A Good Country Wife-Chapter 674 - 667_1

Lin Yue had kept her head down until she suddenly stood up to confront Ceng Lu, and it was only then that he realized the woman of the Zhao Lin Family was actually a beauty. It was rare for such a person to emerge from a remote mountainous area, a tender and fresh beauty at that. Her appearance aside, her aura alone outclassed those of the beauties in the government office. Ceng Lu, driven by his lust, found it impossible to look away from Lin Yue, his eyes ablaze with wolfish desire, forgetting everything else as he stared.

"Madam Lin, please do not be angry. This lowly servant is ignorant of proper conduct and has poor eyesight, which led to offending you with his words. Please don’t take it to heart; I will certainly discipline him later. Get lost, do you not see that I’m speaking to Madam Lin? How dare you interrupt! Truly senseless." Regardless of Lin Yue’s earlier comments or Ceng Lu’s lustfulness, the blame shamelessly shifted entirely onto Quan An.

The steward watched with glee at the side. He knew Quan An was too hasty for quick success, and targeting the Zhao Lin Family like this would surely backfire. Since the lady of the Zhao Lin Family was not only charming but also beautiful, how could he not know about the master’s weakness? By now, he must be regretting his rude words in the presence of beauty, especially since Madam Lin even brought up the Emperor, ensuring Quan An would be crushed under her weight.

Originally acting on cues from Ceng Lu, Quan An was caught off guard by the sudden change in attitude. He was not entirely unaware of Ceng Lu’s faults, but he hadn’t expected him to be so shameless as to lust after a married woman. However, seeing the beauty of the Zhao Lin Family, he understood the appeal. Zhao Erhu, a rough man with age and burdens, managed to marry such an attractive wife, truly a flower stuck in cow dung. He had heard that Zhao Erhu was initially very poor, not the wealthy man he was now. How could he be so fortunate? Whereas he, although a scholar with official favor, had yet to find a wife.

Twisted by nature, Quan An’s thoughts shifted from jealousy to outright resentment. It wasn’t that he couldn’t find a wife; as a scholar, there were plenty of matchmakers willing to find him a match. But his standards were too high, his ego too inflated. He wanted to marry a lady from a distinguished family and wouldn’t settle for less, leaving him unattached to this day.

Lin Yue felt goosebumps all over from Ceng Lu’s licentious gaze; it was disgusting and even more repulsive than his previous arrogant behavior. No wonder the citizens were full of complaints and living miserably under such an official.

By now, the servant had gone to report to Eunuch Li. Lin Yue, suppressing her discomfort, looked at Ceng Lu with a forced smile, "The dog at the side of Magistrate indeed lacks training. Although my Zhao Family may not be a influential household, we serve the Emperor. Even at our worst, we do not deserve to be insulted by such a cur, hmph!"

At that moment, Eunuch Li was enjoying the delicacies made by Wang Dachuan. Though Lin Yue sent food to the Capital City during each festival, which he was always able to acquire some of, the distance was great and took time, limiting the gifts to non-perishable food items. The best food had to be eaten immediately upon preparation. As a food lover, Eunuch Li was determined to feast during these few days.

Upon hearing the servant’s message that Magistrate Ceng Lu sought an audience with him, Eunuch Li frowned slightly, showing impatience. He hated being disturbed while enjoying good food. However, considering the relationship between Ceng Lu, the Ceng Family, and the Empress in the palace, he decided to grant an audience. He knew full well that the Empress was but a target set up by the Emperor, yet as long as she was in favor, he had to show her some respect. That would change once she and the Ceng Family fell from grace.

"Fine, since the Magistrate has come personally, I should at least meet with him. He is, after all, the parent official of Xin’an City." Eunuch Li commanded with an unreadable face, instructing the servant to invite the Magistrate over. He chose to have Ceng Lu come to him, rather than going to meet him personally, because such a character was worth only a single meeting and required no particular regard.

The servant, quick-witted and aware of Lin Yue’s impatience with the Magistrate, promptly delivered the message that Eunuch Li would see him.

Lin Yue wasn’t surprised to hear Eunuch Li wanted to meet with Ceng Lu, for palace dwellers’ minds were full of intrigue. Since Eunuch Li wished for a meeting, she had to personally lead the way.

When Ceng Lu met with Eunuch Li, it was nothing more than the usual official pleasantries, each with their own agenda. "Eunuch Li, I’m afraid this rural area may not be very comfortable for you. Why not move to the Government Office? I have had it thoroughly cleaned and readied; it is all prepared for your residence."

Ceng Lu said this against his better judgment. The Zhao Family courtyard, crafted by Lin Yue and Master Lu, was not extravagantly luxurious, but it was the best Xin’an City had to offer in terms of comfort. His words were merely an attempt to ingratiate himself with Eunuch Li, who would take up the offer if he pleased.

Eunuch Li had no deep desire to forge ties with Ceng Lu; it was only for the sake of the Empress and the Ceng Family that he showed any superficial courtesy. Why would he move out of Zhao’s home? Not only was the living comfortable there, but Wang Dachuan’s culinary skills were an undeniable allure. If it weren’t for his duty in the palace, he would have considered staying there indefinitely, enjoying the tranquil life with delicious food, akin to a heavenly existence.

"Your abundant kindness is appreciated, Magistrate, but having lived in the palace for so long, I long for a few days of tranquility. The home of Old Master Zhao is very nice, and I’m quite comfortable, so I would prefer not to move." Eunuch Li, unwilling to relocate, responded politely so as to not offend Ceng Lu.

Ceng Lu didn’t hold Eunuch Li, a mere eunuch, in high esteem, offering favor only if it could be useful to him in the future. Seeing Eunuch Li reject his offer, his expression darkened. What an ungrateful wretch! Yet, upon glancing at Lin Yue beside him, a new idea struck him, and his smile returned.