Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 92

Chapter 92

 

The next day, Lu Yao once again brought two jars of wine to sell at the eatery. One jar, which had been reserved, was picked up early in the morning, while the remaining jar began to be sold by the cup.

 

In the morning, a servant from the Cao family arrived, asking if an extra table could be added for the day. Master Cao had decided to host a few friends for a meal.

 

“Of course. When is Master Cao coming? I’ll save a big fish for him!” For most others, adding a table might not have been possible, but since Master Cao had helped them in the past, there was no hesitation in accommodating him.

 

“Around noon, with about four or five people. Just prepare five dishes for them.”

 

“Got it,” Lu Yao replied, quickly jotting it down. He planned to have Zhao Beichuan arrange it later.

 

Before noon, Master Cao himself arrived first. “Shopkeeper Lu, it’s been a while!”

 

Lu Yao smiled and said, “Master Cao, what an honor! It’s not every day we have the pleasure of your visit.”

 

“Ah, I’ve just been busy lately.” Busy? For someone as leisurely as him, it mostly involved collecting rents at this time of year.

 

With many properties in the family rented out to all sorts of people, there were always tenants who hadn’t paid rent for a year or those hoping to use connections to get a discount. But business was business; the rent had to be paid in full. Otherwise, how could he continue renting to others in the future?

 

Handling these matters wasn’t simple; only Master Cao himself could manage to collect all the dues.

 

“How’s your wine selling these days?”

 

Lu Yao immediately understood. Master Cao must have been promoting the wine on his behalf. He was a resourceful man, known to frequent any establishment in Pingzhou with a unique offering.

 

“Thanks to your help, the wine has been selling out every day.”

 

“Haha! I told you this wine of yours is excellent. It’s only a matter of time before it becomes famous throughout Pingzhou—no, throughout the whole region!”

 

Lu Yao sighed, “You flatter me, Master Cao. We’re not that capable. I’m just afraid the wine won’t stay ours for long.”

 

Master Cao was taken aback but quickly caught the implication. “Has someone come to inquire about your brewing method?”

 

“Not yet, but I imagine it won’t be long.”

 

“Aren’t you connected to the Liang family?”

 

“We are, but not to the extent that they would intervene in everything. If the other party is too powerful, even the Liang family might prefer to stay out of it.”

 

Master Cao scratched his head, realizing his good intentions might have inadvertently caused trouble.

 

“I’d like to ask for your help with something.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“You’re well-connected in the city. Do you know who backs Golden Jade Pavilion?”

 

“Of course. Golden Jade Pavilion’s nominal manager is Jiang Yong, but he’s actually a servant of the Jiang family. The real boss is the Prefect’s wife, Jiang Ying. With the government’s support, they’ve established themselves firmly in Pingzhou over the years. Why do you ask?”

 

Lu Yao explained, “I’d like to ask you to help make an introduction. I’m willing to provide half of my family’s wine to Golden Jade Pavilion, with profits split fifty-fifty.”

 

Master Cao’s eyes sparkled before he burst into laughter. “Shopkeeper Lu, if you were in the capital, with your sharp mind, you’d easily secure an official position.”

 

“You overpraise me, Master Cao. It’s just that I’ve run out of options and thought of this idea.”

 

By offering half of the wine to Golden Jade Pavilion, he would diffuse potential threats while also aligning himself with the Prefect’s powerful backing. Other eateries and wine shops would think twice before challenging someone connected to the Prefect.

 

Moreover, since he was offering the wine upfront, Golden Jade Pavilion wouldn’t need to invest any capital while reaping half the profits. How could they refuse such a deal?

 

A win-win solution like this wasn’t something just anyone could come up with. This young man was clearly exceptional.

 

Master Cao readily agreed. “Alright, I’ll make sure your proposal gets to them. I can’t promise it’ll work, though.”

 

“Thank you, Master Cao! Today’s food and wine are on the house. Drink as much as you like!”

 

“Do you have any wine left?”

 

“Yes, I saved some for you, knowing you’d come.”

 

Master Cao laughed heartily. “Great! Today, I’ll enjoy a free meal.”

 

—

 

Lu Yao hadn’t expected to meet the Prefect’s wife so soon, but within a few days, she extended an invitation to meet him at Golden Jade Pavilion.

 

In fact, Jiang Ying had long heard of the Lu family’s eatery. At Lady Cao’s recent birthday celebration, it was said that the dishes served had been prepared by the Lu family, and even someone like Jiang Ying, who wasn’t particular about food, had been full of praise for the flavors.

 

More recently, she’d heard about a new wine from the Lu family that had become the talk of the town among wine enthusiasts. Curious to meet this person, she decided to send an invitation.

 

When Lu Yao received the invitation, he excitedly showed it to Zhao Beichuan.

 

“The Prefect’s wife has agreed to meet me. She’s arranged it for this afternoon!”

 

“Do you want me to go with you?”

 

“No need. You stay here and take care of the guests with the others. I’ll go home and change first.”

 

“Alright.”

 

Lu Yao hurried home to change into clean clothes and used the hairpin Madam Lin had previously gifted him to neatly tie up his hair.

 

The wife of the provincial governor was akin to the wife of a deputy provincial governor in later times—one who also wielded military power. Meeting such an important figure required dressing appropriately to avoid being looked down upon.

 

When the time was almost up, Lu Yao took a small flask of his homemade wine and headed to Golden Jade Pavilion alone.

 

Standing outside, he looked up at the ebony plaque with its gilded characters that read “Golden Jade Pavilion,” took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

 

It was currently the time for casual diners, so there weren’t many people in the main hall. A waiter immediately approached him upon seeing him enter. “How many guests, sir?”

 

Lu Yao took out the invitation. “Madam Jiang has invited me.”

 

“Are you Master Lu? Please, this way to a private room on the second floor. Madam will be with you shortly.”

 

“Thank you.” Lu Yao followed the waiter upstairs, quietly observing the establishment as he went.

 

He had to admit, Golden Jade Pavilion was truly grand.

 

The main hall on the first floor alone was about seven or eight times the size of Lu’s small restaurant. It had twelve round tables, with floral screens placed between them to ensure diners could enjoy their meals undisturbed.

 

Ascending the stairs to the second floor, directly ahead was an independent lounge area with benches and low tables, where guests who had overindulged could sit and have tea to sober up.

 

Adjacent to the lounge were private rooms, each with a name, such as Spring Snow Pavilion, Longevity Pavilion, and Plum Blossom Pavilion. There were a total of eight rooms, and the waiter led him to the last one: Jin Yu Pavilion.

 

The moment Lu Yao stepped inside, the opulent decor almost blinded him. Describing it as “resplendent” would be an understatement.

 

The entire ceiling was gilded, and the round table was inlaid with gold filigree patterns that were intricate and expensive-looking. Even the hollowed parts of the chairs were adorned with gold filigree.

 

Nearby stood a massive screen embroidered with large peonies in gold thread. The blend of grandeur and elegance was displayed to its fullest here, truly living up to the name Golden Jade Pavilion.

 

Lu Yao carefully pulled out a chair to sit on the side. The waiter served freshly brewed tea. After waiting for about half an hour, the sound of footsteps finally came from outside.

 

The door opened, and in walked a woman dressed in luxurious clothing with a graceful and striking appearance.

 

Lu Yao quickly stood and greeted her, “Lu Yao greets Madam Jiang.”

 

Jiang Ying was momentarily surprised upon seeing Lu Yao, then burst into a hearty laugh. “I always thought the proprietor of Lu’s restaurant was an older man. I didn’t expect it to be such a young and promising gentleman. Please, sit. Have you been waiting long?”

 

“Not at all.”

 

“There was a small matter at home that delayed me a bit. Magpie, tell Jiang Yong to brew a pot of this year’s new tea and bring it up for Master Lu to try.”

 

“Yes, Madam.” The maid left, leaving only Lu Yao and Jiang Ying in the room.

 

She got straight to the point, “Madam Cao told me that you wish to sell your family’s wine at Golden Jade Pavilion, splitting the earnings fifty-fifty?”

 

Lu Yao nodded. “That’s correct.”

 

“Golden Jade Pavilion already offers seven kinds of wine. While they may not be the finest, they are unmatched by other restaurants in Pingzhou City. Why should I sell your wine?”

 

Lu Yao cleared his throat and replied, “May I ask if Madam has ever tasted our wine?”

 

“Not yet, but I was planning to in the coming days.”

 

Lu Yao took out a small flask of wine from his pocket. “I came in a hurry today and only brought a little. If Madam doesn’t mind, please give it a try.”

 

There were clean teacups on the table. Lu Yao carefully poured her half a cup and poured himself the same, drinking it first to prove the wine was safe.

 

Jiang Ying picked up the cup but didn’t sip immediately. Instead, she sniffed it. Just as the rumors had said, it had a rich aroma.

 

She took a tentative sip, her brows lifting slightly.

 

Lu Yao clenched his fists nervously, cold sweat dripping down his temples. He feared that Madam Jiang, unfamiliar with wine, might find the alcohol content too strong and reject it, ruining everything.

 

This wine… was the finest she had ever tasted, surpassing even the famed Qinghua Brew from the capital by a significant margin.

 

Maintaining a calm expression, Jiang Ying set the cup down. “Pingzhou City has four major restaurants. Quanfu Restaurant seems more suitable for selling wine. Why did you choose to collaborate with Golden Jade Pavilion?”

 

Lu Yao took a deep breath and recited the response he had prepared, “Precisely because Quanfu Restaurant’s wines are already well-known, they don’t need mine. Golden Jade Pavilion is different. Among the four major restaurants, Golden Jade Pavilion lacks any distinguishing features.”

 

Lu Yao paused. Seeing that Jiang Ying wasn’t angry, he continued, “It is precisely the absence of a specialty that allows for the greatest potential. I believe Lu Wine can draw more customers to Golden Jade Pavilion.”

 

Jiang Ying seemed persuaded by his reasoning. She turned the teacup in her hand, observing the wine inside. It was so clear it looked like water, yet its flavor was remarkably rich.

 

If this wine could be sold elsewhere… the profits flowing in would be endless.

 

Golden Jade Pavilion wasn’t limited to Pingzhou; it had branches in Fanyang, Youzhou, Jizhou, and even the capital.

 

Seeing her interest, Lu Yao pressed on, “I also have my own selfish reasons. I heard from Master Cao that Madam Jiang is fair and capable in business, with methods rivaling those of any man. Moreover, with the backing of the government, partnering with you ensures safety and reliability.”

 

Jiang Ying appreciated his honesty and downed the rest of her wine. The spicy taste made her squint slightly. Though time had left its marks on her face, her beauty remained undiminished.

 

“How much of this wine do you have at home?”

 

“Four vats, which can yield about three shi of wine. Currently, we only have six jars left, totaling 120 jin.”

 

Jiang Ying sighed. “Too little. Even if all of it were sold at Golden Jade Pavilion, it wouldn’t last one or two months.”

 

“The wine can be brewed continuously. I still have plenty of yeast and can brew dozens more vats. However, since I’m short on manpower, it might take some time. This wine can be prioritized for Golden Jade Pavilion…”

 

Jiang Ying interrupted him, “Are you willing to sell the recipe for your wine?”

 

The moment he had been dreading had arrived.

 

Lu Yao summoned his courage and shook his head. “No. If I were willing to sell it, why would I go to such lengths to seek your help? Besides, even if I sold it, others might not be able to replicate the flavor.”

 

He wasn’t lying. Brewing wine involved too many variables. Even with the same ingredients and methods, the results could vary greatly due to factors like season, temperature, humidity, fermentation time, and distillation techniques.

 

Even Lu Yao couldn’t guarantee that the next batch of wine would taste exactly the same.

 

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Jiang Yong entered with a pot of tea. “Madam, this is the new tea from this year. Please have a taste.”

 

“Leave it here.”

 

“Yes.” Jiang Yong carefully placed the tea down and exited with a bow.

 

“I can provide you with a site and manpower for brewing wine. In the future, the business of the winery will be under your charge. Seventy percent of the wine’s profits will go to me, and thirty percent to you. What do you think?”

 

Lu Yao was taken aback. This seemed like a form of technical partnership. While it sounded appealing, it also carried the risk of exposing his brewing methods.

 

However, high returns always came with risks. This was the best offer he could hope for at the moment.

 

If he stubbornly refused and angered Madam Jiang, with her status, she had countless ways to force him to hand over the recipe without paying a single coin. It was better to agree and ensure mutual benefit.

 

Lu Yao stood and bowed. “Thank you for your generosity, Madam. I am willing to serve you!”

 

Jiang Ying looked at him approvingly. This young man was composed, resourceful, and skilled in both winemaking and cooking. She almost wished to recruit him to work by her side.

 

“How much does your small restaurant earn in a year?”

 

1guan=1000copper coins or 10taels

 

Lu Yao answered honestly, “Over 1,000 guan.”

 

“I’ll give you 2,000 guan. Why not come work for me directly?”

 

“This… Madam… I’ve never considered such a thing…”

 

Jiang Ying chuckled softly, “Shopkeeper Lu, don’t worry, I was just speaking casually. Don’t take it seriously.”

 

Lu Yao wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and excused himself.

 

As he descended the stairs, Lu Yao’s legs were weak with nerves; Madam Jiang’s casual remarks earlier had scared him out of his wits.

 

What did it mean for Madam Jiang to take him under her wing? With such a vast enterprise, it was impossible for her to entrust it to an outsider. That could only mean servitude… Xiao Dou still needed to sit for the imperial examinations. He couldn’t risk Xiao Dou becoming a slave!

 

Exiting the gates of the Golden Jade Pavilion, Lu Yao let out a long sigh of relief and quickly made his way back to the shop.

 

Zhao Beichuan, who had been anxiously waiting, hurried to greet him when he returned. “I was just about to come find you! I was worried they’d detain you and force you to hand over the wine recipe. The manager at Golden Jade Pavilion didn’t give you a hard time, did they?”

 

Lu Yao shook his head. “Thanks to Fifth Master for introducing us, even if they didn’t respect me, they wouldn’t dare disrespect Lord Cao.”

 

Zhao Beichuan thought about it and nodded. “That’s true.”

 

“Madam Jiang agreed to cooperate with us.”

 

“Really? Then tomorrow I’ll send over half of the wine we have at home. When can we expect payment?”

 

“We won’t be splitting profits fifty-fifty.” Lu Yao explained the terms he had discussed with Jiang Ying.

 

“Seventy-thirty split? Isn’t that a bit low?”

 

“It’s not. The seventy-thirty split applies to the wine, not the money. Essentially, we’re only providing grain and techniques, and we get thirty percent of the wine for free. Besides, we’re not fully established yet. Taking a small hit now isn’t a big deal. The most important thing is building a connection with the Prefect. That way, we won’t have to worry about anyone seizing the wine recipe in the future!”

 

Zhao Beichuan’s furrowed brows relaxed. “I don’t understand business matters. I’ll follow your lead!”

 

The next day, Madam Jiang sent over five slaves, all with death contracts, along with the deed to a plot of land in the west of the city.

 

The five men were all strong and robust. Even purchasing them at a slave market would have cost over a hundred taels of silver. It was clear Madam Jiang was being very sincere.

 

These slaves were now Lu Yao’s. In this feudal society, slaves had no rights or property and were treated as commodities to be bought, sold, or punished at will. Their masters even held the power of life and death over them.

 

Although Lu Yao was reluctant to become a slave owner, he had to accept the rules of this world after arriving in this era. Staying pure while living in the mire was impossible, so he resolved to put these men to good use.

 

First, he asked the five men their names. Most slaves didn’t have names; only one among them was named Shiliu (Sixteen), given by his previous owner.

 

Lu Yao told him to keep that name, while the other four were named A, B, C, and D, with all of them taking the Lu surname.

 

Zhao Beichuan and Lu Yao then took the men to see the plot of land Madam Jiang had provided.

 

The location wasn’t far from the West Market. Walking along Changma Alley in the west and reaching its end, they came upon a dilapidated mansion.

 

This mansion had originally been a villa belonging to a wealthy merchant from the previous dynasty. After the merchant passed away, the deed changed hands several times before ending up with Madam Jiang.

 

Due to its location, the property hadn’t been useful and had remained abandoned. Now, it served as a convenient goodwill gesture for Lu Yao to use for brewing wine.

 

Opening the gates, they found the courtyard overgrown with weeds.

 

Lu Yao directed the slaves, “Your task for today is to clean up this courtyard and remove all the weeds.”

 

“Yes,” the slaves replied quietly, bowing their heads, and then quickly squatted down to pull the weeds.

 

Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan explored the courtyard.

 

The property was indeed sizable, divided into three sections. The outermost area was the outer courtyard, which they entered through the main gate. Continuing inward, they reached the central courtyard.

 

The corridors in the middle were made of wood, but years of exposure to rain and pests had caused them to collapse, leaving only a few pillars standing. The flower hall was still intact and spacious, making it a suitable location for brewing wine in the future.

 

Further back, they found the bedroom where the wealthy merchant had once lived. The main structure seemed intact, though the roof tiles were overgrown with grass. If it were to be inhabited, it would need some repairs.

 

Opening the door, they were greeted by a damp, musty odor. The furniture and belongings inside had long since been removed, leaving only an empty bed and broken items scattered on the floor.

 

Zhao Beichuan opened the windows, letting in fresh air and improving the atmosphere.

 

Lu Yao said, “Later, have the slaves clean this place thoroughly. Let them live here in the future. That way, we won’t need to rent separate housing for them.”

 

Zhao Beichuan nodded. The two continued inspecting the nearby rooms. As they reached the last room, they suddenly heard a noise inside.

 

Curious, Lu Yao peered in, thinking someone might be hiding there. Such abandoned properties often served as shelter for beggars.

 

When the door opened, seven or eight black rats scurried out, startling Lu Yao, who let out a scream and jumped onto Zhao Beichuan.

 

“Don’t be afraid; it’s just a few rats.”

 

Lu Yao sniffled. “What’s that smell? It’s awful.”

 

Zhao Beichuan stepped inside and immediately came out with a grim expression. “There’s a corpse inside. It’s been here for a while.”

 

“Ah!”

 

“Judging by the clothes, it’s probably a beggar. I’ll find someone to clear the remains.”

 

Cases like this weren’t reported to the authorities, as no one would handle them. The task fell to individuals instead.

 

Before long, Zhao Beichuan returned with one of the slaves, Lu Shiliu, who had volunteered to help.

 

With considerable courage, Shiliu found a wooden plank, moved the decayed, mummified body out, wrapped it in a mat, and buried it in an uninhabited area outside.

 

After inspecting the property, Lu Yao had other matters to attend to. He instructed the group, “Clean this courtyard thoroughly today, and move into those rooms over there. Tomorrow, we’ll assign you more tasks.”

 

The group bowed their heads and replied softly. Only after Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan left did they lift their heads, each showing a trace of confusion.

 

Their new master had not reprimanded or whipped them on the first day? The new master seemed rather kind.