A Good Country Wife-Chapter 651 - 644_1

"The Yin Family in the Capital City," Lin Yue murmured to herself. Ever since the group of men in black had kidnapped Master Xue, their movements had been shrouded in secrecy, and their heightened alertness left no clue as to their whereabouts. So this was the first time she had such a clear understanding of the specific identity of the adversary.

The Yin Family from the Capital City, Lin Yue had heard of this family when she was in the capital. It too was an aristocratic family that had flourished for a century, but as the family’s talent waned, so did their fortunes. Now, although they still bore the name of an aristocratic family, they were no different from other noble families of the court. Their facade was attractive, but inside they were riddled with problems, no longer the family they once were. They were even running deficits in their public offices, spending beyond their means. It was no wonder they had set their sights on the Zhao Family.

Zhao Erhu himself had come from a humble background with no substantial foundation, yet his sudden wealth had even caught the Emperor’s attention, who entrusted him with significant responsibilities. This showed just how high the profits were. If they could get their hands on that secret recipe, the family’s predicament could be resolved. As for the Emperor, as long as they acted covertly, who would know it was them? And even if the Emperor did find out, without concrete evidence, he couldn’t do anything to them. After all, they were an ancient aristocratic family. Even in decline, the arrogant pride ingrained in their bones hadn’t changed; they were still as haughty as ever, without considering what their end might be.

Although the Emperor had already decided to eradicate these aristocratic families and at the very least dismantle their power, their fates could still differ. At the very least, if they showed a good attitude, even though they might lose their past glory and power, their lives and fortunes could be spared. If they acted recklessly, they could not avoid a tragic fate of having their entire families executed and their estates confiscated—perhaps even an even grimmer end.

"Are you certain it’s the Yin Family, not some deliberately misleading information left by those people? Under what circumstances did they reveal this? Think back, and tell me the details. No, you should recount everything that’s happened since you were captured by those men in black, no matter how trivial," Lin Yue cautioned. She had to be careful, as those men in black had been extremely cautious and careful. Now that they had left such important clues, who knew whether it was intentional or if it was the work of one of the Yin Family’s rival families, trying to deflect suspicion from themselves, or even killing two birds with one stone by setting the Zhao Family against the Yin Family, and simultaneously inciting the Emperor’s displeasure towards them.

Of course, this was just Lin Yue’s speculation. The actual situation had to be assessed for a final judgment. After all, they had struck the men in black suddenly, and in the absence of their preparedness, perhaps they had indeed been careless—this was why Lin Yue wanted the Protector to detail every aspect of what had happened.

The Protector understood that there were aspects to this situation that he might not comprehend fully and feared that his judgment might mislead the investigation. Since the lady had made such a request, he went over the events in his mind once more, and then began to narrate every detail as thoroughly as possible.

There were several Protectors captured by the men in black. After listening to one Protector’s account, Lin Yue heard from the others. Their stories were mostly the same, differing only in the details and what had occurred during their separate interrogations. Lin Yue listened carefully, took notes, and then took the testimonies back for thorough analysis. After requesting detailed information on the Yin Family from Manager Liu, she eventually felt that it was highly likely that those men in black were dispatched by the Yin Family.

"Madam Lin, if this matter truly involves the Yin Family, I’m afraid it will be even more problematic. The Yin Family, although in decline, is an ancient aristocratic family with deep roots. Even in their reduced state, they are not comparable to an average family. For example, these men in black—I suspect the majority might be hidden guards trained by the Yin Family, something that ordinary families simply cannot produce."

"Manager Liu, I understand what you’re saying. When I first guessed that these men in black came from the Capital City, I knew they wouldn’t be trivial. Now to hear they might be from the Yin Family, it doesn’t surprise me. It was expected. Much like you said, if they were not from a great aristocratic family, where else could they have got such capable people? Even if they are up to no good, I still respect and acknowledge their competence."

"In that case, Madam Lin, do you still wish to continue with the rescue of Master Xue? After all, the others have been saved, and even if Master Xue isn’t rescued, you’ve done your best, and no one can say otherwise. Instead, they should be grateful. To care so much for a servant, to be willing to pay such a price, only someone like you, Madam Lin, would do so. Not to mention those great aristocratic families, you’d be hard-pressed to find a few as righteous as you in the entire Dazhou."

Manager Liu’s words implied he disapproved of Lin Yue continuing the pursuit and entanglement with the Yin Family. From any perspective, in his view, it was like Lin Yue was fighting a losing battle against the Yin Family. If something went wrong, he would not know how to explain it to the Family Head, so it was best if Madam Lin gave up now. Otherwise, if Madam Lin insisted on battling the Yin Family to the end, he could only reluctantly offer his assistance since the Family Head had already made his stance clear.

"Do you think my intention to save others is just to save face, Manager Liu? Not to mention that Master Xue still holds our Zhao Family’s secret recipe, even without it, his unwavering loyalty and refusal to betray demand that I cannot simply ignore his plight!"

"Moreover, this situation is not something I can simply smooth over and settle. Considering the current state of affairs, the Yin Family has had their eye on us for some time and will make a move sooner or later. Rather than wait for them to set another trap, it’s better to take the initiative and gain the upper hand. However, this matter concerns only my family and has nothing to do with you, Manager Liu. I am grateful for your help this time, but you needn’t get involved in future affairs, nor will I implicate you."

Lin Yue was never one to shy away from problems. Although the Yin Family might seem an insurmountable behemoth to her at present, she could not sit idly by and wait to be devoured by them. Besides, her family was not without its own support. Now that she knew the Yin Family was one of those the Emperor wanted to eliminate, if she played her cards right, she could gain the Emperor’s backing. In the struggle against the aristocratic families, their interests were aligned. Furthermore, she had the support of Princess Yongle, Commandery Princess Roujia, Jiang Ziqi, and the Princely Heir of Marquis of Zhenbei—all were her allies.

Manager Liu wiped the sweat from his brow, thinking inwardly that even if he wanted to stay out of it, could the Family Head spare him?

"Madam Lin, you’re being too severe. I was merely considering the pros and cons. I underestimated your character. If you truly wish to proceed, considering our past relationship, how could I stand by and do nothing. Rest assured, wherever I can be of assistance, I will help with all my might. But those men in black and Master Xue are now untraceable; has Madam Lin thought of any strategies?"