A Good Country Wife-Chapter 678 - 671_1

Jiang Ziqi didn’t have any particular issue with Zhao Erhu; it was just that Zhao Erhu was Lin Yue’s husband, and when Lin Yue faced such danger from the displaced peasants, her husband was actually not by her side. If not for Lin Yue’s wit in resolving the crisis, with a large number of displaced peasants breaking into the house, who knows what would have happened. Among those peasants were not just destitute individuals, but also those with malicious intent—it wouldn’t have been just a matter of being robbed. Her very reputation might have been ruined. Although Jiang Ziqi knew that Zhao Erhu was away on a sea voyage, unable to be at home, he still felt a surge of anger.

"Zhao Erhu, how can you even say such things? Now you think you are something grand, having gained the Emperor’s favor. You’ve acquired wealth and fortune, a future bright as brocade, so you can disregard your wife and child at home, right? After all, with your status and wealth, what kind of good woman couldn’t you marry? Our Little Yueyue is just from a peasant family, she’s already your well-worn wife, so I guess it would be normal for you to cast her aside," Jiang Ziqi said, his words piercing Zhao Erhu’s heart, each sentence striking with accusation.

Zhao Erhu realized why Jiang Ziqi was being so sarcastic. Seeing Jiang Ziqi’s attitude, things at home were far from as simple and easy as the Emperor had made them out to be, just briefly described in a few words. Zhao Erhu had seen the desperation of the displaced during famine, and he knew they could do anything to survive. The thought made him shudder with fear. Thankfully, no matter what, his wife and child were safe. Yet, the guilt and concern in his heart were impossible to suppress.

"Jiang, you know why I went on the sea voyage. It was all to provide a better life for my wife and child so that they wouldn’t be bullied and rendered powerless to fight back ever again. I’ve heard a few words about the incident from the Emperor; it was due to a flood that caused the displacement of the peasants, which also affected Zhao Family Village. The Emperor mentioned that it did not affect my family, but I’m still worried. That’s why I came to ask about my wife and child, hoping, brother Jiang, you could tell me."

Zhao Erhu spoke sincerely, and though Jiang Ziqi’s words were satirical, Erhu felt a sense of gratitude. If Jiang Ziqi hadn’t been genuinely concerned, he would not have spoken so earnestly.

Jiang Ziqi was simply venting his own emotions and knew that it wasn’t entirely Zhao Erhu’s fault. After all, a natural disaster is unpredictable. Zhao Erhu could not have anticipated such an event before he left. Even so, he had entrusted the care of his family to Jiang Ziqi, clearly showing that he kept his family in his heart.

Jiang Ziqi did needle Zhao Erhu a few times, knowing he was currently worried about his wife and child. He relayed everything that had happened during Erhu’s absence, not only about the flood but also the previous incident with the Yin Family attacking the Zhao Family, although Jiang Ziqi was unclear about the details of the rescue.

"That’s about all that has happened during this time. I don’t know exactly how Yueyue managed to rescue them. Though people outside are saying that Yueyue ransomed them from the bandits of Longhu Mountain. I always feel the matter isn’t that simple. You’ll find out the full story when you go home and ask," he said.

"As for the Yin Family, I know you must be furious, but even though the Yin Family has fallen, they are still an Aristocratic Family with hundreds of years of foundation and background to call upon. The Zhao Family can’t contend with them at present, so they have to endure for now. When the time and strength are right, revenge can then be sought. Fortunately, for the time being, the Yin Family won’t take action against your family. When the Emperor learned of your successful return from the sea voyage, he immediately sent Eunuch Li to deliver a reward to Zhao Family Village, clearly signaling his stance. The Emperor is quite dissatisfied with the Yin Family, they are wary."

Zhao Erhu listened, clenching and unclenching his fists, without saying a word. He had thought that after arranging everything before leaving for the sea, leaving enough manpower behind and with the protection of the Jiang Family, there wouldn’t be any problems—his wife might just feel lonely. He had no idea that so much would happen. Hearing it all was absolutely terrifying, let alone for his wife who faced it alone. Thinking that his wife might have come to harm wrenched his heart and made it hard to breathe.

Jiang Ziqi, seeing Zhao Erhu’s complexion, also knew that the man must be feeling terrible inside. But wasn’t this deserved? After all, Erhu married Xiaoyue yet failed to fulfill his husbandly duties, leaving her alone to face all this. However, Jiang Ziqi also knew he shouldn’t overdo it, Zhao Erhu cared about his wife deeply, and if he impulsively rushed back to Zhao Family Village, neglecting the Emperor’s mission, it would be a serious offense. The Emperor wouldn’t consider these matters, especially since Little Yueyue was unharmed now.

Zhao Erhu did indeed feel the impulse to rush back to Zhao Family Village immediately, to see his wife safe and sound before his eyes. But since Lin Yue had not come to harm, even though he felt the urge, he understood the importance and urgency of matters. The Emperor had specifically informed him of the incident and even sent Eunuch Li to Zhao Family Village, likely concerned he might act impulsively, risking his duties. So, Erhu had no choice but to suppress his feelings for now.

"I’ve said all there is to say, and you know what you need to know. The several incidents were close calls, but ultimately, Little Yueyue is unharmed. You don’t need to be anxious and upset. First, you must take care of the task entrusted by the Emperor. Otherwise, Xiaoyue will worry about you too. You should understand the importance and urgency of matters. The Emperor’s favor is unpredictable, and while he values you now, you are not irreplaceable. Moreover, after this sea voyage, the Emperor has almost made up his mind about many things, so you need to grasp the situation well," Jiang Ziqi still couldn’t help but caution him.

"Brother Jiang’s lesson is well received. I will stay calm. During my absence, my family owes much to your care, Brother Jiang. I, Zhao Erhu, am eternally grateful. Should you ever need anything, just say the word—no second thought required!" said Zhao Erhu, bowing deeply to Jiang Ziqi. Having been through some trials and tribulations, he had matured, shed his former pettiness and pride. Jiang Ziqi’s virtuous character made him a friend worth maintaining.

"Alright, you know I didn’t say all this for your sake. Now that you’re aware of the situation, and what’s happened has happened, regret and worry won’t help. Just complete the Emperor’s assignment quickly so you can return to Zhao Family Village sooner. Clever and strong as Xiaoyue may be, she is still a woman who has been managing on her own for so long; she is surely awaiting your return," Jiang Ziqi finished, promptly sending Zhao Erhu on his way, not even offering him tea or a meal, which indicated he was still upset, speaking out for Lin Yue’s sake.

Determined to return to Zhao Family Village as soon as possible, Zhao Erhu worked tirelessly, leaving early and returning late, eager to wrap up his affairs. His subordinates, too, became as busy as spinning tops. The Emperor grew increasingly pleased with this.