A Good Country Wife
Chapter 350 - 344_1

Chapter 350: Chapter 344_1

"Brother, since I’ve already bought the things, there’s no sense in returning them, and besides, the shop wouldn’t take them back."

"But think of how much silver coin all these things cost! Little sister, you are now a married woman and have decided to settle down and lead a dedicated life with Zhao Erhu. It’s time you learned to plan for your husband’s family. Living must be economical; you can’t just spend extravagantly because your brother-in-law dotes on you. Keep in mind that Erhu works hard on his business ventures outside, and you ought to understand this."

Lin Qing lectured his sister earnestly; having accepted Zhao Erhu as his brother-in-law, he naturally hoped for them to live harmoniously. He didn’t want his sister to cause any discomfort for Zhao Erhu because of her own actions. After all, his sister was married off, and a married daughter is like spilled water - she now belonged to the Zhao family. There was no reason for her to spend so much to support her birth family, her brother.

Zhao Erhu guessed Lin Qing’s thoughts. As long as his little wife was happy, he didn’t care about the expense of a little silver. Moreover, his big brother-in-law was someone he should ingratiate himself with. "Big brother, this is my wife’s sincere gesture. It’s right for Yueyue to honor her brother, and you should just accept it comfortably. Our family has much surplus now, these purchases are but trifles. We are all one family, so don’t be so formal with us. Otherwise, seeing you live so frugally, my wife will inevitably feel uneasy."

"Brother-in-law, Xiaoyue is not sensible. You should tell her what needs to be said; don’t keep indulging her and spoil her rotten." Although Lin Qing said this, he was still pleased to see Zhao Erhu treating his sister so well. He was increasingly convinced that his little sister had not married the wrong man. Having grown up enduring hardship, she now had someone who understood her and cherished her, which was more valuable than anything else.

"Oh brother, you heard what Zhao Erhu said, so stop making such a fuss. The real help you can give is to move these things for me."

Lin Yue said this while letting Zhao Erhu help bring in two new cotton quilts, one for the bed and one for cover. The sheets and quilt covers were also ready-made and directly fitted for Lin Qing. Other daily necessities like charcoal, braziers, candles, and stationery were placed around, and kitchenware was placed in the kitchen. Once everything was arranged, Lin Qing’s abode underwent a complete transformation. The original spartan and shabby room turned cozy and comfortable after Lin Yue’s arrangements.

Lin Yue then unpacked two bundles she had brought earlier and explained the contents to Lin Qing one by one, asking him to try on the new clothes she had made to see if they fit. She hadn’t measured him and had crafted them just by estimating his size; only by wearing them would they know if they fit properly.

"Brother, try these on to see if they fit. If they don’t, I’ll alter them right away."

Knowing his little sister’s temperament, Lin Qing did not decline any further and cheerfully tried on the clothes. "They fit perfectly. Xiaoyue, your skills are really good, these clothes look great."

Seeing Lin Qing wearing the clothes and looking good in them, Lin Yue also beamed with happiness. "I think they look great too, brother. You look much more spirited in new clothes. You’ve been wearing clothes that are too thin. Just keep these on and don’t take them off."

"Ah, okay." Lin Qing had intended to reserve such fine clothing for important occasions, but since his sister insisted, he gladly complied and noticed it was getting late.

"Xiaoyue, brother-in-law, it’s getting late and you must be hungry. How about I take you out for a meal?" Rare was the occasion his sister visited, and Lin Qing didn’t plan on being frugal today, intending to treat his sister and brother-in-law to a meal at a restaurant outside.

"Brother, there’s no need. Don’t we have a kitchen, and haven’t we bought both rice and vegetables? Let’s cook ourselves. The food outside isn’t as tasty as what we make." Lin Yue replied, scooped up some rice and vegetables and went to the kitchen. Considering there were several other scholars living in the courtyard with Lin Qing, she decided to prepare extra food and invite everyone to join, helping to foster closer relationships for her brother with his classmates, which might bring him extra support in the future.

"Wow, that smells delicious—what’s cooking in the kitchen?" In the afternoon, Lin Qing’s classmates returned from school and were enticed by the aroma from the kitchen. They found Lin Yue and Zhao Erhu busily at work.

"Who are you?"

"Hello, gentlemen. I am Lin Qing’s sister. I came over today to visit my brother. This is my husband."

The visitors were surprised to hear Lin Yue’s words. Lin Qing was known to be a rather aloof person, only close to a few, and he always maintained a lukewarm relationship with the rest. They had never seen him bring anyone to the academy before. "So you are Lin Qing’s sister and brother-in-law, my apologies. What are you making? It smells wonderful!"

"It’s pork stew with glass noodles. I’ve made plenty, so if you gentlemen don’t mind, please join us for lunch."

"How could we impose?"

"There’s no imposition. You are my brother’s classmates, and since he’s quite straightforward, he relies on everyone’s support on regular days. It’s only proper for us to offer you a meal. Please don’t decline, otherwise, it will seem like you don’t appreciate my cooking skills."

"Haha, since you’ve put it like that, we won’t be polite then. Today we’ll bask in the benefit of Lin Qing’s connection," said one of the classmates who had a good relationship with Lin Qing. Once he accepted, the others, who felt that they weren’t close enough to Lin Qing to take advantage of the offer, now felt at ease to join since someone else had spoken for them.

The dining table was made by pushing several tables together, and the spread of delicious-looking and fragrant dishes made everyone’s mouth water. Those who lived in the same courtyard as Lin Qing were from less affluent families. Although they didn’t live as frugal an existence as Lin Qing, they were still thrifty, so it was a rare treat to enjoy such a good meal. Especially since Lin Yue’s cooking was superb, they ate to their heart’s content and felt there could be no better delicacy.

"Yueyue, your cooking is excellent. Brother Erhu is truly fortunate."

"Lin Qing, you have such a wonderful sister and you’ve kept her hidden! We never knew, or we would have brought betrothal gifts and asked for her hand in marriage; Brother Erhu got the best deal, it’s heart wrenching!"

Among men, a little wine loosened tongues, and they started joking and teasing. After the meal, Lin Qing’s relationship with everyone had grown much closer.

Jiang Wenshu and Lin Qing attended the same academy. However, since Jiang Wenshu recently passed the Bingsheng examination, he lived in a compound specifically prepared for outstanding students, so he hadn’t heard of Lin Yue’s visit until almost after everyone had finished eating.

"Xiaoyue, you’re here! I came to see you as soon as I heard. Aqing, you really don’t treat me as a brother, having a meal and drinks with classmates without inviting me. With our years of friendship, it truly breaks my heart." Jiang Wenshu wasn’t broad-minded; although his words carried a joking tone, they weren’t entirely in jest, and there was a hint of reproach towards Lin Qing.

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