A Good Country Wife-Chapter 709 - 700 The Great Ending _3

"Zhao Family, spare the nonsense. You’re nothing but a commoner, yet you dare to be so impolite when facing an official like me. Don’t you realize your status? You’re just someone who has done a few minor tasks for the Emperor and now you think too highly of yourself. As if the Emperor would care for a bumpkin like you. If you know what’s good for you, clear off at once and don’t obstruct my duty!"

Zhao Erhu disdained to argue with Ceng Lu’s men and simply pulled out something from his chest, unfolding it to reveal the gleaming golden token that the Emperor had bestowed upon him. As soon as the token appeared, Ceng Lu’s legs went weak and he knelt down.

With Zhao Erhu’s display, even someone as brazen as Ceng Lu wouldn’t dare to trouble the Zhao Family further; he beat a hasty retreat with his men. Zhao Erhu did not stop them. After all, Ceng Lu was still a Court-appointed official and the parental authority in Xin’an City, not someone within his remit to handle. Moreover, now that the Emperor’s financial support had come through, his endeavours at the Court had greatly accelerated. It likely wouldn’t be long before the Ceng Family became insignificant, a discarded pawn. Knowing their prior actions, one could surmise their fate, all without Zhao Erhu having to lift a finger against them.

It wasn’t until Ceng Lu had left that Zhao Erhu embraced his petite wife tightly in his arms. "Wife, I’m sorry I came back late and made you suffer!" His heart was filled with immeasurable guilt, worry, and apology—and in this moment, all were conveyed in a silent embrace.

As the reunited couple spoke for a while, Lin Yue remembered Huangfu Yi, who was still waiting. Now that Zhao Erhu had returned, it was natural to introduce the two.

Upon seeing Huangfu Yi, Zhao Erhu was momentarily taken aback. After all, as twins, Huangfu Yi and Huangfu Jing looked incredibly alike. Anyone would have a reaction to seeing two such similar individuals, especially when one was the Emperor; Zhao Erhu’s composure was commendable.

Zhao Erhu was initially surprised to see Huangfu Yi, but he quickly regained his composure, a flash of understanding crossing his face. Unlike Lin Yue, Zhao Erhu, who was now working for the Emperor, was very well-informed about the Court’s affairs, including the rumor of the Emperor having a brother outside the Court. With the Emperor’s ascendance to the throne, the absence of threats and concerns meant no further need to conceal this matter. Zhao Erhu had heard the rumors and swiftly guessed Huangfu Yi’s identity.

However, learning that Huangfu Yi was the leader of Longhu Mountain, Zhao Erhu was still astounded. The thought of the Emperor’s own brother becoming a bandit chief was truly bewildering.

The things Zhao Erhu knew, he naturally didn’t keep from Lin Yue. Lin Yue was first surprised, then felt relieved. Royal intrigue was nothing but the result of power plays, and for her, this was good news. Now that Huangfu Yi’s identity was confirmed and it was clear he wasn’t opposing the Emperor, she no longer had to worry about their family’s alliance with Longhu Mountain being exposed and facing retribution from the Court. After all, the so-called backer Huangfu Yi had mentioned was none other than the current Emperor – what was there to fear?

"With this, I’m relieved. I was concerned that our association with Longhu Mountain might inadvertently bring disaster upon our family. Now it seems that the person behind Longhu Mountain is clearly the Emperor himself, and there’s nothing to worry about."

Seeing his wife’s relaxed expression, Zhao Erhu was torn between heartache and guilt. "Wife, I’m sorry. It’s my fault for not being a better man, causing you to worry and fret over the family’s affairs. Rest assured, things will get better soon. After I set sail for the Emperor this one last time and promote those who we’ve nurtured, I’ll be able to stay at home with you."

Lin Yue didn’t quite catch the gist of Zhao Erhu’s words at first; it was only after a moment that she realized what he meant, her face breaking into a delighted smile. "Does that mean that after this time, you won’t go to sea anymore and you’ll stay here with me and the children?"

Lin Yue had some doubts whether Zhao Erhu truly meant that. After all, this man took great pride in himself and held her in high regard, which fueled his desire to possess sufficient power and influence to protect his family. That’s why, even though Zhao Erhu’s voyages were dangerous, Lin Yue only worried silently, never holding him back – a man has his ambitions.

Even so, deep down Lin Yue wished that Zhao Erhu could be like any ordinary husband and stay by her side. What mattered more than power or wealth was the safety and happiness of her loved ones. Moreover, their family’s wealth was already more than sufficient. Having witnessed the rise and fall of Aristocratic Families and clans within the Court, what more was there to understand?