A Good Country Wife
Chapter 319 - 313 Don’t play tricks_1

Chapter 319: Chapter 313 Don’t play tricks_1

Lin Chang’an was frustrated by Liu Aniu’s interference, originally planning to complain to Dongjia once he returned. But seeing Dongjia’s attitude, he realized Liu Aniu’s staying was likely Dongjia’s decision, so he dared not say more. Yet, he was truly annoyed, wondering when this simpleton had gained Dongjia’s favor. The man had no insight and only cared about working the fields; how could he be someone capable of handling matters? He couldn’t understand what Dongjia saw in him.

"Nonsense! Liu Aniu is home watching over things because I asked him to. It seems to me it’s not him, but you who’s plotting something. Why else would you stick around when everyone else went to the shrine?" Zhao Erhu was looking to vent his anger from his dispute with Jiang Ziqi, and he lashed out at Lin Chang’an fiercely.

Seeing Zhao Erhu’s reaction, Lin Chang’an sensed trouble, thinking his standing with Dongjia was now truly at risk. Perhaps Liu Aniu had spoken ill of him behind his back. Why else would Dongjia suddenly place his trust in Liu Aniu instead? On the surface, Liu Aniu looked honest, but who knows what deceit lay in his heart. It was infuriating.

Lin Chang’an silently cursed Liu Aniu countless times, denouncing him as sly and cunning for sabotaging him. He vowed to settle the score with Liu Aniu later. Right now, his priority was to regain Dongjia’s trust. Facing Zhao Erhu’s rebuke, Lin Chang’an felt intimidated and forced himself to spin lies, something he was well-accustomed to doing.

"Dongjia, I’ve been wronged! You treat us long-term workers so well, paying us more than others, how could I ever be so ungrateful? Don’t believe the nonsense those villains whisper behind my back. My loyalty to you is undying. I didn’t go to the shrine earlier because my stomach was suddenly upset, and I had to use the outhouse. I was about to head to the shrine when I saw Liu Aniu in the courtyard. I wasn’t aware it was your order, and he didn’t tell me, so I waited for your return. You must believe me."

Liu Aniu was angry inside, watching Lin Chang’an twist the truth. He wanted to explain everything to Dongjia to reveal Lin Chang’an’s true colors and prevent being deceived by him. But when Liu Aniu saw Dongjia’s wife shake her head disapprovingly, with a clear signal to stop in her eyes, he realized Dongjia might already know Lin Chang’an was no good; otherwise, he wouldn’t have put him on watch today. Not wanting to ruin Dongjia’s plans, Liu Aniu promptly shut his mouth.

Lin Yue could tell Zhao Erhu was about to explode at Lin Chang’an, but she had everything planned and wouldn’t miss this opportunity. She quickly intervened, halting Zhao Erhu’s upcoming words.

"Erhu, I believe Brother Lin is good, and he always works hard. I doubt he has any bad intentions. Today’s incident must be a misunderstanding, probably because Brother Liu didn’t explain things clearly. Brother Lin must have been worried. After all, he’s been thinking of our wellbeing; he’s loyal. Brother Erhu, please don’t be angry. It’s not fair to blame Brother Lin—you’d be dismissing his genuine protective instincts."

"Wife!" Zhao Erhu saw Lin Yue intervene, preventing him from taking action against Lin Chang’an. With Chunxi’s previous incident in mind, he couldn’t afford to be lax and leave such a menace at home. Moreover, Lin Chang’an’s presence in the courtyard surely indicated a scheme. But his wife was insistent, and if he objected, she would likely get upset. Neither yielding nor resisting seemed right, putting him in a tight spot.

"Brother Erhu, you can’t be unreasonable either. Let’s just let this go for now. We have other matters to deal with. Let Brother Lin go home first." As Lin Yue spoke, she gave Zhao Erhu’s waist a tight pinch, her tone full of threats. Zhao Erhu, feeling helpless against his wife and not wanting to lose face in front of others, knew he had no choice but to be more vigilant in the future.

"Since my wife has spoken, let’s consider the matter settled for today. Without a summons, don’t loiter around the courtyard; you may go back now." Only after Zhao Erhu spoke did Lin Chang’an finally breathe a sigh of relief. Regardless of whether Dongjia would continue to rely on him as before, at least he wasn’t sent away, and that was good enough for now. With the serene gaze of Dongjia’s wife upon him, what did he have to fear?

Jiang Ziqi was initially puzzled why Lin Yue would keep such a rebellious servant like Lin Chang’an, but now, understanding her intent, he realized what devious plans she might be harboring. Lin Chang’an, fooled by her seeming favor, left looking grateful and joyful.

After sending Lin Chang’an away, Lin Yue spoke a few calming words to Liu Aniu, advising him not to overthink things. "Brother Liu, you should head back too. We greatly appreciate your help today. Dongjia and I are both aware of your character, and we wouldn’t ask you to watch over our home if we didn’t trust you. Forget about Brother Lin’s comments, and avoid confronting him for now. Dongjia and I have our own considerations."

"Ah! I understand, no hard feelings. Dongjia, Dongjia’s wife, as long as you are aware, I’m relieved. There’s still work waiting in the fields, so I’m off." Liu Aniu wasn’t good at socializing, and Axin, who was always around Dr. Jiang, seemed to glare at him with ill intent. He found it uncomfortable to stay and left without hesitation, preferring to put his time to better use in the fields.

Liu Aniu didn’t expect Lin Chang’an to be waiting outside just for him. As soon as he stepped out of the door, he was confronted. Lin Chang’an seemed outrageously bold, considering he was the one twisting the truth and should have felt guilty. But there he stood, glaring furiously. "Liu Aniu, I would never have guessed someone as seemingly honest as you could stoop to such petty tricks."

Liu Aniu found Lin Chang’an’s accusation baffling. "Lin Chang’an, what do you mean? I, Liu Aniu, have always been upfront and honest in my dealings. I’ve done nothing behind anyone’s back—"

"Hmph! Quit playing innocent. If it weren’t for your sneaky maneuvers, why would Dongjia suspect me? You must have badmouthed me, right? Don’t deny it. But even if you did pull those tricks, Dongjia’s wife still trusts and values me. I’m here to warn you: be careful from now on and stop playing games. I’m not one to be trifled with!"