Casting Nets to Catch a Husband

Chapter 164: Cheng Yi (Scholar)

It was still early, and the members of the Lu family were all still asleep.

Last night, Liu Yu deliberately teased Lu Chengxiao by pretending to be asleep. The couple, reunited after a brief separation, had yet to have a proper conversation. They playfully bantered for a while, but stopped before things got out of hand. After some time, they finally discussed important matters.

This matter, it turns out, was somewhat related to Wang Mingyun. Wang Mingyun had recently passed the provincial examination and was about to set off for the capital to participate in next year’s metropolitan examination.

When Lu Chengxiao and Liu Yu got married, Wang Mingyun had accompanied them to receive the bride. Before that, Lu Chengxiao had already inquired when Wang Mingyun would be leaving, and it was confirmed to be around mid-October. Lu Chengxiao shared this with Liu Yu and said, “In about five or six days, Mingyun should be heading north. I’ve discussed it with your second and third brothers, and we plan to send a gift.”

This discussion was about how much to send as a gift.

At the moment, Liu Yu and Lu Chengxiao weren’t short on money. The third branch of the family had split off, and on her first day in the county, Chen Shi had given Liu Yu a box. Inside were gifts the couple had received at their wedding. Aside from the portion that Chen Shi needed to return as reciprocal gifts, most of it was given to the young couple. Among these gifts, the ones from Lu Chengxiao’s three classmates were notably generous—Yang Cunxu gave 99 taels, and both Li Zhongjue and Wang Mingyun gave 60 taels each.

Considering the average gift amount of a few hundred wen in rural areas and one or two taels in the county, these were indeed substantial gifts. This was also because the three families were quite wealthy, and their relationships were exceptional.

Therefore, Liu Yu didn’t need to check the gift list to recall this. When she heard that Lu Chengxiao was planning to send a gift, she asked, “Did you and my brothers discuss how much to send?”

Lu Chengxiao nodded and said, “We discussed it yesterday afternoon. Since your eldest uncle’s family hasn’t split, they will send one joint gift. Your second and third brothers suggested giving 50 taels. As for us, since Mingyun and I share a special bond, I’ll give a separate gift. My father and elder brothers, along with your eldest uncle’s family, will jointly give 50 taels.”

The Liu family had no strong connections in Anyi County. Whether it was Liu Yanping and his sister doing business or Liu Yanqing working in the government, in Liu Yanping’s view, connections like Wang Mingyun’s were worth maintaining. Fifty taels was a significant amount, especially with Liu Yanqing about to marry and their business looking to expand. However, money could be earned later, but maintaining relationships was something they couldn’t skimp on.

On the Lu family’s side, they had received considerable help from the Wang family over the years. The shop Lu Chengzong currently rented belonged to the Wang family. Therefore, besides Lu Chengxiao sending a separate gift, Lu Xun, the family head, decided that the first and second branches of the family would also join him in sending a joint gift.

Naturally, Lu Xun had sent Babao to Xifeng Town to consult with Lu Chengzhang about this matter. After all, it was the first branch of the family that interacted more with the Wang family, given that they were renting the shop from them. However, Lu Xun couldn’t make a unilateral decision to leave his second son out of this. So he had Babao ask for his opinion. If Lu Chengzhang wanted to contribute, he and Lu Chengzong would each give ten taels, with the remaining thirty taels covered by Lu Xun himself.

For a family like the Wang’s, ten taels was nothing. Lu Chengzhang readily agreed, knowing that without his third brother’s connection, he wouldn’t have the opportunity to establish a relationship with someone like Wang Mingyun. He didn’t even ask Babao to take the money back; instead, he entrusted the shop to the clerk and a recently hired apprentice, and personally accompanied him back to the county. He wanted to discuss with Lu Chengxiao whether he would be hosting a farewell dinner for Wang Mingyun and if he could join.

Naturally, since he was contributing money, he wanted to take the opportunity to familiarize himself with the Wang family. This was very much in line with Lu Chengzhang’s character.

Lu Xun watched with exasperation, while Lu Chengxiao laughed but didn’t dare agree. He said, “I’m afraid that with the upcoming exam, socializing might be inconvenient for him. I plan to visit the Wang family, deliver the gift, and then return.”

Lu Chengzhang thought about it and agreed, so he left his contribution and, after asking Lu Xun about the expected time for new goods to arrive, hurried back.

Liu Yu didn’t know that Lu Chengzhang had returned to the county yesterday afternoon. She found the story amusing and laughed before asking Lu Chengxiao, “So how much are we planning to give?”

If it were 50 taels, Lu Chengxiao would have already mentioned it.

Liu Yu guessed correctly. The reason Lu Chengxiao was asking for her opinion was that he planned to give 100 taels.

“Although I haven’t been to the capital, I’ve heard during my time at the academy that the expenses in the capital are quite high. I think that as long as we can afford it, we should give as much as possible.”

Liu Yu naturally had no objections and immediately got up to fetch the money box. She had been under the covers the whole morning, and as she got up, the inner clothes she wore last night came into full view of Lu Chengxiao. Liu Yu slept on the inside of the bed, so to get out, she had to pass by Lu Chengxiao. At some point, the frog buttons at her collar had come undone, though she was unaware. The sight of her fair, soft skin caused Lu Chengxiao’s gaze to darken, and he swallowed hard, barely restraining himself from pulling her into his arms.

If he stirred up the fire again, both of them would be uncomfortable.

How could he bear to do that?

Liu Yu dressed and freshened up while Lu Chengxiao leaned against the headboard. It took him a while before he finally got out of bed. He noticed that Liu Yu was wearing a white cross-collar waist-length dress today, with blue embroidery on the skirt. He chose a narrow-sleeved, round-collared robe that matched her colors. When they stepped out of the room, Chen Shi, who happened to walk by, broke into a broad smile at the sight.

Seeing such a loving couple, how could she not be pleased?

During breakfast, Lu Chengxiao shared with Liu Yu the discussion he had with Liu Yanping and Liu Yanan yesterday about opening a weaving and dyeing workshop. The other members of the Lu family were present as well and gathered around upon hearing this.

The businesses of both the Lu and Liu families were related to textiles, so opening a weaving and dyeing workshop was a significant matter.

Lu Shuang was stunned. “Weren’t we going to open a fabric shop? And now we’re also opening a weaving and dyeing workshop? How much money will this take?”

Upon hearing about the fabric shop, Lu Xun was momentarily surprised but then overjoyed, asking Lu Chengxiao where he planned to open it.

However, Lu Chengxiao didn’t boast about setting up multiple branches. He simply explained that they had discussed expanding wherever they could find a suitable location.

But Lu Xun understood the underlying ambition. To be honest, when it came to doing business, even if he and his eldest and second sons combined efforts, they couldn’t compare to his third son. With the added talents of Liu Yu and her brothers, if the Lu family were ever to make a name for themselves, it would surely be through the efforts of his third son.

Lu Xun was so excited that he exclaimed “Good!” three times in a row, adding, “It’s great that you have this ambition. Expanding both the fabric and embroidery businesses will allow our two families to support each other.”

However, he also began to worry, like Lu Shuang, about whether they had enough capital for the weaving and dyeing workshops. “Even if we start with just one shop, adding the weaving and dyeing workshops will require a significant investment.”

Lu Chengxiao nodded and replied, “I’ll be making two trips to the Zhejiang region before and after the New Year to look for locations. Finding a suitable site for the workshops will take time, and we’ll also need to recruit skilled craftsmen. It might not happen quickly, but we should be able to manage by earning as we go. Yanping, Yanan, and I discussed splitting up over the next few days to visit various counties and find middlemen. As for Yuanzhou City, I’ll visit Hongdu Prefecture in a few days. When the boat stops at Yuanzhou, I’ll look for middlemen there and also inquire around our county about suitable sites for the workshops.”

A weaving and dyeing workshop requires a lot of space. The weaving workshop, in particular, will need many looms, and the dyeing workshop will need vats, drying areas, and storage. A small space just won’t suffice.

Lu Xun nodded in agreement, seeing no issue with Liu Yu’s brothers working together with Lu Chengxiao to open the weaving and dyeing workshops. He recognized the potential of the Liu family, and a strong partnership was nothing but beneficial. He offered, “If you find yourself short on capital, I can help out. You can pay me back when you’re able to.”

Since the family had already divided, he couldn’t outright offer financial support, as it could lead to complications later. Lu Xun understood the importance of fairness.

Lu Chengzong also chimed in, “I don’t have much extra, mostly goods, but I can contribute two or three hundred taels.”

Lu Chengxiao thanked him. “If needed, I’ll definitely turn to you and Father. Also, please help me keep an eye out for skilled craftsmen in weaving and dyeing.”

Both Lu Xun and Lu Chengzong readily agreed to help.

After breakfast, Lu Chengxiao escorted Liu Yu and Lu Shuang to the embroidery workshop across the street. Both women were extremely busy today and headed straight to the cutting room as soon as they arrived in the workshop’s backyard.

Liu Yanqing, who usually would have gone to the government office by this time, stayed home today to wait for Lu Chengxiao.

The four members of the Liu family had discussed sending a gift to the Wang family last night. Fifty taels seemed reasonable, especially since Madam Wei, who had been managing the embroidery workshop for some time, no longer saw that amount as a huge sum. With the three brothers in agreement, Madam Wei simply provided the money.

As for who would deliver the gift, Liu Yanqing thought Liu Yanping was more familiar with Wang Mingyun, but Liu Yanping insisted that it should be Liu Yanqing who went.

Liu Yanqing was the eldest son and spent more time in the county than his brothers. Whether for the family or the workshop, they relied on him to manage things while they were away on business. It made sense for Liu Yanqing to be the one to interact with the local gentry, so that when the family needed help, at least he would be recognized.

The matter was settled, with only the formalities remaining. They waited for Lu Chengxiao to write an invitation, which Babao would deliver to the Wang family. Meanwhile, Liu Yanqing would visit the government office to request leave. Once the Wang family responded, they would visit together.

It was around this time that Lu Shuang stepped out, holding the money Liu Yu had given her to pick up a custom-made seal from the shop.

She happened to overhear their conversation.

Sending a gift to Wang Mingyun…

She didn’t need to ask to know that it must be because Wang Mingyun was leaving Anyi County to go to the capital for his exams.

Lu Shuang paused for a moment, but only briefly. She reminded herself that they were not well-matched in terms of social status, and that Wang Mingyun’s affairs had nothing to do with her. She composed herself and headed out.

After writing the invitation, Babao quickly returned, smiling as he announced that Wang Mingyun was already waiting for them at home. Lu Chengxiao and Liu Yanqing prepared the gifts and went to the Wang residence.

When Lu Shuang returned to the embroidery workshop after picking up the seal, she seemed a bit dispirited. Hearing the news about Wang Mingyun had stirred her emotions somewhat. It wasn’t that she was overly attached to Wang Mingyun; the first stirrings of love are indeed unforgettable, but a single meeting hadn’t left a deep enough impression for her to dwell on. It just made her reflect on things, wondering if she could have more choices in marriage if she were more capable.

Perhaps she wouldn’t have to suppress her feelings for someone just because they weren’t a good match.

During the time she had spent with Liu Yu, Lu Shuang had come to regard her as a role model. In her eyes, Liu Yu was just as capable as her third brother. The partnership between husband and wife was something Lu Shuang deeply admired.

Although she wasn’t yet sure what path she wanted to take, she had a growing sense that learning from and aligning herself more closely with Liu Yu would be the right choice.

Moreover, after the recent family division, Lu Shuang knew that the fabric shop in town would be part of her dowry. She was eager to learn more about business, and when she remembered that her father, third brother, and sister-in-law would be going to Hongdu Prefecture soon to restock supplies, she asked Liu Yu if she could join them.

“Third Sister-in-law, when you and Third Brother go to Hongdu Prefecture in a few days, could you take me along? I’ve never been to Yuanzhou City or Hongdu Prefecture.”

Her face was full of anticipation. She was curious to see what Hongdu Prefecture was like and how the major fabric suppliers there operated. Influenced by Liu Yu and Lu Chengxiao, especially Liu Yu, Lu Shuang had developed an interest in business. She realized that a woman’s life didn’t have to be limited to managing a household and raising children. A life like her third sister-in-law’s, full of fulfillment and excitement, seemed much more appealing.

After much pleading, Liu Yu thought it over. Since Lu Chengxiao, along with her own second and third brothers, would be traveling together, there wouldn’t be any safety concerns. However, given the distance, she didn’t agree immediately. Smiling, she said, “I’m sure your third brother and I won’t mind, but you’ll need your parents’ permission first.”

Lu Shuang was overjoyed. “Great! It’s settled then. I’ll go home and talk to them today.”

Since Lu Xun and Chen Shi doted on her, and it was just a family outing, she knew they wouldn’t refuse. To Lu Shuang, this was barely a hurdle at all.

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I’ll Share The Bed With You

Jiang Xingxing originally lived in a damp basement, working as an extra on film sets every day, earning just enough for a boxed meal. One day, she picked up a down-and-out “little wolf pup.” He was homeless and didn’t speak much. Jiang Xingxing, with her soft heart, took meticulous care of him, sharing half of her boxed meal with him every day. Later, even her bed was shared.

A few months later, the man disappeared, leaving Jiang Xingxing heartbroken for a long time.

One day, Jiang Xingxing was brought to a bedroom in a luxurious mansion, with a king-sized bed and a French breakfast spread out on the dining table. Outside the window was a stunning view of the deep blue ocean.

Jiang Xingxing was stunned for a few seconds, thinking she was dreaming.

At that moment, a man wrapped in a white bath towel emerged from the bathroom. He had a high, defined brow, a clean and handsome face, beautiful collarbones, and a chocolate bar-like six-pack abs.

The man walked up to her, gently wrapped his arm around her slender waist, leaned close to her ear, and said in a sexy voice, “Forgot about me after sleeping together, huh?”

~

Rumors had it that Shang Jie, the richest man in Jiangcheng, was ascetic and reserved, but after that day, Jiang Xingxing became his wife in name only.**

“In name only”? Then why are we sleeping together!

Hey, hey, who told you to take off your clothes? So what if you have an eight-pack and a V-line!

Shang Jie tugged at the collar of his shirt, his cold eyes slightly lifting, and his thin lips parting lightly—

“Don’t move. Be good.”

To Wake the Sleeping Beauty, All It Takes Is a French Kiss

A step-by-step scheming, dual-personality, domineering CEO x a cute, naive, and energetic girl.

Tags: Modern Romance, Split Personality, Entertainment Circle, Redemption, Healing