Chapter 139: The Empress's Contempt, Even You, Lu Yuan, Can't Handle It

The people gathered around the table to settle accounts looked at the money and fiddled with the abacus.

Everyone's faces were lit with smiles.

Good partner, we can earn five or six bucks in a day!!

At this moment, the second uncle, excited, immediately divided the money, intending to give Lu Yuan half.

Lu Yuan waved his hand and said with a smile:

"No need, there's no saying that business earnings must be split the same day; you've just arrived, keep a little extra cash, we'll settle accounts at year‑end."

The second uncle, hearing Lu Yuan's words, smiled and nodded repeatedly.

Even if half the daily earnings were given to the son‑in‑law, that would still be eighty or ninety bucks a month!

Now the second uncle feels nothing but gratitude toward his family's son‑in‑law.

Since the second uncle came to this restaurant yesterday, he's known for sure he could make money.

After all, his second uncle isn't a fool; as long as the food isn't terribly bad, even a fool could make money at this spot.

I don't know how much thought the son‑in‑law put into finding this spot for me.

The second uncle is inarticulate, but he firmly remembers the son‑in‑law's kindness.

And Lu Yuan looked at the second uncle and Changyu and said:

"Don't just stick to cooking; when you have free time, research new dishes, new variations—today's menu is always the same, and others easily get bored of it."

"When you have time, also go to the nearby restaurants to learn from them, see how they operate, and keep what's good for us."

Lu Yuan isn't a restaurant professional, so he can't say much about these suggestions.

However, I do know that a restaurant should innovate, introducing two new dishes each month.

Of course, that's for proper restaurants; this big‑pot meal place doesn't have so many formalities.

But demanding a bit more of oneself and striving for improvement isn't bad at all.

After all… the Su family can only have one person lazing around~

The second uncle and Changyu also nodded repeatedly upon hearing this; the son‑in‑law knows a lot, and listening to him is surely right.

Lu Yuan checked the time; it was about half past two in the afternoon.

He immediately rose and said:

"Then you tidy up, take an afternoon nap, and that'll be enough for the whole night."

"Not many people come to eat at night; day laborers go home, and night workers only go out after eating at home."

The second uncle and Changyu quickly followed Lu Yuan, rising and nodding.

And Su's mother and father, seeing their son‑in‑law about to leave, also hurriedly rose and said:

"Yuan'er, we plan to head back tomorrow."

Lu Yuan blinked in surprise, then said:

"Stay a few more days—what's the rush to go back? The house isn't even finished, there's no farm work, just enjoy a few more days here."

Su's father and mother quickly waved their hands and said with a smile:

"No, no, we don't know anyone in the city, have no one to talk to, and can't settle down."

"Besides, we still have chickens at home; when we came, we asked the neighbors to help feed them, and we can't keep bothering them."

Hearing this, Lu Yuan seriously nodded.

"Go home to feed the chickens."

"Hmm… we need to hurry back; the chickens we brought back last time have already been eaten."

"We need to have our mother‑in‑law and father‑in‑law hurry back to raise chickens for us to eat."

Lu Yuan then laughed and said:

"Fine, then tomorrow I—"

Before Lu Yuan could finish, Su's mother quickly laughed and said:

"Yuan'er, we've already arranged an ox cart; we'll leave early tomorrow morning, you don't need to come."

"Stay home and rest properly; these days you've been busy helping the second uncle, and we feel heart‑broken seeing you work so hard—tomorrow just rest at home."

The second uncle and Changyu beside them also nodded repeatedly.

This morning, after the family's son‑in‑law arrived, he kept yawning, and everyone noticed.

Su's mother and father also felt heart‑broken inside.

But there's really nothing to be done.

After all, this is the second son's first time coming to the city, and he's managing such a large restaurant.

Our family really couldn't do without this son‑in‑law.

Once this matter is settled, there's no need for the son‑in‑law to come see us off.

Besides, what's there to send? When the ox cart arrives tomorrow, we'll just pack up, hop on, and head back.

Why bother the son‑in‑law over such a trivial matter?

And Lu Yuan wasn't being polite either; he really has been lacking sleep lately.

Immediately, Lu Yuan nodded, just about to say something more when—

Su's mother also immediately looked at Lu Yuan and said with a smile:

"Yuan'er, make an effort, hurry up and get Liyan pregnant; when her belly gets big, you won't need to take care of her—I'll help you take care of her."

"I'll keep looking after you until the child can walk and talk, making sure you don't have to worry at all."

This mother‑in‑law of mine is truly a one‑in‑a‑hundred mother‑in‑law.

Meanwhile, Su's father beside him also nodded repeatedly and said:

"That's right, that's right—Yuan'er, you and Liyan should boldly have children; when the time comes, let your mother bring them up."

Well, this is a bit tough on Su's father, but compared to that, he also hopes his daughter will bear this son-in-law a few more children.

Having a few more sons is what would truly do justice to the son-in-law.

Besides, at my age, I can't really toss and turn much.

Moreover, my wife will surely come back for a few days now and then, and that's enough.

Lu Yuan smiled, nodded, said a few more words, and then left.

Before the drowsiness hit, Lu Yuan hurried to the Agriculture Bureau's experimental field.

After finishing all the records, Lu Yuan went home.

As he passed the moat, Lu Yuan glanced over and didn't see Gu Lie today.

Maybe he went to fight crickets?

Never mind.

After Lu Yuan returned home and added two shovelfuls of coal to the Kang heating ducts, he went straight to bed to sleep.

Lu Yuan had essentially gone without sleep all night plus the whole day.

It was already past four in the afternoon.

He could barely hold on, took off his clothes, tossed them aside, and Lu Yuan fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

I don't know how long he slept, but while Lu Yuan was in a daze, he felt a soft, warm, fragrant body slip into his blanket.

Huh?

Lu Yuan blinked open his eyes in a daze.

The house was pitch black; he had no idea what time he had slept until.

Outside, the sky was completely dark.

And while Lu Yuan was in a daze, he heard his wife's faint movements beside his ear:

"Brother~ Are you hungry? I left some rice in the pot for you; if you're not hungry, brother, go to sleep quickly~"

At noon today, Su Liyan took Liu Sister to eat, and she saw her husband yawning nonstop there.

This made Su Liyan feel terrible, and on the spot she wanted to take her husband home.

But her husband said it was fine, it was fine.

Otherwise, Su Liyan wouldn't care about any second uncle or parents-in-law; she would just take her husband home and not let him help there.

After returning, seeing her husband sound asleep, Su Liyan quietly prepared the meal.

After eating a bit herself, seeing her husband still not awake, she finished washing up and slipped into his blanket.

Lu Yuan really isn't hungry now; he can barely keep his eyes open.

After humming in a daze, Lu Yuan responded, then fell asleep again.

…………

Great Zhou Dynasty, imperial palace, Chonghua Hall.

Gu Qingwan stared at the senior eunuch below, her face full of astonishment.

"He didn't even eat at noon?!"

Gu Qingwan gazed at the senior eunuch below, her face incredulous.

And that senior eunuch below kept nodding repeatedly.

Now, Gu Qingwan couldn't stay seated; she immediately rose and headed out of the hall.

And the senior eunuch following behind, with a shrill voice, hurriedly shouted:

"Your Majesty, your Majesty~~"

Gu Qingwan led her entourage hastily into the academy, but when they stopped before a room, everyone involuntarily tiptoed.

Afterward, Gu Qingwan came to the window.

It was still the same spot as yesterday.

Gu Lie was also sitting just as he had the day before.

On the table lay the noon meal.

Not a bite had been touched.

Gu Qingwan stared at everything before her, completely bewildered.

This??

Her own brother was actually studying, forgetting sleep and food??

Such a thing, Gu Qingwan really couldn't even dare to imagine.

After pondering, Gu Qingwan pushed the door open and entered.

Hearing the movement, Gu Lie slightly lifted his head, and upon seeing his sister, he asked curiously:

"Sis, how did you come here?"

Gu Qingwan blinked, looked at Gu Lie, and asked curiously:

"You… have you been here all day today, without going out?"

Gu Qingwan even suspected…

"Is my own brother putting on an act for me?"

Actually, he played all day, then came back when it was time to eat.

To make it look like he'd been here all day?

Gu Qingwan truly couldn't believe her unlearned brother could manage such a day.

And Gu Lie raised his eyebrows and said:

"Yeah, what's up?"

Gu Qingwan looked a bit dazed and said:

"Why aren't you going out to play today? Didn't you say I wouldn't bother you these two days?"

Gu Lie was startled, uh...

Gu Lie had no other reason for not going out to play.

Today, Lu Yuan brother isn't going fishing either.

Just going fishing alone, Gu Lie finds it boring.

Better to stay in the room and read a bit.

That way I'll have a bit of culture, and I can chat a few more words with Lu Yuan brother.

However, this matter definitely can't be said by my older sister, so Gu Lie then blinked and said:

"Um... study a little, so that when I go out and speak later I won't be embarrassed, and nobody will laugh at me."

Hearing her younger brother's words, Gu Qingwan really wanted to laugh to death.

Can my younger brother really have such awareness?

But...

Being laughed at?

Being embarrassed?

This?

Um...

Suddenly, Gu Qingwan seemed to understand something.

Afterwards, Gu Qingwan looked at Gu Lie and raised her eyebrows, saying:

"Fine, having this awareness is good. Look, if you want to read any book, just tell the people outside and have them help you find it."

After saying that, Gu Qingwan stood up and left directly.

While walking back, the grand eunuch lowered his head and followed beside, saying:

"Your Majesty, shouldn't you advise the Prince to rest a bit? He's been watching all night and a whole day; don't wear him out."

Gu Qingwan, however, pursed her lips and let out a light snort, saying:

"Can reading a book really wear someone out?

While he's eager to read, let him read quickly, so that when this three‑minute enthusiasm fades, he won't start driving donkeys to grind again."

After saying that, Gu Qingwan directly said:

"Go summon the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei and bring Lu Yuan's memorial."

The grand eunuch immediately nodded and said:

"Yes, Your Majesty."

…

Chonghua Hall.

Gu Qingwan opened the yellow box in her hand and took out a memorial from inside.

Meanwhile, the grand eunuch from the palace, Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei, stood respectfully below awaiting questioning.

Gu Qingwan silently scanned the memorial in her hand.

As soon as Gu Qingwan saw the beginning, her face turned strange.

From last night around eight o'clock to this morning at five thirty‑six?

Gu Qingwan: "..."

Afterwards, Gu Qingwan continued reading downward.

Um...

Not much important after all.

In the morning I went out with my wife.

At the threshing machine factory gate, my wife kissed me.

Then I went to help...

Um...

These are useless pieces of information, so Gu Qingwan didn't care and quickly skimmed on.

However, upon seeing that Lu Yuan had eaten lunch and then rushed straight to the Agriculture Bureau's experimental greenhouse, this piqued Gu Qingwan's curiosity.

After looking a bit more.

Gu Qingwan suddenly froze.

This!!

The potatoes that can be grown in the research greenhouse!!

As a sovereign of a nation, Gu Qingwan understands better than anyone how desperately the Great Zhou Dynasty craves grain!

The greenhouse Lu Yuan previously set up has already made Gu Qingwan overjoyed.

But this thing can only grow vegetables, not grain.

This makes Gu Qingwan feel a bit regretful.

But no matter what, as long as this land can produce something edible, it's absolutely a good thing!

And now...

Lu Yuan is researching how to grow grain in the greenhouse!!

Gu Qingwan stared in astonishment at the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei below and said:

"Have you clarified this matter? Is Lu Yuan really researching potato cultivation in the greenhouse?!"

And the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei immediately said respectfully:

"Your Majesty, there is absolutely no mistake!"

Gu Qingwan also knew that the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei must have investigated thoroughly before writing this memorial.

Otherwise, they would not dare to write it recklessly.

Gu Qingwan merely felt somewhat incredulous; if the potato really was produced by Lu Yuan……

Then the Great Zhou Dynasty……

Gu Qingwan didn't even dare to think about it.

Having come to her senses, Gu Qingwan, somewhat excited, looked at the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei and said:

"What about the progress? How is the progress?"

Regarding this, the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei slightly shook his head and hurriedly said:

"Your Majesty, this matter cannot be investigated, because that big shed can only be entered and used by Lu Yuan."

Moreover, the Agriculture Bureau completely trusts Lu Yuan; his daily affairs also do not need to be reported. If one really wants to know the situation, the only way is to sneak in at night and then……

However, before the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei finished speaking, Gu Qingwan, with a cold face, directly said:

"Impossible!"

And the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei also hurriedly bowed and said:

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Such matters must absolutely not be messed with; if they are ruined, the consequences would be too severe.

However, there is one thing that can now be certain.

This Lu Yuan…… is indeed consistently doing great deeds for the country and the people.

Such a person must be given important responsibilities.

However……

Such a flawless person made Gu Qingwan, besides admiration, also feel some apprehension.

Such a person is difficult to manage and control.

At the very least, one must know some of Lu Yuan's weaknesses, dirt, to know what kind of person he is.

What are his likes, what are his weaknesses.

Only then can one prescribe the right remedy.

Afterwards, Gu Qingwan stopped speaking and continued reading downward.

And there was nothing more below.

After Lu Yuan returned home from the Agriculture Bureau, he went straight to sleep.

The time of this memorial was nine o'clock in the evening, and Lu Yuan was still asleep.

Seeing this, Gu Qingwan indeed raised her eyebrows slightly and showed a hint of disdain on her lips.

Just that.

I thought last night's tossing and turning was quite impressive.

I didn't expect that tonight he'd just lie down and sleep.

This also won't do.

Thank you to book friend 20220529 old brother for the 1500 book coin reward, thank you very much~

Thank you to Universe with Fish and Surplus old brother for the 1500 book coin reward, thank you very much~

Tonight first update, I today got a big recommendation, all kinds of alcoholics and snake gods came, then tonight I went crazy arguing with some people, basically no mood to write.

Only later did I know that I could enable fan value comments.

Only after enabling it did I finally discover that this world is really peaceful.

Time is running out; the remaining two updates will be made up tomorrow.



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(End of chapter)