Chapter 482 - 476 - _1
Zhao Erhu arrived early at Shanglin Village, knowing about Zhao Yunxiang’s illness. The nature of her strange sickness was unknown, and despite ongoing treatment, her condition deteriorated over time. Fearing the worst since Lin Genfa had sent for him, Erhu was uneasy, although he harbored resentment and disappointment towards Yunxiang for her past actions against Lin Yue, as she was still blood-kin.
"Erhu, you’re back," Lin’s mother warmly greeted him upon his arrival, her face beaming with happiness, "Why have you come so early? Please, come inside."
"I returned last night," Erhu answered while handing over the items he had brought, "I heard from my wife that older sister wasn’t doing well, so I came to see her. How have you and father-in-law been these days?" he asked, then added, "These are special products from the south. I brought some specifically for you to try. Is Genfa out?"
"He’s home, preparing medicine for your older sister in the kitchen," Lin’s mother replied, about to call for someone when Lin Genfa, having heard the commotion, emerged and exchanged pleasantries with Zhao Erhu. They soon discussed Zhao Yunxiang’s condition, for which Genfa expressed immense gratitude towards Lin Yue who, harboring no grudge, had sought Doctor Zheng’s aid to treat Yunxiang.
Upon hearing this, confusion crossed Erhu’s face; it seemed things were not as he had expected. His wife hadn’t mentioned anything of the sort to him. Remembering his reaction the night before and what had happened that morning, he felt remorseful—his wife had gone to such lengths, yet he had gravely misunderstood her.
"I had no idea about this," Erhu remarked, though he understood that his wife’s anger was likely the reason she hadn’t informed him. However, he could not disclose such matters to outsiders and felt anxious in his heart.
"My sister-in-law has a generous and unassuming nature, preferring not to make a fuss about her good deeds. If it weren’t for her bringing Doctor Zheng here and providing two hundred taels of silver for your sister’s treatment, your sister might not have been alive to see you again. As it is, we can probably hold on for a few more months. Even everyday items like rice, flour, oil, and salt were provided by her. My heart feels ashamed; despite the hardships at home, we couldn’t decline her assistance. All we can do is work hard in the future to repay you both," Genfa confessed with guilt.
"Brother-in-law, please don’t talk like that. She’s my older sister too; there’s no reason I would neglect her. Of course, my wife shares the same sentiments as me," Erhu said reassuringly.
"Erhu, there’s something else I need to apologize for. I told your sister-in-law about your visit last year when your sister was sick, and about the silver you gave. Considering your sister-in-law’s virtuous nature, I felt bad for keeping it from her. But now I wonder if it was inappropriate to tell her, thinking you must have had your reasons for keeping it a secret," Lin Genfa said, inadvertently increasing Erhu’s inner turmoil.
Erhu had initially thought a simple misunderstanding with Lin Yue could be smoothed over with some coaxing, letting her vent to clear the air. However, Lin Genfa’s revelation further complicated matters, leaving Erhu feeling incredibly distressed.