A Good Country Wife
Chapter 338 - 332_1

Chapter 338: 332_1

Once Lin Yue spoke, everyone fell silent. Those who had previously worked for Zhao Erhu mostly believed Lin Yue’s words and thus were no longer in a hurry to demand their wages. There were also some who speculated whether Lin Yue was trying to delay time, so they hesitated about what to do.

It was because Zhao Erhu was not at home that Zhao Zhiguang dared to stir up trouble intentionally. He hadn’t expected that the arrival of Zhao Erhu’s wife would quell the situation. Seeing that no one was following his lead to continue the disturbance, he felt anxious and frustrated. It seemed that the task entrusted to him by that person might not be accomplished, and the promised silver would likely be lost. He was so close, yet now any further disruption would not benefit him, so he could only remain silent, waiting for the next opportunity.

"Weren’t you causing quite the scene just now? Why is nobody speaking up anymore?" Lin Yue glanced over the group, and the few who were previously the most rowdy looked at each other before finally pushing a troublemaker forward.

"Madam Dongjia, why are you being so unyielding? We were just worried about not receiving our wages for all the work we’ve done these days, wanting to get some clarity isn’t wrong. Besides, despite all that you’ve said, not even a copper coin has been seen from you. Your words could still be either true or false."

"Yes, Madam Dongjia, even if the wages are to be given later, you should at least show us the silver to ease our minds. Don’t just talk without proof, deceiving us and treating us all like fools!"

Lin Yue let out a cold laugh, "So you think you were justified in causing trouble today, and neglecting the workshop’s work is acceptable. And now, you’re still so righteous. We cannot employ such people in our household."

With Lin Yue’s words out, everyone understood her stance, and even the most confrontational among them couldn’t brag about their behavior any longer, shutting their mouths. After all, those who came here to work did so for the wages, and they were only encouraged by Zhao Zhiguang’s instigation out of greed. But if they truly lost this job, such a salary would not be found elsewhere.

After speaking, Lin Yue didn’t concern herself with their reactions. She was determined to clear out those who were causing trouble; otherwise, even if she resolved this issue now, other problems could arise in the future. She told Mrs. Liu to help Zhao Dahuo first to dress his wounds, Wu Qiang and his wife to watch over the workshop, and she herself returned home to retrieve fifty taels of silver, along with twenty taels in smaller denominations and twenty strings of copper coins, all placed on a large tray.

Lin Yue didn’t necessarily need this much money to pay the workers who had caused the disturbance. This act was to reassure the diligent workers that their wages were secure and to let the workers know that their household had sufficient funds, so there was no need to worry about the wages not being paid.

Lin Yue had a chair brought outside and placed the silver and coins on the table before sitting down. She opened the ledger and addressed the assembled crowd, "Just now, so many were clamoring for their wages. Now that the silver is here, those who want to collect their wages should come forward."

The people who had been demanding their wages now neither stepped forward nor retreated, instead edging backward, trying to avoid Lin Yue’s notice. Now that it was confirmed that the household had enough silver to pay the wages, the little courage they had marshaled earlier had all but vanished.

Zhao Zhiguang, who had led the disturbance from the start, had been very quiet since Lin Yue’s arrival. After recognizing that the situation was not in his favor, he stayed even more low-profile than the others. Since his goal was not yet achieved, he certainly could not afford to get dismissed so easily, or else all would have been for naught.

"What’s the matter? Don’t tell me that you think hiding and staying quiet after causing a disturbance is the end of it. Actions have consequences, and since you won’t step forward yourselves, then I’ll have to call you out."

Lin Yue had no intention of letting them get away with their actions. This was the first time such an incident had occurred for their household, so it was necessary to establish a precedent and send a warning and deterrent to everyone for the future, to prevent similar chaos from arising.

After calling out those who had been most violent, Lin Yue distributed their wages, "Alright, since the wages have been paid, you can leave now. As for those staying, your wages will still be released on the agreed date. If anyone causes trouble again, they will no longer be employed by our household. I’ll say it again, we hire people to work, not to cause trouble."

Those who had stirred up the trouble now truly regretted their actions and pleaded earnestly. With less than two months left before the New Year, without earning more wages, they didn’t know how they would get by, "Madam Dongjia, we realize our mistake, please forgive us this once. We’ll never dare to do this again."

"Madam Dongjia, we were blinded by greed, momentarily confused. Please show some kindness and give us another chance. My entire family relies on the wages I earn from working here."

"What’s said is done and what’s spilt cannot be reclaimed. All of you leave. I shall not take back my words. You all know what you had in your minds when you were causing trouble. If you had even a shred of good intention, you wouldn’t have caused such a commotion over a mere rumor." Lin Yue had made up her mind and naturally would not soften her stance for a few pleading words; these people were reaping the consequences of their actions.

Seeing Lin Yue’s firm resolve, the troublemakers realized that there was no turning back. Some left in regret, others in resentment, all clutching the newly settled silver as they slunk away. One or two lingered, unwilling to leave, and among them was Zhao Shulin. He was not close to Zhao Erhu but was still related within five degrees and berated Lin Yue for making such decisions without Zhao Erhu’s presence. He expected that Zhao Erhu would certainly reprimand her upon his return.

"Erhu hasn’t returned yet, and it’s not the place for a woman like you to manage these affairs. You don’t have the final say. I am Erhu’s uncle, and he must show me respect when he sees me. If he comes back and learns you’ve handled things this way, he’s sure to give you a couple of slaps," Zhao Shulin stated, causing those who had decided to leave to halt. Some who had already left heard the uproar and hurried back, hoping to see how things would unfold. After all, deep down, they all clung to a sliver of hope, unwilling to be dismissed like this.

"Yes, a woman like you doesn’t have the final word. We were hired by Dongjia himself, and we will wait for his return."

Lin Yue was already feeling unwell, and the noise from these people truly gave her a headache, especially Zhao Shulin, who was acting like an elder family member. It seemed she would have to wait for Zhao Erhu to come back before anything could be resolved.

At that moment, Zhao Erhu was securing a deal with a manager from the Li Residence through Zhao Xinglin. The manager knew the ins and outs of the matter and had agreed to meet the next day at a restaurant. Since there was nothing pressing for the day, Zhao Erhu planned to return home early. He had been neglecting his young wife due to his early departures and late returns. She must have been worried, so he thought to spend some quality time with her upon his return. Little did he know that as he drove his carriage towards the city gate, a long-term worker from his household came to report the happenings at home.