Chapter 327 - 321 If You Don’t Acknowledge_1
When Zhao Erhu saw Lin Qing, his expression turned somewhat sour. This brother-in-law of his was not very fond of him and, most likely, was here to cause trouble, especially today, with Jiang Ziqi present. Wasn’t this just adding chaos! However, it was only when he saw the person following Lin Qing that Zhao Erhu’s face truly turned ashen, his demeanor screaming the desire to pummel someone. That scoundrel dared to show up at his door, coveting his wife; all the scholar’s learning had gone to the dogs. Yueyue was already his bride; Jiang Wenshu was trying to steal another man’s wife.
Lin Qing, seeing Jiang Wenshu behave this way, felt helpless. His good friend hadn’t always been like this. Although he grew up with his sister, their relationship was one of pure affection within the bounds of propriety. Sometimes, even Lin Qing couldn’t fathom what his friend truly felt. Did he honestly like his sister? It was seeing how much Xiaoyue liked Jiang Wenshu that he always brought them together, trying to fulfill his sister’s wishes. In truth, Jiang Wenshu had never shown any intention of marrying Xiaoyue. Only after Xiaoyue was sold by their parents did Jiang Wenshu seem anxious. Eventually, it was he who insisted he would marry no one but Xiaoyue.
Lin Qing’s visit this time was, to a greater extent, instigated by Jiang Wenshu. Lin Qing hadn’t yet gathered enough silver to buy back his sister. Jiang Wenshu took out fifteen taels of silver right away, declaring his intent to redeem Lin Yue together and take her back home.
Lin Qing felt somewhat reluctant, firstly because of his sister’s attitude toward Zhao Erhu during their last meeting, which appeared genuine and content. Secondly, he had planned to gather the silver himself to redeem his sister, not relying on Jiang Wenshu. However, given their many years of friendship and Jiang Wenshu’s adamant stance, Lin Qing came to see his sister’s choice. If Yueyue truly did not wish to return, it could convince Jiang Wenshu to give up hope.
Lin Yue, seeing the scholar, pulled at Zhao Erhu’s sleeve and whispered in his ear, "Zhao Erhu, that scholar who followed me last time, that’s the one— who is this person?" Actually, Lin Yue had already guessed who it was, but she couldn’t tell Zhao Erhu; otherwise, this insecure old man would overthink again. It had taken so much effort to finally start earning her husband’s increasing trust. She couldn’t let it all be for naught.
Hearing Lin Yue’s words, Zhao Erhu’s expression grew even uglier. He had suspected as much last time; who else would skulk around following his wife? Seeing Little Yueyue’s manner, which showed no recognition of Jiang Wenshu and even a wariness from being tailed the last time, Zhao Erhu felt a wave of relief. He wasn’t afraid of anything else, as long as his young bride harbored no other desires; she was the only one he couldn’t handle. Even if he managed to keep Yueyue with him, if she spent her days sullen and cantankerous, it would be too suffocating for him.
Jiang Ziqi, seeing them glaring at each other in silence, spoke up, "Zhao Erhu, who are these two, enemies or friends? If they are friends, invite them in; if they are enemies, kick them out. What is the meaning of just standing there? It’s hardly the way to treat guests."
While Ziqi’s words were harsh, he was actually siding with Zhao Erhu. Guessing that the scholar was likely Little Yueyue’s brother, Ziqi was not impressed either. In his view, Lin Yue was practically sold to Zhao Erhu by her parents; what kind of family would sell their daughter to the likes of Zhao Erhu, completely disregarding her well-being? Such relatives can hardly be called family.