Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 59

Chapter 59

 

Lu Yao was extremely anxious when he heard the news and decided to return to the village immediately to find out what was going on.

 

The two of them tidied up the shop, went home to change clothes, and hurriedly drove back to Bayangou Village.

 

On the way, Zhao Beichuan kept comforting him, “It’s okay. If we really can’t pay to avoid the corvée, I’ll go. We’ll save three strings of coins that way.”

 

“No way.” Lu Yao had thought through more than Zhao Beichuan. Firstly, this time the labor wasn’t local, and the travel distance was uncertain.

 

Secondly, building the imperial tomb was different from digging canals or repairing roads. Such work was usually managed by higher-level officials who were unlikely to be easygoing. If something went wrong, it would be hard to find a way to mediate. If he got sick or injured, there wouldn’t even be anyone to take care of him. In short, Lu Yao absolutely did not want him to go through this.

 

The two of them drove into the village and, passing the entrance, encountered some women and househusbands chatting under a tree.

 

Among them was Second Sister-in-law Tian, who waved to Lu Yao. “Lu Yao, you’re back!”

 

“Hey, Second Sister-in-law.” Lu Yao got off the cart and walked over.

 

Most of these people had bought tofu from him and were familiar with Lu Yao.

 

“What brings you back today?”

 

“Sigh, it’s about the corvée. I heard this year we can’t pay to avoid it, so I came back with Da Chuan to find out more.”

 

Aunt Ding said, “That’s true. In the past, a household only needed to send up to three men. This year, all five of my sons have to go. I’ve been too worried to sleep for days.”

 

Another woman said, “There’s nothing we can do. Can we fight against the authorities? If we have to go, we have to go.”

 

Lu Yao asked, “Do you know where the labor will be this year?”

 

The women all shook their heads. “No idea. You should ask the village head.”

 

“Alright.” Lu Yao got back on the cart, waved goodbye to them, and left.

 

The others watched the mule cart and couldn’t help but sigh. “The Zhao family is really wealthy now. Look at the clothes Lu Yao and Da Chuan are wearing, all made of fine cloth. They must have a lot of money.”

 

Second Sister-in-law Tian laughed. “They’re hardworking. I heard they sell breakfast now. Getting up early and working late isn’t something just anyone can endure.”

 

“Huh? Weren’t they selling tofu before?”

 

“Tofu must not sell well anymore. I heard the Yang family in the village also started making tofu, though I don’t know where they got the recipe.”

 

Everyone started talking about someone else, no longer mentioning the Zhao family.

 

In the village, Zhao Beichuan parked the mule cart in front of the village head’s house, tied up the mule, and the two of them hurried inside.

 

Once inside, Lu Yao got straight to the point. “Uncle, can’t there be some flexibility this year? Or maybe we could pay more money to swap spots with another family?”

 

Yang Shulin looked troubled. “The government just posted a notice two days ago. All men between fifteen and fifty-five must perform corvée. Our village has to send 120 men.”

 

Every man for himself. This time, not only did Zhao Beichuan have to go, but even the village head’s two sons had to go. Only those with academic titles were exempt from labor. And last year, the age was eighteen. This year, it was reduced by three years, showing how desperate the authorities were for manpower.

 

Lu Yao cursed silently, this damned feudal society!

 

“Where will they serve? It just says to build the imperial tomb.”

 

The village head didn’t know either. He was just a local official and didn’t have much power or connections.

 

Leaving the village head’s house, Lu Yao was full of worry. Just thinking about being separated from Zhao Beichuan for several months made him extremely upset.

 

Zhao Beichuan noticed his concern, held his hand, and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “It’s okay. Don’t think too much. Let’s go to Lujiacun and let your father know. While I’m away, he can come to town to watch over you all.”

 

He would be gone for several months, and Zhao Beichuan was uneasy about leaving Lu Yao alone with three children. Besides, the shop couldn’t manage without help.

 

“Alright.” Lu Yao nodded gloomily.

 

The two arrived in Lujiacun at noon. Mother Lu smiled and said, “You two came at the right time. I made dumplings today!”

 

After lunch, Zhao Beichuan mentioned to Father Lu about going to town. “In a few days, I’ll have to perform corvée. I’m worried that the family won’t manage well with just Lu Yao and the children, so I hope you can stay in town for a while.”

 

Lu Guangsheng readily agreed. “Just let me know when. I’ll have Er Lin take me there.”

 

“We leave on the fifteenth of June. There are five days left.”

 

“Alright, don’t worry. With me there, everything will be fine.”

 

The two didn’t stay long and returned right after eating.

 

On the way back, Lu Yao was very downcast. Zhao Beichuan, not being good with words, didn’t know how to comfort him.

 

After dinner, Zhao Beichuan locked the main gate, checked on the livestock, and washed up before entering the house.

 

Lu Yao was sewing something. Under the oil lamp, his eyes were red, as if he had just cried. It was heart-wrenching to see.

 

Zhao Beichuan took off his shoes and sat beside him, tucking the loose hair on Lu Yao’s forehead behind his ear. “It’s just a few months. I’ll be back soon.”

 

“…”

 

“Don’t be sad. I’m in good health and will be fine.”

 

The more he comforted him, the more Lu Yao felt suffocated, and his tears kept falling, blurring his vision as he tried to thread the needle.

 

Zhao Beichuan sighed, took the needle and thread from him, turned him around, and gently kissed the tears on his face. “You can’t bear to let me go, can you?”

 

“I… I’m not…”

 

“Then why are you crying?”

 

Lu Yao, stubborn as ever, said, “I’m crying because… because when you’re gone, there’ll be no one to do the work…”

 

“I’m just a beast of burden to you?”

 

“That’s right, you are a beast of burden!” Lu Yao couldn’t help but collapse onto his shoulder, sobbing. He wasn’t usually sentimental, but in this era, performing corvée really could mean death!

 

Not to mention, in Bayangou Village alone, someone died during corvée almost every year. Some were overworked, some succumbed to heatstroke, and others were drowned or crushed by falling rocks…

 

In this era where human life was as insignificant as grass, a brief separation could easily turn into an eternal one.

 

Zhao Beichuan couldn’t bear to see him like this. His heart felt like it was breaking. He gently patted Lu Yao’s back, feeling indescribable sorrow himself.

 

Before meeting Lu Yao, his only attachments were Xiaonian and Xiaodou. Now, he had an even greater attachment.

 

“Promise me you’ll come back safely!”

 

“I promise.”

 

The five days flew by in the blink of an eye.

 

Even the children knew about Zhao Beichuan’s upcoming departure and were visibly worried, especially Xiaonian, who had been sullen for days.

 

Lu Yao had to pull himself together to comfort the children while preparing everything Zhao Beichuan would need for the trip.

 

Labor service involved arduous and exhausting tasks, so clothes could only be made of durable coarse fabric. Lu Yao gave him two sets of old clothes for changing. He brought two pairs of straw sandals and one pair of cloth shoes, so he could choose what to wear depending on the situation.

 

The wooden bowl and spoon for meals were custom-made by a carpenter. Since ceramic bowls could easily break during the long journey, they were not practical.

 

Three water flasks were packed to have backups in case one leaked. A sewing kit was also included; Lu Yao feared he might tear his clothes and not have replacements, so he could mend them on the go.

 

Raincoats and bamboo hats were essential for the summer rainy season. Although the weather was warm, getting soaked in rain could still lead to illness.

 

For sleeping, he brought straw mats since blankets were too bulky to carry. The mats could be rolled up and spread out on the ground at night.

 

As for money, Lu Yao sewed ten taels of silver into each of his two garments.

 

Zhao Beichuan thought it was too much and worried about being robbed.

 

Lu Yao shot him a glare. “This money is for emergencies. Don’t hesitate to use it if necessary. Money can be earned again, but if you lose your life, it’s all over!”

 

“Alright, I understand,” Zhao Beichuan replied. Last time he went for labor service, he only brought a ceramic bowl and one set of clothes. This time, he was laden with a large, packed bag.

 

The backpack was handmade by Lu Yao from cowhide. It was waterproof and wear-resistant, much like modern travel backpacks—sturdy and durable.

 

On the morning of the fifteenth day of the sixth month, the Zhao household was already brightly lit early in the morning. Unlike usual, there was no breakfast preparation; instead, they were sending off Zhao Beichuan.

 

Lu Yao meticulously packed everything into the leather bag and, after confirming nothing was missing, handed it to Zhao Beichuan.

 

“Take care of yourself while I’m gone. If work at the shop becomes too much, hire someone to help. Don’t overwork yourself.”

 

Lu Yao hummed in response but turned away, tears streaming down.

 

Zhao Beichuan grasped his chin, gave him a fierce kiss as if trying to swallow him whole, and whispered, “Wait for me to come back,” while rubbing his thumb against Lu Yao’s lips.

 

With that, he shouldered the bag, picked up his belongings, and headed out.

 

Lu Yao followed in a flurry. Lu Miao and Xiao Nian had also woken up. Hearing the door open, they came out as well, leaving only little Xiaodou still sleeping soundly, unaware that his elder brother had already left.

 

Lu Yao didn’t let Xiao Nian wake him. Once Xiaodou woke, he would cry uncontrollably and beg him not to leave.

 

The three of them accompanied Zhao Beichuan to the street corner.

 

Zhao Beichuan waved. “Don’t come any further. Go back home!” Lu Yao held onto the two children, stopping in their tracks, and watched him until he was out of sight. Only then did they turn back.

 

Back home, Lu Yao lay on the kang, completely dispirited. He decided to take the day off and reopen the shop the next day.

 

Recalling TV dramas he had scoffed at in his past life, where characters kept saying they missed their loved ones on the first day of separation, Lu Yao now understood how hard parting was. Zhao Beichuan had only been gone for less than an hour, yet his heart was already restless with longing.

 

By the second quarter of the hour in Mao(5-7am), Zhao Xiaodou woke up. The first thing he did was ask whether his elder brother had left.

 

Xiao Nian replied, “Big Brother left early. Who told you to wake up late?”

 

Xiaodou froze for a moment, and then tears started streaming down his face. Soon, he was bawling loudly, “Why didn’t you wake me? I want Big Brother! I want to find Big Brother!”

 

Hearing the cries, Lu Yao quickly got up from the kang and rushed to the west room to console him. “Don’t cry. Be a good boy and stop crying.”

 

“Brother-in-law… I want to see… Big Brother… I want to go… see him…” Xiaodou, being only six years old, was no older than a kindergartener in modern times. Stubbornly, he wanted to see Zhao Beichuan one last time.

 

Unable to calm him, Lu Yao suddenly had an idea. Labor service recruits had to gather in town for roll call before setting off. Maybe they could still catch him.

 

“Let’s go. I’ll take you to see your Big Brother!”

 

At this, Xiaodou stopped crying, hastily put on his shoes, and got ready.

 

Lu Yao grabbed a burlap sack and packed more than ten salted eggs from the pot. That morning, Zhao Beichuan had only eaten two coarse steamed buns, and Lu Yao had forgotten to pack the eggs. If they met him, they could give him the eggs. If not, he would share them with the children.

 

After getting ready, Xiao Nian and Xiaodou excitedly prepared to leave, while Lu Miao offered to stay home and keep watch, as Lu Guangsheng was visiting that day.

 

Carrying the sack of eggs, Lu Yao led Xiao Nian and Xiaodou outside, asking for directions along the way to find the roll-call location.

 

Meanwhile, Zhao Beichuan arrived at the training ground on the eastern side of town under the cover of darkness. The site, previously used for military drills, had been abandoned after the army relocated north. It now served as the gathering point for villagers summoned for labor service.

 

As the hours passed, villagers from nearby areas began to arrive in groups, discussing the labor destination and tasks.

 

Seeing Wang Youtian from Willow Tree Village and his two older brothers, Zhao Beichuan greeted them with a wave.

 

“Brother-in-law!” Wang Youtian ran over cheerfully. “I was hoping to see you, and here you are!”

 

“Are all your brothers here this year?”

 

“Yes. They’re not allowing us to pay the exemption fee this year. My dad wanted to exempt my eldest brother because he injured his back during last year’s harvest and still can’t do heavy work, but no luck.”

 

Zhao Beichuan thought to himself, even Old Wang, who had military connections, couldn’t manage the exemption fee this year. Things must be strict.

 

“How’s your fourth brother’s health?”

 

“He’s doing well. With our parents and sisters-in-law at home, I’m not worried.” Wang Youtian grinned, thinking about Lu Yun, who was seven months pregnant. By the time he returned, he might already be a father.

 

As they spoke, dawn began to break, and villagers from Bayou Village and Lu Family Village also arrived.

 

From afar, Zhao Guang noticed Zhao Beichuan. His towering height made him stand out from the crowd.

 

“Da Chuan!”

 

“Uncle Zhao.” Zhao Beichuan walked over.

 

“I thought you wouldn’t be coming this year.”

 

“I was going to pay the exemption fee, but the village chief said it wasn’t allowed.”

 

“Well, just do the work. Two months of hard labor can earn three strings of cash.” Zhao Guang was unaware that their food shop made a string of cash in just one day.

 

Zhao Beichuan didn’t bother correcting him.

 

The crowd grew larger as villagers, carrying their belongings, gathered from all directions, many with nervous expressions.

 

At this point, they still didn’t know where they would be sent for labor service. Some said Pingzhou, others mentioned Youzhou, and some guessed Fanyang. All these places were hundreds of miles away, causing unease among the group.

 

At the second quarter of the hour in the Mao period, government officials arrived—about a dozen of them on horseback or in carriages loaded with supplies, primarily rations for the journey.

 

These officials, familiar faces in the town, were strict but not abusive. They were also understanding in emergencies. However, their responsibility ended with escorting the labor recruits; everything else was out of their hands.

 

“Alright, quiet down, everyone! We’ll start roll call now. Those called will step forward and form four lines.”

 

“Big Liu Village, Liu Zhanfu!”

 

“Here!” A middle-aged man stepped forward to stand behind the official.

 

“Willow Tree Village, Wang Youliang!”

 

“Here!” Wang’s eldest brother moved to another official.

 

“Bayou Village, Qin Laomen!”

 

“Coming!” An elderly man stepped out…

 

With six or seven officials calling names simultaneously, the process went quickly. Zhao Beichuan was the last to be called. As he approached, the official waved him over. It turned out to be the same man who had delivered fish during his last labor stint.

 

The official recognized him. “You’ll be in charge of your village’s group. Keep an eye on everyone during breaks to make sure no one runs off. If anyone tries to escape labor, you’ll face punishment with them!”

 

“Understood.”

 

Avoiding corvée was not a new thing. Every year, someone in the village would try to escape it. Though one could run away from the monks, they couldn’t escape the temple; once the corvée was over and they were caught, they would face heavy punishment. Yet, there were still people too afraid to go and tried to avoid it.

 

Qiushui Town had a total of thirteen villages, and after the roll call and organizing the line, it was already almost the third watch. The officials read out a bunch of pompous words, such as “The holy decree is clear, the blessings extend for generations,” but the simple common folk could hardly understand them.

 

The location of their corvée assignment turned out to be Fanyang City, which was 1,300 miles away from Qiushui Town. On foot, they could travel a maximum of sixty miles per day. If they didn’t encounter delays, it would still take at least twenty days to get there.

 

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the group varied. The elderly were already starting to shed tears. The journey was long, and the weather was hot. They feared that before reaching their destination, they might die on the road.

 

The authorities demanded that they arrive in Fanyang within thirty days, or they would be heavily punished for any delays. The small officials were also nervous. After finishing the roll call, they hurriedly urged the village ahead to start moving, and the rest followed.

 

Zhao Beichuan stood in the queue for Bayangou Village, checking to make sure no one was missing, then followed the group as they began to move forward.

 

Suddenly, it seemed like he heard someone calling his name.

 

“Zhao Beichuan—”

 

The voice sounded like Lu Yao’s. Zhao Beichuan anxiously turned around, faintly seeing three figures running toward him in the distance. It was none other than Lu Yao, Xiaonian, and Xiaodou!