Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 134

Chapter 134

 

This summer, the north was hot and dry, and the land was parched, causing many pastures to fail.

 

This had a significant impact on the nomadic tribes of the Khitan, who relied on herding and hunting for their livelihood. Without grass, they couldn’t raise cattle or sheep. Without enough food, they naturally thought about heading south to raid—this was an ingrained way of thinking for these nomadic tribes, developed over thousands of years.

 

Unexpectedly, Lu Yao’s casual remark at the time had actually come true.

 

Perhaps sensing some disturbance in the north, the Northern Frontier King had already deployed a large army to guard the border. Yet even so, the sudden and ferocious attack caught them by surprise.

 

The Khitan King himself led an army of 100,000 soldiers, advancing toward the border of Ying Prefecture. Although this number was likely exaggerated—at most only 60,000 to 70,000—the Khitan troops were all cavalry and extremely fierce on the battlefield, so the Northern Frontier King dared not underestimate them.

 

He immediately sent messengers to the capital with news of the situation. This battle was also a rare opportunity. Previously, the skirmishes had been minor and did not significantly affect the Khitan Kingdom. But if they could severely weaken the Khitan in this battle, the border would be peaceful for at least ten years!

 

News of the conflict gradually spread. Many merchants and nobles from Ying Prefecture had already fled to Ping Prefecture.

 

In recent days, the post stations in Ping Prefecture were fully occupied, and the inns were also filled with people speaking with Ying Prefecture accents.

 

Whenever Lu Yao encountered such people, he would step forward to chat with them, asking about the situation.

 

“We don’t know anything. As soon as we caught wind of trouble, we ran.”

 

“Did you see the Khitan troops?”

 

“Oh dear, if we had seen the Khitan troops, do you think we’d still be alive? We’re all from Ying Prefecture City. The garrison is stationed hundreds of miles away from the city.”

 

Lu Yao nodded. “Thank you. Bring an extra dish to this table.”

 

“Thank you, Shopkeeper!”

 

Beidou had already returned three days ago, but there was still no news of Zhao Beichuan. Now that war had broken out on the border, Lu Yao was having sleepless nights.

 

One afternoon, Lu Miao came by, clearly having cried recently; his eyes were still red and swollen.

 

Lu Yao didn’t know how to comfort him and could only hold his hand and pat it gently.

 

“Third Brother, I want to go to the border…”

 

“Nonsense. The border is so chaotic right now. What if something happens to you?”

 

Lu Miao bit his lip, tears streaming down his face. Lu Yao quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe his tears.

 

“What should I do? Third Brother, every time I close my eyes, I see Changbao covered in blood.”

 

Lu Yao tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. “If you don’t care about yourself, you have to think of Dandan. He’s still so young and can’t be without his mother. Besides, your husband might not be injured. Stop imagining the worst.”

 

“But I’m scared… I’m afraid something might happen to him… If he dies, I don’t want to live anymore…” When they got married, his husband had already been injured once. Although he had recovered, his shoulder still hurt terribly whenever it rained. Now he had to go to war again; how could he not worry?

 

“When you’re free, come help out at the tavern. Recently, many merchants from Ying Prefecture have arrived. Maybe you can get some news from them.”

 

Hearing this, Lu Miao stopped crying. “People from Ying Prefecture are here?”

 

“Yes. Merchants tend to avoid danger and chase profit. They must have fled early when they heard the news.”

 

“Alright.”

 

After consoling Lu Miao, Lu Yao received a message from Old Master Cao, saying there was a gathering in a private room upstairs later and inviting him to join the discussion.

 

Lu Yao hurriedly prepared the Bamboo Room and asked Xiaochun to prepare an additional table of food.

 

Around the hour of the goat, Old Master Cao arrived with several wealthy merchants from Ping Prefecture. Lu Yao greeted them and followed them upstairs.

 

The attendees were all notable figures in Ping Prefecture, including Master Chi of the Northern Pharmacy, Qu Tian of the Qu Family Escort Agency, Yang Yingying of Shengtong Fabric, and Liu Mingtao of Ping Prefecture’s largest grain business. Each was wealthy beyond measure, making Lu Yao seem insignificant among them.

 

However, since Old Master Cao had arranged this meeting, no one minded too much, and they began discussing the war.

 

Their information was far more reliable than that of the small merchants from Ying Prefecture. The Khitan cavalry had already taken three towns from their previous campaign, and this time, the Khitan King planned to seize the three northern prefectures: Ying, Ping, and You.

 

“Currently, the Ying Prefecture garrison only has 80,000 soldiers. I wonder if they can hold out.”

 

“I heard yesterday that an additional 60,000 troops are being sent north as reinforcements. It should be fine.”

 

Qu Tian rubbed his face and said, “You don’t know how formidable the Khitan cavalry is. Years ago, I ran a few missions to Ying Prefecture with the escort agency. Once, we encountered a small group of Khitan cavalry on the road. Fewer than 20 of them slaughtered nearly a hundred of us. My uncle sacrificed himself to protect me… After that, our escort agency stopped taking business from Ying Prefecture.”

 

The group fell into a momentary silence.

 

Old Master Cao suddenly spoke, “I’ve gathered everyone here today to discuss this matter. When the country is in peril, it’s the responsibility of every man. I’m thinking of purchasing provisions to send to the border as support. Let me say a few words first, and then you can decide whether to agree.”

 

“This battle concerns the life and death of the people in the three northern prefectures, as well as our business in the north. If Ying Prefecture falls, Ping Prefecture will likely follow. Seventy years ago, Ping Prefecture was attacked by the Khitan. The prefectural records describe how the city was strewn with corpses. The bones of men were piled into towers and burned for 17 days before they were completely incinerated…”

 

Old Master Cao paused, “Although none of us experienced that catastrophe, we must not let it happen to our generation. Therefore, I’ve decided to contribute 100,000 taels of silver to purchase supplies and send them to the border to support the Northern Frontier Army. If we win, the north will enjoy peace for at least ten to twenty years, and business will thrive.”

 

Everyone fell into deep thought, weighing the pros and cons.

 

Seeing no one speak, Lu Yao decided to break the silence. “Though my means are limited, I’m willing to contribute. Previously, I provided the Northern Frontier Army with 1,000 jin of alcohol. Now that war has begun, this amount is likely insufficient. I’ll donate another 3,000 jin of alcohol.”

 

Old Master Cao smiled and nodded approvingly at Lu Yao.

 

The value of alcohol was well known among the merchants. Distilled spirits were already expensive, and refined alcohol could sell for more than ten taels of silver per jin. Three thousand jin of alcohol was worth tens of thousands of taels of silver.

 

As Old Master Cao’s close friend, Qu Tian naturally followed suit. “The Qu family will handle the transportation of the supplies. Additionally, I’ll personally contribute 50,000 taels of silver.”

 

Master Chi said, “Fifth Master, you’re truly noble. The Chi family will donate 80,000 taels’ worth of medicine for injuries to support Ying Prefecture.”

 

Seeing this, others also stepped forward. As major merchants with significant wealth, they couldn’t appear stingy, though none offered more than Old Master Cao’s contribution. Most pledged at least 50,000 taels of silver.

 

During this meal, tens of thousands of taels of silver were pledged.

 

At the time, no one realized how much profit these donations would bring them in the future!

 

Old Master Cao’s motivation for leading this initiative was not only to support the Northern Frontier Army but also because of what he had heard in the capital.

 

Old Master Cao’s second brother worked in the Ministry of Revenue and had informed him that the court attached great importance to this war. Eight thousand soldiers were being transferred from the northwest, but there wasn’t enough food and fodder to accompany them. Transporting provisions from the south would take a long time—probably until December to arrive. In the meantime, they could fill the gap with these supplies.

 

If the Khitan were defeated, this would be a significant contribution, benefiting their descendants for generations!

 

Lu Yao was unaware of the intricacies involved, but having agreed to Old Master Cao’s proposal, he was determined to fulfill his promise.

 

He immediately ordered the distillery to expedite the production of alcohol, aiming to produce 3,000 jin by the end of October. This year’s stored liquor was almost entirely depleted in the process.

 

Amidst these bustling preparations, Zhao Beichuan finally returned with Zhao Granny.

 

“Whoa!” The carriage stopped at the entrance of the tavern, and two bodyguards jumped down. “Shopkeeper Zhao, we’ll take our leave now.”

 

“Come in and have a meal before you go!”

 

“No need. We have to report back to our employer. We’ll visit another time.”

 

“Alright, travel safely.”

 

Zhao Beichuan helped Zhao Granny down from the carriage. As they entered the tavern, a clerk called out, “Shopkeeper, you’re back!”

 

“Yes. Where’s Shopkeeper Lu?”

 

“He should be at the distillery. I’ll go call him back!”

 

“No need. I’ll find him myself.”

 

After settling Zhao Granny in the backyard, Xiaochun excitedly ran over. “Big Brother, you’re finally back!”

 

Zhao Beichuan said, “The carriage is still at the entrance. Drive it into the yard. Don’t unload anything; I’ll take it all home tonight.”

 

“Alright.”

 

After giving his instructions, Zhao Beichuan hurried to the distillery. He hadn’t seen Lu Yao for over two months and was desperate to see him again.

 

—

 

“Is there enough alcohol at the distillery?”

 

“For now, yes. But we need to reserve some for the tavern. I plan to purchase additional spirits from other distilleries for refining.”

 

In recent years, other distilleries had started producing distilled spirits, some with higher alcohol content than theirs, though the taste was inferior and the price cheaper. It was more convenient to buy locally than to transport from Zhongzhou.

 

“Good. Ensure the 3,000 jin of alcohol is ready by the end of the month.”

 

“Yes.” Lu Shiliu left, and Zheng Tie approached to report a manpower shortage.

 

Lu Yao rubbed his fingers, considering the situation. Hiring temporary workers was inconvenient, and buying workers from the labor market often resulted in mixed quality. “Tomorrow, go to the military camp and ask Commander Liang if there are any disabled soldiers available. Bring some over, and their wages will be the same as others—500 wen per month.”

 

“Yes!”

 

“Additionally, instruct the kitchen staff to make sure the meals are done well for the next few days, ensuring they are full and include meat every time.”

 

“Understood!” Zheng Tie ran out excitedly. Originally, he had wanted to talk to the master about the situation with the wounded soldiers, but to his surprise, the master brought it up first.

 

He used to be a minor centurion in the Northern Frontier Army. A few years ago, he was struck by an arrow in battle, losing one eye, while the other was gradually losing vision as well.

 

Unable to return to the battlefield, he was assigned to the distillery by Liang Chong. Initially planning to live out his days idly, he never expected the master to find someone to treat his remaining eye. Not only did he regain his vision, but he was also promoted to a managerial position, now overseeing dozens of workers.

 

Last year, through a friend’s introduction, he even married a husband. Seeing his life getting better and better, he felt deeply distressed watching his former comrades struggle to make a living. Now, with the master’s orders, he could finally recruit them to work here!

 

Working at the distillery and performing well could earn them four or five taels of silver a year, plus bonuses at the year’s end. In three years, they could save enough to buy a small house in the Western Market area, get married, and have children. Life would truly turn around.

 

Laughing to himself, he ran out and happened to bump into Zhao Beichuan at the door. “Master, you’re back.”

 

“Yes. Is Lu Yao inside?”

 

“Yes, he is.”

 

Zhao Beichuan lifted his robes and hurried inside. From afar, he saw Lu Yao standing in the courtyard with his hands tucked in. Zhao Beichuan’s throat tightened, and he called softly, “Lu Yao.”

 

Lu Yao thought he misheard at first. After a moment, he turned around and saw the person behind him. Surprised, he exclaimed, “Husband!”

 

Several people in the courtyard turned to look their way. Zhao Beichuan grabbed Lu Yao’s hand and walked toward a room nearby. As soon as they entered, he pulled Lu Yao into an embrace. He buried his face in Lu Yao’s neck, taking a deep breath of the familiar scent, and finally felt at ease.

 

Lu Yao also hugged him tightly. “You’re finally back. I thought you’d need a few more days.”

 

“Granny Zhao was gravely ill. I stayed a few more days to let her rest before coming back.”

 

“That was the right thing to do.”

 

After holding each other for a while, Lu Yao pushed him away. “You smell terrible.”

 

Zhao Beichuan couldn’t help but laugh. “I was in a hurry to get back. Where would I have found the time to bathe?”

 

Looking at his tired face, Lu Yao said, “The journey must have been tough. Let’s go home.”

 

The two took a carriage home. Lu Yao instructed the servants to heat two large vats of water and gave Zhao Beichuan a thorough scrubbing. He even combed his hair several times before allowing him into the bedroom.

 

“Where’s Xiaodou?” Zhao Beichuan asked as Lu Yao used a cloth to dry his hair.

 

“Probably out. Lately, his classmates often invite him out for meals.”

 

“How did he do in the provincial exam? Did he pass and become a recommended scholar?”

 

“Guess.”

 

“Do I need to guess? He must have passed!”

 

Lu Yao smiled. “Not only did he pass, but he came in first!”

 

“First?!” Zhao Beichuan stood up in surprise.

 

“Yes. Beidou’s reputation is now huge in Pingzhou Prefecture. Many people come specifically to visit him to discuss academics.”

 

Zhao Beichuan felt proud. “Good boy, he’s really done well!”

 

After drying his hair, Zhao Beichuan pulled Lu Yao to sit on his lap, squeezed his waist, and said, “You’ve gotten thinner. Haven’t been eating properly, have you?”

 

“My appetite’s been poor, and I just couldn’t eat.”

 

“Didn’t you see a doctor?”

 

“No, the distillery’s been so busy lately that I haven’t had the time.”

 

Zhao Beichuan’s brows furrowed slightly. “I heard on the way that Yingzhou is preparing for war?”

 

“News travels fast. Yes, it’s true. The Khitan king has mobilized 100,000 troops to head south, aiming to take three prefectures in the north.”

 

“Any word from my younger brother?”

 

“No. He’s probably too busy to write back right now.”

 

Zhao Beichuan sighed. “Ah, whenever there’s war, life for the common people gets tough.”

 

“That’s true. A few days ago, Lord Cao gathered the most prominent merchants in Pingzhou Prefecture at our restaurant for a meal, hoping those with money could contribute funds and those with strength could lend aid. I agreed to donate 3,000 catties of ethanol to support the Northern Frontier Army.”

 

“I was originally planning to take Xiaodou to the capital after you returned. Now, I think it’s unwise. The distillery needs someone here to oversee the preparation of the ethanol shipment to the border.”

 

“That’s a good cause.” Zhao Beichuan didn’t know much about military affairs but understood the principle of national survival. If Yingzhou fell, Pingzhou would follow, and their hard-earned family business would be lost.

 

“Let Lu Jia and Lu Bing accompany Xiaodou to the capital first. Once things settle here, we can go later.”

 

“Alright.” Zhao Beichuan kissed him lightly. Lu Yao wrapped his arms around Zhao Beichuan’s neck, returning the kiss.

 

The soft sounds of kisses intertwined with trembling breaths.

 

The light kisses deepened, and the rough, hot hands slipped under his clothes. “Ah Yao, you’re too thin. You need to eat properly to regain your strength.”

 

“Mmm.” Lu Yao mumbled in agreement, swaying his hips slightly to get Zhao Beichuan to focus. This elicited a sharp intake of breath from Zhao Beichuan, who then lifted Lu Yao and carried him to the bed.

 

Knock, knock. The door was suddenly knocked on.

 

“Sir, the meal is ready. When will you and the master eat?”

 

Lu Yao pushed him away forcefully. “We’ll eat now.” He mischievously rubbed his foot against Zhao Beichuan’s leg and smiled slyly. “Let’s eat first. We can continue after dinner.”

 

Zhao Beichuan reluctantly put his clothes back on. The two went to the side room to eat. Tonight, duck soup was served, but the smell made Lu Yao retch.

 

Startled, Zhao Beichuan quickly supported him and patted his back. “What’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing. The greasy smell is making me nauseous. I’ll just have some cold bitter greens.”

 

Zhao Beichuan frowned. “Tomorrow, I’ll accompany you to the clinic. We can’t let this go on.”

 

“Alright.”

 

After dinner, they returned to the bedroom. Lu Yao started kissing him again, clearly craving intimacy after two months of abstinence.

 

Just as they had begun undressing, the door knocked again.

 

“Big brother, sister-in-law.” It was Xiaodou who had returned.

 

Lu Yao quickly pushed Zhao Beichuan away, his face flushed red. “Get up and open the door.”

 

Zhao Beichuan, his face dark, gave Lu Yao a playful bite before tying his inner clothes and opening the door.

 

“Big brother, you’re finally back. I was so worried!”

 

“What are you worried about?”

 

“Going to the capital! Zijian said the recommended scholars from all over can visit the Imperial Academy and Grand Academy to study in preparation for next February’s metropolitan exam. Many have already gone!”

 

“Then go tomorrow.”

 

“Great! I’ll go pack right now.”

 

“Wait. Tomorrow, you’ll go alone. Your sister-in-law and I still have some matters to attend to. We’ll follow later.”

 

“Huh?”