A Good Country Wife
Chapter 327 - 321 If You Don’t Acknowledge_1

Chapter 327: Chapter 321 If You Don’t Acknowledge_1

When Zhao Erhu saw Lin Qing, his expression turned somewhat sour. This brother-in-law of his was not very fond of him and, most likely, was here to cause trouble, especially today, with Jiang Ziqi present. Wasn’t this just adding chaos! However, it was only when he saw the person following Lin Qing that Zhao Erhu’s face truly turned ashen, his demeanor screaming the desire to pummel someone. That scoundrel dared to show up at his door, coveting his wife; all the scholar’s learning had gone to the dogs. Yueyue was already his bride; Jiang Wenshu was trying to steal another man’s wife.

Lin Qing, seeing Jiang Wenshu behave this way, felt helpless. His good friend hadn’t always been like this. Although he grew up with his sister, their relationship was one of pure affection within the bounds of propriety. Sometimes, even Lin Qing couldn’t fathom what his friend truly felt. Did he honestly like his sister? It was seeing how much Xiaoyue liked Jiang Wenshu that he always brought them together, trying to fulfill his sister’s wishes. In truth, Jiang Wenshu had never shown any intention of marrying Xiaoyue. Only after Xiaoyue was sold by their parents did Jiang Wenshu seem anxious. Eventually, it was he who insisted he would marry no one but Xiaoyue.

Lin Qing’s visit this time was, to a greater extent, instigated by Jiang Wenshu. Lin Qing hadn’t yet gathered enough silver to buy back his sister. Jiang Wenshu took out fifteen taels of silver right away, declaring his intent to redeem Lin Yue together and take her back home.

Lin Qing felt somewhat reluctant, firstly because of his sister’s attitude toward Zhao Erhu during their last meeting, which appeared genuine and content. Secondly, he had planned to gather the silver himself to redeem his sister, not relying on Jiang Wenshu. However, given their many years of friendship and Jiang Wenshu’s adamant stance, Lin Qing came to see his sister’s choice. If Yueyue truly did not wish to return, it could convince Jiang Wenshu to give up hope.

Lin Yue, seeing the scholar, pulled at Zhao Erhu’s sleeve and whispered in his ear, "Zhao Erhu, that scholar who followed me last time, that’s the one— who is this person?" Actually, Lin Yue had already guessed who it was, but she couldn’t tell Zhao Erhu; otherwise, this insecure old man would overthink again. It had taken so much effort to finally start earning her husband’s increasing trust. She couldn’t let it all be for naught.

Hearing Lin Yue’s words, Zhao Erhu’s expression grew even uglier. He had suspected as much last time; who else would skulk around following his wife? Seeing Little Yueyue’s manner, which showed no recognition of Jiang Wenshu and even a wariness from being tailed the last time, Zhao Erhu felt a wave of relief. He wasn’t afraid of anything else, as long as his young bride harbored no other desires; she was the only one he couldn’t handle. Even if he managed to keep Yueyue with him, if she spent her days sullen and cantankerous, it would be too suffocating for him.

Jiang Ziqi, seeing them glaring at each other in silence, spoke up, "Zhao Erhu, who are these two, enemies or friends? If they are friends, invite them in; if they are enemies, kick them out. What is the meaning of just standing there? It’s hardly the way to treat guests."

While Ziqi’s words were harsh, he was actually siding with Zhao Erhu. Guessing that the scholar was likely Little Yueyue’s brother, Ziqi was not impressed either. In his view, Lin Yue was practically sold to Zhao Erhu by her parents; what kind of family would sell their daughter to the likes of Zhao Erhu, completely disregarding her well-being? Such relatives can hardly be called family.

Considering Lin Yue’s feelings, Zhao Erhu managed to restrain his emotions, ignoring Jiang Wenshu and addressing Lin Qing, "Brother-in-law, is there some matter you have come for? Please, come inside and take a seat first."

Lin Qing nodded and strode inside, with Jiang Wenshu following. Zhao Erhu stepped in front of Jiang Wenshu, "And who might this be? I don’t recognize this man. Brother-in-law, it seems improper to bring an outsider into our home, especially someone who harbors ill intentions toward my wife, ogling her like a seductive man."

"I don’t care to step inside, you brute! We’re here to take Yueyue back. Here are fifteen taels of silver, the amount you gave to her parents when you took Yueyue away. Take it, and from now on, Yueyue will have nothing more to do with your family," Jiang Wenshu spat out, his loathing for the man who took Lin Yue evident as he hurled the pouch of coins at Zhao Erhu, and tried to pull Lin Yue towards him.

Even Lin Qing thought Jiang Wenshu’s actions were inappropriate. It was broad daylight, and his sister hadn’t even agreed yet—such pulling and tugging was unseemly. So he stepped in front of Lin Yue, "Wenshu, let’s talk this out. What are you doing?"

Zhao Erhu was infuriated by Jiang Wenshu’s actions, and had Lin Qing not blocked his path to Lin Yue, Zhao Erhu would have already sent Jiang Wenshu crawling on the ground, looking for his teeth. Disdaining even to look at the pouch of silver on the ground, he turned to Lin Qing,

"Brother-in-law, let’s put other matters aside. What exactly is the purpose of your visit today? My respect for you is not out of fear but because I think you care about my wife. I’ve yielded to you out of respect but do you take my forbearance for weakness?"

"I..." Lin Qing was at a loss for words. If he had come alone to retrieve his sister, that would have been one thing—but now there was also Jiang Wenshu. Unsure how to answer Zhao Erhu, Lin Qing turned to Xiaoyue, realizing the main issue lay with his sister herself, "Little Yue, brother just wants to know your true feelings. Do you genuinely wish to spend your life with Zhao Erhu, or do you want to leave with Wenshu? Whatever you choose, brother will support you."

Lin Yue felt somewhat speechless at her brother’s actions. His intentions might have been good, but the ensuing actions were questionable, even bringing Jiang Wenshu along. If she were Zhao Erhu, she too would have the urge to lash out, "Brother, I made myself very clear last time. Zhao Erhu is my husband, and he will be for the rest of my life. I will not leave with anyone else. From now on, Zhao Erhu will be your brother-in-law. If you accept that, you are still my brother. If not, consider that you don’t have a sister like me."

Though it pained Lin Yue to be so harsh to Lin Qing, his thinking had become somewhat deranged, and she needed to set him straight. Continuing in an unclear relationship with Jiang Wenshu would lead nowhere, and it was Zhao Erhu who had restrained himself out of consideration for her feelings. It was all the more reason for her to think of Zhao Erhu’s perspective and make things clear in front of everyone. Besides, she had no connection to Jiang Wenshu. The original owner of her body had poor taste; such a pedantic scholar was unappealing in every aspect, presumptuous and thinking too highly of himself. She pondered where his virtues lay.

Hearing his little sister refuse to acknowledge him, Lin Qing weighed the gravity of the situation. Although he really didn’t like Zhao Erhu, finding him a bit too unrefined, "Xiaoyue, I... It’s not that I don’t acknowledge you. If you’re truly decided, I’ll listen to you. Brother apologizes for his past wrongs; he only wants you to have a better future."