Author Archives: Thandar

“A… a man?” Zhao Ru felt as if she had been struck by lightning. It was as though the sky had collapsed.

Jiang Ji repeated it clearly, “Yes. I like men.”

Zhao Ru’s expression froze. Her mind was in chaos, buzzing, and she stammered, “Y-you… how could you like men?”

Then a thought suddenly flashed through her mind. “Is it because you couldn’t marry Chunhua before? Did that… leave a knot in your heart?”

Who was Chunhua?

Jiang Ji paused for a moment, then suddenly remembered. Chunhua was the girl the original owner of this body had once liked.

How should he explain this?

After thinking for a moment, he shook his head. “No. It has nothing to do with Chunhua. After that incident, I realized that I never truly liked girls. The person I really like is a man.”

Zhao Ru slapped her thigh, her eyes filling with tears. “Then isn’t it still because of that incident? It made you lose interest in women. You… you…”

She sighed, anxious, upset, and full of self-reproach. “It’s your mother’s fault. I couldn’t help you marry Chunhua and bring her home. That’s why you… that’s why you…”

Jiang Ji was stunned. How had his mother’s thoughts turned in that direction?

“Mother, it really has nothing to do with Chunhua. I simply like men,” Jiang Ji said.

Tears streamed down Zhao Ru’s face. “Xiao Ji, our family conditions are better now. Whatever kind of girl you want to marry, Mother will find a matchmaker to arrange it for you. Don’t… don’t find a sworn brother to live with…”

In their area, if a poor family could not afford to marry a wife, sometimes a man would find a sworn brother and live together with him, like husband and wife.

Jiang Ji sighed. It seemed he could not persuade her otherwise, so he spoke directly.

“Mother, I don’t want a girl. I like Jiang Yan. I want to marry Jiang Yan. If you want to find a matchmaker, you’ll have to go to Jiang Yan’s house to propose.”

Zhao Ru’s tears stopped instantly. Thinking she had misheard, she asked, “Who did you say you like? Who do you want to marry?”

“Jiang Yan,” Jiang Ji said clearly.

Zhao Ru froze completely. “Jiang Yan?”

“Yes. Jiang Yan. I like him, and he likes me too. We’ve already pledged ourselves to each other in private,” Jiang Ji said plainly, laying everything out. “We’re going to get married.”

Zhao Ru: “……”

Her mouth hung open as she stared blankly at her son. Scenes from after Jiang Yan arrived flashed through her mind: the way the two of them interacted, Jiang Yan going to rescue Xiao Ji, then personally taking care of him afterward. Translated on Hololo novels. And these past few days, after Jiang Yan left, Xiao Ji had begun sleeping poorly…

“You… you haven’t been sleeping well lately because of Jiang Yan?” Zhao Ru asked.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. Mother, he didn’t leave to handle business. He went to do something very dangerous. It could put his life at risk. Before, we didn’t tell you because we were afraid you’d worry.”

“What?!” Hearing that Jiang Yan was in danger, Zhao Ru asked urgently, “What dangerous thing? What did he go to do?”

Seeing her attention shift in that direction, Jiang Ji quickly replied, “It’s related to the court. He went to fight in a war.”

“F-fight in a war?” Zhao Ru was startled. “Is he a general?”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. When Jiang Yan returned, his identity could be made public anyway. His mother was not someone who spoke carelessly, so it was safe to tell her.

“Mother, sit down first and listen to me.” Jiang Ji pulled her to sit, then looked at her and held her hand, speaking seriously. “Mother, Jiang Yan isn’t a general. Earlier I told you that Jin Zhi was his courtesy name. His real name is Lu Huaizhou. He is the current Regent.”

“W-what?!” Zhao Ru jumped to her feet again in shock. “The Re… Regent?!”

“Shh—” Jiang Ji raised a finger to his lips. “Mother, keep your voice down. For his safety, his identity has to remain secret for now.”

Zhao Ru immediately sat down again. She was so shocked that even her tears had stopped. In a low voice she asked, “H-how could he be the Regent?”

“I didn’t expect it either. But he really is,” Jiang Ji said seriously.

Zhao Ru sat there in a daze for quite a while, still unable to believe it.

“How could he be the Regent?”

Jiang Ji said, “Yes. He was assassinated and fell off a cliff. Fortunately there was a river below. He drifted along the current until he reached our county, near the river by the two mountains behind us. When he woke up he had lost his memory. After climbing over the mountains and wandering aimlessly, he ended up here and fainted.”

“So that’s what happened. No wonder he had so many injuries,” Zhao Ru said, recalling how badly wounded Jiang Yan had been when he was first carried back. Then she asked worriedly, “You said he went to fight in a war. Isn’t that very dangerous?”

“Yes, very dangerous. That’s why I’m very worried about him.” Jiang Ji held Zhao Ru’s hand. “Mother, I truly like him, and he likes me too. He said that when he returns, he’ll go back to the capital and report everything to his parents, then marry me.”

“But he’s the Regent!” Zhao Ru said weakly.

“I know. But we love each other. Our feelings are mutual.”

Jiang Ji carefully watched his mother’s expression. It seemed that her focus had shifted from “he likes men” to “the man he likes is the Regent.”

One shocking revelation had been overshadowed by another even more shocking one.

Compared to the fact that Jiang Ji liked men, what startled and worried Zhao Ru even more was that this man was the Regent.

“He’s the Regent. How could his family possibly allow him to marry a man?” Zhao Ru said.

“He will persuade his parents. I trust him,” Jiang Ji replied firmly.

Zhao Ru fell silent.

“Xiao Ji, I know Jiang Yan is a good child, but he’s the Regent. This matter between you two…” Zhao Ru was not optimistic. “How about you think it over again?”

Jiang Ji shook his head. “I like him, and I want to marry him. Mother, can you agree to our marriage?”

“I…” Zhao Ru stopped. Her mind was in complete turmoil, and she could only say, “You just told me too many things at once. I need to think about it carefully. Yes, I need to think about it.”

She stood up. “Xiao Ji, you… you should think about it again too.”

With that, Zhao Ru opened the door of the east wing and hurried back to her own room.

Jiang Ji watched her leave but did not follow. She needed some time to process everything.

After returning to her room, Zhao Ru clasped her hands tightly and paced back and forth. Her thoughts were a tangled mess.

One moment she thought: How could my son like men?

The next moment: How could Jiang Yan be the Regent? And was he safe?

Then: Xiao Ji and Jiang Yan are actually together?

Then: Jiang Yan’s family will certainly never agree to this…

The series of shocks left her unsure which matter she should even think about first.

After turning it over and over in her mind, she eventually concluded that it must be because Xiao Ji had seen the girl he liked marry someone else, leaving him heartbroken. Translated on Hololo novels. That was why he had begun to develop feelings for Jiang Yan, who lived and ate with him every day.

And Jiang Yan had even risked his life to save Xiao Ji.

True feelings reveal themselves in times of hardship. It must have been because of that.

She sighed again and again in regret. Why had she not noticed earlier that the two of them might grow close like this?

If she had realized sooner, she could have had them live separately earlier. Perhaps things would not have developed this far.

What should she do now?

Judging from Xiao Ji’s attitude, he seemed absolutely determined to marry Jiang Yan.

The more she thought about it, the sadder Zhao Ru became, and tears began to fall again.

In the end, she blamed herself. If only her health had been better and the family had been able to save a bit more money, they might have arranged a marriage between Xiao Ji and Chunhua two years ago. If that had happened, things would not have come to this…

Zhao Ru stayed in her room thinking for a long time. It was not until evening, when Jiang Xia and the others returned from school, that she wiped away her tears, composed herself, and came out.

Seeing that her mother’s eyes were red, Jiang Xia asked anxiously, “Mother, why were you crying?”

Zhao Ru shook her head and forced a smile. “It’s nothing. I’ll go see whether dinner is ready.”

Her eyes were so red that it was obvious she was only pretending to be fine.

Jiang Xia grabbed her and said, “Mother, did someone bully you? Tell me. Brother and I will go demand justice for you.”

“You silly child. I said it’s nothing. Go watch Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei and make sure they finish their homework so we can eat.”

As she spoke, Zhao Ru went to the back courtyard.

The more Jiang Xia thought about it, the stranger it seemed. She found her brother in the tool shed.

“Brother, did you know Mother was crying?”

Jiang Ji paused, set down the drawings in his hand, and asked, “Was it bad?”

“Her eyes are swollen,” Jiang Xia answered. Then she suddenly realized something. “You knew Mother was crying?”

“Yes.” Jiang Ji nodded.

Jiang Xia hurriedly asked, “Why was Mother crying? Did someone bully her?”

Jiang Ji looked at his sister. She would learn about this sooner or later anyway. And perhaps she might even be able to comfort their mother. At least she could talk with her so she would not brood alone.

He said, “I told Mother that I want to marry Jiang Yan. She probably can’t accept it yet. She felt sad and cried.”

Jiang Xia was shocked. “You… Brother, what did you say?”

“I said I want to marry Jiang Yan.”

Jiang Xia stared at him in disbelief and said nothing for a long moment.

Jiang Ji gave her some time to process it, then said, “Xia’er, could you accept having a sister-in-law who’s a man?”

“Ah?” Jiang Xia was still stunned. “I… I’ve never thought about that.”

“Oh. Then think about it now. When Jiang Yan comes back, we’ll probably start discussing the marriage proposal,” Jiang Ji said.

Jiang Xia: “……”

She watched her brother calmly resume drawing as if nothing had happened, then asked, “Brother… you and Brother Jiang Yan… you two…”

Jiang Ji glanced at her and answered, “We like each other.”

“Oh… oh,” Jiang Xia said blankly, nodding. “No wonder you two were always stuck together.”

“Hm?” Jiang Ji raised his eyes and looked at her. “We were always together because we had things to do.”

Jiang Xia: “…oh.”

Seeing that she still looked unconvinced, Jiang Ji tapped her on the head. “Hurry up and process this news. Later you can help me go talk to Mother and comfort her.”

Jiang Xia fell silent.

She asked in disbelief, “You want me to comfort Mother? I haven’t even figured this out myself.”

“Isn’t that why I’m telling you to think about it?” Jiang Ji looked at her. “If there’s something you can’t understand, tell me.”

Jiang Xia thought for a moment. “If you and Brother Jiang Yan get married, then you won’t have children, right? How will the family line continue?”

Jiang Ji raised his hand and knocked her lightly on the head again.

“Ah, Brother, why did you hit me?” Jiang Xia rubbed the top of her head, looking aggrieved.

“Who told you that a person must pass on the family line?” Jiang Ji asked.

Jiang Xia blinked. “Huh? Since ancient times, hasn’t it always been the men of the family who carry on the family line? And you’re the eldest son and the head of the household. You have to take on that responsibility.”

Jiang Ji rolled his eyes.

Jiang Xia pointed at him. “Brother, you rolled your eyes!”

“I rolled them just for you to see,” Jiang Ji replied.

Jiang Xia: “……”

Jiang Ji spoke seriously to his sister. “That idea of yours isn’t right. We are born into this world not to reproduce and leave descendants. We’re here to understand the world and to enjoy our lives as human beings. Having children isn’t about continuing a family line. It’s another kind of life experience shared by two people who love each other, a choice they make to experience being parents. Having children is one kind of life experience. Not having children is another. They are simply different choices, and both are normal.”

Jiang Xia blinked again. “Brother… I don’t really understand.”

“You’re still young. It’s fine if you don’t understand yet. Take it slowly,” Jiang Ji said. “And besides, if someone really needs to carry on the family line, there’s still you, Jiang Nan, and Jiang Bei. You can all carry on the Jiang family line. It doesn’t have to be me.”

“But you’re the eldest son.”

“The eldest son or the second son makes no difference. Don’t we all carry Father and Mother’s blood in our bodies?”

Jiang Xia thought blankly for a moment. “Oh… that’s true.”

After thinking for a bit, Jiang Ji asked, “Xia’er, what do you think about me marrying Jiang Yan?”

Jiang Xia thought about it and said, “I’ve heard Mother and Aunt Xiufang talk about men who become sworn brothers and live together their whole lives. But that’s because they’re too poor to marry wives. They have no choice. Brother, that’s not your situation. You and Brother Jiang Yan could easily marry pretty girls.”

Jiang Ji knocked her on the head again. “Didn’t I just say it? Brother Jiang Yan and I like each other. We’re getting married because we like each other.”

Jiang Xia blinked. “Oh.”

Jiang Ji felt she still didn’t quite understand, so he continued, “In this world, some people like the opposite sex, some people like the same sex, and some people like neither. All of that is normal, understand?”

“Huh?” Jiang Xia looked amazed. “There are people who like neither men nor women?”

“Yes. There are people like that, though they’re rare,” Jiang Ji said. “In the world of immortals, whether someone marries the opposite sex or the same sex, or even never marries at all, all of that is perfectly normal.”

Jiang Xia liked hearing about the world of immortals. “Their world sounds wonderful.”

“It really is,” Jiang Ji said. “Xia’er, I told you before that when people marry, they should marry someone they truly like. That way the chances of happiness after marriage are greater.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Do you want me and Brother Jiang Yan to be happy?”

“Of course I do.”

“Good. I don’t like girls. I like Brother Jiang Yan. Go help me talk to Mother and persuade her.”

Jiang Xia sighed. “Brother, why don’t you do it yourself?”

“If Mother sees me right now, she might get even more upset. Just spend more time with her these days and gently talk to her whenever there’s a chance.” Jiang Ji patted her head. “Be good and help your brother, alright?”

This was the first time her brother had asked her so seriously for help. Jiang Xia nodded. “Alright, I understand.”

Jiang Ji rubbed her head, feeling very relieved.

Before going to bed that night, Jiang Xia deliberately took her pillow and went to Zhao Ru’s room.

“Mother, I want to sleep with you tonight. Is that okay?”

Zhao Ru was just getting ready for bed and smiled. “It’s so hot tonight. Aren’t you afraid of the heat?”

“I’m not. I haven’t slept with you in a long time.” Jiang Xia placed her pillow near the inside of the bed and climbed up to lie down.

Zhao Ru used a fan to drive away mosquitoes, blew out the lamp, and lay down.

As she slowly fanned herself, her mind was still filled with worries about her eldest son.

“Mother, are you worried about Brother and Brother Jiang Yan?” Jiang Xia asked.

Zhao Ru sounded surprised. “Your brother told you?”

“Yes. Brother said he and Brother Jiang Yan like each other and want to get married. Mother, do you not agree?”

Zhao Ru sighed. “I just can’t understand it. There are so many good girls. How did he end up liking a man?”

“Brother said he simply doesn’t like girls. He only likes men. If it weren’t Brother Jiang Yan, it would be some other man anyway. Just not a girl.”

Zhao Ru: “……”

“Mother, do you not like Brother Jiang Yan?”

Zhao Ru explained, “That’s not what I mean. Jiang Yan is a very good person. I like him too. It’s just that he and your brother are both so good. They could each marry a good girl, have a couple of children, and live a peaceful, happy life. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

“Mother, are you worried they won’t have children to carry on the family line?” Jiang Xia asked directly.

Zhao Ru nodded. “That’s one concern. In the future, your brother and I wouldn’t be able to answer to our ancestors.”

“But Mother, Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei can carry on the family line. If that’s not enough, you could adopt someone or bring in an heir.”

“That’s not the same,” Zhao Ru said worriedly.

“But Brother already likes Brother Jiang Yan,” Jiang Xia said. “If you make him marry a girl he doesn’t love, he won’t be happy for the rest of his life. Even if he earns a lot of money, it won’t matter.”

“I know. That’s exactly what worries me.” Zhao Ru understood the reasoning. She sighed but did not tell Jiang Xia that Jiang Yan was the Regent. Instead she simply said, “But Jiang Yan’s family are officials. They’re a large and influential household, and he’s the eldest son. His family could never allow him to marry a man.”

Jiang Xia’s eyes lit up. “So, Mother, you’re worried that Brother Jiang Yan’s family won’t agree?”

“Of course I’m worried about that too.” Zhao Ru shared her concerns with her daughter. “With Jiang Yan’s status, it probably won’t work if he has no heir. I’m afraid your brother will end up being treated poorly. What if his family demands that Jiang Yan take a concubine or something? With your brother’s temperament, could he endure that? Wouldn’t he end up heartbroken again?”

Jiang Xia thought about it and nodded. “That’s true. But if Brother Jiang Yan promises he won’t take a concubine, would you agree to their marriage?”

Zhao Ru sighed. “Have you ever seen a wealthy household where the master doesn’t have at least one concubine?” Especially not someone like the Regent.

“I think Brother Jiang Yan wouldn’t do that,” Jiang Xia said after thinking for a moment. “Brother Jiang Yan is a good person. He doesn’t seem like that kind of man. Mother, just look at how many girls in our village like him. He never even glances at them, never pays them any attention.”

Zhao Ru had thought about that too, but she said, “Xia’er, you’re still young. People can change. No one can guarantee what they’ll be like in the future.”

Jiang Xia wanted to say more, but Zhao Ru patted her. “Alright, go to sleep. You have to wake up early tomorrow.”

“Okay. Mother, don’t think too much either. Go to sleep early,” Jiang Xia said. Seeing that her mother didn’t want to talk anymore, she closed her eyes and went to sleep.

The next morning, Jiang Xia found Jiang Ji and whispered, “Brother, I asked Mother about it yesterday. First, she’s worried you two won’t have children. Second, she’s worried Brother Jiang Yan’s family won’t agree. Third, she’s worried that if you two marry, Brother Jiang Yan might take concubines.”

“Alright, I understand.” Jiang Ji patted his sister’s head. “Keep up the good work.”

Jiang Xia nodded. “Okay.”

After that, Jiang Xia continued absorbing Jiang Ji’s reasoning while also repeating it to Zhao Ru. Every night the mother and daughter would talk privately. With someone to share her worries with, Zhao Ru felt less pressure.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ji stayed busy at home. He worked on farm chores, drew plans for the jacquard loom, and waited for news.

Every couple of days he would go to the restaurant and ask the shopkeeper what the traveling merchants had been saying.

Some merchants who had come from the western and northern regions said those areas had begun tightening security. They had a vague sense that unrest was coming and that war might break out. Recently far fewer merchants were traveling toward the borderlands.

Jiang Ji also received a letter from Jiang Yan saying that preparations had been completed. Translated on Hololo novels. The next period would likely be very busy, and if Jiang Ji didn’t receive letters for a while he should not worry.

After some time, Jiang Ji received news brought by Lu Shun saying that the capital had begun “closing the net.” That meant Jiang Yan’s side would soon do the same.

The crucial moment had arrived.

Jiang Ji began going to the city every day. Anxiety weighed on him, and with the hot weather his sleep became even worse. Blisters even appeared on his lips.

Seeing the dark circles under her son’s eyes, Zhao Ru knew he was worried about Jiang Yan. Feeling distressed for him, she had Doctor Yang prescribe calming medicine and herbs to reduce internal heat, and she watched him drink them every day.

“Has Jiang Yan not written back for several days?” Zhao Ru asked.

Jiang Ji paused before answering, “Yes. It’s been nine days.”

Seeing how pale and exhausted her son looked, Zhao Ru couldn’t bear it and tried to comfort him. “He’s very capable. He’ll be fine.”

“Mother, I’m alright.”

Zhao Ru sighed quietly. Jiang Yan had been gone nearly a month. During all this time, her son had never hidden his worry, thinking about Jiang Yan every day. She knew in her heart that her son truly loved Jiang Yan and had already made up his mind to marry him.

“Xiao Ji.”

“Yes?”

Looking at her son, Zhao Ru said, “About you and Jiang Yan… it’s not that I disagree.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes immediately lit up. “Mother, you agree?”

Zhao Ru sighed. “It’s not as simple as me agreeing. I’m worried about Jiang Yan’s family. You know his identity and his family’s position. It won’t be easy for him to persuade his parents.”

“I know. Xia’er told me your concerns, and I’ve thought about them carefully,” Jiang Ji said seriously. “Mother, I trust Jiang Yan, and I’m willing to face it together with him and ask for his parents’ approval.”

Zhao Ru grabbed her son’s wrist, still worried. “Their family is so high above ours. I’m afraid you’ll be wronged.”

Jiang Ji patted the back of her hand and said firmly, “Mother, I’m not afraid. Jiang Yan’s status is high, but if enduring a little hardship can help convince his parents to agree, it’s nothing. After all, I’m the one who wants to marry him.”

Zhao Ru looked at her son for a long moment before saying, “Then when he returns, we’ll discuss everything carefully.”

“Alright.” Jiang Ji hugged his mother. “Mother, thank you.”

Zhao Ru patted his back.

She knew how many difficulties her son would soon face. Precisely because of that, she did not want to add more obstacles herself or stand in their way and make her son unhappy.

If their ancestors were to blame anyone, they could blame her instead.

About half a month later, Jiang Ji was at home assembling the spinning machine. The workshop building was almost finished. He had transported back all the wooden components he had commissioned from carpenters and was assembling them himself.

Suddenly Lu Shun returned from the city and brought Jiang Ji some news.

“Young Master Jiang Ji, my young master and the others have successfully completed their mission. They’ve captured the Prince of Qi!”

“Really? Does that mean they’ll be coming back soon?” Jiang Ji asked excitedly.

“Once the young master finishes handling the aftermath there, they can set out to return. Oh, right,” Lu Shun said, pulling a letter from his robe and handing it to him. “This is a letter from the young master for you.”

Jiang Ji quickly took it and read through it.

The letter said they had already captured the Prince of Qi and suppressed his rebel forces. Although there had been some minor complications, the mission had been completed smoothly. The bed-mounted crossbows and bows had played a major role, and their casualties were very low.

It also said that they would likely be able to return in about twenty-two or twenty-three days.

Jiang Ji said happily, “He said he can come back in about twenty-two or twenty-three days!”

Everyone was delighted. At noon that same day, Jiang Ji told the kitchen to prepare a big meal, and they all celebrated together.

Twenty-two or twenty-three days.

After receiving the letter, Jiang Ji was happy every day, counting the days one by one.

He even made a calendar himself. Each day he crossed out another date. Watching the number of remaining days grow smaller, the smile on his face grew brighter with each passing day.

That night before going to bed, Jiang Ji drew a cross over that day’s date.

Two days left. Just two more days until Jiang Yan returned!

He was just about to blow out the lamp when a burst of footsteps suddenly came from the courtyard gate. Someone was running toward the house.

That sound of footsteps…

Jiang Ji’s heart skipped a beat. Moments later, the door of the east wing was suddenly pounded loudly.

Jiang Ji hurried to open it.

As the door swung open, Jiang Yan stood before him, dressed in black with silver armor.

“I’m back.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Previous

The whole family walked them to the village entrance, watching as the four men rode away on horseback.

Hooves kicked up dust that scattered in the breeze. Their figures grew smaller and smaller until they disappeared at the end of the road.

“Brother, Brother Jiang Yan and the others will come back, right?” Jiang Bei asked, tugging at his brother’s sleeve.

“They will,” Jiang Ji said. After one last look, he turned to the others. “Let’s head back too.”

Some villagers, seeing so many people gathered to send them off, asked from the side, “Where are Jiang Yan and the others going? Going home?”

Zhao Ru replied, “There’s been a bit of trouble with the family business. He lives closer, so he went to handle it.”

This was the explanation Jiang Ji and the others had agreed upon beforehand.

“Oh, I thought he was returning home.”

“He’ll come back,” Jiang Ji said, unconsciously pressing a hand over the left side of his chest.

The villagers smiled and returned to their work.

After all, Jiang Yan’s family had already come looking for him. Sooner or later, he would have to go back.

The group returned home. Jiang Ji went straight to the workshop to continue assembling bows.

Lu Jiu and Lu Shun followed him inside to help. Jiang Yan had instructed them to remain here instead of returning to the capital, so they could pass along messages to Jiang Ji.

Lu Jiu glanced at Jiang Ji. His expression looked normal, but the worry in his eyes could not be hidden.

“Young Master Jiang Ji, don’t worry,” Lu Jiu comforted him.

Without looking up, Jiang Ji fitted a component into place. “Of course I’ll worry. But I believe he’ll complete his mission safely and come back.”

Lu Jiu fell silent for a moment, then nodded with a smile. “Right. Just trust the young master.”

Lu Shun watched the two of them, sensing something oddly subtle in their conversation. Why was his brother deliberately comforting Jiang Ji like this?

Was there something he didn’t know?

Originally, after the young master left, Lu Shun had planned to escort Physician Yang back to the capital. Translated on Hololo novels. But Jiang Yan had specifically ordered them to remain here so they could relay news from both the capital and himself to Jiang Ji. That also struck him as strange.

Why should court news be reported to Jiang Ji?

Lu Shun couldn’t figure it out.

When Lu Jiu stepped out to use the latrine, Lu Shun followed and grabbed him. “Brother, don’t you think something’s strange?”

“What’s strange?” Lu Jiu said, staring at his brother blocking the doorway. “Move. Let me finish first.”

“Why did the young master tell us to stay?” Lu Shun asked without moving aside.

“Didn’t he say? So Physician Yang can continue treating Madam Jiang,” Lu Jiu replied impatiently, pushing past him. “Don’t block the door. I’m dying here.”

Lu Shun waited outside, continuing his thoughts aloud. “That’s not it. Physician Yang already wrote the prescription. She just needs to keep taking it. The young master said I should relay all messages from the capital and from him to Young Master Jiang Ji. He clearly left me here to pass along information.”

After finishing and washing his hands, Lu Jiu came out and looked at his brother with a complicated expression. “Just do what the young master told you. Don’t overthink it.”

“No, you definitely know something.” Lu Shun grabbed him again. “Tell me what’s going on.”

Lu Jiu sighed. “Shun’er, can we not have this conversation outside the latrine?”

Lu Shun glanced back, then slung an arm over his brother’s shoulder and dragged him farther away. “Alright. Talk.”

“…Talk about what? I don’t know anything.” Lu Jiu headed back toward the workshop, reminding him, “Don’t pry into the young master’s affairs. Just do as instructed. When it’s time for you to know, you’ll know.”

“…Oh,” Lu Shun said.

That confirmed it. Something was definitely going on, and his brother knew about it.

He suppressed his curiosity. His brother was right, the young master’s affairs were not something to casually investigate.

When Lu Jiu returned to the courtyard, Jiang Ji was gone. Looking around, he saw him inside Physician Yang’s room.

Curious, he approached and overheard Jiang Ji talking about… granules?

Physician Yang stroked his white beard. “Pills already exist. By ‘granules,’ do you mean very small pills?”

Jiang Ji scratched his head. “Something like that. Basically medicine you can dissolve in hot water and drink immediately. Right now we have to decoct medicine, but that takes too long. Sometimes people might not survive long enough to wait for it to finish boiling. If it dissolves quickly in hot water and works about the same as a decoction, it would be much easier to carry while traveling. It should be possible, right? Similar to pills?”

Physician Yang pondered for a moment. “I can try.”

Jiang Ji nodded happily. “Then I’ll trouble you with it. Things like fever medicine, Xiao Chaihu granules mainly made from Xiao Chaihu; and heat-clearing medicines like Yinqiao Jiedu pills made from honeysuckle and similar herbs; also Niuhuang Jiedu pills, and Chuanxinlian pills. Please make plenty of them. And we’ll need lots of hemostatic powder too. Tell me whatever herbs you need, and I’ll have people purchase them.”

Physician Yang asked in confusion, “Didn’t you already buy a large amount of wound medicine for Young Master Lu to take? Why more hemostatic powder?”

“The more the better. Better to be prepared.”

“Wound medicine is already the best hemostatic powder,” Physician Yang said, studying him. “Young Master Jiang, do you also study medicinal herbs?”

“Ah, I’ve just heard doctors talk about them,” Jiang Ji replied.

Physician Yang nodded. “Understood.”

Afterward, Jiang Ji left and returned to the workshop. Lu Jiu asked, “Young Master Jiang Ji, what kind of granules were you asking Physician Yang to make?”

“Medicine,” Jiang Ji replied. “When you’re traveling, it’s inconvenient to boil decoctions. I asked him to make pills or granules instead so they’re easier to use. When you leave later, you’ll take them along.”

“Oh, I see.” Lu Jiu looked at Jiang Ji and sighed inwardly. Young Master Jiang Ji truly cared deeply about and worried for the young master.

Jiang Ji returned to assembling bows while asking 2977 in his mind, “2977, can you tell me the ingredients of Lianhua Qingwen granules?”

Xiao Chaihu granules, Lianhua Qingwen granules, Yinqiao Jiedu granules, and similar medicines were well-known heat-clearing traditional remedies in Jiang Ji’s previous life and highly effective. He wanted Physician Yang to recreate them, but unfortunately he did not know the exact formulas.

2977 remained as cold and mechanical as ever: 【Insufficient authorization.】

Jiang Ji sighed. “What use are you, then?”

2977: 【……】

At noon during the meal, Jiang Ji stood to leave when Lu Shun suddenly looked at his chest. “Young Master Jiang Ji, are you injured?”

“Hm?” Jiang Ji shook his head. “No.”

“Then why is your shirt red here?” Lu Shun pointed.

Lu Jiu also looked over.

Jiang Ji was wearing a gray short-sleeved shirt that day. Looking down, he saw mottled red stains over the left side of his chest.

Jiang Ji: “……”

The weather was too hot. He had sweated, and the seal ink had transferred onto his clothes.

“It’s nothing. I’ll change,” Jiang Ji said, unable to think of a good excuse. He grabbed a basin of water and hurried back to his room in the east wing.

After closing the door and removing his shirt, he saw the three seal marks on his chest had smeared together into a reddish blur. At a glance, it really did look like bloodstains.

He pulled out tissues and carefully wiped away the smudged edges. He hated to erase them, but the summer heat meant they would keep staining his clothes if he did not.

With a sigh, he steeled himself and wiped the seals clean, then dampened a towel and wiped himself down.

He remembered Jiang Yan hadn’t wiped his off that morning. If Chen Feng and the others noticed red stains on his clothes…

Imagining Jiang Yan’s usually expressionless face showing embarrassment made Jiang Ji laugh out loud. That scene would definitely be entertaining.

But Jiang Yan had worn black today, hadn’t he?

That guy had definitely done it on purpose.

Jiang Ji picked up the sleepwear Jiang Yan had changed out of that morning. Sure enough, there were faint cinnabar stains over the left chest area.

After changing clothes, Jiang Ji dumped the basin water, added both his own clothes and Jiang Yan’s sleepwear, and carried everything to the backyard well. He lathered soap into the water and let the clothes soak.

All the soap at home came from the system exchange and worked extremely well.

After lunch, Aunt Niu, who usually did the washing, saw the clothes in the basin and prepared to wash them, only for Jiang Ji to stop her as he walked in.

“Aunt Niu, leave it. I’ll do it.”

“How could I let you wash clothes, Young Master?” she protested. “These are just sleep clothes. I’ll finish in no time.”

“Leave it. I’ll do it myself.” Jiang Ji took the basin back. “Go rest, Aunt Niu.”

She looked bewildered after having her work taken away and glanced toward Zhao Ru at the kitchen entrance. She went over and said, “Madam, why does the young master want to wash clothes himself?”

Zhao Ru looked at her son, unsure what he was doing. “If he wants to wash, let him.”

Still, she walked over to check. They were Jiang Ji’s and Jiang Yan’s sleepwear, and the area Jiang Ji was scrubbing with soap was stained red.

“Xiao Ji, why is there blood on your clothes? Are you hurt?” Zhao Ru exclaimed, snatching the garment from his hands and unfolding it to inspect the chest area.

She immediately turned toward him. “Is your chest bleeding?”

Jiang Ji: “……”

“No, Mother, I’m not injured.” Jiang Ji blinked, thinking quickly. “Yesterday I knocked over some seal ink and got it on both my clothes and Jiang Yan’s. I just brought them to wash.”

“Seal ink?” Zhao Ru examined it carefully and realized it really was ink, not blood. She sighed in relief. “But isn’t this the shirt you wore this morning?”

“Ah, right… When I went back to my room earlier, I accidentally got more ink on it, so I changed.”

“Oh. As long as you’re not hurt.” Zhao Ru rolled up her sleeves. “I’ll wash them. Go take a nap.”

Jiang Ji immediately refused. The stains were all on the chest area. If Zhao Ru kept looking, he would never be able to explain.

“No need, Mother. Go rest. I’ll finish soon.” Seeing she still wanted to help, he added, “I’ve been stuck thinking about a design and needed a break. Washing clothes helps clear my head.”

Hearing that, Zhao Ru stopped insisting. “Alright then. Take your time and rest a bit.”

“Okay.”

She washed her hands and returned indoors while Jiang Ji sat on a small stool by the well, carefully scrubbing the clothes.

The well area was cool, and everyone passed by there after meals. Each person who saw him washing clothes stopped to ask about it.

Jiang Ji felt numb with exasperation. It’s just laundry. Why is everyone making such a fuss?

He quickly finished washing, hung the clothes to dry, and returned to the workshop.

That night, staring at the empty half of the bed beside him, Jiang Ji found himself unable to sleep.

He wondered where Jiang Yan and the others had reached.

Were they in danger?

Ancient times were truly inconvenient. No phone calls, no messages. Even wanting to say a single word across distance was impossible.

You could miss someone and have no way for them to know.

In the pitch-black night, his mind ran wild imagining all kinds of possibilities. He stayed awake for half the night before finally drifting into a hazy sleep.

…

The next morning, Jiang Ji woke up yawning repeatedly, clearly unrested.

At breakfast, Zhao Ru asked with concern, “Didn’t sleep well?”

“Mm. Too hot,” Jiang Ji replied, choosing the safest excuse. “And a mosquito got inside the bed net.”

Jiang Nan, missing one of his front teeth, eagerly offered his older brother some advice. “Before sleeping, you have to fan the bed a bit to drive the mosquitoes away, clip the net properly, and tuck it tightly under the mat. Then no mosquitoes can get in!”

“Got it.” Jiang Ji looked at his little gap-toothed grin. “Should we just pull the other one out for you too?”

Jiang Nan’s second loose tooth had been wobbling for four or five days already. Hearing this, he shook his head quickly. “Let it fall out by itself! Last time you pulled one, it hurt so much. Go pull Jiang Bei’s, his is about to fall out.”

Jiang Ji immediately turned to look at Jiang Bei.

Jiang Bei had also started losing his baby teeth. He ate cautiously now, afraid of biting down on the loose tooth and hurting himself.

Seeing his older brother’s gaze, he hurriedly shook his head. “It hasn’t fallen out yet.”

“But my hands are itchy. I really want to help you pull it,” Jiang Ji said.

Jiang Bei: “……”

He instantly turned toward their mother. “Mom, I don’t want big brother pulling my tooth!”

Zhao Ru watched the children’s commotion with amused helplessness. “Your brother’s just teasing you.”

“Is he?” Jiang Bei looked at Jiang Ji, unconvinced. It really seemed like his brother wanted to pull it.

Jiang Ji grinned at him. “Just kidding. I really want to pull it.”

Jiang Bei: “……”

He gulped down the rest of his porridge, grabbed a corn cob and an egg, and ran off. “Jiang Nan, hurry! We’ll be late!”

“Wait for me!” Jiang Nan, equally afraid of having his tooth pulled, snatched two eggs and sprinted after him.

Jiang Ji called after them, “I’ll pull them when you get back tonight!”

“Don’t you dare!” Jiang Nan shouted back.

Finding amusement in teasing his two younger brothers, Jiang Ji burst into wicked laughter.

After laughing, he instinctively reached to nudge Jiang Yan’s arm beside him. “Jiang Yan, look…”

His hand met empty air.

The space to his right was vacant.

Jiang Ji: “……”

He withdrew his hand. The smile froze briefly on his lips before he lowered his gaze and continued eating.

Zhao Ru noticed and sighed softly. “I wonder whether Jiang Yan and the others have arrived yet.”

“They probably haven’t,” Jiang Ji replied. “It’s quite far. It’ll take several days.”

“Their family business reaches that far?” Zhao Ru asked curiously. “Wouldn’t that be hard to manage?”

“Mm, maybe goods sell well over there,” Jiang Ji said casually.

From that day on, Jiang Ji filled his schedule completely. In the mornings he assembled bows and arrows. After lunch, he even gave up his usual nap and returned straight to the workshop. Once finished there, he went to the fields to pile fertilizer, pull weeds, and water crops.

He kept himself busy all day.

That way, he could fall asleep faster at night.

Lu Jiu returned from Nanping with the remaining components, and Jiang Ji worked with Lu Jiu and Lu Shun to assemble them as quickly as possible.

When Jiang Ji saw Lu Shun step out and return, he immediately asked, “Any news?”

Lu Shun shook his head. “I just went to the latrine.”

“Oh.” Jiang Ji went back to work.

Lu Shun watched him and sighed quietly. These past few days, Jiang Ji asked about news every time he saw him. But the young master had only left a few days ago. There was no way messages could arrive so quickly. They probably had not even reached their destination yet.

Lu Jiu explained gently, “It’s very far. Even riding at full speed, it would take seven or eight days to arrive.”

Jiang Ji paused. “Oh. I understand.”

After a moment, Jiang Ji said, “Tell me some stories about your young master when he was little.”

Lu Shun exchanged a glance with his brother. “When the young master was little, he mostly studied or practiced martial arts. Nothing very interesting.”

“There are stories,” Lu Jiu said.

Lu Shun looked puzzled. “There are?”

“Of course. You were too young to remember.”

Lu Shun: “……”

Jiang Ji immediately grew interested. “What stories? Tell me.”

Lu Jiu said, “When the young master was little, he was actually quite lively. He even went bird-nest hunting with us.”

“Oh really? He climbed trees too?” Jiang Ji asked in surprise. “I always thought he was serious and mature even as a child.”

“Not at all. He was pretty mischievous,” Lu Jiu said enthusiastically. “We were maybe seven or eight then. One day a bird’s nest appeared in the persimmon tree in Second Uncle’s backyard. Lu Wu spotted it first. The tree was slippery, and none of us could climb it, so we tried poking it with bamboo poles.”

“The young master had just finished practicing calligraphy and came outside. When he saw us, he immediately started climbing the tree. Young Master Jiang Ji, guess what happened?”

“What happened?” Jiang Ji asked eagerly. “Did he make it up?”

“No. He climbed halfway, maybe about ten feet high, almost reaching the branch, when his foot slipped and he came crashing down. We panicked, thinking if he got hurt we’d be doomed, so we all stretched out our arms to catch him.”

“Did you catch him?”

Lu Jiu burst into laughter at the memory. “No! We didn’t! His belt got hooked on a cut branch, and he ended up hanging in midair. Even now I can’t think about it without laughing, hahaha…”

Jiang Ji could not help laughing too, picturing a half-grown boy dangling from a tree trunk. “What expression did he have?”

Lu Jiu laughed. “At first he was completely stunned, eyes wide open. Then he couldn’t get down by himself and got anxious and embarrassed, furious even. In the end, Second Uncle had to climb up and pull him down. Afterward he forbade us from laughing or ever mentioning it. Anyone who laughed had to do horse stance punishment. He was so petty…”

“Hahahaha—” Jiang Ji laughed so hard tears formed in his eyes. “He actually had moments like that? Hahaha…”

The workshop filled with laughter for a long while.

After that, Jiang Ji found new entertainment. Whenever he caught Lu Jiu free, he would make him tell stories about Jiang Yan.

Three days later, Lu Jiu set out as well, bringing the newly finished bows, sleeve arrows, and two completed bed crossbows, along with ten men sent from the capital.

Jiang Ji packed up all the pills that Physician Yang had hurriedly prepared, together with trauma medicine and various other medicinal pills the guards had purchased from neighboring counties, and had Lu Jiu take everything along.

That afternoon, Old Lin, a guard from the restaurant, returned from the city carrying a letter addressed to Jiang Ji.

The moment Jiang Ji saw the familiar handwriting on the envelope, he brightened. “It’s from Jiang Yan.”

He opened it immediately.

The letter had been written four days after Jiang Yan’s departure, in Linzhou. It reported that they were safe and had been entrusted to a merchant to deliver to the restaurant.

When Jiang Ji read Jiang Yan’s remark that the cinnabar seal on his chest had smudged, he could not help laughing.

Lu Shun stood nearby, anxious but too polite to peek. When Jiang Ji finally finished reading, he asked, “Where have they reached? Are they alright?”

“They were in Linzhou then,” Jiang Ji replied. “This was written several days ago. Everything was peaceful along the way.”

He read the letter once more, then carefully folded it and tucked it beneath his pillow.

After that, every few days, sometimes three or four days, sometimes five or six, Jiang Ji would receive another letter from Jiang Yan.

Because Jiang Yan’s group was traveling secretly, they could not use official courier stations. Private letters had to be entrusted to traveling merchants, so all correspondence was delivered through the restaurant.

And since Jiang Yan kept moving between locations, Jiang Ji had no way to send replies.

Jiang Ji thought that compared to himself, who could at least receive letters, Jiang Yan must have it harder, unable to receive any in return.

Every night before sleeping, Jiang Ji would take out the letters and reread them before he could fall asleep.

One day, while reviewing account books at the restaurant counter, Jiang Ji overheard traveling merchants discussing news from the capital. They were saying that the Regent Prince had gone missing and might already be dead.

Jiang Ji paused, quietly listening.

The merchants had come directly from the capital. As they talked, others nearby gathered to ask questions.

“Is it true? The Regent Prince disappeared?”

“Of course it’s true. We passed through the capital recently. We came here because we heard about the new rice seeds.”

“How could someone like the Regent just disappear?”

“He’s been missing for half a year. The court and the prince’s residence kept it secret, claiming he was inspecting military affairs, but now they can’t hide it anymore. The whole capital knows.”

“My heavens… how could he vanish?”

“Who knows? They say he disappeared on the road back to the capital. The Lu family and the prince’s residence sent many people searching but found nothing.”

“What will the court do now?”

“The officials are panicking. People in the capital are uneasy. Some say he was assassinated.”

“Assassinated?”

“Yes. Supposedly attacked in a place called Lushan County, then vanished. Alive or dead, no one knows.”

“Lushan County? Isn’t that south of Nanping County?”

“Exactly. Only two or three hundred li from here.”

“I came from the western routes. The border’s been unstable lately. Might be related.”

“If the Regent Prince isn’t holding the court together, the borders could fall into chaos.”

“Are we going to war?”

“Heaven forbid. Please don’t let there be war.”

Jiang Ji listened for a while, lost in thought, before returning to the account books.

The news had spread this far. That meant the capital had already begun moving.

Lushan County really was where Jiang Yan had been attacked. The rumor was true by design, released to make spies believe it and lure them out. It marked the beginning of Jiang Yan’s plan.

What followed would be the most critical phase.

Unable to focus on the accounts, Jiang Ji eventually went to the county office to ask the magistrates.

Magistrate Xu sighed. “I’ve received the news too. The capital is full of rumors. A classmate of mine says it’s most likely true.”

Jiang Ji looked to Lord Chen, who nodded. “The information I received says the same.”

“Any other news?” Jiang Ji asked.

They both shook their heads.

“We only know the court and the Lu household have sent many people searching,” Lord Chen said.

Magistrate Xu suddenly recalled something. “Earlier, Governor Fan mentioned helping people from the capital search for someone. Could that have been the Regent Prince?”

“Possible,” Lord Chen replied.

It was indeed the case, but Jiang Ji said nothing. Translated on Hololo novels. Seeing he could learn no more, he left the county office and returned home.

He found Lu Shun and asked, “Any news from the capital?”

Seeing Jiang Ji’s troubled expression, Lu Shun asked carefully, “Young Master Jiang Ji, did you hear something?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “The news has spread.”

“We received word from home,” Lu Shun said. “Everything in the capital is proceeding smoothly. I’ve been told to remain here for now.”

“That’s good,” Jiang Ji said, nodding.

Lu Shun added, “Tomorrow I’ll move into the city with Old Cao and the others to handle some matters. Physician Yang will remain here.”

“Alright. Be careful,” Jiang Ji said. Jiang Yan had explained that the prince’s residence and the Lu household maintained their own intelligence network. With Chen Feng and the others gone, Lu Shun would assist locally.

“I’ll send any news to the restaurant,” Lu Shun said.

“Good.”

The capital and Jiang Yan had already cast their nets, waiting for the bait to be taken.

For Jiang Ji, the waiting became even harder to endure.

For several days in a row, Jiang Ji had been sleeping poorly. Seeing the dark circles beneath her son’s eyes, Zhao Ru asked worriedly, “Is it still too hot? Why don’t you sleep on the floor? It’ll be cooler.”

Jiang Ji was not hot. He was worried.

Seeing the concern on Zhao Ru’s face, Jiang Ji led her into the east wing, then closed the door.

“Mother, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Before Jiang Yan returned, Jiang Ji wanted to settle matters on his side first. That way, once Jiang Yan reported everything to his parents, they could choose a time to formally propose marriage.

He had thought about this for a long time but never found the right opportunity. So he decided to say it now.

“What is it?” Zhao Ru grew tense when she saw him shut the door. “Has someone discovered your secret?”

“No.” Jiang Ji guided her to sit down, then suddenly knelt before her.

Zhao Ru was startled and immediately bent to pull him up. “Xiao Ji, w-why are you kneeling? Get up quickly.”

“No, Mother. I have something to tell you. I must say it kneeling.”

“What could be so serious?” Zhao Ru asked anxiously. “Whatever it is, we’ll discuss it together.”

Jiang Ji took a deep breath and looked up at her. “Mother, when the matchmaker came before to arrange a marriage for me, I said I didn’t want to marry yet. That was actually an excuse. I lied to you.”

Zhao Ru froze for a moment, then brightened with delight. “You want to marry now?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. I want to marry now.”

“Then I’ll go find the matchmaker,” Zhao Ru said, overjoyed, smiling broadly. “Which family’s daughter do you like? I’ll call the matchmaker right away.”

“Mother,” Jiang Ji said, catching her hand, “I’m sorry. I don’t like girls.”

“…What?” Zhao Ru’s smile froze. “Didn’t you just say you wanted to marry?”

“I do,” Jiang Ji said honestly. “But the person I want to marry isn’t a girl.”

Zhao Ru stared at him blankly. “Not a girl… what do you mean?”

Jiang Ji clenched his teeth slightly and said, “Mother, I don’t like women. I like men.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Next

At first light, when dawn had only just begun to break, every household in the Village was already busy.

It was the height of the midsummer harvest season. The heat was oppressive, so farmers came out early while the weather was still cool to work.

Jiang Ji and the others were no exception.

Having been caught in the rain the night before, Jiang Ji woke early with a runny nose, his voice slightly nasal when he spoke.

“Caught a chill?” Jiang Yan reached out and touched his forehead. “You don’t seem to have a fever. Any headache?”

Jiang Ji shook his head. “I’m fine. Just a runny nose. Drinking more hot water will take care of it.”

“You’re not going out today. Stay home and rest.” Jiang Yan pressed him back down onto the bed. “I’ll ask Physician Yang to come take a look.”

Jiang Ji lay pinned against the pillow. “…I don’t even have a headache. It’s just the beginning of a cold. Some hot water and I’ll be fine.”

Jiang Yan ignored him. “Let the doctor examine you.”

Jiang Ji tried to sit up again but Jiang Yan pressed a hand against his chest. “Don’t move.”

Jiang Ji sighed. “Alright, alright. Then hurry up.”

Jiang Yan brought the physician over. Hearing that Jiang Ji might have caught a chill, Zhao Ru and Jiang Xia came as well.

Looking at the room suddenly full of people, Jiang Ji said helplessly, “I’m really fine. Just a little runny nose. Very mild.”

“Let Physician Yang check you,” Zhao Ru said.

After taking Jiang Ji’s pulse and examining his tongue coating, Physician Yang said, “Nothing serious. He caught a chill from yesterday’s rain. Two doses of medicine will do.”

“See? I said I was fine.” Jiang Ji sat up. “Doctor Yang, do I really need medicine for something this small? Drinking hot water should be enough.”

Zhao Ru glared at him. “Listen to the doctor.”

Overpowered by maternal authority, Jiang Ji sighed. “…Alright.”

Jiang Xia stared at Jiang Ji’s lips and asked curiously, “Brother, why are your lips swollen?”

Everyone immediately looked toward his mouth. Indeed, his lips were slightly more swollen than usual.

“Hm?” Jiang Ji touched his lips and glanced at Jiang Yan. “Ah, a mosquito bit me.”

Jiang Yan: “…”

“That must’ve been a vicious mosquito,” Lu Jiu added from the side. “I didn’t close my bed net properly last night and got bitten several times on the neck.”

Jiang Ji looked at Jiang Yan with a cheerful smile and agreed, “Exactly. Very fierce mosquito, biting people nonstop.”

Jiang Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze dark and unreadable.

Jiang Ji raised an eyebrow subtly at him, then turned to everyone else. “I’m really fine. Stop crowding around me and go get back to work.”

Physician Yang wrote the prescription, and everyone gradually left.

Once the room emptied, Jiang Yan pulled Jiang Ji into the room, closed the door, pressed him gently against it, and raised his thumb to press against Jiang Ji’s slightly swollen lips.

“A mosquito bite?”

Jiang Ji glanced at his thumb, slowly lifted his gaze, and arched a brow. “What? You have a problem with that?”

Jiang Yan rubbed his lips slightly harder, eyes fixed on the reddened mouth as Jiang Ji deliberately puckered his lips and lightly kissed his finger.

Jiang Yan’s gaze darkened instantly.

Jiang Ji smiled brightly. “Come on, kiss me.”

Jiang Yan: “…”

“What, don’t want to anymore?” Jiang Ji asked when he did not move.

Jiang Yan sighed helplessly and leaned down to give him a firm kiss before murmuring, “Go back to sleep for a while. I’m going to plow the fields.”

He left the room, closing the door behind him.

Jiang Ji happily rolled back onto the bed, grinning foolishly to himself.

After a while, he opened the livestream again. The screen immediately filled with bright yellow scrolling comments.

【Oh my god, I can’t even watch this】
【Face completely flushed】
【Is this really something I’m allowed to see】
【Came early to wait and caught it again】
【Same here, waiting squad】
【Ahhh they’re so sweet!】
【Wonder how last night ended. Did Jiang Ji complete his first time?】
【He’s still bouncing around today, so probably not】
【He even remembered to turn off the livestream yesterday. Incredible. In that situation too】
【The screen went dark for a moment during the kiss just now】
【He definitely set new conditions again】

Jiang Ji: “……”

He silently closed it.

The family refused to let Jiang Ji go to the fields. After lying around for a while reminiscing, he found he could not fall asleep again, so he got up, washed, and helped dry rice grains at home.

In ancient times there were no cement courtyards for drying grain. The village did have a communal drying ground, but it was only packed earth, and grain could not be spread directly on it without collecting dust.

Most households instead laid out straw mats beneath the grain so it would be cleaner when milled later.

Part of the grain at Jiang Ji’s home was spread on large woven straw mats specially made for drying rice, while another portion was laid out on waterproof tarps he had exchanged for. These were spread across the courtyard, and the harvested rice was poured out and evenly distributed to dry.

After filling all three courtyards with drying grain, Jiang Yan and the others returned from morning work to eat breakfast.

Seeing Jiang Ji covered in sweat, Jiang Yan frowned. “Didn’t I tell you to rest properly?”

Jiang Ji looked up and smiled. “I couldn’t fall asleep anyway. It’s fine. Sweating a bit might even help. How are the fields?”

The rain from last night had continued into the latter half of the night, leaving the soil sticky with mud, but harvesting still had to continue.

Jiang Yan said, “The remaining fields have been harvested. The field we cut two days ago has already been plowed once. After breakfast we’ll go harrow it.”

“Alright.”

After breakfast, Jiang Ji was watched closely by Jiang Yan as he drank his medicine, his face twisting tightly from the bitterness.

The next moment, a soft candy was popped into his mouth. It was the same kind Jiang Ji had once exchanged for Jiang Yan when he had to drink calming medicine.

Jiang Ji looked up at him and sighed. “We really are a pair of suffering little lovebirds.”

Jiang Yan had to drink calming medicine, and now he had to drink cold medicine. Translated on Hololo novels. Both suffering together from bitterness.

Jiang Yan glanced at him. “Nonsense.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Now that your memory’s back, do you still need the calming medicine? You’ve already finished a full course, right?”

“Mm. I won’t take it anymore starting today,” Jiang Yan said.

“It’s really good that your memory came back.” Jiang Ji studied him carefully, smiling.

With his memories restored, Jiang Yan’s presence had subtly changed. The confusion and unease were gone. Even his bearing felt different to Jiang Ji.

His gaze was more restrained, his demeanor steadier and calmer, carrying the composed confidence and strategic assurance of the Regent, as though everything lay within his control.

Even more attractive than before.

The sweet milk candy rolled across Jiang Ji’s tongue as he deliberately called out, clearly and slowly, “Lu… Huai… Zhou.”

Jiang Yan’s brow shifted slightly as he looked at him.

It was the first time Jiang Ji had addressed him like this.

“That name sounds really nice.” Jiang Ji hooked a finger with his, smiling as he said it again, “Lu Huaizhou.”

“Mm.” Jiang Yan responded gently, tightening his grip on Jiang Ji’s hand.

“Young Master, we…” Lu Jiu’s voice abruptly stopped when he noticed their joined hands. He blinked, looked at their calm expressions, and felt his mind explode with realization.

“!”

So that’s how it is!

He turned stiffly and saw Chen Feng coming up the steps. Hooking an arm around him, he hurriedly dragged him away.

“What’s wrong? Weren’t we looking for the young master?” Chen Feng asked in confusion.

“No, no, later,” Lu Jiu said, steering him away while also dragging his younger brother Lu Shun along.

Lu Shun tried to pry his arm free. “What are you doing? I have something to report to the young master.”

“Not now. Trust me, I’m doing this for your own good.” Lu Jiu pulled them toward the entrance, stared at the sky, and sighed deeply in melancholy.

“What’s wrong with you?” Lu Shun asked.

Lu Jiu sighed again. “Nothing. Just let me have a moment.”

Chen Feng and Lu Shun exchanged confused looks, completely unable to understand.

Inside the east wing, Jiang Ji released Jiang Yan’s hand. “Everything alright?”

“It’s fine. Ignore him.”

That morning, Jiang Yan worked at home drawing maps with Lu Jiu and Lu Wen. Three maps still remained unfinished, while everyone else had gone to the fields.

From time to time, Lu Jiu would zone out and secretly glance at his prince.

Jiang Yan shot him a look. “Focus. Don’t make mistakes.”

“Yes.” Lu Jiu quickly lowered his head and concentrated on drawing.

Jiang Ji had also been ordered to stay home. With nothing else to do, he assembled the repeating crossbow and sleeve arrows Chen Feng had brought back.

The large bed crossbow assembled smoothly, but one mechanism in the sleeve arrow would not fit. A component had been made slightly too small and would need to be reforged by a blacksmith.

After lunch, during their rest period, Jiang Ji and several others took the bed crossbow outside to test it.

It was midday, when the sun burned hottest, and the villagers were all resting indoors.

They transported the weapon to the foot of a nearby mountain and prepared for testing.

This bed crossbow was Jiang Ji’s design, inspired partly by things he had seen in his previous life and partly by technology described by viewers from another world. It was a multi-bow bed crossbow.

Jiang Ji secured a massive bolt, as thick as a spear shaft. “We can probably only draw one bow at a time. Aim for that hillside.”

Lu Jiu asked worriedly, “Can it really shoot that far?”

“Let’s try. In theory it should reach a thousand paces. The arrowhead should even embed into a city wall. It could be used for siege warfare.”

Seven or eight of them worked together to turn the windlass and draw the string tight.

Jiang Ji shouted, “Alright, release!”

Jiang Yan pulled the trigger.

Whoosh—

Boom!

A tree in the distance shook violently before crashing down with a loud rustle.

Everyone stared in shock.

They walked over to inspect it. The enormous bolt had pierced straight through a tree more than a foot thick in diameter, splitting halfway through the trunk.

“Wow!” Lu Jiu exclaimed. “That’s impressive power.”

“And the range is excellent,” Chen Feng added.

Jiang Ji said, “We don’t have a city wall here to test it properly, but it should be able to pin bolts into walls for sieges. The only drawback is that it’s heavy. Multiple bows firing together would require many people to draw them.”

Jiang Yan’s eyes lit up. “Very impressive.”

They carried the bed crossbow back. Jiang Ji handed the faulty sleeve-arrow component to Chen Feng. “This piece is too small. It won’t lock in place. Have it remade.”

He measured it carefully with a ruler. “The inner ring is short by one millimeter.”

Chen Feng examined it. “I’ll have it remade.”

That night, after wrestling with his thoughts all day, Lu Jiu quietly climbed onto the roof and secretly observed the east wing from afar.

The room belonging to his prince never lit up.

But Jiang Ji’s room showed two silhouettes for a moment before the lamp quickly went out.

Lu Jiu: “……”

Before they moved houses, his prince and Jiang Ji had slept together. He knew that much. There hadn’t been enough space for so many beds, and Jiang Ji had been injured and needed care, so it made sense.

But later, after Jiang Ji recovered and they moved here with separate rooms, they were still sleeping together?

That could only mean one thing.

The hand-holding he had seen that morning had no other explanation. It was simply hand-holding.

His prince and Jiang Ji were truly together.

Feeling conflicted, Lu Jiu drifted away and returned silently to his own room.

The next day, Magistrate Xu and the others arrived.

Lord Chen was especially concerned about the rice yield per mu. “The dried grain has finished drying, right?”

“It has,” Jiang Ji nodded. “Five hundred fifty-seven jin.”

Lord Chen brightened immediately. “Excellent!”

Magistrate Xu and the others had already visited during the first two days of harvest. Translated on Hololo novels. They had watched Jiang Ji’s family harvest two fields and had weighed the grain while still wet, nearly seven hundred jin. But because of the moisture content, yields were normally calculated based on fully dried grain, which was why they had returned.

Jiang Ji’s fields were treated as experimental plots. Detailed records were kept during harvesting. Each field’s grain was dried separately, and the duck-raised and fish-raised paddies were also recorded separately.

Magistrate Xu asked, “What about the rice from the fish-raised fields? Has it dried?”

“Some has,” Jiang Ji replied. “Calculated out, it’s about the same as the duck fields, around five hundred forty-six jin per mu. As for Uncle Tugen’s and the village chief’s fields planted normally, their yield is around four hundred ninety to nearly five hundred jin per mu.”

“Wonderful!” Lord Chen clapped his hands and said to Magistrate Xu with a smile, “That matches the situation in other villages. The best fields elsewhere are about the same. Some places with heavier pest damage only reached a bit over three hundred jin, but that’s still higher than before.”

Magistrate Xu nodded with a smile.

Over the past few days they had traveled through villages across the county, and Lord Chen had even visited neighboring Pingnan County.

The new rice variety had produced a bumper harvest. Yields had nearly doubled, and villagers everywhere were filled with joy. The hardship of the double harvest season felt worthwhile at last.

“Let us copy your recorded data,” Lord Chen said. “We must submit a report upward.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Of course. I’ve recorded everything, but a few fields still haven’t been fully counted. We’ll need a few more days to calculate the final averages.”

“Good, good. We’ll wait until harvesting is finished.”

Jiang Ji asked about conditions in other counties. Lord Chen replied, “During inspection, one area in Lushan County suffered severe pest damage. According to the methods recorded in your book, they used pine-needle water and similar treatments to eliminate insects. Their yield may end up slightly lower.”

Magistrate Xu sighed with feeling. “Your family’s fields really did have far fewer pests.”

“The duck and fish ate the eggs and larvae,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. “Many people in our village have already woven fishing nets and are preparing to raise ducks and fish.”

“This method truly deserves promotion,” Lord Chen said happily. “Your fields produce more grain than traditional planting, and you can also sell ducks and fish. That’s additional income.”

“That’s the idea,” Jiang Ji agreed, then added a reminder. “But if other villages want to try it, it’s best to recommend duck-raising first. Fish farming has higher requirements and greater risk.”

“Understood. I’ll inform them,” Magistrate Xu said, nodding.

…

Two days later, Jiang Ji’s family finished harvesting and transplanting seedlings, successfully completing the double harvest season. All that remained was drying the grain completely and storing it.

Lu Jiu and the others finally finished drawing the maps. Together with the crossbow schematics, Jiang Yan ordered Chen Feng to send the maps and blueprints to their intended destinations.

During this period, villagers frequently came at noon or in the evenings asking about raising ducks and fish in rice paddies. Eventually, Jiang Ji asked the village chief to gather everyone so he could give a dedicated lecture.

Villagers from two nearby villages also came after hearing the news.

Jiang Ji’s fields had yielded over five hundred jin per mu, not to mention the additional income from ducks and fish. The news had spread everywhere, and everyone wanted to follow his methods.

This season’s harvest showed villagers tangible proof of doubled yields, as well as the clear difference between Jiang Ji’s production and their own.

They now knew Jiang Ji had spoken truthfully.

Just like the earlier seed-promotion meeting, Jiang Ji stood before the crowd and explained everything from digging irrigation trenches onward. He talked until his throat went dry, drinking several bowls of water.

Although all this knowledge was already written in his cultivation manual, people still preferred hearing him explain it personally, and many questions required direct answers.

Jiang Ji patiently responded from the platform while villagers sat on the ground listening attentively.

Lu Wen nudged Lu Jiu. “Young Master Jiang Ji looks just like a general leading troops into battle.”

Lu Jiu nodded, then glanced at his prince, whose face clearly showed admiration, pride, and satisfaction.

Lu Jiu: “……”

Jiang Yan turned and looked at him. Lu Jiu quickly looked away. These past few days he hardly dared meet his prince’s gaze.

Lu Wen studied him. “Have you been constipated lately?”

“You’re the one who’s constipated,” Lu Jiu snapped.

“Then why do you look so troubled? Can’t go?” Lu Wen asked in confusion.

Lu Jiu: “……Ignorance really is bliss.”

He looked up at the sky and sighed. It was all because of his overly perceptive eyes.

Lu Wen elbowed him. “You’re the ignorant one.”

Lu Jiu shook his head, deeply melancholy, and muttered, “You don’t understand. If you understood, you’d know.”

Sigh… what were they going to do? The prince’s household might never have a young heir now.

After the summer harvest was completed, everyone was exhausted and could finally rest for several days.

Chen Feng brought back some of the bow components finished by the blacksmith and carpenter, and Jiang Ji began teaching Jiang Yan and the others how to assemble the bows.

It was also at this time that Lu Wu returned.

Earlier, Jiang Yan had sent him personally to deliver his plan back to the capital. Lu Wu had remained there while the Emperor and Minister Lu discussed and finalized the strategy, and now he had brought the response back.

Along with it, he also brought the military command token.

Immediately, Jiang Yan summoned several of his subordinates to the study. They held a long meeting, discussing matters for quite some time.

Jiang Ji did not disturb them and continued assembling bows on his own.

After about half an hour, Jiang Yan came to the workshop to find him. More than a dozen completed bows lay lined up along the wall.

Jiang Ji looked up. “Finished discussing?”

“Mm.” Jiang Yan sat by the table and watched him. “Now we’re just waiting for news from the capital.”

Jiang Ji paused. “When do you leave?”

Jiang Yan was silent for a moment before answering, “In three days.”

Jiang Ji stopped what he was doing and stared at him. “Didn’t you say a month? It hasn’t even been a month yet.”

“My memory has returned,” Jiang Yan explained softly. “I don’t need that much time to adjust. I need to go earlier to make arrangements.”

Jiang Ji lowered his gaze and turned away. “…Oh.”

He picked up the half-assembled bow and continued working. Jiang Yan watched him and said, “I’ll finish things quickly and come back.”

“Got it. Go then.” Jiang Ji paused again, glancing at the bows by the wall. “Tell Chen Feng to bring back all the finished components. Assemble more for you to take along.”

“Alright. Lu Jiu will stay a few extra days to transport the weapons.”

“Okay.” Jiang Ji hesitated, then asked worriedly, “Only Chen Feng and the other two going with you? That’s too few people.”

“The rest will be waiting for us in the forest outside the city.”

“How many?”

“Twenty.”

“That’s acceptable.” Jiang Ji relaxed slightly.

After a moment, he pressed his lips together and turned to look at him seriously. “Promise me you’ll come back alive.”

Jiang Yan nodded solemnly. “I promise.”

The next day, Jiang Ji began preparing supplies for their journey.

He sent people into town to buy up all the wound medicine available and exchanged for large amounts of instant noodles, biscuits, and bottled water. Traveling in summer made food difficult to preserve, and these were the most practical options.

Jiang Yan stopped his hands. “We don’t need these. We’ll bring dry rations, and we’ll pass through towns along the way. The mountains are full of game. We won’t go hungry. These things could expose your secret.”

Jiang Ji protested anxiously, “What if you need them?”

“Don’t worry. The south isn’t like the north where supplies are scarce. There are mountains everywhere and plenty of food,” Jiang Yan explained.

Speaking of the south, Jiang Ji reminded him, “Whatever you do, don’t eat wild mushrooms. They’re easy to get poisoned by.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ji pointed at a medicine box. “Then at least take this. Antibiotics, fever medicine, iodine. You know what they’re for now. Bring them for emergencies.”

Jiang Yan tried to object, but Jiang Ji glared at him. “Listen to me. You have to take them.”

Jiang Yan paused, then nodded. “…Alright.”

Even so, Jiang Ji secretly packed the exchanged travel food for him anyway.

The night before departure, in Jiang Ji’s room in the east wing, faint sounds of kissing broke the darkness. Jiang Ji and Jiang Yan held each other and kissed for a long while before finally separating.

They lay quietly together, leaning against each other. Jiang Ji stroked Jiang Yan’s back gently. “Sleep.”

“Mm.” Jiang Yan’s voice was low. He kissed Jiang Ji’s lips again. “I’ll keep the promise I made to you.”

“Good. Just remember it.”

After a while, Jiang Yan suddenly got up and lit the lamp.

“What are you doing?” Jiang Ji asked. “Did you forget to pack something?”

“Mm. I forgot one thing.”

“What?”

Jiang Yan opened a drawer in the dressing table and took out a black box.

He climbed back onto the bed, opened it, and removed a seal and red ink.

Jiang Ji blinked. “What… are you doing?”

Jiang Yan glanced at him, dipped the seal into ink, and said, “I told you before. I would stamp you.”

Jiang Ji blinked again. “Oh. Right, you did say that.”

“Go ahead,” he said, lying flat. “You can stamp wherever you want.”

Jiang Yan looked him over, lifted his clothing, and carefully pressed the seal onto the upper left side of his chest.

Jiang Ji looked down. The skin felt cool at first. Soon, a square red imprint appeared against his pale chest, vivid like a flame.

— Regent’s Seal.

Jiang Ji blew gently on it to help it dry. Soon, two smaller square seals were added beside it.

— Jiang Yan Seal.
— Lu Huaizhou Seal.

All of Jiang Yan’s seals were now marked on him.

Jiang Ji stared at the small imprints and could not help smiling.

Jiang Yan looked at the seal on Jiang Ji’s chest that belonged to him and leaned down to kiss beside it.

Though the ink felt cool, Jiang Ji felt as though the skin there burned with heat.

As Jiang Yan prepared to put the seals away, Jiang Ji said, “Wait.”

“Mm?”

Jiang Ji jumped off the bed, rummaged through the wardrobe, then climbed back up, holding something in his hand.

“I’m stamping you too!”

He held a wooden seal of his own. Jiang Yan raised a brow. “When did you carve that?”

“After I saw your seal last time.”

Jiang Ji dipped it into ink, lifted Jiang Yan’s night robe, and stamped the same position over his left chest.

— Jiang Ji Exclusive.

Jiang Ji raised his brows proudly. “Well? Looks good, right?”

Jiang Yan smiled faintly. “Mm. It looks good.”

Jiang Ji tapped his chest lightly. “Jiang Yan, Lu Huaizhou. You belong to me now.”

“I do.”

Jiang Yan caught his hand, kissed it, and leaned forward to kiss Jiang Ji deeply.

The next day, Jiang Yan departed with Chen Feng, Lu Wen, and Lu Wu.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

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.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾