Chapter 90

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

Jiang Baiye had spent a good six months preparing for the agritourism project at the Chongzhou estate.

Initially, the construction was handled by masons and tilers recommended by Foreman Liu, while He Yun supervised the work and managed the myriad details of the project.

During this period, alongside his efforts to combat the epidemic, Jiang Baiye was making preparations on multiple fronts. Pang Zhengfei had basically mastered the required dishes and was now busily training other cooks; meanwhile, Old Master Yi was exchanging ideas with two storytellers whom Jiang Baiye had gone to great lengths to recruit.

In addition to this, Jiang Baiye spent three thousand taels of silver and took three months to select fifty workers through over a dozen employment agencies across regions like Xuanhe Prefecture and Chongzhou Prefecture. These were all able-bodied young adults—men and women alike—hailing from various walks of life (scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants) who had fallen on hard times or suffered personal calamities.

Among them were individuals skilled in arithmetic, literacy, farming, and various other trades—people Jiang Baiye saw as having specific roles to play in his plans. All of them signed contracts of perpetual servitude.

Jiang Baiye—now effectively a wealthy landowner and member of the gentry—had no objection to these contracts. Although he held modern values, he did not attempt to impose those ideals on the current social system; doing so would have been jarring and smacked of naive, self-righteous altruism.

What he *could* do was ensure he did not mistreat his subordinates and strive to lead them toward a better life. If they wished to shed their slave status and seek greater opportunities, Jiang Baiye wouldn't stand in their way; provided they proved themselves capable, he might even lend a hand—fostering goodwill by using his own resources to assist them.

The purchased servants were handed over to specialists for training, and a group of local day laborers was hired to develop the estate’s agricultural features—including lotus ponds, orchards, woodlands, fish ponds, and fields of flowers.

Jiang Baiye was kept constantly on the move, though fortunately, He Yun had already laid some of the groundwork beforehand.

Nestled beneath verdant mountain peaks and rippling waters lay the estate, featuring rows of newly constructed single-story houses with grey-tiled roofs; these served as quarters for the workers who managed the nearby farming, forestry, livestock, and fishery operations.

A grand and distinctive summer villa was erected at the estate's prime location, surrounded by a cluster of smaller lodgings—which Jiang Baiye dubbed "homestays"—designed to accommodate visiting travelers.

Adjacent to the summer villa and bordering the vast expanse of lotus ponds stood Jiang Baiye’s flagship venture: a three-story restaurant complete with its own garden. The restaurant was towering and the garden spacious; Jiang Baiye had even consulted Hanmo Pavilion for expertise on constructing a stage for storytelling and performances.

Initially, Hanmo Pavilion had been rather displeased with him. After all, although Chongzhou was some distance from Xuanhe Prefecture, they fell under the same provincial administration, and Jiang Baiye’s new venture threatened to siphon off some of their storytelling business.

To smooth things over, Jiang Baiye gifted them several recipes as compensation. These dishes garnered a fresh wave of attention and praise for Hanmo Pavilion, prompting them to finally share their expertise with him in earnest. Consequently, while Jiang Baiye’s other projects were still being gradually refined and not yet fully completed, the restaurant was ready to open almost immediately.

Businessmen like Old Master He, upon seeing the setup, all shared the same assessment: "Running such a massive business in this remote area is a huge gamble—it’ll either be a massive windfall or a disastrous loss."

That was indeed the case; even in modern times—when people have money, leisure, and a longing for pastoral life—only a small fraction of "agritainment" ventures actually turn a profit.

However, Jiang Baiye had already gained considerable renown. He had been commended by the imperial court for constructing irrigation canals and containing an epidemic, earning the title of *Yuanwai* (a wealthy landowner/gentry member) and an imperial plaque for his business, Jichun Medical Workshop.

The initial three hundred *mu* of land Jiang Baiye purchased was far from sufficient. Yet, locals in Chongzhou sensed the opportunity and immediately facilitated his acquisition of more land, while others sought to partner with him in the venture.

These partners acted as both investors and "protective umbrellas."

Jiang Baiye was selective, accepting only those he deemed trustworthy and useful—people who could help shoulder the burden and save him some energy down the line.

He had no desire to replicate the model of Hanmo Pavilion—a place constantly swarming with customers, leaving him breathless from the workload. Instead, he aimed for a more exclusive clientele; yet, the profits would likely rival, if not exceed, those of Hanmo Pavilion.

Even if the business lost money, it wouldn't be a total waste; his own family could come here to enjoy themselves. After all, the point of making money is to spend it freely and enjoy life to the fullest. In addition to this, Jiang Baiye took the initiative to establish a medicinal workshop in Chongzhou to rival the Shanshan Medicinal Workshop; he also dispatched trusted associates to scout out the locations previously suggested by industry peers and make the necessary preparations.

All in all, ever since the epidemic, Jiang Baiye had been working double-time, keeping so busy that Lu Li often barely caught a glimpse of him.

Later, when the prefectural academy resumed classes, Lu Li did not return; even the curriculum of the advanced class seemed too slow-paced for his liking.

He had already mastered most of what the academy taught, visiting the instructors only occasionally to ask questions or sit for exams. He spent the rest of his time quietly studying at their new residence, engrossed in the rare books bestowed upon him by the Emperor. He made significant progress, often becoming so absorbed in his reading that he forgot to eat or sleep.

It was in this state of deep immersion that he realized just how long it had been since he and Jiang Baiye had spent any quality time together.

Both were so busy that sharing a meal had become a rare luxury; thus, when Jiang Baiye suggested a trip to Chongzhou to unwind, Lu Li—book always in hand—readily agreed.

Even on the journey, he kept a book in his hands, reading ceaselessly with great fascination.

The profound and timeless wisdom within the texts captivated him completely; even Prefect Yan and Instructor Yi expressed a desire to borrow them.

Lu Li was generous to a fault, willing to casually lend out even unique volumes that belonged in the imperial archives.

For his part, Instructor Yi would meticulously wash his hands and adjust his attire before opening a book, fearing he might show the slightest disrespect to such precious works. Upon arriving at the estate, Lu Lixuan finally let his guard down; he spent the better part of the day touring the grounds with Jiang Baiye, getting a rough idea of ​​the layout.

Many projects were still unfinished, yet as Jiang Baiye described them, Lu Lixuan could vividly picture the future—though that wasn't what captivated him most.

What truly held his gaze—making him forget everything else—was the man before him: confident, outstanding, and striving to turn his vision into reality.

Every expression and spark of spirit in Jiang Baiye made Lu Lixuan’s heart race.

Lu Lixuan found himself staring longer and longer; his usually cool, aloof demeanor had melted away. His light-colored eyes seemed to hold a flickering flame, brimming with smiles and an unmistakable depth of affection.

Anyone catching even a glimpse of the two of them would sense the thick, charged atmosphere between them.

Jiang Baiye, the object of that gaze, felt a burning heat rising in his chest.

For a young couple, every physical touch or exchange of glances could easily turn into a signal of mutual understanding.

That was precisely Jiang Baiye’s dilemma.

"Ahem, let's go grab a bite."

Lu Lixuan was momentarily stunned: *Grab a bite... or 'bang' me?*

He always felt a flush of embarrassment recalling the words Jiang Baiye would whisper against his ear during moments of intense passion.

Yet in this moment, even the most ordinary words spoken by Jiang Baiye triggered a flurry of suggestive thoughts in his mind...

Jiang Baiye ate with a serious, focused air, and Lu Lixuan quietly finished his meal as well; the food they were eating consisted of experimental dishes prepared by the new cook, who was currently learning the ropes. Although the flavor wasn't quite right, given his culinary skills, the result was still delicious.

Shortly after, a steward came to discuss business with Jiang Baiye.

Feeling somewhat relieved, Jiang Baiye first sent Lu Lixuan back to read his book before heading off to attend to the matter.

Lu Lixuan held the book for a while but couldn't focus on the words at all; through the window, he watched Jiang Baiye’s tall, imposing figure leave, surrounded by a crowd. He set the book down and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Had he grown bored of it already?

Counting it up, it had been nearly two months; the last time had been the second night after they moved into the new residence.

After he returned from Prefect Yan’s estate, Jiang Baiye had decided to "punish" him for wandering off; he had layered three mats on the bed and laid him down.

"...Until it's soaked."

"...Every layer has to be soaked through... Lixuan is so capable, surely you can manage that?"

Usually, they were fine if the thought didn't cross their minds, but once the idea took hold, they wouldn't stop until they were both driven to the brink of madness and utter exhaustion.

And at that time, they had officially been together for barely more than two months.

Lu Lixuan found himself completely unable to read anymore.

When Jiang Baiye finally returned late that night, he found Lu Lixuan still awake, feeding the rabbit he had brought along with him. The two male rabbits had been kept in the same cage, yet nothing untoward had happened; it seemed they simply had no interest in one another.

The rabbit that had previously exhibited signs of a phantom pregnancy had stopped doing so; instead, it had taken to fighting the other male. They frequently fought until fur flew, leaving them with patchy, bald spots—looking even more unsightly than when they had chewed out their own fur.

Jiang Baiye suggested, "We should separate them. One male has intruded into the other's territory—wild rabbits are solitary creatures with strong territorial instincts. If they keep fighting like this, one will likely end up dead or severely injured."

Lu Liquan cast a casual glance at him.

For a fleeting moment, Jiang Baiye saw the shadow of the all-powerful statesman Lu Liquan would become years later.

In the blink of an eye, the image shifted back to the man before him: his dark hair hung loose, the ends slightly damp; the wrist visible beneath his sleeve looked so slender it seemed it could snap with the slightest pressure, with clearly defined, elegant veins; the figure beneath his inner robe was tall, lean, and supple, hinting at curves that could drive a person to lose all self-control.

He exuded an alluring charm in every detail.

He was no longer like the Lu Liquan of a year ago, who kept himself completely covered up; now that they had grown familiar with one another, the usually reserved and guarded Lu Liquan had learned to let his guard down.

His robe hung loosely, revealing a snow-white, smooth neckline and throat; as he leaned forward, a glimpse of his chest—pale, pink-hued, and translucent as jade—flashed briefly beneath the collar.

Jiang Baiye swallowed hard. Just as he was about to step forward and pull the man into his arms, he saw Lu Liquan open the cage and grasp the other male rabbit by the scruff of its neck. He gave it a rather rough flick on the head, seemingly annoyed by its stupidity and denseness.

Then, under Jiang Baiye’s watchful gaze, he placed it onto the back of the male rabbit experiencing a phantom pregnancy—mimicking the exact position Jiang Baiye had arranged that night.

The two male rabbits: "???"

Lu Lixuan was pulled over by Jiang Baiye; despite the unmistakable intent in the air, he still frowned and struggled—albeit with an air of feigned reluctance.

Pinned against the table by the window, he had to arch his back and submit to...

Before Lu Lixuan could even realize something was amiss, Jiang Baiye swept him up, carried him back to the bed, and devoured him thoroughly.

Deep into the cool summer night, Lu Lixuan drifted off to sleep, his eyes rimmed with red and his voice carrying a sleepy, languid, and slightly aggrieved nasal tone.

It was as if Jiang Baiye couldn't get enough of holding him; he kept shifting positions, gathering Lu Lixuan into his arms and holding him tight against his chest.

The very next day, Jiang Baiye hurriedly dropped the mountain of complex business matters here—leaving them to other partners and He Yun—and took Lu Lixuan back to Xuanhe Prefecture.

Earlier, Physician Pang had returned to the capital with the team from Shanyitang. However, Shanyitang had apparently heard that Pang had saved Jiang Baiye after he contracted the epidemic; combined with Pang’s long absence, the clinic—suspicious and petty by nature—developed prejudices and a rift, treating him increasingly shabbily.

Given Physician Pang’s temperament, was he the sort of man to put up with that kind of indignity? After roughly settling matters over there, he packed up his belongings that very night; ignoring his other children's attempts to make him stay, he eagerly scurried back to Xuanhe Prefecture and knocked on Jiang Baiye’s door.

"The old man’s been kicked out—you wouldn't mind taking me in, would you?"

The fact that Shanyi Hall showed no regret at Dr. Pang’s immediate departure only confirmed the suspicion that he had long since been bought off by Huichun Hall and Jiang Baiye.

"Keeping him around would only spell trouble!"

"He should be eliminated; better to shatter like jade than remain intact like a common tile."

Dr. Pang seemed to realize this too, as he fled with great haste. As for his other children—well, that was hardly his concern; they were cut from the same cloth as him, and Shanyi Hall would only be asking for trouble if they tangled with that lot.

So, as soon as Jiang Baiye returned, he took Dr. Pang to a rarely used guest room and said in a low voice, "Please take a look at me. Dr. Meng said I overexerted myself in the past, damaging my *yang* energy."

Dr. Pang’s mouth twitched; while the statement wasn't entirely untrue, the young man was clearly bursting with vigor, so it wasn't actually that serious—yet, after taking his pulse, he frowned. "It’s not exactly typical, but it is a known aftereffect of that epidemic. Don't worry too much; it should clear up after a while."

Jiang Baiye couldn't help but grit his teeth. "It’s already been two months."

"So what if it’s been two months? It’s not two years, is it?" Dr. Pang pursed his lips, looking rather unconcerned. "You’re in good health, so you’ll recover faster than most people. You should count yourself lucky."

But to Jiang Baiye, those two months felt far longer than two years in reality. Watching the delicious temptation that made his heart ache sway right before his eyes—yet being unable to taste it—left him with a craving so intense it was making him grow visibly thinner.

"Perhaps a catalyst is needed; the two of you really ought to take a moment to calm down and reflect..."

Granny Li had been staying at the Jiang household for some time now. She had been pestered relentlessly by Madam He—who clung to her, dragged her along everywhere, and treated her exactly like a mother or mother-in-law—until she simply gave in.

The two women spent their days doing needlework, feeding the chickens and ducks in the backyard, and occasionally tilling the soil around the house to plant vegetables; it was an incredibly leisurely and peaceful life.

However, Granny Li was harboring a thought in the back of her mind. She would occasionally gaze thoughtfully at Lu Lixuan’s belly—so often that even Madam He noticed something was up.

"What is it? Is something wrong with Lixuan’s health?"

"It’s nothing." Granny Li wasn't entirely certain yet; if it really came to pass, she would naturally be overjoyed.

It was just that the timing had to be absolutely right.

And the young couple had no inkling of that at all. The young couple spent another two months in peace and tranquility.

Then, on this very day—Jiang Baiye’s birthday—the turning point finally arrived.