Chapter 488 - 482_1
When the time came, she would need to select a few more suitable ones, especially those who were clever with their hands and possessed a particular skill. Even if it cost more silver, it wouldn’t matter. With Zhao Erhu embarking on overseas trade, this was indeed a lucrative business. Unless something unexpected happened, they were likely to continue this business. The more goods they required, the fewer skilled workers she seemed to have trained, not only in embroidery but in other aspects as well. And she couldn’t be as hands-on as she was now forever, so she needed to bring in more help.
However, these skilled talents would need to be bound by a servitude contract to ensure they stayed under her control. In the past, she felt that there was too little regard for human rights in ancient times, yet it wasn’t without its advantages. It all depended on one’s status, and for her, the current situation was beneficial. Once she bought the servants and they signed the servitude contracts, their lives and personal security would be in her hands. Whether they were to be punished, killed, or sold, it was up to her word, and even the government wouldn’t be able to intervene.
As Lin Yue was reflecting on this, she looked up to see Zhao Erhu approaching, followed by several people. She asked, "Erhu, who are these people?"
Upon Lin Yue’s inquiry, they preempted Zhao Erhu’s introduction by offering her a salutation, "Servant Haishi/Musheng/Zhang Kui/Zhuzi, at your service, Mistress Dongjia."
From their self-introduction, Lin Yue understood that these were the servants Zhao Erhu had brought back. Although they were dressed in tattered clothes and looked disheveled and destitute, they didn’t seem like ordinary people; their demeanor and behavior suggested they came from prestigious backgrounds. Their expressions were calm and bright, with an air of integrity about them. She was curious about their origins and how they ended up being brought back by Zhao Erhu to serve in their household, but it was not the time to ask in front of others; she would have to inquire further from Zhao Erhu later.
"There’s no need for formalities, please rise," Lin Yue said, then looked to Zhao Erhu. Since he had brought them, and she was not familiar with the circumstances, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to say anything more; it was up to him to make the arrangements.
Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue exchanged a glance, and he knew exactly what his young wife was thinking. She must have many questions about why he brought these people home so suddenly, so he instructed Xixi, who was next to Lin Yue, "Xixi, these brothers haven’t eaten lunch yet. Take them to the dining hall first and have the kitchen prepare some extra delicious food. After they’ve eaten, bring them back here."
"Understood, Dongjia," Xixi acknowledged Zhao Erhu’s instructions and said to the men, "Please follow me, sirs."
Once Xixi had taken them away, Lin Yue expressed her curiosity, "Erhu, what’s going on? Why did you suddenly bring back these people? They don’t seem like your typical folks. What did they do before?"
"Wife, you are indeed insightful and observant. Without me saying anything, you’ve already guessed it—they are not ordinary people and all possess Martial Arts skills. The more I thought about it, the more I worried about you being at home alone, so I bought them to serve as your guards. This way, I can leave the house with peace of mind."