Chapter 114

 After the Cannon Fodder Gong Turns to Farming, He Gets a Happy Ending with the Aloof Protagonist (Transmigration)

Before Jiang Baiye could press He Lin for answers, Lu Lizhi’s voice calling out for him drifted over from nearby.

They had only been apart for a short while, yet he didn't hesitate; he quickly downed the entire bowl of pitch-black medicinal brew in one go.

"What are you sneaking a taste of?" Lu Lizhi leaned in close, narrowing his eyes slightly; spotting a faint trace left at the corner of Jiang Baiye's mouth, he reached out to wipe it away.

Jiang Baiye caught his hand. "You actually found me out..." he said with a smile, taking Lu Lizhi's finger into his mouth.

Lu Lizhi felt his whole body go weak, his usually clear and rational mind turning to mush—especially under the intensity of the gaze Jiang Baiye fixed upon him.

His heart swelled, a tingling sensation spreading through his chest.

Lu Lizhi thought to himself that he must have had too much to drink; right now, he felt an urge to have a baby with him.

For the rest of the banquet, Jiang Baiye handled the social interactions with ease, while Lu Lizhi—distracted by thoughts of baby-making—drank nothing but plain water. So many people were coming over to offer toasts, and quite a few were trying to get them drunk.

That simply wouldn't do; Jiang Baiye needed to stay sober at all times to avoid letting his guard down. It wasn't that he was absolutely opposed to having children; it was just that the risks were currently too high—the Emperor and his consort served as a cautionary tale. Once Lu Lizhi had mastered the court and established himself as a powerful statesman, if he wanted to have a child, Jiang Baiye would gladly have one with him.

Of course, if they could avoid it, he’d prefer not to...

The two of them harbored their own private thoughts, yet the guests had all come with genuine well-wishes. By the end of the day, everyone had eaten their fill and enjoyed themselves thoroughly, leaving Lu Lizhi so exhausted he collapsed onto the bed, unable to move.

He looked at Jiang Baiye, who had returned from his bath, and reached out his arms.

Jiang Baiye let Lu Lizhi drape himself around his neck and carried him to the bathing room.

He undressed him layer by layer; the man in his arms was languid, like a cat exposing its belly, his body soft and yielding everywhere. Jiang Baiye couldn't resist giving his chin a playful scratch.

Lu Lizhi rested against Jiang Baiye’s arm, his breathing shallow and warm. As Jiang Baiye stripped away the final garment, his fingers suddenly paused.

"When did you put this on?"

"Mm? Isn't it something one wears on the wedding night?"

Jiang Baiye swallowed hard; his fingers moved to the back of Lu Lizhi's neck, intending to untie the thin red ribbon.

But finding it was a complex knot—and his patience quickly running out—he simply buried his face against the skin and began to nibble. Lu Lizhi didn't even have to lift a finger; with his eyes half-closed, he watched the loss of control unfold amidst the misty steam.

The bath turned into a chaotic affair; Jiang Baiye couldn't hold back his own impulses, though he deliberately left the last piece of Lu Lizhi's clothing intact—saving it to play with later after carrying him back to the bedroom.

Over and over again.

It ended up crumpled and wrinkled.

Finally, it was spread out beneath them.

Before falling asleep, Lu Lizhi smiled contentedly, his hand resting protectively over his lower abdomen, feeling a gentle, comforting warmth.

He was determined to have a smart baby—one just like himself, but bearing Jiang Baiye’s surname.

You within me, and I within you...

Lu Lizhi silently mused on the thought.

The next day, Jiang Baiye went to see Jiaojiao. He found the chubby little girl already able to sit and crawl; she was rolling around on her grandparents' bed, giggling and cooing, delighting the old couple so much they doted on her with all their hearts.

"Jiaojiao is just like you! She’s full of energy, lively, and tough as nails. She handled the long, hectic journey with you two better than the adults did—she was more spirited and full of life than either of you!"

Long carriage rides were never pleasant; even though Jiang Baiye had made various modifications and used the finest materials, motion sickness could still strike if one was unwell or in a bad mood.

After cuddling his little one for a while, Jiang Baiye set about tidying up the carriage. As he was tidying up, he spotted a familiar-looking packet of medicine. He counted them one by one... "..."

Refusing to accept it at face value, he rummaged through everything and found the rest of the packets. He hurriedly asked, "Mother, what is this medicine?"

"Oh, that’s a tonic to build up your strength. You weren't eating well on the journey, so Huichuntang gave us some supplements for you to take. Why do you ask? Those packets weren't cheap, you know."

Jiang Baiye had already opened a packet and seen the herbs inside; he didn't need to be told what they were for!

"He Lin!"

He Lin immediately sneezed. He thought to himself that this was the first time he’d ever brewed medicine for someone; he had watched over it constantly, terrified of making a mistake, so surely Jiang Baiye would be very grateful to him.

But what exactly was the medicine for? Jiang Baiye was still so young—surely he didn't need medication to help with *that*?

Surely not... no way. That explained why he had been so secretive and made a point of hiding it from Lu Lizhi.

Lu Lizhi, the object of this speculation, also sneezed. It was a day in the first month of the year. Things had been too wild the night before, and having caught a bit of a chill, he felt stiff upon rising. He recalled how, the previous night, he had stubbornly refused to let Jiang Baiye clean him up, leaving the evidence inside him until now...

The loss of control had occurred on their wedding night, and the pregnancy was discovered a month later. In the interim, the entire Lu Changsheng clan had hastily fled Xuanhe Prefecture; reviled by everyone they met, they could no longer remain there.

They deeply regretted having previously traded on the name of "Qingyuan Jun" to garner fame and fortune; once they were exposed, the news of their disgrace spread faster than they could move.

Wherever they went, they found no place to settle; they were utterly humiliated and left with no standing.

The very renown of "Qingyuan Jun"—once their greatest asset—had become the catalyst for their current predicament, leaving them with nowhere left to turn.

Ignoring the objections of his family, Lu Changsheng fled from place to place, living a life of wretched misery.

Their names were struck from the clan register, and their misdeeds were publicly proclaimed before the entire clan—a revelation that sent shockwaves through the community.

"Lu Lizhi is actually Qingyuan Jun!"

"No wonder, no wonder..."

The news swept like a gale, reaching the capital in the blink of an eye. Lu Lizhi was already a highly sought-after young talent in the capital for having achieved the "Grand Slam" of imperial examinations—and now, he turned out to be the legendary Qingyuan Jun whom everyone had long been eager to meet! The senior ministers in the Cabinet could hardly sit still; they were all eager to recruit him into their respective factions.

If even those unfamiliar with Lu Lizhi reacted this way, it goes without saying how those who knew him felt.

Emperor Wuning, Prefect Yan, Tu Huanwen, He Yun, Wang Yujiao, and others—along with the scholars and students from the Xuanhe Prefecture Academy and the Lu Family Academy—were filled with a mixture of admiration and disbelief.

The sentiments of the Lu clansmen were even more complex; they were eager to welcome him back into the fold.

No one suspected him of trying to exploit the Jiangyi Lu family anymore; on the contrary, they hoped to use his renown to cleanse the family’s tarnished reputation.

If Lu Lizhi—the very victim of their past wrongs—could forgive them and choose to return, what grounds did anyone else have to criticize?

Old Master Lu had rejected that cold-hearted proposal; he was weary from the trembling anxiety of guarding a reputation that spanned generations.

Why, then, should he drag that innocent, pitiable child into it?

"Qingchuan, tell me about that leisure estate you mentioned."

Ever since the revelation of his identity as "Qingyuan Jun," life had been far from peaceful for Jiang Baiye and Lu Lizhi’s family; while people harbored no ill will, their enthusiasm was simply overwhelming.

Jiang Baiye certainly didn't appreciate having people constantly fixing their burning gazes upon his spouse. Upon learning that Physician Pang had come to the Leisure Estate for a holiday, Lu Lizhi immediately packed his belongings and eagerly dragged Jiang Baiye along to join him.

For over a year, Jiang Baiye had been continuously renovating and furnishing the estate. He had watched it gradually become more complete, beautiful, and delightful—even boasting a plum blossom grove for winter viewing.

Recently, an increasing number of people had been visiting the estate under various pretexts, generating a daily income of a thousand taels for Jiang Baiye.

Yet, he never imagined that the reason for Lizhi’s visit was...

Physician Pang carefully took Lu Lizhi’s pulse; moments later, his eyes widened in astonishment. "Pregnant again!"

He looked at Jiang Baiye with newfound admiration.

Jiang Baiye felt the world go dark before his eyes.

Lu Lizhi was also somewhat dazed. This little one was exceptionally well-behaved; he hadn't experienced any unusual symptoms—save for a slightly larger appetite—though he had harbored a strange premonition that had now proven true.

It must have happened on their wedding night; perhaps his wish was finally coming true...

Before long, the He couple also learned the happy news. They had brought the pregnant Wang Yujiao along—He Jun had taken her to the estate to help her relax, as she was suffering from severe morning sickness, and to let her consult Physician Pang. Madam He had also come along and found it hard to believe. "Li Zhi... he really is incredibly fertile."

"Tell me about it; the young couple is just so affectionate."

"You’re a lucky woman, too; with a house full of children and grandchildren later on, it’ll be so lively."

"Indeed. All the money we earn is meant for the children to spend, after all!" Madam He chatted amiably with her friend.

Wang Yujiao, standing nearby, was left completely dumbfounded. *The children were born to—to Lu Li Zhi? And he’s pregnant with another one now?*

"Pfft!" He Lin, who had inadvertently overheard the news, choked on his water. He recalled what he had previously said about Jiang Baiye—*oh no, was that actually a sign of... inability?*

Having conceived a second little one, Lu Li Zhi had become much more open about it. Consequently, many close to him knew of his ability to bear children, and they flocked to him with a mix of emotions to offer their well-wishes.

He looked exactly the same as ever, yet with a new little life growing inside him, the cool, aloof air that usually surrounded him had softened, taking on a gentler quality.

"Li Zhi, can you really have babies?" He Lin asked in amazement, but before he could get an answer, he was suddenly grabbed by the collar. It was Jiang Baiye, wearing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Perhaps *I* can answer that question for you!"

Realizing something was amiss, He Lin immediately used a "hostage" strategy—scooping up Jiaojiao, who was lying on the bed with wide, sparkling eyes. "Jiaojiao, quick, protect me!"

Jiang Baiye’s demeanor instantly softened. "Be careful—don't hurt her!"

After the group finished their playful banter, Jiang Baiye sought out Old Man Pang with a request.

"Could you teach me some medicine?"

"What for?"

"I'm afraid."

...

Lu Lizhi had grown accustomed to Jiang Baiye’s sudden habit of leaving early and returning late. Before he left the capital, the Emperor had entrusted him with several thorny, long-standing issues, expecting a solution upon his return.

Lu Lizhi was racking his brains over these matters, eager to resolve the difficulties facing the enlightened ruler who had done so much for both him and Jiang Baiye.

When Old Master Lu and Lu Qingchuan arrived, Jiang Baiye told them about the situation; Lu Lizhi made no effort to avoid them.

Upon hearing about his doubts and the challenges he faced, Lu Qingchuan offered some insights of his own.

Through their exchanges, the rift between them gradually faded, and Old Master Lu eventually broached the subject of Lu Changsheng. "Once they are expelled from the Lu clan, they will no longer even hold the status of a collateral branch. The Mingli Academy—which they previously ran using our family's name—ought to be handed over to you as compensation."

"Don't worry; it would only be a nominal role as headmaster, with no actual ties to our Jiangyi Lu family. It is entirely up to you whether you accept, but the annual profits generated by the academy must go to you; that was the agreement I made with Lu Changsheng from the start."

Old Master Lu spoke at length, fearing Lu Lizhi might refuse; little did he know that Lu Lizhi had already agreed the moment the first sentence was uttered.

He simply hadn't found a chance to interject.

Finally, after the old master had finished speaking, Lu Lizhi gave a simple, calm "Mm"—and the old master was instantly overjoyed, acting just like a child.

Lu Lizhi felt a shift in his heart; from then on, the two families gradually resumed their interactions.

Jiang Baizhu and Granny Li were exceptionally warm toward Old Master Lu. Within less than half a month, the old man was thoroughly content—and he even got to hold the adorable little Jiaojiao.

It was the young master of the Wei family who informed Jiang Baiye that Lu Changsheng had died suddenly from pent-up frustration while moving house; Jiang Baiye merely mentioned it in passing to Lu Lizhi.

Neither of them harbored any lingering feelings whatsoever regarding those people. @Unlimited great articles, all at Jinjiang Literature City

But Lu Qinghong, the remaining member of the family, became a pariah. Besides impersonating Qingyuan Jun and engaging in utter hypocrisy, he even went so far as to frame Qingyuan Jun, bribing people, including a student from Qishan, showing him all sorts of disrespect, and finally even carelessly burying his grandfather's remains…

Countless ugly acts earned him widespread condemnation from the literary community.

Although he wasn't stripped of his official rank, with such a tarnished reputation, it was impossible for him to participate in the imperial examinations.

The Lu family of Xuanhe Prefecture was utterly defeated, and Lu Lizhi took over the Mingli Academy. His first act was to ruthlessly expel those who had previously been close to Lu Qinghong and Yu Zhijie.

Well then, no one wanted to get close to those who had offended Lord Qingyuan.

Besides the Mingli Academy, Lu Changsheng's mansion was also given to Lu Lizhi as compensation. It was larger than their own house and worth about a thousand taels of silver.

Later, Lu Lizhi reformed the atmosphere at the Mingli Academy, hiring new teachers of good character.

Because of his reputation as the *Zhuangyuan* (top scholar), countless scholars flocked to apply for positions; they were eager to showcase every skill they possessed just to secure even a modest role—some were even willing to work simply as gatekeepers.

As for making money, Lu Lizhi was not particularly concerned; providing conveniences for the people of Xuanhe Prefecture was, in a way, a virtuous act befitting a top scholar like himself.

It is worth noting that, thanks to the success of Jiang Baiye’s workshop, many families in Qingshui Village had saved enough money to send their children to school.

Now known as the "Village of Top Scholars," they were the envy of many; naturally, they wanted their children to learn to read and write, paving the way for a brighter future.

Before they knew it, over the course of two or three years, the ambitious goals Jiang Baiye had once boldly declared were all coming to fruition.

Not only had their own lives improved, but those close to them also benefited—often without even realizing it—from their influence and support, embarking on new paths and looking forward to promising futures.

Even Ding Lihui had fully moved past his earlier despondency and was wholeheartedly preparing for the provincial civil service examinations the following year.

He had a clear plan: while he might not advance through the ranks as smoothly as Lizhi or Song Hao, he was determined to at least earn the status of *Juren* (provincial graduate). That way, he could become an instructor at Lizhi’s Mingli Academy—a prospect he found quite appealing. She, who had once been ostracized at Mingli Academy, had now transformed into the mistress of this household—it was truly a situation to look forward to!

"Fei Hongyu has fallen ill?" Upon hearing the news, Lu Lizhi’s first instinct was to go and visit him.

"He is refusing to see any visitors. The wedding couldn't take place because he fell ill; his family had originally wanted to hold the ceremony to bring him some good fortune and aid his recovery, but he insisted he didn't want to wrong the young lady."

Jiang Baiye curled Lu Lizhi pursed his lips; he had been planning to go check on him anyway. He asked, "Does Lihui know?"

Song Haocheng shook his head. "It seems he doesn't."

However, before they could even tell him, Ding Lihui happened to hear the news. Fei Hongyu was the young master of a wealthy family; upon learning that the other party hadn't gotten married, he didn't harbor any particular thoughts about it.

But hearing that the man might be seriously ill, he couldn't help but bite his lip in concern.

When Lu Lizhi and his group went to visit, the Fei family welcomed them warmly and treated them with great hospitality.

"He refuses to eat or drink and just stays in his room; he’s lost so much weight. He won't even see a doctor and just lies on his couch all day. You really must help me give him a good scolding!" Fei's father said, frustrated by his son's stubbornness.

Lu Lizhi and Jiang Baiye exchanged glances.

Song Haocheng spoke his mind directly: "Is this... a sickness of the heart?"

Fei's father was taken aback. Given that this was happening right before the wedding, it was hard not to suspect that something strange was going on.

When Fei Hongyu saw them arrive, his eyes instinctively darted to the space behind them. Seeing no one else there, he held back for a moment but ultimately couldn't resist asking:

"Where is Xiaohui? Does he still refuse to see me?"

"What happened between you two?" Jiang Baiye asked casually. Fei Hongyu pursed his lips, a look of bewilderment in his eyes. "I don't know. He suddenly stopped talking to me; he wouldn't even attend something as important as my wedding."

"With you guys not around either, it’s all so dull." Fei Hongyu slumped back, looking resigned to his fate.

Song Haocheng observed him for a moment before steering the conversation back to the main point. "Could you let him know? I mean, I’m about to die—won't he come see me one last time?"

"Looking at you now, I don't think you're going to die anytime soon," Song Haocheng remarked, noting the pastries scattered—not even properly hidden—on the bed.

"Want some?" Fei Hongyu dropped the act and pulled out his favorite treats to share with them.

Lu Lizhi’s expression became complicated. "You really shouldn't go looking for him."

With a soft *plop*, Fei Hongyu’s beloved pastry fell onto the bed, and he fell silent.

"You aren't actually planning to marry that young lady, are you?" Jiang Baiye asked pointedly. "Or was the reason you weren't going to marry her simply because we couldn't attend? Well, we're all here now—are you going to get married? Shall we call Ding Lihui over?"

"No!" Fei Hongyu refused almost instantly, then froze, surprised by his own reaction. Jiang Baiye clicked his tongue. "If you don't actually like the girl, you shouldn't go around messing with her life."

Song Haocheng added, "Perhaps you could talk it over with Lihui."

Anyone with a discerning eye could tell something was amiss between them, though Lu Lizhi hadn't expected to see Ding Lihui pacing outside as soon as they stepped out.

Upon seeing them emerge, Ding Lihui darted behind a tree, peeking out cautiously for fear of being spotted.

Lu Lizhi was about to walk over when Jiang Baiye stopped him.

Once the group had moved out of sight, Ding Lihui grew even more anxious. "Honestly, why am I hiding? I should just go ask them!"

"Could the situation be bad?"

Ding Lihui couldn't wait any longer, and Fei Hongyu—jolted into realization by Jiang Baiye and the others' words—couldn't sit still either; he immediately summoned a servant.

"Just tell him to come quickly."

Fearing the recipient wouldn't come, he gritted his teeth, pricked his finger, and wrote a letter in his own blood.

The servant nearly fainted from fright, but it was Fei Hongyu who actually passed out.

He was squeamish about the sight of blood.

Combined with days of excessive worry—and despite appearing fine on the surface—his body was actually extremely frail. Ding Lihui, trembling as he held the blood-written note, had disguised himself as the physician's young assistant. Upon seeing the unconscious Fei Hongyu, he was so anxious he nearly shed tears, barely registering a word the physician said.

Later, he managed to find a way to stay and provide personal care.

Sometime after that, hearing that Fei Hongyu intended to become a physician, he gave Lu Lizhi a heads-up.

Lu Lizhi was puzzled by this; at that moment, he was heading toward Fengqing Pavilion in Changlin County—a male brothel—carrying Jiaojiao with an inscrutable, half-smile expression.

Someone had reported to him that Jiang Baiye had been visiting the place frequently of late.

Although he suspected a misunderstanding—or perhaps malicious intent on the part of the informant—Lu Lizhi couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy; he wasn't willing to overlook even the slightest possibility.

Amidst the swirling snow, he walked unhurriedly, carrying one child in his arms while another grew within his womb; the fluffy white fur of his cloak framed skin that was fairer than the snow itself.

He stood tall and elegant, while the babe in his arms was dainty and adorable, its tiny, rosy mouth making soft, babbling sounds.

As if sensing his arrival, Jiang Baiye paused in surprise before immediately hurrying over, his voice and manner incredibly gentle. "What brings you here?"

Witnessing this scene, Lin Yu instantly lost interest; he released the person Jiang Baiye had been persistently asking for. "Go on, then. Don't come back."

"Steward Lin..." Jiang Ling'er looked somewhat at a loss. "Didn't you see? He always treats the people he acknowledges well."

Lu Lizhi glanced over Jiang Baiye’s shoulder, catching only a glimpse of a silhouette closing the back door of Fengqing Pavilion.

He asked no questions, and Jiang Baiye offered no explanation—a mutual understanding and trust born of long companionship.

Inside the carriage, however, Jiang Ling'er appeared uneasy, constantly shifting as if ready to step out at any moment.

Jiang Baiye told her not to be so nervous. "You haven't done anything wrong."

Jiang Ling'er’s eyes instantly reddened, and she couldn't help but kneel to kowtow, but Lu Lizhi stopped her. "Come to think of it, you are my cousin now, too. How about calling me 'Brother'?"

Overwhelmed by a long-absent warmth and acceptance, Jiang Ling'er burst into uncontrollable sobs; she felt she had no right to follow them, let alone call them "Brother."

During their flight as refugees, Steward Lin Yu of Fengqing Pavilion had taken her in, allowing her to support herself by doing odd jobs. She had frequently heard stories of Jiang Baiye and Lu Lizhi’s exploits during that time—feelings of both pride and deep sorrow warring within her.

If only her family hadn't turned against them back then...

Jiang Baiye did not treat her with excessive familiarity; his aim was simply to remove her from a bad situation so that, in the future, she might find a good home and a decent marriage.

With plans to head to the capital before the New Year—and likely not return for a long time—Jiang Baiye arranged for Jiang Ling'er to stay at Xian Zhuang. There, Jiang Ling'er found her footing and a job she excelled at; like the other hired hands, she earned a decent income and gradually gained confidence and worldly experience.

Eventually, she met a good man and, with Madam He overseeing the arrangements, established a new home of her own...

Once Jiang Baiye had largely wrapped up his business affairs in Chongzhou, Jiangnan, and elsewhere, the couple—along with Jiaojiao—accompanied Master Pang back to the capital.

Despite their considerable wealth, they continued to live in the modest house near the Examination Hall; given that Lu Lizhi was new to the imperial court, it would have been unwise to adopt an overly ostentatious lifestyle.

The family of three thoroughly enjoyed this pleasant, unhurried pace of life.

Jiang Baiye intensified his business operations, watching step-by-step as Shanyitang crumbled and spiraled toward ruin.

Meanwhile, Lu Lizhi began to make his mark, displaying extraordinary acumen and strategic brilliance. He swiftly and skillfully won the Emperor's favor—to such an extent that even Tai Song was left dumbfounded.

However, Lu Qingchuan remained a formidable rival on Lu Lizhi's path; the powers-that-be were happy to watch the two vie against each other in secret, a rivalry that often yielded excellent results for the throne.

As Lu Lizhi’s pregnancy advanced, requiring him to frequent the Hanlin Academy and the imperial court—and to constantly contend with cunning political veterans—Jiang Baiye’s brow furrowed ever more deeply with concern. From time to time, Lu Lizhi couldn't help but touch his belly. Many people keenly noticed this small gesture, yet looking at his stunningly handsome face—so composed and serious—who would ever guess he was carrying a baby?

The second little one was incredibly well-behaved; for months, Lu Lizhi experienced no adverse symptoms—which gave him a sense of confidence—and his sleep and appetite were actually much better than before.

He seemed completely unconcerned himself, but when Jiang Baiye undressed him and saw a belly that was twice the size it had been when he was carrying Jiaojiao, he felt a jolt of alarm.

"Why don't you take some leave? You can go back after the baby is born." He was worried sick and couldn't focus on anything else.

"It's fine." Lu Lizhi wrapped his arms and legs around him. "It doesn't get in the way. Want to?"

Jiang Baiye: "..."