Author Archives: sandy

On the first day of the New Year, since everyone had stayed up late, they all woke up a bit later.

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou were woken by the noise of Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei.

The little ones were building snowmen in the courtyard, but as they built, it turned into a snowball fight, shouting and laughing with great enthusiasm.

Jiang Ji opened the livestream system to check the time. It was nine in the morning.

Lu Huaizhou had grown a bit of stubble, short and rough, giving him a kind of rugged, wild handsomeness.

Jiang Ji stared, a little lost in thought.

Lu Huaizhou suddenly opened his eyes, and their gazes met.

“Happy New Year,” Lu Huaizhou said.

“Happy New Year,” Jiang Ji replied. “Sleep a bit more.”

He had only just returned yesterday, traveling day and night for several days. He had to be tired.

Lu Huaizhou listened to the sounds outside. Zhao Ru was calling Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei, telling them to go play outside the courtyard so they would not disturb their sleep.

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei ran toward the gate. Lu Huaizhou sat up. “Get up. We should go pay New Year greetings to Aunt.”

Jiang Ji: “…”

The two got up. The snow had fallen until morning before stopping. The courtyard outside was covered in thick, white snow. Icicles hung sparkling under the eaves.

In the middle of the courtyard, three snowmen were only half-built, just three large piles of snow standing there, with small footprints scattered around.

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou washed up in the back courtyard, then went to the main hall to pay their respects to Zhao Ru.

“Mother / Aunt, we wish you a happy New Year, good health, and long happiness.” The two knelt and bowed to her.

“Good, good, good. Get up quickly.” Zhao Ru smiled as she helped them up and stuffed red envelopes into their hands.

Sister Guihua brought breakfast over. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. The two sat by the fire eating, but before they finished, Lu Shun came in to say that the village head and clan elders had come to offer New Year greetings, followed by many villagers.

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou quickly finished their food and wiped their mouths.

Jiang Ji whispered, “Good thing we got up.”

Lu Huaizhou nodded. “Mm.”

The villagers entered and, upon reaching the hall entrance, all knelt together to greet them.

The two quickly asked them to rise, returned the greetings with smiles, and invited everyone inside. Several large tables were set up, with tea and snacks served.

Since Lu Huaizhou was now the Regent, the villagers were initially somewhat reserved, letting the village head and elders do most of the talking.

After a while, when Lu Huaizhou began asking about their households himself, they saw he was still the same as before in the village, and gradually relaxed, chatting and laughing.

Before long, the gatekeeper came in to announce that the county magistrate, the deputy magistrate, and even Lin Yuanwai had come to pay New Year greetings.

Jiang Ji quickly had Lu Shun bring them in.

The house grew even livelier. After exchanging greetings, the villagers gave up a table for the officials and Lin Yuanwai, then left, leaving the village head and elders to accompany them.

At noon, Jiang Ji invited the magistrate and the others to stay for lunch, along with the village head and elders. Everyone drank and talked cheerfully.

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou even specifically toasted the deputy magistrate Zhou Lin. When Jiang Ji had been kidnapped by bandits, it was Zhou Lin who had led the rescue alongside Lu Huaizhou.

Zhou Lin was extremely excited. Being a martial man with a bold temperament, he raised his cup and said, “To have fought side by side with Your Highness and the Duke, my life is already worth it!”

The three clinked cups and drank.

They reminisced about the past, and that night remained vivid in everyone’s memory, drawing many sighs at how dangerous it had been.

Under the table, Lu Huaizhou held Jiang Ji’s hand tightly.

Jiang Ji knew he was recalling how badly injured he had been, thinking he might die.

Jiang Ji squeezed his hand back and whispered, “If you think about it that way, that day could also be considered the day we fell for each other.”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

Yes. That was also the day Jiang Ji had asked him to be his wife, and he had agreed.

Lu Huaizhou looked at him with a deep expression.

Jiang Ji patted the back of his hand and smiled at him, full of reassurance.

After the meal, while the magistrate and deputy magistrate were still present, Jiang Ji said, “Gentlemen, after the New Year, our family will soon move to the capital. Before that, I’d like to discuss the development of our county.”

The magistrate and deputy magistrate immediately straightened. “Please, Duke.”

The village head and elders pricked up their ears. Jiang Ji did not avoid them, clearly intending for them to hear as well.

Lin Yuanwai and the others also listened attentively.

Jiang Ji said, “Our county’s land is very fertile, ideal for crops. In a while, I’ll be going north. Before I leave, I’ll leave some seeds at home. They can be distributed to each village. There will be watermelon, chili peppers, tomatoes, and other new vegetable seeds. I’ve organized all the planting methods. You can have them printed and distributed.”

“Chili peppers and watermelons can be planted in larger quantities, but tomatoes are harder to store and transport, so people should plant them in moderation.”

Everyone nodded. The magistrate said, “I’ll remind the farmers.”

“Also, encourage people to plant more cotton and make use of the wasteland.” Jiang Ji glanced around, especially at Zhang Yuanwai. “Around next year, I plan to release the designs of new textile machinery. If our county can become a major cotton textile hub, that would be excellent.”

With a two-year head start, Jiang Ji believed his factory could maintain its advantage.

Besides, he still had a task to promote the textile industry. Completing it would bring a significant reward: more advanced papermaking technology.

Everyone present looked at Jiang Ji in shock, especially Zhang Yuanwai, whose hands clenched slightly, trembling with excitement.

Lu Huaizhou watched Jiang Ji with smiling eyes, filled with pride.

The magistrate’s voice trembled. “Duke, you mean you will make the machines from your textile factory public for everyone to use?”

“Yes.” Jiang Ji nodded. “To make our people prosperous, the first step is to fill their stomachs. The second is to develop commerce, so people have work and can earn money. Food and clothing are the most essential parts of daily life and also the most profitable industries. Let’s start from there.”

The magistrate could already envision it. Once the machines spread across the county, workshops of all sizes would produce soft cloth like Changping Textile Factory. Selling that cloth elsewhere would make every household wealthy.

“Duke!” The magistrate immediately stood and knelt before Jiang Ji. “On behalf of the people of the entire county, I thank you!”

“Please rise,” Jiang Ji said, helping him up.

Everyone present was deeply moved.

Especially Zhang Yuanwai. If the machines were made public, with the Zhang family’s experience, they would surely recover and even surpass others.

He felt both excited and ashamed.

If he were in Jiang Ji’s position, with such machines, he would never share them. Wouldn’t it be better to earn immense profits alone?

He sighed inwardly. As expected of a Duke. Such generosity was beyond ordinary people.

Jiang Ji went on to discuss specific details and precautions. Afterward, the magistrate and Lin Yuanwai took their leave. Jiang Ji then kept the village head and several elders behind.

“Village Head, elders, I kept you here to discuss some family matters.”

“Go ahead,” the village head said.

“First, I will provide the village with different varieties of chili peppers and watermelons. Everyone can try planting them.”

The village head and elders’ eyes lit up. They all understood what that meant.

When the time came, if the entire county planted the same varieties of watermelons and chili peppers, but their village grew different ones, wouldn’t that make them stand out? That was how they could sell for a better price.

The village head said happily, “Good, thank you, Duke.”

Jiang Ji continued, “Second, after spring begins, I plan to rent out all of my family’s farmland. Uncle Tugen’s family will rent three mu of paddy fields and three mu of dry land. For the rest, if your families want to rent, you’ll have priority. The rent will follow the market rate.”

The village head was surprised. “You’re not farming anymore?”

“Mm. We’ll probably move to the capital in early March and take most of our people with us. The ones left behind don’t understand farming, so we won’t have them do it.”

The wedding was set for the eighteenth of the fifth month, so they had to move at least two months early to prepare.

The village head thought for a moment. “Alright, my family will also rent three mu of paddy and three mu of land.”

With the new seeds Jiang Ji had just mentioned, and considering how much the village head’s family had earned last year growing watermelons, tomatoes, and chili peppers, they had already planned to expand planting this year.

The other clan elders also expressed their intention to rent more land.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Good. I’ll prepare the lease contracts. You can come sign them then.”

He continued seriously, “Third, after some time, the textile factory will be expanded, and more workers will be hired. After we move, the factory will be fully managed by Uncle Meng. He’s from the capital, so he may not be familiar with local customs. I’d like to ask you to look out for him.”

The village head smiled. “Rest assured, Duke, we’ll protect the factory well.”

The elders also nodded in agreement.

The factory belonged to Jiang Ji, and most of the workers were from their village. After expansion, even more people would be hired. Being able to earn money without leaving the village meant it had to be well protected.

Moreover, it was the Duke’s factory. No one would dare cause trouble.

“Then thank you all.” Jiang Ji stood and bowed. The village head and the others quickly returned the gesture.

After sitting down again, Jiang Ji said seriously, “Of course, I’ll also instruct them not to cause trouble in the village. If anyone uses my name to stir up trouble, I won’t tolerate it. The same goes for the village. I hope everyone conducts themselves properly when outside. Keeping a low profile is how you make money. I want our village to grow better and better. I’ll come back to check on things when I can.”

Hearing this, the village head and elders immediately understood Jiang Ji’s meaning.

The village head stood and cupped his fists. “Duke, Regent, don’t worry. We won’t cause trouble for you. If anyone dares to use your name to cause issues, we will deal with them according to village and clan rules.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Good. Then I’m at ease.”

After discussing these matters, Jiang Ji let the village head and the others leave.

Jiang Ji’s family did not have many relatives. Zhao Ru was an only child, her parents had passed away years ago, and on Jiang Ji’s father’s side there were no siblings, only a branch of distant clan relatives. So there were no relatives to visit.

Still, many people came to offer New Year greetings, making the house lively.

On the second day of the New Year, Jiang Ji took the two calligraphy pieces to town to have them mounted. Then he and Lu Huaizhou went to Master Zheng’s house to pay New Year greetings.

When Master Zheng opened the door and saw the Duke and the Regent visiting in person, he was startled. He quickly invited them in and brought out his best tea and snacks.

Seeing him about to send his son out to buy even better tea, Jiang Ji quickly said, “Master Zheng, please don’t trouble yourself. I came to discuss something.”

“What is it?” Master Zheng asked, still standing.

“Please sit first.”

Master Zheng sat down.

Jiang Ji asked, “Are you busy with work right now?”

Master Zheng replied, “Two families have already booked construction after the New Year, both from your village.”

“About how long will it take to finish?”

“Their houses aren’t as big as yours, but with interruptions in between, it will take about two to three months.” Master Zheng looked at him. “Duke, are you planning to build something?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “I want to expand the factory, on the ten mu of land next to my house.”

“All ten mu for the factory?” Master Zheng asked in surprise.

“Yes.” Jiang Ji took out the blueprints. “Something like this.”

Master Zheng looked at them. “That wide?”

“Yes.” Jiang Ji asked, “After you finish those two houses, can you come build my factory?”

With work available, Master Zheng was naturally pleased and agreed with a smile. “Of course.”

“That’s great. In a month, I’ll come back to finalize the blueprints with you before I leave for the capital.”

“Alright.” Master Zheng had been working in Shanqian Village for a year and knew about Jiang Ji’s upcoming move.

“Then I won’t disturb you further.”

“Duke, wait.” Seeing Jiang Ji about to leave, Master Zheng quickly stopped him. “Didn’t you give me a formula for mortar before?”

Jiang Ji had almost forgotten. Then he remembered he had given Master Zheng the method for making cement.

He quickly nodded. “Right. How did it go? Did you manage to figure it out?”

“Come take a look,” Master Zheng said.

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou followed him to the backyard. There, several short brick walls stood along the side, each just over a meter high and about two meters long. Each wall was marked with numbers written in charcoal.

Jiang Ji walked over and looked. Seeing the gray cement color, he was pleasantly surprised. “You succeeded?”

Lu Huaizhou also examined the walls curiously.

Master Zheng said, “We tried many formulas at first, but most failed. Later we managed a few workable ones and built these walls to test them. From here to there, there are six walls, each using a different formula ratio. The longest-standing one has been there for four months, while that one has only been up for half a month. We need long-term testing to see how well they hold up against wind, frost, rain, and snow.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “That’s true. Building materials need time to prove their durability. Safety comes first.”

“Exactly.” Master Zheng pointed to the fifth wall. “From my judgment, this one is the best so far. Duke, take a look. Do you think this matches the mortar you had in mind?”

Jiang Ji could not tell by sight alone, but he had the system.

He asked, “Master Zheng, do you still have samples?”

Master Zheng nodded. “Yes. Come with me.”

The three of them went into the storage room next door. Master Zheng lifted the lids off several wooden barrels by the wall. “They’re all here.”

Each barrel was labeled with a number. Inside were the cement samples Master Zheng and his team had developed. It was clear that from the first barrel to the fifth, the color became increasingly similar to modern cement. However, the powder was still a bit coarse and could not be ground as finely as modern cement.

Jiang Ji asked in his mind, “2977, scan these six barrels of cement for me. Which one is the best? Which is closest in composition to modern cement?”

He examined them one by one, even picking some up to rub between his fingers and smell, making it easier for the system to scan.

Soon, 2977 answered: 【The fifth barrel is the best. It is closest to modern standard cement.】

“How close? Percentage?” Jiang Ji asked.

【Eighty-five percent.】

Jiang Ji asked again, “What’s lacking?”

2977: 【No permission to disclose.】

Jiang Ji: “…” So he couldn’t trick it.

He asked, “Can the cement from the fifth barrel be used in construction now?”

【Yes.】

“Is it strong? Will it be easily eroded? How long can it last?”

【Host, concrete mortar depends on the ratio of sand, gravel, cement, and water. It cannot be generalized.】

Jiang Ji: “Alright then. Tell me this. Compared to the mortar they currently use, is the concrete made from this fifth barrel better?”

【About the same.】

Jiang Ji: “…”

He looked up at Master Zheng and said honestly, “Master Zheng, the fifth barrel is indeed the best. It should perform about the same as the mortar we currently use. But it’s not the best yet. It’s still lacking a bit. I’m not sure exactly what, so you’ll need to keep experimenting with the formula.”

Master Zheng nodded. “Alright, we’ll continue researching.”

“Also, it needs to be ground finer. That will improve the mixing effect.”

“Got it, I’ll remember.”

“Mm, thank you for your hard work.”

After leaving Master Zheng’s house and getting into the carriage, Lu Huaizhou asked quietly, “The immortals didn’t tell you the exact formula?”

“Well, they…” Jiang Ji started to answer, then paused, remembering that the cement method had actually come from his own discussion with the viewers, not from the system. But he couldn’t say that he knew it himself.

However, Jiang Ji recalled that cement was tied to a special task. Back then, he couldn’t accomplish it, so he had asked the viewers instead.

What was that task again?

Jiang Ji couldn’t remember, so he asked in his mind, “2977, bring up the task related to cement.”

2977 quickly replied: 【Special Task 199: Complete it to obtain beginner-level cement production skills.】

Jiang Ji pulled up Special Task 199: Suggest to the Emperor the establishment of a women’s academy, allowing women equal access to education.

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. Before, he had thought he would never meet the Emperor, so the task seemed impossible.

But now…

Jiang Ji looked at the Regent beside him and said, “If I complete the immortals’ task, they can give me the exact formula.”

Lu Huaizhou asked, “What task?”

Jiang Ji replied, “Suggesting to the Emperor that women’s academies be established, so women can have equal educational opportunities.”

Lu Huaizhou thought for a moment. “I’ll find a way.”

Jiang Ji quickly shook his head. “No, no, I have to tell the Emperor myself.”

“I understand. When we return to the capital, go meet him,” Lu Huaizhou said.

“Mm.” Jiang Ji smiled happily. “If it works out, that would be two good things at once!”

Looking at Jiang Ji’s smile, Lu Huaizhou did not tell him that such a proposal would certainly cause a storm in court. But it didn’t matter. He could handle it.

He took Jiang Ji’s hand and held it. “If you have any tasks in the future, tell me. I’ll help you accomplish them.”

“Sure.” Jiang Ji grinned. “After we move to the capital in March, let’s go fishing with the Emperor first.”

Lu Huaizhou: “? Is that also a task?”

“Yes.”

Jiang Ji leaned close and whispered a few words into his ear. Lu Huaizhou rarely showed such a shocked expression. “Really?”

“Mm.”

Lu Huaizhou fell silent for a moment. “Then we’ll go fishing as soon as we return to the capital.”

Jiang Ji: “…It’s not even spring yet. Where would we find fish?”

“There are fish in the Imperial Garden.”

“Isn’t the lake frozen?”

“We can break a hole in the ice.”

Jiang Ji: “…Alright then.”

On the fifth day of the New Year, Jiang Ji retrieved the two mounted calligraphy pieces and sent them to the selected viewers.

The next day, Jiang Ji saw viewers saying that the “1.9-meter guy” had already contacted his country’s national museum and handed the calligraphy over to the curator.

Jiang Ji felt relieved.

He and Lu Huaizhou stayed at home for a few more days, enjoying a relaxed and carefree time. Soon after, they prepared to set off. The court would resume after the Lantern Festival, and Lu Huaizhou needed to be present.

Worried he might not return in time after spring began, Jiang Ji left all the seeds at home and gave detailed instructions to Lu Shun.

On the ninth day of the New Year, Jiang Ji set out for the capital with Lu Huaizhou.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Next

The earth was wrapped in silver, as if covered by a pale silver veil. The whole world had quieted down.

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou went out for a walk hand in hand. On the small road, one figure in red and one in blue looked especially harmonious.

Passing by the textile workshop, Jiang Ji realized he had not brought the key. He turned to Lu Huaizhou and asked, “Do you want to go in and look? Or should we come back later? I didn’t bring the key.”

Lu Huaizhou glanced at the courtyard wall, wrapped an arm around Jiang Ji’s waist, and leapt up. His toes tapped lightly against the wall, and they flew inside.

Jiang Ji: “…” Alright. The man had martial arts. He did not need a key at all.

Woof, woof woof, woof woof woof!

As soon as they landed, two small black dogs with glossy fur dashed out from the courtyard. Hearing unfamiliar footsteps, they barked fiercely.

“Dahei, Xiaohei, it’s me!” Jiang Ji quickly called out.

The two little black dogs looked at Jiang Ji, recognized their owner, and ran over quickly. They circled him excitedly, their tails wagging so fast only afterimages could be seen.

These two puppies had been bought when the textile factory was preparing to open. They ate well, so their coats had grown glossy and sleek.

Jiang Ji crouched down and rubbed their heads. “Good boys. The guard uncles will bring you something tasty later.”

The two little dogs stuck out their tongues and licked Jiang Ji’s hands, very affectionate with him.

Since the factory was on holiday, there were still guards stationed here. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. Earlier, during the reunion dinner, Jiang Ji had called them back, so for now only the two little dogs were here.

Lu Huaizhou also crouched down and reached out to pet their heads.

At first, the little dogs looked at him warily. After a while, they half-closed their eyes and began enjoying the human’s petting.

Before long, the courtyard gate opened. Several guards rushed in carrying sticks.

“Who’s there!”

Jiang Ji turned back. “It’s fine. It’s us.”

Seeing that it was Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou, the guards breathed a sigh of relief. Old Wang said, “Young Master, it’s you. We heard the dogs barking and thought someone had broken in.”

“Mm, we did technically break in,” Jiang Ji said with a smile, glancing at Lu Huaizhou.

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

The guards: “…”

Jiang Ji waved his hand. “Go back and keep eating. Everything’s fine.”

“We’re done eating.” The two men on duty came in. “Young Master, Your Highness, do you want to look around?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes. Give me the key.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Ji took the key and brought Lu Huaizhou around for a tour.

Lu Huaizhou had not returned for nearly half a year. This was his first time seeing the textile factory completed and running. Everything was orderly and well arranged.

The cotton-padded coats he and Jiang Ji wore were made from their own family’s fabric, sewn by Zhao Ru. They felt soft and very comfortable.

“Is production unable to keep up with demand?”

Jiang Ji had written to Lu Huaizhou about the textile workshop, so he knew the cotton cloth was popular and now had to be reserved in advance.

“Yes. So after the New Year, I want to build more factory buildings on that empty land over there.”

Lu Huaizhou nodded. “That land won’t be needed for anything else now.”

“I originally wanted to plant fruit trees there. Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei were looking forward to eating them.” Jiang Ji smiled. “When spring comes, those saplings should be ready to transplant too.”

Lu Huaizhou thought for a moment. “If there are fruit trees suitable for growing in the capital, plant them there. We can plant some in the Regent’s Residence and the Duke Chang Residence. For the rest, we can buy more land and plant them there.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. “That’s right. Then we can move the pear and apple trees to the capital. For the ones we can’t move, we’ll buy some land here to plant them.”

Those saplings had taken a lot of time to cultivate. Jiang Ji could not bear to waste them.

“Mm.”

After touring the textile workshop, they headed out. The two little dogs were on the corridor happily gnawing bones for their New Year’s Eve dinner. Jiang Ji spoke briefly to the guards, then left.

Jiang Ji had built a road that ran from his home past the textile workshop and out to the main roadside.

The two followed the road past a small grove. Jiang Ji pointed to the grove to the north and said, “That’s the grove where I found you.”

Lu Huaizhou looked over. Jiang Ji had told him about it before. He tightened his grip on Jiang Ji’s hand and said, “Good thing I collapsed over here.”

“Yes.” Jiang Ji also sighed. “If you had walked even one zhang farther, I probably wouldn’t have run into you.”

Jiang Ji remembered why he had gone into the grove back then and suddenly laughed. “Back then, if I hadn’t needed to pee, I wouldn’t have met you either.”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

“Speaking of which, since it’s New Year’s, I should thank the immortals and send them some gifts.” Jiang Ji opened the livestream. On the viewers’ side, it seemed to be a holiday as well. There were many people, around seventy to eighty million.

【Wow, snow. It hasn’t snowed where we are.】

【The snow scene is so pretty.】

【I remember now. Jiang Ji used to think the toilet was too smelly, so he always went to the grove to relieve himself.】

【Hahaha, first time seeing a host who relieves himself outdoors. He really doesn’t treat the viewers like outsiders.】

【Their New Year has such a good atmosphere. Those lanterns are so pretty.】

【I’m craving their New Year’s Eve dinner. It looks so good.】

【Me too. Last time I got to eat the braised pork. My god, best meal I’ve ever eaten in my life!】

【Sister, you’re the one who won the braised pork last time? So lucky!】

【Yeah, you do need to thank us. Hurry up and do a giveaway!】

【Giveaway, giveaway!】

【That musical instrument from the giveaway before last, my god, so many master musicians wanted to buy it.】

【Didn’t that guqin and guzheng go to auction?】

【Yes, the guzheng was bought by the famous instrumentalist Linda Fei’er for a sky-high price.】

【It sold for eighty million.】

【That guqin seems to have been bought by the son of an electronics tycoon too. It sold for over seventy million! So rich!】

【I saw someone selling that flute online last time. No idea if it was real or fake.】

【Definitely a fake! Don’t buy it!】

Hearing Jiang Ji say he wanted to send gifts to the immortals, Lu Huaizhou asked, “Do you need me to write something?”

Lu Huaizhou had written large characters for Jiang Ji before, and Jiang Ji had said they were gifts for the immortals.

Jiang Ji thought for a moment. “Sure, but just write one piece. I’ll set up a giveaway for them.”

He directly changed the livestream room’s name to: Tonight at midnight, New Year’s Eve giveaway!

Then he changed the announcement in the livestream room: Tonight, ten winners. I’ll decide on the prizes first. Also, one grand prize. The grand prize is a piece of calligraphy by our Regent! Go help me spread the word!

【Aaaaaah, a giveaway! There’s really a giveaway!】

【Holy crap, the grand prize is the Regent’s calligraphy!】

【I won’t spread the word. I absolutely won’t spread the word!】

【Aaaaaah, I’m traveling outside right now. I need to set an alarm for the giveaway.】

【It’s useless even if we don’t advertise it. There are already seventy to eighty million people here.】

【He already changed the livestream room name. Hundreds of millions of people follow him. He even hit share after changing the name just now. I got the notification.】

【I got it too. Damn you, Jiang Ji, why did you share it? Just let us enter the giveaway!】

【I’m calling my whole family to camp out and increase the odds of winning.】

【Brothers and sisters, don’t forget to change your names to something 2977 likes.】

【I changed mine before and never changed it back.】

Jiang Ji changed the livestream room name and notified the viewers about the midnight giveaway.

Lu Huaizhou tilted his head and looked at him, watching his fingers swipe through the air again. He asked, “What is a giveaway?”

“It’s…” Jiang Ji finished changing the name, turned to Lu Huaizhou, and explained with a smile, “There are too many immortals. Everyone wants some gifts, but I can’t satisfy everyone. So I do a giveaway. Whoever is drawn gets a prize.”

“I understand.” Lu Huaizhou looked thoughtful, then asked, “They can hear you speak. Does that mean they can also hear what you and I say to each other?”

Jiang Ji blinked. “If they can hear it, would you mind?”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

Lu Huaizhou thought about the affectionate things he had said to Jiang Ji. Heat crept up his face. After a moment of silence, he still said, “I don’t mind, as long as they keep giving you seeds.”

All of Jiang Ji’s seeds came from the immortals, and the impact they had brought to Da Sheng was immeasurable. If they could continue helping Jiang Ji, then it didn’t matter if they overheard his words.

At most, it would just be a little embarrassing.

Jiang Ji watched the tips of his ears gradually turn red, his eyes narrowing with amusement. “Don’t worry. They can’t hear what you say. They can only hear what I say.”

He lied.

But he understood Lu Huaizhou’s mindset. This ancient man would even wait until marriage before sharing a bed. His thinking was that conservative. If he knew the immortals could not only hear but also see, he would probably feel awkward from then on.

There was no need for that.

Hearing this, Lu Huaizhou let out a breath of relief, then frowned again. “Then they can still hear what you say to me.”

“Of course.” Jiang Ji looked straight into his eyes and teased, “Then should I stop saying those sweet things?”

The grip on his hand tightened. Lu Huaizhou held Jiang Ji’s hand firmly. “No.”

Jiang Ji shrugged. “Exactly.”

Lu Huaizhou paused, then asked, “Can they hear all the time?”

Seeing the conflict on Lu Huaizhou’s face, Jiang Ji patted his shoulder and reassured him, “It’s fine. I’ve got thick skin. Anyway, they can only hear, they can’t see.”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

“Hahaha…” Jiang Ji laughed so hard he trembled, leaning against Lu Huaizhou’s shoulder as he said between breaths, “Don’t worry. When things get intimate, it automatically disconnects. They can’t hear anything.”

Though the teasing beforehand could still be heard, Jiang Ji did not say that.

Lu Huaizhou let out a long breath of relief. If even their kisses could be heard…

The tips of his ears turned even redder, his emotions stirred.

Jiang Ji found it amusing and reached out to pinch his earlobe.

Lu Huaizhou’s body stiffened, and his other hand immediately grabbed Jiang Ji’s hand.

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. So his ears were this sensitive?

They had only kissed lips before. They hadn’t tried his ears yet. Jiang Ji blinked and made a mental note.

Jiang Ji withdrew his hand and smiled. “Your skin is so thin.”

Lu Huaizhou glanced at him without answering and simply led him forward.

When they reached the village road, Lu Huaizhou had already noticed on the way back earlier that the rice fields were lush and green. Some plots had radishes, but many were filled with a type of dense, thriving plant dotted with small purplish-red flowers.

“Why are there so many weeds in these fields?” Lu Huaizhou frowned.

Jiang Ji looked at the thriving plants and explained, “They’re not weeds. This is called milk vetch. It was sown on purpose.”

“Sown on purpose?” Lu Huaizhou looked at him, puzzled, then suddenly recalled something from when he had copied the rice cultivation methods Jiang Ji had written. After double-cropping rice, grass seeds could be sown to serve as green fertilizer. “Is it for green manure?”

“Exactly.” Jiang Ji looked at him in surprise. “You still remember?”

Lu Huaizhou nodded. “My memory is decent.”

Jiang Ji smiled. “Before I went to the capital, I left enough seeds at home for our village to use.”

The two walked around the fields, checking the conditions.

“The cabbage, lettuce, and broccoli here are growing better than in the capital,” Lu Huaizhou said after looking at the crops.

Jiang Ji replied, “It’s too cold over there. They can easily freeze to death. The climate here is just right.”

Lu Huaizhou nodded. “Some of the broccoli froze, but the lettuce and cabbage are fine. The lettuce could already be harvested not long after you returned.”

“Mm, lettuce has a shorter growth cycle.” Jiang Ji asked, “Do our parents like eating them?”

“They do. Mother likes them. Father eats fewer greens. Grandfather likes lettuce. We also sent a lot to Aunt, Second Uncle’s family, and the palace. The Empress Dowager and the others all like them. We’ve sold quite a lot as well.”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Being able to eat different vegetables helps improve the diet.”

Otherwise, winter in the north meant only radishes and cabbage.

After walking around the village, they returned home. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. Lu Huaizhou went to the study to prepare to write the calligraphy Jiang Ji wanted.

“What should I write?” Lu Huaizhou rolled up his sleeves.

Jiang Ji poured water and ground the ink, thinking for a moment. “Since it’s New Year, write ‘Fu’ (fortune). Let’s send blessings. Write five of them, five blessings arriving at the door.”

Lu Huaizhou’s brow twitched. “…Five?”

Jiang Ji nodded. “Yes, line up five ‘Fu’ characters in a row.”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

Still, he said nothing, took the leftover red paper from writing couplets, cut it to a suitable size, spread it out, and weighed it down.

Once the ink was ready, Lu Huaizhou picked up the brush and wrote five “Fu” characters in different styles, then signed them.

Jiang Ji looked very satisfied. “Where’s your seal?”

Lu Huaizhou went to the room and brought it over.

Jiang Ji picked out two of his personal seals and thought for a moment. “Stamp both.”

Lu Huaizhou: “…”

“Quick,” Jiang Ji urged.

Lu Huaizhou helplessly took them and stamped both personal seals beside the signature, and also stamped two more in appropriate spots.

Jiang Ji nodded with a smile. “Looks great.”

He glanced at the livestream.

【Judging by the Regent’s expression, something’s up】

【Who cares, two seals look great. Stamp the Regent’s official seal too】

【Yeah, stamp the Regent’s seal too】

Jiang Ji moved the calligraphy to another desk to dry and said quietly to the viewers, “How can the Regent’s official seal be used casually? That’s an official seal. Personal seals are fine.”

Lu Huaizhou heard this and curved his lips slightly.

Having nothing else to do, he took the remaining red paper and casually began writing another piece.

Jiang Ji chatted quietly with the viewers for a while. When he turned back, he saw Lu Huaizhou writing another scroll.

It was a vertical piece. At the top was a large “Fu,” and below in smaller characters: “Fortune shines upon the nine provinces, prosperity flourishes; auspicious energy arrives from the east, bringing vitality to all lands.”

Lu Huaizhou was adding his signature.

Jiang Ji blinked. This one looked even better than the previous one.

And the meaning—Jiang Ji glanced at Lu Huaizhou. As expected, he was someone who carried the nation and its people in his heart.

After the final stroke, Jiang Ji eagerly handed over the seals. “This one…”

Lu Huaizhou looked at him. “It’s for you.”

Jiang Ji smiled brightly. “Then can I give it to the immortals?”

“Of course.”

“Yes!” Jiang Ji clenched his fist in celebration, looped his arms around Lu Huaizhou’s neck, and kissed his lips. “That’s your reward!”

“Ah, brother, that’s embarrassing!” Jiang Nan cried out.

Jiang Ji turned back and saw Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei had just come in. Both covered their eyes while secretly peeking through fingers spread that wide, revealing four bright little eyes.

Jiang Ji knocked each of them on the head. “You’re the ones who should be embarrassed, interrupting my good moment.”

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei: “…”

Jiang Ji looked at them. “You came into the study to write, right? Have you finished the big characters the teacher assigned?”

“Aiya, Jiang Bei, I forgot to tell Dazhu something. Let’s go.”

The moment Jiang Nan heard about writing, he turned and ran, not forgetting to drag Jiang Bei along.

Jiang Ji: “…”

When he turned back, Lu Huaizhou had already stamped the personal seals.

Jiang Ji thought for a moment, then asked, “Can this one have the Regent’s seal?”

“Hmm?” Lu Huaizhou looked puzzled. “Didn’t you just say the Regent’s seal can’t be used casually?”

“You heard that?” Jiang Ji grinned. “How about stamping it on this one? I have a use for it.”

Lu Huaizhou nodded. “Alright.”

Lu Huaizhou then stamped the Regent’s seal below. The square, upright seal gave the piece a dignified and imposing look.

Jiang Ji was delighted. He set the calligraphy aside to dry, then the two went to the main hall to chat with Zhao Ru.

In the evening, the whole household made dumplings together. After a lively dinner, the table was filled with snacks, pastries, and fruit. Everyone gathered, eating and chatting as they stayed up to welcome the new year.

Several guards also took plenty of food over to the textile factory to keep the brothers on duty company as they stayed up.

Close to midnight, Jiang Ji spoke briefly with Lu Huaizhou and returned to the east wing.

It was time for the giveaway.

When he opened the livestream, Jiang Ji was startled. The real-time viewer count had reached over three hundred million.

“Wow, why are there so many people today?” Jiang Ji was amazed. “That’s even more than the day I met the Emperor.”

【Because of the giveaway!】
【Hurry up, I’ve been waiting forever】
【Our whole family is here, just waiting for you】
【Whether I get rich overnight depends on today】
【Host, pick me】
【System, pick me】

Jiang Ji laughed. “Alright, everyone, don’t rush. Before the draw, I’ll say one thing.”

He pointed to the calligraphy Lu Huaizhou had written earlier and addressed the viewers.

“Everyone, this piece here. The large character at the top is ‘Fu’, which you already recognize. The smaller ones below you may not understand, so I’ll read them. The system will translate automatically.”

“Fortune shines upon the nine provinces, prosperity flourishes; auspicious energy arrives from the east, bringing vitality to all lands. This is a blessing for the nation.”

After reading it, Jiang Ji continued, “This piece bears the seal of the Regent of Da Sheng. Lu Huaizhou and I, on behalf of Da Sheng, are gifting it to you, to your national museum for collection. Thank you for your support all this time. Da Sheng and its people also thank you. We wish your nation prosperity!”

【Ahhh, such a beautiful blessing, thank you host and Regent】
【Thank you host, thank you Regent. We also wish your country prosperity】
【So generous! The Regent is amazing! Wishing your nation prosperity】

— Xiao Xuehai tipped spring wheat seeds *10
— Xiao Xuehai tipped spring wheat seeds *10
…
— Mu Zhengxiong tipped spring wheat seeds *10
— Mu Zhengxiong tipped spring wheat seeds *10
…
— Linda Fei’er tipped spring wheat seeds *10
— Linda Fei’er tipped spring wheat seeds *10
— Bai Di tipped spring wheat seeds *10
— Bai Di tipped spring wheat seeds *10
…

Rows of tip notifications streamed past, golden wheat seeds falling like a shower of blossoms, dazzling and brilliant.

Mixed in were many other tips as well.

Jiang Ji blinked. “Thank you to all the big supporters for your tips. Much appreciated!”

【Ahhh, it’s President Xiao and Elder Mu!】
【That’s the musician Linda Fei’er!】
【Who’s Bai Di?!】
【Bai Di is the son of that electronics tycoon who bought the guqin at auction!】
【The big shots are amazing!】
【Respect!】
【Serving tea to all the big shots!】

【But whoever wins this, will they really donate it to the museum?】
【Good point, this is worth over a hundred million】
【Hope the winner is generous enough to donate it】

“That’s indeed a question,” Jiang Ji said. “Whether they donate it depends on personal character. As for how it’s given out, I’ve thought about it. This piece won’t be drawn separately. It will be awarded together with the grand prize calligraphy. I hope the grand prize winner can donate this piece to your national museum. Thank you.”

【Ohhh, that works. The winner already has one piece, so they won’t feel cheated】
【Good idea】
【Nice arrangement】

Outside, households were already setting off firecrackers. Jiang Ji glanced outside. “Alright everyone, time for the draw! The prizes are ready.”

On the table were two pieces of calligraphy, ten wooden boxes, and twenty plates filled with snacks like melon seeds, peanuts, red dates, and milk candy.

“I originally said ten prizes plus one grand prize, but since it’s New Year, let’s add twenty more.”

“The grand prize is the calligraphy. First prize is these ten wooden boxes, each containing silver jewelry.”

Jiang Ji opened them all. “Each piece is different, randomly assigned. Second prize is these twenty snack sets. You can eat them, and you can treat the plates as antiques to sell.”

“Alright, let’s draw!”

Jiang Ji first drew the twenty second prizes, then the ten first prizes.

Amid waves of excitement, disappointment, and envy from the viewers, Jiang Ji said, “Alright, now for the grand prize!”

【Pick me pick me pick me!】

Jiang Ji pressed the button in the center of the screen. After a moment, a name appeared.

“Congratulations to ‘2977SystemHostJiangJiRegentPickMeYouAreTheMostHandsomePickMeAh’ for winning the grand prize!”

Jiang Ji’s eye twitched at the name. “Friend, your name really covers everything.”

【Hahaha, oh my god, this guy is hilarious】
【No idea if it’s a guy or girl, but they really went all out】
【Clearly someone who leaves no stone unturned】
【So this is where I lost! Changing my name now!】

— 2977SystemHostJiangJiRegentPickMeYouAreTheMostHandsomePickMeAh tipped spring wheat seeds *10

After tipping, the viewer unlocked a colored username and golden font.

【Ahhhh it’s me!!! System, 2977, host, I love you all!!!】

【She’s gone crazy!】
【I would too!】
【Remember to donate it to the museum! I want to see it in person】
【Me too! Please!】
【I’m a guy, brothers! 1.9 meters tall! Not a girl! Don’t worry, I’ll donate it! Just wait!】
【Oh, a tall guy. Congrats! You sounded like a girl】
【With that kind of money, he probably won’t keep it】

Jiang Ji smiled at the lively banter. “I’ll send out the prizes now. The calligraphy will be mounted before delivery.”

【Thank you host!】

Jiang Ji sent out all thirty prizes. “Alright, it’s the first day of the New Year. The mounting shops should be closed, so I’ll get it done on the second day. I’m logging off now. I’m going to spend time with my family.”

Jiang Ji opened the door and saw someone standing in the corridor outside the study. The person turned and extended a hand. Jiang Ji placed his hand in it.

“Finished sending the gifts?” Lu Huaizhou stood beside him, holding his hand.

“Mm.” Jiang Ji smiled. “I gave that second piece of your calligraphy to the immortals in the name of Da Sheng, to thank them for the seeds.”

No wonder he had wanted the Regent’s seal. Lu Huaizhou paused, then his expression softened. He tightened his hold on Jiang Ji’s hand and said hoarsely, “Thank you.”

“What are you thanking me for?” Jiang Ji lifted his chin. “I’m the Duke Chang of Da Sheng. It’s my duty.”

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou pulled him into his arms and kissed his lips. “Da Sheng is fortunate to have you.”

“And I’m fortunate to have you.” Jiang Ji held Lu Huaizhou’s waist firmly.

Lu Huaizhou said softly, “My greatest fortune is meeting you.”

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Amid the drifting snow, a new year had arrived.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

“The Regent?!”

Lu Jiu and the others were stunned when they saw Lu Huaizhou. They happily bowed, and seeing the two of them embracing, did not disturb them. Instead, they went to catch up with Chen Feng and the others.

At Jiang Ji’s nose was that familiar cold, crisp scent. Beside his ear echoed that low voice. Against his skin was warmth.

It was real.

Jiang Ji blinked. The corners of his mouth lifted higher and higher. He raised his arms and held tightly around Lu Huaizhou’s waist, while Lu Huaizhou’s black cloak wrapped around both of them.

The two held each other tightly for a while, breathing in the familiar scent of their beloved, feeling the other’s embrace. For a moment, all other sounds faded from their ears.

As if in a dream, Jiang Ji asked happily, “Why did you come back? I only sent you a letter yesterday.”

Lu Huaizhou tilted his head and gently kissed the spot behind Jiang Ji’s ear. “I came back to spend the New Year with you.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes curved with his smile. He let go of Lu Huaizhou and was about to take his hand, but then saw that his own fingers were covered in red from pasting couplets earlier.

Seeing the brown bracelet on Jiang Ji’s wrist, Lu Huaizhou took his hand at once. On his own wrist was a black bracelet of the same style.

Jiang Ji looked at it and smiled, then pulled Lu Huaizhou toward the house. “Come inside quickly.”

He glanced at the others who had returned with Lu Huaizhou. “Chen Feng, Lu Wu, bring the brothers in too!”

“Alright!” Chen Feng took the luggage down from the horse and followed them into the courtyard.

Lu Huaizhou undid his cloak with one hand, and Lu Wen hurriedly took it from him, also carrying Lu Huaizhou’s luggage on his back.

When Jiang Ji returned to the main courtyard, he shouted, “Mother, come see who’s back!”

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei ran out of the main room. Their eyes lit up, and they immediately rushed over.

“Huaizhou-ge!” Jiang Bei cried in surprise.

“Mother, Second Sister, Huaizhou-ge is back!” Jiang Nan did not forget to turn and tell his mother and second sister.

Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei both ran to Lu Huaizhou’s side. Lu Huaizhou touched the two little fellows’ heads. “Have you been well? Have you been obedient?”

“Yes, I’ve been very obedient,” Jiang Bei declared first.

Not to be outdone, Jiang Nan said, “I’ve been very obedient too.”

Lu Huaizhou nodded in satisfaction. “That’s good.”

When Zhao Ru and Jiang Xia heard this, they immediately put down their scissors and ran out too. The others inside and in the courtyard also gathered over.

“Ah, it really is Huaizhou!” Zhao Ru looked at Lu Huaizhou in surprise and joy, hurrying over to welcome him.

Lu Huaizhou bowed and smiled. “Auntie, happy New Year.”

“Good, good, good.” Zhao Ru’s face was full of smiles. “Did you ride back or take a carriage? You must be exhausted.”

“I rode back. It’s alright.”

Jiang Xia smiled and called, “Huaizhou-ge, happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year, Xia’er.”

The household servants all respectfully called, “Your Highness!”

Lu Huaizhou looked around and nodded lightly. “Happy New Year, everyone.”

“Happy New Year, Your Highness.”

Zhao Ru smiled. “Are you tired? It must have been cold riding on horseback. Come in quickly and sit by the fire.”

The group returned to the main room. Jiang Ji patted Lu Huaizhou. “I’ll go wash my hands first. Do you want to bathe? I’ll have someone heat water?”

They had ridden all the way back on horseback in the cold wind. Though they practiced martial arts, being blown by cold wind for several days still could not feel good.

“Alright.” Lu Huaizhou’s eyes stayed fixed on him. Seeing Jiang Ji about to go out, he could not bear to let go of the hand he was holding.

Jiang Ji squeezed his hand and laughed softly. “I’ll be back soon.”

Lu Huaizhou simply stood. “I’ll go wash my hands too.”

The two held hands and went to the kitchen in the back.

Zhao Ru watched their reluctance to part, a smile lingering on her lips. She did not forget to call after them, “Have the kitchen boil a pot of ginger sugar water for them to drink.”

“I know,” Jiang Ji called back from afar.

In the rear kitchen, Ding Xiaojun was leading people along with Sister Guihua and the others to prepare the New Year’s Eve dinner. Hearing that the Regent had returned with his people, they were all very happy.

It was the New Year, and no one had expected the Regent to come back. He was so busy and had only a few days of leave, yet he still returned. That was enough to show how much he valued this household.

Before long, Jiang Ji and the Regent came in. Everyone hurriedly greeted them.

There was a pot of hot water constantly heating on the stove. Jiang Ji poured out a basin himself, mixed in some cold water, and carried it outside. The two crouched down to wash their hands.

Sister Guihua was preparing steamed pork with rice flour, both hands covered in powder. She asked, “Young Master, should we prepare a few more dishes?”

“Yes! Nine more people, so prepare one more table,” Jiang Ji nodded and instructed. “First boil ginger sugar water for them to dispel the cold, then heat water for their baths.”

“Alright!” Sister Guihua turned and instructed the auntie tending the fire. “Aunt Niu, use the small pot to boil water for ginger sugar water first. Then empty the biggest pot and heat bath water.”

“Alright, I’ll start right away.”

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou washed their hands by the well, then quickly returned to the main room and sat by the table.

After winter began, the weather had grown colder and colder. When charcoal braziers were lit, Jiang Ji saw Zhao Ru and the others doing needlework with bamboo trays resting on their laps, which could easily fall if they were not careful.

So Jiang Ji had several heated tables made for the household. They were square tables covered with a specially made quilt, with another tabletop placed over it. The family could place their legs under the table to warm themselves, covered by the cotton quilt. It was very warm, while the tabletop could still be used normally.

The whole family could sit around the table conveniently.

When many villagers saw this table, they exclaimed over how useful it was and began copying it one after another. Just like when they had built toilets before, within a few days, heated tables became popular in several nearby villages.

After a month, almost half the county knew about this convenient heated table.

Beside the table, Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei ate snacks while chattering and asking Lu Huaizhou questions.

Jiang Ji placed the warm quilt over his legs and slipped his hand under the table. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. Lu Huaizhou immediately took his hand and held it.

Jiang Ji turned his head and met Lu Huaizhou’s deep gaze. He tightened his grip and smiled sweetly at him, then placed his other hand over Lu Huaizhou’s hand, covering the back of it and pulling his whole hand onto his own lap.

Feeling the warmth of Jiang Ji’s palm and the gentle strokes on the back of his hand, Lu Huaizhou curved his lips.

At this moment, the pretty red window cuttings that had filled the tabletop had already been set aside by Zhao Ru. The table now held snacks, melon seeds, dried fruits, and other treats.

“Huaizhou, eat some snacks,” Zhao Ru said, pushing the snacks toward him.

Lu Shun brought over hot tea. “Your Highness, drink some hot tea to warm yourself.”

“Mm.” Lu Huaizhou picked up the tea and sipped it slowly.

Jiang Ji instructed Lu Shun, “The kitchen is boiling ginger sugar water and heating bath water. Later, have Chen Feng and the others each drink a bowl and take a bath to dispel the cold.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

As they were speaking, Chen Feng and the others finished settling in and came to greet Zhao Ru and the rest.

Zhao Ru knew all of them and quickly stood. “Shun’er, come, light the charcoal brazier for this table too. Everyone sit down and warm yourselves.”

Chen Feng smiled. “Madam, no need. We’ll go help everyone.”

Zhao Ru stood and stopped him. “No need for you. All the other work at home is done. We’re just preparing New Year’s Eve dinner now. You’ve only just arrived, so sit down and rest properly. Warm yourselves and eat something first. Dinner will still take a while.”

Chen Feng and the others knew Zhao Ru’s way of doing things, so they no longer refused and sat at the table nearby.

Seeing Zhao Ru going to move the brazier, Chen Feng hurriedly stopped her. “Madam, we’ll do it. Please sit.”

“Alright then, you do it yourselves.”

Chen Feng and the others took two pieces of charcoal from the brazier on this side, added two more pieces, and soon got the second brazier burning.

Seeing so many familiar faces, Lu Shun was very happy. He set out tea and snacks for Chen Feng and the others, then brought in a teapot to brew tea. When Chen Feng tried to help, Lu Shun avoided him.

“You all sit properly and warm yourselves first. Don’t fall sick during the New Year.”

One of the men looked at Lu Shun and laughed. “Shun’er looks more and more like a proper steward now.”

Lu Shun smiled. “I already am the steward of the Duke’s residence.”

“Look at you, so impressive now.”

“Of course.” Lu Shun lifted his chin. “Everyone, eat slowly. I’ll go see if the ginger sugar water is ready.”

Everyone laughed and joked, and the main hall was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Jiang Ji smiled and asked Lu Huaizhou, “How many days did you travel?”

Lu Huaizhou said, “Four days.”

“That fast?!” Jiang Ji frowned. “It must have snowed in the capital, right?”

“Mm. It started snowing at the beginning of the twelfth lunar month. A few days ago, it snowed quite heavily.”

Hearing this, Zhao Ru said worriedly, “Aiya, with such heavy snow, you still rode so fast. You mustn’t do that next time. It’s easy to catch a chill. Better to arrive a couple days late than neglect your health.”

“Alright.” Lu Huaizhou felt warmth in his heart and answered gently.

Jiang Ji smiled and reminded her, “Mother, in the future, we’ll all be in the capital. We won’t have to travel back and forth like this.”

Jiang Nan nodded solemnly. “That’s right. We’ll all be in the capital from now on!”

“Yes, yes, we’ll all be in the capital.” Zhao Ru also laughed. “I didn’t think of that for a moment.”

After a while, the village chief and clan elders heard that Lu Huaizhou had returned and came specially to pay a visit. Since it was New Year’s, they did not stay long. They simply greeted the Regent, then went back.

Once Lu Huaizhou returned to the village, the heavy burden of court matters was temporarily set aside, and he felt very relaxed. Here, he preferred using his identity as Jiang Yan.

After a while, Lu Shun and Sister Guihua brought over the ginger sugar water and had each of them drink a large bowl.

When the hot water was ready, Lu Huaizhou returned to the east wing to bathe. Jiang Ji went with him to find a change of clothes.

Once the door closed, no words were needed. The two embraced each other with perfect understanding and kissed at once, urgent and heated, impatient, like two hungry male beasts gnawing and sucking with the force and momentum of wanting to swallow each other whole.

Jiang Ji could not control his hands and kept wanting to slip them toward Lu Huaizhou’s waist. But Lu Huaizhou was wearing a long robe, so he could only grab at him through the fabric.

Lu Huaizhou laughed softly. Jiang Ji bit him and asked against his lips, “What are you laughing at?”

“Nothing.” Lu Huaizhou turned him around and pressed him against the wall to kiss him. “I just missed you too much.”

Jiang Ji: “!”

It was not easy to make Lu Huaizhou say something so direct. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. Jiang Ji was so excited that he wrapped his arms around Lu Huaizhou’s head and responded even more passionately.

“I missed you too.”

After quite a while, Jiang Ji accidentally kicked the bathtub and nearly fell in. Only then did the two stop.

Water cooled quickly in winter. Jiang Ji reluctantly let him go. “You should wash first. The water will get cold.”

Lu Huaizhou kissed him hard on the lips. “Mm.”

Jiang Ji found clothes for him and placed them on the folding screen, then went out and sat in the hall, slowly calming himself.

After a little over a quarter hour, the door opened, and Lu Huaizhou came out dressed.

“Why so fast? Why didn’t you soak a little longer?” Jiang Ji turned back and asked in surprise.

Lu Huaizhou came over and hugged him. “I’m warm now.”

His hair was still dripping. Jiang Ji took the towel from his shoulder. “Sit down quickly. I’ll dry your hair.”

Lu Huaizhou obediently sat in the chair. Jiang Ji stood behind him and slowly dried his hair little by little.

After drying it, Jiang Ji combed his hair straight, opened the east wing door, and called someone to carry out the bathwater. Then he pulled Lu Huaizhou toward the main room.

“Come warm yourself by the fire.”

Chen Feng and the others had also taken turns washing up. Once they were finished, the kitchen announced that dinner was ready.

The main hall of Jiang Ji’s home was very large. Five big round tables were set there, each with a charcoal brazier underneath. The charcoal burned brightly, making everything very warm.

After the dishes were served, Lu Jiu and the others went to the courtyard gate to set off firecrackers.

Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru brought Jiang Nan, Jiang Bei, and Jiang Xia to honor the ancestors. On the offering table were dishes, wine, pastries, and fruit. Jiang Ji and the others paid respects one by one.

Jiang Ji also specially introduced Lu Huaizhou to the ancestors and had Lu Huaizhou offer incense as Jiang Ji’s fiancé.

After the incense was offered, everyone took their seats. Lu Shun and the others all made a fuss, asking Jiang Ji to say a few words.

As the head of the household, Jiang Ji took a cup of wine and walked to the front.

“Everyone, today is New Year’s Eve, and the Regent has also returned to celebrate with us. I’m very happy. This year, our family has gone through great changes. Thanks to everyone’s help and care, our days have grown better and better. Here, I thank you all!”

Jiang Ji continued, “This may be our last New Year’s Eve in the village. For a long time after this, we probably won’t celebrate the New Year here. It is rare fate that brought us all together to spend this New Year. With this cup, I toast all of you, and thank all of you. I wish everyone a happy New Year, great fortune in the coming year, and may all your wishes come true! Drink!”

“Good, good, good! Drink!”

“Drink!”

Everyone rose one after another. The adults held cups of wine, while the children held fruit juice, excitedly shouting “Drink!” as they clinked cups with everyone and downed them in one go.

The New Year’s Eve dinner officially began. Twelve major dishes filled the tables, an abundant feast.

Everyone ate, drank, chatted, and laughed, their faces full of New Year joy.

Outside, firecrackers sounded from time to time. Many households had begun eating their New Year’s Eve dinners.

“Ah, it seems to be snowing.” Sister Guihua, seated at the table near the door, cried out in surprise.

Everyone immediately looked outside. Snowflakes were drifting through the air.

“Wow, it really is snowing!”

Jiang Nan exclaimed, slipped down from his chair, still chewing meat with chopsticks in one hand, and ran outside. He reached out with his other hand to catch the snowflakes.

“It’s cotton snow!”

“A timely snow promises a good harvest. A good omen!” Jiang Ji held Lu Huaizhou’s hand and laughed.

“Yes, yes, Young Master is right. This snow came at just the right time!”

“Hahaha, everyone will have good luck next year!”

“Come, come, come, Chen Feng, drink!”

“Drink!”

The meal continued on and off, taking an entire hour.

The snow grew heavier. A thin layer had already settled over the rooftops, trees, and ground, wrapping the whole village in silver.

Jiang Nan, Jiang Bei, Xiao Yi, and the others had long since eaten their fill and were playing in the courtyard.

Jiang Ji and Lu Huaizhou had also finished eating. Holding hands, they stood beneath the corridor watching the snow.

Jiang Ji looked at Lu Huaizhou and said, “This is the first New Year’s Eve we’ve spent together.”

Lu Huaizhou tightened his hold on his hand. “From now on, we’ll spend them all together.”

“Good.” Jiang Ji pulled Lu Huaizhou down the steps and into the snow. “Come on, I’ll show you something romantic.”

Lu Huaizhou raised a brow. “Romantic?”

The two walked to the center of the courtyard, surrounded by whiteness.

Jiang Ji looked at the snowflakes caught in Lu Huaizhou’s hair and smiled. “Growing white-haired together. Isn’t that romantic?”

Lu Huaizhou’s heart trembled. He looked at the bright white snow on Jiang Ji’s hair, and his gaze instantly deepened.

He pulled Jiang Ji close, pressing his forehead to Jiang Ji’s, and said hoarsely,

“Mm. Together, we’ll grow white-haired.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

After entering the twelfth lunar month, the New Year atmosphere grew stronger by the day. Many shops were selling New Year goods, and people were preparing food, clothing, daily supplies, and festival gifts for the holiday.

On Laba Festival, the streets were especially crowded.

Suddenly, in the middle section of East Street, firecrackers burst loudly. After the crackling stopped, gongs and drums thundered, the festive sound ringing through the entire street.

“What happened? Which family has a happy event?”

“I heard a cloth shop up ahead is opening today.”

“It’s the Duke’s cloth shop. They posted a notice three days ago saying they’d have grand opening discounts today.”

“The Duke’s family? Then we have to go see.”

“They’re doing a lion dance!”

“Hurry, let’s go look. I heard the Duke’s family harvested a lot of cotton this year. Let’s see their cloth!”

Everyone rushed toward the commotion.

A large crowd gathered outside Jiang’s Cloth Shop. The full chapter is up on HololoNovels dot com. People watched the lion dance, cheering whenever the performance grew exciting, adding another layer of joy to the winter street.

After the lively lion dance, Jiang Ji and Jiang Xia lifted the red silk from the shop plaque together.

Jiang Xia’s face was bright with excitement. Her brother had said the shop was registered under her name, so he had specially asked her to unveil the plaque.

The thirteen-year-old girl had eaten well over the past year and had grown noticeably taller. She had large eyes, a pointed chin, and fair, delicate skin, looking fresh and lovely.

She wore a short red front-opening jacket and skirt, with a circle of fluffy white fox fur around her neck, making her look even more beautiful and charming.

“Oh my, who is that girl? She’s so pretty. Why is she unveiling the plaque with the Duke?”

“I heard she’s the Duke’s younger sister.”

“So she’s the young lady of the Duke’s family. No wonder she’s so pretty.”

“The clothes she’s wearing are beautiful too. That pattern is perfect for a young girl. I wonder where they bought it? I want to buy a bolt for my daughter.”

“The deep red on the Duke looks good too.”

“The blue cotton jacket on the shop assistant beside them is also nice.”

Jiang Ji handed the red silk to a shop assistant, then cupped his hands and spoke loudly to the gathered crowd.

“Everyone, today is the opening of my younger sister’s cloth shop. As you can see, the clothes worn by me, my sister, our shopkeeper, and the assistants are all made from cloth sold in our store. They are all pure cotton fabrics.

“Thank you all for your support. There are discounts for buying cloth today. Since our stock is limited, only a little over three hundred bolts, it will be first come, first served. Everyone is welcome to come in and choose!”

After he finished, he entered the shop with Jiang Xia.

Many madams who planned to buy cloth went inside to take a look. Others simply wanted to join the excitement and see what the Duke’s cloth was like, so they also entered.

Once they went in, they could not bear to leave.

“My heavens, why is this cloth so soft? It’s much more comfortable than the cloth from the Zhang family’s shop!”

“This is better than all the cotton cloth on the market!”

“This cloth is really comfortable. Wife, buy two bolts and make clothes for you and the children.”

“This would be perfect for undergarments. We need to buy several bolts!”

“This is the first time I’ve seen this pattern! Mother, this would look good on you!”

“Assistant, how much is this bolt?”

“Oh my, such good cloth isn’t even that expensive. It’s only a little more expensive than other cotton cloth. Worth it, very worth it.”

“Miss, this pale pink fabric is so pretty. It suits you beautifully.”

“Quick, quick, assistant, get me one bolt of the fabric the Duke’s sister was wearing earlier!”

“The Duke just said there are only a little over three hundred bolts. Hurry and buy, or they’ll be gone soon.”

“I want one bolt in the color the Duke was wearing!”

“Assistant, get me one bolt of this dark blue, and one bolt of that lotus-pink!”

“Assistant, I want two bolts of that lotus-pink too. What? It’s out of stock? How can it be out of stock right after opening? When will you have more?”

“This pattern is gone? Why didn’t you make more?”

“Aiya, sister, I got this bolt first. Don’t fight me for it! Go ask the assistant!”

…

The cloth shop was packed with people, all scrambling to buy cloth.

Before coming in, they had not expected the Duke’s cloth to be this good. The texture was fine and soft, and when placed on the back of the hand, it felt gentle and comfortable.

The colors were beautiful too. The full chapter is up on HololoNovels dot com. There were many solid colors to choose from, and many of them were shades other cloth shops did not have. The patterned fabrics were also very pretty.

The madams and young ladies who had already planned to buy cloth immediately began snatching it up. Even those who had only come to watch the excitement could not help being tempted.

The shop assistant also called out, “Dear customers, stock is limited! Each style only has a dozen or so bolts at most. If you see something you like, buy quickly. It may be gone soon!”

With that shout, the customers who were still hesitating could no longer hesitate. They grabbed the fabric and quickly hugged it to their chests, afraid someone else would snatch it away.

Sure enough, later on, stock ran out. Seeing several people fighting over a single bolt, those who had managed to get one were instantly satisfied.

Good thing they had grabbed it. If they had hesitated any longer, it would have been gone.

Jiang Ji hurriedly instructed, “Those who didn’t get any can place an order with the assistants. From now on, we’ll send more cloth over every day. You’ll be able to get it within three days at most!”

Those who had failed to buy cloth immediately swarmed over to the assistants to register their orders.

A successful opening!

Jiang Ji, Jiang Xia, Meng Dahai, and the others all smiled at the lively scene.

There were many people lining up at the counter to pay, so Jiang Ji and Meng Dahai hurried over to help.

This year, because of the new rice seed, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peanuts, families with farmland in Changping County had earned quite a lot of money.

With silver in their pockets, people bought cloth decisively.

Such fine cloth was only thirty or forty wen more expensive per bolt than the cotton cloth in other shops. It was extremely worth it.

Not far from Jiang’s Cloth Shop, at the back door of Zhang’s Cloth Shop, two young men entered, each holding a bolt of cloth.

“Master, we bought the cloth!”

Old Master Zhang immediately set down his teacup and stood. “Put them on the table quickly. Let me see.”

The two men placed the bolts on the table, one pale blue and one dark blue striped.

Old Master Zhang and the cloth shopkeeper both unfolded the cloth to examine it.

The moment they touched it, both were startled.

“So soft?” the shopkeeper said in surprise.

Old Master Zhang’s heart tightened. This cloth was better than what their family produced. Not only theirs, it was better than all the cloth currently on the market in Da Sheng.

He leaned closer to inspect it carefully, then touched the edge and pulled out a thread to examine it.

“Master, look at their thread,” the shopkeeper said, eyes widening. “It’s finer than ours, so the cloth can be this soft.”

Old Master Zhang had noticed as well, but he was curious. “How can they spin thread this fine?”

The shopkeeper was also surprised. “Their textile workshop has only been open for a month. Logically, the cloth shop shouldn’t have opened this quickly.”

Old Master Zhang asked the people who had bought the cloth, “How much stock did they have in the shop?”

One of them answered, “The Duke said they only had a little over three hundred bolts.”

The shopkeeper’s eyes widened slightly. “Over three hundred? Their textile workshop started from processing cotton and spinning thread. In the first month after opening, they actually wove over three hundred bolts? I remember they didn’t hire that many people.”

Old Master Zhang nodded. “They hired sixty-eight people.”

He had already sent people to investigate all of this clearly.

“Sixty-eight people, for the entire process. They shouldn’t have many weavers. How could they weave that much?” the shopkeeper said, astonished. “They would need at least thirty people just to weave that amount. Then no matter how you calculate it, they wouldn’t have enough people for the other steps.”

Old Master Zhang said grimly, “They only have four people removing cotton seeds and four people spinning thread.”

“What?!” The shopkeeper knew less than Old Master Zhang and was shocked. “Only four people deseeding cotton and four spinning thread? How could four spinners produce enough thread for that much cloth in one month?”

Old Master Zhang was silent for a moment, then said heavily, “They have a new cotton-ginning machine. It removes seeds very quickly. They also have a new spinning machine. They say one person can do the work of eight.”

“One person can equal eight?” the shopkeeper said in shock. “What kind of machine could that be?”

Old Master Zhang shook his head. He did not know either. He also very much wanted to see that machine.

But even putting that aside, he pointed to the patterned bolt and said, “This pattern, this weaving method, none of it is something we have.”

The patterned cloth on the table had a subtle design alternating between blue-gray and dark blue, very suitable for making outer robes for middle-aged men.

The servant beside him added, “Master, they had other patterns in the shop too, many kinds, but there weren’t many of each. We couldn’t get them. There were too many people.”

The shopkeeper asked, “Were there many customers?”

“When we left, the cloth had already sold out. I heard the assistant say there was no stock left.”

“It sold out that quickly?!” Old Master Zhang froze.

The shopkeeper also said, “It hasn’t even been an hour since they opened!”

The servant nodded. “Yes, there were so many people. And they were all individual customers. Many bought several bolts each. I heard some people had only gone in to watch the excitement, but in the end, they still bought a bolt to take home.”

Another person added, “But they started taking reservations. Many people reserved cloth. They can pick it up tomorrow or the day after.”

Old Master Zhang and the shopkeeper: “…”

The shopkeeper thought that if he saw such soft cloth, he would buy some too.

But he did not dare say it aloud, afraid of stabbing his master in the heart.

Old Master Zhang looked at the bolts on the table and let out a deep sigh.

Ever since Jiang Ji first signed cotton-growing agreements with the farmers, he had been worried that Jiang Ji intended to open a textile workshop.

Back then, he had not been too anxious. The Zhang family had operated in Changping County for several generations and had rich experience. Jiang Ji’s family had always been farmers. When it came to textiles, surely Jiang Ji could not compare to him.

Later, when Jiang Ji really did open one, Old Master Zhang remained in a wait-and-see state, only sending people to gather news.

It was not until later, when he heard that Jiang Ji’s family had some kind of new machine, that he became curious and sent people to Jiang Ji’s textile workshop to see what this new machine was.

At the time, he thought that even with new machines, the textile trade was not so easy to enter. Only making good cloth that could sell counted as real ability. He was somewhat worried, but not yet afraid. He felt that Jiang Ji, a mere farmer, could not possibly weave cloth of any great quality. He did not believe it.

Even if Jiang Ji truly made good cloth, given the Zhang family’s standing in Changping’s cloth trade, suppressing a small workshop should still be easy.

Who would have thought that at that exact time, Jiang Ji went to the capital and was granted the title Duke Chang?

Faced with power and status, Old Master Zhang truly began to worry. He no longer dared move against him and could only hope that the cloth they produced was poor.

But the cloth before his eyes had slapped him hard awake.

Today, on their first day of opening, in less than an hour, more than three hundred bolts of cloth had actually sold out.

Old Master Zhang truly had no solution now.

Was the Zhang family going to decline in his hands?

Full of worry, he returned home with the two bolts of cloth.

---

Over at Jiang’s Cloth Shop, after the final customer paid and left, the shopkeeper counted the silver while the two assistants tidied up the shop. Everyone’s face was full of joy.

They had not expected everything to sell out so quickly.

It was not even noon yet.

Jiang Ji smiled and handed out red envelopes to everyone. “Today is a good day. Once you’ve cleaned up, you can all go home.”

“Thank you, Your Grace!”

They only had to work half a day and even received reward money. The cloth shopkeeper and assistants were all very happy.

Jiang Ji also brought Xia’er, Meng Dahai, and the others back home.

By the time they arrived, it was only noon. The workers were eating in the dining hall, so Jiang Ji went to the textile workshop to announce the good news.

“I have good news for everyone. The cloth produced by our factory sold out within one hour of opening!”

Everyone was stunned.

“Sold out?!”

“So quickly?!”

“The cloth is so good, even I want to buy some!”

Jiang Ji smiled and said, “Today is Laba Festival, so everyone has the afternoon off. After eating, you may go home. Also, every person can go to the accounts office to receive a holiday bonus. It’s just a small token of thanks for everyone’s hard work. In the future, please continue working hard so we can make our factory bigger and stronger!”

“Wonderful! Thank you, Your Grace!”

“Thank you, Your Grace!”

“We’ll definitely work hard!”

“Yes, we’ll work hard!”

Seeing how happy everyone was, Jiang Ji also cheerfully went home to eat.

Because the cloth shop had such a successful opening, and because it was Laba Festival, double happiness had arrived. In his good mood, Jiang Ji also gave red envelopes to everyone in the household.

Everyone at home had already heard the good news about the cloth shop, and they were all very excited.

If the employer did well, they would do well too.

Laba Festival was very popular in the north. In the south, people did not pay as much attention to it, but there were many people from the capital in their household now, so Jiang Ji had specially instructed Sister Guihua to make Laba porridge.

At noon, everyone had a bowl of fragrant, glutinous Laba porridge. Some liked adding sugar, making it sweet and soft. Others ate it without sugar, like ordinary porridge with dishes, which was also delicious.

The people who had come from the north felt touched. His Grace still remembered that they celebrated Laba Festival.

At noon, after returning to the east wing, Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei went to take their nap. Jiang Ji sat in the small hall and wrote a letter to Lu Huaizhou.

He had to share the good news that the cloth shop had sold out within one hour of opening.

He wrote two full pages, then handed the letter to Lu Jiu and asked him to arrange for someone to take it to the city and send it off.

Then Jiang Ji continued drawing blueprints.

Judging by today’s trend, if cloth remained in short supply after the New Year, they could consider expanding production next year. Their current workshop could only add a dozen or so more weavers at most. There was not enough space, so they would have to expand the factory.

The ten mu of land next door was perfect for it.

After that, the textile factory sent a batch of cloth to the shop every day, sometimes a dozen bolts, sometimes over twenty. Customers who had placed reservations only needed to come pick them up each day.

Customers who came after hearing the news could only line up to preorder and return on the day their cloth arrived. Sometimes, if they came too late, there might not even be any available, and they would have to wait until the next day.

Within a few days, clothes made from Jiang’s Cloth Shop fabric appeared on the streets.

“Oh my, Madam Wang, your clothes are truly lovely. Was the fabric bought from Jiang’s?”

“Yes, Madam Li. Yours is too, isn’t it? I also wanted to buy a bolt in that color, but unfortunately, it was out of stock!”

“You can preorder it. This fabric is truly comfortable. I went back and ordered several more bolts to give as New Year gifts.”

“What a coincidence. I ordered several bolts too. I’m planning to replace all the undergarments at home.”

Jiang Ji listened to the madams and young ladies chatting, the corners of his mouth lifting high.

Seeing customers wearing clothes made from fabric produced by his own factory gave him indescribable satisfaction.

This was a sense of achievement.

Days passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the end of the year.

The textile factory closed for holiday on the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, giving everyone time to prepare for the New Year. Jiang Ji gave the employees thick red envelopes, and everyone was very happy.

He also gave New Year benefits to the employees. Each person received one bolt of cloth. If they wanted to buy more, they could buy one additional bolt at seventy percent of Jiang’s Cloth Shop’s price.

He had told them about this in advance. Meng Dahai registered everyone’s choices and set aside the employee benefit cloth ahead of time. Almost everyone bought one additional bolt, and some even bought two more.

“We only dare buy like this because we made money selling seeds this year,” one employee said with a smile.

“Exactly. In the past, we wouldn’t have dared. Not going hungry during the New Year was already good enough.”

On New Year’s Eve, Jiang Ji and the others got up early. Everyone put on new clothes, all made by Zhao Ru from the cloth their family had produced.

Jiang Ji also put on the brown bracelet he had made, matching Lu Huaizhou’s.

He also had someone go into town to bring Ding Xiaojun and the others home so everyone could celebrate the New Year together.

Zhao Ru, Madam Meng, Jiang Xia, and the others cut window paper in the hall. Lu Jiu and the others took Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei to hang red lanterns. New red lanterns were hung everywhere inside and outside the courtyard. After finishing at home, they also went to hang them at the factory courtyard gate.

With Lu Huaizhou absent, the person in the household with the best handwriting was Lu Wen. Jiang Ji simply had Lu Wen write the couplets while he helped grind the ink.

The whole family was busy.

Near noon, Jiang Ji was pasting couplets at the entrance when he suddenly heard the sound of hooves.

His heart stirred. He could not help standing and looking toward the road.

Several people wearing black cloaks were riding this way on horseback.

The man in front had cold, handsome features and an extraordinary bearing.

Jiang Ji froze. Then immense surprise bloomed in his heart.

Soon, the horses reached the gate. A tall figure hurried over and pulled him into his arms.

“Jiang Ji, I’m back.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

In the main hall of Jiang Ji’s home, Lu Shun was keeping Meng Dahai company in conversation.

Jiang Ji strode in and saw a middle-aged man who looked around thirty-seven or thirty-eight. Beside him was a woman of about thirty, and a boy of around thirteen or fourteen.

“You must be Mister Meng?” Jiang Ji cupped his hands. “I am Jiang Ji.”

Meng Dahai had heard of Duke Chang’s great name. He quickly rose with his wife and son to bow, but Jiang Ji caught his arm and stopped him.

Lu Huaizhou had already told him Meng Dahai’s background in the letter.

Meng Dahai had once been the manager of one of the cotton textile workshops owned by a famous textile merchant family in the capital. Since childhood, he had learned textile skills from his father, and was himself a highly skilled master craftsman. More than half of the best-selling fabric patterns in that workshop had been designed by him.

In his early twenties, he had begun managing a small workshop. By now, he could manage a large workshop of three or four hundred people, with more than ten years of experience behind him.

However, at the beginning of last year, his former employer had sent his second son into the textile workshop to gain experience.

That second young master was eager to show off in front of his father. He was impatient for results and knew only a little about textiles, yet forcefully interfered with the workshop’s operations. He misjudged the market, created new patterned fabrics that simply would not sell, and caused large amounts of stock to pile up unsold. In the end, they had to be sold off cheaply, leaving the first quarter’s revenue dismal.

Meng Dahai had warned him several times that the new pattern likely would not work, but the second young master insisted on having his way. Read the full chapter on HololoNovels .com. When problems arose, he pushed the blame onto Meng Dahai.

Meng Dahai reported it to the employer. The employer scolded the second young master, but afterward, that second young master used his position to retaliate against Meng Dahai.

In the second quarter, not only did the second young master fail to reflect on his mistakes, he grew even worse. Whenever problems arose, he pushed Meng Dahai forward to take the blame.

Meng Dahai was a registered commoner and a free man. After enduring it for a year, he finally could not bear it anymore. He resigned from the position, then worked for more than half a year in a small workshop before being recruited by Uncle Zhong.

“Mister Meng, Madam, no need for such courtesy,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. “Please, sit.”

Meng Dahai still bowed. “This commoner Meng Dahai greets Your Grace with his wife and son.”

“No need to be polite.” Jiang Ji sat down and said, “The Regent has already told me. To be honest, I was the one who asked him for help. From now on, I’ll still need Mister Meng’s assistance.”

Seeing that Duke Chang was so courteous and seemed rather easygoing, Meng Dahai’s nervousness eased by half.

He cupped his hands and said, “Your Grace is too kind. I do not deserve to be called Mister by Your Grace.”

“Mister Meng is too modest.” Seeing the exhaustion on all three of their faces, Jiang Ji said, “You’ve only just arrived. Please wait a moment. I’ll immediately have someone clear out the west wing. Your family can stay there.”

Jiang Ji immediately instructed Lu Shun, “Tell the kitchen to prepare a welcoming dinner for Mister Meng’s family tonight. Also, have Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei’s things moved into the room the Regent used before, including their beds. The bed in the Regent’s room has never been slept in, so move it to Mister Meng’s room. As for the bed in young Brother Meng’s room, come with me to the storehouse later and move a new one over.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Lu Shun accepted the order and went to arrange their lodging.

Hearing this, Meng Dahai was somewhat surprised. “This… Your Grace, we can just stay in the servants’ rooms.”

“Mister Meng, don’t stand on ceremony with me. It will be more convenient for your family to stay in the west wing,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. “Besides, we’ll only be living here for another half year, and there are quite a lot of people in our household now. The servants’ rooms are already full.”

“But making the two young masters share a room…”

“They were already sharing a room. Don’t worry, Mister. I spoke to them about it before.”

Meng Dahai had not expected to receive such treatment. He rose and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

“No need to thank me,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. “There is also a small study in the west wing. You may use it as well. Oh, right, if young Brother Meng needs to attend school, there is a schoolhouse just in front of our village. It’s very close. He can go there. If he wants to study in town, that is fine too.”

At the mention of his son, Meng Dahai quickly said, “Your Grace, I have an unreasonable request.”

“Please speak.”

Mister Meng glanced at his son and said, “My son is named Meng Ping. After the New Year, he will be fourteen. He has already studied at school for seven years and recognizes most characters, but he has no interest in the imperial examinations. He is only interested in textiles. I also wish to pass down my family’s skills to him, and I have already taught him for a year. Just now, I heard from the steward that the workshop requires workers to be at least sixteen and does not take apprentices. So I would like to ask Your Grace’s permission to let him learn by my side. He does not need wages. I only ask that he be allowed to follow me.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ji glanced at Meng Ping and nodded. “That’s fine.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” Meng Dahai bowed deeply. Beside him, Madam Meng and Meng Ping also bowed in gratitude.

After a while, Lu Shun brought people over and moved Jiang Nan and Jiang Bei’s belongings to an empty room in the east wing. The items in the study were moved over as well.

Jiang Ji went to the system store and exchanged for a new bed, then had Lu Shun and the others move it to the west wing for Meng Ping.

Meng Dahai’s family of three followed Lu Shun to the west wing. When Meng Dahai saw the furniture inside, the wooden bed, wardrobe, dressing table, chairs, and the rest, all made of fine huanghuali wood, his eyes widened at once.

“Steward, this… this furniture is too good. An ordinary wooden bed would be enough for us.”

Lu Shun smiled and said, “This furniture already belongs to this room. Just use it. It’s fine. There aren’t any other wooden beds in the residence anyway.”

Meng Dahai was very uneasy. “But this furniture is far too valuable.”

“It’s alright. Use it,” Lu Shun said. “You can settle in first and rest for a while. When dinner is ready, I’ll come call you.”

“Yes. Thank you, Steward.”

After Lu Shun left, Meng Dahai and his wife looked at each other.

Madam Meng looked at the dressing table and asked, “Are we really going to use such expensive furniture? What if we damage it…”

Meng Dahai glanced toward the east wing opposite and saw Jiang Ji and Lu Shun enter. He nodded. “Use it. His Grace doesn’t look like someone who would make things difficult for others.”

Madam Meng nodded, then went to check their son’s room. Seeing that his bed was an ordinary wooden one, she breathed a sigh of relief.

That evening, Jiang Ji’s family set up several tables to welcome Meng Dahai’s family.

Meng Dahai watched as Jiang Ji laughed and chatted with the servants, even drinking several cups of wine. It seemed there truly were not so many strict rules here, so he relaxed a little too.

Especially because the food in the Duke’s household was truly delicious.

Seeing his wife and son eat with such satisfaction, Meng Dahai felt that coming here might not be bad after all.

…

The next day, when it was time to work, Jiang Ji took Meng Dahai to see the textile workshop.

Meng Dahai saw that the factory layout was reasonable, the environment clean, and the workers all wore masks. Many precautions, operating requirements, and workflows were posted on the walls. Everything was extremely standardized, even better than what most experts in the trade would do.

Upon learning that all of this had been required by Jiang Ji, he knew the Duke understood textiles. He was someone who truly knew the trade.

Especially when Meng Dahai saw the cotton gin and the spinning machine, the excitement in his heart was beyond words.

“This, this… so what the Regent said was true!” Meng Dahai said excitedly, his eyes fixed on the spinning machine as he carefully studied its structure.

Hearing this, Jiang Ji asked, “The Regent told you about this machine?”

“Yes. The Regent said you had new machines here that worked faster, produced finer yarn, and wove softer cloth. That made me very eager to come,” Meng Dahai said.

Jiang Ji understood. So Lu Huaizhou had not only used high wages to attract him, but also new machines and new techniques.

That made sense. Meng Dahai was originally from the capital. To make someone leave his home and travel so far, there had to be a strong draw.

Meng Dahai was also someone who pursued the cutting edge of his craft. Read the full chapter on HololoNovels .com. His own skills were solid, and once he heard that there were new machines capable of producing better cloth, he was moved.

“I see,” Jiang Ji said with a smile. “Then I really must thank the Regent.”

Looking at the fine yarn being spun, Meng Dahai sighed with feeling. “Not only is it fast, the yarn is fine, and its toughness is enough as well.”

The loom over there was also a new model. It was easier to operate and produced more delicate fabric.

In Meng Dahai’s heart, his respect for the Duke was no longer merely because of his status. It had become sincere admiration from the bottom of his heart.

He rose and bowed to Jiang Ji. “Your Grace, today has truly opened my eyes.”

After touring the factory, Jiang Ji asked seriously, “Then, shall we go sign the contract?”

Meng Dahai nodded and gestured. “Your Grace, please.”

The two went to the office and signed an employment contract. The monthly pay was three taels higher than what Meng Dahai had received at the wealthy household before.

Lu Huaizhou’s side had already thoroughly investigated Meng Dahai’s background. There was no issue with his character, so Jiang Ji felt very reassured and signed a long-term contract with him.

After the contract was signed, Meng Dahai put it away and immediately began work.

Jiang Ji brought over the fabric samples he had prepared and discussed them with Meng Dahai. Some were solid-colored, while others had patterns.

“Mister Meng, I’m planning to produce cloth in these styles. You understand the market better, so please take a look.”

The workers were still getting familiar with the machines. What Jiang Ji and the others needed most right now was to finalize the styles of fabric they would produce next.

Meng Dahai flipped through the samples. The fabric was soft and extremely comfortable. It was the finest cotton cloth he had ever seen in his life. With this level of quality, there was no need to worry about sales.

There were more than twenty styles here. Half were solid colors, and half had patterns. The solid-colored cloth came in beautiful shades, some elegant and understated, others richer and more vivid. The patterned ones were also novel.

He asked in surprise, “Boss, did you design these styles yourself?”

“Yes. But I don’t know whether they fit current trends. I showed them to a few aunties and young girls in the village, and they said they liked these.”

Jiang Ji pointed to a few of them, then pointed to three other styles. “The men preferred these, but those are all just village preferences. As for city people, especially in larger towns, I’m not too familiar with their tastes. I observed a little while I was in the capital recently, and it seems people there might prefer these styles.”

Meng Dahai nodded happily. “Boss, you’re right. People in the capital do indeed prefer these. Are you planning to send the goods directly to the capital?”

Jiang Ji said, “Our factory is still too small right now, and production isn’t high yet. Also, the cotton we bought this time was relatively expensive. I want to first cover the surrounding counties, prefecture city, and provincial capital, then slowly expand outward. Nearby markets are easier for us to understand, easier to manage, and shipping costs are lower.”

“If sales are good, we can use the ten mu of land next door to expand the factory. Later, once cotton prices slowly come down over the next year or two, that can offset transportation costs. Then we can expand production and make cloth in the styles favored by the capital and other cities. That’s my plan. What do you think?”

Jiang Ji had originally planned to reserve the land next door for building residences, but plans could not keep up with changes. Back then, he had never expected that his family would one day move to the capital. Now there was no need to build houses here, so the land could be used to expand the factory.

Seeing that he was neither impatient nor reckless, and that he had not declared that they would immediately enter major markets like the capital, but instead wanted to proceed steadily, Meng Dahai felt much more reassured.

At the very least, his boss had a plan and was reliable.

“I think the same as you, Boss,” Meng Dahai said. “But we still need to visit the county seat, the prefecture city, and the provincial capital to see local clothing preferences and how the cloth shops are selling.”

“Exactly. We need to do proper market research,” Jiang Ji said happily. “For now, we can produce solid-colored cotton first, and we can take time to go look around.”

“Good.”

So, with Lu Shun temporarily watching the factory, Jiang Ji took Meng Dahai and Meng Ping out the next day to conduct market research. Lu Jiu followed with several guards.

They visited the county seat, the prefecture city, and the provincial capital one after another. By the time they returned from their circuit, more than half a month had passed.

During this period, another major event occurred. Teams organized by the prefectural and county offices of other southern regions began arriving in Yunzhou one after another to buy seeds. Following the designated purchasing counties assigned by the imperial court, they began buying rice seed, sweet potato, corn, and potato seed stock.

All transactions were held at the county offices. Farmers only needed to bring over their own seeds. Prices were standardized, sold according to the prices Jiang Ji had originally set.

Jiang Ji and the others saw these seed markets in several counties. Each scene was bustling with activity.

The farmers were busy selling seeds for several days. Sweet potatoes and potatoes especially had high yields and took up a lot of space, so they had to be transported over multiple trips.

But none of that hardship mattered. Looking at the silver in their hands, the farmers’ faces bloomed with smiles.

Just from rice seed alone, if a farming family had three mu of paddy fields, each mu could produce around five hundred jin per season after drying. If they planted one mu in the first season and three mu in the second season, then sold rice seed at forty wen per jin, keeping only a little for themselves as seed and selling the rest, they could earn more than seventy taels of silver.

Even farmers who had only planted one later season made several dozen taels. Add in sweet potatoes, corn, potatoes, and for some, cottonseed money too, and it became an enormous sum.

They had never earned this much money in their entire lives, much less in just a few days. It was an amount they had never dared imagine.

Every farmer wore a smile.

“Good thing our county is right next to Changping County. Otherwise, this kind of good thing would never have reached us.”

“Exactly. Those counties near Changping that planted the new rice seed in the first season and also planted sweet potatoes and corn really made a fortune.”

“True, but there’s no point envying them.”

“If only we could earn this much every year.”

“You’re dreaming. Once everyone plants them next year, who are you going to sell rice seed to?”

“Hahaha, I’m just saying. Being able to earn this much this year is already an unexpected blessing!”

“But the rice from the new seed tastes good. Next year, won’t grain sell for a bit more? The north still doesn’t have it yet.”

“That’s true. Next year, we must keep farming properly. We also need to buy sweet potatoes and corn and plant them too!”

“Yes, yes! Plant them all, and cotton too!”

“We were able to earn this much silver. We really have to thank Duke Chang properly!”

“That’s right. If not for Duke Chang, we’d still be going hungry this winter.”

“Exactly. The money I earned this year is almost enough to build a new house.”

Jiang Ji deliberately went to the transaction site to take a look. Seeing the farmers so happy, he could not help smiling as well.

Just as he was about to leave, he happened to run into Lord Chen leading people down to inspect the seed trade.

When Lord Chen saw Jiang Ji, he was greatly shocked and hurried over, bowing deeply. “Greetings, Duke Chang.”

“No need for such courtesy, Lord Chen.” Jiang Ji looked at him and smiled. “Long time no see. Are you here to inspect?”

“Yes. Lord Fan and Prefect Xu went to Changping and said they were making a special visit to you.” Lord Chen asked curiously, “Your Grace, why are you in this county?”

“Oh, we had some business here. I happened to see everyone selling seeds, so I came to take a look.” Jiang Ji scratched his head. “Then haven’t I missed Lord Fan and Prefect Xu? I won’t be back for several more days.”

When Jiang Ji had returned from the capital last time, he had made a special stop at the prefecture city to visit Prefect Xu and congratulate him on his promotion.

“There’s no helping that. Your affairs are more important.”

As the two spoke, the county magistrate saw Lord Chen and hurried over. He did not know Jiang Ji, so Lord Chen introduced him.

Learning that this was Duke Chang, the county magistrate and the people beside him immediately bowed.

“Greetings, Duke Chang.”

Their voices were a little loud, drawing the attention of the surrounding farmers.

“What? Duke Chang?”

“Duke Chang is here?”

“Which one is Duke Chang?”

“Why did Duke Chang come to our county? Which one is he?”

The farmers all crowded over at once. Jiang Ji was dressed very plainly, so they did not recognize him right away. Lord Chen simply introduced him to everyone.

“This is Duke Chang, the Duke Chang who brought everyone the new rice seed.”

The farmers immediately looked toward Jiang Ji, then one after another knelt to pay their respects.

“Greetings, Duke Chang!”

Jiang Ji looked helplessly at Lord Chen.

“…”

Lord Chen only smiled at him.

“…” Jiang Ji hurriedly said, “Everyone, please get up. No need for such ceremony.”

The crowd rose one after another, slightly restrained and nervous, but full of gratitude.

“Thank you, Your Grace!”

“Your Grace, thank you. Our family won’t have to go hungry this winter!”

“Thank you, Your Grace. I’ve never earned this much silver in my whole life!”

“We can have a good New Year now. Thank you, Your Grace!”

Everyone thanked him sincerely, their faces full of gratitude.

“No need to thank me. Everyone should have a good New Year.” Jiang Ji smiled and cupped his hands. “I’ll wish everyone a happy New Year in advance!”

“May Your Grace enjoy fortune, longevity, and good health!”

Some man shouted it first, and then all the farmers began shouting in unison.

“May Your Grace enjoy fortune, longevity, and good health!”

“Thank you, everyone. I still have business, so I’ll head back first. See you all again!” Jiang Ji quickly led his people away.

Lord Chen watched Jiang Ji run so quickly, as if afraid of being surrounded, and almost wanted to laugh.

Beside him, the county magistrate sighed. “I never expected His Grace to be so approachable.”

Lord Chen smiled. “Mm. Duke Chang may be the least arrogant noble in all of Da Sheng.”

Jiang Ji led Meng Dahai and the others to another street before finally stopping.

Thinking of the farmers’ gratitude and their words just now, Meng Dahai could not help admiring Jiang Ji even more.

After Jiang Ji and the others had toured several cities and returned, Governor Fan and Prefect Xu had already gone to inspect other counties because they did not know when Jiang Ji would return.

After discussing things with Meng Dahai, Jiang Ji first settled on six patterns to test the market. The rest would mainly be solid colors, since solid-colored fabric had the greatest demand.

Once the fabric styles were finalized, Jiang Ji and Meng Dahai went to the county seat to inspect the shop. Jiang Ji had bought the shop long ago. It was on East Street and had already been renovated.

Meng Dahai was quite satisfied after looking it over, then offered a few small suggestions. Jiang Ji had people adjust everything according to his advice.

By then, it was already the twelfth lunar month. Every household had begun preparing for the New Year, and this was also around the time people started buying cloth to make new clothes. Jiang Ji decided it was time to start selling cloth.

After more than a month of production, the textile factory had produced over three hundred bolts of cloth, mostly solid colors. There were only a little over twenty patterned bolts.

On the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, Jiang’s Cloth Shop opened for business.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Jiang Ji’s textile workshop is hiring!

Old Wang delivered a recruitment notice to every nearby village, and the news spread like wildfire.

“Someone read it out, what kind of jobs are there?”

“Lots. Cleaning workers, cotton ginning workers, preliminary spinning, yarn spinning, dyeing, weaving… They’re even hiring a gatekeeper, a cook, and cleaners.”

“They’re hiring a cook too? Do they provide meals?”

“They provide lunch. It says the cook only needs to make the midday meal. Once that’s done, they can go home. It’s considered part-time.”

“Are they hiring men?”

“Yes. Gatekeeping, dyeing, cotton ginning, and cooking can all be done by men. But most of the other positions are for women.”

“How much is the pay? Old Du, hurry and read the pay!”

“The pay depends on the job. The lowest is cleaning, eight hundred wen a month. The highest isn’t specified. It says there are two types: some jobs like cleaning and cooking have fixed monthly wages, while others are paid by piecework. The more you do, the more you earn. For example, weavers have a base salary and a required monthly quota. Anything beyond that is paid per bolt of cloth. If someone weaves ten bolts a month and you weave twelve, you earn more than them.”

“Oh, that’s good, that’s good!”

“It also says those who know dyeing, spinning, or weaving will be given priority. Hey, I can weave! I’m going to try!”

“I can spin and weave too, I’m going!”

On the day of recruitment interviews, villagers from nearby areas came one after another to Shanqian Village. The textile workshop had even built a road connecting directly to the main rural road, so it was easy to spot.

At the entrance hung a plaque reading: Changping Textile Workshop. Inside, buildings lined three sides of a large courtyard.

“I’ve passed by before, but I didn’t realize it was this big.”

“Changping Textile Workshop… why didn’t the Duke pick a nicer name?”

“Isn’t this good? In the future, when people hear the name, they’ll know exactly where the cloth comes from.”

“Not to mention, with the promotion of rice seeds and sweet potatoes, our Changping County is already getting known across the prefecture. By next year, the whole Da Sheng will probably know us. If it had some other name, people wouldn’t know where the cloth came from. This name is actually better.”

“That makes sense.”

A large crowd gathered outside for interviews, chatting and laughing. The line snaked far out, easily three to four hundred people.

According to the recruitment notice, applicants were both men and women, aged between sixteen and forty-five.

Lu Wen and Lu Jiu sat at tables by the gate, registering information, while guards maintained order.

“Line up properly, two rows!” Old Wang shouted through a paper tube. “Don’t push, don’t rush. Hey, auntie, how old are you?”

“F-forty-four,” the woman replied, eyes flickering guiltily.

Old Wang, sharp as ever, saw right through her. “Let me see your household register.”

“…I didn’t bring it.”

“Aunt Zhu, you’re already forty-eight. Stay home and enjoy your rest,” someone said.

She shot that person a glare. “No one asked you to speak.”

Old Wang sighed. “Auntie, the notice clearly says under forty-five. Even if you queue, you won’t pass later. Let’s not waste the effort, alright?”

She grew anxious. “Just because I’m a few years older doesn’t mean I’m weak. I’m still strong!”

“Auntie, the work here is four hours a day and quite tiring. We really can’t take you. Please head back.”

As he spoke, he noticed a young girl who looked only thirteen or fourteen.

He raised his voice again, “Anyone who doesn’t meet the age requirement, don’t line up. It’ll just be a wasted effort. See up front? They’ll verify age with your household register. You can’t fake it.”

After that, over a dozen people sighed and stepped out of the line, including the young girl.

Following Jiang Ji’s instructions, Lu Jiu and Lu Wen carefully recorded each applicant’s details: name, gender, age, village, job preference, experience, and skills.

Once registered, applicants took their forms inside for interviews.

The interviewers were Jiang Ji and Lu Shun. Jiang Ji asked the questions, while Lu Shun recorded.

Jiang Ji was thorough. When someone had experience, he asked more detailed questions to gauge their skill level.

This was only the initial round. By the end of the day, they had interviewed several hundred people and selected a group of candidates.

That night, Jiang Ji reviewed the thick stack of interview records with Lu Shun, discussing each one. He also consulted Zhao Ru about their character and conduct, finalizing the non-technical positions first.

On the second day, candidates for technical roles were called back for a second round, where they demonstrated their skills. Spinners spun, dyers dyed, weavers wove.

Previously, sixteen workers had already been cleaning and ginning cotton. Some of them also knew spinning and weaving, like Aunt Xiufang. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. Jiang Ji had evaluated them and reassigned some to better positions. They were delighted, as spinning and weaving paid more than cotton cleaning.

---

In the end, sixty-eight people were hired.

Jiang Ji had Lu Shun arrange for notifications and inform them of their start date.

On the fourth day, the textile workshop officially began operations.

Everyone arrived on time.

Jiang Ji even held an opening ceremony. As he personally started the spinning machine, firecrackers exploded outside in celebration.

The rollers began turning. Dozens of spindles spun together, and before long, coarse fibers were transformed into fine yarn.

Those experienced in textile work were stunned.

“It can spin several threads at once!”

“Heavens, what kind of machine is this?!”

“No wonder they only hired a few spinners. I was worried spinning wouldn’t keep up with weaving—now I see why!”

“Look at that thread, it’s so fine.”

“Finer thread means softer cloth!”

“And the Duke even knows how to spin!”

Everyone stared at Jiang Ji, astonished not only by the machine but also that he knew how to operate it.

An older woman asked curiously, “Your Grace, did you invent this machine?”

There seemed no other explanation.

Jiang Ji couldn’t really explain its origin, so he simply nodded.

“Yes.”

The crowd was utterly shocked.

After the opening ceremony, Jiang Ji clapped his hands and gathered everyone in the courtyard to go over the workshop rules.

“…That’s roughly it. Each workroom will have its own posted rules and requirements. For the first half month after starting, each team leader will review them with you every morning. We’re a textile workshop dealing with cotton and cloth, so moisture prevention and fire safety are critical. Make sure you remember this well. Safe production comes first.”

“Alright, everyone return to your posts. Team leaders will teach you how to operate. The spinning, dyeing, and weaving groups will follow me and my mother for training over the next few days.”

Each team leader led their group back to their respective workrooms and began training.

Cleaning and cotton ginning were relatively simple. After explaining the requirements and demonstrating once, people could quickly get started. Preliminary spinning also wasn’t demanding, just turning cotton into slivers and then into coarse yarn.

The real technical work lay in three key stages: learning to use the spinning machine, mastering high-standard dyeing, and learning new weaving patterns.

Zhao Ru taught the workers how to use the spinning machine, while Jiang Ji handled dyeing.

The weaving group first used yarn previously spun by Zhao Ru to weave plain white cloth. This was already in high demand, as undergarments in this era were typically made from white fabric.

By the end of the first day, although there were some minor issues, things had gone fairly smoothly. The first few days were mainly about adjusting and getting all departments running in sync.

In the evening, when it was time to stop, Lu Shun struck a gong outside. Everyone set down their work. Those on piece-rate recorded how much they had completed that day, while the rest headed home.

“Lihua, how’s it going on your side?”

“We’re still learning that spinning machine. What about you?”

“It actually feels pretty easy.”

“That cotton ginning machine is amazing. So fast, way quicker than doing it by hand.”

“I’m telling you, the cloth we weave is so soft, more comfortable than what they sell in the city.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, the thread is so fine. It weaves beautifully. I still had some cotton at home to weave myself, but now I’m thinking I’ll just buy from here instead. I wonder how much a bolt will cost? It’ll definitely feel great to wear.”

“The Duke is really capable. I’ve never even seen those machines before.”

“Well, that’s why he’s a Duke.”

Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru were not far behind them, overhearing the conversation. They both smiled.

“Seems like everyone is quite satisfied,” Zhao Ru said.

Jiang Ji nodded. “Mm.”

After all the workers had left, Jiang Ji gathered the team leaders for a short meeting, asking about each group’s situation.

They reported their issues, and Jiang Ji immediately gave solutions before dismissing them to go home.

---

Early the next morning, Han Qingshan and his group prepared to depart for the capital.

For the past half year, Doctor Yang had been treating Zhao Ru. Even on the trip, she would continue taking the pills he prepared. Her health had improved significantly, and aside from catching a chill once in early autumn, she had remained well.

Doctor Yang left her plenty of pills and a prescription. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. Once the pills ran out, they could simply follow the prescription to continue treatment until reaching the capital.

Jiang Ji tried to pay him, but Doctor Yang refused.

“I was invited here by Minister Lu. He already paid me. Besides, I’ve been eating and staying here for half a year, even gained some weight. I’ve been well taken care of.”

Jiang Ji had no choice but to load several sacks of rice and sweet potatoes onto Doctor Yang’s carriage.

“Ah, this is good, this is good,” Doctor Yang said cheerfully. “This gift I like. Then I’ll thank Your Grace.”

“You’re too polite,” Jiang Ji replied with a smile. “In half a year, our family will also move to the capital. We’ll visit you then.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Doctor Yang said, stroking his beard.

“Oh, right,” Jiang Ji added, “Uncle Han will be opening a restaurant in the capital in about three months, on Kaiyuan Street. It’ll be called ‘Fresh Flavor House.’ Bring your family anytime. I’ve already told him.”

“Good, good, then I won’t be polite,” Doctor Yang said. After all, what he would miss most was the food from Jiang Ji’s household.

Han Qingshan’s family of three knelt and bowed to Jiang Ji and Zhao Ru.

“Young Master, Madam, we’ll wait for you in the capital. We’ll run the restaurant well.”

“Go on,” Jiang Ji instructed. “If you run into problems you can’t solve, don’t force it. Go find the Regent.”

“Understood.”

Jiang Ji took out a letter and handed it to him. “This is for the Regent. Please deliver it.”

“Of course.”

“I have one too,” Xia’er said, taking out a letter. “This is for Madam Lu. Thank you, Uncle Han.”

“You’re too kind, Miss. I’ll deliver it.”

They boarded the carriage. Two guards climbed up as well. After a final farewell, the reins were snapped.

The carriage slowly left the village, heading north.

---

That afternoon, Lu Jiu suddenly rushed into the textile workshop with a letter and found Jiang Ji in the weaving room.

“Young Master, a letter from the Regent.”

Jiang Ji’s eyes lit up. He immediately ran out. “Quick, give it to me.”

Taking the letter, he opened it eagerly, a smile tugging at his lips the entire time.

The letter had been written on the fifth day after Jiang Ji’s departure, when they had not yet reached home.

Though Lu Huaizhou was not a man of many words, the letter filled two full pages.

He wrote that Madam Lu often mentioned Zhao Ru and Jiang Xia, that Lu Huaichuan kept visiting to ask the cook for good food, and that the vegetables outside the city were growing well, though one plot had issues with yellowing leaves, possibly from too much fertilizer or overwatering.

He also mentioned that Steward Zhong had found someone experienced in textile management named Meng Dahai, who would be coming to Changping with his family and carrying this letter along.

Only at the end did Lu Huaizhou write that returning home without Jiang Ji felt unfamiliar, and that he missed him deeply.

Jiang Ji’s lips curved upward. He reread that last part twice before looking up.

“Has someone named Meng Dahai arrived?”

“Yes, Young Master. He said the Regent sent him to find you. He brought his wife and child.”

“Good. He’s the factory manager I’ve been waiting for,” Jiang Ji said, pleased. “Come on, let’s go meet our manager.”

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Previous

Qian Yuan spent the entire morning inside the game.

Earlier, the editor her father had introduced contacted her, saying they were preparing a magazine issue themed on the scenery of Rong. He gave her advance notice, asking if she wanted to prepare a set of works to submit.

So, she spent the morning game session browsing data and weather information online, preparing her materials, while occasionally chatting with Cub.

Before long, it was noon. Her VR headset popped up the reminder: 【Play in moderation, gaming benefits the brain when done appropriately】. Qian Yuan prepared to log off for lunch. She accompanied Cub to the school gate and waved.

【Cub, I’m heading off now, I’ll come check on you again this afternoon.】
【If Zhang San comes, remember to give him the bottle of wine on the desk, let him deliver it to that mercenary—don’t secretly drink it yourself, cubs aren’t allowed to drink alcohol!】

…I’m not a cub.

That was your gift to me. How could I give it away to someone else?

The boy’s brows furrowed in helpless frustration. He opened his mouth but swallowed the words back, only nodding once.

“…Alright.”

The glowing figure of the little ghost faded. Cen Han’s gaze lingered a few seconds on the empty spot where she’d stood, his pupils dimming.

After she left each day, where did she go?

Her own home?

He lowered his eyes. A thought suddenly sprouted in his heart.

If he could save enough money to buy a larger house, leave a room for her… would she be willing—

“Beep—beep beep—!”

A flyer slowly descended at the school gate’s docking zone. The alarm signaled the crowd to clear away. Students craned their necks in curiosity. Cen Han’s pupils snapped back into focus, his expression as if jolted awake from a fragile dream.

Only then did he realize what foolish fantasies he’d just entertained.

…She had her own life. How could he expect her to stay for him?

These brief shared moments each day were already enough. He reminded himself sternly not to ask for more, not to grow greedy.

He exhaled lightly, maneuvered his wheelchair past the crowd, and headed toward the slums.

Then his head shifted.

A gaze pierced his back—uncomfortable, oppressive. Cen Han instinctively looked up. At the flyer’s hatch stood a young man, leaning against the cabin wall, eyes narrowed, staring at him through the sea of students.

It wasn’t the usual look of disgust. It was something far more tangled—mockery, satisfaction, hatred, malice. Cen Han’s dark eyes brushed over the stranger’s face, then turned away with calm detachment.

The path toward the slums wasn’t as quiet as usual. Faint noise rose from afar. He glanced toward it, but the low houses blocked the view. Nothing.

He pulled his gaze back indifferently and rolled on.

Despite winter’s approach, Capital Star greeted the rare clear sunshine. Zhang San had been waiting outside Cen Han’s home for fifteen, twenty minutes before spotting the figure in the wheelchair at the far end of the alley.

Impatient, Zhang San strode over and pushed him quickly to the door. Only then did he remember.

“Yo, kid,” Zhang San clicked his tongue. “You’ve mellowed out a lot.”

Back when Cen Han and his mother had first appeared in the slums, plenty of people had gawked. That woman hadn’t wanted her son locked away in gloom, always tried to push him out into the sun. But Cen Han himself resisted.

Zhang San once came back from the junkyard and happened upon Cen Han alone. His mother wasn’t there. The boy was still clumsy with his wheelchair, stuck in the middle of the road. A few ragged vagrants passed by, impatient at his blocking the way.

“Good dogs don’t block the road,” they muttered, shoving his chair aside.

The slums then were worse than now. Radiation had driven people out; the ambitious “bosses” left first, leaving no order behind. Chaos grew. Garbage piled high overnight, stinking pits everywhere. Zhang San even saw severed limbs once tossed on the roadside.

That day, the vagrants had shoved his chair aside and almost, on a whim, tried to push him back onto the road out of pity. But Cen Han’s sudden cold reaction startled them.

Zhang San couldn’t see his face—just the way the man’s hand recoiled like burned, retreating a few steps. To save face, the vagrant laughed loudly:

“What an ungrateful brat. Just like that traitor father of his!”

The hazy memory dissolved. The lock clicked, and Cen Han slipped inside without a word.

“Hey!” Zhang San hefted the heavy crate left at the door, following inside, muttering, “You little ingrate—”

But his words choked. Cen Han held out his palm, a scatter of shining interstellar coins in it. Zhang San fell silent, his voice drying up.

In the slums, Zhang San was infamous—not in a good way. Obsessed with money, willing to take any job for pay, quick to brawl, unreliable for honest work. His brute strength meant little in an age of machines. His father refused to let him risk dangerous jobs, threatening drama if he tried. So Zhang San scraped by scavenging.

For men like him, there were only two kinds of people to treat politely—the untouchable, and the ones who paid.

And right now…

His eyes widened. A rough count—thirty interstellar coins, gleaming.

Thirty coins, just for one black market errand.

He swallowed. In an instant, all scorn melted away. Dry-mouthed, he stammered, “T-this… this is too much, no need…”

“…”

The boy in the wheelchair lifted his brow, looking up at him from under his lashes. His black eyes gave nothing away.

He tapped a finger against the stained beige winter coat on his lap.

“This coat needs dry cleaning.”

Zhang San: “…”

Deducting that cost, the leftover matched the fair rate for two errands. He quickly masked his fleeting gratitude, roughly dropping the crates in the corner. With a thud, he slapped a card on the desk.

“This was set up by Brother Jian. Once you finish the orders, he’ll check them. Payment goes straight to this account.”

He ruffled his hair, a glint of envy flashing. “Tsk, working with mercenaries sure brings in fast money.”

He said it casually, but Cen Han sat in silence for a few seconds.

Only seconds, and then the memories rose—shoved back, locked away. Any hesitation smothered under ice.

To sever those ties, to prove indifference, another thought sparked—wild, reckless, crystallizing in a heartbeat.

His eyes darkened. He turned suddenly toward the bottle of fruit wine on the table.

The bow at its neck, once neat, now hung loose and crooked.

“That bottle of wine,” his voice was level, “take it to him. Tell him… thank you for the help.”

ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦋་༘࿐

Next

Qian Yuan hadn’t stepped onto a campus in a long time.

By age, she should have been one of those bright-eyed students looking forward to their four years at university. But now, she could only accompany Cub to school inside the game, curiously observing this interstellar-era academy.

Cub’s school wasn’t much different from the modern day—no floating classrooms, no mecha playing basketball on the field, not even high-tech robot teachers. Students sat at plain old desks and chairs. The anticlimax made Qian Yuan feel oddly disillusioned.

Once Cub entered the classroom, she immediately sensed hostile stares cast his way. Turning back, she realized they weren’t the same boys from last night’s bullying—but new faces.

“Look at that cut on his forehead.”
“He even changed back to his old clothes. Hah, guess Brother Shan didn’t go easy on him.”

Among them, a red-haired boy stayed especially quiet, but his eyes were dark and brooding.

A fiery-red anger symbol puffed above Qian Yuan’s head. She mentally jotted down the names of those loose-tongued classmates, then anxiously checked Cub’s expression.

His bruises had faded since yesterday, though still stark in places. His face was as calm as ever, showing nothing.

When she leaned closer, Cub instinctively shifted back, wordless as he pushed his wheels forward.

The wheelchair drew nearer to a gloomy corner. His motions stiffened—like he’d only now realized where he was headed. The relaxed posture snapped taut, frustration flashing in his eyes.

That desk was the same as before: uneven legs, surface splashed with malicious red paint, etched with crude insults and vulgar doodles. Compared to the spotless desks around it, the difference was humiliating.

Cen Han had always ignored the abuse his desk suffered. Bound by circumstance, forced to keep attending, he had little interest in truly studying amid constant bullying. But now the desk was like a merciless mirror, reflecting his weakness in sharp detail, leaving no room to hide.

…Not long ago he’d promised her he would buy her oil, buy her offerings, let her spend his money freely.

And now—such a disgrace laid bare.

He froze, lips pressed tight, before turning the wheelchair and silently moving to his seat.

The moment he rolled behind the desk, the classroom noise ebbed away, tide pulling back. His focus tunneled to that small glowing presence beside him. He heard nothing else.

But the ghostly light stayed still. She didn’t move, didn’t speak.

A jolt of panic seized his chest. He remembered—she still didn’t know his identity. She’d heard only fragments when Zhang San had burst into his home. But here, in crowded school halls… if she learned the truth—

His heart seemed to stop. He couldn’t lift his head. Breath stifled like he was drowning beneath ice water.

His jaw clenched tight, lips pale, fingers locked on his wheel rims, eyes boring into empty space, unblinking.

The boy in front pulled his desk far away—yet still felt the chill behind him, like two ice picks driving holes into his back.

Unable to bear it, he turned, ready to curse. But Cen Han’s eyes didn’t even flicker. His stare was nailed to nothing, sharp as a blade in the void.

“…,” the boy faltered, a twinge of fear rising. Something about him seemed different today.

Not strong himself, the boy muttered inwardly and turned back around.

And in that instant, Cen Han’s black eyes trembled, disbelief flickering as he glanced down.

The ghost crouched by his knees, palms on his wheelchair, gazing up at him.

Her eyes carried a faint, unreadable weight. For a heartbeat he felt pressed down by it—but it vanished like a dream.

Then she clenched her fists, bounced up, brimming with energy, stabbing angrily at the air with two fingers.

【Cub, how can they treat you like this!】

His sluggish heartbeat steadied. Relief leaked through his veins, muscles loosening, frozen blood flowing again. He sucked in air, barely surfacing.

“…Don’t be mad. I don’t care.”

His voice was hoarse. She didn’t notice.

—Of course he cared!

Her adorable Cub, bullied like this in school—if she could stomach that, she wasn’t playing a raising sim, she was cosplaying a Ninja Turtle.

And she hadn’t spent a hundred yuan or so to accompany him to class just to watch him suffer.

The teacher entered, and the classroom fell silent. Cub’s desk chair lay abandoned against the wall. Qian Yuan quietly dragged it over, tucking it beside his desk.

While Cub tinkered with machinery under the desk’s cover, she plotted revenge. Two distracted figures, side by side in-game.

Class ended quickly. During the break, students bustled, and those sharp-tongued kids stretched lazily, swaggering over.

Qian Yuan slipped to her feet.

A red-haired boy led the group, hair styled garishly. He strolled up to Cub, crumpled his trash, and tossed it into the recycler right beside his seat.

“Hey, kid.” He clapped his hands, dusting nothing, looming. “Still got a backbone, huh? Turn this way—let’s have a chat.”

The boy in the wheelchair lifted his face, gave him one indifferent glance, then turned away. As if they didn’t exist.

The redhead faltered.

This cripple usually sat silent, head down, hair covering his eyes, draped in faded clothes, reeking of gloom.

But now… something was different. A faint spark of life.

Annoyed, the redhead flicked his brow and signaled his friends. One moved to yank the wheelchair around—

—and the recycling bot toppled forward.

Heavy though small, it crashed with a thud, slamming into the boy’s knees. He buckled, forehead smacking the iron wheel, howling.

“You—damn—!”

But the bot shrieked and spat out a half-finished nutrient drink, then diligently tried to scrub the spilled liquid… and the boy’s pants.

“…”

The whole class stared, dumbstruck into silence.

The gang scrambled to switch it off, dragging their injured mate away. The redhead’s vein throbbed, but he forced a smile when he realized the ball tossed in from the hall had nailed his back—courtesy of the vice principal’s son.

He swallowed curses, plastered apologies, and followed out.

Their swaggering pack left in confusion.

The bell rang.

Peace restored. Qian Yuan clasped her hands, beaming as if she’d cleared a mini-boss, then skipped back toward Cub—

And froze.

His back, always ramrod-straight, now sagged. His palm covered his face, shoulders trembling.

Qian Yuan’s heart lurched. All her little plots vanished. She sprinted.

【Cub, don’t cry!!】

He buried his face deeper into his hand.

…

The diary quietly flipped.

【Cen Han looked at the player.】
【Cen Han was happy.】
【Cen Han lowered his head and smiled.】

ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦋་༘࿐

Though Cub, obedient to the point of making Qian Yuan teary, had offered up his private stash, the little ghost had nowhere to carry a pouch of money. With watery eyes, she firmly refused and tucked it back beneath his bedboard.

Cub was very displeased, his dumpling face sullen. “Anyway, you mustn’t go to the junkyard again.”

He paused, then repeated sternly, “If you need money, just take it yourself.”

Chasing someone to spend his secret savings, sulking if they wouldn’t—it was so funny that Qian Yuan couldn’t resist poking his cheek, cheerfully agreeing.

As night deepened, she checked the game sign-in. Ten starcoins added to her balance, plus a vanilla cream bun from the lottery.

She placed the bun neatly on the table’s corner, tempted herself. Since Cub had been through so much today, she stayed with him until he went to bed, then logged out.

After removing her helmet, she nestled in bed with two pillows propped behind her, pulled up a budgeting app on her phone.

Her father had given her five thousand yuan—not a small sum. But if she wanted to save for her dream Manfrotto tripod, she couldn’t count this money toward daily expenses.

The bleak numbers made her almond eyes droop. She had to face the reality: she’d soon have to go out and “work” again.

Procrastination won. She closed the app and idly scrolled her phone. Opening WeChat by chance, she noticed that the nickname 【Casual Cub-raising APP】 was still pinned at the top.

She’d first entered the game using its code. By now she was sure: this account was the game’s official WeChat service account. Though how it had appeared in her subscriptions, she still didn’t understand.

Bored, she tapped into it. The handful of sudden messages still lay there, quiet. She poked around the bottom bar.

Content was sparse; the only promo video was the same one she’d seen on the forum.

Still, this game’s dialogue system was the best she’d ever played. No matter what she typed, the character responded flawlessly, tone natural instead of robotic. She had never once failed to trigger a proper reply.

Aside from Cub’s voice actor sounding too mature and the devs’ bizarre design choices, there weren’t real flaws. Maybe it lacked exposure now, but once released publicly, it could dominate the raising-sim market.

Curious what other players thought, she opened Weibo and searched 【Casual Cub-raising APP】.

Only a few scattered ads popped up, keywords messy. Clicking the tag, the page went blank.

—The game didn’t even have an official Weibo.

Qian Yuan: “…”

She sighed. “Truly—made with heart, promoted with feet.”

Such companies were rarer than pandas. Her tolerance for the devs’ antics rose a notch. She flipped idly in the WeChat account’s details—and spotted the ID: “PandoraA09.”

Pandora? Was there a studio by that name?

She copied it into a search bar. No results.

Frowning, she thought: even a tiny two-person studio usually left traces online. But this one? Nothing.

Sleepiness hit. She yawned, brows loosening, and put it aside. After washing up, she set an alarm for the next morning.

…

“Rumble—”

Rain fell at dawn on the Imperial Capital Star, thunder booming by morning. Cen Han startled awake, sitting dazed in bed clutching his quilt. He pressed his forehead; his fingertips met cold sweat.

Yesterday’s events had not simply passed. His chest still ached dully—and… old memories haunted his dreams.

The thunder roared. He steadied himself, transferred into his wheelchair.

Having gone without his optic membranes for a whole day, the pain had eased somewhat. He grabbed a nutrient vial from a box, rolled to the desk, donned the lenses, checked the clock—nearly time for school.

As he twisted the cap, his eyes caught something. His hand froze.

“…”

He slowly set down the vial and picked it up.

A bun. Golden and soft, sliced open, filled with white cream.

…She’d bought him something again.

He pressed a finger to his brow, helpless but faintly moved. The feeling was complicated: being cared for, secretly touched, shadowed by faint shame.

Exhaling, he re-tightened the nutrient cap, lifted the bun, and bit in. His jaw moved; his cold features softened.

Fluffy sweetness filled his mouth. He paused.

…Sweet.

Years ago he’d visited a fertile, untainted planet, famous for its orchards. There he’d tried a dessert hailed across the stars, but found its jam cloying. Unlike now.

In his diary, mood points ticked upward: 【+1】【+1】… climbing.

The storm had washed away the slum’s stench; fresh air replaced it. He locked his door, wheeled out. Mud splashed, wind stung. At once his face turned expressionless, all emotion sealed in ice.

Yesterday’s bullies had been scared off by the ghost. Would they stay away? Likely not.

His mother’s letter had once declared his father innocent, insisting he’d been framed. She’d lost hope in the end, leaving that burden to her crippled son. He had torn it in rage, but its weight still bound him.

Eyes closed, he thought calmly.

…Zhang San should soon deliver the tools. But weapons weren’t allowed on campus. If he refused to endure again, he needed another way.

The school gate loomed. Laughter and whispers returned.

Expressionless, he rolled through the gate.

【Cub—】

The mechanical voice chimed. He froze.

A glow appeared. Cen Han’s head snapped up.

The sun pierced the clouds, beams of gold falling. The little ghost ran toward him.

【Cub!】

His pupils contracted, reflecting her bright, smiling face.

【I came to go to school with you now!】

For a moment, it was as if fireworks lit his starry-black eyes.

Qian Yuan’s steps faltered, then she smiled too.

—Cub looked happy!

Her irritation from overhearing cruel gossip melted away. She rushed to his side, one hand on his wheelchair, the other typing clumsily.

【Cub, good morning! Did you eat breakfast?】

“…”

He hesitated, then said slowly, “Yes.”

The silence felt strange. Qian Yuan opened his diary.

【Cen Han saw the player, felt joy.】
【Cen Han heard the player speak, fell silent.】
【Cen Han doesn’t really like being called Cub.】

Qian Yuan: “!”

So Cub had his pride after all.

She frowned, thinking. If he disliked “Cub”…

“Cen Cen?” she tried. Then, “Han Han?”

…Neither sounded as cute.

She muttered them a few times, then shrugged. She’d just stick to “Cub.” Casually, she typed:

【Cub, where to next? I’ll come to class with you~】

“…”

This time his silence lasted longer. Just as she leaned closer, he finally spoke, voice tight.

“…Up ahead,” he said, cleared his throat, forced calm. “Th-the classroom building.”

Qian Yuan: “…”

Cub, why are you stuttering again?

ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦋་༘࿐

Before her eyes, Cub stammered for the first time, haltingly asking what she was doing.

Qian Yuan’s heart softened, and she almost laughed—what was with this reaction? Did her little Cub really think she was some pervert tearing off clothes?

【Take off your clothes,】
she typed, 【I’ll spray medicine on your injuries.】

As soon as she sent it, Cub’s dumpling face flushed scarlet in seconds.

A tiny question mark popped up above her own avatar’s head. She realized a beat too late.

…Wow!

Was Cub shy?

A puff of white steam drifted from his head. Alarmed, Qian Yuan hurried to explain seriously: 【Cub, I just want to help you.】

After a pause, she couldn’t help giggling, adding: 【I probably, maybe, won’t peek!】

“No—no need for you to help,” Cub snapped, red-faced. “I’ll do it myself.”

Qian Yuan watched him snatch the spray, his face bright red as he shut himself in the bathroom. She cupped her cheeks.

—Ugh, Cub is too cute!

The bathroom door shut. Fighting back a silly smile, she sat on the bed and opened her task list.

She hadn’t had time to check the new main quest earlier.

【Main Quest: Help Cub attend the Winter Break Ceremony~!

Goal: Clear obstacles so Cub successfully participates in the ceremony.

Reward: Unlock Surrealist Artstyle Purchase, 100 Starcoins, 200 EXP.

Note: If you run into trouble, you can hire robots to assist you!】

Winter Break Ceremony? What was that? What goal did Cub have?

Puzzled, she listened to the faint sounds of him undressing. With nothing else to do, she focused on the rewards.

The starcoins and EXP were generous, and there was a new perk: Surrealist Artstyle Purchase.

That line was clickable. She tapped it. A flashy red pop-up appeared, garish like a street flyer.

【—Surrealist Artstyle Purchase—

Want to see Cub’s real appearance? Want every detail in full?

Not 1888, not 988—only 388! Bring home the Surrealist Artstyle!!!】

Qian Yuan: “…”

She sighed, closing it. This game’s devs really were hopeless—still trying to bait players into spending, even through quest rewards. They’d get roasted after open beta for sure.

She decided to light a candle early for them.

Cub was already cute enough. She wasn’t paying nearly 400 yuan for some “artstyle.” She filed the quest away and opened the new unlocked menu.

After leveling up to 3, she had unlocked a new shop: 【Agro-Pastoral Mall】.

She checked it.

Feeds, fertilizers, seeds, animals—it was packed with items. Some priced in starcoins, but most in RMB. The RMB ones were all familiar real-world things; the Star coin ones were exotic, things she’d never seen.

Usually in farming games, shops ran on in-game currency, with only rare or fancy items priced in real money. Here it was reversed.

Qian Yuan swiped through, muttering, “So they want me to spend cash on animals and feed, just to grind and trade it back into game currency?”

The devs must be insane.

She closed the screen, leaned on the wall, sighed.

—Making money in this game is really hard!

Meanwhile, Cen Han sat in the bathroom, shirt off. He used the spray—expired, but still high quality from before his family fell. Pain eased, bruises lightened, but his chest still ached from kicks.

He thought of something.

…Why did she call me Cub?

Blind eyes lifted toward the mirror. Even in darkness, he sensed it.

Tall for his class, broad-shouldered, his once-youthful face hardened into cold severity. Nothing about him matched “Cub,” a child’s nickname.

Confused, but with no time to dwell, he dressed, folded his winter coat, and pushed the door open. He paused, ears tilted, listening nervously.

“…Are you still here?”

【I’m here, Cub!】

The mechanical voice made him exhale in relief, his brow easing. He set his coat aside, when the voice came again:

【Cub, where do you usually find your mechanical parts? I went to the junkyard so many times, never found even one.】

He froze, stunned.

“…Why were you at the junkyard?”

【To collect junk~! If you grind a bit, you can make dozens of star coins a day!】

…So that’s how she got her money?

A shining ghost, scavenging trash like a vagrant, still smiling.

A strange feeling welled in his chest. After a pause, he muttered: “I’m not telling you.”

—Not telling her??

Qian Yuan blinked, startled. Before she could reply, Cub frowned, voice firm.

“You mustn’t go to the junkyard again. I can make money myself. …Don’t do that for me.”

“Ah?”

She stared blankly. Slowly it clicked.

So… Cub was worried about her?

Wow!

Heart touched, she quickly typed: 【Cub, I get it. I’ll spend more time with you instead.】

His ears turned red, but his voice stayed cold, awkward: “That’s not what I meant.”

Still, she knew—going to the academy cost the most stamina. She’d have to skip the junkyard anyway.

“But,” she muttered, “if money runs short, I’ll still need to farm the junkyard sometimes. I haven’t bought you half the things I want yet.”

“…!”

That girl’s voice again—his heart lurched.

Before he could think, he rolled to the bed, lifted the mattress.

Underneath, a flat bag of coins bulged faintly. He pulled it out, shoved it at the ghost.

“If you need money, come to me.” He turned his face away, voice stiff. “…This is all I have now. I’ll earn more later.”

Qian Yuan was stunned.

The pouch was suddenly in her hands—and a pop-up exploded with colorful ribbons.

【Congrats! You’ve unlocked Hidden Achievement: (Seized Cub’s Secret Stash). Reward: +50 EXP!】

Qian Yuan: Huh… huh??

There was a thing like this too?!

ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦋་༘࿐