A Good Country Wife
Chapter 550 - 544_1

Chapter 550: Chapter 544_1

"I must then trouble you for your help, and since you and the others have rarely come to our Zhao family village, after such a weary journey, if you do not disdain it, please stay in our humble abode and allow me, a mere hostess, to extend my hospitality." Since they had arrived, Lin Yue wouldn’t be so unaware of propriety as to let them leave right after delivering the decree. At the very least, she had to arrange their accommodation and food properly. Moreover, she had known a few days in advance that the Emperor would send someone, so she had made preparations. She just hadn’t expected so many people to come. Even though it was a bit of a stretch, she could still manage to accommodate them all. Initially, when the house was built, it had been deliberately made larger than necessary. At the time, it seemed too big, but now that it was crowded with people, it felt cramped. If even more guests came in the future, there definitely wouldn’t be enough room. Now, with ample silver coins at home and land to spare, she had to talk to Old Lu and take the opportunity to build more rooms on the large plot of land to the east. After all, letting the silver notes sit idle served no purpose.

"Madam Lin is too kind. Looking at how this mansion is built, it’s not inferior to the Imperial Palace. Although not as resplendently luxurious, it certainly has its unique charm. Even the Emperor might like it if he came. How could I, a mere eunuch, disdain such hospitality? I’d rather stay and enjoy your good fortune, as long as Madam Lin doesn’t mind the bother of hosting so many of us," said Eunuch Cui, quite politely, with a hint of flattery towards Lin Yue.

With Eunuch Cui having said so, no one else would voice any objection. This party was led by Eunuch Cui, who held a noble rank and served personally before the Emperor. Even if Lin Yue hadn’t offered to host them, they could simply notify the Government Office, and they would be appropriately accommodated. However, since Lin Yue had offered to host them and considering Eunuch Cui’s attitude – seemingly intending to make greater use of Zhao Erhu, otherwise, he wouldn’t have been personally sent on this errand – and the good relation between Zhao Erhu’s wife and Princess Yongle and Commandery Princess Roujia, they definitely could not be underestimated. Eunuch Cui was happy to form a good connection.

Moreover, who in the palace didn’t know that the items sent by Zhao Erhu’s family were even coveted by His Majesty? Not only was the food delicious, especially the wine brewed by Zhao Erhu’s family, which surpassed even the tributary wines presented to the court. The Emperor favored it, and each time it arrived at Yongle Palace, it was hoarded by His Majesty. The servants like him could only watch and barely get the chance to taste it; at best, they could only sniff the aroma. Now, at last, they would be able to indulge in a feast, and considering how sensible the household of Zhao Erhu appeared, they could expect a generous gift when departing. The other palace servants would surely envy him for landing such a desirable assignment.

When His Majesty initially decided to dispatch someone, everyone thought it was a poor and remote mountain village and was unwilling to take on such hardship. It was his bad luck to have drawn the short straw, only to discover that it wasn’t bad luck but good fortune. By the time he learned that he was chosen by His Majesty to deliver the decree to Zhao Erhu’s house, it was too late for the others to regret it; the selection had been made.

Given Eunuch Cui’s status, Zhao Erhu personally took care of getting him to the prepared guest rooms, as well as the accompanying soldiers and attendants, making all the arrangements himself. Plus, with Lin Yue’s thorough preparations beforehand, everyone felt there couldn’t be more meticulous arrangements. They had come from the capital expecting to rough it in the countryside and were prepared for hardship, but looking at the construction of the mansion and all the items in the rooms, each one high-quality, they were pleasantly surprised. When dinner was served in the evening, the food was even more delicious than that made by the Imperial Chefs in the palace, not to mention the fine wine. Not a single person wasn’t thoroughly enjoying themselves, and if every day were like this, they would all wish to stay here longer.

Most of the goods commissioned by the Emperor were already available, except for the food, which Lin Yue personally supervised the rush production of, due to the large quantity needed in a short time. They had been busy day and night for three days to complete it, which was when she informed Eunuch Cui to inspect and take delivery of the goods. By the time the products were ready, it was also about time for everyone to return to the Capital City.

Zhao Erhu was to travel to the Capital City with Eunuch Cui’s party. He even asked Lin Yue if she wanted to join them in the Capital City, not wishing to leave his young wife alone at home. Lin Yue recalled the Emperor’s ambivalent attitude during her last visit to the Imperial Palace. Although she didn’t believe she had the charm to captivate the Emperor—perhaps he was reminded of someone else—this was no longer important. She was already married to Zhao Erhu and had returned to Zhao family village; all these court matters didn’t concern her. However, it’s always better to err on the side of caution, so she decided it would be best to stay home. Besides, the letter from the Marquis of Zhenbei’s Princely Heir hinted that the Emperor intended to increase the frequency and advance the schedule of sea voyages. She needed to hasten preparations for the maritime trade, meaning she had to stay home and oversee everything.

"I’d rather not go; you just need to remember my words, and that’s enough. After all, it won’t be many days before you return. You must meet the Emperor, but there is no need for me to suffer back-and-forth trips. It’s better I stay home and ensure that everyone speeds up the production of the goods, to avoid any last-minute rush." Lin Yue spoke while taking a letter that she’d already written from the desk in the room and handed it to Zhao Erhu.

"This letter is a request for Princess Yongle to help me secure a master craftsman from the Imperial Household Department skilled in making glazed glass. Although I haven’t known the Princess for a very long time, and our relationship is quite close, she may not necessarily help. If the Princess refuses, you should then inquire with Brother Jiang to see if he has any ideas. I urgently need such a talent."

Zhao Erhu carefully put the letter away. He had initially thought his young wife’s mention of glassmaking was a passing fancy, but it was evident that she was serious about it, and the letter to Princess Yongle was ready, which indicated that she had been planning for some time. However, he wouldn’t hinder what his wife wished to accomplish and sincerely promised, "Don’t worry, my wife. I will make sure to deliver the letter to the Princess. If it turns out that Princess Yongle and Doctor Jiang are both unable to help, I will think of another solution. I will do my utmost to ensure this matter is handled properly for you."

Hearing Zhao Erhu speak in this way, Lin Yue was afraid he would take unnecessary risks. "Do your best, but please don’t force anything. This is merely a whimsical interest of mine, and we can forget it if it proves impossible. Above all, don’t get yourself in trouble over this; it wouldn’t be worth it. After all, our family is already living well – stability and safety are the most important things."

"Rest assured, wife. I understand the importance, and there’s no need for you to worry about me. But you must take good care of yourself at home. Don’t fall ill as you did before. You know how joyful I was coming home, only to be scared half to death finding you pale and bedridden. If something had happened to you, what would be the point of all I do? Especially after hearing from Madam Xu about everything you suffered. It was agonizing, like a blunt knife cutting through my heart. I regretted not having returned earlier, which might have prevented those events! So, my wife, please promise me you’ll take good care of yourself at home, or else come with me to the Capital City, where I can have peace of mind with you by my side."