A Good Country Wife
Chapter 384 - 378_1

Chapter 384: Chapter 378_1

"When will we arrive at Xin’an City? Traveling by road every day is killing me with exhaustion," Ceng Lu, a spoiled and pampered young man, was used to being held in high regard like an ancestor at home, where he had never suffered. Despite the efforts of his servants to make the journey as comfortable as possible, it was incomparable to the comforts of home, making the young master a bit resentful. Even his cousin felt the same, questioning why she didn’t secure him a good position in the Capital City, forcing him to travel all this way to a minor government post in a small city.

"Master, please bear with it a little longer. We’re only three days away from Xin’an City. Once we arrive, you’ll dine on delicacies, and there will be plenty of people courting your favor with generous gifts of silver. This bit of hardship will then seem worthwhile," said the young servant by Ceng Lu’s side, who was elated to accompany his master on this assignment. It was thanks to his shrewdness that he was selected to travel with the young master. As the young master’s confidant, he could get involved in anything and had endless opportunities to acquire silver, a prospect much more promising than staying at home.

Hearing his servant’s words, Ceng Lu mused, "I wonder what Xin’an City is like, and whether it is a land ripe for the picking. It would be such a waste if my efforts ended up in this insignificant place without any rewards."

"Rest assured, master, there’s plenty to be had. I’ve heard that the new Magistrate of Xin’an City is so foolish that he’s only focused on his achievements and hasn’t pocketed a single coin. Instead, he has allowed the merchants and stubborn locals to grow fat and prosper, which sets us up perfectly to butcher the fattened calves. Just wait, master, as soon as we arrive in Xin’an City, people will come bearing silver and beauties for us," the servant reassured him.

"That’s true. My cousin does care for me somewhat. Since she managed to secure this position for me, it must be worthwhile. We’ll have to make a big splash this time and show her what I’m capable of," Ceng Lu declared with confidence.

Thinking of his cousin, who was as beautiful as a blooming flower, Ceng Lu’s thoughts drifted to their childhood together. Their families had always intended for them to marry when they were of age, but then she was selected to join the Court. Although parting with her was hard, considering the benefits that came with her becoming part of the Court, his attachment soon faded. After all, with enough money and power, what beauty couldn’t be his?

Unlike Minister Chen, who aimed for career achievements, Ceng Lu was purely interested in making silver and casually completing his three-year term to enhance his resume. With the Empress in the Court related to him, he didn’t have to worry about climbing the ranks. No sooner had he arrived in Xin’an City than he started enacting bold reforms, delegating all matters to his close Manager and servants.

Procurement was always a profitable task in any Government Office, offering ample opportunities to benefit from kickbacks. Ceng Lu’s closest servant laid eyes on this job the moment he arrived and immediately summoned someone to inquire about it.

Zhao Erhu quietly acquired the eighty acres of good farmland from Landlord Zhang. Combining this land with his original holdings, Erhu and Lin Yue had been busy with the spring planting, hiring several permanent workers and discussing the purchase of a couple of servants.

"Brother Erhu, what do you think? With our family’s assets growing, we really can’t manage everything on our own. Human energy is limited, and we can’t keep every matter in our own hands. Although we’ve hired permanent workers and have a few reliable hands to help, one can never be too cautious. Why don’t we buy a couple of servants? We’ll get those with a clean history and sign them to lifelong contracts. With their lives and livelihoods in our control, they wouldn’t dare betray us if we punish or sell them for misconduct," suggested Lin Yue.

It was something they should have done already, but neither Zhao Erhu nor Lin Yue had thought of it. In the village, where everyone was a farmer, only families with surplus wealth hired help. The idea of buying servants had never crossed their minds until Lin Yue was inspired by their dealings with Wang Dachuan. When they had bought him, they had signed a lifelong contract, ensuring no other tavern could entice him away with various tricks.

"I also think it’s a good idea. We have plenty of land, and if we find suitable people, we could buy even more than two. The main thing is to pick a couple of maids to train and keep by your side, so they can assist you and spare you from all the household chores. I can’t bear to see you work so hard," Erhu expressed, always most concerned for his wife. He often intended to help her with the laborious tasks, but frequently found his own hands too full to do so. It turned out she had taken the initiative to propose buying maids, realizing that lifetime servants were more reliable than hired workers.

"Alright, I’ll send someone to the market, and by tomorrow we’ll have the agency send people over for us to choose from," Lin Yue decided, and with Erhu’s agreement, the matter was settled.

Having made their plans, Lin Yue didn’t go out the next morning, instead waiting at home for the agency’s representatives. Unexpectedly, before they arrived, Erhu returned from the city, having gone there to deliver supplies. His early return suggested something amiss—he shouldn’t have been back so soon.

"Erhu, didn’t you go to the Government Office to deliver supplies? Why are you back so early, and hey, why have all the supplies been brought back?" Lin Yue asked, surprised, noticing Erhu’s grim expression and fearing something had transpired. She knew the new Magistrate had already taken office; could this have something to do with him?

"We won’t be delivering supplies to the Government Office anymore," Erhu replied gravely. Recollecting the scene at the Government Office, he was still steaming with anger. Not wanting his wife to worry, he had tried to suppress his rage, but his tone was too harsh and alerted Lin Yue to the problem.

Having spent so much time with Erhu, Lin Yue knew him well enough to recognize when something was seriously troubling him. Erhu was generally easygoing, not letting minor issues bother him. Moreover, he would typically internalize any distress, particularly in front of her, to avoid causing her worry. Now, his barely concealed anger signaled that the Government Office must have gone too far.

"Brother Erhu, don’t be angry, let it go. If they don’t want our supplies, so be it. Besides, that’s not our only business. Besides, we’re not familiar with the temperament of this new Magistrate. It’s fine this way," Lin Yue consoled him.

"By the way, since we won’t be delivering supplies to the Government Office anymore, has this month’s payment been settled? If not, we might have to go there again. Such matters are best resolved promptly; otherwise, the accountants will be sure to drag their feet," she added, taking care to manage their financial concern.

That was precisely why Erhu was furious. He hadn’t expected the Government Office to not only refuse their supplies but to also renege on paying for the half-month’s worth of supplies already delivered.

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