Chapter 87: Tonight sing boldly and without worry, tomorrow collect the wages

Lu Yuan went home, tidied up his things, rolled up the bedding, then added a small half-basket of coal, preparing to pick up Su Liyan.

He will just sleep directly in the big manor; there's also a wooden bed there and an old stove.

One night will do.

As for these things at home, Lu Yuan also feels at ease.

Lu Yuan puts money and such into his own storage space.

There's nothing valuable left at home, otherwise it's just the sewing machine, plus the Soft Dream mattress.

These two don't need worrying; if those people wanted to steal them, how would they carry them out?

Tonight the Siheyuan is full of people.

As for waiting until the people in the Siheyuan fall asleep before moving them out, that's also impossible.

Because the Siheyuan's gate is locked at night, only the residents have keys.

Besides, things like sewing machines have steel pricks.

If it's not the owner selling, no one dares to buy them.

As for stealing them back home for personal use…

There's plenty of scheming in this village; if they took back a sewing machine without steel pricks, they'd likely be reported to the officials by the villagers the next day.

Anyway, it's safe.

The only thing I'm a bit worried about is the meat and flour in the kitchen, plus the scattered items.

These aren't valuable anyway; Lu Yuan has already checked the quantities, so if these people really get up to no good and dare to sneakily take them, they'll just eat them.

Then Lu Yuan would just consider it a lesson learned, and when renovating the big manor later, he won't hire these people.

After Lu Yuan finished tidying up, he rode his horse away, first going to the noodle shop outside the Siheyuan.

Upon entering, Lu Yuan shouted:

"Shopkeeper."

The shopkeeper raised his head from behind the counter, saw it was Lu Yuan, and immediately smiled, saying:

"Hey, sir, the usual?"

Lu Yuan took out two coins, threw them directly on the table, and said:

"Seven bowls of big meat noodles, the remaining sixty-something cents' worth extra noodles, deliver to my home."

After saying that, Lu Yuan turned and left directly.

One word: suave.

Leaving the shopkeeper giving Lu Yuan a thumbs-up.

Today my own helper went to deliver vegetables; the shopkeeper also knows that Lu Yuan's home renovation isn't anything major, so he brought in a bunch of laborers.

Employers who provide meals are common, but those who also provide flour and meat are rare.

After leaving, Lu Yuan mounted his horse and leisurely walked toward the Forging Bureau.

The Forging Bureau has already finished work, and the road from there to home is just this one, so there's no worry about missing Su Liyan.

Soon, Lu Yuan, riding his tall horse, saw a graceful figure quickly running toward him.

He took a closer look.

Who else could it be but his gorgeous wife, the most beautiful under heaven~

After Lu Yuan dismounted, Su Liyan lunged straight into his embrace, excitedly saying:

"Brother~~ your bonus has come down~~ again three hundred dollars~~"

Lu Yuan nodded; this was not unexpected.

The reward for that Snow Dragon Sunlight Armor last time was delayed so long because after it was made, it had to be first shown to the military officials of the Ministry of War.

Those military officials, after getting it, would certainly need to test its various effects.

Only after they're satisfied will they apply to the Ministry of Revenue for funds, then issue an order to the Forging Bureau to produce it.

But this thresher is something the Forging Bureau can decide on its own.

So the reward comes quickly; the Forging Bureau just goes through the process, stamps a bunch of documents, and it's done.

Lu Yuan, as before, took the money, and the certificates and awards were casually tidied up by his wife.

Afterwards, Lu Yuan pulled his wife onto the horse and said:

"What do you want to eat tonight?"

Su Liyan leaned into Lu Yuan's embrace, curiously turning her head to look at him and said:

"Ah? We're still eating out today?"

Su Liyan just learned a dish from reading today, and she wants to go home and cook for her husband~

Lu Yuan then nodded and said:

"Today is a good thing; we ought to celebrate, right?"

Hearing this, Su Liyan nodded repeatedly; that's true too!

Su Liyan had just nodded when she noticed the bedding roll, then she looked puzzled and said:

"Brother, why did you take out the bedding?"

Lu Yuan immediately nodded and said:

"Today we're renovating the house; we'll sleep in the big courtyard tonight."

"Go to the big courtyard?"

Su Liyan nodded repeatedly, excited.

"That big courtyard of ours, Su Liyan thinks about it every day~"

"But… renovation?"

Yesterday my husband seemed to have said it, but before I could ask more, he already lifted me onto the bed.

Before Su Liyan could ask, Lu Yuan seized the reins with one hand and his wife's delicate hand with the other, saying:

"You'll find out when we go back tomorrow night~"

Hearing this, Su Liyan gave a cute nod and said:

"Mm~"

They first went to eat, wandered the streets sightseeing, and finally picked a Xinan restaurant, ordering all kinds of spicy dishes.

In cold weather, eat more spice—spicy fish, spicy rabbit, and the like.

When your mouth is numb and spicy, down a bottle of old soda~

Hiss~

So exhilarating!!

……

At this moment, the folks in Lu Yuan's backyard also got to eat.

Seeing the big bowl of meat noodles brought by the worker, the migrant workers' eyes lit up.

"Brother Liu, this host is too generous—I've never even heard of a host who provides white flour!!"

Look at all this meat—we'd only get to eat something like this during New Year!!

One of them stared at the steaming big bowl of meat noodles on the large tray, face full of disbelief.

"Is there really a host in this world who provides white flour and meat?"

After Liu Shoucai was stunned for a moment, he immediately glared and said:

"What does generosity have to do with it? This host is just kind-hearted; we've worked at big mansions before, but never have they served us white flour!"

Liu Shoucai's words caused the nearby seated migrant workers to nod repeatedly and say:

"Yes, it's the host's kindness—look at today's wages: we said six mao would be enough, but he said he'd give us a yuan, that's him looking out for us."

Meanwhile, the worker standing aside didn't join their conversation, just standing there and saying:

"You uncles, go ahead and eat; when you're done, stack your bowls and chopsticks and put them aside; I'll come back in an hour to get them."

Everyone nodded, and after the worker left, they all rushed over, each holding a big bowl of noodles.

Liu Shoucai stood here and called out:

"Don't eat at the host's table or chairs; we're dirty, don't soil the host's things—sit on the ground to eat."

Everyone likewise nodded, holding their big bowls of noodles, first blowing on the oily broth floating with scallions and steaming hot, then taking a big gulp.

Wow, this is fragrant!!

On top of the noodles lies a slab of big meat, fatty pork, with a strip of fat in between, soft and wobbly.

Just looking at it makes your mouth water.

Nobody spoke; the whole room was filled with the sound of slurping noodles.

Having eaten halfway, the delighted crowd exclaimed emotionally:

"Today we really met a good person; for this host's work, we must do it well, not make any mistakes, otherwise we'd be truly sorry to the host."

After saying that, everyone felt it in their hearts, and they continued eating noodles while nodding.

This work must be done well, as if we were doing it for our own family.

Otherwise we'd truly be sorry for the host's big bowl of meat noodles.

When everyone had finished the last sip of broth in the bowl, they then sat contentedly on the ground to rest a while.

"Those who smoke dry tobacco, go outside to smoke—don't let the host's house fill with smoke."

Liu Shoucai saw someone finish eating and pull out the large tobacco pipe from their waistband, and hurriedly said:

Those few who wanted to smoke also hurriedly nodded and walked out of the room.

After those people left the room, they suddenly looked at Liu Shoucai inside and said:

"Brother Liu, let's move the host's big bed in; I think that side is mostly done."

"Later we'll mix the lime, so we don't get the host's bed dirty."

Liu Shoucai, resting inside the room, also quickly nodded and said:

"Come, move it into the room, then cover it with a cloth; I think this host's bed looks quite expensive."

Immediately, a few more people came out of the room, and then everyone prepared to lift the big bed inside.

However, just after lifting it and taking a few steps, they heard a series of clear clinks.

Everyone froze, then tilted their heads to look.

They saw several dozen silver dollars scattered on the ground.

Instantly, everyone in the room fell silent, looking at each other.

…………

At this moment, Lu Yuan and Su Liyan also finished their meal.

They rode horseback back to the manor.

The meal made them sweat profusely; Lu Yuan was hissing and gasping from the spice, not lightly.

Too spicy.

But the spicier it is, the more they want to eat.

By the end, Lu Yuan ended up like this, feeling his mouth was about to swell.

Su Liyan is more tolerant, has a small appetite, and even said she's not like her husband, who wants to eat more the spicier it gets.

Su Liyan picked out the less spicy bits to eat.

Even so, Su Liyan was still slightly panting.

Brother, your stomach isn't good—eating this much spicy... really okay?

Su Liyan suddenly turned her head to look at Lu Yuan, asking with a worried face.

Looking at his wife's worried look, Lu Yuan gave a grin and said.

"It's fine, the doctor said I have dampness in my stomach, so eating a bit more spicy helps dispel it."

To keep Su Liyan from putting chili in every meal from now on, Lu Yuan quickly added:

"Occasionally a few times is good for health, but too much won't do."

Hmm~

Upon hearing that, Su Liyan finally relaxed and nodded.

And Lu Yuan also thought of something, suddenly leaning close to Su Liyan's ear and said.

"When we go back later, you'd better rinse your mouth well—there can't be any chili left in there."

Su Liyan found it a bit strange why her husband would say that, anyway she brushes her teeth every night, right?

But Su Liyan quickly understood, her face red, head lowered, full of shyness she said.

"Mm~"

After returning to the manor, he again saw officials guarding the gate of the manor.

This wasn't surprising; when Lu Yuan came back, he specially bought some cooked food and also prepared some odds and ends.

However, the person on guard today... was Su Changliang!!

Su Changliang also didn't expect his brother-in-law and sister to come stay here today.

After the horse arrived in front of him, Su Changliang then exclaimed with a surprised look.

"Brother-in-law, how did you come?"

Lu Yuan raised his eyebrows and said.

"I'll be sleeping here with your sister tonight, but what about you—why are you here?"

Su Changliang was taken aback, then quickly laughed and said.

"I and Uncle Wang are in charge of this area tonight; Uncle Wang assigned me here, and they went ahead to patrol."

Upon hearing that, Lu Yuan nodded and then said.

"Come on, let's go inside and have a couple of drinks with your brother-in-law."

Su Changliang froze, then reluctantly shook his head and said.

"I better not go, brother-in-law—I'm on duty; it wouldn't look good if someone saw me."

That's fair enough; Lu Yuan immediately nodded, looked at Su Changliang and said.

"Alright, you're responsible—brother-in-law thinks highly of you; then I'll go inside with your sister."

Su Changliang was very pleased to be praised by his brother-in-law, and immediately straightened his back, grinning as he said.

"Sure thing, brother-in-law."

Immediately Lu Yuan walked in with his hands behind his back, while Su Liyan led the horse behind him.

About half an hour later.

Su Liyan came out and went to Su Changliang's side, saying.

"Here, I warmed some wine for you—if it gets cold at night, have a sip to warm up; there's also some cooked food, if you're hungry in the early hours, nibble on it."

As soon as Su Changliang saw his sister stuffing something into his pocket, he immediately frowned and said.

"I don't want it—I'm on duty, I can't drink alcohol."

Looking at her brother's stubborn expression, Su Liyan said with an amused look.

"Oh my, you're still quite strong-willed."

Su Changliang lifted his head, proud, and said.

"Of course, I can't let my brother-in-law lose face, can I?"

Su Liyan couldn't help laughing, but she also nodded seriously and said.

"Exactly, this constable job was found for you by your brother-in-law—you'd better do it well, otherwise it's your brother-in-law who'll lose face!"

Immediately, Su Changliang raised his eyebrows and said.

"Then why are you still slipping me wine to drink?"

Immediately Su Liyan gave him a glare and said.

"You think I want to give it to you? I said no, you little brat—what alcohol should you drink? Your brother-in-law insists, saying it's cold on night watch!!"

Upon hearing that, Su Changliang seriously nodded and said.

"Oh, I see—it's just that my brother-in-law cares about me."

After saying that, Su Changliang pocketed it.

Su Liyan: "???"

After giving him everything, Su Liyan looked him up and down and said.

"You're only wearing this little—when you get your wages later, buy something thicker, got it?"

Su Changliang then pursed his lips and said.

"Oh, I know—I'm all grown up now; besides, you're from the Lu Family, I'm from the Su Clan—why are you meddling in my affairs?"

"Just take good care of my brother-in-law; I see my brother-in-law doesn't wear much either."

Su Liyan glared at Su Changliang and said.

"I dote on you enough to manage you!!"

After saying that, Su Liyan turned and walked away, reaching the gate, then she looked at Su Changliang again and said.

"I'll leave the door open for you—if the wind gets strong at night, duck inside… just stay in the doorway, don't go in!"

When Su Liyan lit the stove, she then spread the bedding.

Lu Yuan and Su Liyan stood by the pond in the courtyard, brushing their teeth.

Lu Yuan also listened as Su Liyan talked about what had just happened, and he muttered while brushing his teeth:

"It's fine, Chang Liang is seventeen, right at the rebellious age; boys his age are all like that, I used to be like that too."

After Lu Yuan finished speaking, he poured water into his mouth, gurgling as he rinsed.

Su Liyan beside him also nodded, just casually mentioning it earlier.

Then Su Liyan went on to say:

"Right, bro, the factory pays wages tomorrow, bro, don't forget to go get your pay~"

Oh?

After Lu Yuan finished rinsing his mouth, he nodded while wiping his neck with a towel:

"Okay."

If the Forging Bureau pays wages, then the Agriculture Bureau and the Heaven-lifting Guard will also pay.

The time of wage payment is the same for these places.

The shop's money is the same as well.

Tomorrow we'll get money again.

After brushing his teeth, Lu Yuan felt that his hand had just touched the cold water from the Tao Teng spring, icy cold, and he glanced at Su Liyan beside him.

Lu Yuan felt a mischievous urge, and suddenly slipped his hand into the back of Su Liyan's clothing.

"Ah!"

After Su Liyan reacted and saw Lu Yuan, she immediately knew her man was teasing her.

Immediately, Su Liyan hugged Lu Yuan and acted coquettishly, saying:

"Bro~~ you bad egg~"

Lu Yuan laughed while putting his arm around Su Liyan as they went indoors, saying:

"Tonight you can sing your heart out, there's no one else around~"

Hearing Lu Yuan's words, Su Liyan blushed and buried her face in his embrace.

Thanks to you, plus Hu Wuke Lian, and three older brothers for rewarding 100 book coins, thank you very much~

Mwah~

As usual, first eight thousand words at midnight, then another four thousand words tomorrow daytime.

(End of chapter)