Chapter 585 - 579_1
Moreover, Dalang and his brothers seemed to have a harmonious relationship with Lin Yue, getting along with her just like a biological mother and her children. There was not a hint of pretense, especially the warmth and respect in the children’s eyes. Lin Yue had completely won over the hearts of the children. Lin Hai and Lin Quan had watched Lin Yue grow up. Seeing the once frail and meek young girl transform into what she was now, they too were happy for Lin Yue. Having a mother who favored her so, it certainly wasn’t easy for Erhu to live the life she had now.
After meeting each other, Lin Yue settled down with the children. Xixi stayed in the same room as Lin Yue. Xixi had intended to sleep on the floor, but Lin Yue noticed that although her aunt’s rooms were clean, they were just rural mud houses. The ground wasn’t paved with bluestone and was very damp. Sleeping there would surely be uncomfortable, and besides, the bed was quite large, easily big enough for two people. Thus, Lin Yue suggested that Xixi share the bed with her.
Xixi was initially unwilling, as under the guidance of Madam Xu, her sense of the servant-master relationship had grown stronger. Even though she might be a bit careless and impulsive in her speech, not thinking before she spoke, she dared not break the rules. "Madam, I am perfectly content sleeping on the ground. There is no precedent for a servant sharing a bed with their master. If Madam Xu finds out, she will certainly teach me a lesson," she protested.
"I am the one who’s giving the order. Madam Xu won’t blame you. Besides, if you don’t tell and I don’t tell, who will know? Enough, stop being stubborn. I am the master, and you will listen to me." Lin Yue had been running ragged these past few days and was truly tired; she couldn’t be bothered to haggle over such a trivial matter and gave the command directly. Seeing that Lin Yue’s mind was made up, Xixi did not dare to say more. She remembered Madam Xu’s most important rule: never go against the master’s orders.
However, the quilts at her aunt’s house, although they were newly changed and clean, were quite old, thin, and not warm enough. Lin Yue was particularly sensitive to the cold. Even though she allowed Xixi to share the bed, Lin Yue had no intention of sharing a quilt. After all, she had her personal habits and preferences. Zhao Erhu was her husband, and she was used to him, but anyone else was a different story. She did not wish to sleep together, and the quilts were not sufficient. Thus, she asked Xixi to bring in the quilts from the carriage, a large one for Dalang and his brothers to share, and a smaller one for her own use.
Lin Yue settled down with the children and Xixi at her aunt’s place, while the others stayed next door at Lin Genfa’s house. Lin Yue had initially intended to pay for the lodging, but Lin Genfa’s family was well-liked by their neighbors and good at fostering relationships. Since they were only staying for a few nights, their neighbors were willing to help without accepting any payment for the lodging.
Lin Yue did not want Lin Genfa to owe anyone favors over the lodging, so she gave some of the food and Fragrant Soap she had brought from home, more than enough to offset the cost of lodging. The neighbors, because of this, became even more enthusiastic in their hospitality, taking the affairs of the Lin Genfa family to heart. The people in the village were mostly honest and did not like taking advantage of others. They would say, "How could the lodging be worth so much? It’s just a shabby house for people to rest in, not an inn in the city. Even the most expensive lodging would only cost a few dozen to a hundred coins per night. The gifts from Mrs. Lin are worth far more. Since we’ve accepted her gifts, we should do more to help, not waste the kindness she has shown us."
Among them was a family who once worked at Lin Yue’s. Lin Yue’s wages were higher than others, and she treated her servants well, so they were grateful and eager to help Lin Yue with anything. It was just that Lin Yue had brought servants with her and didn’t need any help at the moment.
"Knock, knock, knock, Erhu, are you still awake?" Lin Yue had just finished tidying up and was ready to lie down to rest when she heard her aunt knocking on the door.