A Good Country Wife
Chapter 489 - 483_1

Chapter 489: Chapter 483_1

"Brother Erhu, it’s not that I want to say," Feng San Ye sighed in his speech, "my good friend is a martial artist, admired by his lord for his talent in martial arts, and became skilled in combat, more powerful than even I am. Later, he rose to be the leader of the Protectors, it seemed as though he had finally made it. Who could have foreseen that despite living well, such a catastrophe would occur? Originally, his master’s family was just a branch and not close with the main family in the Capital City; they never partook in the good but got implicated for no reason. All in all, a man’s fortune is truly unpredictable." Feng San Ye’s words were filled with lamentations.

After hearing this, Zhao Erhu felt some pity for Feng San Ye’s friend, but he wasn’t fooled by Feng San Ye, his mind was clear. "Given that, I think you, San Ye, are a man of loyalty and not beset by financial difficulties. Why don’t you redeem your friend yourself, instead of thinking of sending me? This doesn’t seem quite fair. Could there be another reason?"

"Brother Erhu is cautious indeed; no wonder your business is growing. Yes, there are indeed reasons that make me hesitant to intervene directly. For one, my friend offended Wei Laoye, that scheming merchant, back in his glorious days. Now that scheming merchant has ingratiated himself with the Magistrate. Seeing my friend in trouble, he’s seeking revenge. Another reason is the crime for which my friend’s master’s family was accused."

When Zhao Erhu heard something about Wei Laoye, he didn’t feel the slightest concern. By now, Wei Laoye posed no threat to him, and he guessed that Wei Laoye knew this too, hence he wouldn’t dare to target his family anymore. However, Feng San Ye’s mention of the other reason caused Zhao Erhu to furrow his brows.

"There’s no harm in speaking plainly, San Ye. What exactly is the crime that your friend’s master’s family committed to be so feared?"

"Alas! If it were any other crime, it wouldn’t matter as much. It’s just that the head of their main family was charged with rebellion. Had it not been for such an accusation, the household my friend worked for wouldn’t have been implicated despite the distance. Once involved in such a crime, most families don’t wish to be associated with it, even if it’s just purchasing a criminal slave. An unlucky association could result in being labeled as a conspirator of rebellion; an undeserved fate. Not to mention that the man is still in the Government Office of Xin’an City. The current Magistrate, Ceng Lu, has a reputation that we all know. With Wei Laoye involved as well, I truly am powerless."

Feng San Ye finished speaking with another heavy sigh. He wished to act righteously and rashly redeem his friend without considering the consequences, but the welfare of his whole Escort Agency and his family—his wife, children, parents—was at stake, and he couldn’t afford to take such a risk.

"If that’s the case, why even mention this matter to me, San Ye? If everyone wants to avoid it, why wouldn’t I fear getting involved? You can’t think I’m a fool, can you? After all, we’ve formed some connection on our journey back from the south, and it’s for this reason that I came to see you today. It seems you don’t really think that way. Such an approach really chills my heart!" Zhao Erhu said, his expression turning visibly sour, implying he might storm off at any moment.

Feng San Ye, seeing that Zhao Erhu seemed to have misunderstood, quickly began to explain, "Brother Erhu, please don’t get me wrong. I, Feng San, am not such a person. The reason I’m telling you, Brother Erhu, is because I feel that you have a powerful backing, perhaps fearless of these consequences. If it’s indeed so, taking on my friend could be beneficial for both you and him. Of course, if Brother Erhu still has reservations, then consider I have never mentioned anything. I never intended to harm you, Brother Erhu."

Zhao Erhu pondered upon hearing this. He had hired Feng San Ye’s Escort Team to escort goods back from the south, but had never revealed his connections with certain people in the Capital City. How did Feng San Ye come to know about his ’powerful backing’ and where did he get this information?

"Oh? So that’s what you think, San Ye. I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed. I am simply a man from an ordinary farming household, who’s made a small fortune through business. I don’t have any notable background; I’m sorry to let you down."

Zhao Erhu, naturally not admitting to anything, casually sipped his tea, then spoke unhurriedly, with an inscrutable air. If Lin Yue were here, she would certainly be amazed. The man she had always found to be simple and honest had his cunning moments too.

But Feng San Ye wasn’t disappointed when he heard Zhao Erhu’s response; he seemed confident about something. "Why so modest, Brother Erhu? Though I, Feng San, don’t boast much ability, I have honed a keen eye through years of traveling far and wide. Brother Erhu, you are no ordinary man."

"On what basis do you say this, San Ye? How did you come to such a conclusion?"

"Ha ha, let’s not beat around the bush. Setting aside your remarkable skill, let’s talk about your decision to go on a sea voyage. That’s not something ordinary people can accomplish. It’s not just a matter of courage. Departing to sea involves dealing with official regulations, greasing palms both overtly and covertly, and establishing connections with maritime powers. Without the support of ’noble patrons’ in the Capital City, no one would dare undertake such business, nor have the means to do so. To a person with capabilities like yours, matters that other people fear might be inconsequential. Wouldn’t you agree that my assessment is right or not, Brother Erhu?"

Zhao Erhu had originally wondered where he might have slipped up or if Feng San Ye truly had such extensive intelligence to have figured out his connections with the Capital City. But now that he realized where the reasoning came from, he had an epiphany; he had been trapped by his own doubts. Such matters, to anyone with a bit more intellect and experience, could reveal a lot, naturally leading to the assumption that he had ’relationships’ in the Capital City.

"So that’s how you deduced it, San Ye. Well, this is no secret; there’s no need to hide it from you. I am indeed collaborating with nobles from the Capital City on this sea voyage."

"In that case, would Brother Erhu consider allowing my friend to follow you?"

"Since San Ye is forthright, I won’t beat around the bush either. As for Wei Laoye, I certainly don’t need to pay him any mind. However, I am somewhat concerned about the crime your friend’s master’s family has committed. After all, I have a whole family behind me; some matters need to be carefully considered. Here’s what we’ll do: I have a friend who is well-versed in the affairs of the Capital City. I’ll ask him if there’s anything to worry about with this case. If there’s no issue, I’d be more than happy to have another capable person on my side."

And so, after leaving Feng San Ye’s place, Zhao Erhu went to Jimin Hall to inquire with Manager Liu. Manager Liu was aware of the rebellion case, and Feng San Ye’s friend was merely involved in some distant and minor way, so there wasn’t much concern. Consequently, Zhao Erhu bought his freedom, as well as the other three Protectors who were sold along with him, making a total of four men he acquired.