A Good Country Wife
Chapter 469 - 463_1

Chapter 469: Chapter 463_1

Several days passed, and Zhao Erhu had arranged everything for his trip to the south. He planned to set off the next day. Lin Yue had prepared everything needed for the journey. Just before departure, she took out a bundle and handed it to Zhao Erhu. When Zhao Erhu opened it, he saw several sets of old clothes and a pair of old shoes. He looked at Lin Yue, puzzled.

"Wife, didn’t you already prepare all the clothes I needed for the trip? Why are you getting out this old clothing now?" Now that they were better off, their standard of living had naturally improved. It had been a long time since Zhao Erhu had worn these old clothes, and he was confused as to why Lin Yue would dig them out and insist he take them along.

"Why are you looking at me like that? I haven’t lost my mind. I’ve sewn several silver notes inside this old clothing, in different spots. Altogether, there are fifteen thousand taels here for you to use in the south."

"Wife, there’s no need. The Princely Heir of Marquis of Zhenbei has prepared purchasing silver notes for me, totaling several tens of thousands of taels. You should keep these silver notes for household expenses here, or save them, that’s also good." Zhao Erhu knew exactly how much wealth they had at home. They had substantial expenditures in the Capital City and had bought a residence, leaving little spare money. The silver coins Lin Yue currently had were from selling her embroidered pieces. In Zhao Erhu’s view, this was her private stash that she should keep to herself, and he should not touch it.

Lin Yue knew exactly what Zhao Erhu was thinking. The old man liked to fuss over such matters; in his mind, what was his was his wife’s, and what was his wife’s was still his wife’s. Although Lin Yue thought this mindset was good, they were after all one family, there was no need to be so clearly demarcated.

Lin Yue stuffed the bundle back into Zhao Erhu’s hands. "Just take it with you if I tell you to, what’s with all the fuss? I still have some left here. This is for you to use in the south. It’s always good to carry more money when traveling; you never know when you might need it. The Princely Heir’s money isn’t ours. Even though he has entrusted us to handle it, we need to use it accordingly. Carry these silver notes with you. If there’s something you want to buy but feel it’s inappropriate to use the Princely Heir’s money, then use these notes.

Moreover, I mean that you shouldn’t solely rely on the Princely Heir’s silver notes to procure merchandise for shipping. You can also spend your own money to acquire some goods, which would be an extra income. While it’s important to be honest in business, you don’t have to be too straightforward. As long as it does not violate principles, securing some benefits for ourselves is acceptable."

Zhao Erhu understood Lin Yue’s point and did not continue to refuse, nodding his head as he carefully packed the bundle away. "I get it, wife. I understand all that you’re saying. Don’t worry, I know how to adapt. In fact, I had brought some taels of silver with me too, just not as much as this. The items I could buy were limited. Now with these fifteen thousand taels in silver notes, I can do much more. I will make good use of it."

"I’m just being thorough because I fear you might be too honest and suffer losses. As long as you have everything planned out, I can be at ease. Traveling is not the same as being at home; take good care of yourself. Don’t skimp on your meals; do you hear me!"

Not only was Zhao Erhu not bothered by his wife’s nagging, he listened obediently, feeling comforted. Having someone who cared and thought about him while he was away gave him more motivation. "Understood, don’t worry."

Lin Yue also reminded him of the specific locations of the sewn-in silver notes and some other details. "These clothes with the silver notes are both new and old. Keep them separate for safety. That way, if anything unexpected happens, not all will be lost at once. But remember, no matter what happens, your safety is most important. Money is an external possession; always take good care of yourself first."

"Wife, this isn’t my first trip. Don’t worry, I’ll remember all your advice. But about you, I’ll be gone for quite a while this time, you need to take care of yourself. Pay attention to your health, get plenty of rest, and don’t embroider all day and night, you hear me?! Otherwise, I’ll have to punish you when I get back if I find out you didn’t listen."

"I’ll listen to you," Lin Yue obediently agreed. With her husband being away, she naturally did not want him to worry about things at home, even though she had planned to take the opportunity to finish several embroidery pieces during this time.

The couple spent a long time giving each other reminders and instructions in their room before they finally came out when it was time.

"Brother Xinglin, sister-in-law, you’re here already." As Lin Yue and Zhao Erhu left the bedroom, Zhao Xinglin had also arrived, carrying a large bundle, accompanied by his wife from the Han Family, who had come to see him off.

By this time, the help Zhao Erhu was taking to the south had also arrived, mostly picked from the long-term workers and servants of the household, plus three former constables who had worked under Zhao Xinglin at the Government Office, all skilled in martial arts. Due to their previous close relationship with Zhao Xinglin, they had been dismissed from their government duties by the Magistrate.

Knowing this, Zhao Erhu had enlisted them as well. These three former constables were not only of good character and skilled, but they were also ideal for the job, particularly since they were currently without work. Zhao Erhu offered generous compensation, and with Zhao Xinglin mediating, they were willing to work for him.

"Wife, I’m setting off now. Remember all the things you’ve warned me about. Take good care of yourself at home." Zhao Erhu was not one to dawdle. Despite some reluctance, he would not let it delay the journey. Once everyone was accounted for, he led them to meet with the Escort Team in the city.

Yes, they were to meet with the Escort Team. Zhao Erhu’s trip to the south to purchase goods involved dealing with several tens of thousands of taels in silver, something safe for the outward journey, but risky on the return due to the large target it presented. Zhao Erhu had thus inquired about a reputable and trustworthy Escort Agency in the city to accompany him.

It so happened that a famous Escort Agency was due to escort a shipment to the south soon. On their return journey, they could also guard Zhao Erhu’s consignment, earning double the silver, which they were naturally pleased to do. Therefore, it was a quick agreement, and they had arranged to meet in the city this day to travel to the south together.

Lin Yue and Mrs. Han watched as Zhao Erhu and the others left, escorting them to the edge of the village until they could no longer see their figures, before turning back and going their separate ways.

"Sister-in-law, with Brother Xinglin not around, you might feel uncomfortable. If there’s anything, just come to me, and feel free to stop by for a visit more often, don’t be a stranger," Lin Yue said with a smile. Putting aside their mutual affection, Zhao Xinglin had gone south with Zhao Erhu, so it was natural for her to take extra care of his family.

"Hmm, I understand. We know what our relationship is like. If I need help, I will definitely come to you, without being polite. I’ve even told our Xinglin that I plan to mooch meals from your place; your cook’s food is delicious, we’re all envious of it."