A Good Country Wife
Chapter 498 - 492 - 1

Chapter 498: 492 Chapter 1

"She’s here, at this moment in the inner room; I’ll go call her out," said the village chief’s wife, who promptly went inside to fetch the person. Erhu and his wife were now very busy people. Each time they visited it was for important matters, and she would dare not delay; otherwise, she would surely face her husband’s scolding.

"Erhu’s wife has arrived; I’ll be right out. Brew some of our good tea leaves, and remember we still have some fruits? Bring those as well," the village chief instructed as he put on his clothes, remembering that the good tea leaves they had at home were all gifts from Erhu’s family.

Lin Youfu’s little grandson was playing around and frowned upon hearing his grandparents’ words. Being the youngest in the family, his older brother Zhao Mingfeng, who usually studies at school, wouldn’t compete with him, so the delicacies at home were often for him. "No, you can’t bring those out. Those are mine; you can’t give them to anyone else."

Lin Youfu chuckled and patted his little grandson’s head. "You little rascal, already guarding your food. Your Aunt Lin isn’t just anybody, she is the kindest person, and she often brings things over to our house. Many of the treats you eat are from your Aunt Lin. And you can’t even part with just this little bit?"

"Really?" the village chief’s little grandson was a clever one, listening to his grandfather’s words,

"Of course, would your grandfather lie to you? As a man, you should be generous not petty, like a woman’s small-mindedness. Being miserly in everything won’t lead to great achievements. Look at your Uncle Erhu and Aunt Lin; they believe that to take a loss is to gain good fortune. Whose family in the village lives as well as they do now? Good fortune is earned," Lin Youfu said, not missing a chance to teach his grandson a lesson.

"Enough chattering, Erhu’s wife is still waiting outside; you’re wasting time unnecessarily." The village chief’s wife glanced at the little grandson again. "Then, you rascal, don’t be so upset. It’s just a few pieces of fruit. Just now, your Aunt Lin brought over a basket of things, and I smelled something very fragrant. It must be something delicious. It’s actually strange; the things their family makes are always tastier than others’, even those bought from city shops can’t compare."

"What’s so strange about that? That’s because Erhu’s wife is clever and skillful. She does everything better than others. And now that they’ve hired many servants, I’ve heard they are from large households and have learned skills; all are smarter than us simple country folks. Alright, I’ve had enough idle chatter with you, Erhu’s wife is waiting, and I have serious matters to discuss. Why am I even talking so much with you, a foolish woman," said Lin Youfu, waving his hand dismissively, picking up his pipe from the cabinet, and adopting the airs of the village chieftain, looking disdainful of too much conversation with the womenfolk.

The village chief’s wife knew all too well what kind of a man her husband was. She pursed her lips, "You old man, putting on airs, as if I didn’t know exactly what you’re worth."

"Erhu’s wife is here; does she have some business with me?" Zhao Youfu still remained dignified in front of others. As he stepped out of the door, he resumed his highly respected demeanor and spoke earnestly.

"Uncle Youfu, there is indeed a matter for which we need to trouble you again. This year, our family’s sweet potato harvest was incredibly bountiful. I believe Uncle Youfu has also heard of it."

"Heard of it? Who hasn’t? The whole village is buzzing with the news. My gosh, I heard that your family’s land yielded over three thousand catties of sweet potatoes per mu. In all my years of farming, I’ve never heard of any crop producing such a high yield. At first, I could hardly believe it until I saw it with my own eyes," replied the wife of the village chief as she just happened to bring over some tea. She didn’t wait for the village chief to answer and spoke to Lin Yue herself, her words filled with admiration.

Even the village chief, Zhao Youfu, became somewhat unsettled when the subject arose. If his wife hadn’t interjected a few words and calmed Zhao Youfu down, he might have behaved inappropriately as well.

"I’m discussing serious matters with Erhu’s wife. Why are you butting in? Go and stay out of the way." Zhao Youfu said this, but it was actually because he was too proud, feeling that his wife had embarrassed him in some way.

"Erhu’s wife, I’ve heard about this matter; the whole village knows. Are you bringing up the sweet potatoes today because you have a particular idea in mind?" Ever since Zhao Mingfeng visited Zhao Erhu’s fields to see their long-term workers and servants harvesting sweet potatoes, the matter had been on Zhao Youfu’s mind all these days. Even if Erhu’s wife hadn’t come to him today, he would have taken the initiative to approach her. The sweet potato yield was so high, and they tasted sweet and were filling; he thought of planting sweet potatoes in his own fields next year. Of course, for the seeds and planting techniques, he would naturally need to consult Erhu’s wife.

Although he thought this, Zhao Youfu had no assurance. Seeds were a small matter; even if they weren’t given, they could be bought in the city, albeit at a higher cost with more silver coins. The main issue was whether Erhu’s wife would share the planting techniques. After all, it was by mastering these that they were able to grow such fine sweet potatoes. Such secrets were something he might not be willing to share with others either. But Zhao Youfu was shrewd; since Erhu’s wife had brought up the sweet potatoes first, he pressed the matter no further to see what idea she might have.

"Uncle Youfu, here’s what I’m thinking: since sweet potatoes yield high and are easy to grow, each household could plant some. Even if they can’t be the main food source in the family, having them available during times of famine would be beneficial," said Lin Yue.

"What Erhu’s wife says makes sense. It’s just that people have tried planting sweet potatoes in previous years, yet none were successful in achieving yields like your family’s. It’s probably because the planting techniques weren’t right. You know we villagers depend on the crops from our fields all year round; we really can’t afford to take such risks." Zhao Youfu said this, yet his words could not mask his excitement. He had not expected Erhu’s wife would take the initiative to suggest that everyone plant sweet potatoes.

Lin Yue noticed Zhao Youfu’s eagerness and didn’t mind it. Everyone has their little schemes, but as long as they harbor no ill intention, Zhao Youfu could be considered a good man. Perhaps sometimes too shrewd, but for the people of the village, he was a good village chief. So, she smiled and said, "I’m well aware of that. Since I’ve mentioned it, I won’t keep the cultivation methods a secret. Actually, it’s quite simple. When the time comes, everyone can just come on over. I’ll have someone teach everyone specifically. It’s something you all can learn."

"Are you serious, Erhu’s wife? If this is true, it would indeed be a great boon for the villagers, a blessing for us all. On behalf of the entire village, I thank you for your generous act," said Zhao Youfu, who couldn’t contain himself any longer. Forgetting to maintain his dignity as the village chief, he stood up excitedly and bowed deeply to Lin Yue. He genuinely admired such generosity from Erhu’s wife. If he continued to put on airs, it would be extremely ungracious, and if his attitude caused her to change her mind, depriving the villagers of this benefit, it would be a grave sin.

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