A Good Country Wife
Chapter 231 - 228: Having Suspicions_3

Chapter 231: Chapter 228: Having Suspicions_3

Zhao Erhu spoke persuasively, but Lin Yue’s original words were, "Our family has been too conspicuous lately, and I fear we’ve drawn envious gazes. Instead of letting people trip us up behind our backs and give us headaches, it’s better to openly share some benefits with everyone. This would not only counteract those underhanded tactics but also win people over. Seeing the benefits we offer, they would be more likely to look out for our interests and protect our property. At the very least, they wouldn’t sabotage us behind our backs. Moreover, most people are grateful; having received higher wages, they would work even harder. Our family wouldn’t lose out."

Look at how meticulous her calculations were. Lin Yue’s consideration also had its reasons: people had been sneaking onto their land to pick vegetables recently. Although Zhao Dahuo and his wife were on the lookout, they couldn’t prevent it entirely. Some malicious schemers not only stole their vegetables but also uprooted the seedlings, revealing their spiteful intentions.

The village head was extremely satisfied upon hearing Zhao Erhu’s words. Zhao Erhu really was a fine man, not only capable but also mindful of gratitude and reciprocity. Having made money, he still thought of improving life for the villagers. The village head felt confirmed in his good opinion and decided to do everything in his power to help Zhao Erhu handle this matter properly, ensuring that no sly and deceitful individuals got involved.

After striking an agreement with the village head, Zhao Youfu immediately reported the matter to the government office. The next day, officials were dispatched to measure the wasteland and calculate the span of the valley. The affair was handled swiftly.

This venture cost Zhao Erhu a total of three hundred fifty taels of silver. Apart from the land that he and Lin Yue had previously agreed on, he also bought more than fifty acres of barren land behind the valley. After the land was notarized and records made in the government office, all were registered in Lin Yue’s name. Zhao Erhu took the land deeds home and proudly showed them to Lin Yue, who was indeed overjoyed.

"Zhao Erhu, you’re amazing. I love you so much, my husband," Lin Yue exclaimed sweetly, delighted.

"You ungrateful thing, you called me an old man this morning, and now you remember to call me husband. How about we consummate our marriage after this busy period? We can’t keep up this marriage in name only. You were still saying you’d consider it last night; how is your consideration going now?" Zhao Erhu seized any opportunity to press Lin Yue to commit to this, which was an issue she couldn’t refuse. Even if she didn’t agree, he didn’t plan to let her go when the time came. But of course, it would be best if she agreed voluntarily, to avoid the charming entanglements and playful struggles with this tormenting little creature!

What consideration – can’t she see it’s just a stalling tactic? Lin Yue, now selectively unresponsive, pretends not to hear and adeptly changes the subject, "Have you discussed the hiring with the village head? What did he say?"

Zhao Erhu chose not to quibble with his wife, knowing that she was his no matter what, and followed her lead into more serious topics, "The village head has already gone to notify everyone; they’ll come over tomorrow morning. I’ve asked my sister-in-law to make a pot of porridge and some flatbreads for breakfast tomorrow. It will be something to eat while working in the morning. Qiangzi’s wife will also come over to help at noon. You should take it easy; just direct others to do things. Make sure not to tire yourself out, do you hear me?"

"I know, I’m not foolish. We are paying them after all, so why should we exhaust ourselves? You don’t need to fret over nothing," Lin Yue said, still looking at the land deeds nestled in Zhao Erhu’s embrace, before remembering another matter regarding tilling the land tomorrow.

"By the way, this wasteland is very barren. Even if we clear it, it won’t have much fertility. The vegetables grown won’t be much good. We need to think of a way to enrich the soil."

"I’ve already thought of that; you don’t need to worry. But there’s another matter I’d like to discuss with you." Zhao Erhu spoke with less confidence now, mainly because his elder sister had gone too far last time and seemed to enjoy targeting his wife. He really didn’t know how to broach the subject.

Lin Yue’s smile faded when Zhao Erhu mentioned inviting Zhao Yunxiang’s husband Lin Genfa to work at their home. She merely scoffed, refraining from an outburst as she looked at Zhao Erhu’s uncomfortable expression.

Seeing his wife’s displeased look, Zhao Erhu knew things weren’t great, "Wife, don’t be angry. I’m discussing this with you first; nothing’s been decided. If you disagree, let’s forget it. I wasn’t thinking about my sister, it’s just that my brother-in-law happened to hear about this and had someone ask. If it’s not feasible, it’s not an issue." Zhao Erhu was clear on his priorities; although he thought his brother-in-law was an acceptable person, he would drop the idea if it upset his wife.