A Good Country Wife-Chapter 624 - 618_1

The village head’s words brought understanding to many villagers who had been displeased with Lin Yue taking in refugees. Although they still harbored some resentment towards the refugees, they realized that if it weren’t for Lin Yue’s actions, the village would likely continue to suffer at the hands of the refugees. In comparison, they knew what Lin Yue did was for the best.

"But village head, if Erhu’s wife had the ability, why didn’t she take in those refugees when they first entered the village? Instead, she waited until the village had already been harmed before stepping in. Clearly, she had no good intentions and wanted to see us suffer," said Zhao Pingshun, addressing the crowd. Not everyone was grateful for Lin Yue’s kindness—for instance, the Zhao Wufu family, and especially Zhao Pingshun, who had been ousted from Zhao Erhu’s home for scheming against Erhu along with Zhang Xiaoyu.

Zhao Pingshun, already envious of Zhao Erhu’s family and resentful from being driven out by Erhu, saw this opportunity to tarnish Lin Yue. His question was indeed tricky, making the audience frown. However, Zhao Youfu had been the village head for many years and was not easily troubled by Zhao Pingshun’s challenges.

With a stern look, the village head glared at Zhao Pingshun, "What nonsense are you spouting? Anyone who didn’t know better might think the folks of Zhao Family Village are all ungrateful. Erhu’s wife saved our village, and yet you say such things. Have you no conscience? Even if their family had surplus food, they earned it through their own efforts—why should they share it? Why don’t you offer up your house and land? Besides, who could have predicted the situation with the refugees when they first arrived? It took Erhu’s wife a lot of thought to come up with this solution. She did it considering our villagers; otherwise, she could have easily locked her doors and lived her life, unaffected by the refugees. Think before you speak, and don’t repay kindness with enmity just because someone stirs up trouble!"

The majority of the villagers shared that sentiment, still unsettled from the recent disasters. After the village head’s scolding, they felt ashamed. When they thought about the Zhao family’s past deeds, they were even more determined in their minds and more grateful towards Lin Yue.

"Don’t worry, village head, we’re not ungrateful fools, and we won’t be swayed by others’ instigations. It’s not just that Erhu’s wife saved our villagers this time—if things had dragged on, many of us in the village could have starved to death soon. Even before this, Erhu’s family had done many good deeds for our village, which we all remember. If anyone harbors ill will and takes the chance to harm Erhu’s family, we won’t just stand by and watch!"

"That’s right, Zhao Pingshun, don’t think we don’t know what you’re up to. You just resent Zhao Erhu’s family because you were cast out last time for your shameful behavior. What, looking to take revenge now? Don’t take the rest of us for fools!"

Zhao Pingshun wanted to argue, but faced with the accusing glances of the villagers, he fell silent, knowing he couldn’t talk his way out against so many. Of course, there was another important reason for his silence: Zhao Pingshun’s family had also run out of food, and like everyone else, they relied on Lin Yue’s relief efforts. He didn’t dare stoke public anger or attract Lin Yue’s attention, for fear that she might remember his past misdeeds and refuse to help him.

After returning from the village head’s place, Lin Yue went straight to the kitchen to see how things were organized there. It was bustling with activity: several large pots were set up in the yard, boiling water bubbling inside, while people added washed rice and sweet potatoes.

They were preparing sweet potato porridge for the evening. The many refugees consumed more than Lin Yue’s stockpile of food could sustain, but thankfully, she had a good supply of sweet potatoes at home. She had instructed her helpers to make sweet potato porridge—it was not only filling but also quite tasty.

"Dalang, why are you and your brothers here instead of studying properly at home?" Lin Yue was surprised to see that Dalang and his three brothers were present, especially when Dalang and Erlang directed the others with poise.

The reason was that Dalang and his brothers had been studying in the city, but as the refugee situation worsened, Lin Yue, worried about them, had brought them back home under Zhao Anyu’s tutelage.

"Mother, with such significant matters at home, my brothers and I came here to watch over the kitchen. With father away, as the men of our household, it’s only right that we help shoulder your burdens and not let you bear them alone," Dalang explained earnestly. Having been well taught by his tutor, he understood his responsibilities and had become a young man capable of upholding the family.

"Yes, mother, our teacher always told us the same thing. Don’t worry, we have grown up and can take on some of the family’s responsibilities. We will make sure everything is handled well," Erlang added, proving himself a considerate son. Lin Yue felt a sense of relief; she had been quite tired, her mind burdened with the refugee crisis and family affairs in Erhu’s absence. But seeing Dalang and his brothers’ willingness to help, she felt much lighter.

Their behavior impressed everyone in the kitchen, admiring the lady for having such capable sons, especially since they were not her biological children. While people said stepmothers could be cruel, the lady treated her stepsons as her own and raised them well.

Lin Yue smiled, her concerns about the refugees had made her overlook her children’s needs. "Mother knows you are filial, but you’re still young. Focus on your studies; there’s no need for you to worry about these matters. Mother can handle the household. Rest assured, I will protect you all," she reassured them.

"Mother, we are not young anymore. Our teacher said that at our age, children from prominent households begin learning how to manage family affairs. Though we may not be accomplished yet, we can still assist you. Don’t think of us as too young; let us handle some tasks. Besides, when father left, he told us to take good care of you and the home. As for our studies, we will manage them and won’t fall behind," they persisted.

Seeing her children’s determination, Lin Yue agreed. It was true that book knowledge alone was insufficient; it was also important for them to learn about these matters early. She let Dalang and his brothers join her, occasionally entrusting them with small tasks, which they handled quite well.