Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 139

Chapter 139

 

When Lu Yao received the letter from the capital, it was already the twelfth lunar month.

 

While regretting not giving Ma Kuan more silver, he was also anxious to make a trip to the capital himself.

 

At this point, he was already nearly four months pregnant. His body hadn’t changed much; only his lower abdomen was slightly more prominent than before, but it was completely unnoticeable under his thick clothing.

 

After passing the early stages of pregnancy with nausea and fatigue, Lu Yao felt that his energy had suddenly surged recently, and even his hands and feet were no longer cold.

 

The arrangements for Xiao Chun’s wedding were already complete, with the date set for February 26th of the following year, just after Beidou’s imperial examination. Xiao Nian’s dowry was also mostly prepared, and her wedding was set for June 6th of the following year.

 

Since everything at home was nearly settled, Lu Yao planned to make a trip to the capital.

 

—

 

“No way. It’s too far, over ten days by carriage, and the weather is so cold with snow on the roads,” Zhao Beichuan immediately refused without even thinking.

 

“Why not? I asked the caravan, and they said the official roads from here to the capital are very passable, with the snow packed solid this winter.”

 

“You’re pregnant; I wouldn’t feel at ease with you traveling such a long way.”

 

“We can take our time on the road; nothing will happen.”

 

“Even so, no. We’ll wait until the weather gets warmer next year.”

 

“Hmph.”

 

Seeing the look on his face, Zhao Beichuan got up to try and placate him, but Lu Yao turned and left. For three consecutive days, he didn’t speak to him.

 

This was the most serious fight they’d had since their relationship began. Although Lu Yao understood in his heart that Zhao Beichuan was concerned about him, he still felt unhappy—as if the child had suddenly become more important than him.

 

Zhao Beichuan, seeing him like this, was uneasy. In the end, he had no choice but to give in to his wishes. He prepared the carriage, temporarily handed over the shop to Xiao Nian, Xiao Chun, and Lu Miao, and instructed them to close up by the 20th of the twelfth month for a break. Then he took Lu Yao to the capital.

 

A brazier was set up inside the carriage, which was lined with soft cushions, two layers of woolen felt in the middle, and a thick cotton mattress on top.

 

When Lu Yao sat on it, he sank three centimeters into the padding.

 

“Why so many layers?”

 

“To keep you from being jostled.” Zhao Beichuan climbed into the carriage while the driver guided the horses outside.

 

They had two carriages for the journey—one for passengers and another for their luggage and the gifts Lu Yao had purchased. After all, making connections with the capital’s dignitaries was unavoidable, so it was better to be prepared.

 

Zhao Beichuan sat down next to him, supporting his waist with one arm and remaining silent with a stern expression.

 

Lu Yao chuckled twice, leaning his head on his husband’s shoulder. “Still angry?”

 

“What’s the use of me being angry?”

 

“Oh, I was just worried about Xiao Dou. The provincial and imperial exams are so important next year. How could I leave him in the capital all alone and not worry?”

 

Zhao Beichuan hummed in agreement. He wasn’t entirely at ease either. The capital was unlike other places. As the saying goes, if a plaque falls, it could hit four officials out of ten. Ordinary people who accidentally offended the wrong person might not even know how they met their end.

 

Though Beidou was modest and polite by nature, he was still young. If something did happen, they’d only have regrets.

 

“Well, we’d have to come sooner or later. Might as well come earlier.”

 

Lu Yao smiled and kissed him. He knew Zhao Beichuan would always support him.

 

The journey wasn’t too difficult. The carriage had a brazier, making even cotton-padded clothing unnecessary. Whenever they got hungry, they would warm up food on the small stove, eating a bowl of warm food conveniently.

 

The soft cushion made sitting comfortable, and during the day, Lu Yao would lean back to read. When he got tired, he’d rest his head on Zhao Beichuan’s lap to nap. When night fell, they would stop at a relay station to rest.

 

It usually took ten days to travel from Pingzhou to the capital, but since they weren’t in a hurry, it took them half a month to arrive.

 

Entering the city was a bit tedious. First, they had to present their household registration and documents. Then, the officials carefully inspected the items in their carriage to prevent weapons from being smuggled in.

 

Since they came from Pingzhou, a clerk casually asked about the situation at the border. After all, Pingzhou was very close to Yingzhou, so they probably assumed they were wealthy merchants fleeing to the capital.

 

Zhao Beichuan didn’t explain much. He simply shared what he knew before they were allowed entry.

 

As soon as they entered the capital, Lu Yao widened his eyes, marveling at this ancient capital from a thousand years ago.

 

Even though he had imagined it countless times, seeing it in person was entirely different. It was bustling, vibrant, and filled with ancient charm, like stepping into a painting of a bygone era.

 

Gone were the monotonous gray and yellow garments. The streets were filled with young men and women in colorful attire, wearing robes of various hues, felt hats, or cotton caps. Around their necks were scarves made of rabbit or raccoon fur, with pouches and jade pendants jingling at their waists.

 

The street vendors’ cries had a different rhythm from those in Pingzhou. the capital’s accent was more elongated. Several older men noticed they were newcomers and rushed forward enthusiastically:

 

“Gentlemen, looking for an inn? Three hundred wen per day, with hot water and three meals provided!”

 

“Stay with us! Just two hundred and eighty wen per day!”

 

“My place is only two hundred and fifty wen!”

 

Lu Yao couldn’t help but smile, recalling the scene from years ago when he brought Xiao Dou and the others to Pingzhou City.

 

Zhao Beichuan raised his hand to shield him and said, “We’re not staying at an inn. We’re here to visit relatives. Can you tell us the way to the Western Quarter?”

 

As soon as they heard this, the men lost interest and dispersed, except for a young man who stayed behind. “I know the Western Quarter well. If you don’t mind, I can guide you there.”

 

“Alright.” Lu Yao, in need of a knowledgeable guide, invited him to sit on the edge of the carriage and join them.

 

“What’s your name, young man?”

 

“I’m the fifth in my family, so everyone calls me Fang Wu(5) or Xiaowuer. Call me whatever you like.”

 

“Are you recruiting customers for someone else or for your family?”

 

Fang Xiaowu laughed. “You’re joking, sir. If my family owned a shop in the capital, why would I be doing this?”

 

Lu Yao smiled. “How much can you earn doing this?”

 

“It depends. On good days, I can make three to five hundred wen. On bad days, I might go half a month without a job.”

 

“It’s our first time in the capital. Can you give us a brief introduction?”

 

“Are you planning to do business in the capital?” Fang Xiaowu’s sharp eyes quickly noticed that Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan were merchants.

 

“Yes.”

 

Fang Xiaowu began introducing the capital. Born and raised there, he had been wandering the streets since he could walk and knew every named place like the back of his hand.

 

“The capital’s main streets are divided into four main and four auxiliary streets. The main streets are East, West, South, and North Streets. Corresponding to these are the auxiliary streets: Zhangtai Street in the east, Xiangshi Street in the west, Doumen Street in the south, and Ma Wang Street in the north.

 

These eight streets are arranged with north as the top and south as the bottom, signifying the respect for the north and humility for the south. Naturally, the north houses the imperial family. If you have no business there, it’s best not to go.”

 

Lu Yao nodded in understanding.

 

“Similarly, Ma Wang Street in the north is home to many high-ranking officials. The housing prices there are astronomical, and properties are scarce. Ordinary people like us could work our entire lives and never afford to live there.

 

The shops on East Street mostly sell spices, cosmetics, jewelry, jade, antiques, and paintings. Zhangtai Street also has many officials and wealthy merchants. There’s a particularly large estate there, the residence of the Duke of Zhenbei. Built by imperial order, it’s said to have everything from pavilions and gardens to artificial mountains and lakes, modeled after Suzhou. It’s stunning!”

 

Fang Xiaowu went on to describe the West and South Streets. The West Street was home to inns and restaurants, mainly frequented by merchants and ordinary families. The South Street was for the lower classes, and Fang Xiaowu’s family lived there.

 

As they spoke, the carriage stopped in front of an inn.

 

Zhao Beichuan got out to inquire, learning that the occupants had already moved. Ma Kuan, being meticulous, had left a message stating their new residence was on Zhangtai Street. They would have to rely on Fang Xiaowu for directions once more.

 

“To Zhangtai Street? Then we’ll have to backtrack; it’s in the east.”

 

Lu Yao asked him about the prices in the capital, and Fang Xiaowu answered them all one by one. As for deeper matters, like the business associations in the capital, he could not answer.

 

Fang Xiaowu laughed and said, “Sir, aren’t you putting me in a difficult position? With someone of my status, how could I possibly come into contact with those noble people?”

 

Lu Yao didn’t press him and said, “You’ve spent so much effort talking along the way; take this to buy yourself some tea and soothe your throat.” Saying this, he tossed him a small piece of silver.

 

Fang Xiaowu caught it with both hands, his face lighting up with joy. “Thank you, sirs! Thank you so much!”

 

The carriage stopped at the entrance to Zhangtai Street. Fang Xiaowu jumped down and said, “I usually pick up customers near the East City Gate, which isn’t far from here. If you need anything, feel free to call on me!”

 

Zhao Beichuan nodded at him, then drove the carriage forward.

 

Zhangtai Street was a side street off the main East Street. Once inside, they saw several alleyways. After asking for directions from some passersby, they quickly found the address Ma Kuan had left behind. The place was called Zhangwang Alley, and only three households lived there: one belonging to a Ministry of Revenue official, another to a prominent merchant family, the Xu family, and the last being Zhao Beichuan’s newly moved-in household.

 

The carriage stopped at their own gate, and Zhao Beichuan stepped forward to knock. Soon, the sound of footsteps came from inside.

 

The gate opened, and Lu Bing, surprised, exclaimed, “Master, you’ve arrived!” He quickly removed the threshold bar, opened the gate wide, and let the carriage inside.

 

Hearing the commotion, Lu Jia also hurried out to help guide the second carriage in. “We thought you two wouldn’t make it here before the New Year.”

 

Zhao Beichuan helped Lu Yao down from the carriage. “We originally planned to come after the New Year, but your boss insisted, and I couldn’t persuade her otherwise.”

 

Lu Yao didn’t take offense. Smiling, he got off the carriage, looked around, and said, “This courtyard is really nice. Where is Beidou?”

 

“Young Master has gone to the Imperial Academy. He should be back soon. Steward Ma has gone out; I heard he’s been renovating a shop he leased here in the capital.”

 

“He’s leased it already?” Lu Yao asked, surprised.

 

Lu Jia didn’t know the specifics and assumed it was on his orders. “I’m not sure. He should be back later tonight. You can ask him then.”

 

Lu Yao nodded and followed Zhao Beichuan into the main house.

 

This courtyard was laid out similarly to their residence in Pingzhou, though it was smaller. Considering the property prices in the capital, the smaller size was understandable.

 

The main house wasn’t fully furnished yet, with only a canopy bed, seemingly prepared for emergencies in case they arrived unexpectedly. However, the two side rooms were well set up. Beidou was staying in the east side room, while Ma Kuan and a few servants stayed in the guest rooms at the front of the house.

 

Lu Yao said, “This child is too reserved. We’re practically family now, yet he still acts like a servant.”

 

Zhao Beichuan laughed. “He’s tactful and knows his place. He’s much more agreeable now.”

 

It seemed that elder brothers-in-law were naturally predisposed to dislike their younger sisters’ suitors, always feeling they were unworthy of their precious sisters. But Ma Kuan had proven himself capable. At least with him, they wouldn’t have to worry about Xiaonian’s future.

 

Not long after, Zhao Beidou returned from the Imperial Academy. In the morning, he and Ma Kuan had taken the carriage together, and the coachman was already waiting for him at the gate to take him home.

 

Since his brother-in-law arrived, Zhao Beidou’s quality of life had greatly improved, with carriages picking him up and dropping him off for school.

 

Seeing the carriages in the courtyard, Zhao Beidou knew his elder brother and brother-in-law had arrived. The steady demeanor he’d been maintaining all day instantly disappeared, and he ran excitedly to the main house.

 

“Elder brother! Brother-in-law!”

 

He flung the door open and darted inside, grabbing Lu Yao’s arm with excitement. “When did you get here? I thought you weren’t coming!”

 

Zhao Beichuan scolded, “Don’t pester your brother-in-law. He’s not feeling well.”

 

Beidou quickly released his arm. “Brother-in-law, are you sick?”

 

“No, don’t listen to your brother’s nonsense.”

 

Zhao Beichuan coughed and said, “Your brotherr-in-law is pregnant.”

 

“What? I’m going to be an uncle?!”

 

“Mm.”

 

“Hahaha! I’m going to be an uncle! Oh my!” Zhao Beidou clapped his hands and laughed, his reaction mirroring his elder brother’s usual enthusiasm.

 

He had grown up with Lu Yao and practically regarded him as a second mother. His happiness was palpable.

 

Squatting down in front of his, Zhao Beidou said, “Little nephew or niece, you have to grow up strong and healthy. Once your uncle becomes a scholar and a high-ranking official, I’ll have your back.”

 

Zhao Beichuan, both amused and exasperated, pulled him up. “Let your brother-in-law rest. Come with me to unpack the carriages.”

 

Lu Yao wasn’t actually that tired, just a bit stiff from sitting in the carriage for so long. As the two unpacked, he got up and followed them outside.

 

The carriages were loaded with many things, especially fragile glass items, which needed to be inspected for damage. The last thing they wanted was to deliver broken items and make a fool of themselves.

 

Food items were unpacked and sorted to prevent mice from getting to them. This trip, Lu Yao planned to spend the New Year in the capital, so she’d brought plenty of provisions from home.

 

There were smoked and cured meats, homemade pickles, small salted fish, and ground spices like seaweed powder (MSG) and cumin.

 

Gifts were set aside in the west side room, food for the kitchen was brought to the stove room, and the rest was stored in jars outside to freeze.

 

By the time everything was settled, it was already dark, and Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan hadn’t eaten yet. Fortunately, Ma Kuan had just returned from outside.

 

Lu Yao said, “Let’s not cook at home tonight. Let’s go out and try some of the capital’s cuisine.”

 

Ma Kuan took the lead. Recently, he’d been sampling various restaurants in the capital to compare their offerings to their own. As they walked, he said, “Currently, there are six or seven well-known restaurants in the capital, but the one most famous for its food is Heyan Zhai. However, reservations are needed, so we probably can’t eat there tonight. I’ve already booked a table for tomorrow afternoon, though.”

 

“Tonight, let’s go to Changhe Ju. Their steamed lotus root pork, lotus leaf rolls, and crab roe dumplings are all excellent.”

 

“Alright, we’ll leave it to you,” Lu Yao replied, feeling very satisfied. Ma Kuan was the kind of person who would excel in any era. If placed in modern times, he could easily become a CEO. Having him around was truly convenient!