A Good Country Wife-Chapter 657 - 650_1

"Since the leader has already taken on this business, shouldn’t we talk about the specific plan against those men in black, and see how we can rescue Master Xue from their grasp? Where and how should we make our move?" Lin Yue may not know the whereabouts of those men in black, but to enter the Capital City, one must pass through Longhu Mountain from Xin’an City, with no other options. Lin Yue was certain those men in black were behind her, so the only issue was how to act most effectively.

However, Lin Yue did not anticipate Huangfu Yi’s response would be completely different from what she expected. From beginning to end, he had never intended to let her get involved in rescuing Master Xue, so naturally he would not pursue this topic with Lin Yue.

"There’s no need for Lin Yue to trouble herself with this matter. Since I have taken on this deal, naturally I will consider these issues. All Lin Yue needs to do is stay safely in the stronghold, waiting for me to rescue the person and deliver him safely into your hands. These matters of fighting and plotting ambushes are a man’s responsibility to do and consider. Lin Yue, being a women and seemingly quite young, should properly stay at home to support her husband and teach her children, cherished by your husband. There’s really no need to concern yourself with these matters, be careful not to worry too much or you’ll age prematurely."

Huangfu Yi began speaking quite solemnly and seriously, but as he continued, it became something else entirely, with a hint of teasing Lin Yue.

But Lin Yue was not in the mood to joke with Huangfu Yi. The matter of Master Xue was extremely important to her; otherwise, she wouldn’t have personally risked coming to Longhu Mountain. Moreover, she greatly disliked Huangfu Yi’s tone. So what if she was a woman? Couldn’t a woman achieve great things? It was far too chauvinistic for her taste.

"Leader, your words are mistaken. Holding prejudice against women... what’s wrong with being a woman? There are countless examples of women who do not concede to men. Moreover, if I were that kind of delicate woman who only knows how to stay at home to support her husband and teach her children, I wouldn’t have traveled through mountains and rivers to get to Longhu Mountain, let alone appear before you. My husband is away, and I’m the one entrusted with our household. Standing here, I speak to the leader not as a woman or anything else, but as an employer, and I hope the leader understands this!"

Even though she was within the bandit’s lair, she needed to show firmness where it was due; she couldn’t retreat on everything for fear of angering Huangfu Yi. That would only make others think her weak and easy to bully. Rather, it was better to be assertive, to risk it all, which would earn their respect, admiration for her courage and audacity, and make them consider her more in their actions and words.

"Madam Lin speaks truly, aren’t you my employer? Without your reminder, I would have forgotten. This is a deal worth tens of thousands, and if successful, I would need to thank Madam Lin for her generous support, relieving our stronghold’s predicament. But even so, there are rules in doing business, and my rule is that outsiders may not meddle in Longhu Mountain’s affairs. I have my own plans for rescuing Master Xue from the men in black and would prefer that Madam Lin not inquire too deeply. Just wait for the outcome. Moreover, Madam Lin is not very familiar with the terrain of Longhu Mountain either, so I’m afraid you won’t be able to offer much help."

Lin Yue was someone who desired control; it wasn’t for any other reason but the desire for sufficient control over her own affairs to prevent unexpected events. Master Xue’s issue had always been in her grip, and it was difficult for her to place complete trust in Huangfu Yi now and not inquire about the matter, not to mention that she still had no indication of how capable Huangfu Yi was, or if he would put forth his full effort for her cause.

"But..." Lin Yue wanted to say something more in rebuttal but was cut off abruptly by Huangfu Yi.

"There are no ’buts’. I have already stated my rules. In the territory of Longhu Mountain, nobody is allowed to disobey, not even if you are my employer. The terrain of Longhu Mountain is complex, and there are many secrets within the stronghold not meant for outsiders to learn. You wouldn’t want me to take action against you to protect Longhu Mountain’s secrets, right? Although I am a person who values honor, I am still a bandit leader at heart, acting entirely on my own whims. If I were angered, who knows what I might do... "

Having said this, Huangfu Yi’s face appropriately showed a glint of ruthlessness, effectively intimidating Lin Yue. It also proved that Huangfu Yi had a keen understanding of human nature, having easily voiced Lin Yue’s fears and garnering her increased respect for his abilities. At the very least, his insight and thoughtfulness made him a formidable opponent for most.

"Very well then, since these are the rules of Longhu Mountain, I will not get involved with the rescue mission. But after all, we are not well acquainted, and certainly not to the point of complete trust. Thus, there’s no need for me to stay; worrying daily about the leader turning against me with heartless hands is less comfortable than waiting for news at the foot of the mountain. I’ll stay in Longmen Town instead, and when there is news, the leader can simply send someone to notify me."

Lin Yue stated her position for reasons beyond what was apparent; she also intended to make further arrangements in Longmen Town. If Huangfu Yi were to fail, she might be able to salvage the situation. Regardless, she would not leave all her hopes in someone else’s hands. However, Lin Yue did not expect that even such a simple and reasonable request would be denied by Huangfu Yi, who insisted on keeping her there, his expression souring significantly.

"No! Until our transaction is complete, you must stay in the stronghold, and you may not go anywhere. But rest assured, aside from leaving the stronghold, I’ll do my best to fulfill your other requests and ensure my men take good care of you, making your stay comfortable. You will only be restricted in your freedom." Huangfu Yi’s words were very forceful, showing no consideration for Lin Yue’s opinion, using a commanding tone. However, his tone did soften somewhat as he continued. Thwarting the men in black was a plan he had already prepared, now only needing minor adjustments to ensure Master Xue’s safety—a task not too burdensome for him, not warranting Lin Yue’s interference complicating matters.

In fact, Huangfu Yi’s insistence was for Lin Yue’s own good; otherwise, he could simply ignore her. Keeping her there was out of concern that the men in black might harm her, since Lin Yue was quite a likeable person in his eyes; it would be a shame if she were harmed. Even if Lin Yue did meddle, it would at most cause some inconvenience. Huangfu Yi was a very confident man in certain respects, believing that Lin Yue couldn’t possibly affect his plans.

"Why should I? Don’t go too far!" Lin Yue, her face flushed with anger, didn’t care that she was standing in the middle of a bandit’s lair, speaking to a bandit leader. She pointed at Huangfu Yi as she questioned him.