Chapter 235

Lu Yuan's home dining table was bustling.

Originally Lu Yuan said he wasn't going to eat, but Liu Shoucai arrived and even brought Kou Yang along.

Let's prepare some snacks to go with drinks.

Have some food and drinks.

"Madam, I have two teams in the northwest that have gathered a lot of sable pelts; after a few days I'll have them bring them back to make winter lining for your shop."

Liu Shoucai looked at Su Liyan and gave a sweet smile.

Before, Lu Yuan's family hadn't intended to make winter garments, mainly because making winter clothes was too much trouble, and the shop only had a few sewing machines at the time.

Now it's different—there are close to twenty sewing machines, more than forty embroiderers, and both day and night shifts are making clothes.

In the future we can keep expanding—Lu Yuan has rented a sizable plot of land in that shed outside the city.

Winter clothes can certainly be made too.

Su Liyan emerged from the kitchen carrying a plate of dishes.

Even though her belly is big, Su Liyan can't sit still.

Upon hearing Liu Shoucai's words, Su Liyan brought a plate of mutton entrails over to him and smiled, saying:

"I know you love mutton offal, so I made this especially for you."

"Upon hearing this, Liu Shoucai quickly stood up, feeling flattered and surprised, and took the plate with both hands, saying:"

"Oh my, madam, you're already so big-bellied—don't overexert yourself."

Lu Yuan also came over, put his arm around his wife, and smiled with pursed lips.

"Please sit, wife; let Yu Lan take care of the work."

Su Liyan beamed with happiness, nodded, and sat down beside her husband.

Su Liyan loves how her husband looks after her like this.

Soon after, Gu Qingwan also brought out a plate of food and set it before Lu Yuan.

Liu Shoucai again rose quickly, producing an exquisite gift box containing a very fine hairpin.

"This is for you; your bearing has a special noble air, and this will surely look lovely on you."

While speaking kindly, he passed it over.

Liu Shoucai is now truly capable—whether speaking or handling affairs, it's nothing like before when he used to loiter at the East City Gate.

After all, if Liu Shoucai lacked talent, how could he have seven or eight thousand men under his command?

And Gu Qingwan, upon receiving the gift, was very pleased.

Of course, it's not that the hairpin is particularly valuable; even if it were priceless, Gu Qingwan wouldn't care for it.

The main reason is that Liu Shoucai always brings her a share whenever he comes.

First it's for Lu Yuan, then for Su Liyan, and then for herself.

How could this not make Gu Qingwan happy?

Having received the gifts, Gu Qingwan was overjoyed, and she waved her jade hand at Liu Shoucai before her, saying:

"Do a good job on Xin Cheng this time; this is only the first phase. Later, the west and east sides of Huangcheng will also need development and new cities built."

"When the time comes, I will discuss with the superiors and contract one of those cities entirely to you, so you can really get to work."

Liu Shoucai knows his second mistress's family is formidable, but his second mistress isn't from the Ministry of War, is she?

Can the Ministry of War even handle this?

Of course, it's fine if Liu Shoucai doesn't understand this; right now the important thing is to hurry and give thanks.

Immediately, Liu Shoucai raised his cup and toasted Gu Qingwan.

Until after eight o'clock in the evening, when everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Liu Shoucai departed.

Liu Shoucai is now a very busy person—managing seven or eight thousand people, how could he not be busy?

After Liu Shoucai left, Lu Yuan then sent Yu Lan and his mother-in-law back home.

Meanwhile, Su Liyan and Gu Qingwan sat before the sewing machines.

Of course, without turning on the sewing machines, the two just cuddled together and talked about clothing styles.

On this side of the main hall's table, Lu Yuan had claimed it.

"What's up? Speak quickly if you have something; I'm going back to sleep, and tonight I have to open the shop."

Just after Liu Shoucai left, Kou Yang was also about to leave.

But Lu Yuan stopped him.

Lu Yuan didn't invite Kou Yang just for a meal; mainly it was for Yu Lan.

Lu Yuan then walked to the window, lit a cigarette, looked at Kou Yang sitting nearby, and raised his eyebrows, saying:

"How's business at your eatery?"

Kou Yang nodded, somewhat proudly, and said:

"Business is great! Our place is right next to Xin Cheng; at noon, not only factory workers come to eat, but also workers from the nearby construction site."

Lu Yuan raised his eyebrows with an amused expression and said:

"How much can you earn in a day now?"

Kou Yang blinked, then raised his eyebrows and said:

"Now we make about five or six silver a day total; I and my father, taking advantage of these two years while building Xin Cheng, intend to make a tidy sum."

"Once Xin Cheng is completed, we'll buy a shop there and run a proper eatery!"

"Upon hearing Kou Yang's words, Lu Yuan couldn't help but grin and say:"

"Yo, that's really not bad—five or six silver a day adds up to over a hundred silver a month."

"Even if father and son split it evenly, each would get eighty or so silver a month—this is already approaching the income of a big shot."

Listening to Lu Yuan's words, Kou Yang pursed his lips, looked at Lu Yuan, and said:

"It's not comparable to you; your family earns money as easily as drinking water."

Five or six thousand a day—just thinking about it makes Kou Yang find it exaggerated.

Even if we didn't eat or drink, with today's good market, our family would have to work three or four years to match what Lu Yuan's family earns in a day.

Three or four years equals a day!!

Even though Kou Yang isn't the jealous type, under this comparison he can't help but curse, "Lu Yuan is really a beast!!"

This is just too good at making money!

Lu Yuan, however, didn't follow up; after taking a puff of smoke, he directly got to the point:

"I said, wasn't I supposed to have you find a wife earlier? It's been so long—have you found one?"

Speaking of this, Kou Yang couldn't help but purse his lips, then said:

"Where would it be that easy……"

Lu Yuan then raised his eyebrows slightly and said:

"Why is it hard? You're a half-grown young man, not bad-looking; finding a partner shouldn't be that hard?"

"Or else, let me introduce someone for you?"

Eh??

Lu Yuan is going to introduce a wife for himself??

Kou Yang stared at Lu Yuan, a bit dazed; Lu Yuan not stealing people's wives is already good enough, yet he can still introduce someone??

Kou Yang thought it unreliable, but he was still very curious and said:

"Who?"

Lu Yuan smiled narrowly at Kou Yang and said:

"Who else could it be? It's Wang Yulan, right?"

Wang Yulan??

Kou Yang was stunned, then immediately pursed his lips and said:

"She's secondhand; I don't want her."

As for Kou Yang, Lu Yuan previously said he's a golden-haired type.

This 'golden hair' can refer to a dog.

When someone's life is a bit tough, or he thinks someone is being bullied, he can't stand it and wants to intervene, to help out.

And besides…

In some earthly cartoons, this 'golden hair' belongs to the tsundere attribute.

Kou Yang has it all.

According to Lu Yuan's observations over these months, Kou Yang still likes Wang Yulan.

Their relationship is somewhat like mine and Gu Qingwan's now.

Between them, there's only a layer of window paper.

Just see who will pierce it first.

But…

These two people… are not as simple as me and Gu Qingwan.

Me and Gu Qingwan, at most, are just embarrassed with each other.

If someone grits their teeth and pierces it, then it's done.

But, these two people are not easy to handle.

Mainly, it's not because Wang Yulan has been married before.

That Pang Kaige already ran off to enjoy himself; Wang Yulan stays here, saying she's not really a widow, belonging to a remarriage without children.

Kou Yang is marrying for the first time, which is not easy for people to accept.

Kou Yang's father definitely isn't willing either.

However, speaking of it, Wang Yulan's livelihood would definitely be with Kou Yang; Kou Yang cherishes her, so it's settled.

And as for Kou Yang…

It's just that he cherishes her!

And after Kou Yang finished speaking, Lu Yuan raised his eyebrows and said:

"What do you mean 'secondhand'? You'd better speak properly; this is just a remarriage."

Since the new emperor ascended the throne and implemented the new policies, free marriage—if it doesn't work out, you divorce—isn't that normal?

Besides, we're all from the same courtyard; you know why Wang Yulan divorced.

It's not because she's lazy or anything; it's all because Pang Kaige's morals are corrupt—what does that have to do with our Wang Yulan?

Kou Yang pursed his lips and didn't say anything.

Kou Yang knows this clearly in his heart.

It's just… Kou Yang always feels… if he really married Wang Yulan, the people in the courtyard wouldn't know what to say.

If we're talking about Wang Yulan…

Kou Yang really does like her quite a bit…

Although sometimes she acts a bit feisty toward him…

But Kou Yang, hey, still likes that little feistiness of Wang Yulan toward him.

Furthermore, Wang Yulan really does think about him quite a bit.

She's also really good at taking care of people.

Look, you're cutting watermelon today—you still want to keep a piece for yourself?

Why doesn't she give some to others?

Yu Lan is also pretty, even though the Wang family is now ruined, but Yu Lan still comes from a high-status family, a proper young lady.

Taking her out like that, it's really not embarrassing at all!

While Kou Yang was thinking.

Lu Yuan flicked the cigarette butt away, then raised his eyebrows at Kou Yang and said:

"What are you thinking about? What's up, do you still feel you're losing out?!"

I treat Yu Lan like my own sister; as for your future marriage and all, I'll handle it.

Besides, do you know how much Yu Lan makes a month at our shop? I pay her three hundred a month—she earns more than you.

You now make only seventy or eighty a month, and that's all you'll ever make.

In a few years, when Xin Cheng is built and there won't be so many workers, dare you say how much you'll earn a month?

You stinking cook, you're still being picky—do you know how many men would love to have our Yu Lan?

If you don't like it, get lost—stop spouting nonsense; our Yu Lan doesn't need to worry about finding a husband!

This is really true.

What's wrong with a second marriage?

There are plenty of remarried men; our Yu Lan is pretty and well-mannered, now managing Lu Yuan's shop, and he raised her wages to three hundred a month.

Though it's said to be three hundred, in Lu Yuan's heart Yu Lan is like his own sister.

In the future, if the family needs money, all Yu Lan has to do is ask, and Lu Yuan will give her however much she needs.

So Yu Lan really doesn't need to worry about getting married.

Of course, if she could marry Kou Yang, then she should marry Kou Yang.

The main thing is, Lu Yuan had already said this to Yu Lan before.

Yu Lan actually likes Kou Yang quite a bit.

This matter definitely needs to be settled with Yu Lan, after all, Lu Yuan can't meddle in others' marriages.

If Kou Yang doesn't like Yu Lan, what good is being a nice person?

Lu Yuan needs to scare Kou Yang a bit, make him understand.

His sister is no ordinary person!

Being associated with this brother of his, how could she be ordinary?

So even if his sister is remarried and you, Kou Yang, are marrying for the first time, don't act like you're the one losing out.

From now on at home, you still need to look after Yu Lan and treat her as a new daughter-in-law.

You can't think you're superior and just order Yu Lan around.

Yu Lan makes three hundred a month—what right do you have to make her serve you for a few dozen?

Don't act all tsundere; tsundere isn't in style anymore!

After Lu Yuan finished speaking, Kou Yang quickly waved his hands and said:

"Well… not really… mainly it's because we live in the same courtyard… I'm afraid the people in the courtyard will gossip…"

Upon hearing Kou Yang's words, Lu Yuan immediately raised his eyebrows and said:

"What's there to fear about gossip? This life is for ourselves—look at me, if I were afraid of what others say, I could never have married your sister Su."

"Look at your sister Su now—she can go out and open a shop to make money, then come home and attend to me; who wouldn't say my life is good?"

"If I had been as hesitant as you back then, such a good wife would have run off long ago."

At that moment, not far away, Su Liyan was researching new clothing styles with Gu Qingwan; feeling a bit shy, she turned her head and cooed to her man:

"Brother~~"

Lu Yuan grinned at his wife, then turned to Kou Yang across from him, raised his eyebrows and said:

"You say, is it not?"

And Kou Yang, looking at Lu Yuan, was speechless.

This isn't something just anyone can do—be as shameless as you.

But upon further thought, it's actually right…

Finally, Kou Yang scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit embarrassed, and said:

"Yu Lan…… how to put it…… does she agree?"

"Hmm~"

Hearing that, Lu Yuan understood—Kou Yang agreed!

Afterward, Lu Yuan put on a troubled look and said:

"Ah…… I don't know about this lately—you don't know, but there's a particularly wealthy lady who keeps trying to set Yu Lan up with her son."

"You also know that the people who buy clothes at our place are all from particularly wealthy families."

Upon hearing this, Kou Yang became anxious and immediately stood up, saying:

"What…… what should we do??"

Seeing Kou Yang's appearance, Lu Yuan chuckled inwardly, then raised his eyebrows and said:

"Hey, you're silly—these days, a man should treat Yu Lan better, take the initiative; just like back then, it was your brother who actively pursued your sister Su."

Kou Yuan, hearing Lu Yuan's words, felt a bit embarrassed and said:

"Can that work?"

Kou Yang had no doubt about Lu Yuan's words—his shop attracts many wealthy people, all of whom are rich.

"I…… can I compare?"

Lu Yuan raised his eyebrows and said:

"Don't worry, this isn't just because I'm your brother; I'm hoping Yulan will marry you, otherwise I wouldn't have come to talk to you, right?"

"I don't want Yulan to marry so far away, so you should work hard these days, and I'll also put in a good word for Yulan behind the scenes."

"Isn't that settled then?!"

Upon hearing Lu Yuan's words, Kou Yang immediately nodded excitedly and said:

"Alright, let's do it!"

Seeing Kou Yang agree, Lu Yuan raised his eyebrows and said:

"Alright, then what are you still doing here? Go back and think it over—how to win Yulan's favor in the future!"

Finally, Kou Yang left, full of enthusiasm.

After Kou Yang walked out of the rear courtyard, Gu Qingwan, who was embracing Su Liyan, gave Lu Yuan a somewhat flirtatious glance and said:

"You really can spout nonsense—where's any lady, and who's introducing a match for Yulan?"

At this moment, Lu Yuan came to the seat, crossed his legs, and said triumphantly:

"You don't get it—this matter needs Kou Yang to vie for it, to snatch it; if he just easily gets Yulan, would he even take it seriously?"

Why bother making things difficult for a man like this?

But my sister's situation is different, after all she's a remarriage.

If she just casually marries over, at first there might be no issues.

But later, when the couple argues and brings up old scores,

When Kou Yang says Yulan is a remarriage, Yulan will also have something to say: wasn't it you who desperately begged to marry me back then?

And Gu Qingwan blinked, pondering, and said:

"Something obtained so casually wouldn't be taken seriously, would it?"

Lu Yuan blinked, looking at Gu Qingwan like that, and suddenly said:

"Not exactly; it's still about distinguishing people—this isn't just being overly cautious, is it?"

Gu Qingwan blinked and didn't speak.

Next, Lu Yuan took out the Ingenuity to read about the fuel-oil engine.

Let's wait until tomorrow morning to go and tell Yulan about this.

Yulan is about to sleep now; every day she gets up early to cook, and after eating she has to go open the shop early.

Naturally, she needs to go to bed early and rise early.

Around ten o'clock at night, the people in this courtyard had already turned off the lights and gone to sleep.

Gu Qingwan also planned to head back.

Just as Gu Qingwan rose, Su Liyan, who was sitting at the sewing machine, suddenly seized Gu Qingwan's fair wrist with her jade hand and said:

"Sister Wan, don't leave tonight—stay at home."

(End of chapter)