A Good Country Wife-Chapter 647 - 640_1

"Madam Lin Yue is here; please come in and have a seat. I’ve heard about the Haishi situation from Doctor Zheng and have already dispatched my connections in Xin’an City to gather information. We’ve uncovered some leads and are intensively investigating, in hopes of finding more information or rescuing those who have been kidnapped. I presume that’s the reason for your visit, Madam Lin Yue." Shopkeeper Liu was very attentive, inviting Lin Yue into a private room with pleasing words. In his eyes, the Family Head’s attitude toward Madam Lin Yue was definitely not ordinary—not in a vile sense, but for whatever reason, be it business or otherwise, he had seen the kindness the Family Head had shown toward her. To him, the Family Head was too lofty to curry favor with directly, so he decided to bridge the gap by ingratiating himself to Madam Lin Yue.

Upon hearing Shopkeeper Liu speak this way, Lin Yue felt somewhat relieved; at the very least, his attitude shed light on many things. "You’re right, Shopkeeper Liu. I indeed came regarding this matter, I just didn’t expect that Doctor Zheng had already informed you."

Lin Yue wasn’t upset that Doctor Zheng had freely discussed her family’s situation—it actually showed that there was no intent to keep it a secret from the Jiang Family. After all, Doctor Zheng was the main physician at Jimin Hall and, regardless of his private rapport with them, his allegiance lay with the Jiang Family. It was only natural to inform them in the event of such an incident, possibly even out of a sense of urgency on Doctor Zheng’s part to seek their help.

Perceiving some dissatisfaction from Lin Yue, Shopkeeper Liu hastened to add, "Please don’t take offense, Madam Lin Yue. Doctor Zheng only shared the information with me out of concern and had no intention of leaking your family’s private matters. After all, those assailants in black were too ferocious, and Brother Erhu has traveled afar, fearing that you alone might not be able to handle them."

"I’m aware. Doctor Zheng certainly meant well. It’s just that when he arrived, Haishi was still unconscious, and there are some details he was not aware of. I’m afraid I’ll have to describe the situation once again."

Shopkeeper Liu, too, was not fully aware of the situation, only speculating broadly, "Please go ahead, Madam Lin Yue; I am all ears."

Lin Yue nodded, repeating what Haishi had described at the time and also conveying her own thoughts and suspicions, "I initially did not want to trouble Shopkeeper Liu, but it’s clear now the matter involves the Capital City, which is beyond my capacity. I’m left with no choice but to seek your assistance, in hopes of uncovering the origins of those clad in black and their intentions. This would allow us to be better prepared and to devise a strategy to rescue the captives."

On hearing this, Shopkeeper Liu’s expression turned even more grave. He was well aware of the kind of person Madam Lin Yue was—far from alarmist and quite clever and thoughtful. Since she had spoken, his guess was that this assumption was almost certainly correct, and the situation was more serious than he had imagined.

"To be frank with you, Madam Lin Yue, I had originally thought them to be simply more vicious bandits targeting the Zhao Family’s business. Now, it seems the issue is far from as simple as I had thought. If so, the challenge is even greater than anticipated. Fortunately, according to the information we’ve gathered, those figures haven’t immediately fled Xin’an City. Perhaps they still have unfinished business, or they haven’t had the chance to leave. For us, their decision to lurk within the more familiar grounds of Xin’an City provides a significant advantage. I will further intensify the search to see if we can rescue the captives before they leave the city, as our chances diminish greatly once they do."

Upon learning that the black-clad figures were still in Xin’an City, a look of relief crossed Lin Yue’s face. Having them within the city indeed worked to their advantage, "I appreciate your efforts, Shopkeeper Liu. I’ve heard that those men are quite skilled, likely specially trained. Ordinary people might not be a match for them. If Doctor Zheng does not have enough men, I also have some manpower at home. I’ll immediately arrange their transfer and have them follow your commands."

"Even if you have manpower available, Madam Lin Yue, you should still retain some at home to serve as Protectors. The intentions of those in black remain unclear, and I fear they may strike again. If all of your people are assigned to assist me, who will ensure your safety? The Family Head made a point before returning to the Capital City that your safety is of utmost importance and all else can temporarily be set aside."

Lin Yue was unexpectedly faced with such a directive from Jiang Ziqi that she wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She was well aware of the affection Jiang Ziqi held for her, though she always pretended ignorance, steering clear of the subject. After all, she was a married woman, and reciprocating those feelings would be a betrayal to Zhao Erhu. Moreover, even if she were unwed, someone of Jiang Ziqi’s status was beyond her reach, and his family would not approve. Besides, Jiang Ziqi already had several concubines, and she could neither share a husband nor become a concubine herself. Presumably, Jiang Ziqi understood this, which is why his affections had never progressed beyond certain levels, offering her slightly more kindness instead. But now, things had escalated beyond what a mere friendship could endure.

Shopkeeper Liu was not only ambitious but also capable and prudent. Noticing Lin Yue’s silence, he spoke again, "If Madam Lin Yue is concerned, why not select some of your more skilled individuals for me to command for the time being? Given that we will be confronting those in black, it won’t do if their skills are subpar. A small but elite force is more valuable than a large one. This will aid me, while also not affecting your household’s defenses."

Lin Yue was not ungrateful, especially since Shopkeeper Liu’s suggestions were logical. She had no reason to decline, "Your consideration, Shopkeeper Liu, is most appropriate. Let’s proceed that way. My resources are not as vast as yours, so if there is any new information or changes, I would appreciate it if you sent someone to inform me. Or if there’s anything I can provide, just say the word. After all, you are assisting our family, and I wouldn’t have imposed this trouble on you if I had been capable."

"Where do such thoughts come from, Madam Lin Yue? Putting aside our families’ private relationship, we collaborate closely in business. If those in black have targeted the Zhao Family, who’s to say they aren’t also eyeing the Jiang Family? It’s only right and reasonable that we offer our help. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to resolve this matter."

After discussing with Shopkeeper Liu, Lin Yue returned from the city and promptly allocated personnel to him. Yet, upon further reflection, she still felt uneasy. Those black-clad figures were highly skilled and of unknown origins, and it was uncertain whether Shopkeeper Liu could handle them. If there were any mishaps and the captives weren’t rescued...