A Good Country Wife

After the meal, Jiang Ziqi ate to his heart’s content and even thought of a good number of business ideas. If the Jiang Family’s restaurant could have Little Yueyue’s cooking skills, it would surely be packed with guests every day. Ever since Lin Yue’s words had given him a wake-up call, Jiang Ziqi was becoming increasingly down-to-earth, especially when he saw Lin Yue’s love for money, he actually found it quite endearing. He had realized that making money could also be a pleasant thing.

"Little Yueyue, you and your brother haven’t seen each other for a long time, go and have a chat, I’ll talk business with Zhao Erhu." After dinner, Jiang Ziqi sent Lin Yue and Lin Qing out, and when it came to doing business, Jiang Ziqi and Zhao Erhu had the same idea. Therefore, aside from asking Lin Yue for ideas, he didn’t involve her in the business dealings.

Lin Yue wasn’t worried about Zhao Erhu being at a disadvantage. Jiang Ziqi’s background and knowledge predetermined many issues. No matter what, Zhao Erhu definitely couldn’t take advantage of Jiang Ziqi for now. However, she knew that Jiang Ziqi had his limits, so whatever should be their family’s share, Jiang Ziqi wouldn’t skimp on them.

Lin Yue pulled Lin Qing along and the two siblings chatted over tea under a large tree in the courtyard. Most of what Lin Qing asked was about Lin Yue’s life after moving to Zhao Erhu’s home. Seeing his sister’s eyes brimming with happiness and how Zhao Erhu had pampered her until she was more radiant, Lin Qing realized that Zhao Erhu wasn’t as bad as he had imagined. There were actually quite a few things commendable about him. At the very least, Zhao Erhu’s indulgence and doting on his sister was plain to see in Lin Qing’s eyes. Even Jiang Wenshu, who claimed to be so fond of his own sister, paled in comparison to Zhao Erhu. Lin Qing might be occasionally naive, but he was no fool.

He had despised Zhao Erhu initially due to many bad things Jiang Wenshu had said about him. But now, reflecting on it, Lin Qing realized that Wenshu could have been biased because of his sister, and it was clear there was a possibility that he had slandered Zhao Erhu. Having been friends with Jiang Wenshu for so many years, Lin Qing started questioning his good friend’s character for the first time.

Since Lin Qing spent most of his time studying in the academy, living there as well, Lin Yue asked him about his life and studies. The more they talked, the more she felt that Lin Qing was a good brother. Six taels of silver really meant nothing to her now, but for Lin Qing, that amount of money meant he had to ghostwrite countless calligraphies and paintings. As for the matter regarding their estranged parents, Lin Yue never brought it up from start to finish, not out of resentment but because she had completely forgotten about their existence.

In Lin Qing’s eyes, his sister not wanting to forgive their parents was the reason behind her deliberate avoidance of mentioning anything about home. Therefore, he dared not bring it up either, fearing it might touch on his sister’s sore spot. His heart grew even more sympathetic, feeling relieved that his sister had encountered Zhao Erhu. Without him, it was uncertain what her situation would be like now. It was only natural for Little Yueyue not to forgive their parents.

"Little sister, it’s getting late. I should be heading back now, or I might not make it back to the village before dark." Being just a scholar, Lin Qing wasn’t fast on his feet. After chatting with his sister for a while and knowing that she was doing well, he felt at ease and became anxious to leave.

"Brother, did you walk here?" Lin Yue glanced outside the yard where it was quite empty, remembering that the last couple of times Lin Qing had visited, it had been the same.

"No, Wenshu and I came together by ox cart. But Wenshu left first, and I should be able to make it back before dark if I hurry now." Lin Qing had been to Zhao Erhu’s village more than once and typically walked to save money. Only because he was with Jiang Wenshu this time did he take an ox cart. Since Jiang Wenshu had already left first, he would have to walk back.