Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 44

Early the next morning, Lu Yao woke the children, telling them they were going to visit relatives in Lu Family Village.

 

The two kids, still unaware of the attempted burglary, happily donned their cotton hats and gloves after breakfast and boarded the mule cart.

 

Lu Yao also brought along the fabric he bought yesterday. Initially, he planned to deliver it after the New Year, but now, with some free time, he decided to send it over early.

 

Before leaving, he informed Lin Daman, locked the front gate, and ensured their plan to bait the thief appeared convincing.

 

As the mule cart left the yard, they encountered their neighbor, Tian Second Sister-in-law.

 

“Where are you heading off to?”

 

“Going to visit relatives in my home village. We’ll be back tonight,” Lu Yao replied loudly on purpose.

 

“Take it slow; the mountain roads are slippery with snow.”

 

“Sure.”

 

On the way, Lu Yao felt uneasy, worried the thief might not take the bait today, leaving them to live in constant fear.

 

Zhao Beichuan, though equally anxious, drove the cart swiftly. Within less than half an hour, they arrived at Lu Family Village.

 

As soon as they entered the yard, Zhao Beichuan called out to Lu Lin, “Second Brother, help park the cart. I need to head back home.”

 

“Huh? Why are you leaving right after arriving?”

 

Lu Yao stepped down and explained to Lu Lin, “The stove fire wasn’t put out when we left. He’s afraid it might set the kitchen on fire.”

 

Zhao Xiaonian scratched her head. “But I didn’t see any fire under the pot when I cleaned the table.”

 

Lu Yao ignored the comment and carried the fabric into the house. His eyelids were twitching incessantly, adding to his unease.

 

Madam Lu had gone visiting neighbors but was called back by Lu Miao. Upon entering the house, she was surprised by the fine fabric.

 

“Did you bring this? Why another bolt of fine cloth?”

 

Lu Yao replied, “Who else but me? Do you like the color?”

 

“Spending money recklessly. Take it back and return it!”

 

“There’s no returning after buying it.” Lu Yao pulled her to sit down. “Feel the texture. Look at this color. Imagine wearing clothes made from this—how envious others would be.”

 

Madam Lu touched the fabric and sighed softly. “I’m old; I don’t deserve to wear such fine material.”

 

“You deserve it because you’re my mother.”

 

Tears welled up in Madam Lu’s eyes as she lightly slapped Lu Yao. “Don’t waste money like this in the future. Earning it isn’t easy. Save it for when you have kids; you’ll need plenty then!”

 

“By the way, I saw the mule cart in the yard. Where’s Beichuan?”

 

Lu Yao glanced at the children playing nearby and lowered his voice. “He went back home.”

 

Madam Lu, sensing something was wrong, quickly asked Lu Miao to take the children to the west room to play. “What happened?”

 

“There might be a thief targeting our home.”

 

“What? Did you lose anything?”

 

“Not yet, but there were fresh scratches on the door latch, likely from someone trying to break in while we were out yesterday. Last night, we decided to feign leaving today so he could return quietly to catch the thief.”

 

“Oh heavens! Why didn’t you tell us earlier? Let your father and Lu Lin go help him!”

 

Lu Yao waved his hand. “Too many people might scare the thief away.”

 

Madam Lu sighed. “The Zhao family is too small. If Beichuan’s parents were still alive, they’d keep watch at home, and no thief would dare come near.”

 

It was a trade-off; when Lu Guangsheng chose Zhao Beichuan, it was because he had no parents, allowing the couple to live freely. Good fortune couldn’t be entirely in Lu Yao’s favor.

 

“So, we’re just waiting? Until when?”

 

“We’ll head back at the latest by noon.”

 

While they waited anxiously, Zhao Beichuan had already returned home alone, sneaking in through the backyard fence instead of the front gate.

 

The bricks placed at the front door hadn’t been moved, indicating no one had entered. He quickly went inside and hid, waiting for the thief.

 

Time passed slowly. After more than an hour, voices suddenly came from the front gate.

 

“The Zhao family isn’t home today?”

 

“Beichuan took his husband to visit his in-laws. They won’t be back until evening.”

 

“Oh, did they take the kids too?”

 

“Yes. Why, do you need something from them?”

 

“No, just wanted to buy some tofu…”

 

Through the crack in the window, Zhao Beichuan saw two people standing by the gate. One was Tian Second Sister-in-law, and the other, obscured by the door, was a man whose voice sounded familiar.

 

Soon, the two left. After another half hour of waiting, there was still no sign of the thief.

 

Just as Zhao Beichuan was about to leave and fetch his family, a shadowy figure appeared at the gate.

 

The person paced back and forth several times before starting to pick the lock.

 

Locks in ancient times were simple, without safety mechanisms, and were easily opened. The man quickly pushed the gate open and slipped inside.

 

Now, Zhao Beichuan got a good look at him—it was none other than Fang Lao San, who had lost a lot of money gambling recently!

 

Word had it he was in debt up to his ears. No wonder he’d set his sights on their home.

 

Zhao Beichuan grabbed the prepared wooden club and quietly waited by the west room door for Fang Lao San to enter.

 

Unaware he had walked into a trap, Fang Lao San felt pleased with his good timing today.

 

A while ago, he had lost heavily in a gambling den in town and, in a moment of desperation, borrowed two taels of silver at interest. Little did he know the debt would snowball into seven taels in just two months!

 

The gambling den owner threatened to break his legs if he didn’t repay by year-end.

 

Terrified, Fang Lao San begged for loans from everyone in the village, but the small sums he collected weren’t enough to cover even a fraction of the debt.

 

At his wits’ end, Song Changshun had invited him for a drink.

 

Though they weren’t close, Fang Lao San agreed, figuring a free meal was better than none.

 

Upon arriving, he was startled by Song Changshun’s father sitting gloomily on a stool, staring at him like a ghost.

 

Cursing his bad luck inwardly, he asked, “Where’s Changshun?”

 

Song’s father pointed to the next room, and Fang Lao San went in.

 

Inside, a small table was set with a bowl of peanuts, stewed cabbage, and a small jar of yellow wine.

 

Sitting on the kang, Song Changshun waved. “Come on in, Fang!”

 

“Second Brother Song, what’s the occasion?”

 

“Isn’t it because I heard you’ve been facing some difficulties recently? I thought I’d help you come up with a plan.”

 

Fang Laosan was half-skeptical as he climbed onto the kang. He didn’t believe that Song Changshun could be so kind. If he had seven guan to spare, he wouldn’t even be unable to afford a meat dish.

 

Song Changshun picked up the wine jar, poured them both a drink, and smiled. “I don’t have that kind of money, but I know who does.”

 

“Who?”

 

Lowering his voice, Song Changshun said, “The Zhao family at the village entrance struck it rich this year. I heard they’ve been selling tofu in town and make at least ten guan a month!”

 

Hearing this, Fang Laosan’s eyes lit up. “Making tofu is that profitable?”

 

“Of course. Why else would Lin Daman rather be the submissive one just to stay with them?”

 

Fang Laosan gulped down his saliva as an idea popped into his mind—he could steal from the Zhao family! But he quickly dismissed the thought. “No, no. I can’t afford to cross Zhao Beichuan. That man goes crazy when he gets violent.”

 

Song Changshun’s eyes darkened, recalling the time in autumn when he was beaten by Zhao Beichuan, losing two molars with just two punches.

 

“How would you know unless you try? Besides, they’re always heading to town, leaving only two kids at home. Could they possibly stop you?”

 

“Once you’ve got the money in hand, even if they report it to the authorities, there’s no evidence that you stole it. With that much silver, you can pay off your debts and still have enough to marry a wife.”

 

The more Fang Laosan thought about it, the more tempted he became. He raised his bowl and downed the wine in one gulp.

 

The east room was where Lu Yao and her family usually stayed, filled with many belongings. Fang Laosan tiptoed inside. Confirming that no one was home, he began rummaging openly.

 

Clothes were pulled out of the chests and strewn across the kang. Even the bedding was tossed onto the floor, but not a single coin was found.

 

Undeterred, Fang Laosan moved to the kitchen, where he tore through the shelves. Spotting a leftover steamed bun, he grabbed it, took a bite, and muttered, “The Zhao family is really wealthy, leaving meat buns uneaten!”

 

Failing to find money in the kitchen, his attention shifted to the central room and the west room, thinking perhaps the money was hidden there.

 

Gently pushing the door open, just as he was about to start searching, he suddenly heard a voice behind him: “What are you doing?”

 

“Ah!” Fang Laosan nearly jumped out of his skin. Turning to flee, he was struck on the head by a club wielded by Zhao Beichuan and collapsed unconscious.

 

By the time Lu Lin drove the mule cart back with Lu Yao and the others, the Zhao family courtyard was already crowded with onlookers, all summoned by Zhao Beichuan.

 

Seeing this, Lu Yao quickly jumped off the cart and ran over. “Zhao Beichuan!”

 

“Ah, you’re back.”

 

Lu Yao grabbed his hands and checked him up and down. Seeing he was unharmed, she finally relaxed. “Did you catch the thief?”

 

Zhao Beichuan pointed to a man tied up tightly nearby. His mouth was gagged, preventing him from speaking, but he was making muffled noises.

 

“I knew it! Fang Laosan has been asking about tofu these days, but it turns out he had this in mind!” said Mrs. Tian from next door.

 

Mrs. Zhao spat on the ground. “Good thing Beichuan caught him. Otherwise, who knows how many houses he’d sneak into!”

 

Soon, the village head arrived, along with Fang Laosan’s parents.

 

The moment Old Man Fang saw his son, he picked up the stick lying on the ground and began beating him, shouting, “You shameless animal! You’ve disgraced me completely!”

 

He was genuinely furious, hitting so hard that the thick stick snapped. Old Man Fang had toiled his whole life as a farmer, never borrowing even a grain of rice. Yet his son had gone and burglarized someone’s house!

 

Fang Laosan howled in pain, bound and unable to escape, rolling on the ground in agony.

 

Madam Fang clung to her husband’s arm, wailing, “Stop! Stop! You’ll kill him if you keep going!”

 

“Let him die! It’d be better than raising this animal!”

 

“Then kill me, too! Oh, my son! It’s all my fault! Let me die with you!” Madam Fang clung to Fang Laosan, and the two sobbed in each other’s arms.

 

Old Man Fang pointed at them, too enraged to speak.

 

Lu Yao couldn’t watch any longer. She stepped forward and said, “If you want to discipline your son, do it at home. What’s the point of making a scene here?”

 

Old Man Fang, still fuming, threw away the stick and knelt abruptly.

 

“I failed to raise my son properly. I’ve wronged you all. I’ll kowtow and apologize!”

 

Startled, Lu Yao stepped back quickly.

 

The onlookers rushed forward to help him up. “Old Fang, don’t do this. You’re putting the younger generation in a tough spot!”

 

Zhao Beichuan also stepped forward and hoisted him up with one hand. “Uncle, I didn’t call you here to make things hard for you. Your son broke into my house and tried to steal. Even though he didn’t get away with anything, he still broke the lock. By rights, I should report him to the authorities, but since we’re all from the same village, I don’t want to push things too far.”

 

The law dealt harshly with theft. If fines couldn’t be paid, thieves would be exiled to the frontier as penal labor. Returning was almost impossible unless they earned military merit—a near-impossible feat for an unarmed civilian.

 

Terrified, Fang Laosan shook his head frantically, begging him not to report it.

 

The village head coughed and mediated. “It’s clearly Fang’s fault. His son trespassed and attempted theft. While he didn’t succeed, he did break in. Given the circumstances, I suggest the Fang family compensate the Zhao family with 500 wen. Let’s leave it at that. Beichuan, what do you think?”

 

Out of respect for the village head, Zhao Beichuan nodded. “I’ll go along with your decision.”

 

Old Man Fang delivered another kick to his son. “Get back home!” He then fumbled in his pocket, trembling as he pulled out two strings of coins.

 

“This is all we have left at home. I’ll sell a few chickens and pay the rest in a few days.”

 

Lu Yao wasn’t after the compensation but couldn’t stomach letting this slide. Seeing the old man’s plight, she softened.

 

“Forget the money. Just keep a close eye on your son. If this happens again, we’ll go straight to the authorities!”

 

The Fang family took Fang Laosan home. The crowd dispersed. Lu Yao clutched her chest, still shaken. “How did you manage to catch him?”

 

“I hid in the west room. When I heard him rummaging through the house, I knocked him out with a club.”

 

“Thank goodness we caught this thief. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have had a peaceful New Year.”

 

Looking around, they saw the house had been turned upside down. Even the kang mats had been lifted. But the thief hadn’t found any money, as Lu Yao had hidden the jar in the chicken coop the day before.

 

“Cough, cough… cough, cough…” Widow Song clutched his chest, coughing so violently it felt as though his lungs would tear apart. Lately, his illness had worsened. While he had managed to suppress it in public before, now he couldn’t control the fits of coughing, each bout leaving him gasping for air.

 

“Pfft!” A mouthful of blood spurted out.

 

Madam Song shrieked in fright. “Oh no! You’re coughing up blood!”

 

Widow Song’s face turned pale as he quickly wiped it away with a handkerchief. “It’s nothing. My throat must have been scratched from coughing.”

 

Madam Song scrutinized his face, suddenly recalling the rumors she’d heard about Cao Qing’s suspected tuberculosis. At the time, she hadn’t thought much of it, but now the memory filled her with dread, raising goosebumps all over.

 

Widow Song crouched down, clutching his stomach, and continued tending the fire. He knew his days were numbered.

 

During lunch, Madam Song wouldn’t let him sit at the table. If it truly was tuberculosis, it was contagious.

 

Widow Song squatted by the stove, eating his meal while overhearing whispered conversations from inside.

 

“Could he really have tuberculosis?”

 

“Even if it’s not tuberculosis, it can’t be a good illness. He’s been coughing all winter without getting better.”

 

Song Changshun suddenly spoke up, “Why not send him back to the temple? If he dies at home, we’ll have to take care of the funeral.”

 

Madam Song was reluctant because of the child in his belly. “Let’s wait a bit longer, at least until after the baby is born.”

 

Song Ping listened to the adults talking as if it had nothing to do with him. He continued eating, helping himself to more food. “Grandma, give me another bowl of rice.”

 

“My good grandson sure can eat.”

 

Widow Song held his ceramic bowl, trembling all over. No, he couldn’t go back to that place. He just couldn’t. Even if he had to die, he would die at home!

 

He turned his head stiffly, reached into the bottom of the junk basket, and pulled out a wrapped package. Suddenly, the corners of his mouth twisted into a smile. In a voice only he could hear, he murmured, “Let them all die.”