A Good Country Wife
Chapter 570 - 564_1

Chapter 570: Chapter 564_1

It goes without saying for the villagers, but even the village chief’s two young lads worked at Lin Yue’s place for half a year last year. Lin Yue took special care of them in consideration of the village chief, Lin Dayou, and those boys were so eager to prove themselves, working so hard that they earned enough for their own weddings without needing Lin Dayou to worry about them. How comforted Lin Dayou was in his heart, how could he not be grateful to Lin Yue?

Once Lin Genfa understood the village chief’s intentions, he didn’t stand on ceremony. He thought about finishing the preparations quickly so he could deliver the goods to Lin Yue. Xixi had already taken the ingredients over, and Lin Genfa, carrying the chicken he had killed, went to Lin Youfu’s house with the village chief.

Nobody knew quite why, but ever since Lin Yue had come, Lin Youfu only came out when Doctor Zheng from Jimin Hall visited to treat Lin Qing. The rest of the time, he stayed in his room smoking his dry tobacco, leaving all other matters to Madam Zhou. He would only scold her from inside the room if she went too far or didn’t do things well. Upon learning the village chief had arrived, Lin Youfu quickly emerged from his room.

"Village chief, you’ve come. Is there something you need to discuss? Please come into the parlor and sit," said Lin Youfu while inviting the village chief towards the parlor. He then hurriedly instructed Madam Zhou to bring over some brewed tea. Lin Genfa didn’t follow them inside. After handing over the items to Xixi and greeting the village chief, he left. Since the family was not welcoming, there was no need to stay and be snubbed.

Village chief Lin Dayou originally looked down on someone like Lin Youfu, particularly with Madam Zhou’s temperament, which was somewhat unpleasant. Yet this couple was lucky. First, their son commendably earned the title of Scholar at a young age. Then there was their daughter, Lin Yue, whom they thought would be "overwhelmed" by Zhao Erhu. But instead, she was living very well, and her husband’s family had grown prosperous, becoming the wealthiest in ten miles. Who wouldn’t envy that?

But Lin Dayou also knew about the small affairs in Lin Youfu’s household. This couple did not appreciate their good fortune. The earlier rumor about Lin Yue refusing to acknowledge Lin Youfu and his wife had spread wildly through the village. Everyone knew that Lin Youfu had long severed ties with his wealthy second daughter. That’s why, later, when Lin Youfu went to borrow money, people were afraid he wouldn’t be able to repay, and they were reluctant to lend.

However, Lin Youfu didn’t see it that way. After all, she was his own flesh and blood. Even if he verbally declared a severance, it wasn’t so cleanly cut. Seeing Lin Yue staying at her parental home to care for her brother confirmed his belief. Hence, his attitude toward Lin Youfu and his wife was still quite cordial and amiable, but of course, that was as far as it went. Getting closer was out of the question.

"Older brother, you’re truly blessed. Your children are so ambitious. I heard Qing’er has recently come down with a cold. Is he feeling any better?" Lin Dayou asked with concern, and as he spoke of Lin Qing, he once again lamented in his heart that Lin Youfu and Madam Zhou were not the best of people, yet somehow they were blessed with good fortune. Not to mention Lin Yue, but Lin Qing himself was one of Shanglin Village’s most promising young men, with few his match. It’s hard to say about a person’s destiny.

"The second girl brought in Doctor Zheng from Jimin Hall to treat Qingqing. Doctor Zheng’s medical skills are excellent. After just one dose, there was significant improvement. Qingqing is much better now. Truly, he’s one of Xin’an City’s top doctors, though his fee is a bit expensive, not something every family can afford." Speaking of this, Lin Youfu couldn’t change his habit of showing off. Clearly, Doctor Zheng was there because Madam Zhou begged Lin Yue to have her son treated, yet Lin Youfu spoke of it with pride, causing Lin Dayou to feel disgusted, although he still maintained a smile on his face, merely grinning without mirth.

"That’s good to hear. Although Qing’er is young, he should still take more care of his health, especially as a scholar. Our bodies as farmers are generally more robust," Lin Dayou said, showing genuine concern for Lin Qing.

"You’re right, village chief. Qing’er just studies too hard, day and night, and won’t listen to persuasion. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have achieved the title of Scholar at such a young age. Elder brother, tell me, which child in our village can match Qing’er’s drive?" Lin Youfu’s words lacked any hint of humility. Despite speaking the truth, it sounded like he was just bragging.

Lin Dayou’s smile became even more strained. Even though he wanted to connect, he simply wasn’t on the same wavelength as Lin Dayou; they couldn’t see eye to eye. So he gave the gifts to the lady of the house and decided to head home early. "Big bro, I heard your second daughter has come back to her parents’ house. My two boys are working at their place, and they owe a lot to your second girl for looking after them. I don’t know if it’s possible to invite your second daughter out so I can thank her in person."

Lin Youfu’s smile stiffened for a moment when Lin Dayou mentioned Lin Yue but quickly recovered, chuckling. "Of course, of course, since you’ve come in person, little bro, there’s no reason the younger generation shouldn’t come out to meet you. I’ll go call her right now. No matter how wealthy she is now, she’s still my daughter Lin Youfu’s girl, and she wouldn’t dare disobey me."

Lin Youfu believed what he said, but everyone in the village knew about the fallout between Lin Yue and her parents. Lin Dayou really didn’t want to waste words with Lin Youfu and just sat waiting for Lin Yue to come out.

Lin Qing, who was in the room, insisted on getting up and going out with Lin Yue to greet the visitor when she heard the village head had come. Lin Yue couldn’t dissuade him. "Brother, you’re still sick, having only just gotten a bit better. Just stay in bed and rest. It’s still cold out even though winter has passed. If you catch a chill again, you’ll only be suffering. I’ll explain to the village head."

"No, the village head has always been good to me. If I can get up, there’s no reason not to go out and greet the visitor. Don’t worry, little sis, I know my own body. It’s much better now, and going out for a bit won’t hurt. I’ll just wear an extra piece of clothing," Lin Qing said, coughing a couple of times. Dr. Zheng’s medical skills were undeniable; the medicine he prescribed was working wonders, and Lin Qing felt much better, or else he wouldn’t have insisted on going out.

Lin Qing was adamant about going out to meet the visitor, so Lin Yue had no choice. "Alright then, just be careful. Greet the village head and then come back to rest well. Dr. Zheng was very clear that you need to take it easy."

"You’re right, little sis." Lin Qing agreed cheerfully, getting up with a smile. Lin Yue then reached into the cabinet and pulled out a cloak she had made especially for Lin Qing before New Year. However, Lin Qing had been too reluctant to wear it, having put it on only once when going out.

Seeing this, Lin Yue couldn’t help but lecture Lin Qing again. "Brother, all these clothes look as good as new. Why don’t you ever wear them? It’s no wonder you caught a cold, wearing old clothes. Why don’t you take better care of yourself?"

"They’re all good clothes. There’s no reason to wear them just for everyday use and risk getting them dirty. I wear them when I go out."

"Brother! Why won’t you listen? I’ve sent you several outfits. If they get dirty or worn out, what’s the big deal? I can always send you more. Your sister’s household is well-off now; we’re not short on a few outfits."