Chapter 116: Tsk, a fox spirit! She'll just cling to my brother-in-law and act coquettish!

Lu Yuan and Su Liyan put on sweaters; Lu Yuan held a stool in one hand and a small broom in the other.

Su Liyan brought out the paste, then took a small table.

First she spread paste on the couplet on the small table, then handed it to Lu Yuan.

After receiving it, Lu Yuan pasted it on the door frame, then used the small broom to smooth it.

Su Liyan stood behind her husband with a happy smile, telling him whether to move it up or down.

Su Liyan felt somewhat emotional.

Last year at this time, I was busy at home.

But I never expected that this year I would already be married, have my own husband, and have my own house.

I have my own bed, and a kitchen exclusively mine.

Looking back over the past month or so, Su Liyan felt as if she were dreaming.

Gazing at her husband's silhouette, Su Liyan sighed, feeling truly blissful.

Every day here, there is no unhappiness, no displeasure.

Su Liyan also knows that not all new brides are like this; only she is.

And the reason she is so happy is entirely because of her husband~

「Bride? Bride? 」

Lu Yuan was holding up the spring couplet, calling Su Liyan.

Eh?

Su Liyan, having come to her senses, quickly responded.

Lu Yuan then raised his eyebrows and said:

「Is this position where I pasted it correct? Should I move it a bit left or right? 」

Just now Lu Yuan had called several times.

Su Liyan then hurriedly said:

「This spot is just right~」

Lu Yuan nodded, then pasted it, and swept it smooth with the broom.

Lu Yuan's home has two rooms; although the door of the other room is usually locked and not opened, it also needs a spring couplet.

Speaking of which, this afternoon we still need to go to the manor to put up a couplet.

Immediately, Lu Yuan jumped down, picked up the stool, and went to paste the couplet on the other door.

At that moment, Su Changliang arrived, carrying a large bundle, and as soon as he entered he shouted:

「Sister, brother-in-law. 」

Lu Yuan turned his head to glance at Su Changliang, then stood on the stool, looking at Su Changliang and smiled, saying:

「When are you leaving today? 」

Su Changliang laughed and said:

「I'll leave after noon; I've arranged a carriage. Although it's a bit expensive, I can get home by evening. 」

Lu Yuan nodded, and while continuing to paste the couplet, he said:

「Fine, we'll have a meal at your place at noon; there are sand sugar oranges in the house, help yourself. 」

Su Changliang grinned, nodded quickly, went inside, put down his things, then came out and said:

「Brother-in-law, let me help you? 」

Lu Yuan shook his head and said:

「No need, it'll be done soon. 」

Su Changliang, while peeling an orange, asked curiously:

「Brother-in-law, when are you and my sister heading back? 」

Lu Yuan directly said:

「We'll head back after finishing New Year's greetings tomorrow; we should arrive home around one or two in the afternoon. 」

「Stay inside; my wife and I will finish up here shortly. 」

Su Changliang nodded repeatedly.

At that moment, a voice came from the outer courtyard:

「Master. 」

Lu Yuan turned his head and saw Liu Shoucai approaching.

Today Liu Shoucai also had a bundle on his back and was carrying various items in his hands.

「Hey, you haven't gone home yet? 」

Lu Yuan curiously looked at Liu Shoucai and said:

The work at Director Xu's household was finished yesterday; Lu Yuan thought Liu Shoucai had gone home yesterday.

Liu Shoucai repeatedly apologized with a smile:

「Yesterday it was too cold, so I didn't set out; I planned to leave today for home. Besides, my home isn't far from Huangcheng—just a three- or four-hour ox-cart ride. 」

By now Lu Yuan had also almost finished putting up the couplets, and then he said:

「Come on, let's all go inside. 」

Lu Yuan glanced at the items in Liu Shoucai's hands and smiled, saying:

「Sure, you've made money and haven't forgotten to buy something for the family. 」

Liu Shoucai was taken aback, then quickly laughed and said:

「What? These are for you, master; the New Year goods I bought for my family are in the bundle on my back. 」

Oh?

After everyone had gone inside, Lu Yuan shut the door, and as Su Liyan was putting things away in the kitchen, Lu Yuan also sat down, looking at Liu Shoucai and smiling, said:

"Why did you buy me stuff? I don't need anything."

Liu Shoucai then said with a face full of emotion:

"These past few days working for the boss, I've really made quite a bit; these few days I've earned more than regular workers."

"All in all, it's about twenty bucks; this is all thanks to your help, boss, so I should buy you something to show my thanks."

"These tangerines and peanuts and seeds aren't expensive; boss, you definitely have to accept them."

Seeing their good intentions, Lu Yuan didn't refuse either, and called his wife to take them aside.

And Liu Shoucai, looking at Lu Yuan, then said:

"Boss, what are our plans after the New Year? Does your big residence also need to be rearranged?"

A couple days ago, Lu Yuan told Liu Shoucai about needing to redo his big residence.

Regarding matters after the year, Lu Yuan had also thought it through, and immediately said:

"On the third day, just take the people straight to my father-in-law's place; aren't the supplies already bought? When you get there, assign work to all your brothers."

"Then on the fourth day, come find me back in the city, and I'll take you to my big residence to discuss things."

I think during this period after the year, you can run between both places—help me oversee the work at my father-in-law's place and oversee the work at my big residence.

Having said that, Lu Yuan then said:

"In recent days, quite a few people have come to me to have those kang heating ducts installed; you've got the crew arranged, and later we'll definitely need to install them in other homes too, especially after the New Year when demand will likely increase, so make sure you don't run short of workers."

Lu Yuan originally thought nobody would do the kang heating ducts.

But actually…

There are really a lot!

Especially after Lin Fusheng's place had it, the number of leaders coming to find Lu Yuan is truly not small!

After all, who are the people who can go to Lin Fusheng's place?

They're all big leaders!

Whatever Lin Fusheng can manage, these people can also manage.

Seeing how warm Lin Fusheng's place is, like summer, how could these people not be envious?

They all then asked Lin Fusheng to find Lu Yuan to install the kang heating ducts for them.

Some even willingly pay extra just to jump the queue.

Lu Yuan isn't after their money; mainly these people are from the Agriculture Bureau and other leaders.

When people say they want to help, Lu Yuan also feels embarrassed to refuse.

This yesterday, Director Xu's home's kang heating ducts were also finished.

Just wait; after the New Year passes, many people will be visiting relatives, heading to Lin Fusheng's place and also Director Xu's home.

By then, the leaders coming to find Lu Yuan will surely be countless.

Lu Yuan even pondered whether he should set up a dedicated company for this.

Then just set clear prices.

But after thinking it over, he decided against it.

If he did set up a company, its nature would change.

Then it would become commercial in nature.

The status of merchants in the Great Zhou Dynasty is really low.

Most importantly, these leaders now coming to Lu Yuan's door feel grateful and think he's helping them.

If Lu Yuan opened some kind of company, these people would think they were the big bosses.

Anyway, whether or not he opens a company, making money works the same way.

If he opened a company, he'd still have to pay taxes, which is a hassle.

And Liu Shoucai, upon hearing Lu Yuan's words, nodded excitedly again and again.

Before this, everyone had been waiting for work outside the East City Gate with great difficulty.

But now, there's really a pile of work!

And from now on, I can truly be considered a foreman!

Then I'll supervise work everywhere and direct people to work.

Just thinking about it feels great!

Following this boss, you can't go wrong!

Immediately, Liu Shoucai excitedly expressed his loyalty:

"Okay, whatever the boss says goes; I'll listen to you, boss."

Lu Yuan nodded slightly and said:

"Okay, if there's nothing else, head home; I'd guess your kids are waiting for you."

Liu Shoucai also laughed and quickly stood up, nodding.

Lu Yuan rose to see Liu Shoucai to the door, also smiling and said:

"Later, when you've made money, you can also buy yourself a horse; wouldn't that make getting around easier?"

With these jobs, Liu Shoucai as a foreman really earns quite a bit.

Even without exaggeration, he's really going to make a fortune.

Furthermore, as the Great Zhou Dynasty prospers and all kinds of construction are needed, Liu Shoucai has made a name for himself and will surely earn even more!

By then, buying a horse will be more than enough.

Liu Shoucai was taken aback, and at once pictured his landlord looking dashing on horseback.

At that moment, the excited Liu Shoucai also nodded repeatedly and said:

"All right, all right, master, you don't need to see me out; it's cold outside, and on the fourth day I'll come over to pay my New Year's respects."

Liu Shoucai said while walking out the door, and helped Lu Yuan close it.

Lu Yuan then turned back to look.

He saw Su Liyan and Su Changliang, this brother and sister, staring at him with blank faces.

"Brother-in-law, are you going to build a house for my family??"

Su Changliang stared at Lu Yuan in astonishment and asked.

Lu Yuan, meanwhile, sat back down in the main hall, nodded, and said:

"Yes, it's freezing in this house in winter; I'm worried Mom and Dad can't stand it, so after we build a new house, we'll install Kang heating ducts."

"Besides, I was thinking you're about to get married; having a nice house at home would make it easier to talk about a match."

"Naturally he had to put it in a good light; Lu Yuan couldn't very well say he was doing it so he'd have more energy for winter fishing later, could he?"

At that moment, Su Changliang looked at Lu Yuan with a face full of admiration and shouted loudly:

"Brother-in-law!! You're too amazing!!!"

Meanwhile, Su Liyan, who had just snapped out of it, immediately glared at Su Changliang and said:

"What's good about it? Shut up!!"

Immediately, Su Liyan hurried over to her husband, squatting down to massage his legs while quickly saying:

"Brother, we don't need to build a house—Changliang won't be living at home anymore, and once we have kids, my mother will have to come over, leaving just my father at home; what's the point of building a house? It would cost a fortune!"

"Brother, we won't build; we have a Kang at home, it's not like the city where there's only a bed—anyway, there's nothing to do in winter, so when it's cold we just sit on the Kang."

After Su Changliang's excitement subsided, he also nodded seriously and said:

"Right, brother-in-law, maybe we shouldn't build after all—I definitely won't be moving back home; I want to live in the city."

Su Changliang works in the imperial city; how could he possibly return to the village later?

After all, my parents are in the village—what would be the point of wasting that money?

Lu Yuan, meanwhile, lowered his head, pinched his wife's beautiful cheek, and smiled:

"It's already late—last time we came back for Little New Year, I bought the materials and sent them over."

Su Liyan gave Lu Yuan a coquettish look and drew out her words:

"Brother~~"

Su Liyan now can clearly tell whose family is whose.

"This is our home; taking money to build a house for my natal family—how much would that cost?!"

"That would be over a thousand, wouldn't it?"

"Su Liyan knows her husband's temperament very well—if he doesn't do something, he doesn't do it at all; but if he does, he'll do it to the best of his ability."

"Thinking about that over-a-thousand dollars just disappearing made her heart ache."

"And later, when she has a son, raising him and paying for his wedding will also need money, won't it?"

"Su Liyan's thoughts were long-term."

"However, Lu Yuan's authority as head of this household isn't just for show; he immediately glared and said:"

"You want to talk back now?"

Su Liyan startled, then didn't even bother with Su Changliang nearby, quickly got up and hugged Lu Yuan.

She rubbed her fluffy ears against her husband's cheek and cooed:

"No~~ Brother knows I'm the most obedient~~"

Su Changliang, watching his sister like that, couldn't help but curl his lip: "Tch, such a grown adult, still acting cute—really disgusting."

At that moment, Su Liyan was naturally overwhelmed with emotion.

"Which son-in-law would give his mother-in-law's family a house?"

"After all, properly speaking, once a daughter marries out of her natal family, she's no longer part of that family—she's an outsider, and only occasionally returns for a visit during holidays."

"The son-in-law doesn't need to provide for his father-in-law or mother-in-law; fulfilling filial duty is enough."

"Bringing his wife back to visit twice a year, carrying some gifts, also counts as filial piety."

"But Su Liyan still felt sorry for the money in her own family."

"The money her husband spends on food and drink doesn't bother her at all."

"But spending it to build a house for someone else's family…"

"Su Liyan truly feels the pain."

"But seeing his wife like that, Lu Yuan could no longer keep a straight face; instead he pulled her close into his arms and laughed:"

"Don't you know whether your man is capable or not?"

"It's just a thousand dollars—your man can earn that back in no time."

"All you need to do, following your brother, is think about how to enjoy life; you don't need to worry about these things!"

Su Liyan sat on Lu Yuan's leg, gazing at her husband with a face full of love.

She obediently nodded.

"Come to think of it, since she married in, she's never had to worry about firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, or tea."

"Even her work is the easiest."

"Everything is because her husband is capable."

Su Changliang, on the side, couldn't stand his sister's cloying, affected manner, and got goosebumps.

He immediately curled his lip and said:

Sis, go cook quickly—I still have to leave after I finish eating.

Su Liyan, hearing her younger brother's words, sat on her husband's lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, pouted her little mouth, and acted coquettishly, saying:

Brother~ look, he's being rude to me again.

Lu Yuan, meanwhile, raised his eyebrows at Su Changliang and said:

Eh, I just realized you little brat are used to being rude to your sister—on what grounds do you come to my house and ask my wife to cook for you?

You make today's lunch; if it's not tasty, you try it!

Su Liyan, seeing her husband stand up for her, immediately beamed with happiness, embraced him, rested her head on his shoulder, glared at Su Changliang with her beautiful eyes, and said coquettishly:

You said before that after I married out I'm no longer a Su Clan member—I now bear the Lu surname and am brother's wife~

Why should I serve you? I only serve my husband—you go cook yourself!

Su Changliang pursed his lips, looking at his sister's expression, and could only go to the kitchen with a black line on his face.

He muttered to himself.

Tch, fox spirit!

Always clinging to my brother-in-law, acting coquettish!

……

After lunch, washing dishes was also Su Changliang's chore.

After Su Changliang finished cleaning up, he then picked up his things and left.

Su Liyan then added two shovels of coal to the Kang heating ducts.

It's freezing today—add two shovels and the room will warm up.

After Su Liyan returned, she immediately shut the door, drew the curtains, quickly hopped into bed, lay in her husband's embrace, embraced him warmly, and took a cozy noon nap.

This time I'll sleep a bit longer at noon—only then at dawn will I have the energy to go pay New Year calls~

In the afternoon, Lu Yuan and Su Liyan finished making dumplings at home, then went to the big residence to put up spring couplets.

Then they strolled around the market square to see the liveliness.

In the evening they ate hotpot lamb outside.

After returning home, the two took another short nap.

Past eleven at night, Lu Yuan and Su Liyan got up and got busy.

Now the people in the courtyard also started getting up busy, needing to boil water, then later drop dumplings to eat~

At dawn, when midnight arrived.

Throughout the imperial city, splendid fireworks rose.

This had been prepared in advance by the Ministry of Rites of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Celebrating the New Year~

Thanks to the older brother who tipped 100 book coins a bit faster—thank you very much~

I'm off, off—tomorrow I'll watch the match~

(End of chapter)