A Good Country Wife

Jiang Ziqi rode in a carriage and arrived ahead of Lin Yue. Seeing that the gate of Lin Yue’s family courtyard was wide open, he frowned slightly. Little Yueyue was always cautious; it made no sense that she would leave the gate open, especially when there were important things stored in the house. Could it be that a theft had occurred?

Immediately taking Axin with him into the courtyard to inspect, Jiang Ziqi saw Liu Aniu and Li Chang’an sitting at the entrance to Lin Yue’s house, one on the left and one on the right. With Jiang’s keen eyesight, he could quickly discern the nature of both men. Raising his eyebrows, he thought, what is happening here? The small village of the Zhao Family is indeed full of surprises, with all sorts of messy events occurring, and all kinds of strange creatures lurking.

Liu Aniu and Li Chang’an were long-term workers recruited by Zhao Erhu and naturally did not recognize Jiang Ziqi.

"Who are you, and are you here to see our Dongjia?" Liu Aniu questioned as he watched Jiang Ziqi and his servant enter, since they did not knock before entering, his tone was somewhat blunt.

Upon seeing Jiang Ziqi’s attire, Li Chang’an realized he came from a wealthy family and thought Liu Aniu lacked discernment. Such a person should be fawned over, so he quickly stepped forward to greet Jiang Ziqi and his servant, "This young master, you must be looking for our Dongjia. He’s gone out and won’t return for a while."

However, Jiang Ziqi chose to ignore Li Chang’an, who was shamelessly currying favor, and instead turned to Liu Aniu, "Your Dongjia will be back soon. Lead me inside to sit and wait for his return."

Liu Aniu hesitated, uncertain of who Jiang Ziqi really was. How could he let a stranger into the house when the Dongjia was not at home? Yet, he feared offending a true friend of the Dongjia by being inhospitable.

Li Chang’an didn’t mind being snubbed and, seeing Jiang’s instructions ignored by a static Liu Aniu, chastised him, "Liu Aniu, you fool, what are you waiting for? Didn’t you hear what the young master said? Are you going to snub the Dongjia’s honored guest? Just wait and see how the Dongjia deals with you when he returns!"

"How should I know whether he really is the Dongjia’s honored guest? With the Dongjia away, I must properly guard the house and not allow strangers in. Besides, the young master said the Dongjia would return soon. It won’t make a difference if we wait a little. Maybe I should carry a stool out here for the guest to rest in the courtyard while we wait for the Dongjia’s return." Liu Aniu decided it was best not to let Jiang Ziqi and his servant inside. Given the recent unrest, if someone with ill intentions took advantage or noticed something they shouldn’t, he couldn’t fail the Dongjia’s trust. Hence, he came up with this compromise.

"Let’s do that then, please trouble yourself to bring out a stool for me," replied Jiang Ziqi, not wanting to make things difficult for Liu Aniu. Servants like these, who were loyal and dependable, were essential for protecting a master’s home. While Liu Aniu might be stubborn, he showed some flexibility by thinking to bring out a seat, which was commendable for an uneducated countryman. One couldn’t expect too much.