A Good Country Wife-Chapter 670 - 663: Part 1

If Lin Yue had been somewhat confused just now, hearing what the eunuch sent from the palace had to say brought a delighted smile to her face, and she understood the reason for the Emperor’s reward. "Is that so? That’s wonderful. My husband has been away from home for so long, and to such distant overseas lands, I’ve been very worried. Now that I have news of him, I can finally feel at ease."

"The Emperor considers these matters as well, so he had me bring the news to Mistress Lin to reassure you. Master Zhao is well, and it is said that his overseas mission went smoothly, and he served the Emperor very effectively. The Emperor will surely rely on Master Zhao even more in the future. Master Zhao’s rapid rise is just around the corner, and this servant hopes to share in Master Zhao’s joy in the future."

"Eunuch, you flatter me too much. I am honored by your high regard. Should my lord truly accomplish what you’ve described, he will not forget you. You’ve come a long way, eunuch, and must be tired. I’ve had the servants prepare a feast and a room for you, eunuch, if you don’t mind..."

Before Lin Yue could finish her sentence, she was interrupted by the senior eunuch from the Imperial Palace. "Mind? Not at all, everything from the Zhao Family is of exceptional quality. I’ve heard the food is even tastier than what the Imperial Chef makes. I’ve only been able to drool over such descriptions in the past, unable to partake. But now that I have the opportunity, I must indulge in the Zhao family’s wonderful hospitality, which justified my journey here. Many colleagues in the palace were vying for this assignment, but in the end, I was the lucky one to snag it."

Upon hearing the senior eunuch speak thus, Lin Yue was even more certain of Eunuch Li’s status within the palace. It was not easy to secure such assignments without influence and connections. Currently, their power was limited, so naturally, they had to make every effort to ingratiate themselves with such individuals, to increase their support and intelligence within the palace, to ensure they weren’t left in the dark about palace movements. Moreover, Eunuch Li’s words clearly expressed his intention to be friendly. She’d be a fool to refuse.

"Eunuch Li’s words are making me blush with modesty. My home here is but a humble countryside place. Normally, I don’t have the opportunity to entertain such esteemed guests. Now that Eunuch Li is here, I can at least offer good food and drink. If Eunuch Li isn’t in a hurry to return to the Capital City, why not stay a day or two and relax, to enjoy the rural tranquility. Though it’s not as prosperous and bustling as the Capital City, it is peaceful and serene, offering a different kind of charm."

This was genuinely how Lin Yue felt. She had lived in the capital for a time, but still found the rural peace more comfortable and pleasant. However, she made the offer because she sensed that Eunuch Li was inclined toward it.

"To tell the truth, I specifically requested a few days off for this trip, since I’ve already completed the assignment and it won’t affect my work. Mistress Lin is so hospitable, I couldn’t ask for more. So I’ll take you up on your offer. I’ve spent most of my life in the Imperial Palace, and I could certainly use a few days of relaxation at your home." Eunuch Li said bluntly. Lin Yue admired the senior eunuch’s straightforward and unpretentious nature. It was much better than those who require others to guess their wishes, who keep their desires hidden. But Lin Yue also knew that Eunuch Li might only act this way around her; after all, someone who survived in the Imperial Palace couldn’t be overly simple.

"Since you are so forthright, eunuch, I will make the arrangements. I wasn’t sure of your preferences, so everything has been prepared according to my own discretion. If anything is amiss, please direct me, and I will have it fixed right away."

"No trouble at all. Guests should follow their host’s arrangements. I’m not too particular about these domestic details, as long as it’s comfortable. However, I do enjoy a good meal, so if Mistress Lin could provide some delicacies, that would be all I need." Eunuch Li said with a smile. Having completed his assignment and delivered the rewards and the Emperor’s message, he allowed Lin Yue to lead him to the guest room in the outer courtyard while the other attendants were duly taken care of by Lin Yue’s servants.

Eunuch Li wasn’t particularly concerned about these small details in life; comfort and cleanliness were all he required. Lin Yue’s courtyard was designed by herself to be especially comfortable, and the room Eunuch Li was to stay in even had a touch of Western European style. It was prepared for hosting distinguished guests and was adorned with exquisite and beautiful furnishings. Even Jiang Ziqi, who was notoriously picky, had praised the arrangements of the guest courtyards, so Eunuch Li was certainly going to be satisfied.

Upon entering, Eunuch Li felt that the room was more comfortable than staying in the Imperial Palace. It wasn’t overly extravagant, and even lacked the usual gold and silver vessels, yet it was filled with the host’s meticulous care and consideration.

"This room was specially prepared for you, eunuch. I hope it meets your satisfaction. If there’s anything else you need, I will arrange it promptly." Seeing Eunuch Li’s satisfied expression, Lin Yue still thought it proper to ask.

"I’m very satisfied. This is even more comfortable than where I stay in the Imperial Palace. What could I possibly be dissatisfied with, Mistress Lin? You are being too modest. That’ll be all, then. I’ll settle in here. Mistress Lin must have things to attend to as well, so there’s no need to fuss over me. Just treat me as an ordinary guest, and ensure the meals are well-prepared. If Mistress Lin is too attentive, it would make me feel uneasy."

Lin Yue indeed wanted to forge a good relationship with Eunuch Li, and he knew that Zhao Erhu and his wife were favored by the Emperor. The special treatment they received from the Emperor made it clear that they might have a bright future. Perhaps he could even put in a good word for Eunuch Li to the Emperor, should the opportunity arise. Even if he was wrong, having a good relationship was beneficial. With his intentions in mind, Eunuch Li couldn’t be too casual with Lin Yue, who was not one of his subordinates. Even though the Zhao Family were technically commoners, they likely held a more esteemed place in the Emperor’s esteem than he did as a castrated man. freeweɓnovel.cѳm

"Then make yourself at home, eunuch. I will leave you now. I’ve also arranged for two maids and a young servant to attend to you. They are quite adept in their duties, so feel free to instruct them as you need." Lin Yue had no intention of being overly ingratiating and lowering her status. She made a gesture and, seeing that Eunuch Li spoke so candidly, knew that he was a wise man with a keen understanding.

After leaving Eunuch Li, Lin Yue went to the kitchen herself and made sure that the food for Eunuch Li’s quarters was personally cooked by Wang Dachuan and delivered.

The meals for the servants at home were made in the large kitchen, but since the number of servants had increased, the kitchen rules had changed. Since then, Wang Dachuan was responsible solely for the food in Lin Yue’s quarters. Eunuch Li had a particular fondness for good food, and Lin Yue was happy to oblige.