Chapter 161

Gu Qingwan was completely numb.

As for Lu Yuan, the mud on his pant legs—frankly, Gu Qingwan didn't care at all.

Following Lu Yuan all morning, Gu Qingwan didn't notice.

Or rather, she saw it, but didn't take it to heart.

But after Su Liyan arrived, she immediately saw that Lu Yuan didn't need to say anything—she picked up the basin, went to fetch water, and came back to wipe her man's pant legs.

This...

This is just too likable!!

Gu Qingwan sucked in a breath of cold air...

This... which woman could compare to Su Liyan??

It's simply exaggerated!!

No wonder, when Lu Yuan was with me, he always found fault with this and that.

Gu Qingwan initially thought Lu Yuan was deliberately picking on her.

In fact, this is entirely because Su Liyan spoiled him.

Gu Qingwan certainly knows how Su Liyan treats Lu Yuan every day.

But what's written in the memorial are just cold words; there's no comparison to the impact of seeing it in person!

Moreover, Gu Qingwan feels that what the Nei Ne Qing Cang Wei wrote is really not detailed at all!!

Su Liyan's coquettishness, petulance, admiration—none of it is written at all!!

After Su Liyan finished wiping her man's clothes and pants, she went to change the basin water.

About to eat, she wiped her man's hands.

Gu Qingwan, seeing this, was completely speechless.

This... this is basically treating Lu Yuan like a clueless child to pamper.

Soon, Lin Fusheng's assistant brought the food back.

Everyone then prepared to eat.

Lu Yuan and Su Liyan sat on one sofa, while Gu Qingwan and Lin Fusheng each sat on their own sofa.

"The Agriculture Bureau's food is good, right? Is it according to the standards?"

Gu Qingwan raised an eyebrow at the big meat on the table, and said with a slight raise of her eyebrow.

But Gu Qingwan's words left Lu Yuan and Lin Fusheng not understanding.

This definitely isn't according to the standards.

If it were according to the standards issued by the Imperial Court for government units, nobody would want to eat well.

But the Agriculture Bureau is different; the Agriculture Bureau can openly produce.

The reason is... the Agriculture Bureau's meals are not like other agencies; those agencies' cafeterias wait for approval from above.

While the Agriculture Bureau is called 'consume spoiled grain'.

This original intention is good, meaning that the grain stockpiled in the granaries, some are about to spoil, or about to get moldy, etc.

The Agriculture Bureau just eats it themselves.

However, there isn't that much spoiled grain; instead, they have big fish and meat every day.

But others can't say anything about it.

Lin Fusheng blinked and saw Gu Qingwan sitting on the other side.

By rights, Lin Fusheng shouldn't be afraid of Gu Qingwan.

Who is he, Lin Fusheng? He's a white-cuff, soon to be the head of the Agriculture Bureau.

Once this potato matter comes out, taking another step forward would mean entering the Ministry of Revenue.

But Lin Fusheng, looking at this so-called Gu Qingwan from the Ministry of War, inexplicably felt a bit nervous.

He gave Gu Qingwan an explanation.

And Gu Qingwan isn't a fool; although it's said that way, she knows there are many ins and outs.

However, after thinking, it's fine.

Anyway, lately Lu Yuan has been eating here, feeding Lu Yuan, and Gu Qingwan doesn't mind.

Soon, the two women were full.

After all, the woman eats without speaking, just gulps down her food, and doesn't drink alcohol.

Like Lu Yuan and Lin Fusheng, they talk while eating.

Today, being so happy, Lin Fusheng also took out a bottle of hidden liquor from his cabinet, and the two of them drank, you a cup, me a cup.

Eating and drinking, talking.

They didn't eat many of the vegetables in the lunch box.

After Su Liyan finished eating, she went to find a teacup and brewed tea for her man and Lin Fusheng.

These days, Su Liyan often comes to this office to eat with her man; she also knows where the teacups, tea leaves, etc., are kept.

"Sister Wan, do you drink tea or hot water?"

Su Liyan, who was washing the teacup, suddenly looked at Gu Qingwan and asked curiously.

Gu Qingwan was startled, then slightly pursed her lips, revealing a hint of a smile, and said:

"I just need hot water."

Su Liyan nodded repeatedly.

Meanwhile, Lu Yuan was chatting with Lin Fusheng.

"Yuan'er, you've done great this time. Wait; this afternoon I'll submit this to the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry will forward it to the Cabinet, and this will surely reach the highest levels."

Lin Fusheng gazed at Lu Yuan mysteriously and said.

Lu Yuan blinked, and for a moment he hadn't reacted yet, then said:

"The highest?"

Lin Fusheng then pointed at the top of his head with his finger and said:

"Heaven."

Lin Fusheng looked like he dared not speak loudly, for fear of startling the heavenly being, which made Gu Qingwan involuntarily purse her lips.

Am I that scary?

Lu Yuan also came to his senses, grinning, and said:

"Then this time it's definitely not just a simple reward, right?"

Lin Fusheng took a bite of the white steamed bun in his hand, raised his eyebrows, and said:

"That's for sure!"

"Yuan'er, wait a moment; Uncle originally wanted to arrange a position for you at the Agriculture Bureau, but now it looks like your position might be assigned by the higher-ups."

Lu Yuan smiled and nodded, not saying much.

And Lin Fusheng, looking at Lu Yuan's appearance, found it somewhat strange and said:

"What, Uncle, why do you look not too happy?"

Lu Yuan startled, then smiled, pursed his lips and waved his hand, saying:

"Nothing, I'm happy, but if the higher-ups really give me a proper official post, I'm afraid I can't handle it."

"Uncle, you're not unaware of my situation; my stomach ailment hasn't healed yet, if you give me a proper"

"... like you, busy all day every day, I'd probably be bedridden in a few days."

After Lin Fusheng heard that, he also seriously nodded and said:

"That's also true... if you kid wanted to be an official, you'd have already been one..."

Gu Qingwan sitting opposite Lu Yuan then softly said:

"Your stomach ailment... still not good? Hasn't it been a long time?"

"Let me find you a good doctor to see; I know a few... from the Tai Yi Yuan."

Lu Yuan glanced at Gu Qingwan, blinked, and pondered...

"Did I ever tell Gu Lie that I have a stomach ailment?"

"Hmm..."

"I've said many things to Gu Lie; Lu Yuan also forgot."

"However, since Gu Qingwan knows I've had a stomach ailment for a long time, that must be what Gu Lie said."

"As for having me find a doctor from the Tai Yi Yuan?"

Lu Yuan repeatedly waved his hand and said:

"No need, no need; I just need to nurture this illness, no need to see a doctor."

"Goodness, if someone from the Tai Yi Yuan comes, wouldn't I just spill the beans?"

"This illness of mine will have to be nurtured for a lifetime."

Seeing Lu Yuan say no, Gu Qingwan blinked strangely, didn't think much, then suddenly feigned casualness and said:

"Then if you don't want an official post, what do you want? Having done such a good deed, the higher-ups will definitely give you a reward."

"Otherwise, having solved such a difficult matter for the whole country, if the higher-ups show no sign, wouldn't they be accused of incompetence?"

Lin Fusheng beside also looked at Lu Yuan and nodded, saying:

"Yes, Yuan'er, this time the higher-ups will definitely give you a position; once it comes down, you can't just not do it."

Lu Yuan pursed his lips, then looked at Lin Fusheng curiously and said:

"Uncle, do you think the higher-ups could just grant me a title, not an official post? If they give me a title, that would be awesome..."

Before Lu Yuan finished speaking, Lin Fusheng, who had come to his senses, hurriedly interrupted:

"Oh dear, Yuan'er, you can't talk nonsense like that!!"

"Huh?"

Lu Yuan blinked, somewhat dazed, looking at Lin Fusheng.

At this time Lin Fusheng glanced at the side Gu Qingwan.

Gu Qingwan also found it strange, what's wrong with saying this, and... why are you looking at me?

After Lu Yuan blinked, he realized Lin Fusheng didn't want Gu Qingwan here, wanting to whisper something to him.

Immediately Lu Yuan understood, then looked at his wife who happened to come over to pour water and said:

"Wife, you go out for a walk with your sister Wan."

Actually just letting Gu Qingwan go out would suffice, but there's no letting someone go out alone, that would look too bad.

Better to let my wife accompany her out.

Su Liyan also knew her man needed to discuss serious matters, and she didn't want to listen to that kind of thing.

Her mother had said, when a man discusses serious matters, don't crowd around him.

Women who hear too many big matters inevitably become broad-minded, which is not good.

And Gu Qingwan was speechless, "You guys talk, I can't even listen?!"

"Just go then!"

Gu Qingwan glared at Lu Yuan, then turned and left the room.

However, regarding Lu Yuan's reward issue, Gu Qingwan had a rough idea in her heart.

"Give Lu Yuan a big official post?"

That won't do; Lu Yuan himself doesn't want to do it.

Besides, from what Lu Yuan just said, Gu Qingwan also figured it out.

Lu Yuan simply doesn't like being restrained or being told what to do.

Besides, Gu Qingwan feels that Lu Yuan is actually fine with the current situation.

Lu Yuan's inventions and creations weren't all made after he left the Bing Jia Chang, were they?

After all, those major inventions surely require free time and time to think them up.

If Lu Yuan were kept busy from morning till night, where would he still have the mind to do this or that?

That won't do.

And if not an official post, what else could be given?

Lu Yuan's earlier words actually reminded Gu Qingwan, right.

We could give him a title!

In a sense, this title is better than an official post.

That way Lu Yuan can stay idle and keep inventing for the Great Zhou Dynasty.

And this status is even more impressive than those high officials.

After all, Lin Fusheng is about to become the head of the Agriculture Bureau—he's definitely a leader.

But...

Basically, once you retire, you're just a commoner.

A title has many benefits—for instance, if Lu Yuan ever gets into trouble, the authorities can't deal with it privately.

Hmm...

As for what title to give Lu Yuan.

Gu Qingwan will have to think about that carefully when she goes back.

After everyone inside had left, Lin Fusheng looked at Lu Yuan and said:

Ah, Yuan'er, from now on don't say this kind of thing in front of others!

Our heavenly lord dislikes titles and nobility the most—look at our Great Zhou Dynasty, how many titles are left?

Lu Yuan blinked.

And Lin Fusheng continued:

The recent turmoil in the Great Zhou Dynasty was caused by those nobles, wasn't it?

When our heavenly lord ascended the throne, those nobles were either executed or exiled.

The entire Great Zhou imperial clan now has only about seven or eight titles left.

And even those remaining nobles have a hard time.

Lu Yuan blinked……like that……

Afterward, Lin Fusheng looked at Lu Yuan and said:

You must never say this in front of outsiders; if it gets out, and even reaches the heavens, that would be terrible!

Seeing Lin Fusheng's worried look, Lu Yuan smiled and nodded:

I got it, Uncle; I won't say it again. That woman earlier is fine—we're acquainted, so it's no problem.

Hmm...

Actually, we're not that close.

But Lu Yuan knows Gu Qingwan wouldn't go around spouting nonsense.

Gu Qingwan is definitely not a gossip who loves to go around repeating things.

After hearing Lu Yuan's words, Lin Fusheng nodded and felt reassured.

But soon after, Lin Fusheng suddenly gave a sly smile and looked at Lu Yuan, saying:

Hey, that woman……could she be your second wife?

Lu Yuan was startled, then replied somewhat speechlessly:

What are you talking about, Uncle? Don't just spout nonsense.

Lin Fusheng didn't believe him, hehe laughing:

There's nothing shameful about it, Uncle; a capable man having several wives is quite normal.

Lu Yuan burst out laughing at Lin Fusheng and said:

If you're so capable, Uncle, I haven't seen you with a second wife.

Lu Yuan, without changing expression, gave Lin Fusheng another compliment.

And Lin Fusheng took a bite of a steamed bun, hehe smirking:

Who says you don't have any, Uncle? When you were young you married six wives!

Lu Yuan: "????"

Lu Yuan, looking bewildered, looked at Lin Fusheng and said:

Why didn't I see them during New Year? Isn't it just me and my grandma?

Lin Fusheng curled his lips and said:

That's because back when you were young you had money, could be greedy, and could afford it—afterwards, with all the turmoil, not to mention, once the new emperor took the throne, who would dare?

I now make only about fifty bucks a month—how could I support six wives? I sent them away long ago.

Lin Fusheng truly treats Lu Yuan as one of his own, sharing these matters with him.

And Lu Yuan, with a bewildered face, said:

They stole so much... didn't the court investigate?

Lin Fusheng said proudly:

They did investigate, but back then, which official in the court wasn't corrupt? The newly crowned emperor didn't dare to execute them all.

Just have those who embezzled turn over everything they stole, and then let it go.

Grandpa, you're so smart, as sharp as a monkey, and the next day you turned over everything you'd stolen.

Look, Grandpa is fine now; those who didn't turn it over were later investigated and executed.

Lin Fusheng leaned in mysteriously close to Lu Yuan and smiled:

Mainly because Grandpa is old and can't mess around anymore; at this age, having so much is pointless, so he just turned it over to live in peace.

Lu Yuan then nodded in realization, understanding that's how it was...

Lin Fusheng looked at Lu Yuan and chuckled:

Yuan'er, you're different now; look, you have five hundred today, three hundred the day after tomorrow—you have money, you can keep whatever you want.

Lu Yuan pursed his lips and didn't say anything to Lin Fusheng.

After they finished eating, they chatted for a while.

Downstairs, warblers and swallows sang; Lu Yuan oddly got up, stood by the window, looked down, and couldn't help but blink.

Lin Fusheng also came over, curious.

After a glance, Lin Fusheng smiled and looked at Lu Yuan:

Well, the eldest daughter-in-law is teaching the second daughter-in-law how to ride a bike.

Thank you, Old Brother, for the 1666 book coins reward—thank you very much!

Thank you, the weaned Old Brother, for the 1000 book coins reward—thank you very much!

Thank you, ATANis Old Brother, for the 500 book coins reward—thank you very much!

Thank you, Yumen Old Brother, for the 100 book coins reward—thank you very much!

Mwah mwah~

I'll take a nap first; I'm not sure when I'll wake up...

When I wake up, I'll continue.

(End of chapter)