Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 150

Chapter 150 Main Text Complete

 

In the afternoon, after Lu Lin and Hu Chunrong heard that Lu Yao’s family had returned, they immediately closed the restaurant and went together to Changrong Street.

 

On the way, they kept asking Lu Miao, “Did Xiaodou really become the top scholar (Zhuangyuan)?”

 

“How could it be fake!”

 

Hu Chunrong clutched her chest and sighed, “Oh my heavens, how is this child so amazing! He used to look so quiet and unassuming, but who would have thought he’d actually achieve the top scholar title!”

 

When they arrived at the Zhao family home, Zhao Beichuan was in the courtyard chopping firewood. He thought the servants were too slow, so he picked up the axe himself and had already chopped a small pile in no time.

 

“Da Chuan.”

 

“Hey, Second Brother, you’re here.” Zhao Beichuan put down the axe, dusted off his hands, and came over to greet them.

 

“Where’s Lu Yao?”

 

“He’s inside.”

 

Lu Lin and Wang Youtian stayed in the courtyard to chat with him while the others poured into the house.

 

Lu Yao was inside cutting red fabric with Xiaonian. The fabric was to be made into red flowers for Xiaochun’s wedding the day after tomorrow.

 

“You’ve come just in time. Come and help.”

 

“Making me work as soon as I arrive,” Hu Chunrong joked with a laugh. She took off her coat, rolled up her sleeves, sent Xiaonian aside, and took up the scissors to start cutting.

 

She was experienced with such tasks and worked quickly. In just a few snips, she had the red fabric cut, while Lu Yun and Lu Miao brought stools to sit beside her and help tie the fabric into flowers.

 

“You’ve been traveling back and forth recently. How’s your health? Is the baby being troublesome?”

 

Lu Yao, dressed in a cotton jacket with a front opening, casually lifted it and said, “Not troublesome at all. The baby’s been very well-behaved this entire trip. It’s just that my belly has grown so big that everything is inconvenient.”

 

Lu Miao came closer and touched his belly. “It’s not small. It’s only been seven months, and it’s this big. I remember when I was pregnant with Dandan, my waist only grew a bit wider at seven months.”

 

“Not necessarily because the baby’s big. Sometimes it depends on whether the baby is positioned at the front or the back. But you should keep exercising so you won’t have trouble during delivery.”

 

Lu Yao nodded. “Is Mother not coming?”

 

“No, the old lady has a bit of a cold these past few days and didn’t want to risk passing it to you.”

 

Lu Yao’s expression changed. “Is it serious?”

 

Hu Chunrong quickly reassured him, “Not serious. The doctor’s already been called. It’s just a common cold, and a few doses of medicine will fix it.”

 

Lu Yun added, “When I visited yesterday, Mother even refused to take the medicine, saying that back in the village she could just tough it out. She thinks she’s not so delicate.”

 

“That old lady. I’ll go talk some sense into her tomorrow.”

 

“Forget about her for now. Let’s talk about Xiaodou. I heard he really passed as the top scholar?”

 

Lu Yao nodded with pride. “Yes!”

 

Even though they had already heard the news on the way here, they were still so shocked they were at a loss for words.

 

“Who does this child take after? It’s just… just…” Hu Chunrong struggled to find the right words.

 

Lu Yao replied, “Maybe the Zhao family’s ancestral graves have started emitting smoke.”

 

Everyone burst out laughing. “You might be right! The ancestral graves must be blessed, bringing fortune to their descendants.”

 

Lu Yao didn’t believe in such things. Over the years, he had seen Xiaodou’s diligence and perseverance. Ordinary people couldn’t achieve that level of effort. His success was entirely due to his own abilities.

 

“What are his plans for the future? Will he have to go to the capital to serve as an official?” Lu Yun asked, placing the tied flowers on the bed.

 

“I don’t really understand the officialdom. Xiaodou was invited to the prefectural academy as soon as he returned. He might also need to visit the governor’s residence as a guest. He probably won’t be back until late tonight.”

 

“Our Xiaodou has become quite the busy man!”

 

Hu Chunrong asked again, “How’s the restaurant in the capital doing? Now that you’ve all come back, won’t it be unattended?”

 

“Business in the capital is still good. But with such a big celebration, we couldn’t let the restaurant hold us back. So we just closed it for now and will reopen later.”

 

Lu Miao seemed a bit worried. “Will you go back to the capital later?”

 

“No, I won’t. It’s already this late in the pregnancy, so traveling back and forth isn’t practical. After Xiaochun and Qiulan’s wedding, they’ll go to the capital to oversee things first. Beichuan and I will stay in Pingzhou until the baby is older before heading over.”

 

“That’s good. Mother has been thinking about you a lot while you were away, worrying that if you gave birth over there, she wouldn’t be able to help.”

 

Lu Yao was worried too. The thought of childbirth sounded terrifying, especially since his two younger brothers had difficult births. He couldn’t help but feel anxious.

 

He feared that if something went wrong, it might result in a double tragedy. Shaking his head quickly to banish such dark thoughts, Lu Yao focused on the task at hand.

 

With the red flowers finished, Lu Yao placed them in a cloth bag to use for decorating the new house tomorrow.

 

“How are the preparations for Xiaochun and Qiulan’s wedding?”

 

“We just got back and haven’t visited yet. Before we left, I asked Zhang Yu—Qiulan’s aunt—to handle the preparations, so we wouldn’t be scrambling upon returning.”

 

Hu Chunrong added, “We’ll close our shop for a few days to help out here. Don’t overexert yourself; your health is most important.”

 

“Okay.” Having so many family members around, Lu Yao felt at ease.

 

He also asked about the situation at the border and if there was any news about Ge Changbao.

 

“A letter came recently. The fighting at the border is still ongoing, but the barbarians can’t hold out much longer. It’ll probably end in another month or so.”

 

Speaking of his husband, Lu Miao felt a pang of grievance. It had been so long, and he had only sent a brief letter with a few hasty words, completely different from his attentive behavior before marriage.

 

Lu Yao comforted him, “The border is so busy. It’s already remarkable that he managed to send a letter. Don’t blame him.”

 

As Lu Yao had just returned and was feeling quite fatigued, everyone else soon headed to the new house to continue working, leaving him to rest at home.

 

By evening, they returned, and Zhao Beichuan had someone roast two lamb legs and some ribs, allowing everyone to enjoy a lively meal together.

 

–

 

The next morning, Lu Yao got up early and went to Xiaochun’s new house with Xiaonian to help with the preparations.

 

“It’s crooked, move it more to the left. Left! Which side is left?” Hu Chunrong directed from below while Lu Miao hung a painting above. The painting depicted pomegranates, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.

 

“Isn’t this left? Oh, I was looking at it backwards.”

 

Everyone burst out laughing.

 

Lu Yao couldn’t stop smiling as he entered the room. Inside, Zhang Yu was arranging the master bedroom, scattering red dates, peanuts, longans, and lotus seeds around.

 

The curtains and bed canopy had been replaced with bright red fabric, and the room was adorned with “double happiness” characters, making it look both festive and lively.

 

When Zhang Yu saw him, she immediately smiled and said, “You’re here! I heard you returned yesterday. I didn’t visit because I was worried you weren’t feeling well. Lu Boss, you sure know how to keep secrets!”

 

“What?” Lu Yao was confused.

 

Zhang Yu pointed to his belly. “When did you get pregnant? You never mentioned it.”

 

Lu Yao sheepishly touched his nose. “I’m having a child at such an old age. I was afraid people would laugh at me.” In reality, Lu Yao wasn’t that old—he’d only turn twenty-nine after the new year. But in a society where most people married at fourteen or fifteen, his age did seem a bit advanced.

 

Zhang Yu pulled him to sit beside her. “What’s there to laugh about? I think your timing is perfect. Your younger siblings are grown, your career is stable, and you have plenty of time to take care of a child.”

 

“Thank you for helping with the wedding preparations.”

 

“Don’t say that. It’s my nephew and nephew-in-law getting married. How could I not go all out?”

 

“Thanks to you, we’d be in a mess if we had to prepare everything after returning.”

 

“This is my first time organizing a wedding too. I’ve been asking friends for advice as I go. At least now it’s starting to look like something.”

 

They chatted about recent events in Pingzhou. While there hadn’t been any major incidents, there were plenty of small domestic dramas, which Lu Yao found amusing.

 

Before long, people arrived to deliver the “wedding urging” gifts to the Zhang family, signaling it was time to proceed.

 

The “wedding urging” gifts included eight pairs of items, such as a pair of geese, two carp, two sheep, two pigs, two boxes of pastries, two bolts of silk, two jars of wine, and twelve bushels of fragrant rice. These items required several men to carry to the Zhang family.

 

Zhao Beichuan called workers from the distillery to help, and over ten strong men carried the gifts over.

 

With the wedding set for the next day, everyone was both excited and nervous. Xiaochun, in particular, couldn’t stop smiling.

 

Hu Chunrong teased him, “So happy to be marrying a husband?”

 

“Very happy!”

 

Lu Miao clicked his tongue. “Sister-in-law, you haven’t seen Qiulan yet. Anyone would be thrilled to marry him.”

 

“Oh? A little beauty?”

 

“Not just any beauty. You’ll see tomorrow!”

 

With everything in order, Lu Yao invited everyone to dine at the restaurant. Two private rooms upstairs had been reserved in advance, and the kitchen was ready to serve.

 

On the way, they ran into Master Cao entertaining guests. The table was full of familiar faces, so Lu Yao went over to greet them.

 

“Oh, the busy man is finally back!”

 

“Master Cao, stop teasing me.”

 

“Haha, I heard your younger brother passed as the top scholar?”

 

“Yes, we got lucky. He was ranked in the sixties during the provincial examination but was chosen as the top scholar during the palace examination.”

 

Everyone was amazed, clapping their hands in admiration. “Your Xiaodou is truly talented. Being noticed by the emperor means he’s destined for great things. He’ll probably become a prime minister one day!”

 

Lu Yao waved his hands with a smile. “We wouldn’t dare think so far ahead.”

 

Master Cao added, “By the way, I have some news for you. The supplies we donated before the new year were put to good use. I heard that in December, the Khitan forces surrounded Yingzhou City. The Northern Army used those supplies to hold out for forty days and break the siege.”

 

“That’s great news!”

 

“Yes, and there might be rewards for us. I’ve already submitted the list of donors. What the rewards will be is uncertain.”

 

Lu Yao bowed in gratitude. “Thank you, Master Cao, for looking out for us.”

 

“Don’t mention it. We’ll be counting on you in the future.”

 

Nearby, Qu Tian asked, “Won’t your family hold a banquet to celebrate Xiaodou’s top scholar title?”

 

“We will. Tomorrow, we’ll hold the wedding banquet for my second brother. Then on the first of March, we’ll host Xiaodou’s top scholar banquet with three days of feasting at the restaurant. You’re all invited!”

 

“Is Xiaochun getting married?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Wonderful!” Everyone agreed enthusiastically.

 

After dining at the restaurant, Lu Yao took a carriage to Changshui Street. Since hearing about his mother’s cold yesterday, he had been worried and wanted to check on her.

 

When he arrived, the elderly Lu Matron was sitting on the heated kang bed sewing a small quilt for the baby in Lu Yao’s belly. Seeing him, she happily set aside her sewing basket. “Quick, take off your shoes and get on the kang.”

 

Lu Yao removed his cloak, took off his shoes, and climbed onto the kang. The matron pulled a small quilt over his legs and held his hands as if she couldn’t get enough of him.

 

“Does the baby in your belly move now?”

 

“It does. These past few nights, it keeps kicking me, so naughty!”

 

The matron reached out to feel through his clothes. “It’s not small. You shouldn’t overeat now, or it’ll make delivery harder.”

 

Lu Yao stuck out his tongue. “I know.”

 

“I thought you’d have to stay in the capital to give birth. I didn’t expect you to come back. It’s good you did; now I can be with you.”

 

“Mm.”

 

“When the fourth and fifth were born, it was terribly difficult. I’m just afraid you’ll have a hard time giving birth too.”

 

“It’s fine, Mother. Since I’m already pregnant, I have to go through with it.”

 

“That’s true, but as your mother, I can’t help but feel heartache.” Among her children, she doted on the third the most. He had been cherished from the moment he was born, and she couldn’t bear to see him suffer like this.

 

Lu Yao leaned against his mother’s shoulder. “I’m a bit scared too, so I came back to stay close to you.”

 

Madam Lu reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. “Isn’t it Xiaochun’s wedding tomorrow?”

 

“Yes, sister-in-law and the others are helping out over there. They thought I’d get in the way and sent me back.”

 

“She just doesn’t want you to overexert yourself.”

 

“Hehe, I know.” Lu Yao picked up a small quilt beside him and asked, “Who is this for?”

 

“Who else? It’s for my youngest grandson, of course. I thought you’d stay in the capital for the birth, so I didn’t make these things for you. Chunrong said the capitals’s shops have everything, and buying them is better than making them. But since you’re back, I’ll make a few more. Babies wet their clothes frequently during the confinement period; this way, you’ll have spares.”

 

“You’re the best, Mother.”

 

“How old are you, still acting like a child?”

 

“No matter how old I get, I’ll always be your son.”

 

The elderly woman smiled and gently stroked his hair, her eyes full of love.

 

That evening, Zhao Beichuan arrived with the cart to take him home. Since they had to rise early the next day, Madam Lu didn’t keep them, urging the couple to go back and rest.

 

—

 

The early spring morning was colder than the night.

 

Before dawn, the Zhao family courtyard was already brightly lit.

 

Lu Yao wore a thin cotton layer underneath and a dark stone-blue cloud-patterned brocade robe over it. The robe was made loose to hide his belly, making it difficult to tell he was seven months pregnant unless closely inspected.

 

Perhaps because of the pregnancy, his complexion was glowing, with a rosy hue beneath his fair skin, and his features appeared softer.

 

Zhao Beichuan wore a deep blue long robe with a white round-collared inner shirt. His tall figure stood straight as he lightly wrapped an arm around Lu Yao’s shoulders. Together, they looked perfectly matched.

 

Outside, Xiaonian and Xiaodou were ready, along with Xiaolan’er and Madam Zhao, who had all donned new clothes. The family boarded a carriage heading to the bridal house.

 

When they arrived, the others were already there—Lu Lin and his wife, Lu Yun and his wife, and Lu Miao. The children had also come, dressed in red cotton jackets with little topknots, looking absolutely adorable.

 

As soon as Lu Yao entered, Dandan, Taozi, and Yinzi rushed over. The three children were very close to him.

 

Meanwhile, Zhao Beichuan went to find Xiaochun. Seeing that he was dressed and ready, he patted his shoulder. “Nervous?”

 

Xiaochun nodded.

 

“Don’t be. Your brother and I will accompany you.”

 

“Alright.”

 

The Zhang family lived on the west side of Changxing Street, a fair distance away. They had to prepare to fetch the bride at the first quarter of the hour.

 

The procession featured tall horses, and the sedan chair was carried by eight people—the highest standard most common folk could afford. Zhao Beichuan and Zhao Beidou rode behind Xiaochun as they slowly headed toward the Zhang residence.

 

The sky was beginning to lighten, but the streets were still mostly empty except for watchmen and a few early laborers. Those who saw the wedding procession stopped to watch.

 

“Whose wedding is this?”

 

“I don’t know, but it looks grand!”

 

“Look at that eight-person sedan chair. Ordinary families can’t afford that. It must be for a noble’s daughter. Let’s go see!”

 

A group of onlookers followed the procession all the way to the Zhang family’s door.

 

The matchmaker shouted, “Set off the firecrackers! Welcome the groom!”

 

The crackling sound of firecrackers erupted, and inside the house, Zhang Qiulan leapt to his feet at the noise.

 

Zhang Yu quickly pressed him back down. “Don’t rush. There’s a door-blocking ritual; they’ll take some time to get in.”

 

“What’s the point of blocking the door?”

 

“You silly child… At least show some decorum.”

 

But Zhang Qiulan had no concept of decorum; he only wanted to see his groom and go to the bridal chamber. Grabbing the veil, he placed it over his head and headed out.

 

At the main gate, the Zhang brothers were blocking Zhao Beichuan and Zhao Beidou.

 

Zhao Beidou rolled up his sleeves. “Do you want to compete in literature or martial arts?”

 

Literature? They had a newly crowned scholar. Martial arts? They had a man of immense strength. Defeating these two would be impossible.

 

The brothers stammered, “L-let’s go with literature. If you can solve this riddle, we’ll let you pass.”

 

“Alright, let’s hear it.”

 

“A dog with four mouths—guess the character.”

 

Before Zhao Beidou could answer, Zhang Qiulan stormed out and pushed his brothers aside. “Forget answering! Don’t delay the auspicious hour.”(bbg want to bomboclat)

 

—

 

—

 

The matchmaker was the first to react, shouting, “Welcome the bride to the sedan chair!”

 

Zhao Fengchun hurried over to help his groom onto the sedan chair. Music filled the air as the procession headed to their new home.

 

The Zhang family scrambled to have the dowry carried after them. The wedding was indeed a hurried affair.

 

When they finally reached the Zhao residence, firecrackers went off again. Zhao Fengchun dismounted to receive his groom, and the two of them walked into the courtyard, holding a red silk ribbon.

 

Many guests had come to witness the ceremony, most drawn by either Lu Yao or Zhao Beidou. Regardless of whom, this wedding was destined to make a splash in Pingzhou Prefecture.

 

“The couple has arrived! Wishing them health and prosperity!”

 

Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan stood up, craning their necks to look. After a tea break, the couple finally arrived.

 

The newlyweds were dressed in matching red garments. Zhang Qiulan, under the veil, was taller than Xiaochun. Together, they stepped into the main hall.

 

The officiant shouted, “The couple shall bow!”

 

Lu Yao nudged Zhao Beichuan, and they quickly took their seats. Since the Zhao family had no elders, the couple paid their respects to the eldest brother and sister-in-law, who stood in as parents.

 

“First bow to the heavens and earth, praying for divine blessings.”

 

The couple turned and deeply bowed toward the heavens outside.

 

“Second bow to the elders, to express gratitude for their care and upbringing.”

 

Xiaochun’s nose stung, and tears spilled over as the couple knelt and kowtowed.(my second shayla)

 

Lu Yao hurriedly reached out. “Stand up quickly.”

 

“Spouse’s mutual bow—wishing you eternal harmony and unity!”

 

The ceremony ended amid cheers as the crowd escorted the newlyweds to their bridal chamber. Lu Yao took Zhao Beichuan’s hand to welcome the guests.

 

Many esteemed guests attended, including the governor and his wife, the deputy magistrate and his wife, and several generals from the barracks.

 

Prominent merchants from all over Pingzhou were present. Those who couldn’t attend had sent gifts instead. Thankfully, they had purchased a larger residence, or it would have been impossible to fit everyone.

 

Even so, it was crowded. Male guests were arranged in the neighboring courtyard, which Lu Yao had also purchased during the war for under three thousand taels of silver.

 

Female guests stayed in the main courtyard, chatting until mid-morning when the banquet began. Twelve dishes—four cold and eight hot—featured signature items from Lu’s restaurant. The wine served was Lu Yao’s five-year-aged brew.

 

They had prepared fifty tables for eight people each, accommodating four hundred guests, but it wasn’t enough. Ten more tables were hastily arranged to accommodate everyone.

 

The feast lasted from noon until nightfall. After sending off the last guests, Lu Yao finally sat down to rest, sipping tea.

 

Concerned for him, Zhao Beichuan rushed over after finishing his tasks. “Are you tired?”

 

Leaning against him, Lu Yao said, “Not tired, just a little sore in the back.”

 

Zhao Beichuan massaged his lower back. “It’s so satisfying to see Xiaochun get married.”

 

“I’m happy too. Both of them have had tough lives, so it’s not easy for them to be together. They’ll treasure each other more.”

 

“Exactly. You wouldn’t believe how funny it was this morning during the door-blocking. Qiulan was so worried his brothers would trouble Xiaochun that he burst out himself.”

 

Lu Yao laughed so hard that tears came out. “Oh my, hahaha! His personality really suits Xiaochun.”

 

Zhao Beichuan wrapped an arm around his shoulders and kissed his forehead. Lu Yao leaned into his chin, softly humming the wedding march. The wedding concluded perfectly.

 

The silver crescent moon hung in the sky, and the night was serene.

 

(End of Main Story)

 

Author’s Note:

 

The next part will be extras, continuing from Xiaochun’s marriage. If you’re interested, stay tuned!

 

Also, check out similar completed stories:

 

The Fierce Wife

 

Modern slice-of-life: The Northeastern Small Boss and His Southern Wife

 

Historical BL infrastructure-building: The Emperor Wants to Build Infrastructure

 

My column has plenty more for you to explore. If you could bookmark it, I’d be grateful!