A Good Country Wife
Chapter 510 - 504_1

Chapter 510: Chapter 504_1

This was also the most valuable gift in this year’s tribute, the most precious one. Not to mention the screen frame carved from exquisite golden Phoebe nanmu by Zhang Qiusheng, complemented by Lin Yue’s drawings. As for the embroidery on the screen, although Lin Yue didn’t use the Double-sided Three Unique Embroidery this time, it was still not any ordinary double-sided embroidery. She used double-sided embroidery in contrasting colors. Although this technique may not seem as magical as the Double-sided Three Unique Embroidery, it was definitely very impressive. Such a four-panel screen’s embroidery work would make even the Marchioness of Zhenbei, no matter how much she pretended, unable to contain her surprise and admiration.

Lin Yue also thought that since it was her first time sending New Year gifts to the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei, even though all the items were exquisite, there should be one or two particularly valuable ones. After much consideration, she decided to present this piece of double-sided embroidery in contrasting colors. Although this technique was new as well, it was not as astonishing as the aforementioned Three Unique Embroideries. However, she believed it wouldn’t be a problem if people found out about it, especially since the Zhao Family now had quite a substantial backing, capable of warding off the covetous looks of ordinary people.

With all the New Year gifts displayed, the Marchioness of Zhenbei and her son were at a complete loss for words, looking as dejected as defeated roosters—arriving with heads held high only to leave in low spirits. Little Jinzi found the despondent faces of the mother and son pair hilarious, but even more amusing was Feng Lingling. Seeing so many wonderful items, especially the food she couldn’t bear to part with, she actually had the nerve to ask Feng Yinan for some before leaving.

"Big brother, the Zhao Family has sent so many New Year gifts, you can’t possibly finish all these fruits and vegetables. Give some to your little sister, or else I’ll have mother give you silver to buy them from you," Feng Lingling said, her eyes begging as she looked at Feng Yinan, unaware of the even darker expressions on the Marchioness of Zhenbei and her son caused by her request.

"Hehe," Feng Yinan actually laughed out loud this time and generously agreed to Feng Lingling’s request, "Alright, I’ll have someone deliver them to you later."

After the New Year tribute for the Marquis of Zhenbei’s heir was delivered, Haishi went successively to the Jiang Residence and the Princess Residence to deliver their tributes. They couldn’t enter the palace, so the gifts for Princess Yongle were sent through the Commandery Princess Roujia, following Lin Yue’s instructions. The last stop was the Chen Mansion, where they brought the fewest items.

Due to the strained relationship between the wife of Zhao Erhu and the Chen Family, the ties between Zhao Erhu’s couple and the Chen Family were no longer as they had been. Now, it was merely a matter of keeping up appearances, and the gifts were sufficiently decent without requiring much effort.

Having delivered all the items, Haishi finally breathed a sigh of relief upon returning to the Zhao Residence, only to suddenly hear news that Zhao Erhu had already arrived in the Capital City. He was currently at the Marquis of Zhenbei’s estate discussing matters with the Princely Heir and would return later.

Zhao Erhu’s first concern upon seeing Haishi sent by Lin Yue to deliver New Year gifts to the Capital City was the safety of Lin Yue. Fortunately, upon hearing from Haishi that Xin’an City had been quite peaceful lately—perhaps the perpetrators also needed to go home for the New Year, resulting in less crime during this period—and that Musheng was guarding the home with servants, and considering his wife did not like going out in such cold weather, she should be safe from harm.

Assured of Lin Yue’s safety, Zhao Erhu breathed a sigh of relief and reverted to his usual demeanor, "You’ve worked hard coming to the Capital City to deliver the New Year gifts in such cold weather."

Haishi recalled the items that his madam had Musheng bring for him to pass to his master, and took out the package, "Master, this is especially sent by madam for you. She also had me relay a message for you to take more care of your health, saying that no amount of money earned is worth more than good health. If you lose money, you can always earn it back, but if your health deteriorates, it’s much harder to recover. Don’t just tell others to be careful; you should take your own advice. Also,..."

"Is there anything else?" Zhao Erhu looked at Haishi with an amused expression, imagining the little lady at home with a stern face, lecturing him nonstop. In these past two months, he had been driven nearly mad with longing for his little wife. At night, his mind would be filled with her image, every frown and smile, her coquettish anger and playful scolding, her whining and wheedling—every single aspect seemed uniquely adorable. If not for the unfinished business in the Capital City, he would have flown back to the Zhao Family Village to hold his little wife and kiss her to his heart’s content.

"Also, you were seriously ill last year after being injured in the mountains. Although you look strong now, your foundation has been weakened. Don’t think of yourself as invincible. If you return looking thinner, she won’t let you off either," Haishi said, dutifully relaying Lin Yue’s words, which actually had been passed on to him by Musheng; he tried to mimic her tone as best he could.

"What else is there?" Zhao Erhu simply asked this, not expecting there to be more.

"Moreover, your wife said, she said..." Although Haishi could see the old master seemed to be happy and probably wouldn’t get angry, what the madam had said next was...the words were somewhat difficult to say. What if the old master got angry and took it out on him? Even a big fellow like Haishi could find himself in a bind.

"Just say it directly," Zhao Erhu said, seeing Haishi hesitate. "If anyone is to blame, it would be the person who said it, not you." Knowing the type of words that likely followed, Zhao Erhu could guess his little wife hadn’t said anything nice. After all, the girl practically begged to be put in her place. Though he said this, he was actually quite eager to hear what else his little wife had to say, something so difficult for Haishi to voice.

"Your wife said that you’re responsible for the livelihood of the family, and she and the children will depend on you to provide for them in the future. If you wear yourself out, who will take care of them later? You are already more than ten years older than your wife. If you don’t take care of yourself, your wife will still be young and beautiful while you’ll become an old man with white hair. Don’t blame her if she complains or finds herself another good man," Haishi conveyed.

In fact, Lin Yue did it on purpose, partly in retaliation for the letter Zhao Erhu wrote that got her teased by Nurse Xu and Xixi. Otherwise, why not just keep her thoughts to herself? She had Haishi carry the message just to see Zhao Erhu be the butt of the joke.

After relaying these words, Haishi braced for the old master’s anger. The madam usually appeared calm and capable, but she was still young in age—such remarks weren’t to be made lightly. No man could tolerate his own wife saying that, and it would be surprising if Erhu didn’t get angry. But as a servant, Haishi had no choice but to pass on the message. Yet, despite the grinding of teeth, Erhu showed no sign of rage. Instead, with a darkened face and after a long pause, he remarked.

"That girl is just asking for a spanking, waiting for me to come back and deal with her!"

Haishi couldn’t care less whether the old master disciplined his wife or not; as long as he wasn’t the one blamed or lashed out at, that was all that mattered. Anyway, she wasn’t his wife. Come to think of it, if his own wife dared to act like Erhu’s did, he would undoubtedly put her in her place properly. A woman needed to be taught a lesson; the madam was simply spoiled by the old master.