A Good Country Wife

Lin Yue had returned to find Jiang Ziqi sitting in the courtyard, his countenance slightly soured from the earlier incident. He swiftly put on a smile and greeted him, "Brother Jiang, you’re here! Why didn’t you come inside to sit? Are you enjoying the scenery in the courtyard?"

Jiang Ziqi, seeing Lin Yue, also greeted her with a warm smile, "Indeed, the scenery in your family’s courtyard is quite unique and charming. I’ve been savoring some tea while enjoying the view; it’s rather pleasant."

"That’s not it. Our young master was blocked at the door by that Liu Aniu, who claimed that your family is hiding treasures and feared our young master would steal them. What kind of person do they think our young master is to covet the things in your home? It’s really belittling," Axin said indignantly.

"Do not be rude!" Seeing Axin like this, Jiang Ziqi reprimanded in displeasure. Axin quickly realized his mistake. Unknown to others, but as someone who had served the young master for so long, how could he not be aware? This Miss Lin was the one his young master cherished deeply. His earlier blunder, provoked by that fool Liu Aniu, yet again led to folly. He hoped his young master wouldn’t punish him upon their return and inwardly lamented, cursing Liu Aniu once more in his heart.

"This is Axin, my personal manservant. I had sent him on an errand last time, so you didn’t meet him. Axin, quickly pay your respects to Brother Erhu and Miss Lin," Jiang Ziqi introduced Axin as he noticed Lin Yue curiously eyeing him.

"Yes, Axin has met Brother Erhu and Miss Lin. I was impolite just now and ask for your forgiveness," said Axin, who was not one of those uncouth folks from the backwoods. Realizing his error, he immediately adjusted his attitude to apologize to Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue—mostly to Lin Yue—as that was who his young master truly cared about. He hoped that this good behavior might offset his earlier discourtesy.

"My apologies, I was at fault. I knew that Brother Jiang was coming today but forgot to instruct Brother Liu to let you in first. Brother Liu is an honest man, who never goes back on his word to me or Erhu. That’s why he refused to let you in. Please don’t blame him; it was my error. I ask for forgiveness from both Brother Jiang and Axin," Lin Yue said, knowing Jiang Ziqi wouldn’t blame her, but she still felt the need to say the formalities.

Zhao Erhu looked on with a hint of sourness. Was his little wife so happy to see Jiang Ziqi? Her mood had been affected by the incident with Zhao Yunxiang and Chunxi, and she hadn’t shown much of a smile. He hadn’t managed to cheer her up the whole way here, but as soon as Jiang Ziqi arrived, his little wife was all smiles!

He also didn’t appreciate Jiang Ziqi’s reference to his wife as Miss Lin rather than Mrs. Zhao or Erhu’s wife. What was he thinking? Clearly, the man still harbored feelings for his wife, the eternal scoundrel, he thought. His wife was always attracting unwelcome suitors, which caused him much concern. Over in Shanglin Village, there was Jiang Wenshu still thinking of her, and now Jiang Ziqi had shown up at his door.