Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 119

Chapter 119

 

When Lu Yao and the others arrived, it was almost You Hour (5-7 PM).

 

“Have you found him?”

 

Ma Kuan replied, “Young Master Lin had been drinking at this tavern earlier. According to the owner, he was taken outside midway by some local thugs.”

 

Lu Yao frowned deeply upon hearing this. “Have you searched the nearby alleys?”

 

“We’re searching right now. I just went to the distillery to call for some help; we should have news soon.”

 

Zhao Beidou said anxiously, “Why on earth did he suddenly go out drinking?”

 

“Don’t worry yet. Let’s see if we can find him. If not, I’ll call more people to help.”

 

After waiting for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, shouts suddenly came from a nearby alley, “We found him!”

 

Everyone rushed over in a hurry. Lin Bo pushed through the crowd of servants who came to help and ran to Lin Zijian’s side, holding him tightly. “My young master! You scared me to death. Why are you out here alone? And what happened to your clothes?”

 

Zhao Beichuan frowned and said, “Forget about that for now. Get your young master out of here first!”

 

Two servants quickly stepped forward to help Lin Zijian up, only to find that the hair on the back of his head was soaked with blood!

 

“Young Master is injured!”

 

Lin Bo’s vision darkened, and he almost fainted. “Young Master, wake up! Please wake up!”

 

Lu Yao said, “Don’t just stand there—get him to the nearest clinic!”

 

Everyone scrambled to carry Lin Zijian to the clinic. After examining him, the physician confirmed that the wound on his head was not deep, though it looked alarming. After cleaning and medicating the wound, they found that his life was not in danger.

 

Once the wound was treated, the two servants carried Lin Zijian on their backs. Lu Yao instructed them to take him directly to his own home.

 

Lin Bo knelt beside them, tears streaming down his face. He hadn’t expected that a few careless words on his part would almost cost the young master his life.

 

He had served the young master for many years, and though they were master and servant, he cared for him like his own grandson. Over time, he had even begun to act like an elder.

 

Lin Bo gave himself a harsh slap on the face. What kind of person am I? If something had really happened to the young master, not even a hundred lives would be enough to atone.

 

Seeing Lin Bo like this, Lu Yao couldn’t bring himself to scold him.

 

“Let Zijian recover at my place for now. With Beidou keeping him company, his spirits should improve a little.”

 

Lin Bo nodded. “Thank you, Manager Lu…”

 

When Lin Zijian woke up, his head was spinning, and he couldn’t tell what day it was.

 

It took him a while to open his eyes and take in the unfamiliar room. He didn’t know where he was. Holding his head, he sat up and suddenly felt nauseous, vomiting only some stomach acid.

 

“Why are you getting up? Lie down quickly.” Zhao Beidou entered, carrying medicine.

 

“Beidou? Where is this?”

 

Zhao Beidou helped him lie down. “This is my home. Last night, you were hit on the head outside. Rest here for the next few days.”

 

Holding his head, Lin Zijian thought back for a while before recalling that he had quarreled with Lin Bo, went out drinking alone, and was then dragged out of the tavern by some thugs. After that, his memory was blank. His face showed a trace of embarrassment.

 

“I must have troubled you, making you search for me in the middle of the night…”

 

Hearing this, Zhao Beidou frowned and put the medicine on the table. “We’ve known each other since we were six. Do you think I’m an outsider after all these years?”

 

“I don’t… sigh…” Lin Zijian let out a heavy sigh, and his eyes reddened.

 

Seeing him like this, Zhao Beidou knew something was on his mind. “We’re close friends. What can’t you tell me?”

 

Lin Zijian smiled bitterly. “It’s not that I can’t say it; I just don’t know how to put it into words. Children shouldn’t speak ill of their elders, especially not of their father.”

 

He composed himself and shared what had been happening at home over the past two years. “Grandfather is old now, and I don’t want to bother him with household matters for fear of upsetting him. But my father no longer shows me any care or attention, focusing entirely on his two younger sons. He pays no mind to my studies, while Mother grows increasingly strict, making me want to escape… anywhere would be better.” By the time he finished, he was sobbing uncontrollably.

 

Zhao Beidou hugged him, patting his back in comfort. “If you don’t mind, stay at my house for now. Go back after the provincial exam is over.”

 

After crying, Lin Zijian felt much lighter and silently made up his mind to stay in Pingzhou to prepare for the exams. He decided not to return to the capital until he achieved his goal.

 

By midday, Lu Yao returned from the restaurant and saw Lin Zijian sitting up in bed, reading with his younger brother.

 

“Have you eaten yet?”

 

“Brother-in-law.” The two put down their books. Lin Zijian tried to stand, but Lu Yao stopped him. “Rest here in peace. I’ve arranged a room for you. You and Beidou can prepare for the county examination together.”

 

“Alright,” Lin Zijian nodded.

 

Lu Yao didn’t ask anything but could guess most of it. Zijian must have been under tremendous pressure at home; otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone drinking alone late at night.

 

After such a big incident, Lin Bo had already returned to the capital alone, leaving two servants behind to take care of Lin Zijian.

 

Half a month later, the results of the prefectural examination were announced. As expected, Zhao Beidou passed, ranking second in the A list, while Lin Zijian claimed the top spot as the prefectural scholar!

 

This was his second consecutive top ranking. If he also came first in the county examination, he would achieve the “Minor Triple Crown”!

 

His exam paper was displayed, with every word carefully crafted, earning the admiration of the other students. “As expected of the top scholar! His use of classical references is remarkable!”

 

Lin Zijian was overjoyed. Though being the prefectural scholar wasn’t a significant accomplishment, he thought his mother would be pleased.

 

He quickly wrote a letter home and soon received a reply from the capital.

 

Madam Lin’s letter contained only a few words, advising him to remain humble and focused on the upcoming exams. She also warned him not to act out again and not to impose on others while staying at their house, especially to be mindful of Zhao family’s women and to behave appropriately.

 

It seemed Lin Bo had mentioned Lin Zijian’s admiration for Zhao Xiaonian.

 

After reading the letter, Lin Zijian felt even more disappointed. He had hoped for some comforting words from his mother about his injury, but there was not a single mention of it.

 

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Zhao Beidou and Zhao Fuchun were urging him to come out, saying it was time to grill meat.

 

Lin Zijian had no time for sorrow. He put down the letter and hurried out.

 

In the courtyard, a small grill was already set up. Every May, the Lu family’s restaurant began serving barbecue. Since the restaurant was too crowded, Lu Yao had a smaller one made for the family to enjoy at home.

 

Xiaochun brought over a large tray of skewered lamb. Zhao Beidou fanned the grill while Lin Zijian sat nearby, waiting to eat.

 

Once the lamb was cooked, Xiaochun poured everyone a glass of chilled sour plum juice. “Here’s to celebrating both of you passing the prefectural exam!”

 

By mid-May, the county examination was over, and Lu Yun’s preparations were almost complete. Lu Yao planned to take the family back to Qiushui Town.

 

Initially, he intended to take Zhao Beidou along, but leaving Lin Zijian alone wasn’t ideal. Bringing him on such a long journey wasn’t safe either; travel in ancient times wasn’t as convenient as in modern times, requiring five or six days of bumpy travel.

 

So he left both of them behind to focus on preparing for the August metropolitan examination.

 

This time, Lu Yun and Wang Youtian planned to bring Wang family elders to the prefectural city for retirement.

 

Two years ago, the Lu and Lin families had bought new houses in the prefectural city. Unfortunately, they weren’t located on Changrong Street but rather on Changshui Street. Though the prices were cheaper, the houses were spacious enough.

 

As they prepared to return home, Old Madam Lu’s spirits had noticeably lifted. She was cheerful every day, with an endless stream of things to say.

 

In the afternoon, Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan visited their second brother’s house, where the old lady was in the courtyard feeding egg custard to several grandchildren.

 

Five-year-old Lu Taozi looked like a little dumpling, with a chubby face, bright black eyes, neatly combed double buns, and a light pink dress.

 

Two boys sat beside her. One was dark and chubby, Lu Miao’s son, called Ge Dandan, who was two and a half years old and wearing crotchless pants. The other, slightly slimmer, was Wang Yinzi, who looked almost identical to Jinzi as a child.

 

Seeing Lu Yao, they all ran over, shouting, “Third Uncle! Third Uncle!”

 

“Hey! My little ones.” Lu Yao reached out to touch the heads of a few children and walked over to Old Lady Lu. “Mother, have you eaten yet?”

 

“I finished eating earlier, but these little brats don’t eat properly.”

 

Aunt Zhang next to her laughed and said, “The old lady is always worried the kids aren’t full. She was chasing after them to feed them again after the meal.” This woman was hired by Lu Yao specifically to take care of his mother. The old lady was getting on in years and her health wasn’t what it used to be. Though she loved looking after the children, Lu Yao worried she’d tire herself out.

 

“Grandma, I’m full!” Little Dandan lifted his shirt to show his round belly to the old lady.

 

Old Lady Lu was delighted. She pulled him into her arms for a kiss and quickly tucked his shirt back down. “No showing your belly button, or you’ll catch a chill.”

 

“We’re leaving the day after tomorrow. Is everything packed at home?”

 

“It’s all packed!” The old lady took him to the east room of the main house. On the floor was a large wooden chest. “These are all prepared for the relatives back home.”

 

Lu Yao opened it for a look. Inside were old quilt covers, clothes the children had outgrown, and unused ceramic wares from the restaurant. All were things of little value.

 

Lu Yao found the old lady rather amusing. Since they had plenty of carriages this time, she could bring whatever she wanted.

 

Mother Lu took Lu Yao’s hand and said, “Tomorrow when you go to the market, buy me 500 coins’ worth of snacks and candies to take back for the villagers to try.”

 

“Don’t worry. I’ve got everything ready.”

 

Lu Yao had already bought a carriage-load of goods, including food, fabric, and specialties from the provincial city. Altogether, the haul only cost a bit over a hundred taels of silver.

 

In the past, when money was tight, they would scrimp and save every coin. But now, Lu Yao’s real estate holdings alone were worth 200,000 taels, and his liquid assets, including money in the bank and at home, amounted to over 100,000 taels.

 

No matter how much money they earned, they still lived much as they had before, without many changes. They only added a few more servants, ate better, and wore finer clothes.

 

“Who’s coming back with us this time?”

 

“Everyone except for Xiaodou, who’s staying behind to prepare for the imperial exam.”

 

“How’s Douzi doing in his studies?”

 

“He came in second in the prefectural exam and third in the county-level exam.”

 

“My goodness! Our little Dou is amazing. He’s going to be a big official one day!”

 

Lu Yao smiled. “Let’s see how he does in the autumn imperial examination. If he passes as a candidate for a higher degree, we’ll send him to the capital.”

 

Mother Lu patted his arm joyfully. “Such a hard worker. It wasn’t in vain that you sent him to study so early!”

 

They chatted for a while until Hu Chunrong returned, bringing Little Shitou with her.

 

Ten-year-old Shitou was already a half-grown boy, standing up to Hu Chun’s shoulders. In the village, boys his age would already be working the fields. Here, he was learning business skills from his parents at the shop.

 

When he saw Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan, Little Shitou respectfully greeted them, “Third Uncle, Third Uncle-in-law.”

 

Zhao Beichuan beckoned him over, pinched his chubby little arm, and said, “You’re getting sturdier. I heard from your father that you’ve been learning to cook these days?”

 

Little Shitou shyly nodded.

 

“Can you lift the wok yet?”

 

“Not yet. I’m starting with cutting vegetables under Father’s guidance.”

 

Zhao Beichuan took a few small pieces of silver out of his pocket and handed them to the boy, patting his head. “Go buy yourself a treat.”

 

“Thank you, Uncle-in-law!” Little Shitou beamed, his grin so wide you could see his teeth but not his eyes. His uncle-in-law was always the most generous, giving him pocket money every time he visited.

 

Lu Yao walked over and said, “No buying candy this time. Have you forgotten how your toothache had you crying and rolling around last time?”

 

Little Shitou stuck out his tongue and ran inside the house.

 

Lu Yao reached out and gave his husband’s arm a little pinch. “You’re spoiling him. What will you do if he ruins his teeth?”

 

Zhao Beichuan chuckled and didn’t dodge, knowing his husband’s strength wouldn’t hurt him anyway.

 

Hu Chunrong invited them to stay for dinner, but Lu Yao was concerned about the children at home. As it was getting late, the couple hitched up the cart and returned to Changrong Street.

 

By the time they got home, the kitchen had already prepared dinner. The meal consisted of three dishes and a soup, all made from freshly harvested vegetables. Though simply prepared, they tasted quite good.

 

After eating, Lu Yao began packing clothes for the trip.

 

He packed several long robes and short coats, along with extra undergarments and socks for both of them. He also included their hair crowns and hairpins. The odds and ends filled an entire chest.

 

Afterward, he went to Xiaonian’s room to check. She had also packed everything she planned to bring.

 

“Sister-in-law, isn’t Xiaodou coming back with us this time?”

 

“No, he’s staying to prepare for the autumn exams. Besides, Zijian is here, so it wouldn’t be good to leave him alone.”

 

“Oh.” Xiaonian hesitated for a long while before saying, “Maybe… I shouldn’t go either…” She quickly added, “I just think I should stay to watch over the business at the restaurant.”

 

Lu Yao looked at her with a faint smile.

 

Xiaonian’s cheeks turned redder. “Oh, come on, sister-in-law~”

 

“It’s not often we get to go back. Who knows when the next chance will be? Are you sure you want to stay behind?”

 

Hearing this, Xiaonian quickly said, “Alright, I’ll go back with you after all.” She did want to see how her old friends were doing.

 

Lu Yao ruffled her hair. “When we return from this trip, we’ll settle your engagement with Ma Kuan.”

 

“Alright.” Xiaonian’s face turned completely red.

 

—

 

After the Dragon Boat Festival, the Lu family finally set off for their hometown.

 

This time, there were many people in their party. They had a total of six carriages—two for luggage and the others full of passengers.

 

Lu Lin and his wife brought their two children. Lu Yun and Wang Youtian brought their two children as well. Lu Miao and Ge Changbao also brought their children along.

 

From Lu Yao’s side, everyone except Xiaodou returned.

 

Because there were so many people and so much cargo, Ge Changbao, concerned about potential trouble on the road, specially arranged for ten soldiers from the military to accompany them.

 

It was quite coincidental. Though they had never encountered bandits or robbers on this route before, this time, their heavily laden convoy attracted trouble at Lianmatou in Qingtong County.

 

“Whoa~” Zhao Beichuan reined in the horses and jumped off the carriage.

 

Lu Yao pushed the door open. “Why did we stop?”

 

“It seems someone’s blocking the road ahead. Stay in the carriage and don’t get out.”

 

Lu Yao was startled. “Be careful and don’t go too close…”

 

“Don’t worry.” With Ge Changbao and the soldiers around, Zhao Beichuan had no intention of playing hero.

 

The bandits blocking the road were a gang of mountain thieves who had appeared in recent years. They lived on a nearby mountain and made their living by robbing travelers.

 

Earlier that morning, their scouts spotted the convoy and mistook it for a wealthy merchant’s caravan. Seeing the two heavily loaded carts at the rear, they assumed they were full of gold and silver and hurried back to the mountain to gather their gang for a heist.

 

The leader of the bandits was a man named Bai Mao(white hair), so-called because of a streak of white hair on his head. He was tall, burly, and had a face full of scars.

 

He was a local of Qingtong County, but after getting involved in a manslaughter case, he fled to the mountains, where he gathered a group of thugs and started robbing travelers.

 

Initially, their activities were small-scale. But over time, they grew bolder, not only stealing but also killing. Last winter, they robbed a merchant’s caravan, killing all seventeen members of the family. The loot they took was enough to keep them in luxury all winter.

 

Bai Mao, wielding a long staff, sneered viciously. “If you know what’s good for you, leave the carriages and scram, or don’t blame me for what happens next!”

 

Ordinary people, upon encountering such a situation, would usually be terrified into abandoning their carriages and fleeing.

 

But unexpectedly, someone from the opposing side suddenly pulled out a long spear, jumped off the carriage, and cursed, “Damn it! How dare you try to rob the King of Hell himself?!”