A Good Country Wife

Ceng Lu came out from the inner courtyard all the way to the entrance of the Government Office, only to see his butler and Lin Yue facing off against each other. The beauty’s face was filled with anger, her furious eyes wide open in a manner that was quite adorable, making his heart itch with desire. He thought this was a good opportunity to take her into his hands, and his mood brightened at the thought.

"What’s going on here, why is everyone looking as gloomy as sick chickens? This is the entrance to the Government Office, who dares to cause trouble here, do they have a death wish?" Ceng Lu, knowing full well what was going on, deliberately postured in front of Lin Yue. The Government Officials who followed him also came out, formed two lines to demonstrate their authority, displaying the imposing air of a butler to a great official.

"Oh, if it isn’t Madam Lin, what’s the trouble? Why have you brought people to make a commotion at the entrance of the Government Office? This is a place where the Court conducts its business, and it won’t tolerate such disturbance. Although I hold Madam Lin in high regard, there are some rules that just cannot be ignored. Perhaps Madam Lin would be so kind as to let them stand down? Is there anything we can’t discuss peacefully, without causing such a scene? If things get out of hand, even I would find it difficult to handle."

But Lin Yue didn’t miss the lecherous and greedy look on Ceng Lu’s face, which only made her feel sick inside. She wished she could slap his face, thinking of the way Dalang and his brothers had hidden away in the Government Office by Ceng Lu’s men.

"Master Ceng, although I am but a woman from the countryside without much worldliness, I am not one to be bullied at will. I am here today to ask you to give an explanation. Your subordinate, Quan An, disguised as a bandit and abducted my children. I do not expect you to enforce justice impartially, but I do hope that considering my husband has loyally risked his life to serve the Emperor, you would at least return my children to me."

Ceng Lu pretended to be clueless, "Madam Lin, I don’t understand what you’re saying. What children? I heard that Madam Lin has a few stepsons who are already quite grown and are studying. Instead of staying at the academy, why are they coming to the government office seeking people? How would I know their whereabouts? Perhaps they’re just playful and have run out without telling their elders. Madam Lin, you should search more thoroughly. But remember, this Government Office is not a place for you to throw a fit. It’s best to let your servants search elsewhere."

"Why must Master Ceng feign ignorance? My people clearly saw Dalang and his brothers being taken into the Government Office. Also, even if you refuse to acknowledge it, this is the man," Lin Yue said, pointing to Quan An, "who led the bandits of Longhu Mountain to abduct my children. He’s a trickster in front of you, Master Ceng, and has no quarrel with me. To commit such an act out of the blue, perhaps he’s been instructed by someone. Shouldn’t you give me an explanation?"