Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 42

In the blink of an eye, it was the sixth day of the eleventh month, the day of Lu Yun’s wedding.

 

Yesterday, Lu Yao had spoken with the manager of the eatery, asking for an extra board of tofu to be delivered, as there would be no delivery today. The weather was cold, and tofu could keep, so skipping a day wouldn’t cause any issues.

 

Early in the morning, Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan boarded the mule cart, bringing Xiao Nian and Xiao Dou along to Lujia Village.

 

When the mule cart arrived, it was not yet fully light, but the Lu household was already brightly lit. Inside the house, Lu Yun wore a newly made cotton jacket. Her hair was simply tied up with a red silk ribbon, and her face was dusted with powder, making her look especially spirited.

 

Mother Lu and Father Lu had also taken out their best clothes, rarely worn, from the bottom of the chest. The old lady’s gray hair was meticulously combed, adorned with a hollow silver hairpin. The hairpin, part of her dowry from her maiden family, had long lost its shine and turned black from oxidation after so many years.

 

Lu Lin, his wife, and Lu Miao were dressed in old clothes, with only Xiao Shitou wearing a new cotton jacket.

 

In contrast, the Zhao family appeared much more polished. Zhao Beichuan wore a deep brown cotton coat with a distinctive design featuring frog buttons on the front and pockets on the sides. The collar was lined with gray rabbit fur. His pants were a dusty gray, and his feet were clad in padded cloth boots.

 

Xiao Nian and Xiao Dou wore small stone-blue jackets, with Xiao Nian’s hair tied with two red silk flowers, looking festive and lovely.

 

Lastly, Lu Yao wore a cotton jacket of the same fabric as Zhao Beichuan’s, with a rabbit fur collar that accentuated his jade-like complexion. His sharp, handsome features made it hard for anyone to look away.

 

Soon, the wedding procession arrived. The Wang family sent two mule carts—one for the bride and one for the bride’s family.

 

Father and Mother Lu, along with Lu Miao, boarded the Wang family’s cart, while Lu Lin and Hu Chunrong carried Xiao Shitou onto the Zhao family’s cart. At the sound of a gong, the mule carts clattered toward the village outskirts.

 

“Are you cold? Cover Xiao Shitou with this,” Lu Yao said, pulling a cotton quilt from the cart and draping it over Hu Chunrong.

 

Hu Chunrong smiled. “Say thank you to your third uncle.”

 

Xiao Shitou said sweetly, “Thank you, Third Uncle.”

 

Lu Yao pinched his chubby cheeks. “What’s there to thank for? We’re family. How’s the tofu business going?”

 

“It’s good. We’re selling sixty to seventy jin(0.5kg/17.64oz) a day. The colder it gets, the better it sells.” With no fresh vegetables from the fields, only stored radishes and cabbages were left, making tofu a unique commodity.

 

Using fifty to sixty jin of beans, after deducting costs, they earned about 200 wen a day. After seven or eight days of selling, they had already stocked up four dan of beans. By the end of the year, if they sold them in town, they could save at least seven or eight taels—a sum she never dared dream of before.

 

When Hu Chunrong and Lu Lin first sold tofu in the village, they had been so nervous they couldn’t speak properly. Pushing their cart into the village, they stammered out that they were selling tofu when someone asked.

 

To their surprise, buyers came quickly. Everyone knew Lu Yao and Lu Lin were family, and since Lu Yao was skilled at making tofu, it was only natural that Lu Lin could do it too. They had no reservations and started buying right away.

 

In less than an hour, they sold out a board of tofu. When the two pushed a sack of beans back home, they were still dazed. Was it really that easy to sell? Could business be this good?

 

Later, Hu Chunrong realized it was because Lu Yao had paved the way for them that selling tofu became so effortless. They were benefiting greatly from his reputation.

 

The mule cart arrived at Liushu Village in less than an hour. By then, the sky was bright, and they could see a crowd at the Wang family’s gate from a distance.

 

Hearing a shout, Zhao Beichuan quickly jumped down to steady the mule, as firecrackers were about to be set off in front.

 

Hu Chunrong hurried to cover her son’s ears, while Xiao Nian and Xiao Dou, their ears covered, stood excitedly to watch.

 

Soon, the crackling sound of firecrackers filled the air, deafeningly loud. With the firecrackers lit, the festive atmosphere surged, and even Lu Yao craned his neck to see the commotion.

 

The young man who had sold them the mule last time was dressed in a deep blue cotton jacket, wearing a black cotton hat, and grinning broadly as he walked over to help Lu Yun off the cart.

 

Someone came to greet them, directing Zhao Beichuan to park the mule cart to the side.

 

Everyone got off the cart and entered the courtyard once the firecrackers were done.

 

The Wang family’s wealth was evident. Their neatly arranged six-room house took up half the courtyard, appearing particularly grand. There was even a livestock shed on the side with two mules inside.

 

Lu Yun’s husband, Wang Youtian, was the third son in the family, with two elder brothers and three younger sisters, making it a truly large and prosperous family.

 

Old Man Wang was quite a figure himself, having raised horses for the Northern Army in his youth and learning the trade from a master.

 

Perhaps because of his military background, Old Man Wang was strict in managing the household. His sons were all highly disciplined, and despite the large family, there were no messy affairs.

 

One had to admit that Lu Guangsheng had a keen eye. The two sons-in-law he chose were both exemplary individuals.

 

The newlyweds first performed the marriage rites. Wang Youtian led Lu Yun into the main room, where Lu Guangsheng and Old Man Wang sat in the seats of honor, while Mother Lu and the Wang family matron took secondary seats.

 

The master of ceremonies announced loudly, “A virtuous union brings good fortune, and the matchmaker’s words bring joy. The newlyweds will now bow to heaven and earth. First bow—second bow—third bow!”

 

“Next, bow to the parents who raised you. First bow—second bow—third bow!”

 

On the seats of honor, Old Man Wang and Lu Guangsheng exchanged approving smiles, both highly satisfied with the marriage.

 

“Finally, the couple bows to each other. Today, they join in matrimony, wishing them a lifetime of love and togetherness!”

 

After the ceremony, Lu Yun was taken to the bridal chamber by her sisters-in-law and younger sisters from the Wang family, while the bride’s family was invited to the main hall for the banquet.

 

The Wang family’s main hall was even papered with window coverings. The room was warm and bright with a heated kang bed.

 

Mother Lu glanced around and couldn’t help but remark, “The Wang family is truly well-off. I heard a ream of paper costs 200 wen, yet they use it for their windows.”

 

Lu Yao pulled her to sit down. “When our family is better off, we’ll have Second Brother put up window paper for you too.”

 

“That won’t do. It gets ruined in the rain. You can’t waste money like that.”

 

Lu Yao helped Xiao Dou and Xiao Nian remove their shoes and let them warm up on the kang. Hu Chunrong also took Xiao Shitou onto the kang.

 

Mother Lu pulled Lu Yao aside and whispered, “Your fourth sister has married so well. Are you envious?”

 

Lu Yao chuckled. “What’s there to be envious of? I’m doing well myself.”

 

“Ah, back then I wanted your father to find you a family like this, but he refused, saying your temper would cause trouble in such a large family, and you’d surely be sent back.”

 

To be fair, his father wasn’t wrong. The original Lu Yao couldn’t have lived in such a family, always quarreling with sisters-in-law one day and feuding with younger sisters-in-law the next. His laziness and greed would have ruined any good marriage.

 

“I’m happy with my life now. Don’t worry about me.”

 

“I know,” Mother Lu sighed, simply feeling sentimental. She knew she favored Lu Yao, but there was no helping it. Every finger on a hand had different lengths, after all.

 

Before long, someone came in carrying tables, signaling the banquet was about to start. Everyone took off their shoes and climbed onto the kang to wait for the meal.

 

Zhao Beichuan and Lu Lin stood by the door, chatting with the new son-in-law.

 

“Do you recognize me?”

 

Wang Youtian scrutinized Zhao Beichuan, finding him familiar but unable to recall where they’d met. After a moment, he shook his head. “I don’t recognize you.”

 

Lu Lin laughed. “This is your brother-in-law. His family bought a mule from you.”

 

“Ah, now I remember! It was the big flowered one, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Wang Youtian scratched his head and laughed, “What a coincidence. How’s Dahua? Useful?”

 

“Very useful, strong and good-tempered.”

 

“Right? Among the mules at home, Dahua has the best temper. Selling it to family was the right choice!”

 

Someone nearby called him over to attend to guests. Lu Lin said, “Go ahead, we’ll talk later.”

 

Wang Youtian hurried off, and the two went inside. Soon, people started bringing in bowls and chopsticks—the feast was about to begin!

 

It had to be said, the Wang family’s banquet was impressive, with eight dishes in total: four meat and four vegetarian.

 

The meat dishes included stewed lamb, stewed pork, stewed chicken, and a plate of cold pig ears, while the vegetarian dishes were stir-fried bean sprouts, cold mixed purslane leaves, steamed radish cake, and sweet fried dough twists.

 

The lamb was tender and flavorful, the pork didn’t have a gamey smell, and the crunchy pig ears were a favorite among the kids, making a delightful crunch with every bite.

 

Since everyone was family, there was no rush to eat. They ate while chatting.

 

“This table of food must cost 300 wen.”

 

“More than that. Lamb is expensive. This much meat must be at least 350 wen.”

 

Lu’s mother sighed, marveling at the Wang family’s wealth, noting the ten or so tables set up in the yard, which must have cost three or four strings of coins.

 

“The lamb is delicious. Try some,” Lu’s mother said, picking up two pieces for Lu Yao.

 

“I can do it myself. You eat more,” Lu Yao replied.

 

Lu’s mother then picked up a chicken drumstick for Little Stone. “Eat up, Stone.” The little boy grabbed it and started gnawing, oil dripping down his face.

 

Neither Zhao Beichuan nor Lu Lin drank alcohol since they had to drive the cart and grind tofu later. Drinking too much would delay things.

 

They had gotten up early and hadn’t eaten, so with empty stomachs, they dug in. In no time, the eight dishes were cleared off the table.

 

Lu Yao, stuffed and hiccupping, couldn’t help but laugh to himself as he wiped his mouth. He was really starting to fit into the ancient lifestyle.

 

After the meal, they went to the newlyweds’ room to see Lu Yun. Lu’s mother held her hand and spoke softly, “Now that you’re married, live your life well. You can’t throw tantrums like you did at home anymore.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“Among your siblings, you’re the most sensible. I won’t say much more, but remember, you mustn’t tolerate being bullied! If the Wang family dares to mistreat you, come back. I can support you!”

 

“Okay,” Lu Yun replied, her voice choked with emotion as tears streamed down her face.

 

Lu’s mother’s eyes reddened as well. Holding her hand, she felt a pang in her heart. They were all her children; how could she not love them?

 

Lu Yao turned away, his nose tingling. For the first time, he understood why ancient people valued having sons.

 

Raising sons brought more people into the household, making it livelier. Daughters and sons-in-law eventually moved out, and even if they returned for visits, they didn’t live together. If they married far away, it was hard to see them at all.

 

When the conversation ended, it was time to leave. Zhao Beichuan brought the mule cart over, and everyone got on.

 

Lu’s father, a bit tipsy, kept repeating, “I’m so happy, so happy! My in-law is truly wonderful! And the son-in-law is great too—strong and likable.”

 

In front of the kids, Lu’s mother restrained herself from hitting him but pinched his thigh instead. “Stop talking so much! No one thinks you’re mute!”

 

—

 

As the twelfth month began, the weather grew colder, with two heavy snowfalls covering the village in white, like a thick cotton blanket.

 

Recently, Lu Yao had started selling frozen tofu. He cut the tofu into inch-sized cubes and left them outside overnight. By morning, they had turned into frozen tofu.

 

Frozen tofu had a different texture from regular tofu, with tiny holes inside, making it chewier. When stewed in broth, the frozen tofu absorbed all the flavors, and the taste was indescribably delicious.

 

The first time Lu Yao made frozen tofu stew with cabbage, the three siblings finished the entire pot, leaving not even a drop of broth.

 

Zhao Xiaonian praised, “Sister-in-law, this frozen tofu is amazing. I’d trade meat for it any day!”

 

Because of the snowy roads, pushing the wooden cart became inconvenient. Lu Yao decided not to let Lin Daman go out to sell tofu anymore. Instead, he stayed home to watch the stall, cutting and freezing any unsold tofu.

 

The tofu deliveries to the town continued as usual. Early in the morning, Zhao Beichuan cleared the snow from the yard, fed the mule, and scattered millet for the chickens.

 

Inside, Lu Yao had just woken up. Crawling out of bed, he quickly retreated back under the covers, shivering.

 

It was too cold. Getting dressed in the morning felt like torture, with the icy cotton clothes taking forever to warm up.

 

The colder it got, the more he missed his previous life. Living without heating or air conditioning was truly hard.

 

“Achoo!” Lu Yao sneezed, rubbed his nose, and reluctantly got dressed.

 

He went to the kitchen, lit a fire, filled the pot with water, and warmed himself by the stove until his body gradually thawed.

 

Zhao Beichuan came in with a wooden bucket to prepare pig feed. The four piglets, now over 20 pounds each, were kept in the vegetable garden behind the house. With the garden out of use for the season, letting the pigs roam and dig wasn’t a problem; they even fertilized the land. A new pigpen would be built in the spring.

 

When the water in the pot boiled, Lu Yao scooped two ladles of tofu dregs from a clay jar and poured hot water over them to mix the feed.

 

“Achoo!” He sneezed again.

 

“Did you catch a cold?”

 

“It’s nothing, just an itchy nose.”

 

“Stay home today. I’ll take the tofu to town myself.”

 

Lu Yao didn’t argue. “Remember to wear gloves and a hat.”

 

“Okay.” Zhao Beichuan mixed the feed and went out to feed the pigs.

 

Lu Yao washed his face with warm water and began preparing breakfast. They ate vegetable porridge again, paired with a piece of pickled radish. When the meal was ready, the two children woke up.

 

“Come wash your face and get ready to eat,” he called.

 

The kids ran over, washed up, and the family sat around the stove for a simple breakfast.

 

After eating, Zhao Beichuan hitched up the mule and headed to town with the tofu.

 

Lu Yao stayed home with Lin Daman to sell tofu. Many people came to buy that morning. The Zhao family’s house was warm, and most customers liked to sit and chat after buying their tofu.

 

Lu Yao, who had rarely interacted with the village women and men before, now recognized almost everyone after a few days.

 

Aunt Yang bought two pounds of frozen tofu and stayed to chat. She loved gossip and had plenty of stories to share. Lu Yao pulled up a wooden stool to listen.

 

“Did you hear? Fang Lao San went to town recently and gambled away all the family’s money.”

 

“How much?”

 

“Seven whole strings of coins!”

 

“Oh my, that’s a lot! He must have emptied the family coffers!”

 

Aunt Yang sighed, “Not even close. I heard he borrowed high-interest money from the gambling den. Now he’s going around the village borrowing money to pay it back!”

 

High-interest loans were called “money with legs” because the interest kept growing along with the principal.

 

Aunt Ding exclaimed, “No wonder! He came to our house yesterday asking my husband for money, saying he had an emergency. Good thing we didn’t have much, so we only lent him 200 wen.”

 

Money lent to Fang Lao San would be hard to get back. Aunt Ding’s face darkened, and she hurried home to warn her husband not to lend him any more.

 

After she left, Aunt Yang also prepared to leave but suddenly remembered something. Leaning closer, she said mysteriously, “Did you know? Song Changshun is marrying Widow Song!”

 

“What?” Lu Yao almost dropped his jaw. Those two were getting married?

 

“I heard Widow Song is pregnant, four or five months along and unable to hide it anymore. They had no choice but to marry. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Looking at him now, who knows if he’ll be able to give birth.”