Chapter 378 - 372_1
The Magistrate had been reassigned to the capital, which was good news to old man Wei. Unlike Lin Yue’s worry, old man Wei was thrilled. In his eyes, whatever the Magistrate that would come next, he could hardly be worse than the current one. Magistrate Chen was not only troublesome but also biased toward Zhao Erhu, giving no favors that silver could buy. There had been no chance to gain leverage, so good riddance. He just waited for the arrival of the next Magistrate, plotting how to ingratiate himself.
Old man Wei hadn’t been seriously harmed by the fake formula incident, but the loss was not small, especially in terms of reputation—a big discount that hit hard for a businessman like him. Though begrudging, he yearned to retaliate against the entire Zhao Family but hesitated due to Zhao Erhu’s connection with the Magistrate, with Zhao Xinglin watching over. Hearing that the Magistrate was soon to leave, old man Wei eagerly started scheming again.
"Master, a servant from Auntie Zhao has come to ask if you will join her for lunch?" As old man Wei was devising his wicked plans, the young servant, having received some benefits from Zhao Lingxiang’s maid, came in to inquire.
Old man Wei, interrupted yet seemingly in a good mood, instructed, "Mhm, go over to Auntie Zhao’s for lunch. Tell her to prepare a few more dishes. The master is in high spirits today and wishes to enjoy a few drinks."
Ever since his return from Zhao village, old man Wei, perhaps finding a kindred spirit in Zhao Lingxiang, showed her more favor than before. Plus, with her carrying his child—a son, the doctor had said—he grew increasingly protective of Zhao Lingxiang. He lavished treats upon her and visited often, no longer bothered by the counterfeit formula incident.
Zhao Lingxiang had worried for some time, but seeing that old man Wei never mentioned the issue, she presumed he had decided not to hold her accountable. Relieved, she served him with growing care and tenderness, pleasing him so much that his visits to her quarters became more frequent.
"Auntie, the master has replied and will come over for lunch. He asked you to prepare a few more dishes as he intends to have a little drink. The people serving the master say he’s in very good spirits," Xiaocui hurriedly reported to Zhao Lingxiang, her words brimming with joy and a touch of flattery.
"Oh? The master must have encountered some joyous occasion. Let’s ask him when he arrives; he might even reward you all. Now hurry along to the kitchen and instruct them to bring over more of the master’s favorite dishes at noon. Remember, only the best, and have the first portion brought here. I won’t tolerate any talk of primary courtyard or not—the master’s business is top priority, and as the master’s wife, I should prioritize him above all else. Do you understand?" Zhao Lingxiang lay on the chaise longue, casting a lazy sideways glance at Xiaocui as she ordered languidly.
Zhao Lingxiang, spoiled by old man Wei’s favor these days, was exceptionally pleased with herself and increasingly dismissive of the lady of the house. Regardless, the lady already despised her so bitterly that even if she were to act submissively, the lady would not spare her if given the chance. Recalling past mistreatment by the lady, Zhao Lingxiang was unwilling to live peaceably and simply wanted to trouble her—if she could anger the lady to death, all the better.
"Did that wretch really say that?!" The lady held a cup of tea in her hand, a piece from her dowry of fine Ru ware celadon. Her voice, though calm, was laced with immense fury.