Chapter 590 - 584_1
With the Emperor intervening, Zhao Erhu only needed to delegate the task of heading south and did not need to go himself. Power was indeed a wonderful thing. The last time Erhu had to buy supplies, he had to do everything personally and watch out for being cheated into buying substandard goods. This time, he only had to hand over the matter to the person sent by the Emperor, specify what was needed and required, and then assign the task to the local officials. Someone would handle the procurement, and all he needed to do was to wait to take delivery. The goods were not only affordable but also immune to deception, and were the very best available, for who else but the fearless would dare to have other intentions when it came to the Emperor’s business?
"It’s better this way. You don’t have to supervise it personally, and you can spend more time at home. A few months from now, you’ll be setting sail again. You seem to be busier than ever, spending less and less time at home. Don’t forget about me and the children, will you? People say wealthy men tend to go astray. Don’t follow their example. If you start thinking about taking concubines, I won’t sit by silently. Then divorce would be the only path left," Lin Yue said, with full knowledge that Zhao Erhu harbored no such intentions. Yet given the covetous gazes from outsiders aimed at their wealth, it was necessary to sound a warning bell from time to time, to let Erhu know where she stood. If he wanted to continue their life together, he should not entertain the idea of enjoying the blessings of multiple women.
Erhu looked at Lin Yue with amusement. It was not the first time she had cautioned him, and he wondered where she had heard whatever she did. Although he was certain he held no such fickle heart, since his wife was making a serious point with her reminder, he naturally could not take it lightly and had to show his attitude.
"Wife, regardless of whatever you’ve heard, haven’t we been married for over two years now? Don’t you understand my character yet? I, Zhao Erhu, want only you in this life, and the next. If you don’t believe me, I can swear to the heavens that if I entertain even a bit of such thought, may I..."
Erhu hadn’t finished speaking when Lin Yue covered his mouth. Although she didn’t believe in oaths, Erhu’s seafaring business was inherently risky, and she was somewhat superstitious.
"That’s enough, no need for oaths. If someone does manage to bewitch you, what good would swearing do? Just stay alert. It’s not enough for you to simply not be tempted. Now that we’re wealthy, there will be those who eye our riches and may attempt lowly tactics to stick to us. Be extra careful, especially when drinking and socializing. Understand?"
"I understand. You just relax, wife. But you can’t just talk about me—you have to stay alert too. You’ve become more and more attractive, don’t think I haven’t noticed those men with ill intentions looking at you wrong. When I’m away, stay at home and go out less, especially since Xin’an City is now under Ceng Lu’s chaotic control, and that case hasn’t been settled yet. Even as things seem calmer now, it’s still worrying. Who knows if those involved might strike again?"