Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 58

Chapter 58

 

Mother Lu knew that with such a large family, while things might appear harmonious on the surface, there were bound to be conflicts in private. As long as they didn’t bring them to light, she turned a blind eye.

 

Once the in-laws passed away in the future, the brothers would definitely split the household. They could deal with it then.

 

After discussing Lu Yun, the conversation turned to Lu Yao. Mother Lu asked, “You two have been married for almost a year now. Why hasn’t there been any news about a baby?”

 

“We’re not in a hurry. It’s the prime time to make money right now, and having a child would make it hard to work.” In truth, the couple had been using contraception, always finishing outside. Although Lu Yao was still a little nervous, it seemed to be working so far.

 

The others disagreed. “That won’t do. You should have as many as you can while you’re young. It’ll be difficult to have kids when you’re older!”

 

Mother Lu said, “Why not visit the clinic? See whether it’s you or Da Chuan who has the issue. There’s no shame in it. If you delay and regret it later, it’ll be too late.”

 

Lu Yun added, “Yes, third brother, listen to Mom and get checked out soon.”

 

Lu Yao felt like he was being roasted over a fire, his ears burning red with embarrassment. “Da-Da Chuan doesn’t have any problems. Maybe I’m just too weak physically. Let’s work on improving my health first.”

 

Hu Chunrong said, “There’s an old woman in my hometown who’s good at helping people get healthier. I can take you to see her when you have time.”

 

“Ah…” Lu Yao nodded hastily, eager to drop the subject.

 

After questioning the three of them, Hu Chunrong shared news from the village—who had a wedding or funeral, who encountered significant events. They chatted for a while before heading to the kitchen to get busy.

 

Outside, Zhao Beichuan was feeding the mule and also fed the chickens and pigs in the yard. The four piglets they’d caught in the mountains earlier had grown considerably, and two of them had been brought back when Father Lu repaired the roof last time. They were much bigger than the ones at home. Always active, he swept the yard and chopped two bundles of firewood before taking a break.

 

Around noon, Father Lu and Lu Lin returned after a morning of weeding in the fields.

 

Seeing the mule cart in the yard, they knew Lu Yao’s family must have returned. Lu Lin immediately turned to fetch some wine.

 

Zhao Beichuan quickly called out to stop him. “Dad, second brother is back. There’s nothing missing at home; no need to buy anything!”

 

Lu Lin led the mule into the yard.

 

In the kitchen, Lu Yao and Hu Chunrong prepared lunch together. They made a pot of braised ribs, sliced the marinated eggs they’d brought, picked some fresh chives from the vegetable garden to stir-fry with eggs, and cut some of the pickled radish their mother had made.

 

At noon, the whole family sat around the kang. The men drank and chatted while the women, ger males, and children feasted on the meat until their bellies were round and full.

 

“Dad, how’s the crop growth in the fields this year?” Zhao Beichuan poured wine for his father-in-law.

 

Lu Guangsheng said, “If we’re talking about good growth, it has to be the patch of land on your mountain. When Lu Lin and I went weeding the other day, the millet there was half a foot taller than others’!”

 

Lu Yun was amazed. “Wow, how did it grow so well?”

 

“A lot of fertilizer was used. Two or three buckets of manure can enrich even the most barren land.”

 

After discussing the fields, Lu Guangsheng began reminiscing about the past. Elderly people loved recalling bygone days. “We’re living a good life now—eating meat and even fine wheat flour. Not to mention, twenty years ago, our family wasn’t nearly as well-off.”

 

“When your mom and I first got married, your grandfather divided us out of the household with just a quilt and two strings of copper coins. Still, we managed to raise all of you.”

 

Mother Lu became upset when he mentioned this.

 

Back then, the in-laws were biased, and the house was too small. When the younger brother got married, they were kicked out. The worst time was when the three of them had to sleep in someone’s livestock shed. Thinking about it still filled her with resentment. If it weren’t for that, the eldest son wouldn’t have developed a weak constitution and died young.

 

After Lu Hai passed away, the two families had stopped interacting, and they hadn’t spoken in years.

 

“Just eat your food. All this meat still can’t block your mouth,” Mother Lu retorted.

 

In the afternoon, the sky grew overcast, and soon it began to drizzle. Mother Lu insisted they stay the night and return tomorrow.

 

The house had enough space. Lu Yun and Lu Miao stayed with their parents in the main hall, while Lu Yao and the three Zhao siblings slept in the west room.

 

It had been a long time since Lu Yao had slept with his nephews and nieces. Xiao Nian and Xiao Dou clung to him, asking for a story.

 

Lu Yao chose a story from Journey to the West and began narrating. Half an hour later, the kids still weren’t sleepy. Worried they wouldn’t wake up on time, he urged them to go to sleep.

 

Xiao Dou hugged his arm. “Sister-in-law, I love sleeping with you. Can I sleep with you again tomorrow?”

 

Zhao Beichuan scowled. “No. You go ask at your school—what kind of big kid still sleeps with their elder brother and sister-in-law? Isn’t it embarrassing?”

 

Xiao Dou pouted and turned away sulking.

 

Lu Yao secretly pinched Zhao Beichuan under the blanket, scolding him for always bullying the kids.

 

But Zhao Beichuan didn’t care. If they kept sleeping together, how could he have private moments with his husband? He wrapped his large hand around Lu Yao’s slender waist and gave it a gentle squeeze. He didn’t dare go further; after all, this was his in-laws’ house.

 

In the main hall, Father Lu and Mother Lu were already snoring loudly.

 

Lu Yun and Lu Miao huddled in the quilt, whispering.

 

The two had always been close, and after so long apart, they had endless things to say.

 

“Is your husband good to you?” Lu Miao asked.

 

“He’s great. He listens to me in everything. I don’t have to do any chores at home, and when he comes back from work, he even massages my back and waist.”

 

“Tsk, tsk. Married life suits you—you can’t stop praising him.”

 

Lu Yun tickled him. “You cheeky brat, daring to tease your elder brother?”

 

Lu Miao laughed and begged for mercy. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. As long as brother-in-law treats you well, I’m at ease. I was always worried you’d be bullied after getting married.”

 

There were many cases of out-of-town spouses being mistreated in their village. Take Lu Xi next door, for example. A few years ago, he married a ger, but the two fought all the time, and his wife was always covered in bruises.

 

“That won’t happen. You Tian isn’t the type to lose his temper. If he ever dared to hit me, I’d divorce him and help Third Brother with the shop in town.”

 

“Don’t say such things lightly. Your little nephew in your belly might hear.”

 

Lu Yun smiled. “What about you? How’s the shop? Third Brother treating you well?”

 

“Yes. He bought me fine cloth for new clothes, lets me eat eggs every day, and occasionally buys us meat. This month, he even paid me 100 extra wen on top of my five taels of silver.”

 

“Third Brother really has changed.”

 

Lowering his voice, Lu Miao added, “I think so too. Sometimes, it feels like he’s a different person…”

 

“If he’s not him, then who? A spirit in disguise?”

 

Lu Miao shivered and hugged Lu Yun. “Don’t say that, brother. You’re scaring me.”

 

—

 

The next day after breakfast, Lu Yao and the others prepared to head back. The shop couldn’t stay closed for too long without affecting business. Lu Yun didn’t leave with them, wanting to stay home for a few more days until Wang Youtian came to pick him up.

 

Lu Miao also wanted to stay, but Mother Lu drove him off. Since there wasn’t much to do at home, it was better for him to go to town to help out and earn some money.

 

The return journey always felt melancholic, even the tender yellow grass along the road didn’t seem as charming.

 

Seeing their lack of enthusiasm, Zhao Beichuan cleared his throat and said, “I remember there’s a big elm tree ahead. When we pass by, let’s pick some elm seeds to eat.”

 

Lu Yao replied, “Sure, I’ll make elm seed cakes for you all.”

 

At the mention of food, the kids’ eyes lit up. “Where are the elm seeds? Where?”

 

“Don’t rush, we’re almost there.”

 

Zhao Beichuan flicked the whip, and Dahua trotted forward. Before long, they spotted the big elm tree he mentioned. After a spring rain yesterday, the elm seeds on the tree had been washed clean, looking fresh and tender.

 

The mule cart stopped by the roadside, and everyone got out. Looking at the tall elm tree, they weren’t sure how to pick the seeds.

 

Zhao Beichuan rolled up his sleeves and said, “I’ll climb up and pick them. You all catch them below.”

 

“Be careful,” Lu Yao said, a bit worried.

 

“Don’t worry.”

 

Zhao Beichuan was incredibly skilled at climbing trees. Since he was a child, he had been climbing trees to fetch bird eggs, and in the village, no one dared claim second place while he was first. Agile like a monkey, he swiftly climbed up the tree in just a few moves and sat on a sturdy branch, starting to pick elm seeds.

 

Picking one cluster at a time was too slow, so Zhao Beichuan simply broke off the branches.

 

Lu Yao led the three children below, happily gathering the fallen seeds.

 

“Over there, over there.”

 

“Big Brother, there’s a big cluster here.”

 

“Zhao Beichuan, be careful.”

 

Zhao Beichuan looked down at the people below and mischievously shook the branch. The elm seeds fell like snow, covering them from head to toe, breaking the earlier gloom with laughter and playfulness.

 

“Hey! Don’t fall.”

 

After picking the last bit, Zhao Beichuan slid down the tree with ease. “Let’s go home and make elm seed cakes.”

 

—

 

By the time they returned home, it was almost noon. Lu Yao lit the fire and cooked a pot of porridge, tossing in a handful of elm seeds. The cooked porridge had a fresh elm aroma, and everyone drank a big bowl.

 

In the afternoon, Lu Yao and Lu Miao washed the elm seeds clean, mixed them with gray flour, and added some sugar, steaming a pot of elm seed cakes.

 

The elm seed cakes were soft, sticky, and sweet, tasting absolutely delicious!

 

Zhao Beichuan said, “I remember when I was young, my mother made elm seed cakes for me. But back then, we couldn’t afford gray flour and used bean flour instead. It was much harder and not as fragrant and sweet as this.”

 

Lu Yao, cheeks puffed out as he chewed, said, “If you like it, we’ll pick some again next year.”

 

Elm seeds ripen for only a day or two before becoming old. Busy with the shop, they wouldn’t have time to pick them again.

 

“Alright.”

 

After eating, Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan got busy grinding soybean milk and fermenting dough. Lu Yao also washed thirty eggs and put them into marinade to sell at the shop.

 

They worked until late evening before finishing. After washing up, they quickly rested, knowing they’d have to wake up early to open the shop the next day.

 

—

 

The next morning, Lu Yao woke up right on time. His biological clock, formed from long-term early risings, worked better than any alarm.

 

Now accustomed to waking early, Lu Yao didn’t feel as tired as before. A one-hour nap in the morning was enough, leaving time in the afternoon to wash clothes and tend the backyard vegetable garden.

 

Zhao Beichuan had just woken up as well. He put on his clothes and lit the oil lamp. The two of them started by lighting the fire to cook soybean milk. They also heated the marinade pot, filling the house with steam in no time.

 

Lu Miao came out of the west room, yawning and still half-asleep.

 

Lu Yao stirred the pot of soybean milk and said, “I told you not to get up so early. The two of us can handle it. Go back to sleep for a bit.”

 

“I won’t sleep. I’ll nap later.” He sat by the stove to help with the fire.

 

Soon, the soybean milk was cooked. Lu Yao filtered it directly into a wooden barrel to make tofu pudding and quickly started cooking another batch.

 

By the time both barrels were done, the sky outside had turned a faint white. The watchman knocked his clapper; it was probably the third watch.

 

Zhao Beichuan hitched up the mule cart, loaded the wooden barrels, and packed everything else. The three of them locked the door and headed to the shop.

 

The second sister-in-law of the Liu family next door heard the commotion and quickly came out to join them.

 

After being closed for two days, there were fewer customers today. Lu Yao lit the stove at the entrance, poured in oil, and started the fire.

 

The first customer was still the old man who collected night soil. As usual, he ordered a bowl of soybean milk, and Lu Yao gave him a misshapen fried dough stick.

 

“Young man, why haven’t I seen you open these past few days?”

 

“I went back to visit my parents.”

 

“Oh, I see.” The old man tore the fried dough stick into pieces, soaking them in his bowl. “Did you know another breakfast shop opened up ahead?”

 

Lu Yao was taken aback. “When did it open?”

 

“Just two days ago. They sell soybean milk and fried dough sticks like you, but they also have sugar cakes and steamed buns. During the days you were closed, I saw many people eating there.”

 

Lu Yao felt stifled, understanding for the first time the saying, “Competitors are enemies.” Although someone else’s business had nothing to do with him, losing profits was frustrating.

 

After the old man finished eating, Lu Yao quickly went to Zhao Beichuan to tell him about it.

 

“How annoying! Opening a breakfast shop so close to us, they’ve taken half our business!”

 

Zhao Beichuan, however, remained calm and reassured him. “Don’t worry, the customers will come back soon. What you make is different from theirs.”

 

“What’s different? It’s all made from soybeans. They’re just missing tofu pudding, and we don’t sell sugar cakes or steamed buns.”

 

“It’s fine. At worst, we’ll make a little less.”

 

A customer arrived, so Lu Yao had to take a deep breath and compose himself, reminding himself that even with less profit, they still earned ten taels of silver a month, better than most.

 

By the end of the morning, when there were no more customers, Lu Yao called Lu Miao and Second Sister Liu to pack up and close.

 

There was half a barrel of soybean milk left, but all the tofu pudding had been sold. Half the dough remained unused, and only ten or so marinated eggs had sold.

 

The leftover soybean milk wasn’t a problem; it could be made into tofu and dried tofu strips, which sold for a penny each and were popular. However, the leftover dough was trickier. With the weather getting warmer, leaving it another day would spoil it. Lu Yao had no choice but to steam it all into buns for their own consumption.

 

Although he told himself to stay calm, counting the day’s earnings felt like bleeding. One string, two strings, three strings… Previously, they earned at least one tael and three qian daily, but today, it was only 750 coins—over 500 less!

 

No, as a transmigrator, how could he let them steal his business opportunity?!

 

Prices couldn’t drop, so new products had to be introduced!

 

In spring, the vegetable garden yielded fresh greens. Chopped and pickled mustard greens would be offered as complimentary sides for diners.

 

Fried dough sticks were made square, with an egg added during frying. A simple egg-fried pastry was delicious and only cost one penny more than a dough stick!

 

New marinated items were also introduced: marinated chicken feet, wings, and necks, all priced at five coins each. These were an instant hit.

 

The townsfolk, mostly ordinary people, couldn’t often afford meat. The shop’s marinated items were affordable and perfect for a treat.

 

Half a month later, the shop’s turnover not only recovered but exceeded previous levels. Meanwhile, the competing shop grew quieter, with business dwindling.

 

One morning, as soon as the shop opened, it was packed with customers.

 

Lu Miao and Second Sister Liu served customers while Lu Miao helped Zhao Beichuan fry dough sticks. Many, rushing to work, bought dough sticks or egg-fried pastries to eat on the go.

 

Lu Yao kneaded the dough into evenly-sized strips and placed them on the counter. Zhao Beichuan took them to the pot, and the two worked seamlessly, frying over ten dough sticks in no time.

 

“Give me two egg-fried pastries.”

 

“Sure, one moment.” Lu Yao prepared the dough and handed it to Zhao Beichuan. Looking up, he was surprised to see the other shop’s boss lady in front of him.

 

Though her face was covered with a cloth, her short, plump figure was unmistakable.

 

“Doesn’t your shop sell these? Why come to buy from us?”

 

The woman hesitated briefly, then angrily pulled off the cloth. “Why ask so many questions? Just take the money if someone wants to buy!”

 

Lu Yao’s temper flared, and he slammed the dough onto the counter. “What? Your own stuff isn’t selling, so you came here to spy?”

 

“Bah! Who do you think you are? Nothing worth spying on.”

 

“Oh~ struggling with your own business and upset by our success? Maybe start by improving your watered-down soybean milk. You think people can’t taste the difference?”

 

“You, you…” The woman flushed with anger.

 

Zhao Beichuan took the fried dough stick out of the pot and raised his head, giving her a cold glance.

 

The woman shivered in fear, spat, and hurriedly turned to leave.

 

A bystander, who had been watching the commotion, bought two fried dough sticks and said, “Boss, you have a sharp tongue, left her speechless.”

 

“Ha, sorry to make you laugh. Business is about being honest. Customers’ eyes are sharp, and they’ll naturally go where the food is better.”

 

“That’s true. When you were closed a few days ago, I went to her place for two days. Although the food is similar, the taste is just not comparable to yours. Their soy milk is watery and not sweet, and their fried dough sticks are an inch shorter. After two days, I came back here.”

 

Lu Yao smiled and gave him an extra fried dough stick. “I can tell you’ve got good taste, big brother. Come often.”

 

“Certainly, certainly.”

 

This incident was just a small episode. That breakfast shop only stayed open for two months before closing down and never causing trouble again.

 

It was almost June, and the annual conscription for corvée labor was about to begin.

 

In previous years, the government allowed commoners to pay three strings of coins to buy exemption from the labor—essentially paying to avoid it. This year, Lu Yao also planned to spend some money to prevent Zhao Beichuan from being conscripted.

 

After all, the shop couldn’t run without him, and the labor was exhausting and grueling. Lu Yao couldn’t bear for Zhao Beichuan to suffer.

 

But on the tenth day of June, during the town’s market fair, the headman from Bayangou Village sent word that this year, labor would involve building the imperial tomb. The authorities had decreed that all able-bodied men within the age range, unless seriously ill or disabled, must participate.