After some time, Shu Rui figured Lu Ling probably wouldn’t come tonight and was about to extinguish the courtyard lantern and return indoors, when a soft thump sounded—someone had landed in the courtyard.
“I thought you weren’t coming. What happened?”
Lu Ling, wearing only his inner robe, first brought him inside, then recounted the evening’s events.
“You should just stay at home tonight. It’ll let you keep an eye on him.”
Hearing that Lu Yu was unwell, Shu Rui felt concern. “Gastrointestinal illnesses aren’t huge, but not small either. Back home, a long-term worker had this condition; neglected, he wasted away to skin and bones. It was pitiful to see.”
Lu Ling said, “He took the doctor’s medicine and feels much better. I waited until he went to bed obediently before coming over. He doesn’t regulate himself when studying; he stays up late, so an early bedtime helps him recover.”
Shu Rui sighed slightly. He had seen many diligent scholars, and many lazy ones. The path to officialdom was crowded; to stand out, one had to work hard.
“Whenever your mother is free, visit. She always says that when Second Young Master stays indoors studying, little movement and poor digestion accumulate, eventually causing illness. You should remind him. I’ve read two books on dietary therapy; starting tomorrow, I’ll prepare meals to nourish his stomach. The county exam is only a few days away; he can’t let his health fail before then.”
The county exam was held only once every two years. If Lu Yu’s body failed before the test, it would be far worse than failing it—heartbreaking indeed.
Lu Ling, unusually, didn’t fuss over Shu Rui’s concern. Seeing Lu Yu’s condition worried him, and Shu Rui’s demeanor reminded him of an elder sister-in-law’s care.
Shu Rui spoke for a while. Noticing Lu Ling’s expression, teasing yet amused, he said, “Where did I go wrong that you make this face?”
Lu Ling stepped closer. “Hearing Lu Yu call you ‘Madam’ earlier… you truly have the air of one now.”
Shu Rui blushed, then caught the meaning. “You told him about us?”
“I didn’t. He figured it out himself. That boy is clever, just like you.”
Lu Ling continued, “He thinks well of you, and told me many things, so I didn’t hide it.”
He handed Shu Rui a small chest he had brought from home. “When I sent him back, he mentioned you liked reading, and he packed several books for you.”
Shu Rui lifted the lid, seeing poetry, plays, and history books inside. He opened one and found annotations.
Seeing Shu Rui pleased, Lu Ling leaned closer. “His handwriting is good. You decide—which is better, his or Scholar Yu’s?”
Shu Rui closed the book and glanced at Lu Ling. “I already knew comparing them was pointless. Each of their handwriting has its merits. I’m no master scholar, not fit to judge two talented young men.”
He then looked elsewhere, lowering his voice. “But if it’s from the perspective of your ‘Madam,’ then, of course, Second Young Master’s is better.”
Shu Rui had already formed a good impression of Lu Yu when they first met—handsome, upright, polite—a young man easy to get along with. Yet, learning that Lu Yu understood his relationship with Lu Ling, and hadn’t voiced opposition, still surprised him.
Amid the surprise, there was a small, quiet joy. Shu Rui cared for Lu Ling and naturally valued his family; now gaining Lu Yu’s recognition, how could he not feel pleased?
Hearing Shu Rui’s words, Lu Ling felt a rush of happiness—not only had Shu Rui acknowledged him as “Madam,” but he even seemed to favor Lu Yu. He grasped Shu Rui’s hand, seeking a bit of affection in return.
Shu Rui, however, used his hand to gently push him back. “Don’t fuss. I have something important to discuss with you.”
“I’ve thought long about the shop. I plan to get it ready and open soon, and I’ll need to use your money.”
Lu Ling paid it little mind; he didn’t care much for money, and trusted Shu Rui completely to handle it as he wished.
“Like I said, take it and use it however you need. I’m fine with it.”
Shu Rui’s expression turned serious. “This time, the money is to be treated as your investment in the inn. Once the business is running properly, I’ll share the profits with you.”
Lu Ling furrowed his brow. “Why make it so complicated? Using my money shouldn’t be this troublesome.”
“I know your sincerity. That’s why I’m careful—I don’t want to waste it.”
Shu Rui reassured him, “In the long run, this is the best way. If one day we marry, fine—I’ll manage the money and the household. But if we don’t, the inn will be running, and we must proceed as I’ve said. Only after sharing profits with you can you use money to support your family.”
He explained all the plans he had devised that evening.
“Your father is now an official; appearances and relationships require money far more than when he was just a provincial graduate. Second Young Master is talented; passing the imperial exam is only a matter of time. Preparing for the future inevitably needs money as well.”
Shu Rui said, “You are the eldest of the Lu family. Everyone in the household must contribute. A family can’t be secure by the effort of one alone; all must work together.”
Lu Ling listened carefully, a warmth rising in his chest. Having worked in a noble household for several years, he had seen more of the world than most, yet Shu Rui’s clarity and foresight still impressed him. It was no wonder he had read widely; his careful planning even accounted for the family’s welfare.
Clutching Shu Rui’s hand, he felt a surge of responsibility toward the Lu family, fueled by Shu Rui’s concern.
“You care for me so, plan so far ahead, I feel ashamed. I seem to only immerse myself in petty love, hardly like a grown man.”
“I’m just an ordinary young man, content with simple love. I cannot handle the grand, dramatic passions of the world. Your little naivety I rather like—true heart for true heart. Had I not felt your sincerity, I wouldn’t plan so far ahead.”
Looking at Shu Rui’s gentle face and hearing these words, Lu Ling felt both touched and slightly embarrassed.
Shu Rui said, “Follow my plan. Tomorrow, come back early from work; we’ll go together to the financial office to allocate the money.”
Lu Ling nodded earnestly.
They spoke for a while longer; the moon had already begun leaning west. Lu Ling reluctantly left Shu Rui’s room, knowing he must be exhausted from the late night, and returned to his own room to sleep.
The next day, Lu Ling brought a small bowl of soft millet porridge to Lu Yu and instructed Mrs. Liu to collect prepared dishes from Shu Rui’s shop for Lu Yu’s lunch.
He didn’t mention Lu Yu’s discomfort the previous night, only noting that he looked unwell and had Shu Rui prepare nourishing meals to ensure he’d be in good condition for the exam.
Lu Ling’s father and Mrs. Liu were pleased. Though Lu Yu hadn’t mentioned his ailment, under one roof, one could see his condition. At home, meals weren’t enough; once confined to his study during the three-day exam period, it was difficult to maintain health.
The most comforting thing was Lu Ling’s care, which brought satisfaction to the elders.
At home, Shu Rui busied himself, negotiating with carpenter Tong for furniture costs.
All the wooden items needed for the inn—beds were the most expensive. According to basic designs, made of pine, fir, or elm, one bedframe cost at least three guan. Matching cabinets and dressing tables cost roughly one guan two qian each.
Couches were three to four hundred coins each. Wash tubs, basins, stands—five hundred coins per room. Large hall tables with benches, five hundred coins; small room tables could be eighty coins less. The main hall’s large communal bed needed custom sizing.
After Tong gave a quote, Shu Rui calculated twice, then asked for a day or two to consider.
Once he returned to the counter and started tallying with the abacus, the total for furnishing the inn—including large and small rooms—amounted to over thirty guan.
Shu Rui felt a jolt at the figure. This was only for the furniture; he still needed bedding, curtains, seasonal items.
Moreover, once the carpentry was ordered, he would hire Qing’er to help. Now, he had to manage both procurement and food delivery; one person could barely handle it all.
Hiring an assistant wasn’t expensive—a guan a month—but it was a fixed, recurring expense.
Shu Rui leaned on the counter, pondering how to reduce costs.
As he fretted, he saw a man on a mule outside, carrying a banner: “He’er Riverside Secondhand Shop!” The man slowly rode the street, calling out: “Newly opened secondhand store on the east side! Furniture, clothing, utensils, all available! Grand opening, affordable prices, 15% off!”
Shu Rui straightened immediately. A quick visit to the secondhand shop might yield quality items at lower prices.