Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 147

Chapter 147

 

The sound of firecrackers crackled loudly, but it was nothing compared to the shock in Lu Yao’s heart.

 

The Prime Minister of the current dynasty had come to their restaurant for a meal? My goodness, it felt as if a meat pie had fallen from the sky, leaving him stunned and unable to recover for a long time.

 

Liu Cheng’en had originally planned to visit his mentor that day but coincidentally arrived just as the old master was putting on his clothes to go out. Seeing him, the old master smiled and said, “Lin Yuan, you’ve come at the right time. Later, join me for a meal.”

 

“Master, what has brought you out for a meal today?”

 

“A restaurant opened by an old acquaintance is having its grand opening. We’re going to try it out.”

 

Liu Cheng’en was a little curious. His mentor had aged in recent years and rarely enjoyed going out. He was famously hard to invite, yet here he was, stepping out for the opening of a restaurant.

 

In one of the private rooms, Liu Cheng’en and Lin Jingxian sipped tea. The tea was barley tea brewed by Lu Yao himself. The golden-hued tea soup carried the natural sweetness of barley, its refreshing flavor soothing to the soul.

 

“This tea is quite good. I wonder if the proprietor sells it.”

 

“If you like it, I’ll ask young Lu to pack a box for you to take home later.”

 

“You know the proprietor well?”

 

“Well, not just as acquaintances—we’re also from the same hometown. Last time, I told you about Zhao Beidou; he’s the younger brother in that family.”

 

Hearing this, Liu Cheng’en sat up straight. “The Zhao family is in business?”

 

“Beidou’s sister-in-law runs the business. He himself isn’t registered as a merchant.”

 

Liu Cheng’en nodded, glancing around the room. “This establishment doesn’t look small. For them to open such a large restaurant in the capital, their family background must be quite substantial.”

 

The old master chuckled and waved his hand. “Substantial? Not really. Back then, their family ran a breakfast shop in the town. Later, to exempt Beidou and his elder brother from corvée labor, they sent the kids to study for the imperial examinations. At that time, I happened to be in the countryside with Zijian recovering from illness. I noticed the boy was diligent and eager to learn, so I invited him to join us for lessons. To my surprise, he turned out to be quite talented.”

 

This revelation astonished Liu Cheng’en. Having been in officialdom for years, he knew better than anyone how difficult it was for children from poor families to rise. Scholarship and family background were both indispensable. Yet, this Zhao family had not only opened such a grand restaurant but also managed to raise a talented child. His curiosity about this family grew even stronger!

 

—

 

Many guests had arrived today. Aside from the neighboring Shi family, nearly everyone invited showed up: three tables in private rooms upstairs and two tables in booths downstairs.

 

Later, several more tables of guests arrived, drawn by the reputation of the Lu family. Lu’s Restaurant was already well-known in Pingzhou. Many merchants remembered it after just one visit. Now that they saw a branch opening in the capital, they naturally came to see if the flavors held up.

 

Around mid-morning, Lu Yao began serving pre-dinner snacks.

 

These snacks had been freshly baked that morning. The soft and fluffy little cakes contained milk and raisins, offering a sweet and tender bite that even those who didn’t usually enjoy sweets couldn’t help but praise.

 

Lin Jingxian, whose teeth weren’t as strong, found the cakes just right. While eating, he sighed, “I’ve been longing for this flavor for years. None of the shops in the capital can replicate it. This is truly delicious!”

 

Liu Cheng’en was amused by his mentor and took a piece for himself. The soft cake melted in his mouth with just a press of his tongue—indeed, an exceptional treat.

 

After the desserts, the cold dishes were served.

 

One plate featured a mix of cold peanuts and lotus root slices. Another cold platter included marinated pig ear shreds, cucumber strips, and slices of homemade sausage.

 

The cold dishes were decent but not particularly remarkable, except for the freshness of the cucumbers.

 

These cucumbers were a special order facilitated by the local trade guild. Normally, cucumbers wouldn’t be available in winter, but a farm near the capital had built greenhouses to supply vegetables year-round. However, the prices were steep, with cucumbers sold individually rather than by weight—one cucumber cost seventy coins.

 

Upstairs, among the trade guild members, someone tried a few bites of the cold dishes and commented, “I thought this Lu family had some exceptional skills, but these dishes are pretty ordinary—nothing innovative.”

 

Of course, the cold dishes didn’t showcase the chef’s abilities, but the next dish left the diners amazed.

 

“This is Four Joys Meatballs. I remember back in Qiushui Town, Old Lin particularly loved this dish.” Lu Yao personally brought the dish to the two men’s table.

 

“You still remember that?” Lin Jingxian’s whiskers twitched with delight.

 

“Of course, I do.”

 

“Lin Yuan, try it. These meatballs are different from those made in the capital—softer and fresher.”

 

Liu Cheng’en picked up a piece with his chopsticks and took a bite. “The flavor is indeed excellent.”

 

Lu Yao’s heart pounded with excitement. The man before him was the current Prime Minister! A first-rank official, second only to the emperor himself. He couldn’t believe he was meeting him in person!

 

“Please enjoy your meal. If you need anything, just call for me.”

 

“Alright,” the old master replied cheerfully and soon ate half a meatball himself.

 

Soon, the second hot dish was served: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall(wtf). This delicacy, with its tender texture and premium ingredients, was especially loved by the noble ladies upstairs.

 

The round tables upstairs had been designed by Lu Yao to include a double-layered lazy Susan. Initially unfamiliar with how to use it, the diners marveled after a demonstration by the staff.

 

Madam Deng clapped her hands in admiration. “Oh my, this table is wonderful! No need to stand up to grab food. Young Lu, where do you get all these clever ideas?”

 

The third dish was Braised Carp.

 

At the trade guild’s table, someone criticized, “This fish isn’t that great. Carp has too many bones, and its meat isn’t as firm as sea bass at Changhe Residence.”

 

“Well, then don’t eat it.”

 

That person choked on their words, but after watching others praise the dish while eating, they couldn’t resist picking up a piece. Upon tasting it, their cheeks flushed red—it was indeed delicious!

 

The fourth dish, the fifth dish, the sixth dish…

 

When the final dish, roast duck, was served, Xiao Chun’s masterful carving skills completely won over the diners.

 

Thin, translucent lotus-leaf pancakes wrapped with finely sliced green onions, crispy duck meat, and sweet bean sauce created a delightful combination of textures and flavors, earning unanimous praise.

 

Even Liu Cheng’en, who wasn’t particularly fond of food, ended up eating too much. This Lu’s Restaurant was truly impressive!

 

Upstairs, the guests were already in high spirits. The Lu wine was exceptionally smooth, with a mellow taste that warmed the stomach and left the body tingling with comfort.

 

Chairman Huo remarked, “This Lu wine certainly lives up to its reputation. It’s amazing!”

 

Even the earlier critic had to admit the wine was superb—one of the finest he’d ever tasted. He completely changed his attitude, singing praises for Lu’s Restaurant. Standing outside, Zhao Beichuan couldn’t stop grinning. “Looks like we’ve got them in the palm of our hand.”

 

—

 

Just before noon, Zhao Beidou and Lin Zijian returned from the Imperial Academy.

 

As soon as they entered the hall, Lin Zijian exclaimed, “This smells amazing! Beidou, I’m starving!”

 

Zhao Beidou laughed and dragged him to the kitchen. “Second Brother, do you have any dishes left?”

 

“Yes, what do you want to eat?”

 

“Let’s try the roast duck, Three Fresh Stir-Fry, and Stir-Fried Pork Intestines!”

 

Just then, Lu Yao walked over. “Zijian, your grandfather is in a private room downstairs. Aren’t you going to greet him?”

 

“Huh? Grandpa’s here!” Lin Zijian immediately pulled Zhao Beidou towards the main hall.

 

In the booth, the old master was examining the thin pancakes used for wrapping the duck. Seeing the two boys arrive, he waved them over. “Come here! You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Join us.”

 

Lin Zijian sat down next to his grandfather. When he saw the man sitting opposite, he was startled and immediately stood up. “Zijian pays his respects to Uncle Liu!”

 

“No need for formalities. Sit down. I was just talking about you with your teacher. Is this Beidou? Come sit next to me.”

 

Zhao Beidou, unfamiliar with Liu Cheng’en’s identity, assumed he was just one of the old master’s students. Following Lin Zijian’s lead, he greeted him as Uncle Liu and sat down beside him.

 

“Hmm, how are these pancakes for wrapping duck made? They’re as thin and soft as silk.”

 

“I don’t know either; my sister-in-law made them. He’s amazing at cooking!”

 

Liu Cheng’en chuckled. “He’s indeed talented. Your Lu wine is also excellent.” He had just sipped a small cup earlier, and its strong flavor had warmed his cheeks.

 

“The wine was also brewed by my sister-in-law. He can make tofu, roasted meat, cold noodles…” Zhao Beidou, ever the fan of his sister-in-law, was eager to let the world know how incredible he was.

 

Lin Zijian, sitting opposite, anxiously gestured at him with his eyes.

 

“Zijian, is there something wrong with your eyes?”

 

“No, no. Didn’t you say you were starving? Let’s eat!”

 

Zhao Beidou did not hold back and began eating heartily.

 

After the two had eaten their fill, Lin Jingxian asked what they had learned at the Imperial Academy that day.

 

The two put down their chopsticks and began recounting their day. Compared to Lin Zijian’s talent, Zhao Beidou seemed slightly less accomplished. However, he was not adept at poetry and lyrics—his greatest strength lay in political essays.

 

As Lin Jingxian often said, his writing was as sharp as a blade, leaving no room for mercy, somewhat reminiscent of Liu Linyuan in his younger years.

 

After discussing the academy, Lin Jingxian brought up several trending topics of debate and had the two of them argue their points.

 

Zhao Beidou’s aura was so overwhelming that Lin Zijian couldn’t find the words to refute him. After a while, he finally said weakly, “I won’t argue with Beidou; he’s just too eloquent.”

 

Lin Jingxian couldn’t help but laugh as he looked at the two young men, while Liu Cheng’en stroked his beard and nodded slightly.

 

—

 

In the blink of an eye, it was already February, with only five days left until the metropolitan examination.

 

During this time, the Lu family restaurant in the capital became wildly popular.

 

The guests they received ranged from ordinary merchants to high-ranking officials and nobles—there were so many customers they couldn’t keep count. Lu Yao dared not take too many reservations, worried they wouldn’t be able to manage, limiting themselves to a maximum of 20 tables a day. The waiting list extended into mid-February.

 

Somehow, word got out that Prime Minister Liu himself had dined at Lu’s Restaurant. This brought even more people to visit, making it feel a bit like a modern-day viral hotspot.

 

Once these guests visited, they were hooked—not just by the famous Lu wine but also by the exquisite roast duck, which was simply unparalleled!

 

Almost every table ordered the roast duck. The ovens in the backyard were so overworked they almost sparked flames.

 

Some customers, unable to get a reservation, opted to buy a roast duck to take home. Initially, they grumbled about the price—five taels of silver for one duck! They could buy dozens of live ducks for that price.

 

But after trying it once, no one thought it was too expensive anymore. The crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside duck slices paired with the sweet, delicious sauce and paper-thin pancakes were indescribably good.

 

Most importantly, there were no substitutes!

 

Other eateries, noticing how popular the Lu family’s roast duck was, tried to replicate it. However, their ducks were either undercooked or paired with thick pancakes and inferior sauces. Over time, Lu’s roast duck became one of a kind.

 

The restaurant was busy from morning till night. Thankfully, Zhang Qiulan and Xiaonian were there to help; otherwise, Lu Yao’s health wouldn’t have been able to keep up.

 

In just half a month, the restaurant’s revenue reached an astonishing 4,300 taels of silver. After deducting costs and wages, the net income was approximately 3,700 taels—far exceeding Lu Yao’s expectations!

 

At this rate, the business would pay for itself within a year!

 

While reviewing the accounts in the evening, Zhao Beichuan hugged Lu Yao’s waist, too exhausted to keep his eyes open.

 

“Beichuan, I plan to divide the shares of the restaurant into three parts: one for Xiaochun, one for Beidou, and the rest for the two of us. What do you think?”

 

Zhao Beichuan murmured in agreement, “What about Xiaonian?”

 

“The brewery will be handed over to Ma Kuan and her. I plan to allocate 20% of the shares to Xiaonian as well.” The brewery was even more profitable than the restaurant, with annual net earnings of around 80,000 taels of silver. With the couple holding a 30% share, they earned over 20,000 taels a year—a significant sum.

 

“Alright, I’ll leave it to you.” Zhao Beichuan placed his hand on Lu Yao’s belly, gently rubbing it. At six months along, the belly had grown noticeably rounder, like an overturned bowl.

 

The baby in Lu Yao’s belly suddenly moved, and Zhao Beichuan became instantly alert. “Ah, Yao! The baby moved!”

 

“Really?”

 

Lu Yao lifted his shirt, and under the candlelight, they both saw the smooth skin of his belly move slightly again.

 

Zhao Beichuan, excited, pressed his face against it. “Baby, can you hear me? I’m your father.”

 

“Hahaha… How could the baby hear you?”

 

“They can hear me! Baby, be good, okay?” Despite calling out several times, the baby didn’t move again. Zhao Beichuan kissed Lu Yao’s belly and said, “They must be tired. You should rest too, so you don’t disturb the baby.”

 

Lu Yao blew out the candle and, nestled in his husband’s arms, drifted off to sleep.

 

—

 

Early morning, February 5th.

 

The whole family stood at the door, sending Beidou off to the examination hall.

 

“Do you have everything? Brushes, ink, a sweat towel, food, and a jar of ginger candy for the cold nights?”

 

Zhao Beidou patiently replied, “I’ve packed everything. I brought three brushes, my inkstone, and the Suzhou inkstone you bought for me. All the food is packed.”

 

Lu Yao reached out to straighten his collar. “Answer the questions carefully. Don’t stress yourself out. Even if you only pass as a provincial scholar, your brother and I can still support you.”

 

Zhao Beidou’s eyes turned red. “Don’t worry, Sister-in-law. I’ll do my best to get a good ranking!”

 

“Go on, then.”

 

Zhao Beichuan drove the carriage to take his younger brother to the examination hall. The rest of the family stayed behind, as there wasn’t much they could do by going along—it would only add to the boy’s stress. Besides, the restaurant couldn’t be left unattended.

 

When Lu Yao arrived at the restaurant, the staff were busy cleaning. Zhang Qiulan helped him to a chair in the back.

 

“Sister-in-law, we’re running low on wine. There are only six jars left, which will last at most another ten days.”

 

“Don’t worry. After Beidou finishes his exam, it’ll soon be time to return to Pingzhou for your wedding. We’ll bring more wine back then.”

 

Hearing about the wedding, Zhang Qiulan’s eyes lit up with excitement.

 

Lu Yao was curious about the dynamic between the couple. He always felt that his younger brother might not be able to handle this person.

 

Zhang Qiulan was unlike any other “ger” Lu Yao had met. Whether in character or conduct, he resembled a man more than anything else. This was likely due to losing his mother early and growing up with his father. From a young age, he had started helping with the family business, making him devoid of the usual shyness or restraint.

 

In contrast, Xiaochun was more introverted. Initially, he was somewhat outgoing, but years of working in the kitchen made him increasingly reserved. Sometimes, Lu Yao had to urge him to go out and have some fun, but Xiaochun would just refuse and stay home instead.

 

Still, they made a good match. If both were strong-willed, they might not have been able to form a harmonious relationship.

 

“After your wedding, the restaurant will be handed over to you and Xiaochun. I might have to stay in Pingzhou for the birth before returning.”

 

“This… How could I possibly…”

 

Seeing his panic, Lu Yao reached out and took his hand. “Don’t rush to refuse. I trust your abilities and Xiaochun’s cooking skills. From now on, this restaurant will allocate 30% of its profits to you two.”

 

Zhang Qiulan was stunned. He never expected Lu Yao to go to such lengths. He had thought the most they would do was let him manage the restaurant and give him a monthly stipend. He never imagined they would allocate 30% of the profits.

 

Knowing how profitable the restaurant was made this even more overwhelming. His emotions were a mixture of gratitude and determination. “Rest assured, Sister-in-law. I won’t let you down!”