Chapter 506 - 500_1
"Congratulations, Madam, congratulations! Now that the master is returning, you don’t have to worry anymore. You’ve become so thin these days; you must take good care to regain your strength. Otherwise, when the master sees you like this, he will surely blame us servants for not taking good care of you," Xixi said half in congratulations and half teasingly, earning her the agreement of Nanny Xu who stood nearby.
"Indeed, Madam, there was no news from the master in the past few days, and this old servant couldn’t comfort you. Now you must listen carefully to me; otherwise, when the master returns, not only will I be in a difficult position to explain, the master has said that if you don’t behave, he will punish you upon his return. So, for your own sake, you must take good care of yourself, or you won’t have the strength to handle the master’s energy," Nanny Xu said, her words carrying deep and ambiguous meanings. Now that they knew the master was safe, the atmosphere around the entire estate had lifted. Although Nanny Xu did indeed have some worry in her words, her tone was relaxed and cheerful.
Lin Yue blushed at Nanny Xu’s words, somewhat annoyed and embarrassed, "Well! Nanny Xu, how could you join this naughty girl in teasing me? You’re ganging up to make fun of me now!"
Although Zhao Erhu would not be returning so soon, his letter stated that he still needed to transport the goods to the Capital City and negotiate other matters with the Princely Heir of Marquis of Zhenbei, only returning once everything was settled, which she estimated would be a few days before the New Year. However, now that there was news, even if Zhao Erhu was delayed, Lin Yue felt at ease and began to prepare for the New Year with joy and excitement.
"Speaking of which, Zhao Erhu left with thin clothes. I originally thought he could return by November. Now the weather is so cold, and he didn’t bring any winter clothes. He’s the last person to take care of himself. I don’t even know if he’s going to freeze," Lin Yue said, watching the heavy snow fluttering outside, her worries resurfacing.
"Madam, considering that Haishi left just two days ago to deliver New Year gifts to the Capital City, their pace must be slow. If we send someone to quickly deliver the clothing, I estimate they could catch up before a day has passed and take them together to the Capital City," Nanny Xu suggested when she heard Lin Yue’s concerns. In truth, she understood that the madam was needlessly worrying. The master was a grown man, had silver at his disposal, and brought servants along with him; how could he possibly catch a cold? But it was all out of concern.
Though that was the logic, Nanny Xu didn’t point it out; instead, she followed Lin Yue’s train of thought and offered advice. In her view, the madam was too trusting of the master, believing he would do nothing to displease her and was completely unaware of the need to keep a tight hold on her husband’s heart. But aren’t all men the same? Always chasing after the new and forgetting the old; she had seen it plenty of times. When in love, they swear by mountains and seas and utter all kinds of sweet words, but as time and circumstances change, who remembers their past vows? Even though the master felt deeply for the madam, he might not withstand external temptations. Before, there were no conditions for such things, but now, as the Zhao Family prospered, even if the master had no intention, women from outside would eagerly throw themselves at him. If by chance he brought another woman home, the madam would not be able to cope. Therefore, the madam must secure the master’s heart.