A Good Country Wife-Chapter 606 - 600_1

The reputation of Madam Lin of the Zhao Family Village had been heard by others in vague snippets, and at the time everyone was skeptical, unsure if Madam Lin was really as kind as others had claimed. Even if Madam Lin’s family was wealthy, how could they possibly have so much grain to spare for relief efforts? That’s why no one had gone to Zhao Family Village before. Now, with no other options available, the idea began to appeal to people, and wave after wave of refugees made their way towards Zhao Family Village.

"Even if someone is kind-hearted, they can’t look after everyone, especially these days when there’s hardly any surplus food to give to us. And with so many of us, how could a typical wealthy family have that kind of capability, not to mention that the Zhao Family has only risen to wealth in the past two years? They cannot compare to the long-established landlords," somebody pointed out skeptically.

"Let’s just go and see, anyway, it’s still a hope. If it doesn’t work out, we can think of something else. Besides, there are a few landlords nearby. If all else fails, we might have to resort to force. With so many of us, the landlords doesn’t have the government’s soldiers to suppress us, and their servants are limited in number. We can’t just sit here and starve to death," another argued urgently.

"Right, this young man is correct, we cannot just sit here and wait for death. Those landlords have been ruthless while growing rich, and they have oppressed us without mercy. It’s time for them to bleed a little for us. Let’s head for Zhao Family Village!" someone else chimed in with determination.

"However, while I said this much, there is something else I hope everyone will listen to," the young man who had come up with the idea stepped forward again.

"If the young man has something to say, just speak, we are all ears!" said the crowd, eagerly awaiting his counsel.

"What I mean to say is that we are going to seek shelter with Madam Lin out of sheer desperation. Madam Lin is kind-hearted—that’s why her good deeds have reached our ears. But even kindness has its limits; her own family needs to survive, and with so many servants, they can’t possibly give away everything they have to help us. That’s human nature, and we must understand it!

So even if we get there and Madam Lin refuses, we shouldn’t force the issue. Let’s discuss it properly and see if there’s a solution. If it turns out that Madam Lin has really done her best, we cannot be too demanding and take advantage of her. I’ve heard that Madam Lin’s husband is highly esteemed by the Emperor, and although he’s away now, he will come back eventually. If we go too far, Madam Lin’s husband will be sure to seek retribution upon his return. Besides, Madam Lin’s servants are not useless—they know their way around a fight. We may not get the better of them, so let’s avoid any rash actions. If it truly comes to that, I will communicate with Madam Lin myself. What do you all think?"

The young man was from Xin’an City and had indirectly received Lin Yue’s kindness. Despite his desperate situation, which forced him to head to Zhao Family Village, he didn’t want to harm his benefactor, thus he spoke out of good conscience.

"The young man speaks the truth. Madam Lin’s family has been accumulating merits and virtues. We cannot harm good people. Once we reach Zhao Family Village, we will do as the young man suggested. Even if we have to resort to robbing, there are other landlords and wealthy families nearby. It’s better to rob them than to do something we cannot live with," agreed someone from the crowd.

"Yes, that’s right, we’ll listen to the young man." Most of the people were inherently good-natured and would rather find a permissible way to survive than commit unconscionable acts. The majority concurred, while a minority stayed silent in the crowd, waiting to see how they could benefit when the time came.

In Zhao Family Village, because Lin Yue had handled the situation well, the refugees had already been settled. The more restless among them, seeing no opportunity to cause trouble, reluctantly left, and the village returned to its usual state. Little did they know that suddenly even more refugees would arrive, unclear about what had caused this new influx. It was only after inquiring that they understood the Magistrate’s actions. Although they were angry and concerned about the large number of new refugees and uncertain how to accommodate them, the situation was far more serious than before and could potentially spell disaster for the village.

"Madam, are you really planning to take care of these refugees? We’ve already sheltered enough people; how can we take care of so many more? Perhaps it’s best to let them leave," Madam Xu suggested, worried that Lin Yue might be too kind-hearted.

"It’s not that simple. They’re coming to us with the intention of seeking support, acting politely because they hope we’ll help them find a way out. If they don’t get what they want, I fear they’ll have ill intentions. Our family might not be able to handle so many refugees. If they break in and we can’t stop them, it might not just be a loss of property; I’m afraid for our own people," she responded worriedly.

"Then what should we do? It should be the government’s responsibility, but now you, Madam, have to deal with it. This Ceng Lu, the new Magistrate of Xin’an City, is just so incompetent!" lamented Madam Xu.

"He’s more than just incompetent. Do you remember the state of Xin’an City when Minister Chen was in charge? And what has it become since Ceng Lu took over? If the Court had many more officials like him, the common people would have no way out. Just watch; there will be even greater chaos," Lin Yue predicted with concern.

"But those are concerns for later, Madam. Right now, with refugees flooding towards our Zhao Family Village, how should we deal with it? Those people don’t seem easy to deal with, and if Madam fails to meet their demands and they force their way in, the safety of the servants is the least of our worries. It would be a disaster if you or the young masters were harmed, especially since we would then have to explain to the master upon his return," Madam Xu expressed, emphasizing the family’s vulnerability.

"Worrisome as it may be, there’s no other choice. Let’s go consult with the village chief and see if he has any good strategies," Lin Yue suggested, hoping for a solution.

"That seems to be the only option. But with so many refugees in the village now, Madam, you should take extra people with you for protection when you go out, lest you get hurt by those with bad intentions," Madam Xu advised with concern.

"I understand. With Liu Erniu and Musheng handling the situation outside, we’ll rely on you, Madam Xu, to look after things at home. With such an upheaval, the servants are likely quite alarmed, and we’ll need you to maintain order and provide reassurance. We can’t afford for the house to fall into chaos before outside troubles even reach us; that would indeed be a headache," Lin Yue replied, entrusting Madam Xu with the household.

"Rest assured, Madam, I will take care of everything at home. Besides, the servants all remember the kindness they’ve received from you, Madam, and are willing to stand by you through thick and thin. You don’t have to worry about home," Madam Xu reassured confidently.

"That’s good to hear, and there’s one more thing..." Lin Yue suddenly remembered her great uncle’s family. With Zhao Xinglin and Zhao Erhu away at sea, their house was left with only the elderly and children—defenseless against the refugees if they broke in. She called for Liu Aniu and instructed Liu Erniu to bring the great uncle’s family over to their own. Whether it was out of kinship or for Zhao Xinglin’s sake, she had to ensure her great uncle’s family’s safety.