A Good Country Wife

"Madam Lin Yue is here; please come in and have a seat. I’ve heard about the Haishi situation from Doctor Zheng and have already dispatched my connections in Xin’an City to gather information. We’ve uncovered some leads and are intensively investigating, in hopes of finding more information or rescuing those who have been kidnapped. I presume that’s the reason for your visit, Madam Lin Yue." Shopkeeper Liu was very attentive, inviting Lin Yue into a private room with pleasing words. In his eyes, the Family Head’s attitude toward Madam Lin Yue was definitely not ordinary—not in a vile sense, but for whatever reason, be it business or otherwise, he had seen the kindness the Family Head had shown toward her. To him, the Family Head was too lofty to curry favor with directly, so he decided to bridge the gap by ingratiating himself to Madam Lin Yue.

Upon hearing Shopkeeper Liu speak this way, Lin Yue felt somewhat relieved; at the very least, his attitude shed light on many things. "You’re right, Shopkeeper Liu. I indeed came regarding this matter, I just didn’t expect that Doctor Zheng had already informed you."

Lin Yue wasn’t upset that Doctor Zheng had freely discussed her family’s situation—it actually showed that there was no intent to keep it a secret from the Jiang Family. After all, Doctor Zheng was the main physician at Jimin Hall and, regardless of his private rapport with them, his allegiance lay with the Jiang Family. It was only natural to inform them in the event of such an incident, possibly even out of a sense of urgency on Doctor Zheng’s part to seek their help.

Perceiving some dissatisfaction from Lin Yue, Shopkeeper Liu hastened to add, "Please don’t take offense, Madam Lin Yue. Doctor Zheng only shared the information with me out of concern and had no intention of leaking your family’s private matters. After all, those assailants in black were too ferocious, and Brother Erhu has traveled afar, fearing that you alone might not be able to handle them."

"I’m aware. Doctor Zheng certainly meant well. It’s just that when he arrived, Haishi was still unconscious, and there are some details he was not aware of. I’m afraid I’ll have to describe the situation once again."

Shopkeeper Liu, too, was not fully aware of the situation, only speculating broadly, "Please go ahead, Madam Lin Yue; I am all ears."

Lin Yue nodded, repeating what Haishi had described at the time and also conveying her own thoughts and suspicions, "I initially did not want to trouble Shopkeeper Liu, but it’s clear now the matter involves the Capital City, which is beyond my capacity. I’m left with no choice but to seek your assistance, in hopes of uncovering the origins of those clad in black and their intentions. This would allow us to be better prepared and to devise a strategy to rescue the captives."