A Good Country Wife
Chapter 566 - 560_1

Chapter 566: Chapter 560_1

Madam Lin had little insight, and upon Lin Youfu’s analysis, she began to panic again, "Really? I thought the girl stayed behind to take care of Qingqing because she genuinely valued their sibling bond."

"No matter how deep the affection, she’s a daughter married off. If you keep causing trouble, see if she’ll stay! That second daughter is ruthless; she can even disown her parents and could turn her back on us at any moment if she gets angry. Use your head, treat her well. There’s only benefit in that. If you drive her away, you’ll see if I don’t deal with you!"

"I understand. I’ll go tidy up a room for her to stay in; isn’t that enough? She’s really like a debt collector. If Xiaoyue had been nicer, I wouldn’t be so upset. You don’t know, she didn’t even come herself to talk to me, sending a maid who was bossy and rude. It just infuriates me. That maid’s clothes are nicer than ours, and I’ve never seen Xiaoyue show us any filial piety, not even a bolt of cloth. It’s infuriating just thinking about it."

Madam Lin hadn’t always been so harsh towards Lin Yue. It was jealousy upon seeing Lin Yue’s newfound wealth, wanting benefits from her without losing face. For over a decade, she’d bossed her daughter around, so she used this attitude to coerce Lin Yue into compliance. Too bad Lin Yue wasn’t falling for that, a fact that infuriated Madam Lin even more.

Lin Youfu felt somewhat bitter hearing Madam Lin say this. Even a little maid dressed better than them, it was a real loss of face. It was clear that Xiaoyue no longer saw them as her parents, or else how could it be like this? Yet Lin Youfu had a clearer head than Madam Lin, knew he had to bear with it, as confronting Lin Yue now would surely backfire on them.

Although Lin Youfu understood, it didn’t please him. Unable to confront Lin Yue, he took out his frustrations on Madam Lin, glaring at her with a scowl, "I’ve told you before to treat Xiaoyue better, but you wouldn’t listen. What’s the use of your complaints now? If you want benefits from her, then stop sulking all the time. Xiaoyue is now wealthy and will not tolerate your attitude. I think she still holds a bit of affection for us, and even if she didn’t, just serving her well for Qingqing’s sake will ensure we won’t miss out on benefits. Everyone in the village who has worked for the Zhao Family knows Xiaoyue is generous. I heard that last year, their estate had a bountiful harvest and she gave twenty catties of sweet potato seeds to every household in Zhao Family Village. That’s prime stuff, sells for a good price elsewhere."

This was the first time Madam Lin heard about this from Lin Youfu. At first skeptical, and once assured he wasn’t joking, she couldn’t contain her frustration, "Such a thing happened? That girl must truly be well-off to be so extravagant. Twenty catties of sweet potato seeds to each family in Zhao Family Village—who have more households than us in Shanglin Village—how much silver that would waste! She’s indeed prodigal, yet while she gives away to those unrelated in Zhao Family Village, it never occurs to her to send some to her own family. What kind of daughter have I raised? It’s a curse!"

"That’s why I’ve been telling you to coddle her. With the Zhao Family so affluent, even a little from Xiaoyue’s hands would make our lives easier. Don’t be foolish enough to push the benefits away."

"I’ve got it now," acknowledged Madam Lin. She realized her previous approach wouldn’t budge Lin Yue and would only push her further away, making them less to her than strangers. Her heart might be unwilling, and resentful, but she couldn’t give up on the prospect of tangible benefits.

Seeing that she took his advice, Lin Youfu knew she had listened. With this incident, he realized nothing matters as much as tangible benefits. What’s the worth of face without silver to show for it?

When Lin Yue arrived, Lin Qing was still asleep. Madam Lin said that Qingqing’s cough was severe, and he had finally fallen asleep, instructing not to wake him.

Doctor Zheng said it was fine and to let Lin Qing rest. Since Madam Lin had been caring for Lin Qing and was very familiar with his condition, Doctor Zheng asked her for details. Therefore, he didn’t wake Lin Qing for the pulse diagnosis, which is why Lin Qing was only now waking and surprised to see Lin Yue, wondering if he was dreaming or seeing things, especially since Lin Yue had not returned home since their parents sold her.

"Big brother, Xiaoyue, is that really you? I’m not still dreaming, am I?" Lin Qing looked and looked again, sure that it was Lin Yue before him, yet still not quite believing. During his illness, he almost felt at his end and simply wished to see his sister. But he also knew she held grievances against their parents and didn’t want to associate with this household, so he never sent a message to Zhao Family Village. He didn’t want to trouble her into coming back on his account, so seeing her now was an incredible surprise, and he dared not believe it.

"Big brother, it’s me. Didn’t I say we are siblings and should support each other? You have to tell me everything. Look at yourself, so sick, and yet you didn’t send word to Zhao Family Village. If I hadn’t come to Shanglin Village and mom hadn’t sought me out at Lin Genfa’s place, I would still be oblivious to your illness. Doctor Zheng said if this cold worsens, it could be serious!" Lin Yue, her heart burdened with worry, couldn’t help reproaching when she saw that Lin Qing was awake.

"Cough, cough, Xiaomei, I... cough, cough!" Lin Qing smiled as he listened to Lin Yue’s scolding before trying to explain; however, his throat was once again itchy, and he began coughing incessantly.

Seeing Lin Qing like this, Lin Yue quickly brought over a cup of warm water, "Don’t talk for now, here, drink some warm water to soothe your throat."

After drinking the warm water, Lin Qing felt much better and began to speak with Lin Yue. His greatest concern was always his sister. Worried that she would misunderstand, he eagerly explained, "Xiaomei, don’t get me wrong, I didn’t mean to distance myself from you. You’re aware of our parents’ temper. I knew you didn’t want to see them or have them take advantage of you, and I didn’t want you to feel troubled, so I kept it from you. Also, I thought it was just a common cold that would pass, not realizing it would get worse. I, cough, cough..."

Due to the emotion, Lin Qing began coughing again. Lin Yue, halting his attempt to speak further, quickly handed him the warm water, "It’s alright, no need to talk more, you’re coughing badly. I understand, big brother, you did it for my sake. I’m not blaming you, just worried about you. That’s why I spoke up. Don’t get worked up! You’ve just gotten better from the medicine, don’t overexert yourself, better lie down."