’Second Uncle and the others had the right idea.’

But what they could never imagine was that the dozens of li of land surrounding the factory all belonged to the Zhao Family.

Lu Yuan could let whoever he wanted open a restaurant here.

If he didn’t want someone to open one, not even the County Magistrate could do anything about it!

’We’re in the right, after all!’

’This land is all ours!’

Of course, there was no need to explain all this to Second Uncle and his group.

It was just difficult to explain, really.

They didn’t even understand what a "factory" was, so it was better to just drop it.

’They just need to follow my arrangements, and everything will be fine.’

His factory was seven or eight li east of the city.

It only provided lunch.

’You still have to eat breakfast and dinner, right?’

’If you don’t eat at the shops around the factory, where are you going to go?’

’Walk seven or eight li to eat at the shops by the city gate?’

’Of course, once they have bicycles in the future, that really won’t be a problem.’

Still, it was seven or eight li, no matter how you looked at it.

The vast majority of people would still eat at the restaurants around the factory.

Lu Yuan then said,

"I won’t say much more. In any case, Changyu is coming with me today, so have the family get his things packed in a little while.

Once the restaurant is ready, we’ll call for you, Second Uncle."

Then Lu Yuan added,

"When the time comes, that restaurant will be very busy every day. If you have any idle hands at home, bring them along.

For example, Second Aunt, or our family’s daughters and sons-in-law—if they don’t have a way to make money, they can all come and help.

Don’t wait until you’re short-staffed. That would be a hassle."

After Lu Yuan said this, Second Uncle naturally had nothing more to say. He would just do whatever his son-in-law told him.

Overcome with emotion, Second Uncle quickly raised his small wine cup.

"A toast to our son-in-law."

Lu Yuan waved his hands, insisting it wasn’t necessary. But that wasn’t the end of it. After downing his own cup, Second Uncle turned and hollered toward the main room,

"Changyu, get in here and toast your brother-in-law!"

Changyu, who was outside, had no idea what was happening. He came in with an apron tied around his waist, spatula still in hand.

He walked in looking utterly baffled. ’What’s going on?’

His face flushed with excitement, Second Uncle didn’t waste words, simply reaching out and smacking his son on the back of the head.

"Hurry up and toast your brother-in-law."

The obedient Changyu hastily raised a cup.

Changyu came in confused and left just as confused.

Lu Yuan then turned to Third Uncle, who was sitting in the corner.

"Third Uncle, don’t you worry either. I’ll give your situation some thought. Just wait to hear from me."

Third Uncle was taken aback, then he, too, shot to his feet excitedly.

"Thank you in advance, son-in-law!"

...

Around two or three in the afternoon, everyone had pretty much finished eating, and quite a bit of wine had been consumed.

They were sprawled out on the bed, dizzy and passed out.

Lu Yuan, for his part, was dozing off in his wife’s embrace.

Su Liyan held her husband, watching him lie in her arms like a child.

The love filling her eyes was impossible to contain. She reached out a delicate hand to gently smooth her husband’s hair.

Second Uncle was no longer on the bed. Ever since he learned his whole family could go to the city, he hadn’t drunk much.

He had left midway through the drinking, taking Changyu and his wife with him to hurry home and pack.

Their son-in-law was heading back in the afternoon, and they were supposed to go with him, so they couldn’t afford any delays.

Just then, Second Uncle’s family emerged from their home, carrying bags of all sizes as they headed for his elder brother’s house.

As they walked along the village path, Second Aunt, who was helping carry a bag from behind, admonished her son,

"Changyu, once you get there, you must be obedient. Don’t you dare think you can fool around just because your brother-in-law is powerful.

When you’re working for a relative, you have to know your place."

Second Uncle, walking alongside, nodded in agreement.

"If you make a small mistake, he’ll feel awkward about calling you out because of your family ties.

But you have to be self-aware. If you keep making mistakes until he can’t stand it anymore, you’ll be sent right back home.

This is a huge opportunity. Just look at Changliang—see how well he’s doing since he started following your brother-in-law."

Su Changyu nodded earnestly.

"Don’t worry, Mom and Dad. I’m not that kind of person. You know me."

After Su Changyu spoke, the old couple nodded and said no more.

It was enough to say it once. There was no use in repeating themselves endlessly.

When Second Uncle and his family arrived back at the house, the courtyard was quiet.

In the eastern room, the heavy drinkers were sprawled every which way.

In the main room, some of the women were quietly telling jokes while cracking melon seeds and eating peanuts.

Su Changliang, meanwhile, had taken his young nephews outside to set off small firecrackers.

The scene was quite peaceful.

Lu Yuan didn’t wake up until after four in the afternoon.

By this time, everyone was ready. The other sons-in-law were up, and it was about time for them all to head home.

Su Changliang had also changed into his constable’s uniform.

Before, Lu Yuan hadn’t thought much of it, but looking at him today—hey, that uniform actually gave him a bit of Constable Xing’s presence.

Of course, Changliang was currently a constable, not yet a constable in charge.

’As for the future...’

Lu Yuan mused, ’Once Changliang has been a constable in charge for a while, learned how to handle interpersonal relationships, and broadened his horizons a bit...’

’...I’ll see about getting him transferred to a desk job in the Government Office.’

’For one, Changliang already knows how to read and write; it’s a shame to let that go to waste.’

’For another, a desk job is so much easier.’

’Right now, he’s out in the wind and rain every day. It’s hard work.’

...

At the village entrance, Lu Yuan and Su Liyan boarded the carriage.

Changyu and Changliang sat outside, driving the carriage with the Traveler who had come with them earlier.

The entire family had come to see them off.

Lu Yuan looked out the window at his father-in-law and mother-in-law and said,