A Good Country Wife
Chapter 449 - 443-1

Chapter 449: 443-1

Lin Yue had a deeper understanding of overseas trade than Zhao Erhu. It was definitely a quick money-making industry. Those goods shipped out for sale overseas, who knows how many times their value would increase when sold. And goods from overseas could be brought in and sold at high prices in Dazhou. The profit margins and windfalls were beyond anyone’s imagination, not like Zhao Erhu, who only had an initial understanding and thought there was a way and a future in this business, deciding to go for it based on his guts and wisdom.

"Wife, I’ve already agreed with the Princely Heir to collaborate and go overseas. You don’t oppose, do you?" Zhao Erhu asked, somewhat gingerly, afraid that his little wife wouldn’t agree. After all, it was she who had provoked him with repeated grievances, making him brave enough to agree. Although he had considered the risks and hardships involved, he was determined to make something of himself. Now facing his little wife, he was still somewhat nervous, afraid that she wouldn’t agree.

"Going out to sea does carry risks, but it really is a good business that makes a lot of money fast. If you’re determined, all I can do is support you." Lin Yue initially wanted to say that going out to sea might be dangerous, and although their family wasn’t rich, they had some spare silver and didn’t need to engage in such risky business. But seeing Zhao Erhu so resolute, she swallowed her words. A man with pride who wanted to build a career deserved her support. Otherwise, Zhao Erhu, who already felt like he might be living off a wife’s charity, might dwell on that idea, and it could lead to a backlash one day. It was better to commit to supporting him wholeheartedly, and who knows, he might just make a success of it.

"Wife, you really agreed?" Zhao Erhu looked at Lin Yue, somewhat disbelievingly. Although he knew his little wife was always open-minded, the uncertainty of going overseas for business was something most women would object to and try to dissuade him from. His wife really was an extraordinary woman.

"Yes, I agreed. Why, don’t you believe it? Or do you think I should’ve opposed it?" Lin Yue raised her eyebrows with a teasing look, as if ready to back out if Zhao Erhu said one wrong thing.

"Of course not. I’m glad you agreed, wife. Otherwise, I would have been in a tough spot, since I had already promised the Marquis of Zhenbei’s Princely Heir. Reneging would be impossible. I was just worried it might upset you to the point of harming your health. Now that you’ve agreed, nothing could be better." With his concerns resolved, Zhao Erhu happily spun his wife around, making Lin Yue dizzy with his exuberance.

"Zhao Erhu, have you gone mad? I agreed and now you’re this happy? Put me down first." Lin Yue steadied herself and gave Zhao Erhu a reproachful look before speaking seriously, "Don’t celebrate too soon, though. Even though I’ve agreed, it’s not easy to do business at sea. There are many things you need to learn and pay attention to. I’ll explain them to you slowly later."

"What, wife, you mean you understand things about overseas too?" Zhao Erhu said with an incredulous expression, watching Lin Yue as if it couldn’t possibly be true. How could his wife, impressive as she was for having read a few more books and knowing a bit more, be aware of affairs in the barbaric countries? Still, deep down, he was somewhat convinced by her, since they’d been so close for so long, and he knew she sometimes had amazing insights.

"Why are you staring at me like that? It’s not strange for me to know about overseas matters. I once read a book that recorded such things. I’ll tell you about it later."

After staying one more day at Old Master Money’s house and the evening rain finally stopping with clear skies following, Lin Yue and her party, when leaving the next day, not only paid Old Master Money five taels of silver for accommodation but also left a generous amount of rice and food, enough for his household to get by for quite a while. Lin Yue also made a point of giving Little Douzi several packets of candies and pastries and, noticing the wear on the child’s clothing, provided a length of cotton cloth as well.

"Little Douzi, all of this is for you. Keep them well. I’ll come to see you again when I get a chance, little brother." Lin Yue did this not only out of pity and affection for Little Douzi but also because of the words Zhao Erhu had said earlier. These things were insignificant to them but brought critical help to Old Master Money and his grandson. If Old Master Money’s son and daughter-in-law could return, they would surely remember this kindness. And if they couldn’t come back, it was at least something they could do for the poor child.

Grateful for Zhao Erhu’s offer to help look for his son and daughter-in-law, Old Master Money insisted, against all urgings, to accept the gifts. It took Zhao Erhu to say, "Old Master Money, even if not for yourself, think of Little Douzi. Your family, without enough leftover food to last the night, might not hold on until they return. Better to take these things. And if you feel indebted, consider it a loan, to be repaid when your children come back."

Old Master Money, realizing the truth in Zhao Erhu’s words and looking at his increasingly frail and sickly grandson, wiped away tears and reluctantly accepted, expressing continuous gratitude. "I don’t know what good deeds I did in a past life to meet such a kind-hearted noble like Brother Zhao. I’ll keep his kindness in my heart, and should he ever need anything, I’d spare no effort, even at the cost of my life, to repay him," Old Master Money said, bowing deeply.

"Old Master Money, don’t be like this, please get up," Zhao Erhu urged, helping him to his feet. "We’re leaving now, so take good care of yourself. Once I get to the south, no matter the news of your children, I’ll send word back to you."

"Thank you, benefactor." Old Master Money finally stood and watched Zhao Erhu and his party board the carriage. Then he and his grandson knelt on the ground. "Little Douzi, bow to your benefactor. They’ve saved our lives. Remember this kindness and repay it well when you have the chance," Old Master Money instructed.

"Grandpa, I know," Little Douzi said, watching the carriage pull away. He struggled to hold back tears, gazing at the kind and affectionate big sister as she departed.

------

"Big brother, are Dad and Mum really coming back? When will they get here? They’ve been gone for two months, and I miss them so much," Sanlang eagerly said, looking toward the direction of Capital City, excited about the anticipated reunion.

"Yes, indeed. Dad and Mum left Capital City a few days ago, and I reckon they’ll be home in three or four days," Dalang said, not expressing his own thoughts but indeed missing Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue greatly. They had all been overjoyed when they heard the news from Jimin Hall’s Manager Liu earlier.