Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 106

Chapter 106

 

After returning home, Lu Lin first asked Elder Tongsheng to write a letter to his younger brother.

 

Then, he discussed with his wife how to handle the shop’s business. For now, they couldn’t sell it outright—if things didn’t work out in the provincial city, they would still have a fallback.

 

Hu Chunrong had a younger brother named Hu Chunsheng, an honest and upright man. The Hu family owned little land, and their life had been tight over the years. Hu Chunrong had discreetly supported them quite a bit. Lu Lin had noticed but never minded, as his mother-in-law had not looked down on him even when he was crippled.

 

Now that they were heading to the provincial city, instead of selling the shop to outsiders, they decided to let her brother manage it. Just as Lu Yao had taught them, they taught her brother and sister-in-law how to make bean curd and fried dough sticks.

 

Hu Chunrong didn’t directly say she was giving the shop to her brother. Instead, she said they were only asking for his help to look after it and might return someday. The house was left to them to live in. If they didn’t return, they could use it as they saw fit.

 

On the morning of the sixth day of August, Lu Lin hitched the mule cart early. The cart carried two large chests of luggage. Hu Chunrong, holding Xiao Shitou, sat on the bedding, while Lu Yun, carrying Jinzi, sat in the front. They set out on a bumpy journey out of town.

 

Wang Youtian, who had traveled this road during corvée service two years ago, led the way with his cart.

 

Lu Lin followed behind. The autumn sky was high and clear, and the dry weather was perfect for traveling.

 

The two children were still asleep, nestled in their mother’s arms. They were unaware that this journey would change their lives forever.

 

The mule cart traveled forty miles before noon.

 

Wang Youtian stopped the cart by the roadside. “Let’s rest and have some food, and let the mules drink some water.”

 

“Alright.”

 

Lu Yun and Hu Chunrong carried the children off the cart to relieve themselves in the bushes. The curious children asked, “Mother, where are we going?”

 

“To see your grandmother. Didn’t you say last time you missed her?” Hu Chunrong replied.

 

“Really? That’s great!” Xiao Shitou cheered, jumping up and down.

 

Beside him, Jinzi imitated his jump, exclaiming, “That’s great!” Their antics made the adults laugh heartily.

 

Wang Youtian led the mules to the river to drink, while Lu Lin picked up a few stones to make a simple stove and started a fire to cook porridge.

 

Soon, everyone washed their hands and gathered around the stove to eat. Hu Chunrong sighed, “Looking back, Lu Yao and his wife were truly remarkable. They dared to venture to the provincial city with no relatives or support. Not everyone could do that.”

 

Lu Yun nodded. “Indeed. Even though we’re going to join them, the long journey still makes me nervous. Third Brother and his wife are extraordinary people!”

 

When the porridge was ready, Hu Chunrong ladled it into clay bowls for everyone.

 

Little Jinzi was still young. Lu Yun, afraid he might burn himself, blew on the porridge to cool it before handing it to him.

 

After eating, they resumed their journey. Another thirty miles would bring them to the post station. Zhao Beichuan had mentioned during a casual chat last New Year that there were several post stations along this route. It turned out to be true.

 

Traveling together made the arduous journey more bearable as the two families could look out for each other, much better than when Zhao Beichuan had set out alone.

 

On the third day of the journey, they suddenly encountered a group of men blocking the road.

 

Startled, Wang Youtian quickly pulled the reins to stop the mule cart, unsure of their intentions.

 

Lu Lin, behind him, was equally frightened. He had heard that long-distance travelers often encountered robbers. Those with some humanity would only rob and not kill, but the ruthless ones would not only rob but also harm and torment people.

 

In the cart, Lu Yun and Hu Chunrong clutched their children tightly, watching in fear as the men approached.

 

The leader was eight feet tall, burly, with a full beard. He didn’t look like someone to be trifled with.

 

He scanned Wang Youtian and Lu Lin before suddenly clasping his hands in a salute. “May I ask if you are Lu Lin, Brother Lu?”

 

“Ah, ah? I—I am Lu Lin.”

 

“I’m Zhang Tianhu, a bodyguard from the Qu Family Escort Agency, entrusted by Shopkeeper Lu to escort you to Pingzhou City.”

 

“Oh, my heavens…what a scare!” Lu Lin’s legs gave out, and he sat down on the ground, his clothes soaked with cold sweat.

 

Zhang Tianhu laughed heartily and pulled Lu Lin up. “Apologies for the scare. We’ve been asking around for you all along the way.”

 

“No problem, no problem. Having you escort us is much safer. Thank you, sir.”

 

With the escort agency clearing the way, Lu Lin and Wang Youtian followed behind with their carts, arriving safely in the provincial city.

 

—

 

Meanwhile, in the provincial city, Lu Yao had already tidied up the back courtyard of the restaurant.

 

He reserved four rooms as bedrooms: one for himself and Zhao Beichuan, one for Xiao Nian, one for Lu Miao, and one for Xiao Chun and Xiao Dou, the two brothers. The rest were used for storage.

 

Mother would stay behind to help take care of the children. The courtyard they had rented earlier still had over a year left on the lease. It was perfect for Second Brother Lu Lin and Lu Yun’s families to stay in, as it was conveniently close to the old shop.

 

Ever since Lu Yao’s mother learned that Lu Lin’s family was arriving soon, she had been going to the city gate daily to wait for them. Lu Yao, worried about her going alone, had Lu Miao accompany her, and he himself would join them occasionally when he wasn’t busy.

 

This morning, the porcelain ware that Liang Yong had purchased in the capital finally arrived.

 

The shipment consisted of two large cartloads, all packed in wooden crates. Plates were stacked ten high, tied with hemp ropes, with hay stuffed between the stacks to prevent breakage during transit.

 

The porcelain cost over 300 taels of silver—half for the goods and half for shipping. Transporting such fragile items was difficult, and only Liang Yong’s connections had secured someone willing to deliver them.

 

When the carts arrived in the courtyard, the coachmen and workers began unloading. The delivery supervisor said, “Shopkeeper Lu, please inspect the porcelain to check for any damage.”

 

“Gentlemen, come inside and have some tea. You’ve worked hard on the journey.”

 

The men followed Lu Yao through the back door into the restaurant and were immediately stunned. The place was lavishly decorated!

 

The previously cluttered first-floor hall had been divided into smaller sections. Folding wooden screens with carved landscape paintings were placed between tables.

 

A central area had been cleared to host storytellers or performers in the future, surrounded by dozens of blooming chrysanthemums. The vibrant yellow flowers made the hall look splendid.

 

A large menu, one zhang wide and two zhang long, hung on the wall, displaying both text and illustrations.

 

Lu Yao had commissioned someone to paint the menu, carefully depicting the dishes to help illiterate customers choose their favorites.

 

The menu featured 30 dishes in total, including six signature specialties. It also added pricier delicacies, including mountain treasures and seafood.

 

The wine selection had also been expanded. In addition to regular yellow and clear wine, their homemade “Lu Wine” now came in two types: new wine at 2 taels per jug and aged wine at 5 taels per small jug.

 

Lu Yao planned to age 30 barrels of wine each year. These wines would become more fragrant over time and could be sold when Douzi achieved his dream of becoming a top scholar. He even planned to name it “Scholar’s Red”!

 

In the courtyard, six workers were busy inspecting the porcelain.

 

Four of them had previously worked at Yajai Ju and approached Lu Yao to ask for jobs after hearing he had taken over the shop. Seeing they were experienced and efficient, Lu Yao hired them at the same monthly wage of 700 wen.

 

Feeling four might not be enough, he later hired two more inexperienced workers to be trained by the experienced ones. Their starting wage was 500 wen, with a potential raise based on performance.

 

In the kitchen, Lu Yao planned to hire two more workers, as relying solely on Zhao Beichuan and Xiao Chun would be too exhausting. However, he worried about new hires learning the trade and then leaving.

 

The only solution was to buy slaves from the brokers. As a modern person, Lu Yao was deeply uncomfortable with the idea of slavery, but the societal norms of the time left him no choice. Only with the ownership of their contracts could he confidently teach them everything.

 

In the end, he purchased two healthy teenage boys, around sixteen or seventeen years old, to assist Zhao Beichuan in the kitchen.

 

The porcelain inspection was nearly complete. The shipment included 200 plates, 300 small bowls, 80 soup basins, and three barrels of ceramic spoons. Only four plates and two soup basins were broken, a negligible loss.

 

Lu Yao didn’t factor in these damages and paid the full amount for the goods and transport.

 

These porcelain wares were reserved for use in the private rooms upstairs. Downstairs would still use earthenware. Each porcelain bowl cost 180 wen, and breaking one would be heartbreaking.

 

The workers washed the porcelain and placed them on large shelves in the kitchen, alongside a cabinet for earthenware. The setup was convenient for use.

 

By noon, everything was tidied up. Lu Yao asked the workers to clean the courtyard, while he headed to the old shop to help out.

 

Business there was still bustling, and many loyal customers greeted Lu Yao, knowing the move was imminent.

 

“Shopkeeper Lu, how’s the new restaurant coming along?”

 

“Almost ready! We’re opening on the 18th of August.”

 

“Great! I’ll be there to support you!”

 

Lu Yao smiled and cupped his hands, saying, “You’re welcome anytime.”

 

Nearby, Captain Ge also called out to him, “Hey, Shopkeeper Lu.”

 

“What’s the matter, Captain Ge?”

 

Ge Changbao scratched his head, hesitating for a moment before asking, “Why haven’t I seen your brother around these days?”

 

Lu Yao paused for a moment. “You mean Lu Miao? My second brother is coming soon, so he’s been accompanying my mother to the city gate to wait for them.”

 

“Oh, so your second brother is coming.”

 

Lu Yao’s heart skipped a beat at the way Captain Ge addressed him. Suddenly, he remembered that Captain Ge had been eating at the restaurant every day lately. Could it be that Captain Ge has an interest in Lu Miao…?

 

No, no, Captain Ge is much older, and he probably already has a wife and children at home. There’s no way his younger brother would become a concubine! Over his dead body!

 

Captain Ge, unaware of Lu Yao’s thoughts, would have been greatly wronged if he knew. He was only 25 years old and had never married. However, years of exposure to the sun and wind in the military, along with his early beard growth, made him look like he was in his thirties.

 

Years ago, Ge Changbao’s parents passed away early, and he joined the army at 16. After years of hardship, he had finally risen to the rank of captain, but it had delayed his marriage.

 

Although some people in the army had introduced matches to him, either they thought he was too old, or he found them unsuitable. As a result, he remained unmarried.

 

From the moment he first saw Lu Miao, he had taken a liking to him. Not only was he handsome, but his fiery personality also matched his taste. That night, he couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning while thinking about Lu Miao.

 

Hearing that Lu Miao was still unmarried, Ge Changbao became determined. In September, he would be stationed at the border again and wouldn’t return until March next year. Before he left, he planned to ask Liang Zhong to act as a matchmaker to help seal the deal as soon as possible.

 

After hurriedly finishing his meal and paying the bill, Captain Ge headed toward the city gate.

 

From a distance, he saw Madam Lu and Lu Miao. He straightened his hairpiece, patted his clothes, and put on what he thought was a friendly smile as he walked toward them.

 

After just a few steps, he suddenly heard Lu Miao shout, “Second Brother is here! Look, it’s Second Brother and the others!”

 

Madam Lu craned her neck and indeed saw Lu Lin and Wang Youtian’s cart in the convoy. The two quickly ran toward them, and Ge Changbao followed behind.

 

At the city gate, Lu Lin was waiting with his mule while the officer ahead inspected documents. Suddenly hearing someone call his name, he looked up and saw his mother and younger brother, excitedly waving his hand and shouting, “Mother! Lu Miao!”

 

The officer scolded, “No shouting!”

 

“Ah, ah…” Startled, Lu Lin retracted his neck, waved at them timidly, and dared not respond further.

 

Hearing the officer reprimand her second brother, Lu Miao quickly pulled his mother to the side.

 

Soon, it was Lu Lin’s turn. They carried their household registration documents, which should have sufficed for entry, but the officer, upset by Lu Lin’s earlier shouting, began to make things difficult.

 

“Where is your entry permit?”

 

“My… my younger brother said household registration documents would suffice…”

 

“Your younger brother? What rank is your younger brother?”

 

“He’s not an official; he runs a restaurant in the city.”

 

The officer scoffed. “Without a permit, you cannot enter. Go back and get one. Next!”

 

“Sir, we’ve traveled five to six hundred miles from Pingyang County…”

 

The officer rolled his eyes. “I don’t care where you came from. Move along, or I’ll call someone!”

 

Lu Lin, an honest farmer, was flustered. Seeing his mother and younger brother just inside the city, he couldn’t enter and grew red-faced with anxiety.

 

Lu Miao and Madam Lu were also worried. Why was it taking so long for them to enter? Seeing Lu Lin turning the cart around, Madam Lu anxiously pushed Lu Miao. “Go get your third brother and see what’s going on. Why won’t they let them in?”

 

Lu Miao ran back, but in his haste, he accidentally bumped into Captain Ge. With reddened eyes, he looked up, recognized him, and immediately grabbed his arm. “Officer, do you remember me? I’m a worker at Lu’s restaurant. My second brother is being stopped at the city gate. Could you help ask about it?”

 

Captain Ge’s heart was secretly overjoyed, but he maintained a serious demeanor, nodded, and walked toward the city gate. After just a few words, Lu Lin and Wang Youtian’s cart was allowed through.

 

The officer at the gate followed behind, apologizing profusely. “I didn’t recognize the captain’s relatives. Please forgive me for the offense.”

 

Captain Ge sternly rebuked him, “These people have come from so far away, and you sent them back over such a trivial matter. That’s outright harassment! If it happens again, I’ll make sure your superior knows about it.”

 

The officer knelt down in fright. “I won’t dare do it again!”

 

When Captain Ge turned back, his expression softened instantly. “You must be Second Brother Lu. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I know your two younger brothers, and I happened to pass by today. I didn’t expect to be of help.”

 

Only then did Lu Lin understand what had happened. This man had come specifically to help them! He was about to kneel to express his gratitude.

 

Captain Ge quickly stopped him. “It’s just a matter of a few words. I can’t accept such a big gesture. You’ve had a long and tiring journey. Let’s go home quickly.” Lu Lin cautiously followed Captain Ge into the city.

 

Once inside, the family was finally reunited!

 

Looking at his mother and younger brother, Lu Lin couldn’t help but be moved to tears. “Mother! Fifth Brother!”

 

“Shitou! Jin’er!”

 

Madam Lu bypassed her son and ran straight to the cart to embrace her two grandchildren.

 

Shitou was thrilled to see his grandmother, hugging her neck and crying loudly.

 

“Grandma, I missed you so much!”

 

“Good boy, Grandma missed you too!” Madam Lu’s eyes were also red.

 

Hu Chunrong smiled at her husband. The younger son and grandson were the old lady’s treasures; she, the second daughter-in-law, was hardly worth mentioning.

 

Lu Miao pulled his brother aside and looked him up and down. “You’ve had a hard journey, haven’t you? You’ve lost weight.”

 

Lu Lin had lost weight from running an early morning food stall, working tirelessly every day. With an injured leg and constantly standing to fry dough sticks, he had naturally become thin and dark.

 

Behind him, Lu Yun carried Jin’er down from the cart. Madam Lu was immediately overjoyed, embracing Jin’er. “Oh, you’ve grown so much! Call Grandma.”

 

“Grandma!” Jin’er’s clear voice made Madam Lu beam with joy.

 

Lu Miao said, “Let’s not stand here on the street. Everyone’s watching. Let’s go home.”

 

“Yes, let’s go.”

 

The group piled into Lu Lin’s cart, laughing and talking as they headed toward the city. Wang Youtian followed with his cart.

 

Along the way, they marveled at the bustling city. The wide roads and tall buildings were even more impressive than the stories in operas!

 

“Second Brother, look at that two-story shop up ahead.”

 

Lu Lin followed his brother’s direction. “It’s magnificent. What do they sell?”

 

“That’s the shop Third Brother just acquired.”

 

“What?!” Not only Lu Lin but also Hu Chunrong and Lu Yun were stunned. Lu Yao had such skill to acquire such a grand shop!

 

“The signboard hasn’t been made yet. It’ll be put up in a few days. Third Brother plans to open on the 18th of August, just five days away. It’s perfect timing for your visit!”

 

The cart continued for about half a quarter of an hour before arriving at the old shop.

 

“We’re here. I’ll go call Third Brother!” Lu Miao jumped off the cart and ran inside. “Third Brother, Second Brother and the others are here!”

 

Hearing this, Lu Yao quickly got up and ran outside. Seeing the group, he exclaimed, “I thought it’d take two more days for you to arrive. Come inside and have some food!”

 

Hu Chunrong and Lu Yun got off the cart with the children. The cart was piled high with luggage, which wouldn’t be safe outside. Madam Lu handed the house key to Lu Miao, asking him to take the cart home with the others.

 

“Shitou, Jin’er, do you remember me?”

 

Shitou smiled and said, “I do! You’re Third Uncle.”

 

Jin’er softly followed, “Threedle Uncle.”

 

Lu Yun corrected him. “You should call him Third Uncle.”

 

“Threedle.”

 

“Hahaha, still a little tongue-tied.” Lu Yao lifted Jin’er and touched foreheads with him. “You all sit down. The food will be ready soon.”

 

There were still two tables of customers in the restaurant. Hu Chunrong and Lu Yun felt a little awkward. Lu Yao quickly cleared a side table, pulled out chairs, and let them sit. Then he went to the back kitchen to tell Zhao Beichuan to prepare extra dishes as his second brother and Youtian had arrived.

 

Hearing this, Zhao Beichuan wiped his hands and rushed over. Just then, Lu Lin and Wang Youtian returned from unloading the cart. The three of them greeted each other warmly with smiles and pats on the shoulder.

 

“You all sit; I’ll come join you for a drink after cooking.”

 

“Alright.”

 

Xiaochun brought out two cold dishes, followed by a stewed chicken.

 

Shitou and Jin’er were hungry, drooling at the smell of chicken but held back by their parents from touching their chopsticks.

 

Lu Yao said, “Treat this place like your own home. Eat however you like. If you’re too polite, I’ll be upset!”

 

Madam Lu tore off two drumsticks and handed them to her grandson and grandson-in-law. “Eat up. Don’t mind your mother. Fill your bellies.”

 

Lu Lin said, “This city is amazing, but the rules are so strict. If it weren’t for your friend, we wouldn’t have gotten in today.”