Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 116

Chapter 116

 

Wu Sifang had been locked in the brewery for three days. For the first two days, he still had the energy to make a fuss, cursing Zhao Fengchun for being ungrateful, accusing him of daring to imprison his own father, claiming he would die a horrible death and reincarnate into the animal realm.

 

By the third day, Wu Sifang started to panic. The dark room reeked of an unbearable stench, and rats scurried back and forth at night. Hungry and terrified, he knelt at the door, begging for forgiveness.

 

However, apart from a dry steamed bun and a bowl of water delivered at noon, no one paid him any attention.

 

The Wu brothers came to the city to look for him, but they didn’t know which brewery their father had gone to. Whenever they tried asking around, they were promptly driven out.

 

On the sixth day, Lu Yao finally came to the brewery.

 

“Master, you’re here,” Lu Shiliu greeted him cheerfully, running over to pay his respects.

 

“Is that man still locked up?”

 

“Yes, in the same room where someone previously died.”

 

Lu Yao pointed a finger at him, and Lu Shiliu chuckled awkwardly. “Ma Kuan said that man sold Second Boss to a slave trader and even caused him to have his leg broken, so he thought it’d be fair to help Second Boss vent his anger.”

 

Lu Yao walked toward the room.

 

The wooden door was tightly locked, and there was no sound from inside.

 

“Is he dead?”

 

“No, he was crying just this morning.”

 

Lu Yao tilted his chin, and Lu Shiliu pulled out a key to unlock the brass padlock. The wooden door creaked open, releasing a foul stench of urine and feces that made Lu Yao squint. Wu Sifang was curled up in a corner, looking like a dying old dog.

 

Lu Yao recalled the first time he saw Xiao Chun. That child had also been confined in such a place, not only starved beyond recognition but with a broken leg as well. If they hadn’t rescued him, he might have died there. Now it was Wu Sifang’s turn to experience the same suffering.

 

“Drag him out and clean him up. Get him a change of clothes.”

 

“Yes, sir.” Lu Shiliu called for help, and two men hauled Wu Sifang into the courtyard. Wu Sifang, thinking they were going to kill him, screamed in terror until he was slapped a few times into silence.

 

Several buckets of water were poured over him, washing off most of the grime. Then, they gave him a servant’s outfit to wear.

 

“Give him some food.”

 

Lu Ding came over with a bowl of millet porridge. Wu Sifang, starving, couldn’t stop himself from gulping nervously at the sight of the food but dared not reach for it, fearing he might anger these nobles and get locked up again.

 

Lu Yao tossed a silver ingot at him. “Eat. After you’re done, take this silver and go home. Remember, don’t come back to the city. You sold him, so your father-son relationship ended that day. If you dare to come looking for him again, it won’t be as simple as being locked up for a few days.”

 

With a few light words, Wu Sifang was so frightened that his legs gave out, and he wet himself on the spot.

 

Trembling, he grabbed the bowl and gulped down the porridge, then snatched up the silver before being dragged out by two burly servants. From that day forward, he never dared to mention returning to the city again.

 

On June 16th, an auspicious day for all affairs, Lu Yao called everyone over to help move houses.

 

There wasn’t much to move; most of the necessities had already been prepared in advance. The remaining items were just personal clothing and bedding.

 

Early in the morning, Lu Lin, Wang Youtian, and Ge Changbao arrived with carts.

 

Lu Yun and Lu Miao came along, sitting in the carts. Hu Chunrong, now heavily pregnant, stayed behind with the elderly to watch the children.

 

A few mule carts and carriages loaded with luggage made their way to Changrong Street.

 

The plaque reading “He Residence” had been taken down and replaced with one that read “Purple Qi from the East.”

 

Lu Yun looked up at the words on the gate and couldn’t help but exclaim, “This entrance is so grand—it looks even bigger than Fifth Brother’s place.”

 

Ge Changbao laughed beside him. “Our place is only a two-courtyard residence; it’s definitely not as spacious as Third Brother’s place here.”

 

Not long after, Zhao Beichuan arrived, driving a cart. Lu Yao and several children got off the carriage one after another. Opening the main gate, he called out to the others, “Come on in.”

 

Everyone carried the luggage from the carts into the courtyard.

 

Once they passed through the second gate, they were immediately struck by the exquisite beauty of the courtyard. “Wow, this courtyard is stunning!”

 

The spacious yard was planted with flowers and grass, with overlapping rock gardens. At the entrance, a large ceramic vat held a few lotus flowers blooming in full glory. The delicate pink petals swayed gently, each flower as large as a dinner plate.

 

Walking through the central courtyard, they could see the main house. The tall building was constructed with high-quality beams using mortise and tenon joints. The upturned eaves gave it a grand and majestic appearance.

 

“Come inside.” All the window papers had been replaced, making the interior look especially bright.

 

Ge Changbao, who hadn’t looked closely during his last visit, now took a tour of the house and exclaimed, “This house was definitely worth the five thousand taels of silver. Just the furniture inside is worth several thousand.”

 

“How much silver?!” Lu Lin and the others shouted in unison.

 

“Five thousand taels.”

 

Everyone looked at Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan in shock. They had known these two were capable, but they hadn’t expected them to be able to spend five thousand taels of silver to buy a mansion!

 

After the shock came admiration and envy. They themselves didn’t have that kind of ability, and even if they had five thousand taels, they wouldn’t have been willing to spend it on such a large house.

 

As Lu Yao led them on a tour, he explained, “There are many children in the family, and in a few years, they’ll all be getting married. If the house is too small, it won’t be enough for everyone to live in.”

 

Ge Changbao agreed, “That’s true. Even my place feels a little small. In a few years, when we have more kids, I’ll save up and buy a bigger one.”

 

He had recently been promoted to Cavalry General, with a substantial increase in salary and authority, so he wasn’t short on money.

 

Lu Yao said, “I plan to bring Mother here to stay for a while. It’s spacious here, so Shitou and Jinzi can come live here too.”

 

“Sounds good. Mother has never lived in such a big, new house; she’ll definitely find it refreshing.”

 

After touring the house, everyone finally sat down to rest in the main hall. Lu Yao instructed the servants to boil water for tea. These servants were all newly hired: two young men, two elderly women for rough chores, and one kitchen maid to take care of their daily needs and cleaning.

 

Lu Lin couldn’t help but sigh, “This is wonderful. From now on, you’ll truly have a home in the city.”

 

The older generation had always thought this way: a rented house could never be considered a true home. Only by buying a house could one feel a sense of belonging.

 

Lu Miao said, “This place is close to our house, so I can drop by and visit whenever I have free time.”

 

Lu Yun said enviously, “How nice. In a few years, after we’ve saved up, we should buy a small house nearby too. That way, we can all live close to each other and keep things lively.”

 

Wang Youtian and Lu Lin had long wanted to buy houses. However, they didn’t yet have enough money. In April, both families had just paid three years’ worth of rent. After saving for another two years, they would probably have enough to buy a two-courtyard house in this area.

 

While the adults chatted, the children couldn’t sit still.

 

The east wing was Xiaonian’s room, and the west wing belonged to Xiaochun and Xiaodou. The three children quickly ran off to check out their spaces.

 

When Xiaonian opened the door to her room and saw the pink bed curtains, she jumped with joy. Sister-in-law really knew her tastes!

 

On the dressing table sat a copper mirror set in wood, something left behind by the He family. Xiaonian had never seen such a clear mirror before. She spent a long time admiring herself from all angles.

 

In the drawers of the dressing table were a few wooden combs, while everything else had been taken away.

 

Xiaonian quickly brought out her treasure box and carefully placed her jewelry inside.

 

There was a silk flower her sister-in-law had bought for her in Qiushui Town. Though the red silk had faded to a pale white, she couldn’t bear to throw it away and tucked it carefully into the innermost drawer.

 

She also placed the silver hairpins and earrings Lu Yao had bought her over the years into the most accessible drawer.

 

The shelves on her multi-purpose cabinet were adorned with small ornaments. Some were left behind by the He family’s daughter, while others were added later by Lu Yao.

 

On the table by the window were several pots of vibrant flowers. In full summer bloom, the large blossoms filled the room with a pleasant fragrance.

 

Xiaonian spun around in delight. She never thought she would live in such a beautiful house!

 

On the other side, Xiaochun and Xiaodou were also exploring their rooms. The brothers’ rooms were similarly decorated in a blue theme. Each room contained a set of tables and chairs in addition to the furniture.

 

Xiaodou eagerly sat down in his chair to try it out. The height was just right, and from now on, he wouldn’t have to hunch over the tables at the tavern to write.

 

The best part was that there was a row of bookshelves beside him! While he was away, his eldest brother had already brought his books over and neatly arranged them.

 

The shelves also contained many new books, which Zhao Beichuan had found in the storage room. It seemed the He family had left in such a hurry that they decided to abandon these heavy items.

 

The books covered a wide range of topics, including miscellanies, essays, poetry, and history. But Xiaodou wasn’t picky; he loved reading everything!

 

Xiaochun walked around his room and carefully lay down on his new bed. The bed was covered with a cooling grass mat and several thick layers of bedding, making it soft and comfortable.

 

He smiled happily, but soon tears welled up in his eyes. Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law were so good to him. Their kindness made his heart ache and feel warm all at once.

 

At noon, the group went straight to the Lu family’s tavern for a meal. Lu Yao even opened a jar of aged wine.

 

After three rounds of drinks, everyone was slightly tipsy. Lu Yao got drunk for the first time. From Willow Tree Village to Pingzhou City, he had finally earned his own house through hard work!

 

After Lu Ming and Lu Qing helped everyone else get home, Zhao Beichuan supported Lu Yao as they descended the tavern stairs.

 

Ma Kuan quickly stepped forward. “I’ll get the cart ready.”

 

Zhao Beichuan waved him off. “No need. I’ll carry him home.”

 

“Take your time, then.”

 

The sky outside was gradually darkening, and stars began to appear. A bright full moon was slowly rising, its glow illuminating the road.

 

Zhao Beichuan carried Lu Yao on his back and slowly walked home.

 

“Dachuan.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Zhao Beichuan.”

 

“I’m here.”

 

“Husband~”

 

Zhao Beichuan adjusted Lu Yao’s position on his back.

 

Lu Yao laughed and hugged his neck tightly. “I’m so happy. We finally have a home.”

 

“I’m happy too.”

 

“Hehe, I didn’t need to take out a mortgage. I paid the five thousand taels of silver in full. Am I capable or what?”

 

Zhao Beichuan didn’t understand what he was saying and chuckled, “Yes, our Lu Yao is the best.”

 

“Five thousand taels of silver equals five million copper coins. I’m really rich!”

 

“Yes, you are.”

 

“Da Chuan, we have a big house now. How about I give you a baby?”

 

Zhao Beichuan’s breath hitched. “Hmm, whatever you want.”

 

Lu Yao leaned on his shoulder and said, “I used to feel that we didn’t even have a proper home. If we had a child, they would have to suffer with us, wandering and moving from place to place. Now that we have a big house and money, our child won’t have to endure hardships.”

 

“Then let’s have one.”

 

Lu Yao twisted his body. “But how exactly are we going to have a baby? I’m not a woman. It’s really strange.”

 

The hands holding Lu Yao’s thighs tightened as Zhao Beichuan quickened his pace toward home. “I’ll teach you once we get back!”

 

Five years later.

 

At the end of February, the harsh winter was still biting, and the snow had yet to melt. A horse-drawn carriage creaked over the snow and stopped at the entrance of the Lu Family Restaurant.

 

From the carriage emerged a young man with delicate features, dressed in a cyan brocade robe and wearing soft-soled boots with golden edges. He stood at the restaurant’s entrance, looking up.

 

“Lu Family Restaurant! Finally, I’ve arrived!”

 

The young man strode inside, startling the diners. It was midday, and there wasn’t a single empty table among the twelve in the hall.

 

A waiter approached to greet him. “My apologies, sir. The restaurant is full today. If you’re not in a hurry, please follow me to the backyard and wait for a while.”

 

“I’m not in a hurry, not in a hurry.” The young man curiously glanced around, noticing many people cooking meat in copper pots.

 

This style of eating had become popular in the capital over the past few years, reportedly originating from Pingzhou. However, no one knew that it was first introduced by the Lu Family Restaurant.

 

In the backyard, a warm tent had been set up where waiting customers could drink tea and chat.

 

The servant accompanying him whispered, “Young Master, the master instructed you to visit Master He’s residence first.”

 

“There’s no rush. I’ll meet my old friends first.”

 

As they spoke, a young girl entered carrying a teapot. Her appearance was delicate and refined, with slightly arched eyebrows exuding a sharp and capable air.

 

Lin Zijian froze when he saw her, then tentatively called out, “Sister Xiaonian?”

 

Zhao Xiaonian was also momentarily stunned by his call. “You… are you Zijian?”

 

“Yes! Sister Xiaonian still remembers me!” Lin Zijian exclaimed excitedly, standing up. The fourteen-year-old boy was already a head taller than Xiaonian, though his face still bore traces of boyishness.

 

Xiaonian smiled and said, “Of course, I remember. Beidou talks about you all the time, saying you’re returning to take the county exam this year. Have you taken it yet?”

 

“I just finished it last month. As soon as the results came out, I hurried to the city.”

 

A customer called for tea from the front, and Xiaonian responded, “You sit here; I’ll be right back.”

 

“Alright, you go ahead. Don’t worry about me.”

 

After Xiaonian left, Lin Zijian’s gaze lingered on her back for a long time before he finally looked away.

 

“Ahem.” His servant coughed lightly, and Lin Zijian lowered his head, his heart pounding fast.

 

Before long, Lu Yao heard about Lin Zijian’s visit and came over.

 

It had been six years since they last saw each other. The child who used to only reach Lu Yao’s chest was now taller than him.

 

“Zijian?”

 

“Sister-in-law!”

 

Lu Yao smiled and walked over. “It’s been years. You’ve grown into quite the young man. You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Wait here for a bit, and I’ll have your brother make you something delicious.”

 

Lin Zijian grinned foolishly and nodded. “I went to the academy earlier, and the teacher said Beidou was out traveling and wouldn’t be back until the end of the month, so I came to the restaurant first.”

 

Lu Yao replied, “In another four or five days, he should be back.”

 

Since last year, Zhao Beidou, with Master He’s recommendation letter, had visited four or five academies for academic exchanges.

 

Initially, he planned to take the prefectural exam last year. However, Lin Zijian said he wanted to wait another year. Since this year was a major exam year, Zhao Beidou postponed his plans. If he passed the scholar examination this year, he could directly enter the Imperial Academy in the capital.

 

“How’s your grandfather’s health?”

 

“Thank you for asking. Grandfather is doing well. He retired from the Imperial Academy last year and now spends his time tending flowers and birds.”

 

“That’s wonderful. Good health is the greatest blessing for the elderly.”

 

Lin Zijian nodded. When Xiaonian came over with tea, he quickly reached out to take it. “Thank you, Sister Xiaonian.”

 

Xiaonian chuckled, “You and Xiaodou are like bamboo shoots after the rain, growing so tall.”

 

Over the past five years, Xiaodou had also grown into a tall young man over 1.8 meters.

 

When Xiaonian appeared, Lin Zijian became more reserved, his words stammering as he occasionally stole glances at her, his ears turning red.

 

Lu Yao noticed this and couldn’t help but smile. The age of budding romance was truly wonderful.

 

Lu Yao asked about Lin Zijian’s mother. Mentioning her, Lin Zijian’s mood dimmed slightly. “Mother is in good health.” However, her spirits were low.

 

A few years ago, a colleague gave Lin’s father a concubine who had two sons within three years. Although the concubine appeared respectful on the surface, she often stirred up trouble behind the scenes, leading to frequent arguments between Lin’s parents.

 

Lin Zijian’s mother didn’t want to burden him with these matters, fearing it would affect his studies, but Lin Zijian understood everything.

 

After a brief conversation, a table opened up at the front. Lu Yao quickly led him to it, arranged for hotpot and meat dishes, and then went to the back.

 

Since moving out, they had left three rooms for the staff to live in, and another was renovated by Lu Yao as an office where he handled miscellaneous tasks.

 

A lot had happened in these five years.

 

The most significant event was the death of Liang’s second son two years ago from a sudden illness at the age of thirty-four.

 

After Liang Yong’s death, part of the Liang family’s business was taken over by his son, while the rest was divided among merchants in the capital. This involved intricate political struggles, which Lu Yao, being a commoner, didn’t interfere with or investigate.

 

However, the wine business lost its main buyer.

 

Previously, Liang Yong had been the sole purchaser. After his death, his seventeen-year-old son couldn’t handle such a large business. Not trusting the young man, Lu Yao decided to cut ties.

 

But the wine couldn’t just sit in storage forever. Several merchants approached Lu Yao, but their offers were too low, and Lu Yao refused to sell.

 

At that time, eighteen-year-old Ma Kuan volunteered to travel to nearby prefectures and the capital to seek business opportunities.

 

Lu Yao hesitated, concerned about Ma Kuan’s frail health and the challenges of long journeys.

 

Ma Kuan insisted, “I know you’re worried about my health, but I owe you so much. Now it’s time for me to give back. It’s my duty.”

 

Lu Yao gave him one thousand taels of silver, assigned six staff members, and loaded a cart with wine for him to try his luck.

 

Surprisingly, Ma Kuan proved highly capable. Over nearly two years, he established trade routes across the North and Northwest regions.

 

The high-alcohol Lu wine became popular in the colder northern regions for its warming properties. As the distillery expanded production, annual sales steadily increased from ten thousand to fifty thousand taels of silver!

 

This restaurant was purchased for eight thousand taels of silver. Besides this establishment, Lu Yao also acquired two fabric shops, a bookstore, a jewelry store, two estates in Pingzhou, and over six thousand mu of farmland.

 

Annual net income reached eighty thousand taels of silver, placing him among the wealthiest merchants in Pingzhou!

 

With wealth came connections. Officials and businessmen in Pingzhou all sought to associate with Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan.

 

Invitations and gifts poured in daily. While Lu Yao used to attend these gatherings occasionally, he now delegated most of them to servants, attending only the most important ones himself.

 

Other small events occurred as well. Hu Chunrong had a second child, a daughter who inherited the Lu family’s fair skin and dark eyes. Hu doted on her endlessly.

 

Lu Yun and Lu Miao also had children. Lu Yun’s second was another brother, which Wang Youcai didn’t mind, as his wife’s third brother was also a brother, yet far more capable than most men!

 

Lu Miao gave birth to a healthy baby boy, but the delivery was difficult.

 

On the day of the birth, Ge Changbao knelt outside, crying harder than when his father passed away. Having lost his parents, Lu Miao was his only remaining family. If something happened to his spouse, he wouldn’t want to live either.

 

Thankfully, both mother and child were safe, though the ordeal terrified Zhao Beichuan so much that he no longer wanted Lu Yao to go through childbirth.

 

Over the years, the couple had never taken precautions, yet Lu Yao had not conceived. He suspected either he had passed the age of fertility or lacked the ability to conceive altogether.

 

Given Zhao Beichuan’s vigor—he practically filled Lu Yao to the brim every time—it seemed impossible for there to be no results after so many years.

 

However, whether or not they had children didn’t affect their relationship.

 

Finally, this year Xiaodou was preparing for his examination. His talent for academics was extraordinary, and it remained to be seen if he could excel and pass the scholar examination!

 

Author’s Note:

 

Timeline: Four years in the earlier chapters + five years now. Lu Yao has been here for nine years.

 

Ages: Lu Yao is 28, Zhao Beichuan is 27, Xiaodou is 14, and Xiaonian is 16.