Chapter 525 - 519_1
Zhao Anyu had only seen Zhao Erhu a few times when he was little, and it had already been several years since their last meeting, so his memory was somewhat fuzzy. Lin Yue had married Zhao Erhu at the beginning of last year, and Zhao Anyu had not met her yet. However, recalling the high praise that Old Master Zhang had for his sister-in-law compared to Zhao Erhu, he couldn’t help but feel a bit curious, wondering what kind of person she might be—whether she had a kind and compassionate appearance or was astute and capable.
When a matron and maids surrounded Lin Yue as she entered, Zhao Anyu saw a delicate and beautiful young woman. Although she seemed petite, her demeanor exuded an air of authority, which was quite unexpected. He had not imagined that the benevolent and intelligent woman Old Master Zhang spoke of would be someone like her. As he was pondering this, he heard the woman speak.
"My husband has gone to visit my older sister’s house, and due to the snowy roads, I fear he will not return quickly. If there is any lack of hospitality on my part as a woman of the house, I ask for your forgiveness," Lin Yue said, as she observed Zhao Anyu.
At that moment, Zhao Anyu came to his senses and hurriedly greeted Lin Yue, "This younger brother has seen my sister-in-law. The servants in my cousin’s household are all very meticulous and thorough in their work, and there has been no neglect."
"That’s good to hear. I have been told by Nurse Xu that you and my husband are cousins. Although I have been married to him for two years now, I have not had the chance to meet you. However, I have already sent someone to invite my brother-in-law over, and I am sure that he will definitely recognize you," Lin Yue added before casually conversing with Zhao Anyu. Soon after, Zhao Dahuo arrived.
Zhao Dahuo already lived on the estate of Zhao Erhu, so when Lin Yue had someone invite him, he arrived quickly. Since Zhao Anyu was not an impostor, Zhao Dahuo naturally recognized him. They had played together as children, but as time passed and their families grew apart, they saw less of each other. Now, seeing him again, Zhao Dahuo was especially warm, engaging him in conversation with enthusiasm.
Zhao Anyu was also somewhat moved by Zhao Dahuo’s enthusiastic reception and shared the plight of his own family, expressing his intention to seek refuge with relatives.
Zhao Dahuo naturally sighed upon hearing about Zhao Anyu’s situation. Back in the day, that cousin’s family had had some wealth, and Zhao Anyu, being a scholar, was the most promising among his brothers. Unexpectedly, his uncle had passed away at an early age, and in the years that followed, Zhao Anyu’s family had fallen into such hardship that they lacked even a place to stay. Although Zhao Dahuo was inclined to help Zhao Anyu, he had his burdens to bear and could not readily make promises.