A Good Country Wife-Chapter 676 - 669_1

"Master Ceng, there is no need to be so agitated; can we not discuss matters calmly? Lady Lin might just be a commoner without any title, but her husband is serving the Emperor and has established no small amount of merit. That is why the Emperor has specially sent this old servant to bestow a reward upon Lady Lin. Should anyone dare to bully his family while Zhao is away on the Emperor’s business, the Emperor will certainly not let it pass," Eunuch Li said, his tone becoming heavier toward the end. He hoped that Ceng Lu would understand the hint; otherwise, he would have no choice but to openly side with Lady Lin. Offending someone as insignificant as Ceng Lu was better than losing the Emperor’s favor.

As expected, Ceng Lu was someone who lacked insight. Because he didn’t take Eunuch Li seriously, feeling he was just a eunuch, he was furious that Li was interfering with his affairs. His hesitation was only due to the Emperor. His face turned extremely ugly, showing no sign of compromise.

Quan An was not as short-sighted as the steward who only knew his own interests and instigated Ceng Lu. He knew that if Ceng Lu antagonized Eunuch Li, there would be no good outcome. Not to mention Eunuch Li’s established position within the Palace, but the fact that Li was representing the Emperor this time held different weight. Challenging Lin Yue in front of Eunuch Li might have consequences even more severe than what Li had hinted.

"Master, what Eunuch Li says makes sense. Although Lady Lin was disrespectful, offending you, let’s look at the bigger picture. Considering her husband serves the Emperor, it might be best to let this matter slide. After all, she is just an uninformed woman, not worth the trouble," Eunuch Li said, knowing it might offend Lin Yue but also understanding Ceng Lu’s temper. If he didn’t phrase it this way, Ceng Lu might do something rash.

"Well then, since Quan An has spoken, I won’t bother myself with a petty woman," Ceng Lu eventually conceded. The advice from Quan An resonated somewhat with him, and he dared not provoke the Emperor’s ire. His family had already warned him, and he knew he would be expelled from the family should he cause any trouble. He also thought that there would be other opportunities to act against Lin Yue later; there was no need to confront Eunuch Li head-on now.

Having reconsidered, Ceng Lu promptly left with his entourage. Quan An wanted to say more, but, sensing his intention, the steward warned him sternly, "Quan An, the Master values you, so you should think of his interests as well. If you encourage the Master to stir up trouble for your own benefit, be mindful of the consequences. Don’t think you can escape if something happens to the Master. He is not of common birth, and if the household learns about it, they certainly won’t spare you either. Your status and position, let alone your official rank, will be the least of your worries."

This warning from the steward was not merely a threat; it carried a measure of truth. If Quan An dared to do anything that would drag down the Master, the household would never let it go lightly.

With such a severe warning from the steward, Quan An understood and reluctantly settled down, reasoning that as long as Master Ceng had the intent, the Zhao Family would be targeted sooner or later. There was plenty of time in the future.

After Ceng Lu and his men left, Lin Yue still looked rather uneasy. Although the official had left temporarily, his demeanor clearly showed his malicious intentions weren’t gone. She would have to remain vigilant going forward. This incident had spoiled Lin Yue’s originally good mood due to Zhao Erhu’s successful sea voyage. With Zhao’s return approaching, she wondered if there had been any changes during his lengthy journey, whether he had gotten tanned or lost weight.

A few days passed, and, though reluctant to leave the exquisite cuisine behind, Eunuch Li had to say goodbye and start his journey back to the Capital, carrying with him many local specialties and foods gifted by Lin Yue.

"Delightful days always pass so quickly; in the blink of an eye, it’s time to return to the Capital. These past few days at the Zhao household have been quite enjoyable. Everything was arranged meticulously by Lady Lin, for which I’m profoundly grateful. As for Ceng Lu, worry not, Lady Lin. Upon my return to the Imperial Palace, I shall report everything to the Emperor in detail. His Majesty is wise and values Lord Zhao highly. He will surely not let Lady Lin suffer indignities in vain. However, with Ceng Lu being so devious and unscrupulous, you must take great care before I can report to the Emperor, so that he does not exploit any opportunities."

Eunuch Li’s words were straightforward, not just a mere reminder, but also showed concern, influenced by the hospitality of Lin Yue over the recent days, and perhaps even more so by the food.

"Thank you for your concern, Eunuch Li. I will be cautious and ensure that he does not exploit any loopholes. Have a safe journey back, and should you find the time, you are always welcome at Zhao’s village for a longer stay. Then you can sample more of the delicacies you haven’t yet had the chance to try," replied Lin Yue with a nod, a smile on her face as she accepted Li’s goodwill. It had been several days, and she could stall no longer. There were still many dishes Eunuch Li had not tasted, which he regretted deeply, always lamenting his reluctance to leave behind the delicious food, wishing he could bring Wang Dachuan back to the Capital with him.

Eunuch Li actually entertained such thoughts. After all, Wang Dachuan’s culinary skills could rival those of an Imperial Chef, let alone his dedication to culinary innovation. The Emperor himself would undoubtedly praise the food made by Wang. However, considering that Wang was a member of the Zhao Family and out of respect for the hospitality Lin Yue had extended these past days, Eunuch Li refrained from taking Wang away, setting aside his desires for the future visits. Staying in Zhao’s village had been peaceful and serenity he hadn’t known in most of his life, not to mention the food prepared by Wang. In Eunuch Li’s eyes, the days spent there were beyond even what immortals could enjoy.

"Of course, of course, I will certainly come again when the opportunity arises. Then, Lady Lin, Wang Dachuan must prepare some more exquisite dishes for me to thoroughly enjoy," Eunuch Li replied, aware that such chances were few, but still making a heartfelt promise. In this way, the bond between Eunuch Li and the Zhao Family deepened even further, with both he and Lin Yue happy to see this development.

Zhao Erhu’s journey had been smooth. According to the date he gave to Huangfu Jing, he arrived at the docks on schedule. Anxious for his arrival, Huangfu Jing already had an idea of the situation from the letters but was eager to see Zhao and hear the details from him directly. Zhao delegated the unloading at the dock to his subordinates and rushed to the Capital to report to the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, I have fulfilled your command without disgrace, and I am fortunate to have completed the task entrusted by you. Here is the detailed account of the sea voyage; please review it," Zhao Erhu said.