A Good Country Wife
Chapter 504 - 498_1

Chapter 504: Chapter 498_1

Lin Yue’s despondent state was evident to Nurse Xu, who sighed heavily at the sight but could find no remedy. It’s said that a man is a woman’s mainstay. Even an imposing woman like the lady of the house is no exception to this sentiment. No matter how much Nurse Xu counseled her, as long as the master had not returned home, the lady could not rest easy. And by the calendar, the master was indeed due to return. The continued delay, without any news, made their situation uncertain. Moreover, the master had ventured not just anywhere but across the boundless sea—a domain of which no one held knowledge—leaving them with nothing to do but worry incessantly. Their situation was far from that within the Great Zhou Dynasty, where they could have easily sent someone to gather intelligence.

"Ah, Nurse, spare me your persuasion. What you say is not lost on me. Yet, how can I feel at peace when he has not returned for a single day?" Lin Yue spoke with no desire to linger on the topic and instead recalled another matter, "Qian Feng and his wife went north to collect goods and were supposed to return today. Have you found out where they have reached?"

Speaking of Qian Feng, he was quite the talent. No wonder Zhao Erhu insisted on recruiting him. Ever since they hired Qian Feng, he had taken full charge of the fur and mountain goods business, managing it impressively. Not only did he cement a reputation in the villages and townships nearby, but he had also now expanded north. In fact, Qian Feng had previously engaged in the fur trade in the north, but ever since Longhu Mountain fell to mountain bandits, that route had been severed. Out of fear of the bandits, he had not ventured north again. However, now working for Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue, the mountain bandits naturally would not trouble them, and thus, the trade resumed.

The furs from the north were not only more abundant and superior compared to those from their locality, but they were also cheaper and of finer quality. Essentially, the top-grade furs they used mostly came from the north. Lin Yue planned to give gifts to several families in the Capital City for the New Year. All other preparations were complete; they were just awaiting this batch of furs from Qian Feng to select a few exceptional items to include in the New Year’s gifts before sending them off to the Capital City together.

Nurse Xu, of course, understood what Lin Yue was concerned about, "They’ll be here soon, madam. The manager sent word—they should arrive in less than half an hour. Don’t worry, madam. There’s still plenty of time. Going from here to the Capital City isn’t considered far. Once everything is ready, it will only take about ten days to reach the Capital City. We won’t miss the deadline."

Lin Yue nodded her head—she had thought about using her spare time to hurriedly turn the furs into cloaks before sending them off, but that was indeed overly hasty. She decided to wait and see how things unfolded.

"I rose a bit early this morning and feel somewhat sleepy now. I’ll lie down on the couch for a while. Call me when the manager arrives," Lin Yue instructed and then yawned, lying down on the couch. She fell asleep easily and slept more soundly than she had the previous night.

Lin Yue did not know how long she had slept when she was awakened in her dreams, "Madam, wake up. The manager is back and waiting at the door for an audience with you."

At first, Lin Yue was groggy but immediately became alert upon hearing that the manager had arrived. She sat up spiritedly, feeling much refreshed after her nap, "The manager is back? Let him in at once."

Although Lin Yue was eager to select the furs, considering that Qian Feng had been traveling, she could not immediately demand to have the furs brought to her for selection. She had to first express her concern for his health and well-being, invite him to have a meal, and only after that attend to the matter at hand.

"Manager Qian, how are the furs you collected this time? Did you find any notably good ones? I need a few excellent pieces for the New Year’s gifts to the Capital City," Lin Yue inquired.

"There are indeed. Speaking of which, it’s been several years since we last went north to collect furs. Due to the bandit issues on Longhu Mountain over these years, though the northern furs weren’t left unsold, the number of merchants who dared venture there was reduced, leading to lower prices. Many households accumulated a fair amount of stock. This time, thanks to the ample silver madam provided and the prior word spread, I boldly collected quite a number of fine goods. I only worry if my late return has inconvenienced madam’s business," Qian Feng replied.

It was already the twelfth month of winter, and the weather had turned cold long ago. Many families had already prepared their clothes for the season, which prompted Qian Feng’s concern. Indeed, Qian Feng had expedited his journey, hoping to deliver the goods sooner and capitalize on the festive season.

"It’s fine. Good merchandise always finds a buyer. If the master’s sea journey was successful and this route becomes viable, then much of our best products in the future are likely to be sold overseas. It wouldn’t hurt to stockpile goods for sale during next year’s maritime trade. Ideally, you should rest after your long journey, but with the urgency of the New Year gifts for the Capital City, I need to impose on you further. Please bring the finest furs so I can make my selection," Lin Yue stated.

"It’s my duty, madam. I’m not at all troubled. Please, take a moment, and I’ll fetch the choice furs for your selection," Qian Feng quickly responded.

Before long, Qian Feng returned with several servants carrying a large chest filled to the brim with premium furs. These were the best he had acquired from the north.

Delighted, Lin Yue examined them and, indeed, found every piece to be of excellent quality—whether the fur, its full shape, or the tanning craftsmanship. She casually picked out ten or so furs to include in the New Year’s gifts. However, she singled out three pieces she found most exceptional and to her liking. These she reserved for making cloaks, gloves, and hats for Jiang Ziqi, Princess Yongle, and Commandery Princess Roujia. With this in mind, time was tight, and nights would have to be spent toiling.

"That’s settled, then. I’ll take these ten pieces. Have the rest carried back for now. Also, after you’ve rested, Manager Qian, help me choose some northern specialties from the goods we’ve received to add to the New Year’s gifts. I will be busy with the work and won’t have time, so I’m entrusting this task to you. If you’re unsure about anything, consult Nurse Xu; she knows what to do. And remember, only add specialties to the gifts for the Jiang Residence, Princess Yongle, and Commandery Princess Roujia’s families. No need for the others. Oh, wait, also include something for the Marquis of Zhenbei’s Princely Heir," Lin Yue instructed.

Although Lin Yue had never dealt directly with the Marquis of Zhenbei’s Princely Heir—that had always been Zhao Erhu’s connection—she nearly forgot to include his portion in the gifts and quickly made sure it was noted and added.

Even though Zhao Erhu had not yet returned, their partnership with the Marquis of Zhenbei’s Princely Heir necessitated the continuation of sending New Year’s gifts. Moreover, since this was their first year collaborating, the gift needed to be all the more substantial than usual. Although they were not the Princely Heir’s servants, Zhao Erhu enjoyed a cooperative relationship with him. With the Princely Heir’s esteemed status and favor from the Emperor, as well as his extensive connections, ensuring smooth interactions both within the Capital City and overseas while Zhao Erhu managed the operational aspects of their joint endeavors, presented a mutually beneficial cooperation. Thus, it was important not to allow others to underestimate their household, indirectly strengthening Zhao Erhu’s bargaining position.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.