A Good Country Wife

Zhao Erhu had been silently observing without expressing his opinion. After they finished discussing, he said, "I understand, but I need to discuss this matter with my wife when I get home. She’s in charge of our silver."

By saying that, Zhao Erhu was actually showing his reluctance to contribute the money. It wasn’t that he coveted that bit of silver; he just didn’t want to be outmaneuvered by Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing. Even if he had to spend money, it wouldn’t be in this manner. Having the silver end up in Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing’s pockets pained him more than cutting his own flesh, so he deliberately used this excuse. He didn’t feel anything wrong with a man like himself being managed by his wife, and besides, he had already promised Li Xiaomei that they would make decisions together regarding family affairs, and he wouldn’t make any unilateral decisions.

At that time, Lin Yue was busy with the female guests, serving tea and water. Zhao Erhu approached her to discuss, and Lin Yue was indeed pleased, believing Zhao Erhu to be teachable. If it had been before, Zhao Erhu would have definitely made the decision on his own.

"Brother Erhu, I know you don’t care about that small amount of silver. Two taels of silver are something any of our kids could bring out now. You just don’t want Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing to benefit from this, right?" Lin Yue’s eyes twinkled as she spoke, knowing her man well and understanding Zhao Erhu’s temperament.

"Wife, you’re so smart, your mind works well. Could you think of a way for your husband, to see how we deal with Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing?" At that moment, Zhao Erhu really had no better ideas, especially since Zhao Jingen’s funeral arrangements needed urgent attention. Seeing the attitude of the brothers Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing, they would likely play truant and not contribute if he didn’t give the silver.

Although Zhao Jingen had never been very good to him, and he felt no affection for the father who had never looked after him, the man had passed away, and past grievances seemed pointless to hold onto. Zhao Erhu still hoped for Zhao Jingen’s funeral to be conducted with dignity and without any issues. Therefore, even though a good excuse was needed, the silver could not go unpaid. Zhao Erhu also knew his young wife was quick-witted and might actually come up with some good ideas.

"You’re not unwilling to give the silver, but you just don’t want Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing to profit from it. That’s not difficult; there are plenty of ways. Just take me along later, and I’ll handle it. I guarantee that not even a copper will go their way, and we’ll ensure your father-in-law’s funeral arrangements are splendid," Lin Yue confidently took on the responsibility, knowing that Zhao Erhu lacked experience in such matters.

Zhao Erhu, seeing Lin Yue’s confidence, knew that his wife must have come up with a good plan. A smile spread across his lips, "Alright then, I’ll leave it to my wife to manage. Ensure it’s done beautifully, and afterwards, I’ll definitely thank you properly."

"You said it yourself, later you’ll wash my stinky feet for me."