A Good Country Wife
Chapter 464 - 458_1

Chapter 464: Chapter 458_1

The servant sent by Master Wei knew that returning without any information was unacceptable. At the moment, they were inquiring along the way about the whereabouts of Zhang Qiusheng’s family, causing the delay. They had considered sending someone back first with news, but no one wanted to take on that task. Having served under Master Wei for some time, they knew all too well about his ruthlessness and tactics. Going back like that, even if just to deliver a message, would at the very least result in twenty lashings. Not to mention, if Master Wei was in a bad mood, nobody would want to return to face that. So they decided it was better to come back with some clues to show for their efforts, at least that way they had something to report.

Unfortunately, on their way back, they could not find any news. It wasn’t until they reached the Zhao Family village and spent some silver coins that they finally learned Zhang Qiusheng’s family had taken refuge with Zhao Erhu and were now working as carpenters in his home.

No wonder they didn’t catch up to them; the family wasn’t fleeing, they had found a refuge instead. The Wei Residence’s servants knew about the Zhao Family and were aware of the feud between both households. Confirming that Zhang Qiusheng had sought refuge with the Zhao Family meant they couldn’t simply barge in and snatch people away. With several servants and hired hands in the Zhao household, and the support of the villagers, they stood no chance. The only option was to go back to the Wei Residence to report, knowing the whereabouts of Zhang Qiusheng’s family was at least some form of explanation. Even if the master wasn’t satisfied, the worst they’d face was a beating.

Master Wei had been waiting anxiously for the return of his servants, and without asking the outcome, he berated them at first to vent his frustration. Only after letting out his anger did he inquire about the details.

The servants relayed everything that had happened and what they had learned in the Zhao Family village to Master Wei. To their surprise, after hearing the report, Master Wei calmed down instead of getting angry, which was quite unexpected.

"What? You’re saying that ungrateful father and daughter sought refuge with Zhao Erhu? That’s truly laughable. I’ve been thinking about taking action against Zhao Erhu recently, and look at them, flocking together. This actually saves me the trouble of making a separate move."

Of course, Master Wei wasn’t upset. After all, with the Magistrate as his support, Zhao Erhu appeared to him as no more than a lamb ready for the slaughter. Soon enough, not just Zhang Qiusheng and his daughter but everything Zhao Erhu owned would be his, including Zhao Erhu’s wife, who was even more beautiful than Zhang Qiusheng’s daughter, possessing a grace and temperament incomparable to any vulgar women. All would fall into his hands.

But as the butler listened to Master Wei, he grew worried. "Master, Zhao Erhu is a tough man and has bought off many people. We didn’t gain any advantage when we last confronted him. I fear that even with all our servants, it might not be possible to take his family down."

Master Wei looked at his butler with disdain. How could the old man not catch on to such a simple matter? "How are you still not getting it? Do you think I’m someone who prefers brute force? What’s the use of fighting to a mutual defeat? When Zhao Erhu’s family was not yet well-off, a fistfight would’ve been an easy solution, but back then, with the previous Magistrate backing him, I had to be cautious and couldn’t make a move. Now the tables have turned. The former Magistrate, Mr. Chen, is gone, and we have the new Magistrate, Mr. Cheng, whose background is far stronger. With Mr. Cheng’s support, why should we fear not being able to handle Zhao Erhu? Just a word from the Magistrate and he would have to obediently comply."

"Master is wise; I was wrong. So, are you planning to visit the Magistrate now? I shall prepare the carriage for you," the butler replied, correcting himself.

"Not yet, I’ll have Concubine Zhao test the waters with Zhao Erhu. If he’s smart and willing to bow his head to me, that would save me the trouble. After all, visiting the Magistrate isn’t pleasant, each trip costs me dearly. So unless it’s absolutely necessary, I prefer to avoid it. We can always seek the Magistrate’s help later if things don’t go as planned." Master Wei spoke with self-perceived cleverness, unaware that his plans were going awry.

Zhang Qiusheng was efficient in getting things done; he returned around noon. Zhao Fuquan and Wu Qiang, who had accompanied him, returned with smiles on their faces as if they had gained an advantage, which turned out to be true. But the advantage wasn’t for themselves; they had secured it for Lin Yue.

"Yueyue, you have no idea how good Master Zhang is at bargaining. He’s an old client in the timber business, and the shopkeeper is willing to do him favors. The price of the wood was calculated at 70% of the original cost, which saved us quite a bit. If we had gone on our own, we would never have gotten such a good deal," Zhao Fuquan said, more delighted than if he had saved the money himself. Wu Qiang, seeing Zhao Fuquan speak, kept silent but similarly wore a bright smile.

The reason Lin Yue trusted Zhao Fuquan and Wu Qiang to accompany Master Zhang was because she trusted them. Whether it was Zhao Fuquan or Wu Qiang, they were both dedicated to serving their household, considering every possible detail for her benefit.

"Thank you, Master Zhang. I didn’t expect you to save me money on your very first day of work."

"Madam Dongjia need not be so formal. I, Old Zhang, have lived long enough to recognize good fortune, and it’s indeed lucky to have found such a good Dongjia. Naturally, I should do my best. Madam Dongjia, should you need anything, just command me—be it within or beyond my duties. As long as it’s within my ability, I will handle it with care. Today, the shopkeeper of the timber store did me a favor because he hopes for more of your patronage. But Madam Dongjia, rest assured, their wood is of the highest quality and they won’t adulterate it just because it’s cheaper."

"I might not know the shopkeeper of the timber store, but I trust you, Old Zhang. Look at the time; it’s nearly noon. You all shouldn’t go back yet—stay here for lunch. I’ll ask Chef Wang to prepare a few more dishes. Especially since Brother Erhu is home today, he can join you for a good meal as a reward for a job well done."

Zhang Qiusheng had only recently arrived and was unsure about the customs of the house. Hesitant to stay, he saw Zhao Fuquan and Wu Qiang agreeing without a second thought, as if it were customary, and thus, he likewise agreed, feeling it was right to follow the group.

Zhang Qiusheng didn’t know, but Zhao Fuquan and Wu Qiang were more than willing to stay for the meal. Lin Yue was already known for her culinary skills, and though she rarely cooked herself these days, the kitchen affairs were handed over to Wang Dachuan, the former head chef of a restaurant. His cooking skills were beyond question—he could make your taste buds sing. Even Zhao Fuquan, an honest man, looked for excuses to eat there from time to time; such delicious meals were hard to resist.

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