Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 78

Chapter 78

 

Lu Yao sat in the cart, flipping the bronze token in his hand. The token was finely crafted, with a mountain design engraved on the front and the character “Liang” inscribed on the back in seal script.

 

“What is this for?”

 

“That officer earlier challenged me to a strength competition. He said if I could beat him, I could seek his help in Pingzhou Prefecture in the future,” Zhao Beichuan explained.

 

Lu Yao’s eyes lit up. “I didn’t expect such a good thing to happen! Even though we may not need to rely on this Master Liang, having an extra backer is always a good thing!”

 

“Big Brother, you’re amazing!” Xiao Nian and Xiao Dou couldn’t help but praise him.

 

Zhao Beichuan said, “Forget it. I don’t like dealing with these officials. They’re always shouting and threatening violence, scaring the life out of people. If I encounter them again, I’d rather avoid them.”

 

Lu Yao knew that the forced labor had left a deep impression on him. He patted Zhao Beichuan on the back. “Then let’s try not to interact with him in the future.”

 

In the afternoon, they traveled thirty li and encountered a cart stuck in a mud pit on the way.

 

The cart was deeply mired, and the people in it had all gotten out to push, but it wouldn’t budge. Upon seeing Zhao Beichuan’s mule cart approaching, the driver quickly waved to stop them.

 

“Brother, can you help pull the cart out?”

 

Lu Yao poked his head out and saw a round-faced young man standing nearby. It was the same person they had met outside the examination hall.

 

Qin Hao also recognized Lu Yao and ran over excitedly. “Did your brother pass the exam?”

 

“Yes. Did your husband pass too?”

 

Qin Hao nodded with a smile. “He did. We’re on our way to the prefectural exam, but the cart got stuck in the mud.”

 

Seeing it was someone familiar, Zhao Beichuan quickly got down from the cart to help.

 

The driver suggested unhitching the mule and using it to pull the cart. Zhao Beichuan walked over, pushed the cart, and said, “No need for the mule. Just drive the horse forward while I push from behind.”

 

“It won’t work. The three of us couldn’t move it earlier,” the driver said.

 

“Let’s try again,” Zhao Beichuan replied.

 

The driver flushed with embarrassment but said nothing, thinking this man was really trying to show off. If it could be pushed, wouldn’t they have moved it already?

 

Zhang Shumin said, “Uncle Fang, you drive the cart. I’ll help this brother push.”

 

“Alright,” the driver said. He grabbed the reins and shouted, “Giddy up!”

 

Zhao Beichuan placed his hands on the cart and pushed with all his strength. The wheels instantly came free, and the cart rolled out of the mud pit.

 

“Whoa!” The horse moved so quickly that the driver almost got pulled down. He looked at Zhao Beichuan in astonishment. “Brother, you’re incredibly strong!”

 

Zhang Shumin cupped his hands in thanks. “Thank you for your help, brother!”

 

Zhao Beichuan waved it off. “It’s nothing. Since we’re heading the same way, let’s travel together.”

 

“That would be great!” With such a strong companion, the journey would surely be safer.

 

They traveled intermittently, stopping occasionally. During breaks, Lu Yao and Qin Hao often chatted. They were of similar age and both outgoing, quickly becoming friends.

 

From Qin Hao, Lu Yao learned that Zhang’s second uncle lived in Pingzhou City, and they were staying at his place for the prefectural exam. Qin Hao also shared some stories about the city, passed down from his elders, as this was his first time visiting.

 

Xiao Douzi often brought books to consult with Zhang Shumin. After learning that Zhao Beidou, the seven-year-old “child prodigy,” was part of the Zhao family, Zhang Shumin looked at them differently.

 

When the results of the county exam came out, Zhang had doubted the rankings.

 

Although Zhao Beidou ranked last, he was only seven years old and had likely only studied for a year or two. How could he have passed as a scholar?

 

After spending time together, Zhang Shumin realized that this child was indeed extraordinary. He recited the Four Books and Five Classics more fluently than Zhang himself and had profound insights into the texts, clearly having been taught by a master.

 

After three days, they finally arrived at Pingzhou Prefecture. The two families parted ways at the city gate, and Zhang Shumin gave them his address. “We’re staying at my uncle’s house in Hulu Alley on Changrong Road. Ask around, and you’ll find it. If you need anything, come to us.”

 

“Alright, we will.”

 

The Zhang family had entry permits and went straight in, while the Zhao family had to undergo registration and inspection of their cart and belongings before entering.

 

The mule cart slowly moved forward with the long queue. Lu Yao and the two children stuck their heads out to look.

 

Pingzhou Prefecture was enormous! Even though Lu Yao had seen many modern cities in his previous life, he couldn’t help but marvel. The ancient cities shown in TV dramas paled in comparison.

 

The ancient and imposing city walls bore the marks of history, telling the tale of its grandeur.

 

Pingzhou Prefecture had been established over three hundred years ago. Despite enduring centuries of trials, the city remained vibrant instead of decaying.

 

After about an hour, it was finally their turn.

 

Zhao Beichuan handed over their household registration and travel documents. The clerk carefully checked them, matching the details to the people on the cart, from height and appearance to age. Once confirmed, they were directed to a clearing for further inspection of the cart for contraband such as salt, iron, or weapons.

 

After ensuring everything was in order, the clerk waved them through, urging them not to linger.

 

As they entered the city, the bustling sounds of vendors filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.

 

“Hot drinks! Warm up your body!”

 

“Yellow millet cakes, sweet and delicious!”

 

“Steamed buns, hot meat buns—just five wen each, tasty and affordable!”

 

Xiao Nian and Xiao Douzi swallowed hungrily. “Sister-in-law, they sell steamed buns here too!”

 

Lu Yao smiled and handed them money. “Go buy more. I’m hungry too.”

 

The two kids happily jumped off the cart and ran to the bun stall.

 

While waiting, a few elderly men approached. “Brother, looking for lodging? Thirty wen a day, with hot water provided.”

 

“Need an inn? Forty wen a day, clean and safe.”

 

“Renting a house? Three rooms for five hundred wen a month, fully furnished and ready to move in…”

 

Lu Yao quickly waved them off. “No, we’re staying with relatives.” Qin Hao had warned them on the way that newcomers should avoid staying at places advertised by touts, as they were often scams.

 

For instance, the price might be quoted as thirty wen a day, but once inside, they’d claim it was three hundred wen, and failure to pay could result in losing one’s belongings.

 

Other places might charge low prices but provide poor accommodations, such as crowded dormitories. Once paid, there would be no refunds.

 

Fortunately, they had met the Zhang family along the way. Otherwise, they might have been taken advantage of on their first visit to the prefecture.

 

Xiao Nian and Xiao Dou returned with steaming hot buns. Zhao Beichuan immediately drove the cart forward.

 

The freshly steamed buns were soft, fragrant, and juicy. They tasted far better than those in the town.

 

“Be careful not to get oil on your clothes,” Lu Yao said, taking out handkerchiefs for the kids and handing a bun to Zhao Beichuan.

 

While eating, Lu Yao remarked, “The streets in the prefecture are so wide—much wider than those in the county town. And it’s so lively! There are so many shops, I can’t take them all in.”

 

Zhao Beichuan, biting into a bun, said, “How is it? Worth the trip?”

 

“Definitely worth it!”

 

As they entered the city center, the two kids pointed at a building on the roadside. “Big Brother, look! There’s a two-story house! Wow, it’s so tall!”

 

Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan also looked up in curiosity. Due to the building materials, there were no multi-story buildings in Qiushui Town or Pingyang County, making them a rare sight.

 

Although Lu Yao had seen plenty of skyscrapers in his past life, he was still captivated by the charm of ancient architecture. Northern buildings weren’t as intricate as those in the south, but they had a unique grandeur.

 

They asked for directions and eventually arrived at Niujia Garden. Niujia Garden, located in the southwest corner of the city, was known for its numerous inns and lodgings catering to travelers at reasonable prices.

 

The further they walked, the shabbier the surroundings became. The roads turned from stone-paved to muddy, and livestock droppings were scattered here and there. The cold weather masked the smell, but it would undoubtedly become unbearable when the weather warmed.

 

There were seven or eight inns in a row ahead, all with small signs swaying in the wind.

 

Zhao Beichuan went into one to inquire. The inn offered both long-term and short-term stays. Long-term rentals required a minimum of three months at two taels, while short-term rentals cost thirty wen per day. The price was reasonable, but the environment inside was far from satisfactory.

 

Previously occupied by long-distance merchants, the rooms were filthy and reeked of strong foot odor. Zhao Beichuan took one look and immediately dismissed it. Lu Yao, being particular about cleanliness, definitely couldn’t stay in such a place.

 

They checked several more places, none of which were suitable. They even encountered a shady brothel soliciting guests. Several scantily clad courtesans dragged a merchant inside, and halfway there, the merchant impatiently started groping and kissing them. This startled Xiao Nian and Xiao Dou, who quickly covered their eyes.

 

Lu Yao’s face turned red with embarrassment. “Let’s go, find another place to ask about.” Although Qin Hao’s advice had been well-meaning, such indecent and dirty places were not an option, no matter how cheap they were.

 

Zhao Beichuan quickly turned the cart around and headed back the way they came. After crossing two alleys, the roads gradually widened, and the people passing by were dressed more decently.

 

This time, Lu Yao got off the cart to inquire. He asked at two inns, both charging around one hundred wen per day. The environment was much cleaner than in Niu’s Garden area.

 

“Let’s stay here for now and slowly look for another place. If we find something suitable, we can move.”

 

“Alright, whatever you say,” Zhao Beichuan replied, driving the mule cart through the side entrance of the inn.

 

The inn was similar to those in Qiushui Town, consisting of a large courtyard surrounded by rows of rooms. Each room had its own lock, allowing guests to stay without interfering with each other.

 

There was also a stable in the back for storing vehicles and mules. If care was required, it cost twenty wen per day, which they decided to pay.

 

Since they couldn’t carry much on the cart, the fodder for Dahua was nearly used up.

 

After unloading their luggage, Lu Yao and the two children moved into their assigned room. Upon opening the door, a faint musty smell greeted them.

 

The room didn’t have a kang bed but instead had a simple wooden bed frame. The two children, seeing this type of bed for the first time, curiously touched it all over. On the bed was a quilt that appeared reasonably clean. The bed could accommodate at most two adults, so it seemed they would need to sleep on the floor tonight.

 

Before long, Zhao Beichuan came in. “This room is so small. Tonight, you and Douzi, along with Xiaonian, can sleep on the bed. There’s some straw in the stable—I’ll bring some to lay on the ground and sleep there.”

 

“We’ll just have to make do for now,” Lu Yao replied. “Tomorrow, let’s go around the city and see if we can find a better place to rent. Once we do, we’ll move out as soon as possible.”

 

In the afternoon, the weather turned gloomy. Xiao Dou and Xiaonian huddled under the quilt on the bed, shivering from the cold.

 

Lu Yao went to ask the innkeeper for a brazier, but the charcoal had to be purchased separately. Spending fifty wen, he bought a small bag of silver charcoal and lit it. The room finally warmed up a bit.

 

Living in this provincial city was truly difficult—everything cost money. Back in the town, twenty wen could buy a load of firewood that would last a long time.

 

To save money, Lu Yao placed an iron pot directly on the brazier that evening and cooked porridge. Each adult and child had a bowl. After traveling for so many days, everyone was utterly exhausted and went to bed early.

 

In the middle of the night, Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan were awakened by a commotion outside.

 

“I clearly left my belongings in the room! How could they just disappear after one meal?”

 

“Oh, dear guest, when traveling, you must keep an eye on your possessions. If you didn’t, there’s nothing we can do.”

 

“My bag contained over two hundred taels of silver! If you don’t help me find it, I won’t let this go!”

 

The noise woke up the two children as well. Xiaonian rubbed his eyes and asked, “What’s going on?”

 

Lu Yao tucked them back into the quilt. “Nothing, someone outside lost their belongings. Go back to sleep.”

 

Zhao Beichuan put on a padded jacket and got up. “I’ll go take a look.”

 

“Don’t get involved.”

 

“I won’t.”

 

When he opened the door, a gust of cold wind blew into the room. Zhao Beichuan quickly shut the door, tightened his clothes, and stepped into the courtyard.

 

Other guests had also been woken up and came out to watch the commotion.

 

The man who lost his money was crying and shouting, “I demand an explanation! My belongings were in this inn, so it must have been taken by someone staying here!”

 

The young inn attendant, having no other choice, went to fetch the innkeeper.

 

When the innkeeper arrived, he repeated the same thing, “We’re just an inn. We’re not responsible for safeguarding belongings. If you’ve lost your silver, there’s nothing we can do. If you insist, go report it to the authorities.”

 

Reporting the matter to the authorities at this late hour would have to wait until the next day. By then, the thief might already have fled with the silver.

 

“No, we must search every room tonight!”

 

The innkeeper chuckled, “This must be your first time traveling, sir?”

 

“So what if it is?” the man replied.

 

“Well, our inn doesn’t have the authority to search other guests’ rooms. You can ask each guest for permission yourself. If they agree, you can search.”

 

“You!”

 

The innkeeper yawned. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back. Everyone, try to get some rest.” With that, he left with his hands behind his back.

 

The man looked around and was about to knock on the neighboring room when its occupant promptly went back inside and bolted the door.

 

Zhao Beichuan also returned to their room.

 

“How did it go? Did they find the silver?”

 

“How could they? It’s just like when we stayed at the relay station in Pingyang County. Someone sneaked into the room and stole the silver. It’s unlikely they’ll recover it.”

 

Two hundred taels of silver was no small amount. Ordinary people couldn’t save that much in half a lifetime. Lu Yao sighed, “When traveling, one must be extra cautious. Money should never be out of sight. Let’s get some rest.”

 

The next morning, the family got up early, taking turns to use the restroom and wash up. One adult stayed in the room to guard their belongings at all times to prevent theft.

 

Breakfast was still millet porridge, paired with flatbread. The remaining marinated dishes didn’t taste very good anymore, so Lu Yao didn’t dare eat them and threw them away.

 

In the morning, Zhao Beichuan went to the yamen to handle some paperwork. They were relocating their household registration and needed to register with the local government.

 

The yamen of Pingzhou Prefecture wasn’t far, only a fifteen-minute walk. Household registration matters were handled at a side entrance, where a long line had already formed with people waiting to conduct various affairs.

 

A bailiff maintained order nearby. Zhao Beichuan approached, discreetly handed him a string of coins, and explained his purpose. The bailiff then led him past the queue.

 

Zhao Beichuan couldn’t help but feel grateful for Lu Yao’s foresight. If he had queued up, it might have taken the whole day without getting his turn.

 

Inside, there was a specific office for handling household registrations. Zhao Beichuan presented his documents and the household registration papers for all four family members.

 

Since it was a relocation for educational purposes, the process wasn’t too strict. After verifying the information, the clerk collected the old registration papers, recorded them, and issued new registration papers for the four of them, stamped with the Pingzhou Prefecture seal. With these, they could now buy property in Pingzhou.

 

The process cost four hundred wen. Zhao Beichuan carefully stored the new registration papers and rushed back to the inn.

 

Lu Yao examined the new registration papers. “Just these four sheets of paper cost four hundred wen, not to mention the bribe for the bailiff! No wonder people in ancient times rarely moved. With all these expenses, families of modest means couldn’t even afford to relocate.”

 

Zhao Beichuan drank some water and said, “At least it’s done. As you said, the yamen gates are open to all, but without money, you won’t get anywhere.”

 

Lu Yao replied, “Rest at home while I go out to look for a place to stay.”

 

“Are you sure you can manage?” Zhao Beichuan asked, a bit worried.

 

“What’s there to worry about? Didn’t you see yesterday how many women and young men were out doing business? This prefectural city must be much safer than the county or town.”

 

“Alright, but come back soon.”

 

Lu Yao took two hundred wen and left the inn. The street was bustling with people. Vendors’ shouts filled the air, and there were even street performers.

 

Lu Yao didn’t dare stop to watch, suspecting that pickpockets might be in the crowd, waiting for a distracted moment to strike. He had seen similar scenarios in TV dramas in his previous life.

 

“Scissors, brooms, sewing kits, rouge, powder, linseed oil—”

 

Lu Yao’s eyes lit up. Peddlers who roamed the streets were like living maps of Pingzhou Prefecture. No one knew the city better than they did.

 

“Brother, wait a moment.”

 

“What do you need, sir?”

 

“I’ll take… a comb.”

 

“Got it!” The peddler set down his carrying pole and pulled out a bundle of wooden combs from a wooden box. “We have peach wood, walnut, sandalwood, and ebony. Which one do you want?”

 

This prefectural city was truly different, even offering a variety of combs.

 

Lu Yao picked up an ebony comb and said, “I’ll take this one. By the way, I’d like to ask you something.”

 

“Go ahead, sir.”

 

“In Pingzhou Prefecture, where can I find a cheap yet clean place to rent?”

 

The peddler smiled. “You’re not from around here, are you?”

 

“No, I’m from Pingyang County. My brother is here to take the prefectural exam.”

 

“Are you looking for a long-term or short-term rental?”

 

“If there’s a suitable house, long-term is fine.”

 

“Then I recommend you take a stroll along Changshui Street.” The peddler enthusiastically introduced Pingzhou City.

 

From his explanation, Lu Yao learned that the street they were currently on was called Changxing Street, one of the main roads in Pingzhou and the most frequented by the locals. Both sides of the street were lined with various shops, eateries, and inns, making it the commercial hub of Pingzhou City.

 

Heading north was Changrong Street, where dignitaries and scholarly families resided. Vendors rarely went there for fear of offending the nobles and getting into trouble.

 

To the south was Changshui Street, where the ordinary people lived. Most of the city’s population resided in that area.

 

Then there was Niujiayuanzi in the southwest, a place for the lower-class population. It was chaotic but affordable, housing those who couldn’t afford regular rents and the impoverished.

 

To the northeast of the city were the military barracks and granary, the very place Zhao Beichuan had moved grain to the previous year.

 

The peddler, eloquent and persuasive, gave a clear and comprehensive overview of Pingzhou City in just a few sentences.

 

Lu Yao spent another 20 wen to buy a box of hair oil from him and then headed towards Changshui Street with his items.