Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 72

Chapter 72

After the New Year, Douzi became even more diligent in his studies.

There were just over two months left until the county examination, and the village school had already started accepting registrations.

Anyone wishing to participate in the county examination had to register before the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Late registrations would not be accepted.

This was because the government needed to verify household registrations and backgrounds. Merchants, military households, clerks, or anyone with a criminal record were all disqualified from taking the imperial examinations.

In addition, five scholars were required as guarantors. The village school only had three scholars, so the remaining two had to be hired from elsewhere for a fee.

Lu Yao thought of Scholar Xu and sought his help as a guarantor. Xu Dengke hesitated when he learned it was for the Zhao family’s younger brother. Letting a seven-year-old child take the imperial examination sounded like a joke; even for child scholars, it was no easy feat.

Lu Yao couldn’t be bothered to argue with him and directly handed over one string of coins. Xu Dengke immediately agreed to write the guarantee.

The last guarantor was an elderly scholar in town, who also agreed after being paid one string of coins, and together they completed Zhao Beidou’s guarantee document.

Originally, Lin Zijian also wanted to participate in this county examination, but time was tight. After the New Year, they received a letter from the capital urging Old Master Lin to return as soon as possible.

Now that Lin Jingxian had mostly recovered, it was time for them to leave. The only thing weighing on their minds was Zhao Beidou’s upcoming examination.

On the morning of the tenth day of the lunar month, Douzi, as usual, arrived at the Lin residence early. First, he practiced the Five-Animal Frolics exercise with Lin Zijian outside, and then they went indoors to listen to Old Master Lin explain the final volume of the Five Classics, Spring and Autumn.

Spring and Autumn, also known as The Spring and Autumn Annals or The Classic of Spring and Autumn, records the history of the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period. It is the longest of the Thirteen Classics, blending history and moral instruction, with interpretations varying widely.

Although the two children could recite the text, understanding its deeper meanings was not something they could grasp in just a few days. Restricted by their age, they struggled to comprehend its profound content. Lin Jingxian could only select simpler parts to teach them.

They studied until noon, when a servant brought lunch. Zhao Beidou stood up to leave.

Lin Zijian grabbed his hand and said, “Don’t go, stay and eat with us.”

Douzi shook his head. “I can’t, or my sister-in-law will scold me.”

“Stay. In a few days, we’ll be leaving.”

Douzi was taken aback. “Where are you going?”

“Back to the capital. I heard Father say a few days ago that preparations are already underway. We’ll leave in four to eight days.”

Douzi looked at Old Master Lin in disbelief. “Grandpa Lin, are you leaving?”

Lin Jingxian stroked his beard and nodded. “I originally planned to stay until after your county examination results were out, but it seems we can’t wait that long.” This year was the triennial imperial examination year, and as an official at the Imperial Academy, he needed to return to oversee the metropolitan examination.

Douzi’s eyes turned red, and he began to sob. “What will I do when you’re gone? I haven’t learned everything yet…”

Seeing him cry, Lin Zijian also felt like crying. He didn’t want to part with his good friend. “Why don’t you come to the capital with us?”

“I can’t. What about my brother and sister-in-law?”

The two children looked at each other, then hugged and cried bitterly.

Old Master Lin couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t be sad. All gatherings eventually come to an end. Beidou, if you study hard and pursue the path of the imperial examinations, we’ll meet again someday.”

Douzi wiped his tears and said, “Grandpa Lin, I’ll work hard and go to the capital to visit you soon!”

Lin Jingxian patted his head. “Good boy. Grandpa will wait for you in the capital.”

—

After the Lantern Festival, on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, the Lin family set off for the capital.

The weather was cold, and the Lin family hired ten carriages. A large group of dozens of people made their way out of town.

Suddenly, someone called out from behind, “Wait! Wait a moment!”

Zhao Beichuan and his younger brother ran after the carriages. The driver of the last carriage heard the shouting and pulled the reins. “What’s the matter?”

“I… I forgot to give my gift to Zijian. Could you please help pass it to him?”

Hearing this, the driver quickly got off the carriage to take the package. Inside was a letter, a writing brush, and Douzi’s favorite bamboo dragonfly toy.

No one could have predicted that, years later, these two influential figures in court had once been childhood friends.

—

After the Lin family left, Douzi studied alone. In the mornings, he attended the village school, and in the afternoons, he practiced the Five-Animal Frolics until he broke a light sweat before continuing to memorize texts and practice calligraphy.

When Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan returned home with their mule cart, they saw Douzi resting his chin on his hands with a troubled expression, as if something was bothering him.

“What’s wrong, Zhao Beidou, our little scholar?” Lu Yao asked.

“Sister-in-law…” Douzi pouted and walked over, tugging at her sleeve. “I really miss Grandpa Lin and the others.”

Lu Yao patted his head. “When you pass the child scholar exam, I’ll take you to the capital.”

Douzi knew how difficult it was to pass the child scholar exam. Grandpa Lin had explained that out of two million students from thirteen provinces, only a few thousand passed each year. But he was confident!

“There’s one more thing. Today, the teacher taught something different from what Grandpa Lin taught, and it’s been troubling me.”

“Then you should listen to Grandpa Lin,” Lu Yao said. “He’s a director at the Imperial Academy. What kind of qualifications does the village teacher have?”

“But the teacher insists we learn it his way.”

Lu Yao frowned. The village teacher’s knowledge was limited, and his teachings were basic. If Douzi stayed in this small town, his progress might be stunted. This was indeed a problem.

“Focus on preparing for the county examination first. If you pass and become a child scholar, I’ll think of another solution.”

“Okay!”

That night, Lu Yao mentioned this issue to Zhao Beichuan.

Zhao Beichuan wasn’t too concerned. “You’re worrying too early. Whether or not he passes the child scholar exam is still uncertain.” After all, he was just a seven-year-old boy, not even waist-high, yet thinking of taking the child scholar exam and even the scholar exam.

Lu Yao pinched his arm. “You shouldn’t think that way. It’s a good thing for a child to have goals. We should encourage him to strive forward. If he really passes, staying in this small town won’t be an option.”

Zhao Beichuan lay back. “What do you propose?”

“If Douzi passes the child scholar exam and exempts you from corvée labor, we should take the money and move to the county seat—or maybe even to Pingzhou prefecture!”

“Pingzhou prefecture?” Zhao Beichuan raised his head in shock.

“Yes. The education there must be better than here. Instead of stagnating in this small place, we should aim higher!”

After a moment of silence, Zhao Beichuan said, “You’re really bold.”

“Why?”

“Nothing. Just amazed. Ordinary people wouldn’t even think of leaving their village, and here you are considering the prefecture.”

“What’s there to fear? I’ve heard the prefecture is prosperous. If we open a food shop there, we might earn more than we do here!”

Zhao Beichuan was a little tempted. During his corvée labor, he had visited Pingzhou prefecture once. Though he didn’t stay long, he had seen its bustling streets.

“Let’s wait until Douzi finishes the county examination. If he passes, we’ll visit the prefecture.”

“You agree?” Lu Yao leaned closer to him.

“You’re the boss at home. Do I dare say no?”

Lu Yao laughed and kissed his cheek. “You’re so sweet, husband.”

Zhao Beichuan hummed, lips pressed. “You’re just flattering me.”

“When have I ever flattered you? I said you’re good, and I mean it.”

“Fine. Kiss me again.”

Lu Yao leaned in to kiss him, but he was pulled into a full embrace and kissed deeply.

Both enjoyed their intimate moments. Since Zhao Beichuan’s return from labor service, Lu Yao felt his body had adjusted. Unlike before, when it hurt after one or two times, now it was completely pleasurable. He wished he could fully embrace Zhao Beichuan.

They were up until late at night again. Exhausted, Lu Yao fell asleep. Zhao Beichuan removed the damp bedding beneath them and replaced it with a clean one, deciding to wash the soiled one the next day.

—

In the blink of an eye, it was the 20th day of the first lunar month, leaving only a little over ten days until the county exam.

During these past few days, Douzi no longer attended the local school but instead studied alone at home. Xiaonian dared not disturb him and spent his days playing with Liu Yue at the neighboring Liu family’s house.

In the morning, Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan were still busy at their shop. After the New Year, Lu Miao had not returned; on the second day of the New Year, their mother mentioned plans to arrange a match for her this year.

Lu Yao thought it was a bit early since Miao was only sixteen after the New Year. In the era he came from, kids that age were just starting high school.

However, in ancient times, most people got married at sixteen or seventeen and became parents before turning twenty.

By late morning, Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan finished most of their work, tidied up, and prepared to head home. On the way, they happened to run into Scholar Xu.

He looked at the two in surprise and said, “You—you brothers are supposed to take the county exam, right? Why—why haven’t you set out yet?”

“Isn’t there still more than ten days left?”

“Aiya! The journey itself will take two days, and once you arrive, you’ll need to secure accommodation and rest in advance. If you arrive late, there might not be anywhere left to stay!”

Lu Yao grew anxious upon hearing this. Nobody had mentioned such details to them before, and they had assumed arriving a day early would suffice.

“Thank you so much!”

Scholar Xu waved his hand, “No need to thank me, no need.”

When they returned home, Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan quickly began packing. Initially, they had planned for Zhao Beichuan to accompany him to the county alone. But with the shop already short-staffed, leaving Lu Yao and Liu Ersao to manage would be impossible.

Lu Yao decided to close the shop entirely and take Xiaonian along, bringing the entire family of four to the county for a visit! He had never been to the county before, so it was a good chance to broaden their horizons.

When Douzi and Xiaonian heard they were going to the county, they jumped around excitedly!

“Sis-in-law, are you really taking me?” Xiaonian tugged on Lu Yao’s arm, her little face glowing red.

“Yes, I’m going too. I can’t leave you at home alone.”

“That’s great~ Sis-in-law, you’re the best!”

Lu Yao smiled, patting her head. “Hurry and pack your things. We’ll leave early tomorrow morning.”

“Okay!”

After lunch, Zhao Beichuan went to the local yamen to inquire if any documents were needed for travel to the county, apart from household registration papers.

The official informed him that no paperwork was needed to travel to the county, but going to the prefecture would require permission from the county yamen.

After thanking the official, Zhao Beichuan rushed home to inform Lu Yao.

“That’s good to know. Let’s get everything ready.” The journey from the town to the county would take two days by cart. With the freezing weather, they needed extra bedding to keep the children from catching a cold.

They also needed food, clothes, writing supplies for Douzi, and, most importantly, money.

Lu Yao pulled out a clay pot and counted the money inside: 483 taels of silver and over six strings of copper coins. The family had spent more than 50 taels during Lu Father’s funeral, or else they would have already saved enough to buy gentry status.

Lu Yao sighed. “It’s unsafe to carry so much money on the road, but leaving it at home isn’t safe either. If only we could exchange it for silver notes.”

“Silver notes? What are those?” Zhao Beichuan had never heard of such a thing.

“It’s like exchanging silver for paper. You can redeem the money at a bank whenever you need it.”

“That won’t work. What if the bank denies it?”

Lu Yao chuckled wryly. In this era, such a situation wasn’t impossible. In the end, he took out 83 taels of silver and six strings of copper coins, burying the remaining 400 taels in the pigsty the next day.

It took the family until evening to pack, filling two large bundles of luggage. That night, Lu Yao made seven or eight flatbreads and fried a jar of oil tea paste—perfect for the road, as it could be prepared with hot water. He added sugar, candied fruits, and sesame from the Lin family, making it sweet and filling.

The next morning, before dawn, the Zhao family was already up.

The two children were so excited they hardly slept.

Zhao Beichuan loaded the luggage onto the mule cart, spreading the bedding inside so they could wrap themselves in blankets.

Douzi and Xiaonian climbed onto the cart first, while Lu Yao closed all the windows and doors and locked the house. On the way, Zhao Beichuan handed the keys to the Liu family and asked them to look after their chickens.

“You’re leaving already?” Old Man Liu asked, looking at the cart.

“Yes, we’re worried about not finding accommodations if we arrive late and delaying the child’s exam.”

Liu chuckled. “Douzi, do your best and aim to become the top scorer!”

“Got it!” Douzi nodded firmly.

The mule cart carried the family out of town. At first, the children were excited and chatty, but after an hour in the icy weather, they grew sleepy.

Lu Yao tucked them in and used a bundle to block the wind so they could nap. With two layers of bedding underneath and two thick quilts on top, they should stay warm.

Lu Yao tapped Zhao Beichuan, who was driving the cart. “Are you cold?”

“I’m fine. Once the sun comes out, it won’t be cold.” He was dressed in two thick padded coats, padded pants, a cotton hat, and a thick scarf.

Lu Yao was also bundled up like a ball. His body wasn’t cold, but his feet were a bit chilly.

“I wonder if we’ll find a place to stay when we get to the county.”

Zhao Beichuan wasn’t worried. “There will definitely be inns. If not, we can spend a little more to rent a house.”

Lu Yao looked forward to it. “We can also explore the county and bring back something interesting.”

“Yes.”

After traveling for half a day, they covered over forty li without encountering a single cart, though there were plenty of tracks in the snow, indicating others had passed through.

By noon, the children had woken up, sweating from the thick blankets and coats.

Not wanting them to catch cold, Lu Yao asked Zhao Beichuan to stop and rest while boiling water for lunch.

“Whoa—” Zhao Beichuan stopped the cart by a large tree and went to gather firewood.

Lu Yao got off the cart and scooped a potful of clean snow into the clay pot.

The children, cooled off, joined to help. They piled stones into a small stove and placed the pot on top to start a fire.

Douzi poked at the embers with a stick, laughing. “This is so fun, like playing house.”

Xiaonian laughed. “You’re about to take the county exam, and you’re still playing house? How embarrassing.”

Douzi blushed and muttered, “Women and petty people are hard to deal with.”

Xiaonian didn’t understand his scholarly tone, but Lu Yao did. She scolded, “Zhao Beidou, what did you just say?”

Douzi shrank back, stammering, “Sis-in-law, I…”

Lu Yao pinched his ear. “How dare you say such a thing about your sister? What’s the point of studying if you can’t respect family?”

Zhao Beichuan was startled by her sudden anger. “What’s wrong?”

“The phrase ‘women and petty people are hard to deal with’ comes from the Analects. It criticizes those who are insincere and difficult to get along with, saying they are arrogant when close and resentful when distant. How can he use this to insult his sister?”

Douzi burst into tears. “I’m sorry, Sis-in-law! I didn’t mean it!” He hadn’t intended to insult Xiaonian; he’d just recited the phrase without thinking.

Zhao Beichuan sternly said, “Apologize to your sister!”

Lu Yao let go, and Douzi ran to Xiaonian. “Sister, I’m sorry! I won’t say that again.”

Xiaonian wiped his tears and threatened, “If you dare say it again, I’ll spank you myself before Sis-in-law does!”

Lu Yao handed out pieces of warmed flatbread and scooped hot water from the pot for everyone to mix with the tea paste.

The tea paste was sweet and fragrant, and the children loved it. They each drank two bowls.

After eating, Zhao Beichuan fed the mule some beans, and the group continued on their way.

In the afternoon, they encountered a covered wagon heading to the county and followed it for safety.

By evening, they reached a relay station at Silianting.

The wagon ahead stopped, and Zhao Beichuan guided their mule cart inside. Sleeping outside at night was too dangerous due to the cold, potential robbers, and wild animals.

Inside, a clerk greeted them. Lu Yao noticed two women stepping out of the wagon—one older and one about Xiaonian’s age.

The driver rented a room for the women and a stable for himself.

Lu Yao asked the clerk, “How much for a room?”

“One hundred and fifty coins.”

The price was steep, but relay stations often charged high rates. “We’ll take one. Is there a place for the mule?”

“Yes, you can leave it in the yard for twenty coins a night. We’ll feed it, too.”

Everything had a price.

Lu Yao handed over 170 coins.

“Will you need dinner?”

Lu Yao shook his head. “Is hot water free?”

“Yes.”

“Please bring us a pot, then.”

“Right away.” The clerk, used to all kinds of travelers, didn’t react and quickly fetched a pot of hot water.

Zhao Beichuan parked the cart in the yard, bringing the bedding and bundles into their room.

The family gathered around the table, observing the station.

The main hall had six tables, a wine cabinet, and a menu board with clear prices.

Lu Yao checked the menu: ten dishes priced between thirty and fifty coins, and staple foods like millet rice, soup noodles, steamed buns, and dumplings. Dumplings came in two fillings—vegetarian for thirty-five coins and meat for fifty.

“Do you want dumplings?”

The two children shook their heads simultaneously; it was too expensive. With that money, they could buy meat and make a whole pot of dumplings themselves.

After a short while, the attendant brought over a pot of hot water and thoughtfully provided a few ceramic bowls. “The water is hot; be careful not to burn yourself, sir.”

“Thank you.”

Zhao Beichuan finished tidying up and came over, whispering, “The room is so small, it’s not even as big as the side room at home.”

“Inns are like this. The purpose is to make the rooms small enough to accommodate fewer people so they can sell more rooms.”

The two children responded with an “Oh,” thinking their sister-in-law was knowledgeable and understood everything.

That night, they still ate flatbread soaked in tea oil. Once they were full, they returned directly to their room.

Holding an oil lamp, they opened the door, and Zhao Beichuan’s face immediately darkened. The originally neatly placed luggage was now scattered—someone had entered their room!