A Good Country Wife-Chapter 632 - 626_1

"Dad, Mom, since Sister has already sent over the grain, let’s head back. We can catch a ride on Brother Liu’s cart. After walking all this way, you must be tired," said Lin Qing. He meant well, but Lin Fuan and Zhou didn’t even consider that an option. They had long been plotting a visit to the Zhao Family to scrounge for benefits. The only reason they hadn’t dared to impose on Zhao Erhu earlier was due to their previous agreement with him, fearing they’d be driven away without a proper excuse. Now, with Zhao Erhu off on business and themselves at their wits’ end, they certainly wouldn’t miss such an opportune moment.

"Go back? We’ve barely made it halfway after such a lengthy journey. There’s no sense in turning back now! Speaking of your sister marrying that brute Zhao Erhu, we haven’t even visited her husband’s home yet. This is the perfect chance to see how she’s getting on. As her parents, we can’t rest easy until we know she’s well," Zhou remarked, without an ounce of shame, concocting what seemed to her a perfectly legitimate reason to visit.

Zhao Youfu and Zhou were full of hope for their trip to Zhao Family Village. They eagerly looked forward to arriving, having heard all about their son-in-law’s affluence from villagers who worked there—how many maids and servants attended to them. Their curiosity had been piqued, and with the crops nearly lost to the floods, they had nothing better to do back home. Staying with their son-in-law for a while seemed an excellent opportunity to enjoy some comfort themselves. And so, it wasn’t just their chance encounter with Liu Aniu delivering grain to Shanglin Village that made them reluctant to return home. They were set on making their way to Zhao Family Village.

Lin Qing knew all too well what his mother was scheming. She had her eyes on his sister’s wealthy in-laws, her greed never satisfied, always wanting to snag more benefits.

"Dad, Mom, if you can say such things, should I take them seriously? If you truly cared for Sister, why did you sell her off? A palanquin was used for her marriage to Zhao Erhu—that’s what you call a proper wedding! But I doubt Zhao Erhu would approve. Everyone in Zhao Family Village knows the circumstances behind Sister’s marriage to Zhao Erhu. Why bother going there, inviting wagging tongues? It won’t look good for Sister either. If you truly care about her well-being, don’t go. Let’s turn around and head back. We only came to Zhao Family Village out of desperation, and now that we have grain, there’s no need to proceed," he protested.

These words angered Zhou, who was also annoyed at having her motives laid bare by her own son. What a fool he was for not understanding that everything she did was for his benefit. She was always protecting that foolish girl, yet whatever benefits they could get from Zhao Erhu would ultimately go to her only son. Why was he constantly getting in her way and ruining her plans?

"How can you say I don’t care for her? She’s a piece of my own flesh. We sold her out of sheer desperation. Times are different now. Besides, with the son-in-law away, who dares stop me from seeing my own daughter?"

"Mom, don’t go too far. Sister already thinks of us, sending grain our way. That’s the extent of her obligation. If you keep stirring trouble, you’ll eventually exhaust the last bit of affection she has for us. Don’t you regret it when she cuts ties—I won’t speak in your defense then!" Lin Qing said more forcefully, trying to prevent his parents from heading to Zhao Family Village.

Now truly irritated, Zhou was repeatedly obstructed and contradicted by her son. "You ungrateful child, what are you saying? How did I give birth to such a stubborn fool? You pity your sister, but did you ever consider why your father and I sold her to Zhao Erhu? It was to gather the silver needed for your schooling. We sacrificed everything for that. What was it all for? Your parents have put their hearts into caring for you, only to be repaid like this. It’s infuriating."

Zhao Youfu also cared for his son, but though he rarely spoke, he understood better than Zhou. Unless he subdued his son now, their trip to Zhao Family Village would be off the table. So, he too spoke out to discipline his son. "Qingqing, how dare you talk back to your mother? Have you no concept of filial piety? Where have all your learned teachings gone—to the dogs?"

"I..." Lin Qing, reprimanded by both Zhou and Zhao Youfu, knew they acted with his interests in mind. His guilt muffled his reproachful words.

"Let’s go, Manager Liu. My wife and I are exhausted from the journey and can hardly walk anymore. We must trouble you to take us to Zhao Family Village. Our daughter is probably worried about our safety. Arriving sooner will set her mind at ease," said Zhao Youfu, revealing a brazenness that exceeded even Zhou’s when called for.

Having been with the Zhao family for some time, Liu Aniu was well-acquainted with their affairs, especially during his stay in Shanglin Village where he got a good measure of the lady’s top-grade parents. Despite his contempt for them, they were still his lady’s parents, and as a mere servant, it was his duty to serve them well. Thus, he reluctantly turned the cart around and headed back to Zhao Family Village with Zhao Youfu, his wife, and Lin Qing.

"Manager Liu, didn’t you head to Shanglin Village? How come you’re back so soon? Have you completed all the tasks assigned by the mistress?" Liu Aniu hadn’t been gone long, so the curious inquiry came naturally from those who spotted his return.

Before Liu Aniu could reply, a sharp and trembling female voice erupted from inside the carriage, "Have we arrived at my son-in-law’s home yet? Wow, could this be their residence? It’s so grand! I never believed villagers who said that my son-in-law’s home was better than the landlord’s, but seeing it now, I’m astonished! My goodness! Building such a mansion must have cost a fortune. Just look at this grandeur—the silver spent on the walls alone must be immense. What a revelation!"

Lin Youfu and Zhou had often wondered about what sort of home Zhao Erhu lived in and whether it was more impressive than a landlord’s. Now, seeing it for themselves, their expectations were exceeded beyond their wildest dreams. Their excitement and amazement were indescribable. Even the typically composed Zhao Youfu couldn’t hide his delighted expression as he greedily gazed at the grand estate before him.

"Husband, pinch me! This can’t be real, can it? So the son-in-law really is that wealthy. I thought he just made some petty cash, and the villagers were all blowing hot air. But look at this place—I must be dreaming! That rascal of a girl is so lucky! Why didn’t I have such fortune back in my day? She’s got it made," Zhou said in a tone that hardly suggested maternal pride.