A Good Country Wife

Zhao Erhu gave Lin Yue a deep look, seemingly thinking of something, and indeed struggling within himself. However, not wanting to disappoint his young wife, he finally nodded in agreement, "Since you’re willing, then keep it well, I trust you."

"Really trust me?" Lin Yue raised an eyebrow and waved the silver note in front of Zhao Erhu with some skepticism. She thought this man was underestimating her knowledge. When she had first arrived, he guarded against her as if she was a stranger, not even trusting her to go out alone. If she was gone too long, he would quickly come searching for her. But after observing her genuine desire to build a life with him, his trust slowly grew. When Zhao Erhu had an accident last time, she stayed by his side without wavering, and he was indeed grateful to her. However, it was still far from Lin Yue’s expectations; at least the wariness had yet to fully dissipate. But his willingness to entrust the silver note to her for safekeeping was a good sign of progress.

But Zhao Erhu’s response was somewhat off-topic, "Yueyue, just live a good life with me, and give me a plump little son; in the future, you can take care of all the family’s silver, including managing me too."

Zhao Erhu pulled Lin Yue into his embrace, coaxing her. He remembered a recent heart-to-heart talk with his great-uncle, where he admitted he didn’t want his young wife to have children yet, for fear that childbirth might harm her health. Now, reflecting on his great-uncle’s words, Zhao Erhu realized they were profound and sensible; the more he found his wife admirable, the more unsettled and insecure he felt, fearing she might leave him one day, even considering using a child to tie her to him. However, he had also inquired with the best gynecologist in the city, who had confirmed that with proper care during pregnancy, it wouldn’t harm her body. Doctor Jiang had said the same.

At the mention of this topic, Lin Yue’s cheeks reddened. She scolded Zhao Erhu, "Zhao Erhu, you’re being improper. I’m not talking to you anymore." This man, honestly, they hadn’t even consummated their marriage, and he was already talking about children. Moreover, she was so young—how could she have children? It was better to wait a few more years.

"Why won’t you talk to me? Fulfilling marital duties is only natural. How is that improper? My good wife..."

On the second day of the Dragon Boat Festival, when hosting a lunch for guests, Zhao Erhu was sent out by Lin Yue to deliver rice dumplings and festival gifts. It was only to the neighbors in the village, so it didn’t take much time. For those living farther away, he had already delivered two days earlier. Lin Yue had specifically instructed Zhao Erhu to take a portion to the Zhang Li Family as well, the one where her husband taught as a master at the Songshan Academy, hoping that Master Zhang would take extra care of their children when they studied there.

As for Sister Zhao Yunxiang’s place, Lin Yue hadn’t forgotten either. Although Zhao Erhu was disappointed in Zhao Yunxiang, he still cherished some affection for her. Besides, Lin Yue wouldn’t commit such a disputable act—it was only a few rice dumplings, after all, no big deal. Just yesterday, after selling rice dumplings in the city, Zhao Erhu specially made a trip to Shanglin Village to deliver festival gifts to Zhao Yunxiang.