A Good Country Wife
Chapter 517 - 511_1

Chapter 517: Chapter 511_1

Dalang also agreed with Erhu’s opinion and before leaving, he cautioned the employees of the spice shop and rewarded them with a few copper coins; then, the brothers went together to Jimin Hall.

Given the gravity of Lin Yue’s ordeal, all the workers at Jimin Hall were aware, and seeing Dalang and his brothers arrive, they hastily called for Manager Liu. Manager Liu then recounted the events that had transpired to Dalang and his brothers, "This is all I know. As for the cause and course of events, we’ll have to wait for your mother to wake up to understand."

"Uncle Liu, how is my mother doing? Are her injuries severe?"

"They are rather serious; after all, your mother is a frail woman, how can she withstand a large man? She was beaten up with injuries all over her body, but fortunately, they are only superficial wounds, there’s no internal damage, which is indeed fortunate."

Upon hearing this from Doctor Zheng, Dalang and his brothers wanted to see Lin Yue, but Manager Liu stopped them, "Your Aunt Liu is currently inside applying medicine to your mother. It’s not a good time to enter, better wait until Aunt Liu comes out before seeing your mother."

Dalang and his brothers were sensible. Besides, Dalang was already twelve years old and in this precocious ancient era, he would be able to marry in another couple of years, gradually becoming knowledgeable about the ways of the world; naturally, they didn’t make an unreasonable fuss to barge in, yet still, they were worried.

"Please, Uncle Liu, make arrangements for the best medical treatment for my mother. Use the finest medicine and don’t worry about the extra cost of the silver coins if it’s for my mother’s well-being," Dalang said as he and his three younger brothers bowed to Manager Liu.

Seeing how sensible and courteous Dalang and his brothers were, Manager Liu sighed to himself, commending Zhao Erhu for his good fortune: not only did he marry Lin Yue, a wonderful wife, but his sons were also so discerning. At such a young age, they were capable of taking on responsibilities, unlike other village boys who would still be running wild at this time. However, having Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue as parents, it was only natural that the children were raised well.

"You brothers needn’t worry, Lin Yue and our Jimin Hall share a special relationship, and Doctor Zheng will certainly do his best to treat your mother. However, there’s another matter I need to discuss with you," Manager Liu said, treating Dalang and his brothers not as children but as adults.

"Uncle Liu, please speak, I’m listening," said the nephew.

"Your mother is currently unconscious, and Doctor Zheng has administered medicine; I fear she won’t wake up so soon. Originally, I planned to settle your mother in my family’s inner courtyard and then send someone to notify the Zhao Family village, but now that you brothers have come, we should hear your opinions on whether we should temporarily arrange for Lin Yue to stay here or send her home," Manager Liu said.

"That depends on how my mother’s condition is and what arrangement would be most suitable. We brothers are young and inexperienced, and we’d like to hear your opinion, Uncle Liu," Dalang said, exchanging glances with Erhu, who then spoke.

"Your mother’s external injuries are more serious, so as long as she’s well taken care of, it doesn’t really matter where she recuperates. That’s why I need your brothers’ opinions," he said. "After all, your father is out, and your mother is now unconscious. You brothers are the support of the family; the decisions should come from you."

Erhu thought for a moment and said, "If that’s the case, we should bring mother back home. After all, we have maids and old servants at home who can take better care of my mother. Nurse Xu came from the palace and knows quite a bit about convalescence; she can help look after my mother. Moreover, my mother has always been afraid of the cold, and the house at home is warmer. She’ll be more comfortable and recover more easily. But my mother is still unconscious now, and I’m a bit worried about moving her. If her condition changes at night, I fear we wouldn’t be able to get a doctor in time. So I’d like to ask Grandfather Zheng to come back with us and stay at the cottage for the night."

Shopkeeper Liu thought that Erhu’s arrangements were very proper, taking all aspects into consideration, showing great filial piety towards Mrs. Lin, which made him even more envious of Zhao Erhu. Having such outstanding sons who can make decisions at critical moments was not like his own useless boy, who was older than Dalang but only knew how to play and wouldn’t study properly. Comparing himself to others would only make him miserable, an unattainable desire, Shopkeeper Liu thought to himself, deciding to be more strict with his son’s education in the future.

"That’s no problem, I’ll have Doctor Zheng go back with you to look after your mother. If there’s anything else you need my help with, just say so." It was a small request, and Shopkeeper Liu readily agreed. Besides, with Zhao Erhu not at home, even if Erhu hadn’t mentioned it, he would have sent Doctor Zheng anyway. But he would have to send a message to the Capital City later. The Family Head had entrusted him to look after Mrs. Lin, and with such a serious incident now, he was troubled about how to explain it to the Family Head.

"Then, thank you very much Uncle Liu. My father will be back in a few days, and then I will visit you again to express our gratitude."

"Your father is not at home right now, so it’s only right for me to help look after things. It’s remarkable how understanding and courteous you brothers are despite your young age. Your father will be very comforted to know this," he replied.

Lin Yue was unconscious and needed to be carried back to the carriage to go home. Dalang and his brothers were too young to do this. Musheng, though strong, was not suitable due to status and for the sake of propriety. Hence, Shopkeeper Liu called two strong servants from his home to lift Lin Yue onto the carriage. Dalang and his brothers climbed aboard to take care of Lin Yue, with Doctor Zheng naturally accompanying them.

Nurse Xu, having waited for Lin Yue to return from the city and not seeing her, grew uneasy. Lin Yue had promised to pick up the children and eat lunch together, but it was now afternoon and still no sign of her return. Nurse Xu had hardly touched her noon meal, hastily nibbling a few bites before setting the chopsticks down, feeling restless. She sent someone to keep watch at the village entrance to let her know the moment Lin Yue returned.

"Madam, what’s happened? How did she come to be like this?" Nurse Xu, anxious from worrying, hurried out to meet the returning family carriage and was informed of Lin Yue’s injuries. She quickly climbed onto the carriage to check, and seeing Lin Yue wounded like this, Nurse Xu was struck with both shock and anger.

"Nurse Xu, we can talk about this later," Dalang said, furrowing his brow. "The inside of the carriage is not as warm as the room. We’ve been jostled around on the way back, so we should get mother settled into her room first, lest her injuries worsen, and she catches cold."

"What Young Master says is right. I was presumptuous. I’ll arrange for the madam to be brought back to her room immediately," replied Nurse Xu, who had seen grand events in the palace and was only momentarily overwhelmed by shock and worry. Reminded by Dalang, she regained her composure and efficiently organized to have Lin Yue carefully moved to her room.

The household servants gathered around at the scene. While a few showed indifference or even schadenfreude, most were concerned and approached to inquire about Lin Yue’s condition. Erhu observed and remembered everyone’s reactions.

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