve got a lot of horses now.”

“So spacious. A house really needs this much room to live comfortably.”

“Aren’t you building a new house too? Build it bigger.”

“Ah, that costs money.”

“What’s there to worry about? Grow rice and sweet potatoes another year or two and you’ll be able to build one. Jiang Ji said sweet potatoes, corn, and potatoes can be promoted nationwide. Everyone will need to buy seed from us.”

“Right. Next year we can grow chilies, watermelons, and the like too. That’ll make money.”

“Just follow Jiang Ji’s lead. Sooner or later everyone can build a big tiled house.”

“After I sell grain seed and sweet potatoes this autumn, I’ll probably be able to build too.”

“My family will build next year.”

After a good long tour, Zhao Ru and the others finished making the sweet dumplings. Today was just the house entry. The formal housewarming feast would be held in a few days.

Everyone shared the dumplings, sweet and symbolic of togetherness.

As the morning sun rose, everyone finished eating and went home.

Jiang Yan led the others back to continue moving.

After discussing it, they decided not to bring the old furniture. They carried the remaining items, led the oxen and horses, herded the ducks, and Uncle Tugen and the others helped move the threshing machine and wooden materials over.

It took about an hour to move everything, and another half hour to put things in order.

Zhao Ru and Jiang Xia took two rooms in the main house. Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei would live on one side and chose the west wing. Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan took the east wing.

The guards lived in the inverted rooms of the front courtyard. There were four rooms, just right for two people per room.

At noon, they cooked a full table of good dishes and held a small celebration first.

Just as they were about to eat, Chen Feng and Lu Wen returned.

The two of them went to the old house first. One look, and it was empty.

Both were stunned. How could everyone be gone?

After asking a passing villager, they learned that Jiang Ji’s family had moved into their new house today.

They hurried over, dusty from the road, and were taken aback by the scale of the new residence.

Chen Feng asked Lu Jiu, “Is this really Jiang Ji’s home?”

“Yes. Otherwise how could they move in?” Lu Jiu fully understood his confusion. “Didn’t expect it, did you?”

Chen Feng nodded. “Still, it’s a good thing. At least His Highness will be more comfortable here.”

Lu Jiu nodded as well. That thatched cottage had been far too shabby. His Highness had even had to squeeze into one bed with Jiang Ji.

Chen Feng and Lu Wen went first to see their lord.

They found him in the left room of the east wing, with Jiang Ji lying on the bed.

Seeing the two of them, Jiang Ji was startled. They were dressed in the most ordinary gray hemp clothes, unshaven, faces smeared with dust. They looked as bedraggled as could be.

Jiang Ji asked with concern, “Are you two alright?”

Chen Feng shook his head. “We’re fine. Just didn’t have time to wash up these past few days.”

“Oh, that’s good.” Jiang Ji let out a breath, then hurriedly asked, “How did it go? Did you find out everything? Did you get evidence?”

Chen Feng first saluted His Highness, then reported, “It’s all been confirmed.”

He took an account book and several small slips of paper from his chest and handed them to His Highness. “Hu Yuanwu does indeed have dealings with the mountain bandits. Every year the bandits give Hu Yuanwu fifty thousand taels of silver in exchange for protection. It’s been four years now. Your kidnapping was also based on information provided from Hu Yuanwu’s side.”

Jiang Yan looked at the ledger and notes, his brow knitting tightly.

“So it really was him.” Jiang Ji snorted coldly. “Anyone else involved? What about the lower county offices?”

Chen Feng replied, “The magistrate of Huawen County is one of them.”

Jiang Ji asked, “And the magistrate of Changping?”

“The Changping magistrate isn’t on the list,” Chen Feng said. “From what we overheard, they actually resent him. They tried to bribe him before and failed.”

Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan exchanged a glance, relieved.

Chen Feng continued, “Their leader has been captured, and the bandits are in chaos. They’ve split into two factions. One wants to storm the county office to rescue their leader. The other supports a different man as leader. Neither side will give in, so they’re at a standoff. For now, they don’t have the capacity to come here for revenge.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. “Isn’t that the perfect time to wipe them out?”

“Exactly.” Chen Feng looked to his lord. “Your Highness, we need you to handwrite a letter. I’ll take it to the provincial governor so he can dispatch troops as soon as possible.”

Jiang Yan nodded.

Lu Jiu hurried over to grind ink. Jiang Yan sat at the table and began writing.

Jiang Ji said, “You’ve worked hard. Go wash up and get ready to eat. Today’s our house entry.”

Chen Feng looked at His Highness. Jiang Yan tipped his chin slightly. “Go.”

“Yes.” The two followed Lu Wu to wash and rest.

After Jiang Yan finished the letter, Jiang Ji glanced at it and asked, “Do you need any token to go with it?”

Lu Jiu answered from the side, “No need. Governor Fan recognizes His Highness’s handwriting. He’s seen His Highness’s memorials. He can tell at a glance.”

“Aren’t you worried someone might imitate the handwriting?” Jiang Ji asked.

Lu Jiu said, “Chen Feng and Lu Wen are delivering it personally. How could it be fake? And besides, suppressing bandits is a good thing for the governor.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “True enough. It’s a major merit. If it’s done well, there’s nothing to lose.”

Lu Jiu smiled. “Exactly as Jiang Ji says.”

Jiang Ji sighed. “I just hope this gets resolved quickly and those tumors are cut out.”

Jiang Yan’s expression was cold and stern. “Mm.”

…

At noon, everyone ate together in a lively atmosphere.

After the meal, Chen Feng and Lu Wen took the ledger and letter, changed to fresh horses, and rode off at full speed.

That night, after Jiang Ji finished wiping down and lay back, Jiang Yan soon returned from pouring out the water and set his own pillow beside Jiang Ji’s.

Jiang Ji looked at him.

Jiang Yan lowered his gaze and said softly, “Your injuries aren’t healed yet. I need to keep an eye on you.”

Jiang Ji’s wounds were healing, and he could get out of bed and walk, but he still didn’t dare move too much, afraid the wounds might split. At the same time, they itched, making him want to scratch them.

This was when he needed Jiang Yan nearby to remind him and stop him.

Jiang Ji curved his lips slightly. “Mm. Thank you.”

…

The next morning, Zhao Ru went to wake Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei and discovered that Jiang Bei had run over to sleep with Jiang Nan.

They talked about it at breakfast.

Jiang Bei pursed his lips, fidgeted a little, and said shyly, “I just… I just woke up in the middle of the night. The room was too big, and I was alone. I got a little scared, so I went to sleep with Jiang Nan.”

Jiang Nan grinned. “I wasn’t scared at all. I didn’t even know you came over.”

“That’s because you didn’t wake up in the middle of the night,” Jiang Bei protested. “Try waking up and see.”

Jiang Nan shot back, “Why would I wake up in the middle of the night? Isn’t sleeping straight through till morning better?”

Jiang Bei fell silent.

Jiang Ji raised an eyebrow. “Weren’t you pretty happy yesterday, Jiang Bei?”

“I was happy,” Jiang Bei pouted. “But what does that have to do with being scared at night?”

Jiang Ji paused. “You’re right.”

Zhao Ru laughed. “Alright, alright. Since Jiang Bei is scared, let’s move his bed into Jiang Nan’s room and have you sleep together. How about that?”

Jiang Bei nodded. “Okay.”

“Jiang Nan, you’re willing, right?” Zhao Ru asked.

Jiang Nan thought for a moment, then sighed. “Alright. Guess I don’t have a choice, since I’m your older brother.”

Jiang Bei: “……”

Jiang Ji: “……”

Everyone else: “……”

After breakfast, the guards helped move Jiang Bei’s bed into Jiang Nan’s room.

…

Four days later, Hu Yuanwu, the prefect, was taking his midday nap in the rear residence, arms around a concubine, when the door was suddenly kicked open with great force.

“Which blind fool is this? Don’t you see—”

Hu Yuanwu jolted awake, sat up in anger, and met the sharp, disgusted gaze of Governor Fan.

“Y-Your Excellency?!”

Hu Yuanwu was so shocked he rolled off the bed, not even having time to put on clothes before hastily kneeling to salute. “This subordinate greets Your Excellency. I did not know you were coming. M-may I ask why you are here?”

“Hmph!” Governor Fan flicked his sleeve. “Hu Yuanwu, Prefect of Yunzhou, colluding with mountain bandits, accepting bribes, harming the people, and betraying your duty as a parent-official!”

“Men, seize him. Seal his residence. Once the facts are fully verified, send him to the capital for trial!”

Hu Yuanwu was completely stunned, then hurried to protest. “Your Excellency! I’ve been wronged!”

“Wronged?” Governor Fan snorted and took out a ledger, flipping it open and placing it before him. “This was personally investigated by the Regent. The evidence is conclusive. You think you can still claim injustice?”

Hu Yuanwu froze. “T-the Regent?” How could the Regent know?

“Hmph! Hu Yuanwu, you’d better confess honestly. Otherwise, you’ll only suffer more,” Governor Fan said coldly.

Hu Yuanwu’s body trembled. He still couldn’t understand why the Regent would suddenly investigate his dealings with the bandits.

“Your Excellency, I truly have been wronged. Could the Regent have mistaken the person?”

Governor Fan sneered. “The evidence is right in front of you. Where’s the mistake? Not only did you take bribes, you also instructed the bandits to kidnap Jiang Ji. You knew full well how important Jiang Ji is to us. Have you lost your mind?”

At the mention of Jiang Ji, Hu Yuanwu suddenly recalled a guess his advisor had once voiced.

The advisor had said that the man called Jiang Yan looked very much like the Regent.

Cold sweat instantly broke out on Hu Yuanwu.

Could it be… could it be that Jiang Yan really was the Regent? Otherwise, how would the Regent in distant Jing have known about the bandits?

With that thought, despair washed over him.

He looked again at the ledger. The pages clearly recorded year by year, date by date, how much silver had been delivered to Prefect Hu Yuanwu.

Hu Yuanwu’s eyes went wide. Those damned bandits, why keep such accounts?!

Utterly foolish!

In a sudden lunge, he tried to snatch the ledger.

Governor Fan quickly stepped back two paces. A soldier nearby kicked Hu Yuanwu hard, then rushed forward to restrain him.

Governor Fan waved his hand. “Take him away!”

Unable to seize the evidence, Hu Yuanwu was dragged off by the soldiers, his face ashen.

At the same time, the bandits of Skull Mountain were met by three thousand elite troops stationed in Linzhou. In a little over an hour, Skull Mountain was completely cleared. Of the more than two hundred bandits, most were eliminated; the rest threw down their weapons and surrendered.

Many innocent women were rescued from the mountain at last and could finally return home.

…

The next day, Jiang Ji and the others learned that the bandits of Skull Mountain had been wiped out.

Jiang Ji could already get out of bed. He hugged Jiang Yan and jumped in excitement. “That’s great, that’s great!”

“Double good news! Tomorrow we’ll hold the housewarming banquet and celebrate the bandits’ elimination at the same time!”

Jiang Yan looked at Jiang Ji clinging to him and shouting nonstop, amusement in his eyes. He steadied him with an arm and reminded gently, “Don’t jump. Be careful your wounds don’t split.”

“I’m just so happy, hahaha!”

The following day, Jiang Ji’s family hosted a banquet for the entire village. Jiang Ji Dining Hall closed for the day, and everyone came to help and attend the housewarming feast.

Magistrate Xu and Lord Chen from the county office came as well, along with Master Lin from the Lin household.

The courtyard was filled with tables, all laden with the most popular dishes from Jiang Ji Dining Hall’s menu.

With the threat of bandits gone, everyone drank to their hearts’ content.

Master Lin sighed to Magistrate Xu, “No more fear of being robbed by bandits on the road.”

Magistrate Xu nodded. “At last, the people of these two counties have their safety back.”

“And we don’t have to worry about bandits coming to the village anymore!”

Jiang Ji stood up boldly with a cup of tea in hand, planted one foot on a stool, and raised his cup. “Today’s a happy day. Everyone drink freely! Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

Wine cups were raised, wine bowls were lifted, and everyone drained them in one go.

Since Jiang Ji was still injured, no one tried to ply him with alcohol. He used tea in place of wine and drank his entire cup as well.

Jiang Yan: “……”

Jiang Ji poured himself another cup of tea and clinked it against Jiang Yan’s wine cup. “Cheers.”

Jiang Yan laughed softly and shook his head, but still raised his cup and drank.

After sitting back down, Jiang Ji leaned close to Jiang Yan’s ear and whispered, “Lu Jiu said your alcohol tolerance is pretty good. Turns out it’s true.”

Jiang Yan asked quietly, “What else did he tell you?”

These past few days, whenever Jiang Ji had time, he would corner Lu Jiu and ask about Jiang Yan.

Jiang Ji chuckled and replied, “He said that before, when a woman wrote you a love poem, you didn’t even read it. You sent it straight back. Not romantic at all.”

“You think that’s unromantic?” Jiang Yan asked.

“No.” Jiang Ji shook his head and smiled at him. “You handled it perfectly.”

He leaned in again and whispered, “That’s what I like about you. Clean, decisive, no dragging things out.”

Jiang Yan’s brows lifted slightly. His ear felt warm, tingling a little.

When Jiang Ji pulled back, he stared in surprise at Jiang Yan’s ear.

The tip of it was red.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Thandar: Lots of stuff going on with school. So sorry about the delay in new updates. I just managed to translate these few chapters 🥲

Jiang Ji was listening with great interest when he suddenly felt a gaze fixed on him from the side.

He turned his head and met Jiang Yan’s deep, thoughtful look, tinged with puzzlement.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Jiang Ji felt a chill run up his spine.

Lu Jiu, standing nearby, also looked over and found the prince casting him another faint, unreadable glance.

Lu Jiu: ?

Had he done something wrong?

Jiang Yan looked at him and said calmly, “If you want to bathe, go fetch the water yourself.”

Lu Jiu had grown up following the prince. Even though the prince had lost his memory, his way of thinking had not changed. He instantly understood what that meant. This was his cue to disappear.

He rubbed his nose. “Alright. I’ll go carry water now.”

Jiang Ji: ?

“Hey, wait a minute. You haven’t finished yet,” Jiang Ji called after his retreating back. “Finish talking before you go.”

Lu Jiu fled at top speed. “I’ve been on the road for days. I stink all over. I need to wash right away. I’ll tell you another time.”

Jiang Ji: …

Jiang Ji sighed, turned back, and glared at Jiang Yan. “I wasn’t done listening.”

Jiang Yan stood up. “It’s time for you to wipe down. I’ll wash my hands and get water.”

He went to the kitchen, washed his hands clean, and brought back a basin of warm water.

The weather was hot. Jiang Ji was not wearing an outer shirt, only a thin garment draped over his upper body. Jiang Yan lifted the cloth and supported him as he slowly sat up.

The movement tugged at his wounds, and Jiang Ji sucked in a breath, paused to recover, and said, “You really can endure.”

Back then, Jiang Yan’s body had also been covered in injuries, yet he had not uttered a single complaint. Now that Jiang Ji was experiencing it himself, he understood even more clearly how intense the pain and helplessness must have been, and admired Jiang Yan’s willpower and endurance all the more.

Jiang Yan glanced at him and said, “Maybe it’s because I trained in martial arts from a young age. I’m used to bumps and injuries.”

“Your pain tolerance is really high,” Jiang Ji said with feeling.

Jiang Yan wrung out the cloth and wiped Jiang Ji’s face and neck.

Jiang Ji tilted his head back, closed his eyes, and let him do it. He was wrapped in layers of bandages, so only the exposed areas could be cleaned.

After finishing his face and neck, Jiang Yan held his left wrist and wiped his arm, stroke by stroke, carefully cleaning it.

Jiang Yan had two knife wounds on his left arm, painful enough that he could not lift it.

His right arm had no knife wounds, only some abrasions at the elbow. He had applied medicine but not bandaged it. He could endure it and move, could wipe the front himself, could eat on his own, but Jiang Ji simply did not want to keep enduring.

This was not his previous life, where no one cared if he was sick and he could only grit his teeth alone.

Now, his family was all around him, all concerned for him. He enjoyed their care, felt warmth and support.

A life where someone asked after you and tended to you was very happy.

Watching Jiang Yan carefully wipe him down and take care of him made him feel quietly content.

After finishing his arms and washing the cloth clean, Jiang Yan switched to a bathing cloth and continued to wipe his legs.

Jiang Ji had a wound on the side of his right thigh. “Good thing this injury is on the side. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to sleep lying down, and sleeping face down would be uncomfortable too.”

“I won’t let you get hurt again,” Jiang Yan said.

Jiang Ji looked at him and smiled, his eyes curving.

“Lift your hips a bit.”

Jiang Yan untied his waistband and helped him remove his outer trousers. Jiang Ji lifted one side, then the other. The trousers finally came off, revealing pale legs above and darker fabric below.

Jiang Yan glanced once, then turned away to rinse the cloth again. After wringing it out, he looked back at Jiang Ji. “Do you want the inside wiped too?”

Jiang Ji looked down. “I’ll do that myself.”

This part really was too awkward to have Jiang Yan handle.

Jiang Yan handed him the cloth and turned his head away.

Jiang Ji shot him a sideways glance, pulled his trousers aside, and began wiping himself. Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind. Had he misunderstood why Jiang Yan had turned away?

Previously, every time Jiang Ji changed clothes, or when Jiang Yan changed clothes, Jiang Yan would always avoid him.

Jiang Ji liked Jiang Yan himself, and honestly wished he could openly admire Jiang Yan’s muscular build to his heart’s content.

But Jiang Yan was an ancient person.

Ancient people probably believed in “do not look at what is improper”?

Jiang Ji was a little confused about whether that rule also applied between men.

As he mulled it over, he glanced up at Jiang Yan. Jiang Yan’s face was usually expressionless, and Jiang Ji could not tell whether this was out of courtesy, shyness, or rejection.

Sigh. Ancient people were really hard to read, so reserved, even liking someone without saying it directly.

Jiang Ji sighed. He had never been good at reading expressions or intentions, and could not figure out what Jiang Yan was thinking.

He finished wiping himself clean. “Alright.”

Jiang Yan turned back, took the cloth, rinsed it clean, and continued wiping Jiang Ji’s legs.

Jiang Ji looked at his lowered head and called out, “Jiang Yan.”

“Mm?” Jiang Yan lifted his head to look at him, then continued wiping.

“Tell me, why is it that you’re already twenty-six or twenty-seven, and you still haven’t married?” Jiang Ji had been thinking about this for quite a while. “With your family background and status, there should be plenty of people lining up to marry you. Lu Jiu and the others also said you’re very popular. So why haven’t you married?”

Jiang Yan held his ankle, his movements steady. “I don’t know. According to Lu Jiu, probably because I haven’t met anyone I like.”

Jiang Ji stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Don’t you all usually go by parental arrangements and matchmakers’ decisions? Isn’t it usually enough as long as the families match and the conditions line up?”

In ancient times, there was not much dating before marriage. It was usually marriage first, feelings later, or even no feelings at all, just responsibility carrying people through life.

“You all?” Jiang Yan looked at him in confusion.

Jiang Ji blinked. “I mean you big households, especially officials’ families. The interests involved are much more complicated. You pay more attention to matching families than common folk like us.”

Jiang Yan finished wiping one leg, rinsed the cloth again, and said, “I don’t know. I don’t have my memories.”

Jiang Ji: “…Alright. I’ll ask Lu Jiu later.”

Jiang Yan said, “After wiping and washing your feet, you should sleep. Rest more so your wounds heal faster.”

Jiang Ji: “……”

When Lu Jiu returned carrying water, he happened to see the prince carrying a basin out. He immediately set the bucket down. “Young master, I’ll do it.”

Jiang Yan dodged his reaching hand. “No need.”

Lu Jiu watched as the prince walked past him, poured out the water, fetched another basin, washed one cloth and hung it up, then washed another and hung it up as well.

After that, the prince changed basins again, filled it with warm water, and carried it into the room.

Lu Jiu followed and took a look. The prince placed the basin on a small stool, and Jiang Ji was using it to wash his feet.

Lu Jiu: !

Lu Jiu was too shocked to speak. The prince was actually bringing Jiang Ji foot-washing water?!

Then that earlier basin must have been Jiang Ji’s face-washing water?

Lu Jiu: ……

It felt like after losing his memory, the prince had become a completely different person.

Lu Jiu carried the water back to the kitchen. Over there, Jiang Ji finished washing his feet, and Jiang Yan carried the basin out.

That was not even the most shocking part. After a while, Lu Jiu saw his prince carrying a chamber pot out.

“Young master!”

Lu Jiu rushed over and snatched the chamber pot away. “This, I’ll do it.”

He did not give Jiang Yan a chance to refuse and ran off with it.

Jiang Yan could only remind him, “After pouring it out, rinse it clean with water.”

“Got it.”

After Lu Jiu finished and washed his hands, he saw Jiang Yan standing at the doorway of the main hall, wiping the hair of Jiang Bei, who had just finished bathing.

Lu Jiu walked over and said, “Young master, from now on, let me handle things like carrying water and emptying chamber pots.”

“No need. I’ll do it,” Jiang Yan said calmly.

“But, young master—”

“Brother Lu Jiu,” Jiang Bei looked up at him and said, “Before, when Brother Jiang Yan was injured, my brother took care of him too. I’ve emptied chamber pots before as well. It’s no big deal.”

Lu Jiu: …You don’t know what kind of status your Brother Jiang Yan has. If you did, you wouldn’t say that.

He wiped his face and sat down at the doorway, questioning life.

Jiang Nan came out after bathing and saw him spacing out. “What are you doing?”

Lu Jiu looked up at the sky. “Admiring the moon.”

Jiang Nan looked at the pitch-black night sky. “Where’s the moon?”

Lu Jiu: ……

Not understanding what these grown-ups were doing, Jiang Nan carried a small stool and sat next to Jiang Bei, lining up to have his hair wiped by Jiang Yan.

Lu Jiu turned back and said, “Come on, I’ll wipe it for you.”

Jiang Yan spoke up. “Go help Auntie pour out the bathwater.”

“Yes.” Lu Jiu immediately got up and went.

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei watched his retreating back. Jiang Nan turned and leaned against Jiang Yan’s knee, asking, “Brother Jiang Yan, is he really from your family?”

“Mm.” Jiang Yan wiped Jiang Bei’s hair dry, then used a wooden comb to comb it smooth before ruffling it loose again. “All done.”

Jiang Bei got up, and Jiang Nan immediately sat down. Jiang Yan picked up the cloth and started wiping Jiang Nan’s hair.

Jiang Bei whispered to Jiang Yan, “I think he doesn’t seem very smart.”

Jiang Yan said, “Mm. Not as smart as you.”

Jiang Bei immediately beamed.

Nearby, Lu Jiu, whose hearing was very good and who was just coming out to pour water: “……”

Because there were several extra guards in the house, Jiang Ji and the others did not go sleep in the new house that night.

After Zhao Ru and her family finished bathing, Lu Jiu and the others took turns washing.

In the sweltering heat, Lu Jiu originally planned to wash with cold water. Before going to bed, Zhao Ru told them, “There’s hot water in the pot. Even though it’s hot, mix in some hot water when you wash. Don’t catch a chill.”

Lu Jiu lifted the pot lid. A large pot of hot water, fully boiled, enough for several of them to mix warm water.

“Alright. Thank you, madam.”

Zhao Ru said apologetically, “I’m really sorry. We haven’t moved yet, and there isn’t much space in the house. We can only ask you to make do with sleeping on floor bedding for a few days.”

Lu Jiu and the other two guards quickly shook their heads.

Lu Jiu said, “It’s fine, madam. We’re often on the road. Going several days without bathing is normal for us. We often sleep out in the wild, just leaning against a wall. Having floor bedding at all is already very good.”

“You’ve worked hard. Once we move in a few days, it’ll be better.”

“Not hard at all, madam. You should go rest. Don’t worry about us. We’ll find places to sleep ourselves.”

…

When Jiang Yan lay down, Jiang Ji stirred slightly. “Everything arranged?”

“Mm. Sleep easy. I’m here.”

Jiang Ji drifted back into sleep. His body was weak and needed a lot of rest to recover.

With Jiang Yan there, he truly felt at ease.

The night passed without incident.

…

Early the next morning, Lu Wu returned.

Lu Jiu asked him, “All taken care of?”

“Taken care of,” Lu Wu replied, then looked at the farmer’s clothes Lu Jiu was wearing. “Where did you get those?”

“The young master gave them to me.”

Lu Wu took a bundle off his horse. “I even bought you two sets.”

“Give them here. Looks like we’ll be staying a while. The young master only gave me one set.” Lu Jiu took the bundle. “Come on. You need to see the young master.”

Lu Jiu brought Lu Wu to Jiang Ji’s room. The door was open. Inside, Jiang Yan was feeding Jiang Ji breakfast. Lu Jiu knocked lightly.

“Young master, Lu Wu is back.”

Jiang Yan glanced over. “Come in.”

This was the first time Lu Wu had seen his prince since everything happened. He was visibly emotional. “Young master!”

“Mm.” Jiang Yan looked at him. “Lu Jiu said you went to pass the message back.”

Lu Wu glanced at Jiang Ji on the bed and recalled Chen Feng’s instructions that the prince never avoided Jiang Ji when discussing matters. He answered, “Someone was sent back in person to report.”

“Mm. You’ve worked hard. Go rest,” Jiang Yan said, feeding Jiang Ji another spoonful of lean-meat porridge. Jiang Ji swallowed it obediently.

Lu Wu stared at the bowl and spoon in Jiang Yan’s hands. That feeding motion was far too practiced.

He stood there dumbfounded. Lu Jiu pulled him back out.

Once outside, Lu Wu asked in disbelief, “I didn’t imagine that just now, did I? The young master was feeding someone porridge?”

Lu Jiu patted his shoulder and looked at him with sympathy. “The young master also fetches Jiang Ji’s foot-washing water and empties the chamber pot.”

“!” Lu Wu froze as if struck by lightning.

“Foot-washing water? And… chamber pot?”

Lu Jiu nodded with the weariness of one who had seen too much. “Yes. And he won’t even let me help.”

Lu Wu fell silent.

The two looked at each other, both feeling utterly incredulous.

Their young master had been pampered since childhood. Even though he trained in martial arts and endured hardship, he had never done things like carrying foot-washing water or emptying chamber pots for anyone.

Even Lord Lu had never received such treatment.

Zhao Ru noticed another person had arrived, presumably the Lu Wu Jiang Yan had mentioned. She asked, “You’re Lu Wu, right? Have you eaten breakfast? There’s still food in the pot.”

Lu Jiu introduced him, “This is Jiang Ji’s mother.”

Lu Wu hurriedly said, “Oh, madam, hello. I’ve already eaten. Thank you, madam.”

After Jiang Ji finished eating, Jiang Yan carried the dishes out, washed his hands, and fetched a basin of warm water.

Zhao Ru asked, “Is it time to change Xiao Ji’s medicine?”

“Yes.” Jiang Yan carried the basin over. “Auntie, please pour him a cup of water. He needs to take his medicine.”

“Alright.” Zhao Ru poured a cup of warm water and followed him in. She wanted to check on her son’s injuries.

Jiang Ji was still sitting up, sorting his pills. When Zhao Ru brought the water over, he tossed all the tablets into his mouth in one go, took the cup, and swallowed them.

Once Jiang Ji finished his medicine, Jiang Yan put on disposable gloves and removed the bandages, taking off the dressings.

Jiang Ji couldn’t see his back and asked, “How is it? Is it healing?”

“Mm. Much better,” Jiang Yan said, looking at the four- to five-inch-long knife wound, frowning slightly. It was an eyesore.

Jiang Ji wanted to see his back himself and casually produced two mirrors. “Mom, hold this mirror and aim it at my wound. I want to take a look.”

Zhao Ru took the book-sized mirror. The reflection was extremely clear.

“Ah!” Zhao Ru exclaimed. “This is a mirror?”

“Yes. Isn’t it very clear?” Jiang Ji nodded. “After we’re done, you can take it back and put it on the dressing table.”

“This is far too clear,” Zhao Ru said in amazement, then aimed the mirror at her son’s back. “Can you see it?”

“That surface is made of glass. It’s originally transparent. Something was applied to the back to turn it into a mirror,” Jiang Ji explained, holding the other mirror and adjusting angles to catch the reflection from Zhao Ru’s mirror.

“Mom, tilt it a bit toward me. I can’t see.”

Zhao Ru adjusted the angle. Jiang Ji tweaked his mirror again. “Alright.”

He looked at his wound. “Mm, it’s healing fairly well, but it seems a bit swollen.”

Zhao Ru asked anxiously, “Is that serious?”

“No. The inflammation just hasn’t fully subsided yet,” Jiang Ji said. He had learned how to assess wounds from a surgeon in the past. “There’s no pus, no yellow discharge. That means it’s fine. It’ll be better in a couple of days.”

Only then did Zhao Ru relax and put the mirror down.

Jiang Yan disinfected the wound, applied medicine, replaced the dressing, and rewrapped it.

After all five wounds were treated, Jiang Yan disinfected Jiang Ji’s elbow as well and applied some medicine.

When Jiang Ji’s injuries were taken care of, Jiang Ji lifted his chin. “Let me see your injuries.”

Jiang Yan had two wounds: one on his left shoulder and one on his left leg, both shallow cuts from blade tips, two to three centimeters long.

When Zhao Ru had been sewing Jiang Ji’s wounds, she had originally wanted to stitch his as well, but Jiang Yan refused. He only applied wound medicine and bandaged them, wanting to save the remaining thread for emergencies later.

“Almost healed,” Jiang Yan said.

Jiang Ji insisted, “Let me see.”

“Alright then, you two look. I’ll go check the fields and pick some vegetables,” Zhao Ru said as she went out, closing the door behind her.

Jiang Yan sighed helplessly, took off his outer robe, and untied the bandages.

Jiang Ji looked over the wounds. They really were not serious and were already healing. He checked the injury on Jiang Yan’s leg as well. Only after confirming there was no problem did he finally relax.

Jiang Yan packed away the medical kit. Outside, Lu Jiu called out, “Young Master Jiang Ji, a Master Zheng has come. He says he’s looking for you.”

“Oh, please invite him in.”

Master Zheng entered the room. Seeing Jiang Ji wrapped in bandages, he asked with concern, “Boss, are you feeling better?”

They were all working in the village, so they knew about what had happened to Jiang Ji.

“Much better.”

“That’s good.” Master Zheng sat down and said, “I came to tell you that we should be able to finish over here tomorrow. We’ll clean up the day after, and the day after that you’ll be able to move in.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. “That fast?”

“Yes. Your household has quite a few people now and really can’t fit here anymore, so we rushed the work and got it done for you.”

“Thank you, Master Zheng.”

“No need to be polite.” Master Zheng continued, “Also, the workshop you mentioned earlier, are you still building it?”

“Yes!” Jiang Ji said. “I already drew up the plans. If not for what happened, I would’ve discussed it with you earlier.”

He called out, “Jiang Yan, help me get the drawings.”

Jiang Yan went to wash his hands, then found the workshop plans on the table in the main hall.

Jiang Ji put on his robe and discussed things with Master Zheng for quite a while, explaining his ideas and requirements in detail.

Master Zheng nodded. “Alright. I’ll go take a look at the land. I’ll give you proper drawings tomorrow.”

“Okay. Thank you for the trouble.”

“No trouble at all. This is our work.” Master Zheng stood up with the drawings Jiang Ji had made and said with a smile, “Once we finish building your workshop, Li Dagu from your village also wants us to build a house. Says it’s for his son’s marriage.”

Jiang Ji laughed. “Sounds like you’ll be busy.”

“Having work to do is a good thing.” Master Zheng waved. “I’ll be going.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ji lay back down and said to Jiang Yan, “We’ll be moving the day after tomorrow. Seems like we don’t have that many things to move anyway.”

Because of the planned move, Jiang Ji had not bought many new things for the house, just making do with what they had.

They only had three beds, three clothes chests, two tables, kitchen utensils, timber and spare parts in the main hall, the threshing machine, the winnowing machine, plus the ox, horse, and ducks.

“But once we move over, the house will be bigger. Guarding it might actually be harder.” Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “Should we wait until the bandits are dealt with before moving?”

Jiang Yan shook his head. “No need. Eight guards are enough.”

“Alright then. We’ll move the day after tomorrow. Once we’re there, we’ll add furniture. By then I should be able to walk.” Jiang Ji looked at him. “Go tell Mother. Also, check the fields. The tomatoes and watermelons should be about ripe. See if the tomatoes have turned red.”

“As for the watermelons, look for ones whose skin looks shiny from the sun and whose stripes are clear. Pick it up, hold it by your ear, and pat it. If the sound is crisp and hollow, it’s ripe. If it’s dull and heavy, it’s not ready yet. If you can’t tell, just use a dagger to cut out a small triangular piece and check. Only cut one, don’t cut too many. If it’s not ripe, stuff the rind back in. If it is ripe, pick one and bring it back for me to see.”

Jiang Yan nodded and went out. He took a basket from the woodshed, grabbed a small knife from the kitchen, and headed out of the courtyard.

Lu Jiu and Lu Wu were guarding the gate. Seeing the prince heading out, they immediately followed.

Lu Jiu asked, “Young master, where are you going?”

“The fields.” Jiang Yan glanced at him. “Leave one person at home.”

Lu Jiu shook his head. “That won’t do. We have to protect you.”

Jiang Yan simply looked at him calmly. “I’ll be back shortly.”

Lu Jiu rubbed his nose. “Oh. Then Lu Wu, you go.”

Lu Wu, whose skills were a bit better than Lu Jiu’s, followed Jiang Yan.

While Jiang Yan was out, Jiang Ji had Jiang Nan call Lu Jiu inside.

“Young Master Jiang Ji, you wanted to see me?” Lu Jiu asked as he entered.

“Sit quickly. I have something to ask you,” Jiang Ji said quietly. “Why hasn’t your prince married yet, even though he’s already twenty-six or twenty-seven?”

Lu Jiu scratched his head. “The prince is busy every day. He doesn’t have time to think about such things.”

“If your prince doesn’t think about it, don’t his parents worry? Didn’t they arrange matches for him?” Jiang Ji didn’t believe there were parents who didn’t urge marriage, especially in ancient times.

“They did.” Lu Jiu said. “Madam asked matchmakers to bring many portraits of marriageable noble ladies for the prince to look at.”

Jiang Ji asked urgently, “And?”

Lu Jiu shook his head. “The prince said he wouldn’t consider marriage before thirty.”

“Huh? Why?” Jiang Ji blinked. The excuse sounded strangely familiar.

Lu Jiu shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Jiang Ji fell silent for a moment, then asked, “With so many beautiful noble ladies, he didn’t fancy a single one?”

Lu Jiu sighed. “No. Lord and Madam are both anxious. But the prince puts all his heart into state affairs. He really has no mind for anything else.”

“Oh…” Jiang Ji nodded thoughtfully.

Lu Jiu looked at him and suddenly asked, “Young Master Jiang Ji, you’re not thinking of introducing a wife to the prince, are you?”

“Huh?” Jiang Ji blinked and rubbed his nose. “No. Why would you think that?”

Lu Jiu eyed him suspiciously. “Then why are you so interested in the prince’s marriage?”

“…Just curious.”

Lu Jiu thought for a moment. “You’re not planning to marry your younger sister to the prince, are you?”

Jiang Ji glared at him. “What are you thinking? My sister is only thirteen. Are you a beast or something?”

“…,” Lu Jiu also got flustered. “No, how did I become a beast? Wasn’t that a reasonable guess?”

“Don’t guess!” Jiang Ji warned him. “You’re not allowed to set your sights on my Xia’er. Got it?”

Lu Jiu laughed helplessly. “I’m not setting my sights on your sister. I just thought you wanted to marry a girl into the prince’s household.”

“You’re overthinking it!” Jiang Ji said proudly. “My Xia’er’s dream is to be a shopkeeper. She’s not interested in marrying into wealth.”

Lu Jiu: “……”

He looked surprised. “Your sister wants to be a shopkeeper?”

“Yeah. Is that not allowed?” Jiang Ji shot back.

“…It is.” Lu Jiu looked at Jiang Ji, feeling that this person was really different from others. What family actually encouraged a girl to go out and run businesses? And why was he so proud of it?

Jiang Ji paused, then asked, “Is your prince’s family easy to get along with?”

Lu Jiu looked at him suspiciously again. “You sure you’re not trying to marry off your sister?”

“I already said no!” Jiang Ji glared at him.

“Then why are you asking about my lord and madam’s personalities?” Lu Jiu was genuinely puzzled. “This is exactly like parents who are about to marry off their daughter, asking in detail about the other family’s character.”

“Ahem,” Jiang Ji rubbed his nose. “I’m just curious.”

“Really?”

Jiang Ji’s mind turned quickly. “Of course. I was thinking, Lord Lu holds such a high office, and Madam is the eldest daughter of a marquis’s household. What kind of people must they be to raise such an outstanding son like your prince?”

Hearing this, Lu Jiu smiled. “My lord and madam are naturally both very good people.”

“Oh.” If servants liked them, their character was probably decent. Jiang Ji thought about it, then asked again, “Do they have any particular preferences? Like things they enjoy?”

Lu Jiu fell silent again, staring at Jiang Ji up and down.

“What are you staring at?” Jiang Ji felt uneasy under his gaze.

Lu Jiu stroked his chin. “You’re very strange.”

Jiang Ji: “…Just tell me.”

“No. This I can’t tell you.”

Jiang Ji: “…Then what did your prince like before?”

“Ask him yourself.”

“He’s lost his memory.”

“Oh, right.” Lu Jiu nodded. “Then ask again after he recovers his memory.”

Jiang Ji: “……”

Lu Jiu smiled apologetically. “Sorry, Young Master Jiang Ji. Some things can be said, some things can’t. We have rules.”

What he had told him were all things everyone in the capital knew, or could find out with a bit of inquiry. As for more private matters, those could not be spoken of.

Jiang Ji sighed. “Alright then. Continue telling me about that ‘ideal son-in-law ranking’ you didn’t finish yesterday.”

“Aren’t you resting?”

“No. I can’t sleep right now.”

“Alright, then I’ll continue—”

So when Jiang Yan came back carrying a watermelon on his back, he heard Lu Jiu once again talking to Jiang Ji about that ranking.

Jiang Yan: “……”

He set the basket down, stood at the doorway, and knocked lightly. “Lu Jiu, don’t disturb Jiang Ji’s rest. He needs to recover.”

“Yes, young master.” Lu Jiu immediately got up and left.

Jiang Ji: “……”

He glared at Jiang Yan. “I wasn’t done listening. I only got to thirteenth place.”

Jiang Yan carried the watermelon inside. “Why are you asking about so many ideal son-in-law candidates?”

Jiang Ji blinked. “Curiosity.”

Jiang Yan glanced at him and handed the melon over. “Check the melon.”

Jiang Ji pressed his ear to it and patted it.

A crisp, hollow thumping sound.

“It seems ripe!” Jiang Ji said happily.

He showed Jiang Yan the small triangular piece he had cut out. “I checked. It’s red inside.”

The flesh in that little triangle was indeed red. Jiang Ji smiled. “Wash it and cut it up. If it’s ripe, go pick a few more so everyone can have a taste.”

Jiang Yan took the melon and went out. Lu Jiu was waiting under the eaves. Seeing him come out, he pulled Jiang Yan aside into the courtyard and whispered, “Young master, there’s something a bit off about Young Master Jiang Ji.”

“What’s off?”

Lu Jiu frowned. “He’s not just asking about your marriage. He’s also asking about my lord and madam’s preferences, and about your preferences.”

Jiang Yan was momentarily stunned, then the corner of his lips curved slightly. “Did you tell him?”

“No,” Lu Jiu replied. “I only told him things everyone in the capital knows. I didn’t say anything else.”

Jiang Yan said calmly, “If there’s anything he wants to know, you can tell him.”

Lu Jiu was startled. “Is… is that alright?”

“Mm.” Jiang Yan paused, then added, “I don’t know those things myself anyway. Later, come in and tell us together.”

“Yes.” Lu Jiu scratched his head, still not understanding why Jiang Ji was asking about these things.

Could it be he wanted to prepare gifts for Lord Lu and Madam?

But they had saved the prince’s life. If anyone was to give gifts, it should be the prince’s household and the Lu household giving gifts to the Jiang family.

He couldn’t figure it out.

What he really couldn’t figure out was why the prince would actually allow him to share such private matters with Jiang Ji.

Hadn’t the prince always strictly forbidden the household from revealing anything about the masters to outsiders?

How did losing his memory change him this much?

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

“You’re the Regent Prince?” Jiang Ji stared at Jiang Yan, still unable to digest the news.

Jiang Yan frowned slightly and said nothing, meeting his gaze.

They remained silent for a long while. Clearly, neither of them quite dared to believe it yet.

Jiang Ji recalled the various signs from before and murmured, “No wonder. When you heard Magistrate Xu mention the Regent Prince back then, it felt familiar to you. And you’d eaten grapes and lychees, things you can’t get around here. Your old accent was northern too, and you know martial arts…”

He looked at him. “It all adds up.”

Jiang Yan felt deeply shaken as well, though his face showed no particular excitement. He asked Chen Feng, “How did I end up injured here?”

“Yeah,” Jiang Ji added curiously. “Shouldn’t the Regent Prince have been staying in the capital? How did you end up here, and even get hunted by assassins?”

Chen Feng hesitated over whether to tell the truth and cautioned, “Your Highness, this matter involves court secrets.”

Jiang Yan frowned. “Say it plainly.”

Chen Feng: “……”

He glanced at Jiang Ji. Just how much did the prince trust this person?

“Wait.” Jiang Ji looked at the two of them. “If this is court-secret-level stuff, shouldn’t I avoid hearing it? If I know, will my life be in danger?”

Jiang Yan raised an eyebrow at him. “…You’re not exactly safe as it is.”

Jiang Ji paused. “Fair point. When you’re already in debt, you stop worrying. Go on.”

Chen Feng: “……”

He said, “More than six months ago, Your Highness received information that Prince Qi was secretly recruiting troops along the southern border and illegally trafficking iron ore, with signs of colluding with foreign powers and betraying the state. Moreover, the southern country of Nanling has been stirring restlessly these past years. Your Highness therefore secretly led us out to investigate.”

“Prince Qi?” Jiang Ji asked curiously. “The emperor’s elder brother?”

“No,” Chen Feng replied. “He’s His Majesty’s imperial uncle. His Majesty only had two elder brothers, both of whom have already passed away.”

“Oh, got it.” Jiang Ji nodded. The emperor was young, so Prince Qi’s ambitions hadn’t died. He wanted the throne.

After thinking for a moment, Jiang Ji widened his eyes. “Wait, no. Isn’t the Regent Prince supposed to hold the court steady? Wouldn’t leaving like this make everyone suspicious?”

Chen Feng explained, “Because it involved a prince committing treason, His Highness wanted to personally confirm it. At the time, it was the end of the year. In seven or eight days it would be New Year’s Eve, and there would be downtime all the way until the Lantern Festival. Coincidentally, heavy snow fell in the capital and many people caught colds. His Highness pretended to fall ill and took leave at home, but in fact brought us out. The investigation went smoothly at first. Who knew something would go wrong later.”

“What went wrong?” Jiang Ji asked nervously. “You were discovered by Prince Qi?”

“No,” Chen Feng shook his head. “We encountered assassins from Xizhao on our return journey.”

“Xizhao?” Xizhao was the country west of Da Sheng. Jiang Ji was puzzled. “Not from the south or the north?”

“Xizhao,” Chen Feng confirmed.

Jiang Ji did not understand court politics very well, but he knew that with a young emperor, the court depended on the Regent Prince to stay stable.

From this perspective, neighboring countries were probably thinking that if the Regent Prince died, Da Sheng’s court would fall into chaos for a while. A child emperor could be bullied, giving them an opening.

Jiang Ji looked at Jiang Yan with emotion. “You’re way more dangerous than I am. You’re a real hot commodity. Everyone’s got their eyes on you.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

Chen Feng: “……” That was not inaccurate.

Jiang Ji asked again, “So did Prince Qi really intend to rebel?”

Chen Feng looked at Jiang Yan again.

Jiang Yan frowned. “Why are you looking at me? Speak.”

Chen Feng: “…… Prince Qi has indeed been recruiting troops and has secret dealings with Nanling. We already gathered the evidence and were preparing to return to report to His Majesty and handle the matter. Who knew we’d run into assassins.”

“Your movements must have been leaked,” Jiang Ji said. “Otherwise, something went wrong back in the capital. Either people guessed you weren’t there, or foreign spies found out. Or you were betrayed.”

Jiang Yan glanced at him and said nothing.

Chen Feng also glanced at him, silent.

Though Jiang Ji was just a villager, his analysis was remarkably on point.

Jiang Ji continued, “Weren’t you all together with Jiang Yan? Why did you say you arrived too late and that he ended up severely injured and missing?”

Chen Feng lowered his head, fists clenched tight. After a moment of silence, he said, “Because there was a second group of assassins.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes widened. “A second group?”

“Yes.” Chen Feng’s eyes reddened as he went on. “That day it was pouring rain. The cave where we stayed overnight was discovered. They had more than thirty men. We only had nine. Six of us stayed behind, while Lu Ming and Han Yi escorted His Highness to break through.”

“We fought the assassins for a long time and killed more than ten of them. Then they suddenly all withdrew. We sensed something was wrong and immediately went after His Highness. When we caught up, we found more than ten dead assassins along the way, and we saw… saw Lu Ming’s body. Han Yi was gravely injured and unconscious.”

Jiang Ji fell quiet. Facing eleven bandits back then, he had already felt utter despair, a sense of having no way out. They had faced over thirty assassins. He could not imagine how they had endured it.

Jiang Yan’s brows were tightly knit.

Chen Feng’s voice trembled. His fists were clenched so hard his nails dug into his palms. With reddened eyes, he continued, “We followed the traces of the fight for more than ten li. The assassins had withdrawn. The last traces stopped at a cliff, with clear signs of slipping down.”

“We searched below the cliff. There was a river. We didn’t find His Highness on either side. From there, we searched along both banks, the river’s edge, the villages and towns along the river, all the way through. We never found him.”

They all fell silent for a while.

Jiang Yan asked, “Were there any other casualties? The Lu Ming you mentioned, did you bring him back? And Han Yi, who was badly injured, was he saved? How were their families handled?”

Chen Feng replied, “Han Yi was saved, but one of his legs is crippled. Lu Qing lost a forearm. The others were injured, but have since recovered. We sent word back to the capital. Lord Lu and General Han both sent people over and brought Lu Ming and the others back. Lord Lu has already settled their families. Please be at ease, Your Highness.”

Jiang Yan nodded, his mood heavy. “What about the evidence you mentioned?”

“When we were surrounded, we buried it in the cave in advance. Later, we went back to retrieve it and handed it over to Lord Lu,” Chen Feng answered.

Jiang Yan nodded and said no more.

Chen Feng looked up at Jiang Yan and said, “Your Highness, we also came to this county three months ago. It’s more than two hundred li from where the incident happened. At that time, Lu Wen and the others didn’t find you.”

“Three months ago?” Jiang Ji thought for a moment, then asked, “Exactly when?”

“Late in the second month.”

“Oh…” Jiang Ji scratched his head and said, “At that time, Jiang Yan and I were in other counties selling seeds.”

Chen Feng said, “…Lu Wen and the others focused their search on villages along the river and the various towns, but no one recognized the prince. This time, though, someone recognized him right on the street.”

Jiang Ji looked at him and explained, “The river here is to the north, pretty far from our village. We have small streams here and don’t rely on the big river for daily life. At that time, Jiang Yan’s injuries had only just healed, and he didn’t go into town much. Most people would’ve only seen him once, when they came to buy seeds, and usually only one or two people from each household came. It’s normal they wouldn’t remember him. Later, once his injuries healed, he often came into town with me, and we sold seeds again not long ago. That’s probably why people remembered him this time. You just happened to ask someone who recognized him.”

Chen Feng fell silent.

Jiang Yan had been listening the whole time. What Chen Feng described about the night pursuit, the heavy rain, and the cliff all matched the flashes of images that had passed through his mind in recent days.

He asked, “Did you enlist the circuit inspector to help search for me?”

“Yes,” Chen Feng nodded. “We searched for over a month and still didn’t find you, moving from the south toward the north. We figured that if you were alive, you’d definitely return to the capital. The family was extremely anxious. Lord Lu and General Han discussed it and then had us ask Circuit Inspector Fan here to help with the search. He’s a former student of the old master, one of our own.”

Jiang Ji asked, “Is Lord Lu Brother Jiang Yan’s father?”

“Yes. Grand Academician Lu Jinglun, Lord Lu,” Chen Feng said, introducing him since the prince had lost his memory.

Jiang Ji asked again, “Then who is General Han?”

“General Han is the prince’s second maternal uncle,” Chen Feng replied.

“Oh, got it.”

Chen Feng frowned and reminded him, “The prince’s name is Lu Huaizhou.” Even if he didn’t call him Prince, at least use his real name.

Jiang Ji shrugged. “Oh, sorry. I’m used to calling him Jiang Yan.”

Jiang Yan glanced at him. “It’s fine. Call me whatever you like.”

Jiang Ji curled his lips, nodding in satisfaction.

Chen Feng: “……”

Jiang Ji then said to Chen Feng, “He’s lost his memory, and who knows when it’ll come back. You might as well explain who’s in his family, who at court are allies and who are enemies, so he has a clear picture and doesn’t end up completely in the dark later.”

Jiang Yan looked at Chen Feng.

Chen Feng had planned to explain anyway and nodded. “In the prince’s family, there is the old master Lu Xun, seventy-five this year. He was formerly the head of the Hanlin Academy and retired ten years ago. He now spends his days at ease at home.”

“His mother is the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Dongping. He also has a younger brother, seventeen this year, named Lu Huaichuan. He studies at the Imperial Academy and is preparing to sit the examinations this autumn.”

“The prince has no other uncles. His paternal aunt married into the Duke of Qin’s household and has two sons and two daughters.”

“After being appointed Regent Prince, the prince established his own residence several years ago and now lives in the Regent Prince’s manor.”

“As for his maternal family, the Marquis of Dongping’s household has long been stationed in Dongzhou guarding the border. The maternal grandfather passed away four years ago. The eldest maternal uncle, Han Ping, inherited the title and guards the eastern frontier. The second maternal uncle, Han An, is in the capital and serves as General Zhaowu.”

Jiang Ji blinked. “Wow—”

Born into a distinguished lineage, backed by two illustrious great families. Even his aunt was the mistress of a ducal household.

Jiang Yan glanced at him. Jiang Ji blinked back at him. “If you get rich, don’t forget me?”

Jiang Yan curved his lips slightly.

Chen Feng: “……”

Jiang Ji added, “You can tell him privately later which ones are allies. For now, tell us if there are any enemies or people we need to be especially careful of, so we know what to watch out for if we run into them.”

Chen Feng then went through them one by one, explaining all the major and minor matters at court that required caution.

“…That’s about it.” Chen Feng’s mouth was almost dry from talking.

Jiang Ji finally asked, “You say you’re Jiang Yan’s subordinate. How do you prove it?”

Chen Feng took out a waist token from his robe and handed it to Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan looked at the silver token, and that familiar feeling surged through his mind again.

“Let me see,” Jiang Ji said.

Jiang Yan passed it to him. Jiang Ji examined it carefully. It was slightly smaller than his palm. One side was engraved with “Regent Prince’s Manor,” the other with Chen Feng’s name and identifying features.

“Wow, it’s made of silver,” Jiang Ji marveled. “When you’re broke, you could even chip a bit off to spend.”

Chen Feng: “…Who would chip silver off a waist token?!”

Jiang Ji looked at Jiang Yan and said, “Hey, Jiang Yan, the handwriting on this looks a lot like yours.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Mm.”

Chen Feng said, “All the waist tokens in the manor are engraved based on the prince’s handwriting.”

“Oh, I knew it looked similar.” Jiang Ji looked up at him. “Does everyone have one of these?”

“Yes.”

Jiang Ji asked again, “Anything else you can use to prove it?”

Chen Feng thought for a moment, glanced at the prince, then lowered his head. “There’s a brown birthmark the size of a red date on the right side of the prince’s lower back.”

Jiang Yan didn’t remember it and couldn’t see it himself. He turned to Jiang Ji. “Is there?”

Jiang Ji had bandaged Jiang Yan before and remembered there really was a birthmark on his waist. Lots of people had birthmarks, so he hadn’t thought much of it.

“I think there is. Come a bit closer, I’ll check again.”

Jiang Yan leaned over slightly and even lifted his clothes himself.

Jiang Ji pulled his clothes aside. The birthmark was near the waistband. He tugged it down a little, took a look, and nodded. “There is.”

Chen Feng finally let out a breath.

Jiang Ji looked at Jiang Yan. Jiang Yan then said to Chen Feng, “Go wait outside. We need to talk.”

“Yes.” Chen Feng glanced at Jiang Ji and went out.

Once the door was closed, Jiang Ji lowered his voice. “What do you think? Is he credible? What he said about you being hunted, the timing, the location, the rain, the cliff, all match up. He has the waist token and knows about your birthmark. He should really be your subordinate. His attitude also seemed sincere.”

Jiang Yan gave a quiet “Mm” and said, “Until my memory returns, I’ll believe half and doubt half.”

Jiang Ji understood. His eyes darted around and he called out, “Hey, Prince Lu.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

He turned to look at him. Jiang Ji winked. “Just trying it out, getting used to it.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

Jiang Ji chuckled. “Didn’t expect to pick up such a big shot. That’s one thick thigh.”

Jiang Yan: “……”

“Since you’re the Regent Prince, you can mobilize troops, right?” Jiang Ji finished teasing and got down to business. “We need to wipe out those bandits. Otherwise we won’t sleep soundly.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “We can.”

He opened the door and called Chen Feng back in, then said, “About a hundred li west of here there’s a bandit stronghold that’s been terrorizing the area. They kidnapped Jiang Ji. Find a way to eliminate them.”

Chen Feng looked at the bandages on Jiang Ji. “These injuries were from the bandits?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. Just a couple days ago. Not only did they kidnap me, your prince went to save me and was injured too.”

“The prince was injured again?” Chen Feng asked anxiously. “Is it serious?”

Jiang Yan said, “It’s nothing. Just minor injuries.”

Only then did Chen Feng relax a little. “The soldiers outside are there to guard against the bandits?”

“Yes. That bandit nest is said to have around two hundred men and has been around for many years. The county offices on both sides couldn’t handle them. This time the county office sent people to rescue me and captured their leader and a few others. We were afraid of retaliation, so we asked the authorities to station soldiers here,” Jiang Ji explained.

Jiang Yan then told Chen Feng everything he had learned from Deputy Magistrate Zhou Lin about the Skull Mountain bandits.

“The bandits are colluding with the prefect Hu Yuanwu. Investigate it thoroughly and deal with the bandits,” Jiang Yan said.

Chen Feng replied, “That’s easy enough. We’ll look into it as soon as possible. When the time comes, Your Highness can write a letter to Circuit Inspector Fan. I’ll take it to him and he’ll naturally dispatch troops to suppress the bandits.”

“Alright. Then go,” Jiang Yan said.

Chen Feng said urgently, “Your Highness, the most urgent matter now is to escort you back to the capital.”

Jiang Yan shook his head. “I’m not going back yet.”

“Your Highness…”

Jiang Yan glanced at Jiang Ji, then looked back at Chen Feng. “Until my memory returns, I’m not going back.”

Chen Feng was anxious. “But—”

Jiang Ji said, “Chen Feng, the capital is so complicated. He’s lost his memory and doesn’t know the current situation. How can you have him go back and handle all that? What if others find out he’s lost his memory? It’s better to wait until his memory comes back. Besides, those assassins might still be waiting for the Regent Prince to appear. Right now Jiang Yan is here, unknown to anyone. It’s actually safer, don’t you think?”

Jiang Ji continued, “Just send a message back to Lord Lu explaining Jiang Yan’s situation. Let Lord Lu coordinate things in the capital and put his mind at ease.”

Chen Feng thought it over. It did make sense. With the prince having lost his memory, they first needed to inform Lord Lu and ask what to do.

“Your Highness, then let Lu Jiu and Lu Wu stay behind. Lu Wen and I are enough to investigate matters.”

Jiang Yan looked at Jiang Ji’s injuries and nodded. “Alright.”

He then asked, “Did you send many people out to search?”

“Yes.”

“Have them continue searching. Don’t stop. And be careful going in and out of here.” Jiang Yan glanced at their clothing. “Change your clothes. You stand out too much.”

“Yes.” Chen Feng accepted the order and left.

Before long, Zhao Ru and the others came in one after another.

The village head asked, “Did you sort it out? Are they enemies or family?”

Jiang Yan said, “They’re my people. Two of them, named Lu Jiu and Lu Wu, will stay. The others will leave first. Village head, please let them pass.”

The village head nodded. “Alright. I’ll go take a look at the village entrance.”

After the village head left, Zhao Ru looked at Jiang Yan and asked with concern, “So you know your identity now?”

Jiang Yan nodded. “From the Lu household in the capital.”

The identity of Regent Prince was too much to reveal, and Jiang Yan was still in danger. The two of them tacitly chose to keep it hidden for now. Otherwise, Zhao Ru and the others would probably be terrified.

“It’s good they found you,” Zhao Ru said, then thought of his injuries. “Do they know how you got hurt?”

Jiang Yan didn’t want to lie to her. After thinking for a moment, he said, “My family are officials. I offended someone.”

Zhao Ru understood and exclaimed, “So they sent people to kill you?”

“Yes.”

Zhao Ru froze. “Just for offending someone they’d send people to kill you? This, this…” It was far beyond her understanding.

Jiang Ji said, “Mother, don’t be surprised. Weren’t there two real brothers in the city a couple of years ago who killed someone over a thatched house? Officials deal with much greater interests. Hiring assassins isn’t rare. Anyway, those killers think Jiang Yan is already dead. He’s very safe here.”

Hearing this, Zhao Ru finally felt reassured. “Yes, yes. Staying in our village is safer.”

Jiang Bei asked curiously, “Brother Jiang Yan, what kind of official is your family?”

Jiang Ji shot him a look. “That’s a secret. It concerns Jiang Yan’s safety. Why ask so much? When it’s time to tell you, you’ll know. Don’t ask again.”

Jiang Bei pouted. “Oh.”

At the village entrance, the villagers were still guarding the road, facing off with Lu Jiu and the other two.

Lu Jiu and his companions were anxious, but since these were villagers, they couldn’t just force their way in. They moved a little farther away, leaned against their horses to rest, and waited for Chen Feng.

They hadn’t eaten lunch, and by now their stomachs were growling loudly.

After a long while with no sign of Chen Feng, Lu Wu said quietly, “Chen Feng wouldn’t have been detained, would he?”

“Probably not,” Lu Wen analyzed. “If he were detained, these villagers would’ve grabbed us too.”

Lu Jiu said, “And the village head hasn’t come out either. They’re probably questioning him.”

Lu Wu sighed. “I really hope it’s the prince.”

All three of them hoped so.

After another long stretch of waiting, Lu Wu patted Lu Jiu beside him. “He’s coming out, he’s coming out. Chen Feng’s coming out!”

The three immediately stood on their toes and looked past the crowd. Once Chen Feng made it through, Lu Jiu grabbed him and pulled him a bit farther away, asking anxiously, “How was it? Is it the prince?”

Chen Feng nodded, smiling. “It is.”

The three of them let out a breath in unison, grinning in relief.

“That’s great. We finally found him!”

After celebrating for a moment, Lu Jiu asked again, “Then why didn’t the prince come out with you?”

Chen Feng lowered his voice. “The prince has lost his memory and doesn’t fully trust us yet.”

“You didn’t show him your waist token?” Lu Jiu asked urgently.

“I did. I explained a lot too. Only then did they start to believe us.”

Lu Wen asked, “So he doesn’t want to go back with us?”

Chen Feng nodded. “He said he won’t return before his memory recovers.”

The three fell silent. That really did fit the prince’s style.

Chen Feng then told them about the prince ordering them to eliminate the bandits.

“I’ll go investigate with Lu Wen. Lu Jiu, you and Lu Wu stay behind to protect the prince. Remember to report to Lord Lu and see what he says.”

“Alright. We’ll send word back shortly,” Lu Jiu nodded. They had people in the county across the river, so sending someone back that way was appropriate.

“Oh, and the prince told us to change clothes, all of us. Dress like villagers,” Chen Feng reminded Lu Jiu and Lu Wu. “Also, Jiang Ji’s family are the prince’s lifesavers. He trusts them a lot. Remember to be polite.”

Lu Jiu glared at him. “I know. You don’t need to tell me.”

The four split up. Chen Feng and Lu Wen went to investigate, Lu Wu went to the neighboring county to notify their people, and Lu Jiu went to Jiang Ji’s house to protect the prince.

The village head had already told the villagers that they were Jiang Yan’s people and didn’t need guarding against. The villagers immediately relaxed and grew curious instead.

As Lu Jiu followed the village head to Jiang Ji’s house, villagers started asking, “Hey, young man, where are you from? What does Jiang Yan’s family do?”

Lu Jiu answered smoothly, “Our young master’s family does business. He went south to escort goods before, ran into mountain bandits, and went missing. We’ve been searching for a long time.”

“So that’s how it is. No wonder he was covered in injuries. He ran into bandits.”

“Luckily he’s got a strong fate and was saved by Jiang Ji.”

“Yes, thank heaven. Thank Jiang Ji for saving our young master.”

After a few casual exchanges, they arrived at Jiang Ji’s house.

The moment Lu Jiu saw him, he got so excited he almost reflexively called him Prince again. Jiang Yan shot him a look and he immediately corrected himself. “Young master. We finally found you!”

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei had no school these days and were writing in the main hall. They looked at Lu Jiu curiously.

Jiang Yan still checked Lu Jiu’s waist token, then tossed him a coarse cloth outfit. “Change.”

Lu Jiu obediently went to change. Looking at himself in the rough clothes, then at the prince in his gray, dust-colored farmer’s outfit, his heart ached.

From birth until now, the prince had never worn clothes this coarse.

“Alright. Go stand by the courtyard gate,” Jiang Yan said.

Lu Jiu replied reluctantly, “Yes.”

As he spoke, his stomach growled loudly. Jiang Nan blinked. “You’re hungry?”

Lu Jiu scratched his head. “Didn’t get a chance to eat lunch.”

“Then wait a bit. We’ll have dinner soon.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

There were now more people eating at Jiang Ji’s house. Their own family, six guards, plus six soldiers and Lu Jiu.

Zhao Ru and Jiang Xia steamed rice in a large pot and cooked three meat dishes and one vegetable dish, all in big portions.

Braised chicken, stir-fried pork, eggplant and long beans with pork, and stir-fried lettuce.

The guards and soldiers ate in shifts.

The stir-fried pork had chilies in it. Lu Jiu and the guards were all eating chili for the first time. It was spicy and addictive. They gulped down two big bowls and still wanted more.

Zhao Ru watched them and laughed. “Here, I’ll get you more.”

“No no, madam. I’ll do it myself,” Lu Jiu said quickly. He wouldn’t dare let the prince’s lifesaver serve him food. He went and added another half bowl himself, then said, “Madam, your cooking is really delicious.”

“If it’s good, eat more,” Zhao Ru said with a smile.

After the meal, Lu Jiu was called into the room by Jiang Yan. Inside were only Jiang Yan and Jiang Ji.

“Young master, did you need something from me?”

Jiang Yan lifted his chin slightly. “He has questions for you.”

Lu Jiu looked at Jiang Ji. “Go ahead.”

Jiang Ji cleared his throat. “Well, Lu Jiu. You grew up with him, right?”

“Yes. All of us are household-born servants. We grew up with the prince.”

Jiang Ji glanced at Jiang Yan, then asked, “Then has your prince married?”

Jiang Yan looked at him and said nothing.

Lu Jiu shook his head. “The prince has not married.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. “Then is he engaged?”

“No.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes shone even brighter. He thought for a moment, then asked, “Does he have any concubines or bedchamber attendants?”

Jiang Yan: …

Lu Jiu choked on his own saliva. “Cough cough cough!” He turned red and looked at Jiang Ji. “Why are you asking this?”

“Hurry up and say it,” Jiang Ji said righteously. “Your prince doesn’t remember. He’s thin-skinned and wouldn’t ask. Shouldn’t you explain clearly?”

Lu Jiu glanced at the prince. Seeing no objection, he answered, “The prince has no bedchamber attendants. Apart from the cook and the laundry servants, there are no women in the residence. Even the cleaners are men.”

“Oh,” Jiang Ji drew out the sound, nodding in satisfaction. “Then does your prince have someone he likes?”

Lu Jiu looked at the prince again and scratched his head. “I don’t think so. I’ve never seen the prince show special favor to any young lady.”

Jiang Ji smiled until his eyes curved. “Very good.”

Jiang Yan looked at him with a trace of amusement. Jiang Ji touched his nose.

Lu Jiu was puzzled. “…Very good?”

Jiang Ji coughed lightly. “No, I mean your prince is very self-disciplined. Hahaha.”

Lu Jiu looked proud. “That’s right. Our prince is famous in the capital for being upright and self-restrained. All those noble ladies want to marry him.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “…Very popular.” Too many rivals.

Lu Jiu continued, “Our prince ranks first on the Capital’s Ideal Son-in-Law list.”

“There’s such a list?” Jiang Ji was shocked. “You people really have nothing better to do.”

“There is. The matchmakers rank them based on each family’s criteria. Background, learning, character, that sort of thing.”

Jiang Ji was immediately intrigued. “Then tell me about it. What kinds of candidates are on it?”

“Sure. Didn’t expect you to be interested in this, Young Master Jiang Ji.”

“Hurry up.”

Lu Jiu got enthusiastic and began. “Naturally, our prince is first. His family background is unmatched, he himself is the Regent Prince and also a top scholar, and his character is excellent. Second is the eldest young master of the Duke of Qin’s household, our prince’s cousin. He was the second-ranked graduate of the previous year, very learned, and the duke’s household is illustrious. Third is the second son of the Minister of Justice. Fourth…”

Jiang Yan watched Jiang Ji listen with great interest and helplessly picked up a book to read.

After a while, something suddenly occurred to him. He immediately put the book down and lifted his gaze, staring at Jiang Ji.

Jiang Ji liked men. Why was he asking so eagerly about the ideal son-in-law list?

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