A Good Country Wife

When Lin Yue entered, not only Han Family’s mother was there, but her sister-in-law from the Qin Family was also present. Lin Yue imperceptibly furrowed her brows. Although she had only met her a few times, her impression of Han Family’s sister-in-law wasn’t at all favorable. This woman not only had a high opinion of herself, looking down on country folks like them, but she also liked to provoke discord and scheme against others behind their backs, definitely not one with good intentions.

However, even though Lin Yue didn’t like her, she wouldn’t do anything impolite. After all, Qin Family was Han Family’s sister-in-law and she couldn’t let down the face of the Han Family. So she went over with a bright smile to greet, "Big Aunt, Han Family’s sister-in-law."

"Erhu’s wife has come, it’s been some days since we last saw you, and you’ve become even more charming. Such a beautiful daughter-in-law is a delight to the eyes," Han Family’s mother was very fond of Lin Yue, thinking that despite Erhu’s wife’s young age, she was capable and had a kind heart. Seeing Lin Yue filled her with warmth, while Qin Family’s face was full of disdain.

"Hmph." Qin Family snorted lightly when Lin Yue greeted her, filled with contempt. Such a rustic bumpkin was not worthy of her conversation. Seeing her own mother-in-law so pleased, an outsider wouldn’t know and might think this country woman was her daughter-in-law instead. Her mother-in-law didn’t usually show her a good face either, often wearing a stern expression. Why then was she being so kind to a stranger?

Although she claimed disdain, Qin Family was actually filled with more jealousy than anything else. Why should a country woman be prettier than her, dress better than her, and be more liked than her? She’s nothing but a siren who bewitches the heart, hardly anything special.

Han Family felt embarrassed by Qin Family’s attitude towards Lin Yue. She had never been close to Qin Family, finding her to be a woman too sharp and acerbic to match her elder brother. Even though she didn’t like her, Qin Family was still her sister-in-law and, considering her brother’s face, she couldn’t say much, for fear of causing unpleasantness and troubling her brother. Therefore, she could only look apologetically at Lin Yue and treat her with even more warmth and attentiveness.

"Sister-in-law, these are Crystal Purple Grapes awarded by the Magistrate. They taste quite nice, why don’t you try some? If you like them, there are some more at home, and you can take them with you when you leave," offered Han Family, bringing over a plate of grapes with plump fruit and glistening skin of high quality—said to be a tribute variety. There weren’t many even at the Magistrate’s, and it was only a limited amount awarded to Zhao Xinglin. Han Family herself was somewhat reluctant to eat them and only brought them out because Lin Yue had come.

"You’re too polite, sister-in-law," said Lin Yue as she peeled a grape and popped it into her mouth. The skin was thin, the juice plentiful, and the taste sweetly sour—captivating Lin Yue’s taste buds at once. She said unreservedly to Han Family, "These grapes do taste wonderful. I’m quite delighted by them. Since sister-in-law has offered, I’ll boldly take some, just don’t feel sorry afterward."