The two of them went into town. Lu Ling’s old bank in the capital, called Jingfan Pawnshop, was one of the four largest in the city, with branches in most prefectures.
There were also smaller, lesser-known pawnshops that often provided even better service. Wealthy clients would receive gifts during festivals; the service was meticulous.
However, small shops could fail and abscond with deposits. They were also hard to find in the provinces, making withdrawals inconvenient.
Lu Ling previously sent money home using pawnshops. Depositing in the capital allowed his family in Gan County to withdraw via local branches safely, more secure than sending money with someone.
“I want to withdraw one hundred guan. Please prepare ten silver notes of ten taels each.”
Shu Rui handed the deposit certificate over a small service window.
The clerk inside, initially reluctant, changed his attitude upon seeing Shu Rui’s deposit totaled several hundred guan.
The clerk carefully processed the paperwork, preparing withdrawal documents signed and sealed at both ends before releasing the silver notes.
Shu Rui counted the stack meticulously at the counter, ensured it was correct, and pocketed it. Glancing around and seeing no one paying attention, he called Lu Ling to leave.
The sum was significant, and Shu Rui, being a young master, wouldn’t have dared to come alone. If bandits were watching, they could easily follow and rob him.
He had heard of thieves lurking near pawnshops, targeting clients. But these ruffians avoided the strong; seeing Lu Ling with a broadsword, tall and stern, anyone could tell he was trained. They wouldn’t risk it.
Once on the street, Shu Rui exhaled. “It’s my first time carrying this much silver. I feel uneasy.”
“If you’re nervous, stay closer to me.” Lu Ling said, reaching toward Shu Rui’s hand, but was met with a light push.
“Don’t fool around in the street.”
Shu Rui withdrew his hand, hiding it in his sleeve.
Lu Ling pouted. “Yesterday I couldn’t kiss you, today I can’t hold your hand. Are we really…?”
Shu Rui raised an eyebrow at him, then gently tugged Lu Ling’s sleeve into a side alley where no one could see and held his hand.
“You’re unusually temperamental for your age,” he teased.
Lu Ling’s hands were warm, calloused from years of martial training, long and even, but rough. Until he held Shu Rui’s hand, he didn’t know hands could be so soft. The contrast made him reluctant to let go.
He realized that despite daily chores, Shu Rui’s hands were soft and delicate. He felt content, about to speak, when a subtle sense of danger made him glance back.
“What is it? Are you unhappy now?”
Shu Rui noticed Lu Ling still gripping tightly.
Lu Ling averted his gaze. “Not unhappy. As long as you stay like this, say whatever you like.”
They walked slowly, unaware someone was tailing them.
Many shops and guilds were letting out workers, so the streets were crowded.
Mr. Lu, after handling some official business, walked slowly south. He relied on walking daily as the family hadn’t yet purchased horses or carriages.
Seeing two figures ahead, he assumed one was his son, Lu Ling, just off work. But following closely was a young man walking shoulder to shoulder with him. Alarmed, he wondered if his son had a lover.
Trying to get a better look, he kept his distance, but before he could advance, the young man tugged Lu Ling’s sleeve, ducked into an alley, and their hands were clasped together.
In the current era, young couples meeting in small alleys wasn’t unusual, but Mr. Lu, steeped in old ways, was shocked and embarrassed, fearing he had seen wrong. His eyes blurred, but he wanted a good look at the boy’s face.
He followed cautiously, only to have the young man glance back, noticing him.
He was so startled that he stepped into a drain, water soaking one boot. His mind raced at the sight of the boy’s dark, freckled, and mole-spotted face.
He was dumbfounded. His son had a lover, and of all people, this one looked… hopeless. He managed to retain some composure and returned home via another alley.
“I feel like someone’s following us.”
Shu Rui felt a chill along his back. The alley was cool and shadowed, different from the sunny main street. Something made him uneasy, as if eyes were on him.
“Did you notice?” he asked. “Is it because I’m carrying the silver?”
Lu Ling stayed silent.
Shu Rui furrowed his brow. “Then… there really is someone?”
He tensed. “Did they start following us from the pawnshop?”
Lu Ling shook his head. “It’s my father.”
“Who?” Shu Rui didn’t catch on immediately.
“My father,” Lu Ling repeated.
Shu Rui’s eyes widened. “Your… father? Uncle Lu…”
Lu Ling nodded. Bad timing—they happened to meet him just after work.
Shu Rui’s heart skipped a beat. He pulled his hand away, eyes wide. “Why didn’t you say earlier! We… didn’t… Wait, with your sharp eyes and ears, you must have noticed!”
“I did notice someone following,” Lu Ling said. “Who would’ve thought it was him?”
Shu Rui blushed furiously. “And you still held my hand!”
“He already saw us. If I pulled away now, he might think I was unwilling, and that I don’t enjoy being with you.”
Shu Rui was speechless, regretting their public closeness. It could easily have caused trouble; though he had been careful, they were caught in the act. No argument would clarify the situation now.
Shu Rui’s heart thumped with unease. He had met Lu Yu and Mrs. Liu before, but had never seen Lu Ling’s father, and from what he had heard, Lu Ling’s father was the hardest obstacle to overcome.
It wasn’t surprising—Lu Ling’s father was a scholar-official in public and head of the household at home, making the major decisions for the family. Thinking of all the chaotic matters he was involved in, Shu Rui felt nervous, unsure how Lu Ling’s father would react if he knew Shu Rui and Lu Ling were involved.
Seeing Shu Rui’s troubled expression, Lu Ling held his hand again and comforted him, “Don’t worry. He’ll find out sooner or later, and since we ran into him today, we don’t need to bring it up ourselves.”
“Relax. I’m here.”
Shu Rui looked at Lu Ling, and for a moment, he could calm himself. “But how can I stay calm? Everything was going according to plan, and now it’s all thrown into chaos.”
“Your father probably won’t be furious. And he was caught in the drain earlier, so his shoes and socks were wet. If you went to see him now, he’d be disheveled and embarrassed—he might even be angrier.” Lu Ling coughed lightly.
“…”
Shu Rui paused, collecting his thoughts. “Since things have come to this, I’ll go freshen up and then we can visit the elders together.”
Lu Ling was pleased that Shu Rui was willing to accompany him and openly acknowledge their relationship to his parents. Still, he kept his composure. “Don’t rush. Let me handle a matter first. We’ll see how it goes—if the situation is suitable, I’ll bring you along. If not, you won’t have to endure unnecessary trouble.”
Shu Rui’s heart warmed. Lu Ling was willing to take responsibility and protect him, despite the family’s authority.
“That’s good. You explain it clearly. Don’t make things awkward—it’s still family.”
“I’ll handle it carefully, not as rashly as you imagine,” Lu Ling assured him.
After speaking, Lu Ling escorted Shu Rui back to the inn, instructing him to stay there and not meet anyone at home first. Then he returned to his own house.