A Good Country Wife-Chapter 684 - 677_1

Even if Lin Yue herself didn’t mind, it would still affect Zhao Erhu and several of the children. In this ancient society where ritual and propriety were emphasized, such idle gossip could be far more damaging than in modern times. If the rumors became too widespread, they could even impact the children’s futures. The eldest, Dalang, and the others were currently studying at the academy and were bound to participate in the imperial examinations, and perhaps even embark on official careers in the future. Otherwise, Lin Yue wouldn’t have gone to great lengths to perform so many services for the village to garner a better reputation.

Sister Chunhua and Madame Liu felt reassured when they saw Lin Yue had things under control. However, before they left, they still reminded Lin Yue to notify everyone if anything arose, urging her not to bear it all alone. Lin Yue nodded in agreement, expressing her gratitude. They talked for a while longer before Lin Yue saw Sister Chunhua and Madame Liu out.

"Madam has done so much for the village, and it wasn’t in vain. Most people are aware of the good you’ve done," Nanny Xu said with some comfort, having seen how the villagers had come together for Lin Yue these past few days.

Lin Yue gave a nod. The Zhao Family Village was just a small hamlet, but most of the villagers were simple and honest, understanding the principle of returning kindness. However, what she was currently worried about wasn’t the issue with Ceng Lu. After all, with higher-ups to back her, and Zhao Erhu working for the Emperor, Ceng Lu wouldn’t dare to make any overt moves. As long as she stayed within Zhao Family Village, Ceng Lu couldn’t touch her. If anything arose, she could simply instruct the servants to handle it, thus she would not give Ceng Lu any opportunity to exploit. Everything would be fine once Zhao Erhu returned.

What Lin Yue was most concerned about now was the fact that the heavens had not provided rain for far too long. The water level in the river was getting dangerously low, the land had cracked, and the crops were nearly withered. Her family was still in better circumstances, because they used water that was drawn from the large hidden lake in the mountains that Zhao Erhu had discovered before. The water from there was still adequate for the time being and wouldn’t be affected. To keep the secret from the villagers, Zhao Erhu had even made some disguises, leading everyone to believe it was groundwater.

But the situation in the village was quite dire. Those who lived close to the water source could still carry water from the river to irrigate their crops. If one lived too far away, it was already a strenuous task just to fetch domestic water, let alone to water the crops. Moreover, the river’s current volume was only half of what it used to be, with the riverbed already exposed. The closest major river was at least seven or eight miles away, and if the local river dried up, they would have no choice but to carry water from that distant river.

Despite the hardship, having some water was still better than none at all. Lin Yue was worried that once the villagers ran out of water and had to go to the distant river for it, they would notice that her family would be unaffected. It would be evident that there was something unusual going on, risking the exposure of the secret she and Zhao Erhu had carefully safeguarded. That was their family’s secret base, their contingency plan. Their family had already drawn considerable attention; in case of any unforeseen events, having a temporary hiding place could prove crucial. They could not afford to reveal it just like that.

Seeing Lin Yue’s face brighten with a smile only to fall back into worry, Nanny Xu sighed inwardly. There was a saying that too much cleverness could bring harm. The Madam’s intelligence and strength were certainly beneficial to the family, but over time, it was detrimental to her own well-being. She took on too much, always thinking ahead, burdening herself with concern.

Just as Nanny Xu was about to offer advice, she saw Lin Yue suddenly slap her forehead, her face lighting up with a bright and surprised smile. "Nanny Xu, quick, bring me paper and a pen. I’ve figured out a solution!"

At a loss for what to do, Lin Yue suddenly thought of the large water wheel they had used for irrigation back in her family village. Her eyes lit up at the idea. With the water wheel, there would be no worries about a shortage of water. So she immediately asked Nanny Xu to bring her writing materials and sketched the water wheel from memory, then took it to the carpentry workshop and directed them on how to construct it.

Since she found the water wheel fascinating as a child and often went to see it, Lin Yue had a good understanding of its structure. She drew out everything she knew in detail and explained the principles behind the water wheel’s operation. The master carpenters employed by the Lin Yue family were skilled and quickly grasped the concept upon her explanation.

"Madam, rest assured, we were somewhat puzzled looking at the blueprints alone, but after your explanation, it’s clear to us. The construction of this water wheel is not really complicated. We will definitely be able to make it quickly," Zhang Qiusheng assured immediately, without a hint of hesitation, confident in constructing the water wheel. The other carpenters also nodded in agreement.

With no obstacles in place, Lin Yue felt a surge of happiness inside, a hint of it showing on her face, yet she did not forget to urge them. "That’s wonderful, then please put in the extra effort to complete the water wheel as soon as possible. Look at the weather, there’s no sign of rain, and the drought is getting more severe. The crops in the fields rely on this water wheel for irrigation to alleviate the drought."

Hearing about the significant role the water wheel was to play in the community’s livelihood, the carpenters were even more eager to agree. "Definitely, we’ll make the water wheel as quickly as possible."

With the water wheel being built by Lin Yue’s family’s carpenters, and some additional support needed, Lin Yue paid a visit to the head of the village. Upon hearing her plans, the village head agreed immediately with great gratitude in his eyes. "Erhu’s wife, what can I say? In recent days, this drought has nearly turned my hair white with worry. Everyone in the village is greatly concerned, and I didn’t expect that you would be the one to solve this issue again."

Lin Yue had been concerned that people might not accept the new concept of the water wheel and might not be willing to collaborate on the project. Hearing the village head agree without hesitation, without any trace of doubt, Lin Yue felt greatly relieved. It seemed that Nanny Xu was right; the work she had done for the village before wasn’t in vain. At the very least, her trustworthiness had reached an unprecedented level, and people almost blindly believed in her.

"We are all from the same village, kith and kin. It’s only right for me to contribute to the village. I was initially worried that the water wheel being so unfamiliar, people wouldn’t trust or wish to cooperate. Everyone’s willingness to believe in me makes me very happy," Lin Yue replied. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

"How could we not? We’d trust anybody but not fail to trust you, Erhu’s wife. You’ve always been reliable and decisive; your word is your bond, and everyone holds you in high esteem. Though I’ve never heard of a water wheel in my long life, since you’re bringing it up, Erhu’s wife, it must be beneficial. Once we channel the water to irrigate the fields, alleviating the dry spell, it will be a tremendous merit. Generations of our villagers will benefit. On behalf of everyone in the village, I want to thank you," the village head said.