Chapter 678 - 671_1
Jiang Ziqi didn’t have any particular issue with Zhao Erhu; it was just that Zhao Erhu was Lin Yue’s husband, and when Lin Yue faced such danger from the displaced peasants, her husband was actually not by her side. If not for Lin Yue’s wit in resolving the crisis, with a large number of displaced peasants breaking into the house, who knows what would have happened. Among those peasants were not just destitute individuals, but also those with malicious intent—it wouldn’t have been just a matter of being robbed. Her very reputation might have been ruined. Although Jiang Ziqi knew that Zhao Erhu was away on a sea voyage, unable to be at home, he still felt a surge of anger.
"Zhao Erhu, how can you even say such things? Now you think you are something grand, having gained the Emperor’s favor. You’ve acquired wealth and fortune, a future bright as brocade, so you can disregard your wife and child at home, right? After all, with your status and wealth, what kind of good woman couldn’t you marry? Our Little Yueyue is just from a peasant family, she’s already your well-worn wife, so I guess it would be normal for you to cast her aside," Jiang Ziqi said, his words piercing Zhao Erhu’s heart, each sentence striking with accusation.
Zhao Erhu realized why Jiang Ziqi was being so sarcastic. Seeing Jiang Ziqi’s attitude, things at home were far from as simple and easy as the Emperor had made them out to be, just briefly described in a few words. Zhao Erhu had seen the desperation of the displaced during famine, and he knew they could do anything to survive. The thought made him shudder with fear. Thankfully, no matter what, his wife and child were safe. Yet, the guilt and concern in his heart were impossible to suppress.
"Jiang, you know why I went on the sea voyage. It was all to provide a better life for my wife and child so that they wouldn’t be bullied and rendered powerless to fight back ever again. I’ve heard a few words about the incident from the Emperor; it was due to a flood that caused the displacement of the peasants, which also affected Zhao Family Village. The Emperor mentioned that it did not affect my family, but I’m still worried. That’s why I came to ask about my wife and child, hoping, brother Jiang, you could tell me."
Zhao Erhu spoke sincerely, and though Jiang Ziqi’s words were satirical, Erhu felt a sense of gratitude. If Jiang Ziqi hadn’t been genuinely concerned, he would not have spoken so earnestly.
Jiang Ziqi was simply venting his own emotions and knew that it wasn’t entirely Zhao Erhu’s fault. After all, a natural disaster is unpredictable. Zhao Erhu could not have anticipated such an event before he left. Even so, he had entrusted the care of his family to Jiang Ziqi, clearly showing that he kept his family in his heart.
Jiang Ziqi did needle Zhao Erhu a few times, knowing he was currently worried about his wife and child. He relayed everything that had happened during Erhu’s absence, not only about the flood but also the previous incident with the Yin Family attacking the Zhao Family, although Jiang Ziqi was unclear about the details of the rescue.