Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 146

Chapter 146

 

Early the next morning, Zhao Beichuan took his family to the restaurant.

 

Lu Yao hadn’t visited in quite a few days. As he stepped down from the carriage, he was momentarily stunned by his own restaurant. A massive plaque adorned the building, engraved with large gilded characters reading “Lu’s Restaurant.” Although it was covered with a red silk cloth, the contours of the lettering were still visible beneath.

 

“Why is the plaque so enormous?”

 

Zhao Beichuan replied, “I noticed He Yan Zhai’s plaque was this big, so I modeled ours after theirs. Is it okay?”

 

Lu Yao gave a thumbs up. “Impressive!”

 

Zhao Beichuan grinned, baring his teeth, and opened the doors. The group entered the restaurant.

 

Inside, the heated walls had been prepped, and they were checking for any spots emitting smoke to fix them in advance. The staff was busy sweeping the floors and wiping tables. With only two days left until the opening, everything had to be cleaned from top to bottom.

 

“Wow, this main hall is stunning!” Xiao Nian exclaimed as she ran inside excitedly. She sat in a small booth and said, “These chairs are so comfortable, and the backrest is amazing!”

 

The others followed him in. Ma Kuan ran his hand over the smooth leather and said, “Are these covered with leather?”

 

“Yes,” Zhao Beichuan answered. “Your sister-in-law insisted on using top-quality cowhide. It’s durable and easy to clean.”

 

Lu Yao also sat down to test it. “Not bad, though it could use a bit more bounce.” Originally, he had wanted to make the chairs like sofas, but given the limited resources, he could only layer several layers of felt and cotton beneath the leather.

 

Xiao Chun wandered into the kitchen. Seeing the spacious and well-lit setup, he exclaimed joyfully, “This kitchen is great! What’s this stove on the side for?”

 

“That’s for roasting ducks. I’ll teach you how to do it tomorrow,” Zhao Beichuan replied.

 

“Alright!”

 

Four kitchen assistants noticed someone entering and quickly stood to greet them.

 

“This is your deputy manager,” Zhao Beichuan introduced. “From now on, listen to him regarding kitchen matters.”

 

“Yes, sir,” they responded in unison.

 

“These four are named Lu Dong, Lu Xi, Lu Nan, and Lu Bei. Your sister-in-law bought them. You can leave the cooking tasks to them. Once they’re trained, you won’t have to work as hard.”

 

“Got it.”

 

“Let’s check upstairs.” Lu Yao hadn’t seen the second and third floors since the renovations were completed.

 

The staircase was custom-made, widened to accommodate an extra person, and it no longer creaked when walked on.

 

The second floor consisted of four rooms named Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum. They were modeled after the Pingzhou restaurant’s layout but with more refined details. The walls had been repainted, leaving a faint lime smell in the air.

 

Lu Yao remarked, “Send someone to buy some incense later to mask the smell; otherwise, guests might complain.”

 

“Alright, I’ll have Lu Jia handle it,” Zhao Beichuan replied.

 

Each room was decorated with flowers. Since it wasn’t the season for blooming chrysanthemums or orchids, Zhao Beichuan had hired a skilled artisan to craft daylilies so realistic they could almost pass for the real thing.

 

The third floor housed rooms named Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Such innovative decor was likely the first of its kind in the capital.

 

Lu Yao had a feeling that Lu’s Restaurant would become just as popular in the capital as it had elsewhere!

 

The grand opening was set for the sixteenth day of the first lunar month—just two days away. Things were tight, so Zhao Beichuan and Xiao Chun decided to stay at the restaurant to finish the preparations.

 

The others returned home. Lu Yao had already prepared the dough and fillings for Yuanxiao dumplings a few days earlier. Once home, they planned to make some dumplings to share with their neighbors while inviting them to the opening ceremony at the restaurant.

 

The guest list wasn’t extensive. Apart from the ladies who had dined with them previously, they invited their neighbor Mr. Xu and Madam Shi from the house next door.

 

Ma Kuan also invited a few southern wine merchants and members of the trade association.

 

Whether these people would show up was uncertain. Their network in the capital was still quite limited.

 

–

 

Zhao Beichuan stayed busy until evening before returning home. By then, the Yuanxiao dumplings were cooked, and the family gathered for dinner.

 

Lu Yao said, “After dinner, let’s go out for a stroll. I heard there’s a lantern riddle event in Xifang tonight, and a wealthy merchant from Jinling is setting off fireworks.”

 

“Really?” Xiao Nian was so excited she couldn’t even finish her meal and wanted to rush back to change her clothes.

 

“No rush. There won’t be many people there yet. Let’s finish eating first,” Lu Yao reassured him.

 

In past years, during the Lantern Festival in Pingzhou, there had been small-scale fireworks displays. But they couldn’t compare to what the capital might offer.

 

After dinner, Lu Yao changed into new clothes and donned a cloak. Zhao Beichuan changed into a cotton robe of the same color. When they stepped out, everyone else was already ready.

 

The Zhao family was blessed with good looks, and Ma Kuan and Zhang Qiulan were no exception. Standing together, the family looked remarkably distinguished.

 

The group split into two carriages due to their size, departing from Zhangtai Street. Within an hour, they reached Xifang.

 

The crowd gathered to watch the fireworks was so large that carriages couldn’t get through. Lu Jia and Lu Bing parked the vehicles in an empty lot on West Street, and everyone continued on foot.

 

“It’s so lively!” Xiao Nian exclaimed, holding onto Lu Yao’s arm as she marveled at the lanterns lining the streets, not knowing where to look first.

 

Xiao Dou clung to Lu Yao’s other arm, shielding him from the bustling crowd to prevent anyone from jostling him.

 

Zhao Beichuan and Ma Kuan walked beside them, while Xiao Chun and Zhang Qiulan brought up the rear. The two quietly held hands.

 

Xiao Chun was careful not to grip too tightly. Years of cooking had left his hands rough and calloused, while Zhang Qiulan’s fingers were slender and smooth, like polished jade. He didn’t want to scratch his skin.

 

But as they walked, Zhang Qiulan suddenly intertwined his fingers with his, holding tightly.

 

Xiao Chun glanced down at their entwined hands, his Adam’s apple bobbing as his heartbeat quickened. Zhang Qiulan smirked subtly and led him toward a lantern stall.

 

“There are lantern riddles here. Come on!” Zhao Beidou called everyone over.

 

A crowd had already gathered nearby. The lantern riddles were free to solve, and winners could exchange their lanterns for prizes at a nearby shop. If they guessed incorrectly, they could buy the lantern for one hundred coins. It was likely a clever marketing tactic by the shopkeepers.

 

They had arrived a bit late, so most of the simpler riddles had been solved, leaving only the more challenging ones.

 

But Zhao Beidou, a scholar of great learning and the Jieyuan of Pingzhou, was undaunted. Pointing to the nearest riddle, he said, “Lonely peaks and layered clouds disperse—this must be the character ‘jué.’” With that, he picked up the brush and wrote the answer, taking the lantern.

 

In no time, he solved six riddles in a row, carrying a string of lanterns as he eagerly went to claim his prizes.

 

He soon returned, looking disappointed, holding a handful of inexpensive trinkets.

 

“I thought the prizes would be better, but they’re just sachets and wooden pendants,” he grumbled.

 

Lu Yao laughed, taking them from him. “It’s free; it’s fine. Let’s move on and see what else there is.”

 

Further ahead, there was a dragon and lion dance performance. The clanging of gongs and drums was deafening.

 

Lu Yao, disliking the noise, let the younger ones enjoy the show while he held Zhao Beichuan’s hand and walked to the bridge. There, they saw people setting floating lanterns onto the ice.

 

Rows of lanterns lined the riverbank, their colorful lights creating a beautiful spectacle.

 

“Let’s set a few lanterns too,” Zhao Beichuan suggested.

 

The two descended the steps. Nearby, a vendor squatted, calling out, “Flower lanterns for sale! For blessings, wealth, and safety…”

 

Lu Yao found the voice familiar and approached to take a closer look. It was none other than Fang Xiaowu, who had helped guide them into the capital.

 

“How much for the lanterns?”

 

The dim lighting made it hard for Fang Xiaowu to recognize them at first. “Thirty coins each, and if you buy three, you get one free.”

 

That was quite expensive. The lanterns were just a few sheets of colored paper glued together with a wooden base, a bit of oil, and a wick inside.

 

Zhao Beichuan handed him a string of coins. “Three lanterns, no need to light them.”

 

“Thank you, sir!” Fang Xiaowu quickly selected four beautiful lanterns and handed them over. Only then did he stand up and recognize them. “Oh, it’s you two gentlemen!”

 

Lu Yao smiled. “You remember us?”

 

“Of course, I do! Customers as generous and polite as you are rare—I could never forget you.”

 

“What brings you to selling lanterns?”

 

“Oh, this is my sister’s stall. She left to buy food and dumped it on me to look after.”

 

Just then, a young girl of about twelve or thirteen ran over. “I’m back! I just got freshly grilled skewers. Want some?”

 

Fang Xiaowu quickly put down the basket by her side. “No thanks. Sell them yourself.”

 

“Give me the money you made.”

 

“Why should I give you what I earned?”

 

“If you don’t, I’ll tell Dad!”

 

Fang Xiaowu stuck out his tongue and ran off, leaving Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan laughing heartily at the scene.

 

They reached the riverside, found an empty spot, and Zhao Beichuan lit the four lanterns one by one. Lu Yao, unable to crouch down, stood nearby with his hands clasped, closing his eyes and silently making wishes.

 

I hope my family stays safe and healthy. I hope the restaurant opens smoothly. I hope Douzi makes the top of the imperial examination list…

 

“Boom!” A firework shot into the sky in the distance, bursting into crimson light before scattering like falling flowers.

 

Zhao Beichuan stood up, placing an arm around the person beside him. Together, they looked skyward as more fireworks illuminated the night. The street gradually erupted into cheers, with people waving and shouting in excitement.

 

The two were also swept up in the festive atmosphere, waving their hands and shouting joyously.

 

–

 

The restaurant’s opening was set for the hour of Chen (7–9 a.m.), and the sky was still dark. There were two hours left to prepare.

 

The back kitchen had already started the fire, and Xiao Chun was frying the seasoning oil. Yesterday, they had braised the chicken, cleaned twenty ducks, and frozen them. Soon, they would be ready to hang them in the oven for roasting.

 

The four newly hired lads were busy with their tasks — chopping vegetables and peeling garlic — everyone working methodically.

 

Zhang Qiulan and Xiao Nian were studying the menu. “Sister-in-law, do you think selling this aged wine for thirty taels per jar is too expensive?”

 

“It’s not expensive. Others are selling pirated versions of our Lu Wine for ten taels. How could our five-year aged wine be overpriced at thirty taels?”

 

The Lu family restaurant only sold its own wine, which came in three types. The ordinary, freshly brewed wine was ten taels per jar, the three-year aged wine twenty taels, and the five-year aged wine thirty taels.

 

Each jar contained one catty. This price might not sell well in Pingzhou, but if taken to the capital, Lu Yao felt it was actually a bit cheap.

 

Zhao Beichuan was holding a broom, sweeping the floor. Since morning, he had swept the ground six times and wiped the tables seven times. It was evident he was nervous.

 

Lu Yao walked over and grabbed him by the hand, realizing his palms were sweaty. “Don’t be nervous. This is our fourth opening. The first few times were so successful; there’s no need to overthink it.”

 

The person beside him took a deep breath, his body trembling slightly. The reason he hadn’t been nervous during the previous openings was that he only needed to handle the back kitchen, while Lu Yao took care of everything else. But this time was different. He was solely responsible for everything from the renovation to the completion of the restaurant. He was terrified that if something wasn’t done well, it might ruin the restaurant’s reputation.

 

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, “I’ll go upstairs to check again. I think one of the paintings on the second floor is crooked.”

 

Lu Yao stopped him. “It’s fine. At most, we’ll have four or five tables of guests today.”

 

Zhao Beichuan still ran upstairs, adjusted the painting, and came back down.

 

The sky outside was already bright, the dishes in the back kitchen were prepped, and there was only half an hour left before opening time.

 

Ma Kuan and Xiao Chun moved the firecrackers they had purchased to the entrance. Just then, Boss Xu and his wife strolled over from their shop, each carrying a congratulatory gift.

 

As soon as they stepped inside, the couple froze in their tracks. Xu Zanguang looked around the main hall and said, “Oh! Your decor is really grand!”

 

Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan quickly stepped forward to greet them. “Boss Xu, you’re here!”

 

Xu Zanguang scanned the hall and walked toward one of the partitions. “This idea is great. I always said the first floor with open seating doesn’t attract customers, and it’s empty most of the year. What you’ve done here is really clever.”

 

Lu Yao smiled. “Why don’t you renovate your place the same way?”

 

“Sure, once things calm down, introduce me to the craftsmen who worked on this.”

 

Xu Zanguang wanted to go upstairs to take a look, but since Lu Yao wasn’t feeling well, he asked Zhao Beichuan to accompany him upstairs.

 

After touring the second floor, Xu Zanguang was thoroughly impressed. “No wonder your restaurant in Pingzhou is thriving. The second floor is really well done!”

 

Lu Yao humbly replied, “It’s just a bit of effort. Whether this restaurant can establish itself will still depend on how good the food is.”

 

“Exactly, exactly. Today, I’m going to properly taste your cooking.”

 

Soon, voices could be heard from outside. Xu Zanguang let the two of them go attend to their work while he and his wife sat in one of the partitions on the first floor.

 

Mrs. Xu touched the table and chairs, saying, “They’re leather! Not cold to sit on and quite comfortable.”

 

Xu Zanguang chuckled and shook his head. “I bet this Lu family restaurant is going to become famous throughout the capital very soon.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Just a few days ago, I was chatting with some friends, and the Lu family restaurant came up. Guess what?”

 

Mrs. Xu shook her head.

 

“That famous Lu Wine — it’s brewed by their family. While we sell Lu Wine too, ours is blended from other wines. Who knows what the authentic Lu Wine actually tastes like?”

 

He couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy. Baiyu Tower had made a name for itself in the capital with tofu, but the recipe for that tofu also came from the Lu family. And with a scholar about to participate in the imperial exams, plus being from the same hometown, no matter how envious one might feel, they couldn’t afford to make enemies.

 

At the entrance, members of the merchants’ association arrived. When Lu Yao sent out the invitations, he hadn’t expected them to come, yet here they were, giving face.

 

“Gentlemen, please come in. Private rooms have already been prepared for you upstairs.”

 

Chairman Huo smiled and said, “We came in a hurry today and didn’t prepare any gifts. This calligraphy piece is my own work; I hope Manager Lu won’t mind.”

 

“Not at all! I’m already deeply grateful for your presence!”

 

Zhao Beichuan escorted them to the Plum Residence on the second floor before stepping out to brew tea.

 

The group looked around at the furnishings. “This room is quite elegant. I think it looks better than He Yan Zhai.”

 

Another chimed in, “What’s the use of a nice room? He Yan Zhai’s head chef is a descendant of a former imperial chef, and his dishes are the best in the capital. The Lu family can’t compare.”

 

Chairman Huo chuckled, “I haven’t tried Lu family’s food yet, but I’ve heard their wine is good. Let’s give it a try later.”

 

Zhao Beichuan stood at the door and clearly heard their conversation. They had visited He Yan Zhai last time, and while the food there was somewhat better than at other restaurants, it couldn’t hold a candle to their own!

 

He smirked silently. Later, they’d know what real gourmet food was!

 

It was almost time. Lady Lin and her party finally arrived, with another carriage carrying Old Master Lin. He had stayed indoors all winter due to his age, making today a rare exception.

 

Following Old Master Lin was a lean man in his forties. He was dressed in brocade robes, wearing a round cap, and had a short beard.

 

Lu Yao didn’t think he resembled Lin’s eldest son and quickly stepped forward to greet him. “Old Master, you’re here! Please come inside. May I know how to address this gentleman?”

 

Old Master Lin smiled kindly. “This is Liu Linyuan, one of my former students.”

 

Lu Yao immediately said, “Master Liu, please come in.”

 

After settling them, he went to greet Lady Lin and her group.

 

“You don’t need to worry about us. I’ll take them upstairs for a tour.”

 

“Alright,” Lu Yao responded and turned to prepare for the firecrackers at the entrance. As he reached the doorway, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening. Linyuan? Wasn’t that the courtesy name of the current Prime Minister?

 

The back kitchen had already started the fire, and Xiao Chun was frying the seasoning oil. Yesterday, they had braised the chicken, cleaned twenty ducks, and frozen them. Soon, they would be ready to hang them in the oven for roasting.

 

The four newly hired lads were busy with their tasks — chopping vegetables and peeling garlic — everyone working methodically.

 

Zhang Qiulan and Xiao Nian were studying the menu. “Sister-in-law, do you think selling this aged wine for thirty taels per jar is too expensive?”

 

“It’s not expensive. Others are selling pirated versions of our Lu Wine for ten taels. How could our five-year aged wine be overpriced at thirty taels?”

 

The Lu family restaurant only sold its own wine, which came in three types. The ordinary, freshly brewed wine was ten taels per jar, the three-year aged wine twenty taels, and the five-year aged wine thirty taels.

 

Each jar contained one catty(0.5 litres). This price might not sell well in Pingzhou, but if taken to the capital, Lu Yao felt it was actually a bit cheap.

 

Zhao Beichuan was holding a broom, sweeping the floor. Since morning, he had swept the ground six times and wiped the tables seven times. It was evident he was nervous.

 

Lu Yao walked over and grabbed him by the hand, realizing his palms were sweaty. “Don’t be nervous. This is our fourth opening. The first few times were so successful; there’s no need to overthink it.”

 

The person beside him took a deep breath, his body trembling slightly. The reason he hadn’t been nervous during the previous openings was that he only needed to handle the back kitchen, while Lu Yao took care of everything else. But this time was different. He was solely responsible for everything from the renovation to the completion of the restaurant. He was terrified that if something wasn’t done well, it might ruin the restaurant’s reputation.

 

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, “I’ll go upstairs to check again. I think one of the paintings on the second floor is crooked.”

 

Lu Yao stopped him. “It’s fine. At most, we’ll have four or five tables of guests today.”

 

Zhao Beichuan still ran upstairs, adjusted the painting, and came back down.

 

The sky outside was already bright, the dishes in the back kitchen were prepped, and there was only half an hour left before opening time.

 

Ma Kuan and Xiao Chun moved the firecrackers they had purchased to the entrance. Just then, Boss Xu and his wife strolled over from their shop, each carrying a congratulatory gift.

 

As soon as they stepped inside, the couple froze in their tracks. Xu Zanguang looked around the main hall and said, “Oh! Your decor is really grand!”

 

Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan quickly stepped forward to greet them. “Boss Xu, you’re here!”

 

Xu Zanguang scanned the hall and walked toward one of the partitions. “This idea is great. I always said the first floor with open seating doesn’t attract customers, and it’s empty most of the year. What you’ve done here is really clever.”

 

Lu Yao smiled. “Why don’t you renovate your place the same way?”

 

“Sure, once things calm down, introduce me to the craftsmen who worked on this.”

 

Xu Zanguang wanted to go upstairs to take a look, but since Lu Yao wasn’t feeling well, he asked Zhao Beichuan to accompany him upstairs.

 

After touring the second floor, Xu Zanguang was thoroughly impressed. “No wonder your restaurant in Pingzhou is thriving. The second floor is really well done!”

 

Lu Yao humbly replied, “It’s just a bit of effort. Whether this restaurant can establish itself will still depend on how good the food is.”

 

“Exactly, exactly. Today, I’m going to properly taste your cooking.”

 

Soon, voices could be heard from outside. Xu Zanguang let the two of them go attend to their work while he and his wife sat in one of the partitions on the first floor.

 

Mrs. Xu touched the table and chairs, saying, “They’re leather! Not cold to sit on and quite comfortable.”

 

Xu Zanguang chuckled and shook his head. “I bet this Lu family restaurant is going to become famous throughout the capital very soon.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Just a few days ago, I was chatting with some friends, and the Lu family restaurant came up. Guess what?”

 

Mrs. Xu shook her head.

 

“That famous Lu Wine — it’s brewed by their family. While we sell Lu Wine too, ours is blended from other wines. Who knows what the authentic Lu Wine actually tastes like?”

 

He couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy. Baiyu Tower had made a name for itself in the capital with tofu, but the recipe for that tofu also came from the Lu family. And with a scholar about to participate in the imperial exams, plus being from the same hometown, no matter how envious one might feel, they couldn’t afford to make enemies.

 

At the entrance, members of the merchants’ association arrived. When Lu Yao sent out the invitations, he hadn’t expected them to come, yet here they were, giving face.

 

“Gentlemen, please come in. Private rooms have already been prepared for you upstairs.”

 

Chairman Huo smiled and said, “We came in a hurry today and didn’t prepare any gifts. This calligraphy piece is my own work; I hope Manager Lu won’t mind.”

 

“Not at all! I’m already deeply grateful for your presence!”

 

Zhao Beichuan escorted them to the Plum Residence on the second floor before stepping out to brew tea.

 

The group looked around at the furnishings. “This room is quite elegant. I think it looks better than He Yan Zhai.”

 

Another chimed in, “What’s the use of a nice room? He Yan Zhai’s head chef is a descendant of a former imperial chef, and his dishes are the best in the capital. The Lu family can’t compare.”

 

Chairman Huo chuckled, “I haven’t tried Lu family’s food yet, but I’ve heard their wine is good. Let’s give it a try later.”

 

Zhao Beichuan stood at the door and clearly heard their conversation. They had visited He Yan Zhai last time, and while the food there was somewhat better than at other restaurants, it couldn’t hold a candle to their own!

 

He smirked silently. Later, they’d know what real gourmet food was!

 

It was almost time. Lady Lin and her party finally arrived, with another carriage carrying Old Master Lin. He had stayed indoors all winter due to his age, making today a rare exception.

 

Following Old Master Lin was a lean man in his forties. He was dressed in brocade robes, wearing a round cap, and had a short beard.

 

Lu Yao didn’t think he resembled Lin’s eldest son and quickly stepped forward to greet him. “Old Master, you’re here! Please come inside. May I know how to address this gentleman?”

 

Old Master Lin smiled kindly. “This is Liu Linyuan, one of my former students.”

 

Lu Yao immediately said, “Master Liu, please come in.”

 

After settling them, he went to greet Lady Lin and her group.

 

“You don’t need to worry about us. I’ll take them upstairs for a tour.”

 

“Alright,” Lu Yao responded and turned to prepare for the firecrackers at the entrance. As he reached the doorway, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening. Linyuan? Wasn’t that the courtesy name of the current Prime Minister?