A Good Country Wife
Chapter 525 - 519_1

Chapter 525: Chapter 519_1

Zhao Anyu had only seen Zhao Erhu a few times when he was little, and it had already been several years since their last meeting, so his memory was somewhat fuzzy. Lin Yue had married Zhao Erhu at the beginning of last year, and Zhao Anyu had not met her yet. However, recalling the high praise that Old Master Zhang had for his sister-in-law compared to Zhao Erhu, he couldn’t help but feel a bit curious, wondering what kind of person she might be—whether she had a kind and compassionate appearance or was astute and capable.

When a matron and maids surrounded Lin Yue as she entered, Zhao Anyu saw a delicate and beautiful young woman. Although she seemed petite, her demeanor exuded an air of authority, which was quite unexpected. He had not imagined that the benevolent and intelligent woman Old Master Zhang spoke of would be someone like her. As he was pondering this, he heard the woman speak.

"My husband has gone to visit my older sister’s house, and due to the snowy roads, I fear he will not return quickly. If there is any lack of hospitality on my part as a woman of the house, I ask for your forgiveness," Lin Yue said, as she observed Zhao Anyu.

At that moment, Zhao Anyu came to his senses and hurriedly greeted Lin Yue, "This younger brother has seen my sister-in-law. The servants in my cousin’s household are all very meticulous and thorough in their work, and there has been no neglect."

"That’s good to hear. I have been told by Nurse Xu that you and my husband are cousins. Although I have been married to him for two years now, I have not had the chance to meet you. However, I have already sent someone to invite my brother-in-law over, and I am sure that he will definitely recognize you," Lin Yue added before casually conversing with Zhao Anyu. Soon after, Zhao Dahuo arrived.

Zhao Dahuo already lived on the estate of Zhao Erhu, so when Lin Yue had someone invite him, he arrived quickly. Since Zhao Anyu was not an impostor, Zhao Dahuo naturally recognized him. They had played together as children, but as time passed and their families grew apart, they saw less of each other. Now, seeing him again, Zhao Dahuo was especially warm, engaging him in conversation with enthusiasm.

Zhao Anyu was also somewhat moved by Zhao Dahuo’s enthusiastic reception and shared the plight of his own family, expressing his intention to seek refuge with relatives.

Zhao Dahuo naturally sighed upon hearing about Zhao Anyu’s situation. Back in the day, that cousin’s family had had some wealth, and Zhao Anyu, being a scholar, was the most promising among his brothers. Unexpectedly, his uncle had passed away at an early age, and in the years that followed, Zhao Anyu’s family had fallen into such hardship that they lacked even a place to stay. Although Zhao Dahuo was inclined to help Zhao Anyu, he had his burdens to bear and could not readily make promises.

As Lin Yue saw the cousins engrossed in their conversation, she didn’t interrupt but listened quietly to the side. She also ordered the preparation of food and drink and, seeing that it was about time, spoke up.

"Big brother, cousin, I see that you are engaged in a heartfelt chat. However, it’s now lunchtime, and I have had the servants prepare a meal. Why not eat first and then continue your conversation?"

"That would be very good, and I appreciate the trouble you’ve taken, sister-in-law," Before Zhao Anyu could speak, Zhao Dahuo, who was used to freeloading at Zhao Erhu’s place, happily agreed, and Zhao Anyu also quickly expressed his gratitude.

"Many thanks, sister-in-law, for arranging everything."

"We are all family; there’s no need for such formality. Not to boast, but our cook is truly excellent. You must have a good taste," Lin Yue said with a smile. She commanded the servants to bring up the meal. In ancient times, it was customary for men and women to dine at separate tables, and since Zhao Anyu was technically an outsider, Lin Yue let Zhao Dahuo accompany Zhao Anyu. After instructing the servants to provide good service, she returned to her room.

"Madam, what would you like to eat for lunch? I’ll have the kitchen prepare it and bring it over," Xixi asked Lin Yue upon her return.

"I’m not much hungry now. Just have the kitchen make some sour bamboo shoots with sliced meat, stir-fry some greens, and steam an egg custard. Zhao Erhu isn’t home, and these three dishes will be enough for me alone," Lin Yue ordered her meal, and Xixi quickly went down to arrange it.

Meanwhile, in the main hall, Zhao Dahuo and Zhao Anyu were drinking and eating together, chatting as brothers do; the atmosphere was quite harmonious, especially since Anyu, seeing the table full of appetizing dishes, felt his cravings fully aroused.

Ever since the Wei Family had seized their property, leaving them to be driven out with no silver coins, Anyu had been living in hunger, satisfying himself with plain buns and cold water when needed, never having enjoyed a decent meal since. Now seeing all this good food, he almost bit his own tongue in eagerness. Even before his household had fallen on hard times, they had never indulged in such delicacies. He ate voraciously, almost forgetting the refined manners expected of a scholar.

However, as he ate, Anyu’s thoughts turned to his aged mother and his wife and children, who, like him, were struggling to make ends meet, living out in the open, and his appetite vanished. Here he was, indulging in fine food and drink, while they were still suffering hunger and cold in an old temple. When he had left, all that was left in his bundle were two buns – hardly enough for their sustenance. With that thought, even the finest wine and dishes lost their flavor to Anyu.

Though Zhao Dahuo was a bit slow on the uptake, he could sense Anyu’s sudden despondence, "Cousin, what’s the matter? Why have you lost your appetite all of a sudden? If the dishes aren’t to your liking, I can have the kitchen make a couple more dishes for you."

"Elder cousin, there’s no need. It’s not that the food isn’t delicious, to me, it’s already a rare delicacy. But thinking of my mother and my wife and kids still waiting in the temple for me to fetch them, I can’t help but feel guilty enjoying this feast while they’re left starving. No matter how exquisite the food is, how can I have the heart to eat?" Anyu said, finally setting down his chopsticks, his spirits low.

Zhao Erhu felt a pang of discomfort upon hearing Anyu’s words. Anyu’s mother was his aunt, and at her advanced age, it was unfair for her to end up in such distress. He couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

"Cousin, don’t worry. After we finish our meal, I will accompany you to bring your aunt, sister-in-law, and nephew back here. Although I, Zhao Dahuo, may not have much to offer, and my home isn’t spacious, I can’t stand by and watch my own relatives be forced to stay in an old temple, enduring hunger and cold in the dead of winter."

Even as a grown man, Anyu’s eyes reddened with emotion at Dahuo’s words. "I will forever remember your kindness, elder brother, and I dare not offer thanks. I will repay this debt one day."

"You’re being too formal, cousin. We’re close relatives, and it’s only right for brothers to help each other in times of need. Erhu isn’t home right now, or he would’ve arranged everything already. Just be at ease," Dahuo reassured him.

Zhao Dahuo was true to his word. After finishing the meal and informing Lin Yue, he set out to retrieve Anyu’s mother and his wife and child, for which he needed to borrow Lin Yue’s carriage.

Seeing Dahu act in such manner, Lin Yue naturally wouldn’t stand idly by. She had noticed Anyu’s behavior and deemed him a decent man, and didn’t mind extending a helping hand. She immediately dispatched a carriage to pick them up, instructed the kitchen to prepare warm meals, and even sent clothes along.