A Good Country Wife-Chapter 648 - 641_1

You can’t put all your eggs in one basket; the principle is always the same. It’s not that I fear Manager Liu won’t give it his all, but rather that those in black might be too tough to handle. So, even as I entrust this task to Manager Liu, I must have an additional plan and be prepared for both scenarios. If Manager Liu’s efforts don’t succeed, we need a fallback to confront those men in black and rescue Master Xue and the others.

Lin Yue pondered and then wrote a letter. She called in Liu Aniu and instructed him in a low voice, "Manager Liu, you must get there on time, and hand over the letter to him personally. After he has read it, make sure the letter is destroyed. I have no choice but to turn to them now, to make deals with them, but we can never share the same path. They oppose the government, and we can work with them but cannot leave any leverage in their hands. Even if they keep their word and don’t betray us, such a letter, if it falls into the wrong hands, would spell disaster for our family. Some things can be done, but should not leave any traces."

If it were any other matter, Lin Yue wouldn’t be so cautious. However, the black-clad assailants this time are from Capital City, and could have the backing of a powerful aristocratic family. These people do all sorts of evil behind the scenes, yet they like to present a facade of integrity and leverage the government for their own ends. If they ever got a hold of anything incriminating, it could bring about a catastrophic end for our family with the imposition of some trumped-up charge.

"Madam, rest assured, your servant understands and will carry out your orders faithfully," Liu Aniu replied gravely, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. An issue of such importance would not be addressed by Madam Lin with such seriousness were it a minor matter.

Lin Yue then took out two silver notes worth a thousand taels each. "This is two thousand taels. Give the silver note to him, and if they really need to take action, consider it a deposit. Once the matter is resolved, a hefty reward will follow. If their help isn’t required, treat it as money for the brothers to buy drinks with. We hope for their continued support on the road ahead, ensuring a smooth journey for us."

"Madam, this is two thousand taels. Is such a large sum necessary? We may not even need their help," Liu Aniu, now entrusted with greater responsibilities by Lin Yue and Zhao Erhu and having become more assertive, asked somewhat puzzled upon seeing Lin Yue offer such a substantial amount of silver.

"I can afford to lose two thousand taels. This is no ordinary trade. The background of these men in black is undetermined. If they take action, not only will it involve us, but they too will face significant risks. Two thousand taels is a trifle. Of course, it would be ideal if Manager Liu could resolve the issue smoothly on his end. Then this money can be seen as buying goodwill. Our business towards Capital City is burgeoning, and we depend on them to prevent mishaps on the road. Even common bandits dare not target our merchant caravans. Two thousand taels to secure the loyalty of brothers is worth it. Tying interests makes relationships stronger and more reliable, unlike those fickle bonds of convenience that could break over any minor issue."

"Madam is right, your servant was short-sighted and simplistic, fixated on the sum of two thousand taels without considering all the complex dynamics and relationships," Liu Aniu admitted, his respect for Lin Yue growing. He wondered how someone of her background, still so young, could be so astute and capable, understanding so much.

"You’re doing well as is. Experience is gained over time. Right now, the most urgent task is for you to handle this matter well. Not only must it be kept secret, but we also need a firm commitment from them on this deal. If it goes through, I will offer them this much." Lin Yue gestured the number eight with her hand. She had contemplated for a long time and believed this amount was about right to seal the deal. Any more, and she would wince at the loss; any less, and they might not agree.

"Yes, your servant understands," Liu Aniu replied, fully convinced by Lin Yue’s earlier words and without further question. "Does Madam have any further instructions? If not, your servant will attend to this matter immediately. It takes at least two to three days of hard riding to get there, and we still don’t know what those in black are planning. We need to prepare early, or we might not make it in time."

"That’s all. Go now. And if they don’t agree to the amount, you can add up to another two thousand taels. You have the authority to make that decision," Lin Yue added, still not entirely reassured.

"Yes, this servant is on his way," Liu Aniu said before he quickly packed up and pretended to go into town, actually setting out on the task Lin Yue had assigned. With a traitor within the household, one could never be too careful in one’s actions. The black-clothed assailants could be alerted to one’s movements, not only creating obstacles but possibly ruining the entire plan.

After sending out Liu Aniu, Lin Yue felt a bit more at ease. This extra precaution added another layer of security for Master Xue. If that still didn’t work, she would have to personally enter Capital City and consult Jiang Ziqi about cooperation. If all else failed, the last resort would be to seek the Emperor’s help.

At present, the situation at home could be described as beset by troubles both within and without. There were the enigmatic and malicious men in black lurking outside, and the unresolved issue of the traitor inside. Thinking of the traitor, Lin Yue had Xixi summon Nurse Xu.

"Nurse Xu, have you made all the arrangements? Is there any progress on rooting out the traitor? Any suspects?"

"Madam, I have set everything in motion. But as there hasn’t been much time, I fear the results won’t be immediate. The traitor knows of Haishi’s grave injuries and your awareness of our troubled situation. They will likely stay hidden and act cautiously, revealing themselves only when advantageous. If we want to catch this person, we’ll need to be patient. Don’t worry, Madam, I have laid the trap. Once they show themselves, they will certainly slip up," Nurse Xu reassured.

"I’m being impatient, expecting you to find the traitor so soon. But as long as they remain at large, they could divulge our family secrets. It’s like a thorn in our side, irksome until removed. Nurse Xu, I’m counting on you to be vigilant. Remember, when you catch the traitor, don’t hesitate to act. You have my full support," Lin Yue expressed anxiously.

"Madam, I understand how you feel. There’s no cause for concern. With the arrangements I’ve made, even if the traitor hears something, they won’t be able to transmit the information. They won’t disrupt your plans," Nurse Xu assured her.

"Then that’s settled; go on with your tasks," Lin Yue said, feeling reassured by Nurse Xu’s promise. She trusted in Nurse Xu’s methods and waited for news from Manager Liu in the city, which didn’t come until the next day when he sent someone with a message.