Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 142

Chapter 142

 

Heshun Tower was located at the intersection of Xifang and Beijie, and those who dined there were almost exclusively officials and nobility.

 

The food at the restaurant wasn’t particularly notable, but the owner behind it was Prince Shun, so ordinary people didn’t even have the chance to make a reservation.

 

The agreed meeting time was in the afternoon at Shen(3-5pm) hour, but Lu Yao arrived late in the Wei(1-3pm) hour. Since Madam Lin had kindly arranged this introduction for him, there was no reason to keep her waiting.

 

Madam Lin had already reserved a private room in advance. After Lu Yao gave his name upon arrival, the attendant immediately led him to the second floor.

 

The interior was visibly luxurious, comparable to Jin Yu Tower in Pingzhou. Everything seemed gilded, dazzling to the point of discomfort. If not for the concern about appearances, Lu Yao truly wanted to scrape some of the gold off to take home.

 

After waiting for about a quarter of an hour, Madam Lin arrived.

 

Today, she was dressed in a moon-white silk cotton robe, with a matching cloak draped over her shoulders. Around her neck, she wore the southern pearl necklace Lu Yao had gifted her, along with matching southern pearl hair ornaments in her hair. Her entire appearance was one of grace and elegance.

 

Lu Yao quickly rose to greet her. “Madam, you’re here. Please, come inside and have a seat.”

 

Madam Lin smiled as she sat down beside Lu Yao. “Have you been waiting long?”

 

“No, I just arrived as well.”

 

Looking down at her necklace, Madam Lin remarked, “This southern pearl necklace you gifted is truly beautiful. Even Baoyue Tower doesn’t have one as exquisite.”

 

“As long as you like it,” Lu Yao replied. Gift-giving was an art, and he hadn’t expected this necklace to be so well-received by Madam Lin.

 

“How have you been feeling these past few days, Madam?”

 

“I’m fine now.”

 

As they spoke, there was a knock on the door of the private room. Soon, a woman in her thirties entered.

 

“Chaoxia, come here. This is the Lu Young Master I mentioned earlier,” Madam Lin said.

 

The woman, addressed as Chaoxia, laughed heartily. “A pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard about you from Qinglan several times before.”

 

Madam Lin introduced her. “This is Madam Gao, the wife of Gao Zhen, a Taixue scholar.”

 

Lu Yao immediately stood and bowed.

 

“No need for formalities. Please, sit.”

 

The woman’s maid helped her remove her cloak and stood aside to attend to her. Soon, an attendant from the restaurant brought in tea.

 

Not long after, two more women arrived, having run into each other on the way and decided to come together.

 

One was the wife of the Taichang Ling, surnamed Deng, and the other was the wife of a Dali Temple officer, surnamed Xiao. Lu Yao greeted each of them in turn.

 

With everyone present, the food began to be served.

 

Madam Lin was the first to mention Lu Yao’s plan to open a restaurant. “Their family’s food, once you taste it, I guarantee you won’t forget it!”

 

Madam Deng laughed. “Oh? Now you’ve piqued my curiosity. Young Master Lu, what signature dishes does your family have? Tell us about them.”

 

Lu Yao promptly began introducing the dishes. “We haven’t finalized the menu for our Beijing restaurant yet, but I can tell you about the signature dishes from our Pingzhou restaurant.”

 

“Please do.”

 

Lu Yao described them one by one. Over the years, the Lu family’s restaurant in Pingzhou had gained some renown, and these ladies had heard about it before. However, hearing about the dishes firsthand made Lu Yao seem even more capable.

 

“The hotpot originated from your Pingzhou, didn’t it?”

 

Lu Yao raised his eyebrows and smiled. “To be honest, the copper pot hotpot was first created by our family. Not only hotpot but grilled skewers also originated from us.”

 

Madam Deng was surprised. “Those grilled skewers are amazing! I had them once last year and have been craving them ever since. When your restaurant opens, I must come and try the authentic ones!”

 

Perhaps it was because of Lu Yao’s good looks, eloquence, and keen observation, but he quickly won their favor.

 

“When will your restaurant open?”

 

Lu Yao replied, “To be honest, we’ve already bought the shop and are renovating it. If all goes well, it should open before the new year. Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone in the business association here. I’ve heard that opening a shop in the capital requires their approval…”

 

The ladies caught the implication in his words. Madam Deng smiled. “Oh, is that all? I know the head of the business association. I’ll have someone inform them tomorrow. When you go, just mention my name.”

 

Though officials were not allowed to engage in business, the meager official salaries couldn’t sustain a large family. Therefore, the ladies in the inner court often managed businesses themselves.

 

For instance, Madam Lin had two dowry shops and a dowry manor, and her earnings largely covered the household expenses.

 

Madam Deng’s family had even more assets, including Baoyue Tower, the largest jewelry shop in the capital. So, it was no surprise she knew the head of the business association.

 

Hearing this, Lu Yao immediately stood and bowed. “Thank you, Madam!”

 

“No need to thank me. Just treat us to a good meal when your restaurant opens.”

 

Madam Lin teased, “You’re always thinking about food.”

 

The ladies laughed softly, covering their mouths.

 

With business matters settled, the women began gossiping, while Lu Yao quietly poured tea and listened intently.

 

The gossip revolved around inner-court affairs, but the people involved were high-ranking officials, making it particularly intriguing.

 

“The son of the Taipu Temple official recently consumed Han Shi powder, lost his senses, and jumped from Yunxiang Tower, breaking his leg.”

 

“Ah, he’s their only heir. Now, it seems the path to an official career is out of reach.”

 

Han Shi powder, also known as Wushi powder, was an ancient narcotic. Lu Yao had read about it in history books in his previous life. It was initially a remedy for impotence, causing intense body heat and sensitivity. Only by stripping and taking an antidote could users feel relief.

 

Madam Xiao added, “Han Shi powder is gaining popularity in the capital. Many idle young masters are trying it. Be sure to keep an eye on your children and prevent them from getting involved.”

 

Madam Lin wasn’t worried about her son Zijian. The boy was more cautious than she was. With the imperial examination approaching, he even declined invitations from ordinary friends, focusing solely on his studies with Zhao Beidou and a few other scholars.

 

“I heard the Assistant Minister of Personnel’s household had another incident recently?” Madam Deng said conspiratorially.

 

“Yes. Someone gifted his family a concubine, and his wife stripped her and threw her into the courtyard, pouring a bucket of water over her until she froze to death. When Lord Li returned at night, he accidentally kicked the frozen corpse and was so frightened he wet his pants.”

 

Madam Lin covered her mouth with her handkerchief, hiding her laughter. “Oh dear, that must’ve been terrifying.”

 

Madam Deng spat disdainfully. “Serves him right! Who told him to accept concubines as gifts? It’s his turn to suffer.”

 

“Speaking of which, Qinglan, you were too soft-hearted. That’s why that wretch took advantage of you! When she was first brought in, you should’ve dealt with her immediately, saving yourself all this trouble.”

 

Lu Yao knew they were discussing the concubine in the Lin household. Judging from how much importance Lord Lin placed on her during his last visit, it might now be difficult to act against her.

 

Madam Lin’s smile faded slightly. “It wasn’t that I was soft-hearted. He first kept that Zhang woman outside and only brought her into the house when she was about to give birth. By the time I reacted, it was too late.”

 

The other women, aware of the Lin family’s situation, couldn’t help but show expressions of regret and frustration.

 

Madam Xiao, visibly angry, said, “You can’t let her be so arrogant forever. If worse comes to worst, send her to the manor.”

 

“It’s fine. I plan to leave for a local post with Zijian after the new year. From then on, I won’t concern myself with the family’s affairs anymore. They can do as they please.”

 

“You, You’re leaving?!” The women were all taken aback.

 

Madam Lin nodded. “Zijian has already passed the provincial examination. If he can pass the metropolitan examination next year and become a jinshi, he’ll be eligible for an external post of at least the sixth rank. At that time, I’ll pull some strings to get us assigned to a better place.”

 

Madam Gao held her hand reluctantly and said, “Why go through all this trouble? Let that wretched woman do whatever she wants. Your son is so capable; sooner or later, he’ll rebuild the family estate and split the household. By then, won’t everything be settled?”

 

“I just don’t want to see those people again, nor do I want my son to suffer any more grievances,” Madam Lin said, taking out a handkerchief to dab at the corners of her eyes. “We’ll leave for a few peaceful years. When Zijian gets married, we’ll come back.”

 

Madam Deng sighed, “That might be better. It’s more liberating outside. You’re more open-minded than us.”

 

The meal was nearly over when Lu Yao got up to settle the bill, only to find that the servant by Madam Lin’s side had already paid. He now owed Madam Lin a significant favor.

 

After escorting everyone to their carriages, Lu Yao also got into his own. Halfway home, he encountered Zhao Beichuan holding a lantern and hurrying to meet him. He quickly called him into the carriage.

 

“In such cold weather, what are you doing outside?”

 

“It’s already dark, and you weren’t back yet. I was worried.”

 

Lu Yao helped warm Zhao Beichuan’s frozen red ears with his hands. “Silly. With Lu Jia following me, what’s there to worry about?”

 

Lowering his head to make it easier for Lu Yao to warm his ears, Zhao Beichuan replied, “How did the talks with those ladies go? Any news about the guild?”

 

“Yes. Among them, one is the wife of the Minister of Rites. She knows the guild president and said she’d put in a good word for me. I just need to go directly to him.”

 

“That’s great! I was worried about not finding an entry point.” Zhao Beichuan’s eyes lit up as he smiled. “Ah Yao, you’re amazing!”

 

Lu Yao couldn’t help but laugh at the compliment. “What’s gotten into you today? Your words are so sweet, like honey.”

 

Zhao Beichuan leaned over and kissed him. “Sweet?”

 

“Sweet.” Lu Yao returned the kiss. The warmth of their breaths raised the temperature inside the carriage.

 

After a while, they parted. Zhao Beichuan swallowed and said, “Today, the masons finished the warm wall on the first floor, and we’ve found carpenters too. If we hurry, the renovations will be done in seven or eight days.” The capital had its advantages; as long as you had money, you could find any skilled craftsman.

 

“Then we need to pick up the pace. Tomorrow, we’ll find a blacksmith to make some copper pots, purchase porcelain ware, and hire staff for the restaurant. We also need Ma Kuan to go back home and bring over a few hundred catties of Lu wine. We can’t open the restaurant without wine.”

 

“Alright, I’ll leave it to you.”

 

Having connections in the court made everything easier. With Madam Deng mediating, joining the guild turned out to be far simpler than Lu Yao had imagined.

 

When he arrived, the guild president personally greeted him warmly, showering him with flattery. “I’ve heard of Lu’s family restaurant in Pingzhou before. I didn’t expect the proprietor to be so young!”

 

The guild president, surnamed Huo, was a man in his forties with a rich, deep voice. Lu Yao couldn’t help but think to himself that if this man could sing tenor, he’d probably do quite well.

 

“I’m humbled. We’re just a small operation, nothing compared to the big restaurants in the capital.”

 

“Lu Boss, you’re too modest. Your family’s Lu wine has gained quite a reputation in the capital over the past few years. It’s just that I’ve never had the chance to taste the authentic product. When your restaurant opens, I must come and try it.”

 

Feeling both flattered and surprised, Lu Yao replied, “It would be my honor to have you as a guest!”

 

After some polite exchanges, Huo Ping finally brought up the process of joining the guild. The capital’s guild was a privately established organization, not under imperial control, but it was intertwined with court relationships. After all, many prominent merchants in the capital were connected to high-ranking officials.

 

Anyone who wanted to open a shop in the capital had to be approved by the guild. Once approved, they could proceed with their business. Without approval, opening a shop was not an option. If someone dared to bypass the guild, they wouldn’t last more than three months, no matter the means.

 

Not long ago, a Shanxi merchant had tried to defy the guild’s authority by opening two pawnshops without prior notice. Within half a month, he was implicated for pawning goods from a criminal and was not only forced to shut down but also imprisoned.

 

Thus, no matter where you go, it’s essential to understand the local dynamics. A dragon from afar can’t suppress a local snake, especially in the capital, where even setting rules requires immense authority. How could an outsider’s small business pose a threat?

 

Joining the guild also required fees: fifty taels of silver annually for small merchants and five hundred taels for major ones.

 

This payment wasn’t a matter of choice. Small merchants were not protected by the guild; their fees essentially served as a recommendation fee. The guild could use these funds to source supplies for major merchants.

 

Becoming a major merchant required meeting specific criteria. The first was owning property in the capital.

 

Properties on Doumen Street were unsuitable as they were cheap and primarily occupied by the lower class. Properties on West Street were acceptable depending on their size. Lu Yao’s property on Changtai Street in the east met the requirements perfectly, serving as a form of capital verification.

 

The next criteria concerned the size and location of the shop. Lu Yao’s restaurant in the Western District was spacious and met the guild’s standards. Finally, a recommendation was required, which Madam Deng provided, allowing Lu Yao to join the guild directly.

 

Five hundred taels of silver wasn’t much, and Lu Yao was more than willing to pay. However, he was curious about how the money would be used. If it was just for protection fees, why go to such lengths to establish a guild?

 

President Huo wasn’t offended and patiently explained, “The guild doesn’t just collect money without providing services. For all merchants who join, we ensure that affiliated suppliers prioritize your needs.

 

“For instance, since you run a restaurant, we can arrange for suppliers to prioritize delivering chicken, fish, pork, lamb, fruits, vegetables, and various wines. Beyond that, we prevent malicious competition. If any competitors engage in price wars, provocations, or frame-ups, as long as there’s solid evidence, the guild will handle it without favoritism.”

 

The more Lu Yao listened, the brighter his eyes became. The supply arrangements weren’t a big deal since those items were readily available anywhere. However, the measures to prevent malicious competition were incredibly appealing!

 

In Pingzhou, he had suffered greatly from such tactics, only managing to secure a foothold after connecting with the Northern Frontier Prince.

 

Now in the capital, he had been worried that his restaurant’s success might attract trouble. To his surprise, the guild had already addressed such concerns comprehensively!

 

“I want to join the guild!”