NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: The Value of Supreme Level Great Bargain
Chapter 10: The Value of Supreme Level Great Bargain
The three deans stood speechless, stunned by Lu Yuan’s bold rebuke.
Meanwhile, Wang Xu lay on the ground, face bruised and swollen, wailing dramatically. “I can’t go on living! This isn’t fair! He stole someone’s wife and then attacked him!” Her cries gradually transformed into vengeful determination. “We must report this to the authorities! Have him arrested immediately!”
Lu Yuan’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Report to the authorities? An excellent suggestion. Let’s proceed to the yamen right now.” His voice hardened. “I’d like the magistrate to hear how you continue to label me a traitor and criminal despite the imperial court’s final ruling on the matter. We’ll see which offense carries the greater penalty—my physical altercation or your slander that undermines imperial unity.”
Wang Xu fell abruptly silent, the implications of Lu Yuan’s words sinking in. If she pursued official action, Lu Yuan might face minor consequences for the altercation—perhaps a brief detention or financial compensation for injuries. But her own crime of questioning an imperial verdict could result in years of imprisonment.
Lu Yuan then turned his attention to the three deans. “In fact, let’s all visit the yamen together. Perhaps the officials would be interested in evaluating our compound’s eligibility for ‘advanced’ status this year.”
The deans’ expressions shifted immediately to compliance. While the “Advanced Compound” designation was common throughout the city, its absence from their own residence was conspicuous and potentially damaging. Though their positions as deans were largely ceremonial—based on age and seniority rather than true authority—all three worked within the Ministry of Industry. Any negative attention could jeopardize their careers.
A tense silence fell over the gathering. Lu Yuan had no real desire to involve the yamen. Official intervention might result in punishment for everyone involved—fifty lashes was the standard penalty. Even if Wang Xu received the harsher sentence, Lu Yuan would still face consequences for fighting, leaving a permanent mark on his record that would complicate his future ministerial examinations and potentially affect his children’s prospects.
“Listen carefully,” Lu Yuan finally declared, his gaze sweeping across the onlookers. “I won’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of my wife or causing her distress. Remember this warning—next time, I won’t be so restrained.”
With that, he took Su Liyan’s hand and departed for their home, leaving the residents exchanging bewildered glances behind them.
“When did that young man become so formidable?” someone whispered.
Back in their home, Lu Yuan gently reassured Su Liyan. “Don’t be afraid. Don’t take their words to heart. Focus on living well—that’s what matters.”
Su Liyan nodded, her enchanting eyes moist with emotion. “I understand. Mother always said that living a good life is the best response to adversity.”
Her sweet demeanor warmed Lu Yuan’s heart. He affectionately pinched her cheek and suggested, “Come, let me show you around the house.”
As they moved from room to room, Su Liyan’s expression brightened with wonder. She had never imagined residing in such a spacious dwelling—over 100 square meters with a private bathroom, a luxury many city households lacked. Most residents in their compound relied on communal facilities located in the alley outside.
Upon concluding the tour, Lu Yuan rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly as they returned to the living room. “It’s rather disorganized, I’m afraid. Living alone, I’ve developed careless habits.”
Su Liyan smiled warmly. “That’s why I’m here now. I’ll take care of our home.”
She immediately set to work while Lu Yuan settled into a chair in the living room. After the substantial meal earlier and the confrontation that followed, he needed rest. The thought of helping Su Liyan clean briefly crossed his mind, but he dismissed it.
In Lu Yuan’s view, a husband’s responsibility was to provide financially and protect his wife from harm—as he had demonstrated by purchasing necessities and defending her honor. Domestic duties fell naturally to the wife. This wasn’t about worship or servitude; it was about complementary roles. A man who earned the family’s living deserved domestic comfort in return. Some might find this perspective objectionable, but Lu Yuan considered it practical reality.
After dozing for over an hour, Lu Yuan awoke in mid-afternoon to find the house transformed. Tables, chairs, and wardrobes gleamed with polish, and all debris had been cleared away.
Suddenly remembering their incomplete shopping, Lu Yuan ventured out again. He returned with a cart loaded with new bedding, red basins, festive wedding decorations, red candles, and ample food provisions—meat, vegetables, rice, and noodles.
By the time they finished unloading their purchases, evening had fallen. As they prepared their first proper meal together, Lu Yuan made a profound realization about the true value of his [Supreme Level Great Bargain] ability: the incomparable delight of his wife’s cooking.