A Good Country Wife
Chapter 442 - 436_1

Chapter 442: Chapter 436_1

"Surely you haven’t been eating well, or else how could you lose weight? I must nourish you properly when we get back. You finally put on some weight, and now we can’t let it just drop off again." Zhao Erhu didn’t wait for Lin Yue to respond, he just kept talking to himself.

Lin Yue was both amused and exasperated by Zhao Erhu’s behavior. The old man was becoming increasingly clingy, holding her so tight. She struggled a bit in his embrace, and seeing that his little wife wasn’t quite settling down, Zhao Erhu gave Lin Yue’s bottom a couple of symbolic pats. "Behave yourself. Don’t move around, and let me hold you properly."

Seeing Zhao Erhu like this, Lin Yue simply let him hold her, lazily leaning on him, feeling an unprecedented sense of security. However, her hands were less behaved, poking randomly at Zhao Erhu’s chest. She raised her head to pinch Zhao Erhu’s face, "In just two days, how could I have lost weight? In the palace, I was eating all kinds of delicacies. The food prepared by the Imperial Kitchen tastes amazing. You must be seeing things."

"You still need to be properly nourished; you’re still too thin," he insisted.

Having just returned, Lin Yue wished for nothing more than to spend a quiet moment with Zhao Erhu. It wasn’t until after dinner, while lying in bed, that she began to talk about the things that had happened in the palace. Although she didn’t want to worry Zhao Erhu, she still needed to tell him so they could be better prepared and prevent others from taking advantage of them. The issues at the palace were far from resolved; there was also Zhang Peilan who constantly sought ways to trouble her.

Lin Yue always found it strange that Princess Yongle would harass her for no good reason. With no enmity between them, it didn’t make sense for the Princess to take an instant dislike to her. If it was an attempt to trouble Princess Roujia, it still didn’t add up. The only feuds she had in the Capital City were with Chen Ruyu and Zhang Peilan. Chen Ruyu’s status wasn’t significant enough to be implicated, so it might have something to do with Zhang Peilan. The Zhang Family, a Medicine Aristocrat Family, had deep connections with the palace. It was possible that they were involved with Princess Yongle.

"Princess Yongle went too far, troubling you without reason. It’s a good thing you’re clever, my wife, or who knows what would’ve happened," Zhao Erhu said, shuddering at the thought of his wife nearly coming to harm.

Feeling Zhao Erhu’s nervousness and concern, Lin Yue reassured him, "I’m fine, aren’t I? Besides, I have Princess Yongle’s protection, and the Emperor has promised to find the person behind this and give me justice."

But Zhao Erhu was somewhat skeptical of Lin Yue’s words, suspecting that the Emperor was merely paying lip service. After all, the palace was full of nobility, and it seemed unlikely they would go to such lengths for a mere peasant woman. "My dear wife, why don’t we go home earlier? The affairs in the Capital City are too complicated, and those people are all ill-intentioned, targeting you at every turn."

Zhao Erhu reflected on how the workshop business was more or less settled, and the necessary connections had been made; there wasn’t any compelling reason to stay in the Capital City. Some things might even be handled better back home, where hands-on management was easier.

Zhao Erhu’s words resonated with Lin Yue’s thoughts. "Alright, let’s go back sooner. I miss home and the children. I wonder how they’ve been doing without us, and if they’ve been studying hard."

She decided not to tell Zhao Erhu about the unusual attention the Emperor had shown her. There was no point in worrying about it, especially since they were leaving the Capital City and wouldn’t encounter the Emperor again. Even if the Emperor had some intentions, they would remain futile, and as a peasant woman, any kindness from the Emperor might have ulterior motives. It was better to keep this to herself.

The couple agreed on their plan, and the next day Lin Yue began to pack. They didn’t need to deal with most things, but they had to inform Jiang Ziqi as a courtesy, so he could prepare for any arising matters that might need his attention.

"Why leave so suddenly when you’ve only arrived not long ago? We had agreed you would stay for two or three months, and it’s been less than one," Jiang Ziqi exclaimed upon hearing that the Zhao Erhu couple were returning to Zhao Family Village. He had wanted to persuade them to stay longer, but when Lin Yue mentioned the recent events in the palace and considering the unrest in the Capital City, he realized that staying away from the Capital City might be wise to avoid getting caught in any trouble.

Especially considering the incident Lin Yue experienced in the palace: Lin Yue only had suspicions, but Jiang Ziqi was more certain that Zhang Peilan’s family was involved. With the Zhang Family recently growing closer to Prince Cheng and knowing that the Zhang Family was aware of the business dealings between the Zheng family and the Jiangs, it was likely they targeted Lin Yue as a way to strike at him.

"If you’ve made up your minds, I won’t say much. The Capital City is indeed not very peaceful these days. Going back sooner is wise, to distance yourselves from the troubles here. Have you decided on a specific day? I’d like to see you off when you leave."

"Not so soon; there are things to settle here in the Capital City. I also want to shop around a bit more. After all, visiting the Capital City is a rare opportunity, so I want to bring back some local products for everyone. Even if we leave quickly, it’ll still take another six or seven days at least."

"Alright then, let me know once you’ve decided. As for shopping, I know the Capital City well; I’ll take you around," said Jiang Ziqi, and then remembering something else, he added, "Oh right, since you’re leaving, perhaps Yueyue should personally inform Lady Roujia. After spending some time together, I think Lady Roujia really considers Yueyue a friend. Both on a status level and out of kinship, it would be proper to tell her in person."

Lin Yue appreciated the advice though it was something she and her husband had already considered. Jiang Ziqi was always extra attentive to their affairs, concerned they might overlook the niceties of social engagements.

"Thank you, Big Brother Jiang, for the reminder. I had the same intention. I plan to visit the Princess Residence soon. During my time in the Capital City, I received much assistance from Lady Roujia several times over. Now that I am leaving, the least I can do is bid her goodbye in person."

Lady Roujia felt some regret upon learning of Lin Yue’s departure. She had finally made a good friend.

"Why not stay in the Capital City longer, especially since you’ve just purchased a residence?"

"I had intended to stay longer, but we received an urgent letter from home requesting our return to handle some matters. Additionally, we have several children at home, and after being away for a while, we’re concerned for their well-being. We have to leave earlier than planned. We’re deeply grateful for the Princess’s care during our stay here."

Lin Yue expressed her sincere thanks for the hospitality she had received during her time in the Capital City.

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