Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 108

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Shangjing is the capital

Chapter 108

Lu Yao grabbed a handful of copper coins from the cash box and scattered them, causing a group of adults and children to scramble to pick them up.

A total of two strings of coins were scattered. Lu Yun and Hu Chunrong, watching from the side, felt distressed. If it weren’t for so many people watching, they would have wanted to join in the scramble too.

Once the firecrackers were finished, Lu Yao began arranging seats for the guests.

The invited distinguished guests were taken to private rooms on the second floor. The rooms were arranged in the order of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, followed by plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum.

Master Cao and his group were assigned to the Summer Room. Upon entering, they clapped their hands in admiration. “Marvelous, marvelous!”

The walls of the room featured a large painting of summer lotuses, and the corners were decorated with silk lotus flowers and leaves that looked incredibly realistic. Most notably, the room carried a faint scent of lotus leaves. Lu Yao had prepared this in advance by using dried lotus leaves to make cushions for the room.

The entire room was bright and vivid, perfectly fitting the summer theme.

Qu Tian reached out to touch one of the lotus flowers and burst out laughing. “Ha! It’s embroidered with fabric! I thought it was real. This Boss Lu really has a creative mind.”

The group strolled around the room and, curious about the other rooms, decided to go out and take a look. Many others had the same idea, and people began exploring in groups.

The most elegant rooms were the Orchid Room and the Bamboo Room. Their light color schemes and faint floral scents made them serene and relaxing.

The most beautiful room was the Winter Pavilion, decorated with cotton to resemble snow. Some were piled along the walls, while others hung from the ceiling. The entire room was a vision of white, breathtakingly beautiful.

Someone nearby remarked, “This Shopkeeper Lu really put in a lot of effort.”

“I understand the spring, summer, autumn, and winter themes, but why name the other rooms after plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum?” At this time, the concept of the Four Gentlemen was not yet popular. People generally preferred peonies and other vibrant flowers.

Just then, Lu Yao came up with a few staff members carrying tea. The crowd approached him to ask about the naming.

Lu Yao was momentarily stunned by the question, realizing that his idea might have been ahead of its time. “I chose these four plants because they are upright in character and represent the Four Gentlemen.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“The plum is proud, the orchid is elegant, the bamboo is strong, and the chrysanthemum is unassuming. Don’t these traits resemble those of a gentleman?”

“Excellent! Shopkeeper Lu’s idea is truly refreshing!” The speaker was Qin Mao, a guest who had come with Brother Liang. He was originally a scholar but left academics due to family circumstances and entered business. Now, he was the largest cloth merchant in Pingzhou.

The more Qin Mao thought about it, the more fitting he found Lu Yao’s analogy. He couldn’t help but take a few more looks at him. What he thought was just an ordinary small restaurant turned out to have such a thoughtful owner. What an interesting person!

However, most of the guests weren’t too concerned about such symbolism. They were more interested in the food prepared for the day. After exploring the rooms, everyone returned to their seats, and the staff began serving tea.

At the end of the hour, Jiang Ying sent a gift to celebrate the occasion. She claimed to be feeling unwell and would not be attending.

Lu Yao accepted the gift with a smile, served tea to the messenger, and returned to hosting the other guests.

Huang Yazi and his group also arrived. Although rooms upstairs had been reserved for them, they declined.

“We’ll sit downstairs. No need to disturb the honored guests.”

Lu Yao didn’t insist and instructed the staff to take good care of them.

The kitchen was bustling. The sound of sizzling oil never stopped. The cold dishes were fully prepared, and the sliced braised chicken and pork were ready to be served.

Seeing the time was right, Lu Yao waved for the staff to begin serving the dishes.

White porcelain plates were filled with colorful and delicate cold dishes, all looking delicious.

Today, all private rooms had the same menu—four cold dishes, four hot dishes, one pot of wine, and one hot pot set.

The cold dishes included marinated pig’s ears, a braised meat platter, sesame noodles, and a mixed vegetable salad. The hot dishes featured braised carp, sesame egg pancakes, governor’s tofu, and the signature dish—Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.

The hot pot was served with two plates of pork, two plates of lamb, one mixed vegetable platter, and one offal platter.

Once all the dishes were served, Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan visited each room to check if the food suited their tastes.

When they reached Master Cao’s room, the guests enthusiastically waved them in.

“Shopkeeper Zhao, did you add some magical ingredients to the food? Why does it taste so delicious?”

Zhao Beichuan laughed. “Master Cao, did you notice a difference from before?”

“Completely different! Especially this Buddha Jumps Over the Wall—it’s incredibly flavorful!”

Lu Yao couldn’t help but smile. “The secret lies in using real ingredients—fresh and clean. That’s the key to delicious food!”

“I’ll bring my wife and child here next time to try it.”

“Please enjoy, everyone! You’re always welcome here.”

The two left the room, exchanging excited smiles, both seeing joy and satisfaction in each other’s eyes.

After visiting all the rooms, they reached Captain Ge’s room. Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan knocked and entered. “It’s been a busy day. I hope we haven’t neglected you.”

Liang Zhong waved his hand with a smile. “Not at all! This restaurant is so beautiful. Even the porcelain plates and bowls are finer than those in the capital.”

“You flatter us. We’ve never been to the capital; we just came up with ideas on our own. As long as everyone is happy, that’s all that matters.”

Ge Changbao also complimented, “Eating in a place like this is worth every penny!”

Lu Yao loved hearing this. He wasn’t just selling food but also an experience. Captain Ge clearly understood the concept.

“Enjoy your meal, everyone. We won’t disturb you further.”

“Wait a moment.”

Liang Zhong stood up and pulled Ge Changbao forward. “This may not be the right time, but my brother here is impatient. We’ll soon be transferred to Yingzhou, so we wanted to bring this up today.”

Liang Zhong pointed to Ge Changbao. “My brother has taken a liking to your younger brother. Since he has no elders, he asked me to act as a matchmaker. What do you think?”

Lu Yao’s heart sank. This was exactly what he feared. Zhao Beichuan squeezed his hand to stop him from speaking.

Zhao Beichuan replied, “Thank you for your consideration, but marriage is no trivial matter. Lu Miao still has his mother and elder brother. We can’t decide on our own.”

Liang Zhong nodded. “Fair enough. We just wanted to let you know. We’ll visit officially tomorrow.”

Lu Yao couldn’t help but ask, “Does Captain Ge intend to make my brother a concubine or a main wife? Our Lu family may be humble, but we won’t share a husband.”

Ge Changbao quickly clarified, “You misunderstand. I’m not married yet.”

“What?” Both Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan were stunned.

Seeing their reaction, Liang Zhong burst into laughter. “I told him to shave his beard, but he wouldn’t listen. Now he looks as old as me!”

Ge Changbao scratched his head awkwardly. “Do I really look that old?”

The officers nearby stifled their laughter.

“In fact, my brother is only 25 years old. He’s never even held a woman’s or man’s hand. If you don’t believe me, ask around the barracks. He’s a true gentleman with solid savings. Your brother won’t suffer if he marries him.”

Ge Changbao kept nodding and added, “I’ll shave my beard tomorrow!”

Lu Yao couldn’t help but laugh. He had thought Ge was much older, but it turned out he was just mature-looking.

“This matter needs discussion with the family. If Lu Miao doesn’t agree, we won’t force him.”

“That’s understandable.”

Later, Lu Yao couldn’t stop laughing as he recounted the event in the kitchen. Zhao Beichuan joined in.

“I thought he was in his forties. Who knew he’s only 25?”

“Exactly! And did you see how awkward he looked? Like a boy!”

While amusing, Lu Yao thought the proposal had merit. Lu Miao was 17, and delaying much longer might be a problem.

Considering Ge Changbao’s character, rank, and household situation, it seemed like a good match.

“If the family agrees, we’ll settle the engagement tomorrow and plan for next year’s wedding.”

“Sounds good.”

After the last guests left, Lu Yao finally relaxed.

They hosted 19 tables, earning 26 taels of silver.

Guests raved about the food, declaring it far superior to other restaurants. Many even made advance reservations.

Lu Yao noted everything carefully, as pre-orders helped with planning ingredients.

After sending the guests off, the staff gathered to eat the leftover dishes before cleaning up.

It wasn’t until dusk that everything was spotless.

Lu Yao then carried a candle to visit Lu Miao’s room.

Lu Miao was sewing clothes, preparing for the cold weather ahead.

“Third Brother, you’re here.”

“Still not asleep this late? Are you tired today?”

“Tired, but happy even if I’m tired!” He was hoping that Third Brother’s restaurant business would thrive and make lots of money so he could earn some too.

“I came to talk to you about something.”

Lu Miao put the needle and thread back into the basket. “What is it?”

“What do you think of Captain Ge?”

“He’s pretty good, a warm-hearted person.”

Lu Yao continued, “If I were to marry you off to him, would you be willing?”

“What?!” Lu Miao was stunned. “H-He’s so much older!”

“Twenty-five, seven years older than you.”

Lu Miao paused. “Only seven years? …I thought he was about the same age as Dad.”

Lu Yao couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Haha, I thought he was quite old too at first. But today, Deputy Liang mentioned that he’s still unmarried because his parents passed away early, and he had no one to arrange a marriage. Plus, he’s been busy in the military, so it was delayed.”

Lu Miao lowered his head and asked, “Do you think he’s suitable for marriage?”

“I think he’s a decent person. Back when your brother-in-law earned merit on the battlefield, Captain Ge could’ve taken credit for it, but he didn’t. Instead, he truthfully reported it to the prince. Later, when we came to the city, he took care of us in many ways. Ge Changbao is indeed a good man.”

Lu Miao blushed and lowered his head. “Then… I have no objections.”

Lu Yao was left speechless. He was initially worried that Lu Miao wouldn’t agree, but it turned out to be this easy? Wasn’t this too hasty?!

After leaving Lu Miao’s room, Lu Yao finally thought it through. In this feudal era, there wasn’t much talk about willingness. Most marriages were arranged without consultation. Back then, hadn’t he also been forcibly married into the Zhao family by their father?

Returning to his own room, Zhao Beichuan brought in hot water for him to soak his feet.

“Don’t worry about me. Go rest early.” After cooking in the back kitchen all day, he was surely exhausted.

Zhao Beichuan said, “How did the talk with Lu Miao go?”

“He said he has no objections.”

“Isn’t that good?”

“Forget it, I’ll go talk to Mother and Second Brother about it early tomorrow.”

After washing his feet, Zhao Beichuan poured out the water, checked that the courtyard door was locked, and then came back inside.

“Lie down. I’ll give you a shoulder massage.”

Zhao Beichuan took off his shirt, revealing his toned upper body, and lay down on the kang bed.

Under the candlelight, Lu Yao saw his well-built muscles and blushed. Even after being married for so long, every time he saw his husband’s body, he couldn’t help but feel flustered.

Straddling his lower back, Lu Yao massaged his shoulders with his palms. When he reached the scar, he eased the pressure. “Does this still hurt?”

“It doesn’t hurt, just gets itchy when it’s cloudy or rainy.”

“Sigh, so it left some lasting effects.”

“It’s no big deal.”

Lu Yao slowly moved down his spine to his waist. His husband’s waist was slim and strong. Only he knew just how powerful it could be.

As he massaged, the breathing of the person beneath him changed. Zhao Beichuan reached back to grab his mischievous hands, flipped over, and pinned him down. “Looks like you’re not that tired today.”

Lu Yao smiled and wrapped his arms around his neck. “I am tired. You can do the work later.”

“Then turn over.”

Lu Yao turned and buried his face into the pillow. Large hands grasped his slender waist, and the sound of hurried, rhythmic movements filled the room.

The next morning, Lu Yao woke up early for once, got dressed, and headed to Changshui Street.

Both Lu Lin and Lu Yun’s families were already up and about, preparing to head to their shops.

“Second Brother, Lu Yun, don’t leave just yet. I need to discuss something with you.” Lu Yao called the two of them into the house.

The kids were still asleep, and seeing Lu Yao arrive, Mother Lu got up and joined them in the east room.

Lu Yao got straight to the point. “You remember Captain Ge, the one we met when we entered the city, right?”

Lu Lin nodded. “I remember. What about him?”

“He’s taken a liking to our fifth sibling and wants to propose marriage.”

Mother Lu was shocked. “How can that be? How old is he?!”

“He’s twenty-five, just a year older than Second Brother.”

“Only one year older than me?” It was hard to believe because Ge Changbao looked much older.

Hearing this, Mother Lu thought it over. Although he was a bit older, the age difference wasn’t too bad. “Has he never married before?”

“No. His parents died early, and he has no siblings or relatives.”

“Oh dear, such a pitiful child.”

Lu Yao continued, “I think this is a good match. Captain Ge is a decent man. Over the years, he’s helped us a lot in the city. Plus, he holds an official position. If Lu Miao marries him, he’ll be able to manage his own household and live comfortably.”

Lu Lin nodded. “That’s true.”

“He’s planning to come by today to pay a visit. I wanted to let you know in advance so you’re prepared to host him properly. After all, he’s a sixth-rank military officer. Even if the marriage doesn’t work out, we shouldn’t offend him.”

“Alright. I’ll stay home with Mother and wait for him. Lu Yun, you go ahead to the shop.”

After speaking, Lu Yao returned to the restaurant. There were already ten reservations for the day, and he knew he’d be busy later.

Meanwhile, Mother Lu and Lu Lin quickly tidied up the house, feeling nervous about meeting their guest.

Around mid-morning, there was a knock on the door. Lu Lin opened it to see a group of soldiers carrying gifts, with Ge Changbao and Liang Zhong walking at the back.

Ge Changbao had dressed in lighter-colored clothes and shaved his beard, looking noticeably younger.

Lu Lin bowed respectfully, but Ge Changbao quickly stepped forward and helped him up. “Second Brother, no need for such formalities!”

Liang Zhong, acting as the matchmaker, said, “My foolish brother here has truly fallen for your fifth sibling and begged me to come help arrange the marriage. I hope you’ll agree.”

“Come inside first.” Lu Lin invited them in.

Mother Lu carefully examined Ge Changbao and noted that, without the beard, he indeed looked much younger and quite energetic—though a bit tanned, but that wasn’t a flaw.

Liang Zhong spoke sincerely. “Since he has no family to arrange a marriage, he missed his prime years for marrying. Now that he’s found someone he likes, he’s eager to settle down. While I can’t promise riches, I guarantee he’ll provide a stable, worry-free life for Lu Miao!”

Mother Lu nodded slightly, thinking a steady and secure life was already a great match.

“If you agree, shall we set the wedding for next March?”

After seeing Lu Lin’s approval, Mother Lu said, “I have only one request—treat my child well.”

Ge Changbao knelt immediately. “Rest assured, I’ll never let him suffer even a little. If I break this promise, may I die without a proper burial!”

Such an oath proved his sincerity. Lu Lin pulled him up and patted his shoulder. “Your heart’s in the right place. That’s enough for us.”

At noon, they invited them to the tavern for a meal. During the meal, Mother Lu learned that they would be transferring to Yingzhou in a few days, which made her very worried.

“Be careful on the battlefield and don’t get hurt.”

Ge Changbao nodded, his eyes slightly red. It was the first time in years that someone had said such caring words to him.

Lu Miao only found out the next day that his mother and second brother had agreed to the marriage. He had no objections to it. After all, he would have to marry sooner or later. Instead of marrying someone far away, it was better to marry someone nearby so he could stay close to his mother and brothers.

This child still hadn’t figured out what love and relationships were.

That afternoon, when the tavern was closing, Ge Changbao came again, this time alone.

He had shaved his beard and changed his clothes, so Lu Miao didn’t recognize him at first. Seeing him hesitating at the door, Lu Miao walked over and said, “Sir, we’re closed for the day. Please come back tomorrow.”

Ge Changbao smiled and said, “I’m here to see you.”

“Me?”

“Don’t recognize me?”

“Ah…” Lu Miao stared in shock. “Why did you shave your beard?”

Ge Changbao rubbed his chin, his face burning. “Do I look younger?”

“Mm, at least ten years younger.”

This kid was really straightforward. Ge Changbao coughed lightly. “Did your brother tell you about our marriage?”

“He did.”

“Then, are you willing?”

Lu Miao finally felt a little shy, lowered his head, and mumbled, “I’ll listen to my mother.”

Ge Changbao was so excited that he quickly grabbed Lu Miao’s hand, shoved something into it, and then ran off. He nearly tripped over a stone at the door.

Lu Miao opened his hand to see a smooth, white jade pendant with two fish carved on it.

The jade had clearly been held in his hand for a long time, carrying a bit of warmth and sweat. Lu Miao’s ears turned red as he tucked it into his chest.