Chapter 88: Do I still need you to teach me how to cherish my man?!

The next day, early morning.

Early in the morning, Lu Yuan was awakened by a rustling sound.

After frowning and sitting up from bed, Lu Yuan rubbed his eyes, then got dressed and went to find the rustling sound.

Speaking of which, this big courtyard is really cold.

Don't think that just because there's an old stove burning, it's enough; the house is huge, so one old stove is useless.

Last night, while tossing and turning, he was sweating so much he didn't notice, but after the tossing, he was truly shivering under the covers.

Walking out of the room, Lu Yuan saw Su Liyan sweeping the floor, wiping the door, and wiping the windows.

"No need to tidy up; we'll just stay here for one day and go back tonight."

Lu Yuan stood at the doorway, rubbing his eyes, and said.

Su Liyan startled, turned around, saw her man get up, and quickly said.

"Oh dear, brother, did I wake you up?"

Lu Yuan stretched, moved his body, and said.

"It's fine; I was planning to get up early anyway."

There are many places to collect wages today; first go to the market, then the Agriculture Bureau, and then the Azure Guard.

After giving those Azure Guard folks a lesson, at noon go to the Forging Bureau.

That way, Su Liyan can have lunch together with me at noon.

Hearing this, Su Liyan didn't think much, assuming her man wanted to return early to the Siheyuan, where someone was still renovating.

Lu Yuan, however, looked at Su Liyan and said.

"Don't tidy up; it's only this early, you rest, go buy some youtiao and baozi from the breakfast stall outside for breakfast."

Su Liyan, meanwhile, said with a happy face.

"It's fine, brother~ I'm not tired~ I'm willing to tidy this place~~"

"This is our home, you know; looking at this big mansion, the more Su Liyan tidies, the happier she feels."

She tidied it cutely.

Even knowing they'd only stay here for one day and return to the Siheyuan tonight, Su Liyan still wanted to tidy up.

To Su Liyan, this isn't work at all; it's not tiring in the slightest.

Seeing Su Liyan like that, Lu Yuan shook his head and walked back, saying.

"Alright, I'll go back to sleep a bit more; remember to get breakfast."

"Changliang is right outside; when I go out I'll ask him—if you dare not buy good breakfast, brother will get angry."

Su Liyan gazed at Lu Yuan's back and sweetly said.

"I know, brother~"

Not long after, Lu Yuan dozed off again.

After Su Liyan finished tidying the backyard of the big mansion, she checked the time and realized it was about time to go to work.

She returned to the room, put on her little leather shoes, wrapped her scarf, and looked at the sleeping Lu Yuan.

Su Liyan, full of affection, came to the bedside and tucked the blanket tighter for her man.

This mansion is too big; they temporarily brought in an old stove, but it's still cold.

After tucking the blanket for Lu Yuan, Su Liyan looked at his sleeping face, felt a hint of shyness, leaned in and lightly kissed him, then left for work.

When Su Liyan went out, she saw Su Changliang still standing at the gate of the big mansion.

Although last night Su Changliang stood still without moving, now he's walking back and forth, taking steps.

It's too cold at night; if he doesn't walk around, his feet will go numb.

"When do you get off work?"

Su Liyan walked up to Su Changliang and asked.

"Early; I have to wait until after eight to go back and hand over my shift."

Su Changliang replied.

Su Liyan nodded, then suddenly raised her eyebrows and said.

"Um... you were just standing at the gate last night, dodging the wind, and didn't go inside?"

Su Changliang blinked, then put on a proud look and said.

"I was going inside? Last night I didn't even enter the gate; I stood outside in the strong wind, holding firm."

Hearing this, Su Liyan nodded, "uh... that's good."

Her own movements last night were a bit loud……

And her man teased her, saying all sorts of nonsense.

Although they were in the backyard of the courtyard, Su Liyan was also worried that Su Changliang might overhear something.

Seeing that Su Changliang showed no other expression, Su Liyan relaxed and smiled, saying.

"Impressive; you don't even dodge the wind—look at what you can do!"

Having said that, Su Liyan walked toward the nearby breakfast stall, too lazy to deal with this rebellious younger brother.

When they were kids, Su Liyan could still beat up Su Changliang, but now she can't beat him at all.

To deal with him, she needs her man to come; she has no way herself.

Su Changliang, meanwhile, looked at his sister and walked toward the breakfast stall diagonally opposite.

Watching his sister take two youtiao, buy a basket of xiaolongbao, and tuck two tea eggs.

Seeing this, Su Changliang just pursed his lips.

His sister really doesn't know how to live!!

Even if my brother-in-law has money, you can't be so extravagant!

You don't know how to save money for your brother-in-law at all!!

Su Changliang really doesn't know why his brother-in-law dotes on his sister so much—she's not even that pretty, so why does he like her so much?

Su Changliang thinks his sister is ugly as sin; since coming to the city, basically every girl he sees is better-looking than his sister.

The key is that his sister spends so much of her brother-in-law's money—what if one day he gets tired of her and doesn't want her anymore, what then?

As a brother, Su Changliang still cares a lot about his sister.

After Su Liyan finished her shopping, she returned to Su Changliang and said:

"Here, take these two tea eggs and eat them."

Su Changliang wasn't polite either; it had frozen overnight, and his hands were ice-cold.

He quickly took the tea eggs and held them in his hands to warm them up.

Meanwhile, Su Liyan wanted to give Su Changliang a piece of fried dough stick.

However, Su Changliang raised an eyebrow and said:

"Why don't you buy something for my brother-in-law instead of just eating yourself? Can you even finish what you eat?"

Su Liyan: "???"

Su Liyan got angry at her brother's behavior, always lecturing him on how to cherish his man.

Fuming, Su Liyan gritted her teeth and said:

"Do you think I don't know how to take care of my man?!"

"My husband wakes up at irregular times; I bought this for him now and left it there—by the time he wakes up, it'll all be cold."

"When he wakes up, he can eat whatever he wants while it's still hot—isn't that good enough?!"

Having said that, Su Liyan took her things and left; she had originally planned to give Su Changliang a fried dough stick, but now she won't.

She's angry!

Su Changliang stood there, peeling his tea egg while pouting.

Look!

His temper's still not good!

What exactly does his brother-in-law like about his sister?!

With his brother-in-law's situation, finding a wife in the city and taking three concubines, then living in this big mansion—how wonderful would that be?

So why did he take a liking to my sister?

Sigh, I just can't figure it out.

Not long after, Lu Yuan tidied up and came out as well.

Looking at Su Changliang, Lu Yuan said directly:

"Did your sister have a meal when she left?"

As soon as Su Changliang saw Lu Yuan, he hurriedly said:

"My sister bought two fried dough sticks, a basket of soup dumplings, and two tea eggs when she left—but she gave the tea eggs to me."

Hearing that, Lu Yuan nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad—this time the obedient daughter-in-law listened well."

Meanwhile, Su Changliang looked at his brother-in-law, not angry at all, and couldn't help feeling that his sister was really blessed to be with him.

Just looking at him, you could tell he'd come from eating out yesterday.

Today he's eating buns and fried dough sticks again.

How many women in the city could live such a life……

"When do you get off work? I'll take you out for breakfast."

Lu Yuan led his horse, looking around, but before Su Changliang could speak, Lu Yuan immediately reached out and called:

"Uncle Wang!"

At that moment, Wang Ping also led a group of people quickly toward Lu Yuan.

"Oh dear, big nephew, you slept here last night, huh."

Wang Ping walked up to Lu Yuan and couldn't help grinning as he spoke.

Lu Yuan had just nodded when Wang Ping pulled three coins from his pocket and handed them to Lu Yuan, smiling.

"You little brat, you held a feast and didn't even call your uncle."

Seeing Wang Ping hand over the money, Lu Yuan quickly waved his hands to refuse.

He didn't call Wang Ping because he was afraid Wang Ping would spend money.

Wang Ping's family is also tight on money; although he's a constable, constables don't earn as much as artisans—even as a squad leader, his wages aren't high.

Wang Ping's family still has three children.

The eldest is in his teens, while the youngest is only a few years old.

When the eldest grows up and marries, he'll need money, and the youngest will need money too.

Lu Yuan feared Wang Ping would come to spend money, so he didn't call him.

Wang Ping himself knew this, but that day he happened to be on day shift; otherwise he'd have to go over and present a gift anyway.

Today they ran into each other, so he gave it.

Lu Yuan quickly said:

"Uncle, please don't give me anything—your nephew really isn't short on money, you know; our relationship doesn't call for this."

Wang Ping truly felt bad not giving; last time Su Changliang came back from a feast, he even brought Wang Ping a bundle of scattered items, which Wang Ping knew Lu Yuan had told him to give.

But his own family is indeed struggling right now.

Besides, the year's end is coming up soon, and there are many places where money is needed.

Seeing Lu Yuan say he didn't want anything, Wang Ping could only say:

"Wait until you have a child with Liyan, then Uncle will definitely come."

Immediately, Lu Yuan laughed and nodded, saying:

"Sure, I'll definitely invite you over then."

Afterwards, Lu Yuan then said:

"Uncle, are you off work? If so, I'll take Changliang out for a meal."

Wang Ping immediately nodded and laughed, saying:

"Sure, no problem."

Afterwards, Wang Ping then looked at Su Changliang and said:

"Changliang, go eat with your brother-in-law; no need to report back, I'll just say a few words."

Su Changliang immediately laughed and nodded, handing over his side sword to Wang Ping.

As officials off duty, they cannot carry swords.

After everyone chatted a couple more sentences.

Lu Yuan then led Su Changliang to a nearby breakfast stall.

After sitting down, Lu Yuan directly said:

"Four youtiao, two baskets of xiaolongbao, two bowls of tofu pudding all with chili, one bowl without cilantro, and four tea eggs."

After the shopkeeper repeated Lu Yuan's words, he loudly said:

"Got it, sir, coming right up~"

Afterwards, Lu Yuan then arranged:

"First, a pot of clear tea."

The waiter nearby hurried over to pour tea; these two gentlemen, one wealthy, one an official.

Naturally, they should be well attended to.

Sitting opposite Lu Yuan, Su Changliang quickly said:

"Brother-in-law, we don't need to eat this much, do we..."

His older sister doesn't know how to manage a household; Su Changliang feels he ought to learn, how could he just follow his brother-in-law and binge eat? Just eating a little is enough.

Lu Yuan took a sip of clear tea, then waved his hand and said:

"It's fine, you're only seventeen, still growing; eat well and you'll shoot up in height later."

Hearing his brother-in-law say that, Su Changliang could only nod, moved.

Halfway through the meal, Lu Yuan also curiously asked:

"Do you have any girl you like? If so, tell your brother-in-law, you need to act early.

In this city nowadays everyone practices free love; the old ways from back home are out. If you don't make a move soon, all the good girls will be taken by others."

Su Changliang, however, munched on a youtiao and muttered:

"I need to make money first, just like my brother-in-law, thinking about marrying and such."

Seeing Su Changliang like that, Lu Yuan couldn't help but grin.

"Forget it, no need to worry about Su Changliang."

"Su Liyan is as beautiful as a celestial being; could Su Changliang possibly be ugly?"

"Such a handsome young man, surely there are girls who like him."

"After all, Su Changliang's looks already pose a bit of a threat to my own status."

Lu Yuan finished eating early, then stood up and said:

"Take your time eating; brother-in-law today has to collect work wages and rent, and the home is still being renovated, so he's busy."

"I'm off."

After saying that, Lu Yuan tossed a coin onto the table and told the attendant:

"Just give him the change."

Having said that, Lu Yuan mounted his horse and left.

Meanwhile, Su Changliang held his bowl of tofu pudding, gazing admiringly at Lu Yuan's back.

"My brother-in-law is just too suave!!"

"He's practically my role model!!"

Lu Yuan first went to the Market Management Office, collecting the 120 yuan rent.

Afterwards, Lu Yuan rushed nonstop to the Upholding Heaven Guard.

Arriving at the Upholding Heaven Guard, Lu Yuan saw the stables packed with tall, sturdy horses.

Several people were feeding the horses with premium feed.

Today his own horse was due for a hearty meal.

Lu Yuan had just led his horse into the stables when he saw Lü Xin walk out of the office building, greeting him:

"Brother, you came this early?"

Lü Xin was the former captain of the Upholding Heaven Guard, the one Lu Yuan had slapped.

Lu Yuan nodded, then quickly said:

"Is my grandfather in today?"

Lü Xin knew Lu Yuan was referring to Director Liu, and immediately nodded, saying:

"He's in; I'll take you there."

After Lu Yuan followed Lü Xin up to the second floor, Lü Xin pointed to the chief's office and said:

The office upstairs, Director Liu is in there, you go ahead, I'll go gather the brothers for a bit and head to the rear courtyard to learn martial arts from you.

Lu Yuan nodded, and upon arriving at the door, he heard Director Li inside say:

No need to knock, just come in.

Lu Yuan pushed the door open and entered, and saw Director Liu sitting at the desk by the window, smiling and looking at Lu Yuan, he said:

As soon as you entered the gate, I spotted you; this banquet is well organized, no need for you to busy yourself, no need to worry, and you even ended up gaining over two hundred for free—you're clever!

Lu Yuan was taken aback, then he gave a faint smile and said:

Good luck, good luck...

You can put on an act in front of Director Xu and Lin Fusheng, but here in the Upholding Azure Guard, don't bother pretending—these people all know your background.

Director Liu then picked up his water cup, looked at Lu Yuan, and smiled, saying:

It's not luck, you little guy are a talent, a fine fellow; these past few days I've looked at the secret reports from Huangcheng, and I simply can't believe it.

You little guy not only produced a thresher, but also restored the Snow Dragon Sunlight Armor—you're amazing!

Lu Yuan grinned and laughed, then took out two boxes of snowflower cream from the bag he was carrying and said:

This is the snowflower cream I brought for my grandmother; the weather's cold and dry, applying some is beneficial.

After saying that, Lu Yuan then took out a small jar of Duokang liquor and said:

And also, Grandfather, this is the liquor I brought for you.

When coming, Lu Yuan thought he couldn't show up empty-handed; he definitely needed to bring something, so on the way he bought these.

Don't think that Director Liu being a high official means his salary is necessarily large.

Sure enough, upon seeing the things Lu Yuan gave him, Director Liu kept nodding, thinking Lu Yuan was truly capable.

But he also felt a bit embarrassed and said:

Keep the snowflower cream, it's fine; but this liquor isn't good—if people see it, it's awkward.

Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow and said:

Hey, what's wrong with that? Grandfather, just put this liquor in the cabinet and don't take it out.

Later, when you crave a drink, sneak a small cup; no one will know, just drink it yourself in this office—how wonderful.

Hearing Lu Yuan's words, Director Liu burst out laughing and said:

Fine, you little guy know how to talk; then, Grandfather, I won't stand on ceremony.

Lu Yuan nodded repeatedly and said:

All right, Grandfather, I'll head down now; after finishing here, I still need to go elsewhere to collect my wages.

Director Liu knew Lu Yuan still had to go to the Agriculture Bureau and the Forging Bureau, so he didn't keep him, nodding and waving his hand, saying:

Fine, go ahead!

When Lu Yuan arrived downstairs, Lü Xin led him to the rear courtyard, which at that moment was already filled with people.

All of them wore black official caps on their heads, blue ceremonial attire with stand collars, and carried long straight official swords.

To be honest, this outfit is really damn cool.

Lu Yuan even felt like wearing it, wanting to get a set for himself.

But it's actually not useful; people wear it to work, Lu Yuan can't possibly go fishing every day dressed like that.

Lü Xin, standing to the side, looked at Lu Yuan and smiled, saying:

Well, brothers, shall we start?

Immediately, Lu Yuan nodded.

Some aspects of Tai Chi can be taught, some cannot; frankly, some are just for show—what's the point of teaching them?

And as for what to teach today, Lu Yuan had already figured it out when he came.

After all, the pay is twenty dollars a month, so we need to put in some effort and actually do some homework.

Immediately, Lu Yuan looked at the crowd and said:

Everyone's usual task is to catch spies, and that mostly happens in rooms or alleys.

The long swords everyone carries can't exert their full power; sometimes if the opponent pulls out a dagger, everyone would be in great danger.

Today I'll teach everyone how, in a confined space with the opponent wielding a weapon, to quickly subdue the enemy.

Or, when the opponent is big and strong while our build and strength are weaker, how to overcome the strong with the weak.

Having said that, Lu Yuan prepared to give everyone a demonstration, then turned his head toward Lü Xin to the side and said:

Brother Lü, come on, let the two of us spar first.

The crowd below all started cheering and shouting approval.

Lü Xin glared at the crowd, then nodded and looked at Lu Yuan, saying:

Here I come, brothers!

The next second, Lü Xin lunged forward directly, while Lu Yuan slightly sidestepped to dodge, preparing to demonstrate to the Upholding Azure Guard how to release force and borrow force to strike.

But unexpectedly, Lu Yuan had just made contact with Lü Xin when—

Lü Xin swooped backward and fell straight onto his rear.

Seeing this scene before him, Lu Yuan felt a bit dazed.

Lü Xin is definitely faking it!!

I only just used a little bit of force!!

Damn it!!

Lü Xin is treating himself like Ma Baoguang!!!

Is he coordinating with me like that??

Thanks to a grateful brother for the 588 book coins, thank you very much.

Thanks to reader 2022093 bro and reader 202004 bro, and also Tiger Wu Ke Lian bro's 100 book coin reward, thank you very much.

Mua~

This chapter ran long, I accidentally wrote five thousand characters.

(End of chapter)