A Good Country Wife

"The official merely wanted to make sure Your Excellency’s stay was comfortable, but since Your Excellency is reluctant, I won’t insist. This courtyard does look quite inviting; no wonder Steward Li settled in and didn’t want to move. The official would quite like to stay here for a few days. Madam Lin, would you arrange that for me?" Ceng Lu said with a suggestive glance at Lin Yue.

Lin Yue had always found Ceng Lu repugnant, and seeing that he felt entitled to stay in her home, she naturally couldn’t agree. "My lord, in our humble countryside, there are not many yards available, and the living space is limited. Accommodating Steward Li and his entourage has already maxed out our capacity. I’m afraid there is no room for a revered Buddha-like figure such as yourself, my lord. Please return to your grand mansion. Do not trouble this lowly woman."

Being rejected time and again, even in the presence of a beauty, soured Ceng Lu’s expression. Nevertheless, he controlled his temper; a thorny beauty always stirred an itchy yet helpless heart. "Why must Madam Lin be in such a hurry to refuse? The Zhao Family has flourished these past days, and their residence is grand enough to accommodate many. As the Magistrate of Xin’an City, staying here would allow me to better understand the commoners’ plight. Please arrange it well, Madam Lin; the official will not shortchange you."

Quan An was initially brooding, but Ceng Lu’s words set his mind abuzz with calculations. He was not content to make this trip for naught. If he could stay with the Zhao Family, he might find an opportunity to benefit or uncover some secrets. Securing a hold over the Zhao Family would ensure a steady flow of silver gifts sent his way in the future.

Lin Yue let out a cold laugh, not bothering to save face for Ceng Lu, nor fearing his possible wrath. "The official must be jesting. This humble woman would not dare take advantage of you. Besides, my husband is currently away, and it is inappropriate to host an unrelated man in our home. As the fatherly Magistrate, you should understand and sympathize with the common people; surely you would not wish to trouble this lowly woman?"

Ceng Lu’s face darkened completely. "Lin Family, don’t toast me only to force me to drink a punitive one. The official deigns to stay at your place as a sign of respect—should you..."

"Should you what, my lord? Do you intend to retaliate for this? The Great Zhou Dynasty is a land of laws. The Emperor is sagacious, and even as the Magistrate of Xin’an City, you must act according to the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty. What can I do if I am unwilling? Surely, the Magistrate does not plan to force his stay."

As Lin Yue said this, she let out another cold laugh when Ceng Lu remained silent. "Should the official wish to stay by force, I naturally cannot stop you. After all, you are the esteemed Magistrate, and we commoners cannot oppose you. However, this rural area teems with unclean things. Should the Magistrate fall ill from spoiled food or be bitten by some venomous snake or insect, I cannot be held responsible."