A Good Country Wife
Chapter 180: Great Courage_1

Chapter 180: Chapter 180: Great Courage_1

Having returned to the village, Zhao Dahuo and his wife first made a trip to Zhao Erhu’s house. The clothes they’d exchanged in the morning were still there, and they needed to swap back before heading home.

Lin Yue and Zhao Erhu, of course, would not ask for the clothes back. Lin Yue spoke before Zhao Erhu, saying, "Big brother, sister-in-law, what are you doing? Since these clothes have been given to you, please keep them. Erhu and my big brother are close siblings, surely you won’t quibble over a set of clothes like this. Besides, you can’t be without a set of clothes to go out. I actually wanted to make you a new set, but I was afraid it might not end up in big brother and sister-in-law’s hands, so I could only give you these two sets. They’re not new, but they’ve hardly been worn. Sister-in-law can alter them a bit to fit. Please don’t look down on them."

"How could we," they said, "How could we look down on them? Such fine fabric. It’s just that... when Erhu got into trouble, we, as his older brother and sister-in-law, weren’t able to help at all. Now we’re even taking your things. We really feel uneasy about this." Both Zhao Dahuo and his wife looked guilt-stricken and uncomfortable.

Seeing them like this, Lin Yue felt that these were people worth helping. Although Zhao Dahuo and his wife sometimes appeared weak and too honest, they truly cared for Zhao Erhu, their brother. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have risked blame from the Wei Family to bring her the message last time. Earlier at the banquet, when Zhao Yunxiang made things difficult for her, Zhao Dahuo and his wife intended to defend her, but each time they were about to speak up, Zhao Erhu and Lin Genfa beat them to it.

Lin Yue divided the pastries she had bought earlier into three, wrapping one part securely in packaging paper so that no aroma escaped. She instructed Zhao Dahuo and his wife to hide it in their old clothes and take it back for their children to eat, that way the Wei Family wouldn’t discover and confiscate it.

Lin Yue was touched by the sight of Zhao Dahuo and his wife eating without pleasure at the feast, aware that, for the sake of face, they didn’t take food back home, yet concerned for their own children. Zhao Dahuo’s children were truly well-behaved and sensible. Young as they were, living without good food or clothes, they knew to help their parents with the work. It pained Lin Yue to see it, especially compared to Dalang’s bunch; it was evident that Zhao Dahuo’s children were in an even sadder situation. Ultimately, it was the adults’ excessive weakness that had the children dealing with responsibilities at such a young age.

Zhao Erhu, watching Lin Yue’s actions, was deeply moved. He felt fortunate to have such a generous and considerate wife, thinking she treated his older brother and sister-in-law so kindly for his sake. And yet, his own older sister had always been giving her trouble. Since leaving the restaurant, she hadn’t shown Lin Yue a kind face, even though his wife, the one being wronged, hadn’t even complained! Zhao Erhu began to feel dissatisfied and resentful toward Zhao Yunxiang.

As they prepared to leave, Zhao Erhu suddenly remembered and quickly said, "Tonight, we’re having a drink at my place. Big brother and sister-in-law, if it’s convenient, bring the kids over too. As for Dad, it’s up to you whether you call him or not." Zhao Erhu had completely lost hope in his father, but he didn’t want Zhao Dahuo and his wife to be put in a difficult position, so he added the last part.

"Okay, I got it. We’ll come over with the kids later this evening." Under Zhao Erhu’s persuasion and influence, Zhao Dahuo also toughened up a bit. In the past, he would have had to consult with the Wei Family before making such a decision, but now he readily agreed. It seemed he had figured some things out and realized that continuing to be weak would only lead to being bullied by the Wei Family and their son, with the children also suffering as a result. As weak as Zhao Dahuo could be, he was willing to do anything for his children.

Zhao Erhu looked at Zhao Dahuo with some relief. Even though he didn’t expect Zhao Dahuo to change immediately, some progress was good. It showed that his elder brother was taking his words to heart.

Madame Liu, seeing such changes in Zhao Dahuo, grew increasingly grateful towards Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue. In fact, she sometimes realized that their current situation couldn’t continue. She felt that Zhao Dahuo was too meek, a man who completely dared not oppose the Wei Family; but as a woman, what else could she do besides rely on her husband? If her own man couldn’t stand up for them, no matter how outrageous the Wei Family treated her and her children, she had to endure it. Now, she finally saw a glimmer of hope in Zhao Dahuo.

The Wei Family mother and son, upon seeing Zhao Dahuo and his wife return in new clothes, initially suspected that Zhao Dahuo had stashed some silver coins away, but then reconsidered, knowing it didn’t add up. They were well aware of how much Zhao Dahuo made at his workplace, and Zhao Dahuo had accounted for every "coin" each time. Once they learned that Zhao Erhu had provided Zhao Dahuo and his wife with the clothes, they began to mock and ridicule Zhao Dahuo. But this time, Zhao Dahuo no longer allowed the Wei Family to insult him as before.

"Stepmother, don’t go too far. Erhu is my own brother, what’s wrong with me wanting to associate with him? All the silver I earned from working outside these years has been turned over to you. Your sons indulge in food and drink every day and can afford several new outfits a year, while my wife and I toil to death, and even our young children have to help by gathering firewood, carrying water, and cutting pig grass, yet we can only wear old clothes. Our clothes are so torn they barely hold together, and you haven’t even given us a piece of cloth to make new ones. Now that my brother is willing to provide, and you’re still unhappy. It seems like you don’t want to live peacefully, do you? If you don’t want to live together, that’s fine. Let’s divide the household; it’ll save you the trouble of being displeased with our family."

Zhao Dahuo said so much in one go, venting all the pent-up frustrations of the years, feeling an immense sense of relief.

Now that he thought about it, the Wei Family wasn’t so scary after all. Why had he been so accommodating to them all these years? The worst that could happen was being kicked out by the Wei Family mother and son. When Erhu was driven out, he was penniless and helpless, yet now, he was living well. Moreover, he had brothers to rely on. As long as he worked hard, he would always be able to provide for his wife and children. It must be said that Zhao Erhu’s support had given Zhao Dahuo tremendous courage.

The Wei Family matriarch was shocked by Zhao Dahuo’s sudden outburst, not understanding what had gotten into him. After being oppressed by her for so many years, he suddenly knew how to resist. Surely it must have been Zhao Erhu’s instigation. However, deep down, she felt more wary and dared not treat Zhao Dahuo as before, like cattle to be casually beaten and scolded. But the idea of splitting the household was impossible.

Zhao Dahuo and his family were efficient workers, the most important labor force in the household. If they left, who would do the work? Relying on her two incredibly lazy daughters-in-law would be the death of her, she thought. It was such a pity that they were not her own blood, unreliable; so she had to exploit them even more.

"You unfilial son, what are you saying? What kind of attitude is that towards your mother? Apologize to your mother right now. I’ll beat you to death. As for dividing the family, wait until I die before you even think about it!" Zhao Jingen had just walked in when he heard his son’s nonsensical talk and, without a second thought, cursed him out loud.