A Good Country Wife
Chapter 256 - 247: Unclear Meaning_1

Chapter 256: Chapter 247: Unclear Meaning_1

Zhao Erhu wasn’t unaware of his little wife’s dissatisfaction, but in his view, marital harmony was natural and proper. He simply thought that due to her young age, she couldn’t appreciate the pleasure involved and thus resisted. He believed she would gradually get used to it and it would improve. Of course, he couldn’t indulge his wife’s little temperaments. As a man, even if he doted on her, he wouldn’t compromise easily on matters that affected his own welfare. However, he did exercise some restraint, as he couldn’t completely disregard his little wife’s feelings. If he pushed her too far and caused her to rebel, that wouldn’t be good.

"Wife, why are you frowning? Who has made you angry? Tell me, and your husband will take vengeance for you," Zhao Erhu said, cozying up to his little wife who lay on the bed full of resentment.

"Zhao Erhu, stay away from me," Lin Yue said irritably, too lazy to even glance at him. Indeed, after a man had his fill of meat, he was different. Zhao Erhu was bursting with energy, and his manner had changed completely. He used to be so proper, but look at him now—she felt stifled, and he was just too shameless.

Ignoring his little wife’s aversion, Zhao Erhu sat down beside Lin Yue. "Wife, Brother Xinglin has invited our family to his house for lunch tomorrow. I’m telling you in advance to see if there’s anything you need to prepare."

"Brother Xinglin has invited our family to lunch tomorrow? Why? It shouldn’t be for no reason. Is there something up?" Lin Yue was somewhat surprised. Ever since she had taken on Jiang Ziqi’s embroidery work, she had been busy sewing at home for quite some time, leaving city affairs to Zhao Erhu. They hadn’t seen Zhao Xinglin and his wife for a long while, so their sudden invitation must have a reason behind it. Could there be some happy event?

"I don’t know. Brother Xinglin didn’t say. He mentioned we will find out when we go."

"Alright then, I’ve just made a few sets of autumn clothes for our little nephew. I’ll bring them along tomorrow."

It was only when they arrived at Zhao Xinglin’s house the next day that Lin Yue and Zhao Erhu learned that Zhao Xinglin had been promoted. He had been appointed the arrest officer of the Xin’an City Government Office by the Magistrate, and today’s lunch was a celebration. However, Zhao Xinglin and his wife didn’t want to draw too much attention and risk harbouring resentment from others, so they only invited Zhao Erhu’s family, the Han Family’s relatives, and Zhao Xinglin’s own aunt’s family, whom they had good relations with.

"Then congratulations to Brother Xinglin. From now on, we have to address you as Arrest Officer, Sir. Please look after us in the future, Arrest Officer Zhao," Lin Yue teased Zhao Xinglin half-jokingly, due to their close relationship.

"Oh no, not at all. In the end, I still have to thank you. There were others in the Government Office who had their eye on this position, with deeper backgrounds than I, yet the Magistrate promoted me, all because of you," Zhao Xinglin said gratefully. The Magistrate wasn’t the type to do good anonymously. Since he promoted Zhao Xinglin, he subtly conveyed the reasons for his choice.

Zhao Xinglin felt even more grateful towards Zhao Erhu. On ordinary days, Zhao Erhu and his wife had not failed to send their family goods—food, clothing, and daily necessities. Whatever good things they had, they also shared with his family. And when his wife was in her confinement after giving birth, it was largely thanks to Erhu’s wife’s culinary skills, for otherwise his wife wouldn’t have been able to eat at all and would have struggled to recuperate. Even more, during his wife’s confinement, Erhu’s wife made sure Zhao Erhu brought over nutritious soups every day, which helped his wife eat well and maintain a good milk supply, sparing him much worry. This time, even the Magistrate’s favorable view of him was because of them.

Although Erhu and his wife always insisted they were repaying his kindness, he knew very well how little help he had provided in return. When Zhao Erhu was injured and unconscious from hunting, he could only offer limited assistance. His sister-in-law was an admirable woman who single-handedly supported her family. Erhu and his wife had done so much for their family, and it was because they valued their relationship, were grateful, and appreciated the help, even if it was just a small favor.

"How can you say that, Brother Xinglin? That you could become an arrest officer is thanks to your own abilities. What does that have to do with my wife and me? Don’t joke about that."

"I’m not joking. I really owe it to you two." Zhao Xinglin led Zhao Erhu and his wife into the house and explained the situation to them. Only then did Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue understand, though in the end, they too were indebted to Jiang Ziqi’s favor.

It turned out that the Magistrate was slated to take office by the beginning of next year. The current arrest officer was willing to follow the Magistrate to Capital City and had already been dispatched by the Magistrate to Capital City to handle some affairs ahead of time, leaving the position in Xin’an City’s Government Office to Zhao Xinglin.

After careful deliberation, the Magistrate had decided on this appointment. Zhao Xinglin, who had been in the government office for many years, was well-recognized for his abilities and character. Most people were convinced and accepted him as the arrest officer. Another important reason was the relationship between Zhao Xinglin and Zhao Erhu.

The Magistrate had received a promotion from higher up thanks to Jiang Ziqi, and although the specific details of his new position were not yet settled, a promotion was certain. He was profoundly grateful to Jiang Ziqi. Though he had little hope of gaining favor with the Jiang Family, the son of the Jiang family had helped him this time for no other reason than Zhao Erhu and his wife. Naturally, he wanted to return the favor and afford Zhao Erhu and his wife a kindness. Moreover, maintaining a relationship with Jiang Ziqi could be a chance and hope to curry favor with the Jiang Family. Having climbed up from the bottom with no background, he relied on his ability to seize every opportunity with keen insight.

Although the Magistrate had appointed Zhao Xinglin as the arrest officer due to Zhao Erhu and his wife’s influence, and he informed Zhao Xinglin of this, such matters could not be openly discussed. Therefore, only Zhao Xinglin and his wife and his Great Uncle knew about it; now Zhao Erhu and his wife knew as well, but no one else was aware.

When Mrs. Han learned that Zhao Erhu and his wife had come over, she hurried out from the inner rooms. She was already fond of Lin Yue, and now due to this matter, her esteem for Lin Yue had increased. Naturally, she wanted to host Lin Yue herself.

"Sister-in-law, it’s been some days since you last visited. You’ve become even more radiant recently. Just look at yourself, you’re blooming like a delicate flower. It clearly shows that Erhu has been taking great care of you. Erhu really is one who knows how to cherish his wife."

Mrs. Han, already a mother of several children, instantly noticed the changes in Lin Yue. She said with a chuckle while holding Lin Yue’s hand, her gaze wandering between Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue, her tone clearly carrying a somewhat cryptic meaning. At that suggestive look, the inexperienced Lin Yue blushed.

"Sister-in-law!" Lin Yue chided and quickly changed the subject, "Where’s Xiaobao? I haven’t seen him for quite a few days and have really missed him. Sister-in-law, please take me to see my little nephew."

"The little guy fell asleep after feeding. Right now, his grandmother is taking care of him in the inner room. I’ll take you to see him."

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