Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 126

Chapter 126

“Impossible! I remember it clearly. That day, I came with my fifth brother. That elderly man called out to me when he came up from the foot of the mountain and gave me this copper coin.”

The temple master also found it incredible. “Do you still remember what he looked like?”

After so many years, Lu Yao had long forgotten the appearance of the old Taoist, but he still vaguely remembered the general attire. “He was wearing a tattered Taoist robe. His hair and beard were all white, and he seemed to be wearing a round-topped hat.”

The temple master handed the copper coin back to him and said, “That is indeed our grandmaster uncle. Please follow me to the backyard.”

Lu Yao greeted the two children and followed the temple master to the backyard. The more he thought about this matter, the stranger it seemed. However, considering that he had time-traveled to ancient times, he figured he was even stranger.

Behind the main hall were two smaller halls, which looked even more dilapidated than the front hall. This centuries-old temple, much like the declining Taoist sect itself, was slowly fading away with time.

Lu Yao muttered in his heart, no wonder their grandmaster uncle was so anxious that he manifested a spirit to ask him to help repair the temple. If it wasn’t repaired soon, it might collapse.

Qingxu Zi led Lu Yao to a desolate area at the back, where several stone tablets stood. He pointed to the one at the far end and said, “This is my grandmaster uncle’s grave.”

The stone tablet was inscribed with the name “Ling Xiao Dao Ren.”

Lu Yao stepped forward, knelt down, and kowtowed a few times. Whether it was a coincidence or the work of a divine spirit, the red string around his neck that held the copper coin suddenly broke. The coin rolled into the weeds and disappeared without a trace…

Lu Yao clutched his rapidly pounding heart, too shocked to speak.

After leaving the backyard, Lu Yao discussed the temple renovation with Qingxu Zi. Lu Yao was willing to provide the silver needed to rebuild the entire Qingyun Temple.

The old Taoist was so excited that his beard trembled. “Benefactor, are you really willing to rebuild Qingyun Temple?”

“This is what I promised your grandmaster uncle, so I must keep my word. In the next few days, I’ll arrange for someone to come and measure the land and estimate the costs. I’ll strive to complete the reconstruction within a year.”

“Great kindness, great kindness indeed! The Three Pure Ones will surely bless you with peace, prosperity, and a life free of worries!”

Lu Yao cupped his hands in salute. Seeing that it was getting late, he called his brother and Lin Zijian to head down the mountain together.

On the way back, Zhao Beidou asked, “Sister-in-law, what did the Taoist priest talk to you about in the backyard?”

“We discussed repairing the temple. Seeing how rundown Qingyun Temple is, I decided to help rebuild it.”

Lin Zijian, walking beside them, looked at Lu Yao in surprise, thinking that rebuilding a temple must cost a fortune. Although he had never asked about the Zhao family’s business, it was now clear they were indeed very wealthy.

Back at the inn, Lu Yao instructed Zhao Beichuan to handle the temple reconstruction arrangements. This project couldn’t be completed in just a day or two; they would need someone reliable to oversee it.

He allocated three thousand taels of silver from the account for initial use and planned to add more funds later if needed. After careful calculations, Lu Yao estimated that rebuilding the front and back halls of Qingyun Temple would cost about ten thousand taels of silver.

Putting the temple reconstruction aside for now, the more immediate concern was the upcoming autumn examination. It was, after all, a major exam year, and more and more scholars from other regions were arriving in Pingzhou City!

The inn’s hall was filled with scholars preparing to showcase their talents in the exams. Discussions about the imperial examinations were heard almost every day—it was the talk of the town.

The autumn examination marked a turning point in the imperial exam system. There was a saying: “Gold for a Juren, silver for a Jinshi, and poverty for a Xiucai.” This was because the township exam was the hardest stage, akin to crossing a single-log bridge with thousands of others. Passing it and becoming a Juren meant changing one’s social status entirely.

In the Wu dynasty, passing the Juren exam qualified one to become an official. Even the lowest-ranking seventh-grade county magistrate was a position that ordinary people could only dream of.

And if one could go even further, pass the Jinshi exam, and enter the capital to serve as an official, it would be like their ancestors’ graves were blessed with rising smoke—instant success!

At noon, Lu Yao’s inn was packed with people. With nothing better to do, Lu Yao went to the front to greet guests. Listening to their discussions about the exams was quite entertaining.

“Let me tell you, the top scorer of this year’s autumn examination will likely be one of the three—Qiu family’s son, Lin family’s son, or this Zhao family’s son.”

“Why do you say so?”

“Let’s start with the Qiu family’s son. He is the grandson of Qiu Dafan, born into a family of scholars. Surrounded by books since childhood, he reportedly recognized words at three, composed poetry at five, and passed the Xiucai exam at ten!”

“Wow, that’s impressive!”

The speaker stroked his beard and said, “But he’s not even the most impressive. The Lin family’s son is said to be even more knowledgeable. He is the grandson of Lin Jingxian, the former head of the Imperial College! Also from a scholarly family, he started taking exams later than others. But as the saying goes, a golden carp cannot remain in a pond forever—it turns into a dragon when the winds and clouds meet! Lin’s son was the top scorer in the county exam and also in the prefecture exam. It’s just that he was overshadowed by an old Xiucai during the academy exam; otherwise, he would have won the ‘Little Three Yuan’ title!”

Everyone sighed at the missed opportunity.

Someone asked, “Who is this Zhao family’s son?”

“Ah, the most mysterious one of all! This Zhao family’s son is young but exceptionally talented. He kept a low profile in earlier years, yet he secured second place in the prefecture exam and third in the academy exam this time. Although his ranking isn’t as high as Lin’s, no one knows who taught him. If he comes from a farming family, that’s even more remarkable!”

“Exactly! It’s hard for commoners to rise to prominence. I think this Zhao family’s son is even more promising!”

“I agree! I heard he’s famous for his diligence and hard work at the prefectural school. He’s a role model for other students. If only my son had half his diligence, he wouldn’t have failed the child student exam.”

Lu Yao, sitting in the back, almost burst out laughing. Hearing others praise Xiaodouzi filled his heart with pride, and he nearly jumped up to tell them, “That’s my brother! He’s from our family!”

Half a month before the township exam, Lady Lin finally arrived.

She traveled by carriage, first stopping at the He family to express her gratitude before coming to Lu Yao’s inn to find him.

When she stepped out of the carriage and stood at the door, she paused.

Looking at the grand and luxurious inn, she couldn’t help but marvel at how capable Lu Yao was. In just a few years, he had expanded from a small breakfast shop in a town to a large inn like this.

She entered with her servants, and a waiter came forward. “Madam, how many of you are there? Do you have a reservation? We still have two private rooms available upstairs—Plum Residence and Summer Pavilion. Would you like to take a look?”

Lady Lin declined. “I’m here to see your boss.”

The waiter said, “Please wait a moment. I’ll go get him.”

Soon, Xiaonian came out. Lu Yao wasn’t at the inn most of the time, so the waiters usually called Xiaonian or Ma Kuan for important matters.

Xiaonian looked her over carefully, then cautiously asked, “Are you Lin Zijian’s mother?”

Lady Lin nodded reservedly, also sizing up Zhao Xiaonian. She remembered this girl as Zhao Beidou’s sister, whom Lin Bo had mentioned before.

“Please sit. I’ll fetch my sister-in-law,” Xiaonian said, running off quickly.

It took about the time of one incense stick before Lu Yao arrived, smiling as he walked from the back. “Apologies for the wait, I was busy with something at another shop. Lady Lin, please sit! Xiaonian, bring us some Lushan Cloud Mist tea.”

“Please have a seat. I’ll go call my sister-in-law,” Xiao Nian said, hurrying off to find Lu Yao.

After about the time it took to burn an incense stick, Lu Yao finally returned. With a smile on his face, he walked over from the back. “Apologies, something came up at another shop just now and delayed me. Madam Lin, please have a seat! Xiao Nian, go brew a pot of Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea.”

Madam Lin sat down with a gentle smile. The two of them hadn’t seen each other in seven or eight years. Now meeting again, Madam Lin already had wrinkles on her face, while Lu Yao hardly seemed to have changed. In fact, he looked even more handsome than before.

“These past few days must have troubled you,” Madam Lin said.

“Come now, no need to be so formal. Back then, if it weren’t for Elder Lin guiding Beidou, he wouldn’t have the knowledge he has today.”

Madam Lin shook her head, unwilling to take credit. “That was because Beidou was willing to work hard. If not, my father-in-law wouldn’t have valued him so much.”

Lu Yao nodded with a smile. “I’ve been meaning to visit you over the years, but I’ve been tied up with other matters. I was actually planning to go to the capital after the provincial exam this time. I didn’t expect you to come here first.”

“I should have come sooner. When I heard that Zijian was injured some time ago, I was worried sick at home.” Madam Lin hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Unfortunately, I couldn’t leave at the time because of family matters. I could only send him a letter. Now that everything at home is settled, I rushed over as soon as I could.”

“How is Zijian doing?”

“He’s doing well. He studies with Beidou every day. He’s at home now. I’ll take you to see him.”

Xiao Nian brought over the tea. “Madam, please enjoy the tea.”

Madam Lin looked at her and remarked, “Xiao Nian has grown into a fine young lady.”

Lu Yao, ever sharp, didn’t wait for her to finish speaking and jumped in, “Yes, she’s supposed to get engaged this year. I’m really reluctant to let her go.”

Madam Lin paused for a moment before responding, “Reluctant or not, it’s bound to happen sooner or later. She has to start her own family eventually.”

After finishing their tea, Lu Yao stood up and took Madam Lin to the house on Changrong Street.

On the way, Madam Lin grew increasingly surprised. The Zhao family clearly wasn’t just wealthy—their status was far more impressive. Lu Yao’s clothing and demeanor were no different from those of the aristocrats in the capital. He handled matters with impeccable grace, and the residence was the kind that only wealthy and prestigious families in Pingzhou could afford.

After getting out of the carriage and entering the Zhao family home, Madam Lin saw that the courtyard was simple and elegant, with only two gatekeepers and a few servants.

The two of them walked to the west wing. From outside the door, they could hear the sound of a heated debate inside. After listening for a moment, Lu Yao smiled and knocked on the door.

There was a brief silence inside. Then, Zhao Beidou got up and opened the door. “Sister-in-law, you’re back.” He noticed Madam Lin standing behind Lu Yao and was momentarily stunned. He quickly bowed and greeted, “Beidou greets Madam Lin.”

Madam Lin raised her hand and said, “Good child. You’ve grown into such a dignified and handsome young man.”

Inside the room, Lin Zijian froze when he heard his mother’s voice. His hand, which was holding a brush, trembled slightly. He slowly stood up and walked toward the door. “Mother, you’re here.”

Madam Lin carefully looked at her son. It had been three months since they last saw each other, and he had grown taller and put on a little weight. It seemed that he had been living quite well in the Zhao household.

Lu Yao gave his younger brother a meaningful look. After so long apart, the mother and son surely had a lot to talk about.

Zhao Beidou quickly said, “Zijian, spend some time talking with your mother. I’ll go to the front and grab something to eat.”

Madam Lin followed Lin Zijian into the house. The west wing had three rooms in total. Zhao Fengchun lived in the northern room, while Zhao Beidou lived in the southern one. However, due to the addition of barbecued dishes at the restaurant recently, business ran later into the night, so Xiaochun often stayed at the restaurant to rest.

The southern bedroom had an extra bed added. Although there were guest rooms at the front, the two brothers usually slept in the same room.

Madam Lin looked around and asked, “Have you gotten used to living here these days?”

“It’s been fine.”

“About what happened last time, Uncle Lin already explained it to me. He misunderstood your relationship with the Zhao family’s girl, so he kept reminding you. He didn’t mean any harm.”

“I know.”

Seeing her son acting distant, Madam Lin felt a little hurt. “Are you upset with me?”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

Madam Lin hesitated, afraid of affecting her son’s mood with the imperial exam approaching. She could only sigh and say, “Forget it… As long as you’re fine. I’ve already rented a house in town. Move in with me tomorrow.”

Lin Zijian wanted to refuse since he had been staying here comfortably. However, he also knew he couldn’t keep imposing on others, so he nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll bid farewell to Sister-in-law… Lu Fulang later.”

Madam Lin reached out and stroked her son’s head. “Don’t let your thoughts wander anymore. Focus on your studies and strive to pass the exam as the top scorer this time.”

“Yes.”

Madam Lin stayed for only half an hour before leaving. After she left, Lin Zijian remained downcast.

Zhao Beidou grew worried seeing him like this. The imperial exam didn’t just test knowledge but also mental state and composure. Judging by Lin Zijian’s current state, it was clear he was preoccupied, which was very detrimental to the exam.

“Zijian, did something happen at home?”

“No.” Lin Zijian packed his books and clothes into a bundle.

“Then why do you look so troubled? Is there anything you can’t tell me?”

Lin Zijian’s nose turned sour, and his eyes reddened. After hesitating for a long time, he finally opened up about his family situation.

His father had taken a concubine and had a son with her. He favored the younger child, and his mother pressured him to compete for affection.

“Mother hopes I’ll pass the exam as the top scorer and impress Father, but she’s never asked whether I’m tired or struggling. In her eyes, I’m just a tool to be compared with the child born to that concubine.”

For over ten years, Lin Zijian had been an only child, loved by his parents and adored by his grandfather. Growing up surrounded by love, the sudden change in his family dynamic left him feeling a deep sense of loss.

Zhao Beidou didn’t know how to comfort him. “Zijian, I’m not sure if I should say this.”

“Go ahead.” Lin Zijian wiped his eyes.

“I think you’re being too sensitive.”

“Huh?” Lin Zijian was stunned.

“Do you know how much work a man your age has to do in the village?

When my father passed away, my eldest brother was about our age. He got up before dawn every day to chop firewood and cook. He carried a palm-sized vegetable pancake with him and went up the mountain to till the fields. After working all day, he still had to come home and wash clothes, cook dinner, twist ropes, and mend clothes. Most nights, he didn’t get to sleep until midnight.”

“Do you think his life was any less tiring or difficult than yours?”

Lin Zijian fell silent.

“Or maybe you think you’re different from my eldest brother. Then compare yourself to me.

When I started school, I had to get up at the third watch to recite books. Rain or shine, summer or winter, I ran to the schoolhouse by myself.

Back then, my family was so poor we couldn’t afford ink. In winter, I practiced writing with a brush dipped in water. My fingers got frostbite, but I didn’t dare slack off. Do you think my life wasn’t hard or tiring?”

Zhao Beidou saw him deep in thought and continued, “Your grandfather went to great lengths to educate you. At his age, with his poor health, he still gave us lessons every day. Don’t you think that was hard for him?”

Lin Zijian’s vision blurred as he remembered his grandfather leaning on a cane to see him off before he left home. Tears welled up in his eyes.

“Zijian, studying isn’t for anyone else. Whether it’s hard or tiring doesn’t matter to others. What matters is that you can live up to yourself. Don’t forget why you started.”

Why he started…

That’s right. He hadn’t begun studying for anyone else!

Lin Zijian recalled what his grandfather had asked him the first time he picked up a book—why he wanted to study.

What had he said back then?

“I want to be someone as knowledgeable as Grandfather!”

Lin Zijian wiped his tears and gradually became determined. “Beidou, thank you!”

Soon, it was time for the provincial exam.

Since the exam was held in autumn, it was also called the Autumn Examination or Jie Examination. Those who passed were known as Juren, with the top scorer called Jieyuan.

This exam determined the candidates’ futures, so it was stricter and longer than previous tests.

It lasted five days, during which candidates couldn’t leave the exam hall. Everything, including eating, drinking, and relieving themselves, had to be done inside.

This time, Lu Yao prepared “instant noodles” for Beidou again. The food was simple to prepare, easy to store, and much better than steamed buns or flatbreads.

Lu Yao didn’t just prepare a bag for Beidou but also provided portions for Lin Zijian and Beidou’s friends.

During the previous exam, Lin Zijian had asked Beidou about his food, and Lu Yao promised to bring some for him this time.

The fried noodles were each the size of an adult’s palm. Boiling two pieces was enough for one meal. Several jars of meat sauce were prepared as well. A spoonful could be added to the noodles for flavor.

As long as Beidou performed normally and didn’t leave midway, his chances of passing were very high.

Statistics showed that nearly a third of candidates left the exam early every year.

Some withdrew due to physical issues like nervousness, stomach problems, or fevers. Others left because of mental strain—being confined in a small room under constant supervision made it easy to break down.

Still, others left due to being caught cheating or having hygiene problems.

No matter the reason, simply enduring the five days was already half the battle.

The day before the exam, the family held a motivational dinner for Zhao Beidou. It eased his nerves and gave everyone a chance to gather and enjoy a meal together.

Lu Yao personally cooked six dishes, symbolizing good fortune and smooth success in the exam.

Strangely, Zhao Beidou showed no signs of pre-exam anxiety. Instead, he focused entirely on eating.

Zhao Beichuan patted him. “Stop eating for a moment and listen to your sister-in-law.”

“Okay,” Beidou mumbled through a full mouth, curious about what his sister-in-law would say.

Lu Yao said, “You’re the only scholar in our family. Everyone has seen how hard you’ve worked all these years. No matter how you do this time, don’t lose heart. Treat it as an experience. I hope you’ll make the list and go from a commoner to an official!”

Touched, Zhao Beidou teared up. “Thank you, Sister-in-law!”

“Ahem, I’ll say something too.”

Beidou wiped his tears and looked at his eldest brother.

Zhao Beichuan said, “Books hold golden houses and beautiful jade in them. Do well and aim for first place!”

“Pfft, it’s beauty, not jade.”

“Whatever kind of jade, it’s yours if you pass!”

Everyone burst into laughter, enjoying a lively and cheerful dinner.

The Three Pure Ones (三清, Sānqīng) are the highest deities in Taoism and represent the supreme divine triad. They are considered manifestations of the Tao and the ultimate source of all existence. Each of them governs a specific realm and embodies fundamental aspects of Taoist cosmology.

1. 1. The Jade Pure One (玉清, Yùqīng)

Name: Yuanshi Tianzun (元始天尊) – “The Celestial Venerable of the Primordial Beginning”

Role: Creator and source of the universe, representing the origin of all things.

Symbolism: Embodies creation, infinity, and primal chaos.

Domain: Resides in the Jade Pure Realm.

2. 2. The Supreme Pure One (上清, Shàngqīng)

Name: Lingbao Tianzun (靈寶天尊) – “The Celestial Venerable of the Numinous Treasure”

Role: Keeper of laws, rituals, and divine principles. He regulates order and harmony.

Symbolism: Represents universal order, wisdom, and spiritual treasures.

Domain: Resides in the Supreme Pure Realm.

3. 3. The Grand Pure One (太清, Tàiqīng)

Name: Daode Tianzun (道德天尊) – “The Celestial Venerable of the Way and Its Virtue”

Common Identity: Associated with Laozi (Lao Tzu), the founder of Taoism.

Role: A teacher and guide of morality, virtue, and the Taoist path.

Symbolism: Embodies Tao, virtue, and ethical conduct.

Domain: Resides in the Grand Pure Realm.

Significance

The Three Pure Ones are central to Taoist theology, symbolizing the philosophical principles of creation, regulation, and virtue. They also reflect the interconnectedness of the cosmos, aligning with the Taoist belief in balance, harmony, and natural order. Devotees often honor them in Taoist temples as supreme beings overseeing the spiritual and material worlds.